ManyWriters

My little brother was in the end stages of kidney failure and urgently needed a transplant.
I spent all the inheritance our parents left us to finally find a donor kidney.
But my fiancé stole it to save his "pure love" instead.
In my moment of despair, my childhood sweetheart Damien returned from overseas. He was a match and volunteered to donate his kidney to my brother.
Sadly, the surgery was unsuccessful. My brother's life ended at just eighteen years old.
To repay Damien for his kindness, I broke off my engagement and married him instead, vowing to take care of him for life.
But seven years later, I accidentally overheard a conversation between my ex-fiancé and Damien.
"Damien, you have to give me this project, or else... Tell me, how do you think Scarlett would react if she found out the man she's been devotedly caring for all these years as her savior actually caused her brother's death? Would she kill you, or herself?"

Love Fades, But Feelings Linger

"Scarlett, it's getting late. Let's go another day. You should rest well today, be a good girl and listen."


He gently laid me on the bed, took off my shoes, and tucked me in. He softly sang a lullaby, his voice full of tenderness, as if he truly loved me deeply.


I closed my eyes, and a tear slid down my cheek.


Memories of the past few years flashed through my mind.


All these countless acts of love were just a facade he created for another woman.


Only by making me fall in love with him and willingly give up our engagement could his pure love Aria marry the man she loved - my former fiancé.


To fulfill Aria's wishes, Damien didn't hesitate to use my brother's life to stage an elaborate plot.


He used himself as bait to lure me in, keeping me by his side for a lifetime.


A moment later, the sound of a car starting came from downstairs. I opened my eyes to see the wall clock, its hands pointing to twelve.


In the past, when I'd wake up terrified from nightmares in the middle of the night, no one would be beside me and the bed would be cold.


So it turns out that every time after I fell asleep, Damien would leave.


I quietly followed him in my car, arriving at a somewhat rundown mansion in the suburbs.


The luxurious house before me was the very one my parents had left me before they passed away. Regrettably, I had to sell it to raise money for my brother's kidney transplant.


Damien bought it back for me after he returned to the States.


Since my brother's death, I hadn't set foot in this place. I simply lacked the courage.


As I watched Damien head upstairs to my parents' old room, I curiously approached the doorway.


A clear female voice drifted out - it was Aria.


"Damien, it's been so long! I've missed you terribly and wanted to see how you're doing. You know how jealous my husband gets. I can only see you when he's away on business. How... How are things with you and Scarlett lately?"


The man's voice was full of devotion and reverence.


"Aria, as long as you're happy, I'm happy. If he ever mistreats you, just tell me. I'll always be here for you, always."


My nails dug painfully into my palms, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart.


So all these years, he had never forgotten Aria. She would always hold a place in his heart, and he would always protect her.


In their earth-shattering romance, I was nothing but a fool.


"Damien, I want to repay you. Don't refuse me."


What followed were the woman's soft moans mingling with the man's heavy breathing.


The murderer of my brother, and my brother's so-called brother-in-law.


They were having an affair in my parents' old room. I desperately fought back tears as I went downstairs.


Looking up, I realized all the photos of my parents had vanished from the living room.


Instead, the walls were covered with pictures of Damien and Aria, their radiant smiles especially dazzling.


Hearing footsteps approaching, I hastily left and returned to Damien's mansion.


I had barely covered myself with the blanket when a man's hot body pressed tightly against mine.


The strong scent of gardenias wafted into my nostrils.


Damien buried his face in my neck, his voice soft yet crystal clear in the quiet night.


"Aria, I love you. I love you so much... Aria..."


So all those nights when he warmed my body, he carried Aria's warmth.


So all those times when I was asleep, he was passionately expressing his love for Aria.


Why hadn't I noticed this for seven years?


My mind flashed to the glass of warm milk Damien gently handed me every night before bed, saying it was good for sleep, always making sure I drank it.


Chapter 2