By evening, Olivia had been stabilized after the emergency treatment. She still needed to stay in the hospital for further observation.Exhausted, I returned to the villa.When I walked in, I was surprised to see my parents sitting in the living room."Dad, Mom, why are you here?"My mom, Victoria Chapman, had red-rimmed eyes. "We missed you, so we came to check on you."Meanwhile, my dad, Aaron Scott, wore a grave expression. "I've arranged for a psychologist to see you. You'll meet him now.""What's that supposed to mean?" My gaze turned cold.Dad stood up and pointed to the dining table set for two with wine glasses, plates, and a full spread of food. "What's all this?" He then pointed to the flowers and balloons scattered around. "And these?"I pressed my lips together. "Yesterday was Amelie's birthday.""Why celebrate a dead woman's birthday?" Dad let out a bitter laugh.Seeing my expression, Mom nudged Dad.I narrowed my eyes and said, "Amelie has always been healthy."
Leaves fell at my feet. They were Amelie's favorite maple leaves. I bent down and picked one up."Mr. Scott," someone called out to me.I turned around."Dr. Spencer wants you in the treatment room."I closed my eyes in irritation. After all these treatments, I'd grown numb. Resisting felt pointless.Callan started the session. His voice was soft as he made small talk. At the same time, the steady ticks of a metronome echoed in the background.For some reason, my eyelids grew heavier, almost closing entirely.In the haze, I saw Amelie.It was the Amelie from long ago, with her baby-fat cheeks and innocent smile. Her long hair gleamed, looking shiny and smooth.The scenes flickered through my mind, moving like a fast-forwarded movie."Edward, will you marry me when I turn 20?"I love you, Edward."Edward, let's break up."Let's get a divorce."I'm sick. My stomach hurts."…As the ticking faded away, a snap of fingers jolted me back to reality. I opened my eyes abruptly.
The next day, at the Scott residence, I watched everything that happened in Amelie's room through the security footage.Olivia opened the drawer of the vanity and put the jewelry in her pocket.I followed her in my car as she went to a second-hand luxury store and sold the stolen jewelry.Then, I tailed her to the outskirts of the city, to a narrow alley, where her house was. The place was a rental. They lost their original home after her stepfather, Dexter Porter, gambled it away.When Olivia arrived, Dexter leered at her with a smirk. He scanned her up and down before reaching for her bag.Frowning, Olivia stepped back and tossed the bag at him.I took a drag from my cigarette and quietly dialed the police. When Olivia stepped out of the house, the officers stopped her."Olivia Gardner, right? You're under suspicion of theft. Come with us."Olivia frowned. "What are you talking about?"A crowd of neighbors had gathered to watch.I saw Olivia being escorted into the police c
One year later, Scott Corporation launched a new entertainment company.There were times when I was so busy I barely had time to eat, so Mom came over to take care of me.Honestly, I knew what she was up to. She was trying to set me up with her friend, Emma Holman's daughter.As I walked into the house, Mom placed a bowl of soup on the dining table.I felt her subtle yet pointed gaze resting on my face. I looked up and asked, "What is it, Mom?"Smiling, she walked over to me and handed me her phone, which had the photo album opened."This young lady is Emma's daughter. She just came back from studying abroad this year. Isn't she beautiful? I've met her in person, and she's quite nice."I took her hand. "Mom, please stop trying to set me up. I won't marry again."I knew Amelie wouldn't care whether I stayed loyal, but I needed to.Mom fell silent.I called the driver to take her home. Soon, the large house was empty, with only me left in it.I lay back on the couch while star
After the waiter served all of our food, he said, "We're offering free mango ice cream after your meal. Would you like to try some?"Lauren politely shook her head. "No, thank you.""It's really good." The waiter insisted."I'm allergic to mango," Lauren replied.I froze at those words.Amelie was also allergic to mangoes.When we first started dating, I took her to get some mango ice cream. She endured the itching and ate two cups. In the end, her skin was covered in hives.She didn't tell me why because she didn't want to spoil the mood.I closed my eyes and felt my heart aching.…Scott Corporation had recently acquired the rights to a suspenseful supernatural story.The casting director favored the seasoned actor, Jorden Garza, for the male lead, and they were considering a rising star from Scott Entertainment for the female lead.I looked over the script and realized that Lauren would be a perfect fit for the role.When Lauren found out she had been cast as the lead i
Late at night, I pressed my hand against my aching abdomen as I struggled to get out of bed. Sweat beaded on my forehead from the pain. Though I wanted to go to the hospital, the sharp cramps made it hard to stand.I heard familiar footsteps outside the door. It was my husband, Edward Scott.I didn't know where I found the courage, but I gripped the doorknob tightly and opened the door."Edward." Just saying his name made my chest tighten.Edward stopped in his tracks and turned around. He looked at me coldly."You're back. Did you eat?" My voice carried a cautious tone of flattery, and I tried to sound calm and gentle.But Edward's face remained icy. As though he hadn't heard me at all, he turned to leave.The way he was acting made my heart feel like it had been pierced.I stumbled after him and grabbed his sleeve. My lips were almost bleeding from how hard I was biting them, and the pain in my abdomen left me gasping for breath."Let go!" Edward's eyes were filled with fury
