That night, the yacht was filled with screams. My body still carried the trauma, haunting me in nightmares every night. He was the one who stayed by my side. Whenever I jolted awake from a nightmare, he would gently stroke my back and comfort me. He told me he couldn't control Jasper, but his brother owed me and he would repay me tenfold.

To give me a grand wedding, he didn't hesitate to sever ties with the Griffins and establish himself independently. He announced his love for me to the world, but five years of happiness eventually turned out to be nothing but an illusion. The man who pulled me out of the abyss was the same one who pushed me into hell. I stumbled back into the private room.

Jordan saw my pale face and his eyes turned red with anxiety. He pulled me into his arms, patting my back gently, just like before. "What's wrong, Willa? Did something trigger your memory again? Don't be afraid, I'm here with you this time and those people won't show up again. I asked the doctor to bring you your medicine before we came up. Drink it when the water cools down."

Looking at his deliberately gentle expression, I spoke softly. "Jordan, I don't want to take the medicine anymore. I'm already cured. I want to go home."

The warmth in his eyes slightly dimmed. He reached out and playfully tapped my nose. "Be good, Willa. Psychological illnesses tend to relapse easily. You need to take your medicine to recover faster. Once you take it, you won't have nightmares anymore."

Before I could refuse, he had already placed the pill in my mouth. Warm water slid down my throat, but my entire body felt ice-cold. It was as if he was certain I would soon lose consciousness after taking it. Jordan didn't stay with me. He turned and quickly left the private room.

I knew where he was going, to find those people from five years ago. Like shattered nightmares, the memories surged back. Cold sweat broke out all over my body. I collapsed onto the floor, writhing in agony. As my consciousness blurred, a warm pair of lips pressed against my forehead. "Shh, be good, Willa. It'll be over soon. I'll be waiting for you."

Then came the tearing pain. Blood continued to flow from below and the sensation was all too familiar. A wave of dread washed over me as countless rough hands grazed my skin. I don't know how long it was before I heard Jordan's voice again. "Miscarriage?"

"Yes, but Mr. Griffin, they couldn't stop in time, it seems they went a bit too far. Miss Schmidt probably won't be able to get pregnant again."

"Good job. Your payment is doubled. Go collect it before you leave the ship."

When I opened my eyes again, five hours had passed. Jordan was clutching my hand tightly, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Willa. I failed to protect you. Those people from five years ago found out you were here and came for revenge. I couldn't save our child. The doctor said you may have trouble conceiving again in the future, but don't worry. I've taken care of them. They won't appear ever again. Please don't cry. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. Losing the baby doesn't matter. I only want you."

I stared blankly at the wooden deck. I was so numb that I couldn't even feel the pain anymore. I was the one who had suffered the humiliation and lost my child. Yet, he was crying harder than me. His acting was flawless, but I didn't even have the energy to expose him. After a long silence, when his sobs finally quieted down, I spoke softly. "Avenge me. That must have been exhausting, right? Jordan, get some rest. I'm fine."

Seeing that I wasn't making a scene, he breathed a sigh of relief. He closed his eyes beside me, his breathing gradually evening out. Silently, I reached for his phone. In our five years of marriage, this was the first time I had ever unlocked his screen.

He used Jade's birthday as the password. The social media app on his phone was still open and there was only one contact, who was saved under the name Jade. I clicked on it. Their conversation stretched from five years ago until now. The "good morning" and "good night" messages had never stopped.

Jade sent Jordan her daily schedule while she was overseas, including when she went shopping, had coffee, worked at her firm and attended meetings. No matter what she sent, Jordan never failed to respond enthusiastically. One photo earned her a thousand dollars reward.

Jordan had been a constant presence in her life until ten thousand photos filled his album. It's too bad his response was always the same whenever I shared something with him: "Willa, I'm in a meeting. Let's talk when I get off work."

To keep Jade happy, he went to great lengths to send her gifts from here. His auction orders filled dozens of pages on his phone. Many of the luxury brands were familiar to me. Jordan had given me a gift once, too. Sadly, it turned out to be a complimentary item from an auction he attended for Jade.

The latest video in his album was from five hours ago. The thumbnail showed me unconscious after taking my medication. Surrounded by a dozen familiar faces. My fingers trembled uncontrollably. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't bring myself to click on it. In the end, I pressed delete. Then, I turned off his phone.

"Jordan, since our beginning started with a lie. Then, let me end it with my own lie this time." I immediately messaged my best friend to ask her to wait for me in a lifeboat tomorrow night on the other side.

I found a divorce agreement online, downloaded the electronic version and attached it to an email. After finishing everything, I looked over at Jordan. Even in his sleep, a cold sweat covered his forehead. He kept mumbling my name, "Willa. No, you can't. Something can't happen to you."

"Willa!" The moment Jordan opened his eyes, he grabbed me and held me tightly as if he had just regained something he thought he had lost forever. Our chests pressed against each other, but our heartbeats were out of sync.

