CHAPTER “Gabriel, my heart hurts. Can you take me to the hospital?” My voice was weak as I spoke into the phone, my fingers tightening around it. A tired sigh filtered through the speaker. “Julia, I have a meeting with some clients. Can you go on your own? I’ll come find you later.” I swallowed down the lump in my throat. “Okay. Don’t overwork yourself.” Hanging up, I hailed a taxi to the hospital, pressing a hand to my chest as the pain pulsed beneath my ribs. It was bearable—because Gabriel was working hard for our future. Or so I thought. — Test results in hand, I stepped out of the doctor’s office—only to freeze in place. A familiar silhouette walked past the hospital corridor. My heart lurched. Gabriel. He… came after all? A flicker of warmth bloomed in my chest. Maybe he had finished his meeting early. Maybe he had rushed here the moment he could— The thought died the second I saw her. A delicate woman was tucked under his arm, her small hands gripping his coat like she belonged there. Gabriel wasn’t just standing next to her—he was looking at her. Not with duty. Not with indifference. But with tenderness. Love. A kind of love I had never seen from him. A kind of love that was never meant for me. I didn’t think. My body moved before my mind could catch up. “Gabriel Hall!” My voice cracked through the air as I marched toward them. His expression flickered with shock before settling into something unreadable. “Julia? What are you doing here?” My nails dug into my palm. “I told you I wasn’t feeling well. You said you were busy with work, but now you’re here?” My voice wavered, the betrayal stinging sharper than my aching heart. He sighed, as if I was being unreasonable. “I just finished up and came to accompany Harper. She’s been feeling unwell.” I turned my gaze to the woman pressed against his side. She smiled sweetly at me, but I didn’t miss the flicker of hatred that flashed in her eyes before she masked it. “I’m not your sister-in-law,” Harper murmured, her voice soft and fragile, yet laced with something deliberate. “Just Harper Jenkins. Gabriel and I grew up together.” A childhood sweetheart. I forced myself to breathe. “Gabriel, do you even hear yourself? It’s not that you have a childhood friend that bothers me— “It’s how you treat us differently.” His expression faltered. “You say she’s just a friend. But the way you look at her? The way you hold her?” I let out a bitter laugh. “You never looked at me like that.” For the first time, Gabriel had nothing to say. — Back at home, he helped me onto the couch, rubbing small circles on my back. “Are you jealous?” He teased, like this was some kind of joke. I lifted my head, searching his gaze for a single ounce of regret. I found none. I forced a smile. “I’ll go take a bath.” Turning away, I swallowed down the lump in my throat. But as I stepped into the bathroom, the pain in my chest flared up again. Was it my illness? Or was it him? — That night, my phone rang. “Julia, you better come tomorrow night. If you ditch me again, I swear you’ll regret it,” my best friend, Sophia Patel, huffed over the line. I tried to sound normal. “Alright, I’ll be there.” A pause. “Julia… something’s off. What’s wrong?” I hesitated, then exhaled. “I’m just a little sick.” Her tone immediately turned sharp. “Sick? Where’s Gabriel? Tell him to bring you water and medicine.” The words struck something deep inside me. Because in five years of marriage… Every time I was sick, every time I needed him— Gabriel always had an excuse. Always had something more important to do. And yet, for her, for Harper Jenkins— He always had time. The thought sat heavy in my chest, suffocating and undeniable. Maybe I had been blind for too long. Maybe love had been nothing but an illusion. *********** CHAPTER
The bar pulsed with energy, a mix of neon lights and deep bass vibrating through the air. The scent of alcohol, sweat, and desperation lingered, thick enough to choke on. Bodies moved together on the dance floor, strangers clinging to each other as if the night would never end. I pushed through the crowd, my gaze sweeping the room until I spotted Sophia at the bar. Her red dress clung to her curves in all the right places, her dark hair cascading down her back as she swirled her drink with a lazy smirk. Her eyes were sharp, scanning the room like a predator searching for its next conquest. “Julia, over here!” she called, waving me over. Sliding onto the stool beside her, I exhaled. Sophia grinned. “Look around, babe. So many handsome men, and you’re wasting your time on Gabriel. Pick one, and I’ll go get him for you.