Chapter 1

After four years with Killian, I got pregnant.

I took the pregnancy test and my ID to a private hospital to set up a file, but when entering insurance information, I was stopped by the blonde administrative specialist.

"Mrs. Smith, the system shows there is a problem with your marital status."

She looked at me awkwardly.

"Your marriage to Mr. Killian is not legally effective."

I was stunned and instinctively retorted, "That's impossible. We registered in Las Vegas, all the procedures were..."

"There is only an application record, no final signed effective document."

The specialist turned the screen around and tapped the keyboard a few times.

"Moreover, Mr. Killian's legal wife... shows another lady's name."

That name was like a thorn, piercing fiercely into my retina.

Elena.

Killian's personal secretary, and also publicly recognized as the benefactor who saved his life in the Alps avalanche five years ago.

I felt all the blood in my body flowing backward.

How could it be her?

Chapter 1

When I walked out of the hospital, it started raining heavily in New York.

I didn't use an umbrella, letting the cold rain soak through my body.

Just as determined as I was four years ago when I knelt at the entrance of the family manor in the rain at night to be with Killian, begging my father to sever ties.

Back then, I was a full scholarship winner at a famous Ivy League school and the heir the family had high hopes for.

But for Killian Smith, for this illegitimate son who was then rejected by his family and had nothing, I gave up my studies, turned my back on my family, and even became a joke in the upper-class circles.

I thought we were true love sharing weal and woe.

Until I sat in the stretch Lincoln sent by Killian.

Watching this man I loved recklessly looking at me with that familiar, gentle yet helpless gaze.

"Halen, don't get caught in the rain, you'll catch a cold."

Killian took off his expensive custom suit jacket and considerately draped it over me, his movements impeccably gentlemanly.

He was always like this, emotionally stable and elegant, even when stabbing me in the back.

"You know?"

He asked, his tone as calm as if discussing tomorrow's weather.

"Why is it Elena?"

I asked tremblingly.

"Why is our marriage legally invalid? Why is she your wife?"

Killian sighed, reached out to pull me into his arms, his fingers gently running through my soaked long hair.

"Halen, you are always so serious."

He lowered his head and kissed my forehead, a coaxing tone in his voice.

"That's just a piece of paper. You know, the only person I love is you. My future, my children, everything I have is yours."

"Why bother arguing over a mere title with a dying person?"

I pushed him away in disbelief.

"A dying person?"

"Elena's brain cancer has relapsed."

A flash of grief and pity passed through Killian's eyes.

"The doctor said she has at most half a year left. She has had a hard life. Five years ago in the Alps, if she hadn't pushed you away and dug me out of the snow, carrying me for three days and three nights, we would have died long ago."

"Those legs that saved me were left disabled due to frostbite."

"Now she is dying, and her only wish is to leave this world decently as 'Mrs. Killian'."

Killian looked at me, a hint of blame actually in his gaze, as if looking at an ignorant child.

"Halen, she saved us. One must know gratitude."

"She just wants a title. Once she's gone in half a year, that position will naturally still be yours."

"You already have enough. Why can't you be a bit more generous and fulfill her final dignity?"

"So I fulfill her wish, who will fulfill mine?"

I looked at this affectionate man, suddenly feeling my stomach churning.

"For you, I betrayed my family and friends, gave up my degree, and followed you without any status for four years."

"Now I'm pregnant with your child, yet you tell me that to repay a debt of gratitude, I must be that shady mistress?"

Killian frowned, seemingly finding my words too harsh.

"No one says you are a mistress. In everyone's eyes, you are the mistress here."

He patiently held my hand again, his palm warm and dry, but unable to warm my heart.

"Elena even promised that she wouldn't intervene in our lives. She just wants to close her eyes looking at the marriage certificate."

"Halen, don't be so cold-blooded. If I refuse her, I will carry a debt of conscience for a lifetime."

"You also don't want your husband to be an ungrateful person, right?"

I looked at him.

Watching him take it for granted, even with a bit of self-righteousness.

He really felt he was doing the right thing.

He really felt that hurting me to repay another woman's kindness was a gentleman's character.

But I knew better the means of that woman named Elena.

Five years ago in the Alps, Killian was in a coma due to altitude sickness and didn't remember what happened at all.

But after waking up, everyone said it was Elena who saved Killian.

For these five years, Elena always appeared weak, forbearing, and undisputed.

Whenever Killian and I argued, she was always the first to stand up as a "peacemaker", saying "It's all my fault, don't hurt your relationship because of me".

Just like now.

Killian's phone rang. It was Elena calling.

He pressed the speakerphone, and the carriage immediately filled with that woman's weak and sensible voice:

"Killian, are you explaining to Halen?"

"If she minds... then forget it."

"I don't want to destroy your relationship because of my last willful wish. It doesn't matter if I die alone in the hospital..."

Listen, what a perfect victim.

Killian's gaze instantly softened, carrying a hint of protectiveness for the weak.

He spoke gently to the phone:

"Don't overthink, focus on recuperating. Halen isn't such an unreasonable person, she has already agreed."

After speaking, he hung up the phone and turned to look at me.

There was unquestionable pressure in his eyes, and a hint of encouragement expecting me to be "sensible".

"See, she is always thinking of you like this."

Killian said.

"Halen, just this half year. When she's gone, I will give you a grand wedding, okay?"

I looked at the retreating scenery outside the car window, at this bustling and indifferent city.

The place in my heart felt like it was being sawed open bit by bit by a rusty dull knife.

For him, I abandoned my dignity, abandoned myself.

In exchange, for the sake of repaying kindness, he handed over the position of wife that belonged to me to someone else.

And I still had to smile and say "it's okay", otherwise I would be cold-blooded, ignorant.

I touched my still flat lower abdomen.

There was a little life there, coming at really the wrong time.

But I suddenly smiled, yet tears slid down the corners of my eyes.

"Okay."

I heard myself say in a dry voice.

"Killian, since you want to repay kindness, then I will fulfill your righteousness."

Killian breathed a sigh of relief, his face showing that charming, doting smile again.

He leaned over to kiss my cheek, praising:

"I knew it, my Halen is the kindest, most sensible woman."

He didn't know.

At this moment, all my love for him thoroughly died in this heavy rain with that "okay".

---

Three days later, as the nominal mistress of the Smith family, I took Killian's arm and attended a charity dinner in Manhattan.

Even if that was a fake marriage certificate, in the eyes of outsiders, I was still Killian's only partner.

Or rather, the only trophy.

