Chapter 1

"Mrs. Hendrix, there have been rumors that your marriage with Mr. Hendrix is on the rocks. On your birthday, he was spotted meeting the rising star, Gabriella Jackson, late at night. Do you have any comment on that?"

Diana Gyleon's smile froze slightly, and her heart clenched. Questions from paparazzi were always sharp and hit a nerve.

She instinctively turned her head to glance at the man beside her.

Her husband, Vincent Hendrix, wore a deep frown. Irritation and sullenness were written all over his face.

"Mrs. Hendrix, you've been married to Mr. Hendrix for seven years, but there are reports that three years ago, Mr. Hendrix lost his memory and ended up living with a fisherwoman for two years."

"He almost agreed to their matrilocal arrangement, too. Is that true?"

"Mr. Hendrix, can we get a quick comment? What's your relationship with Gabriella? Is she your lover?"

Vincent's expression darkened as he turned and walked away without a word.

A crowd of reporters relentlessly surged forward. In the chaos, Diana stumbled and failed to keep up.

As she twisted her ankle in the commotion, she reached out and called out, "Vincent…" But she grasped at air.

Her fingers curled slightly as she stood in a daze, watching Vincent disappear into the distance.

Just then, Vincent seemed to realize he had left his wife behind. He paused and was about to turn around when a sharp sound rang out. His phone started ringing.

Vincent stopped in his tracks.

In the crowd, Diana was jostled back and forth. She struggled to move closer to Vincent as the stabbing pain in her ankle drained the color from her face.

"Vincent, I—" She wanted to tell him she couldn't walk, but she suddenly held her tongue.

She watched his expression change drastically as he answered the call. Without hesitation, he spun around and strode off in the opposite direction like something urgent had come up.

The reporters surrounded Diana and continued pushing in until there was no way out.

She opened her mouth yet failed to find the right words. Her nose tingled, and her heart twisted in pain as she watched Vincent walk further away.

She had no doubt the call was from Gabriella.

Since Vincent had regained his memory, anything related to Gabriella was his priority. No matter the time or place, he would drop everything and rush to her side.

However, this moment was about the Hendrix family's public image. As the lady of the Hendrix family, Diana couldn't just walk away. If she did, the next day's headlines would be full of their news.

She took a deep breath and composed herself. After putting on a calm, graceful smile, she turned to face the reporters with poise and serenity.

"Ms. Jackson is our close friend. She wasn't feeling well on my birthday, so we visited her together," Diana explained.

Diana's voice was gentle and calm. Even in the face of the relentless questions, she was unwavering, and there wasn't a trace of embarrassment or distress on her face.

Smiling, she continued, "In fact, I was there the whole time. The paparazzi just didn't catch me in frame.

"As for the other rumors, they're just rumors. I trust my husband and believe that the wise don't believe idle gossip."

That was all she said.

"Everyone, may I leave now?" she asked.

From beginning to end, her tone had been calm and soft. She hadn't lost her composure once.

The reports were momentarily stunned. Diana didn't have an imposing presence and wasn't particularly sharp in tone either, but her grace compelled them to make way for her even without realizing it.

The setting sun painted the sky in gold as a gentle evening breeze stirred the hem of her dress.

…

Far in the distance, storm clouds gathered. It seemed like it would rain soon, and the air was slightly damp.

Diana lowered her gaze and pressed her lips together. Her long lashes covered the sorrow in her eyes.

She had just arrived home and taken off her coat when she bumped into Maria Wall, who was holding a plate and looked oddly flustered.

"What's wrong, Maria?" Diana asked.

Maria looked startled as if she hadn't expected Diana to come back now. She seemed nervous and hesitant to speak.

"Is Vincent back?" Diana asked as she glanced up toward the second floor.

Maria quickly nodded. Her gaze flickered as she replied, "Mr. Hendrix is back… Mrs. Hendrix, would you like to go out for a bit?"

Her voice grew softer until it could barely be heard. Diana had to lean in just to hear her.

"Do we have guests?" Diana was no fool. She noticed how Maria kept avoiding eye contact and glancing upstairs, and everything suddenly became clear.

