Chapter 1

It was the rainy season. Alyssa Somner stood outside the hospital with the results of her pregnancy test in her hand. It was clearly stated that she wasn't pregnant.

"You've already been married for three years. Why haven't you gotten pregnant yet? Why are you so useless? The Gray family is going to kick you to the curb if you still don't conceive.

"What will we do when that happens?" Alyssa's mother, Heather Mallone, pointed at the former, looking disappointed. She was well-dressed and wearing heels.

Alyssa's gaze was unfocused and empty. Everything that she wanted to say ultimately became a simple apology. "I'm sorry."

"I don't want your apology. I want you to give Sebastian Gray a child. Do you understand me?" Heather snapped.

Alyssa felt like something was lodged in her throat. She didn't know how to respond to that. She and Sebastian had been married for three years, but he'd never touched her. How could she fall pregnant?

Heather saw how weak and helpless Alyssa looked. She couldn't help thinking the latter wasn't like her at all. In the end, she said icily, "If you can't do it, help Sebastian find someone who can. At least he'll owe you a favor for that."

Alyssa stared dazedly at Heather as she left. Disbelief colored her eyes—her mother had just told her to find another woman for her husband.

The cold wind seemed to enter her heart, making her feel cold all over.

…

On the way home, Heather's words reverberated in Alyssa's mind. Suddenly, her ears rang. She knew her condition was worsening. Just then, she received a text. It was from Sebastian, and he was telling her the same thing he'd said for the past three years. "I won't be back tonight."

Throughout their three-year marriage, Sebastian had never spent the night at home, nor had he touched Alyssa. She still remembered what he'd told her on their wedding night three years ago.

"Since your family had the nerve to trick me into this marriage, you should be prepared to spend the rest of your life in loneliness."

Spending the rest of her life in loneliness…

Three years ago, the Gray and Somner families had allied through marriage. Both families had already agreed on the benefits each would get, but the Somner family had gone back on its promise on the wedding day. It had transferred all of its assets, including the tens of millions of dollars in wedding gifts.

Alyssa's gaze dimmed at the thought of that. As usual, she replied to Sebastian with an "Okay".

She didn't even realize when she'd done it, but the report for the pregnancy test had become crumpled in her hand. When she got home, she threw it into the trash can. She always felt particularly fatigued when it came to this time every month.

Alyssa didn't prepare dinner. She slumped against the couch for a while and slowly drifted in and out of sleep. While half awake, she could hear her ears ringing.

This was one of the reasons Sebastian hated her—her hearing was impaired. To someone who came from an affluent family, she was basically disabled. How could he allow someone like her to bear his children?

…

The wall clock chimed. It was 5:00 am, which meant Sebastian would be back in an hour. Alyssa slowly woke up, realizing that she'd spent the night on the couch. She got up to prepare breakfast for Sebastian, afraid that she would be even a second too late.

Sebastian was meticulous in everything he did and had strict standards for himself and the people around him. He returned at 6:00 am sharp. He wore an Etalian suit, showing off his tall build. His demeanor was cold; he was handsome and manly.

But to Alyssa, he was always distant and cold. He didn't spare her a glance as he walked to the dining table. When he saw the breakfast she'd prepared, he mocked her. "You're like this every day. How are you any different from a housekeeper?"

It had been three years, yet Alyssa always did the same things. She wore the same pale gray clothes and replied to his messages with the same old "Okay".

If not for the fact that this was a political marriage that the Somner family had tricked him into, he would never have married someone like her!

A housekeeper? Alyssa's ears rang again. She felt like something was lodged in her throat, but she swallowed it and mustered the courage to ask, "Do you have anyone you like, Seb?"

Her sudden question made his expression shift. "What do you mean by that?"

She looked up at him and suppressed her bitterness. She said slowly, "If you have someone you like, you can be with her…"

Sebastian cut her off before she could get any further. "You're out of your mind."

…

Sebastian left, leaving Alyssa sitting alone on the balcony. She stared at the rain, her gaze unfocused. The sound of the rain was sometimes clear and sometimes muffled. Once she took off her hearing aid, her world would become completely silent.

A month ago, a doctor had told her, "Your auditory nerve and various levels of the central nervous system have developed abnormalities, Ms. Somner. It's led to your hearing's further deterioration. If things continue to worsen, you'll become completely deaf."

Alyssa wasn't used to the world being so silent. She went to the living room and turned on the TV, turning the volume up to the maximum. She could just about make out some sounds.

She didn't know whether it was a coincidence, but an interview with Daisy Russell, the international queen of ballads, was being shown. She'd just returned to the country.

Alyssa's hand trembled. Daisy was Sebastian's first love. It had been years since Alyssa had seen her; she was still as pretty as ever. She was confident when facing the cameras, unlike the shy, insecure young woman she'd been when begging the Somner family for a sponsorship.

Daisy was confident and bold when the paparazzi asked her why she'd returned. "I came back to go after my first love. I want him back."

The remote in Alyssa's hand fell to the floor, and her heart sank. The rain seemed to grow heavier. Alyssa hastily turned off the TV and went to clean up the untouched breakfast.

When she got to the kitchen, she saw that Sebastian had forgotten to take his phone. She picked it up to see an unread message. "You must've been really unhappy these past years, Bash. I know you don't love her. How about we meet tonight? I miss you so much."

