Chapter 7

"I understand. I won't let you down," Andrew assured her.

"Good," Vivian said. "Julian has been waiting outside long enough. I'll be taking our daughter home."

Upon hearing that, I frantically looked for somewhere to hide, only to trip and fall.

I heard the door open.

I was trying to figure out how to pretend I hadn't heard anything when I recognized Andrew's voice.

"It's nothing. The cat knocked something over. Talk to Cece. I'll be there in a minute."

Andrew stepped in front of me, blocking Vivian's view.

Once she left, his attitude changed immediately.

"So, you heard everything. I might as well tell you. Cece is my daughter with Vivian. How does it feel? You spent three years by her side, and she still wouldn't give you a child.

"Oh, right. I forgot. You can't have children. And now you have to raise your wife's lover's child. I almost feel sorry for you.

"Vivian hasn't told you yet, has she? We're legally married. You're actually the homewrecker. If you know what's good for you, you should leave her."

I desperately searched for my cane. Just as I managed to get back on my feet, Andrew slammed into the bookshelf behind me, sending the books crashing down onto my head.

"Oops. Sorry. My hand slipped."

I'd finally had enough. I got to my feet, raised my cane, and swung it toward him.

But the next second, Andrew suddenly fell backward right in front of me.

Before I could react, I heard Vivian's panicked voice. "Andy!"

She rushed over and helped him up.

"Julian, what are you doing? We came to take Cece home today. How could you attack someone?"

Celine ran over and began hitting my leg.

"You're a bad man! Bad! Don't hurt my daddy!" she shrieked. "Mommy, make him leave! I don't want this bad man in our home!"

Andrew leaned weakly against Vivian's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I was only trying to show Mr. Reed around. I didn't realize… he disliked me this much."

I steadied myself with my cane and stood there awkwardly, unable to stop myself from laughing bitterly. "A blind man bullying you? What a joke!"

I then demanded, "Vivian, is this really an orphanage? Then why is she the only child here? Are you really her 'Mommy' just because you come here so often?

"My eyes, my hands, my body, our marriage… After everything you've done, don't you have anything to say?"

Vivian frowned, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes. But when she saw the bandages covering my eyes, her expression quickly returned to normal.

"What exactly do you want me to say? Do you think marrying me has brought you nothing but bad luck, and now you want to blame everything on me?

"Of course this is an orphanage. What else could it possibly be? You're being completely unreasonable! Apologize to Mr. Cole!"

I dug my nails into my palm, barely keeping myself upright.

Vivian supported Andrew and looked at me with disappointment. "I'll take Mr. Cole to the hospital. I'll have the butler send you home later."

With that, she helped Andrew leave, while the little girl skipped after them. "Daddy, Mommy, wait for me!"

Once they disappeared from the villa, all the strength left my body, and I collapsed.

Three years of love turned to ashes at that moment.

…

When I got home that afternoon, I locked myself in my room and started packing. I told the housekeeper to throw away everything that belonged to me.

At 6:00 pm, I took all my important documents and hailed a cab to the airport.

While waiting for my flight, I received a call from Vivian.

"Jules, I overreacted today. I realize I didn't make you feel secure enough, and that's why you got so upset."