Chapter 1

When Clarisse Hart married Theodore Brooke, she already knew he had a clingy childhood friend, Bianca York, who never let go of him.

Bianca once filled the city with his photos, loudly declaring her love. She stormed into his office in sheer lingerie, begging him to take her. She even threatened to kill herself live on camera by slashing her wrists on a rooftop, trying to force him to marry her.

But Theodore always remained indifferent to Bianca, showing unwavering loyalty to Clarisse.

But one year after the wedding, Bianca showed up at their door, visibly pregnant.

Clarisse was shocked and heartbroken. She couldn't believe the man who loved her so deeply could betray her.

Everyone knew Theodore had fallen for Clarisse at first sight and had pursued her relentlessly. At every one of her concerts, he was always there in the front row. Afterward, he'd be waiting backstage, bouquet of roses in hand, quietly waiting for her.

He had video loops of Clarisse playing the piano displayed on billboards all across the city, with his handwritten confession underneath. "Clarisse Hart, I love you."

He wrote her a handwritten love letter every day and personally delivered it for 99 days in a row.

At that time, Clarisse wanted to focus on her music, so she rejected him.

But her attitude toward him changed the day her rival, jealous after losing to her so many times, tried to stab her with a knife. In that desperate moment, Theodore threw himself in front of her without hesitation. The blade plunged into his abdomen, soaking his white suit in blood.

The sight of that bloody red burned Clarisse's eyes and left her numb with fear, her mind going blank as she watched his face turn ghostly pale.

Even then, Theodore held her trembling hand tightly. His voice was weak but steady as he kept repeating, "Clarisse, I'm here. Don't be afraid. Don't be scared..."

He never let go, not even as he slipped into unconsciousness.

That was when Clarisse completely fell for him. Not long after, they got married.

Theodore doted on her even more after their wedding. He spent a fortune to build her a private piano room resembling a concert hall.

He once paid a sky-high price at an auction for a maestro's manuscript, simply because Clarisse had mentioned she liked it.

Though he had no musical talent, he secretly practiced for months until his fingertips were blistered and bleeding, just to play "Für Elise" for her on her birthday.

But now, he had betrayed her.

Clarisse asked for a divorce.

Theodore knelt in the pouring rain for three days and nights. He was deathly pale, his voice hoarse. "Clarisse, I was drugged. I thought it was you… It was an accident. I can't live without you. I'll make her get rid of the baby and send her away immediately! Please don't divorce me. I can't lose you!"

Seeing him so broken in the rain, Clarisse remembered all their years together and finally relented.

But half a year later, she ran into Theodore with Bianca, who was carrying a child, at the mall. The sight left her frozen and devastated.

When Theodore saw her, his face changed completely. He rushed over, grabbed her wrist, and explained, "Clarisse! Please listen! The doctor said Bianca couldn't have an abortion! Really! As soon as she's recovered, I'll send them both out of the country!"

Theodore's parents soon found out about their grandson and protested, "You can't send our grandson abroad!"

But Theodore insisted on sending Bianca and the child away. For that, his father, Edward Brooke, whipped him 99 times, leaving his back ripped and bleeding.

Still, Theodore knelt before Clarisse, begging desperately. "Clarisse, please believe me one last time. I swear I'll send them away."

Clarisse just cried as she cleaned the deep wounds on his back. Her heart bled for him, and she chose to believe him again.

From that point, Theodore treated her with even more care. If the housekeeper mentioned Clarisse had a fever, he would drop billion-dollar deals, fly home overnight from abroad, and stay by her side all night.

Little by little, Clarisse's heart softened. She tried to put Bianca and the child out of her mind.

Three years later, that fragile peace shattered. The sound of a woman's desperate sobs mixed with a child's crying echoed through the house.

"Theo, I never wanted to bother you, but Caleb has leukemia. The doctor said only cord blood from a sibling can save him! Please help our son!"

Bianca was kneeling at the villa gate, forehead pressed to the floor until blood stained the steps.

Upon hearing what happened, Theodore's parents rushed over immediately.

Theodore's mother, Miranda Hall, took the child, Caleb Brooke, from Bianca, her eyes red with tears. "Theodore, this is your son. If you don't help, I'll die with him!"

Theodore's face turned pale. At last, he gave in.

