Chapter 1

Seven years into her marriage, Maria was diagnosed with brain cancer. For her husband Richard and son Jonathan, she bet on a 50-50 percent chance of survival.

Enter Eleanor, her husband's old flame and one true love. It was then that Maria realized the painful truth: her marriage to Richard was nothing but a scam.

When Eleanor appeared, everything changed. Richard made her his secretary at work, while his best friend addressed her as Mrs. Shaw—a title that should belong to Maria. Even Jonathan came to believe that Eleanor would make a better mother.

Maria gave up entirely. In a final act of despair, she severed all ties with Richard and Jonathan before vanishing into thin air.

When Richard and Jonathan finally saw Maria's cancer diagnosis, they were filled with regret.

They traced her overseas and groveled at her feet, begging for her forgiveness just so she would look their way—but she didn't spare them a glance.

Who needs a heartless husband and an ungrateful son?

Chapter 1

After I was diagnosed with brain cancer, I discovered two things.

One, my marriage certificate with Richard was fake.

Two, the son I had raised for six years also knew—and he actually wanted someone else to be his mom.

Only then did I finally realize that everything I had sacrificed in the seven years of my marriage—casting away my family and my name—had all been a complete joke.

Before I decided to disappear from their lives for good, I did three things.

Firstly, I canceled the seventh anniversary dinner I had planned a month ago, left my son's kindergarten group chat, and quit all the health groups I had joined for the two of them.

Secondly, I spoke to my doctor, took a stress test, got specialty drugs, and made sure my health wouldn't stop me from making it overseas.

Thirdly, I finally called my older brother after seven years of no contact. I told him that there was only pain after marrying so far away from home. I had been utterly wrong, and now, I wanted nothing more than to go home.

-

"Mrs. Shaw, your brain tumor is already pressing on your nerves. You need to make a decision soon."

The doctor's words echoed in the sterile hospital hallway.

Maria shuddered, clutching the creased test results in her hands. She had been suffering from headaches, nausea, and nosebleeds lately. At first, she thought it was just due to staying up late and that it was a mild sickness.

A checkup at the hospital, however, revealed the nightmarish truth.

The doctor told her she had to choose a treatment plan as soon as possible.

A surgery would give her a fifty-fifty shot at survival, or she could choose a more conservative treatment through medicine and chemotherapy. She would lose her hair, but it might let her live a few more years.

Maria was terrified of betting on that fifty percent chance. She had always been afraid of needles, let alone lying on a cold operating table just to gamble with her life.

But if she didn't choose surgery, the tumor would grow, and the pain would only worsen until her last breath.

She closed her eyes and thought of her husband, Richard.

They had been married for seven years. She loved him, and she wanted many more years together with him. And there was their son, her little Jonathan, so bright and clever. Thinking of the two people she loved most, Maria found her courage.

She got up and walked into the doctor's office.

"I've decided. Schedule the surgery," she said.

The doctor looked serious. "There's only a fifty percent chance of success. Aren't you scared?"

Maria smiled. "No. I believe my husband and son will be there for me. As long as I have them, I'm not afraid."

The doctor nodded. "Alright, I'll schedule you for surgery in a month."

Maria left the hospital, excited to go home and get support from her husband and child.

The house staff told her Richard wasn't home and was at the company.

Maria hurried to the office and arrived outside the CEO's office. Before she could set foot inside, a man's voice reached her ears.

"Richie, wouldn't your wife be angry if she knew you made Eleanor your secretary?"

Maria froze. Through the crack of the door, she could see that the speaker was Richard's friend, Trent.

Eleanor… Eleanor Cooper.

Maria knew that name well. Richard's old flame, the woman he had secretly never let go of for over a decade.

Richard sat at his desk, looking downward, his shirt collar slightly open and sleeves half-rolled. He looked somewhat cold and aloof.

In an annoyed tone, he snapped, "What happens in my company isn't for you to pry into."

Trent shrugged and smirked. "Regardless, the reason I called Maria your wife was because of you. Everyone knows your marriage to her is just a sham. I mean, I was the one who forged the marriage certificate you two took that day. Haha!"

Maria froze, her face as white as a sheet.

What did she just hear?

Richard and her… Was their marriage a sham…?

Richard, facing away from the door, completely missed the fact that someone was standing outside.

"Why don't you just leave Maria now that Eleanor's back? Honestly, if Maria hadn't kept pestering you, if she hadn't gotten pregnant after you got drunk and slept with her, you never would have faked a marriage just to give the kid a proper status. You broke Eleanor's heart. She's only willing to come back now," Trent said.

Maria almost stopped breathing. Her blood pressure spiked as she fought the urge to throw up.

That night at the bar, Trent was there too. He knew she didn't drug Richard. The truth was, Richard had been set up by a rival company. Maria had volunteered to go to the hotel with Richard to help him.

Why was Trent pushing all the blame on her?

Trent chuckled and continued, "So, when are you giving Eleanor a proper status? If it weren't for her heart disease, she never would've left, and Maria would've never had her chance. The spot as Mrs. Shaw should've been Eleanor's from the start!"

Richard glanced up unamused, a glare of warning in his cold eyes. "I have a son with Maria."

Maria could barely stand, shaking all over. She couldn't take it anymore and rushed to the bathroom, missing whatever Richard said next.

She threw up hard—she couldn't tell if it was because of the truth that disgusted her, or if her illness was flaring up.

An employee saw her, startled, and handed her paper towels.

Maria took them, eyes red, managing a sickly smile. "Thanks. Please don't tell Richard I was here."

She stumbled out, wandering the streets like a walking corpse, remembering when she had first met Richard.

Seven years ago, Maria was a renowned designer abroad, managing her older brother Willow's jewelry business. She and Richard belonged to two different worlds.

However, during a business trip, her dress suddenly tore just as she exited a hotel. Just when her dress was going to be completely ripped apart, Richard got out of his Maybach and handed her his perfectly pressed jacket.

"Tie it around your waist," he said.

It was only five words, but it saved her from panicking and getting embarrassed in an unfamiliar environment.

Maria looked up at his handsome face and immediately fell for him.

After that, Maria couldn't forget Richard. She went to her older brother Willow, making excuses so they would end up working together, all to pursue Richard. Even after knowing Richard was still very much in love with his first love—whom he couldn't forget, and who left without saying goodbye—Maria pressed on and didn't give up.

One night, an accident led to Maria and Richard sleeping together. She got pregnant, and it seemed natural to get married.

Maria remembered asking him on their wedding night why he married her, since she never forced him to take responsibility.

For the first time, Richard had really looked at her and said, "I wanted to give you and the baby a home."

With just that one sentence, Maria gave up everything for her marriage to take care of her husband and son. Her brother objected to giving up her career and her life abroad, but she didn't care.

Now, after so long… She realized her marriage had never even existed.

Richard never saw her as his wife. For seven years, he had just played pretend, all the while thinking of someone else.

Maria's heart bled, thinking how she had been a joke from the very start.

She made up her mind.

If she survived the surgery, she would take Jonathan and leave. Richard could marry whoever he wanted.

Thinking of her son, Maria found her strength again and rushed home. As she went upstairs, she overheard her son Jonathan talking to the housekeeper.

"Do you think Mom would be sad if she knew her marriage to Dad was fake?"

Maria's eyes opened wide.

The butler, Mr. Graham, smiled gently. "Well, there's nothing you can do. You know your father doesn't love your mother."

Jonathan pouted. "Honestly, I don't like Mom either. I like Eleanor more. She's so nice. Whenever Mom drops me off at Dad's office, Eleanor gives me treats and toys. Mom just complains about snacks being unhealthy and makes me study. She's so annoying! I wish Eleanor would marry Dad."

Maria's hands clenched into fists, her heart aching so badly that she almost fainted.

Even the son she had carried for nine months and raised with all her heart was just as cold as Richard!

Now, every happy memory of a loving family felt like a cruel joke.

