No More Shadows, No More Him

The third year of my secret marriage to Ethan Knight, I watched him passionately propose to another woman on our wedding anniversary. Live on TV.

In that moment, I finally understood. All his tenderness was for someone else. I was merely his compliant toy, hidden in the shadows.

He asked me, his secret wife, to personally help his "fiance" pick out her wedding gown.

He even had all the blue roses I'd painstakingly planted for him pulled out. Right in front of me. Just because she said she "didn't like them."

My heart grew cold. I signed the Doctors Without Borders agreement and left for a distant land to pursue my dream.

Three years later, I became a top trauma surgeon.

When he knelt before me, pleading bitterly, I linked arms with my new love.

"Mr. Knight, I stopped loving you a long time ago."

Sera Hayes' POV

It was the third year of my secret marriage to Ethan Knight when he proposed to another woman, Lana Bellweather, at a televised gala live-streamed across all major platforms.

On the TV screen, the flashing lights were blinding.

Ethan wore a bespoke black suit, his posture tall and commanding, his eyes holding a tenderness I knew so well.

Only now, that tenderness was entirely for Lana, who stood before him.

"Lana, this ring is five years late. Today, I want to put it on you." Ethan's voice, deep and affectionate, resonated through the screen, eliciting gasps from the audience.

Lana covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face, her pale cheeks flushed with happiness. She had been in a vegetative state for five years after a car accident, only miraculously waking up last month.

I sat on the sofa, quietly watching the scene unfold. There was no hysteria, just a cramping, churning feeling in my stomach.

Today was our third wedding anniversary. I had specially cooked Ethan's favorite steak and seared foie gras.

Just three hours ago, as Ethan left, he'd kissed my forehead and smiled, saying, "Honey, when I get back from my business engagements, I'll give you a huge surprise.

After tonight, we won't have to hide anymore."

The surprise I'd imagined was that he would finally make our marriage public.

After all these three years, to avoid impacting Knight Enterprises' stock price and to not upset his grandfather, Arthur, who highly valued social standing and family reputation, I'd been hidden away like a mistress in this suburban villa.

He spoiled me, utterly. I'd casually mention craving macarons from that trendy bakery across town. He'd personally drive halfway across the city to buy them during a break from an international conference.

My hands and feet would get cold in winter, and he'd hold my feet in his arms all night to warm them.

Everyone said Ethan Knight was a cold-blooded corporate titan, but only I knew how much he loved me, how gentle he was in private.

But now, that tenderness had become the sharpest knife plunging into my heart.

The lock clicked softly.

Ethan walked in, carrying a faint scent of cologne. Seeing me on the sofa, he paused, then quickly came over, habitually reaching to pull me into his embrace.

"Why aren't you in bed yet? Didn't I tell you not to wait up for me?" His tone was still gentle, laced with a touch of fatigue.

I subtly shifted, dodging his touch.

Ethan's hand froze in mid-air. He followed my gaze to the television. The screen was replaying the scene of him putting the diamond ring on Lana.

The air instantly went silent.

"Sera, let me explain." Ethan sighed, crouching down, forcibly gripping my cold hand.

"I was just putting on a show. Lana just woke up. The doctor said she has severe depression and PTSD and can't handle any shock. She had that car accident trying to save me back then. I owe her my life."

"So, you're paying off your debt by proposing to her?" My voice was very soft, so light it seemed a breeze could scatter it.

"It's just an act!" Ethan's brows furrowed, his tone tinged with irritation and a sense of entitlement.

"My relationship with her is fake. You're the one I love. You're the one who sleeps next to me every night. Once her condition stabilizes, I'll find a way to break off the engagement with her. Sera, you're always so understanding, so accommodating. Just this once, for my sake, can you bear with it, please?"

Understanding. Accommodating. I forced a bitter smile, finding those words utterly ironic.

Because I was understanding, I was meant to be hidden in the shadows for three years.

Because I was accommodating, I was meant to watch my husband propose to another woman on our wedding anniversary.

"Ethan, did it ever occur to you that I might be sad?" I looked up, meeting his eyes directly.

