No Love Left for You

I once willingly became his mistress to save my mother, even carrying his child that he had so desperately wanted.

I thought it was love, until I was forced to kneel before his wedding and lost my child.

He passed me off to others in public, crushing whatever dignity I had left.

I left with a broken heart, but he came chasing after me like a madman, saying he only loved me.

But by then, I was already in a wedding dress, holding another man's hand.

I watched him break down, and I merely smiled faintly.

"You? You dare talk about love?"

Aria's POV

In my third year with Julian Ashford, I ran into him and his newly married wife at the hospital.

In the obstetrics corridor, Julian wore a haute couture suit that clashed with his surroundings, his arms protectively wrapped around a woman.

I heard him say to her.

"I can bring any doctor you want to the house. Why must you come to the hospital?"

The woman replied coolly.

"Isn't there a top-tier private doctor stashed away in your house? I wouldn't dare ask you to bring her home."

I knew the private doctor she was talking about was me.

Three years ago, I went to Julian's mother, Helena, and asked to be with Julian without any title or status.

To the public, my identity was his private physician. But in truth, I was his mistress.

I watched Julian's lips press into a tight line.

"Ours is just a business marriage. Don't interfere in my business with Aria. We're already married. I'll handle her appropriately. She won't be a problem for you."

The woman's lips curved upward.

"You have one month before the wedding ceremony. You'd better clean up all your loose ends. Otherwise, don't say I didn't warn you."

The doctor called the woman's name, and they walked into the examination room.

I stood frozen in place, my entire body feeling as if it had been plunged into ice water.

Julian had once sworn to me that he would make Helena accept me into the family, that being his mistress was only a temporary measure.

But now, without me knowing, he had not only married someone else but also had a child with her.

Helena was right. Julian would love many people. I would never be the special one.

Five years ago, Julian was stabbed and collapsed on the roadside. I was still a university student then, and I gave him basic first aid before sending him to the hospital.

When he woke up, he began pursuing me with great effort.

A wealthy man falling for an innocent medical student became the latest gossip in high society circles.

I couldn't withstand such an offensive and quickly fell for him, accepting his confession.

But Helena didn't accept our relationship.

And Julian wasn't the devoted, infatuated prince I thought he was. Long hairs in his pockets, lipstick marks on his shirts, long periods of being unreachable.

Combined with increasingly vicious rumors at school, I eventually chose to break up with him.

But no one expected that after the breakup, Julian would become frantic about getting back together with me.

He swore he would never be ambiguous with any other woman again, even tattooing my name on his body.

Though I was moved and couldn't let go of our relationship, I knew clearly the gap between us. The biggest obstacle was Helena's opposition.

Until my mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia. With no other options, I went to Helena and offered to become Julian's mistress, nothing more.

This way, I could stabilize him while keeping everything under Helena's control.

Helena agreed to this transaction, giving me a one-time payment of thirty million dollars and promising to send me to a top research institute to continue my studies when I left.

Helena's words still echoed in my ears:

"Julian won't have only you. He'll love many people. You won't be the special one. But you're doing me a favor. Rather than letting him get involved with questionable women, having only you is more reassuring."

"If you can get pregnant with Julian's child, letting you into the family isn't impossible."

During these three years with Julian, he gave me promises and favoritism. We were no different from an ordinary married couple.

Hope had secretly grown in my heart.

Now it seemed I had been overthinking.

I raised my phone, took a photo of them walking out of the examination room, and sent it to Helena.

"Julian Ashford is already married to another woman and has a child with her. There's no reason for me to stay. Please fulfill your promise and send me to Dr. Shaw's research institute."

My mother's illness had been under control for a year now. My savings could completely support both of us. I had only stayed because I couldn't let go of my feelings for Julian.

The phone screen lit up with Helena's reply.

"Even if you hadn't discovered this, I would have told you eventually. The family business needs the South family's support. This is an obligation Julian must fulfill."

"Julian still has feelings for you. You have three days. Find a way to make Julian completely let you go, and you'll get everything you want."

Just as I finished reading the message, someone tapped my shoulder.

"Aria? It really is you. What are you doing at the hospital?"

Only then did I remember I had come to pick up my ultrasound report.

