Amelia Rivera’s husband, Aiden Cooper, suddenly falls into a coma after six years of marriage. The shocking cure? He must sleep with Ella Campbell 99 times to "heal" from the mysterious illness.

Six years ago, Aiden defied his family’s century-old rule to marry Amelia, a pearl diver from a humble background. In a bold act of rebellion, he burned the founder’s portrait, swiftly added her to the family registry, and held their wedding the very next day.

For five years, he cherished her, making her the envy of New York. But in the sixth year, Aiden was struck by a mysterious illness and fell into a coma.

A spiritual healer claimed it's a punishment from the Cooper ancestors, only solvable through a "Healing Ritual"—where Aiden must sleep with Ella Campbell 99 times.

From then on, Aiden spent every night with Ella, leaving Amelia to suffer in silence, hearing their intimate whispers through the walls.

But Amelia still chose to pray, hoping for Aiden's soon recovery.

Then, after seven days of praying for a talisman, she overhears a conversation that reveals the shocking truth behind Aiden's illness. Betrayed, heartbroken, and furious, she finally sees through the lies.

*****

"Aiden, you're brilliant. Faking an illness and making up that Healing Ritual stuff to openly bring your mistress home."

"Only someone from a humble background like Amelia would believe it. Everyone in New York knows our Aiden fears nothing, not even burning the Founder's Portrait of his family. How could he believe in some healer and a Healing Ritual?"

Amelia’s blood turned cold.

So Aiden wasn't sick at all. It was all a scheme!

The talisman clutched in her hand suddenly felt ridiculous.

Then one of them asked, "Aiden, you've been with Ella 90 times, right? Nine more, and the Healing Ritual will be over. What are you planning then..."

Aiden lounged on the sofa, two buttons undone, long legs crossed.

He took a sip of wine, lips curling carelessly. "When it's over, I'll just keep her somewhere outside."

Amelia stood outside the door, feeling completely chilled to the bone.

But the group only laughed louder. "That is more than normal for men with status like us. You've been faithful to Amelia for five years. That's enough for her."

"A woman like Ella, who looks innocent but is wild and unrestrained in bed, is exactly what we men like."

"So, Aiden, is she much more fun than Amelia?"

As a wine glass slammed heavily on the table, Aiden's drunken eyes suddenly turned sharp.

"No one compares to Amy. I will always love her the most."

Everyone was stunned.

After a long moment, one finally spoke, asking the question Amelia also wanted to ask. "Aiden, if you love her, why fake an illness and make her suffer? The family has been giving her hell these past three months. Your mother almost had her punished..."

The air was quiet for a few seconds.

Then, Aiden's low voice came.

"My Cooper family is old money. Anyone who wants to enter my household, even a daughter from a prominent family, must pass a test to prove their loyalty. I made an exception back then and didn't let Amy go through this process, and the family has always held a grudge.

"Now I'm making up for it with this Healing Ritual. She doesn't even make a fuss when I'm with someone else, and she prays devoutly.

"That proves she's obedient and loyal enough, worthy of being a member of the Cooper family."

He chuckled, his tone dripping with self-satisfied tenderness. "As for the suffering she's endured, I'll make up for it with a lifetime of devotion."

Every word stabbed into Amelia’s heart.

She suddenly laughed.

As she laughed, tears streamed down her cheeks.

Everyone in the Cooper family had claimed that Aiden fell ill because he insisted on marrying her.

For these three months, she had endured insults and condemnation on a daily basis.

In the early days of his coma, she’d cried so hard she could barely see out of her right eye, and the grief left her with a heart condition that kept her awake night after night.

While he was in bed with Ella, she prayed in church, shedding tears.

And now, all of it was a lie!

What nonsense about the traditions of an old-money family, what stupid loyalty test...

They were all just excuses!

The truth was simply that he wanted to cheat without facing judgment and guilt.

Tears blurred Amelia's vision. She didn't understand how things had come to this.

Aiden had loved her so genuinely once.

Back then, to pay for her mother's medical treatment, she gave up college and dove for pearls to earn money. That was how she accidentally saved Aiden, who was severely injured and had fallen into the sea.

She brought him home and cared for him for a month. To her surprise, Aiden fell madly in love with her and pursued her passionately.

She didn't believe a wealthy heir could be sincere and rejected him repeatedly, but he refused to give up, relentlessly wearing down her resistance with all his patience and tenderness.

The moment that truly broke her defenses was when Aiden shielded her from sulfuric acid hurled by a rival. His back was left covered with horrifying scars, cold sweat dripping from his chin, yet he still smiled and wiped her tears. "As long as you're safe."

