Lies Like Foam, Love in the Deep

Before the wedding, my adopted sister, Serena Davies, hit my brother with her car, leaving him in a vegetative state.

My fianc, Sam Ford, a lawyer, not only didnt blame her but actually became her defense attorney.

I raised hell, demanding she go to jail, only to become the laughingstock of the city.

In my brokenness, my sworn enemy, Harrison Blackwood, proposed to me, promising to be my only support.

I said yes.

Later, he personally ensured Serena was sent to prison.

But in the fifth year of our marriage, I unexpectedly saw him talking to my brother, Ethan, who was supposed to be in a coma.

Bro-in-law, if Serena couldnt have kids, you wouldnt have had to orchestrate this whole scheme to trick Ariel into marrying you, making her a surrogate for Serena!

Its fine. My marriage certificate with Ariel is fake; the one with Serena is real.

When Ariel gives birth, Ill make sure the child calls Serena Mother.

It turned out the happiness I thought I had was nothing but a deception from start to finish.

Id risked everything to get justice for my brother, only to find it was all one-sided!

I was the one who needed to leave.

My hand froze in mid-air as I was about to push open the hospital room door.

A chill spread through my body; I couldnt believe what Id just heard.

Inside the room, Harrison Blackwood gazed at photos of Serenas trip on his phone, a deeply regretful look on his face.

Seeing her happy and carefree makes these five years of acting for Ariel worthwhile.

Once the baby inside her is born, this fake marriage should end.

My brother, Ethan Davies, lay in the hospital bed, snorting dismissively:

Ariel really thinks you love her. She even handed over all the shares Mom and Dad left her. But what if she finds out this was all our plan?

Harrison paused, a flicker of coldness in his eyes:

Then shell never know. Five years have passed; Serena should be out of prison soon.

Besides, plenty of women die in the delivery room.

Ethan froze for a moment, then praised,

Bro-in-law, youre still the smartest.

I recoiled, my hand clenching, the pregnancy diagnosis Id just received falling to the floor.

Harrison had distinctly told me hed sent Serena to prison.

It was all a lie!

Ethans car accident was fake, Serenas reckless driving and conviction were fake too.

Everything was just a setup to make me bear a child for her, because she couldnt!

And all of it, orchestrated by the husband I loved to my very core!

His tenderness, his loyalty, his devotion to me alone C it was all just a facade for his true love.

For five years, Id been living in the web of lies theyd spun.

How ridiculous.

Footsteps echoed from inside the room; Harrison was getting up.

I quickly spun around, scooped up the diagnosis, and stumbled down the hallway.

Tears streamed down my face as I ran.

Once far from the hospital, I sank to the ground, taking a long time to compose myself.

I don't know how long passed before I carefully tucked the pregnancy diagnosis into my bag, hailed a cab, and returned home.

After telling the housekeeper she could leave, I was alone in the house.

I looked at the decorations, each one carefully chosen by us, and let out a bitter laugh.

Not long ago, Harrison had held me close, his voice soft, Ariel, lets have a baby.

My health wasnt great to begin with, but for his wish, I sought out specialists everywhere to improve my physical condition.

I drank traditional herbal medicine like water, and acupuncture was a daily ritual.

I finally conceived, only to discover the truth.

I sat on the sofa until dusk. Then, footsteps sounded outside the door.

The lights came on, and Harrison walked in.

Seeing me on the sofa, he hugged me tenderly, "Why are you sitting in the dark?"

I shook my head, subtly avoiding him. "Just woke up. Was waiting for you to come home."

Harrison didn't suspect anything, kissing my forehead.

"Ariel, you need to take good care of yourself, or I'll feel guilty."

His tone was as gentle as ever.

But I felt no warmth in my heart, only that he was an excellent actor.

Why could he go to such lengths, for Serena, with someone he didn't love?

I leaned against Harrisons chest, and his casual words echoed in my ear:

Wife, Serena is getting out of prison soon. After all, you two were sisters for over a decade, and shes paid her penance. Maybe its time to let it go?

My eyes welled up, but I forced myself to speak: You said it yourself, she and I are sisters. I wont blame her anymore.

Harrison visibly relaxed, a smile touching his eyes:

I knew my Ariel was the kindest. Tonight, your husband will cook for you personally.

