Chapter 1

Inside a bedroom in Evergreen Manor, which was a villa nestled among the mountains in Acreport, a man, swept up by passion, tenderly kissed the mole on a woman's chest.

Once the storm of desire had passed, Howard Larson rolled to the side and sat up.

"Let's get a divorce." He spoke with no emotion in his voice.

Still a little breathless after their intimacy, Megan Stafford turned to him, her bewildered eyes lifting to meet the depths of his gaze.

They'd been married for a year now. At the moment, she had no idea what he meant by that.

"She has stomach cancer and only has half a year left."

Howard lit a cigarette, the spiraling smoke blurring his face. "Her only dying wish is to be my wife."

Megan didn't respond, her silence filling the vast room.

The glow of the faint bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, making their proximity seem like a distant divide.

As if displeased that she didn't immediately agree, he frowned.

"It's just to comfort her. Half a year later, we'll remarry. Megan, she only has six months left."

His voice was calm, as though he were merely informing her about it.

Megan stared blankly at his profile. His requests felt less like suggestions and more like royal edicts, binding her to his will.

Yes, the relationship they had was something she had begged for. It started from a crush in her youth, and she followed him faithfully into adulthood.

Back then, in the torrential rain, he stood in front of her. Armed only with a rotting piece of wood, he put his life on the line and exclaimed to her stepfather, "If you dare hurt Megan again, you'll have me to answer to!"

She was a hair's breadth from a fatal beating. Through the torrent of rain and the crimson haze of her own blood, she saw his knuckles turn white as he gripped the piece of wood, his eyes cold and full of resolve.

He'd saved her life, and that was how she fell hopelessly in love with him.

She would always do anything he asked, giving her all to be better than anyone else.

And afterward, he would always stroke her head, praising, "Well done, Meg."

Even though his words, kisses, and their relationship had always felt shallow, she merely thought that was just the way he was.

So even when others called her pathetic for doing anything to please him, she was fine with it.

It had been seven years. Her entire youth had been spent chasing after him.

A year ago, Howard's grandfather, Ronald Larson, fell ill. In the hope that a marriage would bring good fortune and blessings to the family, the Larsons decided Howard should marry for his grandfather's sake.

Howard came to her, and they got their marriage certificate. She had thought her years of devotion had finally paid off, but after they got married, he was cold and distant. She could even feel his impatience with her building over time.

"Megan, are you even listening?"

Noticing her drifting thoughts, Howard frowned at her.

"Must we do this?" she asked.

He didn't give her a straight answer, choosing instead to say, "Megan, she's really pitiful."

"Then what about me?" she blurted out.

He didn't give her an answer immediately. Impatience stirred in his eyes.

Only after three seconds did he speak again.

"She's dying, Megan. You might not know this, but she loves me. She and I never crossed the line because we are married, and she didn't want to hurt you.

"Even when I wanted to give her something, she always turned me down. She's kind. Just let her have this. Don't make me think you're cruel, Megan."

His tone was so calm it was almost icy, and it felt like her heart was being ripped in two.

Apparently, being with a married man and offering a few empty words was considered kindness, while a wife who wouldn't give up her husband was called cruel.

Megan stared at the face that was unchanged by time. His deep-set eyes, perfect nose, and well-defined lips remained exactly the same. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder when he had begun to change.

It must have been the day "she" showed up.

"Are you sure you want a divorce?" she asked one last time.

He said nothing at first, pressing his lips into a hard line. In the end, he uttered, "Yes, you—"

"Alright." She agreed to it before he could continue.

He was a little taken aback; his eyes narrowed as he regarded her with scrutiny.

"You're getting bold, Megan."

His tone carried a rare trace of anger.

He added, "You figured I'd need your consent, and now you're using this to pressure me?"

Megan said nothing, simply watching their two silhouettes on the white wall.

Howard stubbed out his cigarette. Saying nothing more, he got dressed with a hurried impatience and left. He acted as if her feelings and his cruel, humiliating demand were completely insignificant.

But that was because he knew she'd never leave. After all those years, she never had.

