Chapter 1 Time for Her to Leave

It was 2:00 am, and Emily Sterling was curled up on the bed. Her hair was damp with sweat, and she was panting softly.

Gabriel Holton had been away on business for several days, and he had unleashed all of his pent-up desire on her. At the height of his youth, he showed no signs of exhaustion during intimacy. In fact, it was almost frighteningly intense.

Eight used condoms lay scattered on the floor.

Emily was so exhausted she could barely lift a finger. Her throat ached from crying out too much.

"Water."

As soon as the word left her lips, someone supported her shoulder and brought a glass of water to her mouth.

Emily took a few sips, and the discomfort finally eased somewhat.

She opened her eyes and, under the warm yellow light, clearly saw the face of the man beside her. She had to admit, Gabriel had strikingly handsome features. That austere face always wore a look of satisfaction after intimacy, making him appear even more dangerously alluring.

After two years of marriage, Emily suddenly felt the urge to have a child. A child carrying both her and Gabriel's bloodline would surely be adorable.

"Remember to take your pills tomorrow." Her unrealistic fantasy was quickly shattered by his icy words.

Emily smiled bitterly. "Even with condoms, you're still not reassured?"

Gabriel turned to look at her, a hint of mockery in his eyes. "What do you think?"

His gaze cut into her like a blade, spreading pain straight into her chest. A thick tension filled the air until a shrill ringtone suddenly cut through the silence.

Emily glanced at Gabriel's phone. The caller ID displayed "Amelia."

Amelia Waverly was Gabriel's childhood sweetheart. Rumor had it that they grew up together and shared a deep bond.

Five years ago, Amelia had gone abroad to study. Upon her return, Gabriel arranged for her to work in Holton Corporation as his secretary.

The two were inseparable. On the surface, they seemed to be superior and subordinate to each other. But everyone knew that Amelia was the woman Gabriel held closest to his heart.

Gabriel picked up his phone and answered the call. Perhaps because the room was too quiet, Amelia's soft, pleasant voice carried clearly through the receiver into Emily's ears.

"Gabe, I think I'm running a slight fever. Can you take me to the hospital?"

"Sure. Rest up for now. I'll be there shortly." Gabriel comforted Amelia as he put on his clothes, his expression unusually grim.

Emily's hands trembled uncontrollably under the covers when she saw how anxious he was.

Last year, when Emily went with her colleagues on a medical mission to the countryside, they encountered a natural disaster. Terrified, she had called Gabriel.

But he only scoffed, ignoring her sobs and mocking her for making a big deal out of nothing. He had been as cold as a stranger, even though her life had been on the line.

And now, when it came to Amelia, just a mild fever was enough to make him rush out in the middle of the night. He had even coaxed her so gently with such patience.

Compared to Amelia, Emily found that, as his wife, she was nothing but a joke.

Maybe indignation clouded her reason, but Emily threw back the covers, ran to the door, and blocked Gabriel's way.

"It's already so late. Do you really have to go?"

Gabriel looked down at her, his expression unreadable. "You're jealous?"

Emily bit her lips and nodded. "As your wife, shouldn't I be?"

"You're not worthy of being jealous of Amelia."

Gabriel didn't bother sparing her another glance. He turned the doorknob and walked out without looking back. The door slammed into her, sending Emily falling to the floor in defeat.

The roar of the car engine soon came from downstairs. Gabriel had left after all.

The room felt empty and cold, leaving behind nothing but endless chill.

Emily hugged her knees, curling herself into a ball. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

She had been too foolish. She had known from the start that this marriage was a bottomless abyss, yet she had still plunged headlong into it.

Gabriel had only ever had Amelia in his heart. She had been deluded all along, trapping herself in her imagination.

In her dazed state, another phone ringtone sounded. Pulling herself out of her low spirits, she answered the call.

"Mills, guess who I just saw? Your husband!"

It was her best friend, Mallory Prescott.

"He had a woman in his arms, and they looked really intimate. Is that bastard cheating on you?

"That scumbag! Couldn't he have gone to any other hospital? He had to come to the one where you work? Is he trying to disgust you on purpose?"