From that day on, Bianca and Caleb moved into their house.

Theodore held Clarisse tightly, his eyes red and his voice trembling. "Clarisse, he's my son. I can't turn my back. I swear, I'll only do IVF. I'll never touch her! Once Caleb's healthy, I'll send them away. Please don't leave me. I can't live without you..."

Clarisse couldn't watch a child die, so she numbly nodded.

At first, Theodore tried to keep his distance, but Caleb's cries, Miranda's nagging, and Bianca's pleading eyes soon wove an invisible net around him. Gradually, he found himself drawn in.

Morning after morning, Clarisse would find the three of them having breakfast together. Theodore clumsily fed Caleb while Bianca smiled softly, wiping Caleb's mouth.

At night, Clarisse could hear Theodore reading stories next door, Bianca quietly chiming in, and Caleb's innocent laughter.

Every sound felt like a poisoned needle, stabbing her heart again and again. She felt like a stranger in her own home. She just hoped it would all be over soon.

One afternoon, Caleb accidentally ate a dessert Clarisse had left on the table. He quickly broke out in a rash, red spots spreading across his body. His breathing became ragged as he writhed in pain.

Bianca carried Caleb and rushed toward Clarisse, screaming, "Clarisse, I know you hate me! I accepted my fate long ago. I only wanted to take Caleb and leave the country. If it weren't for his illness, I'd never have come back!

"If you want revenge, take it out on me! Caleb's just a child. He's innocent. How could you be so cruel?"

Clarisse was stunned and confused. "I didn't! I would never hurt a child!"

She looked at Theodore, hoping for understanding. "Theo, you believe me, don't you? I didn't do this."

But Theodore avoided her gaze. He glanced at the plate and sighed. "Clarisse, I remember you never eat mango."

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. Clarisse quickly hurried to explain, holding up her phone. "It's from a business partner. I didn't eat it, so I left it on the table. Look..."

"Enough!" Theodore shoved her phone away. "What's the point of this now? Saving Caleb is what matters! I've told you so many times. This is just for his health. Once he's well, they'll go. Can't you just be reasonable?"

Just then, Miranda arrived, glaring at Clarisse with pure hatred. "You're so cruel. You've been married to Theodore for four years and still can't bear him a child, so now you're trying to kill my only grandson? Let him die from an allergy? We'll see how you like it!"

She shouted to the maids, "Hold her down! Give her peanut butter!"

Clarisse fought desperately, looking at Theodore in despair. "It wasn't me! Theo, help me!"

Theodore didn't respond. He carried Caleb and left with Bianca, not once looking back.

She only heard his anxious voice from outside. "Where's the driver? Get us to the hospital!"

The maids forced peanut butter down her throat. She soon couldn't breathe, darkness swallowing her vision.

Before she lost consciousness, Clarisse remembered how Theodore once kissed her injured finger after she cut it on a music score, his face full of worry and guilt over her pain.

But now, knowing exactly what Miranda would do to her, he hadn't even looked back.

Chapter 2

Clarisse woke up to the sharp, suffocating smell of disinfectant. As her vision slowly cleared, she saw Theodore sitting by her bedside, his eyes bloodshot and his face drawn and haggard.

He immediately gripped her hand tight when he saw her awake, his voice trembling with regret and fear. "Clarisse! You're awake! Thank God! My mom... She lost control. She was just so worried about Caleb, so she got carried away. She only wanted to teach you a lesson... I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

He leaned down, wanting to kiss her forehead, but Clarisse turned her head away.

"A lesson? I almost died…" she whispered, staring at him with empty, hollow eyes. Silent tears rolled down her pale cheeks.

Theodore was pained by her tears and quickly promised, "It was just an accident! I swear, it'll never happen again! Once you're better, I'll take you to the auction. I'll buy you anything you want to make it up to you, okay?"

Make it up to her? Did he really think the terror and despair of nearly suffocating to death could be wiped away with money and gifts?

Clarisse closed her eyes, feeling utterly numb inside.

Suddenly, a harsh ringtone cut through the silence.

"Theo! Caleb's awake! He's crying for you! Please come over!" Bianca's voice broke with tears over the phone, mixed with the sound of Caleb's frantic sobbing.

