Sarah noticed something off in Melvin's expression.“Melvin, what's wrong?""Nothing," he said, looking uncomfortable.Sarah coughed lightly. "You're hiding something from me. What is it? Is it about Zachary?"Melvin avoided her eyes, quickly getting up from beside the bed.“Melvin! Tell me what happened!" Something major must have occurred during the day and night she'd been unconscious."Sasa, just focus on recovering. Finish your chicken soup and don't worry about anything else."Melvin didn't want Sarah to know, but she held out her hand. "Brother, give me the remote."He quickly hid it behind his back.Sarah lunged for it. Afraid of hurting her, Melvin didn't resist too forcefully, and she managed to grab the remote.She turned on the TV. The earlier news was gone. She flipped through channels until finally catching a glimpse of Zachary on a financial news station."Reports indicate Miss Wilson and Mr. Reynolds reached an engagement agreement two nights ago. According t
"Mia, have you forgotten? We've known each other longer than you've known Sarah, haven't we? We used to chat together, shop together, laugh together. Why did you start disliking me after Sarah came along? It hurts me too."Mia froze, not knowing how to respond. It was true - she had cast Vivian as the obstacle between her brother and Sarah.In all fairness, Vivian had always been nice to her. "I... it's all my brother's fault!"She threw down her utensils and ran to her room.Vivian concealed the laughter in her eyes. She'd always known Mia was easily manipulated.At the Chancer residence.James returned home exhausted from work. His mother was playing cards with several women in the living room."James, you're back?" His mother didn't look up from her game.James took off his coat and went upstairs, his mother's conversation with the other women following him."Have you heard? That Zachary Reynolds is engaged to Miss Wilson. The engagement party is in a month. That Sanders gi
The nurse finished changing Sarah's medication and said warmly, "If today's tests look good, you can be discharged tomorrow.""Great, thank you."Alone in the private hospital room, the emptiness only amplified her feelings of isolation.With no one around, she repeatedly watched news footage of Zachary leaving the Wilson mansion, analyzing his expression five times over, trying to determine if his feelings were genuine or forced.She couldn't tell. At noon, Melvin arrived with lunch.Sarah noticed his furrowed brow. "What's wrong? Something's bothering you."Melvin forced a smile. "It's nothing. How are you feeling today?""The nurse says I can leave tomorrow." Sarah's voice was unnaturally flat. "If something's happened, don't keep it from me."Thinking of recent events, Melvin seemed to deflate. "Are you really okay, Sarah?""I'm fine, truly. Now please tell me what's going on."Under her persistent gaze, Melvin finally explained."There's trouble at the factory in West R
"Sign here."James Chancer’s cold, deep voice broke the silence as he slid the divorce papers across the table. Sarah looked up at him, managing a bitter smile.So this was it. No wonder he'd surprisingly called this morning to say he'd be home tonight, wanting to talk. She'd been happy all day, only to find out this was what he wanted to discuss... Three years of marriage, coming to an end.Sarah Sanders took the papers with trembling hands, her voice barely a whisper, "Do we really have to divorce?"James frowned as he studied the woman who'd been Mrs. Chancer for three years. She must have just finished cleaning - sweat still glistened on her forehead, exhaustion and confusion evident in her eyes behind those thick glasses. Gentle and modest, but utterly plain. This unremarkable woman had been Mrs. Chancer for three years.James put out his cigarette, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Just sign it. Charlotte's back, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea."Sarah felt
Sarah listened to the conversation outside the study, her eyes downcast.During her years as James’s wife, she had given everything to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law Lucy. When Lucy had her car accident, Sarah had stayed at the hospital for days. She'd always shown nothing but respect and care for Mrs. Chancer. Yet it seemed no amount of devotion could change how the Chancer family saw her.Shortly after, Scarlett Larson called, her voice tired, "Sasa, are you sure you won't come? You used to love hunting outdoors, and you'd get to race cars too."Sarah froze. Memories she'd buried deep came flooding back. Before marrying James, she'd loved hunting, racing cars, and good wine. Then she met James at the Larson estate and fell head over heels. After falling for him, she learned through others that James preferred gentle, trad wife. So she'd gradually given up everything she loved.Three years had passed, and she'd almost forgotten who she used to be.On the other end of the lin
Sarah left the Chancer mansion without looking back, wheeling her suitcase behind her. Outside, she found Scarlett leaning out of her car window, blowing her a playful kiss. "Get in, baby! Time to celebrate!"Though Scarlett called it a celebration, knowing Sarah was freshly divorced and likely down, she just took her to a music-themed restaurant. When she heard James's reason for the divorce, Scarlett couldn't help but scoff, "Charlotte Garnett again? What's so special about her that James is this obsessed?"Sarah stirred her coffee listlessly. "No idea..."She'd never actually met James's dream woman. Charlotte had already left for abroad when Sarah first met James. She'd only heard that Charlotte was gentle, accomplished, and understanding. When James had fought with his grandfather over her, Charlotte had been mature enough to convince James to let it go - which had led to Sarah's arranged marriage with James.Seeing Sarah's reluctance to discuss it further, Scarlett changed th