I was pregnant with Julian's child. Two months along.

Aria's POV

Hearing my name, Julian's gaze turned toward me.

The instant our eyes met, he quickly withdrew his hand from around Vanessa South's waist, his brow furrowing.

"Aria, she and I aren't-"

Vanessa smiled and stepped forward, cutting off his words.

"I'm Julian Ashford's wife. If I'm not mistaken, you must be the private doctor Julian's been hiding at home, keeping from me, right?"

I didn't want to engage with her. I knew my position was disgraceful, and I didn't want to humiliate myself. I turned to leave.

But Vanessa grabbed my hand first.

"Don't rush off. I'm quite curious about you. Dr. Aria, coming to obstetrics-you're not pregnant too, are you? Who's the baby's father? I hope you're not one of those classless girls who becomes someone's mistress."

She could say anything about me, but she couldn't insult my mother!

My mother raised me alone from childhood. She was my bottom line.

I turned back.

"I don't know how old this lady is, but why do you gossip about other people's business like a nosy neighbor? I'm a doctor. Coming to the hospital is normal work. If you have time, you should manage your own husband better instead-stop letting him drop your hand the moment he sees someone else."

Vanessa's face darkened, her expression so fierce it looked like a storm was brewing.

"You're just a mistress. How dare you speak to me like this?"

I smiled coldly.

"Get your timeline straight. Julian Ashford's obsessive love for me was common knowledge five years ago."

I wouldn't swallow my anger when someone bullied me.

Vanessa glared coldly at Julian.

"Julian Ashford, I'm the South family's pampered daughter. In the business world, my word is law. No one dares speak to me like this. Your mistress has quite the nerve. If she hadn't made a scene in front of me, I could have turned a blind eye. Today, you must give me an explanation."

Julian stepped forward, his eyes as deep and affectionate as always, but his tone brooked no argument.

"Aria, Vanessa's status is different from yours. Apologize to her."

"I should apologize to her?"

I laughed coldly.

"First, she provoked me. Second, the person who should apologize most in this whole situation is you, isn't it? Julian, have you forgotten all the promises you made me these three years?"

"Whatever I promised you, Vanessa is now my legally registered wife. You should respect her."

His gaze turned cold and severe, scanning me up and down.

"You need to know your place. Apologize to Vanessa."

Know my place? What place is that?

His lover? His mistress? Or someone completely insignificant?

I bit my lips tightly.

"What if I refuse?"

Julian raised his hand in a signal, and two bodyguards immediately stood behind him.

He pinched my chin, his fingers caressing my face.

"Aria, weren't you always so obedient before? Be good, and I'll compensate you."

I used to be obedient because I still dreamed of becoming his wife.

Now he wants me to be obedient?

Vanessa had insulted my mother, crossing my bottom line. I would never bow my head to her.

"Then don't blame me."

Julian's expression turned cold as he waved at the bodyguards.

"Go easy. Don't hurt her."

The next second, two bodyguards twisted my arms behind my back, kicked hard at my knees, forcing me to kneel on the ground, and pressed my head toward the floor.

Sharp pain shot through my knees. I couldn't help but groan. I saw Vanessa leaning against Julian.

"Looks like you still know what's important. I'm satisfied. The family won't hear about this. Let's leave it at that. I hope next time Miss Aria sees me, she'll remember her place."

After they left, the bodyguards finally released me.

I moved my neck, dusted off my knees, and limped toward the examination room to get my ultrasound report.

My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian.

"Aria, the family needs the South family's support right now. I'm sorry you were wronged. I'll compensate you."

I swiped left and deleted it.

I had already decided to leave. From now on, Julian's affairs had nothing to do with me.

Aria's POV

Outside the examination room, my emotions were too agitated. I slipped and tumbled down the stairs.

The baby was gone too.

For this child, I'd endured countless injections and treatments, willing to hurt myself just to hold on.

But now it seemed some things simply couldn't be forced.

Two hours later, I was supporting myself against the wall, slowly walking through the hospital corridor.

The stabbing pain in my lower abdomen kept reminding me of what I'd just been through.

When I got home, under the influence of medication, I slept straight through until the next afternoon.