At their wedding, he went down on one knee, held her hand, and vowed, "Amy, I, Aiden Cooper, will love only you in this lifetime. I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance."

The words still echoed in her ears, which now had become a bitter mockery.

Amelia's tears had run dry, but the laughter in the living room continued.

Suddenly, someone sighed. "Aiden, Amelia has been your wife for five years. She has some cunning. Aren't you afraid she might... leave you if she finds out about Ella?"

Aiden was silent for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Then we make sure she never finds out. Keep your mouths shut."

The whole group immediately fell silent, but then one of them cautiously asked, "What if she does find out... and wants a divorce?"

Aiden smirked. "She loves me too much to leave.

"Besides, who in all of New York would dare process a divorce for her without my consent?

"Even if she did run away," his expression turned sharp, "I could find her and bring her back! Her name is in the family registry. For life and death, she belongs to me. She can only stay by my side."

Amelia's breath caught. Her nails dug deeply into her arms.

Aiden, you're wrong!

How dare you think I would still love you after you've played me for a fool? How dare you think I can't leave you?

Amelia wiped her tears and, without hesitation, threw the talisman into the trash.

Then, expressionless, she left and did two things.

First, she went to her mother and told her about Aiden's affair.

After hearing that, her mother was deeply saddened. "I never should have agreed to you marrying into that wealthy family. Back then, he knelt before me for ten days and nights, caught in the rain until he developed pneumonia and still refused to go to the hospital unless I gave my blessing. I thought he was a good man... Oh, Amelia, I support you. Let's leave together."

Second, she went with her mother to legally change their names.

Since Aiden said her name was in the family registry and she could never leave the Cooper family in life or death, she would ensure "Amelia Rivera" no longer existed in this world.

The legal process would take half a month. Amelia told her mother to wait patiently. She had to return to the Cooper mansion to stay by Aiden Cooper's side and not let him detect anything unusual.

Otherwise, with his power, neither of them would be able to escape.

Amelia returned to the mansion.

And the moment she stepped through the door, she saw something that struck her like lightning.

Aiden was on the couch with Ella, and Ella was wearing...

Her wedding dress!

The keys slipped from Amelia's hand, clattering to the floor.

Aiden frowned and turned. Seeing it was Amelia, his movements froze abruptly.

He quickly zipped his pants. When he looked up again, all traces of panic were gone, replaced by the composure unique to a man of his stature.

"Amy... you're home?" He asked with a smile.

Amelia dug her nails deeply into her arm, the pain sharp.

After a long time, she heard her own voice, faint and airy.

"Am I not allowed to come home now?"

Aiden chuckled lightly. "That's not what I meant. You said you wanted to get me a protective talisman, right? I thought it would take longer."

As he spoke, he reached out to ruffle her hair, but she dodged his hand.

His smile stiffened. "Are you angry? Just because I let Ella wear one of your dresses?"

"One of my dresses..." Amelia's voice trembled as she looked at Aiden in disbelief.

That was her most treasured wedding dress. She had sewn every pearl on it by hand. The first time she wore it, Aiden's eyes were full of awe. "Amelia, you're so beautiful. This dress is meant only for you. You have to wear it for me every year."

But now, he had let another woman wear it... and do that in it!

Amelia stared into his eyes, searching for a trace of guilt, but found only glaring nonchalance.

Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed tight. The pain made her almost fall on her feet.

Was Aiden so certain... that she was desperately in love with him and that she would endure anything he did?

Aiden stepped forward, grasping her trembling hand, his tone softening. "Alright, don't be angry. I'll transfer 10 million to you. Buy whatever you want."

A flash of jealousy crossed Ella's eyes. She suddenly knelt before Amelia, tears appearing on demand. "Mrs. Cooper, I'm sorry... It's all my fault, I liked this dress so much, and Mr. Cooper just let me try it on..."

Her words, though apologetic, sounded more like showing off. She was basically saying that Aiden doted a lot on her.

Ella shot a triumphant glance at Amelia and then cried even harder. "Mrs. Cooper, please don't be angry. I'll take it off and return it to you right now..."

Amelia's gaze swept over the stain on the dress. "It's already dirty," She said flatly. "I don't want it anymore. You keep it."

Aiden frowned deeply, his voice stern. "Amy, stop this nonsense. How can you just give away your wedding dress?"

Amelia's lips twitched. She was about to speak.

Just then, Aiden's phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and then looked at Ella.

Ella immediately forced an understanding smile. "Mr. Cooper, don't mind me. Please take the call."

