Chapter 2

【Baby, I won't be back for another week. Do you miss me?】

I stared at the message from Alexander, tears streaming down my face like a broken dam.

Every July, he'd go on a two-week "business trip" to inspect overseas branches.

For six whole years, I had never once doubted him.

But reality had just slapped me hard across the face, mocking my utter stupidity.

Alexander wasn't on a business trip; he was off with his mistress and his illegitimate child!

If not for this unexpected incident today, I would still be completely in the dark.

I scrolled through the photos on my phone, torturing myself. Outside, the rain poured, and occasional flashes of lightning illuminated my paper-white face.

Perhaps, I should have seen this coming.

The Harrington family, with its deep-rooted legacy, would never accept an infertile woman as the mother of their heirs.

Unless… they had planned everything all along!

So what role did Alexander, the man who supposedly loved me so deeply, play in all this?

My heart twisted in agony. Alexander and I had grown up together. Everyone always said we were destined to be together forever.

When I was eight, I fell from a tree while playing. He instinctively shielded me, breaking his arm, yet he just smiled and said it didn't hurt a bit.

At twelve, I got my first period and stained my dress. Even though he knew what it was, he was so scared he cried and swore he'd die with me.

At eighteen, he secretly participated in an underground race, barely surviving to win a ring and propose to me.

He said, "Eleanor, I'll love you for all my life."

The love of a young man, pure and fervent, had long since captured my heart.

Later, just before our wedding, his enemies kidnapped me. I was held for three days and three nights, found barely clinging to life.

Alexander broke three ribs saving me, and it was then that I took a knife intended for him, losing my ability to have children.

When Mrs. Harrington learned of this, she tried to break us apart.

But Alexander, despite his injuries, knelt for three days in the family chapel, refusing food, declaring, "I'd rather lose the Harrington legacy than live without Eleanor!" That's what finally forced his mother to relent.

After his recovery, we quickly married. All of high society had once celebrated our epic, undeniable love.

Yet, in the end, he still betrayed me.

My phone rang. The screen displayed "Husband," a word that now felt so utterly sarcastic.

I numbly pressed answer. His gentle voice came through: "Baby, are you eating well at home alone? Do you miss me?"

Normally, I would be drowning in the sweetness of his love, eager to respond.

But now… I was afraid if I spoke, the sob in my throat would betray me.

"Baby? Is something wrong? Don't be scared, I'll come back to you right now!"

Alexander's voice was anxious. He immediately got up, intending to return.

But I couldn't bear to see him now.

"I'm fine." I tried my best to control myself, but my voice was horribly hoarse. "I'm fine. Work is important, don't come back. I just have a bit of a cold."

It was the first time I had ever lied to Alexander.

He seemed oblivious, his attention drawn away by something, but he still worriedly reiterated a few instructions: "Then get some rest soon. Remember to call me, don't make me worry."

I softly "hmm-ed" in agreement.

Just as I was about to hang up, I heard a woman's seductive whisper from his end: "Alex, Leo's asleep. We can…"

I keenly sensed Alexander's breathing grow heavier, and then the call abruptly ended.

I gripped my phone, my knuckles white, unable to suppress the chill seeping into my heart.

He and that woman, they were together… I couldn't bear to think about it!

I started to whimper uncontrollably, a sound beyond my ability to suppress, like a huge hand clutching my heart, a pain so unbearable it could be fatal.

I had thought, perhaps, Alexander was forced into this because of the child.

But now, it was clear he was a willing participant!

Serena, sensing something was wrong, immediately pushed the door open, only to see me looking utterly defeated, as if all life had drained from me. Usually so impulsive, she hesitated to approach.

"Ellie, he's not worth it."

Tears dripped onto the photos, making a soft pattering sound.

Serena's heart ached for me. She pulled me into a fierce hug, cursing through gritted teeth, "Ellie, Alexander is a piece of trash! He swore all those sweet words when he proposed, and now he dares to keep a mistress and child behind your back!"

I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall freely, my mind already made up…

The next morning, the rain had cleared, and the sun shone.

I hadn't slept a wink.

I had spent the entire night thinking. I had seen love in its purest form; how could I tolerate a heart that had changed?

I was Eleanor who deeply loved Alexander, but I was also Eleanor Hayes, the proud eldest daughter of the Hayes family. I couldn't stand even a speck of dirt in my eye, especially not in love.

With that thought, I called my father. "Dad, I remember the Hayes Group wanted to expand its business in the UK. Serena's husband is from British royalty, and I'm bringing Max back in half a month. I'd like to go with them and take a look."

Mr. Hayes was puzzled. "Did Alexander ask you to inquire?"

"No, this time I want to go myself." I forced a bitter smile. Everyone assumed Alexander and I were one entity, even my own father.

Mr. Hayes was surprised. His daughter had always been inseparable from that Harrington boy; why this sudden urge to go somewhere so far?

"Ellie, did Alexander do something to you?" Mr. Hayes's tone immediately became serious.

I pursed my lips, eventually choosing to keep it hidden for now. "Dad, please don't ask for now. I'll tell you everything after I get to the UK."

The Hayes and Harrington families had been close for generations, their ties growing even stronger through our marriage. I didn't want the Hayes Group to suffer any damage because of me.

Mr. Hayes couldn't argue with me and finally agreed. "Alright, then. Come to Hayes Group later today to familiarize yourself with the relevant matters."