Theodore's face changed immediately. He glanced at Clarisse, his voice urgent and tentative. "Clarisse, Caleb is awake and crying badly. I need to check on him. I'll be back soon. Just rest and wait for me."

Clarisse didn't respond, her eyes closed. She only heard his hurried footsteps as he left the room.

Theodore never came back that night. She didn't see him again until the day she was discharged from the hospital.

"The auction's today, Clarisse. Let's go," Theodore said with a smile, trying to please her.

She got into the car without saying anything.

The whole ride there, Theodore tried to find things to talk about, but Clarisse only gave brief answers.

As soon as they pulled up to the auction house, Clarisse saw Bianca waiting outside. She was holding Caleb, her face bright with anticipation.

Theodore paused for a second, then quickly explained, "Caleb threw a fit at home and insisted on coming. He's just a kid. He gets curious."

Inside their private box, Clarisse sat quietly at Theodore's side. But all of his attention was on Bianca and Caleb.

He patiently explained how auctions worked to Caleb, a warm smile on his face. Every now and then, he leaned over and quietly whispered something to Bianca.

The three of them shared a warm, happy moment, while Clarisse was left completely alone.

That gentle, caring side of Theodore had once belonged only to Clarisse. Now, even sitting right beside him, she felt invisible, like a shadow that didn't matter.

When the auctioneer presented a ruby necklace, Bianca's eyes immediately lit up. She clearly longed for it.

Caleb tugged on Theodore's sleeve, his innocent words cutting straight to Clarisse's heart. "Daddy! Mommy really loves that sparkly necklace! Can you buy it for her?"

Theodore grinned, ruffled Caleb's hair, and replied tenderly, "Of course."

He raised his paddle without hesitation, winning the necklace with a sky-high bid.

Only after the auction ended did Theodore seem to remember that Clarisse was there. He turned to her apologetically, "Clarisse, I'm sorry. I was just busy keeping Caleb happy. Was there anything you wanted?"

Clarisse looked up at him, her eyes dark and completely empty. Whatever hope she had left was gone. The only thing she wanted now was to leave him and escape this suffocating life.

She forced a weak smile, her voice barely a whisper when she answered, "Yes. Let's talk about it at home."

Thinking she had finally decided to accept some compensation, Theodore immediately relaxed and eagerly promised, "Whatever you want, Clarisse. Even if you want the stars, I'll find a way to bring them to you!"

When they got home, Clarisse walked straight into the study, opened a drawer, and took out the divorce papers that had been buried there for three years.

Back when she first learned Bianca was pregnant, Clarisse had lost all hope and prepared to leave, but she couldn't bring herself to go through with it and decided to give their marriage one more chance.

For some reason, though, she never threw away the divorce papers and just stowed them away instead. Perhaps deep down, she always knew their marriage would end someday.

She handed the papers to Theodore.

"What do you want?" he asked casually.

Clarisse didn't answer.

As Theodore started to flip through the pages, his phone rang. He answered without thinking, his voice full of warmth and concern that he didn't even notice, "Bianca? What's wrong?"

"Theo, the IVF is ready. Come quickly!" Bianca's voice came from the phone.

Theodore glanced at Clarisse, but her face was expressionless. She simply turned the papers to the last page for him to sign.

"Clarisse, I…" Theodore tried to explain.

"She's waiting for you," Clarisse said evenly, her face unreadable.

Theodore hesitated for only a second, then picked up the pen and signed his name without a second thought. After that, he hurried out of the room.

Clarisse watched his eager, retreating figure. A bitter, mocking smile curled her lips, but tears spilled down her face, soaking the divorce papers.

"Theodore, do you even know what you just signed?" she muttered.

Perhaps it didn't matter. Perhaps the thought of getting it done and over with so that he could finally run to Bianca had occupied his mind.

Clarisse lowered her head and looked at his hurried signature, which clearly showed his eagerness to leave.

With a wry smile, she picked up the pen and slowly signed her name beside his.

Chapter 3

Back in her room, Clarisse opened her nightstand drawer and took out the marriage certificates that seemed to burn her eyes.

She remembered the day she and Theodore got their marriage certificates. He kept staring at them, grinning like a fool and clutching them to his chest as if they were treasure.

"I'm going to carry them every day. From now on, this is my lucky charm!" he said excitedly.

But now, the marriage certificates lay forgotten at the back of the drawer, just like their love—quietly fading away.