Slamming the door shut, Howard left, leaving Megan alone in the room.

Megan sat for a long time on the bed, her gaze lingering on the closed door.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification—a message had just come in.

She picked up her phone, only to see a message from someone she had saved as "Her Alternate Account" on the screen.

"He came to see me again."

Attached was a picture of Howard's profile, mirrored in the glass door.

On his face was a gentle smile, and in his eyes a warmth she had never seen.

Her fingers paused on the screen. She then scrolled upward. The previous messages were a series of taunts.

"He told me I have a place in his heart."

"Cold on this rainy night? Not me, because he's right next to me."

"The unloved one is the real mistress, Megan. You are nothing more than the choice he settled for out of obligation. He appreciates my aesthetics and embraces my taste. I am the one he loves."

The countless similar messages slowly became a mountain of proof of Howard's betrayal.

She never would have guessed that Howard—after seven years of treating her with such coldness—could be so animated with another person.

Without truly reading the messages, she scrolled up, her movements automatic, until she reached the very first one.

"You should know who I am. Do you like the flowers in the living room today? I gave them to him. He said they were beautiful."

Megan laughed bitterly. Of course she knew who she was.

She was Alyssa Hardin, a floral designer with an online reputation for her elegant work in luxury homes and penthouses.

Megan had once shown these messages to Howard, but he said she had no proof they were from Alyssa. He'd even accused her of making a fake WhatsApp account just to frame Alyssa.

That was because most of the messages lacked pictures, and even when they did have pictures, they were the kind any stranger could snap from a distance—unlike that day's picture.

Should she show him this one?

Megan tossed the phone aside before opening the bottom drawer of the nightstand. She pulled out a document she'd received earlier that day.

It was a pregnancy test report.

She was carrying Howard's child at the worst possible time.

Tears fell onto the document, blooming into a wide, blurry stain.

His heart no longer belonged to her, so what difference would proof make?

She wiped her tears away.

Grabbing Howard's lighter that he had just used, she set the document aflame.

Unbeknownst to him, this divorce would be the final request of his that she would ever grant. After giving him seven years of her youth and devotion, whatever debt she owed him was now repaid.

She would love him no more.

Chapter 2

The next day, in the courthouse parking lot, Howard sat in his Maybach, tapping the steering wheel lightly with his left hand.

"Howard, you and Meg have been married for a year now. You should hurry up and have a child," came an old woman's voice from the phone.

Howard's expression softened. He looked slightly helpless, but patient.

"We're still young, Grandma. There's no rush. You should focus on your health, and as for Grandpa, he—"

"No rush? How can we not be anxious?" Bethany Tate interrupted sharply. "Your grandfather may be better now, but we're both old. Who knows when we'll close our eyes for good?"

"Grandma…"

Bethany's voice turned stern. "Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors as well. You mustn't mistreat Meg."

Howard fell silent for a moment before hearing Bethany's voice again. "Do you hear me?" she asked.

He rubbed his brow, answering, "Yes, Grandma."

After a few more words, Howard ended the call.

His fingers resumed their tapping as his gaze drifted toward the courthouse.

He pressed his lips together and opened his WhatsApp. His finger bypassed the contact for a certain floral designer saved as "My Love" and scrolled down to open the chat with "Megan".

The last message was a reminder of their morning meeting in the courthouse to finalize their divorce. However, there was no sign of Megan.

Frowning slightly, he sent her a message.

"Where are you?"

The next moment, a knock on the window drew Howard's attention to Megan's face, which was a little pale.

She opened the door, got into the passenger seat, and glanced his way, noting that he was still wearing the clothes she had picked out for him yesterday. For years, she had taken care of everything for him, from the smallest details like his cologne and ties to his tailored shirts and suits.

"Why are you so late?" he asked.

Megan withdrew her gaze. "I'm not late, though."

She just wasn't doing what she did before—arriving far too early, foolishly waiting on his every word.

Howard's tapping stopped, his brows furrowing as he turned to her.

She looked rather pale, likely due to the lack of sleep following last night's talk about divorce.

But that wasn't anything serious.

