"Miss Nicole, are you really giving up this kidney donor match?"

"Mr. Arthur spent fifty million, searching through over five hundred hospitals for three years to get this chance for you."

"If you miss this, you'll have at most a month left. After that, it'll be too late to turn things around, no one can save you."

Nicole didn't hesitate for a second, her voice calm.

"I'm sure."

The doctor looked conflicted. She just lowered her head and signed her name stroke by stroke.

"Keep this secret. I'll tell Arthur myself..."

Leaving the office, Nicole went up to the third floor of the inpatient building.

Her husband Arthur had reserved this entire floor for three years. Hundreds of experts were on standby, but they still couldn't save Grandma's life.

The doctor said she wouldn't make it through today.

Nicole reached out and held Grandma's wrinkled hand. A sob caught in her throat.

"Grandma, will you blame me?"

"I'm sorry—"

If it weren't for her, the Ramirez family wouldn't have ended up in such a tragic state.

Three years ago, her parents got caught up in a fraud case involving over a hundred million.

On the day of the trial, the key witness, intern Jennifer, vanished with the last ten million from the company account.

Arthur accompanied Nicole searching all over Major Port City, but Jennifer had vanished without a trace.

Without her testimony, her parents were given a suspended death sentence that same day. A month later, unable to withstand the torture, both of them hanged themselves with bed sheets.

When the news broke, Grandma was overwhelmed with grief. She suffered a stroke and never woke up.

Overnight, she lost all her family.

That day, Arthur held her in his arms as she cried until her eyes bled. His eyes reddened with compassion.

"Nicole, you still have me!"

"I will find Jennifer, make her wish she were dead, and clear your parents' names."

He held her tight. At that moment, the only person she could rely on in this world was Arthur.

But just yesterday, while managing assets for Arthur who was away on business, she found that one of the villas was owned by Jennifer.

And the ownership transfer date was the very day Jennifer disappeared three years ago!

At that moment, it hit her like a bolt of lightning. Nicole trembled, her mind blank.

For three years, she couldn't find any trace of Jennifer. Every time a clue appeared, it immediately went cold.

It seemed some force always shielded Jennifer, keeping everyone away.

How could she have imagined.

The husband who vowed to kill Jennifer to avenge her was actually Jennifer's protector all along!

For three years, over a thousand days and nights, he witnessed her suffer while building a golden hideout for Jennifer!

Nicole's tears fell on Grandma's sheets, soaking a spot.

Her heart hurt so much she couldn't straighten up.

If she hadn't chosen to sponsor Jennifer and then introduced her to intern at the family company, how could her parents have met such a tragic end?

How could she have lost her family and been betrayed by the one she loved?

Suddenly, her thoughts were cut off by a sharp beeping.

"Beep beep beep..."

Grandma's ECG monitor flatlined amid the urgent beeps.

Nicole trembled uncontrollably and slammed the emergency button. The doctors rushed in, but her legs felt like lead weights, refusing to move.

Shoved out of the ward by nurses, she instinctively pulled out her phone and dialed Arthur—her emergency contact.

The call rang twice before disconnecting.

She redialed instantly, only to hear the automated shutdown notice.

Nicole collapsed outside the ward, sobbing until her chest seized.

Her phone pinged with a text. She opened it, eyes filled with tears.

Dozens of glittering words pierced her heart like needles.

"Mr. Thompson, congratulations on reserving our Maternity Care Center deluxe suite! We wish you and Ms. Lopez a smooth delivery and joyful family life!"

The ward door clicked open.

The doctor's expression held pity.

"Please accept my condolences."

Nicole clenched her phone, nails digging into her palm. Blood trickled down her wrist and onto the floor.

She'd lost her last living relative. Meanwhile, Arthur stood beside her enemy, celebrating new life!

Physical pain was nothing compared to this agony.

Staggering back inside, she grasped her Grandma's hand one last time.

"Grandma… Mom… Dad… wait for me."

"I'll join you soon. Our family will be whole again."

"This is all my fault…"

Kneeling in broken sobs, she forced herself upright. After arranging the funeral numbly, she walked out alone, clutching the urn.

Right now, she needed to see that maternity suite.

What face did her husband show Jennifer?

The sight nearly shattered her restraint.

Jennifer's rounded belly contrasted with her flawless, pampered complexion—no trace of pregnancy fatigue, just privileged comfort.

Arthur had his arm around her waist, his tenderness overflowing.

"Arthur, my belly feels so heavy."

"The baby keeps kicking me. I wonder who he takes after—so restless?"

As she whined, her brows furrowing slightly. Arthur instantly guided her to a chair.

He bent toward her belly, feigning sternness:

"Behave, baby, or I'll teach you a lesson on Mommy's behalf once you are born."

Jennifer's laughter tinkled.