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Sophia!” She rolled her eyes. “I’m serious. Why are you still hung up on that bastard? What’s so great about him?” I tensed at the question. Sophia sighed dramatically. “I swear, I should just set you up with someone. Maybe then you’d finally realize how shitty he is.” “I need to use the bathroom,” I muttered, avoiding her gaze. Slipping off the stool, I made my way through the bar, the dim lighting and flashing strobes making it difficult to see clearly. But as I walked past a private VIP lounge, a familiar voice stopped me cold. Gabriel. Heart hammering, I edged closer, peering through the small crack in the door. What I saw made my stomach lurch. Harper was perched on Gabriel’s lap, her delicate arms draped around his neck, her lips curled in satisfaction. His friends lounged around them, laughing, drinking—egging them on. “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” someone chanted. Gabriel smirked. And then he leaned in. Bile rose in my throat. My fingers curled into fists, nails biting into my palms as rage and heartbreak warred inside me. As if sensing my gaze, Harper suddenly turned—and smiled. A slow, smug, knowing smile. Like she had won. “When are you divorcing Julia?” Lucas Ross, one of Gabriel’s closest friends, asked, swirling the liquor in his glass. Gabriel chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement. “Divorce her? Please. You think I ever loved her?” Something inside me snapped. “She was just a means to an end.” My breath hitched. “If it weren’t for her family’s company, I wouldn’t have even looked at her.” The room erupted into laughter. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. “I used to hate the way she looked down on me,” Gabriel continued, his tone darkening. “Thinking she was better than me. I wanted to tear her down, make her beg for my mercy.” Lucas whistled. “Damn, so she was just a pawn?” Gabriel smirked. “She’s been under my control for years.” I staggered back, my chest tightening like a vise had wrapped around my ribs. Five years. Three years of marriage. It was all a lie. I turned, shoving past the crowd, my vision blurring as I rushed out of the bar. The cool night air slapped me in the face, but it wasn’t enough to ground me. I stumbled forward, my breaths coming out sharp and uneven. Above me, the sky loomed dark and endless. And then, as if mocking my pain— It started to rain. Cold droplets soaked through my clothes, drenching me to the bone. But I barely noticed. I was too busy trying to hold together the pieces of my shattered heart. *********** CHAPTER
I stepped into the apartment—the same place Gabriel and I had shared for three years. The warm, inviting home I had painstakingly decorated now felt like nothing more than an illusion. The walls, once filled with laughter and love, now mocked me with their silence. I had designed this place to be a home—for both of us. But in the end, I had just built a gilded cage for myself. A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion pulling me under. — When I woke up, the apartment was still empty. Gabriel hadn’t come home. Not even a text. What was I expecting? I let out a sharp breath, shaking off the weight in my chest. After making myself a simple breakfast, I decided to head to the office. But the moment I stepped out of the building, I froze. Gabriel was standing there—with Harper. I met his gaze, my expression unreadable. “Gabriel, have you sunk so low that you’re actually bringing your mistress home now?” Gabriel sighed, looking bored. “Harper has nowhere to stay. What kind of man would I be if I left her on the streets?” Harper clutched his arm, her eyes welling up with crocodile tears. “Maybe… maybe I should find somewhere else to live. I don’t want to cause problems between you two.” Her trembling voice was laced with just the right amount of pity. Gabriel’s expression softened instantly. “No, you’re staying with us. Julia has no right to refuse.” I arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in my eyes. “No right to refuse?” I repeated, crossing my arms. “Gabriel, do you need a reminder? This apartment was bought with my money. You don’t get to decide who lives here.” His jaw tensed, and before I could react, he lifted his hand. As if he was actually going to slap me. I didn’t even flinch. I met his gaze, unshaken. “Go ahead. Hit me. I dare you.” Gabriel hesitated. But before anything else could happen, Harper grabbed my hand, her delicate fingers trembling. “Julia, please don’t fight with Gabriel because of me,” she whimpered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’ll leave. I’ll go somewhere else.” And then, suddenly— She collapsed. Right there, at my feet. Her hand flew to her chest, her