Chapter 6

After I was brought home in a wretched state,

The Smith family held a family trust fund meeting.

"Halen," the family lawyer adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone businesslike, "Given your 'attempted murder' of Elena on the yacht, the Smith Family Committee has unanimously decided to activate the disciplinary clause."

Killian sat at the head of the table, not even glancing at me, and simply signed his name on the document.

"As punishment, and to compensate Elena for the shock she suffered. All family trust shares under your name will be transferred to Elena."

"This is the price you have to pay." He looked at me with disappointment.

I looked at him.

I once thought he was my rock, my only hope in this room.

But he just sat there quietly, his long fingers crossed on his knees, his expression solemn and rational.

"Killian..."

I called him softly.

Killian raised his head, and in those deep eyes, there was still that despairing "hoping for iron to become steel."

"Halen, sign it."

His voice was steady, carrying an unquestionable gentlemanly demeanor.

"If you do something wrong, you have to bear the consequences. This is the adult world, not your willful playground."

"Depriving you of your wealth might calm you down and make you reflect properly on the weight of life."

"Besides, Elena almost lost her life because of you; this money for her medical treatment is the compensation you should make."

I looked at him.

Looking at this man I had loved for four years, yet who had never trusted me.

With trembling hands, I signed my name.

At that moment, I lost not just hundreds of billions in assets but also my last sense of belonging to this home.

---

Back in the bedroom, I just wanted to hug Luna.

Luna was the ragdoll cat I had raised for five years, the last living creature left to me by my mother before she passed away.

During the days and nights of my miscarriage and confinement, only she accompanied me, licking away my tears.

But as soon as I entered the room, I heard a burst of violent coughing.

Elena was clutching her chest, collapsing into Killian's arms, her face flushed red as if she would suffocate the next second.

And Luna was squatting innocently on the cabinet nearby.

"What's wrong?"

"Cat... cough cough... there's cat hair..."

Elena had difficulty breathing, clutching Killian's collar, large tears falling.

"Killian... I can't breathe... save me..."

Killian's expression changed instantly.

He turned to look at the cat, a flash of disgust and decisiveness in his eyes.

"Butler!"

He shouted in a deep voice.

"Get rid of this beast."

"Where to?" I rushed over, hugging Luna, looking at them vigilantly.

"Send it to the animal shelter on the outskirts of the city."

Killian stood up, his tone cold and hard, "Anyway, this cat cannot appear in the manor again."

"No! Luna is my life!"

I hugged the trembling kitten tightly in my arms, tears bursting out.

"She's very good, she never sheds! Elena never said she was allergic when she came before; she's faking it!"

"Halen!"

Killian raised his voice a few decibels, carrying deep disappointment.

"Elena is about to suffocate, and you're still dwelling on these excuses?"

"Is a human life important, or a cat's life?"

"I know you like it, but its presence now threatens Elena's safety."

"Killian, I beg you..."

I knelt before him with a "plop."

At that moment, I abandoned all dignity.

I grabbed the hem of his expensive trousers, crying my heart out.

"I signed, I gave up the property, I don't want anything... I beg you, don't send Luna away."

"She's the only memory left by my mother... I beg you..."

Killian looked down at me kneeling on the ground.

A flash of unbearable emotion passed through his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by something called "principle."

"Halen, don't be so unreasonable."

He bent down, not to help me up, but to pry open my fingers holding the cat one by one.

His movements were gentle, yet cruelly hair-raising.

"It's just a plaything. When Elena recovers, I'll give you a better, more expensive one."

"But this one must be disposed of."

"Take it away."

Several bodyguards rushed up and forcibly snatched Luna from my arms.

"Meow—!"

Luna let out a shrill scream as if knowing the fate she was about to face.

"No! Luna!"

I scrambled up from the ground and chased out stumbling.

Heavy rain poured down.

The black Range Rover started, carrying my last family member, and drove into the vast rain curtain.

"Stop! Please stop!"

Barefoot, I ran wildly on the muddy driveway.

Rain mixed with tears flowed into my mouth, bitter enough to make me want to vomit.

I slapped the car window; through the glass, I saw Luna shrinking in the cage, looking at me with fear in those blue eyes.

The car accelerated.

I was thrown heavily to the ground, my knees scraping against the gravel, blood dripping.

I could only watch helplessly as the taillights disappeared into the darkness.

I knew Elena would definitely cause trouble.

That was a shelter on the outskirts; for an "abandoned" sick cat, the only outcome was death.

At that moment.

I lay in the muddy water, letting out a desperate wail.

Killian.

You finally killed all my love.

---

The next morning.

Dragging a simple suitcase, I walked out of that villa which was like a cage.

On the garden path, Elena blocked my way.

She was wearing Killian's shirt, her face glowing, holding a cup of hot coffee.

"Leaving?"

Elena chuckled lightly, leaning close to my ear.

"Tell you some good news. The shelter people just messaged me."

"That cat had a severe stress reaction and scratched a staff member."

"So... they've already helped it 'find release'."

My heart twitched violently, my nails digging deep into my palm.

But I didn't cry, nor did I make a fuss.

I didn't even have the strength to be angry anymore.

"Congratulations, Elena."

I looked at her, my eyes as empty as a dry well.

"You won. This man, this home, and that dirty money are all yours."

Elena was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting me to be so calm.

"You're really leaving? Killian thinks you're just throwing a tantrum."

"He thinks that by pushing you to a dead end, you'll obediently learn to listen, learn to be a 'perfect wife'."

"Perfect wife?"

I smiled mockingly.

"Leave it for a ghost to be."

I pulled up my suitcase, bypassed her, and walked towards the gate.

A black Bentley was parked by the roadside.

The window rolled down, revealing Killian's handsome face.

"Figured it out? Going out to relax?"

He looked at the suitcase in my hand, his tone even carrying a hint of relief.

Perhaps he thought I still loved him and would definitely return to his side.

"Go to Paris or Milan for a while. Take this card, no limit."

"When you've calmed down, learned how to respect Elena, and reflected on your mistakes, I'll come pick you up."

He handed over a black card.

Just like when he gave me the five-million check.

I looked at the card and didn't take it.

"No need."

I said faintly.

After speaking, I flagged down a passing taxi.

"To the airport."

The car started.

I didn't look back at the man's stunned expression.

Killian.

Hope that when you can no longer find the Halen whose eyes were full of you in this empty home.

You can maintain your decency and gentlemanliness like today.

Forever, do not regret.