"You'd spank your precious son?"

Arthur clasped her hand, devotion blazing.

"Jennifer, when you begged for help three years ago, your tears wrecked me."

"It's just a mistake at work, yet Nicole hunted you like prey."

"You hid in that villa for years without freedom, risking everything to give me this child."

"I swear to the God, no one matters more than you."

"My love and protection are yours—till death do us part."

Tears welled in Jennifer's eyes. She dabbed them delicately.

"You don't have to worry about me. As long as it can ease Nicole's anger, I can endure any grievance, any hardship."

"Since I lost my parents at a young age, I've always lived on eggshells. Nobody ever cared about me anyway."

Her voice fractured. She gazed down at her swollen belly.

"It's just that my baby has to suffer this wrong—living like a hidden rat with me"

Arthur's heart tightened, brows furrowed in anguish.

"No. He'll inherit everything. I'll make you stand by me openly someday."

Jennifer's eyes lit up before clouding with worry: "Really? But... what if Nicole gets angry?"

Arthur's gaze darkened yet remained resolute.

"She'll never know the truth."

"I owe the Ramirez family a lifelong debt. So for now... forgive me, Jennifer."

"I've arranged everything. After your postpartum recovery period, I'll make it up to you with a wedding."

Nicole bit her wrist until copper flooded her mouth, stifling sobs.

In his eyes, his parents' lives were nothing more than a trivial work mistake caused by Jennifer .

He even said he only felt gratitude toward her. Then what about his love? All given to Jennifer?

She trembled like an autumn leaf, knees buckling.

Glancing at her Grandma's urn in the car, she wiped her unceasing tears and dialed the funeral home.

"Book a sea burial service. One month from today."

"Nicole. Location: Northern Shoreline."

That was where Arthur had proposed to her.

Let her end her life there.

After settling her Grandma's urn, Nicole wandered aimlessly until she found herself standing before her alma mater.

Peering through the locked gates at the tree-lined avenue, she saw her teenage self as if in a daze.

Her small frame swallowed by an oversized uniform, and she trailed Arthur at a distance neither close nor far.

He was the school's golden boy, his name perpetually topping the honor roll.

Beneath that tall, handsome exterior lay an aloofness that kept others at arm's length.

She'd harbored a crush on him, like any girl in her teens, observing his every move from afar yet never daring to approach.

He never once glanced back.

Their sole connection during those years had been that narrow alleyway on campus.

Nicole gazed at there and then she quickly averted her eyes.

She couldn't bear to dwell on the memories, afraid tears might betray her.

Suddenly, the owner of the dessert parlor emerged nearby.

"Sweetheart! Haven't seen you for years!"

"My treat today. Your usual order?"

Remarkably, she'd recognized Nicole instantly.

Nicole's eyes reddened as she ducked her head, slipping into a corner seat.

Placing the sweet broth on the table, the owner nudged toward another corner, eyes twinkling:

"So... how'd things go with that handsome boy who always sat over there?"

Nicole's pale face froze.

How could this woman know her adolescent secrets?

"Eyes never lie, dear."

"But that young fellow never returned after graduation..."

As the owner chattered on, Nicole heard none of it.

She'd thought her feelings were hidden—yet even this stranger had noticed. Could Arthur truly have been oblivious?

The fixed corner seat, the sweet soup always ordered in his favorite flavor, even the "chance encounters" on the way to and from school without fail...

Like some persistent NPC throughout his high school years, she'd appeared in his sightline daily for three years. A top student with a photographic memory like him must've recognized her.

Yet throughout their marriage, he'd never mentioned it. Even when she showed their graduation photo, he'd merely glanced indifferently.

Nicole took a spoonful of the familiar broth but couldn't swallow.

She pitied her younger self—that girl bursting with timid affection. She pitied her present self—too drained to demand answers.

The owner's voice suddenly rang out again:

"What brings everyone today?

I didn't hear anything about an alumni gathering for your class?"

Nicole looked up to see Arthur guiding Jennifer inside, his hand protectively on her elbow.

While the owner greeted them cheerfully, she gestured toward Nicole's table:

"Married now?

Is this your wife?

That girl over there graduated with you—"

She turned to find an empty seat, only an untouched bowl remaining.

"Where'd she go?

She was just here."

Arthur remained completely focused on Jennifer, helping her sit before murmuring about dessert choices.

The owner chuckled, teasing:

"You are taking your wife as the apple of your eyes?

Even our high school couples aren't this sappy!

Young lady, you've found quite the husband."

Jennifer snuggled shyly into Arthur's embrace, and he broke into a gentle smile. After placing their order, he devoted himself entirely to her care.

Under the elm tree across the street, Nicole dug her nails into her palms.

She was a coward. Though she'd done nothing wrong, she'd fled the moment they entered the dessert parlor.