Maria recalled her brother's warnings—he warned her not to marry far from home, fearing she would get hurt. She should have listened. If he ever found out what Richard had done and how Jonathan treated her, he would probably come running with a machete in his hand.

Blinking away the tears in her eyes, Maria headed downstairs.

The hope that had given her the strength to choose surgery for her husband and son was shattered.

Once she was in the living room, she picked up her phone and made a call.

"Willow…? I'm getting a divorce. Can you come get me and take me home?"

Chapter 2

Willow was shocked to hear it.

"You want a divorce? Why so suddenly? Did you have a fight with Richard?"

Maria gripped her phone tightly, her voice weak. "No, I'm just tired. I don't want to stay with him anymore."

In the past seven years, Maria had always tried to sound happy. She never told her brother about her troubles. Maybe it was because she wanted to prove that she was doing well. No matter how coldly Richard treated her or how exhausting it was to raise such a rebellious son, Maria had never once complained to Willow.

No wonder her brother was surprised.

Perhaps it was the bond between siblings, but Willow went quiet and didn't ask anything else. In the end, he just said, "Alright. When are you coming back? I'll pick you and your son up myself."

Maria paused. "Jonny is staying with Richard. I'm not taking him."

Willow gasped. "You're okay with letting him go? Don't worry, Mari. If you really want a divorce, I'll help you fight for custody."

"No, it's fine. Once I take care of things here, I'll contact you again," Maria said.

She quickly hung up, afraid Willow would ask more questions. Her thumb trembled as it pressed on her phone.

She sat on the sofa, completely drained.

Ever since she gave birth to their son, Maria had never thought about leaving Richard. Never had she expected that her son would be what finally pushed her over the edge.

She said she had things to handle, but really, there was nothing to deal with.

The marriage certificate was fake. She was never Richard's wife and had no place in the Shaw family, and had no legal paperwork to show for it. All she had to do was pack up and leave, and she could cut ties with Richard and Jonathan for good.

Maria steadied herself and went upstairs to pack.

Suddenly, the bedroom door opened.

Jonathan walked in with a toy in his hand, surprised to see her packing. "Mom, why are you packing? Where are you going?"

Maria looked at Jonathan. Even though he was her own flesh and blood, he suddenly felt like a stranger. "I'm going away for a while."

Jonathan's face lit up. "Really? When do you leave?"

Kids couldn't hide their excitement. He sounded so eager for her to go.

Maria's heart sank. "In a day or two. I'll be gone for a long time."

Jonathan's grin grew even wider. "Great! Have a safe trip, Mom!"

He bounced out, eager to call Eleanor to share the news.

Watching him go, Maria frowned, but still couldn't help reminding him, "It's past seven. Your homework…"

Jonathan groaned in irritation. "Ugh, you're so annoying! You used to help me at eight, right? Why are you nagging me so early?"

Maria pressed her lips together, forcing a self-mocking smile. "Sorry. This is the last time."

Jonathan noticed something odd with his mother today. Usually, she would start nagging him about how the teacher would check his homework tomorrow, and that he should finish early and go to bed.

Well, he couldn't care less. Feeling vindictive, he slammed the door behind him.

Maria went to the desk, took out all the reference books she had used to help Jonathan study, and lined them up on the table. Every book was marked with notes, even the first-grade ones.

Richard never bothered with these things, so she had handled all the parenting and teaching herself—only to end up being detested by her son.

She had given her all for six years to ensure Jonathan had top grades, could play the piano and guitar, and was always healthy and never got sick.

Yet… None of it compared to a few toys and treats from Eleanor.

Tears streamed down Maria's cheeks. She quickly wiped them away and organized Jonathan's things, labeling everything neatly.

At eight o'clock, Maria didn't go to Jonathan's room to remind him about his homework.

Jonathan was happy, thinking his mother must have lost track of time, and played games until he fell asleep. Meanwhile, Mr. Graham thought Maria would be taking care of Jonathan and didn't check on him.

Around nine, Richard came home from work.

Maria heard the door and was startled. She was sending a text she had written for her doctor.

[Sorry, doctor. You don't need to schedule my surgery anymore. I've decided to try conservative treatment overseas instead.]

Richard came in and glanced at the dining table. It was empty, with no sign of the chickpea pasta soup Maria usually made for him. He often worked late, causing him to skip meals and leading him to suffer from stomach problems. Thus, Maria made him chickpea pasta soup every night.

Richard was puzzled. When he turned to Maria, his expression softened. "Where's the soup tonight?"

Maria looked at him calmly. "I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't make any."

Richard loosened his tie, pausing at her words. "Are you feeling sick? You've been having nosebleeds and look paler than usual. I'll hire two more staff at home. You're doing too much on your own and tiring yourself out."

He set down his things on the table and touched her forehead.

As Maria let him touch her, she suddenly remembered how distant he had always been before that fateful night. Under the influence of drugs, he became a hungry beast and painted red and blue on her. After that, he woke up embarrassed and refused to let her go, determined to take responsibility. His ears had turned completely red.

After that, Richard had truly changed; he treated her better than anyone else while remaining distant with outsiders. He would take good care of her, and only her.

"Your forehead's fine. Why do you look so pale?" Richard's voice broke her thoughts. "Want some cookies?"

Maria looked at the pink dessert box in his hand. Crab apple cookies—her favorite.

There weren't any crab apple trees in the city, but every Wednesday, a famous shop sold these pastries. For five years, Richard had gone out of his way to buy them for her. Maria used to feel very touched, thinking that even if he was cold, he must care about her deep down.

Now, she realized it was all just wishful thinking.

Five years of pastries meant nothing, especially when their marriage didn't even exist in the first place. Maria's eyes darkened even more.

Richard noticed she wasn't eating and asked, "Don't want any?"

"I have no appetite," Maria snapped back.

Richard was about to say more when he noticed her purse on the sofa and a half-exposed medical report. He frowned. "Did you have a checkup?"

He reached for the papers, but Maria grabbed his sleeve.

She forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just need to stay out of the sun more."

Richard relaxed and patted her head. "I'll have one of the staff make you some warm soup."

Maria clenched her fists and finally spoke up. "Richard, what if I were really sick? What would you do if I got a terminal illness?"

Richard froze, suddenly uneasy. He frowned and said, "Don't say something like that. If you feel bad, I'll take you to a doctor. You won't get any terminal disease."

Maria's expression was unreadable as she pressed, "We've been married seven years. Is there anything you're hiding from me? If you tell me now, I can take all of it."

Richard stiffened, looking unsettled. "I'm not hiding anything. Is something the matter?"

Maria looked away, something gleaming in her eyes. "Nothing. Maybe I'm just overthinking. I just really hate being lied to. If you ever lie to me, I'll be gone for good. The three of us will never be together again."

Richard was stunned. For some reason, he had a bad feeling—as if something huge was about to happen. He tried to reassure her, smiling gently.

"Mari, we'll always be a family. Don't say things like that. I'm going to check on Jonny."

With that, Richard went into Jonny's room and closed the door.

Maria's heart finally turned cold. There was nothing left to hold onto.

Maria took out the keys to the house and car, along with a farewell letter. There was no need for a divorce certificate, no need for divorce proceedings, or even splitting assets. They were never truly married, after all.

The house and the Rolls-Royce in the garage were all gifts from Richard. Now that she had given them back, there was nothing that would bind them together anymore.

She left the keys and letter on Richard's desk in his study.

Maria walked out the door and disappeared into the night, pulling her suitcase behind her.

Chapter 3

Maria hailed a cab at the curb. While she waited, she started searching for flights, planning to go straight to the airport.

At this time, her doctor called.

"Mrs. Shaw, when are you going abroad for your conservative treatment?"

Maria stood under the dim streetlight, her silhouette long and thin on the pavement. She looked at her shadow and said, "Right now. I'm heading to the airport already."

The doctor's voice was urgent. "You can't! You have a brain tumor, so the pressure inside your brain isn't normal. Getting on a plane might cause a lot of problems. You need a pressure test first."

