Chapter 4

I retreated into the shadows of the corner, holding the cat.

The cat seemed to like me, gently rubbing itself against me in my arms.

Inadvertently, I looked down and was surprised to find that what hung around its neck was not a regular pendant at all, but a blood-red gemstone, crimson throughout.

My pupils constricted instantly; I recognized it at once.

This blood-red gemstone was my mother's relic.

Three years ago, my mom was in a car accident, and on her deathbed, she personally placed this blood-red gemstone into my hand.

She said it was a protective charm that would keep me safe for life.

Later, Marcus said he'd been unlucky lately and needed something to ward off evil.

Without hesitation, I gave him the only memento my mother left me, as proof of my love for him.

My hands trembled as I touched the inner side of the gem.

There was a small, knife-carved initial 'E' for Evelyn there.

My mother had personally carved it for me when she was alive.

This was the only memento my mother left in this world, and now it was a cat's collar.

Scarlett finished her mingling, came over with a glass of champagne, and sat beside me.

She gently stroked the cat's fur, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Mimi was a bit scared recently and couldn't sleep well at night, so Marcus specifically went to the black market and paid a high price for this blood-red gemstone, saying it was to ward off evil for Mimi."

For a cat's sleep, he could casually trample on my deceased mother's relic?

I bit down hard on my tongue until I tasted blood, just to regain a shred of sanity.

I forced myself to manage a smile.

"He... he's truly thoughtful."

Scarlett looked at my old clothes with pity.

"Yes, that's just how he is. He appears cold, but he's actually very attentive."

"A year ago, I was feeling down because of my period, and he immediately dropped all his work and took me overseas for half a year of travel..."

That year, Marcus told me he'd offended local criminal gangs, was forced to borrow money, even had a hit out on him, and had to go to another state to lie low.

He told me not to tell anyone, to keep it strictly confidential.

I believed him. Living in constant fear, I worked four jobs to pay off his so-called debts.

One late night, while I was working a part-time job at a barbecue stand with my son Leo, I got into a conflict with a customer.

To protect Leo, two of my ribs were broken, but I didn't even dare to tell Marcus, afraid of distracting him.

It turned out that while I was being beaten half to death, he was overseas with his mistress, enjoying the sun and sand.

Scarlett didn't seem to have any intention of taking the cat back, turning instead to chat with her best friend.

"Look, why is Mimi so well-behaved today? She's usually so fierce; she scratches anyone she doesn't know."

I lowered my gaze, stroking the cat's soft fur, and replied softly.

"Maybe... I have a familiar scent on me."

Scarlett didn't think much of it and said happily.

"That's great! You hold her for me, I'm going to touch up my makeup and I'll be right back."

She lifted her skirt, gracefully gliding towards the powder room.

I held the cat, my gaze fixed on the center of the stage.

There, a massive flower wall made of the finest red roses was erected, bearing several dazzling, prominent letters.

"Marcus Thorne loves Scarlett Vance, forever and always."

For his lies, I sold my blood, I donated a kidney.

Yet he used my flesh and blood to throw such a grand ceremony for another woman.