She had gone too far.

At first, she would just cling to my arm and tell me to go out with friends. Later, she would just leave home without a word, showing me cold indifference.

When I returned home, no prepared meals were waiting for me.

Only unwashed pots and dishes remained, and a messy pile of clothes scattered across the bed.

Joyce must have spent a long time picking out which dress to wear to meet Grayson.

After cleaning up, I hastily cooked something for myself and devoured it in a few bites.

Countless nights, I sat in the living room smoking until dawn, never hearing the sound of the door opening.

Touching my empty and aching stomach, I quickly showered, downed a cup of coffee, and dove back into work.

With a painful heart, I smiled bitterly.

I realized I remembered every little thing from the past six months clearly.

"Joyce, it's over."

…

Joyce wanted to say something else, but Grayson, who had rushed over, grabbed her arm.

He coughed weakly several times, and Joyce immediately shifted her gaze from me to him.

Even though I expected it in my heart, I still felt heartbroken when I saw her choose Grayson without hesitation.

I moved aside and carefully placed the little black snake in a plastic bag, planning to dig a hole in the backyard to bury it.

As I passed them, Grayson suddenly started coughing violently, his face turning pale.

Joyce hurriedly handed a handkerchief to him, gently patting his back.

Once his coughing subsided, Grayson casually glanced at the bag in my hand before turning away.

Joyce, always observant, picked up on this and quickly asked.

"Grayson, what's wrong?"

Grayson opened his mouth as if to say something, but then stopped, shaking his head regretfully.

"Nothing. I just suddenly remembered the doctor told me to take good care of my health, or I would suffer later.

"Unfortunately, I haven't found any decent supplements in over half a month…"

My previously calmed anger flared up again with his words.

But Joyce pretended not to see my furious expression and turned to me hopefully.

"Colten, why don't you just give the meat back to Grayson? He's in poor health, and he can't wait any longer.

"I've apologized to you, and I won't hold the slap you gave me against you. Just give me the meat. Once Grayson recovers, I promise we'll live a happy life again."

My fists clenched tightly.

"Joyce, can't you understand me?

"I told you to get out. Bitches and dogs are not welcome here."

Joyce's face instantly changed, and she looked up at me, her eyes full of anger.

"Colten, how far do you intend to take this?

"It's my fault for not discussing it with you beforehand, but it's just a snake. So what if it was your dad's keepsake?

"It's just a snake, a soulless beast.

"It's not your dad!"

I was completely enraged by Joyce and grabbed her hair, slapping her several times until her face turned red and swollen before letting go.

Joyce covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks as she cried out.

"Colten, how dare you hit me?

"I'm your fiancee! Do you still want to marry me?"

I interrupted her coldly, "Fiancee? Never heard of it."

"What about the wedding invitations on the floor?"

"Oh, that? That's my proof of calling off the engagement."

Joyce stumbled back in disbelief, staring at me, her body swaying.

She forced herself to maintain her dignity, asking carefully.

"Colten, are you serious?"

"Of course I'm serious."

Before she could say something more, Grayson grabbed her hand, shielding her behind him possessively.

"Joyce, arguing with this brute is pointless. He has no manners!

"Come with me. If Colten doesn't cherish you, I will take good care of you!"

I shrugged, feeling indifferent, watching as Grayson touched Joyce's face, his eyes filled with pity.

Joyce's tears immediately overflowed.

She bit her lip and turned to me. Seeing I was unresponsive, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Grayson in front of everyone.

"Grayson, you're so nice to me. I'll be with you from now on. Just let him regret it!"

I scoffed, "I will never regret it."

…

Watching them leave hand in hand, I narrowed my eyes.

A man who could watch his woman get beaten and only dared to stand up after it was over was nothing but a coward.

I wanted to see what kind of so-called happiness this type of man could bring Joyce.

As I expected, things unfolded accordingly.

One night after several days, I was awakened from my sleep by the ringing phone.

I answered groggily, and Joyce's crying voice came through the receiver.

"Colten, I regret it! Please come and save me!

"Save… No…"

Her voice was quickly interrupted by angry shouts from different men, and her voice faded away.

Maybe it was too chaotic, and it took several minutes for someone to notice Joyce's phone.

Soon, the call ended.

As a man, I naturally understood the consequences Joyce faced after being dragged away.

Emotionally, I felt a sense of relief that she had fallen into this state.

But rationally, I knew she was still a girl; even if she had made mistakes, she shouldn't be punished in this way.

I would recover the money I spent on her through legal means with a lawyer.

As for the feelings and effort I invested in her, I would chalk it up to a lesson learned in romance.

The inner conflict between my emotions and logic ended with logic prevailing.

Sighing, I got up, dressed, and drove to the club where Joyce was.

Upon entering the room, I immediately saw Joyce huddled in a corner, her clothes disheveled, with two handprints on her face.

When she saw me, her eyes lit up.

"Colten, I knew you wouldn't ignore me!"

She stumbled to her feet but fell back to the ground in pain, crawling toward me unsteadily.

Kneeling at my feet, she hugged my legs, looking terrified that I would leave her.

Her gaze was full of pleading.

"Colten, you will save me, right?"

I stood still, revealing no emotion.

Joyce panicked, shaking my legs. "Say something! Colten, please! Tell me that you would save me!"

I pulled my leg away from her grasp and turned to the group of men who had been watching.

"Where is Grayson?"

The leading man scoffed, "That man took the money and left her here. How would I know where he is?

"Are you here to buy her back?"

Joyce crawled over to hug my leg again, her eyes hopeful.

I asked in a deep voice, "How much do you want?"

The leader was momentarily taken aback, not expecting my swift agreement, and then a broad smile appeared on his face.

After years in business, I could see the calculations and greed in his eyes.

"One million dollars."

I raised an eyebrow and immediately shook my head.

"Then forget it. She isn't worth that much."

Joyce froze in shock, and the big men around her looked stunned, their eyes blazing with anger.

"How dare you fool me?"

The others rose from the couch, closing in on me, glaring at me.

"Are you messing with us? If you don't bring out the money today, neither you nor she is leaving this room."

I sighed, looking down at Joyce, who was still kneeling on the ground.

Her hair was messy, her clothes disheveled, and the handprints on her face made her look pitiful.

Yet, there was no fear in her eyes.

"Stop pretending, Joyce. I know you're not that smart. Grayson is behind this, isn't he?"

A flicker of panic crossed her eyes, and she started to back away.

"Colten, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

Just at that moment, I received a message that read "OK" on my phone. Then I lowered my gaze.

"Nothing. But Joyce, I won't go soft on you again."

After my words, the door was kicked open from the outside, and my friend entered with a group of policemen.

Joyce, unable to maintain her facade, quickly scrambled to her feet and instinctively looked toward a hidden corner of the room.

I sneered and, in her incredulous gaze, kicked open the hidden door in the room.