It was one in the morning.
Sharon McKinzie found herself unable to sleep and started scrolling through her phone.
She suddenly came across a new post on Kelly Walt’s Instagram.
[Thank you to Carter and little Theo for the lovely gifts. The cup was even handmade by Theo himself.]
Sharon tapped on the photo.
A necklace and a DIY mug appeared on her screen.
Faintly, she could make out the words etched onto the cup: Happy Birthday, Mom.
Her eyes drifted to the cold dishes still sitting on the dining table, untouched. The birthday cake, too, remained unlit.
A faint, self-mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
She remembered seeing a news notification earlier that day.
[Confirmed! The famously aloof figure from Amstern City, Carter Biggs, is secretly married—with a five-year-old son!]
In the photo, a tall, handsome man and a slender, beautiful woman were walking hand in hand with a five-year-old boy through an amusement park.
Kelly gently touched Theo’s head, while Carter gazed at her with a softness Sharon had never seen before.
The three of them looked picture-perfect—a beautiful couple and a child who looked just like Carter.
They truly looked like a happy family.
Today was Sharon’s birthday. It was also her fifth wedding anniversary with Carter.
And yet, the one being celebrated wasn’t her—it was Kelly.
Carter and Theo had spent the entire day with Kelly, gifting her what should have belonged to Sharon.
Sharon wasn’t surprised. Not anymore. She was used to this.
Kelly was Carter’s first love. She was terminally ill, with only a year left to live. Her dying wish was simply to see him one last time.
Carter had told her he just wanted to do a few things for Kelly before the end, and hoped Sharon would understand.
Sharon didn’t want to understand. But she knew—she couldn’t stop him.
It was the first time Carter had spoken to her with such gravity.
It felt like something had been carved out of her chest—leaving behind a hollow, aching space.
She didn’t know how long she sat there in the dark before the sound of the front door broke the silence.
Carter walked in with Theo.
He paused when he saw her sitting at the dining table, clearly surprised, as if he’d forgotten what day it was.
“You’re still up?” he asked.
“I want to talk,” Sharon replied calmly.
Carter frowned slightly, then looked down at Theo. “Go on upstairs, Theo.”
Theo rubbed his eyes and yawned as he walked past Sharon.
He suddenly paused.
“Happy birthday, Mommy.”
He tilted his head up to look at her—those eyes, so much like Carter’s, stared into hers.
“Daddy and I didn’t mean to forget your birthday. It’s just… we still have so much time together. But Kelly only has six months left. You’re not mad at us over something so small… right, Mommy?”
Sharon didn’t know what hurt more—being forgotten completely, or being remembered, only to be pushed aside anyway.
Once Theo left, the room fell into silence again.
Carter was the one to break it.
“What did you want to talk about?”
He was dressed in a white shirt and black slacks, his features refined, his presence cool and composed like the pale, untouchable moon hanging in a winter night sky. Detached. Remote.
Sharon took a deep breath. “Carter, let’s get a divorce.”
A flicker passed through his eyes—like a breeze rippling across a still lake. But just as quickly, it vanished.
“I didn’t forget your birthday,” he said. “I already prepared your gift.”
“My gift?” Sharon gave a low laugh. “You mean the necklace that used to belong to my mother? The one you gave to Kelly?”
That necklace was the only thing Sharon’s mother had left her before she passed. Sharon had lost it the day she gave birth to Theo.
Carter had promised to help her find it. He did find it—only to give it away.
Carter’s face remained composed, without a trace of embarrassment. Only his eyes darkened, just slightly.
“It’s only on loan to Kelly. I’ll return it to you later.”
“How much later?” Sharon asked quietly. “The day she dies?”
“Sharon! That’s enough!” His voice cut through the air, sharp and cold. His usually distant expression gave way to rare anger.
It was enough.
She had had enough of being married to a man who gave his heart to someone else, enough of raising a child who never felt like hers, enough of being belittled by her in-laws.
“Kelly only has half a year left,” Carter said. “Even Theo knows to be kind. Why can’t you show the same generosity?”
In that moment, Sharon felt something in her snap.
“What does her time left have to do with me?” she said. “She’s not my family. Why should I be the one to tolerate her?”
Carter looked genuinely taken aback. Sharon had always been gentle, mild. He hadn’t expected words like that to come from her mouth.
A cold glint flashed across his gaze. “I thought we had an understanding.”
Sharon let out a soft laugh. “She wants to relive her first love, so I have to watch the two of you fall in love all over again. She wants to experience a wedding, so you hand her the one I spent half a year planning. I get to watch you and her walk Theo down the aisle like a real family. She wants to see the world before she dies, so you take her traveling across it. If she wanted the moon, I bet you’d try to pluck it from the sky.”
She and Carter had been secretly married for five years. They’d never held a ceremony.
It wasn’t until Theo once asked her what she looked like in a wedding dress that Carter decided they should hold one. He promised she could plan it all—down to the last detail.
She had.
Then Kelly spoke a single sentence, and everything changed.
Carter’s expression turned to ice. “You’ve crossed a line.”
Crossed a line.
Something tightened in her chest. She closed her eyes, the weight of disappointment pressing down on her.
All these years, she had tried to be the perfect wife and mother. No matter how hard she tried, Carter remained distant. She had assumed it was simply his nature—detached and reserved.
But then Kelly came back, and Sharon realized, even an aloof guy like Carter had fire in him.
She reached for the divorce papers already prepared and placed on the table.
“I’ve signed them. You should too. If she can officially become Mrs. Biggs before she dies, I imagine it would make her very happy.”
Carter’s lips pressed into a tight line. His handsome face seemed to frost over. It was a clear sign of his displeasure.
“And Theo?”
“He’ll stay with you,” she replied softly.
He looked like he was about to speak, but then his phone rang.
He picked it up.
“Carter! Kelly collapsed—she’s in the emergency room!”
Carter’s brows drew tightly together. He said quickly, “I’ll be right there,” then turned and strode off without so much as a glance back at Sharon.
Sharon stood still, expressionless, watching his retreating figure disappear into the darkness.
She’d lost count of how many times, in the middle of the night, he had left like this—rushing to Kelly’s side at the news of another so-called “critical condition.”
…
The next morning, Sharon wheeled out her neatly packed suitcase, ready to leave.
As she passed by Theo’s room, her steps faltered.
After a moment of hesitation, she decided to go in and see him one last time.
He had been born prematurely. Ever since then, Theo had been frail and prone to illness. Because of that, she had always cared for him personally, never trusting anyone else to take her place.
He looked a lot like Carter—right down to the cool, distant temperament.
It was a weekend. Theo wasn’t at school and was seated at his desk, working on his homework.
When she entered, he greeted her out of habit, “Morning, Mommy,” and went right back to writing without looking up.
Sharon gazed at the profile of his face—so much like Carter’s—and finally said, “Theo, I’m leaving. Take care of yourself.”
He responded with a flat “Oh,” eyes still glued to his paper.
Ever since Kelly had appeared in their lives, he had grown more and more distant from her.
She still remembered that video Kelly once posted on social media.
In it, Theo was munching on cotton candy as he mumbled through sticky lips, “I just like being with Kelly. I get to eat all kinds of yummy things.”
Then Kelly said, “Theo, is your mommy not good to you?”
“She just nags all the time. Tells me what I can and can’t do, won’t let me eat this or that.”
“Then between me and your mommy, who’s better?”
“Of course, you! If my mommy treated me half as well as you do, I’d be so happy.”
Sharon understood. Compared to a strict mother, Kelly indulged him, spoiled him, and let him do whatever he pleased—of course she’d win his heart.
To manage his condition, she made sure he went to bed on time every night. With his weak digestive system, she never let him touch outside junk food.
It had taken years of meticulous care before he finally became stronger and no longer fell ill so easily.
But in the process, he’d grown more and more distant from her.
She was almost out the door when Theo’s voice suddenly called after her.
“Mommy.”
Sharon turned around.
He said, “You once said… the people Theo likes, Mommy will like too. I really like Kelly. So Mommy will like her too, right?”
Sharon froze for a split second. Then, something quietly snapped inside her.
She closed her eyes and smiled faintly—without a sound.
“You’ve always wanted to protect Kelly, haven’t you? From now on, you can protect her together with your daddy.”
A flicker of confusion passed through Theo’s eyes. He didn’t understand what she meant.
Sharon didn’t explain. She simply turned and walked out of the villa.
…
Wendy Cohen’s car was already waiting outside.
After loading the suitcase into the trunk, Wendy looked at her. “Sharon… you’ve really decided to go through with the divorce?”
Sharon gave a small nod. “Mm. I have.”
“And… what about Theo?”
“Even if I fought for custody, I couldn’t win against Carter.” Sharon gave a bitter smile. “And besides… Theo might not even want to come with me. To him, Kelly is the best.”
Wendy frowned in disapproval. “You almost died giving birth to him—labored through an entire day and night. You’ve been by his side ever since, doing everything for him. How could he think some homewrecker is better than his own mother?”
Sharon said calmly, “That just proves they’re father and son. Even their taste in women is the same.”
Wendy hesitated. “And Carter… does he know you’re leaving?”
She shook her head. “He’s probably still with his precious Kelly.”
Before she got married, Sharon had owned a small apartment of her own. It had been a long time since she’d lived there.
After cleaning up the space, Wendy suggested they go out.
“Sharon, we haven’t gone shopping together since you had Theo. Want to hit the streets for a bit?”
It was true. Ever since Theo’s birth, Sharon’s life had revolved solely around home and Theo. She’d lost herself, her time, her freedom—everything.
Looking at the spark in Wendy’s eyes, Sharon was suddenly reminded of who she used to be. She had once been just like her—full of light, full of life.
Five years of marriage had turned her into someone prematurely aged, spiritless, and worn.
Tears welled up in her eyes. “Okay.”
Just then, Wendy’s phone rang.
Whatever was said on the other end made her brow furrow.
After a moment, she said into the phone, “Alright, we’ll be there soon.”
Hanging up, she turned to Sharon. “Someone wants to offer a high price to buy the violin you authorized Demusica Harmony to sell—Shaluna. The manager says the buyer seems like a big deal. He didn’t dare refuse. Since you’re free today, we should go take a look.”
Shaluna… It had been five years since Sharon had touched her violin.
She’d been so caught up in caring for Theo that everything related to music had been left in Wendy’s hands.
Hearing that name again now—it felt like a lifetime ago.
…
As soon as they stepped into the music shop, Sharon’s steps halted.
A tall, handsome man and a delicate, graceful woman stood together in front of a showcase labeled “Not For Sale.”
The woman’s soft, gentle voice floated through the air. “The legendary Shaluna… it’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”
“Carter, didn’t you say you loved hearing me play the violin most? I want to hold one final concert before the end… I want to use this violin. What do you think?”
The man’s voice was low and clear. “Okay.”
The store manager followed nervously behind them, wiping sweat from his brow.
When he saw Sharon and Wendy walk in, his eyes lit up like he’d just seen his saviors.
“Wendy! You’re finally here. Mr. Biggs would like to purchase Shaluna. You can set any price you like—what do you think?”
When Wendy saw Carter and Kelly, her brows drew together instinctively, and a flicker of deep disgust surfaced in her eyes.
Her voice was cold. “Shaluna is not for sale.”
Kelly’s brow twitched ever so slightly, her gaze quickly shifting to the woman standing beside Wendy—Sharon.
Compared to Kelly’s delicate charm, the kind you’d find in a dainty porcelain figure, Sharon had a quiet grace, a poised elegance. Her face was a perfect oval, her features soft yet defined. Her eyes, limpid and calm, seemed to hold a ripple of water. She looked just like a classical beauty walking straight out of an ancient painting.
The moment Kelly laid eyes on her, something flickered in her gaze.
She walked quickly toward Sharon and stopped in front of her, her expression tinged with a pleading softness.
“Sharon,” she said gently, “is this violin your friend’s? Could you ask your friend to lend it to me for a little while? Back then, Carter and I met because of the violin. I was practicing in the garden, and he was drawn to my music. That’s how he found me… and how we got together. He always loved hearing me play.
“Sharon, I don’t know how much time I have left. I don’t even know if I can still hold a successful concert. But no matter what, I want to try—just one more time.”
Whether intentional or not, Kelly lowered her head slightly, revealing the familiar necklace on her neck.
The overhead lights caught the pendant, scattering soft brilliance.
The gleam stabbed into Sharon’s eyes.
Her voice was emotionless. “People die every day in this world. So what—just because someone with a terminal illness appears in front of me, I’m supposed to accommodate them?”
Kelly had clearly never heard such words before. Her eyes reddened instantly, tears pooling, trembling on the edge.
Carter’s expression turned cold. “Sharon, it’s just a violin. Must you be so aggressive? If you like it that much, I’ll buy you another.”
Sharon looked at him. “Exactly. It’s just a violin. If she wants one, buy her another. Why does it have to be mine?”
Kelly pleaded softly beside them. “Sharon, what would it take for you to let me borrow it? Whatever conditions you have, just name them.”
Name her price? As if the bill wouldn’t end up on Carter’s desk in the end?
Sharon let out a soundless laugh. “Kelly, you seem quite fond of things left behind by my mother. First the necklace, now the violin.”
Kelly blinked, confused. “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
Watching her feign innocence, Sharon sneered inwardly.
“This violin—Shaluna—was my mother’s. And that necklace around your neck, that too was hers.”
Kelly’s face turned pale. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t know it belonged to your mother… Last night, Theo gave me a gift box with the necklace inside. I thought it was a gift from Carter, so I wore it. I didn’t realize it was your mother’s…”
Sharon gave a light, cool laugh. “Well, now that you do—can you give it back?”
Kelly touched the necklace at her collarbone, bit her lip, and looked up at Carter, eyes shimmering.
“Carter, since Sharon is asking… why not just let her have the necklace? We shouldn’t upset her over something so trivial—it’s not worth it.”
Let her have it?
Not return it—let her have it.
As if even if the necklace was originally her mother’s, it wasn’t hers to begin with. As if Kelly were magnanimously granting her a favor, not returning what never belonged to her in the first place.
Carter already believed that Sharon’s talk of divorce was just a ploy to threaten him. He hadn’t liked that. Now, as he heard Kelly’s words, his expression grew colder.
“No need,” he said. “Since I gave it to you, it’s yours.”
“But…” Kelly started.
He cut her off. “Once something’s given away, there’s no reason to take it back.”
A trace of emotion stirred on Kelly’s face—touched, grateful.
Sharon instinctively curled her fingers into a fist.
Then, as if shaking something off, she smiled faintly.
“Kelly, didn’t you want to borrow the violin? Sure. If Mr. Biggs begs me for it, I’ll consider it.”
Kelly’s pupils widened. She looked stunned.
Carter’s expression darkened to something almost dangerous.
“Sharon,” he said coldly, “that’s enough.”
Her tone turned mocking. “And here I thought Mr. Biggs would do anything for you, Kelly. But now… seems that isn’t quite true.”
She had once believed Carter would sacrifice anything for Kelly.
Now she realized: the things he sacrificed were always the ones that didn’t matter.
Like her.
Once she understood that, Sharon felt nothing anymore. Not disappointment. Not anger. Just… nothing.
She turned to the shop manager, who’d been frozen at the side.
“If I’m not mistaken,” she said, “the authorization for this violin expires today. Please remove it from display—I’m taking it home.”
The manager glanced cautiously at Carter.
Sharon raised a brow. “What? As the owner, do I not even have the right to take my own violin?”
“N-no, of course not,” the manager stammered. “I’ll arrange the paperwork right away.”
Once the handover was complete, Sharon took the violin and walked out without looking back. She didn’t spare Carter or Kelly so much as a glance.
Carter’s brows knit tightly as he watched her leave.
Kelly lowered her head slightly, voice tinged with guilt. “It must be because you forgot her birthday yesterday. That’s why she’s angry… It’s my fault, I’ve been a burden.”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Carter replied, voice flat as he looked away. “Go ahead and prepare for the concert. I’ll have someone send the Shaluna to you later.”
A bright smile spread across Kelly’s face. “Okay.”
…
That night, Carter returned home on time for once.
But Sharon wasn’t around to greet him with a warm meal like she always did.
When dinner time came around, Theo came downstairs as usual. But the dining room was empty, the table bare.
He looked puzzled. “Daddy, didn’t Mommy cook dinner today?”
Sharon had always been the perfect wife and mother. She never argued, never made a fuss. She played her role flawlessly.
Carter had never loved her, but overall, he’d been quite satisfied.
Especially with Theo’s weak stomach and picky eating habits—Sharon never left meals to the staff. She always cooked everything herself, including dinner and late-night snacks.
Thinking of what had happened during the day, Carter pressed his lips into a line, his face darkening slightly.
If this was her way of retaliating, of throwing a tantrum, then she was overestimating herself.
“Don’t worry about her,” he said coolly. “Let’s go eat out.”
Theo clapped happily. “Yay! Can Kelly come along too? I want cotton candy again!”
“Cotton candy?” Carter blinked. “Didn’t your mom say you can’t eat it because you’re lactose intolerant?”
Theo curled his lip. “My lactose intolerance is much better now. The doctor said it’s fine if I eat a little now and then. But Mom always wants to control me—make me do what she says.”
That word—control—coming from a five-year-old’s mouth, felt too heavy, too strange.
Carter was just about to respond when his phone rang.
He answered, and Kelly’s voice came through from the other end.
“Carter, are you home now?”
“Yes.”
“Sharon hasn’t come back yet, has she?”
He paused for a moment. “Why?”
“I think I just saw her…” Kelly’s voice hesitated. “She was having dinner with a young man. They seemed… close.”
She fell silent for a beat, then carefully asked, “Is it because of what happened earlier today? Did something upset her again? Carter, maybe you should explain things to her properly.”
A chill slipped into Carter’s eyes.
Sharon didn’t come home to cook—because she was out on a date?
His voice turned colder without him realizing it. “Where is she?”
Kelly gave him an address.
“I got it,” he said, and hung up.
…
In the restaurant, John Westin looked at Sharon steadily.
“Have you really made up your mind?”
She nodded. “Shaluna was something my mother custom made just for me… and I gave it up for my family, for five whole years.”
Her voice trailed off as she let out a quiet sigh. A hint of wistfulness flickered across her face.
“And now?” John’s voice was low. “If you return, you’ll have to perform regularly. It’ll be exhausting. You won’t have much time left—for your husband, for your son.”
“Theo’s health is fine now.” A trace of irony flashed in her eyes. “Besides, he doesn’t need me anymore.”
“And what about Carter?” John asked. “Will he agree?”
At the mention of Carter, her gaze turned icy.
“I don’t need his permission. This is my life.”
John looked at her for a long moment. “But he won’t allow you to be around me.”
“I don’t need his approval.”
Her voice was steady, but guilt surfaced on her face as she recalled how she’d once distanced herself from John—just because of something Carter had said.
“John,” she murmured, “I’m sorry.”
But John shook his head. “Sharon, you don’t need to apologize to me. It’s me who should be sorry. I promised your mother I’d protect you. But I didn’t have the strength to keep that promise. I let you suffer so much.”
John was her senior. The two had studied violin together under her mother since childhood. Now, John was one of the most celebrated violinists in the field.
His striking features and melancholic temperament had propelled him beyond the classical music world, turning him into a heartthrob with fan followings rivaling top-tier celebrities.
Fame, fortune—he had it all. But he still couldn’t compare to someone like Carter, a man with real capital behind him.
“It’s not your fault,” Sharon said softly. “It’s mine—”
She didn’t get to finish.
A soft voice cut in from behind. “Sharon, what a surprise to see you here.”
Sharon turned to see Kelly, dressed in a pristine white dress.
Running into someone she disliked—twice in one day—what rotten luck.
Her voice turned cold. “What’s it to you?”
Kelly smiled sweetly. “Don’t be upset, Sharon. I just found it strange—Carter rarely goes home, and yet you’re not there cooking dinner?”
Her tone was light, face gentle—an image of innocence and grace.
