I was a renowned surgeon at Seaside Hospital. Three years ago, I fainted on the operating table due to an allergic reaction, and the patient couldn’t be saved from the excessive bleeding. As the lead surgeon, I was prosecuted and sent to prison because of the family’s influence, enduring three years of unimaginable torture. The day I was released, my husband and son came to take me home. I was moved by their unwavering support and loved them even more, never doubting their words. Until one day, I unintentionally overheard a conversation in the study between my husband and son: “Dad, when are you going to marry Aunt Nora? I don’t want a murderer as my mom.” “Enough. If you hadn’t put peanut powder in your mom’s food back then, causing her allergy, she wouldn’t have ended up in jail.” “I only did it because Aunt Nora lost the department head election to Mom. And Dad, you didn’t oppose it either.” My husband angrily slammed the table: “I told you never to bring this up again. If it weren’t for Nora being upset, I wouldn’t have agreed to your plan.” I stepped back, covering my mouth as tears streamed down. “Dad, do you really want Aunt Nora to be with someone else? Didn’t you say she would be my mom?” Declan hesitated, furrowing his brows. “Are you worried that woman will find out? Don’t worry, she’s so naive, she listens to us without question and won’t suspect anything. But Aunt Nora, if you don’t act soon, she’ll marry someone else.” My son tugged at his hand, seeking affection. Declan tapped his forehead with a mix of indulgence and worry, “For now, don’t let her find out. Nora needs to become Master Blake’s disciple and needs that acupuncture manuscript of hers. Once she hands it over…” He was interrupted by his son’s excitement: “Then we can be a family, and that murderer woman can go away.” “Keep your voice down, don’t let her hear.” My son nodded, covering his mouth: “Got it, Dad. You better explain to Aunt Nora. If it weren’t for that murderer, Aunt Nora wouldn’t have misunderstood us. I hate her so much, why didn’t she die in prison?” The child who usually wore an angelic smile now spoke with disdain and hatred. It seemed my existence was their biggest obstacle. Three years ago, I was confused and dragged to court due to a medical accident. A health report falsely stating I had no allergies sent me to prison. Declan and my son assured me they’d wait for me. During those three years in prison, I endured endless torture, with anyone in a bad mood taking it out on me. At the worst, eight of my ribs were broken. The monthly visitation day was my only hope. But Declan and my son never showed up. When I was released, my foster parents had passed away, and my former friends, classmates, and teachers distanced themselves. Everywhere I went, people pointed and whispered, and the mark on my wrist became my life’s label, always drawing ridicule. Thankfully, Declan and my son stayed by my side, encouraging me, giving me confidence and courage. They said that no matter what others thought, they’d never leave me, because I was their most loved one. And I made them the only light in my darkness, willingly becoming a housewife, taking care of them with all my heart. That became my best way to express my love. I never imagined that all my suffering was thanks to them! The love I felt was just a facade to help Nora. Tears welled up uncontrollably. At that moment, I couldn’t hold back any longer and fled. Back in the bedroom, the walls were covered with photos of Declan and me. From when I was seventeen to after we got married. Each photo held different memories. But gradually, someone else appeared in our photos. Nora was an intern I brought in. Wherever Declan was, she was there too. I warned Declan, but he dismissed it. He even said, “Adeline, do you lack confidence in yourself or doubt our relationship?” So after I dismissed my suspicions, they worked together to send me to prison. Even my child, whom I carried for ten months, wants me dead. I held my head in despair, their words echoing in my mind. The pressure in my chest made it hard to breathe, and tears kept flowing. On one side was the desperate truth, on the other, years of love and family ties. What should I do? I bit my lip hard, my body trembling in silent sobs. Declan and my son came in without me noticing. Seeing my tear-streaked face, my son jumped into my arms, nuzzling against me, and comforted me with practiced ease. Declan held me gently, murmuring softly: “Adeline, it’s okay. Just be yourself, I’ll handle the rest! My son and I will always be your support.” Feeling his tenderness, I couldn’t stop asking myself, can I really rely on them? If I hadn’t heard their conversation, I’d be happy, but now all I feel is trembling and nausea. If not for Nora, they wouldn’t have to act with me. Late at night, I booked a flight for the next day. I didn’t expect Nora to come to my house the next day. They were having a meal. My son sat beside her, acting spoiled, calling her mom. Nora looked at Declan with a shy smile. Declan lovingly stroked her hair. But in this beautiful, warm scene, I was the odd one out. Nora was the first to see me. She smiled brightly. “Oh, Adeline, sorry, I forgot you were here. Sit down, I’ll get you a bowl of rice.” Nora quickly returned, placing a white bowl in front of me, contrasting with their pink ones. I gripped my chopsticks so hard my knuckles turned white. I remembered when I had just come back, I grabbed those three bowls from the cabinet, and Declan got so angry. “Adeline, after being away for years, I’ll tell you what you can and can’t touch.” Even my son angrily dumped his food and hid the bowl like a treasure. Now I realized those were the bowls for their ‘family of three.’ Nora followed my gaze to the bowl, smirking, and spoke with satisfaction, “Adeline, don’t mind. This set of bowls was specially made by Declan for Lachlan. Kids like quirky things. Adeline, eat more, try my cooking. Declan and Lachlan say I cook well, give me your opinion.” Declan smiled, placing a chicken drumstick in her bowl, “Adeline won’t overthink. But you, don’t just care about others, eat more too.” My son pouted, pretending to be unhappy. “Dad is so biased, only nice to Aunt Nora. Why don’t you give me food?” Declan helplessly gave him another drumstick. “Just two drumsticks, one for you and one for Aunt Nora.” My son happily gnawed on the chicken, while Declan casually wiped the oil from Nora’s mouth. “Grown-up, yet eating like a messy cat.” Nora blushed, glancing at me, and pretended to be shy: “Adeline is here, don’t let her misunderstand.” “Adeline is understanding, not a little girl, she won’t get jealous or misunderstand.” I forced a bitter smile. They seemed like a family, while I, the real wife, was the unnecessary outsider. The next moment, Declan ordered with a justified tone, “Adeline, Nora is practically your half-student. She wants to apply for Acupuncture Master Blake’s disciple exam. I remember you have an ancient acupuncture manuscript, you don’t need it anymore, give it to Nora!” I’ve carefully kept that manuscript, it’s the only clue to my real family. He knows that. I clenched my fists, my voice hoarse and bitter, “That ancient acupuncture manuscript is the only token my birth mother left me, I need it to find her, how could you…” Declan’s face darkened, and his tone turned impatient. “After all these years, if your mother wanted to find you, she would’ve appeared. I’m helping you, so you won’t dwell on unrealistic things. This isn’t a discussion, I’ve promised it to Nora, get it out, the exam deadline is in three days, Nora needs to start studying.” Nora looked at me with a smug expression, “Adeline, Declan is doing this for your good, I think you should accept reality!” Yes, with everything laid out, what am I holding on to? I put down my chopsticks, stood up, and spoke slowly: “Declan, let’s get a divorce.” As soon as I said it, their faces changed. My son and Nora were full of joy. Declan, on the other hand, frowned in shock, then looked displeased. “Adeline, you’re divorcing over a manuscript? When did you become so unreasonable?” “Declan, don’t say that to Adeline. The manuscript is hers, it’s okay if she doesn’t want to give it to me, I’ll get in with my own efforts.” At this moment, Nora had already put on a pitiful look, tears in her eyes, pulling my arm. I set down my chopsticks, rose to my feet, and said quietly, “Declan, let’s get a divorce.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, their faces changed. My son and Nora looked thrilled, while Declan seemed shocked, his brows knitting in displeasure. “Adeline, you’re asking for a divorce over some old book? Since when did you become so unreasonable?” “Declan, don’t speak about Adeline like that. The book is hers. If she doesn’t want to give it to me, that’s okay. I’ll earn it through my own efforts.” At this point, Nora had already adopted a pitiful demeanor, tears shimmering in her eyes as she grasped my arm. “Adeline, I know you’ve never really liked me. Now that you’re back, I shouldn’t be here in your home. But I truly care for Lachlan. If that’s how you feel, I won’t come anymore, and I don’t need the book. It’s all my fault. Please don’t divorce Declan because of me.” My son jumped off his chair and glared at me fiercely. “If you don’t like Aunt Nora, then you should leave. You’re just a murderer. What right do you have to dislike Aunt Nora?” Watching my seven-year-old son hitting me and shoving me to defend another woman broke my heart. Amid the struggle, Nora let out a scream and fell to the ground. The next moment, my son charged at me, head-first into my stomach. I stumbled several steps back, my head hitting the wall hard, pain blurring my vision. Before I could recover, Declan’s furious eyes met mine. He slapped me hard across the face, yanked my hair, and said coldly: “Adeline, how dare you, an ex-con, lay a hand on Nora? Apologize to her right now!” I endured the sharp pain in my scalp, stubbornly looking at the man who once cherished me. Back then, even if my eyes just welled up, he would feel guilty and comfort me for ages. But now? He would hit me for another woman. At that moment, I truly felt my heart shatter. “Declan, is this what you