Chapter 3

At the graduation ceremony, Samantha wore a haute couture white dress and stood under the spotlight as a high-achieving graduate.

The students behind me started gossiping. "Sammy is so pretty and bright. More than 100 people died in that abduction. She'll live on with them in her heart."

Samantha flashed me a gentle smile. "Nat, I'm glad that you're here."

Charles shot me a look, urging me to say it.

Expressionless, I unfolded the "graduation farewell" note he had prepared earlier.

"I'm dealing with hormonal issues. I lost my temper yesterday and slapped Sammy. I'll find out who's behind the rumor that says she's a homewrecker."

Sneering, I tore the note to pieces. Seeing the frown on his face, I took the microphone and said, "What makes you think I'll give that ungrateful woman a chance? Let me clarify something. The rumor is true. Samantha Wood is a homewrecker."

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

Samantha was stunned, then her eyes turned red instantly. "Nat, I'm indebted to you. I don't mind taking the baby you're carrying as my own. What do you still expect me to do?"

I grinned mockingly. "Are you out of your mind?"

The next instant, she took out a certificate and handed it to me.

It was a marriage certificate, and the registration date was yesterday.

"Nat, Charles and I are legally married."

Dumbfounded, I turned around.

Charles seemed unbothered and muttered, "I recalled that I had never taken a photo with her, so I thought of giving this to her as a graduation gift to cheer her up. Don't worry. I'll get a divorce tomorrow. We'll register again a month later."

Samantha's eyes were red-rimmed as she said, "Nat, I know you're afraid that I might expose your dad for killing 100 people because of his mistake, but you shouldn't ask someone to post that I'm a homewrecker."

I raised my arm and was about to slap her. "What did you say? My dad saved your life!"

Right then, someone gripped my wrist tightly. Ethan had rushed onto the stage.

He flung my hand, his expression cold. "You're giving her a hard time even when we're around. Who's going to protect her when we're not with her?"

I stared at Ethan in disbelief. "Why didn't you defend my dad? You know he's a hero!"

A hesitant look flashed in Ethan's gaze. Then, he said through gritted teeth, "If I strip you of your status as the martyr's daughter, you'll keep picking on Sammy. Don't worry. I'll keep you safe even without that status."

Charles leaned in and said, "Nat, your dad is gone, but the survivors should live on. Make up with Sammy."

The system's ticking echoed in my mind.

There were three hours left.

Tears ran down my cheeks as I asked, "What about me? What if I die?"

Charles held his breath.

Just then, the crowd erupted into chaos. Someone had made a move.

The red paint from the bucket trickled down my police uniform.

"Natalie's dad killed those people! She's trying to make the guy marry her with the baby! How shameless!"

"Her dad is a murderer, and she's a mistress! Birds of a feather flock together!"

"Do you deserve to wear this police uniform? Take it off!"

The students swarmed toward me. Someone gripped me by the collar, someone pushed me, and some even spat on me.

Charles was about to rush over when Samantha held her head and exclaimed, "Nat, my head hurts whenever I think of what happened back then. Stop pushing me…"

Ethan carried her anxiously and left.

After hesitating for a moment, Charles said gently to me, "It's okay. Those kids are just messing around. You're good at fighting, so you won't get hurt."

The system's sound rang out. "The host's vital signs are deteriorating."

However, I could hardly hear it anymore.

My ears were buzzing with curses, laughter, and the clicking sound of cameras.

I had no idea how long it had been, but I suddenly felt warmth spreading through my lower abdomen.

Someone exclaimed, "Oh my! Why is there so much blood? Is she gonna die?"