Chapter 5

Still holding the divorce papers in my hand, I felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck me when the truth finally sank in.

Not only had the three years of happiness been a lie, but even our marriage certificate was fake.

All those years of love had meant nothing.

I turned away in despair, unable to bear another word of their conversation, and asked Lucas to take me out.

"Sorry. It looks like the marriage was never registered, so there's no need for a divorce. I'll still pay your fee as agreed. Thank you for your help."

After Lucas wheeled me back to my hospital room, Ben's panicked voice rang out.

"Mr. Reed, you're finally back! I looked everywhere for you. I was about to call the police."

He was so relieved that tears streamed down his face.

"I'm fine. A friend came to see me and took me for a walk."

Lucas handed me back over to him, looking at me with sympathy. "Mr. Reed… please take care of yourself."

After Lucas left, I curled up on the hospital bed, replaying everything I had just heard. Memories came flooding back.

Vivian and I had known each other for seven years, dated for four, and supposedly been married for three. She had always been devoted to me, taking care of me in every possible way and slowly drawing me deeper into the relationship.

Three years ago, I'd suffered a severe hand injury. If she hadn't stayed by my side, I might never have made it through.

Two years ago, I'd lost the ability to have children, forcing us to abandon the plans we'd made to start a family. So she had a tubal ligation, too, swearing that we'd remain childfree for the rest of our lives.

"I love you."

"I'm here for you."

I used to think her words were a gift from heaven. Now I realized they had all been part of her plan.

If this accident hadn't happened, if my eye hadn't been forcibly removed, I might have lived the rest of my life without ever knowing the truth.

Years of suppressed pain finally overwhelmed me, and I broke down sobbing.

Ben assumed I was in unbearable pain and rushed to get my doctor.

The moment I heard his familiar voice, I lost control.

"Get out! Are you happy now? Happy watching me become a useless cripple? You performed every surgery I've had over the past three years. If you can't fix this, then just kill me!"

William turned to Ben. "His emotions are running high. Please step outside. Don't come back in without my permission."

Ben gave me a wary look before quickly leaving the room.

Once the door closed, William locked it.

"Mr. Reed, I'm sorry. But none of this was my choice. If I refused, another doctor would have performed the surgeries.

"I didn't remove your entire eye. I only took your cornea. Ms. Rhodes doesn't know about that. I've already submitted my resignation. Once it's approved, I'll leave this hospital.

"Ms. Rhodes isn't someone you should trust with your life. If you want to survive, get a lawyer and fight her in court. That's all I can tell you."

William left with a troubled expression.

I touched the bandages over my eyes, and silent tears finally slipped down my face. As long as there was still a chance I could see again, there was still hope for my life.

I took out my phone and called my uncle, who lived abroad. I asked him to book me a flight to Westoria for the following week.

I told him that a friend had lost his sight and asked him to keep an eye out for any available cornea donations at hospitals there.

Once everything was arranged, I finally composed myself and called Ben back in.

That evening, Vivian arrived as expected, bringing the stew she claimed she had spent eight hours making. She gently fed it to me spoonful by spoonful, every word filled with concern.

The nurses who came to change my medication saw the scene and praised her for being such a devoted wife.

I remained unmoved, managing only a bitter, helpless smile.