While I was in the labor room, awaiting delivery, I got a call from my husband. He sounded calm, almost detached, as he told me: “Chloe, I cheated on you.” “Let’s get a divorce now, before the baby is born.” “Scarlett is young; she can’t handle the gossip and rumors out there.” “I have to give her a proper status.” “And don’t even think about using the baby to tie me down.” “You should know better than anyone how painful it is for a child to be born unloved.” I looked at the photos he sent, then nodded, understanding. No screaming matches like before. I didn’t tell him that his beloved Scarlett was a party girl with AIDS. And Julian, having lived a reckless life for too long, probably wouldn’t last another month. Julian came to the hospital to deliver the divorce papers just after I’d given birth. Because of complications during delivery, I was barely clinging to life. He glanced at my pale face and frowned, almost imperceptibly. There was no trace of concern or tenderness in his eyes. Only irritation that I had dared to make my own decisions. “Didn’t I tell you that this child shouldn’t be born?” “Scarlett doesn’t like children competing for my attention.” I looked at the sleeping baby in my arms, forcing a weak, pale smile. “I couldn’t help it. Your call came too late.” “By the time you proposed to Scarlett, I was already on the operating table.” According to my original due date, the baby shouldn’t have been born that day. But Scarlett had scared me into premature labor by sending me a dead rat. During my time in the hospital, I called Julian countless times, but no one picked up. As I was being wheeled into the operating room, fireworks exploded outside the window. I looked closer. It was Julian, trying to make his new girlfriend happy, who had spent millions organizing a grand proposal. Roses paved the path, fireworks lit the sky. In the pitch-black sky, drones spelled out: “Scarlett, I love you.” It was amidst the celebratory spectacle that I gave birth to our child, struggling through a difficult labor. Critical condition notices were issued multiple times, my phone rang off the hook, but no one answered. In the end, I gritted my teeth and signed the surgical consent form myself. Coincidentally, he arrived just as the baby was born. Not out of concern, but to rush me into signing the divorce papers. To make me take the child and get out, making way for his new girlfriend. I sighed silently to myself. But I still forced a smile and took the divorce papers. When I stood up, I accidentally pulled at the wound on my stomach. Bright red blood instantly stained the gauze, but Julian’s frown only deepened. “Chloe, you don’t have to play the victim for me.” “I’m not someone who forgets old ties. I won’t shortchange you when it comes to money.” “Just sign the papers, and I’ll pay all the child support at once, ensuring you both have a decent life.” My hand, holding the pen, paused. I looked at Julian’s cold face, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel sad at all. Maybe I’d cried all my tears away. I remembered when I first discovered Julian’s infidelity; I’d cried my eyes out, even threatened to die. But he just looked at me, standing with one foot out the window, and said with an indifferent expression: “Chloe, stop crying. I haven’t had feelings for you for a long time.” “There was a time when your tears broke my heart.” “But now… they just disgust me.” That night, he walked away, urged on by Scarlett’s voice. Leaving me alone to cry myself unconscious. I cried for a very, very long time. And finally understood how ruthless a man whose heart has changed can be. Unwilling to give up, I resolved to go down fighting, and started digging up dirt on Scarlett. I wanted to keep fighting. I wanted people to see Julian’s ugly true colors. But the moment I saw Scarlett’s photo. All the hate, all the resentment, vanished like smoke. Because I recognized her immediately. The ‘pure and innocent moonlight’ in Julian’s eyes was an AIDS patient I had once treated. Julian has a congenital heart condition. If he contracted anything, he could die at any moment. In that instant, I felt a sense of release. Karma always catches up to heartless and ungrateful people. I just needed to give fate a little push at the right moment. So, I didn’t argue or make a scene. I continued to carry our child, being the polite and proper Mrs. Sterling. Then, I quietly waited for the day Julian would die.