breathing ragged. “Gabriel… my heart… it hurts…” Gabriel’s face drained of color, panic flashing in his eyes. He turned on me instantly. “Julia, if anything happens to Harper, I’ll never forgive you.” I stilled. And then— Harper looked up at me, a smile curving at the edges of her lips. A smile meant only for me to see. Slowly, my fingers curled into fists, my nails biting into my palms. But I felt nothing. Not pain. Not anger. Just emptiness. This was the man I had loved for five years. The man I had shared a bed with. And now, I was just someone to blame. A sharp pain bloomed in my chest, but I swallowed it down, forcing myself to stand tall. I watched as Gabriel scooped Harper into his arms, his concern never once faltering. He didn’t spare me a second glance. I didn’t move. I just stood there, watching them walk away— My eyes as still and lifeless as a stagnant pool of water. ********** CHAPTER
The test results were grim. Harper Jenkins had a severe heart condition and needed a transplant immediately. But there was no matching donor. And Gabriel? He had been obsessing over finding one, neglecting everything—including his company. Just as desperation started clawing at his patience, someone approached him. “I know a way to get Harper Jenkins a heart transplant. But it depends on whether you’re willing to accept the proposal.” Gabriel’s eyes darkened as he studied the stranger—a man dressed in a long coat, his face obscured by a hat and mask. “And why should I trust you?” Gabriel asked, skepticism lacing his voice. The man pulled down his mask, revealing sharp, chiseled features. “Because I’m Dr. Benjamin Wright. A leading heart specialist from M Country.” Gabriel’s breath hitched. Dr. Wright? The name alone was enough to shake the medical world. Dr. Wright pulled out an ID and handed it over. “Verify it if you must.” Gabriel studied the identification, his mind racing. He didn’t have time for doubts. He had to take the chance. “What’s your solution?” Gabriel asked, his voice low and urgent. Dr. Wright leaned in slightly. “There’s no suitable match in the donor database. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a match outside of it.” Gabriel’s brows furrowed. “Explain.” Dr. Wright’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Your wife, Julia, had a recent heart exam. Her heart is in perfect condition. And… it’s a perfect match for Harper Jenkins.” The air around them turned suffocatingly heavy. Gabriel’s expression hardened. “There’s no other option?” Dr. Wright shook his head. “Either she consents… or you wait for another donor. But Harper’s time is running out.” Gabriel’s jaw tightened. “Prepare for the surgery. I’ll take care of Julia.” — That evening, Gabriel did something he never did. He cooked. The aroma of braised pork ribs filled the apartment as he set the table with practiced ease. The moment I stepped inside, my senses went on high alert. Gabriel turned to me with an easy smile. “Welcome home. Wash your hands and eat. I made your favorite.” I arched an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Drop the act. Just tell me what you want.” His smile faltered. He set down the chopsticks and walked over, his expression grave. “Julia, Harper is dying. She needs a heart transplant, but there’s no available donor.” My lips curled into a smirk. “And what does that have to do with me?” Gabriel’s eyes pleaded with mine. “Your heart is a match.” A silence stretched between us. Then, I laughed. Actually laughed. His brows knitted. “Julia, please. Help her.” I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “Give up my heart… for your mistress? Why would I do that?” His patience snapped. “Because Harper Jenkins’s life is on the line!” I sighed, shaking my head. “Not my problem.” His hands curled into fists. “You’re really this selfish? You’d let her die?” I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. “And what about me, Gabriel? Have you ever thought about my life? My well-being?” Slap. The impact sent my head snapping to the side. The sharp sting spread across my cheek, but I didn’t flinch. Gabriel’s voice was low and venomous. “You’re willing to watch Harper die, but you won’t take a risk for her?” I met his gaze, my eyes cold, unyielding. “And what if I refuse?” His lips curled into something dark. “Then don’t forget—I control the NovaTech Inc.. If you don’t agree, I’ll make sure you lose everything.” Something inside me snapped. I inhaled slowly, forcing a calm I didn’t feel. Then, I gave him exactly what he wanted. “Fine.” His eyes gleamed with triumph. I smiled. Gabriel Hall… you have no idea what you’ve just set in motion.
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