The Wedding After Prison

To ensure his mistress escaped justice, my lawyer husband leaked classified information. Two key witnesses were brutally murdered without cause. I was branded with dereliction of duty and spent eight years locked away.

The day I walked free, I pushed open the front door of my old home to find it brightly decorated. Michael stood in the center, impeccably dressed in a pristine white suit. His posture was as composed as ever. The host, beaming, led me to the living rooms center.

Miss Evelyn, today, in front of your friends and family, do you agree to remarry Mr. Michael Sterling?

He gazed at me with profound affection. Evie, Ive been waiting for you to come home all these years

I looked at him with a cold stare. How could a former convict with a criminal record ever be worthy of you?

Michaels body swayed suddenly, a faint, forced smile touching his lips. It was that same "devotion" hed used to trick me into signing divorce papers when I was sentenced to prison years ago.

The living room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Evelyn! If you hadnt gotten tangled in that mess back then, would Michael have needed to divorce to protect himself?

Without Michael, we all wouldve been dragged down with you!

Michaels sister, Scarlet, stepped forward, her voice sharp with accusation. Hes giving you a chance now, accepting you, a tainted woman. Shouldnt you be grateful?

I glanced at her but said nothing. Years of endless incarceration had taught me to avoid arguments. My relatives, seeing my silence, assumed I was still the easy target I once was. They all wanted their moment to verbally abuse me.

My aunt peered at me with a sidelong glance, her voice shrill. Someone whos been to prison, like you, used to be like a rat in the street.

Its only Michael who still wants you, otherwise, we wouldve long removed your fathers memorial tablet from the family crypt!

My cousin chimed in from beside her. Exactly! Because of your carelessness, two lives were lost back then!

Michael has been cleaning up your mess all these years, otherwise, you wouldnt have even made it out of prison!

They had clearly been bought off by Michael, even more shameless than before. My carelessness caused the witnesses deaths? I almost laughed aloud.

The night before the operation eight years ago. Michael had uncharacteristically questioned me about the location of the witness safe house and their transfer routes. I was suspicious and, naturally, refused, citing confidentiality. But on the eve of their departure, he insisted I drive his car, claiming it was more discreet and safer. Yet, that car already had a bug planted in it by him. All because my investigation target was Serena Thorne, his first love.

Serena was suspected of multiple major international money laundering cases and was labeled as the prime suspect by law enforcement. Michael, for her sake, didnt hesitate to put me and the witnesses in dire peril. As the vehicle drove along a mountain road, we were subjected to a precise ambush! Gunshots erupted from all sides, and the witnesses perished. Colleagues on the mission fell one after another before my eyes.

Before the case investigation began, he knelt on the ground, clutching my hand, and pleaded desperately, holding out a CT scan. Evie, were having a baby, I cant let anything happen to me

For the sake of our child, I bore the charge of "dereliction of duty." But on the day the verdict was delivered, he pushed a divorce agreement, leaving me with nothing, across the table.

I already had the child aborted. I dont want them to have a criminal for a mother.

And your actions are affecting my legal career. Lets get a divorce.

I furiously bent the pen, but couldn't stop the nightmare from beginning. In prison, the charge of causing the death of witnesses made me a pariah. Moreover, Serena, who had escaped justice, specifically arranged for guards to give me special attention.

Beatings, humiliation, and withheld meals were commonplace. I was tormented until I became disabled. My left abdomen was pierced by a sharpened plastic ruler, which would throb painfully when my emotions were volatile. My right palm was shattered by a hammer and could no longer fully extend or grip.

I finally couldnt hold back a scoff. I pulled up my shirt, revealing my scars one by one to everyone. The scattered murmurs instantly quieted, and Michaels face twisted strangely. His eyes held complex emotions, like guilt, yet also impatience.

Everyone, lets calm down a bit. Evie just got out, she might need some time to adjust.

Ill take good care of her during this time, so she can rediscover the warmth of a home.

At these words, my relatives immediately changed their tune, praising him.

Michael is truly a rare good man!

Evelyn being able to marry Michael is indeed a blessing earned over several lifetimes!

Only I was familiar with his exquisite performance. Advancing by retreating, playing the role of the deeply wronged yet still devoted lover.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He listened for only a few sentences before his expression drastically changed. He grabbed his suit jacket and rushed out without looking back.

The relatives in the living room exchanged glances. I couldn't be bothered with them. I turned and walked toward the master bedroom. On the bed lay several womens dresses and jackets. In the bathroom, there were two sets of toiletries. I knew then that his "eight years of waiting" was nothing more than shacking up with Serena.