Aiden shook his head, his voice gentle. "You always get a headache hearing me talk business. I'll take it outside. Don't kneel anymore. Get up now."

With that, he walked out.

Amelia stood rooted to the spot, her heart feeling as if a blunt knife had been thrust through it.

He never used to discuss business outside because of commercial confidentiality. But now, for Ella, he could change even that habit.

Only Amelia and Ella remained in the living room.

Ella patted her dress and stood up. The vulnerability on her face suddenly vanished, instantly replaced by blatant provocation.

"You still don't know, do you?" She sneered, leaning closer. "Aiden's mysterious illness was fake. It was just an excuse to use the Healing Ritual to bring me in legitimately.

"We've been together for over a year and tried every position possible. Just because I mentioned I'd never tried it at home, he immediately 'fell ill'...

"Amelia, now I have got both his body and his heart. What do you have left besides the title?"

Amelia glanced at her indifferently. "You can have the title, too."

Ella was taken aback and then turned furious. "I don't need you to give it to me! He was always mine! Your position will be mine sooner or later!"

Seeing Amelia remain unmoved, she paled with rage.

Just then, the sound of Aiden's approaching footsteps came from outside.

A vicious glint flashed in Ella's eyes. She suddenly grabbed the scalding teapot from the coffee table and, without hesitation, smashed it against herself!

"Ah!"

A piercing scream echoed. Ella staggered and fell, the fair skin on her chest now red and blistered.

She struggled onto her knees, crawling to Amelia's feet, sobbing and trembling. "Mrs. Cooper, I am so sorry. I shouldn't have worn your dress. Please, let me go..."

When Aiden rushed in, this was the scene that met him.

His face darkened instantly. He narrowed his eyes at Amelia. "I already offered you compensation, and you still dare to hurt her? Apologize to her!"

"I won't apologize for something I never did," Amelia said calmly.

"Still denying it?" Danger flickered in Aiden's eyes. "Fine. I'll make you admit it."

Amelia was dragged away by bodyguards to the sauna room.

As the glass door locked shut, the heat felt like countless tiny needles pricking her skin.

The needle on the temperature gauge kept climbing.

50°C...

60°C...

70°C...

Amelia's face was flushed crimson, suffocating in the steam.

Aiden stood outside, toying with his wedding ring, his voice low. "Still not admitting it?"

Amelia threw herself against the door, pounding on it desperately. Her palms sizzled against the hot glass, leaving bloody handprints that evaporated almost instantly.

"It really wasn't me, Aiden! Why don't you check the surveillance?" She pleaded, struggling in panic.

"That won't be necessary. Ella wouldn't lie to me. You, on the other hand, are becoming less and less obedient." Aiden didn't look up. He asked again, "Do you admit your mistake?"

Amelia trembled uncontrollably. Aiden did adore his mistress a lot.

Her heart was torn apart in the intense heat. She truly couldn't hold on any longer!

"I admit it..."

Her throat was cracked. She forced out the words hoarsely, lying to him for the first time. "I was wrong."

A satisfied smile touched Aiden's lips. He raised his hand slightly, signaling the bodyguards to stop.

Amelia was let out. She was drenched in sweat, her body temperature frighteningly high.

Aiden looked at her disheveled state and touched her cracked lips soothingly. "See, if you'd admitted it earlier, you wouldn't have had to suffer.

"You don't need to apologize to Ella this time, but..." He added as his eyes darkened, "Don't let it happen again."

Darkness swam before her eyes. Amelia's legs gave way, and she collapsed. The burns on her skin stung while the pain in her heart was even worse.

Tears fell uncontrollably.

She had a congenital heart condition. Surviving this long was already a struggle.

Before, Aiden had been so protective of her, forbidding the servants from making any noise in case they startled her.

He had held her and said, "You are my life. I can't let you come to any harm."

But now, he had locked her in a sauna room that could have killed her at any moment.

So, vows were only true the moment they were spoken.

Leaning against the wall, Amelia stumbled upstairs.

The moment she entered the room, she pulled out everything connected to Aiden.

The photos and love letters she once treasured, the postcards bought during their travels together...

She picked up an old sketchbook and suddenly froze.

Aiden had drawn it himself, having a record of every step of their love story.

The first page was the scene of their first meeting by the sea, where she saved Aiden, drenched in blood. He was captivated at first glance.

The tenth page was about the first time he took her to the Cooper family home. His mother told her to crawl into the house. She turned and left. Aiden chased after her, apologizing repeatedly. "Amy, I failed to protect you/ I let you be wronged. I promise it will never happen again."

