Chapter 1

"Before Amelia arrives, I want to ask you one last time, Nathan. Are you sure you won't regret treating Audrey this way once you regain your memory?"

The question stopped Audrey Yeoman's hand just as she was about to push the door open.

Nathan Franklin sneered, "Audrey, at best, was a girlfriend of questionable character. It's not my place to intervene if you choose to defend her. But for the sake of our brotherhood, please don't mention her in front of me or Amelia. You'll make me puke!"

Hugo Stewart's voice rose angrily as he listened to Nathan's derogatory words about Audrey. He bellowed, "You were the one who insisted on registering the marriage with her. On the way back, that car accident–if she hadn't shielded you … Would she have ended up in a coma for two years?

"At the very least, she's your savior and your wife in the eyes of the law! How could you plaster intimate photos of her all over Sheysea University and ruin her reputation?"

Nathan's voice, lazy and indifferent, came through the door. "By that logic, if I hadn't rescued her from the mountains and taken her in, the Franklin family would have tormented her to death. Doesn't saving me in the car accident count as repayment?

"What era are we living in that we still play these games of obligation and revenge? She lost all dignity by drugging me and climbing into my bed. Am I wrong to post her nudes as a warning? If Amelia hadn’t defended Audrey, I would have made sure she paid dearly!"

Audrey could almost picture his deeply furrowed brows and disdainful, irritable expression.

Nathan had once protected and loved her fiercely and passionately. Audrey understood that his retaliation methods were relatively restrained, considering the fact that he dared to drug and harm the person he once loved.

A twinge of sorrow filled her eyes.

Her Nathan, who couldn't bear to see her frown, who never questioned her character or used photos to threaten her, had died in that car crash four years ago.

Inside the private room, a friend noticed Nathan's displeasure. He nudged Hugo with his leg, whispering, "Mr. Franklin suppressed this issue quickly. It'll be forgotten soon and won't affect Audrey much. It's Nathan's birthday. Let's not bring up Audrey and spoil his mood."

Another voiced support for Nathan, "Honestly, Audrey went too far this time! She and Nathan had a rough past, but who doesn't? Nathan's heart belongs to Amelia now. If Audrey truly loves him, she should let him go gracefully. Not cling to the past and cause more trouble."

"It's useless! Haven't we all tried? What did she say? She's waiting for Nathan to remember the past. If he still chooses Amelia, then she'll let go.

"Doesn't she realize she's not a suitable match for the heir of the Franklin family? Initially, Nathan chose her against all odds, and Mr. and Mrs. Franklin only consented because Nathan is their only son. But can't she see how much he loves Amelia now?"

They were all once mutual friends of Audrey and Nathan. But now, they were clearly Amelia Doyle's friends.

Since Audrey's awakening two years ago, they had tried repeatedly to persuade her to let go and allow Nathan and Amelia to be together.

They even complained behind her back, wishing Audrey had never woken up. She had to admit that she was replaceable to Nathan and her friends.

Everything had changed in the two years she was in her coma.

Taking a deep breath and straightening her spine, she fixed her hair like a warrior heading into battle, then pushed the door open.

Nathan's eyes lifted at her entrance. With an irritated click of his tongue, his disdain for Audrey was unmistakable.

"Did you bring her here?" he asked Hugo coldly.

"Audrey, why did you come ..." Hugo called out with concern. He hadn't expected her to show up.

The room fell into a hushed silence.

Audrey's slender figure, draped in an oversized down jacket, made her look even more frail. Her pale, almost sickly face was wrapped in a white, fluffy scarf. Her large, clear eyes stood out all the more due to her emaciated body.

Audrey fixed her gaze on Nathan. "I've already reported to the police that I was drugged at the party and that you spread my photos."

The faces in the room showed varied expressions.

A man and a woman seated at the far end exchanged glances. Their eyes betrayed a hint of panic as they clutched their wine glasses.

The woman quickly put down her glass, stood up, and walked over to Audrey.

Taking Audrey's arm, she pleaded, "Audrey, Nathan only posted those photos in anger. Reporting it to the police is taking it too far. It'll have a bad impact on Nathan! Besides, Mr. Franklin has already handled the matter of the photos. Let's not dwell on it."

Audrey spoke in a calm voice, "Nathan, I admit I wanted to rekindle our past relationship, but I would never stoop so low as to drug your drink and force myself on you.Investigating and finding the truth wouldn't be too difficult with your resources."

Yet, he had readily believed she had done it. Even though he knew, because of her childhood experiences, she had profound psychological trauma when it came to intimate relationships.

"I was reluctant to let go before because I feared that if my Nathan ever came back, he would resent me for giving up on our love so easily!"