Halfway through the banquet, Killian let go of my hand.

"I'm going to see a partner, I'll be back soon."

He tucked the loose hair behind my ear for me, his movements gentle as if treating a fragile piece of porcelain.

"Wait for me here obediently, don't run around, and don't drink cold wine."

I watched his tall back disappear into the crowd, the corner of my mouth curling into an ironic arc.

Ten minutes passed.

Twenty minutes passed.

He didn't come back.

As if possessed, I avoided the noisy crowd and walked to the secluded terrace on the second floor.

The heavy velvet curtains were half-closed. Through the gap, I saw that figure that made me sick.

It was Elena.

She actually ran out of the hospital.

She was wearing a thin hospital gown, with only a black suit jacket belonging to a man draped over it—that was Killian's.

In the cold wind, she was shivering, that pale small face looking pitiful, like a little white flower about to wither.

And Killian stood in front of her, frowning, looking helpless.

"Killian... I can't make it..."

Elena cried and threw herself into his arms, her hands clutching his shirt collar tightly, her fingertips turning white from the force.

"My head hurts so much... it's so cold here..."

"Look into my eyes, Killian, I am your wife... how can you not want me..."

Killian didn't push her away.

He let her hold him, his voice low and forbearing: "Elena, you should go back to the hospital. The car is already downstairs."

"I won't go!"

Elena suddenly screamed, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Killian's lips almost crazily.

At that moment, I felt my heart stop beating.

Just when I thought Killian would fling her away like pushing away any offender.

He didn't.

He just reached out, held Elena's shoulders, not using much strength, even arguably gently, slowly pulling her away.

"Enough."

Killian said softly, "Stop making a scene."

My handbag slipped to the ground, making a muffled sound.

The two people on the terrace turned their heads at the same time.

The moment he saw me, a flash of panic finally crossed Killian's originally calm face.

But he quickly regained his composure.

He didn't even let go of the hand supporting Elena immediately, but first tightened the suit on her more before turning to look at me.

"Halen, why are you here?"

I stood in the wind, cold all over.

"Shouldn't I be here?" I pointed at the still sobbing Elena, "If I didn't come, how could I see such a wonderful scene?"

"In front of my face, is this what you said about 'not intervening in our lives'?"

Killian strode towards me, his tall body blocking my view of Elena.

His expression was serious, brows slightly furrowed, as if looking at an unreasonable child.

"Halen, keep your voice down."

He lowered his voice, with a warning of disapproval in his tone.

"This is a public place, don't let people see a joke."

"A joke?" I was shocked by his words, "The one being forcibly kissed is you, the one cheating is you, and now you think I'm a joke?"

"That wasn't a forced kiss, nor was it cheating."

Killian sighed, trying to take my hand, but I dodged.

His hand froze in mid-air, his gaze darkened, and he patiently explained:

"Elena is currently delirious. The doctor injected her with high doses of morphine and sedatives, these are side effects under the influence of drugs."

"She can't recognize people at all right now, she's just having an episode."

"She is a patient, Halen."

Killian looked at me, his eyes full of helplessness and blame, as if I were the cruel perpetrator.

"You are a healthy, rational normal person. You possess my complete love, possess a healthy body."

"Why bother arguing with a delirious dying person?"

"If your agitation causes her to have an episode and pass away here, you will bear a sense of guilt."

I looked at the man in front of me.

Even at this time, he still maintained that damn gentlemanly demeanor.

His logic was rigorous, impeccable.

He pushed all the dirty water onto "drugs" and "illness", picking himself clean.

And he stood on the moral high ground, accusing me of not being generous enough, not kind enough.

So, is this what it feels like to be loved by him?

Like arsenic wrapped in a layer of honey, sickly sweet and fatally toxic.

I took a deep breath, forcing back the tears about to burst forth.

I looked at Killian and suddenly revealed an extremely standard, fake smile.

"You're right, Killian."

"I shouldn't argue with a lunatic."

Killian's furrowed brows finally relaxed.

He touched my cheek with relief, his voice so gentle it could drip water:

"That's my good girl. I knew it, you are the most sensible."

"Go wait for me in the car, I'll come to keep you company after sending her into the ambulance."

Watching his back as he turned to support Elena, watching him carefully protect that woman's head from being blown by the wind.

I told myself in my heart, since Killian chose Elena.

Then I also had no reason to stay.

Chapter 2

I turned mechanically like a puppet whose soul had been drained and left that suffocating place.

All I wanted was to escape.

To escape this dazzling banquet, to escape the world that belonged to Killian and Elena.

I hid in the VIP lounge at the end of the second floor, wanting to calm my trembling hands and retrieve my coat.

Before the door could close, a slender hand blocked it.

It was Elena.

Her hospital gown looked jarring against Killian's black suit jacket, but the pitiful expression on her face was gone.

Replacing it was a chilling smugness.

"Sis Halen, leaving so soon?"

She locked the door and approached me step by step.

"Killian is still socializing downstairs, aren't you going to wait for him?"

I looked at her coldly.

"Move. I don't want to talk to you."

"Don't be so fierce."

Elena chuckled lightly, her fingers stroking the suit jacket that carried the scent of Killian's cologne.

"I just came to inform you. The birthday trip Killian promised you... the trip to Iceland to see the aurora tomorrow night, is mine now."

I looked up sharply.

"What did you say?"

"I said, I'm going to Iceland."

Elena leaned close to my ear, her voice lowered to a whisper, like a hissing venomous snake.

"I said I wanted to see the aurora, that it was my dying wish. Killian agreed without a second thought."

"As for you? You saw it too, just now on the terrace, he couldn't even bear to push me away."

"Halen, admit it. On his scale, a single tear of mine weighs much more than your dignity."

She didn't look like a seriously ill patient at all, even aggressively approaching me.

I raised my hand, wanting to push away her encroaching body.

Just as my fingertips touched the corner of her clothes.

Elena's expression suddenly changed.

She abruptly grabbed the glass of red wine on the table, splashed it fiercely on her own face, and then fell backward screaming.

"Ah—!"

Accompanied by the crisp sound of the glass shattering, she fell heavily onto the carpet, her palm pressing on the broken glass, blood gushing out instantly.

"What's going on?!"

The door to the lounge was slammed open.

Killian rushed in.

"Killian... save me..."

Elena cried, trembling all over like a frightened little deer.

"I just... just wanted to explain to Halen what happened just now... wanted to beg for her forgiveness..."