That time, he sent his mother away for six months.

The twentieth page was about the time when he announced before the entire family his intention to marry her. His grandfather took him to the family chapel, warning him that defying the family creed would incur the ancestors' punishment.

Amelia would never forget that day. Aiden sneered, threw a ceremonial portrait into the fire, and said in front of everyone, "I am the head now. I set the rules. What do the ancestors matter?"

But now...

He was using that "ancestral punishment" as an excuse to bring his mistress home.

Amelia clenched the sketchbook tightly, suddenly remembering the warning from Aiden's grandfather before the wedding.

"My grandson only likes obedient dogs. If you want to stay by his side, you must be content being a good, obedient dog!"

Back then, she didn't believe it, thinking it was just his grandfather trying to scare her and break them up.

Now she understood. Aiden was the one in power. He only liked absolute obedience. He only adored puppets, forever dependent on him.

And she, Amelia, would never be anyone's accessory!

Without further hesitation, she threw everything into the fireplace.

Just as she turned, she collided with Aiden's intense gaze.

He stared at the flickering flames, his voice unreadable.

"What are you burning?"

Amelia lowered her eyes, her voice faint. "Just some things I don't need anymore."

Aiden nodded casually, took out the first aid kit, and began tending to her wounds. "See? Even after punishing you, I, your husband, still care for you the most. I'm here to dress your wounds."

His hands were warm and dry, his touch gentle, yet every inch of skin he touched felt piercingly cold.

"Amy, it's your mother's birthday in three days. I plan to throw a grand celebration and invite all of New York's elite."

Amelia said flatly, "No need. My mother doesn't like those kinds of occasions."

"I insist." Aiden gently ruffled her hair, his tone irresistible. "Be good. I must let everyone see how much I dote on you."

Amelia lowered her eyes, feeling neither touched nor exhausted.

Three days later...

The banquet was held at the largest hotel under the Cooper Group. Almost all of New York's upper crust attended.

"Mr. Cooper is so devoted to his wife! He's spending billions on his mother-in-law's birthday!"

"Mr. Cooper is truly the perfect husband. Mrs. Cooper is so lucky!"

"..."

Everyone was discussing how doting Aiden was.

But in a corner, Catherine Rivera, Amelia's mother, looking at the burns on her daughter's hands, had red-rimmed eyes. "My little girl, you've been wronged. Just hold on for half a month more, and I'll take you away."

Amelia's nose stung, and she desperately wanted to cry. But afraid Aiden would notice something off, she tilted her head back, forcing the tears to stay in.

Aiden took a phone call and walked over to them.

"Amy, Ella says she also wants to come wish your mom a happy birthday..."

"I don't want to see her," Amelia said coldly.

Aiden frowned. "Don't be difficult. She's already on her way. Don't make things hard for her later."

With that, he turned and left, his gaze fixed on the entrance, not sparing Amelia another glance.

Amelia stood there stunned, her heart aching.

Unable to watch any longer, Catherine led her to the terrace.

The night wind was bitingly cold.

Catherine put a coat over her shoulders. "Amy, look, the moonlight is beautiful tonight. Tomorrow will probably be a sunny day."

Amelia whispered, "Let's hope so..."

Before she finished speaking, hurried footsteps approached.

Aiden, his face stern, grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight that it nearly crushed the bone. "Ella is missing. Did you kidnap her? Tell me! Where is she?"

Amelia's face paled with pain, but she still straightened her spine and met his gaze. "It wasn't me."

Aiden stared at her for a few seconds and then gave a cold laugh. "Fine. Won't admit it? I'll make you talk!"

The ruthlessness flashing in his eyes sent a chill through Amelia's entire body.

Then, he barked an order. "Guards! Take Catherine away!"

Bodyguards immediately stepped forward, forcibly dragging Catherine out.

"Aiden, let my mother go! Where are you taking her?" Amelia fought like a madwoman to stop them, but the bodyguard would not let her go.

No matter how she struggled, cried, or screamed, Aiden didn't loosen his grip.

In the banquet hall...

Amelia was forced to her knees on the cold marble floor.

Aiden leaned back on the leather sofa, legs crossed. He took a slow drag of his cigarette. Through the haze of smoke, his icy voice came.

"Where is Ella?"

Amelia shook her head numbly.

She'd lost count of how many times Aiden had asked her. But she didn't do it. She truly didn't know.

Aiden stood up, stubbed out his cigarette, and forced Amelia's chin up. "You are far too disobedient."

He crooked a finger. A bodyguard leaned in and handed him a phone. He played a video.