Looking at the time, anxiety rose in my heart.

Helena had given me little time.

I took two painkillers, caught a cab to Nightfall, the club Julian frequented.

Watching the men and women dancing wildly on stage, I removed my coat, revealing the sexy outfit I'd deliberately chosen underneath, and walked onto the stage with cash I'd prepared in advance.

I snatched the DJ's microphone and threw the money into the air.

"Whoever makes me happy tonight gets all this money."

The venue exploded. Men of all types surrounded me, using every trick they had.

I wasn't sure if Julian was here today, but it didn't matter. Someone would tell him.

Because our relationship was common knowledge in this city.

Sure enough, twenty minutes later, Julian appeared, fury blazing in his eyes, and yanked me out.

"Aria, are you really this cheap? You can't live without a man?"

I smiled.

"Of course. You're already married-are you really going to control who I find?"

My fingers traced circles on his chest restlessly.

"Though if Mr. Ashford still wants to sleep with me, I won't refuse. After all, who would refuse the richest man in the city?"

Julian's eyes turned bloodshot, his grip suddenly tightening. I felt like my hand would be crushed.

"Aria, you'll sleep with anyone who has money? Do you have any shame at all? Being my mistress isn't enough for you? With your status, being able to be with me is incredible luck. How dare you look for other men behind my back?"

His words were like a sharp blade stabbing my heart.

He finally stopped pretending and said what was really in his heart.

He had always looked down on me. He could give me money, coax me, but he would never respect me.

Then Vanessa emerged from behind him, removing his hand from mine.

"The butler said you were here, so I came to check."

Vanessa looked at me with arrogant eyes.

"People of low birth are like this. Even if they glimpse a higher level of life, they can't change their inherent inferiority."

Julian was silent for a few seconds, then spoke.

"I was wrong about her."

Watching the two of them sing in harmony, I could only find it laughable.

Julian had power and wealth, so being with me while marrying someone else was "unavoidable"?

Vanessa getting pregnant before marriage and inserting herself into our relationship somehow became "noble"?

Julian looked at me holding my head high, refusing to admit fault, seemingly remembering something. Finally, his tone softened.

"Aria, I know you're unhappy that I married someone else, but don't stimulate me this way, okay? I know you're not this kind of person. I admit I broke my promise. I can't marry you. I have responsibilities I can't escape."

Looking at the hypocritical expression on the man before me, I laughed.

"How do you know I can't live without you? Don't be so confident. You're pretty average in bed."

Julian's face darkened. He took Vanessa's hand and turned to leave.

But then Vanessa suddenly collapsed on the ground in pain.

"Julian, the baby..."

Julian panicked, holding Vanessa with bloodshot eyes as he looked at me.

"You're a doctor-check on her quickly!"

He added another line.

"Don't try anything. If something happens to her, I guarantee every hospital in the city will refuse to treat your mother!"

I was angry too.

"If you want her well, shut up."

I was a doctor. I would absolutely never do anything harmful to a patient.

I quickly assessed the situation. After a simple massage, Vanessa's breathing became steady.

Julian immediately picked her up and rushed toward the hospital.

This scene was exactly like two years ago when I had an acute appendicitis attack and Julian sent me to the hospital with bloodshot eyes.

"Aria, nothing will happen to you. I won't allow it."

But now, another woman was in his arms.

I left the bar and took a cab to the Ashford residence.

I still had some things there.

In the car, I received a message from Helena.

"You did well, but it's not enough. You have one more day."

Helena always had people around Julian, monitoring his every move.

I put away my phone and got out of the car.

As soon as I entered, I could feel the servants looking at me strangely.

I walked straight toward my room.

Passing Julian's room, I saw Vanessa half-lying on the bed with Julian pressed against her stomach-the picture of a happy family.

"Vanessa, it's so amazing. I'm going to be a father."

Vanessa stroked his hair, showing a blissful smile.

"With a father who loves him so much, the baby will definitely be very happy."

I didn't disturb them, just silently walked to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and calmed my emotions.

Soon this would all be over.

My mother's illness was under control, and I could continue my studies.

But the next second.

Julian suddenly appeared outside the door, looking at me with confusion.

"What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer, but asked instead.