Grabiella, the actress the reporters had mentioned, had been here more than once. One of the many guest rooms on the second floor was ready for her at all times.

Just as Diana had expected, Vincent had rushed off because of Gabriella.

"Why wasn't I told there were guests? I'll go up and take a look," Diana calmly stated as she ascended the stairs.

"Mrs. Hendrix—" Maria paled.

This was bad, really bad. That guest wasn't just anyone.

Why had Vincent brought Gabriella into the master bedroom? If Diana saw that, no explanation could ever clear things up.

Diana went upstairs and noticed that the guest room door was tightly shut, but voices came from her and Vincent's master bedroom.

She wondered why Gabriella was in the master bedroom instead of the guest room.

Although Diana had mentally prepared herself, her expression still fell the moment she pushed the door open.

Gabrielle was lying on the master bed, dressed in Diana's nightgown.

On the wall above the bed, Diana's radiant smile in the wedding picture now looked mocking and absurd.

"Oh my, Diana's back!" Gabriella looked up from the bed and beamed at her. She didn't seem like she intended to get up at all.

Diana was about to speak when Vincent appeared with a glass of water.

"You're back. Gabby forgot her umbrella and got caught in the rain. She's always been weak, so I brought her home," he flatly explained with a cold expression.

Then, he walked up to Gabriella. His voice softened with concern and reproach as he urged, "Hurry up and take your meds, or you'll catch a cold. You're not a child anymore, so why can't you be more careful? If I catch you again, you're dead meat."

Gabriella playfully stuck out her tongue. "Fine, I get it. You're such a nag."

The scene made Diana's blood boil. Clenching her fists, she glared at Vincent and said, "She's an adult, not a child. Doesn't she know how to take cover from the rain?"

Gabriella was a grown woman, and just because she had forgotten her umbrella, she was utterly at a loss. After getting caught in the rain, was she now fatally sick?

When Diana remembered that Vincent had left her to face all the reporters alone because of something so trivial, she couldn't help but feel the bitterness rising in her chest.

Gabriella's smile froze. Panic and grievance filled her eyes as she hurriedly said, "I-I'm so sorry, Diana. If this is bothering you, I'll leave. I'll get going right now…"

As she spoke, she threw off the covers and made to get up. Her eyes shimmered with anxious tears, and she looked utterly frail and sorrowful.

"Enough. You've always been understanding, Diana. Why are you being so harsh now?" Vincent frowned, clearly impatient.

His tone was rull of reproach, and his gaze was cold.

Diana's hands trembled slightly. Angrily gritting her teeth, she hissed, "She's wearing my clothes. Are there no other clothes in the house? Why didn't you have Maria bring something else?"

The Hendrix family was immensely wealthy, and there were guest rooms aplenty.

Since Gabriella was a frequent "guest", Vincent made sure she had a wardrobe of her own and prepared the latest clothes of every season.

Yet here she was, sleeping in their master bedroom.

Diana had barely protested, and she was labelled harsh.

"Stop making a scene. Gabby is young, and I see her as a younger sister," Vincent said sternly as tension rose in the air.

Chapter 2

Just because Vincent took Gabriella as his younger sister, she could wear Diana's clothes.

Just because Vincent took Gabriella as his younger sister, she could freely come and leave The Halcyon, the home of the couple.

Just because Vincent took Gabriella as his younger sister, Diana would be deemed irrational and harsh if she felt jealous.

Diana's heart sank. They had been married for years, so she knew that Vincent was mad, and this was his final warning.

She pressed her lips together, and the corners curled into a bitter, mocking smile. Forcing her voice to sound steady and not choked with emotion, she said, "Sure. Please get some rest, Ms. Jackson."

With that, she turned around and left.

It wouldn't do good to cling on any longer. To him, she had always been irrational and harsh anyway.

"Mrs. Hendrix…" Maria carefully called out. She had been waiting by the stairs, and she was full of concern when she saw Diana come down.

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Maria." Diana smiled and nodded at her, and only then did Maria breathe a sigh of relief.