Chapter 2 Let's Get a Divorce

Mallory grew increasingly worked up as she spoke.

Emily forced down the suffocating ache in her chest, answering with feigned indifference, "Just handle it according to the normal procedures. Thanks for covering my shift tonight."

"Don't mention it. It's the least I can do."

Mallory rambled on a little more, but Emily barely heard a word. She hung up the phone in a daze.

Soon, a notification popped up on her phone. When she clicked on it, she saw a photo of Gabriel and Amelia on the trending news.

The headline screamed in bold letters, "Shocking! The president of Holton Corp was spotted at a hospital late at night with his secretary! Mr. Holton attentively cares for her, stirring envy."

The comments below were flooded with blessings for them. Some praised them as a perfect match, whereas others said they were made for each other.

Emily took a deep breath and turned off her phone. In truth, those comments were right. Gabriel and Amelia were well-suited to each other in every way.

She was the intruder who had barged in at the wrong time. It was high time she put an end to this messy.

…

When Gabriel returned, it was already 6:00 am. Instead of going to the master bedroom, he headed straight for the study to get some documents.

When Emily heard his footsteps, she followed him to the study. The door was left ajar. Emily pushed it open, and her eyes met his deep, dark gaze. It was as cold and detached as ever.

She had once believed Gabriel was indifferent by nature. Only now did she understand—everything had always been about love, or not. With Amelia, no matter how icy cold Gabriel usually was, he burned for her like embers.

Emily no longer wanted to waste her life on a meaningless marriage. She drew in a deep breath and said firmly, "Let's get a divorce, Gabriel."

He studied her for a moment. "Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Give me a reason."

"You and Ms. Waverly are in love. She can be with you openly once we get a divorce."

Emily held back her tears and continued, "You wouldn't want her to be the other woman hidden in the shadows all her life, would you?"

A chuckle escaped Gabriel. His eyes had a frosty glint in them as he said, "You're wrong. I've never publicly announced you as my wife. So, in truth, you're the mistress hidden in the shadows."

Emily's breath hitched as she paled.

Gabriel showed no concern for her distraught state. He casually pulled a document from the drawer and tossed it on the table. "Do I need to remind you how you managed to marry me two years ago?

"The Sterling family had been on the verge of bankruptcy. It was Holton Corp that injected funds and brought it back to life. And let's not forget Cole Sterling, your good-for-nothing brother. He racked up tens of millions in gambling debts last year, and you begged me to cover for him."

He leaned back in his chair, his tone full of mockery. "You've taken every advantage, and now you think you can just walk away with a divorce so easily? Emily, did you think I was running a charity?"

Every word Gabriel spoke struck a raw nerve in Emily, merciless and cruel.

"What happened back then was the Sterling family's fault, but I was a victim, too. I'll work hard to pay back every penny I owe you after the divorce. I just don't want to stand between you and her anymore."

"Don't flatter yourself. You could never affect my relationship with Amelia."

Gabriel stood up, picked up his documents, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he gave her one final warning.

"Don't ever let me hear you say something like this again. Even if we divorce, it'll be because I've grown tired of you. You have no right to make demands of me."

The door clicked shut, and Emily stood frozen as if plunged into an icy abyss, a chill seeping deep into her bones.

Two years ago, Emily's father, Maurice Sterling, in a desperate attempt to save his failing company, set up a dinner where he drugged Gabriel. Emily had been the sacrificed pawn, delivered straight to Gabriel's bed.

After a night of recklessness, Maurice had men take photos of Gabriel and Emily in bed to blackmail the Holton family. He had threatened to release the photos to the media if they didn't comply with his wishes.

As the most powerful family in Crestmont, the Holtons had forced Gabriel to marry Emily to protect their reputation. Hence, this marriage had been nothing but a transaction steeped in resentment and loathing right from the start.

What Emily couldn't fathom was why she, also a victim, was blamed by everyone. Why did she have to bear all the consequences alone?

She covered her face and wept bitterly until finally, in despair, she made up her mind. Whether it was the Sterling family or the Holton family, none of them mattered anymore.

She would stop caring about all of them. She was determined to end this marriage.