Suddenly, my abdomen spasmed with pain. It seemed my old problem was flaring up again. I leaned against the wall and dialed 911 before losing consciousness.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital, surrounded by the acrid smell of disinfectant. My vision was a blurry white.

Youre finally awake.

An unfamiliar mans voice sounded. I painfully turned my neck. Standing by the bed was a doctor in a white coat, a Chief Physician badge clipped to his chest.

Im your attending physician, Dr. Hayes.

You were the officer who was incarcerated a few years ago, I know you.

I cant imagine what you suffered in prison.

I just smiled faintly, pulling at the wound on my face, and got up from the hospital bed to pay the bill. I walked to the floor where the organ transplant department was located. Passing a hospital room door, I suddenly stopped.

It was Michael! A doctor stood beside him.

Serena Thornes family member, its already a miracle that Serenas liver failure could be temporarily stabilized this time!

But the liver transplant cant be delayed any longer.

I know! I know! Michaels voice was tearful.

Serena, just hold on a little longer

I peered through the door crack, clearly seeing the pale, sunken face on the hospital bed. It was Serena, utterly devoid of the glamorous aura of a CEO. Time had taken everythingmy love and her pride.

Michael sobbed, trembling as he kissed Serenas forehead. Serena, Evelyn is out of prison.

I had someone check. Her liver is a match for you. Ill make her save you!

Serena on the bed shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. How could she be willing? Were the ones who made her lose everything

Outside the door, my blood seemed to freeze instantly. Finally, from their mouths, my suspicions of eight years were confirmed. They even got me out of prison, pretending to have a change of heart, all just to exploit me. I clenched my fists, wanting nothing more than to rush in and choke them both.

Serena, Ill arrange everything. Dont worry.

Evelyn is a former officer, and youre a critically ill patient. She should make the sacrifice for you.

Ill remarry Evelyn as soon as possible

His voice dropped, suddenly imbued with a chilling malice. Once shes in the hospital for the rescue, Ill sign as her spouse to withdraw consent.

So, that was the reason he so publicly pushed for remarriage. I lost my balance and stumbled, accidentally bumping against the door.

Whos out there?

I turned and hurried away, leaving the confused doctor behind.

After paying the bill, I had only six hundred dollars left. I rented a sunless basement in the citys outskirts. My criminal record barred me from all decent jobs, so I ended up hauling cargo at a logistics transfer station. Work started at four in the morning, my right hand useless, relying entirely on my left shoulder and back. After unloading each truck, the old wound in my abdomen would ache with agonizing intensity.

Michaels calls rang incessantly, like a death knell. I watched the name flicker on the screen, from initial pain to eventual numbness. I rejected, blocked, hed get a new number, Id block again. The cycle repeated. I never opened his text messages.

Scarlets messages also came in one after another. First, she accused me of betraying Michaels deep affection, then asked if I could be a match for Serena. I read them, my heart feeling as if it were being slowly sliced by a blunt knife. Finally, I dragged her number into the blacklist too.

I thought if I hid like a rat in a sewer, they would eventually leave me alone. But I was wrong.

Today, I arrived at the logistics station early as usual, waiting for tasks. The supervisor walked over, his face dark, and threw several crumpled bills hard at my face. Take your dirty money and get out, now!

I froze, looking at him blankly. What are you looking at? You cold-blooded animal who stands by and watches people die!

The supervisor spat on the ground, his eyes filled with undisguised hatred. Surrounding workers all looked over, their gazes strange, whispering amongst themselves. A worker I usually knew fairly well pulled out his phone and shoved it in front of me, righteously indignant.

What are you pretending to be dumb for! Your sister-in-law is waiting for your liver to save her life, are you even human?

Pah! And you used to be a cop, you heartless monster!

On the phone screen, the local news headline was a bold, glaring title:

[Former Officer Released From Prison Refuses to Help Dying Sister-in-Law; Critically Ill Relative Desperately Awaits Liver Donation]

Below it were two photos: one a close-up of Scarlet lying in a hospital bed, her face pale. The other, surprisingly, was my old photo in police uniform from my academy days, standing with Scarlet. My heart skipped a beat. Scarlet was actually using her identity as my sister-in-law, pretending to be critically ill, to cooperate with Michael and pressure me through public opinion?