…

That night, Diana sat on the bay window.

The breeze was chilly, and the cold moonlight spilled over her, framing her thin and frail figure.

It had been a year since Vincent returned. He had regained his memories, but to her, it still felt like he had never truly returned.

Sometimes, Diana honestly felt like an outsider. Perhaps she could stop intruding on the perfect couple that Vincent and Gabriella made.

Just as the thought surfaced, her phone rang. It was from her best friend, Evelyne Cornelius.

"Diana, up for a world trip?" Evelyne asked.

Evelyne had meant for it to be a random question. Everyone in their circle knew Diana was a hopeless romantic, and her whole world revolved around Vincent. She wished she could stay by his side all the time.

Still, Evelyne made a point to ask every year.

"When is it?" Diana asked.

Evelyne had braced herself for rejection and was utterly surprised to receive a different response from the cool voice.

Diana held her phone and stared blankly out the window as Evelyne's stunned voice came through the line. "Diana, are you serious? Are you not staying glued to that bastard for once?"

"Yeah, I've finally figured things out," Diana replied.

Yet, Evelyne seemed skeptical. "Don't you dare ditch me halfway and beg to come back. You know these trips last over half a year."

"I'm not coming back," Diana replied with a bitter smile. She was never coming back again.

"W-What happened?" Sensing something off, Evelyne exploded. "That bastard hurt you again, didn't he? The bitch stirred up more trouble, right? I've just got back and am yet to check the news. Tell me, did they—"

"Evy," Diana said, gently cutting her off. "I'm just… really tired."

There was a long silence on the other end. Finally, Evelyne said, "You should just leave him, Diana. My brother is a top-tier divorce lawyer. If you need any help, I'll make sure that he helps you out.

"Seriously. You should think about it."

Diana stayed silent for a while before replying with a soft hum.

"I'll make the plans. We'll set out after Christmas and travel the world. Let's forget all these jerks." Evelyne sounded genuinely concerned.

After the call ended, Diana sat still and silent as tears dripped onto the back of her hand.

She had been married to Vincent for seven years, but in truth, they had only lived as husband and wife for five. For two of those years, he had been with someone else.

Three years ago, Vincent had gone missing in a maritime accident.

Diana had been so frantic that she had lost all appetite, sleep, and rapidly wasted away. In those days, she had been in such a fragile state that she had seemed like she would collapse at the slightest breeze.

The Hendrix family had mobilized every resource at their disposal and searched for him relentlessly for two years. If he were alive, they would find him. And if he were dead, they would get back his body.

As the sole heir to Hendrix Corporation, they would never give up until he was found.

Two years later, they had found him in a small fishing village, Winderbay. He had lost his memory.

He had been taken in by a local fisherwoman, now the rising star, Gabriella.

In those two years he had lived with amnesia, Gabriella had been his constant companion. They had spent every moment together, and feelings had begun to blossom.

The Hendrix family was the most powerful in Heyton. Vincent's grandfather, Jason Hendrix, would never accept a fisherwoman as his granddaughter-in-law, especially when Vincent hadn't had his complete memory and wasn't technically himself.

By Jason's orders, Vincent had been forcibly brought back to Heyton. He had finally regained his memory with the best doctors and cutting-edge equipment.

After recovering his memories, he stopped resisting returning home. One could say that with his memory restored, he chose Diana, his childhood sweetheart, over Gabriella.

It was under no one's compulsion that he made that choice.

As compensation, the Hendrix family had given the Jackson family a large sum of money to help them out of poverty, turning them into the newly rich.

Plus, they had repackaged Gabriella and launched her into stardom.

Capital ruled everything in the entertainment industry, and a snap of the fingers was all it took for the Hendrix family to give her the best resources.

With the Hendrix family backing Gabriella, she shot to fame within a year.

At first, Diana thought everything would be fine once Vincent was back. But looking back now, her wishful thinking had been nothing but a joke.

Sure, Vincent was back, but his heart stayed with another woman. And because he had chosen Diana over Gabriella, guilt had only driven him closer to Gabriella.