Alyssa was still dazed when the phone's screen dimmed.

…

She took a cab to Sebastian's company. On the way there, she stared out the window at the unceasing rain. It was as if it would never stop.

Sebastian didn't like Alyssa going to his company. So, whenever she had to go there, she would take the service elevator at the back, which people usually used to transport goods.

When Malcolm Shaw, Sebastian's special assistant, saw her, he said indifferently, "Ms. Somner."

No one in Sebastian's life thought of her as his wife. Her existence was more like something that couldn't see the day of light.

Sebastian frowned when he saw Alyssa enter his office and hold out his phone. She was always like this—his lunch, a document, a shirt, an umbrella… If he'd forgotten anything at home, she would bring it to him.

"Didn't I tell you that you didn't need to make a special trip to deliver anything to me?"

Alyssa was taken aback. "Sorry, I forgot."

When had her memory become so bad? Perhaps she'd been too scared after seeing Daisy's message. She was scared Sebastian would just suddenly disappear…

Before leaving the room, Alyssa turned to look at Sebastian. Ultimately, she couldn't stop herself from asking, "Do you still like Daisy, Seb?"

Sebastian found that she was acting weirdly of late. Not only did she always forget things, but she also liked asking weird questions. How could someone like her be worthy of being his wife?

He snapped impatiently, "Go look for something to do if you have too much free time."

Alyssa had tried looking for a job in the past. However, Sebastian's mother, Gretchen White, had asked her mockingly, "Do you want the whole world to know Seb has married a disabled person who can't hear properly?"

In the end, Alyssa had given up on her job search and spent her days at Dove Garden, holding onto her position as Mrs. Gray, even if it was just in name.

After getting home, Alyssa sat alone until the sky turned dark. She couldn't fall asleep. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was a call from an unknown number. She answered it to hear a woman's sweet yet fear-inducing voice—it was Daisy.

"Liss, is that you? Bash is drunk. Can you come and pick him up?"

…

Alyssa arrived at Sense Club. When she got to the private room Daisy had told her about, she heard the scions inside whooping and cheering.

"You came back to win Sebastian's heart again, didn't you, Dee-Dee? Now's the perfect time. Hurry up and tell him how you feel!"

Daisy had a sweet appearance and was outgoing. That, coupled with the fact that she was Sebastian's first love, made these scions want to get her and Sebastian together.

Daisy didn't shy away. She said to Sebastian, "I like you, Bash. Let's get back together."

This was what Alyssa heard when she arrived. The people in the room started egging Sebastian on, especially his good friend, Timothy Stone.

"You've waited for Dee-Dee for three years, Seb. Now that she's back, you should tell her how you feel and accept her!"

Alyssa stood stiffly at the door, her heart pounding. Just then, someone pulled the door open from inside. "Ms. Somner?"

Chapter 2

Everyone at the gathering turned to look at the door, and an awkward silence descended upon the room. Alyssa immediately saw Sebastian sitting in the middle of the room. His gaze was clear—he wasn't drunk at all. She knew Daisy had tricked her.

Sebastian's pupils constricted when he saw Alyssa. Everyone who'd pushed him to accept Daisy's confession, including Timothy, looked embarrassed. This wasn't a place Alyssa should be.

Daisy was the first to break the silence. "Don't get us wrong, Liss. Timothy was just joking around. Bash and I are just friends now."

Before Alyssa could say anything, Sebastian got up, looking impatient. "You don't need to explain anything to her."

Then, he strode toward Alyssa. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to take you home because I thought you were drunk," she said honestly.

He sneered. "Looks like you don't remember a single thing I've told you."

He lowered his voice so only they could hear his words. "Do you think everyone's forgotten how you tricked me three years ago? Did you come here to jog their memories?"

Alyssa was taken aback. He looked at her coldly. "Don't try to make yourself out to be a big deal. You'll only make me despise you more like this!"

After that, he turned and left, leaving Alyssa standing there dazedly. She watched him disappear. The scions in the private room didn't pity her despite seeing her being left behind.

Timothy couldn't care less about her and turned to Daisy, who was pretending to look upset. "You're just too nice, Dee-Dee. What's the point of explaining these things? If not for Alyssa tricking Seb into marrying her, you would now be his wife. You wouldn't have needed to suffer abroad."

Alyssa's ears rang, but she still heard everything clearly. She knew better than anyone that Sebastian would never have married Daisy, who didn't come from a powerful family. Even if he hadn't married Alyssa, Daisy would never have become his wife.

Daisy knew that, too. That was why she'd chosen to break up with him and leave the country. How had it now ended up as Alyssa's fault?

…

When Alyssa left Sense Club with an umbrella over her head, she felt like she was shrouded in darkness. Suddenly, a beautiful figure approached her. It was Daisy in her painstakingly chosen outfit and heels. She looked smug.

"It's cold tonight, isn't it? How does it feel to have Bash mock you when you've come all the way here for him?" she asked.

Alyssa didn't respond, but that didn't faze Daisy. She continued, "I think you're pitiful, really. You've never experienced what love is like, right? When Bash was with me, he would cook for me.

"He would also come to my side as soon as possible when I fell sick… Has Bash ever told you he loves you, Alyssa? He used to say it to me all the time."