Gently freeing her arm from the woman, Audrey's dry, pale fingers placed a divorce agreement on the table. "I tried, but it's too exhausting. So, Nathan ... I don't want you anymore."

Nathan's gaze shifted from the divorce papers to Audrey's face, his cold and gloomy eyes showing a flicker of surprise.

"Wait for the police to clear my name. Then, after you publicly apologize, we can finalize the divorce."

Giving up on this relationship was undoubtedly painful for Audrey. It felt like her flesh was being slowly stripped from her bones, a pain worse than death.

After all, he had given her all the happiness in her life until now. Letting go of this relationship was like abandoning all her happiness.

She lifted a glass of wine from the table and raised it to Nathan. Her eyes swirled with tears.

With a choked voice, she said, "Happy 26th birthday!"

Under everyone's astonished gaze, she downed the drink. Without sparing Nathan another glance, she walked away, leaving the empty glass behind.

"Audrey!" Hugo grabbed his coat and followed her out.

As he left, the room buzzed with conversation again.

"Did Audrey really agree to get the divorce papers?"

Someone picked up the divorce agreement and handed it to Nathan. "Look, Nathan, she's leaving with nothing. She's even willing to repay the medical expenses from the last two years."

"Really? Congratulations, Nathan!"

"This must be the best birthday present Nathan got today!"

"Isn't this just a ploy to win him back?"

"Definitely! She'll be clinging to Nathan again in three days!"

Someone suggested, "Nathan, you should strike while the iron is hot and get Audrey to sign the papers tomorrow!"

Nathan frowned, looking at Audrey's signature at the bottom of the divorce agreement in the dim light of the room. His lips pressed together tightly.

This divorce agreement wasn't the one he had given her.

In his version, he had offered her property and enough money for the rest of her life. But in Audrey's version, she had asked for nothing.

Ever since she had come between him and Amelia, he had longed for the moment when he could sever all ties with her.

Yet, for some reason, holding the divorce papers in hand didn't bring him the joy he had expected.

Amidst the chorus of congratulations, Nathan's phone vibrated. The screen displayed, "Amelia".

All his displeasure was forgotten as he answered the call with a smile and headed outside.

"Amelia, you're here! I'm coming down to get you!"

Chapter 2

"Audrey!" Hugo called.

He caught up with her at the entrance of the bar. He wanted to grab her arm but hesitated just before touching her down jacket. His long leg stepped forward to block her descent down the steps.

"Did you move out of the apartment?"

"Yes," Audrey replied. Her eyes were downcast as half her face was hidden in the fluffy scarf.

Now that she had decided to let Nathan go, she naturally wouldn't stay in an apartment filled with their memories.

"Where have you been staying these past few days?" he asked her.

Hugo didn't give Audrey a chance to lie.

He continued, "I went to Sheysea University yesterday to look for you. Your roommate said your family came to the dorm and made it impossible for you to stay there. You haven't been around us either. Have you been staying with the Lambert family?"

Audrey felt a sting in her heart at the mention of the Lambert family's. She looked up. Her clear eyes met Hugo's steadily.

"Thank you for your concern and for speaking up for me earlier. But … I know my place. We never belonged together. We only became friends because of Nathan. Now that I've decided not to cling to Nathan, I shouldn't bother his friends either."

Hugo, usually so genteel, felt a sting from Audrey's sudden coldness. He grabbed her arm to stop her from moving away. His wool coat fell from his hands in the process.

Ignoring the fallen coat, he gripped Audrey's arm tightly. "Do you have to speak like that?"

"If I hadn't woken up, it wouldn't have come to this," Audrey said, looking at Hugo's astonished expression.

Her voice was calm yet hollow. She continued, "I'm sorry. It's my fault for waking up from the coma and disrupting your lives. I'll leave Sheysea as soon as I can. That's what you all want, right?"

Nathan's family took her in when she was ten. She had grown up with Hugo and the others. Once, Audrey had truly believed they were also her friends and childhood companions.

Hugo opened his mouth, but he struggled to speak.

His eyes reddened, and his voice was hoarse as he sputtered, "You … you heard that? No! We didn't mean it like that!"

"Hugo! Audrey …"

Hearing Amelia's voice, Audrey pulled her arm free from Hugo. She picked up his coat and handed it to him as he turned to greet Amelia.

Amelia wore a mask. Her long, thick, curly hair fell to her waist.

She stepped out of a car. Her thin, beige coat draped over her arm. Even with her face obscured, she radiated beauty.

It was the first time Amelia had seen Audrey since the drugging incident.

She approached Audrey calmly and said, "I know that, with your character, you couldn't have been behind the drugging. Have you considered reporting it to the police?"

Audrey couldn't help but find it amusing. Nathan and her former friends didn't believe her, but Amelia did. Regardless of the sincerity of Amelia's words, she was the first to say she believed Audrey.