Maria froze. How could this be…? She had already decided to disappear tonight, and now, she couldn't leave after all.

The doctor sounded relieved that he had reached her in time. "Come to the hospital tomorrow for a checkup. I'll assess whether you're fit to fly."

The doctor hung up, and the cab arrived.

The driver rolled down his window. "Miss, are you getting in?"

Maria hesitated, then said, "Yes. Take me to the Blue Moon Hotel."

She made a point of avoiding any hotel linked to Richard. After she checked in, she soaked in a long, hot bath and closed her eyes as she thought about her situation.

If flying was impossible, she could book passage on a ship and leave by sea. It would be slower, but she could see the scenery and get there in three to five days. It wasn't so bad.

Her nose suddenly itched as she thought about it. Fighting off the drowsiness, she looked down and saw little blooms of blood spreading in the tub. She pinched her nose to stop it and sat still for a while, then got up and went to bed.

Her phone was quiet all night.

Maybe Richard had read the letter and was glad she had given the spot to Eleanor.

She lay down on the bed and fell asleep without realizing it.

The next morning, she packed and was about to head to the hospital when her phone rang. The caller ID read "Mrs. Jones."

Maria paused. It was Jonathan's homeroom teacher.

"Hello, Mrs. Jones?" Maria answered.

Mrs. Jones' tone was urgent as she explained to Maria, "Is this Jonathan's mother? Can you come to the school right away? Jonathan got into a fight and scratched another child's forehead. The other parents are here and want to speak with you."

Maria's heart tightened with maternal instinct. "What about Jonathan? Is he hurt?"

"He's not hurt, but he won't apologize. The other parents are really upset," Mrs. Jones said helplessly.

It was a weekday, and Richard would be busy. Maria had always handled school matters.

She told herself she could do this one last thing as Jonathan's mother. She couldn't bear to imagine the boy facing teachers and angry parents alone.

And so, Maria went straight to the school. She got out of the car and hurried to Mrs. Jones's office, picturing Jonathan lonely and scared.

Before she even entered, a clear, sweet voice reached her.

"Jonny didn't start it. He was scolded for not doing his homework. When he got upset, your child kept teasing him for not getting a gold star. That's why they fought. How can the fault be with Jonny, Mr. Cook?"

Maria's heart skipped a beat as she listened. She stepped inside and took in the scene, her breathing turning rapid.

Eleanor stood in a light-colored strapless dress, her hair half tied by a white ribbon, looking impossibly graceful even from the back. Richard stood beside her in a black suit, shoulders broad. Jonathan, the child Maria dedicated her whole life to, was hugging Eleanor's hand, leaning into her.

The three of them looked like a happy family.

The other parent, calmed by Eleanor's words, dropped the complaint.

Eleanor bent and ruffled Jonathan's hair. "Jonny, why don't you apologize to Sam?"

Jonny pouted, but went over and apologized.

Both families reconciled.

The teachers around them sighed in relief and looked at Eleanor with admiration. "Mrs. Shaw, you really have a way with children. Jonathan wouldn't apologize at all before. All you need to say is a few words, and he listens."

Richard's expression tightened with a frown. "She's not…"

Mr. Cook laughed. "Mr. Shaw, you're lucky to have a wife like her. Mine's a real handful! You two are perfect together. I wish you both plenty of happiness."

Richard's face darkened. "She's not his mother."

Eleanor's smile froze and she hugged Jonathan a little closer.

Jonathan blurted, "She may not be my real mom, but she's way better!"

The room became awkward, and Richard shot Jonathan a warning glare.

Maria watched from the doorway, chest tight and light-headed. She gripped the doorframe and watched it all. She felt like she was wilting, a woman dying from her sickness. Everyone she had thought of as family was slipping away, all running toward the blooming Eleanor.

Jonathan suddenly turned and saw her.

"Mom!" he shouted; he broke away from Eleanor and ran out.

When Richard saw Maria, he walked straight over. For a moment, Maria was stunned.

Jonathan yanked at Maria's sleeve, eyes full of anger. "It's all your fault! Why didn't you make me do my homework last night? If you did, I wouldn't have missed the gold star. Sam wouldn't tease me, and I wouldn't have fought with him! It's all your fault!"

He pulled and shoved her. Even a child could apply a lot of force; Maria felt faint and staggered, almost falling. Someone caught her—she found herself in Richard's arms.

He lowered his head and glared at Jonathan. "Apologize to your mother! Who said you can treat her like that? Not making you do your homework? You're old enough to do your homework by yourself!"

At home, Richard had always used strict discipline. Jonathan was afraid of an angry Richard, and he instantly trembled and went quiet. His eyes were red, but he pouted and still refused to apologize.

Maria steadied herself and gently pushed Richard away.

Noticing she wasn't doing alright, he looked at her with concern. "Are you okay?"

Maria shook her head.

Richard squeezed her hand to reassure her and said sternly, "Jonathan, apologize."

Jonathan shuddered.

Behind Jonathan, Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she looked at the way Richard and Maria's hands clasped. Then she quickly looked away, stepping forward with a smile.

"Richard, don't be so harsh. Jonny just got scolded after a fight, and he's still upset. I'm sure his mom won't hold it against him, right?"

Maria looked up and met Eleanor's eyes. Now that they were close, she could smell a faint citrus scent on Eleanor—the same scent she had noticed on Richard the night before. Her heart shuddered as she reflexively pulled her hand away from Richard.

Eleanor smiled widely and didn't seem to mind Maria not answering her. "Richard, this is my first time meeting Jonathan's mom. Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Richard froze, taken aback.

Chapter 4

Maria watched Richard in silence, somewhat pale. Standing beside him was his legal wife. How was he supposed to introduce her in front of the woman he truly loved? If she were in his place, she would be stuck as well.

Richard met her eyes.

"This is Eleanor Cooper. We've known each other for a long time. She's…" he said quietly, pausing before continuing, "…a friend."

Maybe it was Maria's imagination, but when Richard said the word friend, it sounded unusually stiff. She trembled, but she kept her voice steady. "A long time? I see, so you were childhood friends."

Eleanor smiled.

"No, we met when we were twenty. Back then…" She covered her mouth and giggled softly. "Back then, Richard's haircut was so funny. It was a modern take on a traditional style. Heads turned the moment he got on campus."

Richard shook his head helplessly. "Are you bringing that up again?"

"So what if I do? I still have pictures from back then. Don't make me angry, or I'll show them to your wife," Eleanor teased, reaching over to tap Richard's arm.

Jonathan ran up and hugged Eleanor's arm. "What pictures? I want to see!"

Seeing them together was difficult for Maria. Anyone watching would think Eleanor belonged with the father and son, and that Maria was the outsider.

Eleanor smoothed Jonathan's cheek and winked. "I'll show you in secret later."

Richard smiled faintly and glanced at Maria, who looked so fragile and thin that he feared she might fall from a breeze. He hurried after her and caught her arm.

"What's wrong? Don't get angry at Jonathan. I'll teach him a lesson. I'll make him apologize at home tomorrow properly."

Maria bit her lip. "Did you read what I left you?"

Richard looked puzzled. "What did you leave?"

Seeing that he hadn't read her letter, Maria forced a small smile. "Never mind. I'm going home first. Remember to look in the study tonight."

"I'll take you home," Richard said, signaling to the driver across the street to pull over.

Maria refused to get in. Instead, she pulled her arm free and insisted on taking a cab. Richard stood and watched the cab drive off, then Eleanor came over and chatted with him.

Maria glanced back and saw them laughing together after Eleanor seemed to say something to him. She turned away, feeling a sharp sting in her palm. When she opened her hand, she saw purplish crescent marks where she had clenched her fist.

She didn't look back and left resolutely.

Back at the hotel, the doctor called and asked her to come in for a pressure test in two days.

Maria didn't want to stay, but the testing schedule was crowded with elderly patients who had to fly for treatment. Among the many patients on the schedule, she was the only person who was seriously ill and needed the test.

She went back to the hotel and deleted all of Richard's contact information.