She remembered how after their wedding, she'd once invited Arthur to revisit their alma mater for Sweet Dessert Broth. He'd only frowned and shaken his head.

"Nicole, I'm swamped with work. Ask the housekeeper to buy it if you crave some."

"What's worth remembering about our alma mater?

It's all in the past. Why dwell on it?"

Only now did she understand.

She'd never existed in his memories, so why would he revisit them with her?

Inside the parlor, Arthur felt an intense gaze burning into him from afar. But when he turned, only a swaying elm tree greeted him.

Noticing he was distracted, Jennifer handed him a spoonful of Sweet Dessert Broth, bringing it to his lips.

"What's on your mind?"

Arthur shook his head, gesturing toward the alley beside the elm.

"Remember that place?"

In his reckless youth, he'd made many enemies. One afternoon after school, upperclassmen cornered him in that alley.

He fought off the first group, but soon more showed up. Then a steel pipe struck from behind, crushing his tailbone. He collapsed, unable to rise.

The leader spat at him, raising the pipe again.

Arthur believed he'd die there.

Suddenly, a voice cracked through the air.

"Police are coming!

They've got knives - school bullies right here!"

Teenagers panicked, dropping weapons as they fled.

But no police entered the alley. Only a girl in oversized uniform stood there, ponytail swaying as she sprinted.

Blood blurred Arthur's vision. He couldn't see her face, only heard her sobbing his name.

"Arthur, you'll be okay!

Stay with me! Ambulance is coming!

Don't sleep! Look at me! You..."

He passed out before hearing more.

When he'd woken up again, he'd been in the hospital.

An officer pointed to a ponytailed girl outside:

"You owe your life to your classmate. Any later, and blood loss would've..."

The girl approached, whispering:

"I'm Jennifer.

If you're stable, I'll head back to class."

Arthur snapped back to the present, gazing at Jennifer beside him.

She'd saved his life. So when she begged for protection, he'd pledged it without hesitation.

"Jennifer... thank you for that day."

She smiled back, but a flicker of unease crossed her eyes as she glanced toward the alley.

Nicole returned home in silence, pretending not to know the truth.

She spent a week donating all her assets to establish a charity foundation.

She took personal charge of the foundation's fundraising efforts and team building, and poured herself into the foundation.

But her health deteriorated drastically, reaching sudden fainting spells.

Arthur insisted on hospitalizing her, only to be stopped by Nicole.

"The doctor says it's normal. It'll get better once I have the kidney transplant at the end of the month."

He grasped her hand apologetically.

"Nicole, work's been overwhelming lately. After your surgery, I'll clear my schedule to care for you."

"I'll join you early tomorrow for the foundation's inauguration."

Nicole's gaze drifted to the unfamiliar long hair clinging to his white shirt. She nodded softly,

but silently muttered to herself: It doesn't matter anymore.

The next day, swollen and weary, Nicole wore formal attire one last time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Applause thundered until a piercing shriek shattered the moment.

Heads turned as the crowd parted, revealing a pregnant woman collapsed on the floor—Jennifer.

Nicole froze, scalp prickling with dread.

She'd dodged their confrontations like a fool, seeking peace before death.

Yet they forced her to face their brutal truth, stripping away her final dignity.

When Arthur rushed in, dozens of cameras swiveled toward the stage where Jennifer knelt before Nicole, kowtowing violently while clutching her legs.

Blood smeared Jennifer's forehead as she sobbed.

"Forgive me, Nicole! I never meant to vanish back then."

"Those men threatened me—said they'd kill me if I testified."

"Three years of guilt consumed me. Without Arthur's protection, I'd have joined Joseph Ramirez and Pamela Ramirez in death. I deserve no forgiveness—just spare my child's life!"

Reporters' predatory eyes darted between them. Microphones thrust toward Arthur:

"Mr. Thompson! She claimed you protected her?"

"What's your relationship? Is that child yours?"

Arthur coolly lowered his gaze, ignoring questions as bodyguards cleared the hall. Within minutes, only Nicole and Jennifer remained.

He stepped forward, instinctively reaching to help Jennifer rise, but froze halfway and pulled his hand back.

His eyes snapped to Nicole, accusatory.

"Nicole! Must she kneel to speak?"

Nicole stared steadily at Jennifer.

"Why show up today after hiding for three years?"

Jennifer stiffened, whimpering:

"I heard you set up this foundation, but you're making every charity worker track me down... Nicole, I've hidden long enough—I can't survive this!"

"Spare my unborn child! Let him grow up—fatherless and pitiful as he is. I'll work like a slave to atone!"

Arthur spoke up at that moment:

"Nicole, I've investigated what happened back then. She wasn't involved—just powerless and manipulated."