For a long moment, he stayed like that. Then, he finally snapped out of his nightmare. "Thank god you're okay."

Scenes like this had happened so many times before. I used to think he felt my pain because he loved me deeply, but I see it for what it really is now. It was just another act. Just another part of his flawless performance. I lowered my head, allowing him to hold me and offer empty comfort.

"Be good. I'll go get you something to eat. Wait for me." I followed him as soon as he stepped out the door, but he didn't go to the restaurant. Instead, he turned and headed to a private lounge downstairs.

The moment he entered, a slender hand reached out and wrapped around his shoulder, pulling him inside. I stood outside the door, listening to the rapid breathing inside. Then, I heard Jordan's suppressed voice. "You're finally willing to come back?"

Jade smiled, her face radiant. She tiptoed and pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. "If I stayed away any longer, I was afraid you might actually fall for Willa. I heard you pulled the same trick again. She's been your wife for five years now and she just got pregnant. Are you really willing to go this far, Jordan? If Willa finds out, she'll probably want to tear me apart."

Jordan chuckled, pulling her closer and leaning against the door. "I told you, as long as I'm here, no one can touch you. As long as you're happy, I'll use her flesh and blood to pave your path."

A passing waiter spotted me and gasped. "Madam Griffin? What are you doing here? You haven't fully recovered yet, you shouldn't be running around. If Mr. Griffin finds out, we'll all be punished."

"Let me take you back." As she spoke, a group of wealthy businessmen passed by. They glanced at me, their eyes filled with ridicule.

"So, this is Mr. Griffin's wife. Huh? The one who was dragged into the private room by over a dozen men just now?"

"I heard she's already been ruined twice and he still keeps her? Jordan really has a strong stomach."

"Twice? That's nothing, there are like a dozen guys at a time. The math is insane! He's being cheated on with everyone. How blind could he be to fall for a woman like that? She'd make anyone sick to their stomach to even sleep with."

"Who knows if she was forced or if she wanted it? She might not be any better herself. Otherwise, why does trouble always seem to find her on such a big yacht? And now the kid is gone too. That poor child was unlucky to have her as a mother."

***

I stood there, barely able to keep myself upright. Jordan heard the commotion outside. When he stepped out, this was the scene he walked into. His face turned deathly pale. Just before I collapsed, he caught me in his arms. "Willa? What are you doing here? Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you back."

I didn't respond. My gaze shifted past Jordan, landing on Jade. He feared I would misunderstand and quickly explained, "Don't overthink it. Jade just got back from overseas. I happened to run into her and came over to check on her. It's been five years since that incident. Jade was afraid you'd be mad, so she stayed abroad all this time. Now that she's finally back, we're family after all. Maybe we should ... Don't worry. As long as I'm here, that bastard Jasper will never step foot in this house."

"Hmm, it's all in the past. I won't bring it up again." I knew exactly what he wanted to say. Rather than letting myself be backed into a corner, I could take the initiative. At least I could keep a little dignity. The onlookers who had been mocking me moments ago scattered as soon as Jordan appeared.

"Willa, long time no see." Jade greeted me with a smile, subtly showing off the limited-edition luxury bracelet on her wrist.

I nodded silently, swallowing my grievances as I spoke. "I just stepped out for some fresh air. Since you're busy, I'll head back first. I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble."

Thinking I was upset, Jordan chased after me all the way back to the private room. His eyes were red, full of pity. I found this act amusing as I watched him perform it, his lingering desire still visible in his eyes.

To make way for Jade, he had drugged me and ruined my life without hesitation. Now that he got what he wanted, leaving me to drown in humiliation, who was he pretending for? "Don't worry. It's been five years. I've long forgotten about it. It's just that the private room felt stuffy and stepping out brought back some unwanted memories."

Jordan let out a breath of relief. He gently wiped away the tears at the corner of my eyes. After feeding me some medicine, Jordan left again. This time, he headed towards the dining area. Ten minutes later, a waiter slipped an invitation to a banquet through the door crack. I knew it was Jade's doing, but I still went. Before leaving, I threw my suitcase into the sea.

At the banquet, Jade appeared in a haute couture gown, radiating elegance. She was introduced as Mrs. Griffin. Everyone was speculating about her relationship with Jordan and whispers filled the room. People gathered around, raising their glasses and praising them as a perfect match.

Jordan arrived soon after, busy socializing and oblivious to my presence. Jade, however, approached me and led me outside the private room. Her eyes lingered on the bruises on my neck. A smile played on her lips. "Willa, five years and you're still a good-for-nothing. How does it feel to be dragged into a room like that? Couldn't protect the Schmidts back then, can't protect your own child now. You're a joke. You don't know, do you? Those men weren't an accident. Your beloved husband arranged it all. He was watching when they stripped you bare. I almost feel sorry for you!"