Vincent had always been attentive to Gabriella's needs.

Over the year, Diana had lost count of how many times he would run out the door after one of Gabriella's phone calls. Even on her birthday and wedding anniversary a few days ago, she had planned so much and hoped for a quiet dinner together.

But as soon as he heard Gabriella sobbing on the phone, he set his cutlery aside and rushed out the door.

It wasn't the first time, so Diana knew begging him to stay would change nothing. She used to fight him over it, but he had always claimed Gabriella as his younger sister and lifesaver.

It was true that Gabriella had saved Vincent's life and the entire Hendrix family's peace of mind, so Diana reminded herself to put up with this.

Even Jason had advised her to be forgiving and composed as the lady of the Hendrix family. Plus, Vincent never physically cheated.

Everyone used such logic to appease her, including her father, Kenneth Gyleon.

A year ago, Diana had tried to end things when Vincent first recovered his memory.

She had gone to Winderbay herself when they found him. The cautious and resistant look in the amnesic Vincent's eyes still haunted her.

However, all his gestures and glances were natural and intimate when he was with Gabriella.

After Vincent regained his memory, he had promised Diana that she would be the only lady of the Hendrix family, and no one else would take her place.

"Diana, you're the only Mrs. Hendrix. Whatever happened with Gabriella was when I lost my memories, and it doesn't count. I only see her as my younger sister and lifesaver," were the words Vincent had promised.

Vincent had always been cold and never bothered to explain. He loathed trouble, so the fact that he had taken time to reassure Diana meant something. That was why she had been willing to accept Gabriella as a younger sister.

But now, Diana was simply exhausted. She had to constantly pretend to be the generous, gracious, and perfect lady of the Hendrix family.

Meanwhile, Hendrix would abandon her to the press, let another woman sleep in their former wedding room, and leave her waiting for someone who would never return.

Perhaps leaving was the best choice for both of them.

If Vincent refused to be the one bringing up the divorce, she would do it. When reporters came knocking, she would face them alone, as long as she could leave the toxic marriage.

That night, Diana slept in the guest room.

Chapter 3

The next morning, Maria came knocking.

"Mrs. Hendrix, Ms. Jackson has left, and Mr. Hendrix has gone to the office. The room's been cleaned up. Would you like to… move back in?" she carefully asked.

"Thank you, Maria, but that won't be necessary. I slept in the guest room last night and found the lighting quite nice. Please move my belongings there instead," Diana replied with a gentle smile.

Maria froze. "Huh?" Was Diana going to sleep in a separate room?

"Oh, and another thing," Diana added as she turned around after taking a few steps forward. "Don't move anything Ms. Jackson used. Just leave them in that room."

Gabriella might need them again some other time, and Diana found them… filthy.

Maria stared at her in stunned silence and could barely process her words.

Diana had always been known for her gentle temperament. After all the years Maria had worked for her, she had never once seen Diana lose her temper at the staff.

Like her name suggested, Diana meant divine and heavenly. She was kind, gentle, and beautiful. No matter whom she spoke to, she always remained calm, poised, and never arrogant.

People might see her acts as cool and graceful, but if they were to put it bluntly, she was simply boring and uninteresting.

..

The night fell, and Vincent returned home after finishing his work at the company.

He found the living room pitch-black and wondered why Diana hadn't left the lights on for him.

The Hendrix family wasn't strict with the staff, especially with the considerate and understanding Diana as the matriarch of the family. Once dinner hours were over, the housekeepers could rest early and weren't expected to stay on guard.

Typically at this hour, Diana would be in the living room, wrapped in a blanket while reading a book or sipping tea, quietly waiting for his return. But tonight, she was nowhere in sight.

Vincent's gaze flickered. He took off his coat and switched on the lights himself.

After searching the entire first floor, the familiar Diana was nowhere to be found. Vincent wondered if she had gone to bed upstairs.

Just as he reached the stairs, thunder boomed outside. A bolt of lightning tore through the night sky, followed by a torrential downpour.

The long-foretold storm had finally arrived in full force.