Clarisse took the signed divorce papers and the marriage certificates and drove herself to the courthouse.

The last time she'd come there, Theodore had been by her side. At that time, she'd been full of excitement and dreams of spending her life with the man she loved.

Now, she came alone, ready to put a cold, final period on a marriage that had long been shattered.

"In 30 days, you can come back to collect your divorce decree," the clerk said matter-of-factly.

His voice pulled Clarisse out of her memories. She thanked him quietly before turning and walking away.

Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and booked a plane ticket to Veloria for the day her divorce would be finalized.

Veloria had once been her dream—a distant place she longed for—until she met Theodore and he became her entire world. She gave up everything for a future with him.

Now that it was all over, it was time to find herself again and start over.

...

When Clarisse returned to the villa, there was a knock at the door. Bianca walked in, her face showing apology, but the smugness in her eyes was hard to miss.

"Ms. Hart," she said gently, "I know everything that's happened lately has been hard for you. But I really am doing this to save Caleb. There's nothing else between me and Theo. It's just for Caleb."

She stepped closer and said earnestly, "Please understand what a mother is willing to do for her child. I promise, once the baby is born and Caleb has recovered, I will leave!"

Bianca finished with her head hung low, her hair falling forward to reveal a fresh hickey on her neck.

Clarisse's eyes widened. Her heart clenched as if someone had grabbed it with an icy hand and squeezed until it stopped.

"I'll only do IVF. I'll never touch her!"

Theodore's promises echoed in her ears, sounding so absurd and laughable now.

When Bianca saw Clarisse's expression change, her lips curled into a triumphant smile before she turned and left the villa.

As soon as the door closed, Clarisse pulled out her phone with trembling hands. She called her private investigator, her voice trembling yet resolute. "I want you to dig into everything Theodore and Bianca have done lately. Money is no object. I want answers as fast as possible!"

An hour later, her phone buzzed.

Clarisse stared at the email from the private investigator, her finger hovering over the screen. She hesitated for a moment before finally opening it.

Instantly, her screen filled with high-resolution photos. In them, Theodore had his arm wrapped around Bianca's waist, their bodies pressed close. Bianca leaned into his embrace, a sweet, shy smile playing on her lips.

Clarisse's gaze stayed locked on the photos, her fingers scrolling without thought, her eyes burning and dry.

She forced herself to look through every single photo. Then, she suddenly burst out laughing, tears streaming down her face.

"Theodore, you lied to me again. Every promise you made was a lie! So what about your love? Was that just a lie, too?" she thought to herself.

Chapter 4

In the days that followed, Clarisse quietly packed her things and started erasing every trace of Theodore from her life.

Meanwhile, Theodore was busy with Bianca and their so-called IVF treatments. He kept repeating the same empty promises over the phone. "It'll be over soon. Clarisse, wait for me."

Clarisse had grown tired of those useless words long ago. She no longer believed a single promise Theodore made.

On the eve of their official divorce, the villa suddenly filled with an unusual excitement.

Edward and Miranda sat on the living room couch, their faces full of joy. Miranda held Bianca's hand and couldn't stop smiling.

Bianca leaned against Theodore, her hand gently resting on her still-flat stomach. Her face also glowed with shy happiness.

Seeing this scene, Clarisse stopped in her tracks. She felt sick, and her stomach twisted. She turned to leave without a word.

"Clarisse!"

Theodore spotted her and rushed over, nearly bursting with excitement. He pulled her into his arms, his voice shaking with uncontrollable joy when he announced, "Bianca's pregnant!

"Clarisse, as soon as the baby is born and we get the cord blood to save Caleb, it'll finally be over. Bianca will take both kids and leave, and we can go back to how things were!"

Clarisse thought the whole thing was utterly absurd.

The last time she'd seen Theodore so happy was on the day they got married. He'd put the ring on her finger with trembling hands, his voice filled with excitement and his eyes overflowing with love he could barely contain.

"Clarisse, marrying you is the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me!"

Now, he was overjoyed because another woman was carrying his child. He even wanted to share that happiness with her…

She forced herself out of his embrace, met his stunned eyes, and spoke in a voice so calm it was almost empty, "Congratulations."

…

The next day was Miranda's birthday. The whole Brooke residence was decorated in celebration.