By contrast, Sharon suddenly seemed sharp, callous, and unkind.
But Sharon could hear the taunt beneath Kelly’s gentle voice.
She lifted her eyes—and saw the flicker of smugness in Kelly’s gaze that hadn’t quite been tucked away.
She shot back, “And why is it rare for Carter to go home? Isn’t it because his time is all taken up by you, Kelly? Are you really that clueless, or just pretending to be?”
Shock spread across Kelly’s face. She grabbed Sharon’s hand, anxious to explain.
“Sharon, wait, I didn’t mean it like that—”
Before she could finish, Sharon yanked her hand away. “If you’re not pretending, then you really don’t know your place. And women with no self-awareness? They’re very annoying.”
“Ah!” Suddenly, Kelly let out a shriek and stumbled backward.
Before Sharon could even react, a tall figure caught her just in time.
“Kelly, are you okay?”
Kelly’s face had gone pale. When she looked up and saw who it was, her eyes immediately brimmed with tears, as if she had suffered some great injustice.
“Carter… I’m fine. Sharon didn’t mean to. Please don’t be mad at her, okay?”
Carter’s gaze flicked, finally locking on Sharon nearby.
His brows drew together, voice low and cold.
“Sharon, apologize to Kelly.”
It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
In the past, Sharon would’ve hurried to explain. “It wasn’t me,” “Please hear me out,” “I didn’t do it,” “Can’t you believe me?”
But Carter never took her side. He always made her apologize to Kelly.
If she refused, he’d punish her with silence.
He wouldn’t answer her calls. Wouldn’t reply to her messages.
He would treat her like air—not a single word, not even a glance.
Later, even Theo joined in the silent treatment.
In the end, she had no choice but to lower her head and give in.
The memory made her laugh bitterly.
“Why should I listen to you? Who do you think you are?”
Carter froze for a second, wondering if he’d misheard her.
“What did you say?”
Sharon met his gaze, calm and cold. “When I cared about you, everything you said mattered. But now? Tell me—what are you to me?”
He finally understood what she meant.
In all the time he’d known her, she had never spoken to him like this.
She had always been gentle. Always considerate.
She’d leave the lights on when he worked late.
She’d make him midnight snacks when he stayed in his study for hours.
She’d bring him tea to sober up when he came home drunk.
Even after Kelly reappeared and Sharon changed, she’d never defied him so directly.
So why now… why did his chest feel so tight?
And then, a young voice cut through the tension.
“Mommy, you taught me that when someone does something wrong, they should apologize. So… now that you’ve done something wrong, shouldn’t you say sorry to Kelly?”
Sharon turned her head and saw Theo standing behind Carter. Though he was speaking to her, his gaze remained fixed on Kelly, worry written plainly across his face.
Since forever, even the slightest sign of trouble from Kelly would send both Carter and Theo into a frenzy of concern.
There was a time when the four of them went to a park together. No one could tell if it was a heatstroke or some sudden onset of illness, but Kelly suddenly looked as if she were about to collapse. Both Carter and Theo rushed toward her at once.
In his panic, Carter even pushed Sharon to the ground. And yet, no one noticed.
The cruelest part? Later, when Carter saw her injured and bandaged hand, he actually asked her how she’d gotten hurt.
The memory shattered as Kelly’s fragile voice broke into her thoughts. “Theo, I just lost my balance. It had nothing to do with your mother.”
Kelly shook her head at Theo, tears sliding down her cheeks in pitiful silence. “It’s my body… it’s just too weak…”
Theo pouted, lips pushing forward. “But I saw it. I saw Mommy push you.”
He turned to Sharon then, his little face serious. “Mommy, you always told me that when someone makes a mistake, they should admit it and fix it. You’re a grown-up… you wouldn’t go back on your word, would you?”
Sharon had put everything into caring for Theo’s health. But when it came to his studies, she had hardly needed to lift a finger.
At only five years old, Theo was already fluent in three languages and possessed an extraordinary gift for speech. More than once, he had left grown adults speechless.
Carter’s mother often said the boy’s brilliance reminded her of Carter when he was young.
And now, this little boy was using that sharp mind… against her, for Kelly’s sake.
As his mother, as an adult, she knew she had to set the right example. If she couldn’t live by her own words, how could she ask a child to?
Sharon looked at her husband and son, both standing beside Kelly. In that moment, she felt that they looked more like a family than she ever had with them.
She had long since stopped hoping for anything from this father and son, but still, Theo’s words pricked at her heart.
Lowering her gaze to meet his eyes, Sharon said softly, “You’re right. I did tell you that if we do something wrong, we should apologize. But—”
She paused, her voice calm and deliberate.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?”
In the past, she would’ve yielded. She always did when it came to Theo.
But today, she didn’t.
Theo spoke without thinking, “But I saw you push Kelly.”
Sharon didn’t argue. Instead, she smiled faintly.
“Just because I pushed her… does that mean I was wrong?”
“But Mom, you said hitting people is wrong…”
Her tone was light, even serene. “And I also told you that we shouldn’t bully others. But that doesn’t mean we should let others bully us. If someone keeps crossing the line, then—you shouldn’t hold back.”
For all his cleverness, Theo was still only five. He hadn’t expected her to say something like that. For a moment, he was stunned into silence.
Just then, John’s voice came from the side. “Theo, that’s not how you speak to your mother.”
Both Carter and Theo turned toward the sound, surprised. As if they had only now noticed John standing nearby.
Theo blinked. “Mr. Westin?”
Carter’s expression darkened. “Why are you here?”
John — Sharon’s childhood friend and senior schoolmate — was someone Carter had met many times. He’d heard about him from Sharon, too.
She once told him that John had grown up without parents, raised by his grandparents.
By middle school, he had lost even them, and was left completely alone in the world.
It was around that time Sharon’s mother discovered his musical talent and took him under her wing.
But John had been a withdrawn, melancholy child who ignored everyone around him. It took Sharon three years to get through to him, for him to accept her as a friend and fellow student.
And yet, for reasons Carter couldn’t explain, he’d disliked this man from the very first moment they met.
“You can meet your ex-girlfriend, but it’s strange that Sharon has a meal with someone who’s like family to her?”
John’s tone was flat, but every word carried weight, each one slicing through the pretense like a blade.
He stripped away Carter and Kelly’s carefully constructed facade with chilling precision.
Carter’s eyes darkened, and his face hardened. “Sharon, come home with me.”
She answered without emotion, “No. I’m still eating with John.”
His voice grew cold, laced with threat. “Sharon, I’ll say it one last time. Come home with me.”
She knew this tone well — it meant he was furious. If she didn’t yield now, it wouldn’t end with a simple fight.
He would take action. He always did.
She could never forget that night, when thunder rolled through the sky and rain soaked her from head to toe. She had knelt at his feet, soaked and shivering, begging him with tears streaming down her face to return Theo to her.
He had looked down at her, cold and arrogant, and asked, “Do you admit your mistake?”
The sound of her tears had echoed against the ground like rain, and in the end, she could only agree to apologize for Kelly’s fall into the water.
He always had a way of forcing her hand.
The thought made Sharon smile.
Then, calmly, she said, “No.”
Carter’s eyes turned icy, his lips pressed into a thin line.
“Sharon, think carefully about the consequences.”
She met his gaze without fear.
“Mr. Biggs, whatever tricks you’ve got, go ahead and use them.”
Her only weakness had ever been Theo. But now, she didn’t even want him anymore. Carter had nothing left to threaten her with.
Turning to John, she said, “John, the vibes here aren’t great. Let’s find another place to eat.”
He paused for a beat, then nodded. “Alright.”
Without sparing the three behind her another glance, Sharon picked up her bag and prepared to leave.
Behind her, Theo called out stubbornly, “Mommy, are you really not going to apologize to Kelly?”
She paused, just for a second — then walked away without looking back.
Carter stood where he was, watching her retreating figure. His gaze grew colder and darker by the second.
Beside him, Theo stared after her too, a flicker of confusion crossing his delicate little face.
Something about his Mommy felt different.
Noticing both of their gazes locked on Sharon, Kelly’s eyes gleamed with something sharp and cold. Then, all at once, she let out a weak gasp. “Ah…”
In an instant, both Carter and Theo snapped their attention back to her.
Kelly’s face was pale. Her body swayed unsteadily, as if she might collapse at any moment.
Carter’s expression shifted, and without hesitation, he swept her up into his arms
Carter turned to Theo, who stood quietly to the side.
“Theo, wait here for me,” he said.
Theo gave a small nod, obedient and aware. He knew Carter needed to tend to Kelly first.
As soon as Carter stepped away, a murmur of conversation rose from a nearby table.
“Dennis, look,” a woman whispered. “That little boy over there looks even younger than you, but he stood up for his mom and drove away the mistress. Impressive, isn’t he? When you see that awful woman again, you need to learn from him. Don’t be scared, alright?”
Theo heard them and turned his head toward the voices.
A woman in her thirties was sitting at the next table, dining with a little boy who looked around seven or eight.
The boy—Dennis—nodded earnestly.
Noticing Theo looking their way, Dennis jumped off his chair and walked up to him.
“You’re amazing. Can you teach me how to get rid of a mistress?”
Theo blinked, a little thrown off. “Mistress?”
Dennis thought Theo didn’t know what that meant and proceeded to explain with grave seriousness.
“A mistress is someone who comes between a mom and dad. The third person. She ruins everything. She makes your mom sad, and she makes your parents get divorced. Women like that are bad!” Dennis’s face twisted in anger. “Lately there’s been this bad woman who keeps clinging to my dad. But…”
His voice faltered, replaced by a look of helplessness.
“But I don’t know how to make her leave. I don’t know how to protect my mom.”
He looked up at Theo again, his eyes filled with admiration.
“You were so cool just now. Just a few words, and that woman ran away. Your mom and dad got back together, right? Can you teach me how you did it?”
Theo was still struggling to process it all. “Got back together…?”
But… wasn’t it Mom who left first?
Dennis tilted his head, confused. “Didn’t that woman just get scared off by what you said? And didn’t your dad carry your mom away right after?”
Mom?
So Dennis had mistaken Kelly for his mother?
At that moment, Dennis’s mom walked over too. She reached out and gently patted Theo’s head.
“You’re such a good boy,” she said warmly. “You didn’t hesitate at all to take your mother’s side. Not like my Dennis—he once said the bad lady was nice just because she gave him candy.”
Dennis scratched his head sheepishly. “Mom wouldn’t let me eat candy. I couldn’t resist…”
“I don’t let you eat it because I don’t want your teeth to rot. When you’re older, you can eat as much as you want.”
Dennis hugged his mother’s arm and whined softly, “I know now, Mom. You’re just looking out for me. Don’t stay mad, okay?”
“That woman almost sold you off. Took that for you to realize your mom’s not so bad after all.”
Dennis let out a goofy laugh. “Hehe… better late than never!”
Though the woman kept chiding her son, her eyes betrayed nothing but affection and tenderness.
…
More than half an hour passed before Carter and Kelly returned.
“I’m really fine, Carter,” Kelly said helplessly. “It’s just low blood sugar… no need to go to the hospital.”
Carter’s tone was firm, his face stern. “You’re fainting more often lately. We should get you checked, just in case it’s something more serious.”
Something flickered across Kelly’s face—barely perceptible.
Lately, in an effort to keep Sharon on edge, she had indeed asked Carter to come over more than she used to.
“I’ll be alright,” she said. “It’s getting late, and Theo hasn’t eaten yet. Let’s let him eat first. I can go to the hospital tomorrow—it’s the same.”
They spoke as they walked, making their way back to Theo.
He sat alone at the table, staring blankly out the window, a faraway look in his eyes—lost in a way he had never been before.
Carter didn’t notice. He simply stepped in front of him.
“Kelly’s not feeling well. I’m going to take her to the hospital. We’ll eat dinner after.”
His voice was calm, but there was no room for argument in his words.
For all his outward coolness, Carter was inherently domineering. Once he made a decision, it was rarely overturned.
On any other day, Theo would’ve agreed without hesitation. But today, something felt different.
Sharon’s face floated into his mind.
Until today, she had always prepared his meals on time.
He had a weak stomach—he needed to eat regularly. Even when they were out with Kelly and it got late, Sharon would insist he eat something light to tide him over.
She’d even customized those snacks just for him.
Her cooking was excellent, though after a while, eating the same things did get old.
Outside food always looked more exciting, more tempting. Gradually, he’d stopped enjoying the things she made.
Kelly’s soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Carter, Theo’s body is weak. Let’s let him eat a little first.”
Carter’s voice was cool. “Your health is more important.”
Kelly’s cheeks flushed slightly. She didn’t argue, only looked down and smiled gently at Theo. “How about we get you a slice of strawberry cake to eat on the way?”
Strawberry cake—Theo’s favorite.
On any other day, he’d have jumped for joy.
But now, he only gave a quiet nod.
“Okay.”
Kelly noticed something odd about him today, but didn’t dwell on it.
After asking the server to pack up a slice of cake, she took his hand, and they walked out of the restaurant together.
…
On the way to the hospital, Kelly sat in the passenger seat, turning back every now and then to remind Theo to be careful while eating.
“If I didn’t get carsick, I’d sit in the back with you,” she said with a sigh. “Then I could take better care of you.”
Even when Sharon was around, Kelly had insisted on sitting in the front. Her reason was always the same: she got motion sickness, and sitting in front made it easier.
Theo looked at the cake in his hands.
Suddenly, he remembered what Dennis’s mom had said—that she didn’t let her son eat candy because it was for his own good.
He looked up.
“Ms. Walt, are you a mistress?”
Kelly froze. For a second, she wondered if she’d misheard.
“…What?”
Theo repeated the question, his tone serious.
“Ms. Walt, are you a mistress?”
She hadn’t expected that—hadn’t even come close.
The word “mistress” was loaded, sharp, and deeply wounding–especially for a woman.
Her expression went stiff, and for a long moment, she couldn’t respond.
“Theo. Do you even know what you’re saying? Where did all your manners go?” Carter’s voice came low and cold, displeasure laced through every word.
Snapping back to herself, Kelly quickly tried to smooth things over
“Carter, don’t be angry. He’s just a child. He doesn’t know any better.”
She paused, a trace of sorrow in her voice.
I know… Sharon never liked me. But no matter how much she dislikes me, she shouldn’t say things like that to Theo. Adults should keep children out of these matters. He’s innocent. He’s still so young…”
The implication was clear–there was no way Theo could’ve come up with those words on his own unless someone had taught him.
Carter didn’t say a word, but the tight line of his lips and the sudden chill that swept through the air made his displeasure unmistakable.
Theo was a sharp kid. Even though his father hadn’t spoken, he could still sense that something was wrong. The mood had shifted.
He opened his mouth, instinctively trying to explain. “It wasn’t Mom who said that, it was…”
Before he could finish, Kelly cut him off. “Theo, I know. That didn’t come from Sharon. Must’ve been something some random person said on the street, right?”
Theo didn’t catch the underlying message in her words. He just thought Kelly was amazing–like she somehow knew everything. He nodded seriously.
“That’s right. I heard it at the restaurant earlier. Some people at another table were talking.”
Kelly smiled gently. “Theo, I believe you.”
Just as a smile started to spread across his face, something seemed to dawn on him. His expression turned serious again. He looked over at Kelly in the passenger seat, stubbornly chasing after an answer.
“Ms. Walt, are you going to become… a mistress?”
Carter frowned, ready to speak up, but Kelly held up a hand, stopping him. She gave him a subtle shake of her head before turning back to Theo.
“Theo, did you forget? I only have at most half a year left to live.”
Usually, he called her “pretty sister” or “Kelly.” Now, hearing himself address her so differently-“Ms. Walt“-a flicker of unease stirred in Kelly’s chest.
He might only be five, but Theo wasn’t a child you could treat like fast any five–year–old.
Chapter 7
+25 BONUS
Theo paused, as it just now remembering. He didn’t even know why he’d asked that kind of question. Regret crept in. Embarrassment, too.
Kelly was so kind, so gentle–how could he have doubted her?
And besides, she didn’t have much time left.
Despite how clever he was, he was still a child. He didn’t notice that from beginning to end, Kelly had never actually answered his question.
He bit his lower lip without realizing it and murmured, “Kelly, I’m sorry.”
Kelly smiled, her voice still soft and warm. “It’s alright. Let’s not talk about that anymore. Think about what you’d like to eat later, and I will take you.”
Just like that, Theo quickly let go of the awkward moment and happily launched into a conversation with her about food.
“Kelly, I want fried chicken today!”
Without even thinking, Kelly agreed. “Sure.”
But Carter interjected. “Kelly, your health isn’t great. The doctor told you to avoid fried food.”
“It’s fine if it’s just once in a while,” she said lightly, glancing back at Theo. “Besides, Theo wants it… What’s the point of living
if everything’s always by the book? You’ve got to indulge now and then–otherwise, where’s the fun?”
Theo thought about Sharon, who never let him eat anything fun, and suddenly felt like–yeah, Kelly really understood him.
Mom just always told him what not to do.
The next morning, as Theo descended the stairs, rubbing his eyes with sleep still clouding his face, he found Carter sitting at the dining table, reading the newspaper.
Seeing Theo, still half–asleep, shuffle downstairs, Carter furrowed his brows. “Theo, why haven’t you gone to kindergarten yet?
11
Theo lowered his head. “No one woke me up. I overslept.”
At that moment, Marie, the housekeeper, appeared from the kitchen, holding a tray of breakfast.
Carter’s gaze shifted to her, sharp with irritation. “Why didn’t you wake Theo up?“.
Marie glanced at Theo, still standing there, and hesitated. Her voice was awkward as she tried to explain.
“Mr. Biggs, it’s usually Madam who wakes Theo up…”
Carter’s face hardened. “The meals are prepared by Madam, and she wakes the child. So what exactly are you hired for?”
Carter’s voice was cold, the silence between his words thick with authority.
Marie had worked there for five years, but she had never seen him this angry. His presence–long accustomed to command- filled the room with an undeniable pressure. She couldn’t help but shrink slightly.
But then, as she thought about how much Madam had done over the years, only to have it go unappreciated, Marie couldn’t hold back a sense of sympathy for Sharon.
“It’s not like that, Mr. Biggs,” she began, her voice softer now. “Madam said that you and Theo have sensitive stomachs and can’t just eat anything. You need specially prepared meals. Some of the herbs for these meals take over two hours to stew, and the process is incredibly intricate. Madam even studied herbs for a long time to learn how to prepare them.”
Specially prepared incals?
+25 BONUS
Chapter 7
Carter’s gaze flickered slightly. No wonder his stomach issues hadn’t bothered him for so long.
Marie continued. “After your health and Theo’s improved, Madam thought she could take a break for a while.”
“But…” Marie glanced at Carter and murmured, “One time, when Madam brought your meal, Miss Kelly was feeling faint from low blood sugar. You gave her the meal Madain had prepared for you.
“Miss Kelly found it to her liking. After speaking with Madam, she found out it was medicinal, and said her doctor had recommended her to eat such meals. But she couldn’t find anyone who could make them. She praised Madam’s cooking. And you said, since Madam was already preparing meals for you and Theo, it wouldn’t be much trouble to make extra for Miss Kelly.
“Madam, however, said that Miss Kelly’s tastes were different from yours and Theo’s, and was worried it wouldn’t suit her. You and Theo said, if Miss Kelly wanted it, it was fine–whatever she wanted, you both would like too. Just have her send the menu to us. I’d buy the ingredients, and Madam would cook it.”
Just then, Marie’s phone vibrated in her pocket.
She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and handed it to Carter.
“Look, Miss Kelly just sent another menu.”
Carter glanced casually at the screen, only to see it was a three–person group chat. The group consisted of Kelly, Marie, and Sharon.
Most of the messages were from Kelly.
Kelly: [Today, I want three dishes and a soup.]
The next message was a long list of recipes that seemed to stretch on forever, filling the screen.
