Pretended Devotion

For ten years, Id been working to win over the devoted second male lead, and on our tenth anniversary, he threw me a grand wedding.

After we married, Alex doted on me relentlessly, yet a persistent unease gnawed at me.

The system's progress bar for his affection remained stubbornly at zero.

It wasn't until our wedding anniversary that I found a hidden journal in the drawer of his study.

It turned out Alex had awakened.

He knew this world was a novel, knew I was the villainess, and knew I would harm the heroine, Olivia.

To protect his beloved, he had only been pretending to love me.

The moment I grasped this horrifying truth, the system's notification chimed in my mind:

Mission failed. Host will be erased in 48 hours.

I stared at the journal, my hands trembling as I closed it, my mind reeling.

All these years, Alexs gentle care and affection had merely been a charade, a means to keep me under constant surveillance, to prevent me from hurting the woman he truly loved.

No wonder, despite his boundless indulgence, the affection progress remained at zero. It had all been an act.

My fingertips brushed against Alexs phone on the desk. After a moment of hesitation, I picked it up to check.

Sure enough, I found his secret social media account.

Inside were chat logs between him and Owen, the novels male lead.

From their conversation, it was clear Owen had also awakened, aware that this world was a work of fiction.

Owen: I remember the book saying Amy liked me, always fought with Olivia out of jealousy, and even hired people to bully Olivia, driving her into depression.

It must be tough, marrying such a wicked woman and pretending to be deeply in love with her.

But Amy doesnt seem so bad now, and shes growing to love you more and more. If she ever finds out the truth about why you married her, shell be heartbroken. Are you sure you wont regret it?

Alexs reply was calm: No regrets. As long as Olivia is happy, anything I sacrifice is worth it.

My head spun, a sudden chill spreading through my entire body.

I put down the phone and rushed out of the house.

Outside, a heavy snow was falling. I walked aimlessly through the streets, unsure how long I wandered until, exhausted, I found a park bench and sank onto it.

My mind replayed countless moments with Alex, uncontrollably, and with each memory, the pain in my heart intensified.

After an indefinite time, an umbrella suddenly appeared above my head, and a low, familiar voice spoke from above.

I finally found you. Why are you sitting here in the snow, not wearing more? Youll catch a cold.

I looked up. Alex stood there in a crisp trench coat, his deep eyes filled with concern.

His acting was so flawless, I couldnt tell if it was all a performance or if some genuine worry was mixed in.

Seeing my silence, Alexs brows furrowed deeper.

He reached out and touched my cheek and forehead.

You have a fever. Are you feeling awful? Come on, lets go home.

He forcefully put the umbrella in my hand, then scooped me up into his arms and hurried back home.

Once inside, he helped me change into pajamas. Ill call the doctor.

I instinctively grabbed his hand.

Im fine, just a bit chilled. Some ginger tea will do the trick.

Alexs frown eased slightly when I spoke.

Alright, then Ill go make you some ginger tea.

Seeing him turn to leave, I tugged at his sleeve again.

I looked at him steadily and suddenly asked, Alex, are you happy being with me?

In the original novel, Alex loved Olivia but couldn't have her. He would be heartbroken whenever he saw Olivia and Owen together.

To protect Olivia, he remained unmarried his entire life.

Now that he had awakened, even if he married me only to protect Olivia, I still desperately wanted to know if he had ever been happy, even for a moment, during our four years together.

Alex paused, then averted my intense gaze, letting out a small laugh.

Marrying you was my hearts desire, of course Im happy. Why the sudden question?

Seeing the evasiveness in his eyes, my heart tightened painfully.

He was lying.

Yes, how could the devoted second male lead, willing to bind himself to me for life for the sake of the heroine, ever fall for someone else?

I released his sleeve and forced a smile.

Just curious, thats all. Regardless, I hope you can find happiness.

Alex looked puzzled, then smiled and pinched my cheek.

As long as youre by my side, Ill be happy. Why are you so strange today? Ill stop talking and make you ginger tea now, or youll truly get sick.

Watching him walk away, the smile on my face slowly vanished, and I lowered my head, feeling utterly forlorn.