"Grandma just called me," Howard said as he looked away. "Don't tell her or Grandpa about our divorce. They're too old to handle that kind of shock."

Megan didn't agree right away. Instead, she asked, "What did she say?"

"She urged us to have children."

Howard's eyes narrowed just a fraction, a look of impatience surfacing.

Silence stretched between them.

Then Megan let out a soft laugh.

Howard's left hand clenched into a fist as he stared silently out the window. He had once wondered what their child would look like and when it would be born.

In moments of intimacy, he had caressed her belly and whispered, "Meg, when will you have my child?"

But she never got pregnant, which was fine. They were going to remarry in half a year, so it wouldn't be too late to try for a baby once they were together again.

But Alyssa only had six months left to live.

Outside the car, people came and went. After about three seconds of silence, Megan said, "Howie, I'd like to ask you one last time. Do you want to go through with this divorce?"

He was truly mad now. "Are you thinking of backing out now?"

He thought of Alyssa, who was still waiting for him at home.

Seeing that he was firm on his decision, Megan said nothing more. She simply pulled out a document and handed it to him.

Howard frowned as he accepted it. It was a property settlement agreement.

"Since we're divorcing, let's make things clear between us. Of all the Larson family assets, I'll only take what's mine. As for any money we've earned before the divorce is finalized, we'll each keep our own."

As Megan spoke, she took out a pen and placed it on the side. "If you don't have any issues with this, then sign it."

Howard's frown deepened as he read. The terms were simple, and she wasn't asking for much; her signature was already there.

He didn't understand her intent. This was supposed to be a fake divorce. What was the point of the agreement?

Alyssa merely had six months left. Even as he accompanied Alyssa through her final days, Megan would still play his wife in front of his grandparents.

In his mind, Megan would only ever be with him and no one else, and she barely had boundaries.

He had grown tired of her before and deliberately made her do degrading things. Yet, she had never refused. She would even show him that she had done what he wanted, her face lit up with a bright smile. "Howie, look. I did it. Did I do a good job?"

Megan was a very submissive marriage partner. He had proven that over seven years.

If not for Alyssa, his marriage would've continued in its dull, predictable way. But…

At that moment, the image of Alyssa's face—pitiful yet unyielding as she coughed up blood—flashed in his mind. The memory was so painful he could barely breathe.

He turned to the window. Reflected there was Megan's blank expression.

Was she trying to threaten him?

After all, she had once fabricated messages to accuse Alyssa. She clearly hated Alyssa.

He found her actions laughable.

Howard picked up the pen and signed. He wouldn't be threatened by anyone.

Once both copies were signed, Megan took hers, and they both got out of the car.

They took a number and waited for their turn to submit the documents and the divorce petition form. After collecting the stamped copies of the form, they walked out of the courthouse, knowing they would return after a waiting period to pick up their divorce certificates.

Outside, the sun was high. Warm light touched Megan's skin.

Howard watched the people around them. It was easy to tell who was marrying and who was divorcing.

Just then, a couple came out hand in hand. The woman was beaming.

Howard vaguely recalled that a year ago, when they came to register their marriage, Megan's face had worn the same smile. He glanced at her now; her expression was flat, showing neither joy nor sorrow.

"During the time we're divorced, I'll still send money to your account. Don't tell Grandpa and Grandma about this."

Without waiting for her reply, he walked away.

She watched his car disappear around the corner. Not long after, the cab she had requested arrived.

The two cars drove in opposite directions—one toward Alyssa's Floral Studio and the other toward Acreport Hospital.

…

When Howard opened the door to the studio, Alyssa's smile greeted him. He held out his copy of the divorce petition. "It's done," he announced. "She didn't make much of a fuss."

…

Meanwhile, Megan walked toward the gynecology department, a number slip clutched in her hand.

After she sat down, her doctor and best friend, Selena Lowe, drew the curtain.

"Meg, are you really going to terminate the pregnancy?" Selene asked worriedly. "I thought you always wanted to get pregnant. You even asked me to help you improve your health before."

Megan placed her stamped copy of the divorce petition form on the side table. "Yes," she said calmly. "I'm doing this. I don't want it anymore."

