Penelope Sloane went to pick up her friend's child from preschool, but she ended up seeing something shocking. Her husband was happily reaching out to catch a little boy about three or four.

His voice held a tenderness Penelope had never heard before. He said, "Skylar, are you happy Daddy came to pick you up today?"

The little boy laughed with joy and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. "Yes! I want to give Daddy a sweet reward!"

"My good boy, I want a reward too!"

A beautiful woman in a red dress approached, smiling with half-lidded eyes. "Give mommy a kiss, too!"

Penelope's ears rang. She gripped her hands tightly, hoping the sharp pain would prove she wasn't imagining things. But no matter how hard she tried, the man in the sleek black designer suit had a red mole at the corner of his eye—cold yet attractive. It was her husband, Caiden Henderson.

The same man who had donated his heart to her. The man who stood against everyone to stay by her side, swearing he'd love only her.

And the woman in the red dress? She was none other than Zoey Breslin, his so-called "innocent" childhood friend.

"A child, a father, and a mother?

"Could it be..."

They looked like a perfect happy family. So what did that make her?

Every word hit Penelope like a dagger, cutting deep into her heart and forcing her to face the truth.

It turned out that Caiden had betrayed her long ago with Zoey, and they even had a child together!

Tears filled Penelope's eyes as old memories raced through her mind.

When she was ten, Caiden folded 1,000 paper cranes, wishing for her safety and peace. His eyes were gentle as he looked at her affectionately and said, "Penelope, don't ever think less of yourself just because you're the housekeeper's daughter. You're special to me.

"I'll protect you from now on. No one will hurt you again."

After that, he pulled her into his world domineeringly.

In her teens, he didn't let her talk to boys. At school, she wasn't allowed near the basketball courts where boys hung out. Once, he saw her answer a male teacher's question and got so jealous that he hurt himself by cutting his arm ten times.

His intense jealousy scared her so much that she stopped talking to any boys at all.

At 16, when a rich boy tried to pursue her, Caiden ruined the boy's entire family the very next day. After that, the rich families in San Antonio stayed far away from her.

At 18, Penelope got into a fatal car accident. Without hesitation, Caiden gave her his own heart to save her, staying alive only with the help of an artificial heart. He smiled and said, "Penelope, I'll give you everything I have, even my life."

But because she was the daughter of the housekeeper, his family never accepted her.

To marry her, Caiden gave up his title as the heir of the Henderson family. Even after being beaten nearly to death by his grandfather, he still said no to the arranged marriage they wanted for him. He fought against his family for five long years—until they finally married.

After they got married, Caiden treated her like a treasure and always stayed close to her.

Even when he had meetings with senior executives, he kept her on his lap and didn't want to let go. But one day, she walked in on him by chance. Inside a private room, she saw Zoey sitting on his legs, and the two of them were kissing passionately.

In that instant, it felt like her whole world had shattered. She turned and ran out without thinking.

She couldn't understand how Caiden, who claimed to love her deeply, could cheat on her with Zoey. He had clearly told her before that Zoey was just an old friend and nothing more.

Caiden chased after her, looking nervous. He grabbed her in his arms and quickly tried to explain, "Penelope, it's not what you think! It was just a stupid punishment from a card game Zoey lost. I only kissed her, that's it. I swear, I've never done anything to truly betray you!

"I promise there won't be a next time!"

Penelope, furious and heartbroken, packed up and left the house.

After countless failed attempts to win her back, Caiden did the unthinkable—he started a live stream in front of the entire nation. During the stream, a man pointed a gun at his own head, his eyes bloodshot. He said, "Penelope, if you really won't come back to me, then I will die to apologize to you!"

A loud gunshot echoed. On the live stream, he dropped to the floor, covered in blood.

Penelope had never been one to tolerate betrayal. But seeing him collapse from a gunshot shook her deeply. She rushed to the hospital, terrified. After a week in the ICU, Caiden finally survived. Her heart softened, and she chose to forgive him.

But what she didn't expect was that her kindness would be returned with even worse betrayal...

If Caiden couldn't stay faithful, then she didn't want him anymore!

Clutching the cold metal gate at the preschool, Penelope forced herself to stay calm. She turned away and went to walk her friend's child home.

She got into the car, feeling empty and in shock. She rushed to the Social Security Administration to change her identity records, applied for a new passport, and booked a flight to Paris that would leave in three days.