Ethan gazed at me. Then, he abruptly pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. "I know you're upset, but I promise, this is the last time. Tomorrow, I'll take you to pick out your favorite island. We'll go on vacation, okay?"

He was always like this, hurting me first, then trying to make amends. The old me would always soften, because I loved him, loved him until I lost myself.

But now, I suddenly felt it was pointless.

"Okay," I said, without struggling, letting him hold me, my voice flat, without a ripple of emotion.

Ethan sighed in relief and kissed the top of my head. "I knew it, my Sera is the best. Get some rest early, I'll be with you tomorrow."

Watching Ethan walk into the bathroom, listening to the sound of water, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"Caleb." My voice was exceptionally clear in the silent night. "That Doctors Without Borders aid project you mentioned, to the impoverished region in Africa. Are there still spots available?"

Caleb paused, his tone turning serious. "Sera, are you sure? The conditions there are extremely harsh. It could be deadly at any moment. And once you sign, you can't return home for at least three years."

"I've thought it through." I looked at the cold steak on the table, feeling no emotion. "I'm signing up."

"Alright, I'll handle the paperwork. The medical team departs from the airport in half a month."

"Thank you."

I hung up and deleted the call record.

Half a month. Ethan, fifteen more days, and I'll cut you out of my life forever.

Sera Hayes' POV

The next morning, Ethan, as expected, didn't go to the office.

He personally cooked my favorite sandwiches and made a hot cocoa. As if nothing had happened, he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my neck, nuzzling me.

"Sweetheart, after breakfast, let's look at island brochures. Do you want to go to the Maldives or Tahiti?" His voice, soft and languid with morning sleepiness, was incredibly gentle.

If I hadn't seen that live broadcast last night, I would have thought I was the happiest woman in the world right now.

I lowered my gaze and slowly pulled his hands away. "Let's eat first, the milk will get cold."

Ethan didn't notice my change. He smiled and kissed my cheek. Just as he was about to sit down at the dining table, his phone in the living room rang urgently.

A distinctive ringtone. It was Lana.

Ethan's movements paused. He instinctively glanced at me. I quietly drank my milk, not even lifting an eyelid.

He answered the call, not avoiding me, even putting it on speaker, as if to prove his transparency.

"Ethan..." Lana's delicate voice came through, tinged with a hint of expectation. "Are you free today? I want to look at wedding dresses. The doctor said getting out and about would be good for my recovery, but I'm scared to go alone..."

Ethan's brows furrowed. He instinctively refused. "Lana, I have something on today. How about I ask my assistant to go with you?"

"Oh..." Lana's voice immediately dropped, subtly tinged with a sob. "It's okay, I know you're busy. I just... I just haven't been out in the world for so long, I'm a little scared. You go ahead with your work, I can go by myself, even if I have an episode..."

"Lana!" Ethan's tone instantly tensed. "Don't overthink it, I'll go with you."

After hanging up, Ethan looked at me, his eyes filled with apology and helplessness. "Sera, Lana's emotional state is unstable, I have to go see her. Can we look at the island tomorrow instead?"

I put down my milk glass, pulled out a tissue, and dabbed my mouth, my voice calm. "Okay."

My quick agreement made Ethan slightly suspicious. He walked over, cupped my face. "Sera, are you mad? I promise, I'm just accompanying her to pick out a wedding dress. I won't do anything more."

"I'm not mad." My gaze was clear. "Go ahead."

Ethan relaxed. Just as he was about to turn, his phone rang again. Still Lana.

"Ethan, I heard you have a Ms. Hayes by your side, a very famous jewelry designer. I hear she has excellent taste. Could you ask her to come along and help me pick? I'm afraid you won't like the style I choose."

The air froze again.

Ethan's face darkened. "Lana, don't be ridiculous."

"What? I'm not being ridiculous." Lana's voice was innocent. "I just want to pick a wedding dress you're most satisfied with. Surely... Ms. Hayes wouldn't mind helping me?"

Ethan covered the phone's microphone and looked at me, his eyes pleading. "Sera, she doesn't know about our relationship. She just thinks you have good taste. Could you please just do this for me? If you go, she won't overthink things."