At five, Jonathan was brought home by the driver. He tossed his bag aside and shouted, "Mom! I'm doing my homework now. I don't want to get in trouble at school again!"

He regretted playing the night before. Even though his mom nagged, he would lose his gold star and fall behind his classmates if he ignored her reminders. He didn't want to be teased by others!

Jonathan ran through the house looking for Maria, but he couldn't find her. "Mr. Graham, where's my mom?"

Mr. Graham came from the kitchen. "I haven't seen the madam. Maybe she's out. Would you like some egg custard?"

Jonathan pouted. "Yours isn't as good as Mom's. Never mind."

He went back to his room, played his console for a while, then glanced at the time and brought his homework out from the study. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he muttered, "It's just homework. I can do it myself."

However, he quickly realized he couldn't.

No one was there to explain the questions. No one to help him massage his eyes when his eyes got tired. He had gotten used to his mom handing him fruit while he worked.

Annoyed, he went to find the butler and the maids. But the butler wasn't familiar with his schoolwork, and the maids didn't know how to help with his study routine. They could slice the fruits for him, but they didn't know when he wanted them to feed him.

Jonathan's face fell. He remembered how relaxing it was to do homework on the balcony, with a breeze and his mom beside him. Maybe homework wasn't so bad.

He finally couldn't take it. "I'm calling Mom!"

Mr. Graham quickly handed him his smartwatch. After several rings, she picked up.

"Mom, where are you? Why aren't you home?" Jonathan demanded.

Maria was silent for two seconds, then asked quietly, "Do you need something?"

"I'm still waiting for you to help me with my homework. Are you trying to get me punished again tomorrow? Come home," Jonathan urged, his tone upset.

Maria's grip tightened around the phone. Her expression cooled. She had given everything, and ended up raising a boy who was impatient only with her but polite with everyone else. She had never been shown any real respect.

"Don't you like Eleanor? Go ask her for help. Don't call me."

Then, she hung up.

Jonathan was stunned; he held the watch, unable to believe his mother was being so cold with him.

A car soon pulled up downstairs, and Jonathan ran to complain to Richard.

Richard listened and snorted. "You brought this on yourself by making her angry. I'll go find her. When she comes back, you will apologize to her properly. Understood?"

Jonathan mumbled an unwilling yes.

Half an hour later, someone knocked on Maria's door at the hotel. She opened it, expecting a hotel staff member. Instead, she met a pair of dark eyes.

She froze. "How did you find me?"

Richard stepped in carrying a bowl of ravioli. "Have you eaten? I got these for you. Crab ravioli with extra vinegar, just how you like it. Eat while they're hot."

He was still in the same crisp suit he wore to the company, the one she had ironed for him. He took off his suit, looked around the room, and started packing her things as he rolled up his sleeves and got Maria's coat.

"Come home with me. It's not convenient here. Jonny needs some discipline. Let's go back and handle him together. Don't run away just because you're angry."

Maria quietly watched him crouch to fold her clothes and felt a single tear fall. She quickly turned her head and wiped it away.

"Did you look at what I left on your desk?"

Richard froze and looked up. "What did you leave? You've already asked me that twice today."

Chapter 5

Maria stood in the doorway. "You'll know after you give the letter a read. I'm not going back with you. Just go home."

Richard ignored her and set her high heels in front of her. "Come on, Jonny's waiting for you. Come home with me."

"He only wants someone to do his homework for him. If I don't, he'll find someone else tonight." Maria turned her face away. "Just go. I'm not going back."

Without asking, Richard grabbed her ankle and dropped to one knee, his trousers creasing. "We both need you."

Maria gave a bitter laugh. "Seems like you need Eleanor more. She fixed everything at school today, and Jonny listened to her."

Richard's expression darkened, and he chuckled. "Are you jealous? No matter how good she is, she's not Jonny's mother."

"She could be, if you wanted her to." Maria pushed him off.

The amusement drained from Richard's face. He looked up at her. "What do you mean by that?"

"Why don't we get a divorce? You marry Eleanor and let her raise Jonny," she said casually.

Richard tossed the heels aside and stood with a dark expression. His tall physique shadowed hers as he stood by the doorway. "What did you just say? Divorce?"

"That's right. If there's someone better suited to be your wife and Jonny's mother, what are you waiting for?!"

Maria's anger flared as she lost control of her emotions. She felt his hypocrisy so sharply. Their marriage certificate was fake, yet he acted as if divorce was forbidden. One sentence, and their bond of seven years could be over. There wasn't even any paperwork that needed to be signed!

Maria turned away, but Richard grabbed her wrist. His handsome face was dark, his chest rising and falling in agitation.

"Without my permission, there will be no divorce. Say whatever you want, but don't throw that word around."

Maria met him with a cold expression.

"So what if I say it? It's not a crime. Or are you planning to keep both of us, your wife and your lover?"

If Richard chose to, even his seven-year wife could become a mistress in a heartbeat, and he could still marry Eleanor.

"When did you get so unreasonable?" Richard snapped. "There's nothing between me and Eleanor! You can't make things up just because you're unhappy."

"So what if I make things up? If you can't stand me, then divorce me!" Maria shoved his hand off. "Get out! I don't want to see you!"

Richard's patience ran thin. He pulled Maria into a kiss, trying to smother their argument by force and make them forget every shred of unhappiness between them.

A girl passing by the open door gasped at the scene.

Maria trembled and pushed him away. Richard held her by the waist and shut the door with one hand. He pressed her against it, one hand sliding up under her clothing, touching along her chilled skin.

Maria trembled even more. It wasn't only because of the agitation she felt from being sickly, but it was also the revulsion at his overbearing touch. How could he pretend to love her all these years, marry her, and have a child with her, and still treat her like this?

As all those thoughts flooded into her mind, she couldn't take it anymore. She shoved him hard and fled to the bathroom. She hadn't eaten, and her stomach spasmed.

Richard followed and steadied her. "Why are you throwing up again? This isn't just you feeling unwell. Come to the hospital with me."

"I'm not going…"

Before she finished, Richard scooped her up like a princess. Her head ached, and she felt too weak to struggle. She was also prone to motion sickness, so she was feeling even worse now. She shut her eyes and tried to stay still.

Richard drove fast, glancing over at her the whole way as he sped through traffic to the hospital.

They finally arrived.

Maria was registered, had her tests ordered, and then ran the tests…

Maria felt sick the whole time, swallowing her saliva while nurses took her through the tests as if she were some marionette. When she came out, Richard waited in the corridor with a cup of honeyed drink.

"Drink this. It'll make you warm."

She didn't take it. She sat down, pale.

"I shouldn't have argued with you today," Richard said. He hooked her pinky with his and gave a small smile.

This was one of those little gestures he used to charm her, as he wasn't someone who could charm with words. Maria felt a small, unwanted flutter in her chest as the familiarity awakened her memory.

"Let's go home after the tests, okay?" Richard asked.

Maria was just about to answer when a shadow fell over them.

"Richard, what are you doing here?" Eleanor's curious face appeared.

Richard released Maria's hand. "Maria's not feeling well, so I came with her for the tests. Why are you here in the hospital at this hour?"

Eleanor looked awkward and clutched her test results behind her back. "Oh, nothing."

Richard frowned. "Let me see."

She hesitated and handed him the paper. His face tightened as he read it. "Didn't you already have your cardiac bypass surgery? Why are you having chest pains again?"

"It's an old problem," Eleanor said, voice small.

"Keep taking your meds and rest. If you need anything, contact Morgan," Richard said gently.

Maria's chest sank. Morgan Davis was Richard's personal assistant. All these years, he had never worked for anyone other than Richard and her.

But for Eleanor, the rules were different. As expected of Richard's true love!

Maria's breathing grew quicker.

Richard bent and rubbed her back. "Feeling any better? You've been throwing up a lot. That's more than just a little sick. Let's see what the doctor says."

Throwing up a lot?