Before Carter could finish reading, Marie quickly grabbed the phone and typed a quick reply: [Okay]
Carter looked at her, taken aback by her hasty actions.
Seeing the confusion on his face, Marie quickly explained. “Last time, when I was cleaning, I didn’t reply in time. When I brought lunch, Miss Kelly seemed terribly upset and refused to eat.
“Later, she fainted from low blood sugar and had to be rushed to the hospital. When she woke up, she said she was a dying person–no matter how much she supplemented, it was useless. She didn’t want to trouble Madam anymore.
“Mr. Biggs, you were furious with Madam, saying she had intentionally neglected Miss Kelly. No matter how I explained, you and Miss Kelly wouldn’t believe me.”
As she spoke, Marie began to remove her
apron.
“Mr. Biggs, Theo, you two can eat breakfast for now. I’ll go buy vegetables. If I’m too late, the vegetables won’t be fresh, and Miss Kelly will think Madam is giving her spoiled food and is trying to harm her. Then she’ll come complaining to you.”
Marie grumbled to herself, but just as she moved to leave, a new message popped up in the group chat.
Her steps faltered.
Chapter 8
She rubbed her eyes, trying to make sure she hadn’t seen it wrong
Beside her, Theo noticed Marie’s odd behavior and couldn’t help asking, “Marie, what’s wrong?”
Cautiously, Matie handed her phone to Carter. “Sir, it’s…”
Carter lowered his gaze/
Sharon had left the group chat.
His face darkened.
The next moment, his phone rang.
Kelly’s choked sobs came through the receiver. “Carter… what should we do? Sharon seems really upset…”
Carter suddenly thought of Sharon.
He rarely saw her cry.
The only time she had, it was after she pushed Kelly into the water and landed her in the ICU–still, she stubbornly refused to admit fault.
To punish her, he took Theo back to his parents‘ home and told Sharon that if she didn’t apologize, she’d never see Theo again.
At the time, Theo was suffering from a relapse of his old illness and running a dangerously high fever.
Sharon chased them to the estate, but he hadn’t allowed anyone to let her in.
That night, a torrential rainstorm swept in.
Everyone had been too busy tending to Theo’s fever to remember she was waiting outside.
It wasn’t until the butler quietly reminded him that he even remembered she was there.
She was brought in, soaked to the bone.
That was the first time he saw her cry.
Kelly’s weepy voice dragged him out of the memory.
“I just saw… Sharon left the group. Carter, maybe we should just let it go. If she doesn’t want to make the medicinal meals for me, let’s not trouble her…”
For some reason, an uneasy restlessness stirred in him.
He said, “Alright.”
Kelly went silent for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by his reaction.
“I’ll find a personal caretaker to prepare your meals and take care of you,” he said calmly, “Since the medicinal dishes help your condition, I’ll have a specialist handle your health from now on.”
Reflexively, Kelly tried to refuse. “Carter, that’s not necessary…”
She wasn’t joking–those medicinal dishes tasted awful.
11
She’d never eaten a single bite of the ones Sharon made. Every dish had gone straight down the drain.
The menus she sent were just her way of making things difficult for Sharon.
But Carter, unaware of her real motives, gave no room for argument. “It’s settled. I have things to take care of. I’ll hang up now.”
Chapter 8
+25 BONUS
The line went dead before she could say another word.
Staring at the blank screen, Kelly sat stunned.
A personal caretaker?
If she didn’t eat those meals properly, and the staff reported back to him, wouldn’t her lie be exposed?
Her jaw clenched.
Damn Sharon. She must be behind this.
Her resentment deepened.
Meanwhile, Marie almost broke into celebration. She was finally free of this thankless job–if she could, she would’ve popped a confetti cannon.
In a wealthy household, a wife occasionally cooking could be seen as a way to nurture bonds or cultivate inner peace.
But cooking every single day?
What difference was there between that and being a maid?
No wonder the lady of the house got angry enough to walk out.
After hanging up, Carter turned to his son. “Sit and eat. I’ll take you to kindergarten after.”
Theo rubbed his eyes and nodded obediently.
He wasn’t as healthy as other kids to begin with, and the recent string of late nights was starting to wear on his small body.
Father and son sat facing each other, quietly eating breakfast.
Sharon usually handled Theo’s daily care and schooling.
Carter, busy with work, rarely got involved.
Now, in the silence, something hung heavy between them.
Theo chewed on Marie’s breakfast, but no matter how much he ate it didn’t taste right.
His taste buds had been spoiled by Sharon. He just couldn’t get used to Marie’s food.
Then, from the other end of the table, his father’s cool, clear voice broke the silence.
“Those things you said yesterday–who taught you that?”
Theo paused; startled, and looked up to find Carter staring straight at him, eyes sharp and unblinking.
Before Theo could speak, Carter asked, “Was it your mom?”
Theo wasn’t afraid of his mom, but he was always intimidated by his stern, distant father.
He lowered his eyes. “…No. Mommy didn’t teach me that.”
But to Carter, that very hesitation looked like guilt.
So that’s what she taught him at home?
A faint, mirthless chuckle escaped him.
“If she can’t even teach a child properly, maybe she should take some time to reflect.”
Then he turned to Theo.
Chapter 8
“You’ll stay at Grandpa and Grandma’s for the next few days.”
Theo had wanted to say something, but the moment he heard those words, his eyes lit up.
+25 BONUS
He remembered what his aunt had once told him–how last time, after Mom pushed Kelly into the water and refused to apologize, Dad sent him to his grandparents‘ house. Eventually, Mom broke down and cried, apologizing to both Dad and Kelly.
Maybe… if he went back to his grandparents‘ house this time, Mommy would apologize again.
In Sharon’s apartment, Wendy stared wide–eyed as Sharon quit the group chat and blocked both Carter and Kelly.
“Sharon, are you serious this time?”
Sharon didn’t lift her head until everything was done. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
Wendy let out a long sigh. “You said the same thing last time when Kelly fell into the water–you were dead set on not backing down. But then Theo got sick… I’m worried Carter might use the boy to get to you again.”
Women were soft–hearted by nature. For their children, they could endure almost anything. 1
That’s probably why people say men always assume that once there’s a child, they’ve got the upper hand. And more often than not, they’re right. Eighty percent of women cave once a child is involved. 1
But Sharon’s voice was calm. “Don’t worry. Not this time.”
Wendy still looked skeptical. “Really?”
Sharon gave a faint smile. “Yeah. I used to think that giving everything to Theo made me some kind of a great mother. But in the end, the only one who was moved by all that… was me.”
“Well then…” Wendy grinned, mischief lighting up her eyes. “Tonight, I’m treating. We’re going out–and I’m gonna take care of you properly.”
Wendy was single and proud of it. She loved bars, clubs, and everything that came with them.
Sharon waved it off quickly. “No, no… I’m good.”
“Good? What do you mean good?” Wendy cut her off. “Back at Bell University, you were the campus queen, remember? Do you know how many guys fell for you during prom night, after that dance performance of yours?”
Wendy pouted dramatically. “Our Sharon plays the violin, dances beautifully, and is drop–dead gorgeous. You were every guy’s dream–and you ended up with that clueless jerk Carter who didn’t even know how lucky he was. There are tons of good men in this world besides Carter. Just come with me tonight, for fun. Loosen up a little.”
In the face of Wendy’s relentless persuasion, Sharon finally gave in
At 8 p.m., Sharon and Wendy stepped into the bar.
It wasn’t the wild scene Sharon had imagined. In fact, the place had a more refined air than most bars.
Wendy raised an eyebrow at her. “This place just opened. The eye candy here? Top tier. I promise you won’t regret coming.”
Since she was already here, Sharon didn’t hold back. She smiled. “Alright.”
Just as the word left her mouth, a voice rang out behind her–familiar, and unmistakably mocking.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Carter’s little shadow. What–here to sniff him out again?”
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Sharon turned her head and saw a young man approaching with a few rowdy friends in tow. He walked with the kind of swagger that came from never being challenged–arrogant, untamed, and always playing to an audience.
She recognized him instantly.
Nate Hendricks. One of Carter’s bros, and one of Kelly’s many.
orbiters.
From the very beginning of Sharon’s relationship with Carter, Nate had looked down on her–mocking her at every turn, never missing a chance to sneer. After Kelly came back, he was the most eager to stir things up, practically acting as Kelly’s personal messenger.
If Kelly so much as sneezed, Nate would be the first to call Carter, urging him to rush over. He’d even told Sharon more than once that she should step aside and make room for Kelly.
Now, he stood in front of her, a smirk tugging at his lips, eyes gleaming with ridicule.
“Well, welk Shouldn’t a housewife be home learning how to be a good little full–time wife–how to keep her man from straying? What are you doing here, showing your face in public? That’s not exactly the mark of a good housewife.”
Sharon could host a formal dinner or make a perfect bowl of soup–graceful in the parlor, capable in the kitchen. She was so flawless that it was almost irritating.
Once Nate found out, he’d slapped a nickname on her-“Housewife.”
And from that point on, everyone in Carter’s circle followed suit. Whenever they saw her, they called her that.
His tone now was deliberately grating, his posture smug. Wendy’s brows drew together in a frown.
Sharon’s expression chilled.
Nate, far from backing off, let out a low whistle and looked at her with mock alarm.
“Oh no, don’t tell me you’re mad again? Come on, Housewife. Don’t tell me you can’t even take a joke?”
His buddies jumped in immediately.
“Yeah, seriously. You’re Carter’s wife–you’re supposed to be gracious. Don’t be so petty, you’re making him look bad!”
“And really, Nate’s not wrong. You are just a housewife, aren’t you? Taking care of the husband and kid.”
“Exactly! How could someone like you even compare to Kelly? She graduated from Bell University!”
“Never heard of Bell University? Ha! That’s ‘cause it’d blow your mind–it’s one of the top five music academies in the world.”
Wendy turned sharply toward Sharon, surprise flickering across her face. “Kelly went to Bell University? How come I’ve never even heard of her?”
Nate let out a snort and gave Wendy a dismissive glance.
“Such ignorance. There’s a whole world out there you haven’t even seen, sweetheart. Try getting out more.”
Already, he was being rude–after just one encounter.
Wendy’s frown deepened. “Sharon, who is this guy? Why is he so obnoxious? No one even said a word to him, and he just inserted himself into the conversation like some self–important old man.”
Sharon replied coolly, “One of Kelly’s lapdogs. You can call him a simp.”
“Ohhh, so he’s her simp,” Wendy said, feigning sudden realization, the irritation vanishing from her face. “Well, that explains it. No wonder he’s so gross. Got it.”
Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
Nate’s face darkened, but before he could fire back, Sharon gave him a sweet smile.
“Come on now, Mr. Simp. I was just teasing. Don’t tell me you’re the one who can’t take a joke?”
Wendy, who’d been quietly fuming over everything that had just happened, caught Sharon’s tone and immediately played along.
“No way, seriously? A grown man who can’t handle a little ribbing That’s so weak. Makes all you guys look bad.”
Sharon nodded mildly. “Be nice. He’s clearly not used to the real world. Let’s not stoop to his level.”
Everyone’s expression shifted, each in their own way. Even the slowest among them could tell now–they were being called out. Their words from earlier were being thrown right back in their faces.
Wendy laughed mockingly. “Lick, lick, lick, and in the end, the lapdog gets nothing. Well, he’s pitiful enough–I won’t bother lowering myself to his level. Come on, Sharon, let’s go. I’ll take you somewhere fun.”
Sharon gave a small nod and turned to leave.
Nate’s jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might crack. He stared after them like he’d just swallowed something rotten.
His buddies glanced around at each other, unsure.
One of them let out a dry chuckle, trying to recover the moment. “Man, those two women must be tired of living. Calling Nate a simp? No way! Nate’s definitely not some simp, he’s-”
The sentence froze on his lips.
Because… yeah. Harsh as their words were… weren’t they also kind of true?
Nate did seem a bit like a simp.
Another guy caught on quick and jumped in. “No, no–Nate isn’t a simp! He’s… he’s like a knight. A loyal protector for Kelly!”
The others latched on fast. “Yeah, totally! A protector! Guardian of the goddess!”
Just then, a soft voice broke the awkward scramble.
“Nate, what are you doing out here instead of going into the private room?”
Nate turned around and saw a man and a woman slowly walking over.
The man was tall, handsome, with a calm kind of arrogance. The woman beside him was delicate, lovely–fragile, almost. 1
The moment Nate saw them, his whole face lit up.
He walked quickly over, falling into step beside them, voice already rising with drama. He began spinning his version of events, accusing Sharon of every sin he could think of.
“Carter, Kelly–you won’t believe who I just saw. Sharon! She’s actually here. And get this, she was saying she came out to have fun. Just imagine that–running around like this instead of staying home like a proper woman!
“I bet it’s because she’s too free these days. Nothing better to do but fool around. She used to make one medicinal meal a day for Kelly at the very least, it should’ve been three!
“Carter, a woman like that has no sense of duty or virtue–you really shouldn’t spoil her.”
Kelly frowned slightly at that.
“Have fun?” she echoed, turning to look at Carter. Her brows knit together. “Carter, it’s late. Do you think Sharon left Theo alone at home again?”
At the sound of Sharon’s name,
Carter’s expression shifted, his brow tightening ever so slightly.
Kelly kept her eyes on him, studying the faint shadow on his face.
Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
“Theo’s health isn’t good,” she murmured. “If he’s alone at home are you sure he’ll be alright?”
Carter’s lips pressed into a thin, unreadable line. There was something colder in his face now, something darker.
“He’s at my parents‘ house tonight.” 1
He had planned to use Theo to teach Sharon a lesson. To make her understand what it meant to step out of line.
What he hadn’t expected was for her to not come home at all.
Kelly stood silent for a few seconds. Then, slowly, she seemed to understand.
“Carter… Sharon’s been staying at home all the time, looking after Theo and you. Maybe she just needed a break. Everyone gets tired.”
Her voice was soft. Almost guilty. “It’s my fault for not being considerate. I shouldn’t have let her cook medicinal meals for so long. She must be exhausted… It’s understandable she doesn’t want to keep doing it.”
She hadn’t even finished when Nate exploded again, eyes wide with disbelief.
“What?! Sharon stopped making the meals for you? If it weren’t for her pushing you into the water, your condition wouldn’t have gotten worse in the first place! And now she just walks away like nothing happened? How dare she?!”
Kelly hurriedly grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down.
“Nate, I told you—it had nothing to do with Sharon. I was the one who slipped. It was just an accident…”
“Kelly, you’re too kind! Sharon practically tried to kill you, and you’re still defending her?”
Nate turned to Carter, his face a mix of outrage and disbelief.
“Carter, are you really just going to let Sharon get away with bullying Kelly like this?”
Chapter 10
Carter’s patience wore thin. His voice was cold and clipped. “That’s enough.”
Nate opened his mouth to speak again, but Kelly held him back, giving a small shake of her head.
“That’s enough, Nate. It’s fulliard’s birthday tonight. Let’s go.”
Nate caught the shift in Carter’s expression–dark and unreadable. He shut up and followed them in silence.
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Inside the private room, Wendy had been planning to call in a few male escorts for the party. But Sharon firmly refused, leaving her no choice but to give up on the idea, albeit with obvious regret.
“The guys here are top–tier,” Wendy said wistfully. “Incredible bodies, killer abs… the kind that make you never want to let go once you’ve touched them. I’m telling you, it’s addictive.”
Sharon remained calm. “I’m planning to divorce Carter. I need to be careful right now. I don’t want to give them anything they can use against me.”
Wendy tapped her fingers on the table, thoughtful. “Makes sense. Wouldn’t want them flipping the script and playing the victim.
She was never the type to sit still for long. Since the models were out of the picture, she resorted to singing karaoke instead.
Time passed, though neither of them paid much attention to the clock. Sharon’s phone vibrated softly on the table. She glanced down. It was John.
She raised a finger at Wendy, mouthing a quick “hold on,” and stepped outside to take the call.
John wanted to talk about setting up his own studio. His contract with the agency was about to expire, and with Sharon considering a return to work, he figured it was the perfect time to start something new.
Sharon didn’t hesitate. She agreed on the spot.
After hanging up, she headed to the restroom. On her way out, she saw Kelly standing by the sink, touching up her makeup in
the mirror.
Their eyes met briefly. Sharon’s gaze was flat, uninterested, and she looked away.
She turned on the faucet, washed her hands, and was about to leave when Kelly called out.
“Sharon.”
Sharon turned. “What is it?”
Kelly smiled softly, pulling something from her handbag.
“Sharon, do you recognize this?”
She held up a small, worn amulet. The design was old–fashioned.
Sharon’s brow twitched. Her breath caught, just for a second.
Kelly’s tone remained gentle. “Theo told me… this was the charm you prayed for, back when he was sick. Said you stayed knelt a whole day and night just to get it.”
Sharon’s voice was quiet. “What exactly are you trying to say, Kelly?”
Kelly gave the amulet a slight shake. “Theo said that after you brought this back, his fever started to break. He got better. So now, he’s giving it to me–hoping it’ll heal me too.”
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Theo had been three years old when he suddenly became gravely with a high fever. Nothing worked–no medicine, no physical cooling. The doctors had exhausted every method. They even told the family to prepare for the worst and sent Theo
home.
Someone–Carter’s younger sister, maybe had quietly suggested cuthanasia, just so Theo wouldn’t suffer anymore.
Sharon refused to give up. Desperate, she turned to anything that offered hope, even if it meant placing her faith in the divine.
No one could explain what happened. Whether it was coincidence or fate, when she returned with that charm, Theo’s fever began to fade. Slowly, steadily, his condition improved. His health had only gotten better from there.
When Theo still relied on her for everything, he once told her, “This is the charm Mommy got for me. I’ll wear it every day and keep it safe.”
She never imagined that one day, this same charm would end up in Kelly’s hands.
Kelly raised her hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the emerald bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet shimmered softly, its pale green glow delicate and serene–yet somehow, it stung the eyes.
Sharon’s papils contracted sharply.
That bracelet was Carter’s family heirloom. It was meant to be passed down to the family’s daughters–in–law.
But Madeline, Carter’s mother, had never liked her. Not even a little. She never even considered giving it to her.
Even after she gave birth to Theo, Madeline remained cold and distant.
Sharon knew Madeline favored refined, high–born women. She didn’t think much of Kelly either.
It was said that Carter’s breakup with Kelly had been orchestrated by Madeline herself.
No one expected Carter would go on to marry someone even less acceptable–Sharon.
No one in Carter’s family had ever truly accepted her. Even the household staff treated her with condescension, convinced she’d schemed her way into a wealthy marriage.
For years after their wedding, Madeline refused to see her. On holidays and family gatherings, she was forbidden from stepping foot into Madeline’s house.
It wasn’t until Theo began to grow up–looking more and more like Carter, smart and charming–that things began to shift.
Madeline slowly began to lower her guard, for Theo’s sake.
Eventually, she even handed the emerald bracelet over–not to Sharon, but to Theo, instructing him to one day pass it on to his
wife.
Sharon had once asked to see it.
Theo had refused.
He’d said seriously, “Grandma said this bracelet is for my future wife. If I lose it or break it, I won’t have a wife anymore.”
His solemn little face had made her laugh at the time.
But now, the joke felt bitter.
Kelly must have noticed her stare. She smiled faintly, a flicker of triumph in her eyes.
“This bracelet,” she said, “was also from Theo. He told me it’s meant to be passed down to the daughter–in–law of the family. His mom asked for it, but he wouldn’t give it up.”
Sharon said nothing. She watched quietly, letting Kelly talk.
Sure enough, Kelly kept going as she smiled sweetly. “He gave it to me because he hopes I’ll be his mom. That I’ll become the
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Biggs family’s daughter–in–law.”
“Oh, right,” she added, “Sharon, you probably don’t know–there’s a parent–child event this weekend. Both parents are supposed to go.”
Parent–child event?
Sharon suddenly remembered–just a few days ago, Carter had come home early for once and had dinner with them.