"She's lived with regret these three years. Can't you stop being so harsh? Let's move forward."

Nicole looked at him, the accusations stuck in her throat unspoken.

It was Jennifer who betrayed her trust and indirectly caused her parents' death.

It was Jennifer who'd cheated on her with her husband and got pregnant.

It was Jennifer who destroyed her foundation.

It was Jennifer who forced forgiveness by kneeling before her.

Who was truly being harsh here?

Her legs weakened, chest aching so badly that she could barely breathe. Yet clinging to her last shred of dignity, she straightened her back and walked away alone.

Only when collapsing into the car seat did her body fully give way.

Tears trailed from the corners of her closed eyes, but all she saw was Arthur lifting Jennifer, wiping blood from her forehead. He couldn't even wait for her to leave the banquet hall.

Her phone rang. The instant she answered, venom exploded in her ear:

"You fraudster's spawn! Playing philanthropist with dirty money? Disgusting!"

"Your parents deserved to die! Join them in hell!"

"Bitch! Making a pregnant woman kneel—hope it shortens your lifespan!"

"Heard you've been a bully since school! Die already!"

...

Nicole hung up, but calls and texts kept flooding in.

She was bewildered—until the driver handed her his phone.

Breaking: Mrs. Thompson forces pregnant woman to kneel at foundation event. Sources confirm her parents committed billions in fraud!

Exclusive: Multiple classmates reveal Nicole bullied impoverished classmate Jennifer for years, demanding absolute obedience and academic inferiority—or cut off her financial aid and threaten her.

Accompanying the article was the photo of Jennifer kowtowing before her.

Nicole's knuckles whitened around her phone. As she scrolled through comments, several alleged high school "classmates" corroborated the bullying claims.

Her breathing turned ragged. Trembling fingers typed rebuttals—instantly deleted upon posting.

The driver suddenly accelerated, eyes darting to the rearview mirror.

"Mrs. Thompson! Over a dozen unmarked cars chasing us!"

Nicole whirled around. Only then did she notice that none of the cars had license plates. Masked men leaned from windows, waving iron rods.

She frantically dialed Arthur's number, and stared at the approaching headlights.

Meanwhile at the banquet hall, Arthur scowled at Trending Topics.

He summoned his assistant to quash the rumors—then froze as Jennifer grasped his hand.

Tears fell on the back of his hand, her shoulders trembling.

Arthur gripped her shoulders, voice gravelly:

"The things online... are they true?"

Jennifer choked back a sob and threw herself into his arms.

"Arthur, I don't want to recall those memories... It's too painful."

"It's all in the past. Don't blame Nicole. She couldn't have meant it."

"Since she funded me, she's my benefactor. Whatever she does to me is justified. Even if she ordered me to die now, I... I wouldn't dare refuse."

Arthur wrapped his arms around Jennifer, holding her tight as his eyes reddened with anguish.

The memory of her rescuing him in that alley during high school—while enduring Nicole's daily bullying—left him gasping for breath.

If only he'd known earlier, he would've protected her!

Nicole's call kept buzzing beside them. He glared at the screen and pressed power off.

Bang!

The car flipped onto the roadside after the impact.

Before Nicole could recover from the violent collision, the door was yanked open.

Several men dragged her out roughly and threw her to the ground.

Gravel scraped her skin, contorting her face in pain.

As she struggled to rise, a foot stomped on her back.

"Did you ever expect this when bullying others?"

"Damn tough bitch—still alive after that crash!"

Nicole weakly protested:

"I never..."

A slap cut her off, blood trickling from her lip.

"Still playing innocent?"

"Get close-ups! Let the netizens savor this."

Camera flashes blinded her.

When she raised a hand to shield her eyes, they pinned her down and bound her wrists.

"Love bullying people?

Let's see how you like hell on earth."

Nicole watched in horror as they tied the rope's other end to the car.

The engine roared, inertia dragging her body across the road.

Rocks shredded her clothes and lacerated her skin, crimson streaks blooming everywhere.

Too weak to scream, her ragged breaths dissolved into whimpers.

She was a broken puppet, flesh tearing against jagged asphalt.

Someone leaned out the window, filming her agony.

Their laughter pierced her fading consciousness.

Drenched in blood, she eventually stopped feeling pain.

The car halted after an eternity.

As rope was loosened, Nicole was dumped like trash.

She woke to absolute silence, moonlight illuminating countless graves.

Strangely unafraid—what could the dead do that the living hadn't?

She staggered upright, and groped toward the main road.

Dawn bled into the sky as her last strength failed.

Darkness swallowed her vision as she collapsed roadside.

"You're awake?

Any discomfort?"

Nicole opened her eyes to a nurse adjusting her IV drip.

Every movement felt like needles stabbing her bones.

