At Belmont Amusement Park, she bought a ticket and entered. It didn’t take long before she spotted Zevian and Aveline standing together.

She couldn’t hear their conversation, but Aveline looked incredibly happy.

With a gleam in her eyes, Aveline tiptoed up to kiss Zevian on the cheek.

Amaris’s hands and feet were cold, her body wrapped in silence as she stood at a distance, neither too far nor too close, just close enough to hear their conversation.

“Aveline, I knew you’d come to see me because you were worried.”

Aveline’s voice was filled with a playful joy, unmistakably delighted.

“Aveline, I’m your brother. You can’t kiss me like that again, understand?”

Zevian’s voice was firm, but his tone betrayed an underlying helplessness; he had clearly indulged her before.

“Don’t think I don’t know. You were adopted by Mom and Dad, too. We’re not real siblings. I like you, so what?”

Aveline’s voice was bold, unapologetic.

“You like me too. To cure me, you even kidnapped Amaris and had her kidney taken.”

“Zevian, once I’m well, please divorce her. Marry me.”

Zevian didn’t look shocked by her words. It was clear Aveline had said things like this many times before.

Amaris stood hidden in the crowd at the amusement park, unnoticed by them.

“No. Mom and Dad wouldn’t approve. Aveline, you need to give up. I’m married to Amaris now. I’m not sure anymore; I’m not good enough for you. You deserve better.”

His voice was thick with bitterness, his eyes clouded with sorrow.

Aveline’s heart broke at the weight of his words. She cupped his face gently and said with a serious tone, “You’re not dirty at all. When I’m better, I’ll tell Mom and Dad we’ve already been together. They won’t mind.”

With that, she stood on tiptoe, lifted her face, and kissed him fiercely, wrapping her arms around him to keep him close, not giving him the chance to pull away.

Zevian seemed powerless against her. Eventually, he gave in, placing his hand on the back of her head, kissing her back with an intensity that spoke of tenderness, as if handling something precious.

Amaris watched them, her body numb as the blood drained from her face. Her mind went completely blank.

They had no shame, no concern for anyone else.

After their breathless kiss, Zevian gazed at Aveline with soft eyes, affection impossible to disguise.

Their bodies betrayed them, and in the end, Zevian gritted his teeth, lifting her and heading toward the underground parking lot of the amusement park.

Amaris’s heart continued to sink as she followed them, unable to tear her eyes away. She saw Zevian carry Aveline inside and roll up the windows.

Soon, the car began to rock. Faint panting and soft moans pierced the silence.

There was no need to imagine what was happening inside.

Amaris’s face turned as white as a ghost, her body feeling like a hollow shell. The pain in her chest was sharp, almost suffocating.

She couldn’t help but recall how to please Zevian and match his desires; she had once made love with him in a car, too.

She had even kept several boxes of condoms tucked away; now, they were being used by him and Aveline.

Amaris didn't remember how she got home. She only remembered that after leaving Blue Sky Amusement Park, she went to the divorce office and handed the divorce agreement she had signed in the morning to the lawyer.

Despite her resolve to leave, witnessing that scene still tore at her heart; it felt as if a part of her soul had been carved out.

It was late, around 8 or 9 p.m., when Zevian finally came home.

As soon as he entered, he pulled Amaris into his arms, nuzzling her neck, breathing in her scent as though savoring it.

His hands, familiar and steady, roamed along her back.

Amaris fought against the wave of nausea, pushing him away. The situation struck her as laughable, though her face remained composed, revealing nothing. She spoke with the faintest hint of dissatisfaction, “You just got home, eat first. I’ve kept your dinner warm.”

“My wife is the best. Coming home to a hot meal made by her, there’s no man luckier than me.”

Zevian released her, oblivious to the tension in the air, and sat down with a grin to eat.

He had changed into fresh clothes, and no trace of the day’s events was left behind.

Aveline always wore perfume, but there wasn’t a hint of it on him.

He had covered his tracks perfectly, every detail accounted for.

Had she not overheard his conversation with his adoptive parents, she might have remained in the dark forever, never knowing the truth.

That night, Amaris went to bed early, wanting to avoid Zevian’s advances. Every time he touched her, images of him with Aveline overwhelmed her, leaving her nauseous.

But in the middle of the night, Amaris woke with her stomach churning.

Amaris couldn’t hold back, leaping out of bed and rushing to the bathroom.

She dry-heaved over the sink, her body trembling with the effort.