In the video, Catherine was tied to a chair, a timed bomb strapped to her chest, the countdown numbers ticking down relentlessly.

Aiden's tone was coaxing, but his gaze was sharp as ice. "Amy, I'm only giving you 50 minutes."

Amelia's face instantly turned deathly pale.

She trembled as she asked, "If we can't find Ella, will you really kill my mother?"

He leaned closer, his dark pupils reflecting her trembling body. "Try me."

Amelia shuddered, the tears she'd held back for so long finally spilling over.

"Aiden, that's my mother! My most important person! You can't do this to her!"

He let out a light laugh, but his eyes remained terrifyingly cold. "But Ella is also my most important person now."

"Most important?" Amelia looked at him in disbelief. "More important than me and my mother?"

Aiden's expression didn't change. "Ella gave me her virginity. A young girl like her offered herself in the Healing Ritual to save me. She's my savior. As for you, you will always be the one I love most. How many times have I told you? I'll send her away after the Healing Ritual ends. Couldn't you just wait? Did you have to move against her?"

Amelia stared at Aiden, feeling only a chill piercing her heart.

He loved her most?

Did he love her so much that he would fake an illness to deceive her for his mistress? He was even now trying to kill her mother!

Amelia had no patience left to play along. She was just about to expose his lies.

Suddenly, a bodyguard rushed in, shouting urgently, "Mr. Cooper, we've found Ms. Campbell!"

Aiden grabbed his blazer and strode out.

"What about my mother?" Amelia threw herself forward, clutching desperately at his legs. "Let her go, now!"

Aiden glanced back, his look cold. "The abandoned warehouse in the east end. Go find her yourself."

Amelia rushed out the door like a madwoman, speeding all the way over.

When she found Catherine, she saw the bomb on her chest was still counting down!

Aiden hadn't even had it disarmed!

The ticking of the countdown echoed like a death knell. Only one minute left!

Amelia tore the tape from her mother's mouth, her hands shaking as she tried to undo the ropes, but they wouldn't come loose.

"Amy, leave me! Get out of here now!" Catherine shook her head frantically.

Tears streamed down Amelia's face. "Mom, I won't leave you..."

Suddenly, Catherine shoved her away with all her might, kicking her feet against the floor, throwing herself and the chair backwards—

Amelia screamed, her heart shattering. "Mom!"

The explosion roared, the blast wave hurling her backwards.

Amelia hit the ground hard, her vision filling with nothing but a bloody red.

In the hospital...

Catherine's injuries were severe. Though she survived, she might never wake up.

Amelia knelt by the hospital bed, tears flowing uncontrollably. "Mom, I'm so sorry. It's my fault you're involved in this..."

She apologized over and over, but Catherine gave no response.

Amelia's heart ached as if being torn apart.

Just hours ago, her mother was smiling, holding her hand, comforting her softly.

But now, she could only lie here, unmoving.

All of this, caused by the very man who claimed to love her!

Amelia cried until her voice was hoarse, finally collapsing into unconsciousness.

When she opened her eyes again...

Amelia found her hand being held. Aiden was by the bedside, his voice unusually soft.

"I'm sorry, Amy. It was all a misunderstanding. Ella's phone just died. That's why we couldn't reach her.

"I acted impulsively."

Amelia coldly withdrew her hand, her heart filled with bitter irony and coldness.

This was his 'love' for her?

Just because Ella didn't answer her phone, he kidnapped her mother without even investigating!

"Amy, please don't be angry. It's just that you've targeted her before, so I suspected you..." Aiden's eyes were red, his voice low and raspy. "Hit me! Yell at me and do anything you want..."

Thud!

The hospital room door suddenly swung open. Ella rushed in, her eyes swollen. "Mrs. Cooper, it's all my fault. Please don't blame Mr. Cooper..."

She bowed over and over again, crying pitifully. "If only I had charged my phone in time... Mr. Cooper wouldn't have been so worried about me that he... and your mother wouldn't be... like this now..."

Amelia's nails dug sharply into her palms. Ella was clearly here to provoke her!

She was about to throw her out when she saw Aiden bend down to help Ella up, his tone gentle. "It's not your fault. Don't cry. It's not good for your health."

Watching this scene, Amelia felt both hurt and bitter.

How ironic! Her mother almost died and was now lying critically injured in a coma, yet her husband was worried about another woman 'crying'.

"Get out!" Amelia's voice was hoarse. "Both of you, get out!"

Aiden was taken aback. "Amy..."

"Get out!"