Eleanor's eyes narrowed and glanced at Maria's stomach, the gears in her head turning.

"I'm going to the bathroom," she said, then slipped into the exam room.

Inside, the doctor murmured to a nurse, "Throw that report away. Use the one I replaced. Don't say anything."

Eleanor waited until the nurse left and fished the crumpled paper from the trash. She smoothed it out. The two characters on the paper read—brain tumor.

She froze.

Outside, the nurse told Richard, "It's just mild gastritis. Some meds and she'll be fine."

Maria exchanged a relieved glance with the nurse. She had no intention of telling anyone about the diagnosis before she left and was grateful the doctor respected her wishes.

Richard draped his coat over her shoulders and said, "Let's go home."

"Richard…" Eleanor called, appearing again. "It's late, and cabs might be hard to find. Can you drop me off first?"

She clutched her chest as if fragile. Maria instinctively pulled her hand away from Richard, planning to use the moment to slip away. However, Richard squeezed her hand instead. "Maria's not well. I'll take her first and call you a cab."

Eleanor's face froze, and she clenched her fists.

Maria caught the look and realized Richard would never openly dote on Eleanor in front of her. She felt the sting of it and stepped into the elevator with him.

"I won't force you. I'll drop you at the hotel," he promised.

She hesitated, then got in.

Richard did drive her back to the hotel, but once again stepped into the elevator and went up. Maria wanted to quickly leave him outside, but he didn't expect the room door was already open.

A maid was making the sofa into a bed with Jonny's blue bear sheets.

Jonny sulked over homework and sniffed when he saw Maria. "It's late, and you're still nagging Dad and me. Dad has to get up early for work tomorrow!"

Maria's chest tightened. She ignored the boy and went to her bedroom, closing the door.

Outside, Richard scolded Jonny. Inside, Maria noticed Richard had brought over his clothes and laptop for the next day while they were at the hospital. She pursed her lips, not understanding what Richard wanted to do.

She went to turn off the laptop, then suddenly noticed the browser's search history. There was one entry that froze her and made her unable to move her eyes away.

Personal marital status search.

Her fingers went stiff as she clicked the history link and was taken to the results page—she couldn't even say why she did that.

She stared at the screen in disbelief. She had to check again to make sure she could believe the results she was seeing.

Richard's marital status was…

Married.

And in the field where the name of the wife was, two words were stated clearly.

Eleanor Cooper.

The color drained from her face instantly.

Richard hadn't just faked a marriage with her—he had secretly married Eleanor, too! On the household registry were Richard, Eleanor, and a child, as if they were the real family.

Maria felt like she had been a free nanny for seven years.

What about Jonathan? Did he know that Eleanor and Richard were actually married…?

Chapter 6

The thought chilled her. She couldn't stop shuddering; she switched off the laptop and stumbled back.

She bumped into a warm, steamy presence. Richard stood there, wrapped in a towel, hair half-dry, his torso bare, his muscles beautifully contoured.

He didn't notice the strange looks Maria had. He smiled, voice low as if he was holding back his desire. "Feeling any better?"

Maria bit her lip, numb with shock.

Richard took her silence for consent. He swept her up, carried her to the bed, and leaned over her.

Maria sank into the soft bed. Before she could push Richard away, he had her in his arms.

His embrace exuded a woody cologne scent. It was her favorite. He had been wearing that scent for seven years after she made an offhand comment about it.

Two days ago, she wouldn't have believed her marriage was a sham, or that he didn't love her.

But now…

"Relax," Richard murmured, holding her hands tight. Their palms met as he planted a trail of kisses along her neck.

Only when his warm hands heated her back did Maria shiver, snap back to herself, and shove him away hard. She sat up, enduring the ache in her chest.

"I don't feel well. I don't want to do this."

She got up and left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Richard frowned and stared at the closed door, lost in thought.

-

Maria went into the next room. Jonathan called after her from the living room, but she ignored him. Her fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone and scrolled to her latest social post. The marriage certificate stung her eyes.

She had just posted it a few days ago—a photo of her and Richard marking their seventh anniversary. She remembered the date clearly: September ninth. It was a meaningful date. They had rushed to the registry office, snapped the pictures, and then gone straight to the ceremony.

Trent had personally delivered the certificate and offered his blessings. He had even left a congratulatory comment under the post. He had also given it a like and commented right under her status, wishing them to grow old together.

Eleanor must be back by now, right?

Trent would see the photo and probably laugh at how blind Maria had been, how she had been fooled for seven years without noticing.

Maria's eyes were red as she tried hard to force those tears back. She blamed herself for being blind and lied to for seven years. From now on, she would disappear quietly and spend the time she had left with her brother, Willow. She would let Richard have what he wanted.

Dragging her feet, Maria began to lie down, but a call from her doctor interrupted her.

"Mrs. Shaw, I've reviewed your test results," the doctor said. "The tumor was discovered too late, and you've had no prior treatment. You are not fit to travel, either by air or sea."

Maria's heart tightened. "Not even by sea?"

"No. First, you haven't started any conservative treatment, so your body can't withstand travel. Second, your route would involve higher altitudes that could trigger your brain cancer's symptoms."

The doctor's tone was grave and certain.

Maria held her phone tight. "If I can't fly or take a ship, how am I supposed to leave?"

"Do you have to leave immediately?" the doctor asked.

Maria pressed her lips together. Richard's true love had returned. Why stay to be pushed out, to be abandoned by husband and son?

"I have to leave. Please help me, no matter how hard it is. Money isn't a problem," she answered softly but firmly.

The doctor sighed. "I'll put together a ten-day treatment plan. If you respond well, you might be able to travel afterwards. Maybe even fly."

Ten days…

Maria's face fell. She did not want to stay that long, not with everything so uncertain. But she had no choice but to cooperate with the doctor.

-

The next morning, when Maria came out, the living room smelled of breakfast.

Richard was swatting at Jonathan's hand. "Your mom's not awake yet. Wait until she comes out."

Jonathan pouted and rubbed his hand.

Maria gripped the doorknob, surprised they had not left. "Can't you two just go home?"

Richard was taken aback, then came over and lowered his voice. "I know Jonny was out of line yesterday, and you should teach him a lesson. But you look exhausted and unwell. I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone."

Maria paused. She hadn't expected him to insist on staying.

She turned away, her eyes lowered. "If you don't agree, I won't go back."

Richard's expression cooled; he didn't understand why Maria was suddenly so stubborn this time, refusing even to look at their son.

Maria grabbed her coat, saying she was going for a run.

"When I get back, clear away leftovers and take out the trash," she added.

Jonathan watched her go, noticing she had not once looked his way. His heart tightened.

"Mom!" he called.

But she ignored him and slammed the door.

Father and son exchanged glances. Richard's face turned cold. "Eat your eggs and milk, then go to school. If you can't get your mom back tonight, don't bother coming home."

Jonathan didn't dare to say a word and quietly nodded.

The maids packed Jonathan's bag and took him to school while Richard left for work.

Maria wandered for two hours. When she returned, the hotel suite was indeed empty. She changed rooms at the front desk immediately, then went to the hospital to talk to the doctor about her treatment plan.

Around five or six in the evening, Mr. Graham called in a panic. "Madam, where are you? Come back right away. Master Jonathan is sick, and I can't reach Master Richard!"

Maria's eyes flickered, but she answered coolly, "Call the family doctor. I can't treat him."

"But Master Jonathan fainted. He's breaking out in cold sweat and keeps calling for you."

Maria stopped in her tracks. She exhaled slowly. "Are you sure he's calling for me? Not someone else?"

Mr. Graham hesitated, suddenly unsettled. He glanced at Jonathan, who was nearby, faking his symptoms and watching him perform. He wasn't sure how to answer that.

"Ma-Madam… You're his mother. Who else would he call?"

But Maria had already hung up.

Jonathan's eyes opened wide. "Mom isn't coming home?"

Mr. Graham could only nod.

Jonathan's face flushed red. "She's changed! She doesn't care about me at all. I only said a few mean things to her at school! She's so petty!"