Miranda stood in the middle of the living room, holding Bianca's hand, her voice warm with pride and affection. "Bianca is the heart of our family! She gave us sweet little Caleb, and now, she's expecting again! This is the best birthday present I've ever received!"

Then, Miranda's gaze turned as sharp as a knife as it landed on Clarisse, who stood in the corner. Her words came out cruel and cold. "Not like some people who have been married into this family for years and still have nothing to show for it! Useless! How could you ever compare to Bianca?"

Every word stabbed Clarisse like a needle. She didn't want to hear another word, so she turned and walked out to the backyard.

By the pool, the sunlight danced on the water, reflecting her pale face. She heard footsteps behind her.

Bianca slowly came to stand behind her, her voice gentle but with an edge. "Ms. Hart, why are you out here alone? Is it too noisy inside? Or… is it all too much for you to watch?"

Clarisse didn't look back, her voice icy. "Stay away from me."

Bianca let out a soft laugh, moving to stand beside her, both hands gently caressing her stomach in a gesture full of triumph. "Did you know? To get pregnant with this baby, Theo and I had to 'try' many times."

She emphasized the word "try", her tone suggestive.

Those photos at the hotel flooded Clarisse's mind. She felt another wave of nausea, wanting nothing more than to leave Bianca behind, but Bianca grabbed her wrist suddenly, her grip painfully tight with her nails digging into her skin.

"Can't take it?" she asked triumphantly.

"Let go!" Clarisse gasped in pain, struggling to free herself.

But Bianca held tight and, without warning, dragged both of them toward the edge of the pool. There was a loud splash as both of them crashed into the water.

"Help! Help, please! Someone save my baby!"

Bianca's screams echoed through the backyard, her voice shrill with panic.

Everyone rushed out of the house, alarmed by the commotion.

Theodore was the first to appear. The moment he saw Bianca flailing in the water, he dove straight in without a second thought. He didn't even glance at Clarisse, who was struggling to keep her head above water, coughing and choking.

He swam directly to Bianca, pulling her safely to the edge. His voice was rushed, but he still tried to keep it gentle. "Don't worry, Bianca! I'm here! You and the baby will be fine."

Clarisse watched Theodore holding Bianca tightly by the poolside. Her heart felt like it was being stabbed again and again.

The freezing water had seeped into her bones and lungs, weighing her down.

Back then, if she even choked on water, Theodore would rush to hold her, gently pat her back, and whisper softly in her ear.

Now, left to fend for herself, Clarisse managed to crawl out of the pool. She was soaked and shivering, her hair and clothes dripping with water. Her eyes were bleak, stripped of all hope.

"Theo, it was her! She pushed me!" Bianca clung to Theodore, tears streaming down her face as she struggled for breath. "She said I deserve to die because I stole you from her. She even said Caleb should never have been born!"

Theodore snapped his head toward Clarisse, his icy gaze filled with accusation. Disbelief and anger twisted his voice as he demanded, "Clarisse, did you push Bianca?"

Clarisse's voice was hoarse as she protested, "I didn't push her! She jumped herself and dragged me in!"

"She jumped herself? And dragged you in?" Theodore scoffed, as if he'd just heard the biggest joke in the world. "Bianca would never do that! She treasures this baby more than her own life! This is Caleb's only hope! Clarisse, when did you become so vicious?"

Vicious? The word felt like a blade plunging into Clarisse's chest. Was that how he saw her now?

Suddenly, a small body slammed into her.

Caleb's face twisted in anger, his little finger pointing at her as he screamed, "Bad woman! You're a bad woman! You tried to hurt my mommy! You want to kill my mommy! You're evil!"

He slammed into Clarisse with all his might, sending a sharp pain shooting up her ankle. She lost her balance and fell backward into the cold pool again.

The water rushed over her head, her ankle throbbing and her limbs weak. She tried to swim, but her body just kept sinking.

"Help… Help me! Theo! Save me!"

She fought to stay above water, terror rising in her chest.

But Theodore, still holding Bianca, just watched her struggle, his voice utterly indifferent. "Leave her. She's putting on a show. She'll come up by herself."

With that, he turned away, carrying Bianca back inside and never looking back.

Despair flooded every inch of Clarisse's body as the darkness closed in.

