After four years with Killian, I got pregnant.

I took the pregnancy test and my ID to a private hospital to set up a file, but when entering insurance information, I was stopped by the blonde administrative specialist.

"Mrs. Smith, the system shows there is a problem with your marital status."

She looked at me awkwardly.

"Your marriage to Mr. Killian is not legally effective."

I was stunned and instinctively retorted, "That's impossible. We registered in Las Vegas, all the procedures were..."

"There is only an application record, no final signed effective document."

The specialist turned the screen around and tapped the keyboard a few times.

"Moreover, Mr. Killian's legal wife... shows another lady's name."

That name was like a thorn, piercing fiercely into my retina.

Elena.

Killian's personal secretary, and also publicly recognized as the benefactor who saved his life in the Alps avalanche five years ago.

I felt all the blood in my body flowing backward.

How could it be her?

When I walked out of the hospital, it started raining heavily in New York.

I didn't use an umbrella, letting the cold rain soak through my body.

Just as determined as I was four years ago when I knelt at the entrance of the family manor in the rain at night to be with Killian, begging my father to sever ties.

Back then, I was a full scholarship winner at a famous Ivy League school and the heir the family had high hopes for.

But for Killian Smith, for this illegitimate son who was then rejected by his family and had nothing, I gave up my studies, turned my back on my family, and even became a joke in the upper-class circles.

I thought we were true love sharing weal and woe.

Until I sat in the stretch Lincoln sent by Killian.

Watching this man I loved recklessly looking at me with that familiar, gentle yet helpless gaze.

"Halen, don't get caught in the rain, you'll catch a cold."

Killian took off his expensive custom suit jacket and considerately draped it over me, his movements impeccably gentlemanly.

He was always like this, emotionally stable and elegant, even when stabbing me in the back.

"You know?"

He asked, his tone as calm as if discussing tomorrow's weather.

"Why is it Elena?"

I asked tremblingly.

"Why is our marriage legally invalid? Why is she your wife?"

Killian sighed, reached out to pull me into his arms, his fingers gently running through my soaked long hair.

"Halen, you are always so serious."

He lowered his head and kissed my forehead, a coaxing tone in his voice.

"That's just a piece of paper. You know, the only person I love is you. My future, my children, everything I have is yours."

"Why bother arguing over a mere title with a dying person?"

I pushed him away in disbelief.

"A dying person?"

"Elena's brain cancer has relapsed."

A flash of grief and pity passed through Killian's eyes.

"The doctor said she has at most half a year left. She has had a hard life. Five years ago in the Alps, if she hadn't pushed you away and dug me out of the snow, carrying me for three days and three nights, we would have died long ago."

"Those legs that saved me were left disabled due to frostbite."

"Now she is dying, and her only wish is to leave this world decently as 'Mrs. Killian'."

Killian looked at me, a hint of blame actually in his gaze, as if looking at an ignorant child.

"Halen, she saved us. One must know gratitude."

"She just wants a title. Once she's gone in half a year, that position will naturally still be yours."

"You already have enough. Why can't you be a bit more generous and fulfill her final dignity?"

"So I fulfill her wish, who will fulfill mine?"

I looked at this affectionate man, suddenly feeling my stomach churning.

"For you, I betrayed my family and friends, gave up my degree, and followed you without any status for four years."

"Now I'm pregnant with your child, yet you tell me that to repay a debt of gratitude, I must be that shady mistress?"

Killian frowned, seemingly finding my words too harsh.

"No one says you are a mistress. In everyone's eyes, you are the mistress here."

He patiently held my hand again, his palm warm and dry, but unable to warm my heart.

"Elena even promised that she wouldn't intervene in our lives. She just wants to close her eyes looking at the marriage certificate."

"Halen, don't be so cold-blooded. If I refuse her, I will carry a debt of conscience for a lifetime."

"You also don't want your husband to be an ungrateful person, right?"

I looked at him.

Watching him take it for granted, even with a bit of self-righteousness.

He really felt he was doing the right thing.

He really felt that hurting me to repay another woman's kindness was a gentleman's character.

But I knew better the means of that woman named Elena.

Five years ago in the Alps, Killian was in a coma due to altitude sickness and didn't remember what happened at all.

But after waking up, everyone said it was Elena who saved Killian.