Watching him walk into the kitchen, I turned my head to wipe away my falling tears.

Just then, Harrisons phone on the table buzzed with a notification.

I picked it up and unlocked it. The password was Serenas birthday.

On his private messaging app, the message was from one of Harrisons inner circle:

[Blackwood, your wife is returning tomorrow. The guys have prepared all the gifts you wanted.]

The image showed acres of rose fields hed bought out, and a new jewelry collection worth a billion from a top auction house.

Scrolling further up, I discovered the truth.

Every time Harrison had been away on business or working late, hed actually been flying abroad to be with Serena.

His friends were all in on it, covering for him.

I clicked on Harrisons social media, and what met my eyes were countless photos of Serena and him.

Announcing their marriage, travel photos, kissing

The comments below were from people we both knew.

Only I had been blocked from seeing them.

My heart felt like it was tearing apart. I dug my nails into my arm, forcing myself to stay calm.

Five years of marriage, and apart from our wedding photos, we didn't have a single picture together.

I'd always thought Harrison disliked taking photos.

Turns out, it was just that he disliked taking photos with me.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh, placing the phone back where it was.

I didnt want this marriage anymore.

And Harrison, and this so-called family, I didnt want them either.

After dinner, I bought a plane ticket for seven days later, heading out of the country, and booked the soonest possible abortion appointment.

Seven days. That was enough time to say goodbye to this marriage.

While Harrison showered, I found our marriage certificate.

Looking at the vivid red cover, the official seal of the registrars office inside.

Anyone would think it was real.

My eyes grew moist. Just as I was about to put it away, Harrisons questioning voice sounded behind me:

Ariel, what are you doing with the marriage certificate?

I calmly put it down, smiling. It was a bit dusty. I just took it out to wipe it.

Harrison saw my reddened eyes, and his own flashed with concern.

He came over, took the certificate, placed it in the cabinet, and hugged me. You should let the housekeeper handle things like this.

I said nothing.

Harrison was about to linger a bit longer when his phone rang suddenly.

Wife, I have to deal with something at the office. You go to bed after youre done showering.

With that, he took his phone and went to his study.

After I had showered, I was drying my hair when I passed the study door.

I heard Harrisons soft, cooing voice:

Serena, youll be in Capital City tomorrow. Your husband has a big surprise for you.

Serena replied sweetly, her voice soft, Really? Thank you, hubby. But what about Ariel?

I felt Harrisons mood instantly darken. He said in a cold voice:

You are my wife. Ariel is just your surrogate.

A chill settled deep in my heart.

On the phone, Serena laughed twice, then chided him playfully, Dont say that about Ariel.

Harrisons voice was so soft it could drip with sweetness:

Serena, youre too kind.

I couldnt bear to listen anymore. Suppressing the bitterness, I returned to my room.

When Harrison came back, he saw I was already in bed.

He didnt disturb me, climbing in and gently holding me as he lay down.

But I barely slept a wink that night.

Early the next morning, Harrison held me tightly, reluctantly saying, Wife, the company is very busy today. I wont be back tonight to be with you.

Your husband will make it up to you later.

I smiled. Its fine.

He had truly planned it well, all to keep me from finding out about Serena.

But this five-year deception, I wasn't going to let it continue.

Especially since Harrison intended for me to die in childbirth.

After he left, I grabbed the marriage certificate and went out.

Arriving at the civil affairs office, I handed the marriage certificate to the clerk:

Could you help me check if theres anything wrong with this marriage certificate?

The clerk frowned, her expression complicated as she looked at me. Miss, this official seal is fake, so your marriage certificate has no legal validity.

Even though I already knew the outcome, I couldnt help but feel a pang of sadness.

But at least this saved me the trouble of divorce.

I then went to the immigration office, applied for emigration, and canceled my identification documents.

Ms. Davies, this means you wont be traceable anymore.

I shook my head. Its fine.

After I finished everything, I suddenly remembered that Harrison was throwing a welcome party for Serena today.

I followed the address Id seen yesterday and found the rose field.

As soon as I arrived, I saw Harrison, surrounded by an adoring crowd, kissing Serena.

Among those gathered were not only his friends but also company employees.