Vincent frowned. On his way home, he had sensed the oppressive, suffocating tension of the looming storm. There was something about the eerie stillness before a storm that he didn't quite like today.

He had even urged the driver to speed up.

Now, as the rain poured, his heart began to race inexplicably as he looked out the windows. Was Diana still upset?

At the thought, he paced up the stairs and pushed open the bedroom door.

"Diana, I'm back—" The rest of the words caught in his throat.

Vincent was stunned to find that Diana wasn't in the room.

As a flash of realization struck him, he quickly pulled out his phone to call her.

"What's wrong?" A familiar voice rang out behind him. It was Diana.

Before he could say anything, she explained, "I slept in the guest room last night. I've noticed that it gets great sunlight during the day, and I can see the stars from the balcony at night. I think I'll keep sleeping there."

Vincent fell silent, and his expression turned cold. "Suit yourself."

With that, he disappeared down the hallway and slammed the door shut behind him.

Diana curved her lips into a self-mocking smile.

What had she been hoping for? Any gentleness or compromise Vincent had to give was now meant for one person, and that person was no longer her.

He was clearly mad and probably thought she was making a scene. Her choice to sleep in a separate room was deemed irrational and unreasonable.

…

The next morning at breakfast, Vincent set down his glass of milk and said, "Gabby's just joined a new production team, and the film is horror-suspense-themed. She's scared, so I won't come back for a few days."

Diana calmly spread cheese over her toast and replied, "Are you going to stay with her throughout the shoot? What about the company?"

Although she had plans to leave, she couldn't deny that the Hendrix family had treated her well over the years.

When the Gyleon family was on the brink of bankruptcy, the Hendrix family had stepped in with financial and legal support to save their collapsing business.

Hendrix Corporation represented Jason's whole life of legacy and power, and she naturally wished them continued prosperity.

To Vincent, her words sounded like jealousy again. He frowned and snapped, "I've said it many times. Gabby is young and naive, while the entertainment industry is filthy. She won't survive without me protecting her.

"This project revolves around supernatural beings—things young ladies like her fear the most. I have to be there for her."

Diana took a sip of milk. Her chest ached and throbbed, but her face remained expressionless. "I never said you couldn't go. Why are you so aggressive?"

Vincent was momentarily at a loss for words.

She was too calm. In the past, she would have panicked and confronted him.

To others, she might always be calm and composed, but Vincent had seen a different side of her. She had cried, made a fuss, and broken down.

Now, she was oddly calm. She didn't question or stop him either, and that threw him off.

"I'm busy these days, too. And I plan to visit my parents for a bit." Diana dabbed at her lips with a napkin and looked up with a gentle smile.

Vincent pressed his lips together. The unease that had built up in his chest finally eased.

"Wait for me, Diana. I'll make it up to you with a proper birthday gift," he promised.

Gabriella had ruined her birthday and their wedding anniversary. It was a wound that left a thorn in her heart that, even if pulled out, the scar would last forever.

Hearing his words, Diana simply nodded and said nothing else.

Seeing her being so obedient and considerate, Vincent smiled. He leaned in and tried to kiss her forehead, but she stood up and turned aside, only to have his kiss fall into empty air.

Their eyes met, and for a split second, her heart trembled. It had been a long time since she had seen him smile like that.

She used to see it often, but ever since he returned after going missing for two years, that smile was gone. If he ever smiled, it was for Gabriella.

Back in the early days of their marriage, he had cherished Diana. She remembered that they had been full of passion and affection as newlyweds.

Vincent had once sworn that she was the only woman he would ever love in this lifetime. If he broke the vow, he would lose all that he loved and even his life.

He had gone so far as to have a vasectomy because she had once mentioned that she didn't want children. She had never doubted his sincerity and feelings for her, but it had changed.

Perhaps even Vincent hadn't realized he had fallen in love with someone else. He had given his heart to Gabriella in those two years spent with her.

Even without his memories, Vincent had resisted coming back and leaving Winderbay, only because Gabriella was there.

Chapter 4

Diana remembered the first time things began to unravel between her and Vincent. It was within the first month of Vincent's return after his two-year disappearance.