"You came through emergency. We couldn't reach family. Later, you'll need to complete admission paperwork, settle fees, and discuss your condition—"

"I know," she interrupted.

She tugged the hospital gown lower, hiding the bruises.

The nurse offered a wheelchair.

Nicole refused, leaning on walls as she limped out.

Each step was like rolling on nails.

Arthur hadn't searched for her all night.

She remembered sitting by her parents' graves after her kidney cancer diagnosis.

Within two hours of her disappearance, missing person alerts flooded the internet.

Both underworld and authorities mobilized.

When Arthur found her, his eyes were bloodshot.

Tears soaked her shoulder as he pulled her close.

Had that moment held any sincerity?

Now Jennifer occupied his entire world.

Whether Nicole lived or died seemed irrelevant.

Nicole queued silently at the payment counter.

A familiar voice sounded behind her.

"Arthur, I'm really fine, you don't need to be so worried."

Jennifer said with a coquettish pout.

Nicole stood frozen, not daring to turn around.

She never expected to encounter them at this hospital—she should've gone to a different one.

Arthur's voice was unnervingly gentle:

"The doctor said you showed signs of miscarriage. You must be careful."

"If Nicole hadn't forced you to kneel yesterday..."

Jennifer cut him off:

"I'm used to it. It's fine. I understand Nicole. It was all my fault for being so impulsive."

Nicole clenched her fists, nails digging deep into her palms.

She turned to leave but collided with Arthur's startled gaze.

"Nicole?"

His surprise instantly morphed into fury.

"Are you following us?"

Jennifer quickly hid behind Arthur, trembling.

"Nicole, I didn't do what happened online. Can you please let me be?"

"Stop scaring me. I'm in my third trimester now. The doctor said I can't handle any more stress."

"After I deliver, you can hit or scold me all you want. I'll accept it."

Arthur immediately shielded Jennifer, his voice icy:

"I'm helping you atone! Your bullying nearly caused her miscarriage yesterday!"

"What more do you want?"

Nicole opened her mouth—to say she'd nearly died, to show him her bruises.

But seeing the undisguised disgust in his eyes, every explanation died in her throat.

Jennifer suddenly doubled over, face deathly pale.

"Arthur... my belly hurts terribly..."

Without hesitation, Arthur swept Jennifer into his arms and sprinted toward the doctor's office.

In his haste, his shoulder brutally slammed into Nicole.

Already weakened, she fell like a leaf, elbow cracking against the marble floor.

Arthur didn't even glance back.

Nicole sat on the ground, watching their retreating figures. She remained there so long that bystanders began to stare. Finally, she rose numbly and resumed her place in line.

When it was Nicole's turn, she immediately processed her discharge.

The nurse glanced at her medical records, brows furrowed.

"If you insist on leaving now, your life could be in danger at any moment."

"At best, you have three days left."

Worsening again.

Nicole's lips twitched slightly—three days were plenty. Every extra day felt like torture now.

Before the nurse could say more, Nicole signed the papers and left.

Stepping out of the hospital, she dialed the funeral home, her voice eerily calm.

"Move it up. Three days from now."

A strange anticipation flickered within her—soon she'd reunite with her parents and Grandma.

She'd pick her favorite dress to look beautiful when meeting them.

After hanging up, she visited the cemetery one last time before hailing a taxi to the mall.

Luxury boutiques lined the halls, yet nothing caught her eye.

During her years as Mrs. Thompson, every garment and accessory had screamed status.

Even her dress colors had matched Arthur's ties.

She'd nearly forgotten her own preferences.

Arthur never cared either—he'd dump each season's entire collection into her walk-in closet, declaring he'd give her anything but the moon and stars.

Yet all she'd ever wanted was his genuine affection.

Her gaze drifted over window displays until landing on a white dress. Simple, unadorned, save for a slender silver thread at the waist shimmering softly under the lights.

She imagined wearing it into the ocean—her parents and Grandma smiling, taking her hand. She'd become that obedient child again, sheltered and joyful as they walked home together.

A smile touched her lips as she stared at the dress.

"I'll take this. Card, please."

Before she finished, the dress was yanked from her grasp. Nicole steadied herself against the counter to avoid falling.

"I love this dress! It's mine!"

Nicole froze, pupils contracting as she faced the woman.

Jennifer stood before her, clutching the dress—no trace of her previous meekness. Chin lifted, eyes gleaming with triumph.

The sales associate hesitated, whispering to Jennifer:

"This lady chose it first, and it's the last one. Perhaps wait while I request another one and reserve it for you."

Jennifer cut her off with a glare.

"Wait? Don't be ridiculous!"

She turned to Nicole, sneering:

"What I want, I take. Nicole, what makes you think you can challenge me?"

"Are you worthy?"

"How does it feel being hated by everyone online?"