Sarah stopped in her tracks. Her expression remained calm, but she didn't take Charlotte's offered hand.As Charlotte's smile faltered, James stepped in to ease the tension, "Grandfather heard about us,” he said in a deep and restrained voice. “He wants you to join us for dinner tonight. Your phone was off, so I came to get you.""I see." Sarah checked her phone - it was indeed dead. She nodded. "I'll charge it and join you later."The message was clear- she wouldn't be going with them.James frowned. "I can wait while you-""No need," Sarah cut him off with a smile. "I'll make my own way there."When he fell silent, Sarah glanced at Charlotte. "And tomorrow at nine, if you're free, let's get the divorce papers finalized."For some reason, James felt unsettled. "Why the rush?"Sarah nodded firmly. “Cause it's urgent."James was taken aback, his expression darkening as he led Charlotte away.After a few steps, Charlotte whispered something intimately to James, then turned back
Lost in his thoughts, James felt a warm hand on his. He turned to see Charlotte looking at him with concern. "Are you feeling okay? Would you like some soup?"James shook his head.After greeting Richard, Sarah quietly took her seat, pointedly ignoring their interaction.Richard let out a scoff of disgust.Dinner at the Chancers' was traditionally eaten in silence. Sarah had little appetite but picked at her food to be polite.After dinner, Richard held her back. "I've heard about you and James. Don't worry, Sarah. You're the only daughter-in-law this family recognizes."He cast a cold look at Charlotte and James, their faces stiffening at his words. "If anyone should leave this family, it should be the homewrecker and this excuse for a man!"Sarah shifted uncomfortably.James's jaw tightened. Beside him, Charlotte clutched his hand, her eyes filling with tears, looking every bit the victim.Richard ignored them both, drumming his fingers on the table with a sigh. "Your father
The nurse finished changing Sarah's medication and said warmly, "If today's tests look good, you can be discharged tomorrow.""Great, thank you."Alone in the private hospital room, the emptiness only amplified her feelings of isolation.With no one around, she repeatedly watched news footage of Zachary leaving the Wilson mansion, analyzing his expression five times over, trying to determine if his feelings were genuine or forced.She couldn't tell. At noon, Melvin arrived with lunch.Sarah noticed his furrowed brow. "What's wrong? Something's bothering you."Melvin forced a smile. "It's nothing. How are you feeling today?""The nurse says I can leave tomorrow." Sarah's voice was unnaturally flat. "If something's happened, don't keep it from me."Thinking of recent events, Melvin seemed to deflate. "Are you really okay, Sarah?""I'm fine, truly. Now please tell me what's going on."Under her persistent gaze, Melvin finally explained."There's trouble at the factory in West R
"Mia, have you forgotten? We've known each other longer than you've known Sarah, haven't we? We used to chat together, shop together, laugh together. Why did you start disliking me after Sarah came along? It hurts me too."Mia froze, not knowing how to respond. It was true - she had cast Vivian as the obstacle between her brother and Sarah.In all fairness, Vivian had always been nice to her. "I... it's all my brother's fault!"She threw down her utensils and ran to her room.Vivian concealed the laughter in her eyes. She'd always known Mia was easily manipulated.At the Chancer residence.James returned home exhausted from work. His mother was playing cards with several women in the living room."James, you're back?" His mother didn't look up from her game.James took off his coat and went upstairs, his mother's conversation with the other women following him."Have you heard? That Zachary Reynolds is engaged to Miss Wilson. The engagement party is in a month. That Sanders gi
Sarah noticed something off in Melvin's expression.“Melvin, what's wrong?""Nothing," he said, looking uncomfortable.Sarah coughed lightly. "You're hiding something from me. What is it? Is it about Zachary?"Melvin avoided her eyes, quickly getting up from beside the bed.“Melvin! Tell me what happened!" Something major must have occurred during the day and night she'd been unconscious."Sasa, just focus on recovering. Finish your chicken soup and don't worry about anything else."Melvin didn't want Sarah to know, but she held out her hand. "Brother, give me the remote."He quickly hid it behind his back.Sarah lunged for it. Afraid of hurting her, Melvin didn't resist too forcefully, and she managed to grab the remote.She turned on the TV. The earlier news was gone. She flipped through channels until finally catching a glimpse of Zachary on a financial news station."Reports indicate Miss Wilson and Mr. Reynolds reached an engagement agreement two nights ago. According t