He had returned from Winderbay and brought Gabriella with him, setting her up comfortably in Heyton. After introducing her as his life savior and younger sister, he had even gifted her a villa on Heyton's expensive lands.

That evening during dinner, he had seemed distracted and constantly glanced at his phone. His hesitant expression had made Diana's heart tighten.

Still, she had forced herself to stay calm until…

He abruptly stood up. Wearing a deep frown, he said, "Diana, Gabby's having stomach pains. I'm going to check on her."

"If her stomach hurts, take her to the hospital. You're not a doctor," she replied, trying to contain her irritation as her fingers clenched involuntarily.

"No, it's not that kind of pain doctors can help… There's no need to call one either." He was already putting on his coat, concern and anxiety clouding his face.

He continued, "She's frail, and it's her first time in Heyton. She is unfamiliar with everything here, and she needs someone with her to feel safe."

Diana looked up at him. She was far too smart not to guess the truth.

"She's on her period, isn't she?" Her voice was steady with no outbursts or accusations.

When Vincent froze, she knew she was right.

"Enjoy your food. I'll check on her and be back soon." With that, he turned and walked out without looking back.

From behind, Diana called out, "What if I don't let you go?"

The only answer was the sound of the door slamming shut.

Snapping back from the memory, Diana instinctively reached out to touch her cheek, only to find it wet with tears. She wondered what it was that caused love to curdle and fade, that made people forget.

She and Vincent had grown up together. Though their marriage was tied to business interests, their affections for each other had been mutual and genuine.

They were each other's first love, and the Vincent in his younger days hadn't been as cold as he was now.

Back then, he had been arrogant and unruly. He had been obsessed with cruiser bikes, and he had been known as a difficult person in Heyton.

He listened to no one and was a tyrant among his peers. Yet, he yielded only to her.

Vincent had once said, "Diana is more important than my life."

He used to say Diana was special and one-and-only. He wanted no one else but her for life.

She never doubted his sincerity, but love could change. Even the deepest love could decay over time and slip unnoticed until it was gone.

She took out her phone and sent him a message. "No need for the belated birthday gift. Don't waste the effort or time."

After all, a late compensation meant nothing.

In the car, Vincent caught a glimpse of the text on his phone, and a strange tightness clutched his chest. He had no idea why, but it felt oddly suffocating.

…

At the Gyleon residence, Kenneth was livid. "You want a divorce! Are you out of your mind! Don't even think about it!"

The Gyleon family had relied on the Hendrix family's support for years. If that relationship were severed, the Gyleon family would crumble in no time.

"What happened, Diana? You and Vincent seem fine." Compared to Kenneth's rage, Beatrice Palmer was gentler.

Much of Diana's gentle nature and good-looking features had come from Beatrice.

"Mom, he'll always have a place in his heart for Gabriella." It was harder to maintain a strong front in front of the family. Diana's weak side showed as her eyes turned red.

"No. I don't care what happened, but you're not getting a divorce. Even if he has dozens of mistresses outside, that's just a man's nature. It's not like he slept with her either.

"If you divorce him, you're no longer my daughter." His face was cold and tense as he glared at Diana.

Diana was stunned. Then, a bitter smile crept onto her face.

What a ridiculous scene. To a businessman, profit outweighed everything, and sacrificing his daughter's happiness meant nothing.

"Dad, am I your daughter… or just a bargaining chip?" Her nails dug into her palms as she fought to hold back her tears.

"Enough. We're still family. Don't raise your voice," Beatrice said, looking distressed as she pulled Diana into a protective embrace.

Only then did Diana's tears fall silently.

"Mom, I'm going back now," she softly murmured with her head hung low.

In her heart, a divorce was final. She was too tired to continue this game.

"Diana…" Beatrice called out with worry and tried to stop her. "It's dark, so why don't you—"

"Let her go! She's all grown up and thinks she can do everything as she wishes now," Kenneth snapped, his expression sullen.

After leaving the Gyleon residence, Diana looked up at the sky. The stars twinkled, but the moon hid behind the clouds and was barely visible.

