Chapter 3

In the early morning hours, a pair of hands embraced me from behind.

A familiar scent whispered softly in my ear:

"Honey, happy anniversary."

One sentence suddenly brought dead memories flooding back.

Sophia and I met at a college dance. She fell for me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly for three years.

Back then, she would remember every preference I casually mentioned, every habit of mine.

And after every time she made me angry, she'd try everything to make it up to me.

She said my feelings mattered most.

Senior year, when my parents died, it was Sophia who stayed with me through those darkest days.

Her gentleness and consideration made me fall completely.

But when did she start to change?

Probably after Colton returned from abroad.

I still remember the first time we met, he put his arm around Sophia's shoulder:

"Sophia, long time no see! I missed you!"

Sophia smiled and punched him back:

"Get lost, who needs you missing them."

I stood awkwardly to the side.

Only then did Sophia remember to introduce me:

"My husband, James."

Colton extended his hand with a grin.

"Nice to meet you, James!" "We've been like this since we were kids, don't take it personally."

I forced a smile and shook his hand.

Sophia also explained from the side:

"Colton has been my friend since childhood. We're really close, don't overthink it."

I nodded, trying to get used to their intimacy. But later, Colton appeared more and more frequently.

He always called Sophia away under the pretext of "friends gathering," and even insisted on a bachelor party the day before our wedding.

And every time before leaving, Sophia would emphasize again and again, "We're just friends."

But today, one sentence from Colton completely woke me up...

Thinking of this, I suppressed the nausea in my stomach and pushed Sophia away, not holding her like I usually would.

The next morning, I was woken by a dog barking.

Getting up and going downstairs, I saw the side hall where my parents' memorial photos were kept—a complete mess.

My parents' photos had been thrown on the floor, covered in muddy footprints.

And Colton's pet dog was chewing on the photos.

At that moment, I felt all the blood in my body flowing backward.

All reason instantly evaporated.

Like a madman, I grabbed a nearby vase and hurled it at the dog.

The porcelain shattered. The dog whimpered continuously.

Colton's expression changed instantly.

He ran over and scooped up the dog, tears of panic in his eyes.

"James, can't you even tolerate a dog?!"

I ignored him, raising my hand and slapping him hard across the face.

Sophia was coming downstairs and saw this exact scene.

She rushed over and shoved me aside:

"James! Will you ever stop! How long are you going to bully him!"

My whole body shook as I forced myself to speak:

"Can't you see! My parents' memorial photos are lying on the floor!"

But Sophia glanced at them indifferently and said:

"That's still no reason to hit someone!"

Then Colton spoke up too:

"James, I know you hate me, but the puppy is innocent. Why did you have to be so cruel..."

"Is it because you resent me staying at your place? Then I'll leave right now..."

Sophia instantly flew into a rage, dragging me in front of Colton.

"Apologize!"

I laughed coldly, turning to pick up the photos from the floor.

My attitude completely enraged Sophia.

She viciously kicked my lower back. I crashed heavily onto the stairs.

Instantly, excruciating pain exploded from my groin.

I looked down to see a palm-sized sharp object embedded in my groin.

"Hospital... get me to a hospital..."

Before I could finish, Colton had already thrown himself into Sophia's arms:

"Sophia, our baby is hurt. It's still so young..."

Without a word, Sophia picked up the dog and rushed out the door without looking back.

And I curled up on the floor, my heart shattered to pieces.

As my consciousness blurred, I dialed a number. That person rushed over in a hurry and sent me to the hospital.

Before surgery, the nurse helped me call Sophia.

Before I could speak, Colton's voice came through.

"I bet you regret marrying James."

In an instant, I felt my heartbeat stop.

After a long pause, that voice I knew so well spoke:

"I do."

At that moment, something in my heart seemed to collapse with a thunderous crash.

"Proceed with the surgery."

With that, I closed my eyes. What dissipated along with consciousness was the last thread of affection between Sophia and me.