Chapter 7

I instinctively tried to move my legs, only to despairingly discover I truly had no sensation.

I would never walk again for the rest of my life.

I turned my head and met Ethan's bloodshot eyes.

His eye sockets were red-rimmed, with heavy dark circles underneath, as if he'd been keeping vigil for days and nights.

Seeing me awake, he wept with joy, scalding tears falling heavily onto the back of my hand.

"Honey, you scared me to death. Do you know you were unconscious for three days? I almost thought you were going to leave me."

His voice choked with emotion, several times too overcome to speak.

"The doctor said there was a problem with your immune system. For your health, they had to remove one kidney, and your legs... you won't be able to walk anymore."

I trembled as I reached down, but he grabbed my hand.

"Honey, don't be afraid. No matter what you become, I'll never leave you. I'll love you forever."

I had never imagined his acting skills were so exquisite.

I had seen Scarlett call him more than once, yet he ignored every call, devoting himself entirely to caring for me.

Anyone unaware of the truth would truly believe we were a loving couple.

But everything I had suffered was his gift to me.

He stayed busy until evening, finally half-kneeling beside my bed, his warm lips falling on the back of my hand.

"Honey, I know you're in pain. But your body is too weak right now. The doctor recommends you never get pregnant again in this lifetime.

But honey, don't be afraid - having you is enough for me. Besides, I found a friend who specializes in this area. At most in a year, you'll be able to become a mother."

This sentence shattered my last bit of rationality.

My child, my everything - he had destroyed it all. How could he still say these words with such peace of mind?

"Slap—"

I used all my strength to deliver this blow.

Ethan's face turned to the side from the impact, bright red fingerprints immediately appearing on his pale cheek.

The air froze.

He slowly turned his face back, emotions I couldn't read churning in his eyes.

Just when I thought I would face his fury, he suddenly grabbed my stinging hand and reverently kissed my palm.

That kiss was scalding and moist, carrying an almost pathological obsession.

His trembling lips repeatedly caressed the lines of my palm, as if repenting, or drawing some kind of strength.

"Hit me a few more times."

He pressed my reddened palm against his face.

"I know you're hurting, honey. I'm willing to let you hit me until you feel better."

I coldly withdrew my hand, watching his bewildered expression, speaking each word clearly.

"Ethan, we're finished."

This sentence came too suddenly. I could see a flash of confusion quickly pass through his eyes.

But immediately after, he smiled helplessly.

"Honey, I know you're angry. But you can't joke about divorce. You know I can't live without you. How can you say such things to break your mate's heart?"

Knowing I didn't want him to touch me, he lifted his hand to cover the IV tube, his voice gentle.

"There's only one day left until our fifth anniversary. Honey, you need to get better quickly. I've prepared a huge surprise for you."

I laughed coldly.

A surprise to ruin my reputation? That would indeed be huge.

"What a coincidence. I've also prepared a big gift for you."

A gift he would absolutely love.