"Please, Master Jonathan," the butler whispered, "if Master Richard finds out, he'll be angry again."

Still fuming, Jonathan plopped onto a stool. He huffed and pulled out his phone. "If Mom won't come, I'll call Eleanor to help with my homework. I don't need her!"

By then, Maria had arrived downstairs at Shaw Group. She found Richard and handed him her resignation letter. Richard's finger hovered over the signature on the lower right.

He looked up, baffled. "You're basically a figurehead here. Why resign all of a sudden?"

Maria's nails dug into her palm as she searched for an excuse.

Richard suddenly sprang to his feet and stepped toward her. Startled, she backed away. At the same time, the sounds of high heels clicking on the floor in the hallway echoed.

"Richard, Jonny just called. He's all alone, so I'm going back early…"

The door swung open, and Eleanor froze at the sight of Maria.

Maria's face drained of color. In Richard's usually unreadable eyes, she caught a flicker of guilt and panic.

Chapter 7

Maria's eyes trembled.

Eleanor sounded so natural just now, like a wife talking to her husband about their son.

Sunny Villa had been Maria and Richard's home for seven years, but the way Eleanor spoke made it feel like she was coming back to her home—not Maria's.

And Jonathan, knowing Maria would worry about him so much, still lied about being sick to get her back…

Maria's heart froze, turning ice-cold.

Richard's face tightened, his tone laced with concern. "Maria, Eleanor only works at the company because…"

"You've got it all wrong, Maria," Eleanor cut in, stepping forward and warmly taking Maria's hand. "I'm just filling in for the secretary, Ivy Hill. I'll be here for just a few days while she takes care of her family during an emergency."

Maria yanked Eleanor's hand back, her voice flat. "Did I say I misunderstood anything?"

Eleanor's face stiffened for an instant before she smiled softly. "Jonny called me just now, saying you won't go back to help him with his homework. If he doesn't finish it, his teacher will scold him again tomorrow. Maybe don't quarrel with the boy? His studies matter more…"

"Enough. Don't blame her." Richard's voice cut in, silencing Eleanor.

He looked at Maria, worry evident in his eyes, though his tone allowed no refusal. "We'll talk about your resignation tomorrow. It's late, so I'll take you home now."

A ringing was already filling Maria's ears.

She knew what came next. The nausea.

Every time her emotions spiked, her body reacted.

Maria forced herself to stay steady. "I'll collect the resignation letter tomorrow. Remember to sign it."

"Mari…"

Richard reached for her. His fingers brushed her cool silk jacket, leaving only a trace of chill.

Maria walked away quickly, unwilling to hear another word from them. On her way out, she noticed a new office next door.

Though she rarely came to the company, she remembered Ivy's office was tucked at the end of the hall. Richard had never liked anyone walking around and disturbing him near his office.

But now, there was bold lettering on the neighboring office's door. CEO's Executive Assistant: Eleanor Cooper.

This was the so-called "helping for a few days."

Bitterness welled up in Maria's chest as she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button. Just then, Mr. Graham's video call came through.

Maria answered. The sight of Jonathan, crying with blood running down his forehead, entered her eyes.

"Madam! Please come home! Master Jonathan is really hurting this time!"

One minute later, Maria burst out of the elevator. She quickened her pace into a run, the wind howling by her ears as she remembered what had happened in the past.

When Jonathan was three, he had hurt his head while playing in the garden. Wracked with guilt, Maria had carried him all the way to the hospital as he bawled. The doctor stitched him up, and Jonathan stopped crying. He was trembling from the pain, but he would wipe her tears with his tiny hands.

"Don't cry, Mom. Jonny loves you," he had said.

Now, the injury was in the very same place.

A tear slipped from the corner of Maria's eye. She could reject the Jonathan of today, but not the three-year-old Jonny from her memory.

-

Sunny Villa glowed brightly.

When Maria arrived, the air reeked of blood. Jonathan was still hiccupping with sobs as the family doctor finished dressing his wound. At the sight of Maria, his crying only grew louder.

"Mom, I'm dying! You only came back now that I'm dying!"

Maria rushed over. "You're not dying. Let me see your injury."

Jonathan leaned closer. It was only a scrape, though deep enough to look frightening. Maria sighed in relief and bent to blow on it, only for Jonathan to shove her away.

"Eleanor!"

Maria froze.

Ignoring his wound, Jonathan threw himself into Eleanor's arms, whining, "Eleanor, my head's hurt! It hurts a lot! Blow on it, please? If you blow, it won't hurt."

Eleanor cuddled him tenderly and blew a few times on his head. "Good boy. Better now?"

"Yeah! It doesn't hurt so much when you blow," Jonathan beamed.

Maria's lips went pale, bile rising in her throat.

Eleanor stroked Jonathan's hair and looked at Maria with a pointed smile. "I bought children's painkillers while I'm on the way here. If he still hurts tomorrow, make sure he takes one. It doesn't increase drug resistance."

Her tone was that of a mistress giving orders to a servant. Maria's eyes are even colder. "I don't live here. Go tell someone else."

"Uh…" Mr. Graham rubbed his hands awkwardly, not sure how to break the ice between them, just in time for Richard to come in after parking his car.

Jonathan let Richard inspect the wound, then glanced at Maria and demanded, "Mom, go wash some fruit. Dad and Eleanor love grapes. I want an apple!"

Before the words even settled, Richard smacked the back of his head lightly. "Who are you bossing around? You're getting ruder and ruder to your mother lately. Apologize."

Eleanor rushed to shield the boy, her eyes full of disagreement. "He's just a kid, and he's hurt. Richard, don't…"

Maria didn't want to hear more. She grabbed her purse, nearly vomiting as she bent down. Pressure pounded in her skull, but she forced back the nausea and headed for the door.

"Mari, are you alright?"

Richard caught her arm, then looked at Eleanor. "Go home. Our family affairs aren't your concern. Don't come so often."

Eleanor suddenly looked up, and her expression shifted.

Richard turned away, voice lowered as though afraid to startle Maria. "You don't look well. I'll take you to the hospital."

Without waiting, he guided her out.

The nausea overwhelmed Maria, and she shoved him off. She covered her mouth with her hand and rushed upstairs to the bathroom. Kneeling by the toilet, she vomited up mouthfuls of water.

The vomiting echoed downstairs. Richard's face tightened, and he hurried upstairs.

Behind him, Eleanor's weak voice drifted. "Richard…"

He stopped, frowning. "What's wrong?"

Jonathan, forgetting his own injury, rushed to support Eleanor. "Are you okay?"

Eleanor swayed, collapsed onto the sofa, and her breathing quickened. Clutching her chest, she gasped, "My…my chest, it hurts… so much…"

Mr. Graham cried, "Ms. Eleanor has heart disease, right? Is she having an attack? Sir, what should we do?"

Upstairs, Maria rinsed her mouth and opened the bathroom door—just in time to see Jonathan tugging desperately at Richard's sleeve.

"Mom just has her usual nausea. Don't worry about her! Eleanor will die if she doesn't get to the hospital!"

Chapter 8

Eleanor held her chest, her frail body looking like it might collapse at any second.

Richard immediately held her up, his face darkening as he saw her lips drain of color. "Graham, have the driver get the car ready!"

"No, I don't need the hospital." Eleanor's voice shook with pain, her gaze lifting toward the second floor. From the corner upstairs, she could see a sliver of fabric peeking out. She curled her lips into the faintest smile. "You'd better go check on Maria."

Richard frowned, hesitating.

Jonathan jumped in quickly. "Mom's fine. She just throws up a lot lately. She's like that since forever. Eleanor, Dad and I will take you to the hospital!"

Remembering that Maria's doctor had said it was only minor, Richard nodded. "I'll take you first."

The words of father and son drifted clearly upstairs. The nausea in Maria's stomach surged harder. This time, she didn't head back into the bathroom and vomited. Watching the car roll away, the ache in her chest outweighed the physical pain.