The noise she made was enough to stir Zevian from his sleep. As soon as she bolted out of bed, he followed, concern etching his features.

Finding her there, struggling but unable to vomit, he rushed to her side.

“Amaris, what’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”

The bedroom light flickered on.

Amaris’s face was pale, her body stiff. She shook her head and replied, “I just suddenly felt nauseous, but it’s passing now.”

At her words, something seemed to click in Zevian’s mind. His eyes gleamed with an almost hopeful excitement.

“Amaris, could we have a baby?”

Her breath caught in her throat. His words struck her with a sudden realization.

The symptoms did seem to point in that direction.

Without wasting a second, Zevian rushed to fetch a pregnancy test.

When the test revealed two lines, Zevian couldn’t hide his joy. He wrapped her in a tight embrace, his voice thick with emotion.

“This is incredible, Amaris, we’re having a baby!”

Amaris hesitated, her heart tangled in a web of doubt. She forced a smile, but it felt like a fragile mask.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy? Or do you not want this baby?”

His question was careful, filled with concern.

Amaris met his gaze, and there was a slight tremble in her voice.

“No, it’s just I’ve heard pregnancy tests aren’t always accurate. Let’s go to the hospital tomorrow to be sure.”

If she hadn’t known about Zevian’s plan with his adoptive family, if she hadn’t witnessed the man, she thought she loved to betray her with another woman.

Maybe she would have been overjoyed by the news.

But now, this child felt like a weight, a responsibility she wasn’t sure she could carry.

Or worse still, after another kidney surgery, could the baby even survive?

“Zevian, I heard from the doctor that if we want the baby to be safe, the mother must be well taken care of.”

“Before the baby is born, you’ll protect me, won’t you? You won’t let anything happen to me?”

Amaris looked up and asked tentatively in a soft voice.

At the word "unexpected", Zevian lowered his eyes, avoiding her gaze, yet his tone remained perfectly natural.

“Of course. I’ll protect you and the baby.”

Amaris' heart sank when she saw Zevian didn't dare to look at her.

Seeing Zevian avoid her gaze, Amaris’s heart dropped, sinking deep into a pit of despair.

The next morning, Zevian accompanied her to the hospital, his expression unreadable as they waited for the results.

When the test came back, Amaris was truly pregnant.

Zevian’s face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He kissed her again and again, like a young boy who had just fallen in love.

“My love, I’ll take care of you and our baby; I’m going to be a dad!”

Amaris stood there, holding the pregnancy report in one hand, feeling a strange daze wash over her. Her other hand instinctively drifted to her abdomen, a flutter of warmth and wonder rising within her.

It was as if she could hear the gentle heartbeat of the life growing inside her.

“My love, let me take you home. The first three months are so important, you mustn’t be startled.”

“I’ll go buy groceries, cook for you, and take good care of you and our baby.”

A blissful smile spread across Zevian’s face as he spoke, his excitement palpable.

“Should we start thinking about what to name the baby…?”

They left the hospital shortly after, and not long later, they were home.

No matter what Amaris said, Zevian wouldn’t let her lift a finger. He treated her as if she were made of glass, handling her with the utmost care and always watching over her.

While he was busy, the phone in the living room suddenly rang.

He rushed out of the kitchen, grabbed the phone, and answered it. His face shifted instantly, his expression tight with urgency.

“I’ll be right there!”

Without another word, he yanked the apron off and tossed it carelessly on the table, dashing out the door without even sparing a glance at her.

Amaris stood at the corner of the staircase, watching him go, the sound of his hurried footsteps echoing through the house. He had completely forgotten his promise to make her dinner, even leaving the stove on.

Her phone buzzed with a new message.

[Come to Oregon Hospital in the city center. I’m waiting for you, Aveline.]

Amaris arrived outside the hospital room, just as familiar voices reached her ears.

Amanda was crying.

“Zevian, Aveline’s condition is worsening again. What are we going to do?”

“Can’t we move the plan forward and have Amaris donate a kidney to Aveline sooner?”

Zevian stood silently at the side, his gaze lingering on Aveline’s pale face on the hospital bed. Pain and helplessness flickered in his eyes, but he remained quiet.

Upon seeing his lack of response, Amanda's tears stopped abruptly. Realization seemed to strike her, and her tone became sharp, demanding.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t want to move the plan forward for Aveline? Or is it you’ve really fallen for that woman?”

Alaric’s eyes darkened at her words, his gaze turning cold as he fixed Zevian with a cold stare.