Penelope drove home, lost in her thoughts. Just as her hand reached for the light switch, the room lit up by itself. Dozens of white roses floated down from above, landing softly on her shoulders. Caiden appeared, walking toward her with a loving look in his eyes. Without saying a word, he hugged her tightly and placed a cold blue sapphire necklace around her collarbone. "Penelope, I came back early from my trip to England and had this necklace made just for you. It's called 'True Love.' Are you surprised?"

The cold from the sapphire made her shiver.

Not long ago, she had seen him acting like a caring father and devoted husband to another woman.

Now, the sweet look in his eyes, the familiar warmth, and even the necklace all felt like a cruel joke.

Penelope's stomach turned. She shoved him away, tore off the necklace, and pushed it back into his hands. Her voice cracked as she said, "I don't like it."

Caiden stared at her in shock. Then, as if nothing was wrong, he pulled her back into his arms, gently bit her earlobe, and whispered, his breath hot, "Who upset my baby? Tell me, and I'll take care of them for you!"

Penelope's eyes burned with tears, but she forced them back down.

Wasn't he the one who had hurt her the most? The one who deceived her the most?

How could he act like he was a loyal and caring husband?

Penelope pulled away from his embrace, turned around, and hurried upstairs. "I'm just feeling a bit tired."

Caiden remarked, "Alright, get some rest. I'll put the food away in the fridge."

He gave a gentle smile and made his way to the kitchen. Just then, his phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen, his expression darkened slightly, and he quickly stepped onto the balcony.

As if possessed, Penelope followed behind. She saw him on the phone and whispered harshly, "Don't let anyone know about Skylar's identity. If Penelope finds out, I will never let you off easily!"

Since the balcony door wasn't fully shut, the other person's voice could be heard clearly, "I know you love Penelope deeply. I won't say anything. But Zoey is from a respected family. She's been staying by your side all this time without any status. It's unfair that her child has to be hidden."

Caiden answered coldly, but firmly, "Penelope is the one I love, and she will be the only Mrs. Henderson. But I won't let her have my child.

"As for the company, I'll hand it over to Skylar one day as compensation to Zoey."

His words shattered all of Penelope's self-deception.

So all along, when he said he didn't want her to suffer through childbirth, it was never about protecting her—it was because he thought she was never worthy of carrying the Henderson family's bloodline.

All the affection he showed was just a trap, meant to keep her in a role to make her feel cherished while being denied what truly mattered.

She had been so naive to believe that his love would rise above judgment and status.

Her fingers curled tightly into her hands, breaking the skin, blood starting to seep out. She could barely stay standing.

Numbly, she walked upstairs to gather her belongings. Just then, Caiden walked in with a plate in hand. He pulled her close with force, his eyes full of emotion. "Penelope, try the honey garlic ribs I made just for you..."

Penelope couldn't resist him in the end and reluctantly took a bite. Suddenly, a soft kiss landed on her lips as he whispered, "Good girl. Once you've finished eating, I will treat you extra well."

Right after he said that, Caiden's phone lit up once more.

Caiden glanced over. Penelope caught the sudden shift in his eyes. He quickly got up and said, "Penelope, something urgent came up at work. I might not come home tonight. Don't wait up—just get some rest."

Before she could respond, he had already walked out in a rush, not realizing that his watch had been left on the nightstand.

As she watched him leave, a deep ache gripped Penelope's chest.

"Had all those nights he claimed to be working late actually been spent with Zoey and their child instead?

"How could someone love two different people at the same time?" she wondered.

She ran to the bathroom, leaned over the sink, and threw up the honey garlic ribs she had just eaten. She thought to herself, "Caiden, in three days, I'll disappear from your life forever."

Caiden's footsteps slowly faded away, and the fake warmth in the room quickly turned cold.

Penelope stood frozen for what felt like forever before quietly starting to gather her belongings. As her eyes scanned the room—a prison once disguised as "happiness", cold tears ran down her cheeks.

On the nightstand sat a crystal photo frame showing the two of them kissing beneath glowing northern lights, their faces full of joy.

In the corner, a crystal grand piano worth millions caught the light and cast back her shattered reflection.

Her gaze drifted to the carved wooden box that Caiden always kept close. Inside was a bloodstained bedsheet from their first night together. Resting on top of it was an old note written in red ink, "Penelope is finally mine. I'm overjoyed. From now on, I'll love her always and bring her happiness every day."