For these five years, Elena always appeared weak, forbearing, and undisputed.

Whenever Killian and I argued, she was always the first to stand up as a "peacemaker", saying "It's all my fault, don't hurt your relationship because of me".

Just like now.

Killian's phone rang. It was Elena calling.

He pressed the speakerphone, and the carriage immediately filled with that woman's weak and sensible voice:

"Killian, are you explaining to Halen?"

"If she minds... then forget it."

"I don't want to destroy your relationship because of my last willful wish. It doesn't matter if I die alone in the hospital..."

Listen, what a perfect victim.

Killian's gaze instantly softened, carrying a hint of protectiveness for the weak.

He spoke gently to the phone:

"Don't overthink, focus on recuperating. Halen isn't such an unreasonable person, she has already agreed."

After speaking, he hung up the phone and turned to look at me.

There was unquestionable pressure in his eyes, and a hint of encouragement expecting me to be "sensible".

"See, she is always thinking of you like this."

Killian said.

"Halen, just this half year. When she's gone, I will give you a grand wedding, okay?"

I looked at the retreating scenery outside the car window, at this bustling and indifferent city.

The place in my heart felt like it was being sawed open bit by bit by a rusty dull knife.

For him, I abandoned my dignity, abandoned myself.

In exchange, for the sake of repaying kindness, he handed over the position of wife that belonged to me to someone else.

And I still had to smile and say "it's okay", otherwise I would be cold-blooded, ignorant.

I touched my still flat lower abdomen.

There was a little life there, coming at really the wrong time.

But I suddenly smiled, yet tears slid down the corners of my eyes.

"Okay."

I heard myself say in a dry voice.

"Killian, since you want to repay kindness, then I will fulfill your righteousness."

Killian breathed a sigh of relief, his face showing that charming, doting smile again.

He leaned over to kiss my cheek, praising:

"I knew it, my Halen is the kindest, most sensible woman."

He didn't know.

At this moment, all my love for him thoroughly died in this heavy rain with that "okay".

---

Three days later, as the nominal mistress of the Smith family, I took Killian's arm and attended a charity dinner in Manhattan.

Even if that was a fake marriage certificate, in the eyes of outsiders, I was still Killian's only partner.

Or rather, the only trophy.

Halfway through the banquet, Killian let go of my hand.

"I'm going to see a partner, I'll be back soon."

He tucked the loose hair behind my ear for me, his movements gentle as if treating a fragile piece of porcelain.

"Wait for me here obediently, don't run around, and don't drink cold wine."

I watched his tall back disappear into the crowd, the corner of my mouth curling into an ironic arc.

Ten minutes passed.

Twenty minutes passed.

He didn't come back.

As if possessed, I avoided the noisy crowd and walked to the secluded terrace on the second floor.

The heavy velvet curtains were half-closed. Through the gap, I saw that figure that made me sick.

It was Elena.

She actually ran out of the hospital.

She was wearing a thin hospital gown, with only a black suit jacket belonging to a man draped over it—that was Killian's.

In the cold wind, she was shivering, that pale small face looking pitiful, like a little white flower about to wither.

And Killian stood in front of her, frowning, looking helpless.

"Killian... I can't make it..."

Elena cried and threw herself into his arms, her hands clutching his shirt collar tightly, her fingertips turning white from the force.

"My head hurts so much... it's so cold here..."

"Look into my eyes, Killian, I am your wife... how can you not want me..."

Killian didn't push her away.

He let her hold him, his voice low and forbearing: "Elena, you should go back to the hospital. The car is already downstairs."

"I won't go!"

Elena suddenly screamed, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Killian's lips almost crazily.

At that moment, I felt my heart stop beating.

Just when I thought Killian would fling her away like pushing away any offender.

He didn't.

He just reached out, held Elena's shoulders, not using much strength, even arguably gently, slowly pulling her away.

"Enough."

Killian said softly, "Stop making a scene."

My handbag slipped to the ground, making a muffled sound.

The two people on the terrace turned their heads at the same time.

The moment he saw me, a flash of panic finally crossed Killian's originally calm face.

But he quickly regained his composure.

He didn't even let go of the hand supporting Elena immediately, but first tightened the suit on her more before turning to look at me.

"Halen, why are you here?"

I stood in the wind, cold all over.