Chapter 3

Selena stared at the document in disbelief.

She had known Megan for over a decade and had seen firsthand how madly in love she was with Howard.

The old Megan would have risked everything for him.

When Megan married Howard a year ago, Selena had sighed but still felt happy—her best friend had finally gotten what she had always wanted. But now… what had happened?

"I don't love him anymore."

Before Selena could ask, Megan spoke first.

She looked at Selena with a faint, beautiful smile.

For a moment, Selena caught a glimpse of the Megan of the past—the untouchable heiress from the days when the Stafford family was whole, her father still alive, her dignity intact.

That look eased Selena's heart.

"Howard doesn't know about the pregnancy," Megan went on. "I don't want to risk any issues before the divorce is finalized in 30 days. It's better to just keep this from him."

If either party changed their mind during those 30 days, they could withdraw the application and the marriage would remain valid.

Hearing this, Selena realized Megan was determined to leave.

After hearing Megan out, Selena explained the necessary tests she needed before adding, "Meg, the surgery will have to wait a few more days."

"Why? Is something wrong?" Megan asked in surprise.

Selena explained, "You know—you have Rh-negative blood, which is rare. Just to be safe, blood has to be prepared in advance. I've already contacted the blood bank, but it will take about a week."

Megan froze for a moment, a flicker of sorrow showing in her eyes. She had inherited her father, William Stafford's, blood type.

She thought of him again. If only he had lived these past few years…

"Okay." Megan suppressed her emotions, her eyes reddening as she nodded with a smile.

Selena went on, "You're also showing signs of a threatened miscarriage. Be extra careful these next few days."

Selena's chest tightened as she looked at her. They had grown up together, so she knew exactly how much Megan was hurting inside.

Taking Megan's hand, she murmured, "Wait for me, alright? My shift ends soon, and then we can go home together."

Megan agreed to wait for her in the hallway outside.

She lowered her gaze to her stomach. She was showing signs of a threatened miscarriage…

Was her baby reacting to her decision, choosing to leave on its own?

She pressed her lips together, picked up the test form, and continued with her examinations.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification from the bank. It was from a new account she had opened after starting divorce proceedings, keeping her finances separate from Howard's. From now on, all her income would go there.

As her balance updated, another message arrived.

"The payment for the composition and lyrics has been transferred by the finance department. Please check."

Before marrying Howard, Megan had worked as a behind-the-scenes songwriter.

She had always loved music. When William was still alive and she was still the Stafford heiress, she could have pursued anything she wanted, including the arts.

However, life's upheavals had thrown her into hardship, giving her a deeper understanding of the world. William could never have imagined that the skill she once treated as a hobby would one day become her livelihood.

After a moment of thought, Megan typed back, "I received it. Thanks."

The reply came quickly.

"No need to thank me. It's what you deserve. Honestly, you've written plenty of hits over the years. Don't you want to make a comeback?

"Hear me out—there's a program right now that's just right for you. I've forwarded all the information to your email, so remember to check. I even reserved a special contestant slot for you."

Megan opened her email. Inside was information about a music competition show.

The format wasn't complicated. It was much like any other music competition show she had seen before, but with a strong emphasis on originality.

She replied, "I'll think about it."

She set her phone down after she was done replying, her lower abdomen aching dully.

She thought about William again.

For the second time that day, she caught herself missing him.

…

Meanwhile, the internet buzzed with trending topics.

Some of the topics included "Alyssa Has Stomach Cancer", "Days Left for the Famous Floral Designer Alyssa", and "Facing Her Last Six Months With a Smile".

The hottest trending post read, "Our reporters have learned that renowned floral designer Alyssa Hardin has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months left to live.

"But instead of despair, she has chosen to share her final half-year with the public, turning her life into a real-time countdown to death."

In the attached video, Alyssa smiled sadly at the camera. "In the coming six months, I'll share my life online. I don't have any other motive except to give some spiritual comfort to others like me. I hope everyone gets better."

The reporter soon reappeared on screen. "According to our sources, Alyssa has long been rumored to have ties with Howard Larson, CEO of Larson Group.

