Chapter 21

Wendy closed the door and leaned the dripping umbrella against the wall.Austin sat on the couch, pressing a tissue to the corner of his mouth. The bleeding had stopped, but a purplish bruise was already blooming on his skin.“Let me get the first-aid kit.” Wendy turned around to rummage through the cabinet.As Austin watched her from behind, he suddenly called out, “Wendy.”“Yes?” She did not look back and continued searching.“I like you.”Wendy’s hand paused for a fraction of a second, then she pulled out the iodine and cotton swabs and walked back to the couch. “Don’t move. Let me disinfect it.”Her movements were gentle. The cotton swab dipped in iodine brushed over his wound. Austin slightly frowned but did not pull away.“I’m not acting on impulse.” Austin looked at her. “I’ve liked you since high school.”Wendy set the cotton swab down and replied calmly, “I don’t want to talk about this right now.”“I know.” Austin smiled. “I just wanted you to know that I can wait.”

Chapter 22

Wendy was in the studio adjusting the waistline of a sample dress when the doorbell rang.Austin went to answer it. His expression turned cold the moment he opened the door.Miles stood outside, impeccably dressed in a suit, holding a massive bouquet of white roses. Behind him, a delivery truck was parked, several workers unloading boxes from the back.“Is Wendy here?” Miles’ voice was hoarse.Austin blocked the doorway. “She doesn’t want to see you.”Miles ignored him and called into the studio, “Wendy!”Wendy set down her needle and thread and walked out. When she saw Miles, she frowned. “What do you want?”His eyes lit up. He stepped forward quickly, only to be stopped by Austin.Miles said urgently, “I bought the best bridal materials in the city. Imported lace, silk satin, hand embroidery… everything’s in the truck. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”Wendy glanced at the truck. Her expression was unreadable. “I don’t need it.”“And there’s more.” Miles pulled out a docume

Chapter 23

Miles sat in the corner of a bar. Three empty whiskey glasses lined the table in front of him.“Another.” He tapped the bar and said with a hoarse voice.The bartender hesitated for a moment. “Sir, you’ve already had quite a bit.”“I said, another one!” Miles’ voice suddenly rose and drew glances from people around.The bartender heaved a sigh and poured him half a glass. “Last one.”Miles said nothing but tipped his head back and drained it.The liquor burned down his throat. His stomach churned violently, but he just sat there, completely numb, staring into nothing.“Wendy,” murmured Miles.A sharp pain twisted in his gut. He bent forward as cold sweat soaked through his shirt.The bartender panicked. “Sir! Are you okay?” Miles waved him off and staggered to his feet. The moment he tried to take a step, his knees buckled. Blood mixed with alcohol splattered onto the floor. Gasps erupted around him.“Call an ambulance! Now!”As people hauled him upright, his vision blurre

Chapter 24

Miles had a long, vivid dream.In the dream, there was no phone call, Belinda did not have paralysis, there were no divorce papers, and there was certainly no Vivian. In the dream, he and Wendy were still living in that sunlit apartment. He dreamed of coming home from work to find her sitting on the balcony, sketching designs. She looked up and smiled. “Why are you home so early today?”He walked over, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and rested his chin on her head. “I missed you.”Wendy laughed and pushed him gently. “Stop it. Wash your hands and have dinner.”On the table were his favorite pork ribs. Her cooking was still perfect.“My mom called today.” Wendy ladled soup into his bowl. “She wants us to come home for dinner this weekend.”Miles nodded. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”Everything in the dream was so beautiful.…The sound of the heart monitor yanked Miles back to reality.He opened his eyes. The harsh white light made him squint instinctively. Pain rad

Chapter 25

Wendy stood on the podium. The spotlight shone on her while the trophy in her hands was heavy with meaning.Thunderous applause rolled through the audience. Austin sat in the front row, smiling even more brightly than she was.“This award belongs to everyone who has supported me.” Her gaze locked on Austin. “And especially to the one person who always believed I could do it.”The camera immediately cut to Austin. He scratched his nose awkwardly, a little embarrassed, but his eyes were full of pride.At the celebration banquet, Wendy took a sip of wine and looked at Madeline. “So, do you think Austin and I are a good match?”Madeline rolled her eyes. “You’ve been all lovey-dovey for three months and only now are you asking me?”Wendy blushed. “I’m serious.”“Of course, you are!” Madeline hugged her. “My brother has been secretly in love with you for years, and now that it’s finally real, I’m over the moon!”Austin happened to walk by and heard that. His ears turned red. “Madelin

Chapter 26

Wendy was on the balcony watering the plants with one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly.“Honey, try this,” Austin called from the kitchen, wearing an apron and holding a ladle. “I just learned how to make pork rib soup.”She smiled and walked over, tasting it from his hand. “Mmm, it’s good.”Austin raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased. “Of course it is. I followed Mom’s recipe to the letter.”Her phone buzzed suddenly. It was a message from Madeline: [Wendy, I heard Miles sold the company and moved to Swizor.]Wendy’s fingers froze on the screen.“What’s wrong?” Austin leaned over to look, then gently squeezed her shoulder, understanding immediately.That night, a light rain fell.Wendy leaned against the headboard, flipping through design drafts, but her mind kept wandering.Austin came out of the shower. He brushed his damp hair against her neck. “What are you thinking about?”She did not answer.He turned off the bedside lamp and pulled her into his arms. “I heard