"Shouldn't I be here?" I pointed at the still sobbing Elena, "If I didn't come, how could I see such a wonderful scene?"

"In front of my face, is this what you said about 'not intervening in our lives'?"

Killian strode towards me, his tall body blocking my view of Elena.

His expression was serious, brows slightly furrowed, as if looking at an unreasonable child.

"Halen, keep your voice down."

He lowered his voice, with a warning of disapproval in his tone.

"This is a public place, don't let people see a joke."

"A joke?" I was shocked by his words, "The one being forcibly kissed is you, the one cheating is you, and now you think I'm a joke?"

"That wasn't a forced kiss, nor was it cheating."

Killian sighed, trying to take my hand, but I dodged.

His hand froze in mid-air, his gaze darkened, and he patiently explained:

"Elena is currently delirious. The doctor injected her with high doses of morphine and sedatives, these are side effects under the influence of drugs."

"She can't recognize people at all right now, she's just having an episode."

"She is a patient, Halen."

Killian looked at me, his eyes full of helplessness and blame, as if I were the cruel perpetrator.

"You are a healthy, rational normal person. You possess my complete love, possess a healthy body."

"Why bother arguing with a delirious dying person?"

"If your agitation causes her to have an episode and pass away here, you will bear a sense of guilt."

I looked at the man in front of me.

Even at this time, he still maintained that damn gentlemanly demeanor.

His logic was rigorous, impeccable.

He pushed all the dirty water onto "drugs" and "illness", picking himself clean.

And he stood on the moral high ground, accusing me of not being generous enough, not kind enough.

So, is this what it feels like to be loved by him?

Like arsenic wrapped in a layer of honey, sickly sweet and fatally toxic.

I took a deep breath, forcing back the tears about to burst forth.

I looked at Killian and suddenly revealed an extremely standard, fake smile.

"You're right, Killian."

"I shouldn't argue with a lunatic."

Killian's furrowed brows finally relaxed.

He touched my cheek with relief, his voice so gentle it could drip water:

"That's my good girl. I knew it, you are the most sensible."

"Go wait for me in the car, I'll come to keep you company after sending her into the ambulance."

Watching his back as he turned to support Elena, watching him carefully protect that woman's head from being blown by the wind.

I told myself in my heart, since Killian chose Elena.

Then I also had no reason to stay.

I turned mechanically like a puppet whose soul had been drained and left that suffocating place.

All I wanted was to escape.

To escape this dazzling banquet, to escape the world that belonged to Killian and Elena.

I hid in the VIP lounge at the end of the second floor, wanting to calm my trembling hands and retrieve my coat.

Before the door could close, a slender hand blocked it.

It was Elena.

Her hospital gown looked jarring against Killian's black suit jacket, but the pitiful expression on her face was gone.

Replacing it was a chilling smugness.

"Sis Halen, leaving so soon?"

She locked the door and approached me step by step.

"Killian is still socializing downstairs, aren't you going to wait for him?"

I looked at her coldly.

"Move. I don't want to talk to you."

"Don't be so fierce."

Elena chuckled lightly, her fingers stroking the suit jacket that carried the scent of Killian's cologne.

"I just came to inform you. The birthday trip Killian promised you... the trip to Iceland to see the aurora tomorrow night, is mine now."

I looked up sharply.

"What did you say?"

"I said, I'm going to Iceland."

Elena leaned close to my ear, her voice lowered to a whisper, like a hissing venomous snake.

"I said I wanted to see the aurora, that it was my dying wish. Killian agreed without a second thought."

"As for you? You saw it too, just now on the terrace, he couldn't even bear to push me away."

"Halen, admit it. On his scale, a single tear of mine weighs much more than your dignity."

She didn't look like a seriously ill patient at all, even aggressively approaching me.

I raised my hand, wanting to push away her encroaching body.

Just as my fingertips touched the corner of her clothes.

Elena's expression suddenly changed.

She abruptly grabbed the glass of red wine on the table, splashed it fiercely on her own face, and then fell backward screaming.

"Ah—!"

Accompanied by the crisp sound of the glass shattering, she fell heavily onto the carpet, her palm pressing on the broken glass, blood gushing out instantly.

"What's going on?!"

The door to the lounge was slammed open.

Killian rushed in.

"Killian... save me..."

