Chapter 4

Before I could refuse, Timothy threw a dress at me and left.

That evening, I changed into the outfit he gave me and went to the party. I had planned to find a corner where no one would notice me.

However, when Gracie saw me and shouted, "Alyssa's here? Come over here! I'm counting on you to take good care of me in this house from now on."

In an instant, dozens of eyes were fixed on me. Their stares made me tremble.

I lowered my head in fear, and Gracie ran over to take my hand with fake affection. "Alyssa, could you go up on stage and say a few words to welcome me? If you don't, I won't feel comfortable moving in."

I stiffly shook my head.

How was this any different from a public execution?

Gracie started crying again, and Timothy looked at her with such distress.

He glared at me viciously and asked, "Don't you want me to clear your name?"

At this point, clearing my name did not matter anymore. However, I was afraid of what other tactics Timothy might use. With that, I dragged my heavy feet and walked up to the stage step by step.

I gripped the dress tightly.

Even though I did not dare lift my head to look at them, I could feel those stares and hear the filthy insults.

I tried my best to overcome my fear and said, "I'm very... happy to welcome Gracie to our home."

As soon as I finished, I rushed off the stage. The next second, however, the side seam and shoulder strap of the dress suddenly snapped open. I was practically naked in front of everyone.

The crowd instantly burst into loud laughter, and insults poured from every direction.

"No wonder she has a reputation for being promiscuous. She is practically begging for attention in public."

"What does she take Timothy for? Timothy is too generous. If it were me, I would have divorced her long ago. A trashy woman like that can go to whoever wants her."

My mind went blank as I frantically grabbed at the torn fabric to cover myself.

Timothy's face was expressionless, as if this had all been planned.

My heart was broken so badly that I could barely breathe.

Why? Why was this happening?

I had backed down at every turn and accommodated every demand, so why did he still have to completely destroy me and throw me into the abyss?

I crouched on the ground, trembling. I was so overwhelmed with grief that I could not even shed a tear.

Timothy slowly walked over to me, crouched, and said coldly, "Alyssa, only this way will you accept Gracie. Only then will you stop having the confidence to oppose her. I did all of this so that Gracie wouldn't feel wronged and for my friendship with Landon.

"Be good. Tonight, I will end all of this. I'll treat you way better and give you all my love."

I looked up, trembling with fear as I noticed the faint smile in his gaze. I could not help but think he had gone insane.

He was about to pick me up when Gracie clutched her stomach and cried out, "The baby's coming! Timothy, help me!"

Timothy did not hesitate for a second and dropped me right there on the spot.

"Take Alyssa home!"

After frantically ordering Pierre Lloyd, his friend, he rushed Gracie to the hospital.

Pierre helped me up, but his eyes were full of contempt. As we passed through the audience area, countless cameras were pointed at me while people whispered and hurled malicious insults.

My vision blurred and doubled. All of this, piece by piece, had already crushed my spirit completely.

I broke free from Pierre's grip and ran outside with all my strength. When I reached the hallway, I jumped from the upper floor without hesitation.

In that instant, I felt free.

...

Timothy had just gotten Gracie into the delivery room and was feeling a bit worried about me. So, he started browsing for gifts to appease me. He had just placed an order when he received a frantic call from Pierre.

Panic filled the voice on the other end.

"Timothy... Alyssa just jumped off the building!"