Alyssa listened to her and thought back on the three years she'd spent with Sebastian. He'd never once set foot in the kitchen… He'd also never expressed his concern for her when she was sick. As for love, he'd never mentioned it.

That night, Alyssa lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. It turned out the man she'd admired and loved for 12 years had once been madly in love with someone else. In that instant, she suddenly felt like it was time for her to give up.

After a sleepless night, Alyssa got out of bed. Sebastian came home and looked at her, his gaze colder than usual. "How desperate are you for my family's money? How scared are you of losing me, your money-making machine?"

She was taken aback. She didn't know what was wrong with him today, but she explained, "I've never wanted your money."

He was all she cared about.

He sneered. "What was up with your mother coming to my office and asking me to give you a child, then?"

Alyssa was dumbfounded. She looked into Sebastian's icy eyes and realized that he wasn't mad about what had happened last night.

He didn't linger and waste his time on her. Instead, he said something before storming off. "If you want to remain in the Gray family and keep the Somner family alive, tell your mother to settle down."

…

Before Alyssa could go to Heather, the latter came knocking. She dropped her usual icy attitude and held Alyssa's hand, saying gently, "You need to beg Seb to give you a child, Liss. Anything is fine, even if you have to opt for medical procedures for it."

Medical procedures?

Alyssa stared at her and listened as she continued, "Daisy has already told me that Seb has never touched you over the past three years."

Perhaps this was the straw that broke the camel's back. Alyssa couldn't understand why Sebastian had told Daisy about this. Maybe he really did love her that much…

She suddenly felt like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. "Mom, it's time to let go."

Heather didn't expect that. She frowned and asked, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm tired. I want to divorce Sebastian—"

Heather slapped her hard before she could finish. She dropped her "loving mother" act and pointed at Alyssa, screeching, "What right do you have to talk about divorce? Once you leave the Gray family, who else would want you when you're disabled and divorced?"

Alyssa sat there numbly. Heather had never liked her, even as a child. She was a renowned dancer, but her daughter was hearing-impaired. It was a perpetual thorn in her side. And so, she'd thrown Alyssa to a nanny, only allowing Alyssa to return to the Somner residence when she was at a schooling age.

In the past, Alyssa had always heard people say that no mother wouldn't love their children. So, she'd worked hard to make herself outstanding so she could earn Heather's love. Despite her weak hearing, she was still the best in her class at dancing, music, art, and linguistics.

But no matter how well she performed, she still wasn't the daughter Heather wanted. It was just as Heather had said—Alyssa was disabled. Not only was she physically disabled, but she was also flawed when it came to her familial relationships and marriage…

After Heather left, Alyssa concealed the handprint on her face with some foundation and quietly packed her things. Despite being married for over three years, she found she had so few things that one suitcase was enough to carry everything.

After packing, she mustered the courage to text Sebastian. "Are you free tonight? I have something to discuss with you."

He didn't reply. Her gaze dulled, knowing that he wasn't even willing to reply to her texts anymore. It looked like she had no choice but to wait for him to return the following morning.

Alyssa thought Sebastian wouldn't be back that night, but he returned at midnight. She wasn't asleep, so she approached him and took his coat and briefcase. Her actions were familiar—it was like they were a normal married couple.

"Don't text me for no reason in the future," Sebastian said icily, breaking the silence.

Alyssa faltered while hanging his coat. She murmured, "Okay. It won't ever happen anymore."

He didn't hear how odd her words were and headed to the study. These past few years, that was where he spent most of his time whenever he was at home.

Perhaps he thought everything was silent in a hearing-impaired person's world, or perhaps he just didn't care about Alyssa—when he got to the study, he talked about business as usual, even if he was talking about acquiring Somner Group…

Alyssa brought him something warm to drink as usual. She heard him confidently discussing the acquisition of her father's company with his subordinate. She didn't know how to feel about that.

It was within her expectations that something like this would happen sooner or later since her brother didn't know how to run a company properly. Still, she didn't expect her husband to be the one to make the first move.

"Seb."

Her voice interrupted Sebastian. He faltered and hurriedly ended his video call before shutting his laptop. It was hard to tell whether he felt diffident or just didn't want to talk with her around.

Alyssa pretended not to notice his actions and entered the room, placing the warm drink before him. "Remember to rest early after drinking this, Seb. Your health matters more than anything else."

For some reason, Sebastian relaxed when he heard her gentle voice. She probably hadn't heard him. He didn't know whether it was guilt or something else, but he stopped her when she turned to leave.

"Didn't you say you had something to discuss with me? What was it?"

Alyssa looked at his familiar face. Then, she said, "I just wanted to ask you whether you'd be free in the morning. Can we go get divorced?"

Chapter 3

Alyssa sounded so calm and composed. She brought up the divorce like it was no big deal.

Sebastian's pupils constricted. "What did you say?"

Throughout the three years they'd been married, she'd never mentioned divorce, no matter what he'd done. He knew very well just how much she loved him.

Alyssa's empty eyes seemed to become clear at this moment. "I'm sorry for having held you back and wasted your time, Mr. Gray. Let's get divorced."

Sebastian subconsciously clenched his fist. "You heard what I was talking about, didn't you? The Somner family and Somner Group are hanging by a thread. How is it any different if I acquire the company compared to if someone else does it?