His bold handwriting pressed deep into the paper, full of unshakable promise. As she whispered the words aloud, Penelope dropped to the floor, her voice cracking with silent cries.

This so-called perfect marriage, praised by everyone, was actually built on lies and betrayal. How ironic!

"Ding!"

Her phone screen lit up, revealing a message from a number she didn't recognize. A photo appeared—the bed in complete disarray and an open pack of sanitary products. Underneath, the words burned like poison, "I heard he asked you three times on your wedding night? Well, he broke the record with me today—four times."

Then came another sentence, "Oh, by the way, today is my son Skylar's third birthday. He's Caiden's son."

The phrase "third birthday" hit Penelope like a spear of ice, stabbing her heart and freezing her in place.

So, just a few months after Caiden faked a live stream suicide to win her back, he had already made Zoey pregnant.

The sincerer his vows had sounded back then, the more brutal the truth felt now!

Penelope let out a loud, heartbreaking scream, grabbed a golf club from beside the bed, and swung it with all her fury, smashing every trace of love in the room. The crystal photo frame shattered, and Caiden's smiling face in the photo was torn apart.

She struck the expensive grand piano with full force, warping the ivory keys and leaving deep, jagged wounds.

Inside the walk-in closet, she ripped apart all the luxurious dresses he had chosen for her with a pair of sharp scissors, just like how their relationship had fallen apart beyond repair.

In the end, she dragged all the ruined items outside the house, poured gasoline over them, and lit a match. The flames shot up high, casting light on her tear-streaked face, as the fire turned every trace of her love for him into ash.

Drained of all strength, Penelope wandered back into the bedroom like a ghost and collapsed onto the cold, empty bed.

While drifting between sleep and wakefulness, she was suddenly pulled into someone's arms, their grip tight and overwhelming.

A fiery kiss took her breath away. She opened her eyes, shoved Caiden away from her, breaking free from his desperate, fevered grasp. She spoke coldly, "Didn't you say you were staying late at work? Why are you suddenly back now?"

He gasped, his chest rising fast, "I had a terrible dream, Penelope. I saw you leave me, and no matter how hard I chased after you, I couldn't catch up." His dark eyes were full of fear. "I love you so much... you won't ever leave me, right?"

Penelope's silence made his tall frame shake with fear. He grabbed her shoulders and pleaded, "Penelope, please tell me you'll never leave me!

"I'll give you anything you want. I can't live without you!"

Penelope gave him a cold smirk and replied, "Why would I leave? It's not like you've ever done anything to betray me."

She saw the guilt flash in his eyes, and her voice turned cold. "I still want to carry your children and continue your esteemed family bloodline."

Caiden's expression turned ghostly pale, but he quickly faked a loving look and pulled her into his arms. "Honey, how could I ever let you suffer? Tomorrow, I'll find the best possible surrogate to have our child. Whether it's a boy or a girl, they'll be the future heir of the Henderson family."

Penelope closed her eyes, hiding the mocking look behind them, and said nothing to reveal his false words.

***

The next morning, Caiden took her to the hospital.

He carried her through the hallways and examination rooms, attracting surprised looks and jealous stares from everyone.

After the egg retrieval, he gently lifted her again and brought her to the VIP recovery room.

With a look of concern, he placed a warm towel on her stomach himself. He even had over ten personal shoppers bring her racks of expensive dresses to choose from.

Outside the room, the voices of nurses could be heard whispering in admiration. "Mr. Henderson treats his wife like a queen. Just because she felt a bit of pain today, he's buying her a dress worth millions!"

"She is just a housekeeper's daughter, but she's so spoiled by Mr. Henderson. She is so lucky!"

"Mr. Henderson is being incredibly strict about choosing the surrogate for his wife. When the child is born, it's guaranteed to be the future heir!"

Penelope looked down, letting out a soft scoff. Her nose tingled with a sharp ache.

Everyone claimed that Caiden loved her more than his life, yet her baby was never even allowed to exist. What a cruel joke.

Her stomach churned, and she pushed the tonic soup aside. She said coldly, "I'm not hungry. I just want to rest. You can leave now."

Caiden froze for a second when she pulled away from him. He asked gently, "Does your stomach still hurt? I can massage it again if it helps."