While she was in the kitchen, carrying soup to the table, she’d overheard him and Theo talking. Something about “an event,” and “Kelly.”
The moment she walked in, Theo had gone quiet.
They clearly didn’t want her to hear.
By then, her feelings toward Kelly had already curdled into nausea. She didn’t want to hear that woman’s name from either of them.
It had been a rare moment of family peace, and she hadn’t wanted to ruin it, so she didn’t ask.
So this was what they were talking about.
Kelly’s voice broke into her thoughts again.
Theo also said, all the other moms in his class are socialites, heiresses. Even the least of them are celebrities. But his mom?”
She giggled, leaned in, and whispered, “He said his mom is just a housekeeper. That’s why she delivers his lunch every day and picks him up after school.”
Chapter 11
“Then there’s Carter,” Kelly said, her tone light as she smiled, almost casual–yet laced with something poisonous beneath the surface. “One phone call from me, no matter what he’s doing–work, meetings, anything–he drops it all and comes to me. Even if you two are… in bed together, he’ll still leave you and come to me.”
Sharon’s hand tightened into a fist before she realized it, her nails digging into her palm. But she didn’t feel the pain.
Because it was true. More than once, in their most intimate moments, Kelly’s call had pulled Carter away.
She had pleaded with him not to go.
But all he left her with was a cold, dismissive reply. “Don’t be unreasonable.”
And then he walked out. As if the heat of a moment ago had been a hallucination. As if she meant nothing at all.
Left behind, disheveled and humiliated, Sharon had sat in the quiet, her skin still burning from his touch, her heart colder than ice.
Now, she smiled faintly and looked Kelly straight in the face.
“So,” she asked, “he left me… to sleep with you?”
Kelly’s expression twitched–barely noticeable–but then she quickly recovered, masking it with a placid look.
“It’s not as dirty as you’re imagining,” she said. “Between me and Carter… it’s not like that.”
She could lie about a lot of things. But not this.
Even if she had once been Carter’s first love, as long as Carter and Sharon hadn’t officially divorced, she had no rightful place. To the world, she was the other woman. The mistress.
And of course, those righteous voices online never hesitated to weigh in–mocking the pathetic wives who couldn’t keep their men, preaching that all love outside of marriage was betrayal.
But they didn’t know. Kelly had met Carter first. Before everything
“Dirty?” Sharon repeated the word softly, without anger. “If there’s really nothing between you two, what exactly are you proud of? That your feelings are pure? That you never managed to give him a child? Or… that he never married you?”
Kelly’s smile finally cracked, like glass splintering under pressure.
“So what?” she said, regaining her composure. “Even if I never married him, never had his child–if I asked for the moon, find a way to bring it down for me.”
he’d
Something lit up in her again, and she smiled, triumphant.
“Sorry to say, but that wedding you were supposed to have with Carter? It ended up being mine. The dress? My favorite style. Funny, after all these years, he still remembers what I like…”
Sharon raised an eyebrow. “Is a fake wedding worth celebrating so much, Kelly? If you’re so capable, why didn’t you have Carter divorce me and marry you for real?”
She met Kelly’s gaze head–on. “Don’t you want that?”
For a moment, something hateful flashed across Kelly’s eyes. She smiled again coldly.
“No wonder Carter’s family doesn’t like you. His friends don’t like you. Not even your husband or your son are close to you. Sharon, maybe it’s time you stopped blaming others and looked at yourself.”
Sharon gave her a calm, almost amused smile. “Well, I obviously can’t compare to your charm. Carter’s sister likes you. His friends adore you. Even Carter and Theo are bewitched by you. Seems even God prefers your type. Should I be congratulating you, Kelly? You’re quite the favorite.”
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Of course, Kelly heard the sarcasm. It wasn’t flattery–it was a death knell. She was mocking her. Mocking her… because she was dying.
The two women, not bothering to feign civility, stabbed directly at each other’s deepest wounds.
Once, Sharon might have held back, unwilling to say things that lacked grace or dignity. But now—now, she understood. Whoever made her suffer, she’d return the favor. No hesitation. No guilt.
Why destroy herself just to make others feel comfortable?
Suddenly, Kelly’s eyes turned red, brimming with unshed tears. Her voice softened into something frail, pitiful. “Sharon, you don’t need to remind me. I know… I don’t have much time left.”
She lowered her gaze, the sorrow in her words carefully measured. “You’re right. Everything Carter has given me was fake… I’m sorry. That wedding… it should’ve been yours.”
Before her words could settle, a furious shout erupted behind Sharon.
“What do you mean, ‘even God prefers Kelly‘? Sharon, who the hell are you cursing?!”
She turned, calmly, her gaze landing on the three figures standing just a few steps away.
Nate was charging forward, rage written all over his face. He looked like he wanted to tear her apart.
“Sharon, how dare you talk about Kelly like that? Have you stooped that low?”
Beside him, Julliard Macaron frowned slightly, a crease forming between his brows. “Nate, calm down. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding-”
But Nate cut him off mid–sentence. “What misunderstanding?! You and Carter both heard it! She’s jealous because Kelly’s liked by everyone–so she says even God prefers Kelly, and curses her to die! She’s so two–faced! She puts on a show in public, pretending to be all innocent, then turns around and bullies Kelly whenever she can. If we hadn’t happened to be here and heard it for ourselves, who knows how long we’d be fooled by this toxic woman?”
Nate sneered, eyes glinting with satisfaction. “Finally caught you red–handed, didn’t I?”
But Sharon stood unmoved, her expression calm. There wasn’t a trace of guilt or panic on her face.
The moment Kelly had changed her tone, Sharon had known–there were people watching. Kelly was using her usual tricks again.
Julliard noticed her glance and gave her a slight nod in greeting before quietly saying to Nate, “Nate, Sharon is Carter’s wife. Even if she did something wrong, it’s not your place to scold her.”
Nate froze at that, his footsteps halting. He turned toward Carter. “You heard everything too, didn’t you? Are you really going to let her bully Kelly and still take her side?”
Carter’s jaw was clenched tight. A cold aura radiated from him, sharp and unyielding.
“Sharon,” he said. “Apologize.”
Nate, practically gleeful now, added mockingly, “Carter’s pissed off. You’re done for, Sharon.”
She looked at him without a word.
Julliard blinked, raising his brows in surprise. Maybe it was just a feeling–but something about her seemed… different.
Normally, Sharon would’ve explained herself right away. But today, she didn’t. And not only that–her indifference, her cold demeanor–it was like someone else was standing in her place.
Carter stared at her unmoved face, and his fury grew. He hadn’t forgotten what Nate told him–Sharon had said she came here for “fun.”
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She was married. A mother. And she still came to a place like this?
“Sharon. Apologize to Kelly. Now.”
Nate chimed in, deliberately adding fuel to the fire. “With how horrible her words were, even if she bowed, it wouldn’t be enough.”
Sharon’s lips curved slightly–not quite a smile, more like a quiet refusal to play along. She didn’t waste a single breath on any
of them.
Without looking back, she walked past Carter.
But just as they brushed shoulders, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist hard.
“Sharon. Didn’t you hear me tell you to apologize?”
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Carter’s grip was fierce. A sharp, searing pain shot up Sharon’s wrist, but she swallowed it down and raised her eyes to meet his.
Her voice came out cold and even. “I heard you. So what?”
Nate didn’t catch her tone/He shouted, “So what? Of course it means you apologize to Kelly!”
Julliard sighed quietly.
If Sharon intended to apologize, she wouldn’t have asked then what? She was making it perfectly clear–she heard Carter’s demand but had no intention of complying.
Carter’s eyes locked on her face.
“This is the last time I’ll say it. Apologize to Kelly.”
Sharon looked up at him. “Carter, do you realize the sentence you’ve said to me more than anything else is: ‘Apologize to Kelly‘? If you’re not tired of it yet, I am. If you and Kelly like hearing apologies that much, should I just hire a few people to follow you around and apologize all day long?”
Nate exploded. “Sharon, you screw up and still think you don’t owe anyone anything? Have you no shame?”
Sharon’s tone didn’t change. “If you think I’ve done something wrong, feel free to call the police.”
Nate jabbed a finger at her, so furious he couldn’t find the words.
“You-”
Suddenly, the pain in her wrist intensified. It felt like the bones were about to be crushed.
She frowned in agony, her face turning pale. Still, Carter seemed completely unfazed. His piercing gaze didn’t waver.
“Mr. Biggs,” Sharon said, her voice strained but steady. “If you keep this up, you’re going to break my wrist.”
He didn’t let go. “So you’re still not going to apologize?”
Nate added fuel to the fire. “Good job, Carter! That’s the way. Show her what happens when she goes too far!”
Cold sweat began to bead on Sharon’s forehead. Her face was paper–white, her lashes trembling faintly from the pain.
“If you break my wrist,” she said, “I’ll call the police. I’ll charge you with intentional assault. Oh–no, wait…”
A thin, ironic smile curled her lips.
“With everything you’ve done to me, it might not just be assault. It could very well be domestic violence. I’m sure the media would have a field day. ‘CEO of BIGGS Group Exposed as Wife–Abuser‘–don’t you think that headline would get plenty of clicks?
The pressure around her wrist abruptly released.
Sharon slowly lifted her arm and glanced down. A dark bruise was already blooming across her pale skin.
Carter’s eyes flickered, just for a moment.
Seeing this, Nate burst out again. “Carter, did you hear her?! She actually threatened you! A woman like that—you can’t give her an inch! She’s probably just doing this to get your attention again ”
Before he could finish, Julliard clamped a hand over his mouth.
“Nate,” he said calmly, “let’s not interfere in a husband and wife’s matter.”
Then he turned to Kelly. “Kelly, why don’t we give them a moment
A
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Kelly hesitated. She looked at Carter, worry in her eyes, then said softly, “Carter, maybe Sharon’s just been cooped up at home too long… her mood’s been a little off lately. Let’s not take what she said too seriously. She probably just needs some space to
unwind.”
Nate scoffed. “She’s a housewife with nothing to do but sit in comfort all day–what’s she need to unwind from? She feeling better now that she’s out looking for random men?”
Julliard tugged him by the arm. “That’s enough, Nate. Let’s go wait for Carter in the private room.”
Chapter 13
Nate shot Sharon a vicious glare. “You dared to bully Kelly? You’re dead. Just wait and see how Carter deals with you.”
Sharon finally looked up and said earnestly, “Nate, are you saying being a lapdog isn’t enough for you anymore? You’ve upgraded to a full–on bootlicker now?”
Nate exploded. “Did you hear that? Carter, Julliard–did you hear what she just said?! She called me a bootlicker! When I ran into her outside, she called me a lapdog!”
Julliard let out a quiet cough. “Nate, maybe we should let Carter handle this.”
“No!” Nate snapped, like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on. ‘If Carter doesn’t stand up for me today, I’m not leaving!”
Sharon spoke evenly, almost bored. “Then stay as long as you like I’ve got better things to do.” She moved past them, gently rubbing her swollen wrist, ready to leave.
Carter’s face darkened. He reached out and grabbed her wrist again. This time, his grip was lighter–she didn’t feel much pain— but still, she couldn’t break free.
Nate opened his mouth, clearly wanting to add something, but one look at Carter’s face—so cold and grim–shut him right up.
Seeing this, Kelly didn’t say another word either.
Without a word, Carter dragged Sharon into an empty private room and shoved her inside. His voice was low and mocking. “Is this your new game, Sharon? Play hard to get now?”
Sharon frowned. “What are you even talking about?”
He narrowed his eyes, full of scorn. “Last time, you faked being in danger just to trick me into coming. And then–nothing. Not
a damn thing happened. When did you become the kind of woman who stoops to such dirty tricks?”
Something inside her buckled.
It felt like a sharp blade slowly slicing into her, inch by inch. She could barely breathe.
Her fists clenched tight, nails digging into her palms until they cracked and split.
Dirty tricks?
He was calling her low?
That day–she remembered it vividly–she’d gone out to buy vegetables,
Theo had thrown a tantrum that morning because the greens on his plate weren’t fresh enough. He’d taken two bites and
refused to eat.
Sharon had suspected Kelly was behind it, whispering in his ear about how it was Marie, not her, who always did the grocery shopping. Kelly was clearly trying to stir the pot.
So that day, Sharon went herself.
And then, out of nowhere, a man had taken her hostage.
He was a desperate man, scammed out of hundreds of thousands. He’d lost everything–his family, his savings, his home. Now he was hollow with hatred for the world and had decided to kidnap someone. Randomly.
She’d just been there, carefully picking out vegetables.
He held a knife to her throat, screaming at the police. His hand trembled with rage, and the blade grazed her neck, leaving a thin, bleeding cut.
To calm him, she told him her husband was rich. He could pay off the man’s debt.
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The crazed man didn’t believe her at first. But she was calm, steady, and persuasive. She said she could call and make it all go away. He just had to let her make that call.
He hesitated. Then nodded.
She dialed Carter’s number.
She only managed to get out one sentence-“I’ve been kidnapped emergency surgery and someone had to sign off immediately.
*
-before she heard a voice on the other end say Kelly needed
Carter had said only one thing: “Kelly’s condition is critical. I’ll call you back later.”
Then he hung up.
The kidnapper didn’t want to give up. Maybe she was the only hope he had left.
And so they waited.
She and the man stood there in silence.
For two full hours.
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
As they waited, Sharon and the man who had taken her hostage began to talk about family, about children, about marriage.
He told her he used to have a good life. A gentle wife, a clever daughter. A home filled with warmth. He’d only wanted to give them something better. So he took a risk–invested in a project that promised a good return–and ended up losing everything. Swindled, broken, ruined.
we debt, I’ll still end up behind bars. But I don’t want my family to be chased by
“I know,” he said miserably, “even if 11 creditors. They deserve a quiet life.”
His words left a strange feeling in her heart.
Outside, the police shouted, negotiators tryi calmer. His hands had stopped shaking.
to keep things from slipping out of control. But the man, once on edge, was now
“So, rich people’s lives aren’t so great either,” he said with a bitter laugh. “If it hadn’t been me today, you’d probably be dead by now. I lost money. You, on the other hand, might’ve lost your life.“”
He glanced at his watch. Too much time had passed. Whis eyes returned to her, there was something different there. A
flicker of sympathy.
“Thanks for talking with me,” he said. “You know, maybe I’m not the unluckiest one here. Go ahead. You can leave.”
He moved as if to let her go. But the police, watching everything, misunderstood his gesture.
Gunfire tore through the air.
He crumpled instantly.
Warm blood splashed across her face.
Her mind went blank.
She had never seen death like that. Never seen life snuffed out right in front of her.
The moment he hit the ground, officers and paramedics rushed in. They helped her out, brought her to safety.
And Carter never called her back.
She ended up in the hospital for checkups. It was there, in the hallway, she ran into Kelly–fresh out of surgery.
Only then did Carter remember her call. “You called me earlier,” he said. “Said you were kidnapped?”
Nate scoffed nearby, voice dripping with mockery. “Oh please. If she was kidnapped, why is she standing here without a scratch on her? Must’ve been a stunt. Just trying to get your attention. Look at her, Carter. Not even a bruise. What a lousy performance!”
Kelly, pale but conscious, added softly, “Sharon, if you find it such hassle to bring me the medicinal soup, then don’t. But please… don’t joke like that again.”
Between the two of them, they made it sound like she had staged the whole thing. Like the kidnapping never happened. Like she had made it all up to steal Carter’s attention.
But he could’ve known the truth. It wouldn’t have taken much. A quick check, a phone call, a glance at a report.
He didn’t bother.
All his attention was still on Kelly. It was as if Sharon’s life, her pain, her fear,
never existed.
Something inside her began to wither then. Quietly. Irreversibly.
Even now, he still thought that call–those few desperate words were nothing but another of her games.
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Sharon looked at him, her face devoid of emotion. “If you think I’m playing around,” she said, “then let’s meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning. Nine o’clock.”
She’d brought up divorce too many times. It had long since worn down Carter’s patience.
“I don’t have time for your nonsense,” he replied coldly. “And I hate women who throw the word ‘divorce‘ around like a weapon. You’ve picked fights with Kelly again and again, and I’ve let it go. But enough is enough.”
Sharon stared at his face and let out a laugh.
“If you don’t want me bothering your precious little sweetheart,” she said slowly, “then sign the papers. Otherwise…”
Her red lips curved slightly. “As long as you refuse, I’ll make sure Kelly never knows peace.”
A flicker of annoyance passed through Carter’s eyes. His gaze on her had shifted. He no longer saw her as a person—just a nuisance, a loud and irrational woman.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
“Sharon, I’ve explained this to you a hundred times. There’s nothing between me and Kelly–not the way you think. Can you stop being so paranoid?”
Sharon’s tone was flat. “Whatever you and Kelly have going on has nothing to do with me. I’ve already signed the divorce papers. When do we go file them?”
“Divorce?” Carter’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Sharon, for the past five years, you’ve been a full–time housewife. You haven’t worked. After divorcing me, what could you possibly do out there? You won’t even be able to support yourself.
“And you can forget about Theo. You won’t get custody. Even if you go to court, you’ve got no job, no income. There’s no chance. Sharon, a smart woman knows when to stop. Push too hard, and it’ll only backfire.”
A chill spread through her chest.
So that was what her years of devotion amounted to–not gratitude, but leverage. A weakness to be used against her.
Even Theo, the child she’d raised since birth, only looked at her now with resentment and frustration.
She had failed–completely.
Sharon locked eyes with Carter. “No job, no income? But before I had Theo, I had a good job. I made decent money. You were the one who said you didn’t trust a stranger, a nanny, to take care of Theo. You asked me to quit and stay home.”
Carter’s brows pinched slightly. “The salary you made… what good would that have done? It was better for you to focus on raising Theo.”
She clenched her fists. “Right. I don’t have your talent for raking in money by the truckload. But what I made was enough to support myself. At the very least, I wouldn’t have to endure your family calling me a leech. I wouldn’t have to listen to your friends mocking me as some dependent housewife who lives off you.”
How pathetic.
She’d given up her career, her independence—everything–for the sake of this family, for their child.
And in the end, she was the one being looked down on.
Carter’s expression darkened. “So you care that much about what people think? Besides, Nate and the others—they didn’t mean any harm.”
No harm?
If Kelly at least knew how to conceal her contempt, then Nate wore his on his face like a badge of honor.
And Carter had the nerve to say they had no malice?
Was he blind?
Sharon let out a faint smile. “If you’re so high–minded and unconcerned with others‘ opinions, then why get upset over something I said to Kelly? Besides, I didn’t mean her any harm. I was just joking with her. No need to take it so seriously, Mr. Biggs.”
The expression on Carter’s face gradually turned blank.
“Sharon, are you really going to keep acting like this?”
“There’s a certain threshold of pain,‘ she thought, ‘once you cross, you just go numb.
All those words that used to pierce her heart? Now they didn’t even sting.
Her gaze was steady in a way it had never been before.
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“Carter, this divorce is happening. I’m not backing down.”
For a second, he faltered. But only for a second. Then his usual composure returned.
“Just remember what you said today. Don’t come crawling back, begging me later.”
She gave a sharp laugh. “Don’t worry. That day will never come.”
He looked down at her, his voice low and frosted. “You should know better than to make absolute statements. It’s always wise to leave yourself an escape route.”
Sharon lifted her chin and looked him straight in the eye.
“You’re right,” she said with a smile. “But you will never be my escape route.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 16
hapter 16
Meanwhile, in the private room, Nate was gesturing wildly as he rambled off to Julliard and Kelly.
“I knew it! She had time to sneak off with some random dude, but not enough to make the medicinal soup for you. Kelly, just wait–Carter’s not going to let that housewife off easy.”
Kelly opened her mouth to respond, but the door creaked open before she could say a word.
Carter stepped in, his face unreadable as always. He rarely showed his emotions–whether happy or angry, you could never tell just by looking at him. But for some reason, Kelly sensed something different today. Something colder than usual.