"What are you trying to get out of bringing up a divorce? Do you want a child, or do you want money? Or do you want me to let your family off the hook?" he asked coldly. "Don't forget that I don't love you. Your threat means nothing to me!"

Alyssa looked at him, suddenly finding him such a stranger. She became choked up, and her ears rang. Even with her hearing aid on, she couldn't hear what he was saying. She could only say, "I don't want anything."

Afraid he would see something was wrong with her, she turned and left the study. Sebastian watched her, feeling frustrated, which he'd never felt before. He'd never let anyone affect his emotions, so this angered him. He swept everything on his desk onto the floor, including the drink Alyssa had prepared.

…

After Alyssa returned to her room, she popped a bunch of pills. She felt the back of her ear and pulled her hand away to see her fingers covered in blood.

Perhaps the medication was finally taking effect—her hearing was restored slightly as the sky started lighting up. She stared dazedly at the weak sunlight outside the window. "The rain has stopped."

Sebastian didn't leave the house that morning. He sat on the couch and waited for Alyssa to apologize to him, expressing her regret. It wasn't that she'd never thrown tantrums throughout their marriage. But after every fight, she would apologize to him.

He figured things would be the same this time. He watched as Alyssa came downstairs after freshening up. She wore dark clothing that she usually wore and dragged a suitcase behind her. She was also holding some papers.

He only realized the papers were a divorce agreement after she handed them to him. "You can contact me when you have time for this, Seb."

That was all she said. It was a simple sentence. After that, she left. Outside the door was the sky, which was bright now that the rain had stopped. For a second, Alyssa felt like she'd been reborn.

Meanwhile, Sebastian sat stiffly on the couch, still clutching the divorce agreement. He took a long while to return to his senses.

…

It was the first weekend of the month. In past years, Sebastian would bring Alyssa back to Gray Manor with him for a family gathering. Naturally, members of the Gray family would give them odd looks. But today, he was alone. He felt particularly pleased.

Gretchen and the rest of the Grays were confused when they saw Sebastian alone. In the past, Alyssa would always be the first to arrive and last to leave. She would do her best to suck up to everyone present. Yet today, she wasn't around.

Gretchen frowned and asked, "Where's Alyssa, Seb?"

Sebastian's expression soured a little at the mention of her. "She's run away from home after clamoring for a divorce."

His words made silence descend upon the room. Everyone couldn't believe their ears, especially Gretchen. She knew Alyssa was the only one aside from her and her husband who would love Sebastian most.

Seven years ago, Sebastian had almost been stabbed. At the time, Alyssa had put her life on the line to save him.

Four years ago, after Sebastian and Alyssa had gotten engaged, something had happened to Sebastian when he'd gone to Denby for a business trip.

Everyone thought he was dead, but Alyssa had refused to believe it. She'd flown over there to search for him. She'd spent three days in the unfamiliar city, searching high and low for him.

After marriage, Alyssa had treated everyone in Sebastian's life with care, whether they were sick or whether it was just their food preferences. She even treated his secretary and assistant with respect, afraid of stepping on anyone's toes.

It was evident she couldn't live without him, yet she'd asked for a divorce. Why?

Gretchen didn't understand it but was glad Alyssa had finally let Sebastian go. "A woman like her isn't worthy of running in our circles. It's good that she wants a divorce. She's unworthy of you, anyway."

After Gretchen said that, everyone else chimed in with insults for Alyssa.

"Exactly. Seb is handsome and outstanding—he's in his prime. Alyssa's just wasting his time."

The family gathering suddenly turned into a gathering to mock and insult Alyssa. It was as if she'd committed heinous and unforgivable crimes.

Sebastian should've been pleased by this, but for some reason, the words irritated him. He left Gray Manor earlier than he usually would. The sky was only just starting to turn dark when he arrived at Dove Garden.

When he entered the house to be greeted by darkness, it suddenly hit him that Alyssa had really left. He changed into lounge slippers and padded inside, throwing his coat into the washing machine. He didn't know why, but he felt particularly tired today.

He went to the wine cellar to get a bottle of wine. He wanted to celebrate Alyssa's departure from his life. But when he got there and saw the locked door, he realized he didn't have the key or know where it was.

Sebastian didn't like having outsiders in his home, so there weren't any maids or housekeepers at the villa. Since marrying him, Alyssa had handled all the chores.

Left with no choice, he returned to his room and checked his phone. He had a few messages, but they were about work. A day had passed since Alyssa had left, and she hadn't called or texted him to apologize.

He snarled, "Let's see how long you can last, then!"

He threw his phone aside and headed to the kitchen. When he opened the fridge, he was surprised. Aside from some food, there were various herbal concoctions inside. He checked one and saw that it was to cure infertility and had to be taken five times a day.

Infertility?

Sebastian smelled the pungent herbal concoction and linked it to the smell he'd always smelled on Alyssa. So, this was where it was from.

He couldn't help sneering. There was no way she could get pregnant, no matter how many herbal concoctions she took. How could she when they'd never slept together?

…

Meanwhile, Alyssa groggily opened her eyes as she lay in a dim motel. Her head ached, and her surroundings were silent. She knew her condition was worsening. In the past, even without her hearing aid, she'd be able to hear the slightest sounds.

She sat up and retrieved her medication from the bedside table. She took them and tasted their bitterness.