Elena cried, trembling all over like a frightened little deer.

"I just... just wanted to explain to Halen what happened just now... wanted to beg for her forgiveness..."

"I didn't know mentioning the Iceland trip would make her so angry... I won't go... I won't go... you won't blame me, right..."

Killian's pupils contracted sharply.

He strode over me, knelt on one knee, and carefully cupped Elena's bleeding hand.

Then Killian slowly stood up and turned to look at me.

Those peach blossom eyes that were usually full of affection were now frosted over.

"Halen."

His voice was deep, carrying a unique oppressive feeling and disappointment of a superior.

"I always thought you were a sensible, well-bred woman."

"Killian, she splashed the wine herself, she fell herself! She's acting!"

I eagerly tried to explain, tried to grab his arm.

But Killian took a half step back, avoiding my touch.

That evasive movement hurt more than any verbal abuse.

"Acting?"

Killian sneered, pointing at the bloodstains on the floor.

"To act, she hurts herself all over? She is a late-stage brain cancer patient, she can't even stand steadily!"

"And you? Halen, you are a healthy, strong person."

"For two flight tickets, for a so-called 'birthday', you could lay such a cruel hand on a dying person?"

He shook his head, that expression as if judging a hopeless criminal.

"Your jealousy disappoints me too much."

"I didn't..."

"Enough."

Killian interrupted me, his tone returning to that cold gentlemanly demeanor.

"Since you care so much about that aurora trip, then fine."

"As punishment for your vicious behavior, this trip is cancelled."

"I will take Elena to Iceland to recuperate and complete her wish list."

"Killian! That was the birthday gift you promised me!"

I shouted in despair.

"Birthdays can be celebrated every year, but Elena doesn't have much time left."

There was even immense heartache in Killian's tone.

"This is the apology you owe her."

After saying that, he bent down and picked up Elena from the floor, his movements gentle as if holding a rare treasure.

Elena nestled in his arms, looking at me over his shoulder.

Tears hung on her face, but the corner of her mouth raised in a victor's smile.

Silently mouthing two words to me:

"Deserved it."

Killian carried her to the door, paused in his steps, but didn't look back.

"Halen, take a taxi back yourself."

"Don't appear in front of me for a while."

The door closed.

The world went quiet.

I stood in the empty lounge, looking at the glaring bloodstain on the carpet.

The child in my belly seemed to sense my sadness and kicked me hard.

It hurt.

But not even a ten-thousandth of the pain in my heart.

That night, I didn't know how I got home.

I only knew that when the bell struck midnight and my twenty-fourth birthday arrived.

My phone screen lit up.

It was a special follow notification from Instagram.

Killian posted a photo.

Under the sky full of green aurora, he held the heavily wrapped Elena, his back view heartbreakingly affectionate.

The caption was brief:

"Accompanying you to complete your final wish list. Next stop, Blue Lagoon."

I looked at those words and suddenly laughed out loud.

Laughing and laughing, tears smashed onto the cold floor.

One week later, I went alone to the best private obstetrics and gynecology hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

I originally wanted to do the first official prenatal checkup, wanted to listen to the heartbeat of that little life.

But the receptionist nurse held my insurance card, looking troubled.

"Mrs. Smith, I'm sorry... your medical insurance supplementary card has been frozen."

I froze in place: "Frozen? That's impossible, this is the unlimited black card under Killian's main account."

"It was an order signed personally by Mr. Smith this morning."

The nurse turned the computer screen towards me, a hint of sympathy in her tone.

"The system note shows that the credit limit of the main account was urgently called upon to pay a hefty bill from a Swiss laboratory... it seems to be a new type of targeted drug for brain tumors."

"Because the drug is expensive and not covered by medical insurance, Mr. Smith suspended all other non-emergency medical expenses under the family account."

I felt cold all over, my fingers clutching the edge of the counter tightly, my knuckles turning white.

He was willing to deny resources to his own flesh and blood to treat his benefactor.

At that moment, grief greater than death seized my heart.

"Help me schedule an abortion for next week."

I said calmly to the nurse, my voice devoid of any emotion.

---

Walking out of the hospital, I went back to the family manor.

I wanted to retrieve the jade jewelry set my mother left me for emergency use, after all, I was penniless now.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I entered the door, my father handed me an envelope.