Asking his wife of three years to help his publicly proposed fiance pick out a wedding dress. Ethan, how could you be so brutally direct?

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a fist, the pain making it hard to breathe. But I managed a faint smile. "Sure, I'll go with you."

Anyway, I had fourteen more days. Might as well treat it as watching a play unfold.

The most exclusive bridal salon downtown.

Lana emerged from the fitting room in a pristine white wedding dress, like an angel fallen to earth. She lifted her skirt, walked up to Ethan, and shyly twirled. "Ethan, do I look pretty?"

Ethan, sitting on the sofa, had a fleeting moment of distraction in his gaze. But he quickly recovered, instinctively looking at me, standing in the corner.

I was wearing a simple trench coat, quietly standing there like an outsider.

"Ms. Hayes, what do you think?" Lana suddenly turned to me, smiling. "The design concept of this dress is 'One True Love.' I think it's perfect for Ethan and me. Don't you?"

I looked at the dress, my eyes flashing. The style of that wedding dress was almost identical to the one I had sketched in my design book a year ago, planning to wear it myself once Ethan made our marriage public.

Ethan clearly recognized it too. His face instantly changed, and he abruptly stood up. "This one isn't suitable, try another."

"Why?" Lana bit her lower lip, looking wronged. "I really love this one. Ms. Hayes, you're a designer too, don't you think it's beautiful?"

I met Lana's seemingly innocent but actually provocative gaze, a sarcastic curve forming on my lips.

"It's very beautiful," my voice was cool, devoid of any emotion. "Ms. Bellweather, it suits you perfectly."

Ethan snapped his head to look at me, his eyes wide with disbelief. He had expected me to get angry, to be jealous, to throw a tantrum. But I hadn't. I was as calm as if I were evaluating a commodity completely unrelated to myself.

This calmness inexplicably stirred a wave of panic in Ethan.

He strode over to me, and using the blind spot created by Lana turning to look in the mirror, he grabbed my hand, lowering his voice and gritting out, "Sera, do you have to ruin the mood?"

I forcefully pulled my hand away, looking at him coldly. "Mr. Knight, didn't you ask me to come help? I offered my opinion, and you're still not satisfied. What exactly do you want from me?"

Ethan looked stung by the coldness in my eyes. He took a deep breath. "You clearly know that dress..."

"I know," I cut him off. "It's just a dress. If Ms. Bellweather likes it, let her have it. Anyway, I won't be wearing it."

With that, I turned to walk out of the store. "I have other commitments, I'll be leaving now. Enjoy yourselves."

Ethan suddenly grabbed my hand from behind, trying to stop me.

Suddenly, I heard Lana's soft cry from nearby. "Ethan, my chest feels so tight, I can't breathe..."

Ethan's grip on my wrist loosened. He glanced at me, but ultimately chose to scoop Lana into his arms.

"Sera, I'm taking Lana to the hospital first. We'll talk about us later."

I watched him disappear from my sight.

Sera Hayes' POV

Twelve days left until I leave.

Since the argument at the bridal salon, Ethan hadn't returned to the villa for three days straight. Each day, he'd send messages explaining that Lana's condition was very bad, and he was at the hospital nursing her.

I didn't reply to any of them. I spent every day packing, little by little, the things that belonged to me. There wasn't much, really.

The villa was filled with luxury items, jewelry, and designer gowns Ethan had bought for me, but I didn't plan to take any of them.

I only took a few old clothes and my design sketches.

On the fourth afternoon, Ethan finally returned.

His eyes were bloodshot, stubble dotted his chin, and he looked utterly exhausted.

The moment he stepped inside, he hugged me tightly, with such force it felt like he wanted to knead me into his body.

"Sera, I'm sorry for neglecting you these past few days." His voice was hoarse, filled with deep apology. "Lana's condition has finally stabilized, and I've come straight back to be with you."

I let him hold me, my hands hanging naturally at my sides, not embracing him as I used to.

"It's okay," I said faintly.

Ethan sensed my coldness. He released me, pulling a delicate velvet box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing a dazzling sapphire necklace.