“Zevian, we raised you to care for Aveline. Are you going to turn your back on her now?”

At that, Zevian finally spoke, his voice cold and unwavering.

“How could I fall for Amaris? I was just thinking about how to adjust the schedule.”

“Dad, Mom, my feelings for Aveline are real. Besides, she once saved my life. How could I abandon her for Amaris?”

Lying in bed, Aveline stiffened slightly at the mention of her saving him but quickly masked it with a calm expression.

“Zevian, I always knew you were the best to me.”

Outside the room, Amaris stood frozen, her face pale, her body on the verge of collapse.

She couldn’t help but remember the day Aveline had returned. Zevian had been in a car accident, and by some twist of fate, Aveline had been at the scene.

When the car came barreling toward him, she rushed from behind and shoved him out of the way.

But it had been too late.

Both Zevian and she had been struck. Thankfully, her timely push had spared Zevian from serious injury while she had taken the brunt of it, slipping into a coma.

When she had awoken, everyone was praising Aveline for saving Zevian’s life. And she, the woman Zevian had once held dear, was cast as the heartless one, never even visiting him after his accident.

No matter how much she tried to explain, no one believed her. They accused her of stealing Aveline’s credit, shamelessly.

Zevian’s once tender affection for her had turned cold, and all his warmth was now directed toward Aveline.

It wasn’t until she had been kidnapped and violated that Zevian started treating her kindly again.

Looking back now, she couldn’t help but think he might have been the one behind that incident, only treating her better out of guilt.

She had once been blind, convinced that Zevian truly loved her.

"Miss, are you a family member of the patient? Why haven’t you gone in?"

A nurse on her rounds spotted Amaris standing outside and asked with curiosity.

As she spoke, the nurse reached out, pushing the door open.

The moment Amaris stepped into view, everyone inside turned toward the entrance.

Zevian froze. Panic flickered in his eyes at the sight of her.

Realizing she had been spotted, Amaris didn’t hesitate. With tears welling up in her eyes, she turned and fled.

Zevian rushed to follow, but Alaric caught his arm.

"Where do you think you're going? Don’t forget, Aveline still needs you!"

The words snapped Zevian back to reality. He pushed down the unease bubbling in his chest and spoke softly, "I’m worried she overheard everything. It could ruin the plan. If something happens to her, there’ll be no one left to donate a kidney to Aveline."

After the nurse finished her rounds and left, Alaric’s face softened, a confident smile tugging at his lips.

"You don’t need to worry about that."

"Even if she knows, there’s no escape for her."

"Why do you think she showed up here? We lured her in, of course."

"Aveline’s condition is worsening; look, she had to be admitted again today. You’re moving too slowly, and we can’t afford to wait any longer."

"The moment she leaves this hospital, someone will take her, and her kidney will be gone."

Zevian’s heart skipped a beat. He looked sharply at Alaric, a cold dread rising in him.

"Dad, Amaris is pregnant with my child. If you're going to act, at least give me some warning."

Seeing the agitation in Zevian’s eyes, Amanda quickly intervened, her voice steady but firm.

"Zevian, your father’s just under pressure. He can’t stand seeing Aveline suffer."

"Besides, Amaris can always have another child. Right now, the most important thing is Aveline’s health! Without a kidney, she’ll die. Can’t you see what matters more?"

Aveline, who had remained silent up until now, spoke at just the right moment, her voice trembling, eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Zevian, don’t blame Mom and Dad. It’s all my fault; I shouldn’t have gotten sick. If I wasn’t sick, none of this would be happening."

"You wouldn’t have to hurt Amaris either. I feel so guilty."

Without warning, she grabbed the fruit knife from the bedside and raised it to her own chest.

"If I die, Amaris won’t have to give me her kidney, and you can have your baby in peace, Zevian. Please, Mom, Dad, spare Amaris."

Zevian moved in an instant, leaping forward to grab the knife from her hands.

He acted quickly, but the sharp blade cut into his palm, blood oozing from the wound and staining the sheets.

"Zevian..."

Aveline stared, her face frozen in shock, her gaze shifting from the blood-soaked bed to Zevian’s darkened expression.

"If you die, what am I supposed to do? Have you ever thought that without you, I wouldn’t be able to live either?"

"No matter what, you can’t die. I can lose a child, but I can’t lose you!"

Zevian’s voice thundered, his words raw and desperate, the pain in his heart spilling out, completely oblivious to the fact that the fruit knife had already sliced into his palm.