She grabbed the vase from the bedside table and smashed it violently onto the floor.

Aiden stood up. "Amy, calm down first. I'll make it up to you in a few days."

With that, he escorted Ella out.

The moment the door closed, Amelia could no longer restrain herself and broke down into sobs.

She didn't want any compensation...

She wanted nothing, only for her mother to open her eyes and look at her one more time.

Over the next few days, Aiden tried every way to please Amelia.

The latest jewelry, limited-edition bags, air-freighted fresh flowers... But Amelia didn't even glance at them.

Her attitude finally changed when Aiden brought in the eminent medical authority, Dr. Peter Hernandez.

"Mrs. Cooper, the bomb only caused external injuries. Your mother's coma is because her head hit a stone. She just needs cranial surgery and could wake up within a week. However, this surgery is extremely risky. I'm the only one in the world who can perform it."

Amelia was thrilled, thanking him repeatedly.

Peter waved a hand. "I stopped operating long ago. If Mr. Cooper hadn't conceded 50% of the profits and stood in the rain outside my house all night, I would never have made an exception."

Amelia looked at Aiden, her expression complex.

After a long moment, she said softly, "Thank you, Mr. Cooper."

Aiden was taken aback, a flash of hurt in his eyes. "Amy, stop this... Don't treat me like this, please."

Amelia turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.

Before, when he made her angry, he would also lower his stance like this to coax her, and Amelia would always soften and forgive him.

But this time was different.

He had nearly killed her mother. She couldn't forgive him.

During the surgery, Aiden stayed by Amelia's side all the time.

He sat with her on the hallway bench, handed her water and food, occasionally squeezing her hand and comforting her softly, "Don't be afraid. Catherine will be fine."

Amelia suddenly remembered the year they first married, when her mother had surgery, he had also accompanied her with the same tenderness and patience.

Looking at Aiden's softened profile, she felt a momentary daze, as if everything had returned to the past.

Yet the scent of Ella's perfume clinging to him sobered Amelia up.

Catherine's surgery was successful.

The next day, Amelia went to buy some daily necessities.

But she was stopped in the parking lot.

It was Ella.

She smiled dazzlingly. "Do you really think Aiden cares about you or your mother? Let me tell you the truth. The day your mother fell into a coma, he was in high spirits. We did it three times, and we played until dawn."

Amelia's heart sank again. "What do you want?"

"I want you to step aside."

"Soon," Amelia said calmly, looking at her. "I will step aside completely."

Ella narrowed her eyes, thinking who knew what. Just as Amelia thought she believed it, the next moment, she suddenly threw herself against the car's hood, collapsing to the ground covered in blood.

Amelia was completely stunned. The car wasn't even started. Even if she hit it, it wouldn't be this severe.

So where did all that blood on her come from?

Before Amelia could figure it out, Aiden came rushing over.

Ella gave him a weak smile. "Mr. Cooper, please don't blame Mrs. Cooper... She's just upset about her mother..."

Before she finished speaking, Ella vomited a large mouthful of blood and passed out.

Without a word, Aiden dragged Amelia out of the car and slapped her across the face!

Smack!

Amelia's face was whipped to the side, her ears ringing.

"Amelia! I already got Dr. Hernandez to cure your mother, didn't I? How could you still take your anger out on Ella?"

"She threw herself at the car," Amelia replied coldly.

"Still lying!" Aiden's eyes were cold. "Why would Ella throw herself at your car?"

He gave her no chance to explain further, directly ordering his guys to take her away for a blood draw.

As she was forcibly pressed into the donation chair, Amelia still struggled. "There are cameras! Check the surveillance..."

"Don't try to stall," Aiden interrupted, "If anything happens to Ella, I'll make your mother pay with her life."

Hearing his threat, Amelia abruptly stopped struggling, helplessly dropping her hands.

As the needle pierced her vein, her fingertips trembled with pain.

But the pain in her heart was a thousand times worse.

She used to be terrified of injections. Every time she had blood drawn before, Aiden would cover her eyes and coax her softly, "Be good, Amy, it'll be over soon."

But now, he only stared at the blood bag, urging the nurse, "Faster! Draw it faster!"

He completely ignored her pale face and chilling body.

As the blood bag was gradually filled, her vision blurred bit by bit.

When they reached 800CC, the nurse couldn't help but speak up. "This lady has a heart condition. Drawing more will overwhelm her heart. It could lead to heart failure..."

Aiden looked at Amelia's bloodless face, his fingertips twitching slightly, but he still issued the cold order.

"Continue."

Amelia closed her eyes in despair. So, he truly didn't care if she lived or died.