"I didn't know mentioning the Iceland trip would make her so angry... I won't go... I won't go... you won't blame me, right..."

Killian's pupils contracted sharply.

He strode over me, knelt on one knee, and carefully cupped Elena's bleeding hand.

Then Killian slowly stood up and turned to look at me.

Those peach blossom eyes that were usually full of affection were now frosted over.

"Halen."

His voice was deep, carrying a unique oppressive feeling and disappointment of a superior.

"I always thought you were a sensible, well-bred woman."

"Killian, she splashed the wine herself, she fell herself! She's acting!"

I eagerly tried to explain, tried to grab his arm.

But Killian took a half step back, avoiding my touch.

That evasive movement hurt more than any verbal abuse.

"Acting?"

Killian sneered, pointing at the bloodstains on the floor.

"To act, she hurts herself all over? She is a late-stage brain cancer patient, she can't even stand steadily!"

"And you? Halen, you are a healthy, strong person."

"For two flight tickets, for a so-called 'birthday', you could lay such a cruel hand on a dying person?"

He shook his head, that expression as if judging a hopeless criminal.

"Your jealousy disappoints me too much."

"I didn't..."

"Enough."

Killian interrupted me, his tone returning to that cold gentlemanly demeanor.

"Since you care so much about that aurora trip, then fine."

"As punishment for your vicious behavior, this trip is cancelled."

"I will take Elena to Iceland to recuperate and complete her wish list."

"Killian! That was the birthday gift you promised me!"

I shouted in despair.

"Birthdays can be celebrated every year, but Elena doesn't have much time left."

There was even immense heartache in Killian's tone.

"This is the apology you owe her."

After saying that, he bent down and picked up Elena from the floor, his movements gentle as if holding a rare treasure.

Elena nestled in his arms, looking at me over his shoulder.

Tears hung on her face, but the corner of her mouth raised in a victor's smile.

Silently mouthing two words to me:

"Deserved it."

Killian carried her to the door, paused in his steps, but didn't look back.

"Halen, take a taxi back yourself."

"Don't appear in front of me for a while."

The door closed.

The world went quiet.

I stood in the empty lounge, looking at the glaring bloodstain on the carpet.

The child in my belly seemed to sense my sadness and kicked me hard.

It hurt.

But not even a ten-thousandth of the pain in my heart.

That night, I didn't know how I got home.

I only knew that when the bell struck midnight and my twenty-fourth birthday arrived.

My phone screen lit up.

It was a special follow notification from Instagram.

Killian posted a photo.

Under the sky full of green aurora, he held the heavily wrapped Elena, his back view heartbreakingly affectionate.

The caption was brief:

"Accompanying you to complete your final wish list. Next stop, Blue Lagoon."

I looked at those words and suddenly laughed out loud.

Laughing and laughing, tears smashed onto the cold floor.

One week later, I went alone to the best private obstetrics and gynecology hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

I originally wanted to do the first official prenatal checkup, wanted to listen to the heartbeat of that little life.

But the receptionist nurse held my insurance card, looking troubled.

"Mrs. Smith, I'm sorry... your medical insurance supplementary card has been frozen."

I froze in place: "Frozen? That's impossible, this is the unlimited black card under Killian's main account."

"It was an order signed personally by Mr. Smith this morning."

The nurse turned the computer screen towards me, a hint of sympathy in her tone.

"The system note shows that the credit limit of the main account was urgently called upon to pay a hefty bill from a Swiss laboratory... it seems to be a new type of targeted drug for brain tumors."

"Because the drug is expensive and not covered by medical insurance, Mr. Smith suspended all other non-emergency medical expenses under the family account."

I felt cold all over, my fingers clutching the edge of the counter tightly, my knuckles turning white.

He was willing to deny resources to his own flesh and blood to treat his benefactor.

At that moment, grief greater than death seized my heart.

"Help me schedule an abortion for next week."

I said calmly to the nurse, my voice devoid of any emotion.

---

Walking out of the hospital, I went back to the family manor.

I wanted to retrieve the jade jewelry set my mother left me for emergency use, after all, I was penniless now.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I entered the door, my father handed me an envelope.

Inside was a one-way ticket to Paris.

"Halen, your stepmother and I have discussed it."

Father sat on the high velvet sofa, his tone unquestionable.

"Elena wants to spend her last days happily. She has always envied the environment of the Smith manor and wants to live there before she passes away, spending time with Killian day and night."

"This is a ticket for ten days later, you go to Europe to relax and take some art courses."

I held that thin ticket, feeling incredibly ironic.

This was my father.

To please the current head of the Smith family, to make room for Killian and his "true love", he unhesitatingly drove away his own biological daughter.

"Halen, don't overthink it."

Stepmother wiped her tears hypocritically on the side, that compassionate look making me sick.

"We are also doing this to accumulate virtue. Elena is also a pitiful person, just take it as doing good deeds, fulfilling her last wish. When she's gone, Killian will still be yours, and that home will still be yours."

I looked at this hypocritical couple.

This was the family I once desperately wanted to protect.

"Understood."

I interrupted her performance indifferently.

"I will leave."

I didn't want Killian anymore.

I didn't care for this cold-blooded family anymore either.

Father was obviously surprised, not expecting the stubborn daughter who once dared to kneel all night in the rain for Killian to be so obedient this time.

His tone softened a bit: "That's right. By the way, Killian is throwing a party for Elena at the hotel in three days, remember to come and show some generosity."

"Okay."

---

Returning to the place where Killian and I lived together for four years.

I found a huge black garbage bag and started clearing out everything related to Killian in this house.

No longer cherishing them carefully like before, but throwing them in like garbage.

That was the hand-painted mask he gave me under the Bridge of Sighs when we went to Venice for our honeymoon.

It was the burnt oven mitt from the first time he cooked for me.

And that memorial album filled with our photos from the past four years.

Every page was evidence that I had loved him.

Every page now looked like a joke.

Just as I threw the photo album into the garbage bag.

The "beep" sound of the fingerprint lock unlocking came from the entryway.

Killian was back.

He was wearing that dark gray cashmere coat, his shoulders still carrying the cold air from outside.

Seeing the mess in the living room and the nearly full black garbage bag.

He paused in loosening his tie, his brows instantly furrowing, and walked over quickly.

"Halen, what are you doing?"

Chapter 3

I didn't raise my head, nor did I stop the movements of my hands.

"I'm just organizing things. I don't like these anymore, so I want to replace them."

Killian strode forward, gently gripping my wrist, his actions tender as if soothing a frightened cat.