At his words, Aveline’s tears fell without warning, warm drops that traced down her cheeks.

With a sob, she threw herself into his arms, her voice a mixture of joy and sorrow. “I understand now, Brother Zevian. I won’t do it again. Your hand it’s hurt; we should get a doctor to bandage it.”

Zevian shut his eyes for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle in. He sighed, his breath heavy with resignation.

His gaze softened as he looked at her tear-streaked face, her eyes wide and fearful like a lost rabbit, and he relented.

“Alright. I’ll forgive you this time. Just rest and wait for the surgery. Once it’s done, everything will get better.”

Alaric and Amanda exchanged a quiet, knowing look before they slipped out of the ward, leaving the two alone. As they passed the hallway, they went to summon a doctor to tend to Zevian’s wound.

While the room fell into a calm, Aveline stepped outside the hospital, hailing a cab with determination in her step.

Barely a minute after stepping into the car, Amaris caught a strange, unfamiliar scent that made her head spin.

Before she could react, darkness took over, and she lost consciousness.

When she awoke, she had no idea how much time had passed. Her body felt weak, her hands and feet bound tight, the coarse ropes digging into her skin. She was lying on a cold, grimy hospital bed.

Panic surged as the truth dawned: she had been kidnapped.

The memories of her past abduction came crashing back like a tidal wave, and she trembled uncontrollably, the fear seeping deep into her bones.

The door creaked open, and Amaris’s gaze flickered to the sound.

To her shock, the person who entered was Aveline.

With her confidence shining, Aveline stepped in, dressed in a sleek tweed cardigan and a brown leather skirt, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Amaris’s heart sank at the sight of her.

Seeing her in such a helpless state, Aveline chuckled coldly, her eyes gleaming with malice.

“Amaris, you’ve enjoyed my life long enough, haven’t you? Stolen my identity for years, basking in the life that was supposed to be mine.”

“Zevian even married you, pampered you like you were precious to him.”

“You know, I had to lie with him in secret, pretending to be the one he cared about, all so you wouldn’t find out. I hated you more with every passing day.”

She took a step closer, her lips curling into a cruel smile.

“Tell me, Amaris, if I were to ruin that pretty face of yours, make you deaf and blind, so you could never hear his voice or see his face again, wouldn’t that be the perfect punishment for you?”

A chill seeped into Amaris’s heart as she heard Aveline’s words, making her body shudder violently.

“Aveline, you can’t do this... you’ll regret it...”

A man in a white coat, who had followed Aveline into the room, spoke up, his voice calm but firm.

“Miss Aveline, perhaps we should wait until after the kidney transplant before we do anything rash. If we harm her now, it might jeopardize the operation, and all of this effort would be wasted.”

Aveline opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, a familiar voice echoed through the room.

“Aveline, why would you come to such a filthy place?”

Zevian entered his presence like a jolt of electricity. The moment his eyes landed on Amaris, his expression froze.

Hope flickered within Amaris, small but fierce. Even if it was just a spark, she held onto the hope that he would spare her, for their child, for the love they once shared.

“Zevian…”

Her voice cracked, filled with sorrow and a desperation that bled through her every word.

But Zevian looked away, his gaze hardening. He reached out, taking Aveline’s hand in his.

“You shouldn’t be here. Once the kidney’s prepped, we’ll need you ready for surgery,” he said, his words cold.

In that instant, Amaris’s heart sank, and everything she had feared became painfully clear.

Her heart, already wounded, was now torn open once more, this time with a cruelty that left her gasping for breath.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, a hollow sound that reflected the foolishness of her hopes. She had honestly believed that Zevian would remember their love, that he would come to save her.

But now, it was painfully clear he had probably never loved her at all. His heart had always belonged to Aveline.

Zevian avoided her gaze as if her eyes didn’t exist, as though her pleas were nothing more than the wind. Without a second glance, he walked out with Aveline, leaving her to her fate.

Moments later, the surgery began.

Amaris was carried into the operating room, her limbs still bound, her body weak, but her mind racing.

“I don’t want this... I won’t give up my kidney...”

She fought with everything she had, squirming against the restraints, her body jerking as she tried to avoid the needle.

But in the end, they overwhelmed her, the anesthetic taking hold of her before she could resist any longer.

Tears fell from the corners of her eyes, mixed with the sweat from her struggle, and wet her hair.

Before she completely lost consciousness, she seemed to see a figure running towards her. Who was that?