Lost in thought, Julian was already getting impatient. He thought I was reluctant to leave, and tapped the table irritably. “Chloe, what are you dragging your feet for now?” “Do you think I’ll respect you more just because you gave birth?” “Let me tell you, I don’t love you, and I certainly won’t love the child you bore.” “If you don’t sign, I’ll file for divorce, and your child will suffer the same tragic life as you!” He was right, the person who knows you best can hurt you the most. When I was eighteen, my parents divorced. My father forced my mother to leave with nothing and publicly disowned me. He forbade me from bearing the Miller name, from inheriting his estate, from having any connection to him. Abandoned by my own father, I became the laughingstock of our social circle. An object of ridicule and isolation for everyone. At that time, only Julian was by my side. He tirelessly walked me to and from school. He stood in front of me when I was bullied. He told me when I was sad and helpless: “Chloe, you’re the best.” “Even if the whole world abandons you, I’ll always be with you.” “I love you, and I’ll work hard to give you a happy, complete home.” For Julian’s promise. I gave up my original career path to pursue medicine, solely to cure his illness. I risked my life, enduring with him through a tumultuous battle over inheritance. I abandoned my future and career, staying home to prepare for pregnancy and nurture our child. I thought that after enduring all the hardships, good fortune would finally come. Who would have thought that Julian, during my pregnancy, couldn’t resist loneliness and cheated with Scarlett. After I discovered it, Julian showed no guilt for cheating, no shame for his betrayal. He simply told me, his face calm: “I can’t help it, Chloe, I didn’t want this.” “But that day, when I saw the stretch marks on your stomach, I suddenly felt disgusted.” “I couldn’t feel any desire for you, but I’m still a man, and I needed an outlet.” “And Scarlett, she gave me a thrill and sensations I’d never experienced before.” “So, I owed her the respect and status she deserved.” The Sterling family had strict rules, and Julian was known for his self-discipline. He despised keeping mistresses or engaging in casual affairs. So, he simply came right out and asked for a divorce. At that time, I was newly pregnant. To get what I wanted. To personally witness Julian pay the price. I endured all the humiliation. Even when Julian openly took Scarlett to various events. Even when Julian publicly shamed me in front of all the media, calling me a clingy, worn-out wife. I endured it all. All for this very moment. I picked up the pen and decisively signed my name on the divorce papers. Just then, Scarlett’s phone call came in, her sweet, simpering voice urging Julian: “Julian, are you done yet?” “I’ve changed and I’m waiting for you.” “You’re not having second thoughts about the divorce because of the baby, are you?” “If so, I’m never talking to you again!” Looking at the provocative photos Scarlett sent, Julian’s breath hitched for a moment, and his voice deepened. His eyes sparkled with a smile, like he used to coax me, he carefully coaxed his current sweetheart. Then he swiftly snatched the divorce papers, slammed the door, and left. The sharp paper left a thin, bleeding scratch on my palm. The heavy slam of the door startled the baby into loud sobs. The doctor rushed over to see what was happening. And Julian, from start to finish, never once looked back at us. I sighed lightly, about to soothe the baby. The doctor suddenly grabbed my hand, urgent. “What happened to your hand? Did Julian do this?” “Come with me for a check-up, do you know he has…” Such a disease, he couldn’t bring himself to say. But I calmly looked up, a genuine smile on my face. “Julian’s health has always been my responsibility; of course, I know better than anyone.” I had already received Julian’s test results yesterday. The outcome was exactly as I had expected. AIDS, positive. His heart, lungs, and blood vessels were already infected. A common cold, a sneeze, even strenuous exercise. Any of these could claim Julian’s life at any moment. So, in the coming month. The closer he got to Scarlett, the closer he got to his own death.
During my few days in the hospital, Julian was celebrating with Scarlett around the world. He bought Scarlett mansions and diamond rings. Announcing to the world that Scarlett was the true Mrs. Sterling. Julian seemed to have rediscovered the excitement of youth, loving her with a passionate intensity. The two spent a fortune at a club, and exchanged vows of eternal love beneath the Eiffel Tower. As if they had long forgotten my existence. I couldn’t be bothered with their little theatrics, and quietly began my finishing touches. After my body had somewhat recovered, I took Max to the family estate. Whether I could inherit all the Sterling family’s assets. Whether I could establish a firm foothold in Sterling Corp. The most crucial thing was to win over the powerful Mr. Sterling. As soon as I entered the estate, I heard a fierce argument. Mr. Sterling hurled a teacup at Julian, shouting angrily: “You scoundrel!” “You caused a huge scene back then to be with that woman, and now, after such a short time, you’re causing another fuss for a divorce.” “You’ve completely ruined the Sterling family’s reputation for generations!” Julian pressed his lips together, silent, only stubbornly shielding Scarlett behind him. That stubborn look made me momentarily disoriented. Years ago, he had knelt before Mr. Sterling in the same way, asking to marry me. As the only son of the Sterling family, the family had already arranged a more suitable marriage alliance for him. But Julian refused outright, dead-set on being with me. Back then, he had knelt before Mr. Sterling, as stubborn as he was now. He knelt until everyone in the Sterling household softened. So many years had passed, and Julian hadn’t changed at all. The only difference was that the woman standing by his side, the woman in his heart. Was no longer me. I was hesitating whether to step forward. Suddenly, the baby in my arms began to cry loudly. Hearing the commotion, Julian turned