Chapter 2

I broke down and rushed into the pouring rain, hoping that it would wash away my never-ending tears.

A sharp, piercing horn sounded behind me, and I instinctively stepped aside.

However, I didn't realize that the manhole cover had been dislodged by the rain. My foot ended up slipping and I fell into the manhole.

Lying at the bottom of the sewer, I felt myself being drenched in cold sweat. The pain seared through my entire body as I couldn't help but whimper.

I struggled to take my phone out and called Jason out of habit. "I fell into the manhole, Jason. It hurts so much—please come and help me."

"Stop messing around, Victoria. Even a child wouldn't believe such an excuse. Be good and go home for now—I'll find you after the wedding's over," he comforted me irritably.

From the other end of the line, Helena asked, her voice coquettish. "What are you doing, Jason? Come and take photos with Mom and Dad!"

"I'm coming, Helena," Jason replied affectionately. He then ended my call without hesitation.

Despaired, I closed my eyes. Just as I was about to lose my consciousness, a deep, male voice sounded, "Are you alright?"

…

When I woke up, I found myself lying in a private hospital room alone.

Jason did not send any messages. Our last conversation was right before the wedding when he expressed, "You'll be the most beautiful bride, Victoria."

I laughed bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat.

I hadn't become the most beautiful bride. Instead, I'd become a joke.

At that moment, Frank Lawrent walked in with a fruit basket. Upon seeing his face, I recalled the man I saw before losing my consciousness.

He was the one who saved me.

"You're up. Do you feel uncomfortable?" Frank's concerned tone filled my chest with warmth.

I shook my head and parted my lips to speak, but only a harsh rasp came out of my throat.

Frank then helped me up and gently fed me some water.

"Thank you for saving me," I replied.

He responded, "How about helping me out if you're truly thankful?"

"What?" I looked up at him, confused.

"My family has been pressuring me about marriage lately. Can you act as my girlfriend to help me deal with them?" Frank's earnest expression showed he meant business.

I looked at him in silence.

"I've already covered the medical bills. Just rest here and don't worry about the cost. This is my business card. You can contact me after you've thought it over." Frank left the ward after handing me his card.

My thoughts grew heavy as I stared at his name card.

Why was Helena left with only three months to live?

I saw her medical report at home just a week ago. Everything seemed fine then.

Was it a misdiagnosis, or was she deliberately deceiving everyone?

I opened my contact list, found a friend working at the public hospital, and got his help to investigate this matter.

…

After two days of rest in the hospital, I was discharged after I was deemed fully recovered.

I returned to the marital home that once belonged to Jason and me. Upon opening the door, I saw his wedding photo with Helena.

My vision blurred. Our photo was supposed to be there.

How had the woman of the house changed to Helena in just two short days? It was as if everything had been prepared long in advance.

A growing suspicion stirred within me amidst my grief.

As I walked past the study, I happened to catch the conversation within. It took me aback.

"I'm not used to having a housekeeper take care of me, Jason. Let's have Vicky come with us for our honeymoon in Orphoria, okay?" Helena wrapped her arms around Jason's waist as she sweetly added, "She takes better care of people than any housekeeper. She could look after both of us."

He replied, "Sure. You're right, Helena. After all these years, Victoria really did take better care of me than any housekeeper. I'll talk to her once she's back."

Jason's words cut deep into me.