In that moment, her heart died completely!

A wave of dizziness hit her. The last thing she saw was Aiden's back as he hurried out, clutching her blood...

It was followed by the nurse's scream. "Resuscitation! The patient is in heart failure!"

Amelia woke from the pain.

The light above stung her eyes. She instinctively tried to raise a hand to block it, but the movement tugged at the wound over her heart, making her gasp sharply.

"You're finally awake," The nurse, who was changing her dressings, said in relief. "You were in resuscitation for three days, almost didn't make it... Thankfully, the new artificial heart saved you. But the damage to your body is too severe. If you can't get a suitable heart transplant within three years, I'm afraid you won't survive..."

Amelia stared at the ceiling, her eyes dim.

She pressed a hand to her chest. It was silent and still.

The heart that once beat for Aiden was gone.

And her love for him was, too.

The nurse, concerned, spoke up. "Should I go find Mr. Cooper?"

Amelia shook her head. "Don't tell him."

The nurse was puzzled. "Why? Isn't he your husband?"

"No." Amelia's voice was faint. "He won't be for much longer."

The hospital room door was suddenly shoved open. Aiden stood in the doorway, frowning slightly. "What did you say?"

The nurse quickly and awkwardly left.

Aiden walked to the bedside, his voice low. "Are you angry with me? Because of the blood draw?"

Amelia didn't speak. She didn't even look at him.

Aiden reached out, pinching her chin, forcing her to look up. "You did something wrong, and you're still taking it out on others? Why are you so unreasonable now?"

A red mark bloomed on her pale skin. She only asked faintly, "Did you need anything from me?"

Aiden released her, his tone softening slightly. "Peter said your mother will probably wake up tomorrow."

In that moment, Amelia's dead heart stirred!

The next day, before dawn, she rushed to her mother's room.

But just as she reached the door, she saw Ella disconnecting her mother's ventilator!

Amelia's pupils contracted sharply. "Stop!" She cried hoarsely.

Ella looked up, a malicious smile on her face. "Amelia, you can't stop me. Your mother's life is mine to take."

With that, she shoved Amelia hard.

Amelia staggered and fell, the wound over her heart tearing with great pain.

She struggled to her feet, shielding her mother's bed.

"Get out! Don't you touch my mother!"

Just as Ella moved forward, she spotted a figure outside the door. She suddenly collapsed to the floor, tears appearing instantly. "Mrs. Cooper, I told you, Mr. Cooper sent me to borrow it... Why did you push me..."

When Aiden walked in, he saw Ella fallen and crying. His face darkened immediately. "Amelia! Bullying her again!"

Amelia trembled all over. "You sent her to take my mother's ventilator?"

Aiden remained composed. "You injured Ella's lungs. She's been on a ventilator recently. Hers broke this morning, and the new one hasn't arrived yet. I told her to come borrow the one in your mother's room."

Amelia found it hard to believe that.

"Aiden, my mother hasn't woken up yet. Disconnecting the ventilator will kill her."

Her voice trembled, but Aiden was unmoved.

"Peter said she's fine. It'll just be for a little while. She won't die."

Amelia clenched her fists so tight that her nails bit into her palms, the taste of blood spreading on her tongue. "Aiden, you can't risk my mother's life like this! If my mother dies, I will never forgive you!"

Aiden pressed his thin lips together, seeming hesitant.

Just then, Ella clutched her chest, gasping. "Mr. Cooper... I feel so sick... I can't breathe..."

Aiden hesitated no longer. "Disconnect it!" He ordered sternly.

"No!" Amelia grabbed his arm, begging desperately. "Please, you can't..."

"Enough! Haven't you learned your lesson yet?" Aiden cut her off sharply, his tone firm. "I said your mother won't die, so she won't."

With that, he shook her off, letting bodyguards drag her to a corner.

On her knees, Amelia watched, powerless, as the tube was removed. She screamed and pleaded until her voice was raw, but Aiden remained unmoved. He walked out without a backward glance, carrying Ella in his arms.

Suddenly, the heart monitor emitted a piercing tone.

On the screen, Catherine's heartbeat flattened into a straight line.

Amelia frantically pressed the emergency call button, but no one responded.

She burst out of the room like a madwoman, screaming into the empty corridor, "Is there a doctor?! Please, save my mother! She's dying!"

The entire floor was deathly silent.

A desperate thought flashed through her mind that Aiden had deliberately kept the doctors away to punish her.

She turned and charged down the stairs, missed a step, and fell heavily, but she ignored the pain, scrambled up, and continued to run.