Before she could say anything, his hand was already resting on her lower abdomen, leaving no room for refusal.

Just then, the hospital room door opened, and Zoey stepped in holding a flower basket. Her gaze quickly dropped to Caiden's hand on Penelope's abdomen. Her eyes dimmed, but she quickly forced a smile and said, "Penelope, I heard today's procedure was hard on you, so I came to visit you."

Zoey's sudden arrival felt like a poison needle stabbing into Penelope's heart.

A strange, metallic taste filled her mouth, and she started coughing so hard it felt like her lungs were being ripped apart.

"You already know Penelope can't stand the sight of you. Why would you show up here again? Are you asking for trouble?"

Caiden's eyebrows pulled together as he yelled, anxiously rubbing Penelope's back to help her breathe. He shot Zoey a deadly glare. "Get out!"

Zoey's eyes welled up as he looked down and said softly, "Penelope, please get some rest..."

Once her coughing calmed down, Penelope noticed Caiden staring blankly at his phone. Her chest tightened, and her tone turned cold. "If you're busy, just go. I need some sleep."

"I have an emergency meeting to attend. I'll come back as soon as I'm done. Just stay here and don't wander off, okay?" He gently patted her head before leaving and quietly closed the door behind him.

Struggling to her feet, Penelope silently followed. She saw Caiden hurry into the underground parking lot, catching up to Zoey just as she was about to drive off. He held her close and whispered gently, "Why are you freaking out? I already told you. I'd never let Penelope carry my child."

Penelope felt like all the warmth in her body had vanished.

Then came the next blow, worse than anything else. Caiden said calmly, "I had her eggs replaced with yours. In ten months, we'll have our daughter."

Zoey laughed out loud and playfully hit him. "You scared me! I thought you changed your mind and were going to let her child inherit your family business. You better make it up to me with something good, or I won't let you see your son!"

"You're getting more spoiled by the day," Caiden said with a smile, pulling an emerald bracelet from his pocket and sliding it onto her wrist.

Zoey screamed in surprise and hugged him tightly. "Isn't this your family's heirloom? Penelope guarded it like it was her most precious treasure. How did you even get it?"

He replied without emotion, "I switched it with a fake one while she was asleep. My mom's thrilled. You risked your life to give me a son. In her eyes, you're a hero to our family. This is your reward.

"But remember, don't show it off."

Zoey grinned proudly, stood on her toes, and gave him a deep kiss.

Penelope felt like she had fallen into a frozen pit—her whole body numb, her ears ringing painfully.

With shaking fingers, she lifted her left hand. The bracelet she had once treasured—something that made her feel proud to be "Mrs. Henderson"—now looked cheap, fake, and meaningless in the dim lighting.

So it was a fake.

A cruel, mocking imitation—proof of how foolish and naïve she'd been.

Her mind drifted back to their wedding day. She remembered Caiden placing that emerald bracelet on her wrist, looking serious as he promised, "Penelope, you are the one and only wife in my life."

The sound of the guests clapping still echoed in her memory.

But now, the real bracelet was on her love rival's wrist. In the entire San Antonio area, she had become a complete joke.

This is the heart-wrenching pain!

Snapping back to reality, tears flowed out uncontrollably.

She pulled off the worthless bracelet and threw it straight into the trash.

She turned around and walked away, as if running from a nightmare.

She didn't go back to the fake and cold hospital room. Instead, she got in a taxi and went straight to her mother's grave. The tombstone was cold to the touch, yet her mother's gentle smile in the photo remained quiet and eternal.

Penelope reached out with shaky hands and touched the photo. Her voice was weak and full of sadness, "Mom, you were wrong... He never really loved me... He has a son with another woman, and soon... a daughter too..."

Tears rolled down her cheeks and landed on the hard stone. "I wish... I had realized the truth about him sooner..."

"Mrs. Henderson, you figured it out just in time."

Startled, Penelope turned around and saw Julian Gatlin, Caiden's sworn enemy, standing in the shadows with a sly grin on his face.

He stepped closer, noticing the hatred and pain in her eyes, and held out a business card. "Why not join my revenge camp? I will give you an unexpected surprise."

She quickly wiped her tears. Her expression turned cold and serious as she took the card. She said, "I'm leaving San Antonio the day after tomorrow. Help me vanish completely. I never want him to find me again."

"Deal."