Edward took the divorce papers from me and glanced briefly at my signature.He pressed his tongue against his cheek and slapped the papers onto my shoulder. "Ms. Barrett, you shouldn't have studied medicine. You should have gone into finance.”He leaned in, and his eyes were cold. "You want to divorce me? How much of the Scott family's fortune do you plan on taking with you?”I was momentarily stunned. I pressed my lips tightly together before I quietly replied, "I never wanted your money.”Edward's sharp gaze locked onto me, and his lips curled into a twisted smirk. "Amelie, oh, Amelie… You've always been the type to do whatever it takes to get what you want."Those petty tricks you use are just to keep yourself tethered to my family and continue riding our coattails. After all, your family is sinking."Am I wrong? A woman like you, who's quick to jump ship the moment I face hard times, would never let herself endure a tough life."His cruel words made me tremble uncontrollably
Footsteps rushed from behind, and Edward quickly scooped Olivia into his arms.As he lifted her up, he glanced back at me, who was still frozen in shock. His eyes sent a chill down my spine.Olivia had been injured before for Edward. Her bones were fragile, and the fall caused another fracture. Without a word, Edward carried her straight to the emergency room.Late at night, at the Scott residence, Edward kicked the bedroom door open. He then yanked the covers off the bed and pulled me up."How could you be so evil?""How am I evil?" I stared at the man in front of me as tears welled up in my eyes. "Edward, if you're so great, just kill me!"I looked at him with teary, defiant eyes. "I've never betrayed you! I didn't sleep with Killian!"A sharp pain in my abdomen hit me, and I trembled uncontrollably.Edward's eyes were fixed on me. After a long pause, he smiled."Do you think I'm still that easy to fool?" His gaze was bloodthirsty. "I know what kind of person Killian is. He'
After the waiter served all of our food, he said, "We're offering free mango ice cream after your meal. Would you like to try some?"Lauren politely shook her head. "No, thank you.""It's really good." The waiter insisted."I'm allergic to mango," Lauren replied.I froze at those words.Amelie was also allergic to mangoes.When we first started dating, I took her to get some mango ice cream. She endured the itching and ate two cups. In the end, her skin was covered in hives.She didn't tell me why because she didn't want to spoil the mood.I closed my eyes and felt my heart aching.…Scott Corporation had recently acquired the rights to a suspenseful supernatural story.The casting director favored the seasoned actor, Jorden Garza, for the male lead, and they were considering a rising star from Scott Entertainment for the female lead.I looked over the script and realized that Lauren would be a perfect fit for the role.When Lauren found out she had been cast as the lead i
One year later, Scott Corporation launched a new entertainment company.There were times when I was so busy I barely had time to eat, so Mom came over to take care of me.Honestly, I knew what she was up to. She was trying to set me up with her friend, Emma Holman's daughter.As I walked into the house, Mom placed a bowl of soup on the dining table.I felt her subtle yet pointed gaze resting on my face. I looked up and asked, "What is it, Mom?"Smiling, she walked over to me and handed me her phone, which had the photo album opened."This young lady is Emma's daughter. She just came back from studying abroad this year. Isn't she beautiful? I've met her in person, and she's quite nice."I took her hand. "Mom, please stop trying to set me up. I won't marry again."I knew Amelie wouldn't care whether I stayed loyal, but I needed to.Mom fell silent.I called the driver to take her home. Soon, the large house was empty, with only me left in it.I lay back on the couch while star
The next day, at the Scott residence, I watched everything that happened in Amelie's room through the security footage.Olivia opened the drawer of the vanity and put the jewelry in her pocket.I followed her in my car as she went to a second-hand luxury store and sold the stolen jewelry.Then, I tailed her to the outskirts of the city, to a narrow alley, where her house was. The place was a rental. They lost their original home after her stepfather, Dexter Porter, gambled it away.When Olivia arrived, Dexter leered at her with a smirk. He scanned her up and down before reaching for her bag.Frowning, Olivia stepped back and tossed the bag at him.I took a drag from my cigarette and quietly dialed the police. When Olivia stepped out of the house, the officers stopped her."Olivia Gardner, right? You're under suspicion of theft. Come with us."Olivia frowned. "What are you talking about?"A crowd of neighbors had gathered to watch.I saw Olivia being escorted into the police c
Leaves fell at my feet. They were Amelie's favorite maple leaves. I bent down and picked one up."Mr. Scott," someone called out to me.I turned around."Dr. Spencer wants you in the treatment room."I closed my eyes in irritation. After all these treatments, I'd grown numb. Resisting felt pointless.Callan started the session. His voice was soft as he made small talk. At the same time, the steady ticks of a metronome echoed in the background.For some reason, my eyelids grew heavier, almost closing entirely.In the haze, I saw Amelie.It was the Amelie from long ago, with her baby-fat cheeks and innocent smile. Her long hair gleamed, looking shiny and smooth.The scenes flickered through my mind, moving like a fast-forwarded movie."Edward, will you marry me when I turn 20?"I love you, Edward."Edward, let's break up."Let's get a divorce."I'm sick. My stomach hurts."…As the ticking faded away, a snap of fingers jolted me back to reality. I opened my eyes abruptly.
