She Saved Her Brother, And Lost Her Husband Forever

My wife was known as the goddess of pure love. In the three years we were married, she only allowed hugs, kisses and sleeping in each other's arms.

She always said that true love meant resisting temptation, which tested my sincerity.

But then, at my birthday party, everything changed. She was pressed against the sink by her foster brother, gasping for breath.

She whispered, "Don't worry, brother. I've never let him touch me. My heart has always been yours."

Her foster brother's grip tightened around her waist, his breath ragged.

"Then isn't he useless as a man? Girl, you're wicked."

Isabella Moore chuckled softly. "He deserved it. He pushed me into marrying him, angering you to leave the country."

The sting cut deep. I turned off my phone, walked out of the hotel quietly, no sound to mark my exit.

On the way home, I called Vincent Moore, her father.

"Uncle Vincent, the three years are up. Can I leave now?"

——

"It's been three years, River. Are you really saying you haven't developed any feelings for Isabella?"

A long, weary sigh came from the other end of the line.

I stayed silent.

How could I not?

In the three years we'd been married, even though she never shared my bed, her actions had been those of a woman deeply in love.

She bought us matching couple items, pouting playfully and saying, "One for you, one for me."

Even though her work kept her busy, she never returned from a business trip without a gift for me.

She never missed a holiday, always throwing a grand party for my birthday.

Her kindness was the talk of our circle.

And that's exactly why, even though I knew our marriage was a mere transaction, I couldn't help but give her my heart, piece by piece.

But now I saw it all for what it was: nothing but a well-played game, a calculated act of revenge.

If that was the case, then I would take back what I had foolishly given her: my heart.

I remained silent and Uncle Vincent took my silence as confirmation. After a long, heavy pause, he sighed again.

"Alright. Since you're insistent, I'll keep my word. I'll arrange for your departure in half a month. But we must keep this from Isabella. She's so taken with you right now; if she finds out the truth, I fear she'll lose her mind."

I curled my lips into a faint, ironic smile.

Isabella? Lose her mind? Her heart had never truly belonged to me.

She had deceived everyone, but I had no intention of exposing her.

When I got home, I sank onto the sofa, the hours slipping by until nightfall.

Isabella returned, her arms slipping around me from behind the back of the sofa. Her voice was soft and playful, like a kitten coaxing affection.

"Hubby, why did you leave so suddenly? You didn't answer my calls. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, I just suddenly felt a bit…"

As I spoke, I turned my head to look at her, only to freeze. My eyes caught the dark red marks on her neck and my breath hitched in my throat.

Isabella didn't notice anything unusual. She nuzzled her cheek against mine, her voice soft.

"Hmm? You just felt a bit what?"

I forced a smile, my words barely escaping.

"A bit unwell."

She tensed, pulling away from me instantly. Her hand flew to my forehead, her gaze scanning my face with concern.

"How come you're suddenly sick? What's wrong? I'll take you to the hospital."

Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed my hand, ready to drag me out the door.

I gently pulled her back toward the couch. "No need. It was just a headache. I'm feeling better now."

"Really?"

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Seeing the reassurance in my smile, she leaned in to kiss me, her lips brushing close.

"I have a surprise for you tonight, okay?"

I turned my head slightly, avoiding her kiss.

She paused, looking at me in confusion. I offered a faint smile in response.

"Did you drink a lot tonight? Go take a shower."

Isabella sniffed her sleeve, then chuckled as if trying to cover up something she hadn't quite caught.