Chapter 3

Back when Justin had just taken over Oaks Group, the company was in a perilous situation.

Lynette was the one who stayed by his side the whole time. She came up with strategies for him and spent countless nights staying up just so she could draw design drafts for him. In fact, there was one time at a business dinner when a client's wife forced her to drink so much that she suffered from stomach bleeding. It was all thanks to her that Oaks Group finally returned to its glory days in no time.

That was why Justin had prepared a divorce agreement that allowed her to leave this marriage anytime she wanted. It was the sense of security he gave her.

Others might not know how much Lynette had sacrificed, but Justin certainly did.

His voice became glacial. "Since when aren't you being serious, Lynette? I told you that you always have the right to leave this marriage! There's absolutely no need to keep testing me!"

Lynette's lips curled into a bitter smile.

She knew it. Justin had long since come to take her love for granted.

He knew that she'd definitely love him. That was why he couldn't care less about the misunderstandings others had about her, nor did he care about whether she'd feel upset over said misunderstandings.

Lynette just nodded. "Okay. Got it."

Her high heels made soft clicks as she ascended the stairs.

For some reason, Justin felt somewhat uneasy and annoyed when he heard her footsteps echoing away. He instinctively looked up to see her fading silhouette.

But that was when Christina spoke up. "Don't tell me you've fallen for that childish trick of hers, Justin."

Upon hearing her reminder, Justin suppressed the anxiety that was surging into his heart. He quickly refocused his attention on his laptop. The screen showcased one of Lynette's jewelry designs.

Earlier, Christina suggested using this design to generate publicity for Oaks Group. Justin intended to reject it at first, but now…

"Let's go with your suggestion."

He acted as though he could prove that every decision he made was the correct one.

Meanwhile, Lynette was in the middle of a call with her lawyer in the master bedroom.

"I've already mailed the divorce agreement to you. I need you to settle it as soon as possible."

Justin happened to walk into the room at that moment. "What are you settling with such urgency?"

He leaned against the doorframe, looking slightly weary.

"Lynn, please, I'm begging you… Can you just quit it with your tantrums for the time being? Stop causing trouble for me, okay?

"It's just an identity, Lynn. You have my body and my heart at this point. What else are you unhappy about?"

He wore a look of disgust and impatience, as though he was looking at some filthy mess instead of his own wife.

By then, Lynette's heart had gone numb from all the pain and agony. She merely averted her gaze.

"Don't worry. I won't be unhappy about anything soon enough."

After all, she wouldn't have anything to do with Justin anymore.

Despite having received Lynette's answer, Justin found it impossible to suppress the unease that kept plaguing him. He pinched the spot between his brows for a moment before muttering, "You'd better be."

After that, he walked away.

Since Lynette was already planning to leave, she didn't want to drag things out. Justin was very sure that she wouldn't leave his side, which was why the conditions that were clearly listed in the divorce agreement were favorable toward her.

She needed to get the divorce agreement notarized right away.

Little did Lynette know that she'd get ambushed and beaten up by a sudden mob the moment she left the house. Those people kept screaming at her while attacking her.

"You really are a shameless mistress! People like you deserve to be beaten to death!"

"Not only did you get involved in a marriage, but you also plagiarized from the actual wife! How could someone as shameless as you continue to live in this world?"

"Thank goodness Mrs. Oaks has evidence to back herself up! Otherwise, she'd have gotten framed by this filthy bitch!"

Punches and blows from weapons kept raining down on Lynette. Before she knew it, she was completely covered in her own blood. She didn't even get a chance to catch her breath.

Even though she did her best to protect her belly, someone was still able to land a hit on that spot. An immense wave of pain hit her instantly, followed by the feeling of warm liquid gushing out of her crotch.

Based on the pain that flooded her senses with every breath she took, Lynette clearly felt that the tiny life within her was snuffed out.

Upon noticing her condition, the mob quickly dispersed in fear. Lynette was left lying on the cold cement, completely bruised and battered.

She slowly felt her belly with a trembling hand. Tears streaked down her bloodied face, yet she didn't even have the strength to cry out loud.

"I'm sorry, my baby. I'm so, so sorry…

"I couldn't protect myself, nor could I protect you…"