"Halen, don't be like this."

He sighed, pulling me into that embrace that carried a cold pine scent, his chin resting on the top of my head.

"I know that freezing your supplementary card makes you feel insecure, but that's life-saving money. Elena's situation is critical; I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"You know, I'm not that kind of irresponsible husband."

"After these few months pass, I'll restore all your credit limits, okay?"

He was always like this.

Even when depriving me of my rights and interests, he could speak so righteously, so affectionately.

As if my refusal meant I was being unreasonable, that I was making a scene without reason.

I broke free from his embrace and looked at him calmly.

"Killian, who you want to give money to is your own business."

"You don't need to explain to me."

Killian's brows furrowed slightly, seemingly confused and hurt by my cold attitude.

Just as he was about to reach out and touch my cheek, the exclusive ringtone suddenly rang.

That was the special alert tone set to prevent missing any news about Elena's condition.

He glanced at the screen, his expression instantly becoming solemn.

"Sorry, Halen. There's an emergency meeting at the company."

He adjusted my collar for me, his tone carrying a hint of apology:

"I'll be back early tonight. Stop cleaning up; leave this kind of rough work to the servants."

After speaking, he turned and left.

His steps were steady, his back straight, as gentlemanly as ever.

Even though he was rushing to see another woman.

---

Less than ten minutes after Killian left, my phone vibrated.

It was a WhatsApp message from Elena.

Just a photo.

In the photo, Killian was kneeling on one knee beside the hospital bed.

Those hands that had just embraced me were now holding Elena's pale ankle, fully focused on putting a diamond-encrusted Tiffany anklet on her.

His expression was focused and devout, as if what he was holding was a rare treasure.

The text that popped up afterward stung my eyes like needles:

[I said my feet were cold, so he went and bought this anklet, saying it could lock in my body temperature.]

[Halen, look, even if I don't fight or grab, his love always subconsciously flows towards me.]

I turned off my phone and looked at the gray sky outside the window.

The last trace of expectation in my heart was finally completely extinguished.

---

For the next two days, Killian didn't come home.

It wasn't until the third night, at the family dinner held for Elena, that I saw him.

The banquet hall of Smith Manor was resplendent.

Killian pushed the wheelchair slowly into the venue.

Elena had an expensive cashmere blanket covering her legs, her face pale, looking precarious.

Every time she coughed lightly, Killian would immediately stop, asking in a low voice if she needed water or if she felt cold.

That meticulous care made all the guests present cast admiring glances.

Everyone said that Killian Smith was a good man who valued relationships and loyalty.

The dinner began.

The long table was filled with exquisite French cuisine.

As the "hostess," according to custom, I served the final dessert—a mousse cake I made myself.

Elena looked at the tray in my hand, a glint flashing in her eyes.

"Halen, did you make this yourself?"

Her voice was weak, carrying a hint of fawning.

"It looks delicious. Can I taste it?"

Killian glanced at the cake, frowning slightly, seeming somewhat worried about her physical condition.

"Elena, the doctor said you need to watch your diet."

"It's okay, Killian."

Elena smiled and interrupted him, but her gaze was locked tightly on me.

"Halen made this specially for me. If I don't eat it, she will be sad. And I also really want to taste my sister-in-law's cooking."

Killian hesitated for a second, but eventually nodded, even considerately picking up the spoon for her.

"Just one bite then."

I watched them.

Watched Elena dig a large spoonful of mousse and unhesitatingly put it into her mouth.

"Cough... cough cough!"

Less than half a minute after eating it, the spoon in Elena's hand suddenly dropped.

She clutched her neck tightly with both hands, her breathing instantly becoming rapid and wheezing, her face flushing red.

"Elena!"

Killian reacted extremely quickly.

He didn't scream in panic but quickly got up and grabbed the sliding Elena.

He reached for her carotid artery and calmly assessed the situation:

"It's anaphylactic shock. Bring my first aid kit, it's in the car."

He gave instructions to the butler beside him, his voice steady and powerful.

Subsequently, he skillfully fished out the EpiPen carried with her from Elena's handbag and unhesitatingly injected it into her thigh.

The whole process was smooth and professional, shockingly so.

As the medicine was pushed in, Elena's breathing finally smoothed out a bit, but she still went limp in his arms, looking like she was on her last breath.

Killian wiped the cold sweat from Elena's forehead with a handkerchief, then slowly raised his head.

In those deep eyes, there was no longer the warmth of the past.

Only a suffocating coldness and disappointment remained.

"Halen."

He didn't shout loudly; his tone was even calmer than usual.

"What did you put in the cake?"

I stood there, still holding the tray.

"Elena is severely allergic to peanuts."

Killian looked at me.

That look was like examining a criminal.

"I... I didn't..."

"She trusted you, Halen."

Killian interrupted my defense, his voice carrying a painful moral condemnation.

"She treated you as family and ate what you gave her without any guard."

"And you used this trust."

He shook his head gently, as if utterly disappointed in me.

"I know you care about those two tickets to Iceland, but I didn't expect you to take revenge in this way."

"Elena doesn't have much time left, why do you still want to hurt her?"

"I... I didn't..."

"Enough, I'm so disappointed in you."

Killian stood up and picked up the weak Elena horizontally.

He adjusted Elena's skirt to ensure she wouldn't be exposed, his movements still impeccably gentlemanly.

The guests around whispered, and my father rushed up wanting to reprimand me.

But I couldn't hear anymore.

I only saw the man I wanted to spend my life with holding the woman who plotted against everything I had, trampling my dignity to pieces in the most decent way.

He didn't even give me a chance to explain.

Because in his logic, a gentleman should protect the weak.

And at this moment, Elena was the perfect victim persecuted by a "vicious wife."

After settling Elena, Killian took me to the private wine cellar underground in the manor.

Here it was constant temperature and humidity, displaying priceless Bordeaux wines, the air filled with the aroma of oak barrels.

"Halen, you've disappointed me too much."

Killian stood outside the heavy oak door, looking at me through an iron grate. His expression was still that suffocating calm and disappointment.

"You need a quiet place to reflect properly on your actions."

"I don't want my wife to be a woman who hurts others out of jealousy."

After speaking, he turned to leave.

"Killian, don't go!"

I grabbed the iron grate, my fingertips turning white from the force.

"I didn't do it, it was Elena herself..."

Killian interrupted me, looking at me with heartache.