"This is 'Tears of the Deep Sea,' I bought it at auction. Didn't you say you liked it before? It's for you. Please don't be mad at me, okay?" He looked at me pleadingly.

I gazed at the expensive necklace, my heart unmoved. Before, if I casually mentioned liking something, he would remember it. But now, that thoughtfulness was just a tool to alleviate his guilt.

"Thank you, it's beautiful." I didn't take it. I just turned and walked into the kitchen. "You haven't eaten, have you? I'll make you some pasta."

Ethan watched my calm back, his uneasiness growing. He would have preferred me to yell at him than to see me so indifferent.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Ethan frowned and walked to open the door. Standing outside was Lana.

She wore a white dress with a loose knit cardigan over it, looking quite pitiful. Seeing Ethan, her eyes lit up, then she shyly lowered her head. "Ethan, I... am I interrupting you?"

"Why are you here?" Ethan's face darkened. He instinctively blocked the doorway, not wanting her to see me inside.

"I heard your mother say you have a villa in the suburbs with a large glass conservatory built behind it, filled with blue roses." Lana looked up, her eyes full of anticipation. "The doctor said I need a quiet, beautiful place to recuperate. Ethan, can I stay here for a while?"

Ethan's body stiffened abruptly.

That glass conservatory, he built it for me with his own hands. I loved blue roses, so he had the most expensive varieties flown in from abroad and planted them himself. His hands had been pricked and bleeding because of those flowers. It was our most secret, most precious sanctuary.

"No," Ethan refused without hesitation. "This place isn't suitable for you. I'll arrange the best sanatorium for you in the city center."

"But I only like it here..." Lana's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up. "Ethan, are you tired of me? I know I was in a coma for five years, I'm useless, but I only have you..."

As she spoke, she clutched her chest, gasping for air, her face rapidly turning pale.

"Lana!" Ethan was startled and quickly supported her.

I quietly watched the two entangled figures outside the door.

Lana leaned into Ethan's embrace, and over his shoulder, she shot me a provocative glance, then weakly said, "Ethan, I really love that conservatory... just let me stay for a few days, okay?"

Ethan looked at the barely conscious Lana in his arms, then at me. I imagined he was in agonizing struggle.

"Sera..." he began with difficulty, his voice pleading. "Lana's illness can't handle any shock. That conservatory... could you lend it to her for a few days? I promise, once she's better, I'll have her move out immediately."

I looked at Ethan and suddenly found it somewhat amusing. Lend? It was a gift he gave me, a testament to our love. Now, for another woman, he was willing to destroy that testament with his own hands.

"Whatever you want," I said, placing the pasta on the dining table, then turning and walking upstairs. "Anyway, those flowers are almost withered."

The next day, Ethan called in workers.

Because Lana claimed she was allergic to pollen but liked the sunlight in the glass conservatory, Ethan ordered all the blue roses in the conservatory to be pulled out.

I stood on the second-floor balcony, watching the workers roughly uproot those delicate blue roses and toss them into the trash. The ground was covered in fallen petals, much like my utterly ruined marriage of three years.

Ethan came up behind me and hugged me, burying his head in the crook of my neck, his voice heavy. "Sera, don't watch. Once Lana leaves, I'll build you an even bigger and better conservatory, filled with all the flowers you love, okay?"

I didn't struggle. I just looked downstairs and said softly, "Ethan, flowers that have been pulled out cannot be replanted."

Ethan's heart sank abruptly, an inexplicable panic seizing him. He tightened his arms, trying to draw some sense of security from me. "Yes, they can. As long as we're together, anything can start anew."

I closed my eyes and said nothing more.

Start anew? No, Ethan. Ten more days, and we'll be completely over.

Sera Hayes' POV

Eight days left until I leave.

To appease Lana, Ethan hosted a small banquet at the city's most luxurious club, inviting only his closest friends.

Before we left, Ethan handed me a designer gown. "Sera, you'll accompany me tonight."

My hand, which was organizing design sketches, paused. I looked up at him. "In what capacity? Your secret wife, or Ms. Bellweather's accessory?"