"Is Miss South asleep?"

Aria's POV

Julian nodded, then spoke with slight apology.

"I'm sorry, I went too far earlier. The doctor told me that without your treatment, Vanessa might have lost the baby."

I shook my head.

"Your affairs have nothing to do with me. I just came to pack my things."

"You're not angry?"

He asked.

You have to understand-before, I had resolutely broken up with him over his ambiguous behavior with other women.

"It's fine. I respect your choice."

I looked up at him and suddenly asked.

"Julian, when did you get together with her? When you were with her, did you feel guilty toward me at all?"

Julian suddenly stepped forward and pulled me into his embrace.

"Aria, I only love you. My feelings for Vanessa, for that child-they're just out of responsibility. This is something I must bear being born into this family. You can understand, right?"

"But I promise you, besides Vanessa, you'll be my only woman. I won't be like those men who have affairs everywhere. Aria, you can accept this, can't you?"

His tone was too matter-of-fact, as if he were stating some universal truth.

But he was wrong. I was still the same Aria who wanted one person for one lifetime.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of his embrace.

The instant I left his arms, I seemed to see Vanessa's figure by the door, but she disappeared the next second.

"I need some time."

Whoever wants to accept this can accept it. I'll be completely gone the day after tomorrow.

"Then will you stay tonight?"

He asked.

I thought for a moment and agreed.

Helena said I hadn't done enough. I could use this opportunity to talk clearly with Vanessa and get her to control Julian.

At 2 AM, I was woken by knocking on my door.

Getting out of bed to answer it, I found Vanessa.

Before I could actively seek her out, she came to me first. Perfect-it saved me the trouble.

"Miss South, if you're here to talk about Julian, you can rest assured. I'll be leaving here the day after tomorrow, completely leaving him. In this matter, you and I are both victims. Everything stems from Julian Ashford's irresponsibility."

I had no issue with Vanessa. From a certain perspective, we were both victims.

But Vanessa laughed disdainfully.

"What are you to be mentioned in the same breath as me?"

Seeing my goodwill trampled, I changed my tone.

"Miss South got pregnant before marriage. Quite the scandal. Is this how wealthy families raise their daughters? Well, I've learned something new."

"You!"

Vanessa flew into a rage and slapped me.

I wasn't one to be bullied-I slapped her right back.

"Miss South, instead of arguing with me here, you'd be better off controlling Julian Ashford. Otherwise, without me, there will be others."

With that, I shut the door and returned to bed.

I tossed and turned in bed. I don't know how long it took before I finally fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, before I was fully awake, I was startled by the sound of Julian kicking down the door.

The next second, he kicked the door open, strode in, and grabbed my throat.

He used such force that I could barely breathe.

"What did you say to Vanessa? She already told me she's willing to accept you, so why would you do this?"

Julian's eyes were bloodshot, the force on his hand gradually increasing.

I used all my strength to push against his hand and finally broke free.

"I didn't do anything."

He cut me off.

"I thought you really were willing to coexist with her. Turns out you were lying to me all along! You really think I'd still be with you after you've done these things? Still won't admit it? Look at this!"

He threw a card at me. On it was Vanessa's "suicide note."

"Julia, I originally thought my sincerity and this child in my belly could make you love me. But Miss Aria is right. You love her. You caused such a scene over her for the whole city to see. Even if I have the title of Mrs. Ashford, I'll never have your heart. If that's the case, our fate has ended. Let's meet again in the next life. Vanessa."

I never said any of this to her.

"I didn't-"

"Still making excuses! If anything happens to Vanessa or the baby today, I'll make you pay with your life!"

Julian wouldn't listen to my defense. He roughly dragged me down the stairs.

My knees were scraped raw and bloody.

"My people sent word that Vanessa is on the TV station rooftop right now. You're going to kneel and apologize to her! If she doesn't forgive you, you'll kneel on that rooftop until you die!"

He tied my hands and shoved me into the trunk, racing all the way to the TV station rooftop.

The bodyguards carried me up with him to the rooftop.

There were also TV station staff on the rooftop doing a live broadcast.

I was thrown to the ground. Cameras and flashing lights immediately focused on me.

I knew no one would come to save me.