Penelope asked the cemetery manager to take out her mother's ashes and gently placed them in her car.

While this was happening, Caiden kept calling her again and again, but she stared blankly and turned off her phone.

Seeing this, the cemetery manager grew nervous and said, "Mrs. Henderson... Mr. Henderson spent millions on this spot. The land's location was considered ideal. Are you really planning to level it and turn it into a landfill?"

She replied in a chilly tone, "Yes. If you say even one word..."

The manager instantly fell quiet, lowered his head, and nodded. "I understand. Don't worry."

As she drove back, a line of black Maybachs suddenly swerved in from the side and blocked her path.

Caiden jumped out of one of the cars and ran to her window. He slammed his fist hard against the glass, his voice shaky and filled with fear, "Penelope, why weren't you picking up? I thought Julian had kidnapped you! You scared me!"

His red eyes showed true panic, like his whole world was crashing down.

Penelope stared at him coldly, unmoved by his overly dramatic display of affection.

For a brief moment, she almost believed he still had feelings for her.

But just then, the cold light from the phone screen hit her like a bucket of ice water, snapping her back to reality.

A man's heart follows his money.

Caiden had already handed everything to Zoey's son, proof of how much that love was really worth. Meanwhile, she was nothing but a joke wearing a fake bracelet. She should've walked away long ago.

"Penelope, say something!"

Caiden suddenly yanked the car door open and pulled her into a hug. When he saw her puffy eyes, he burst out in rage, "Who made you cry? Just tell me, I'll deal with them right away!"

Penelope pushed him away and said with a steady voice, "I just went to visit my mom's grave, and my phone ran out of battery."

His stiff face softened slowly, and he told someone to bring cold packs for her eyes. His voice was gentle and full of emotion, "From now on, you can't ignore my calls. Got it?

"The thing I've feared most in my life is losing you. Do you understand?"

Penelope lowered her gaze to hide the ice in her eyes.

Afraid of losing her?

Perfect.

She couldn't wait to watch him crumble when that worst fear came true.

"Penelope, it's been a while since I visited your mom, so I thought I'd stop by since I was nearby."

Caiden held her hand as they got in the car, his look full of affection.

Penelope pulled her hand back, her voice cold and firm, "I'm exhausted. I just want to go home."

"All right, I'll do whatever you say."

While they were driving, Caiden kept holding her tightly, like someone clinging to the only thing keeping them afloat. He wouldn't let go even for a second.

He even had someone bring over a stack of brochures for ocean view villas, saying he wanted to gift her one to help her calm down.

Penelope stared blankly out the window, paying no attention to his emotional words.

She returned to the luxurious home that felt more like a prison, and what she saw in the living room hit her like a sharp needle straight to the heart.

Zoey was soaked from head to toe, shivering as she curled up in the corner of the sofa. Her face was pale and flushed. Penelope didn't even glance at her and went straight upstairs.

"Penelope!" Zoey stood up unsteadily, blocking her path. Her voice was hoarse and weak. "I'm really happy you're safe... You disappeared out of nowhere, and Caiden got so scared he sent everyone out to find you... I got stuck in the rain and got a fever... I'll leave now... Please don't be mad..."

She was trembling so much that it looked like she might collapse at any moment.

Caiden glanced at Zoey's red face, and for a brief second, something like pain flickered in his eyes.

He quickly hid his emotions, lifted Penelope in his arms, and headed upstairs. "Don't bother my wife. Leave now!" he said sharply.

Right after that, Zoey collapsed to the floor like a broken doll, completely unconscious.

The next second, Penelope felt her body lighten, and a huge force threw her away. Without a second thought, Caiden let go of her. She stumbled and fell against the steps. The cold floor sent a sharp chill through her feet.

Caiden raced back downstairs, panic written all over his face. He picked Zoey up and gently placed her on the sofa. "Quick! Call a doctor!" he shouted.

Penelope glanced at Caiden—completely flustered because of Zoey—and let out a cold, mocking laugh.

He always acted like she meant everything to him, yet the moment Zoey got into trouble, he dropped her without hesitation.

It reminded her of the times he stayed by her side when she was sick.

His feelings had changed over time, and now Penelope didn't care anymore.

She had just gotten back to her room and was lying down when Caiden suddenly came in, still tense and anxious. He tried to explain, "Penelope, please don't get the wrong idea. Every time Zoey runs a high fever, she starts having seizures. If something goes wrong, the Breslin family will hold me responsible..."