Inside was a one-way ticket to Paris.

"Halen, your stepmother and I have discussed it."

Father sat on the high velvet sofa, his tone unquestionable.

"Elena wants to spend her last days happily. She has always envied the environment of the Smith manor and wants to live there before she passes away, spending time with Killian day and night."

"This is a ticket for ten days later, you go to Europe to relax and take some art courses."

I held that thin ticket, feeling incredibly ironic.

This was my father.

To please the current head of the Smith family, to make room for Killian and his "true love", he unhesitatingly drove away his own biological daughter.

"Halen, don't overthink it."

Stepmother wiped her tears hypocritically on the side, that compassionate look making me sick.

"We are also doing this to accumulate virtue. Elena is also a pitiful person, just take it as doing good deeds, fulfilling her last wish. When she's gone, Killian will still be yours, and that home will still be yours."

I looked at this hypocritical couple.

This was the family I once desperately wanted to protect.

"Understood."

I interrupted her performance indifferently.

"I will leave."

I didn't want Killian anymore.

I didn't care for this cold-blooded family anymore either.

Father was obviously surprised, not expecting the stubborn daughter who once dared to kneel all night in the rain for Killian to be so obedient this time.

His tone softened a bit: "That's right. By the way, Killian is throwing a party for Elena at the hotel in three days, remember to come and show some generosity."

"Okay."

---

Returning to the place where Killian and I lived together for four years.

I found a huge black garbage bag and started clearing out everything related to Killian in this house.

No longer cherishing them carefully like before, but throwing them in like garbage.

That was the hand-painted mask he gave me under the Bridge of Sighs when we went to Venice for our honeymoon.

It was the burnt oven mitt from the first time he cooked for me.

And that memorial album filled with our photos from the past four years.

Every page was evidence that I had loved him.

Every page now looked like a joke.

Just as I threw the photo album into the garbage bag.

The "beep" sound of the fingerprint lock unlocking came from the entryway.

Killian was back.

He was wearing that dark gray cashmere coat, his shoulders still carrying the cold air from outside.

Seeing the mess in the living room and the nearly full black garbage bag.

He paused in loosening his tie, his brows instantly furrowing, and walked over quickly.

"Halen, what are you doing?"

I didn't raise my head, nor did I stop the movements of my hands.

"I'm just organizing things. I don't like these anymore, so I want to replace them."

Killian strode forward, gently gripping my wrist, his actions tender as if soothing a frightened cat.

"Halen, don't be like this."

He sighed, pulling me into that embrace that carried a cold pine scent, his chin resting on the top of my head.

"I know that freezing your supplementary card makes you feel insecure, but that's life-saving money. Elena's situation is critical; I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"You know, I'm not that kind of irresponsible husband."

"After these few months pass, I'll restore all your credit limits, okay?"

He was always like this.

Even when depriving me of my rights and interests, he could speak so righteously, so affectionately.

As if my refusal meant I was being unreasonable, that I was making a scene without reason.

I broke free from his embrace and looked at him calmly.

"Killian, who you want to give money to is your own business."

"You don't need to explain to me."

Killian's brows furrowed slightly, seemingly confused and hurt by my cold attitude.

Just as he was about to reach out and touch my cheek, the exclusive ringtone suddenly rang.

That was the special alert tone set to prevent missing any news about Elena's condition.

He glanced at the screen, his expression instantly becoming solemn.

"Sorry, Halen. There's an emergency meeting at the company."

He adjusted my collar for me, his tone carrying a hint of apology:

"I'll be back early tonight. Stop cleaning up; leave this kind of rough work to the servants."

After speaking, he turned and left.

His steps were steady, his back straight, as gentlemanly as ever.

Even though he was rushing to see another woman.

---

Less than ten minutes after Killian left, my phone vibrated.

It was a WhatsApp message from Elena.

Just a photo.

In the photo, Killian was kneeling on one knee beside the hospital bed.

Those hands that had just embraced me were now holding Elena's pale ankle, fully focused on putting a diamond-encrusted Tiffany anklet on her.

His expression was focused and devout, as if what he was holding was a rare treasure.

The text that popped up afterward stung my eyes like needles:

[I said my feet were cold, so he went and bought this anklet, saying it could lock in my body temperature.]