So this is Mrs. Blackwood! Shes truly beautiful, and so elegant. No wonder Mr. Blackwood is so utterly smitten!

Did you see the necklace on her neck? Its one of a kind in the world. I personally saw Mr. Blackwood pick it out.

I heard Mr. Blackwood and his wife were childhood sweethearts. Such love is truly enviable.

Someone else questioned,

But Ive seen Mrs. Blackwood before, and she didnt look like this?

Heh, I heard it through the grapevine a while ago. Thats the wifes older sister, and rumor has it shes been desperately clinging to Mr. Blackwood.

I just found it laughable.

Five years of marriage, yet in everyones eyes, no one knew I was Harrison Blackwoods wife.

Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly heard Ethans voice:

Ariel, youre finally back. I missed you so much. You have no idea how disgusting it was facing Ariel Summers every day

Suddenly, an inexplicable bitterness welled up in my nose.

Five years ago, I fought with Serena and my former fianc to get him justice, becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital city.

But in the end, he treated me like a stranger.

In the rose field, Ethan was whining to Serena.

I walked closer, making my way to the front amidst everyones astonished gazes, and suppressing my hurt, asked:

Ethan, why are you here?

Instant silence.

Shock flashed in Harrisons eyes.

Ethan, even more panicked, couldnt utter a word.

Once he recovered, Harrison hurriedly asked:

Ariel? How did you come here? Dont misunderstand, Serena just got out today, and Ethan woke up, so we just thought wed throw her a welcome party

Everyone around them had already dispersed.

After all, for five years, Harrison, worried that others would know Serena had been to prison, had always claimed she was abroad.

I smiled. Well, thats just wonderful.

Ariel, long time no see. I was so foolish back then.

Serena said, choking up, her tearful expression drawing sympathy.

She was wearing a high-fashion gown, her makeup flawless. There was no sign shed ever been to prison.

Ethan immediately stepped in front of her, glaring at me defensively:

Dont you dare target Serena! I dont blame her for what happened back then, so what right do you have to decide for me!?

Watching his anxious expression, I couldnt help but laugh.

Serena always knew how to make herself out to be the victim.

She did it when she was adopted by Mom and Dad, making me look bad at home.

As we grew up, she continued to manipulate everyone around me, making them believe I bullied her.

I took a deep breath, replying calmly, I just heard there was a lively event here today. I didnt realize it was you all. Since its a welcome party, I wont disturb you.

I turned to leave.

Harrison, thinking I was throwing a tantrum, rushed after me and grabbed my arm:

Ariel, dont be angry. I was just worried about Serena, a young woman, suffering in prison

Five years have passed, and Ethan is fine, isnt he? You should let it go too.

Harrisons self-deceiving justification only struck me as hypocritical.

Hed lied so much, hed actually started believing it himself.

Who was he putting on a show for now?

Im not angry. I said its in the past, and I wont hold a grudge anymore.

I thoughtfully straightened Harrisons tie. Go on, Im heading home first.

Harrison hugged me, secretly letting out a sigh of relief.

I knew my wife was the most understanding. Get some good rest.

He instructed the driver to take me home, specifically saying hed be back to accompany me tonight.

I just nodded and agreed.

Once home, I packed away all our couple items, throwing mine into the trash.

Then I took down the wedding photos, cut Harrison and me apart, and burned them in the fire.

I pulled out my suitcase, waiting only for my immigration application to be approved, then I would leave Capital City forever.

That evening, until midnight.

Harrison stood me up again.

I had already anticipated it, so there wasnt much of a ripple in my heart.

Early the next morning, the obstetrics and gynecology department reminded me it was time for my appointment.

I arrived at the hospital and got straight to the point: I want an abortion.

The doctor looked at my report and frowned slightly: This pregnancy wasnt easy for you. If you terminate it, your chances of getting pregnant again might be very low. Please discuss it with the babys father.

I remembered seeing Serenas social media post on the way to the hospital.

It was at a hotel.

One picture showed their candlelight dinner last night; another showed their hands intertwined on the hotel bed.

Even though the mans face wasnt visible.

The wedding ring on his right hand immediately revealed it was Harrison.

I came back to myself, offering the doctor a bitter smile:

No need. The babys father is dead.