Chapter 3

Back then, I didn't realize the indulgence hidden in his words.

Looking back now, he must have been enjoying all of it.

Enjoyment led to indulgence. His affection made him willing.

My efforts and presence were just a cruel game in their twisted relationship.

My heart ached intensely, and I recoiled from Ethan's touch.

The fresh blood from my palm dripped onto the floor with my movements.

Ethan finally noticed my injury, and his expression instantly became tense.

"How did this happen?"

"Honestly, you're impossible. Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?"

I had told him, but no one cared.

Once, I was attacked by one of Ethan's enemies, and the situation was critical.

I called him dozens of times, but he never answered.

It wasn't until I was in the hospital that I found out:

Serena had deliberately led them to me.

She even faked being sick to take Ethan's phone and block all my messages.

Because of that incident, I lost our first child.

Ethan felt deeply guilty after learning the truth.

But when I truly demanded he punish Serena,

His guilt turned into impatience.

I should have understood then.

The person he truly loved was never me.

And those who aren't loved never get the luxury of being willful.

Thankfully, I understood now, and it wasn't too late.

I pulled my hand away and, under Ethan's gaze, tended to my own wound.

Ethan watched me for a long time.

His eyes held tenderness, guilt.

And a hint of something I couldn't quite decipher.

But I no longer wanted to be entangled with him.

Before Ethan could speak again, I turned away first.

"It's nothing serious. Get some sleep."

"Tomorrow, we still have to clean up the mess Serena left behind."

Ethan, feeling guilty and unsure how to comfort me,

Hesitated for a long time, then only sighed softly.

"Alright, get some rest."

"Since you don't want to see me, I'll sleep in the study tonight."

"If you need anything from me, remember to let me know anytime."

No need.

From now on, I wouldn't need him anymore.

Back in my room, I cancelled our planned honeymoon trip and called my mom, who was overseas.

After listening to my story, Mom sighed deeply.

"I told you from the start that Ethan wasn't reliable, but you wouldn't believe me."

"Now look, you've suffered, haven't you?"

"Forget it, come back when you've had enough. Your father and I miss you terribly."

"Don't be too sad, wounds always heal."

Yes, wounds always heal.

Just as my feelings for him would eventually subside.

I looked at the plane ticket Mom had sent me.

My heart ached, and tears fell uncontrollably.

For myself, and for the past ten years.

I spent a sleepless night.

By the time I woke up, Ethan had already left.

On the living room coffee table lay a brand-new diamond ring.

He was always like this.

Every time Serena caused trouble, he would offer me some form of compensation.

Flowers, bags, diamond rings. But he would never send Serena away.

If they truly couldn't let go of each other, then I'd grant them their wish.

I packed my things and headed to the hospital alone.

Halfway there, a red sports car suddenly swerved and hit me.

I couldn't react in time and was thrown hard to the ground.

In an instant, the world spun.

Excruciating pain radiated from all over my body, spreading to my very core.