Chapter 5

Ethan didn’t come home for several days.

Cora could only catch glimpses of him through Madison’s social media posts.

The first post was a collage of nine photos. Madison was beaming in every one of them as she attended a charity gala with Ethan. She wore a fortune’s worth of jewelry he had acquired for her at a high-stakes charity auction, and the two were dressed in matching outfits.

The caption read:

“Only I deserve to stand by your side.”

The second post featured several photos of the back of someone’s injured hand.

Cora recognized it immediately. It was Ethan’s hand.

The caption read:

“Is this what true love feels like? He said he’d risk his life for me. I’ve never been happier.”

After that came a steady stream of videos showing Ethan and Madison attending interviews together and flaunting their relationship in public.

Cora watched them with cold detachment, until a memory suddenly came back to her.

There had been a time when Ethan truly would have given up his life for her.

Back then, their love had been pure. Two young lovers had held each other beneath the stars and promised to stay together for the rest of their lives.

“I’ll make sure Cora has a good life!”

When had that vow turned into something so hollow?

Ding!

Madison was calling.

She had clearly called just to provoke Cora.

“You’ve seen my posts, haven’t you? Ethan loves me. Everything he once did for you, he can do for me now.”

Cora suddenly laughed, her voice laced with pity.

“He never loved you. He’s in love with power and status.”

Unfortunately, she had only figured that out herself today.

Madison’s breathing grew noticeably heavier on the other end. Anger crept into her voice as she let out a cold laugh.

“That’s just jealousy talking. Just you wait!”

She hung up in a fit of rage.

Cora tugged at the corner of her mouth, hiding the scorn in her eyes.

That evening, Ethan suddenly returned home, his expression cold.

His face was dark, as though he were struggling to contain his anger. The moment he stepped inside, he turned to Cora.

“Cora, was it you who leaked the news about our marriage certificate?”

His voice was tense, but he was still trying to keep his composure.

Cora froze, unable to understand what he meant for a moment.

Then he shoved a phone into her hand.

A trending news story filled the screen. Its headline was displayed in bold red letters:

“Caldwell Heir Rumored to Be Married—What Will Become of the Caldwell-Parker Alliance?”

Below it was a clear image of their marriage certificate, with Cora’s name listed as his spouse.

Cora’s pupils contracted. She looked up at him sharply.

“You suspect me?”

“It’s not just suspicion.” Ethan rubbed his temples. “It’s just too much of a coincidence. Madison had you taken to the police station, and now, not long after your release, this comes out...”

“So what?” Cora’s voice trembled. “You think I did it?”

Ethan fell silent for a moment before turning his face away.

“Cora, you’re being unreasonable.”

He hadn’t accused her outright, but she could hear the reproach in his voice.

He had already decided she was the one who leaked the news.

Cora stared at him, her heart bleeding with every beat.

Then she remembered Madison’s phone call earlier that day, especially the threat in her voice. Suddenly, the truth became clear.

“No. Madison did this!

“She called me earlier today. She—”

Cora stumbled over her words as she tried to explain, oblivious to the disappointment growing in Ethan’s eyes.

Finally, Ethan lost all patience. He seized her wrist, gripping it so tightly that it felt as though he might crush her bones.

“Enough, Cora Mitchell! Are you really going to keep pretending you don’t know what you’re doing?

“When did you become so unreasonable? You’ve had that marriage certificate ever since we registered our marriage. Who else could have leaked it besides you?

“Besides, what would Madison gain by sabotaging the alliance? She’s not as stupid as you are!”

With that, he violently flung her away.

Bam!

Cora staggered backward, her lower back slamming into the edge of a table. Agonizing pain tore through her, but Ethan acted as though he hadn’t even noticed.

He strode toward the door without looking back.

He left with such cold finality, as though he had already decided she was both foolish and malicious.

Cora could no longer hold back. She broke down and sobbed.