She knocked on doors floor by floor, running eight full floors before she found a doctor.

But by the time the doctor arrived, Catherine had stopped breathing.

She was just one day away from waking up!

Just one day...

Amelia stared blankly at her mother's ashen face, her whole being feeling hollowed out, her soul gone. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

So this was what extreme pain felt like. It was too deep for tears.

Aiden, I regretted it. I regretted ever loving you.

I regretted it so much.

Amelia knelt all night, and the next day, when she personally covered her mother with the white cloth, she suddenly broke down, clutching her collar tightly and crying silently.

Her mother was truly gone, and would never open her eyes to look at her again.

This realization, as sharp as the keenest blade, severed the last bit of vitality within her.

A metallic taste surged up in her mouth, and Amelia suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. Her vision went black, and she collapsed to the ground.

Uncontrollably, a memory surfaced in her mind: the scene from years ago when Aiden knelt before her mother and made his vow.

"Mom, I will love Amy for my whole life."

"Mom, thank you for letting Amy marry me."

"You are Amy's mother, so you are my own mother too. I will always treat you well."

"..."

Those sincere words pierced Amelia's eardrums like needles, intertwining with the cruel reality, tormenting her to the point of suffocation.

The memories of the past receded like the tide, and all that remained before Amelia's eyes was her mother covered by the white cloth.

It took her a long time to recover before she got up from the ground, preparing to send her mother for cremation.

Passing by the VIP ward, Amelia saw Aiden gently comforting Ella in his arms: "The new ventilator has arrived. I want you to live a healthy and happy life, and live to a hundred."

Amelia watched numbly, then suddenly laughed, a laugh full of irony and sorrow.

On the day of her mother's funeral, her husband was wishing another woman a long life.

Amelia set up a cenotaph for Catherine, so that her wandering soul would not be homeless in New York.

In the days that followed, she stayed at the cemetery with her mother, and only on the day she left did she take the urn and return home.

Before she even entered the house, she heard ambiguous sounds coming from the living room.

Ella was sitting on Aiden's lap, the two of them deeply sunk into the sofa.

Without even glancing at them, Amelia walked straight upstairs, her dead heart no longer able to feel pain.

Suddenly, Aiden called out to her, his hoarse voice tinged with desire: "What are you holding in your arms?"

Amelia said nothing and went straight upstairs.

Watching her thin figure, Aiden frowned deeply. For some reason, he felt an inexplicable panic, as if Amelia was so fragile she might disappear at any moment.

Ella, in his arms, kissed the corner of his mouth. "Mr. Cooper, I feel so uncomfortable, please give me..."

Aiden stopped thinking about it, withdrew his gaze, and continued what he was doing.

Amelia took a shower and changed into plain clothes. She found her mother's jade pendant and put it in her bag, taking nothing else with her.

As she was leaving, she heard Ella making a phone call in the garden: "Madam Cooper, don't worry, I will definitely drive that bitch Amelia away!"

Amelia's heart trembled, but she felt little emotion.

So it turned out that Ella was brought in by Margaret Cooper to destroy her relationship with Aiden!

She suddenly found it laughable.

Aiden, your so-called schemes were nothing more than someone else's chess game.

Amelia had never understood why Margaret disliked her so much.

When Margaret was hospitalized, she had cared for her day and night for a month. She had even donated a kidney to Margaret, and because of that, she hadn't dared to have children for five years of marriage...

But now, Amelia no longer wanted to know. She was about to leave, and everything about the Cooper family had nothing to do with her anymore.

She took a cab to the airport.

She bought a ticket to Britain.

Britain was the territory of Aiden's arch-enemy, and Aiden was permanently banned from entering Britain.

She wanted Aiden to never be able to find her.

At that moment, a text message arrived confirming her account had been closed.

"Mrs. Rivera and Ms. Rivera, congratulations on your new life!"

Amelia's eyes turned red as she picked up the urn and walked toward the boarding gate: "Mom, let's leave together."

Before boarding, Aiden suddenly called, his voice carrying a hint of barely noticeable nervousness: "Amy, are you out to clear your mind? Ellie and I just need one more time for the Healing Ritual to be over. Three days from now is our wedding anniversary, and I'll have a surprise for you then. Mom should be awake by now, right? Remember to bring Mom..."

Before he could finish, Amelia hung up directly, then blocked and deleted his number without hesitation.

Aiden, my mother's life has already severed all possibilities between us.

From now on, we will never see each other again.

The plane roared into the clouds, her indifferent profile reflected in the window—there were no tears, only resolve.