"Thank you. I've reported it already," Audrey thanked her and added with pursed lips, "Ms. Doyle, I wish you and Nathan everlasting happiness."

Amelia looked startled. She instinctively tightened her grip on the gift bag.

"Has Nathan remembered everything?"

Audrey shook her head in response, then added, "I'm the one giving up."

"Amelia!" Nathan's voice, filled with excitement and hurried footsteps, came from above as he quickly descended the stairs towards them.

He swiftly pulled Amelia away from Audrey, his heart pounding. He feared Audrey might have said something she shouldn't have.

After the drugging incident, Amelia cried and demanded Nathan take responsibility for Audrey.

Nathan, not wanting to lose his beloved, swore nothing had happened between him and Audrey. But the truth was, he couldn't remember if anything had happened between them.

He avoided encounters between the two women these days, fearing Audrey would tell Amelia about that night.

Seeing Amelia without her coat, he frowned and scolded her softly. He slipped the thin coat onto her shoulders and pulled her into his arms, eager to go inside.

"Let's go. We should head back in!"

"I'm not going! I have an event in Valerianth City tomorrow, so I'm heading to the airport now. I won't be back until tomorrow night."

Amelia pulled away from Nathan, looking up at him with a smile. She added, "I came to give you your birthday present and to wish you a happy birthday! Have fun tonight!"

Nathan didn't accept the gift Amelia was holding out to him. Instead, he held onto her wrist, his brow furrowed. His usual carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by an almost puppy-like neediness.

Audrey knew who he meant by "no one else".

She tugged her scarf over her face and headed down the steps. She buried her hands in the pockets of her down coat.

Amelia glanced at Audrey's retreating figure and softly said, "I know what you planned for today. Everyone told me! I'm sorry, Nathan, but I can't accept it yet.

"I've said it before. Only if you still choose me after regaining your memory can I be with you with a clear conscience. I don't want to marry you, then have you resent me when you remember your past with Audrey."

Amelia's friends had hinted that Nathan planned to propose to her today.

"Did Audrey fill your head with nonsense?" Nathan's anger surged, a vein throbbing in his forehead.

Without waiting for Amelia's explanation, he quickly caught up with Audrey. With a look of disgust and hatred, he pushed her forcefully.

"What lies did you tell Amelia this time, Audrey? How can you be so vile and despicable!"

"Audrey!" Hugo exclaimed in shock.

Nathan's push was merciless. Audrey's slender and frail frame staggered and fell into the ornamental pond at the entrance of the bar.

The cold winter water engulfed her instantly—a sharp pain shot through her forehead.

"Audrey!" Amelia and Hugo exclaimed as they rushed to help her out of the water.

"Nathan, what are you doing?" Amelia shouted, holding Audrey tightly.

Audrey, still in the cold water, was dizzy and disoriented. Blood dripped from her eyelashes.

"Nathan, have you lost your mind!" Hugo barked as he tried to lift Audrey out of the water. "I'm taking her to the hospital!"

Hugo lifted the dazed Audrey from the pond.

Her expression was blank. She raised her hand to the sticky red liquid on her eyelid, seemingly in shock from the incident. She was completely numb.

While Nathan hadn't expected his push would result in Audrey being covered in blood, he looked at her with even more disgust.

"Why didn't you die from the fall? If you had died, I'd be given the death sentence, and I wouldn't have to see your disgusting face again!"

Chapter 3

Audrey regained her composure and looked at Nathan steadily. Her eyes grew as cold as her heart.

"The thing I regret most is getting you out of that small town the Yeomans family is from! The seed of a rapist … Truly the filthiest and most despicable in the world! No wonder the Lambert family wants nothing to do with you," Nathan spat.

Before he could finish his sentence, he was caught off guard by a fierce blow to his head. He staggered back into a tree trunk.

Audrey, half her face covered in blood, stood where Nathan had been a second before. Her hand trembled as she clutched a broken half of a brick.

Nathan was dazed. He stared at Audrey in disbelief. His vision in his right eye was a blur of red as blood seeped into it.

Hugo and Amelia stood in the shallow pool, stunned. They couldn't believe that Audrey had struck Nathan.

With a pale face, Audrey forced herself to appear calm. She tossed the broken brick into the pool, then said hoarsely, "Nathan, we're even now."

Nathan's mind flooded with blurry images.

Behind the sunset-tinged school building, a girl in a clean uniform pinned the blushing younger version of him against the wall. She smiled at him.

"Nathan, we're even now!"

His heart raced, his breath quickened, and his nose filled with the pleasant scent of gardenias emanating from the girl.

Climbing roses bloomed on the walls, but they paled in comparison to her alluring, smiling face.

Nathan clutched his chest and shook his head to clear the vision. The comforting image vanished without a trace.

