Chapter One:

“I will pay for your husband’s surgery, but there is a condition,” said the elderly woman in front of Sharon, named Aileen.

“What condition, Mother?” Sharon asked eagerly, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Leave Bruce. And stay as far away from his life as possible,” Aileen replied.

Sharon’s eyes widened in shock. She was surprised by the condition her mother-in-law had just mentioned. Leave Bruce? How could she?

Bruce was her husband. Especially now, when he lay weak and fragile in the hospital, fighting for his life.

“But I can’t do that, he is my husband, he really needs me now,” Sharon pleaded desperately.

“He is my son, I can take care of him,” Aileen retorted. “It is hard to believe he fell into the trap of a pitiful woman like you! You better leave him and let Bruce live happily with a woman better than you.”

Sharon shook her head vigorously, unable to comprehend the thought of separating from Bruce. The mere idea was unbearable.

The rain grew heavier, leaving Sharon standing alone at the doorstep. Aileen would never let her step into her house.

“Bruce and I love each other, please don’t make us separate. Especially now that I am carrying your grandson,” Sharon cried, her hands covering her belly.

“What? Does Bruce already know that you are pregnant?” Aileen asked probingly.

Sharon denied, “Not yet, Mother.”

“Get rid of it,” Aileen said nonchalantly.

Sharon’s eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. “I cannot kill this child, he is innocent.”

Aileen impatiently called out, “Bruce can have many children with other women. If you truly love him and want him to recover, stay away from his life!”

Sharon wiped away her tears, lifted her head, and pleaded, “I can’t leave Bruce, Mom. I love him.”

Aileen remained indifferent, with only a mocking smile on her face.

“Then watch your husband die,” Aileen said, turning to walk into the house.

Sharon listened to her mother-in-law’s words, unable to believe it. Where would she find the money to pay for Bruce’s surgery? And on top of that, the surgery had to be done tonight, or else Bruce’s life would be in danger.

So, before Aileen closed the door, Sharon quickly grabbed her.

“Wait, Mom.”

“What now?” Aileen snapped.

“I… I will leave Bruce!” Sharon said, her voice choked with difficulty.

Aileen immediately smiled triumphantly.

“But please help pay for the surgery, Mom. The doctor said Bruce needs surgery as soon as possible, or he might die.” By now, Sharon’s face was wet with the rain and tears, indistinguishable from each other.

At this moment, Bruce’s life meant more to her than anything else.

And so, under Aileen’s pressure, Sharon reluctantly signed the divorce agreement. Now, she didn’t even have a chance to see Bruce, and she had to move out of their home overnight.

The pouring rain continued as Sharon walked with heavy steps. She had just gotten off public transportation and swayed her way to the small house where she and Bruce had signed the contract.

Everything Aileen said was true. Sharon could only bring suffering to Bruce. He used to be wealthy, living a luxurious life. But for Sharon, Bruce was willing to give up everything and lead a simple life.

Sharon opened the door to their bedroom.

“I still remember the first time you held me while we slept—it was our first night, Bruce. You looked so happy back then,” Sharon reminisced with a smile, but tears kept streaming down her cheeks.

Sharon’s gaze turned to their wedding photo on a small bedside table.

She picked up the photo and ran her curled fingers over Bruce’s face.

“I’m sorry, I have to leave you. It’s all for your own good, Bruce,” Sharon said before giving the photo a final kiss.

Tomorrow morning, she had to move out of the house. The thought tightened her heart even more.

She gently caressed her small belly.

“I’m sorry, my dear. Mom has to take you away from your father. I promise to always take care of you. We have to be strong.”

The clock on the hospital wall showed 2:00 a.m.

Bruce lay weakly on the bed. Slowly, his fingers moved ever so slightly, trembling as if indicating he was regaining consciousness.

“Sharon…”

His eyes searched the room anxiously, but he did not see anyone. Where was Sharon?

“Sharon!”

“Sharon!”

Bruce’s voice grew stronger, waking Aileen and Dean, who had been sleeping on the couch.

“Bruce! You can’t get up yet. Your surgical scars haven’t healed!” Aileen panicked, grabbing Bruce’s arm.

“The doctors said you shouldn’t move too much,” Dean added, urging Bruce to lie back down.

“Where is Sharon, Mom? Dad? Why haven’t I seen her?” Bruce’s first question was about Sharon. It seemed this woman had successfully captured Bruce’s heart.

Upon hearing Sharon’s name, Dean wore a lazy expression.

“Mom? I’m asking. Where is Sharon?”

“Sharon left, Bruce,” Aileen answered slowly, intentionally showing a sad expression in front of Bruce.

“What do you mean?” Bruce asked anxiously.

“She left with another man,” Dean replied this time.

Bruce furrowed his brow. Sharon left with someone else?

“That’s impossible! I don’t believe it. Sharon wouldn’t do that!”

“But that’s what happened, Bruce. Sharon told us she grew tired of living a difficult life with you. Moreover, because of this accident, your legs are damaged. Sharon said she didn’t want a disabled and useless husband!” Aileen provided a false explanation.

Bruce shook his head firmly. “You must be lying. If Mom and Dad refuse to tell me where Sharon is, I’ll find her myself!” Bruce attempted to get up.

But Aileen quickly held him down.

“If you force yourself to move now, it could be fatal.”

“I want to find Sharon, Mom. I want to make sure everything you said is not true. Sharon must be back home now!” Bruce said.

“Don’t be stubborn, Bruce. How many times has Dad told you? Sharon is not a good girl. She was just using you to drain our wealth. The truth is right in front of us,” Dean tried to influence Bruce’s thoughts.

“Let me confirm it myself, Dad. Sharon can’t just leave me like this.”

“If you don’t believe us, check your rented house. But not now. At least wait until you get permission from the hospital tomorrow. If you ultimately find out that Sharon betrayed your marriage, please don’t lose control,” Dean said firmly.

Bruce swallowed hard. He stared blankly at his father, who walked out of the treatment room.

Did Sharon really betray him?