"However, Mr. Larson is already married. Will this turn into a real-life drama of a man abandoning his wife for another?"

Alyssa heard the question. Smiling, she stepped forward, interrupting for a chance to speak again. Looking straight into the camera, she said, "I do like Howard. I don't see any shame in admitting that. He's an incredibly outstanding man, so I'm sure I'm not the only one who admires him.

"But what I want to make clear is that I will never be the other woman in someone else's marriage. That's a principle I live by. Thank you."

With that, Alyssa left the frame, and the reporter continued the segment.

She made her way around the crowd and slipped into a car, a smile finally breaking across her face.

Beside her, the "exclusive caretaker" hired from Cynorth handed her warm water, a hesitant expression on her face.

"Just speak your mind," Alyssa said coldly. "The driver is one of my people."

Lily Briggs, the caretaker, finally said in a lowered voice, "Ms. Hardin, your actual diagnosis is stomach ulcers. Getting our sanatorium to forge a stomach cancer report for you was already risky enough—why would you choose to livestream and take even more risks?"

Alyssa smirked, leaving Lily confused.

"Your sanatorium is a licensed medical institution, isn't it?" she asked.

Lily nodded.

"And my medical records are managed independently by your sanatorium, correct?"

Lily answered, "Yes."

"And on those records, it clearly says I have advanced stomach cancer and I only have six months left to live?"

Lily hesitated for a second but still nodded in the end.

Alyssa's lips curved into a sly smile. "So, that makes it real. There's nothing to fear."

"But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future—"

"There are two solutions," Alyssa cut her off sharply. Her gaze held a clear warning. "One, I keep receiving treatment, and miraculously get better because of love. Two, your sanatorium gets blamed for a misdiagnosis, a medical malpractice case that kept me wrongly treated for a long time."

Alyssa's expression became more threatening. "Which of these two do you think is better?"

Lily paled, and after a pause, she said, "Forgive me, Ms. Hardin. I was overthinking things. You've definitely considered everything."

Alyssa snorted.

"Where to now, Ms. Hardin?" Lily asked, trying to ease the tension.

Alyssa glanced at her phone casually. "Acreport Hospital."

Lily grew anxious. "But…"

"I'm just going to pick up some painkillers with the medical records. Don't panic."

Alyssa typed out a message to Howard, telling him to meet her at the hospital later. It didn't take long for Howard to reply, "Okay."

…

Meanwhile, in the hospital restroom, Megan's lower abdomen cramped in sudden pain. In her hand, the tissue was stained with blood—she was showing signs of a miscarriage.

Chapter 4

Alyssa's car was headed toward Acreport Hospital.

Online, the buzz about Alyssa's "death countdown" had already gone viral.

Comment sections were filled with heated discussions.

"Honestly, I think Alyssa's pretty great. She wears her heart on her sleeve. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I agree. Tons of women like Howard. As long as she's not the other woman, who she loves is her own business."

"Because of her uploaded video and that live stream at a villa with a mountain view, I finally got a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg in the world of the rich. It'll be a pity once she's gone."

"Who's Howard's wife anyway? Can't she just let Alyssa have him? Alyssa only has half a year left to live."

"Oh, I know her. She is Megan Stafford, a musician. I heard she quit working after marrying into that rich family. She's just a pampered wife now!"

…

At Acreport Hospital, Megan's phone hadn't stopped buzzing.

She kept receiving calls and messages from acquaintances. Some were checking in on her, while others probed her with questions, and some even mocked her. They were all talking about Alyssa and Howard.

Megan had just glanced at the news online and learned about Alyssa's countdown, but she didn't bother to read more.

It didn't matter anymore anyway.

After a month, she and Howard would no longer have anything to do with each other.

Time flew by. She checked the clock before looking up, just in time to see Selena walking toward her with a bag in hand.

"How are you feeling? Any discomfort?" Selena asked worriedly, helping Megan up when she noticed how pale she looked.

Megan shook her head with a smile.

Since she had already made her decision, there were some things she simply had to bear.