"Are you alright, Nathan?" Amelia asked.

Nathan came back to reality. He touched his head, and his hand came away bloody. He cursed and looked up at Audrey.

"Nathan!" Amelia rushed to him, fearing he might retaliate.

Hugo rushed to Audrey, pulling her behind him protectively.

Weak and drained from her attack, Audrey stumbled backward as Hugo pulled her to him.

Suddenly, strong, well-defined hands gripped her shoulders, stabilizing her to prevent another fall. She turned around. Words of thanks caught in her throat as her lips trembled silently.

Nathan, also half-covered in blood, hesitated. He reluctantly addressed the man, "Mr. Lambert."

The man supporting Audrey, Ryan Lambert, was in his early thirties. His features were sharp, and he had a stern expression. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and a black coat over a neatly tailored dark gray suit, which gave him an imposing figure.

He was only four years older than Nathan, yet his reserved and mature presence was strikingly different from Nathan's youthful vigor. He exuded the power of a grown man.

The slight resemblance between him and Audrey was obvious.

Ryan, examining Audrey's head wound with pursed lips, swiftly undid his tie and wrapped it around his palm. Then he pressed it to Audrey's bleeding forehead.

His deep eyes swept over Nathan. As he held Audrey, he turned and said coldly, "Let's go to the hospital!"

His assistant hurriedly opened the car door.

As Ryan pressed on Audrey's wound and helped her into the car, Nathan took a few steps after them. He called out, "Mr. Lambert!"

Ryan glanced up as he stepped into the car. His indifferent gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses sent chills down Nathan's spine.

Audrey and Nathan were taken to the emergency room and treated separately for their injuries.

As the nurse prepared to clean Audrey's wounds, she noticed her soaked white scarf and coat stained with blood. She advised, "You should take off your coat and scarf."

Audrey paused, then asked politely, "Will it interfere with treating the wound?"

"It won't affect the treatment, but aren't you uncomfortable in wet clothes?" the nurse replied, pulling the treatment cart closer. "You should take them off."

Audrey frowned, tugging at her scarf to cover her mouth and nose. She mumbled through the fabric, "If it doesn't affect the treatment, I'm fine like this."

Ryan stood in the emergency treatment room with his hands in his pockets, frowning at Audrey. Deep and authoritative, his voice left no room for argument. He ordered, "Take off your scarf and coat."

Audrey remained silent momentarily before slowly unzipping her jacket and removing her scarf.

As the nurse moved to draw the curtain closed, Amelia and a bandaged Nathan, emerged from behind it.

In a fleeting second, Nathan caught sight of the shocking bruises on Audrey's jaw and neck. He wondered if his push caused such severe injuries.

Their eyes met briefly before the light blue curtain obscured their view. Nathan, visibly shaken, turned his gaze to Ryan's tall and straight silhouette. He felt an inexplicable dread.

Remembering Ryan's relationship with Audrey and the look in his eyes when he carried her to the car, Nathan knew he had to explain the day's events to Ryan.

Although Ryan was an adopted son of the Lambert family in Mythravia, he was now the public face of the family's power. Many of the Franklin family's projects relied on the Lamberts.

Nathan called out softly, "Mr. Lambert …"

Ryan turned around slowly. The hospital's bright lights cast sharp lines on his handsome face.

Standing at an imposing six feet one inch, every movement exuded the unfathomable depth of someone in a position of power. He was intimidating even in silence.

His brow furrowed.

Nathan explained, "I didn't mean for her to hit the decorations."

Ryan's eyes were deep. He responded, "At 16, you were in the hospital to protect Audrey. At 26, are you here because of a fight with someone else over her?"

Amelia stiffened at his words.

Nathan gripped Amelia's hand tightly and pulled her behind him, taking a protective stance. "It's my fault. It has nothing to do with anyone else."

Amelia had already explained on the way to the hospital that Audrey hadn't said anything else.

Ryan swept his gaze over Amelia and looked down at Nathan's lowered head, before removing his glasses and cleaning them. "Who gave you the courage to lay a hand on her?"

Nathan clenched his teeth in silent humiliation.

Noticing Hugo return with clean clothes and shoes for Audrey and Nathan, Ryan chose not to say more. He put his glasses back on.

Amelia, uneasy in Ryan's cold presence, hurriedly said to Hugo and Nathan, "I need to catch a flight. Please tell Audrey I had to leave."

"I'll take you," Nathan said, holding Amelia's hand reluctantly.

"You should go back too," Ryan said to Hugo, who hesitated to leave. "Don't make your sister worry. I'll take care of Audrey."

Thinking of his pregnant sister, Hugo finally nodded and handed the shopping bag to Ryan's assistant.

Audrey received six stitches and had to stay in the hospital overnight, just like Nathan.