Ethan's face stiffened, then softened. "Sera, don't make a scene. Tonight, only my friends are coming, and they all know about Lana's condition. You'll attend as my executive assistant, to help me look after Lana, just in case anything happens to her. I feel more at ease with you by my side."

Disguising his wife as an assistant to cater to his publicly engaged fiance. Ethan's shamelessness continued to push the boundaries of my understanding.

"Fine," I said. I didn't refuse. I took the dress and walked into the dressing room.

The banquet hall was dimly lit and luxuriously decorated.

Lana, in a red gown, leaned against Ethan, like a princess. People around raised their glasses, offering her congratulations.

"Mr. Knight, your patience has finally paid off! Ms. Bellweather is awake, and you two can finally walk down the aisle!"

"Exactly, Mr. Knight has been so faithful these past five years, never a single other woman by his side. Ms. Bellweather, you really need to make it up to him!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

I stood quietly in the corner, wearing a modest black business suit, like a ghost. I listened to those ridiculous blessings, watching Ethan with a faint smile on his lips, not refuting a single word.

Faithful? Then what was I, who slept in the same bed with him every night for three years?

"Hey, who's this?" A slightly tipsy guest suddenly noticed me in the corner, his gaze dismissive. "Mr. Knight, your new assistant? Quite pretty, but she doesn't seem to know any manners. Shouldn't she be pouring wine?"

The private room instantly fell silent. A few people here knew about my existence; they knew Ethan kept a mistress, but not a single one of them thought I was important. In their eyes, I was just a gold-digger, and now that Lana was back, I naturally had to leave.

Ethan's brows furrowed. He was about to speak, but Lana quickly grabbed his hand.

"Ms. Hayes isn't just any assistant, she's Ethan's wonderful helper," Lana said, smiling sweetly at me. "Ms. Hayes, Ethan's glass is empty. Would you mind pouring him some wine?"

This was blatant humiliation.

Ethan looked at me. He seemed a little hesitant, but he didn't stop her. He probably thought that if I could endure it, once Lana was well, he would compensate me doubly.

"Sera, pour the wine," Ethan said blandly.

I lowered my gaze, concealing the mockery in my eyes. I walked over, picked up the decanter from the table, went to Ethan's side, and slightly bent to pour the wine.

Just then, the guest beside me suddenly extended his foot and tripped me.

Caught off guard, my body lurched forward. With a crash, the decanter smashed onto the table, sending broken glass scattering everywhere. Red wine splashed all over me, and a few drops splattered onto Lana's gown.

"Ah!" Lana shrieked, clutching her chest, her face instantly turning pale. She gasped for breath.

Ethan shot up, not even glancing at me, who had fallen onto the broken glass. He immediately pulled Lana into his arms, anxiously patting her back. "Lana! Lana, are you okay? Where's your medicine? Quick, get her medicine!"

The scene became chaotic.

I sat on the floor, my palm pressed onto the broken glass. Blood instantly gushed out, staining the carpet. A searing pain shot through me, but I felt nothing, just quietly watched Ethan frantically embracing another woman.

This was the man I had loved for three years.

"Are you alright?"

A gentle voice suddenly spoke above me.

I looked up and saw Caleb Reid, who had entered the room at some point. He wore a well-tailored gray suit, his brows furrowed, his eyes filled with concern.

Caleb crouched down, carefully avoiding the broken glass on the floor, and gently took my bleeding hand, quickly pressing a clean handkerchief onto the wound.

"Caleb..." I was stunned.

"I'm here to pick you up," Caleb's voice was not loud, but clear enough for everyone in the room to hear. He scooped me up from the floor, then coldly swept his gaze over the chaotic crowd, finally landing on Ethan.

Ethan, who was feeding Lana her medicine, turned his head at the sound and was visibly shocked to see Caleb holding me.

"Caleb, what are you doing? Put her down!" Ethan's voice was laced with suppressed fury.

Caleb scoffed. "Mr. Knight is so busy taking care of his fiance, he can't even see his assistant is injured. Since you can't take care of her, I'll take her away."

With that, Caleb held me and started to walk out of the room.

Seeing this, Ethan quickly rose and grabbed my wrist.