…

At 2:00 pm, Emily arrived at the hospital. Although she was only 27, she had already been appointed the specially designated Head of Cardiac Surgery at the municipal hospital. No one could question her professionalism in the medical field.

"Mills! You're finally here!"

Mallory, who had just finished an operation, collapsed exhaustedly into a chair. "I'm dead tired."

Emily washed an apple and handed it to her. "Here. Have something to perk you up."

"You're the only one who cares about me, Mills."

Mallory took a bite of the apple and immediately launched into gossip. "Did you see the trending news? The one about your husband and that secretary of his."

Chapter 3 Can't Speak for Herself

"I saw," Emily replied.

Due to the disgraceful nature of the incident, the Holtons were displeased with it. So, the marriage between Gabriel and Emily had been kept a secret. There had been no wedding.

Mallory was the only one of Emily's friends who knew about it. The two had been close friends for over a decade and kept no secrets from each other.

"Damn it! Amelia is such a drama queen! She came in yesterday, underwent a series of tests, and it turned out to be nothing more than a mild cold. They took her temperature three times, and her temperature never even hit 99 degrees!"

Mallory took an angry bite of the apple. "She just wants attention. I think she's deliberately putting on a show with your husband to annoy you."

Emily forced a stiff smile. "Let's not talk about this. Don't let her ruin our mood."

"Oh, alright. I'll head home and get some rest then."

"Okay." Emily then changed into her white coat and got ready for her shift.

Those who managed to secure an appointment with her typically had complex and challenging conditions, and these cases required intense focus and effort.

She went through more than a dozen appointments when the door opened again. Two familiar figures stepped inside. Amelia was leaning weakly against Gabriel, looking as though she might faint at any moment.

Emily's grip tightened unconsciously on the medical chart in her hand as a bitter ache spread through her chest.

Crestmont had no shortage of hospitals. Yet Gabriel had brought Amelia here. Was he deliberately trying to disgust her?

Amelia pressed a hand to her chest and sat down. "Dr. Sterling, I have been feeling discomfort in my chest lately. Could you take a look?"

As a doctor, Emily knew better than to let personal feelings interfere with her work. She quickly composed herself and calmly asked about the symptoms.

"When did the discomfort start?"

"It started last night, but I paid no attention to it because it wasn't serious. Then, it became more severe this morning."

"Any trouble breathing? Dizziness?"

"I'm breathing fine. But I get very dizzy. I can hardly stand."

After observing Amelia's complexion, Emily gave her diagnosis. "It's likely hypoglycemia. Have something to eat, and you should be fine."

"Dr. Sterling, I haven't even been examined yet. How can you make a diagnosis so casually?" Amelia bit her lip, looking very much wronged. "Even if you have some grudge against me, you shouldn't take my health lightly."

Emily tapped the desk and answered sternly, "As a doctor, I take every patient seriously. If you disagree with my diagnosis, you're welcome to seek a second opinion elsewhere."

Amelia looked as if she'd been frightened. Her eyes reddened as she turned to Gabriel beside her. "Gabe, did I say something wrong? Did I upset Dr. Sterling? Please tell her that I didn't mean it that way."

Revulsion twisted in Emily's stomach. "What's the matter? Can't speak for yourself without him? This is a hospital, not a stage for your flirting. If you're done, please leave. Don't hold the other patients up."

Tears spilled instantly down Amelia's cheeks. "Gabe…"

Gabriel patted her back gently, his gaze cold as it landed on Emily. "Is this how you treat your patients, Dr. Sterling?"

"I've already given my diagnosis. Ms. Waverly is the one who's trying to stir up trouble. Besides, this is the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department.

"Hypoglycemia isn't even handled by this department. If you truly care about her, Mr. Holton, take her to the right doctor instead of wasting my time."

In the two years they had known each other, Gabriel had never seen Emily like this. This was the first time he'd seen her act this guarded and sharp-edged. Just last night, she had been weeping and begging beneath him, allowing him to take her in every humiliating way he desired.

As Gabriel stared intently at Emily, who met his gaze unflinchingly, Amelia sensed a shift in the air. It wasn't one in her favor. She quickly took Gabriel's hand and softened her tone.