She emerged from the restroom of the single patient room in her hospital gown, and found Ryan still there. He sat on the sofa, making a phone call.

Perhaps due to the warmth of the hospital room, he had loosened his grey shirt's buttons and casually rolled up his sleeves, revealing his forearms and a dark coffee-colored leather wristwatch on his well-defined wrist.

Catching sight of Audrey with a bandage wrapped around her head, Ryan said into the phone, "I'll be back next Monday," then hung up.

His deep gaze fell on the purple bruises on Audrey's chin. "Come over and sit down."

Chapter 4

Upon hearing Ryan's words, Audrey pulled up a chair and sat across from him at the coffee table.

Unlike his distant demeanor with Nathan and the others, Ryan's attitude toward Audrey was relatively gentle.

"How did you get the wounds on your body?" Ryan asked.

Audrey responded, "Nathan pushed me, and I collided with a rockery …"

"I'm not asking about the wound on your head," Ryan interrupted.

Nathan, who was about to return to his room after seeing Amelia off, overheard Ryan. He stepped back to peer through the slightly ajar door.

Audrey's expression was indifferent. In an even tone, as if discussing someone else's affairs, she explained, "The Yeomans family wanted me to buy a house, a car, and pay for Adam's wedding, so we had a fight outside the school."

Audrey wasn't lying but wasn't telling the whole story either.

The Yeomans family's visit to Sheysea City wasn't just to find Audrey; they were also looking for her and Adam's biological mother, Wanda Lambert.

The Yeomans family was furious when they couldn't find Wanda and found out that Audrey was still attending university instead of working.

Wayne Lambert, Audrey's biological father, made a scene in the principal's office, demanding the school refund her tuition fees.

As Audrey wasn't earning any money, Wayne thought of taking her back to their small town and selling her for a good price to pay for Adam's marriage.

That was when Audrey stood up against them.

Examining Audrey's jaw and neck bruises, Ryan's hand moved thoughtfully on his knee. Without pressing for more details, he leaned forward. His gaze was serious.

"I made an offer eight years ago, and it still stands. If you're willing to leave Nathan, I can arrange for you to go abroad."

Audrey looked up and met his penetrating gaze. Her hand was on her knee, tensing and slowly relaxing.

"I know when the Franklin family brought me to Sheysea City, it was to secure investment and long-term support from the Lambert family.

"When you came to see me eight years ago, it was probably because the Franklin family didn't want their only son with me but couldn't interfere. So, they turned to the Lambert family, hoping to send me abroad to break my connection with Nathan."

Her eyes, clear and puzzled, were framed by furrowed brows. "But now, Nathan has forgotten me and loves another. Sending me abroad doesn't seem to benefit you."

"You're very smart," Ryan said persuasively, trying to sway Audrey. "Besides the potential benefits, you also share a blood relation with the Lambert family."

The mention of the "Lambert family" made Audrey tense up. "I have no relation with the Lamberts. My existence is proof of living hell on Earth to them. I should never contact them again.

"Even in your current situation, alone and beset with troubles, you still refuse the Lambert family's help?" Ryan asked. His smooth, persuasive voice calmed Audrey.

She replied, "I'm grateful to the Lambert and Franklin families for allowing me to leave the Yeomans' small town and pursue an education. Even if it was due to blood relations, the Lambert family has done enough for me. I don't want to owe the Lambert family anymore."

Ryan remembered when he first met Audrey, her biological grandparents said she was naturally aloof. But he understood her.

Her coldness stemmed from her high morals, kindness, and deep love for her birth mother. Suppressing her longing for familial affection, she made herself an orphan to ease the Lambert family's conscience.

She chose to stay with the Franklin family.

Audrey was more in line with the Lambert family's expectations. She truly embodied self-discipline and etiquette.

Ryan adjusted his glasses, then spoke composedly, "The business world is small. Your involvement with Nathan, the young heir of the Sheysea City Franklin family, will inevitably reach the ears of the Lambert family in Mythravia."

"I won't have any connections to Nathan. Once the police clear my name and I get the divorce certificate, I'll leave Sheysea City," Audrey replied, clutching her clothes tightly.

She didn't intend to tell Ryan where she was going.

"Are you completely cutting ties with Nathan?"

Ryan's deep-set eyes, marked by a rugged brow, conveyed skepticism as he leaned back on the sofa. "Years ago, you sat across from me just like this. You were adamant that Nathan was more important to you than your own life."

"That's not the case anymore," Audrey replied hesitantly.

The corners of Ryan's eyes moved subtly as he discreetly observed the composed woman sitting across from him. His lips curled slightly.

Standing at the doorway with his hands in his pockets, Nathan overheard this and tensed up. As he turned to leave, his brows furrowed.