"What right do you have to take her?!" Ethan's voice was full of anger.

Before I could speak, I heard Lana behind Ethan begin to cry. "Ethan, my heart hurts so much... what should I do... am I going to die..."

Ethan's grip on my wrist loosened.

He quickly turned back to the frail Lana.

Watching this scene, I finally let out a low laugh.

"Let's go, Dr. Reid."

He chose someone else over me, again.

I should be used to it by now, shouldn't I?

Sera Hayes' POV

Five days left until I leave.

Caleb took me to the hospital to get my wound bandaged. My palm had a deep cut from the glass, requiring three stitches. Throughout the entire process, I didn't make a sound, as calm as a puppet without sensation.

"The overseas paperwork is all settled," Caleb looked at my face and sighed. "Sera, if you can't bear it, you can always come to me. You don't have to carry it all alone."

"Thank you, I'm fine." I looked at my bandaged hand, a faint smile playing on my lips. "I just feel like these three years were a bizarre dream, and now that I've woken up, it's time to go."

Leaving the hospital, it was pouring rain.

Caleb drove me back to the villa. As the car pulled up to the gate, we saw Ethan's black Maybach parked in the rain.

Ethan stood under a black umbrella, his face terribly grim. Seeing me get out of Caleb's car, he strode over, roughly pulling me under his umbrella, with a force that tugged at my fresh wound.

I winced.

"Ethan, you're hurting her!" Caleb pushed open his car door, angrily moving to intervene.

"Get lost!" Ethan glared coldly at Caleb, his eyes like poisoned daggers. "She's my wife, it's none of your business! Caleb, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Stay away from her!"

With that, he forcibly embraced me and strode into the villa, slamming the door shut.

The villa was dark, no lights on.

Ethan pushed me against the door, his chest heaving violently. He had clearly smelled the unfamiliar cologne on me.

"Sera, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded in the darkness. "I just wasn't there to take care of you, and you're already rushing to find a lover? Do you have any idea what people in that room will say about you tonight?!"

Leaning against the cold door, I suddenly felt very tired.

"Do you care what they say about me?" My voice was especially hollow in the dark. "In their eyes, I was already a mercenary woman. Ethan, you're the one who pushed me into that position."

Ethan was stunned.

"Sera, I didn't mean it like that..." He softened his voice, trying to take my hand. "Tonight was an accident. Lana suddenly had an episode, I was too anxious and didn't think about you. How's your hand? Let me see."

I avoided his touch.

"Ethan, you're always like this," I stated calmly. "You think that as long as you apologize, as long as you explain 'it was for Lana,' I have to unconditionally forgive you, understand you. But why should I?"

"Because you're my wife!" Ethan blurted out. "We're married! We're family. Lana isn't my family, I'm just repaying a debt! Why can't you be a little more understanding and not make a fuss right now?"

Family. I laughed, tears almost welling up.

"Yes, I'm your wife," I said softly. "So you can propose to someone else on a national live broadcast, you can make me pour wine like a servant in front of others, and you can walk away without a backward glance while I'm injured and bleeding."

"Ethan, you actually dare to call me your family. It's truly disgusting."

"Sera!" Ethan was stung. He suddenly raised his voice. "Do you have to be so mean? I told you this is only temporary! Everything will go back to normal once she has her surgery!"

Just then, Ethan's phone vibrated wildly.

He answered with annoyance. The urgent voice of a hospital nurse came through. "Mr. Knight, Ms. Bellweather suddenly became emotionally unstable and ran to the hospital rooftop, threatening to jump! Please come quickly!"

Ethan's face instantly changed.

He hung up, gave me a deep look. "Sera, Lana is threatening to jump, I have to go. We'll talk about us when I get back."

With that, he turned and without hesitation, pulled open the door and rushed out into the rainy night.

I stood there, listening to the car engine start, watching the Maybach disappear into the rain.

I slowly walked to the sofa, pulled out a pre-prepared divorce agreement from my bag, and placed it prominently on the table.

Sera Hayes' POV

Three days left until I leave.

Ethan hadn't returned for two days.