After leaving Dove Garden yesterday, she'd first returned home. But as she stood at the doorstep, she'd heard her brother, Terence Somner, discussing with Heather their plans for her once the Gray family kicked her to the curb. They talked about marrying her off to an old man…

Alyssa sat on the bed, her eyes empty. Only now did she understand that she had no place she could call home.

She hadn't eaten in two days but didn't feel hungry. All she knew was that it was so quiet that it was scary.

…

It seemed to be rainier in Tillstone compared to previous years. Alyssa watched as the pedestrians hurried to and fro with their companions. She was the only one who was all alone.

She couldn't help buying a ticket out of town and to the countryside. She went to the home of Mindy Smith, the nanny who'd cared for her since she was a child.

It was 9:00 pm when she arrived. Mindy was evidently delighted when she saw Alyssa. "Liss!"

Alyssa's nose prickled when she saw Mindy's loving smile. She hugged the latter. "Mindy…"

Mindy had never married or had children due to health reasons. To Alyssa, she was more like a mother than Heather would ever be.

That night, Alyssa curled up in Mindy's arms like she used to do as a child. Mindy held her, only then realizing how skinny she was. She felt like nothing more than skin and bones.

Her hand trembled as she placed it on Alyssa's bony back. She forced herself to calm down. Then, she asked tentatively, "Does Seb treat you well now, Liss?"

Alyssa's throat ached at the mention of Sebastian. She wanted to lie to Mindy as she always did and tell her Sebastian was great, but she knew Mindy wasn't a fool.

Since she'd already decided to leave, she didn't want to lie to herself or the people who loved her anymore. She said, "The woman he likes is back, so I'm going to set him free and get a divorce."

Mindy stiffened, unable to believe her ears. Alyssa had told her more than once that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Sebastian.

She didn't know what to say. All she could do was gently comfort Alyssa and tell her there were so many people in this world that someone was bound to love her.

Alyssa nodded silently. The ringing in her ears covered Mindy's comforting words. That night, she had a rare night of good sleep. When she woke up, she saw a large bloodstain on the spot where she'd slept.

She touched her right ear and found it sticky. Then, she spread her palm to see blood all over it.

Chapter 4

Even Alyssa's hearing aid had been dyed red by the blood. Her pupils constricted, and she hurriedly grabbed some tissues to wipe her ear. Then, she removed the bedsheet and washed it.

Afraid that Mindy would worry after learning about her condition, she quietly straightened the room before finding an excuse to bid Mindy farewell. Before leaving, she secretly kept some of her savings in the bedside drawer.

Mindy saw her off at the train station, reluctantly waving her goodbye. When she thought about how skinny Alyssa was, she couldn't help making a call to Gray Corporation. When the secretary at the CEO's office heard she was Alyssa's nanny and was looking for Sebastian, she reported this to Sebastian.

It had been three days since Alyssa had left, and this was Sebastian's first time receiving a call related to her. He was in a particularly good mood as he sat behind his desk. As expected, Alyssa hadn't held out for more than three days.

Mindy's voice rang out on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr. Gray, but I'm Mindy Smith, Alyssa's nanny. I've cared for her since she was a child. I wanted to ask you to please let her off the hook and stop hurting her.

"She's not as strong as she seems. When she was born, Mrs. Somner didn't like that she had impaired hearing and threw her to me. She was only brought back to the Somner residence when she'd reached the schooling age.

"Aside from her father, everyone else at the Somner residence treated her like a maid. You and her father are the only people in Tillstone that she treasures. I'm begging you—please treat her well…"

Sebastian suddenly became upset when he heard Mindy forcing the words out through her sobs. "Has she asked you to come and tell me her sob story because she doesn't dare to come to me herself? What does her life have to do with me? It's all she deserves!"

He hung up after that. In the past, Mindy had only ever heard Alyssa sing Sebastian's praises. Now, she realized Sebastian wasn't a nice man at all. He wasn't a good man for Alyssa.

…

Alyssa was on the train back to the city when her phone vibrated. She checked it to see she'd received a text from Sebastian. "You said you wanted a divorce, right? I'll see you at 10:00 am tomorrow, then."

She stared at the message dazedly for a while before replying, "Okay."

It was a simple reply, but the word seemed incredibly annoying in Sebastian's eyes. He lost the mood to work and invited a bunch of friends out for drinks. Daisy joined them at the club.

Sebastian said, "We're not leaving until we're all drunk."

Timothy sat beside him and couldn't help asking about Alyssa. "How's little miss deaf today?"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "You won't need to mention her in the future. We're going to get divorced tomorrow."

Timothy was taken aback. "Seriously?"

Daisy's eyes lit up. She poured Sebastian a glass of wine and said, "Congratulations on your new life, Bash."

He had plenty to drink that night. Daisy wanted to send him home, but he turned her down. "No, it's fine. It's not convenient."

There was a chance Alyssa would return that night since they were getting divorced the following day.

Daisy was upset by his rejection. "Why? You're already divorcing her. Why would it be inconvenient? Are you afraid of her knowing about us?"

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking this."

He got into the car and considerately arranged for another car to take Daisy back. On his way home, he kept checking his phone. Alyssa didn't text him, though.