[Halen, look, even if I don't fight or grab, his love always subconsciously flows towards me.]

I turned off my phone and looked at the gray sky outside the window.

The last trace of expectation in my heart was finally completely extinguished.

---

For the next two days, Killian didn't come home.

It wasn't until the third night, at the family dinner held for Elena, that I saw him.

The banquet hall of Smith Manor was resplendent.

Killian pushed the wheelchair slowly into the venue.

Elena had an expensive cashmere blanket covering her legs, her face pale, looking precarious.

Every time she coughed lightly, Killian would immediately stop, asking in a low voice if she needed water or if she felt cold.

That meticulous care made all the guests present cast admiring glances.

Everyone said that Killian Smith was a good man who valued relationships and loyalty.

The dinner began.

The long table was filled with exquisite French cuisine.

As the "hostess," according to custom, I served the final dessert—a mousse cake I made myself.

Elena looked at the tray in my hand, a glint flashing in her eyes.

"Halen, did you make this yourself?"

Her voice was weak, carrying a hint of fawning.

"It looks delicious. Can I taste it?"

Killian glanced at the cake, frowning slightly, seeming somewhat worried about her physical condition.

"Elena, the doctor said you need to watch your diet."

"It's okay, Killian."

Elena smiled and interrupted him, but her gaze was locked tightly on me.

"Halen made this specially for me. If I don't eat it, she will be sad. And I also really want to taste my sister-in-law's cooking."

Killian hesitated for a second, but eventually nodded, even considerately picking up the spoon for her.

"Just one bite then."

I watched them.

Watched Elena dig a large spoonful of mousse and unhesitatingly put it into her mouth.

"Cough... cough cough!"

Less than half a minute after eating it, the spoon in Elena's hand suddenly dropped.

She clutched her neck tightly with both hands, her breathing instantly becoming rapid and wheezing, her face flushing red.

"Elena!"

Killian reacted extremely quickly.

He didn't scream in panic but quickly got up and grabbed the sliding Elena.

He reached for her carotid artery and calmly assessed the situation:

"It's anaphylactic shock. Bring my first aid kit, it's in the car."

He gave instructions to the butler beside him, his voice steady and powerful.

Subsequently, he skillfully fished out the EpiPen carried with her from Elena's handbag and unhesitatingly injected it into her thigh.

The whole process was smooth and professional, shockingly so.

As the medicine was pushed in, Elena's breathing finally smoothed out a bit, but she still went limp in his arms, looking like she was on her last breath.

Killian wiped the cold sweat from Elena's forehead with a handkerchief, then slowly raised his head.

In those deep eyes, there was no longer the warmth of the past.

Only a suffocating coldness and disappointment remained.

"Halen."

He didn't shout loudly; his tone was even calmer than usual.

"What did you put in the cake?"

I stood there, still holding the tray.

"Elena is severely allergic to peanuts."

Killian looked at me.

That look was like examining a criminal.

"I... I didn't..."

"She trusted you, Halen."

Killian interrupted my defense, his voice carrying a painful moral condemnation.

"She treated you as family and ate what you gave her without any guard."

"And you used this trust."

He shook his head gently, as if utterly disappointed in me.

"I know you care about those two tickets to Iceland, but I didn't expect you to take revenge in this way."

"Elena doesn't have much time left, why do you still want to hurt her?"

"I... I didn't..."

"Enough, I'm so disappointed in you."

Killian stood up and picked up the weak Elena horizontally.

He adjusted Elena's skirt to ensure she wouldn't be exposed, his movements still impeccably gentlemanly.

The guests around whispered, and my father rushed up wanting to reprimand me.

But I couldn't hear anymore.

I only saw the man I wanted to spend my life with holding the woman who plotted against everything I had, trampling my dignity to pieces in the most decent way.

He didn't even give me a chance to explain.

Because in his logic, a gentleman should protect the weak.

And at this moment, Elena was the perfect victim persecuted by a "vicious wife."

After settling Elena, Killian took me to the private wine cellar underground in the manor.

Here it was constant temperature and humidity, displaying priceless Bordeaux wines, the air filled with the aroma of oak barrels.

"Halen, you've disappointed me too much."

Killian stood outside the heavy oak door, looking at me through an iron grate. His expression was still that suffocating calm and disappointment.

