The Wife I Lost on New Year's Eve

The moment I stepped out of the taxi, I saw it from a distance—a wedding portrait set up at the hotel entrance to welcome guests.The bride in the photo was smiling sweetly, radiant and full of life. There was no mistaking her. It was my newlywed wife, Portia Reymus.I strode forward and kicked the display over without hesitation.The crash immediately drew the attention of the hotel security, who rushed over."Where the hell did this punk come from? How dare you vandalize Ms. Reymus and Mr. Wynham's wedding photo!"I was about to speak when a vaguely familiar male voice sounded from behind me."The wedding cars are almost here. What's all the noise about? If anyone dares to ruin my wedding with Portia today, I'll make sure they're thrown out of Garthem City immediately."The security guard instantly put on a fawning expression and hurried over."Mr. Wynham, this guy kicked over your wedding portrait. I'll have him removed right away!"Then he turned to me, pointing as he bark

After saying that, she turned to me, her eyes filled with warning."Jordan, leave now. Whatever it is, we'll talk after today.""'Nobody important'? 'After today'?" My voice rose sharply. "Portia… you've really outdone yourself. I'll give you one last chance. Tell everyone here—right now—who your husband really is. As for JP Group… if I can give it to you, I can take it back just as easily."The words she had been about to blurt out died in her throat the moment she heard that. She glared at me, teeth clenched."Jordan… are you threatening me?"I shook my head, my tone calm, almost indifferent."It's not a threat. I just want to hear you say it yourself."Her expression darkened, yet she said nothing.The tension thickened instantly, and the crowd began to stir again."Ms. Reymus won't say anything… could she really be playing both sides?""Then Lucas's the real victim here—finding out on his wedding day that he's the third wheel."Both Portia and Lucas looked increasingly g

"In your house? You expect us to go back with you?" the lead officer scoffed. "And once we get there, are you going to claim it's somewhere else? What, you think we're monkeys here for your amusement?"I'm warning you—if you don't want to spend New Year's in detention for spreading rumors, you'd better stop causing trouble."The police didn't give me another chance to speak. They turned and walked away.Seeing even the officers dismiss me as a liar, the onlookers no longer had any doubts. The way they looked at me was filled with contempt."If even the police don't believe him, he's obviously lying.""Ms. Reymus is really unlucky to be harassed by a freak like this. Mr. Wynham, you've got to teach him a lesson and help her vent her anger!"I was forced back onto my knees in front of Portia and Lucas. They pressed my head hard against the ground."You filthy bastard, start begging for forgiveness!""One hundred times. Not one less. Otherwise, don't even think about leaving here

Back when we got married, Portia had said she only wanted a wedding that belonged to the two of us alone. So we hadn't invited a single guest to our wedding.Naturally, my parents hadn't attended either.In fact, today I had originally planned to bring her to meet my parents over New Year's Eve dinner—and finally tell her everything about my family.Now, all I felt was relief. Relief that I hadn't brought a woman like her in front of my parents to stain their eyes.So I simply said three words, my voice flat, "You're not worthy."Portia, a marriage certificate is an official government document. Forging one is a criminal offense. And under the pretense of marriage and a relationship, you induced me to invest heavily into JP Group—that constitutes fraud. I will pursue both matters to the very end."I stared at her, enunciating every word with icy clarity.Her face turned deathly pale as she shook her head frantically."No… I didn't! You did it willingly! You were the one who pro

Lucas shoved Portia hard, sending her sprawling to the ground."Portia, I let that slap go because you still had some value. Don't push your luck. What I just suggested isn't only for me—it's for your own good too. You don't want JP Group to go under just like that, do you? And if Jordan really takes a liking to you, shouldn't you be happier than anyone?"And just like that, Portia actually took his advice and came looking for me again.The day I was discharged from the hospital, she dressed up and waited at the entrance.But no matter how thick her makeup was, it couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes or the exhaustion in her face.It was obvious she hadn't been doing well these past few days.The moment she saw me, her dull eyes lit up instantly.Ignoring the bodyguards trying to stop her, she stumbled forward, reaching out as if to grab my hand."Jordan… honey… I finally get to see you. I've missed you so much these past few days! I was wrong. I'm so sorry. Honey, ple