Chapter 1

On the eve of my engagement, my father and best friend fell from a high ledge in a freak accident.

My fiancé rushed to my best friend's side, completely ignoring my father.

As my father lay critically ill, my best friend's close buddy Garrison mobilized all the city's medical resources, vowing to save him.

To repay this life-saving debt, I married Garrison.

My father miraculously survived, but was left in a vegetative state.

On our second wedding anniversary, I accidentally overheard my husband talking to the doctor.

"Mr. Montgomery, you transplanted her father's brain tissue originally to save Chase. Otherwise he wouldn't be in a coma. Why keep her father alive now?"

"Only by using her father can I make Chase completely devoted to me, without suspecting Jade."

"The marriage was just to solve Jade's problem anyway."

I was utterly devastated. So lies were the theme of this marriage all along.

My father and I were merely tools to benefit Jade.

Fine then, I wish you both happiness.

————————

In a private hospital, Garrison gazed at Jade's perfectly normal test results on the medical report, his heart finally settling after being suspended in anxiety.

"Thank goodness, there's no sign of rejection. Jade's suffering has finally paid off."

"Hook her father up to the best nutrient solution we have. If it can help Jade, it's a blessing for both father and daughter."

The doctor sighed, perplexed by the situation.

"Mr. Montgomery, if you had me secretly transplant her father's brain neurons from the beginning, why not just put him out of his misery? Why let him linger on life support? If Mrs. Montgomery ever finds out, I'm as good as dead."

"You know the truth about Chase's injury. Aren't you afraid of losing your wife's trust?"

Garrison shot him a cold glance, his eyes dark with menace.

"Are you an idiot? Can't you keep this under wraps? Chase's dad wasn't watching where he was going, and Jade just slipped. They fell together, that's all."

"Compared to Jade's life, I'd gladly commit murder or arson, let alone transplant some brain neurons."

The doctor paced back and forth, wringing his hands.

"Your wife treats her father like he's her whole world. She comes to visit him every few days. If her dad wakes up, are you confident you can keep up this lie?""She married you out of gratitude, but you secretly transplanted her father's brain nerves to save someone else. How could anyone accept that?"

The barrage of questions clearly stunned the man for a few seconds.

"So just keep her father's life hanging by a thread, that's all."

"Earlier, Jade said she was homesick. Send my private jet to pick her up," he turned to instruct his assistant.

The doctor pursed his lips and said earnestly,

"Mr. Montgomery, I can keep this secret for you, but you and your wife are a married couple. No matter how deep the feelings, they can't withstand the test of lies. Her father and she shouldn't be stepping stones for Chase."

I covered my mouth, staring wide-eyed in disbelief.

The news of my father's improvement stuck in my throat, unable to be voiced.

The doorknob turned gently, and I ran back to the hospital room, choking back tears.

No wonder Jade had to go abroad to recuperate. She was actually injured worse than my father, yet in the end, it was my father who became a vegetable.

He could have enjoyed his twilight years, but instead, his life hung by a thread.

The mastermind behind it all turned out to be my husband, whom I had viewed as a savior.

Agreeing to save my father's life, agreeing to marry me - it was all just a last resort to protect Jade.

He played his part too well, to the point where I loved him with every fiber of my being.

You could call it a conspiracy, but he did indeed save my father's life.

But to accept this? I'd rather be dead.I sit quietly by my father's bedside, repeatedly biting my lower lip until the taste of blood fills my entire mouth.

Suddenly, Garrison embraces me from behind.

He presses his forehead against mine, his breath scorching hot on my ear.

"I know you're worried about your dad, but I'm also concerned you're wearing yourself out."

"I'm his daughter, it's my duty. You've been gone a while, did the doctor say anything? Is there any chance Dad might wake up?"

His breathing falters for a moment.

"Dad's condition hasn't changed, but no matter how difficult it gets, I'll find a way to cure him."

With that, Garrison tucks in my father's blanket himself and interlaces his fingers with mine.

He looks every bit the caring and responsible son-in-law, showing no signs of anything unusual.

I curl up in his arms, my smile more painful than tears.

On the way home, he hooks his pinky with mine, his eyes suddenly lighting up.

"Hey, I heard Jade has recovered and will be returning to the States soon. She and Dad are in similar situations. You should talk to her, maybe she'll have some advice that could help Dad."

I nod silently.

Seeing my lack of enthusiasm, he assumes I'm just upset and tries to comfort me:

"Don't envy others, Dad's a good person and fortune will favor him. Everything will be alright."

I lower my gaze without a word, my face turning paler by the second.An impromptu meeting was called, and Garrison told me to be a good girl and wait for him in the bedroom. However, I unexpectedly found a diary hidden under the pillow.