Even after suddenly learning the truth, I couldn't bring myself to hate Alex.

He didn't love me, that was true, but he had genuinely been good to me.

When the system brought me into this world, this body was only eight years old.

Alex and I, in essence, grew up together, like childhood sweethearts.

When I was sixteen, I was cornered by bullies in an alley, and he bravely protected me, injuring his arm in the process.

At eighteen, my parents divorced and both started new families. No one wanted me.

It was Alex who took me home, gently telling me that he could be my new pillar of support.

I was an orphan in my real life, unloved by my parents in this world, living a life of pain and suppression.

He was the rare warmth I found in my life. Even if the love was fake, his help was real, and for that, I was eternally grateful.

A sudden, fierce pang in my chest dragged me back from my painful thoughts. I pressed my hand against my heart, knowing it was the system draining my life force.

I murmured to myself, my voice surprisingly calm.

The villainess is dying. For this world, its probably a happy ending.

Alex no longer had to live in fear that I would turn evil and hurt his beloved.

He also wouldn't have to sacrifice his life, living a false existence with a woman he didnt love.

The next day, I was woken by agonizing cramps. I struggled to push myself up from the table but nearly fell.

Thankfully, Alex, who had just entered the room, caught me in his arms.

He saw my pale face and couldn't help but frown. You seem quite unwell. This might not just be a cold. Im taking you to the hospital.

I shook my head.

This was the system draining my life. Even at the hospital, they wouldn't find a cause.

Alex held my waist tightly, uncharacteristically firm. You have to go.

He carried me to the hospital, his brow furrowed with worry the entire way, making me momentarily feel, yet again, that he truly cared for me.

While waiting for the doctor, I saw Owen carrying Olivia into the hospital.

Olivias forehead was covered in cold sweat, and she looked to be in great pain.

Alex saw them too. His face immediately changed, and he pulled a nurse aside to ask:

Whats wrong with that young lady?

Oh, she has sudden gastroenteritis. Her boyfriend is discussing the treatment plan with the doctor.

Alexs gaze shifted to me. My heart clenched, but I spoke softly.

Im much better. Go ask about Olivia. Shes my friend too.

Alex looked torn, but finally said:

Alright, her condition seems more serious. Ill go check. If you need anything, call me, and Ill come right back.

With that, he hurried toward Olivia.

I quietly watched him and Owen fussing over Olivia, their distressed expressions filling me with envy.

So this was the heroine's charm, to captivate both the male lead and the second male lead, making them willing to give her everything.

The doctors call number pulled me back to reality. I turned and entered the examination room.

The result: multiple organ failure. Not long to live.

I had anticipated it, but hearing the diagnosis firsthand still brought a wave of sadness.

I sat there for a while, lost in thought, then suddenly remembered I had little time left and no one to handle my final arrangements.

Alex was so busy, and he didnt genuinely love me. I wouldnt bother him with my passing.

I hailed a taxi to the crematorium.

After choosing a headstone, a staff member approached with a notebook for registration.

Whats the deceaseds name? And whats your relationship to them?

Amy. The headstone is for myself.

The staff member looked up, surprised, and gave me an odd look.

Youre so young, and youre here alone? Wheres your family?

I thought of my parents, who had long disowned me, and my husband, whose heart belonged to another.

After a long silence, I softly said, Im sorry, I dont have any family.

The staff member said no more, processing all the paperwork for me with eyes full of sympathy.

Just as I walked out of the crematorium, Alexs call came through.

He explained, Olivia was getting an IV earlier, and I stayed with her for a bit, so I got delayed. I just went to the department looking for you and didnt see you. Where are you? Ill pick you up.

I said softly, I came out to buy some fruit for Olivia. Ill be right back.

Olivias voice was faintly audible on the other end. Alex quickly told me, Okay, then hurry back and be careful.

Before I could reply, the call disconnected.

I stood there for two minutes, then turned and went to a nearby print shop to get divorce papers, bought a bag of fruit, and walked towards Olivias hospital room.

Olivias face lit up with surprise when she saw me.

Amy, long time no see! Oh? You brought me something? Thank you so much!

I set down the fruit, and seeing her radiant, sun-like smile, I couldnt help but smile back.