"Gabe, I trust Dr. Sterling's expertise. If she says it's low blood sugar, then there's no need for further tests.

"Don't you have a business dinner to attend tonight? Let's head back and prepare for it. I don't want you wasting your time here because of me."

Her voice was soft and deliberately sweet, evoking sympathy from both men and women alike. Sure enough, Gabriel's expression softened, and he let Amelia lead him out of Emily's consultation room by the arm.

The moment the door closed, Emily's stomach lurched. She bent over the trash bin and retched violently.

Chapter 4 The Act Finally Cracks

Emily's period had ended just a few days earlier, so pregnancy was impossible. That left only one explanation—those two had literally made her sick to the stomach.

The fact that she hadn't thrown up in front of them after watching the lovey-dovey display that they put up in her presence was already more courtesy than they deserved.

The nausea finally passed after a few minutes of retching. After a busy day at work, she arrived home at 9:00 pm.

Exhausted, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. She had barely closed the door behind her when someone grabbed her by the waist. A familiar scent washed over her.

As soon as she realized what was happening, she struggled fiercely. "Let go of me!"

Gabriel ignored Emily's protests, scooping her up and throwing her onto the couch with brutal force.

Emily's head spun from the impact. Before she could even try to get up, Gabriel was already on top of her. He was never gentle in bed, especially when he was in a foul mood. His movements turned downright barbaric.

After a long and exhausting day, Emily's body ached all over, and she was in no mood to entertain him. "Gabriel, let me go! I don't want to do this!"

None of the lights in the living room was on. By the faint glow filtering through the window, Emily could make out a pair of eyes burning with raw intensity. They looked like those of a predator, waiting to tear her apart and swallow her up.

"You don't want to?"

His arms pinned her firmly against the couch, leaving her no room to escape. "And what right do you have to say those words to me?"

Terrified by his loss of control, Emily said in a trembling voice, "If you're in the mood, go find Amelia! Why do you always have to take it out on me?"

"Amelia's weak. She can't handle this."

Gabriel ripped open her clothes and sank his teeth into her skin. "Besides, who could possibly compare to you when it comes to pleasing a man in bed?"

Emily felt the sharp sting of his teeth, and tears silently streamed down her cheeks. "Am I really that cheap to you, Gabriel?"

The moment she finished speaking, he gripped her chin forcefully. "Don't ask such foolish questions. You should be grateful this body still holds some appeal for me. Otherwise, the sight of you would disgust me.

When the last of her clothing was ripped away, cold air washed over her, making Emily shiver uncontrollably.

Just as he was about to take her, she suddenly raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. "I said, don't touch me!"

A desperate, choked cry echoed through the living room, followed by the sharp sound of the slap. Gabriel's face was turned slightly to the side from the impact as the taste of blood spread in his mouth.

For a moment, silence pressed in, heavy and suffocating.

Emily's chest heaved as she stared at him, her eyes red-rimmed. She knew exactly what would follow that slap.

Whether it meant divorce or being taken right here until she passed out, she wouldn't regret it. It was better to have that than to be treated as an object for his urges. She wanted to live with dignity, like a human being.

But instead of flying into a rage as Emily had expected, Gabriel remained eerily calm. "Hah! So the act finally cracks. Weren't you always so good at pleasing me before?"

"What's the point in pleasing you?" Emily retorted, her voice hardening with defiance. "Gabriel, don't you think this is pointless? Instead of torturing each other like this, just divorce me. Consider it as us letting each other go."

"Let you go?"

Gabriel wiped a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, his voice laced with a hatred Emily couldn't comprehend. "Dream on. Even if you die, you can only die by my side."

A heated kiss came crashing down on her lips once more. This time, he didn't give her a chance to slap him again. All of Emily's curses eventually dissolved into sobs and pleas.

…

When Emily opened her eyes again, it was already noon the next day. Her phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand.

Still bleary-eyed, Emily answered the call.

Mallory's urgent voice came through the receiver. "Mills, there's a staff meeting this afternoon. Even the hospital director is here already. Where are you?"