"Think about it properly in this room. When you've figured it out, when you've admitted your mistake, I'll personally come to pick you up for breakfast tomorrow morning. I still love you, Halen. So don't hurt Elena anymore."

With a dull sound, the heavy soundproof door was closed.

The world fell into a dead silence.

I sat in the corner hugging my knees.

Until half an hour later.

The central air conditioner overhead suddenly made a huge roaring sound.

Immediately after, piercing cold wind poured down from the vent like knives.

The numbers on the thermometer started jumping crazily.

15 degrees... 10 degrees... 0 degrees... minus 5 degrees.

In just ten minutes, this place turned into a giant freezer.

I was shivering from the cold, my breath turning into white mist.

I realized something was wrong and rushed over to pound desperately on that heavy door.

"Open the door! Is anyone there?! Turn off the air conditioner!"

"It's too cold... it's too cold here!"

The sound of碎碎 high heels came from outside the door.

It was Elena.

She had bought off the servant in the control room.

"Halen, save your energy."

Elena's voice came through the door panel, carrying a trace of malicious pleasure.

"This is Killian's meaning. He said you need to 'calm down'."

"You're lying! Killian wouldn't treat me like this!"

"Really? Then you can try calling for help."

A sharp cramp suddenly came from my abdomen.

That pain wasn't unfamiliar, carrying a falling sensation of life being stripped away.

I clutched my belly, slid down the door panel to kneel on the ground, the cold sweat on my forehead instantly freezing into ice.

"Killian... Killian, are you outside?"

I pounded on the door panel with all my might, my voice changing tune due to fear and pain.

"Help... let me out..."

"I'm pregnant... Killian, I'm pregnant with your child... my stomach hurts so much..."

Silence outside the door for a few seconds.

Then came Killian's steady footsteps.

He was right outside.

He had been there all along.

"Halen."

Killian's voice penetrated the door panel, still as magnetic, yet terrifyingly rational.

"I thought after this half hour, you would have learned honesty."

"Killian, I'm not lying! It's really cold... I'm really pregnant... please open the door..."

I cried out, my nails scratching bloodstains on the door panel.

"Oh my, how can Halen be like this..."

Elena's weak and surprised voice sounded timely.

"To escape punishment, she even made up such a lie about being pregnant? She even drank champagne at the dinner just now... what pregnant woman drinks alcohol?"

"And this is a constant temperature wine cellar, how could it be cold? Is she... trying to win your sympathy?"

Killian fell silent.

Through that door, I could almost see him frowning and shaking his head.

"Halen."

After a long time, he sighed, his tone full of helplessness towards a naughty child.

"To get me to open the door, you actually told such a clumsy lie."

"You hurt Elena, and now you're trying to kidnap me with 'pregnancy'. This behavior is not decent."

"No... it's true..."

I curled up in pain, a stream of warm liquid gushing out from below, instantly frozen cold by the cold air.

"Everyone has to bear the consequences for their mistakes."

Killian stood outside the door, like a strict godfather teaching his erring believer.

"Since you are so scared, I will shorten the time."

"Tomorrow at dawn, I'll come to pick you up."

"Tonight, just stay inside and reflect properly on what honesty is."

Footsteps faded away.

This time, he really left.

He still maintained his principles, his "justice", his gentlemanly demeanor.

He thought he just confined me.

He didn't know, he personally locked me into hell.

"No... don't go..."

My voice was as weak as a mosquito's buzz.

The abdominal cramps reached their peak, followed by an empty numbness.

Blood.

Lots of blood.

Thick blood carrying body temperature soaked through my evening gown, spreading on the floor, and then quickly coagulating into dark red ice residue.

I lay in the biting cold, looking at the vent overhead that was still roaring.

My consciousness began to scatter.

Killian.

If you knew that your so-called "punishment" killed your own flesh and blood.

Would you regret it?

A tear slid down the corner of my eye, freezing into ice before it hit the ground.

I thought.

Between us, it's completely over.

Chapter 4

When I woke up, I was in a hospital room filled with the smell of disinfectant.

The emptiness in my abdomen told me the result even before I asked the doctor.

"Mrs. Smith, I'm sorry."

The doctor took off his mask, his tone professional and cold.

"You arrived too late. The prolonged exposure to low temperatures and excessive blood loss meant we couldn't save the baby."

I stared at the pale ceiling, not crying, not making a fuss.

There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.

The ward door was pushed open.

It wasn't Killian who walked in, but his private lawyer, Mr. Jones.

He walked to the bedside in a businesslike manner, took out a pre-signed check from his briefcase, and placed it gently on my bedside table.

"Mrs. Smith, Mr. Killian is accompanying Miss Elena for her preoperative examination and cannot get away."

"I am very sorry for your loss. However, this was, after all, an accident."

"This five-million-dollar check is 'spiritual compensation' from Mr. Killian. He hopes you can adjust your mindset and not bring your emotions home."

I looked at the string of zeros, feeling incredibly ironic.

My child.

In his eyes, was worth only a flimsy check.

Even a face-to-face comfort became a luxury.

"Take it away."

I said hoarsely.

"I don't..."

Before I could finish, several orderlies suddenly barged in and started roughly packing my things.

"What are you doing?"

"Sorry, Mrs. Smith."

The head nurse stood at the door, avoiding my gaze.

"Mr. Killian ordered that you be transferred to a general ward downstairs."

"This VIP ward faces south and has the best lighting. Miss Elena said she's afraid of the cold and wants to stay here to get some sun. Mr. Killian has already agreed."

I was trembling with anger: "I just had surgery too! I need rest too!"

"Halen, don't be so selfish."

The sound of a wheelchair rolling came.

Elena appeared at the door, pushed by Killian's assistant. She was wrapped in a thick blanket, wearing a victor's smile.

"Sis Halen, you have a strong constitution, a general ward is enough. But I'm weak, I need the best environment to recuperate."

She waved her hand, signaling the orderlies to be faster.

Then, she wheeled herself to my bedside, her gaze falling on the check.

"Tsk tsk, five million."

Elena leaned close to my ear, her voice as contemptuous as if teasing a stray dog.

"Halen, look, you're not that noble either."

"Killian gives a little money, and you have to obediently give up your place, obediently listen."

"Take the money and roll to the general ward, don't be an eyesore here. Oh right, you probably don't need a caretaker in the general ward, you can take care of yourself."

I looked at her exquisitely made-up face.

And looked at the check again.

Finally, I had no strength to argue anymore, nor the strength to tear up the check and throw it in her face.