"Even Arthur believes it now. He's disgusted by you."

Nicole stared at her contorted face—she should've guessed Jennifer orchestrated everything.

She cursed herself for not seeing through Jennifer sooner. That scholarship had been her gravest mistake.

"Jennifer, I don't feel I've ever wronged you. I paid for your education and gave you a job. Did that somehow wound your pride?"

"That was just your charity, like tossing coins to beggars on the street!"

Jennifer suddenly raised her voice:

"You'd loftily throw some money my way like tossing a bone to a stray dog, yet demand my eternal gratitude."

"But why?!

Why were you born with everything while I'm forever beneath you, enduring scorn!"

"You owe me this!"

Nicole asked with trembling voice: "So you framed my parents deliberately to drag me down from my pedestal?"

A vicious smile twisted Jennifer's lips as she leaned close to Nicole's ear:

"I orchestrated that fraud case from start to finish. Your foolish parents trusted me so completely. They even let me keep the company seal."

"Now your husband, your fortune, everything you're proud of—soon it'll all be mine."

"As for you, the fraudster's daughter, you'll forever be branded on the pillar of shame as a bully. It's your turn to taste my suffering!"

Nicole stood rigid with rage.

Staring at Jennifer's triumphant face, she finally understood true viciousness.

She enunciated each word slowly:

"Karma will get you."

But Jennifer suddenly changed expression, throwing her dress to the floor before collapsing dramatically with a shriek:

"Stop!"

"Nicole I'm sorry! Please don't hit me anymore!"

Almost simultaneously, Arthur rushed into the boutique.

Jennifer instantly adopted a pitiful expression, eyes reddening with manufactured tears:

"Arthur, I just tripped. Nicole didn't push me. Please don't misunderstand her."

"But you kindly brought me shopping, yet Nicole accused me of seducing you. She even claimed I killed her parents and manipulated public opinion against her."

"None of this is my fault, Arthur. Please explain for me?"

Arthur's gaze froze on Nicole's pale face, his voice icy cold.

"What did you do to Jennifer now?"

Nicole knew nothing she said would matter.

He only believed Jennifer!

She turned away, wiping tears from her eyes.

Bystanders had gathered, phones raised as whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Why does she look familiar? Oh right—she's that bitch who forced pregnant women to kneel and bullied classmates!"

"Evil! Now she pushes pregnant women? Could kill both mother and child!"

Supported by Arthur, Jennifer stood up tearfully, defending Nicole:

"Don't misunderstand! She's just upset. When she's happy, Nicole is actually nice to me."

A middle-aged woman suddenly shoved forward, pointing at Nicole:

"My daughter died because of people like you! All bullies belong in hell!"

Like a lit fuse, the crowd erupted.

Someone hurled milk tea at Nicole. White liquid dripped from her forehead onto the floor.

She kept explaining, but no one listened. Her voice drowned in the sea of curses.

More objects came flying at her, but Jennifer beside her was instantly shielded in Arthur's embrace.

"Let's go."

Without a backward glance at Nicole, he held Jennifer protectively, sheltering her from the jostling crowd.

Yet Nicole was shoved to the ground behind them, fists and kicks raining down relentlessly.

She curled into a trembling ball, every inch of her skin and bones screamed with agony.

"Beat her dead!

Let's see if she dares bully others again!"

"Justice for the victim!"

Each accusation became another blow. Covering her head, she whispered repeatedly:

"I didn't..."

Through the forest of legs, she saw her favorite dress trampled under countless feet, its pristine white fabric stained beyond recognition.

Consciousness finally began fading.

In her last moment before darkness swallowed her, mall security seemed to arrive, dispersing the crowd.

Arthur guided Jennifer into the car. Glancing at the chaotic entrance through the rearview mirror, he hesitated briefly.

"Arthur, Nicole brought bodyguards. They'll protect her."

Jennifer clutched his hand, then doubled over in sudden pain.

"My belly... it hurts terribly. Did she shove me hard enough to cause fetal distress?"

Arthur immediately hit the gas, speeding away from the mall toward the hospital.

Nicole dragged her battered body home from the mall alone. She didn't call the police, didn't even go to the hospital.

Before leaving, she bought the stained white dress off the floor.

For two full days, she lay silently in bed counting down to death.

Arthur had vanished too—no calls, no texts, no coming home.

On the third morning, Nicole suddenly felt a surge of energy. She took out that dress, applied light makeup.

She was heading to her final journey.

Just as she slid into the car's backseat, Arthur called. His voice was cold and commanding.

"Come here yourself, or I'll have you dragged here. Your choice."

Nicole quietly studied the location pin he'd sent.

She understood. There was no choice.

After all, this was her last day.

She redirected the driver.

The car stopped at a hotel entrance. Flashbulbs erupted like hailstorm the moment Nicole stepped out.