"You need a quiet place to reflect properly on your actions."

"I don't want my wife to be a woman who hurts others out of jealousy."

After speaking, he turned to leave.

"Killian, don't go!"

I grabbed the iron grate, my fingertips turning white from the force.

"I didn't do it, it was Elena herself..."

Killian interrupted me, looking at me with heartache.

"Think about it properly in this room. When you've figured it out, when you've admitted your mistake, I'll personally come to pick you up for breakfast tomorrow morning. I still love you, Halen. So don't hurt Elena anymore."

With a dull sound, the heavy soundproof door was closed.

The world fell into a dead silence.

I sat in the corner hugging my knees.

Until half an hour later.

The central air conditioner overhead suddenly made a huge roaring sound.

Immediately after, piercing cold wind poured down from the vent like knives.

The numbers on the thermometer started jumping crazily.

15 degrees... 10 degrees... 0 degrees... minus 5 degrees.

In just ten minutes, this place turned into a giant freezer.

I was shivering from the cold, my breath turning into white mist.

I realized something was wrong and rushed over to pound desperately on that heavy door.

"Open the door! Is anyone there?! Turn off the air conditioner!"

"It's too cold... it's too cold here!"

The sound of碎碎 high heels came from outside the door.

It was Elena.

She had bought off the servant in the control room.

"Halen, save your energy."

Elena's voice came through the door panel, carrying a trace of malicious pleasure.

"This is Killian's meaning. He said you need to 'calm down'."

"You're lying! Killian wouldn't treat me like this!"

"Really? Then you can try calling for help."

A sharp cramp suddenly came from my abdomen.

That pain wasn't unfamiliar, carrying a falling sensation of life being stripped away.

I clutched my belly, slid down the door panel to kneel on the ground, the cold sweat on my forehead instantly freezing into ice.

"Killian... Killian, are you outside?"

I pounded on the door panel with all my might, my voice changing tune due to fear and pain.

"Help... let me out..."

"I'm pregnant... Killian, I'm pregnant with your child... my stomach hurts so much..."

Silence outside the door for a few seconds.

Then came Killian's steady footsteps.

He was right outside.

He had been there all along.

"Halen."

Killian's voice penetrated the door panel, still as magnetic, yet terrifyingly rational.

"I thought after this half hour, you would have learned honesty."

"Killian, I'm not lying! It's really cold... I'm really pregnant... please open the door..."

I cried out, my nails scratching bloodstains on the door panel.

"Oh my, how can Halen be like this..."

Elena's weak and surprised voice sounded timely.

"To escape punishment, she even made up such a lie about being pregnant? She even drank champagne at the dinner just now... what pregnant woman drinks alcohol?"

"And this is a constant temperature wine cellar, how could it be cold? Is she... trying to win your sympathy?"

Killian fell silent.

Through that door, I could almost see him frowning and shaking his head.

"Halen."

After a long time, he sighed, his tone full of helplessness towards a naughty child.

"To get me to open the door, you actually told such a clumsy lie."

"You hurt Elena, and now you're trying to kidnap me with 'pregnancy'. This behavior is not decent."

"No... it's true..."

I curled up in pain, a stream of warm liquid gushing out from below, instantly frozen cold by the cold air.

"Everyone has to bear the consequences for their mistakes."

Killian stood outside the door, like a strict godfather teaching his erring believer.

"Since you are so scared, I will shorten the time."

"Tomorrow at dawn, I'll come to pick you up."

"Tonight, just stay inside and reflect properly on what honesty is."

Footsteps faded away.

This time, he really left.

He still maintained his principles, his "justice", his gentlemanly demeanor.

He thought he just confined me.

He didn't know, he personally locked me into hell.

"No... don't go..."

My voice was as weak as a mosquito's buzz.

The abdominal cramps reached their peak, followed by an empty numbness.

Blood.

Lots of blood.

Thick blood carrying body temperature soaked through my evening gown, spreading on the floor, and then quickly coagulating into dark red ice residue.

I lay in the biting cold, looking at the vent overhead that was still roaring.

My consciousness began to scatter.

Killian.

If you knew that your so-called "punishment" killed your own flesh and blood.

Would you regret it?

A tear slid down the corner of my eye, freezing into ice before it hit the ground.

I thought.

Between us, it's completely over.