Chapter 5

The moment Marcus saw Cecilia, his eyes darkened.

Without another word, he abandoned Lucy and rushed up to the third floor, his eyes blazing. Everyone watched as his entire body trembled, his face drained of color. He was shaking so badly that when he reached Cecilia, he pulled her into his arms as if afraid she might collapse.

“Cecilia, listen to me,” he said hoarsely. “This was just a scene for a short film. Don’t get the wrong idea. You know I designed this ring myself. You don’t like being in front of the camera, and Lucy’s hands look a lot like yours. I wanted to surprise you. Once the footage is edited, the whole city will see it as an advertisement.”

His trembling hands hurriedly slid the ring onto Cecilia’s ring finger.

But she immediately felt it was wrong.

The ring didn’t fit.

That wasn’t her size.

Downstairs, Lucy’s face had gone pale. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared helplessly at Cecilia and Marcus.

Marcus’s voice suddenly turned cold.

“Miss Garnett, my wife is angry. You should explain yourself. If you don’t, you won’t need to come back to work at the Leedon Group.”

Lucy’s voice trembled, humble and subdued.

“Ms. Summer… this wedding was only for the commercial shoot. I was the planner. The campaign is for Mr. Leedon, and it will be broadcast across the city three days from now—on your anniversary.”

Marcus smiled charmingly and wrapped his arms around Cecilia.

“See, Cecilia? Everything I did was for you. I’ve always done everything for you. I love you, and that will never change. Cecilia, you’re the love of my life.”

Every word Marcus spoke sounded like a vow Cecilia had trusted for twenty-seven years.

She had never doubted his love.

Yet now she suddenly realized something.

Even after betraying her, Marcus could still declare his love in front of everyone as if nothing had happened—still gentle, still affectionate.

Lucy froze when she heard those words.

Only then did she seem to understand something.

Tears streamed down her face as she forced out a trembling smile.

“Ms. Summer… I wish you and Mr. Leedon a lifetime of happiness… growing old together… and having children.”

The words **having children** pierced Cecilia’s heart like a blade.

She looked toward Lucy.

Lucy was crying so hard her entire body shook. Then she turned and ran without looking back.

Marcus shouted after her, his voice raw with desperation.

“Lucy!”

Then he lost all composure and sprinted downstairs after her.

Cecilia watched him push through the crowd, chasing after Lucy.

In the next instant, a car screeched to a halt.

With a violent crash, it slammed into Lucy and sent her flying.

Cecilia stood frozen on the roadside as Marcus’s anguished scream tore through the air.

“Lucy! No!”

He lunged forward and caught Lucy before she hit the ground.

Everyone saw what happened next.

Lucy struggled to throw herself into Marcus’s arms, shielding him with her body.

In that instant, her fragile body took the second impact of the car.

There was a deafening crash.

Blood splattered everywhere.

Lucy kept coughing up blood, crimson pouring from her mouth. The ground beneath her was quickly soaked red.

Marcus collapsed to his knees, trembling as he held her, tears filling his eyes.

“Lucy, stay with me. I’ll take you to the hospital right now.”

Blood streamed from Lucy’s lips as she weakly whispered, “Baby… Marcus… save our baby… please…”

Cecilia saw Marcus slowly raise his head.

His eyes were bloodshot as they locked onto hers.

“I told you, Cecilia,” he snarled through clenched teeth. “Lucy and I never had anything. I told you it was just a scene. Why won’t you believe me? Why did you have to drive her and our child to death just to be satisfied?”

In that moment, Cecilia saw pure hatred flicker in Marcus’s eyes.

The crowd began murmuring.

Donovan Mendes spoke first, his voice cold.

“Cecilia, Marcus loves you so much. Even though he had to marry Lucy because of his grandfather’s arrangement, he still sent her abroad for nearly seven years—for your sake.”

Others quickly joined in.

“Exactly. Marcus was only protecting you. That’s why he let Lucy film the commercial today. He didn’t want you getting tired.”

“Cecilia, you’re being too harsh. Lucy just loves Marcus. She’s never asked for anything in return. Such a kind girl… how can you be so unforgiving and leave her with no place at all?”

Their words were filled with accusation and judgment.