A maid nearby, seeing her pale face, tried to comfort her out of pity. "Madam, don't worry. Master Richard is yours. No one can take him away."

Maria gave a faint smile, turning to her. "So, you can see it too? That soon, he won't be mine at all?"

While Richard fretted over his true love, he probably never imagined that Maria didn't have much time left to live.

True, a dying woman should stop being such an eyesore. Maria might as well hand over the role of Mrs. Shaw and that of Jonathan's mother to Eleanor. After all, Jonathan's heart was already with her.

Dragging her powerless steps downstairs, she met Mr. Graham coming back after closing the gate. When he saw Maria trying to leave, he said, "Madam, Master Richard just said you should wait here for him. He has something to tell you."

"Then tell me on the phone," Maria replied, leaving without looking back.

At the hospital, Eleanor lay in bed after her checkup. The doctor assured them it was nothing serious, and only then did Richard relax.

He glanced at his watch. "Get some rest here. I'll…"

"Sorry for troubling you. It seems I also caused some conflict between you and Maria today, didn't I?" Eleanor cut in with a strained smile, as if she couldn't tell of his impatience.

Richard looked at Jonathan, who had dozed off beside her, and lowered his voice. "No. Rest well. I'll explain things to Maria myself."

"There's no need. As long as I leave again, you two won't have any problems. It's only because of me that you two never got your marriage certificate." Eleanor lowered her head, her eyes red.

Richard paused, listening to her words made him think back to seven years ago.

His grandmother's pressure and Eleanor's sudden disappearance, leaving him unable to file the divorce papers no matter how much he tried…

"It's all in the past. Don't blame yourself," he said calmly. "When you left without a word, I never held it against you."

"But I blame myself!" Eleanor's voice rose in sudden tension. "I know how your grandmother forced you to marry me. After I saved her life, she thought I was kind and dependable, that you'd be safe with me."

Eleanor sighed and couldn't help but sob. "It's my fault. Saving her terrified me so much that I ended up with this heart condition. After we got the certificate, I didn't want to drag you down. I was afraid you wouldn't want me, so I left for treatment abroad…"

Hearing her mention his grandmother, Richard's face softened further. "I truly don't blame you. Don't carry this burden. What matters is that your health is stable now. After all, you helped our family."

Eleanor lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with hope. "I didn't just help your family. I'm also your…"

"We should take time to finalize the divorce papers," Richard interrupted, his tone cool. "I couldn't find you all these years, but now that you're back, I should tell Maria the truth and get our marriage certificate reissued."

The obvious distance in Richard's voice left Eleanor speechless. Under the covers, her hands clenched tight.

Forcing a brittle smile, she whispered, "Of…of course. You've found the one you truly love and built a home with her. It's only right that I step aside."

"That's right." Richard stood up. "Rest well. I'll take Jonny home now."

"Alright," Eleanor murmured, biting her lip.

As soon as he carried the boy out, her expression turned extremely cold. Rubbing her temples, her frailty vanished. She pulled out her phone and made a call.

"Hello, I need a medical record forged."

-

Back at the hotel, Maria turned off her phone the moment she arrived. The next morning, as she came downstairs, the front desk called her.

"Mrs. Shaw, a Mr. Shaw came by around midnight. As you instructed, I told him you've already checked out."

Maria gave a grateful smile. "Thank you for covering for me. Sorry to trouble you."

The receptionist smiled easily. "Not at all. But… That was your husband, wasn't it? He seemed really anxious when he was here yesterday."

Maria's smile faded, and she only nodded vaguely before leaving.

Anxious?

Whatever his reason, even if he had been worried, Maria didn't need it anymore.

In Richard's world, she had never been first.

He was worried about her, but he had to send Eleanor off first.

He would worry about her absence, yet still spent the night at the hospital with Eleanor.

The feeling of being forever placed last… It was meaningless.

Maria got into a car and went straight to the mall.

Last night, she received her full treatment plan from her doctor. It included what medications to take, when to take them, and other precautions. All of them were typed out by the doctor personally.

He had also warned her that the headaches, vomiting, and blurred vision were nothing compared to what was to come. In two months, even surgery wouldn't help her. Once her motor or speech nerves were compressed, she would lose the ability to talk or even to live independently.

Maria still chose no surgery. She wouldn't gamble on a fifty-fifty chance. Instead, she wanted to spend her remaining time abroad with family.

She was grateful, too, for having such a compassionate doctor. He had spent hours persuading her last night, probably losing sleep himself.

Wanting to show her thanks, she headed to the mall to buy him a gift to show her sincerity. However, she hadn't expected to run straight into someone she didn't want to see.

In the distance stood a woman in a red coat, nearly forty. Maria froze, then turned to leave.

But the woman's sharp eyes caught her, and she strode quickly over.

"Stop!"

Maria halted. Forced to turn back, she greeted the woman softly.

"Catelyn."

Chapter 9

The woman standing in front of Maria was Richard's aunt, Catelyn.

If Richard's friend Trent was the sort who smiled and called her Mrs. Shaw in the open but didn't think anything of her in private, then Catelyn was blunt and consistent. The woman was openly hostile from day one.

Since Maria married Richard, she had never seen a kind look from Catelyn.

Catelyn had called Maria a homewrecker in private more than once, saying Maria was someone who slept her way up, got pregnant, and forced Richard to take responsibility. Maria was upset, but no matter how Maria tried to explain, she never won Catelyn's respect.

Catelyn was Richard's only living relative, so Maria had to tolerate her.

At the time, Maria couldn't understand why Catelyn spoke so harshly to her.

Now, she did. All along, Catelyn had been telling the truth.

The woman who was actually Richard's legal wife and had a marriage certificate with him was Eleanor. Maria was indeed an outsider occupying someone else's place—except she had been kept in the dark by Richard for seven whole years.

"I see you run the moment you spot me. Why are you running?" Catelyn scowled, arms crossed.

Maria lowered her eyes, too tired to start a conflict with this woman. "No, I just didn't see you there."

Catelyn scoffed. "Yeah, sure! Drop the act! Look at you. You look terrible. Bad mood lately?"

Maria was surprised to hear even a hint of concern, but the next second, Catelyn sneered,

"Of course, Richard's real wife is back. You're panicking since you're losing ground, aren't you?"

Maria choked slightly. She looked up at Catelyn, unable to stop herself from asking, "If you knew, why didn't you ever tell me?"

Catelyn paused, then laughed. "If Richard wasn't afraid you'd leave if you found out, that his kid's mother would also leave on top of the one he loved gone, do you think I'd help him hide it all these years? I'd have told you straight out that you're just a homewrecker!"

Her voice was so loud that people passing by couldn't help but look over.

Maria clenched her fists, fighting to stay calm. "I'm not a homewrecker! If I'd known they were married, I never would've been with Richard."

"You stole someone's husband and took the position of Mrs. Shaw for seven years, but now you want to act all righteous? Aren't you ashamed at all?" Catelyn barked; she just wouldn't let up, her words getting nastier by the second.

Maria didn't want to argue. She turned to leave, but Catelyn pulled her back by her arm.

"If you know what's good for you, step aside! Don't cling to Richard. If it isn't because he wants to give his son a family, do you think he'd marry you in the first place?"

Maria's face went even paler. The words were nails driven into her heart. She shook off Catelyn's grip, steadying herself. "Don't worry, I'll leave. I'll disappear for good."

Catelyn rolled her eyes with a scoff. "You say that now, but you're full of lies. If you really are asked to leave, you'll use every trick in the book not to. But just you wait—Richard will reveal everything soon and make you leave!"

Maria took a deep breath. Everyone thought she couldn't let go of Richard, that she would do anything to stay.

But she knew herself best. She had always been someone who could let go of things completely.

If, when she got pregnant, Richard had told her about his marriage, she would have left. Whether she kept the baby or raised it alone, she would never have forced him to take responsibility.

She could love someone who didn't love her back, but she could never raise a child with another woman's husband.