Audrey had to be persistent about having no more ties with him. She couldn't hesitate when the time came to sign the divorce papers.

…

Back in his room, Nathan lay down, overwhelmed.

As he drifted in and out of his dreams, his mind filled with images of walls stained tea-colored by the setting sun, the pleasant fragrance of gardenias, and a radiant face smiling amidst blooming roses.

He woke up suddenly, unable to control his racing heart. He clutched at his chest as his forehead broke out in a sweat.

He didn't want to listen to his past with Audrey as she and their friends had chattered about when she first woke up.

For him, the past was unimportant; his future with Amelia mattered.

He unscrewed a bottle of water and gulped it down, forcing himself to calm down.

"Wait for the police to clear my name. Then, after you publicly apologize, we can finalize the divorce," Nathan recalled Audrey's words as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

He couldn't wait a moment longer. He wanted no further entanglement with her.

The next morning, Nathan prepared to go to the adjacent room to discuss the divorce certificate and public apology with Audrey.

However, as he approached the door, the voice of Lucas Gray came from inside the room. "Jen has been your friend since childhood. Can you bear to see her with a criminal record?

"Besides, she only drugged Nathan's drink because she supported the both of you being together. She did it to create an opportunity for you and Nathan! She meant well! Why else would she do something that brings her no benefit?"

Audrey listened to Lucas's words, feeling skeptical. Her mind was buzzing.

"Just because it's 'for my own good' that allows someone to do such despicable acts? To meddle in my life without telling me, turning it upside down? I want to ask her why she would do such a harmful and self-damaging thing!"

Feeling guilty, Lucas replied softly, "She said she was afraid you wouldn't agree, so she acted on her own. At the time, Nathan had planned to propose to Amelia on his birthday, and she was anxious to help you!

"She never expected Nathan would go to such extremes, posting your photos all over the university. Jen was going to explain this to Nathan last night, but nobody expected both of you to end up in the hospital."

Lucas's voice was weary as he continued, "Audrey, what about this? You withdraw from the case, and Jen and I will explain it to Nathan."

Chapter 5

Lucas and his sister Jen were childhood friends of Nathan. They practically grew up with Audrey.

As Lucas mentioned, after Audrey woke up from her coma, Jen was among the few who supported her relationship with Nathan.

Audrey closed her eyes, clutching the blanket tightly. She suppressed the rising anger inside her. Her pale face was devoid of any color.

"Why didn't she speak to me?" Audrey asked.

"Jen knows she messed up, and she's too ashamed to meet you," Lucas replied, his lips tightening as he pulled up a chair beside her hospital bed. "I understand your concern. You're worried that even if Jen explains things to Nathan now, he'll still think she acted solely to protect you."

"Nathan's opinion ... doesn't matter anymore," Audrey said, her voice cold and detached. "I don't care about."

When Audrey cared about Nathan, his opinion mattered to her.

But now, she was indifferent to him. His thoughts about her, whether he considered her despicable or disgusting, meant nothing to her.

Nathan, standing outside the hospital room door, unconsciously clenched his fist. He was unsure whether Audrey's indifference or her declaration of his insignificance irked him more.

He stood still with no intention of entering the room any longer.

Lucas thought Audrey had reported the incident to clear her name in Nathan's eyes. He was relieved to hear her say she didn't care about his opinion.

He negotiated, "If you don't care about Nathan's opinion, can we drop the case now?"

"I may not care about Nathan's opinion, but that doesn't excuse what Jen did under the guise of helping me. Which university would dare accept me with such a stigma attached to my name? That's why I need Nathan's public apology," Audrey explained.

Her eyes were still closed, and her voice was weak. She continued, "Lucas, I didn't die, and I've woken up. I need to continue living my life. How can I establish myself in society without a degree? How can I live?"

The scandal had been so severe that no university would dare to admit her if the police investigation didn't clear her name, despite being one of the best students in Sheysea City that year.

What would Audrey do for work without attending a university degree?

She wasn't rich and didn't have a family business to inherit. She was just another ordinary person with no parents or close relatives to rely on. She had no one but herself.

Lucas understood the logic.

He had to clean up the trouble his sister had caused. "Let me offer you compensation, Audrey. What do you think?"

Lucas suggested, "You can work for the Gray family business. You can sign a lifelong employment contract. Germundo, Japoria, anywhere in Eurindel–choose wherever we have a branch. You set the salary.

"That's my proposal. If you choose to accept the offer or decide to drop the case, Jen will clarify things with Nathan to avoid misunderstandings."

"I don't care if Nathan misunderstands, nor do I need your help to arrange my life! I will get my degree. All I want is a public apology from Nathan. Once he does that, I can drop the case."

Before Audrey could finish, Nathan pushed the door open and entered the room, frowning.

Audrey turned her head.