I just wept silently, letting them drive me out of that sun-filled ward like throwing out trash.

---

After staying in the noisy four-person ward for three days, I insisted on being discharged.

Returning to the manor, I just wanted to shut myself in the studio.

There were the competition design drafts I had prepared for two whole years—my only hope to regain a foothold in the fashion world, and the capital I relied on to survive after leaving Killian.

However.

The moment I pushed open the studio door, I felt the sky collapse.

A mess all over the floor.

It looked like a blizzard had just passed through.

Except those white snowflakes were my design drafts, shredded into pieces.

That was hundreds of manuscripts!

The painstaking effort of countless days and nights!

Now they had turned into waste paper, covering the entire floor.

And the culprit, Elena, was sitting in the middle of the room, holding a pair of sharp scissors, looking at me innocently.

"Ah, Halen, you're back?"

Her hand shook, and the last intact draft was cut.

"What are you doing!!!"

I rushed over like crazy, pushed her away, and knelt on the floor trying to piece together the fragments.

"My drafts... my competition..."

"What's wrong?"

Killian arrived upon hearing the noise.

He saw the paper scraps all over the floor, frowned slightly, and then seeing Elena, who almost fell from my push, immediately strode forward to support her.

"Halen, what are you going crazy about now?"

"She cut my design drafts! They're all destroyed!"

I held up a handful of shredded paper, shouting at him in breakdown.

"That's my life! Why did she do this?!"

Killian looked down at Elena in his arms.

Elena immediately reddened her eyes, raising her right hand holding the scissors, which was trembling violently.

"I'm sorry... Killian, I also wanted to help Halen organize the studio..."

"But my hand... my hand is uncontrollable..."

"I wanted to cut the loose threads, but my vision blurred, and I cut the wrong thing... I didn't mean to..."

What a perfect excuse.

The doubt in Killian's eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by deep pity.

He held Elena's trembling hand and turned to look at me, his eyes full of disappointment and disapproval.

"Halen, you're being too aggressive."

He sighed, his tone rational to the point of coldness.

"Elena's brain tumor is pressing on her motor and optic nerves. Trembling hands and blurred vision are normal pathological reactions."

"She meant well and wanted to help you, but her body didn't allow it."

"Isn't it just a few drawings?"

Killian looked at my breakdown as if watching an unreasonable clown.

"You're a designer, the talent is in your brain, not on paper."

"Since they're destroyed, just redraw them. Why shout at a sick person over such a small matter?"

Redraw?

The deadline is in two days.

That was two years of blood, sweat, and tears!

He actually said it so lightly.

"Killian Smith."

I slumped in the pile of shredded paper, looking at this man I had loved recklessly for four years.

Finally.

I was completely disappointed in him too.

"Okay."

I wiped my tears and stood up from the floor.

"I don't blame her."

Because I knew.

That I became like this wasn't just Elena's fault, but more because of Killian's indulgence.

Chapter 5

One week before I decided to leave New York, Killian suggested taking everyone out to sea to relax.

I didn't want to go.

But Killian insisted that I attend.

"Halen, this is a family gathering, you are the hostess, you cannot be absent."

He was wearing a white casual shirt, the cuffs rolled up casually, revealing his strong forearms, his tone gentle but unquestionable.

"Besides, the sea breeze can improve one's mood. You also need to relax, don't you?"

So, I boarded this private yacht named "Poseidon".

The yacht sailed into the high seas, surrounded by endless deep blue.

Champagne towers were built high on the deck, and the music was soothing.

Killian stayed by Elena's side the whole time, considerately shielding her from the wind, and even stood with her for half an hour holding binoculars just because she said she "wanted to see dolphins".

That scene was too glaring.

I walked alone to the edge of the second-floor deck with a glass of wine to get some air.

Not long after, the sound of high heels came from behind.

I knew who it was without turning back.

"The scenery here is really nice, isn't it, Halen?"

Elena walked up to me, holding a glass of red wine, her smile bright and moving.

Where was even a hint of the weak appearance of a late-stage brain cancer patient?

"Speak your mind." I looked at the sea surface coldly.

"Nothing, just wanted to thank you."

Elena leaned close to me, lowering her voice, her tone full of vicious showing off.

"Thank you for your miscarriage, thank you for your design drafts, thank you... for giving everything of yours to me."

"Halen, do you know what Killian said to me last night?"

"He said, as long as I recover, he will be with me, after all, I am his legal wife."

I gripped the wine glass tightly, my knuckles turning white.

"Get lost."

"Don't be in such a hurry to drive me away."

Elena suddenly smiled strangely.

She glanced at Killian who was chatting and laughing downstairs, then suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"Halen, if I jump from here, do you think Killian will save me or kill you?"

"Are you crazy? This is the high seas!"

Before I could shake her off.

Elena suddenly screamed: "Ah—! Halen, don't push me! Help!"

Immediately after, she unhesitatingly flipped over the railing, falling into the bone-chillingly cold seawater like a kite with a broken string.

"Splash—!"

The huge sound of falling into the water startled everyone.

"Elena!"

Killian downstairs heard the cry for help, looked up and saw this scene, his pupils contracting sharply.

He didn't even think for a second.

Throwing away the wine glass in his hand directly, he leaped and jumped into the turbulent sea.

"Quick! Save her! Throw the lifebuoy!"

Chaos on the deck.

I stood by the railing, watching the sea surface coldly all over.

Watching that man, who usually didn't even go to the swimming pool much because I had claustrophobia, now swimming towards that woman desperately like a crazy shark.

He lifted Elena's head, letting her float out of the water, that anxious expression as if he was lifting his whole world.

Ten minutes later.

A soaking wet Killian climbed onto the deck holding the choking Elena.

Elena nestled in his arms, coughing violently, her face pale as paper.

"Killian... cough cough... don't blame Halen..."

She clutched Killian's wet shirt, crying like a pear blossom bathed in rain, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"It's my fault... I shouldn't have told her I wanted to take a photo with you on the deck..."

"She was just too angry... she didn't mean to push me..."

Killian took the blanket handed by the waiter and wrapped Elena tightly.

He wiped the seawater off his face and slowly raised his head.

In those deep eyes, bloodshot veins were now visible.

He stared at me firmly, walking towards me step by step.

Seawater dripped from the tips of his hair, spreading dark water stains on the floor.

"Killian, I didn't..."

I subconsciously stepped back, wanting to explain.

"Halen."

Killian interrupted me.

His voice was no longer angry but carried an extreme, heartbreaking disappointment.

