Chapter 3

Kendrick's POV

The irony was that I'd mistaken every one of Daphne's lies for love. A woman whose phone passcode was my birthday had fooled me for eight straight years.

Just then, a nurse rushed into the room. "Mr. Shaw, Dr. Stone managed to secure the best artificial spinal implant available. I need you to sign the consent forms."

My eyes widened. The quality of the artificial spine could determine whether I'd ever regain full control of my lower body. It was the best news I'd heard since the accident.

I hurried over to sign the paperwork, but after checking my chart, the charge nurse looked up in surprise. "Mr. Shaw, your wife already authorized transferring the artificial spine to another patient."

The moment she finished speaking, my blood ran cold.

I fumbled for my phone to call Daphne, but my fingers shook so badly I couldn't even tap the screen.

Seeing that, the nurse gave me a sympathetic look before placing the call for me.

Daphne answered almost immediately. "Darling, did you miss me—"

But I had no patience left for her performance.

"Where's my artificial spine?" I demanded, the words tumbling out in a rush.

She paused for a beat before quickly recovering. "Darling, one of Oliver's college friends has been paralyzed for years. She wants to walk again too."

"Dr. Stone fought to get that artificial spine for me. Do you really want me to spend the rest of my life like this? Bring it back," I ordered, my voice hoarse with rage.

Daphne, however, let out a sigh. Impatience crept into her voice as she said, "Kendrick, you're usually such a kind person. What's gotten into you today?

"I know you've never liked Oliver, and you've always had it out for him. But don't take your anger out on someone else. She deserves a chance to recover."

She hung up before I could say another word.

After I called dozens more times, she switched her phone off.

My chest tightened until I could barely breathe, and I slumped helplessly onto the floor.

All it took was one request from Oliver, and my recovery stopped mattering to Daphne. She'd rather save a stranger than keep the one thing that might have given me my life back.

Her love really was something else. Too bad it was meant for Oliver, while I was the one who suffered.

Dr. Stone removed his surgical mask, looked into my bloodshot eyes, and said, "Mr. Shaw, in all my years as a surgeon, you're one of the toughest patients I've ever treated.

"Your spine was practically shattered, but you never stopped fighting to survive. The best artificial spinal implants are incredibly difficult to secure, but I'll do everything I can."

I let out a shaky breath. As I clasped Dr. Stone's hand in gratitude, I realized blood had mixed with the tears running down my face.

Every ounce of my grief, resentment, and pain finally spilled out. I no longer wanted a wife who could be so heartless.

Since Daphne loved Oliver enough to throw our marriage away, I'd step aside and let them have their perfect love story.

…

I spent nearly two weeks in the hospital. Every day, Daphne came to the hospital to keep me company. She brought me magazines to help pass the time and massaged my numb legs.

She acted as though she hadn't been the one who'd forgiven the man responsible for my injuries, or the one who'd taken away my artificial spine.

Even now, remembering the despair I'd felt when Daphne ignored my calls threatened to overwhelm me. But every time I looked at her and her feigned concern, I couldn't be bothered to call her out.

During that time, my uncle, Samuel Fletcher, used his connections to have my legal records erased.

Before sending someone to pick me up, he called one last time to make sure. "Kendrick, are you sure about moving to Evonia?"

"I've made up my mind," I replied firmly. "I'm coming."

The moment I hung up, I turned around and found Daphne standing behind me.

She looked puzzled. "Darling, where are you going?"