When he returned to Dove Garden and saw the villa in pitch-black darkness, his expression became ugly. He entered the villa and turned on the lights—Alyssa wasn't around. She hadn't returned. The house was the same as it had been on the day she'd left.

The alcohol was starting to get to him. He sat on the couch, feeling uncomfortable. He had a dream after falling asleep. In his dream, Alyssa was covered in blood. However, she smiled at him and said, "I don't love you anymore, Seb."

When he jolted awake, the sky was just starting to brighten. He massaged his temples and freshened up. Then, he changed into a sharp suit and headed to the courthouse.

Sebastian arrived at the courthouse to see Alyssa standing underneath a nearby tree in dark clothing. From a distance and through the light drizzle, she looked extremely skinny. It was as if a strong gust of wind was enough to make her topple over.

He remembered how lively and joyful she'd been when marrying him. She wasn't as skinny and zombie-like as she was now. He approached her with an umbrella over his head.

Alyssa took a while to notice him. He hadn't changed much over the past three years. He was still as handsome and charming as always. In fact, there was a hint of maturity and level-headedness in him.

Alyssa was a little dazed. She felt like the past three years had passed in the blink of an eye. At the same time, it felt like it had eaten away her life.

Sebastian stopped before her and looked at her icily. He waited for her to apologize. She'd kicked up this fuss for long enough!

To his surprise, Alyssa said, "I'm sorry for keeping you from your work. Let's head inside."

Sebastian stiffened but soon regained his composure. "Don't regret this."

With that, he turned to head into the courthouse. Alyssa watched him, feeling bitter. Would she regret this? She didn't know.

At the counter, a staff member asked whether they'd made up their minds about the divorce. Alyssa said firmly, "Yes."

The resolute look in her eyes annoyed Sebastian.

After completing the procedures, they were told that they had to return in a month for the divorce to be finalized. The next month would be a cooling-off period for them. If they didn't show up a month later, the divorce procedure would be considered incomplete and void.

They left the courthouse. Alyssa was oddly calm as she looked at Sebastian. "See you next month. Take care."

She turned and headed into the rain. Then, she hailed a cab and left.

Sebastian remained rooted to the spot as he watched the cab leave. He didn't know how to describe how he felt. Maybe it was relief—he no longer had to be involved with her or mocked by others for having a disabled wife.

…

Alyssa sat in the cab and leaned against the window. She watched listlessly as the raindrops slid down the window.

The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror and was startled when he saw blood trickling from her ear.

"Miss, miss!" He called her a few times, but she didn't respond. He hurriedly pulled over.

Alyssa was confused. Why had the cab stopped when they'd yet to arrive? She looked at the driver and realized she couldn't hear again when she saw his lips moving.

"What are you saying? I can't hear you."

The driver typed on his phone to tell her what was wrong. She slowly touched her ear, feeling the warmth of the blood there. She seemed already used to it and told the driver, "It's fine. This happens all the time. I'll be okay."

She had impaired hearing, but the bleeding wasn't something that had happened from the start. It had only started about two years ago when Timothy had pushed her into the pool at a gathering. She couldn't swim and had almost died due to swelling in her eardrums.

The bleeding had started after she'd been taken to the hospital. The problem had already been fixed in the past, but it was frequently acting up again lately.

The cab driver was still worried about her and took her to the closest hospital. Alyssa thanked him before heading inside to see a doctor. This time, the doctor, Sean Keller, was her attending physician and the one she'd always seen.

"I've noticed that my memory has been horrible lately, Dr. Keller. I occasionally forget what I'm doing as I'm doing it," Alyssa said.

It had happened again that morning when she'd woken up in the motel. She'd sat there for a long time before remembering that she had to head to the courthouse for her divorce with Elijah.

Sean looked at her latest medical report, his expression grim. "I would suggest you have other tests done, Ms. Somner. For instance, psychological ones."

Psychological tests?

Alyssa did as he told and was diagnosed with depression. Patients with severe depression generally displayed deterioration in their memories.

Before returning to the motel, she bought a notebook and pen. She recorded the things that had happened recently in the notebook and placed it on her bedside table. That way, she would see it once she woke up.

Her and Sebastian's divorce caused quite a storm. That night, Heather called her multiple times, but she didn't hear any of them.

When she woke up the following morning, she saw a plethora of messages from Heather.

"Where are you now?

"Who do you think you are? Even if you and Sebastian were to get divorced, he should've been the one dumping you!

"You're nothing but a troublemaker. Your father got into an accident when you got married, and you're trying to make Somner Group go bankrupt now that you're getting divorced!"

Alyssa read the messages, already used to Heather's harshness. She replied, "We'll have to depend on ourselves from now on, Mom. We should stop being so reliant on others."

Soon, Heather replied, "You're a heartless ingrate! I should never have given birth to you!"

Alyssa didn't reply anymore. She set her phone aside. Her plan was to leave Tillstone in a month, after the divorce was finalized. Then, she would start over somewhere else.

…

Alyssa's health continued to deteriorate over the next few days. She would frequently lose her hearing and take a long time to regain it. Her memory didn't get any better, either.

She couldn't do anything about her ears, but perhaps she could try to fix her depression. She wanted to cheer herself up as quickly as possible; she wanted to get busy.

So, she signed up online as a volunteer to care for the elderly and orphans. Seeing them receiving the help they needed made her feel like she'd found meaning in continuing to live.