Mia could see he was exhausted. “Zach, please cancel the engagement. If this was going to be the outcome, you should never have told me you loved Sarah in the first place."The matter was settled. Zachary looked at Mia helplessly.Mr. Wilson and their grandfather had already agreed. Canceling wasn't as simple as just saying so - it involved both the Wilson and Reynolds families."I can't," he sighed.Mia seemed to deflate, slamming the door again. "I don't need you looking after me!"When Sarah woke, her entire body ached. She'd slept for a full day and night, finally waking early the next morning.She wearily looked at the metal clock on her bedside table, ticking away with its hands pointing to five o'clock.Rubbing her throbbing forehead, she felt the IV needle taped to her left hand. Following the tube upward, she saw a glucose drip.Her throat felt itchy. She coughed lightly, which made her lungs hurt.She recalled the events of the past two days - the kidnapping, hours i
"How is she?" Zachary asked.Mia glared at him. "I thought you didn't care about Sarah at all. Surprising you'd even ask."Zachary frowned slightly. "Mia, tell me."Mia gave a mocking laugh. "If you really wanted to know how Sarah is, why don't you ask her yourself? One minute you're with Vivian, ignoring whether Sarah lives or dies, the next you're asking about her well-being. I can't tell anymore if you love her or not."She stomped her foot angrily. "You're nothing but a liar!" She slammed the door.Zachary stared at the tightly closed door with a bitter smile. He understood why Mia was angry - wasn't he himself resentful of his own choice?But things had gone too far now. He had no right to express regret, especially not to Sarah.Every moment in his study, he wanted to call Melvin to ask about Sarah, but his finger hovered over the dial button without the courage to press it.After all he'd said to Melvin before, calling or not calling were equally painful ironies.Thankf
"Sarah is at Adams entrance. Hurry."Melvin crushed the paper, his eyes cold as steel. "Find that car that stopped at Adams. Tear the city apart if you have to."Why would they release her before getting the ransom? No time to think - he rushed to Adams University.The campus was dark at eleven PM. The streets were empty, with not a soul at the school entrance - except for a figure lying on the ground opposite the gate.Sarah lay on the cold ground, her breathing shallow. Hours of rain had soaked her completely, as if she'd been pulled from water.A car screeched to a halt. Melvin jumped out and saw Sarah on the ground as rain continued to fall.He approached her fearfully, crouching down to check for breath against his fingertip. He felt the faintest sign of life.He exhaled with relief. "Open the door!"Melvin lifted Sarah and placed her in the backseat. The driver quickly shut the door."To the hospital!" Melvin ordered.Sitting beside her, he noticed how cold and pale she
Smoke swirled, blurring Zachary's face as he took a drag from the blue-tipped cigarette. He exhaled before saying quietly, "It's true."As the smoke cleared, Mia stared at him in disbelief. "Zach! This can't be true! You said Sarah was the one you loved - how could you suddenly get engaged to Vivian? And we still haven't heard anything about Sarah. Didn't you promise to protect her, to make her my sister-in-law?"Tears slid down Mia's face as she continued chokingly, "So all those things you said before were lies! You're a coward, a jerk! I see it now - everything you said was fake!"Mia kept talking while Zachary listened silently.He gave a self-mocking smile. Mia was right - he was a coward. Too cowardly to gamble with Sarah's safety, unwilling to risk even the slightest danger to her."I am."Mia laughed bitterly. "Great! You'd even call yourself a coward to avoid saving Sarah. Are you still my brother?""I'm sorry," Zachary sighed."Don't apologize to me. Sarah's the one y
The reporters admired how Miss Wilson remained as gracious and poised as ever, quickly making way for the car.Zachary and William got into the black car, which sped away.Vivian maintained her smile as she handled the press. After the interviews, she even thoughtfully gave each reporter a can of drink.The rain hadn't let up. Once all the reporters dispersed, Vivian returned to her room and checked her phone - three missed calls, all from Zachary.She smiled as she called him back."Zachary? You've never called this many times before. Must be urgent."His voice was cold and flat. "I've given you what you wanted. Now return the person I want to see.""How heartless you are. I'm your fiancée - couldn't you show a little concern for me?"She pouted. “Oh, how heartless are you? After you and your grandfather left, do you know how long I had to deal with those reporters?"Zachary remained cold. "You called those reporters yourself. I imagine you enjoyed answering their questions."
Marianne immediately understood, going to the wine cabinet and placing a fine bottle on the table.Vivian smiled. "Grandpa William, see how happy my grandfather is today - he's brought out his precious wine. You know, he bought this at an Italian auction decades before I was born. Once a bottle's gone, it's gone forever."As she spoke, she stood gracefully to open and decant the wine."Zachary's a lucky man. Vivian is beautiful and so refined - she's quite a catch for our family," William said.Old Mr. Wilson kept a straight face. "I entrust my granddaughter to you, you must help guide her. To be blunt, after I'm gone, Wilson Industries will belong to them both.""Grandfather! Don't talk like that. You'll live to be a hundred," Vivian protested playfully.Her grandfather patted her hand. "Yes, yes.""I'm here to discuss the engagement date. Name your terms," William said.Old Mr. Wilson placed a paper before him. "I've had the auspicious dates calculated. The nearest one is Nov