She laughed bitterly. She wanted nothing but a divorce, for she had married Vincent without anything back then.

Now, she was utterly dejected.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. It was a picture of Gabriella and Vincent standing side by side.

Gabriella still had her stage makeup on. This time, she was filming a horror movie set in the Varethian era, playing a young heiress who returned from studying abroad.

Diana had to admit that Gabriella was stunning.

Whilst Diana had subtle and delicate looks, Gabriella's features were sharp and defined.

The alluring Gabriella had eyes that held the galaxy. She was captivating and full of pride.

Her vibrant personality only served to highlight Diana's quiet, understated composure.

Sometimes, Diana agreed that she might prefer someone like Gabriella, too, if she were a man. Gabriella was beautiful, energetic, and full of spirit. In contrast, Diana was dull and quiet.

"Diana, I'm here to report in!" A cute sticker followed.

"Please don't be mad. Vincent and I are just friends. I've let go of the past."

"He used to say he wanted to marry me and be with me forever, but I knew that was just because he lost his memory. I can take those promises and vows from the past two years as a dream. I see you as my older sister, so please don't be mad."

Gabriella's messages came one after another, but Diana didn't reply.

However, Diana never expected Vincent to storm in angrily the next morning.

Diana was still having breakfast when the doors slammed open. Vincent charged in with a gloomy expression.

"Diana, how long are you going to keep making trouble?" Vincent questioned.

His accusatory roar hit her like a slap and left her stunned.

"What did I do now?" she asked, slowly regaining her composure and looking up at him.

A crisp sound echoed in the air.

Diana froze. Vincent had slapped her.

Her knees buckled slightly, her body trembling as she stood in shock.

"Do you know that because of what you said, Gabby almost died yesterday?" Vincent's expression was ice-cold.

Chapter 5

The delayed sting on Diana's cheek finally set in. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Vincent's cold face and bitterly asked, "And what exactly did I say?"

When he shoved the so-called "evidence" in front of her, she let out a cold laugh.

She stared into his raging, stormy eyes and mockingly said, "I'll never be able to say those filthy, vulgar words. Plus, anyone can send an anonymous text."

"If it wasn't you, who else could it be?" Vincent's rage intensified.

Seeing that Diana was still trying to defend herself, he stepped forward and gripped her shoulders. Her face paled at the pain.

His hands trembled with anger as he hissed, "Diana, I've given you the title of Mrs. Hendrix. No one's fighting you for that identity.

"Gabby is pure and kind, and she's always seen you as an elder sister. Do you have any idea how much your words hurt her?" He radiated a chilling coldness, and his eyes gleamed with such rage as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Diana's eyes reddened. The sting on her cheek could never compare to the ache in her heart.

"We grew up together. Don't you know what kind of person I am? This is clearly a setup," she replied.

But people always chose the easy target, and Diana had always been the softest.

For a moment, Vincent noticed the pain and grievance in her eyes and paused. But his fury returned before reason could take hold.

"Who would frame you? At least come up with a better lie, Diana. Gabby doesn't know anyone else in Heyton, and she's only close to you." His expression was terrifyingly cool.

He didn't trust her at all.

A wave of coldness surged through Diana's chest and spread through her limbs. Bitterness filled her mouth as she stared at Vincent in disbelief.

So, he saw her as a scheming, petty woman who would go to any lengths out of jealousy. He wouldn't even listen to her explanation.

Since he was that resolute, there was no need for her to say another word.

"Suit yourself." He slammed the door shut and left. Gabriella was still in the hospital, and he was going to see her.

It wasn't until Vincent had left that Diana collapsed onto the ground, finally letting out all the pain she had been repressing for years. Her hands covered her face as she sobbed.

Maria stood at a loss for what to do as she watched Diana cry uncontrollably.

The night before, Gabriella had received a string of vicious insults via text, allegedly from "Mrs. Hendrix". The context was disgusting and filled with obscene slurs.

The shock and humiliation had pushed Gabriella over the edge. She had attempted to end her life by slitting her wrists, and now, she was still lying in the hospital.