Chapter 5 Gabriel Is Going Too

A meeting? Emily jolted fully awake, scrambling to get dressed. "I overslept. I'll be there right away!"

"Hurry up! The meeting starts in just over ten minutes. You'll get chewed out if you're late!"

"Got it." She rushed through her morning routine and arrived at the hospital conference room just in time.

The moment Mallory saw the dark circles under Emily's eyes, she knew exactly what had happened the night before. She gritted her teeth.

"That bastard! Does he even have a shred of conscience left in him? He romances his mistress one minute and torments you the next. What does he take you for? An inflatable doll?"

The moment the words left her, Mallory realized that she'd gone too far. She looked at Emily apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Mills. I didn't mean it like that. I just think that he's despicable!"

Emily lowered her eyes wearily, her voice bitter. "It's okay. Just give me a contraceptive injection later."

"Mills, those things aren't good for you. You can't keep relying on that stuff."

"I know."

"You…" Mallory wanted to say more, but all that came out was a sigh.

On stage, the hospital director, Adrain Strebelle, was delivering his address. The purpose of this meeting was to organize a medical mission. Several doctors from various departments would be selected to provide free medical care in the countryside for one month.

Just hearing about it gave Mallory a headache. "Another medical mission? The last time we went to the mountains, we ran into a mudslide and nearly got buried there."

The memory was still vivid for Emily as well. She would never forget Gabriel's response when she called him for help.

"This time, we will decide the participants by drawing lots. Colleagues from each department, please come up in an orderly manner."

"What? Draw lots?" Mallory exclaimed as she buried her face in her hands. "With my luck, I'm done for!"

Their turn soon came. Fortune smiled upon Mallory. She drew a blank lot. Emily, however, wasn't so fortunate. She drew a lot that was marked red.

Adrain smiled at her encouragingly. "With Dr. Sterling on the team, I'm sure this medical mission will be a huge success."

"Thank you, Dr. Strebelle. I'll do my best not to disappoint."

After exchanging a few polite words, Emily returned to her seat.

Mallory was frantic. "The place you're going to this time is even more remote than the one we went to last time. Maybe I should ask Dr. Strebelle to assign me there, too, so that I can accompany you."

"There's no need for that. Just stay put at the hospital. I'm experienced now. I'll take good care of myself."

"But—"

Before Mallory could say more, the director excitedly announced another piece of news.

"I'm pleased to share that Holton Corporation is our partner for this mission! All medical equipment will be provided by them. Furthermore, Mr. Holton will personally accompany the team for the inspection. I expect everyone to perform well and uphold the reputation of our hospital!"

Mallory choked on her water, spitting out a mouthful. "Are you kidding me? Gabriel's going, too?"

Emily frowned. She had been looking forward to a quiet month away, but now Gabriel was joining. When did Holton Corporation, primarily a real estate company, branch into the medical equipment industry?

"Mills, if Gabriel is going, Amelia's bound to tag along, too, isn't she?"

It was well known that Gabriel and Amelia were inseparable. On an inspection trip like this, it was almost certain she would come. And if she did, Emily's month in the countryside would be pure torture.

"No way. I'll get Dr. Strebelle to add me to the list after the meeting is over. I'm not going to let that conniving woman bully my best friend!"

Emily tried to dissuade her, but Mallory was determined. In the end, both of them were placed on the medical mission list. They were scheduled to leave at 7:00 am the day after tomorrow.

…

After work, Emily stopped at the supermarket to pick up supplies.

She had just returned home, bags in hand, when her phone rang. It was her father, Maurice. They had barely spoken since the incident two years ago.

Hesitating for a few seconds, Emily finally answered.

"Mills, it's been ages since you've called me. Are you really planning on never speaking to me again?"

Emily had no interest in exchanging pleasantries. "Get to the point."

"Oh, Mills, I just wanted to remind you that it's your birthday tomorrow," Maurice said.

Emily glanced at the date on her phone, and her tense posture relaxed slightly. "Is that the only reason you called?" she asked softly, a faint, hidden trace of hope in her voice.

"Well, not entirely." Maurice paused, then pleaded, "Mills, Cole has gone gambling again. You're his sister. You can't just ignore him."