I learned from the news that Lana had cried and thrown a fit on the hospital rooftop, insisting she was useless and unworthy of the excellent Ethan Knight, and she wanted to jump.

Ethan had stayed on the rooftop, trying to persuade her, eventually rushing into the rain to rescue the distraught Lana, then taking her for psychological counseling.

Netizens were moved by their "great love story."

I gave a self-mocking laugh.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door opening.

Ethan was back.

He must have immediately seen the divorce agreement I'd placed on the table.

"Sera!"

I heard Ethan roar, followed by a rush of footsteps. He stormed up to the second-floor bedroom.

In the bedroom, I was sitting at my dressing table, calmly tidying the last few pieces of jewelry. Hearing the commotion, I turned, my expression composed as I looked at the furious Ethan.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ethan slammed the divorce agreement onto the dressing table, his eyes bloodshot, like an enraged beast. "Divorce? Who gave you permission to suggest divorce?!"

I glanced at the crumpled paper, my voice calm, without a ripple. "I've already signed it. I'm leaving with nothing, you don't need to give me any assets. Let's make time tomorrow to finalize the divorce."

"I don't agree!" Ethan grabbed my wrist, his grip so strong it felt like my bones would shatter. "Sera, what exactly are you trying to do? I told you Lana is just a patient, I'm just doing my duty! Do you have to push me at a time like this?"

"I'm not pushing you." I met his eyes directly, no longer seeing the love I once held, only a dead calm. "I'm helping you. Ethan, I'm tired. I don't want to play this three-way game anymore."

"You're the only one I love!" Ethan panicked.

He abruptly pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly, his voice trembling slightly. "Sera, don't be like this. I was wrong. I shouldn't have left you alone in the room, shouldn't have ignored your injury. You can hit me, scold me, just don't mention divorce, okay?"

He thought I was just angry, that if he just sweet-talked me, I would forgive him as before.

"Ethan..."

A weak voice suddenly spoke from the bedroom doorway.

Ethan stiffened, abruptly turning his head.

Lana, wearing a hospital gown, stood weakly at the door, holding a piece of paper. Seeing us embracing, tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

"Lana? How did you get out of the hospital?" Ethan instinctively let go of me and walked towards Lana.

Lana held up the paper in her hand, her voice trembling. "I came back to the villa to get something, and I saw this in the study drawer... Ethan, you and Ms. Hayes... you're married?"

It was a copy of our marriage certificate.

Ethan's face instantly changed. He had kept the marriage certificate well hidden, never expecting Lana to find it.

"Lana, let me explain..."

"You lied to me!" Lana burst into heartbroken sobs, pointing at me. "You're clearly married, so why did you propose to me? Why did you give me hope? What am I? A mistress breaking up someone else's family?!"

"No, Lana, don't get agitated!" Ethan frantically tried to soothe her.

But Lana abruptly pushed him away, rushed to me, grabbed my collar, and screamed hysterically. "It's you, isn't it? You're clinging to Ethan! You know he loves me, why are you monopolizing the position of his wife? You hussy!"

I coldly watched her performance, then shoved her hand away. "Ms. Bellweather, getting too deep into character isn't fun. Didn't you already know?"

Lana froze, then suddenly slapped herself across the face, and then fell backward, landing heavily on the floor.

"My heart..." Lana clutched her chest, painfully curling up on the ground, gasping for air, her face instantly turning bluish-purple.

"Lana!" Ethan roared in anger, rushing over to scoop Lana into his arms.

He turned, glaring fiercely at me, his eyes filled with rage and disappointment. "Sera! Why did you push her?! You know her heart is weak and she can't handle shock! If anything happens to Lana, I will never forgive you!"

I stood there, watching Ethan protect Lana as if she were a precious treasure, watching him unhesitatingly pin a fabricated crime on me.

I suddenly felt incredibly light.

"She won't die," I said, looking down at them. "But Ethan, we're over."

Ethan had no time to ponder my words. He picked up Lana and rushed downstairs like a madman, driving straight to the hospital.

The villa fell silent once more.

I walked to the dressing table, smoothed out the crumpled divorce agreement, and picked up my suitcase.