Of course Selena knew what was on Megan's mind, but all she could do was let out a soft sigh and help her into the elevator.

With a ding, the elevator opened, and they arrived on the first floor.

The hospital was always busy with people, but it felt especially crowded that day. Megan even noticed the presence of the media.

"There are so many people, and there are even paparazzi. There must be another celebrity coming for treatment again. This always happens…" Selena muttered, but suddenly her expression changed as if she had seen something.

She immediately tried to pull Megan in another direction.

But it was too late. Megan had already seen them—two all-too-familiar figures.

The tall and striking man exuded authority. Even among the noisy, hectic crowd, his neatly styled hair and tailored suit remained immaculate.

The woman was petite and frail, her complexion pale. She clearly looked sick, which only made her look even more pitiful.

She seemed to stumble over something, and in the next instant, the man caught her in his arms, shielding her from curious onlookers.

The two individuals were none other than Howard and Alyssa.

"Don't look! Don't look!" Selena fumed, cursing the shameless pair while trying to block Megan's view.

"Let's just go, Lena."

Since Megan had already decided to leave Howard, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she wish to run into them now.

"Go? Why should we leave?" Selena got even angrier. "You're technically still married since the divorce isn't finalized yet, so Howard is still your husband. It's disgusting that he's out here publicly acting all intimate with another woman!"

Husband…

Megan lowered her gaze.

Once upon a time, hearing that word would have secretly filled her with joy, but now…

Megan changed the subject. "Lena, I don't feel so good. Let's just head back now."

As Selena's concern immediately shifted back to Megan's health, she no longer paid attention to the pair not far away.

Once Megan was gone, Alyssa's eyes flicked toward her direction among the crowd.

A look of triumph crossed her gaze.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess, Howard," Alyssa said, looking apologetic. "I know you hate dealing with the media, but I—"

"Don't worry about it. Let's go see the doctor," Howard replied evenly.

Even though he said that, for a fleeting moment just now, something seemed to stir in his heart, only to disappear before he could figure out what it was.

Together, they entered the consultation room.

Alyssa handed over her medical records.

The doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.

"Your condition is severe," he said.

Alyssa forced a small smile. She softly said, "I know."

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Doctor, I'd like you to prescribe me some strong painkillers."

"With your current condition, my advice is hospitalization," the doctor said as he studied her medical records. "We should pursue active treatment to see if we can extend your life."

Alyssa gave a sorrowful smile. "There's no need for that."

She dabbed at the tears welling in her eyes. "I don't want treatment anymore."

Beside her, Howard tightened his grip on her hand.

Alyssa merely shook her head. "All I want is to live out the rest of my days with dignity. So please just prescribe me some strong painkillers."

The doctor let out a long sigh, but in the end, he nodded in understanding.

Outside, the media captured everything in photos and live streams.

In an instant, the internet was in an uproar.

"Oh my goodness. A person's life is about to end right in front of us."

"I usually cry over a little bump or bruise—imagine the pain of late-stage cancer. And yet she keeps smiling. She's so strong."

"When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I broke down. Only those who've experienced serious illness themselves or with loved ones will truly understand this feeling."

Countless people wept, their sympathy for Alyssa reaching a fever pitch.

…

Alyssa got her prescription rather quickly. When she and Howard stepped out of the hospital, Megan was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Selena to bring the car around.

Before Megan could even react, sharp-eyed paparazzi spotted her and instantly swarmed, surrounding the three of them. Camera flashes went off one after another.

Howard noticed she was there as well. His brow creased, and he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Megan rose to her feet, her eyes shifting from Howard to the hand Alyssa had hooked around his arm.

Before she could speak, the media questioned her, eager to stir the pot.

"Ms. Stafford, did you come here after seeing the online posts so that you can catch them in the act?"

"Ms. Stafford, how do you feel about your husband publicly going around with another woman?"

"Ms. Stafford, what will you do about Alyssa?"

Everyone present assumed Megan had shown up to confront Alyssa head-on. Even Howard thought so.

The irritation in Howard's chest flared again. He snapped, "Alyssa is sick. Do you not know that?"