Diana was awash with a wave of helplessness. Even if they weren't husband and wife in the truest sense, she had known Vincent for years. However, that bond wasn't enough to stand up to a poorly fabricated setup.

Just as she thought he wouldn't return that day, Vincent rushed back at 4:30 pm.

His eyes were full of remorse as he called out, "Diana! I'm sorry for misunderstanding you. It was a stunt pulled by the paparazzi who tried to stir up drama."

In the end, their years of marriage had compelled him to investigate. As for Gabriella, she hadn't been foolish enough to use her true identity. Details of those texts didn't trace back to her at all.

Now, the appearance of some scapegoat quickly convinced Vincent that Gabriella had nothing to do with the incident.

Rumors of a falling-out between them had been brewing. Gossip reporters were constantly prying and itching to expose any cracks in their marriage.

With the Hendrix family's status, such juicy gossip was guaranteed to make explosive headlines.

Diana said nothing and stared at him expressionlessly. Her fair skin still bore the red mark from the slap that morning.

She didn't cry, shout, or accuse. She didn't even seem hurt anymore.

Noticing her reaction, Vincent panicked. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms.

His eyes brimmed with guilt and sorrow as he gently reached out to caress her cheek. "Does it still hurt?"

Diana subtly pushed him away and forced back her tears. Her voice choked as she murmured, "It doesn't hurt anymore."

And it would never hurt again.

She had printed the divorce papers, and all that was left was the right moment to sign them.

His heart sank as he embraced Diana again and buried his face in her neck.

He had been feeling uneasy lately, somehow. Even when he was with Gabriella, his mind often wandered as if something was quietly slipping away from him.

But now, the familiar scent of her hair seemed to settle that restlessness. Holding her tightly, he opened his mouth to speak…

Just then, his phone rang.

Still holding her, he answered the call with one hand.

"Something's wrong, Mr. Hendrix. Ms. Jackson is in a terrible mental state. She just drank a lot, and now, she's threatening to harm herself again," said the person from the other end of the line.

They were so close that Diana heard every word on the phone.

Sure enough, Vincent's face changed. He immediately released her and turned to leave.

"Don't you dare go!" Diana screamed. She grabbed his sleeve tightly, and her knuckles paled from the strain.

This was the last time she would try to hold him back.

In that brief moment when he had held her, all their years together had made her resolve waver. But now, she realized what a complete fool she had been. Her brief moment of hesitation now seemed utterly ridiculous.

"Diana, let's talk when I get back, okay? It's an emergency. Gabby is naive and impulsive. This is about life and death…" Vincent frowned deeply in worry.

"Vincent," she interrupted. Her voice was suddenly calm as she smiled faintly at him. "There's a document I need you to sign…"

She paused and flatly added, "Once you sign it, you're free to go."

They would let each other go.

"Okay. Give it to me," he agreed without hesitation.

Diana handed him the document. He barely glanced at it before swiftly scribbling his name and rushing out the door.

This time, Diana didn't stop him, just as he wished.

As the door closed behind him, she turned and looked around. The vast villa felt cold and empty.

"Mrs. Hendrix, would you like some dinner?" Maria came over.

"No, thank you. All of you can take the evening off," Diana softly replied. Then, she returned to her room and began to pack.

There wasn't much to pack. After all, Gabriella often stayed over in the past year, and if there was anything she liked, Vincent would generously let her have it.

According to him, Gabriella was his younger sister, who had suffered so much in the past. Hence, she had to be cherished.

Plus, Vincent believed that by ultimately choosing Diana, he had hurt Gabriella. After all, he and Gabriella had almost gotten married during those two years he had lost his memory.

They had been just a step away from walking down the aisle.

If Diana were Gabriella, she supposed she would be reluctant to accept it, too.

She stared at the signed divorce papers in her hands. A myriad of thoughts overtook her, yet she couldn't bring herself to say a word.

In the end, all she could do was silently say, "Mr. Hendrix, I wish you a lifetime of happiness with the one you truly love."

After that night, she would be gone from his world.