Chapter 1

The day of my dance performance, I was in a terrible car accident. I became wheelchair-bound.

My rival, Melody, took my place and cruelly taunted me.

"A cripple dares to compete with me?"

When I fell into depression and lost my will to live, it was my boyfriend Brent who stayed by my side, constantly encouraging me to keep going.

He not only hired a private doctor to treat me, but also personally prepared medicine and accompanied me to rehab every day. I thought he was a ray of light in my dark life.

Until the third year of our marriage, I overheard his conversation with the doctor.

"Mr. Shaw, Miss Stone's rehab motivation has been getting stronger lately. If she keeps taking this medicine, I'm afraid..."

"Increase the dosage. She must never stand up again. I won't let her take Melody's position as principal dancer."

Only then did I realize that his so-called tender care and redemption was nothing but a cruel conspiracy.

His daily attentive care was all to pave the way for his little childhood sweetheart.

If that's how it is, I'll let them have their way.

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1

The doctor pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, a look of reluctance crossing his face.

"You and Miss Stone have been married for three years after all. She's always seen you as the light of her life. If you keep increasing the dosage, not only will she never be able to stand again, but her body will also—"

"Enough!"

Brent's cold voice cut off the doctor before he could finish.

"Felicity's only lost her legs. She still has me to take care of her. But Melody has nothing. She's fought so hard on her own for so long to finally get the lead role she's always dreamed of. I can't just stand by and watch Felicity snatch it away from her."

The doctor sighed helplessly.

"I hope you won't regret this. If Miss Stone finds out the truth about what happened back then..."

"What could she do even if she knew?"

Brent pulled out a cigarette, held it between his fingers, and took a few drags before clicking his tongue impatiently.

"Sure, I orchestrated that car accident. But didn't I marry her afterward? These past three years, everything she's eaten, worn, and lived in—hasn't it all been paid for with my money?"

"A disabled orphan with no legs—who else would want her? Even if she knows the truth, she'll have no choice but to stay by my side."

"Don't bring up this nonsense again. Just do as I say, and you'll be well compensated for your trouble."

"Understood..."The sound of footsteps grew closer, and I quickly spun my wheelchair into the shadows.

I bit down hard on my lower lip, the taste of blood spreading through my mouth.

The wheelchair's armrests bore deep impressions from my fingernails, yet this pain was nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

So, the accident that shattered my dreams and ruined my life years ago was actually orchestrated by him.

The days and nights of care and companionship that pulled me from the abyss, making me believe I had found redemption.

It was all just to lower my guard, to help Melody secure her position in the company.

From start to finish, every tender moment was a charade, and I was the only fool who fell for it completely.

How laughable.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Brent entered the room carrying a bowl of medicine.

"Darling, it's time for your medicine."

He gently cradled the back of my neck, the edge of the porcelain bowl pressing painfully against my teeth.

I stared at Brent, searching for even a hint of guilt on the face I had loved for six years, but found nothing.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Don't you recognize your husband anymore?"

Brent waved his hand, then grabbed my chin and planted a kiss, grinning mischievously.

"Darling, pretending to have amnesia won't work. If you don't be a good girl and take your medicine, I'll have to punish you..."

"Cough...He leaned in closer, his face inching towards mine. I feigned a cough and knocked over the medicine bowl in one swift motion.

The herbal concoction splashed onto his tailored suit, but his eyes were filled with concern as he first checked to see if my hand had been scalded.

Cradling my reddened hand, Brent tenderly applied ointment while blowing on it gently, all the while uttering ridiculous words to comfort me.

"I'll blow on it for my darling, and the pain will go away..."

Tears rolled down the corners of my eyes, my heart heavy with an indescribable bitterness.

So this is how far one person can go for another.

Even though he despises it, he has to put on an act of loving me.

Brent's wasting his talents not being an actor.

While he went to change his clothes, I dipped the test strip hidden in my sleeve into the spilled liquid on the floor.

When Brent returned, he was wearing another custom-tailored suit.

He kissed my forehead apologetically before hurriedly leaving.