His voice carried a hint of warning.

Megan felt only bitter irony. So that was what he thought—that she was targeting Alyssa.

As if she would even bother!

When she didn't speak and the paparazzi turned to Alyssa for comments about being the other woman, Howard yelled, "Megan Stafford!"

He wanted her to speak up for Alyssa, to do what she had always done before—obeying his every command.

However, Megan no longer wanted to do that.

She didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?

She instinctively pressed her right hand over her abdomen, the ache in her belly still lingering.

"I'm here for a friend."

That was all Megan said in the end.

They were already in the process of getting a divorce. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, nor explain why she was at the hospital.

That statement should be enough to answer Howard's question.

She turned to leave, but the paparazzi refused to let her go.

They kept pressing forward, shoving and blocking her way.

"Ms. Stafford, are you aware that many online users are calling for you to give way to Alyssa so that Mr. Larson and Alyssa can be together?"

"Ms. Stafford, you know that Alyssa is dying—are you still going to make things difficult for her at a time like this?"

"Ms. Stafford…"

Megan didn't want to respond to any of it. She only wanted to get away.

But with the media determined to capture the three of them together, they refused to let her pass.

Howard did nothing to intervene. Suddenly, someone in the crowd shoved Megan hard.

As she stumbled, she immediately clutched her belly.

Chapter 5

Megan fell hard on her backside.

Countless flashes went off, capturing her most humiliating moment.

Instinctively, Megan looked toward Howard, only to meet his cold eyes.

She understood the unspoken words in his gaze. A stabbing pain shot through her heart.

He wanted her to tell the media that this was all just a misunderstanding, that Alyssa was feeling unwell, and since her husband happened to be there, showing compassion for a sick person was exactly the kind of virtue a man should have.

The hand over her stomach grew firm for a moment. Megan looked down, a smile on her lips.

As clouds drifted slowly across the blue sky, sunlight filtered in scattered beams through the crowd.

Yet, none of it fell on her.

Suppressing her emotions, Megan slowly stood up.

With her back toward Howard, she replied calmly, "I sympathize with Ms. Hardin's illness, but that's all there is to it."

"So, you and Alyssa are friends then?" someone asked cluelessly.

"Friends?" Megan chuckled.

"No. Who would ever be friends with someone who spends all day clinging to her husband?" Megan remarked coldly, then waved toward Selena, who had just pulled up in her car.

"Megan!" Howard's voice rang out angrily behind her.

Nevertheless, she ignored him completely, stubbornly standing with her back turned.

Selena quickly pulled Megan away, and before leaving, she sneered. "Jeez, if I didn't know better, I'd think the wife and the mistress just switched places. I've never met anyone so shameless! Sheesh!"

"You!" Alyssa was about to snap back, but was cut off by Selena.

"What about me? Every word I said is true. If you want to use the cameras around to bully me, then go ahead."

Alyssa's face darkened even more, and she looked as though she might faint.

The scene immediately fell into chaos as Selena whisked Megan into the car. Without a glance back, they drove off.

"Don't worry. She's clearly pretending to faint. I've seen people do that way too many times and can tell instantly," Selena reassured.

Megan gave a helpless smile. "It's not her I'm worried about. I'm worried about you. What if they come after your job?"

At a red light, Selena braked, then flashed a wide grin at her.

"Did you forget, Meg? The hospital director is my father."

Megan rolled her eyes at her. "Didn't someone once swear she'd never acknowledge that old man as her father for life?"

"Jeez, I just never realized how useful he was when I didn't need him. If I could, I'd make every big shot in the world my father!"

They joked back and forth, and by the time Selena was sure Megan was fine, the light turned green and the car moved on.

"I'm free this afternoon, so go ahead and tell me what you want to do. Whatever you need, I'll do it!" Selena announced with a playful look.

Infected by her mood, Megan grinned slyly. "Oh, perfect timing—I actually do need your help with something."

"What is it?" Selena asked innocently.

"Help me move out."

Megan caught her wrist. "No backing out."

In the end, Selena gave in.

So the two of them, along with a professional organizer and some movers, headed to the home Megan and Howard had lived in for the past year.