Like watching a carefully crafted piece of art suddenly turn into a puddle of mud.

"I always thought that although you had some petty temper, at least your heart was kind."

"I thought the previous incidents were just misunderstandings, just your willfulness."

"But today, I saw it with my own eyes."

He pointed at the shivering Elena behind him, his tone painful as if pronouncing my death sentence.

"She is a late-stage brain cancer patient; her body simply cannot withstand the torment of seawater."

"This is the high seas, the wind and waves are so big. You pushing her down means you want her life."

"For jealousy, for so-called 'possessiveness', you actually turned into a murderer?"

"I didn't push her! She jumped down herself!"

I shouted in breakdown.

"Jumped down herself?"

Killian sneered, a barren coldness in his eyes.

"Would a person with such a strong will to survive, who dreams of living, jump into the sea herself?"

"Halen, how can there be such a ridiculous lie in this world?"

He walked up to me, looking down at me from above.

He didn't hit me, nor did he roar again.

He just used that gentlemanly, decent, yet extremely cruel gaze to execute me by a thousand cuts.

"You are too terrible, Halen."

"Your jealousy has made you unrecognizable."

"I even start to doubt whether that pure, kind girl I fell in love with four years ago was a false appearance disguised by you."

After saying these few sentences.

He didn't look at me again.

Turning around, he picked up Elena and strode towards the infirmary in the cabin.

"Dock the ship."

He ordered the captain coldly.

"Send Halen back to the manor, grounded."

"Before I confirm Elena is not in life-threatening danger, I don't want to hear any news about this woman again."

The crowd on the deck gradually dispersed; everyone looked at me with eyes full of contempt and fear.

I stood alone in the wind, the sea breeze cutting my face like knives.

I looked at Killian's retreating back.

So determined, so protective.

He would rather believe that "best actress" full of lies than believe the wife who shared his bed for four years.

I didn't cry.

I just felt the hole in my heart being completely filled by the whistling sea breeze.

Killian.

You will never know.

Just now, the moment you jumped down to save her.

The Halen who loved you had already jumped into the sea with her and drowned.

Killian didn't let the yacht return directly.

After Elena drank ginger soup and her vital signs were stable, he made a new decision.

"Halen, I think you need a quiet environment to think properly about what 'humanity' is."

The yacht stopped by a reef of an uninhabited desert island.

This was a wild reef in the high seas, half submerged at high tide, surrounded by sea on all sides, calling to heaven and earth to no avail.

"Killian, what are you doing?"

Watching those bodyguards forcing me onto a lifeboat, fear began to spread.

Killian stood on the high deck, the sea breeze blowing the hem of his trench coat. He was still that steady, rational appearance, like a fair judge.

"Calm down for a night."

He said lightly.

"There is no signal here, no one to disturb. You can face the sea and repent properly for what you did to Elena."

"Killian! The tide will rise! And there is a storm tonight!"

I struggled desperately, trying to grab the railing.

"I have claustrophobia, I'm afraid of the dark... please don't leave me here alone..."

"When Elena fell into the sea, she was more scared than you are now."

Killian was indifferent, his eyes even carrying a hint of sternness hoping for iron to become steel.

"Everyone has to pay the price for their evil deeds. If this little fear makes you flinch, then when you pushed her down just now, why didn't you think about the consequences?"

"There is water and food here, you calm down here for a night, I'll send someone to pick you up tomorrow morning."

"Hope that by then, you can give me a sincere apology."

The lifeboat was lowered.

I was abandoned on that bare reef.

The yacht's engine roared, turning the bow ruthlessly and sailing into the distance.

Leaving only two white waves, as if mocking my wretchedness.

Night fell.

The weather forecast didn't lie; the storm really came.

The gale whipped up huge waves, slapping against the reef time and again.

The cold seawater flooded over my ankles, then knees, waist...

I curled up in a rock crevice at the highest point of the reef, wet all over, shivering.

There was no light, no sound here, only the angry roar of the sea.

Fear choked my throat like countless cold hands.

"Killian... help..."

I cried out, my voice instantly swallowed by the wind and rain.

I remembered four years ago, we also encountered a storm.

Back then, he used his body to shield me from the wind and rain, saying in my ear over and over again: "Don't be afraid, even if it's the end of the world, I won't leave you."

But now.

The one who personally threw me into this hell was him.

In the second half of the night, the seawater had flooded up to my chest.

My physical strength was exhausted, consciousness beginning to blur.

Just when I thought I was really going to die here, a faint beam of light came from the distance.

It was a speedboat.

"Killian..."

I used my last bit of strength to wave.

The speedboat approached.

But standing on the boat wasn't the figure I expected.

Instead, it was Elena, wrapped in a thick down jacket, holding a searchlight.

She looked down from above at me soaking in the water, her face wearing a victor's pity.

"Tsk tsk, how miserable, Halen."

"Did you really think Killian would come to pick you up himself?"

"Elena..." My teeth were chattering, "Where is Killian?"

"Him?"

Elena chuckled lightly, absentmindedly fiddling with her freshly done nails.

"He's busy cooking ginger soup for me right now. I said I was scared and dared not sleep alone, so he's been guarding me."

"As for you..."

She paused, her gaze becoming vicious and smug.

"Originally he wanted to send an assistant. But I told him, 'Halen must have realized her mistake, I'll go pick her up, and reconcile with her by the way, this will show our sisterly affection'."

"And guess what?"

"He actually believed it. He even praised my generosity, saying I still thought about your safety after being wronged."

"Look, Halen."

Elena squatted down, shining the searchlight in my eyes, stinging me to tears.

"He simply doesn't care about you."

"If he really cared about you, how could he hand over such a life-and-death matter as picking you up to me just because of a couple of sentences from me?"

"In his heart, my emotions are ten thousand times more important than your life."

I clutched the rock tightly, my nails breaking, blood seeping into the seawater.

The last spark in my heart was completely extinguished at this moment.

Yes.

He didn't care.

If he cared even a little bit, he wouldn't have left me alone on this desert island that could be submerged at any time.

"Come up."

Elena had appreciated enough of my wretchedness before lazily waving her hand to signal the bodyguards to pull me up.

"If I really let you die here, Killian would still cause me trouble."

"Go back alive, so you can see how loving we are, right?"

I was dragged onto the speedboat like a dead dog.

Lying on the cold deck, I looked at the pitch-black night sky, letting the rain wash over my face.

Killian.

You won.

You taught me what despair is in this way.

This time.