A few days later, Alyssa woke up and checked her notebook as usual. Then, she got ready to head to the orphanage. But when she picked up her phone, she saw several unread texts. There was one each from Heather, Terence, and Daisy. She read them.

Heather said, "The Somner family and Somner Group are done for now. It's as you wished."

Terence said, "Keep on hiding, then. I've never known anyone else's sister to be so heartless and cowardly."

Daisy said, "My condolences, Alyssa. To be honest, Somner Group will only become better in Bash's hands."

Alyssa had no idea what had happened. As she quit her WhatsApp, she received a push notification for that day's trending news.

Chapter 5

Alyssa checked the news. The first thing she saw was a press conference Gray Corporation had held on its successful acquisition of Somner Corporation. From today onward, Somner Corporation would cease to exist in the world.

…

Things were going well for Sebastian. He'd acquired Somner Corporation and exacted his revenge. Timothy smiled and said, "The Somner family tricked you into getting married three years ago. Now, you've finally gotten revenge on them."

Suddenly, he switched the subject. "Has little miss deaf come to beg you for mercy lately, Seb?"

Sebastian faltered in the middle of signing a document. For some reason, the people in his life kept bringing Alyssa up. He said icily, "No."

Timothy was surprised. He couldn't believe Alyssa could remain calm when such a huge thing had happened with the Somner family.

He asked, "Could it be that she's finally seen the light? I heard her mother and brother are searching high and low for her now. They don't know where she's hiding."

Timothy chattered away, making Sebastian frown impatiently. "Get out!"

Timothy was taken aback. Only then did he realize Sebastian was angry. He didn't dare say anything else and hurried out of the office.

Once he was outside, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Have you found Alyssa?"

"Yes, sir. She's staying at a motel in Riverwest."

He had his assistant send him the location before driving to his destination. Alyssa had wasted Sebastian and Daisy's time for three years. Even if she'd now agreed to a divorce, he couldn't let her off the hook so easily! After all, Daisy had saved his life once!

…

It was drizzling. Alyssa had completed her volunteering for the day before heading to the hospital to collect her medication. Now, she walked back to the motel with an umbrella over her head.

There weren't many pedestrians on the street. Timothy easily caught sight of Alyssa walking alone on the street. He sped up as he drove past her, deliberately splashing the water from a puddle all over her.

She looked at him, her gaze empty and dull. Timothy happened to see this in the rearview mirror. For some reason, it scared him.

Alyssa recognized his car—it was a dark gray Buggati. She silently looked away, pretending she hadn't seen him.

Timothy didn't want to let her off just like that, though. He slowed down and followed her. "Your temper's gotten worse, hasn't it, little miss deaf? Aren't you going to greet me? You used to love sucking up to me, didn't you? You wanted me to like you, didn't you?"

Alyssa remained unmoved as she listened to his mockery and insults. In the past, she'd done her best to please everyone in Sebastian's life because of her feelings for him. That included his friends. She'd hoped that they would one day accept her.

She'd been too optimistic, though. During a gathering, Timothy had bluntly told her he was Daisy's friend. He'd set aside his dignity as a scion to insult her and call her a shameless bitch just so he could stand up for Daisy.

Then, he'd thrown her into the pool, leaving her to die there. From then on, Alyssa had kept clear of him.

When he saw that she wasn't responding or answering him, he pulled over and got out. He strode over to her and grabbed her arm. "What tricks are you trying to pull this time?"

Alyssa's arm hurt. She looked up at him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She tried to pry her arm out of his grip, but he shoved her away before she could. "Don't touch me with your dirty hands!"

She staggered backward, ultimately falling hard on the ground. Timothy gaped at her. When had she learned to pull something like this to make her look like a victim? How could she have fallen from such a light push?

When he saw the passersby looking at them, he got into the car, feeling embarrassed. Before leaving, he warned, "Don't you dare bully Dee-Dee just because you're disabled, Alyssa. She's different from you. It wasn't easy for her to get to where she is now—you'd better leave her and Seb alone."

After driving off, he "considerately" told the Somners where Alyssa was staying.

Alyssa's hands and knees had gotten scraped when she'd fallen to the ground. They hurt so much that she couldn't immediately get up.

She couldn't understand why Timothy was so unreasonable. She remembered how, four years ago, she'd dragged him out of a car that was about to explode without a care for the danger.

His face had been covered in blood, and he couldn't see. However, his voice had been gentle as he'd said, "Thanks. I'll make sure to repay you for this."

Was this how he was repaying her?

Alyssa returned to the hotel and showered. Then, she applied medication to her injuries. She lay down, feeling bleary. After what had happened that day, she was even more determined to leave Sebastian.

…

When she woke up the following morning, the sky was just starting to brighten. She headed to the living room to see Heather sitting on the couch in a form-fitting dress.

Heather didn't ask Alyssa anything about herself when she saw the latter. Instead, she picked up the documents on the coffee table and handed them to Alyssa. "Go through this. This is the second option I've picked for you."

Alyssa took the documents and saw that it was a premarital agreement. She read it.