Their marriage had been rushed, so most of their belongings had been bought in haste.

That villa was no exception.

But after a year of her meticulous care, it had started to feel like a real home. No longer was it a cold, empty building.

What a pity…

While Selena directed the movers, Megan reached for the bottle of Chanel No. 5 on a shelf.

It was the gift Howard had brought back for her from his first business trip after their wedding. Its scent was timeless.

When he returned, she could still smell the smog of Lambain on him. He had clearly rushed straight to her after getting off the plane.

That day, his embrace was urgent, his kiss desperate.

Back then, they had been like any other ordinary couple.

She took off the cap and sprayed a little.

The familiar scent lingered.

It smelled just like the time he spritzed it on her before kissing her lips.

"Should we pack this too?" Selena asked upon seeing the perfume, signaling someone over.

Megan shook her head. "No need."

She slipped off the simple wedding ring Howard had bought without much thought before setting it on the table.

However, as she watched the movers bustling about, she hesitated. In the end, she put both the perfume and the ring into a drawer.

Before long, the packing was done.

Everything of hers was gone, except for that bottle of perfume and that ring.

Moving might seem troublesome, but once it was decided, it could be done quickly.

The same was true for sorting out what was in one's heart.

The car headed toward Megan's new home, the wind tousling her hair as her old home grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.

To move forward, one had to let go of the past.

She still had many important things to do.

The sudden downfall of the Stafford family, the "accidental" death of William—she had to uncover the truth of it all.

Megan had lived her life for others long enough. It was time she started living for herself, and she would begin with that music competition show, not just for the money but also to be seen by people who once knew her father.

With that thought, Megan took out her phone, found a certain contact, and replied, "I'll join that show."

…

Elsewhere, Alyssa was still crying.

Howard gently comforted her, but his mind kept replaying the image of Megan walking away.

Megan had stood there, back turned, saying those words.

She had known exactly what he wanted her to say, yet once again, she defied him.

He had sent her countless messages after that, but she hadn't replied once.

She was acting out again.

In just over a day, she seemed to have transformed into someone else, deliberately going against him. Her behavior was the same when they got their copies of the divorce petition form as it was now at the hospital.

For some reason, Howard suddenly recalled Megan's steady gaze on him the night before, when she asked him to confirm his decision. She looked sad, yet calm.

That look unsettled him.

"Howard, please don't blame Meg," Alyssa said through tears. "I know she's upset. Seeing us together at the hospital, of course she'd react. I can accept that. After all…"

She cried even harder.

"After all, this is something I stole from her… I'm stealing what we have from your marriage for the next six months, so no matter how Meg lashes out at me, it's what I deserve."

She began coughing as she spoke, then blood started coming from her mouth.

"Alyssa!"

Howard panicked, immediately calling for an ambulance.

As for Megan's strange behavior, he assumed she was just sulking. After all, she would never leave him.

Alyssa shook her head, smiling weakly. "This just happens since the cancer is advanced. Don't worry."

She was quickly helped back into bed by Lily.

Watching Howard storm off, probably to confront Megan, Alyssa wiped the blood away and spat out the hidden blood capsule she had used.

She chuckled to Lily. "How badly do you think he will scold Megan? Haha! I can't wait to know."

Then, happily, she scrolled through online comments under the videos.

The internet was flooded with criticism of Megan.

"Alyssa only went to the hospital for medication. It wasn't even life-saving meds, just painkillers to die with dignity. And Megan still had to make a scene!"

"Alyssa's already on her deathbed, yet Megan can't take it anymore?"

"Honestly, Alyssa and Mr. Larson are perfect together. They look like a match made in heaven when they're side by side!"

"Megan's fall was so embarrassing. She looked pathetic."

"Megan should just let Alyssa have him already!"

"Get a divorce, Megan!"

"I agree!"

"Me too!"

Beaming, Alyssa picked up her phone to give orders. "This is perfect. Keep creating drama like today and keep the buzz going. Make sure Megan is completely defeated. Oh, and look into what Megan was doing at the hospital today."