I really, don't love you anymore.

Chapter 6

After I was brought home in a wretched state,

The Smith family held a family trust fund meeting.

"Halen," the family lawyer adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone businesslike, "Given your 'attempted murder' of Elena on the yacht, the Smith Family Committee has unanimously decided to activate the disciplinary clause."

Killian sat at the head of the table, not even glancing at me, and simply signed his name on the document.

"As punishment, and to compensate Elena for the shock she suffered. All family trust shares under your name will be transferred to Elena."

"This is the price you have to pay." He looked at me with disappointment.

I looked at him.

I once thought he was my rock, my only hope in this room.

But he just sat there quietly, his long fingers crossed on his knees, his expression solemn and rational.

"Killian..."

I called him softly.

Killian raised his head, and in those deep eyes, there was still that despairing "hoping for iron to become steel."

"Halen, sign it."

His voice was steady, carrying an unquestionable gentlemanly demeanor.

"If you do something wrong, you have to bear the consequences. This is the adult world, not your willful playground."

"Depriving you of your wealth might calm you down and make you reflect properly on the weight of life."

"Besides, Elena almost lost her life because of you; this money for her medical treatment is the compensation you should make."

I looked at him.

Looking at this man I had loved for four years, yet who had never trusted me.

With trembling hands, I signed my name.

At that moment, I lost not just hundreds of billions in assets but also my last sense of belonging to this home.

---

Back in the bedroom, I just wanted to hug Luna.

Luna was the ragdoll cat I had raised for five years, the last living creature left to me by my mother before she passed away.

During the days and nights of my miscarriage and confinement, only she accompanied me, licking away my tears.

But as soon as I entered the room, I heard a burst of violent coughing.

Elena was clutching her chest, collapsing into Killian's arms, her face flushed red as if she would suffocate the next second.

And Luna was squatting innocently on the cabinet nearby.

"What's wrong?"

"Cat... cough cough... there's cat hair..."

Elena had difficulty breathing, clutching Killian's collar, large tears falling.

"Killian... I can't breathe... save me..."

Killian's expression changed instantly.

He turned to look at the cat, a flash of disgust and decisiveness in his eyes.

"Butler!"

He shouted in a deep voice.

"Get rid of this beast."

"Where to?" I rushed over, hugging Luna, looking at them vigilantly.

"Send it to the animal shelter on the outskirts of the city."

Killian stood up, his tone cold and hard, "Anyway, this cat cannot appear in the manor again."

"No! Luna is my life!"

I hugged the trembling kitten tightly in my arms, tears bursting out.

"She's very good, she never sheds! Elena never said she was allergic when she came before; she's faking it!"

"Halen!"

Killian raised his voice a few decibels, carrying deep disappointment.

"Elena is about to suffocate, and you're still dwelling on these excuses?"

"Is a human life important, or a cat's life?"

"I know you like it, but its presence now threatens Elena's safety."

"Killian, I beg you..."

I knelt before him with a "plop."

At that moment, I abandoned all dignity.

I grabbed the hem of his expensive trousers, crying my heart out.

"I signed, I gave up the property, I don't want anything... I beg you, don't send Luna away."

"She's the only memory left by my mother... I beg you..."

Killian looked down at me kneeling on the ground.

A flash of unbearable emotion passed through his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by something called "principle."

"Halen, don't be so unreasonable."

He bent down, not to help me up, but to pry open my fingers holding the cat one by one.

His movements were gentle, yet cruelly hair-raising.

"It's just a plaything. When Elena recovers, I'll give you a better, more expensive one."

"But this one must be disposed of."

"Take it away."

Several bodyguards rushed up and forcibly snatched Luna from my arms.

"Meow—!"

Luna let out a shrill scream as if knowing the fate she was about to face.

"No! Luna!"

I scrambled up from the ground and chased out stumbling.

Heavy rain poured down.

The black Range Rover started, carrying my last family member, and drove into the vast rain curtain.

"Stop! Please stop!"

Barefoot, I ran wildly on the muddy driveway.

Rain mixed with tears flowed into my mouth, bitter enough to make me want to vomit.

I slapped the car window; through the glass, I saw Luna shrinking in the cage, looking at me with fear in those blue eyes.

The car accelerated.

I was thrown heavily to the ground, my knees scraping against the gravel, blood dripping.

I could only watch helplessly as the taillights disappeared into the darkness.

I knew Elena would definitely cause trouble.

That was a shelter on the outskirts; for an "abandoned" sick cat, the only outcome was death.

At that moment.

I lay in the muddy water, letting out a desperate wail.

Killian.

You finally killed all my love.

---

The next morning.

Dragging a simple suitcase, I walked out of that villa which was like a cage.

On the garden path, Elena blocked my way.

She was wearing Killian's shirt, her face glowing, holding a cup of hot coffee.

"Leaving?"

Elena chuckled lightly, leaning close to my ear.

"Tell you some good news. The shelter people just messaged me."

"That cat had a severe stress reaction and scratched a staff member."

"So... they've already helped it 'find release'."

My heart twitched violently, my nails digging deep into my palm.

But I didn't cry, nor did I make a fuss.

I didn't even have the strength to be angry anymore.

"Congratulations, Elena."

I looked at her, my eyes as empty as a dry well.

"You won. This man, this home, and that dirty money are all yours."

Elena was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting me to be so calm.

"You're really leaving? Killian thinks you're just throwing a tantrum."

"He thinks that by pushing you to a dead end, you'll obediently learn to listen, learn to be a 'perfect wife'."

"Perfect wife?"

I smiled mockingly.

"Leave it for a ghost to be."

I pulled up my suitcase, bypassed her, and walked towards the gate.

A black Bentley was parked by the roadside.

The window rolled down, revealing Killian's handsome face.

"Figured it out? Going out to relax?"

He looked at the suitcase in my hand, his tone even carrying a hint of relief.

Perhaps he thought I still loved him and would definitely return to his side.

"Go to Paris or Milan for a while. Take this card, no limit."

"When you've calmed down, learned how to respect Elena, and reflected on your mistakes, I'll come pick you up."

He handed over a black card.

Just like when he gave me the five-million check.

I looked at the card and didn't take it.

"No need."

I said faintly.

After speaking, I flagged down a passing taxi.

"To the airport."

The car started.

I didn't look back at the man's stunned expression.

Killian.

Hope that when you can no longer find the Halen whose eyes were full of you in this empty home.

You can maintain your decency and gentlemanliness like today.

Forever, do not regret.