She appeared frail and slender in her hospital gown, with her hair cascading over her shoulders and pillow. There were no high-collar shirts or scarves to conceal her wounds. Visible injuries marked her forehead, chin, and neck.

Her complexion was even worse than the day before as she suppressed her anger. The emotions in Audrey's eyes cooled when she saw Nathan.

Nathan's anger intensified as he read Audrey's indifferent expression towards him.

"Let's get the divorce finalized today, and stay as far away from me and Amelia as possible. I'll arrange for the public apology tomorrow!" Nathan declared.

"Nathan!" Lucas exclaimed, taken aback that Nathan had sought out Audrey. He stood up in surprise to explain, "I came to explain the drugging incident. Yesterday, on your birthday, Jen was planning to clarify that this matter had nothing to do with Audrey, but then …"

"You and your sister are always putting on a show with Audrey. Aren't you tired of it?" Nathan vented his pent-up fury at Lucas.

He continued, "You're afraid that the police will find out it was Audrey, so you came up with a lame excuse to drop the case? Are you saying Jen didn't serve me drinks that night?"

Audrey felt as if she had been slapped in the face.

Although she was aware of Nathan's distrust in her character, his eagerness to publicly apologize to her revealed his desperation.

She loosened her grip on the blanket.

She had moved on from Nathan, and all she wanted was a public apology so she could enroll in Cloudmill University. The marriage was bound to end. She was willing to comply with his wishes.

Lucas worried Nathan's words would provoke Audrey to insist on a thorough police investigation. He hurriedly explained, "This really was Jen's doing. She is …"

"When are we getting the certificate? I can go with you right now," Audrey interrupted with a calm and gentle voice.

There was no hint of grievance or reluctance in her tone, not even a trace of bitterness, just calmness in every word.

The room fell silent momentarily. No one had expected Audrey would agree so easily.

When Nathan didn't respond, Audrey repeated, "What time for the certificate? I'm available."

Audrey's indifferent attitude caused an unknown emotion to spread rapidly in Nathan's heart, making his voice sound incredibly irritable. "Now! Immediately! Right away!"

"Okay. Give me a few minutes to change," Audrey said, getting out of bed. "Lucas, you can go back. I'll withdraw the case."

Lucas was taken aback by how easily the issue was resolved. He hadn't even used half of his prepared arguments.

"Don't go. I don't have a car. You drive Audrey and me to city hall and be our witness," Nathan said to Lucas before he could move. "So she won't play any tricks."

Audrey didn't say anything. She changed into the clothes Hugo had brought the day before and left the hospital room.

"Nathan is getting dressed," Lucas informed Audrey.

Audrey wrapped a scarf around her neck, covering her chin and neck injuries. "Before going to city hall, I need to go back to my place. Tell Nathan we'll meet at the entrance."

Nathan came out of the adjacent room, glancing at Audrey with a cold sneer. "Ah … your tricks are always so creative!"

He leisurely adjusted his sleeves, then added, "The night is long and full of dreams. Lucas and I will go with you."

She nodded.

Nathan was surprised to see the kind of place Audrey lived in.

The messy, narrow alley was lined with small vendors, making it impossible for cars to enter.

Chapter 6

Melted snow pooled on the uneven cement road, trampled into a messy slush by passing pedestrians.

"Wait here. I'll go in," Audrey said, pushing open the car door.

Nathan unfastened his seatbelt in the passenger seat. "I'll come with you to ensure you don't run away."

Nathan and Lucas followed Audrey, carefully avoiding the muddy water collected in the potholes. They frowned as they surveyed the crowded and chaotic shantytown.

"Why are you living here?" Lucas asked, his gaze shifting away from a pile of garbage on the street, his brow furrowed with concern. "Even if you don't want to stay in the dorms, you could've come to Jen's. This place is dirty and unsafe for a lady like you."

"It's okay," Audrey responded. She didn't want to elaborate.

Staying in a hotel was too expensive, and she couldn't afford to spend her savings from part-time jobs.

She hadn't planned on staying in Sheysea City for long and didn't want to sign a long-term contract for an apartment.

Despite the poor conditions, the place was the quickest and cheapest short-term rental option she could find after moving out of the apartment two days before.

They walked deeper into the secluded area, eventually stopping in front of a wooden door with a lock.

Nathan's frown deepened.

Audrey didn't invite them in. She unlocked the door then quickly retrieved the documents she needed from a drawer.

The wooden door seemed flimsy, and the interior was small. It had a bed, a simple wardrobe, a pile of books neatly stacked on a table, a chair, some old kitchenware, and no bathroom. Yet, the bedding was tidy, the old headboard and table were clean, and the floor shone from being freshly mopped.

Audrey locked the door and turned to them, "Let's go."

