Chapter 3

In my hazy consciousness, I drifted back to the time when Hayes Corporation was targeted by business rivals.

The whole city knew.

Ethan was taken in for investigation. The entire corporation was in turmoil.

I went to find him. He looked haggard, dark circles under his eyes.

"Serena, they want to take away my inheritance rights."

I'd never seen him like this.

That young man who spoke so eloquently on stage with such confidence looked like his spine had been removed.

"I'll ask Michelle. She can help you." I gripped his hand.

"Before my mother died, she said if I ever needed help, I should ask her."

That was the only support my mother left me. I used it for him.

After it was resolved, he held my hand, his fingers trembling.

He said then that in this life, I was the only one, and he'd never betray me.

I believed him.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw dusty curtains and the cold air conditioning vent.

My abdomen ached like flesh being carved out.

I looked down. Flat and empty. Nothing left.

Even this room was in the most remote corner of the Hayes estate.

Ms. Smith's voice trembled as she told me.

"After you fainted, Ethan said your behavior was improper and you weren't fit to be the CEO's wife."

"He announced he was with Vivian."

I listened as if hearing about someone else.

"Mr. Mitchell said from now on, you're no longer his daughter."

"He said you disgraced the Mitchell family and he can no longer be Hayes Corporation's supplier."

I paused for a moment, then wanted to laugh.

That father who only had eyes for Michelle and Claire---how could he want a daughter who disgraced him?

After my mother died, even the household staff took cues from Michelle.

They wouldn't even turn on the radiator in my room. I shivered under blankets in winter.

Ethan brought me a hand warmer.

That was the first warmth I'd received since my mother left.

Later he came often, bringing food, coffee, books I loved.

Michelle's people didn't dare stop him, so I looked forward to his visits every day.

With him backing me up, he was the only light in those dark days.

Now, the light was extinguished.

The door opened. Ethan walked in.

Dark gray suit, impeccably styled hair. Same face, yet unbearably unfamiliar.

"Serena." His voice was gentle as yesterday.

"About yesterday---I had no choice. All those guests were there. I had to give them an explanation."

"Hayes Corporation is publicly traded. If this kind of negative news spreads, the stock price will be affected. I couldn't give the board ammunition against me."

I looked at him.

Two nights ago he'd whispered in my ear about weathering storms together. One day later, the boat had already sunk.

"From now on you'll stay in this room. Though it's not an official position, I won't mistreat you."

"But there's one thing," he paused.

"Vivian is my fiancée now. She deserves proper respect. When you see her, be polite."

I watched his mouth open and close. Every word was clear.

Yet every word was incomprehensible.

"Ethan, that year your company was targeted---who saved your inheritance rights?"

His expression stiffened.

"I begged Michelle for an entire afternoon to secure your CEO position today."

"Now that you're successful, you're going to wrong me for Claire's sake?"

He stood up, turning his back to me.

"Serena, don't blame me. After all, you... had the character problem first."

All the blood in my body rushed to my head.

When he covered my mouth, why didn't he mention character problems?

When he knelt before me promising to marry me, why didn't he mention character problems?

He personally aborted my baby, then told me to have breakfast with my stepsister.

And now he says I have character problems?

I grabbed the glass beside me and hurled it at him.

"Get out!"

The glass shattered at his feet, fragments flying.

He didn't turn back, just walked out.

As the door closed, I heard him making a call.

"Send security. Watch her twenty-four hours."

My chest heaved violently. My abdomen cramped and ached.

But the worst pain wasn't there.

It was my chest.

The place that once held him was now empty, with only cold wind pouring in.