"Ms. Alyssa Somner agrees to willingly marry Mr. Lincoln Cane and care for him until he passes…"

"Mr. Cane will ensure the well-being of the Somner family, which is Ms. Somner's family. He will also provide 30 million dollars in capital for the Somner family…"

Alyssa's mind buzzed. Heather said, "Mr. Cane doesn't mind that this is your second marriage. As long as you marry him, he'll help us start over. You wouldn't want to disappoint me and your brother, right?"

Alyssa paled. "I can't do it."

Heather didn't expect her to reject the idea so bluntly and flew off the handle. "What right do you have to say no? I gave you your life!"

Alyssa looked her in the eye. "Does that mean I won't owe you once I return this life to you?"

Heather was taken aback. "What did you say?"

Alyssa said, "If I return my life to you, will I stop owing you for bringing me into this world? Will that mean you'll no longer be my mother?"

Heather didn't believe her threat and sneered. "Sure. Return your life to me, and I'll stop forcing you. Would you dare, though?"

Alyssa seemed to make a decision. "Give me a month."

Heather felt like Alyssa had lost her mind. "Don't think you can threaten me with death. I don't care about you, so you can go ahead and die. Remember to sign the agreement if you don't have the courage to die."

Alyssa felt so oppressed that she wanted to find a place to let loose. She went to a bar and drank in a corner. She watched dazedly as the people danced and sang along with the music.

A handsome man noticed her alone and approached her. "Wait, aren't you Alyssa Somner?"

She looked at him but didn't know who he was. She asked, "Do you know how to become happy?"

He was confused. "What did you say?"

She sipped her drink and said, "The doctor said I'm sick and that I need to make myself happy. But… I can't…"

The man, Cameron Hart, felt upset when he heard that. Didn't she remember him? Also, what sort of illness would require her to be happy?

"You shouldn't be in a place like this if you want to be happy," he said gently. "I'll take you home."

Alyssa smiled at him. "You're such a nice guy."

He saw the bitterness in her smile and had mixed feelings. He wondered what she'd been through over the past few years. Why did she seem so sad?

Sebastian was at the same bar. He'd gotten into the habit of letting loose each night since the divorce. It had been ages since he'd returned to Dove Garden.

It was late, so everyone was preparing to leave. Suddenly, Daisy noticed a familiar figure in the corner. She asked in surprise, "Isn't that Ms. Somner?"

Sebastian looked in the direction she pointed and saw a man standing before Alyssa. They were chatting and laughing.

His expression immediately darkened. She'd come to a bar to get drunk and was even getting to know other men! It looked like he'd thought too highly of her before!

"Do you want to go check on her, Bash?" Daisy asked.

"No," he said coldly. Then, he strode off.

Meanwhile, Alyssa turned down Cameron's offer to send her home. She said, "I can head home myself. I don't want to trouble you."

He was still worried about her and ran after her when he saw her leave the bar. "Don't you remember me anymore, Alyssa?"

She looked at him, unable to remember who he was.

"It's me, Piggy. Have you forgotten me?" Cameron asked.

Only then did Alyssa remember him. When she'd stayed in the countryside with Mindy, she'd made a friend named Piggy. At the time, Cameron had been plump and hadn't even been as tall as her.

Now, however, he stood tall at 6'3". He'd lost weight, and his handsome features were on display.

"I remember now. You've changed so much that I couldn't recognize you," Alyssa said. It was always lovely to meet someone familiar in another place.

She forced a faint smile. Cameron wasn't happy to see that. "Come on. I'll send you home."

Only when they arrived at the motel did he realize she was staying in such a rundown place. She said awkwardly, "I'm sorry you had to see this. Please don't tell Mindy I'm staying here. I don't want her to worry."

Cameron nodded. It was late, so he couldn't stay. He left after telling Alyssa he would drop by to see her tomorrow. As he left, he didn't notice the black Maybach parked in the shadows downstairs.

Thanks to all the drinks she'd had, Alyssa's stomach felt uncomfortable, and her head spun. Suddenly, someone pounded on the door. She thought Cameron had returned, so she got up and opened the door.

As soon as it swung open, Sebastian grabbed her wrist so tightly that it felt like it was about to break. "You've really shown me a different side of yourself this time, Alyssa!"

He slammed the door shut behind him and dragged her to the couch. He said mockingly, "No wonder you were willing to let me go. It turns out you've already found someone to take over for me!"

His words stabbed her like a knife. She didn't know how he'd found her and why he'd run into Cameron. She was taken aback at first but decided against explaining. Her eyes were red as she looked at him. "We're just the pot calling the kettle black, aren't we?"

The Somner family had tricked Sebastian into marrying her, but he'd gotten his revenge by giving her the cold shoulder for three years. He'd also remained entangled with his first love. Neither of them was better than the other.

Sebastian reeked of alcohol from the drinks he'd had. He gripped Alyssa's jaw, his eyes bloodshot as he snarled, "Who was that? When did you guys meet each other?"

This was her first time seeing him like this. She laughed softly. "Are you jealous?"

His pupils constricted. Then, he sneered. "Are you worthy of that?"

Alyssa couldn't say anything in response. Sebastian abruptly leaned close to her ear and growled, "Has he already fucked you?"

Alyssa had given up on getting a job and turned down all social gatherings with her friends because of the Gray family's rules. Now, however, Sebastian was suspecting her…

Suddenly, she felt like she could let go of him. She asked in return, "What do you think?"

Her words thoroughly angered Sebastian. His hot hand traveled down her body.