"I didn't get it wrong. Go be with her," Penelope said, her back to him, her tone cold.

Noticing how down she looked, Caiden opened his mouth to say something, but just then, Zoey's weak moaning echoed from downstairs.

He paused, then said, "I'll go check on her for a second. I'll come back soon."

But he never did. Lying in the dark, Penelope felt something soft bump against her leg. It was Bobbie, the black sheepdog she had raised since she was a kid.

She wrapped her arms around him, her tears soaking into his thick fur.

It didn't matter anymore if Caiden didn't love her.

At least her loyal Bobbie, the one her mother had left behind, would always stay by her side and accompany her.

Later that night, feeling thirsty, she took Bobbie downstairs. But as soon as she left her room, someone stepped in front of her.

Zoey's usual weak expression was gone. Her face was cold and sharp as he said, "When your mom collapsed from a brain hemorrhage, she kept crying out your name. She sounded so pitiful. I just stood there watching her suffer for 30 minutes. Only after she died did I kindly call Caiden. That moment was unforgettable."

Penelope froze like she had been struck by lightning, and her breath caught in her throat. "So it wasn't the maid's negligence? You delayed my mom's rescue on purpose?"

A wave of fury exploded inside her. She lunged forward and seized Zoey's shirt collar, her nails digging into her skin.

"You witch! I swear I'll make you pay for what you did!"

The two women got into a fight. Bobbie dashed over, barking wildly, and bit Zoey. Screaming in panic, Zoey lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs with a heavy crash.

"What's going on out here?!"

Caiden came running out of the study. Seeing the woman lying motionless and bleeding at the bottom of the stairs, he shouted in a shaky voice, "Zoey!"

Without wasting a second, he raced down the steps, scooped Zoey into his arms, and rushed toward the door. Before leaving, he turned his head and stared at Penelope. The warmth in his eyes had turned to ice. "Penelope, why do you hate her so much? Do you really want her dead?

"She's never tried to take anything from you."

"Caiden!" Penelope's eyes were blood-red, her voice filled with anger and sorrow. "It was Zoey who purposely delayed my mom's rescue! She did it on purpose, and that's why I lost her!

"When I find proof that she did it on purpose, I swear I'll make sure she ends up behind bars!"

Caiden clutched Zoey tightly and looked at Penelope like he didn't know her anymore. His brows were tightly furrowed. "Penelope, don't trust other people's malicious provocations.

"Zoey might be a bit spoiled, but she is kind-hearted. She would never do something so cruel."

"You don't believe me?" Penelope's face turned pale, her heart breaking into pieces. "She just confessed with her own mouth..."

"Enough!" Caiden cut her off sharply, his tone cold.

"I won't let you insult her again. Come with me to the hospital now!"

Penelope looked at the man, stunned by how firmly he defended Zoey. The words she was about to say got stuck in her throat.

He only cared about Zoey now. There was no way he'd believe her or stand up for her.

To avoid more trouble, she held back her rage and followed quietly.

Right outside the emergency room, Caiden's mother rushed in after hearing what had happened and yelled furiously, "Caiden, this is all because you've spoiled Penelope too much! How could you let that dangerous dog hurt my goddaughter like that?

"Where is that beast? Get rid of it right now!"

"Mom, Bobbie is the only thing Penelope's mother left behind. We can't touch him," Caiden said firmly.

He stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Penelope. "I'll make it up to the Breslin family. Please, just calm down."

As the two continued to argue, the doctor came out of the emergency room with a heavy expression. He said in a serious tone, "Mr. Henderson, Ms. Breslin suffered major brain damage. We did everything we could, but I'm afraid..."

Right after the doctor finished talking, everyone's expression changed at once.

Caiden's face lost all color, and his eyes sharp as daggers, shooting straight at Penelope. "Go now! Call Professor Warrick and tell him to save Zoey—no matter what it takes!"

Penelope froze, unsure of what to do. She glanced at the hospital bed the nurse had just wheeled out and caught Zoey—who was supposed to be unconscious—briefly open her eyes and flash a smug smile before shutting them again.

Before Penelope could say a word, Caiden's mother stepped forward and slapped her hard. She snapped, "It was bad enough you tricked my son into marrying you. Now you want to get rid of Zoey, too?"