meant by having me rely on you?” Declan let go of my hair, a flicker of panic in his eyes, about to speak when Nora’s soft sobs interrupted. “Declan, Adeline, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have come between you. I’ll leave now!” My son clung to her hand, glaring at me as he spoke, “If anyone should leave, it’s you. I don’t have a murderer for a mother.” Declan also agreed with our son, “Adeline, it seems I’ve been too good to you. You should go out and clear your head. Think it over and then come back with the ancient manuscript for Nora. A useless person like you shouldn’t hold onto something so valuable.” When I was pushed out and the door shut, I clearly saw Nora give me a triumphant, mocking smile. I’m glad I discovered their true nature early on, so I’m not as devastated now. That place is no longer my home; staying would only make me feel sick. I sat outside all night. At dawn, I knocked on the door slowly. With a flight this afternoon, I have to retrieve my documents from the bedroom. Nora opened the door in a slip dress, deliberately adjusting her hair over her shoulder to reveal her neck and the trail of hickeys down to her chest. “Adeline, I’m really sorry. I wanted to come out to find you yesterday, but Declan was just too vigorous. We didn’t stop until almost dawn. Fortunately, you came back on your own.” Even though I already knew about their relationship, seeing it with my own eyes still tightened my heart. I said nothing, just walked inside. At the bedroom door, I ran into Declan coming out. When he saw me, he was startled and spoke in a fluster. “Adeline, when did you get back? I… let me explain, something came up last night, so Nora stayed over.” I glanced at the messy bedroom with clothes torn on the floor. Clenching my fists, I shook my head nonchalantly, “It’s fine. When can I come in?” Seeing my expressionless face, without anger, Declan was the one who became embarrassed and angry. “Adeline, aren’t you mad? Seeing me with another woman, don’t you have any reaction?” I blinked, “What reaction do you want from me? To make a scene or hit her? What’s the point? You wouldn’t allow it anyway.” Declan didn’t expect me to respond like that, his brows furrowing tighter. At this moment, Nora chimed in, standing by Declan’s side, “Declan, today we need to go to Washington D.C. early. If it’s inconvenient, I can go by myself.” Declan wrapped his arm around her waist, ordering me, “Two days from now, Nora needs to register. Our son and I will accompany her to Washington D.C. today. We won’t be back for a while. Find the ancient manuscript quickly. Nora needs it for her exam in six months!” I nodded. It’s just an ancient manuscript, right? I’ll give it to her. If I don’t, they’ll definitely keep pestering me, making it harder for me to leave. When Nora got the ancient manuscript, her eyes were glowing. Watching their backs as the three of them left, I gave a bitter smile. I turned to the study, copying the recording of Declan’s conversation with our son from that day and took photos of the bedroom mess. Just then, I received a text from Nora. [Adeline, you’re really stupid. Did you really think that just giving me the manuscript would mean Declan would stay with you forever?] [I’m not afraid to tell you, we’ve actually been together since before you went to prison. He said he fell in love with me long ago, and you’re just his responsibility.] [Even your own son has called me mom for three years. The reason they never visited you during your three years in prison is because we lived together every day. What you thought was your home, I’ve actually lived in for three years.] She sent pictures after that. There were intimate photos of her and Declan, and family photos with our son. I didn’t reply, just saved them one by one. Everything about me in the bedroom, along with those photos, I threw into the trash downstairs. After doing all this, I placed the signed divorce papers and wedding ring on the table. As I was about to leave with my luggage, Declan called. His tone was gloomy, sounding conflicted: “Adeline, I haven’t forgotten my promise to you. I still have you in my heart.” “Actually, I…” Before he could finish, I heard Nora calling him. I replied calmly, “You go ahead.” “Adeline, I’ll explain things when I get back. Wait for me.” I was tired of his fake promises and hung up, blocking all his contacts. I’ve never felt so clear-headed as I do now. Before boarding the plane, I sent all the evidence to my attorney. Declan, weren’t you helping Nora step over me to succeed? Then I wish you smooth sailing. I hope you like this big gift. But I never expected another accident to happen along the way. I’m sorry, but the text to be translated is missing. Please provide the Chinese text you would like translated. 5 Two days later, Declan and Nora celebrated registering at a hotel suite. They kissed passionately, and as emotions intensified, Nora boldly asked, “Declan, when can we be together openly? Didn’t you say you’d divorce Adeline once you got the ancient acupuncture manuscript?”
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