Chapter 3

Half an hour after seeing Caleb’s last message, I walked straight to Cloud Nine and pushed open the private room door.

Familiar voices drifted out.

“Seraphina, when are you planning to divorce him? You haven’t actually fallen for him over time, have you?”

After a brief silence, Seraphina’s clear voice responded.

“How could I? Asher Hayes can’t even compare to you. If it weren't for the pre-arranged marriage, why would I have married him? Caleb, you’ve just taken over the company, and things are still unstable. I need to stay by Asher Hayes’ side to help you keep him steady.”

Just beyond the door, I heard every word clearly. My blood ran cold, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stumbled, and a passing waiter quickly steadied me.

“Mr. Hayes, are you alright?”

I forced myself to stand steady. “I’m fine.”

I raised my reddened eyes. Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance. Mrs. and David Hayes, beaming with joy, were handing out tips to the staff.

I watched the scene intently, my eyes growing even more sore.

It wasn't until David Hayes noticed me, and forced an awkward smile.

“Asher, what are you doing here?”

They had deliberately kept it from me, fearing I'd cause trouble at the celebration. Yet, here I was in the banquet hall.

Seeing David Hayes’ discomfort and Mrs. Hayes’ displeasure, I felt incredibly superfluous.

“I came to support my brother. Am I not even allowed to attend family gatherings now that I’m worthless?”

My voice was hoarse, my eyes dark and moist, and my pale face made me look pathetic.

Mrs. Hayes frowned. Just as the tension was about to erupt, Daisy's joyful shout came from behind.

“Grandma! Grandpa! I made a little red flower for Uncle Caleb in art class today. I’m giving it to my favorite Uncle Caleb!”

Daisy scampered over, mistook me for Caleb, and with a beaming smile, she threw herself into my arms.

I’d only seen her this enthusiastic and well-behaved once before, when she was less than a year old.

Back then, the chubby little infant would cling to me all day.

But now, the moment Daisy looked up and saw it was me, she sprang back as if she’d seen a ghost.

She put her hands behind her back, hiding the handmade flower, her eyes filled with disgust and caution.

An indescribable pain pierced through me.

I watched her intently.

Just then, the private room door opened, and Caleb and Seraphina walked out side-by-side. Both their faces changed the moment they saw me.

A flicker of panic crossed Seraphina’s eyes. She immediately separated from Caleb and walked over to me, asking gently, “When did you get here? Why didn’t you go inside?”

I stared at the woman I’d shared my life with for seven years. I had once believed she was merely cold-hearted by nature, but now I knew her coldness was simply because she never loved me.

This marriage had been nothing more than a reluctant compromise she made to protect another man.

A sarcastic smile played on my lips, my eyes filled with disappointment.

“This is your family gathering. How could I intrude?”

At my words, Seraphina's expression froze, and an inexplicable tightness swelled in her chest.

“Asher, don’t say that…”

No amount of comforting words could heal the wound in my heart. I looked at Mrs. and David Hayes beside me, my voice calm. “I have other things to do. I won’t disturb your family reunion.”

As I finished speaking, I suddenly began to cough violently, quickly covering my mouth.

Suddenly, a mouthful of fresh blood splattered into my palm.

Mrs. and David Hayes’ expressions subtly changed. Seraphina’s fingers twitched.

Just as everyone started to approach me with concern, Caleb suddenly clutched his chest and cried out in pain.

“Mom, Dad, my heart feels a little… uncomfortable.”

The moment he cried out, everyone’s attention immediately shifted to him. Mrs. Hayes frantically called for an ambulance, David Hayes tenderly helped him catch his breath, Seraphina rushed out to buy emergency medicine, and Daisy cried with tear-filled eyes, muttering, “Uncle Caleb, don’t hurt, I’ll tell my dad to take your place…”

I hadn’t walked far yet, but hearing Daisy’s words, my feet felt as heavy as lead.

I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth, and forced myself out of the hotel. I hailed a cab alone and went to the hospital.

###