Softly, she asked, “Carter, has Sharon calmed down? She must’ve gone back to take care of Theo, right?”
Carter’s lips pressed into a firm line. “No.”
Kelly’s eyes widened. “She didn’t even go back for Theo?”
Biting her lower lip, she hesitated, then seemed to make up her mind. “Carter, maybe I should go and apologize to her? Theo’s still so young. He needs his mother. No matter how angry we adults get, we shouldn’t drag a child into it. He’s innocent.”
Nate rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on. We all know what she’s doing using the kid to threaten Carter. That woman’s vicious. Even her own child isn’t off limits. She’s a disgrace to women.”
Julliard interrupted him. “Enough, Nate.”
“What, am I wrong?” Nate snapped. “Look at what Sharon’s been doing. She’s married, has a kid, and she’s still out at bars meeting strange men. That’s cheating, plain and simple.
“No wonder Theo’s been pulling away from her lately. What kind of mother behaves like that? Carter’s been too soft on her. That’s why she’s gotten out of hand.
“She’s been living the good life at home, spending Carter’s money doing nothing but playing the role of some high–society wife. And now? Now she wants to take his money and pamper her side guy? Unbelievable.”
Something suddenly occurred to him. He turned to Carter.
“Carter, women like her are easy to deal with. Freeze her cards. Let’s see how long she stays tough. I guarantee she’ll come crawling back in three days–begging.”
Whatever good mood Sharon had left vanished after running into Carter and Kelly.
She was about to head back when her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out, and a notification popped up on the screen: her card had been frozen.
Sharon stared at it for a beat before the realization sank in.
Carter had frozen her card.
For years, she’d stayed home to take care of Theo, with no income of her own. All her daily expenses had been charged to his secondary card.
Of course, she had her own savings from before the marriage. Not a small amount–but in a family like the Biggs, it was a drop in the ocean.
Sharon had never been too proud to spend his money. They had a clear division of roles–he earned, she managed the home. There was nothing shameful about using his money.
Staring at the message, she let out a bitter laugh.
Chapter 16
+25 BONUS
So this was how Carter planned to rein her in.
Still holding her phone, she turned around to head back to the private room.
Just then, someone bumped into her leg.
Startled, Sharon looked down.
It was a boy–five, maybe six years old. Delicate features, eyes like black gems soaked in water, bright and clear. But his face was unnaturally pale,
Sharon had studied medicine long enough to recognize the signs at a glance–deficient energy and blood, a weak stomach and spleen. He was clearly a sickly child.
The boy looked up at her and said, matter–of–factly, “You bumped into me. Now you have to take responsibility.”
Sharon blinked, then crouched down so they were at eye level.
“Little one, are you feeling unwell?”
The boy dropped his gaze and said nothing.
She looked around–no sign of any adults nearby.
Gently, she asked, “What’s your name? Where are your parents?”
hapter 17
The little boy looked up at her and repeated, “You bumped into me. You have to take responsibility.”
Sharon studied him for a moment, then asked gently, “Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”
After a few seconds of hesitation, he gave a small, deliberate nod.
She tried again. “Should we call your parents first?”
This time, he shook his head hard, no trace of hesitation. His resistance was clear as day.
Sharon frowned slightly. Could he be… a victim of abuse? Was that why he didn’t want to involve his family?
In any case, a check–up wouldn’t hurt. If she found any signs of serious injury, she’d have no choice but to call the police.
With that thought, she softened her tone. “Okay. I’ll let my friend know, and then I’ll take you to the hospital.”
She reached out and gently took the boy’s hand.
His hand was cold.
It reminded her of when Theo had been weak and frail, his body always chilled. Back then, the doctors said his condition was congenital–nothing that could be resolved quickly. It would take years of careful care and treatment.
She had watched him suffer, feeling helpless and guilty, wishing she could take his pain as her own. But that wasn’t possible.
So she did everything else she could.
She taught herself alternative medicine, learned acupuncture and massage therapy, brewed herbal tonics, designed special diets
Maybe it was that instinct of a mother, something that stayed with her even when she was disappointed in Theo. Now, seeing another child so small and fragile, her heart softened before she even realized it.
The boy blinked in surprise when Sharon took his hand.
Her palm was warm and soft, a kind of warmth that made him want to hold on. Without thinking, he gripped her hand more tightly and walked with her.
Sharon noticed he didn’t resist, and looked down at him, offering a gentle smile.
For some reason, the boy quickly lowered his head.
She didn’t think much of it and led him back to the private room.
Wendy was lounging in a chair, sipping wine after a long karaoke session. When she saw Sharon walk in, she waved her over. ” Sharon, you’re back? Come, let’s toast–wait, is that Theo?”
The lighting near the door was dim, and Wendy could only make out that Sharon was holding hands with a small child. She hadn’t seen the boy’s face clearly and assumed it was Theo.
“No,” Sharon said. “I bumped into him in the hallway. He didn’t look well, so I’m going to take him to the hospital.”
As the boy stepped into the light, Wendy finally saw his face.
“Wow! What a beautiful kid! He could pass for Theo’s twin.”
She got up quickly and walked over, reaching out to pinch the boy’s cheek.
But the boy ducked away, slipping behind Sharon, clearly unhappy with the gesture.
Wendy froze for a second, then let out a laugh. “What a little character.”
Chapter 17
“Wendy,” Sharon said gently, “maybe don’t. He probably doesn’t ke being touched like that.”
+25 BONUS
Wendy backed off without protest. “Where are his parents? Are you sure it’s okay to just take him with you? What if someone thinks we’re kidnapping him or something?”
Sharon turned back to the boy. “Sweetie, are you sure we shouldn’t call your family…”
Before she could finish, the boy clutched her hand in a tight grip, so strong it actually hurt.
“No! I don’t want to call them!” he said, voice sharp and anxious.
Sharon looked at Wendy, helpless.
Wendy sighed. “All right, let’s just go to the hospital first.”
The two women took the boy to the hospital and had him examined.
There were no injuries, no signs of abuse.
Sharon let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, but a deeper question surfaced.
If he wasn’t being mistreated… why was he so afraid of contacting his family?
That thought had barely taken shape when hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Then the hospital door burst open.
A tall man stormed into the room.
The man stepped into the room. He was tall and lean, his frame sharp like something carved from marble. His features were almost unnaturally handsome, sculpted with a precision that bordered on surreal.
His eyes glinted with an almost hypnotic light, carrying a kind of dangerous charm. Even the tilt of his brow hinted at mischief, his whole presence exuding a quiet and irreverent arrogance.
“Matty Cooper,” he said, voice low and magnetic. “You’re being naughty again.”
At the sound of his voice, the boy flinched ever so slightly and instinctively leaned deeper into Sharon’s arms.
Sensing the unease, Sharon shifted subtly, placing herself between the boy and the man. Her tone was calm but firm. “Excuse me, who are you to this child?”
Only then did the man seem to really look at her. One elegant brow arched.
“Who am I?” His lips curled into a languid, half–smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m his father, of course.”
Sharon studied him, not bothering to mask her doubt. “Are you sure about that?”
The man’s smile deepened, casual and tinged with a devil–may–care kind of charm. “If you’re not convinced, we could always call the police and have them investigate.”
“Fine by me.” Sharon reached for her phone without hesitation.
But before she could dial, the boy tugged gently at the hem of her shirt. His voice was soft, but there was a tremble in it. “No need to call. He… he is my dad.”
Sharon glanced from the boy to the man. Something about the atmosphere between them felt… off. Tense in a way that didn’t line up with the calmness of the man’s expression or the boy’s words.
Still, since the boy himself confirmed it, she had no grounds to question it further.
She lowered herself a little and said softly, “Since your dad’s here, you should go back with him.”
But the boy suddenly burst out, “I don’t want to go back with him!
Sharon paused. She figured now the boy might just be upset, maybe ran away after a fight at home.
She was about to coax him gently when the man’s lazy voice floated over.
“Then don’t.”
Both Sharon and Wendy were caught off guard. They turned to look at him.
The man gave a slow nod. “My name is Xavier Cooper. I’m Matty’s father.”
Sharon said nothing, watching him carefully, trying to discern what game he was playing.
He continued, “It’s rare to see Matty take to someone this quickly. So I’d like to make you a proposition, Miss. I want to hire you to keep an eye on him during his rest periods. I’ll pay you fifteen thousand a month. All expenses related to Matty–fully reimbursed. What do you think?”
Wendy blinked, visibly startled, then took another look at Xavier.
Just watch the kid while he rests? Fifteen grand a month? Everything else paid for? That wasn’t even a job. That was basically getting paid to breathe.
Her mind was already racing. For a typical worker like her, even pulling in four figures a month was considered solid.
And clearly, judging from his tailored clothes and polished manner, this guy was no ordinary man–definitely one of those ultra -rich types who could throw money around like tissue.
Chapter 18
Sharon didn’t even think twice before replying, “I’m sorry, I can’t”
“Thirty thousand,” he said, cutting her off.
“Mr. Cooper, it’s not about the money-”
“Seventy–five thousand.”
Sharon frowned slightly. “It really isn’t about-
“1
+25 BONUS
“A hundred and fifty thousand.”
She fell silent.
Fine. She admitted it. There were very few problems money couldn’t fix.
Yes, she had once been married to Carter and had seen her fair share of luxury. But even then, her monthly expenses had been minimal. She never had a taste for designer bags or flashy jewelry. Most days, she stayed home to care for Theo. There was hardly anywhere for money to go.
She had never even considered using Carter’s credit card to cash out for herself.
Over the years, she hadn’t spent more than fifteen thousand total on herself.
Now that Carter had frozen her cards, and she was planning to start a studio with John, she knew she’d need a serious chunk of capital to get it off the ground.
There was no way she’d let John front all the money while she only offered manpower.
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
With that thought in mind, Sharon asked, “Mr. Cooper, what exactly would I need to do?”
Xavier smiled, clearly satisfied. “My work keeps me busy. I rarely have time for him. Miss…” He paused, then asked, “What’s your name?”
“Sharon.”
“Sharon,” he continued, “the job is simple. If he stays with you, just take him to and from school, make meals, and be with him during his downtime. That’s all.
“Of course, if you want to take him to an amusement park, summer camp, or travel elsewhere, that’s fine too–totally up to you. Those expenses will be reimbursed separately.”
Wendy looked on, eyes practically glowing green with envy.
Paid vacations? Was that even a real thing?
Sharon’s gaze flickered. “He… has to live with me?”
Xavier raised an eyebrow. “Why? Were you planning to move in with me instead? Not that I’d mind, but with someone as young as you, I’d worry your husband or boyfriend might get the wrong idea.”
Until he mentioned it, Sharon hadn’t even thought of that. They didn’t look too far apart in age, and moving into Xavier’s place… yeah, people would talk. Not to mention, his wife probably wouldn’t be thrilled about another woman living under the same roof as her husband. (1)
She hesitated, then asked, “Does Matty’s mother agree
to this?”
Xavier was silent for a few seconds. “His mother passed away.”
Sharon quickly apologized, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Xavier said lightly. “It’s been years.”
She looked down, her gaze softening when it shifted to Matty. There was a tenderness there now. A quiet kind of empathy.
She nodded. “Aren’t you worried that if I take him home, I might mistreat him?”
His voice dropped–low, rich, but laced with unmistakable arrogance. “My son? I’m Xavier Cooper. Who would dare lay a hand on my son?”
Fair point. Xavier didn’t exactly give off the vibe of a regular man. You’d have to be insane to mess with someone like his kid.
And honestly, if he was trusting her to take Matty, there was no way he wouldn’t have someone keeping tabs on her in the background. His offer was generous, sure–but no way was it easy money.
Still, Sharon had a clear conscience. If he wanted to watch her, fine
She asked, “When would I start?”
“Right now,” Xavier replied after a quick glance at his watch. “I have to leave for a last–minute trip–should be back by the weekend. In the meantime, you’ll take care of Matty.”
He looked her straight in the eye. “Any questions? If not, I’ll be heading out.”
“One more,” Sharon said, her eyes drifting to the quiet Matty beside her. “He doesn’t seem too strong. Are there any foods he needs to avoid, or anything I should watch for?”
Xavier raised his brows, visibly surprised. “You know medicine?”
“I studied alternative medicine for a few years. I’m somewhat familiar with pediatric deficiencies.”
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She paused, then added, “Since I don’t know much about Matty yet, could you have his usual caretaker compile a document with his routines and preferences and send it to me?”
Xavier’s eyes narrowed slightly. The careless ease on his face faded, giving way to something deeper. He stared at her- something unreadable behind his gaze–like a still lake concealing unknown depths.
Startled by the shift in his expression, Sharon asked instinctively, Mr. Cooper… did I say something wrong?”
Chapter 20
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Chapter 20
Xavier pulled his gaze back, his voice quiet. “No. I just didn’t expect you to care so much about Matty.”
Sharon offered a faint smile. “I imagine if you offered anyone else hundred and fifty thousand a month to take care of him, they’d put in the effort.”
Wendy chimed in from the side, her eyes gleaming. “Exactly. Forget a hundred and fifty thousand–if you offered me fifteen thousand, I’d treat Matty like royalty.”
Xavier let out a soft laugh, the corners of his eyes crinkling. His peach–blossom eyes shimmered with quiet amusement.
“All right then. I’ll have someone send you all of Matty’s information shortly. Before I go, there are a few things I’d like to tell him,” he said, glancing at Matty.
Catching the cue, Sharon nodded. “I’ll wait downstairs with Wendy.”
She left the room with Wendy, gently pulling the door closed behind her.
As soon as she was gone, Xavier raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure it’s her?”
Gone was Matty’s lethargy. He straightened up. “Yeah. It’s her. I want her to be my mom.”
Xavier rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “If it were any other woman, could just throw some money her way–even if she had a husband or a kid, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But this one… she’s Carter Biggs’s wife. Not exactly someone you can just take.”
“I don’t care,” Matty said, stubbornly. “I want her to be my mom.
“Well, timing is everything.” Xavier smiled faintly. “Six months ago, that would’ve been impossible. But now… it might just work.”
“In the past half–year, Carter’s antics for his little lover have made plenty of headlines. And somehow, both father and son seem to have the same taste–her kid even likes that woman too.”
He looked down at Matty. “And now Sharon’s moved out, living alone… The opportunity’s there. It’s up to you to take it.”
There wasn’t a trace of childish innocence on Matty’s face. He nodded, serious and determined. “I’ll do my best to win her over.”
“That’s the spirit.” Xavier ruffled his hair, lips curling in a slight smile. “If you want something, you’ve got to fight for it. Even if it means using a few tricks.”
He paused, then asked, “So? What is it about her that you like?”
Not long ago, Matty had transferred to an elite kindergarten. Just days in, he came home saying he’d met someone–someone he wanted to be his mother.
Xavier assumed it was a woman with ulterior motives, someone deliberately cozying up to his son. But after a little digging, he found out it was Carter’s wife.
She didn’t appear much in public. A full–time housewife, rarely photographed. There weren’t even pictures of her online. Everyone knew Carter had married in secret, but no one knew who his wife actually was.
Lately, though, Carter’s name had been all over the news–linked to another woman. The media buzzed with speculation that his secret wife might actually be Kelly.
“I watched her for a few days,” Matty said. “She looked at her kid with such gentle eyes. Not like the other moms. I think… that’s how a mom should look.”
Night had fallen by the time Wendy dropped Sharon off at her apartment. Matty was fast asleep in the back seat.
Once the car was parked, Wendy turned to watch Sharon carefully lift him out of the car.
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“Sharon, are you really going to take care of this kid? I mean, the money’s good, but… his dad doesn’t seem like someone easy to deal with. It anything happened to the boy, he wouldn’t let it slide.
Sharon’s expression remained calm. “I know.”
“Then why still say yes?”
Now that the money–induced daze had worn off, Wendy was starting to see the bigger picture.
Sure, if everything went smoothly, it’d be fine. But if something went wrong… Sharon would be the one paying the price.
Sharon let out a quiet sigh. “To be honest, Wendy… I just needed something to keep myself busy.”
Chapter 21
+25 BONUS
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Wendy blinked. “Something to keep yourself busy?”
“Yeah. It’s strange–I’m not used to having this much free time,” Sharon said with a faint, self–deprecating smile. “I need something to keep ine busy. And… I need money.”
She paused, then added, “Carter already froze my card. I still have some savings, but John is trying to start a studio, and we need funds for that.”
“That bastard actually froze your card?” Wendy couldn’t hold back her anger. “All these years you gave so much to that family— he never even bought you flowers. But he sets off fireworks for Kelly? He’s spent more money on her than he ever has on you.”
“It’s great that I can take care of someone else’s child and get paid for it. It’s much better than taking care of Carter and Theo. I take care of them, and in return, I get my card frozen,” Sharon said calmly.
Wendy, who hadn’t married yet, suddenly found herself terrified at the thought. Sharon had married into a wealthy family, and even she had to deal with this. What if she ended up with an ordinary guy? Would she have to earn money, take care of the house, raise the kids–all by herself?
And worst of all, still be blamed by both her husband and her child? 1
As she was lost in thought, Sharon’s voice floated back.
“A woman needs to be financially independent if she wants real confidence–if she wants to stand tall. Otherwise… even your own son might stop respecting you.”
It struck a chord.
Wendy nodded. “I’m out of work myself lately. If you need anything, just give me a call.”
“Thanks, Wendy.”
“Oh, come on.” Wendy waved her hand. “We’re way past thank yous.”
After saying goodbye to her, Sharon carried Matty back home.
The next morning, she took Matty to school.
As they stepped outside, a sleek black car was already waiting by the curb, drawing curious glances from neighbors.
Noticing them come down, the driver quickly approached and gave a respectful nod.
“Good morning, Sharon. I’m Matty’s driver, Bernard. I’ll be responsible for taking him to and from school.”
Though he’d appeared at her doorstep without warning, Sharon didn’t seem the least bit surprised.
She smiled. “Thank you, Bernard.”
Bernard opened the car door for them. “You’re too kind, Sharon.”
About twenty minutes into the ride, Sharon realized something–the streets looked familiar.
It felt like they were headed toward… the same kindergarten Theo attended.
She finally spoke up. “Bernard, which kindergarten is Matty going to?”
Matty had only recently moved to Amstern City. The information Xavier had sent her last night hadn’t mentioned Matty’s school’s name.
Bernard replied with a smile, “It’s Otelia Kindergarten, just up ahead.”
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Her brow twitched slightly.
That was where Theo went.
Otelia Kindergarten was the best in all of Amstern City. Every student there came from old money or powerful families–just being rich or influential wasn’t enough to get in.
Sharon had guessed that Xavier wasn’t an ordinary man. But she hadn’t expected his background to run that deep.
She personally walked Matty to the school gate, crouched down, and said softly, “If anything happens, call me, okay? Be nice to the other kids. I’ll be here to pick you up after school.”
Matty nodded and walked inside, glancing back three times with every step.
Sharon froze for a moment.
Theo had been the same when he first started kindergarten–reluctant to let go.
But somewhere along the line, her careful reminders started getting brushed off with impatience instead of obedience.
Just then, a surprised voice called out behind her.
“Sharon, are you here to see Theo?”
She turned and saw Theo, Kelly… and Carter.
Chapter 22
At the sight of them together, a heavy weight settled in Sharon’s chest, like a stone pressing hard against her lungs.
In five years of marriage, Carter had never once gone with her to drop off their son at preschool. She had asked him before, of course–more than once–but he always waved it off, claiming work kept him too busy.
Now she understood. It wasn’t about work. He just hadn’t wanted to go with her.
Theo, still bleary–eyed and yawning, looked like he hadn’t slept well again. Probably stayed up too late, as usual. But the second he heard Kelly’s words, his eyes flew wide open–and sure enough he spotted Sharon standing not far away.
Kelly leaned down to him, her tone soft and coaxing. “See, Theo? told you. There’s no way your mom could really be mad at you. Look, she came so early just to see you.”
A flicker of smugness lit up Theo’s face.