Maria looked at Catelyn. "Fine, as you wish. I'll leave."

Catelyn was surprised by the resolve in Maria's eyes, but soon sneered again. "This morning, Richard called and asked me to introduce him to a famous wedding dress designer. Do you know what that means?"

Maria's heart skipped a beat.

"It means Richard isn't just dumping you, he's going to welcome Eleanor back openly with a grand wedding. If you stick around, you'll only embarrass yourself in the end!"

Catelyn looked at Maria, arms crossed, eyes full of glee.

Maria almost bit her lip to keep from crying.

When she got pregnant, Richard had insisted on marrying her, but their wedding was rushed—just a banquet at some hotel. Her wedding dress wasn't custom-made; it was just a simple dress bought off the rack.

All this while, she had dreamed of wearing a real wedding gown. It had become a small regret of hers.

She had never told Richard about it, but now, he was planning a lavish wedding for Eleanor, with a dress from a top designer while keeping her on a leash.

It was obvious who really mattered to him after that comparison.

No. She had never earned a place in his heart.

Maria found it laughable. She was about to speak when a familiar, deep voice came from behind.

"Aunt Catelyn. What are you two doing together?" Richard walked over quickly, first checking Maria's face.

The manager for the mall had told him a few minutes ago that Maria was here. He dropped everything and rushed over, afraid she was upset by last night or had other plans she wouldn't share with him.

Seeing Catelyn there, he grew even more nervous. Catelyn and Maria never got along. There was always conflict whenever they met.

He pulled Maria behind him, separating them. "What are you talking about? Nothing harsh, I hope?"

Catelyn's eyes darted, a little guilty. Afraid Maria would complain first, she quickly said, "What can I possibly say? I just ran into her and we had a chat, that's all."

"Is that so?" Richard asked, looking to Maria for confirmation.

Maria just stared at the ground, refusing to meet his eyes. She didn't want to talk to him.

Last night, Richard must have gone home to rest after going to the hotel for her, and never saw the letter she left in his study.

She was just waiting for him to find that letter, so everything could finally end. In the world of adults, there was no need to spell out things that couldn't be shown in the light.

Maria tried to leave, but Richard caught up and blocked her way. "Wait. You left last night without a word. I think we need to talk."

"I don't want to," Maria said coldly.

Richard stepped in front of her again, but before he could say more, his phone rang. He glanced down.

Maria instinctively peeked at the screen and saw a name in bold.

"Wedding Dress Designer Linda."

Chapter 10

Maria's breathing grew heavier as her hands trembled.

Right at that moment, Richard instinctively pulled his phone away, as if he was afraid she would see the screen. "Mari…"

"You should answer your call first," Maria said, not wanting to look at him anymore.

Richard frowned, turning away to take the call. On the other end, the designer's voice came through. "Mr. Shaw, I've sent the initial wedding dress styles to your email. Let me know if you want any changes."

Richard replied quietly, "I'll get back to you. Please don't call me directly next time. I want to surprise my wife."

When he hung up and turned around, Maria was already gone.

Catelyn stopped Richard and wouldn't let him leave. "Did Eleanor stay in the hospital last night? Hurry and come with me to buy something for her. If it wasn't for her saving your grandma, she wouldn't have this heart problem!"

Richard looked around for Maria, but she was nowhere to be found, so he had no choice but to go with Catelyn.

From a gift shop nearby, Maria watched them leave before stepping out herself. She calmly picked up her gift and headed to the hospital to deliver it to her doctor.

As she passed by the inpatient department, she happened to see Catelyn coming out of a hospital ward. It was clearly Eleanor's. Maria's fingers curled tight, but she couldn't help but glance inside as she walked by.

What she saw stopped her in her tracks.

Eleanor was leaning weakly against Richard's shoulder, hand pressed to her heart like she was truly in sorrow. Richard's back was to the door, so Maria couldn't see his face, but his motionless posture said everything about how much he cared for her.

At that moment, Maria's heart went completely cold.

She left quickly, not wanting to look back. Just as she stepped into the elevator, she bumped into Catelyn again.

Catelyn folded her arms, smirking. "They really are made for each other. Got that?"

Maria blankly pressed the elevator button, ignoring Catelyn. Whether they were a perfect match or not had nothing to do with her. She could leave for good in ten days, anyway.

On the way back, Maria had the driver take her to the company.

Whenever Richard wasn't around, the secretary Ivy usually took care of things. With Ivy being away, the only one who could approve of her resignation was Mr. Wright from the board.

Maria went straight to him and said she wanted to resign. Mr. Wright was unsurprised, but curious.

He smiled and said, "Did you and Richard have a fight? Why resign so suddenly? Your position is just a title anyway, and you don't need to come to work. Whether you resign or not doesn't matter, right?"

Everyone reacted this way and said the same things.

Maria kept her face calm, hoping that she could cut herself clean from Richard's life. "I just don't want to be too involved with the company. Some rumors are going around, and I don't want people to get the wrong idea. It's better for me to step down, focus on my family, take care of our son, and not get involved with anything else."

Mr. Wright didn't suspect a thing and stamped her resignation with the board's seal. "Alright, just bring this to HR. But why the rush? Did you tell Richard?"

Maria nodded with a hum. "He'll see the paperwork when he comes to the office. He's busy lately, and I don't want to bother him. Thank you, Mr. Wright."

With that, she dropped off the form at HR and left.

After finishing everything behind Richard's back, Maria finally felt a bit of relief. By the time she left the office, it was already quite late.

Outside, the city lights reflected on every hurried face. Everyone had somewhere to belong, but Maria had none. She was just drifting by, with all her family and her family's company overseas.

If it hadn't been for Richard, she never would have come back here, never would have given up her career to become a housewife.

And what did she get for it?

She gave everything, only to end up abandoned without a care.

Everyone saw her as a joke. Everyone knew she and Richard weren't really married. They toyed with her like a fool.

Silent and lost in thought, Maria wandered down the street until her phone rang. Seeing Trent's name, she remembered the things he had said to Richard in the office and clenched her phone. The disdain on his face when he mentioned her stabbed in her chest.

Maria hung up without hesitation.

But the phone kept ringing persistently, as if he wouldn't stop until she picked up.

Taking a deep breath and calming down her beating heart, she finally answered.

Trent's loud voice came through, "What are you up to, Maria? Come to the bar! We're drinking, but Richard's already drunk. No one's taking him home."

Maria used to think of Trent as her closest friend here. He was Richard's best friend, and had always made her feel welcome. His warmth made her feel like he was family.

Now, to realize she had ever thought of him as a real friend made her sick.

Her voice turned cold and distant, "Just get a driver for him. I'm busy."

Trent sounded surprised; obviously, he didn't expect her to say that. He chuckled again. "You'll have to do it. There's no one else to drive him home. You should come over. If Richard doesn't get home, you and Jonny will be worried, right?"

Before she could reply, Trent hung up, making it clear he expected her to come.

Maria hadn't planned to care, but then she remembered how Trent and his girlfriend had come to her and Richard to settle a breakup not long ago. During their argument, his girlfriend had left her necklace behind at their house. Maria had picked it up.

Richard wouldn't think about giving Trent's girlfriend back the necklace.

Maria had no choice but to go home, grab the necklace, and set out to deliver it to Trent so he could give it back to his girlfriend.

At home, as soon as Jonathan saw Maria, he put down his handheld console and ran to her. "Mom!"

Maria ignored him, walking past him like the wind. Jonathan was stunned, then hurried after her to the door. He watched Maria walk away; she refused to look back.

Frustrated, he yelled, "Mom, I'm starting to hate you! I like Eleanor more!"

Maria paused for a moment, but kept going.

"If Eleanor were my mom, I'd never bother with you! You're the worst!"

Maria finally stopped, took a deep breath, and turned around. She looked at Jonathan, her face cold. Jonathan's eyes lit up, a little smug.

Whenever he had said he hated her before, Maria would always get flustered and upset, rushing to comfort him and explain.

He was sure she would do the same now.