his head. But he made no move to help. He watched me, helpless, trying to soothe the baby, his eyes full of annoyance that I had disturbed him. In the end, Martha, the nanny, couldn’t stand it anymore and took the baby from me. Seeing his grandson, Mr. Sterling’s expression still didn’t soften. With a grim face, he threw a photo in front of me. “How you argue, how you make a scene, I don’t care.” “Just one thing: you absolutely cannot affect the Sterling family’s reputation or the company’s stock price.” “Explain this photo to me!” The photo Mr. Sterling threw down was a screenshot from Scarlett’s live stream. As an influencer, Scarlett never missed an opportunity to show off her wealth or her relationship. Yesterday, during her live stream, someone spotted a box of special medication for AIDS on her vanity table. Although it was just a small screenshot, it still caused quite a stir. Sterling Corp.’s PR team did their best to suppress the issue, but it still reached Mr. Sterling’s ears. I looked at Julian’s grim face, and quietly stepped forward to intercede. “It’s a misunderstanding. This is a new drug our team is developing.” “I’ll explain everything to the media; it won’t affect the Sterling family’s reputation.” Seeing me resolve the situation so thoughtfully, Mr. Sterling nodded in satisfaction. He gave Julian a meaningful look. Then, he took out a gold locket and hung it around Max’s neck. “Chloe, don’t worry.” “You bore the Sterling family’s firstborn grandson; the Sterling family will never mistreat you.” “If Julian dares to act up again, come to me, and I’ll sort it out for you.” “I’ll teach that insolent brat a good lesson!” I no longer needed anyone to stand up for me. When Julian and I were at our worst. Everyone, from the Sterling household to our former friends, sided with him. Some criticized my flaws, others accused me of not being generous enough. Julian, even more arrogantly, told me: “Chloe, you’re just an outcast, abandoned by your own family. What right do you have to argue with me?” “With one word, I could decide your honor or disgrace.” It was from that moment that I understood. Love and affection in this world are all fake. Only power and money in your hands are real. I finally managed to appease Mr. Sterling. As I was getting ready to go home, before I even reached the street corner, Julian slapped me.
The slap was hard, with no restraint, full of force. My face instantly swelled up. Julian’s expression hadn’t softened one bit. He looked at me coldly. His eyes, once full of tenderness, were now brimming with disgust. “Chloe, I truly underestimated your schemes.” “You pretend to agree to the divorce, but behind my back, you frame Scarlett and complain to my grandfather.” “Do you think this will win back my heart, that it will make me love you again?” “I’m telling you, dream on!” “I’m sick of looking at your face.” “Even if you stood naked in front of me, even if you died in front of me with the baby in your arms, it wouldn’t make me feel an ounce of sympathy!” Julian’s voice was loud, and his words were cruel. It drew a crowd of onlookers. As if to deliberately humiliate me. He slammed the car door and sped away. A moment later, my phone pinged with a message. Julian had frozen all my bank accounts, leaving me with nothing to walk home. Seeing me turn back, Martha looked distressed. “Mr. Sterling is asleep, we shouldn’t disturb him.” “Sir asked me to tell you to take this opportunity to reflect.” “If you try any more tricks, you won’t get a penny after the divorce.” See? Relying on others is always unreliable. Fortunately, I had long since seen through these people and had no expectations left. I held Max and walked forward without looking back. A one-hour walk, for me, still recovering from childbirth. Every step was excruciating pain. By the time I reached the villa, I was drenched in sweat. In so much pain, I could barely breathe. The housekeepers, seeing my state, rushed to help me, but kept hesitating to speak. Curious, I looked up and saw my belongings scattered everywhere. My wedding photos with Julian. Long-cherished medical reports and ancient medical texts. And all the small items that held memories of our past. Some were crossed out with a huge lipstick ‘X’. Others were soaked in dirty water, giving off a foul stench. Immediately after, I heard Scarlett’s faint, coy moans. “Julian, you’re so naughty, you tore my clothes again.” “How are you going to make it up to me this time?” His deep voice, brimming with desire and affection: “Good girl, how about I transfer the title of this villa to you?” “We can plant your favorite flowers in the garden together, decorate the nursery together.” “I’ll give you everything you want…” I was already used to it. But hearing those words, I still couldn’t help my eyes welling up a little. Because Julian had once said these very things to me. Back then, he swore to the heavens that he would give me and our child the best life possible. But now, he’d pulled out the flowers I’d planted, thrown away our wedding photos. He wouldn’t even spare a glance for our child. The coldness and fickle nature of the human heart. I had experienced it to the extreme. After a brief moment of thought, I wiped away my tears and walked out with Max. The housekeeper, worried, hurried after me. “Madam, it’s so late, where are you going alone?” “There are still so many things here, are you just leaving them?” I took a deep breath, speaking with firm restraint. “No, I don’t want them.” A tainted man and a tainted past. I didn’t want either. I warned the housekeeper not to touch anything Julian or Scarlett had come into contact with. I told her to make sure everything was thoroughly disinfected. Martha nodded frantically, and fearing I had nowhere to go, even forced a few hundred dollars into my hand for a hotel. “Madam, Sir still cares about you.” “You… just wait for him to get tired of playing around, settle down, and he’ll come back to you.” He won’t be back. Because Julian won’t live that long. Sure enough, that very night. Julian started spitting blood uncontrollably in Scarlett’s bed and was rushed to the hospital.
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