She pointed at her, voice trembling with fury. "If Zoey stays in a coma forever, I'll make sure you pay for it!"

Penelope's ears rang from the hit. Holding her burning cheek, she croaked out, "Bobbie didn't do it on purpose... Zoey is the one who caused my mom's death..."

"That's enough!" Caiden shouted, cutting her off, his stare as sharp as ice. "Penelope, go kneel by Zoey's side and apologize until she wakes up."

He added coldly, "Someone, bring Bobbie to the hospital."

"Don't touch Bobbie!"

Penelope looked like she'd been struck by lightning. She dashed toward him in panic and grabbed his sleeve, her voice desperate. "I'll do anything, just don't hurt Bobbie. He's the only thing my mom left me. I'm begging you!"

"When you do wrong, you face the consequences," Caiden said harshly.

He pulled her hands off him without mercy and walked off. "Guard, watch her closely and don't let her leave Zoey's ward!"

A bodyguard dragged Penelope back to the ICU like she was a prisoner.

Zoey leaned back against her pillows, a serpentine smile curling on her lips. She mocked, "Penelope, your mom, who loved you most, is gone. Now even Bobbie will be taken from you. Poor thing.

"Caiden may love you, but he can't live without me either. No one pleases him in bed the way I do. You'll never be a match for me."

From outside the window, Bobbie let out a loud, heart-wrenching howl—and then, suddenly, everything went silent.

It felt like someone had stabbed Penelope's heart with a dull blade.

Her heart shattered into pieces. Staring straight at Zoey, she spoke in a raspy voice, like a piece of cloth tearing, "I'll leave tomorrow. I'll disappear from your world forever. Your son can go back to where he belongs.

"Tell Caiden to stop this madness."

Zoey blinked in surprise for a moment, then laughed coldly. "Stop dreaming. Bobbie has to die, and so do you."

She shouted, "Guard, bring two horned melons and make her kneel on them and apologize to me!"

Penelope fought hard, but the bodyguard eventually forced her to kneel on the horned melons.

The sharp spikes of the melons pressed hard enough against her skin.

She cried out in pain, almost suffocated by the fruit's strong smell. Struggling, she turned her head toward the window and spotted Bobbie lying in the flower bed downstairs, covered in blood and motionless. "Bobbie, hang in there. I'll come get you!" she cried.

Penelope shoved the bodyguard aside and sprinted out the door. She ran down the hallway and saw Zoey's father talking nervously on his phone. "Hurry! Bring Skylar's real father back now! If Mr. Henderson finds out that Skylar isn't his biological son, our entire family is done for!"

Penelope felt like she had been hit by lightning. She thought to herself, "So, Skylar... wasn't Caiden's son?"

"Dad! Stop Penelope!" Zoey shouted from behind.

Penelope snapped back to reality and pushed through the sharp pain in her leg and the spinning in her head. She staggered toward the stairwell, pulled out her phone, and spoke in a panicked voice, "Mr. Gatlin! The plan's changed! Please... hurry to the hospital and save me!"

"Plan?"

A cold, creepy voice echoed from behind, sending a chill down her spine like ice.

Caiden stood on the steps like a shadow, his tall figure casting darkness over her. The warmth in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a cold and threatening look.

He moved toward her slowly, his voice so gentle it sent chills down her spine. "Penelope, who were you calling just now?"

Penelope was terrified and couldn't speak. Pretending to be weak, she dropped her phone to the ground, then grabbed his pant leg and said faintly, "I... I can't breathe. Caiden... please don't hurt Bobbie... I'll do whatever you want..."

When Caiden saw her face turning blue and her dress stained with the smell of horned melon, his expression changed instantly. He stopped asking questions, picked her up, and ran into the emergency room, shouting, "Help! My wife needs emergency care!"

He gripped her freezing hand and said shakily, "I only told you to kneel, not to get near the horned melon. Do you want to die?

"Don't you remember you're severely allergic to horned melon?"

Meanwhile, Zoey's father, who had followed them, glanced back and said with a cold sneer to the group behind him, "I'll distract him. You handle that woman!"

Penelope woke up to the sharp scent of antiseptic. She saw Caiden standing beside the hospital bed, his eyes filled with disappointment and pain. He asked, "Penelope, how could you stab Zoey and then run away?