The comment section was already a torrent of condemnation. But I knew no matter how I argued, it would be useless. Who would believe a jailed former officer?

I bent down, my hands trembling as I picked up the five hundred dollars scattered on the ground. Step by step, I walked back to my dark, semi-basement apartment.

As I reached the alley entrance, I immediately sensed something was wrong. Several people carrying cameras were blocking the doorway of my rental, peering inside. My heart tightened, and I instinctively turned to leave.

Hey! Over there! Its Evelyn!

A shout, and the group swarmed towards me like sharks smelling blood. Long lenses and heavy cameras surrounded me, the blinding flashlights making it impossible to keep my eyes open.

Miss Evelyn! We heard you were in prison because you caused the death of witnesses?

How much do you know about your sister-in-law Scarlets condition?

The questions grew sharper, more vicious with each one. I lowered my head, shielding my face with my arm, trying to push my way through.

No comment! Get out of my way!

Evelyn, are you guilty?

Your sister-in-law is only twenty-seven. Can you really bear to watch her die?

Do you think since youve been to prison, you can just throw everything away, even basic human decency?

I was like a clown with nowhere to hide, utterly disheveled. The onlookers pointed and whispered, but no one dared to approach.

Just then, the sound of a car engine broke through the crowd outside.

The car door opened, and Michael stepped out. The reporters immediately turned their cameras on them. In front of the cameras, Michael instantly put on a worried expression, choking out:

Evie, shes my own sister, how can you be so heartless?

If you agree to save her, Ill give you three million dollars and a mansion!

The reporters next to him chimed in, tears flowing readily. How touching, Evelyn, how can you be so cruel?

Beyond endurance, my eyes burned red, every word steeped in blood and hatred. I will request a retrial for the case from all those years ago! Ill make all of you pay the price!

I glared at Michael. You want my liver? You wont get it even if I die!

Michaels expression instantly froze, a hint of chilling malice emerging. He advanced on me, uttering a few words in a sinister whisper, squeezing them through his teeth.

Evelyn, youre forcing my hand.

With that, he quickly sent a text message on his phone. Within a few minutes, scattered footsteps and commotion sounded from a distance. A group of enraged people pushed through the crowd, instantly surrounding me.

They were the families of the victims from eight years ago. They had aged, looking even more haggard. But the hatred in their eyes was more furious than it had been in the courtroom then.

Evelyn! You murderer!

If it werent for Michael, the lawyer, secretly funding us all these years, helping us through hard times.

We would have been waiting at the prison gate, ready to stab you the moment you got out!

You killed my son! You should have paid with your life ages ago!

Now, asking you to donate a liver to save someone, thats giving you a chance to atone!

Yes! Donate the liver! You must! Otherwise, well drag you to the hospital today!

Spittle and curses wove a net, trapping me firmly in the center. They had been manipulated by Michael, using both his benevolence and their hatred, becoming perfect examples of borrowed knives.

Im innocent! I screamed with all my might.

Michael planted a bug in my car. He was the one who tipped off Serena, causing the operation to be exposed

Its not even Scarlet who needs the liver, its Serena!

When I mentioned Serena, the victims families grew even more agitated.

On the verge of death and still trying to slander others!

Trying to shirk responsibility! No way!

I looked at the misled crowd, at the coldly smiling Michael, as a sharp pain ripped through my abdomen.

Michael looked down at me, hunched on the ground, with a patronizing gaze. Evelyn, last time Ill ask you: the liver, will you donate, or wont you?

I lifted my tear-filled eyes, looking at the man who had ruined everything for me, and said, word by word, The biggest regret of my life was marrying you.

Michael stiffened, standing still.

Hit her! Kill this heartless animal!

Someone shouted, and the crowd instantly erupted into violence! I curled up, protecting my vitals, but fists and feet rained down from all directions. My ribs thudded, my legs screamed in pain, and a stick struck my back. In the chaos, I heard Michael instructing:

Dont hurt her liver area, that thing is still useful

I screamed with all my might, pushing past someone, and scrambled to the main road, rolling and crawling!

Stop her! Dont let her run!

I dragged my almost shattered body onto the middle lane of the road. The straight lane had a green light, and the screeching of brakes instantly filled the air!

Evelyn! What are you doing! Come back!

Michaels panicked scream came from behind.

I let out a relieved laugh, and leapt towards a rapidly approaching truck.

Michael, I will never forgive you.

He let out a chilling scream. No! I dont want you to donate anymore! Come back

Boom! A massive crash resounded.