He turned to Sharon, speaking with exaggerated loftiness, “Don’t think your little tricks will make me cave. If you don’t apologize to Kelly, I’m not forgiving you.”
Kelly smiled and glanced at Carter. “Looks like Nate’s idea is working after all.”
Carter gave a faint “Mm” in response. Then he turned to Sharon and said, flatly, “Kelly hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. Go prepare her some medicinal soup.” 1
Sharon gave him a strange look, and two words left her lips, calm but sharp.
“You’re crazy.” 1
Kelly immediately stepped in like some kind of peacekeeper. “Sharon, don’t be so upset with Carter. If there’s something to talk about, let’s all sit down like adults. You’ve never had a job, and you’ve been used to a life of comfort. After leaving home, I’m sure you’ve had a hard time.”
She said it like she was offering help, but her words dripped with condescension.
“Why not just apologize to Carter?” she added gently. “Theo’s still young. We really shouldn’t involve children in adult matters, don’t you think?”
The implication was clear: Sharon was using Theo to make herself the center of attention.
Carter’s cold gaze settled on Sharon like a frost settling over a quiet field.
“Apologize to Kelly now,” he said. “If you do, I’ll let the past go.”
Even Theo frowned, face twisted with irritation. “Mom, I’m not your tool to fight over attention.”
Sharon looked at the three of them standing together–united in accusation–and almost laughed. It was so ridiculous it hurt. If someone walked by, they’d think she was the villain here, bullying a happy little family.
Kelly looked at her with the sincerity of a best friend. “Sharon, you really should take a step back.”
Sharon’s laugh was low and bitter. “Take a step back? Freezing my accounts and demanding an apology–is that what you mean by taking a step back? If this is the kind of ‘good‘ you’re offering, why don’t you take it, Kelly?”
Kelly opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Just then, Theo suddenly stepped in front of Kelly, arms spread wide like a shield, his face tight with seriousness.
“Don’t bully Kelly anymore!”
Sharon froze.
Sure, Theo had always been affectionate with Kelly, but he’d neverstood against her like this–never so openly.
Chapter 22
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No, that wasn’t right.
It was just that all the times before, she had swallowed her pride first, given in before it ever came to this. Looking at the open hostility on her son’s face, Sharon’s steps faltered. She nearly lost her balance.
Kelly’s eyes gleamed faintly, and she reached out, as if to steady her
“Sharon, be careful–ah!”
Suddenly, Kelly stumbled sideways like she’d been pushed, pitching toward the edge of the street.
At that very moment, a car came rolling toward them. It all happened in a blink–Carter lunged forward and caught her, pulling her firmly into his arms.
Kelly’s eyes filled with tears almost instantly, her body trembling as she clung to him.
“Carter, I… I almost never saw you again…”
Chapter 23
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Chapter 23
Tears streamed silently down Kelly’s cheeks, delicate and glistening like petals soaked in the rain. She looked fragile, heartbreakingly so.
Carter’s face was like ice. His cold, blade–sharp gaze landed on Sharon with cutting precision.
Kelly grabbed his arm in a panic. “Carter, it wasn’t Sharon’s fault. please don’t blame her. I just lost my balance…”
Theo rushed over, his voice full of worry. “Kelly, are you okay?”
Kelly forced a weak smile. “I’m fine…”
But before the words fully left her lips, she suddenly collapsed.
Without sparing Sharon another glance, Carter scooped Kelly into his arms and strode toward the car. Theo trailed after him, never once looking back.
Sharon stood frozen, watching the two of them walk away. Their retreating figures blurred slightly before her eyes. Her heart felt like it was trapped somewhere underneath an iced lake–cold, submerged, unreachable.
She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, again and again, until her lungs steadied enough to move. Then, legs trembling, she turned and left.
Sharon had thought that since Xavier had paid her so much, his son Matty must be difficult to manage.
But after a single day together, she realized Matty was surprisingly easy.
He ate whatever he was given, without fuss. Quiet, obedient, never once making trouble. An angel, really.
That night, just after Sharon coaxed Matty to sleep and quietly closed the bedroom door behind her, her phone buzzed in her pocket.
She picked it up. On the other end, Wendy’s voice came through, urgent.
“Sharon, what are you doing right now? Have you seen the news?”
Sharon kept her voice low. “I just got Matty to sleep. What’s going on?”
“You’re trending!”
“Trending?” Sharon blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Someone dug up your identity… ugh, it’s too much to explain. Just look at the trending topics!”
Wendy hung up in a rush. Sharon, still a little skeptical, opened her phone and scrolled to the hot search list.
She’d always kept a low profile. Even though she’d been married to Carter for five years, they’d barely appeared together in public. Aside from a few of Carter’s acquaintances, hardly anyone in their circle even knew her.
How could she be trending?
Puzzled, she tapped into the top headline–highlighted in bold, blood–red characters.
It was her face.
[Digging into the life of the mysterious Mrs. Biggs–McKinzie’s secret past.]
Below the headline were several photos watermarked with “exclusive,” accompanied by long captions.
[Everyone knows about the famous Carter Biggs, and the unforgettable first love of his life–Kelly Walt, who only. returned from abroad.
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[But five years ago, Carter shocked everyone by suddenly rushing into marriage. At the time, no one knew why. Only recently has it come to light–he married because of a child.
[That woman, of course, was none other than his current wife, McKinzie.
[Sources say she used underhanded means to get into Carter’s bed, forcefully tearing him away from Kelly and driving Kelly out of the country.
[Now, with Kelly reportedly battling a terminal illness and returning to the country for treatment, McKinzie has grown even more jealous and petty–going so far as to curse Kelly and wish for her death.]
Beneath the text were several carefully selected images–photos showing Sharon seemingly pushing Kelly, while Kelly looked up at her with red eyes and a tearful, innocent expression, as if she were some delicate flower unfairly trampled.
Sharon clicked on the attached video.
The first thing that played was her own voice, loud and clear. “Well, I obviously can’t compare to your charm. Carter’s sister likes you. His friends adore you. Even Carter and Theo are bewitched by you. Seems even God prefers your type.”
Chapter 24
Then came Kelly’s fragile, sorrowful voice, brimming with just the right amount of helplessness.
“Sharon, you don’t need to remind me. I know… I don’t have much time left.”
“You’re right. Everything Carter has given me was fake… I’m sorry
The footage shifted.
Now it was the moment Sharon had “pushed” Kelly into the water, followed by another scene: Kelly soaked and trembling, apologizing over and over like a wronged child.
The clip ended with this morning’s incident–Kelly stumbling, nearly falling into traffic. A car screeched just in time to stop. It was enough. The internet erupted.
[What the hell? Kelly only has six months to live and that McKinzie bitch’s cursing her to die sooner?]
[She literally got pregnant to marry him? Gross. No wonder the real love interest got driven out.]
[Wait–so Carter and Kelly were the original couple, and this McKinzie woman just forced her way in? Seriously? She looks so classy, but she’s garbage underneath.]
[Classy? Please. My friend’s a plastic surgeon–he says that face is 0% artificial.]
[Kelly’s a saint. Not only did this homewrecker steal her man, she nearly killed her. Literally pushed her into the water.]
[That’s attempted murder. Let’s tag the police. This psycho needs to go to jail.]
[God, it’s always the beautiful ones that suffer. Kelly’s not just gorgeous–she’s a genius violinist. How could fate be so cruel?] [And that McKinzie bitch? She stopped working after she got married. Just a housewife. Completely useless.]
The moment the story hit the trending charts, the hate poured in like a flood. There was no debate, no nuance—no “maybe it’s more complicated” or “we don’t know the whole story.” Just a tidal wave of condemnation.
In the blink of an eye, Sharon became public enemy number one.
Sharon scrolled through the comments beneath the story, her face blank. Then she closed the app. Breathed. Once. Twice. Three times. She needed to think.
Her phone vibrated again.
She looked at the caller ID. Waited. Then answered.
Nate’s arrogant voice came through, full of self–importance.
“Kelly’s awake. Carter said you need to come to the hospital. Right now. To apologize.”
Sharon replied flatly, “No.”
Nate gave a sharp laugh. “Carter said if you don’t show up, you’ll regret it.”
Sharon’s voice turned cold. “Tell Carter–the thing I regret most in this life is marrying him.”
She hung up, then turned off her phone.
By the next morning, the firestorm had only grown. The story was everywhere, spreading through the internet like ink in water. Overnight, Sharon had become a household name.
Chapter 24
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But not in the way anyone would want.
Still, at seven sharp, Sharon got out of bed. She made breakfast for Matty. Her hands were steady. Nothing about her rhythmn had changed.
When it was time for school, she took Matty downstairs.
But the moment they stepped out of the apartment building, something flew straight at her.
“Sharon! You disgusting witch! Murderer! How can you even show your face?!”
Instinctively, Sharon moved to dodge. But then she saw Matty standing right beside her.
If she stepped away, Matty would take the hit.
She didn’t move. Instead, she pulled Matty into her arms and braced herself.
Smack.
A raw egg burst against her forehead. It oozed down her skin–sticky, slimy, reeking.
A pack of young women, all dressed to the nines, came storming across the street. Each one carried something–rotten vegetables, eggs, tomatoes, bottles half–filled with murky water.
The moment they saw Sharon, they began to throw.
“Homewrecker! You tried to kill Kelly! Die, bitch!”
“You fake–faced freak! If a man saw your real face, he’d run for his life!”
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Chapter 25
“People like you deserve the death sentence!”
The girls‘ emotions were running high. Their eyes were fierce, their expressions twisted with hatred, as though they wanted to tear Sharon apart. To anyone watching, it would seem like Sharon had killed their fathers.
Sharon could guess, just by looking at their faces, that these girls were probably Kelly’s fans. She didn’t follow the internet much, so she wasn’t aware that Kelly had a massive, loyal following. But after yesterday’s investigation, Sharon learned that Kelly had millions of followers.
Her delicate, fragile beauty, combined with her violin playing and the fact that she was dying young, had drawn in a huge group of admirers. In just six months, her fame had already reached the level of a second–tier celebrity in the entertainment industry.
A regular person like Kelly didn’t just rise to this kind of fame without some serious backing. And that backing was none other than Carter.
Kelly had signed with a media company under the Biggs Group. Carter had never addressed the rumors surrounding his relationship with Kelly. Instead, he explained it away by saying he was just helping her boost her profile.
Carter claimed Kelly’s final wish was to become a star. She didn’t have time to build her fan base slowly, and creating a scandal was the fastest way for her to gain visibility.
Sharon hadn’t liked it, but she had to accept it. She wasn’t much into the internet, so she hadn’t realized how quickly Kelly had gathered such a large following. 1
As she saw the girls now, Sharon didn’t hesitate. She quickly handed Matty to the driver, Bernard, standing nearby. “Bernard, take Matty and leave.”
Bernard understood the situation–these people were here for Sharon, and if they stayed any longer, it was too dangerous for Matty. He nodded, picked up Matty, and said softly, “Matty, let’s go.”
But Matty struggled, unwilling to leave. “No, Sharon is in danger. can’t leave her alone.”
Sharon’s heart tightened at the words. Her own husband and child treated her like an enemy. Yet this child, whom she had only known for two days, was standing by her side without hesitation.
“Matty, go now. I can handle this.” Sharon’s voice was gentle but firm. “If you stay here, I’ll be worried about your safety.”
Matty’s concern was clear in his eyes, but he finally nodded.
“But…”
“Please go. I’ll be fine.”
Matty, knowing he was just a child and that he couldn’t help, climbed into the car with Bernard. The car pulled away.
As soon as the car started moving, Matty pulled out his phone and dialed his father.
“Dad, Sharon’s in trouble. It’s time for you to come to the rescue.
The moment Matty’s car left, someone threw a bottle of water at Sharon.
The water bottle struck her on the head with a sickening accuracy. For a moment, everything went dark. She nearly passed out.
Blood trickled from the side of her forehead, slowly staining her clothes red.
The crowd, which had been full of righteous indignation, suddenly quieted, as if doused with cold water. The online warriors who had been so vocal now hesitated. When they saw the blood, fear flickered in their eyes.
Just then, a sleek, black limited edition luxury car appeared in the distance.
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When the crowd saw the car approach, panic swept through them. Someone yelled, “Run!” and in an instant, they scattered, vanishing into the streets.
Sharon touched her forehead. Her hand came away covered in blood.
The black car rolled to a slow stop beside her. The window slid down, revealing a strikingly handsome face, pale and cold.
His gaze, detached and unreadable, rested on her bloodied face.
“Sharon… do you know what you did wrong?”
Chapter 26
When he saw her bleeding and hurt, the first thing Carter said wasn’t concern.
It was
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
Even a stranger on the street, seeing her like this, would have at least asked if she was alright. But her husband stood there, waiting for her to surrender, to admit fault.
Sharon laughed.
Carter frowned. “What are you laughing at?”
She wiped the blood from her forehead, but the rotting lettuce leaves stuck to her clothes and the sticky smear of raw egg on her shoulder left her looking completely wrecked.
“I’m laughing at myself for putting so much effort all these years into a monster.”
She gave up trying to clean herself and looked directly at him through the car window. “So this is how you make me regret it? You sic the internet on me, send people to corner me in the street, just to avenge your precious Kelly?”
He was silent for a few seconds. “You think I did all this?“.
“Didn’t you?” Sharon smiled faintly. “I moved into a new place. Even with a doxxing, there’s no way they would’ve found me that quickly or that precisely. Who else would’ve known? You’re the one who had Nate pass me that message—‘you’ll regret it,‘ remember?”
Her eyes locked onto his. “If you care so much about protecting Kelly from pain, then why not just divorce me? You two could be together openly, without guilt, without lies.”
A flicker of anger crossed his face.
“Sharon, I’ve told you over and over again–there’s nothing between me and Kelly. Can you stop making a scene like this?”
“If there’s no divorce,” she said coldly, “then get used to my scenes.”
Carter’s eyes turned sharp, frigid. “So you’re determined to be this stubborn?”
“Yes,” Sharon answered.
He let out a laugh, furious. “Fine. I hope you never come crawling back to me.”
Then his car pulled away, tires spitting dust behind him.
Another day and night passed.
The heat around Sharon still hadn’t cooled.
Carter never came forward to speak up for her. He didn’t issue a statement. He didn’t pull the stories down. His silence was its own kind of confirmation, leaving her to be hounded like a rat in the streets.
While Carter stayed quiet, Kelly posted a statement on her X.
[The fact that I’m in the hospital has nothing to do with Sharon. The incident where I fell into the water was purely an accident. We’ve reached an understanding, and I don’t plan to hold her accountable.
[As for the rumors online about Sharon stealing my boyfriend—those are all in the past. I hope everyone will let it go.]
The internet exploded.
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Chapter 26
If the fall into the water was resolved peacefully, and she wasn’t holding Sharon accountable, that could only mean one thing: Sharon really had pushed her
And the mention of the past –no clarification, no denial–only cemented the story. As if Kelly was saying, yes, Sharon had been the mistress, but it was over now, so let’s all move on.
But Sharon knew the truth. So did Carter. So did Nate.
When she and Carter got together, he and Kelly were already broken up.
Then came another wave.
Someone leaked rumors that she had something going on with John.
John Westin, the wildly popular musician known for both his looks and talent, had exploded into the public eye. Now, people were accusing him of getting involved with a married woman–Carter’s wife, no less. The backlash hit him too.
But it didn’t stop there.
Trouble always seemed to come all at once, like rain falling on a crumbling house.
The police came knocking.
“Sharon,” the officer said, “someone’s reported you for attempted murder. Please come with us to cooperate with the investigation.”
They brought her into the interrogation room.
Online, conspiracy theories were everywhere. Some were already calling for her to get the death penalty.
But theories weren’t evidence.
Even with Kelly’s fall into the water, even with her almost getting run over by a car, there wasn’t enough to claim Sharon had tried to kill her.
The questioning lasted from morning until night.
Eventually, the interrogators had to admit they had nothing solid. They released her.
As she stepped out of the room, a young officer hurried over to the lead interrogator and whispered something in his ear.
The man’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“You’re sure about that?” he asked.
Chapter 27
The young officer gave a small nod.
The lead interrogator turned to Sharon, his tone polite but firm. “Sharon, a new eyewitness has come forward. We’ll need to investigate further. I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave just yet.”
An eyewitness?
If there had really been one, things wouldn’t,have dragged on this long. And now–of all times- —someone suddenly steps forward?
Sharon felt as though she’d been dropped into an ice bath. Cold spread from the base of her spine, numbing her limbs.
Whoever it was must’ve known exactly what kind of situation she was in. They chose this moment, this very second, to come forward. What a deliberate, calculated, and cruel move.
It sent a chill straight to the bone.
The interrogator looked at her again. “Please cooperate with the investigation, Sharon.”
She composed herself quickly. “May I ask who this witness is?”
The officer shook his head. “I’m sorry. For the witness’s safety, we can’t share any information right now. If you have any objections, you’re free to contact a lawyer or a friend and apply for bail.”
Everything had happened so fast. She hadn’t even had the time to reach out to a lawyer.
John was already caught in the storm of public opinion–there was no way she could drag him into this.
Wendy was far too naïve. She was no match for Carter. If she misspoke, it might only make things worse.
Was this what Carter had been waiting for all along? For her to break down, admit fault, beg for forgiveness–until then, he’d keep treating her like a criminal?
A trace of irony flickered in Sharon’s eyes.
She looked down and said calmly, “I understand.”
Just as the officer was about to escort her to the holding room, a deep, mellow male voice rang out–smooth and rich like the bow of a cello. 1
“Sharon.”
She looked up.
Xavier stood not far off, dressed in a white shirt, posture relaxed and unhurried.
The collar of his shirt was casually open. There was something untamed in his elegance. A faint smile played on his lips, and his dark eyes shimmered like drifting blossoms on a still pond–seductive and dangerous.
“Mr. Cooper?” Sharon was a little shocked. “Why are you here?”
Wasn’t he supposed to be back this weekend?
Xavier offered a light smile. “Matty told me you were in a bit of trouble.”
Matty.
Ever since that morning when he was pelted with eggs, she’d sent Matty home. There was no telling how long her situation would remain unstable, and keeping her around would’ve been too risky.
Since everything had started falling apart, Carter and Theo had gone completely silent–not a single call, not even a message.
Chapter 27
But Matty had called every day, sent messages, and checked in on her constantly.
A stranger showed more concern than her own husband and son.
Meanwhile, Carter still had the time to go sightseeing with Kelly.
Xavier turned to her. “We can talk once we’re out of here. I’ve already posted your bail. You’re free to go.”
She was silent for a moment, then gave a small nod.
“Thank you.”
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Elsewhere, in a quiet office-
Simon Dale entered and found Carter standing before a wall–mounted television.
The screen was playing news footage of Sharon–eggs thrown at her, a mob shouting, pushing. She looked like a stray dog, cornered and disgraced.
Simon quickly averted his eyes, unease flickering across his face. He spoke softly.
“Mr. Biggs, Sharon was just taken in for questioning. Word is, an eyewitness has come forward… If no one posts her bail, she’ll likely be held.”
He hesitated. “Should we arrange for her release?”
Carter turned to look at him. “When did this happen?”
“This morning.”
Carter glanced at his phone.
Nothing. Not a single call. Not even a message.
“She’d rather be hounded, humiliated, locked away–than admit she was wrong. I doubt she cares for anyone’s help.”
A cold smile touched the corners of his lips. 1
“She likes to play the tough one, doesn’t she? Let her. Leave her in there. Let her rot.”
By the time Sharon and Xavier stepped out of the station, the sky had already dimmed.
Sharon turned to look at Xavier and said quietly, “Thank you, Mr. Cooper.”
Xavier smiled faintly. “Matty likes you. Let’s just call it an employee benefit.” Then he asked, “Want me to deal with the stories spreading online?”
Sharon’s eyes flickered. “You’re saying… you can get them taken down?”
He raised an eyebrow. “What, you don’t believe me?”