She instinctively tried retreating into the car, but Arthur seized her wrist.

His grip was iron, pulling her ruthlessly into the venue.

Jennifer sat in the front row. Behind her stretched rows of reporters and cameras, live broadcasts rolling.

Nicole froze when she saw the blazing red words on screen:

"APOLOGY PRESS CONFERENCE."

Arthur shoved her onto the stage. Her steps were unsteady, like walking on cotton.

Only when the microphone was thrust forward did Arthur hiss:

"Apologize to Jennifer. Now. In front of everyone."

Nicole looked at Jennifer—loose pink maternity dress, faint triumphant smile.

But as cameras swung her way, Jennifer instantly shrank into a meek, wide-eyed victim.

Nicole didn't take the mic. Spine straight, she declared:

"I have nothing to apologize for."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Nicole. Don't test me."

He forced the microphone into her hand.

"Jennifer was threatened into indirectly causing your parents' death! She had no choice! But you?

You bullied her relentlessly! Almost made her miscarry multiple times! Don't you owe her an apology?"

"We've agreed—if you apologize, she'll forgive you. All grudges erased. She'll call you sister, move into our home, and let you make amends."

Nicole listened to his pompous plans. This "apology" was just cover for their affair—legitimizing Jennifer's child.

She should've seen Arthur's hypocrisy sooner. Yet the ache still pierced her.

"What gives you the right to defend Jennifer?"

"Arthur. You're my husband. Yet you champion her at every turn. Did you ever once ask if those online rumors about me were true?"

"I'm starting to wonder—is that baby even yours?"

Arthur's face darkened instantly. He grabbed Nicole's arm, snapping in fury:

"Nicole. This is your last chance. Or I'll have the hospital revoke your kidney transplant."

Nicole actually let out a light laugh.

The sound inexplicably unsettled Arthur deep inside.

But soon, his voice dropped low, leaving no room for argument.

"Nicole, apologize."

Nicole took the microphone, her fingertips icy. Every camera lens focused on her, the blinding flashes making it hard to keep her eyes open.

Below the stage, Jennifer hung her head, eyes rimmed red, fingers gently stroking her swollen belly like a silent boast.

Nicole glanced at her, her voice calm and resolute:

"I did nothing wrong. Jennifer is a murderer!"

Arthur's face darkened instantly, disbelief and fury blazing in his eyes. His grip tightened, threatening to crush her bones.

She wrenched her arm free, her gaze indifferent as she continued:

"My parents weren't frauds. I'm not a bully."

"The greatest regret of my life was agreeing to fund Jennifer when she asked for my help. Because of her, I lost everything."

The room erupted!

Reporters below surged into commotion, camera shutters clicking incessantly.

Jennifer's expression froze for a split second before quickly reverting to pitiful fragility.

Sobbing, she stood up and walked towards the stage.

"Nicole, why are you slandering me now?

I know you hate me, but baseless accusations like this could ruin my life and my child's with just a few words!"

Nicole watched her coldly, offering no further response.

Jennifer suddenly quickened her pace, charging at her. Nicole instinctively raised a hand to block.

"Ah!"

Jennifer's abdomen slammed heavily into the corner of a table. She doubled over instantly, her face draining of color.

She trembled and looked down. Blood rapidly soaked through her white skirt.

"Blood!"

"My baby..."

Arthur's pupils contracted. He lunged forward almost instantly, shoving Nicole aside.

"Smack!"

A hard slap landed on her face. Nicole staggered back several steps, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

She looked up, meeting Arthur's gaze filled with hatred – he looked ready to devour her alive.

"If anything happens to Jennifer or the baby, I'll make you pay with your life!"

With that, he scooped Jennifer up and stormed out of the venue without a backward glance.

Reporters snapped photos frantically, microphones thrust towards Nicole.

She tried to leave but was blocked by two bodyguards.

"Mr. Thompson's orders. You must come to the hospital."

Nicole didn't resist, letting them escort her into the car.

In the hospital corridor, Jennifer's wails shook the windows.

"My baby!

If the baby's gone, I won't live either!"

"Arthur, he was due in just over ten days... our baby... it's all my fault, let me go with him!"

After a long time, the ward finally fell quiet.

The door opened. Arthur emerged, his face etched with a grief Nicole had never seen before.

His voice was hoarse, yet each word dripped with ice.

"Nicole, you disgust me."

"All these years, I never knew you could be so vicious."

"Get out there and kneel. Pay for the child in Jennifer's belly!"

"Once I've settled Jennifer, you'll get the punishment you deserve!"

Nicole opened her mouth, only to find her lips numb with cold.

Clad only in a thin white dress, a chill crept up her spine from her knees.