Yes, long time no see. Are you feeling better now?

Im much better! All thanks to Owen and Alex taking care of me.

Olivia was so happy she tried to stand up to hug me, but she accidentally strained her still-sore stomach, cried out in pain, and bent over.

Alex quickly held her. Youre still on an IV, dont move around.

Olivia gave an embarrassed laugh, and Alex looked utterly helpless.

I lowered my eyes, a pang of bitterness in my heart.

Olivia pulled me down to sit beside her, wanting to chat.

The moment I sat down, a sudden sharp pain shot through my chest. I lost my balance, and my body swayed, accidentally pulling out Olivias IV tube.

Blood immediately welled up on Olivias hand. Alexs face changed drastically, and he violently shoved me away.

I was caught off guard and fell to the floor, my arm hitting hard, causing cold sweat to break out on my forehead from the pain.

He immediately grabbed Olivias hand, and seeing the blood on her hand, his eyes turned cold when he looked at me.

Amy, what do you think youre doing?

My heart twisted as I met his accusatory gaze, but I quickly explained, I just accidentally

Accidentally? How could you be so careless?

Alex cut me off, pulling Olivia outside to find a nurse to treat her hand.

I endured the pain and stood up, wanting to go apologize to Olivia.

I overheard Olivia mumbling, Dont always be so fierce. That look just now was like you wanted to eat someone. Amy clearly did it by accident.

And she looks really unwell, maybe shes sick. You should take good care of her. When we get back, you should apologize to her.

Alex pursed his lips, a flicker of irritation in his heart, but still said:

I know exactly what kind of person she is, Olivia. Dont always be so kind. Otherwise, if someone bad tries to harm you, you wont even be able to tell.

Through the thin wall, their conversation reached my ears, and my steps slowly halted.

I had forgotten, I was the villainess, and everyone was already worried I would harm Olivia.

My pulling out Olivias IV tube just now only confirmed my wicked persona.

My eyes dimmed. I silently returned to the room, placed the divorce papers on the table, and wrote a sentence on a piece of paper beside it.

When Alex and Olivia returned, I was no longer in the room.

Olivia asked, surprised, Where did Amy go?

Alex frowned, his gaze falling on the two extra pieces of paper on the table.

In an instant, an inexplicable panic surged through him.

On the table lay a divorce agreement and a blank sheet of paper, on which was written: Ive signed the divorce papers. I wish you a life of peace, joy, and no more loneliness.

Alexs fingers clenched tightly, completely losing his composure. Without a word, he rushed out of the hospital room to search for me.

A crowd had gathered at the hospital entrance. He pushed through, hearing hushed voices.

How tragic, she died suddenly right after leaving the hospital. So many doctors tried to save her, but they couldnt. I heard it was multiple organ failure, nothing they could do.

I know about this. That girl had an exam with me this morning. So young and pretty, I think her name was Amy?

Alexs mind exploded, everything before his eyes turning white.

Faintly, he heard Olivia and Owens anxious shouts behind him, but he seemed not to hear them, his feet uncontrollably racing towards the emergency room.

The emergency room door was ajar. Alex lunged forward, pushing the door open with a clatter.

Mr. Shen, please wait! You cant go in yet!

Several nurses rushed over to stop him.

But Alex was consumed by anxiety, paying them no mind. He waved his hands, pushing them aside.

He stumbled to the bedside, his hands trembling as he slowly pulled back the white sheet covering the persons face.

In that instant, his body froze.

This this isnt Amy?

At that moment, Olivia, panting heavily, caught up from behind, speaking breathlessly:

Alex, we kept calling you because we wanted to tell you, the person who died suddenly isnt Amy at all, its just someone with a similar-sounding name!

Hearing this, Alex paused slightly, then with a deep sense of guilt, he carefully covered the body with the sheet again, his voice hoarse.

Im so sorry. I was too rash just now. Ive caused you all so much trouble.

After being led out of the room, Alex secretly let out a long breath, subtly wiping away the cold sweat that had broken out on his palms.

Thank goodness, it was just a false alarm. Amy was alright.