“You probably already know who I am,” Sharon replied. “I’m Carter Biggs’s wife. In this city, the Biggs family reigns. If he wants something done, there aren’t many people who could stop him.”
Xavier seemed slightly surprised. “You think he’s behind this?”
Sharon let out a dry, bitter laugh. “Who else could it be?”
A glint passed through Xavier’s eyes. So their marriage was even worse than he’d imagined. He hadn’t even made his move yet, and they were already at war?
After a pause, he said, “If I said I could take care of it, I can. No need to overthink it. Just tell me whether you want it done.”
Sharon said, “Forget the news. I do have something else I’d like to ask you for.”
There was a spark of curiosity in Xavier’s eyes. “Go ahead.”
Sharon leaned in and whispered a few words into his ear.
When she pulled back, Xavier gave a low laugh. “Now that’s clever. Much better than just burying the story. Don’t worry. I’ll take
care of it.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cooper. Truly,” Sharon said sincerely.
“If you’re really grateful,” he said casually, “just be good to Matty.
Sharon nodded gently. “I will.”
Even if Xavier hadn’t helped her tonight, she’d already made up her mind. She was committed to this job–and to Matty.
Xavier glanced at his watch. “I just got off a flight. Haven’t eaten yet. If you’re free, want to grab something to eat?”
He’d just helped her out in a big way. Of course she wouldn’t say no
“Sure. Dinner’s on me.”
He smiled. “Deal.”
By the time they finished eating, night had completely settled in.
Sharon excused herself to the restroom, but instead went to the front counter to pay the bill.
Just as she was about to head back, a burst of blinding flashes lit up and a crowd of reporters appeared out of nowhere,
swarming around her in an instant.
“Sharon, who is the man dining with you? Is he your lover?”
“Sharon, there are rumors about your ambiguous relationship with John. How many men are you involved with?”
“Sharon, people say you climbed your way up by being a mistress, Don’t you think destroying someone else’s relationship is
Chapter 28
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immoral? Do you even know how to write the word ‘shame‘?”
“Sources claim you were brought in by the police this morning for questioning. Are you really a murderer?”
They had her surrounded in seconds, sealing off any chance of escape.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was already too late.
Frowning, Sharon said, “I’ll hold a press conference soon. I’ll answer all your questions then.”
But the reporters weren’t buying it. The sharp questions kept coming, and the pushing got worse.
She was jostled back and forth, and her foot was stomped on repeatedly in the chaos. Someone even knocked her shoe off.
After a whole day of interrogation, her nerves were already frayed. Now, hemmed in and hounded by this mob, her heart pounded with a restless heat.
Sharon tried to push past the reporters, but their encirclement felt like a wall of steel.
“Sharon, please answer my question!”
“Sharon-”
“Sharon-”
The voices buzzed around her like a swarm of wasps, piercing her ears.
And then, someone shoved her–hard.
Caught off guard, Sharon hit the ground with a painful thud.
She struggled to rise, palms stinging, knees burning, when a sudden cry pierced through the noise.
“She hit someone! Mrs. Biggs just hit someone!”
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It was impossible to tell who shouted it, but the reaction was instant. Every flashbulb turned on her, bathing her in a storm of strobing lights.
The noise, the strangers‘ faces crowding in with hungry eyes, felt like masked demons closing in. She couldn’t breathe. Her lungs burned with the weight of it all.
Then came a voice from outside the chaos–low and cold, cutting through the clamor like a blade through silk.
“Step aside. All of you.”
The crowd turned in unison. A tall man stood at the edge of the group, posture straight, eyes sharp. 1
Sharon’s pupils contracted.
Xavier.
The crowd’s momentary daze gave him just enough time. He crossed over to her, noticed her twisted ankle, and his gaze darkened.
“I’m taking you to the hospital,” he said, lifting her gently from the ground.
As soon as Xavier came into view, the reporters surged again, like bees drawn to a bloom. But something about him–his presence, the cold force of it–held them back.
“Sir, what’s your relationship with Sharon? Are you aware she’s been two–timing?”
A female reporter–the same one who had been hurling insults at Sharon moments earlier–pushed forward.
Xavier turned his gaze on her, his black eyes cold and fathomless. His voice dropped, sharp enough to pierce bone.
“Are you questioning me?”
The woman froze. Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t utter another word.
There was something about him–his aura and the weight of his silence. Under his gaze, her heart nearly stopped.
Without another word, Xavier looked down at Sharon’s ankle. “It’s sprained. I’ll take you to the hospital now.” Before she could reply, he scooped her up.
Just then, a voice–equally low but tinged with frost–broke the silence.
“Oh? What a crowd.”
D
Chapter 29
The voice was clear and cool, like water trickling through a mountain spring.
Everyone turned toward the sound.
+25 BONUS
Bathed in moonlight, the man’s sharply defined features were dusted with a thin layer of chill. His eyes–dark, deep, like stones left to soak in ice water–rested quietly on the scene before him. His lips curled into the faintest of smiles, light and distant, full of something that was neither amusement nor kindness.
A murmur ran through the reporters. “Carter?”
Beside him stood a beautiful woman who spoke softly, “The rumors online are complete fabrications. Please, stop making things harder for Sharon.”
Only then did the reporters notice Kelly, the very woman at the center of the scandal.
They had tried for days to get to her, but her hospital had been locked down tight.
Before they could rush toward her, Carter’s gaze swept across them like a blade.
The excitement on their faces froze.
His voice came low and cold, like the final note of a requiem. “That’s enough for today.‘
11
Chapter 30
The crowd of reporters exchanged glances before quickly pasting on sycophantic smiles.
“Well, since Mr. Biggs has spoken, we’d be foolish not to comply.”
One by one, they dispersed. No one even dared to linger in the shadows for a photo.
Because everyone knew exactly what kind of man Carter was.
No one who ever stood against him managed to remain standing on this earth for long. 1
Once the reporters cleared out, the air grew heavy–dead silent and ice–cold.
Carter’s eyes settled on Sharon, still cradled in another man’s arms. His gaze darkened, a bitter chill radiating from him.
“Get down,” he ordered.
Sharon already felt uncomfortable being held by a stranger. Now that the scandal surrounding her had erupted in full force, the last thing she wanted was to drag Xavier into it.
“Please put me down,” she murmured softly.
But Xavier didn’t even glance at Carter’s thunderous expression. “No. Your ankle’s injured. You need to go to the hospital.” Carter’s eyes didn’t waver from Sharon’s face. The coldness in them was absolute, like something frozen solid.
“I said–get down,” he repeated, each word pronounced with the force of a clenched jaw.
Carter was known for hiding his emotions well. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen him show even a flicker of real feeling. But now, his expression was thick with something dark and turbulent. He stared at them like they were something filthy, beneath contempt. 1
Still, Sharon didn’t move.
That only made him more terrifying.
He walked forward, slow and deliberate. Reaching out, he tried to pull her away.
Xavier moved to block him, arm raised–but with Sharon in his grasp, he wasn’t quick enough. Carter yanked her down from his
arms.
Gripping her wrist tightly, he turned and began to walk away.
Her feet touched the ground. Pain flared instantly in her injured ankle, sharp enough to make her dizzy.
Then someone caught her other hand.
Carter stopped mid–step, turning his head.
Xavier’s hand was on her.
“Let go of her,” Carter growled, the words strained with disgust.
Xavier only smiled, casual and amused. “Funny. That’s exactly what I was about to say to you.”
Carter’s expression turned proud, mocking. “You think you’re qualified?” 1
Xavier gave a soft laugh. “Does it matter what you think? What really matters… is how Sharon feels.”
He turned his eyes to her, his voice gentler now.
“Babe, do you want to go with him?”
Chapter 30
Sharon knew he was calling her that on purpose–to irritate Carter to make a show of closeness.
+25 BONUS
Her eyes flicked toward Kelly, standing a few steps away. So that’s how it was–Carter and Kelly had just come out of the same restaurant. They’d probably just finished dinner. And now he’d come to inform her of Sharon’s little “detainment,” earning himself a charming, understanding smile in return.
Sharon’s expression went still. She didn’t even look at Carter. Instead, she turned to Xavier.
“My ankle’s twisted. Could I trouble you to take me to the hospital?”
Xavier’s smile deepened. “What trouble? There’s no ‘trouble‘ between us.”
Carter’s eyes flashed with disbelief. His voice was like ice on stone. “Sharon, don’t tell me you’re hooking up with this man.”
She flinched at the implication, frowning.
“You’re really something, Mr. Biggs,” she said, voice calm but cool “There’s no scandal, no entanglement. We just happened to have dinner. He saw I was in trouble and helped. But in your eyes… that means I’m hooking up with him?”
She glanced toward Kelly.
“So what–you think as long as I speak to a man, I must be doing something inappropriate with him? Or are you projecting your own way of thinking onto others, Mr. Biggs?”
Chapter 31
Xavier gave a half-smile, the kind that hovered somewhere between amusement and mockery.
“When Sharon was surrounded just now, you weren’t exactly in a rush to rescue her. And now you want to steal the credit?”
Carter’s gaze darkened. He had no reply.
Kelly, standing beside him, quickly spoke up in his defense. “Carter only just arrived. He didn’t mean to ignore Sharon…”
Xavier’s lips curled slightly. “When the reporters went to interview you, Mr. Biggs had no problem scolding them. But when those same reporters were throwing filth at Sharon, not a single word from him. Not one.”
Kelly frowned. “Some of those things were admitted by Sharon herself. It wasn’t all slander. If you don’t believe me, Mr. Cooper, feel free to ask her.”
Xavier didn’t even glance her way. His eyes stayed on Carter. “Is that how you see it too?”
Carter didn’t respond. His gaze, heavy and unreadable, fell on Sharon instead. “Aren’t you getting down yet?”
It was clear Xavier’s words had made no difference. Speaking to a wall might’ve had the same effect. (1)
Sharon’s voice was calm as she said to Xavier, “Can you take me to the hospital?”
Xavier gave a soft laugh. “Always at your service.”
Still holding her, he walked past Carter. The breeze stirred slightly in his wake.
At the hospital, the doctor examined Sharon’s foot.
Luckily, it was just a surface injury, no broken bones.
While Xavier stepped outside to take a call, Sharon leaned back in her chair. Somehow, without meaning to, she drifted off.
Her dreams were fragmented and surreal.
One moment, it was Kelly’s venomous smile. The next, it was Carter and Theo pushing her into some bottomless pit.
She jolted awake, gasping for air, cold sweat clinging to her forehead.
“Nightmare?” came a low voice.
A clean tissue appeared in front of her.
She took it, almost on instinct.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
Wiping the sweat from her brow, she turned-and froze.
A tall, familiar figure stood nearby.
She stared for a moment, then frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Carter looked at her, catching the shift in her expression. He let out a quiet, joyless chuckle. “What, not the person you were hoping to see? Disappointed?”
Sharon’s voice was cold. “Not seeing the one I hoped for, that’s fine. But seeing the one I least wanted to-now that’s just unpleasant.”
Chapter 31S
He didn’t flinch. “If you’re willing to apologize, I’ll make a public statement. Say it was all a misunderstanding”
Apologize?
Sharon almost laughed.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?”
Carter hadn’t expected that. After all this time, she was still this stubborn. His voice dropped, sharp and cold. “Sharon, even now, you still think you’ve done nothing wrong? (1)
Her fists clenched in her lap. Her knuckles turned white from the pressure.
Everything online had been driving her to the edge. And here he was, still waiting for her to admit guilt?
Absurd
Her voice was like ice. “The biggest mistake of my life was marrying you. *
Carter’s face darkened. “Sharon, that’s enough.”
She gave a bitter laugh. “It is enough. You can keep being blind for Kelly’s sake, but I won’t keep playing the fool who tolerates everything”
His gaze grew colder. “You’re asking for too much.”
Chapter 32
“Am I really the one asking too much?” Sharon looked up, her gaze calm as it landed on Carter. “You gave Kelly the wedding that should’ve belonged to me. To make Kelly famous, you threw down ten million like it was nothing-didn’t even blink. Then you froze my cards, and now you’re saying I’m the one who wants too much?”
Carter’s voice was low and cold. “That’s not a reason to keep going after Kelly, over and over again.”
Sharon let out a quiet, bitter laugh. “Of course. I’m always the one targeting her. Kelly is spotless, untouched by any filth, pure
as snow.”
He heard the sarcasm. He wasn’t that dense. But all it did was deepen the crease between his brows. To him, Sharon now seemed more unreasonable than ever.
Just as he opened his mouth, her voice cut in first. (1)
“I hope you and Kelly can clear up all the false rumors about me online. Otherwise, don’t blame me when things fall apart.”
His gaze darkened, unreadable. “Fall apart?”
“That’s right. Don’t believe me?”
“Not really.”
She smiled faintly, offering no more. “Then we’ll see.”
Once again, their conversation ended in silence and disappointment.
Carter left not long after, and Xavier returned, taking Sharon home.
The next day, Sharon drove to pick up Matty after school.
The storm hadn’t passed, but Matty hadn’t seen her in days and had been begging to.
Thinking of Matty brought a quiet warmth to Sharon’s chest. Even the tight pain buried deep inside her heart seemed to ease a
little.
Traffic was heavy at that hour, and worried she’d keep Matty waiting, Sharon sént him a quick message.
[Matty, traffic’s bad. I might be a few minutes late.]
Matty replied right away: [Got it. Don’t rush. Drive safe!]
Sharon couldn’t help but smile.
Back then, whenever Kelly wasn’t there-even if Sharon wasn’t technically late-Theo would always give her a hard time if she arrived a bit too slowly.
One time, Sharon had a cold, coughing nonstop as she walked. Theo didn’t ask if she was okay-he was too busy texting Kelly.
Now, as she passed through an intersection and began to make a turn, she suddenly caught sight of a car speeding directly
toward her.
Her expression shifted. She yanked the steering wheel hard, but it was too late.
The other car slammed into hers.
She heard a deafening crash. Then-nothing.
1/2
She didn’t know how much time passed.
Through the shattered glass, faint sobs slowly brought Sharon back to consciousness.
“Carter… you’re finally here… That woman-she was terrifying. She didn’t even brake before crashing into me… I thought… I thought I’d never see you again…”
Her eyelids fluttered open. Through the broken windshield, she saw a tall, familiar figure carefully pulling someone from the wreckage.
Kelly.
It was Kelly?
Did she… did she just get hit by Kelly?
Tears ran down Kelly’s face in streaks, her expression fragile and tragic as she buried herself in Carter’s chest.
“Carter, I really thought I was going to die. I was so scared…”
His voice was low, comforting. “It’s over now. You’re safe.”
The chaos outside swelled-crowds gathering, murmurs rising.
Carter didn’t even glance her way. He shielded Kelly, guiding her through the onlookers like he meant to leave.
A trail of black smoke coiled up from the wreckage, flames licking at the edges of twisted metal. The acrid stench of gasoline stung her nose.
Sharon coughed and struggled to breathe.
She tried to move, but her leg was stuck-jammed somewhere in the crumpled car frame.
She reached into her pocket, fumbling for her phone, hand trembling.
The car was on fire. If she called for help now, would they get here in time? Or would she already be ashes by then?
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Chapter 33
Before Sharon had time to think, instinct took over. Her fingers trembled as she pressed Carter’s name on her screen.
Maybe it was the danger, maybe something else-but suddenly, her senses were sharper than ever. She could hear everything. Even the familiar ringtone-his ringtone-coming from the man’s coat just a short distance away.
Sweat beaded in her palm, cold and clammy, making it hard to hold onto the phone. She stared at Carter’s retreating figure, unable to look away, her grip tightening on the device without even realizing it.
Then, he stopped.
Her heart leapt to her throat. She had told herself over and over again that she’d given up on him, that there was nothing left. But in this moment, with her life hanging by a thread, her chest pounded with frantic hope.
Carter pulled out his phone. His gaze darkened slightly when he saw who it was.
Just then, Kelly’s voice broke the silence.
“It’s Sharon… Looks like she’s come around.”
She gave a faint, bloodless smile, her voice barely audible. “Carter, go on. Pick it up. Theo needs his mother to take care of him… Don’t worry about me, I’m fine… It’s not like I have much time left anyway.”
Carter’s eyes flickered. Then, without a word, he rejected the call.
“I’ll take you to the hospital first,” he said. 2
And just like that, he walked away, carrying Kelly in his arms.
Sharon felt the world around her collapse. For a moment, everything went still. Her mind went blank. Her heart felt like it had been struck, hard, by something heavy.
Then darkness fell. Her vision blurred, and she passed out.
“Hey, wasn’t that the young lady who just got brought in? Carter Biggs’s first love, Kelly Walt?”
“Yeah, that’s her. You should’ve seen the way Mr. Biggs looked when he brought her in-so nervous, like he was afraid she’d break. They’re like a pair of star-crossed lovers. Such a pity they never ended up together.”
“I heard his wife was the other woman. Used underhanded tricks to tear them apart and marry Carter instead.”
“I saw him sitting by Kelly’s bedside the whole time. The way he looked at her-God, it made my heart melt. I know it’s wrong, but I’m actually rooting for them to be together.”
In the middle of their chatter, Sharon slowly came to.
“She’s awake,” someone said, and the gossip stopped.
“Sharon, how are you feeling?”
She gave a small shake of her head, though a wave of dizziness immediately followed.
“…My head’s a little fuzzy,” she murmured.
“You’ve got a mild concussion and some bruises,” the doctor said. “There’s also a minor sprain in your foot. You’ll need to stay under observation for a few days. Sharon, please contact a family member to take care of the hospital admission and payment.”
Family?
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Her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
Her “family” was probably glued to Kelly’s bedside right now, not sparing her a second thought. 1
She was silent for a long moment. Then, slowly, she dialed a number.
After confirming that Kelly was out of danger-and finally coaxing her to sleep through her tearful panic-Carter drove home. It was already past midnight.
The villa was shrouded in darkness.
He rubbed his tired brow and opened the door to the master bedroom. It, too, was pitch black.
In the past, no matter how late he came home, Sharon always left a light on. The moment she heard him arrive, she’d get up to ask if he’d eaten, if he wanted something to snack on.
But since she’d left… all of that had disappeared.
At first, Carter hadn’t thought much of it.
But tonight, for some reason, the silence felt heavier and colder.
He reached out and flicked on the wall switch.
Bright light flooded the room, but the room was empty.
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Chapter 34
Carter suddenly remembered-back at the scene of Kelly’s accident, hadn’t he received a call from Sharon?
But everything had happened so fast. The situation was urgent, and he hadn’t had time to answer. He’d simply hung up.
Recalling this now, he redialed Sharon’s number.
The call rang for a long time. No one answered.
When the line finally disconnected on its own, his brows drew together, tighter and tighter.
He tried again. And again. Still, no answer.
Was she ignoring him just because he’d declined her call earlier?
Nate had once said that women shouldn’t be spoiled too much. Maybe that was it. Maybe he’d been too soft on her all along, and that’s why she felt entitled to throw attitude at him again and again. (1
www
In the hospital room, the phone on the bedside table buzzed against the wood. But Sharon was deep asleep by then.
It wasn’t until the next morning, when she opened her eyes, that she noticed the missed calls flashing on the screen.
Her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. Without a word, she set the phone back down.
Half an hour later, someone knocked on the door.
Two traffic officers in uniform stepped inside to inquire about the accident.
Sharon recounted everything as it happened.
“I was turning, and she came out of nowhere. No slowing down at all.”
The officer jotted her words down, then asked, “Sharon, are you certain it was the other party who hit you-and not the other way around?”
There was something off about their tone. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“You mean,” she asked, “she’s denying she hit me?”
Accidents like this required a determination of fault.
The officer didn’t hide it. “Yes. The scene was in a rather remote location, and unfortunately, there’s no surveillance footage. We’re currently collecting statements from both sides before making a judgment.”
“She’s at this hospital too?”