By evening, Olivia had been stabilized after the emergency treatment. She still needed to stay in the hospital for further observation.Exhausted, I returned to the villa.When I walked in, I was surprised to see my parents sitting in the living room."Dad, Mom, why are you here?"My mom, Victoria Chapman, had red-rimmed eyes. "We missed you, so we came to check on you."Meanwhile, my dad, Aaron Scott, wore a grave expression. "I've arranged for a psychologist to see you. You'll meet him now.""What's that supposed to mean?" My gaze turned cold.Dad stood up and pointed to the dining table set for two with wine glasses, plates, and a full spread of food. "What's all this?" He then pointed to the flowers and balloons scattered around. "And these?"I pressed my lips together. "Yesterday was Amelie's birthday.""Why celebrate a dead woman's birthday?" Dad let out a bitter laugh.Seeing my expression, Mom nudged Dad.I narrowed my eyes and said, "Amelie has always been healthy."
A glint of satisfaction appeared on Killian's face."Shut up." My eyes were bloodshot. I grabbed Killian by the throat and tightened my grip.His veins bulged, and his face turned purple. He gasped and let out a strained laugh, as if he had no idea how close he was to dying."You… could always… check her hospital records… The hospital… wouldn't fake something like that."As if I didn't already know this! I was just choosing to ignore it.…"What brings you here, Mr. Scott?""Dr. McKinney, who donated the heart for Olivia?" I asked.Olivia's doctor, Reuben McKinney, hesitated. "The donor requested to remain anonymous, so…"My voice trembled slightly. "I-Is her name Amelie Barrett?"Reuben's shock told me everything. The look on his face confirmed it.I lowered my eyes. "Could I see the donation agreement? She… She was my wife."Reuben stood frozen. He seemed to have understood something. He quickly turned to find the donation agreement.At the bottom of the document was Ame
When the plane landed, Zavier took my luggage and placed it in the car."Head to the hospital," I ordered. I glanced out the window. The sun was rising.I pulled out my phone and dialed Amelie again.The familiar ringtone echoed. The seconds stretched on, but Amelie didn't answer.I grew impatient and decided to stop worrying about her for now. Who knew where she had run off to? I then asked about Olivia's surgery."Ms. Gardner's surgery is today. It's been going on for several hours and should be wrapping up by the time we get to the hospital. I heard that the procedure is going smoothly," Zavier replied seriously.I felt a little relieved.The car made its way to Acrine Hospital. I walked through the outpatient building toward the inpatient department.Just as I was about to enter the elevator, the doors next to me opened. A medical staff was pushing a movable bed.I glanced over without thinking. A white sheet covered the body, but a woman's hand hung off the edge of the be
I could donate my heart to Olivia.I looked up, rubbed my sore nose, and called out to Edward, who was about to leave. "Wait."He turned back, and I gave him a faint smile. "Wait for me!"With that, I turned and rushed upstairs. After grabbing a delicate gift box, I hurried back down. "This is for you. It's a tie."My stomach twisted in knots, but I didn't let any of it show on my face.Edward glanced at it and said, "This tie doesn't match the suit I'm wearing today."I shook my head. "It's okay. You can wear it later. After all, I might not have many chances to give you things anymore."Edward froze. Normally, he would've tossed anything I gave him without a second thought, but today, he accepted the gift. He locked his eyes with mine until I lowered my gaze to avoid his. Only then did he turn and walk away.…I admitted myself to Acrine Hospital.I lay in bed. I looked frighteningly thin although only two weeks had passed.Just then, my phone rang. The nurse handed it to
A man had walked up to me.He had sharp features and a tall, imposing frame. He often smiled, but when he did, it was unsettling.I noticed the deep scar on his neck."Killian," I weakly uttered his name as I closed my eyes.Killian gave me a sly grin and pointed to the scar on his neck. "Edward did this. What do you think? How should I get back at him?"I suddenly recalled something similar he had said three years ago."If you don't date me, what do you think I'll do to Edward?"If Edward's family was doing well back then, I wouldn't have been afraid. But the Shaffer family had power, and Scott Corporation had crumbled overnight.One word from the Shaffer family could ruin Edward and prevent him from ever rising again.I laughed bitterly. "You deserve it, Killian."Killian stared at me thoughtfully. "Do you really see Edward as your support? I heard he's getting close to your bestie Olivia."I didn't want to engage with him any further.But just as I turned, a wave of dizz