로그인Nora Hastings“He’s in the shower right now. He’s been taking such good care of me all day that he’s completely exhausted,” Mia said.I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my anger under control. I couldn’t afford to waste another second arguing with her.“I don’t need to hear about how well he’s been treating you. This is about my father. He’s dying, and he needs to be admitted to the ICCU. Please put Ryan on the phone. Now.”“Oh, my God. What terrible timing,” Mia replied, her voice dripping with insincere sympathy. “I’m not feeling well either. I’ve been nauseous and dizzy all afternoon because of the pregnancy. You know how that feels. But Ryan is so worried about me and the baby that he called in the best medical team in the city. They’re all standing by nearby in case anything happens to us.”My hand trembled so violently that I could barely hold the phone.My father was fighting for his life, while my husband was playing house with his pregnant mistress.“Could you please just—”
Nora HastingsMia continued sending me pictures of her growing belly, expensive gifts Ryan had bought for her, and countless other things she apparently wanted me to see. Along with them came a steady stream of taunting messages, each one designed to dig deeper into wounds that were already raw.The following morning, I deliberately arranged a meeting with Richard, a lawyer Sonya had recommended. He arrived quite early, just as I was having breakfast.“Good morning, Mrs. Kingsley,” he greeted me.“Good morning. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Please come in.” I invited him into the dining room, where I was still finishing my breakfast.A short while later, after I had finished eating, Richard began explaining the legal aspects of divorce.“Given that your husband has committed adultery and fathered a child with another woman, you could certainly seek substantial compensation,” he said seriously. “There’s another important consideration. You gave up your career for this marr
Nora HastingsMy heart shattered as I read Mia’s brutal messages. My hands trembled as I finally set my phone down.I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. After wiping away my tears, I sat on the edge of the bed and waited for the housekeeper to arrive.She came not long afterward, carrying several of my belongings. I had no intention of staying in the hospital any longer than necessary, so I asked the doctor about my condition. Since my fever had subsided and I was feeling much better, he agreed to discharge me.At last, we went home.Once there, I went straight to my bedroom and lay down, hoping to get some rest.That evening, Ryan came home carrying an elegant pink box. Inside was a London chocolate cake from the most expensive bakery in the city. It had once been my absolute favorite dessert.“Baby, I brought your favorite cake,” Ryan said carefully, watching my face for a reaction. “I thought something sweet might help you rega
Nora HastingsRyan helped the woman out of the obstetrician’s office, gently stroking her belly as they walked. They were both smiling, happiness radiating from their faces.A pang of envy and jealousy twisted in my gut. In five years of marriage, I could not give Ryan a child. Yet this woman could. Was that why he had turned to her? Was that why he had betrayed me?And after I had collapsed the night before, he had been here with her all along.Recognition struck me instantly. She was the same woman from the photograph sent by the mysterious number.As if sensing my presence, she glanced down the hallway and spotted me standing motionless. Her eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with something that looked suspiciously like malicious delight.“Isn’t that Mrs. Kingsley?” she exclaimed.“What a coincidence, running into you here at the hospital.”At the sound of her voice, Ryan looked up. His eyes met mine across the corridor.He froze. A moment later, he hurriedly pulled his hand awa
Damian KingsleyAfter Nora left the mansion, I excused myself from Ellen and the others. They attempted to persuade me to stay, but I knew my presence wasn’t particularly welcome either.As I got into my car, I glanced through the window and spotted Nora standing beside the estate gates, clutching her handbag beneath the pouring rain.Her dress was completely soaked, clinging to her body. She was shivering, her long hair hanging in wet strands around her face. She looked painfully vulnerable.I knew Ellen and Clara well enough. Neither of them would have bothered arranging transportation for someone they had never liked.I started the engine, drove toward the gate, and pulled up beside her. Then I lowered the passenger-side window.“Get in. I’ll drive you home.”Nora peered into the car, surprised to find me behind the wheel. Instead of accepting, she shook her head.“It’s okay. The rain will stop soon. Thank you.”I frowned. Was she seriously planning to stand there until the storm p
Nora HastingsEllen gave a dismissive smile and waved her hand. “Then find someone! What are you waiting for?”Damian offered no response. He merely smiled faintly.Ellen then turned her attention to Ryan and me. “You’ve been married for five years. That’s a long time. So, when are you going to give me a great-grandchild?”The atmosphere on the terrace shifted instantly.My fingers tightened around my teacup until my knuckles turned white. It was a painful subject. One I had learned to dread because every mention reopened an old wound.Clara, Ryan’s cousin, immediately seized the opportunity.Leaning forward with a mocking smile, she said, “If Ryan hadn’t insisted on marrying you, do you honestly think someone with your background could have become part of the Kingsley family? You should know your place. You don’t want to give Ryan children, but there are plenty of women who would be more than willing.”Her words were wrapped in false concern, but the contempt in her eyes was unmistak







