Chapter 1

I concealed my identity as Scion of an old money "New York" family when I married Vivienne.

But unexpectedly, the day before our wedding, I was in a car accident.

When I regained consciousness, I had lost my sight.

In the darkness, I overheard Vivienne's conversation with her assistant.

"Ms. Stratton, don't worry. The driver responsible for the accident and the doctor have been taken care of. They won't breathe a word. However... Mr. Everhart loves painting more than anything. After donating his corneas, he'll never be able to see again. What if he can't accept it when he wakes up?"

"He's strong, unlike Brent. Brent couldn't live without his eyes. Besides, Everett has me now. I'll take care of him for the rest of our lives. I love him, but I can't lose Brent."

The woman paused, then her cool voice spoke again.

"Oh, and have the doctor perform a vasectomy on Everett while they're at it. Brent would go mad if he saw me with Everett's child."

The assistant hesitated, feeling uneasy. "But Ms. Stratton, isn't this too cruel to Mr. Everhart? He's been with you since he was eighteen..."

"Just do as I say. Don't ask any more questions." I shuddered involuntarily, my entire body turning ice cold.

The woman I had loved unconditionally all this time had already fallen for the impoverished student I was supporting.

She was even willing to destroy everything I had for his sake.

If that's how it is, those who hurt me cannot be allowed to remain.

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Footsteps echoed in the hospital room. I forced myself to stay calm, pretending to be unconscious.

"Ms. Stratton, Mr. Gerald just donated his corneas. His body is very weak right now. If we perform a vasectomy at this time, he might not be able to withstand it and could be in mortal danger. I suggest we wait a while before—"

"I'm paying you to do as I say, not to hear your suggestions. This is an order, not a discussion. But if anything happens to Everett, you know the consequences."

The doctor replied nervously, "Yes, Ms. Stratton."

I felt the scorching heat of a woman's fingers on my cheek as Vivienne's voice rang out, sweet and gentle.

"Everett, it'll all be over soon. Don't worry, I'll always be here to protect you. I love you, Everett."

My body trembled slightly, beyond my control. I felt a cool sensation on my cheek as Vivienne seemed to stand up. Sensing that I was about to wake up, Vivienne coldly commanded,

"Where's the doctor? Prepare for surgery immediately. It must be completed before he regains consciousness."

I fearfully opened my eyes, but couldn't see anything—only darkness.

Tears involuntarily fell as I reached out, frantically grasping at the air.

"Why... why can't I see?"

"Don't be afraid, Everett. I'm here. I've always been here."

Vivienne held me tightly in her arms, her warm little hand stroking my head. Her gentle voice seemed filled with sympathy.

"You were in a car accident... The doctor says your blindness is only temporary. Everett, I'll take good care of you..."

The woman appeared to nod, then continued speaking,

"Be good now. Your body hasn't fully recovered yet. You can't get too excited. Let the doctor give you a vitamin shot."

If I hadn't woken up early and overheard her conversation with the doctor, I would have believed her words without a doubt.

But now I knew that the so-called vitamin shot was actually a sedative to make me fall asleep.

I clutched tightly at the woman's arm, shaking my head desperately as my voice choked up,

"No... Vivienne, I don't want a vitamin shot... I want to go home. Can we go home, please?" The cold needle pierced my skin before I could finish speaking.

As my consciousness faded away completely, I heard Vivienne's voice, gentle as always.