Outside the hospital room, Olivia stood with her arms crossed, her brows tightly furrowed, observing him with a scrutinizing gaze.

So, what exactly is going on with you two? Why did Amy suddenly leave?

Alexs lips moved, but for a moment, he didnt know how to answer.

Olivias frown deepened, her tone laced with a hint of reproach:

While I dont know what happened between you two, or why you have such deep misunderstandings about Amy, you cant judge a book by its cover.

At least in front of you, she was an impeccable wife. In front of me, she was a trustworthy friend. That should be enough.

Alexs heart felt as if it had been harshly squeezed by an invisible hand, suddenly tightening.

Olivia was right.

Even though Amy was the villainess in the novel, all these years, Amy had never harmed anyone. In fact, she had become friends with the heroine.

As for himself, he had lived in constant fear, constantly suspecting her at the slightest hint of trouble.

Alex slowly lowered his gaze.

At that moment, Owen, a slight, knowing smile playing on his lips, reached out and clapped Alex on the shoulder.

Alex, youre just tough on the outside, but soft on the inside. Youre not as heartless as you think. Otherwise, you wouldnt have lost your composure so completely just now.

I cant be sure about other things, but Amys love for you, we onlookers could all see it clearly.

Stop overthinking everything. Olivia has me to take care of her, so you dont need to worry. You, my friend, need to realize your own feelings, stop being a coward, and just do what you need to do.

Owens smile remained, but a deeper, more profound meaning flickered in his eyes.

Alex looked at Owen with a complex expression, remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Owen said no more, slung an arm around Olivias waist, and the two turned and left.

Alex stood rooted to the spot, watching their backs gradually disappear.

He slowly raised his hand, looking at the crumpled piece of paper he held.

When he saw the elegant handwriting on it, his heart involuntarily gave a sharp pang.

She knew. She had known all along.

His mind involuntarily replayed every moment he had shared with Amy.

When he was sixteen, to make Amy fall for him, he had deliberately orchestrated a hero saves the damsel in distress scenario, rescuing her from a group of thugs.

But he had accidentally broken his arm.

When the doctor brought him his arm fracture report, Amy cried even harder than he did, her tears flowing endlessly.

She cried apologies again and again, blaming herself for being a jinx, for bringing him bad luck.

He looked at her tear-streaked face, and somehow, he felt no blame for her at all.

He said, half-jokingly, Then youll have to take care of me from now on.

To his surprise, Amy took him seriously, nodding earnestly. For several months after, she worked three part-time jobs every day.

When she finally handed him the savings she had accumulated over months, he was both shocked and amused, laughing at her innocence, at her adorable foolishness.

When she was eighteen, Amy sent him a long text message, every line filled with her love for him.

When he saw the message, his heart pounded, but repeated calls to her went unanswered.

A faint unease welled up in Alexs heart.

When he finally found her, Amy was curled up in a corner, crying heartbrokenly.

He immediately panicked, rushing forward to pull her tightly into his embrace.

She nestled in his arms, babbling about her grievances.

As he listened, his heart ached as if being sliced by a knife.

At that moment, he swore he would become her strongest support, giving her a warm home.

Perhaps too much time had passed, so much that he had almost forgotten that at the very beginning of their story, he too had loved her with ardent passion.

But how had things changed?

It was probably the day he reunited with Olivia, when those long-dormant feelings of love surged forth like a tide.

He could no longer control himself, unable to stop paying attention to Olivia's every move.

On one side was Amys fiery love, and on the other, the rekindled stirrings he felt for Olivia after so long apart.

He was caught in the middle, tormented, yet he repeatedly reassured himself that he was only safeguarding Olivias happiness.

But only now, at this moment, did he awaken as if from a dream, realizing how ridiculous he had been.

His self-proclaimed deep affection was, in truth, disloyalty to two people.

No wonder Amys eyes had held a trace of melancholy and loss these past few days, even as she forced a smile and wished him happiness.

She must have been terribly sad, saddened that the only person she trusted had also deceived her.

Alex felt a thousand-pound stone pressing on his heart, suffocating him.

His hands trembling, he pulled out his phone and dialed his secretary.

Find out my wifes whereabouts immediately. I need to go to her at once.