“That’s right. This was the closest one to the scene.” The officer paused before adding, “At the moment, the other driver insists it was you who hit her. We’re working on locating eyewitnesses and any other evidence. We’ll keep you informed.”
Sharon nodded politely. “Thank you.”
After the officers left, she stared at the door for a long time, her eyes darkening.
She didn’t believe in coincidences.
Of all the people she could have collided with, why Kelly?
Was this Kelly’s way of forcing Carter to make a choice?
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In another hospital room, Simon spoke in a low voice beside Carter.
“The traffic officers said the other party isn’t admitting fault. In fact, they’re claiming it was Kelly who hit them. There’s no surveillance at that stretch of road, so unless they find a witness, this might take a while to resolve…”
On the bed, Kelly’s face suddenly twisted with fear.
“She came straight at me like a lunatic. Didn’t even slow down. Either she was drunk, or she was trying to kill me.”
She looked down at the cast wrapped tightly around her arm, tears brimming in her eyes.
“I just wanted to hold one last concert. Now I don’t even know if I’ll ever play again…”
Carter replied quietly, “I’ve arranged for a medical team. Just focus on recovering. I’ll handle the rest.”
Kelly shook her head, voice trembling with tears. “She must’ve pulled some strings. Had the footage erased… That’s the only
way we’d have no evidence. This whole thing will probably get swept under the rug…”
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Chapter 35
“Don’t worry. I won’t let you take the fall for this,” Carter assured.
Only then did Kelly break into a small, tear-streaked smile. She knew Carter wasn’t the kind of man who made promises lightly. If he gave his word, he’d follow through.
A few minutes later, Simon arrived at the door of another hospital room.
He had already found out that the owner of the car that collided with Kelly was staying in this very room. Naturally, something like this wasn’t worth Carter’s personal attention.
Simon knocked lightly, then stepped inside.
Meanwhile, Carter stood in the hallway, once again dialing Sharon’s number.
Just like the day before, the call rang and rang, unanswered.
A sharp irritation stirred in his chest.
He was about to call again when Simon reappeared, his expression oddly strained.
Carter paused. “You’re back already? She’s still not admitting it?”
Simon gave him a careful look, hesitation written all over his face. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.
“Mr. Biggs… you’d better take a look for yourself.”
Simon was one of the most capable assistants Carter had ever worked with. A small matter like this wouldn’t normally warrant such a response.
So if he was saying that Carter needed to see it personally, it wasn’t a small matter.
Carter glanced at him once, then pushed the door open and walked into the room.
The moment he saw the woman sitting upright in the hospital bed, his steps halted.
“Sharon?” His voice dropped. “Why are you here?”
Sharon had already learned why he’d come, thanks to Simon. So when he appeared in the doorway, she wasn’t surprised in the slightest.
She sat quietly by the bed, her face pale, faint scabs lining her forehead. Her expression was calm and detached.
“Why I’m here?” she said lightly, looking at him. “Aren’t you just asking what you already know, Mr. Biggs? Why you’re here- you should be clearer than anyone.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re the one who collided with Kelly?”
Sharon’s voice was feather-light. “That’s right.”
In that instant, everything became clear.
Carter’s gaze flickered like a candle flame, uncertain.
He looked at her, eyes filled with something unreadable. “When you called me yesterday… you were in the car?”
Sharon’s voice was soft, without emotion. “When you were pulling Kelly from the wreckage, my foot was pinned inside. I was calling you so you’d come pull me out too.”
But he hadn’t answered.
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Chapter 35
+25 BONUS
He’d declined her call.
And even if he had just looked-just glanced in her direction-he would have seen her.
But he hadn’t.
Not even once.
His entire focus had been on Kelly. There was no room in his gaze for anyone else.
Was she disappointed?
No. She hadn’t expected anything from him in a long time. There was no disappointment, because there had never been hope.
But in a life-or-death moment, being left behind like that-it was a terrible feeling. One she never wanted to experience again.
“I’m sorry,” Carter said quietly. “I didn’t know you were there.”
Sharon gave a faint smile. “Right. You didn’t know I was there. You thought I was calling for something trivial, something unimportant. That’s why you could decline my call without hesitation. Because…”
She looked him in the eyes, each word deliberate. “In your heart, I never really mattered.”
And in that moment, any explanation would have sounded like an excuse.
Carter said nothing.
Sharon slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her gaze was clear, her emotions locked away.
“Mr. Biggs, if there’s something you need to say, just get to the point.”
Only then did Carter recall why he had come.
“Did you… crash into Kelly?”
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Chapter 36
Sharon leaned back slightly. “She hit me, not the other way around.”
“Kelly said you suddenly rushed out and crashed into her car,” Carter said.
Sharon tilted her head and looked at the cool detachment in his eyes. “So… you believe Kelly’s version of the story?”
He was silent for a few seconds. “Kelly had no reason to hit you.”
“And I did?”
His gaze held steady, dark as a bottomless well.
“So you did hit her on purpose?”
“No.”
The room went quiet again.
No one spoke for what felt like a long time. Finally, Carter said, “Get some rest. I’ll look into it.”
Sharon didn’t respond. She simply watched his retreating figure. He hadn’t pressed further, not because he trusted her, but because he wanted to gather evidence first.
If he truly believed her, he wouldn’t have asked what he did.
Not long after he left, her phone rang. It was John.
“Sharon, you were in an accident? Are you okay? Is it serious?”
She furrowed her brows slightly. “John, how did you find out?”
“It’s all over the news this morning,” his voice was quiet, almost subdued. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Just some scrapes and bruises. Nothing major. I’ll probably be discharged tomorrow or the day after. Don’t worry.”
“Alright. If you need anything at all, you have to call me, okay?”
He had tried to get the news taken down, but even though his popularity had skyrocketed recently, he didn’t have the right connections. His world was music, nothing else. By the time the news blew up, it was already beyond his reach.
After hanging up, Sharon lay back down, eyes closed, quietly going over what to do next.
Kelly had come out bold and prepared. She must’ve planned everything down to the last detail-including any supposed eyewitnesses.
Now that public opinion was picking up steam, and Kelly had even risked personal involvement, this wasn’t going to be easy to handle.
A faint ache pulsed in Sharon’s temples.
With Kelly stirring up trouble again and again, there was no hope of parting on good terms with Carter anymore.
Just then, a sharp, jarring knock sounded at the door.
Before Sharon could answer, the door was shoved open.
Nate barged in, face twisted in rage, followed by Kelly with a bandaged arm.
“Sharon, you murderer!” Nate stormed into the room, pointing straight at her, his voice loud and graceless. “Last time Kelly
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almost drowned, and you wriggled out of it with your slick tongue-what now? Let’s see how you talk your way out of this!”
Sharon’s expression turned cold. Her tone was equally sharp. “Get out of my room.”
“You’re the one who should get out!” Nate grabbed the water cup on the table and hurled its contents at her. “Sharon, I’m telling you this time, Carter won’t let you off easy! You murderer! Just wait, you’re going to prison!” T
She was still recovering, couldn’t move fast enough-and ended up soaked, water dripping down her face.
“You dare lay a hand on Kelly… Even if I beat you to death right now, Carter wouldn’t bat an eyelid. He’d probably praise me. Today, I’m going to teach you a good lesson on his behalf!”
With that, he charged toward Sharon, eyes blazing with fury.
Chapter 37
Just as Nate neared the bed, Sharon lashed out and landed a sharp kick to Nate’s stomach.
He staggered back, crashing hard into the nearby table. Cups and glasses flew off its surface, shattering on the ground with a piercing clatter. Kelly instinctively moved to help him, but her injured hand couldn’t bear the strain, and she ended up tumbling
down with him.
She landed right in the middle of the broken shards.
At that moment, the hospital room door opened with a quiet click.
Carter stepped in.
He froze at the threshold, taking in the scene.
“What happened here?”
Nate was still on the floor, grimacing in pain. The sight of Carter ignited something in him. He leapt to his feet and pointed furiously at Sharon.
“Carter, she’s supposedly so weak and injured from the accident, but she still managed to knock both me and Kelly to the ground! She must be faking her injuries! She kicked me-fine, whatever. But Kelly’s still recovering from her injuries, and Sharon pushed her. Sharon’s plain evil!”
Carter glanced at Sharon, who was without a scratch, and then at Kelly, crumpled on the floor, her hands and feet cut from the glass shards. Long, red gashes marred her skin, blood oozing down in thin streams.
She didn’t cry out but bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled to sit up. Her injured arm made it nearly impossible. The more she tried, the more the glass bit into her, leaving fresh trails of red.
Carter’s expression darkened. He bent down and gently lifted Kelly into his arms.
“Clean up the glass,” he said flatly to Nate. “I’ll take Kelly to get treated.”
Nate looked like he wanted to say more-spit more venom at Sharon-but when he turned, she had already closed her eyes again, face detached, as if none of this had anything to do with her.
He scoffed under his breath and motioned for someone to clean up the mess. He wasn’t doing it out of concern that Sharon might get hurt. No-he simply knew that once Carter was done with Kelly, he’d come back for Sharon.
And then the real storm would begin.
An hour later, Carter and Kelly returned.
Kelly, who had been able to walk earlier, was now seated in a wheelchair.
Sharon looked up briefly, then dropped her gaze again and unlocked her phone, scrolling as if the world around her didn’t exist.
Her cold indifference made Carter’s brow tighten slightly.
“Sharon,” he said, “don’t you have anything to say?”
She didn’t even look up. “No.”
Nate, pushing the wheelchair, exploded. “Of course she doesn’t! She’s the one who did it! What is there to explain? First, she rammed her car into Kelly’s, now she’s pushed Kelly into broken glass. If that doesn’t show how vicious she is, what does?!”
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Chapter 37
+25 BONUS
Carter looked at Sharon. “Is that true?”
She still didn’t raise her head. “Whatever you say.”
Her tone made it obvious she wasn’t even trying to pretend anymore.
Kelly’s eyes filled with tears again.
“I know Sharon has always misunderstood my relationship with Carter. But I can explain. We’re not what you think we are…”
Sharon’s brow twitched. She looked at Kelly with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Kelly,” she said quietly, “are you sure about that?”
Chapter 38
Kelly wiped at the corners of her eyes. “Sharon, I know you’ve always held a grudge over the past I shared with Carter. But that’s all behind us now… It’s over. Everyone has a past. Is it really so hard to forgive something that’s already gone?”
Her pupils quivered faintly. “Or is it that you won’t be satisfied until I’m dead?”
Sharon looked up, a quiet smile curving on her lips.
“Well then,” she said lightly. “Go ahead. Die.”
Carter’s face darkened. “Sharon!”
She let out a low, mocking laugh. “What’s with that face, Carter? She’s the one who said it first, didn’t she? Not me. Or do people only ever blame others when someone decides to die?”
Kelly’s eyes flew wide. Tears streamed from them in thick, heavy drops. Then, suddenly, she shot up from the wheelchair and bolted toward the window.
“If Sharon wants me to die, then I’ll die!”
“Kelly, don’t do anything stupid!” Nate cried out, panicked, rushing to stop her.
Carter’s expression was ice-cold as he stepped in and blocked her path. His voice came sharp and low. “Kelly, what the hell are you doing?”
Her face was wild, on the edge of hysteria. “I know Sharon hates me! If she wants me dead so badly, then just let me die! Let go of me! Let me go!”
“Calm down,” Carter said through clenched teeth.
But Kelly couldn’t hear anything anymore. Her sobs racked her body as she screamed, “I never should’ve come back! I never should’ve shown my face to you again!”
The room descended into chaos, Kelly flailing and shrieking, everyone shouting over each other-until a laugh sliced through
the noise, crisp as shattered ice.
“Well, since Mr. Biggs doesn’t want you to die,” Sharon said with a light, sunny voice, “then how about this instead—go eat
shit?”
She smiled sweetly at Kelly. “You seem to take my words very seriously, Kelly. Surely you won’t refuse this one, will you?” 1
Nate was furious, trembling with rage as he pointed at her.
“Sharon, this is too much!”
Sharon raised her brows, feigning confusion. “I told her to die, and she tried. Now I’m being kind and letting her live-yet you’re all still unhappy. Why? Do you think it’s better if she actually goes through with it?”
Her voice paused. Then her eyes lit up with mock realization. “Oh, I get it now. You all think she should’ve gone ahead and died. Is that it?”
“You-Sharon, you-” Nate’s eyes burned red, his jaw clenched so tightly it trembled. But in the end, he was so infuriated, he couldn’t even get the words out.
Carter’s gaze turned dark, his tone low and menacing. “Sharon. Enough.”
Her laugh turned cold, and the smile faded from her face. Something in her expression shifted.
“The ones who should back off,” she said flatly, “are you.”
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Her stare landed on Carter, sharp and unforgiving.
“I haven’t even started with you yet, and you’ve all barged into my room, throwing tantrums like children. Carter, ever heard the saying? The one who strikes first is always the scum.”
She didn’t blink. Her voice was deadly calm.
“Don’t tell me Kelly didn’t deserve to be pushed. Because even if I did push her, she had it coming.”
Carter’s face went rigid. He opened his mouth, ready to speak-but just then, the door to the hospital room swung open.
“What’s going on in here? What’s with the noise?” A deep voice came from the doorway.
Everyone turned.
Xavier stepped in, pausing when he saw the room full of people. His eyes passed over the tear-streaked Kelly, the furious Nate, and Carter standing stiff and silent.
It didn’t take long for him to piece it together.
He gave a faint smile. “Sorry, but the doctor said Sharon still needs to rest. Whatever it is, save it for after she’s discharged.”
Chapter 39
Without another word, Xavier turned away from the others and placed the thermos he’d brought down on the table.
“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? I brought breakfast.”
“Thank you,” Sharon said softly, her voice touched with quiet gratitude.
Nate, seeing that a stranger had come to visit her, couldn’t resist a sneer.
“Well, well, well. You haven’t even divorced Carter yet, and you’ve already lined up your next guy? This is a hospital, you know. No matter how eager you are, maybe try to keep things discreet?”
He paused, glancing at Carter, and held back from saying anything too crude. Still, his tone dripped with contempt. “Sharon, do you even have any shame left?”
Xavier didn’t look at him. Instead, he turned to Carter with a faint, ambiguous smile.
“Mr. Biggs, even if you don’t care for Sharon, is it really necessary to team up with your lady friend-and her companion-to bully your own wife while she’s lying in a hospital bed, weak and recovering?”
Carter’s face darkened, as if a shadow had fallen across his features. “Since you know she’s my wife, Mr. Cooper, what exactly are you doing here at the crack of dawn, doting on a married woman?”
Xavier-current heir to the Cooper Group-had been living abroad in a country called Leistre. He had a five-year-old child, though no one knew who the mother was. Rumors said the boy was illegitimate. No one had ever heard of Xavier getting
married.
The Cooper Group was powerful, on par with the Biggs family in terms of influence. In recent years, it had been leaning toward partnerships with companies in this country, Zachemaine, clearly eyeing expansion there.
Xavier met Carter’s gaze with calm, unflinching ease and a faint smile.
“You know she’s your wife, yet you didn’t think to ask if she’d eaten, or how she’s recovering. Instead, you brought your girlfriend here to put on a show? Interesting.” 1
He let the words hang before adding lightly, “If you don’t care for Sharon, someone else will.”
Nate couldn’t take it anymore. His voice rose, sharp with accusation. “We’re here to question Sharon-this murderer-about why she tried to run over Kelly! She nearly killed her!”
Xavier cast him a glance, slow and almost indifferent.
“You’re not the police. You have no right to interrogate her. If there’s a problem, let the police handle it. Right now, Sharon
needs rest. All of you, please leave.”
Nate’s temper flared. “Hey, who the hell are you to kick us out?! She kicked me and Kelly down just now. I haven’t even settled the score with her!”
“She kicked you down?” Xavier looked amused, as if someone had just told him a joke.
“Maybe ask the doctors if Sharon is even capable of getting out of bed, let alone kicking anyone.”
His words were directed at Nate, but his eyes never left Carter.
“Her bones are fine, but she does have a mild sprain. She’s not supposed to get out of bed or put weight on her leg for at least three days.”
A trace of a smile curved his lips.
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“Mr. Biggs, do you really believe a woman who can’t leave her hospital bed has the strength to harm this perfectly healthy man and your girlfriend? In fact, if they didn’t want to be kicked, they could’ve stepped aside, couldn’t they? It’s not like your girlfriend injured her leg-only her hand.”
“Oh, right.” Xavier added, as if just remembering. “If you don’t believe me, Mr. Biggs, we can have a doctor come in right now to examine Sharon’s leg. Then you’ll know whether or not I’m lying.”
Carter’s gaze darkened. His eyes, sharp and unfathomable, suddenly turned toward Nate.
Chapter 40
Meeting Carter’s gaze, Nate’s expression shifted almost immediately. He felt uneasy and exposed. He’d never been good at hiding things.
Carter understood everything in that moment.
His voice was quiet, but firm. “What really happened?”
Sharon didn’t respond. She didn’t even look in his direction.
Xavier let out a low chuckle. “Sharon, what exactly happened just now?”
She could ignore Carter. But Xavier-she owed him that much. Still, this kind of explanation, this endless need to prove herself… she was sick of it.
Without a word, she picked up her phone from the bedside table and tapped the screen.
A video started playing.
Nate’s furious voice exploded from the speaker. “Sharon, you murderer!”
On-screen, the camera shook violently. Nate hurled a cup of water at Sharon. The splash hit the lens, momentarily blurring
everything.
Carter suddenly recalled it-how when he first entered the room, Sharon’s hair had been damp. The blanket too, was dotted with traces of moisture.
In the video, Sharon wiped the lens dry. Nate, with his finger pointed at her face, charged forward with all the force of someone spoiling for a fight.
He reached for her.
She kicked.
Caught completely off guard, Nate slammed into the table. The crash knocked over the cups, and Kelly-who had been standing behind him-was dragged down in the fall.
The video ended there.
The hospital room dropped into a silence so complete, it seemed to hollow out the air.
Carter’s eyes shifted to Kelly. “Kelly. Is that what really happened?” 1
Kelly looked stunned. It took her a long time before she finally nodded.
“Yes… Sharon didn’t push me.”
“Then why didn’t you say that earlier?” (1)
Her eyes reddened as if someone had just flipped a switch. She looked wounded. “I came here to ask Sharon about the accident…
I didn’t mean to blame her for something like falling. It wasn’t worth mentioning.”
And it was true. Kelly had never once said Sharon pushed her. It had been Nate who hurled the accusation, twisting the moment into something it wasn’t.
Carter’s face went hard, eyes dark and sharp. He turned to Nate and said, “Apologize.”
Nate blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
“Apologize to Sharon,” Carter said again, voice colder this time.
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+25 BONUS
Nate hesitated. He hated this. A grown man who’d laid hands on a woman-and not just any woman, but his friend’s wife. No matter how he spun it, he had no footing here.
Reluctantly, he opened his mouth. “Sharon… I’m sorry.”
Sharon raised her brows slightly. “What was that? I didn’t catch it.”
His lips twitched. Shame crept over his features like a slow burn. He tried again, louder this time.
“I’m sorry, Sharon.”
But Sharon’s response was flat and dispassionate. “I don’t think you need to apologize anymore.”
Nate’s eyes lit up at that. “See, Carter? She said it herself-I don’t need to-”
Before he could finish, Sharon cut in again.
“Because no matter how you apologize, I won’t forgive you. If you really want to make it up to me, maybe you should get a few cups of water thrown at you too. That would feel a bit more sincere than this forced apology.”
Nate’s face contorted with anger. He pointed at her, voice rising into a shout. “Sharon, don’t push it! You kicked me, too!”
Sharon leaned back against the headboard. “You didn’t think it was ‘too much’ when you threw water at me. But now that I kicked you, you think it’s over the line? Nate, have you ever noticed how deeply hypocritical you are? That kick was self-defense. If I hadn’t reacted, who knows what you would’ve done next? I’m lying here, injured-how exactly was I supposed to stop a full- grown man like you?”