The ride from the neighborhood to city hall was silent. Everyone was lost in their thoughts.

At city hall, the staff noticed both Nathan's and Audrey's injuries. Before issuing the divorce certificate, they uttered the same advice they gave all couples.

As he looked at the certificate in his hands, Nathan found the process unbelievably smooth.

"We got the divorce certificate. Nathan, can I expect your public apology tomorrow?" Audrey asked.

"Okay," Nathan responded, snapping back to reality.

Audrey stood up and said, "After your apology, I'll leave Sheysea City immediately. You and Amelia will never see me again."

Nathan's grip on the certificate tightened. The image of Audrey pressing him against the wall of a school building flashed through his mind.

He stood up, shoving the certificate in his pocket. His expression was dark as he spoke, "The place you're staying in isn't safe. I said you could have the apartment, and I won't take it back. You …"

"No, thank you. And goodbye," Audrey replied curtly, also putting the divorce certificate into her coat pocket.

With the certificate, her final tie to Nathan was severed. She hoped they would never meet again.

Seeing Audrey refuse Nathan's gesture, Lucas offered, "I have a vacant apartment you can use for now."

She shook her head. She pulled her scarf over her mouth and nose, leaving only her clear, cold eyes visible. "I'll withdraw from the case shortly. If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

"I'll take you!" Lucas said.

Audrey shook her head again, polite but distant. "No need to trouble yourself. It's out of your way."

Nathan pressed his lips together tighter as he watched her swift departure.

"I never thought it would come to this," Lucas remarked.

Sitting at the bus stop outside city hall, Audrey gazed at the divorce certificate, lost in thought.

She never imagined this was where her journey with Nathan would end. And yet, it seemed neither of them was to blame.

She vividly recalled Nathan’s wishes on his 22nd birthday: to marry her immediately, to celebrate his 26th birthday with their child, and to grow old together.

Only one had come true.

Audrey still remembered Nathan's intention to burn their marriage certificate after the wedding ceremony, proclaiming that there would only be widowhood between them, not divorce.

To Audrey, who had lost two years of her life, it felt like it had happened yesterday.

Standing outside city hall, where they had registered their marriage, holding their divorce certificate felt too ironic.

Audrey rubbed her sore and swollen eyes and then placed the certificate into her bag.

As she took out her phone to book a flight to Cloudmill for the next evening, a black sedan pulled up in front of her.

The rear passenger window rolled down, revealing Ryan's sharp, pale features.

Audrey glanced around before locking her phone and approaching the car. She bent down slightly and rested her hands on the edge of the window.

She asked Ryan, seated behind the driver's seat, "What brings you here?"

"I was visiting the Sheysea City office," he replied, motioning for Audrey to get in the car.

Sitting in the front seat, Ryan's assistant got out and greeted her with a smile. He moved to open the car door for her.

But Audrey remained still.

Gazing at Ryan's distinctly defined features, she said cautiously, "Mr. Lambert, I think it might be wiser to pretend we don't know each other in the future.

"Given your frequent appearances in the media, there's a risk. If the press spots us together, our similar last names and looks could draw unwanted attention from the Yeomans family, maybe even drag the Lamberts into it. It’s better to avoid complications, don't you think?"

She noticed an approaching bus and added, "The bus is almost here, Mr. Lambert."

"Get in the car," Ryan said, his voice deep and commanding.

Audrey's fingers curled slightly.

The bus driver honked impatiently, urging the sedan to drive ahead. Yet, Ryan remained calm, seemingly content to wait as long as it took. His gaze on Audrey was steady.

At the last second, as the bus pulled into the bus stop with its horn blaring, Audrey finally conceded and got into the car.

Once inside, someone called Ryan about work before Audrey could tell the driver where to drop her off.

She noticed that he still had an incomplete document on his lap. She turned on silent mode on her phone, trying to stay quiet and not disturb him.

But news of her and Nathan getting a divorce had already spread. Her phone buzzed with messages, vibrating continuously.

After hanging up the phone, Ryan uncapped a pen from his suit pocket.

He turned to Audrey, who was busy deleting contacts on her phone. He asked, "Why aren't you at the hospital?"

Without looking up, Audrey replied, "Nathan is going to make a public apology to me tomorrow, so I came to get the divorce certificate."

Ryan's hand paused.

Were they divorced? This was an unexpectedly swift development.

He remembered the first time he sensed the budding relationship between Nathan and Audrey. He had told her that Nathan was suitable as a friend but not fit to be part of her future.

Audrey, 17 then, had her hair loosely tied in a high ponytail. She wore a loose, off-white batwing shirt, slim-fit black jeans, and white sneakers. She carried a backpack on her shoulders.

Looking up at him with clear, bright eyes, she resembled a cautious yet stubborn hedgehog.