19%
O
The initials of that name were engraved clearly on the outer band of the ring–so obvious.}
I never expected that the affection I had long sought after all these years was right here with Azrael.}
Staring at the ring on my ring finger, my eyes grew moist. Sitting at the dining table, I had so many things I wanted to say but didn’t know where to begin.M
Azrael didn’t give me the chance to speak.
He laid out all his plans straight away.”
Our wedding suite, the ceremony, bridal photography, honeymoon–even the division of his assets.
Everything was arranged in my favor.“]
After the meal, I followed him to meet his parents. Contrary to my fears, there were no awkward moments, no harsh interrogations.
They never mentioned my previous marriage once, which put me at ease.
After meeting his parents, Azrael took me to a villa on the outskirts.}
“This will be our marital home. You can decorate it however you like.“}
As he showed me around the neighborhood, we unexpectedly ran into Frederick and Giselle.
Frederick supported Giselle’s arm, and they appeared to be looking at the same villas.
Thinking back to how Giselle had drugged me that day, a tightness pressed on my chest.
Giselle was just as surprised to see me there.
With a gaze full of contempt, she stubbornly approached. “What a coincidence, running into you here.“}
“Yeah, I didn’t expect you two to be so relentless, following me all the way to Florida to disgust me. Giselle, you really have no shame,” I spat.
Giselle angrily raised her hand to slap me but was stopped by Frederick.}]
She nervously glanced at him and quickly explained, “It’s all Gracie’s fault. She’s always been jealous of me and doesn’t want us to be happy.“N
I rolled my eyes. “Giselle, you drugged me and instructed that Edison guy to grope me. That was your way of trying to disgust me. You can’t even keep your husband’s eyes on you, so you come after me instead. Do you really think that will work?”
Frederick looked confused, then at Giselle.
“What drug? What does Gracie mean by that?”
Azrael wrapped his arm possessively around my waist and looked down at them.
“Your wife Giselle drugged my girlfriend’s drink, trying to have that Edison bully her. Luckily, I arrived in time. Otherwise, you can imagine what would have happened. Frederick, I never expected you to have such poor judgment!“}
Giselle’s face changed dramatically. Nervously, she tried to explain, “No, Frederick, they’re framing me. How could I possibly have drugged her? I didn’t!“}
“Tsk. You didn’t? Edison confessed himself, or else how could I have let him off?” Azrael then played a recording.
I was stunned–he even had Edison’s voice recording. That day, he had taken me away from the scene immediately.}
Listening to Edison’s voice, he said Giselle instructed him to wait until the drug took effect, then bring me upstairs at the hotel to open a room. Meanwhile, she would bring Frederick there to ‘coincidentally‘ meet, to sever his lingering feelings for me once and for all.” The dirty scheme made me sick.
Frederick stared at Giselle, disbelief and icy rage flashing in his eyes.
His deep voice was cold and threatening. “You vicious woman, why did you do this? I’ve already agreed to all your demands. What more do you want to be satisfied? Choosing you is the biggest regret of my life. Giselle, I truly wish you’d disappear from my life forever.“} Giselle’s eyes widened in terror as she clung to Frederick’s arm, feigning innocence.
“What do you expect me to do? Ever since you regained your memory, all you think about is Gracie! She has already divorced you, and I’m your legal wife. But you won’t even spare me a glance. I just want you to see that Gracie isn’t better than me. She can sleep with any man!” Smack!
Frederick slapped Giselle hard.}
Already heavily pregnant, she lost her balance and collapsed to the ground.
Her belly hit the step, and her amniotic fluid broke instantly, soaking a large patch.
Frederick panicked, rushing Giselle to the hospital.
Her baby was only eight months along. Premature birth meant the newborn would need an incubator. Frederick was overwhelmed with worry.”
When they heard the baby’s cry, his heart finally relaxed.”
But the doctor’s next words shattered him.
“The baby was born prematurely and needs an incubator. There’s one more thing: the family should prepare themselves–the infant has large patches of beast–like birthmarks on his face.”
Frederick glanced at the baby cradled in the nurse’s arms–black patches covered almost the entire face, hands, and neck.
9:12 AM
J
The shocking news made him collapse to the floor.
Giselle was pushed into the ward. Her baby was immediately sent to neonatal care. She hadn’t even seen the child yet, and watching Frederick remain silent with a troubled face made her heart sink.
9:12 AM