"And just to escape punishment, you purposely triggered your allergy by touching a horned melon until you passed out?

"What happened to you? How could you become this heartless? I'm truly let down."

Penelope couldn't say a word. She slowly got off the bed and pleaded in a low voice, "I'll accept whatever punishment you give... just please spare Bobbie."

Caiden's face went stiff, and he spoke coldly, "He already paid the price for your wrongdoings. Let this be a warning. Don't go after Zoey again. Understood?"

Penelope felt like her heart had been ripped apart, and she bent over in agony.

Memories of her mother's funeral flashed in her mind. Back then, Caiden had let Bobbie lick his face without pulling away, saying, "Mom, don't worry. I'll keep Penelope and Bobbie safe."

She remembered him smiling while tossing a frisbee on the grass with Bobbie, his lips lifting in praise, "Nice catch, Bobbie!"

But now, in order to avenge Zoey, he had killed Bobbie!

All those ten years of loyalty meant nothing next to a single tear from his mistress.

Penelope cried for what felt like an eternity. When she finally looked up again, her eyes were completely lifeless. She said flatly, "You don't have to worry. I won't bother Zoey again."

Because she was about to disappear from his life forever.

Caiden noticed how pale and lifeless her face looked, and his chest tightened with sorrow. He softly spoke several comforting words.

Penelope closed her eyes, clearly exhausted, saying nothing.

"Mr. Henderson, Ms. Breslin has regained consciousness." The assistant's voice broke the quiet.

Caiden's eyes lit up. He leaned down to gently pull the blanket over Penelope and said in a cold voice, "Penelope, I never wanted to punish you, but stabbing Zoey was way out of line.

"You'll be kept in your room for a week to think about what you've done. I'll check on you later."

As the door closed behind him, Penelope began crying uncontrollably.

She had nearly died from an allergic reaction earlier, and yet he didn't seem to care. All he thought about was Zoey waking up.

How heartless and distant he had become.

But it didn't matter anymore. She didn't want his love now.

Penelope forced herself up and headed out of the ward. She headed downstairs and signed her discharge forms. But out of nowhere, someone grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and nose, pulled a sack over her head, and dragged her into the elevator.

She kicked and fought back, and just as she was being pulled away, she caught sight of Caiden chatting with Zoey's father at the end of the hallway.

"Caiden!"

She shouted with all her strength.

The man seemed to pause slightly, then turned his head to glance at the nearby ward, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The elevator doors shut coldly, cutting off the light and pulling Penelope into total darkness.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself trapped in a pitch-black room. A man dressed in black had cut her neck with a sharp blade. Warm blood slowly ran down her skin, and every breath brought a stabbing, burning pain. The metallic smell of blood filled the air.

"Mrs. Henderson," the man said coldly. He held up his phone and projected a video onto the wall. "You'll die in about three hours from blood loss. To make it worse, let me show you something entertaining."

With great effort, she forced her eyes open. On the screen, Zoey sat in a dressing room wearing a sparkling wedding gown. She clung sweetly to Caiden's arm and laughed, "Stop kissing me! I've already fixed my lipstick three times!"

"You're the one who kept seducing me," Caiden said with a raspy tone, pulling a cloth over the camera. "I'm going to love you hard tonight..."

The image disappeared, but the sound of the two of them embracing and whispering affectionately could still be heard.

Through her soft giggles and gasps, Zoey asked playfully, "Caiden, do you love me more or Penelope?"

"I used to love Penelope more, but now..." he panted, laughing with satisfaction. He paused on purpose, then slowly said, "I think I love you a bit more."

"Love you more..."

Penelope shut her eyes, heartbroken, as warm tears mixed with the blood trickling from her neck.

In her final moments, her husband chose to marry the killer, saying he loved her more...

So cruel!

A strong feeling of suffocation completely engulfed Penelope until there was a loud bang.

A deafening roar snapped her out of her fading consciousness. The door burst open with force as a tall man, covered in light, stormed in. He kicked the man in black across the room, lifted Penelope into his arms, and rushed out, "Penelope, stay awake! I'm getting you out of here!"

His strong voice echoed. It was Julian.

Barely hanging on, Penelope clutched his shirt with the last of her energy. Her voice was faint, but her will was fierce. "Find a woman corpse who looks like me and leave her here. I want to vanish for real."

She was done with Caiden's life.

She would make sure he never saw her again.