Arthur had barely finished speaking when bodyguards dragged her stiff and cold figure out, forcing her to kneel on the ground.

Nicole didn't resist. She lifted her face toward the sky as the year's first snow began falling soundlessly.

Two hours later, Nicole collapsed in the heavy snow.

The bodyguard saw her blue-tinged face and hurried to report to Arthur.

"Arthur, Nicole has fainted."

Arthur didn't look up, his voice icy:

"Splash her awake. Make her keep kneeling."

"She's getting a kidney transplant soon. She won't die now."

A basin of ice water drenched Nicole's face. She jolted awake, coughing violently.

Her body had reached its limit, yet daylight remained.

She silently counted the minutes, not wanting to keep the funeral home waiting too long.

In the ward, Jennifer's eyes were red from crying, her body pressed tightly against Arthur's chest.

"Arthur, we lost our baby."

Arthur gently stroked her hair:

"Don't worry. We'll have another."

"You've suffered so much for me. I won't let your tears be wasted."

Jennifer only cried harder, touching her flat belly.

"But I have no status, no baby now. What am I?

I should just join our child..."

He cut her off immediately.

"Jennifer, don't say foolish things."

Jennifer pulled away from his embrace, tearful eyes meeting his.

"Arthur, will I ever replace Nicole as your legal wife in this lifetime?"

Arthur paused for a second.

The bodyguard knocked urgently again.

"Arthur, Nicole fainted once more. She won't wake up this time."

Arthur frowned and finally stepped out, looking down at Nicole unconscious on the ground.

Her face was deathly pale, lips blue. Her thin white dress clung to her body, soaked through with snow, making her look terrifyingly thin.

"Get any doctor to check her. Don't let her die."

He had to punish her—no mercy!

Years of indulgence had spoiled her rotten. If he didn't break her arrogance, he couldn't give Jennifer or their dead child justice.

He walked back without glancing behind. Jennifer took his arm, tear-filled eyes lifting to his.

"Arthur, didn't you promise to make it up to me?"

"I want Nicole to personally give our child a sea burial."

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

"What?"

Jennifer bit her lip.

"I want her to scatter our baby's ashes into the sea with her own hands!"

"I want her to live in guilt forever!

This is what she owes me!"

He watched her, then finally nodded.

"Fine."

After being revived by injection, before Nicole could recover, bodyguards hauled her onto a boat.

When her frozen fingers couldn't straighten, a bodyguard placed a small urn in her hands.

Arthur stood beside her, expression cold.

Jennifer huddled in a thick coat, face pale, eyes swollen—seeming ready to collapse.

When the boat reached the sea's center, he ordered:

"Begin."

Nicole took a shaky breath, stumbling toward the deck's edge as the wind threatened to topple her.

She looked down at the urn and suddenly found it absurd.

This life had destroyed her parents and Grandma, leaving her wretched and broken.

Would they laugh at her when they reunited?

Jennifer suddenly walked up to her, whispering softly:

"Nicole, how did it feel watching our baby get buried at sea?"

She ignored the taunt, silently opening the urn's lid.

But in the next instant, Jennifer shoved her hard.

The urn slipped from Nicole's hands,

plunging into the sea where waves swallowed it whole.

Jennifer screamed, lunging toward the railing.

"My baby!"

Arthur swiftly pulled her back.

"Jennifer, it's dangerous!"

He wheeled around, glowering at Nicole.

"You did that on purpose!"

"Nicole, don't test my limits!"

Nicole met his gaze, a bitter laugh escaping her lips.

She knew he'd seen Jennifer's deliberate shove.

"Yes, I did it deliberately."

"Just like how she deliberately rammed into me."

Jennifer in Arthur's arms feigned near-unconscious sobs.

He held her waist, their intimacy now undisguised.

"Retrieve it."

Nicole shook her head.

"It's gone."

His voice turned icy.

"Then jump in and find it!"

She stared at him, unnervingly calm.

"Fine."

With that, she swung her legs over the railing and leapt.

Ocean water engulfed Nicole instantly, her white dress

flashing once before sinking into the abyss.

Arthur scrambled to the edge, catching only

the last glimpse of white fabric vanishing beneath waves.

He never thought she'd actually jump!

"Nicole!"

Jennifer suddenly clutched her chest, gasping:

"Arthur... I can't breathe..."

Arthur hesitated, eyes darting between the churning sea

and Jennifer's pallid face. Finally, he barked orders:

"Lower the lifeboat! Send two sailors to fish Nicole out.!

She's a strong swimmer—she'll hold on."

"Turn this ship around! Call an ambulance to the dock!"

As the vessel raced shoreward, he didn't know

Nicole had already given up struggling,

peacefully letting the currents claim her.

Consciousness faded into endless dark.

The planned sea burial wouldn't happen after all.

Fine then.

At last... she was free.