She remembered how Theodore once taught her to swim. Back then, if she so much as held her breath for less than a minute, he would panic and rush to scoop her out of the water, terrified that something would happen to her.

Now, when her life was truly in danger, he thought she was pretending.

The icy water dragged her down, and the darkness swallowed her whole.

Chapter 5

Clarisse regained consciousness to a stabbing pain in her head. Every breath burned in her lungs, sharp and ragged.

Instinctively, she tried to curl up, but a pair of firm hands pressed her gently back down.

"Clarisse, don't move. You're still on an IV," a familiar, worried voice said softly by her ear.

She struggled to open her heavy eyelids. The glaring light above made her eyes well with tears.

She tried to lift a hand to shield her eyes, but her arms felt impossibly heavy. When she managed to lift it, it dropped right back onto the bed.

A shadow fell across her face. Theodore appeared in her field of vision, his brows furrowed with guilt and pain.

"Clarisse, I'm sorry. It's all my fault…" he quickly explained, his tone rushed and anxious. "Bianca is pregnant, and the baby is Caleb's only hope! Nothing can happen to her! I… I really didn't think you were actually drowning. I thought…"

He hesitated, his gaze flickering. "I thought you just… pretended to drown to get my attention…"

Clarisse didn't want to hear another word. His excuses were weak and ridiculous, given everything she had been through. She closed her eyes. She didn't want to look at the face that had once been so familiar but now felt impossibly distant.

The hospital room fell into a suffocating silence.

Suddenly, a phone notification chimed, breaking the stillness.

Theodore, as if grabbing onto a lifeline, quickly picked up her phone and handed it to her, his tone almost desperate to please. "Clarisse, you got a message. Let me get it for you."

As he spoke, his eyes inadvertently landed on the glowing screen.

A message from an airline popped up.

"NorthStar Airlines: Dear Ms. Clarisse Hart, your reservation for Flight MF6589 has been confirmed. Please…"

Theodore's eyes went wide in shock. He jumped to his feet, his voice rising, unable to hide the panic. "Clarisse! When did you book a flight? Why didn't I know? Where are you going?"

Clarisse's lashes fluttered. She opened her eyes and calmly met Theodore's panicked gaze as he realized she was about to leave. All she felt was bitter irony.

"I just need some time away," she said hoarsely, keeping her voice steady. "I don't want to bother anyone. It's better for everyone if I'm away for a while."

Theodore's tense expression suddenly softened. For a brief moment, a flicker of relief appeared in his eyes.

He knew it. Clarisse loved him so much that she would never leave him. She was just upset about how he'd been neglecting her lately and was trying to get his attention.

But maybe it was for the best. She was finally being understanding and willing to compromise.

"I see!" Theodore sat back down beside her, his voice turning gentle. "A short trip might do you good. I know you've had a rough time lately."

He reached for her hand. She didn't pull away, but her fingers were cold and stiff.

"But the doctor said you need to rest and not to overexert yourself."

He gently stroked her hand, already making plans out loud. "Once Bianca's pregnancy stabilizes, I'll take you anywhere you want to go. Didn't you always want to see the aurora? We'll go to Norvel, Icelora, or wherever you want. Just the two of us…"

He kept describing their future trips, his voice full of excitement and hope.

But when he looked over at Clarisse again, she'd already closed her eyes, her breathing slow and steady, as if she'd fallen asleep.

Looking at her pale, fragile face, Theodore felt a wave of guilt and pity. He realized he'd neglected her for too long and made her suffer alone. She had shouldered far too much pain and heartache.

But now that Bianca was finally pregnant, his responsibility to her would soon be over. He would have all the time in the world to make it up to Clarisse.

…

In the days that followed, Theodore never left Clarisse's side. He brought his work into the hospital room and personally fed her every meal. He also bought rare supplements and had them delivered to the hospital.

He filled her room with fresh roses that had been flown in that very morning. Every day, he changed the water and trimmed the stems himself.

Clarisse accepted his care in silence, never refusing but never speaking either.

Her eyes would drift to the bright, dewy roses by her bedside. They were still so fresh, as if they could bloom forever.

But the moment they were cut from the stem, no matter how beautiful they looked, their fate was sealed. They were already dying—just like her marriage.

From the moment Theodore chose betrayal, their love was doomed to wither away, no matter how beautiful it once was.