On my birthday, I was abducted by thugs and tortured for three days straight.

When rescued, I was barely clothed and covered in filth.

Peter Clark rushed to the scene, roaring to shove reporters away,

then pulled me into his arms, eyes filled with anguish, and proposed on the spot.

During the ride back, I fell into a heavy sleep in Peter's car.

Half-awake, I overheard his conversation with his bodyguard:

"Peter, wasn't drugging Rachel Lee and having her violated too extreme?

Even if you wanted to ruin her reputation for that woman, we could've found another way!"

Peter stroked my back while answering in a low voice,

"A woman's chastity matters most. Destroying her reputation leaves no alternatives."

"But it's fine. I'll give her the marriage she wants. My lifetime should suffice..."

Scalding tears rolled down,

yet my heart turned to ice.

I never imagined the marriage I'd craved

would become the grave I dug myself...

"Peter, take Rachel to the conglomerate's hospital. Our people are there—"

"Public hospital."

‘Public hospitals have too many eyes. Those reporters must be waiting there already. Those unscrupulous media outlets will twist the story about Mrs. Adams!’

‘That’s exactly why we need crowds. We’ve come this far—the final step must be flawless. Only then will Scott Adams completely give up on Rachel, and Rebecca Harris can truly settle into her role as Mrs. Adams...’

‘Enough. I’m tired. Let me rest.’

I bit my lip hard to stifle any sound,

The familiar warmth radiating from Peter now terrified me,

This car that once held so much laughter between Peter and me

Had turned into hell on earth.

Finally I understood why Peter, that golden boy,

Hounded me relentlessly after Scott's affair and our divorce.

Now it's clear it was never affection at all,

Just Rebecca's scheme to eliminate obstacles.

The two men I'd poured my heart into loving,

Both secretly pined for the same woman,

And that woman wasn't me...

Nausea churned in my stomach and soul,

Until I couldn't hold back anymore.

Gripping the seat, I doubled over with violent dry heaving.

My retching jolted Peter awake instantly.

He leaned over, rubbing my back gently as he murmured,

"Baby, what's wrong?

Hang in there, we're almost at the hospital."

He grabbed my everyday tumbler from the console,

Handing me water at perfect drinking temperature.

Peter always mastered such details.

"Easy now, baby."

Peter leaned closer as he spoke,

Hearing him call me "baby" repeatedly,

That sickening feeling washed over me again.

After a few minutes, I finally felt better,

Pushing myself up to glance out the window.

Just then, the car passed the hospital under the conglomerate,

Peter stiffened slightly but quickly pulled me close like nothing happened,

Gently tucking stray hairs behind my ear as he explained softly,

"Baby, the corporate doctors have limited expertise. Now that we've finally brought you back, I can't risk any setbacks. I've booked the top specialist for your thorough examination."

"Don't worry, I'll keep those reporters at bay just like before."

After saying that, a gentle kiss landed on my cheek.

I turned my head to look out the window.

Sighing helplessly in my heart.

What could I say? Three years of marriage.

I was like a canary kept in a cage by Peter.

Apart from the credit card with a monthly limit of over a million that I could control.

For everything else, I was already powerless.

I forced a slight smile and agreed to Peter's words.

"Okay, just arrange it as you see fit."

My usual docility and obedience satisfied Peter.

He shifted slightly and looked at the bodyguard driving through the rearview mirror.

"Edward, when we get to the hospital, protect your sister-in-law."

Peter glanced at Edward through the rearview mirror and gave a nod.

Seconds later, he shot me a meaningful look.

I understood exactly what that gaze meant—

probably the guilt weighing on a conscience-stricken soul.

The car soon pulled into Metropolitan General Hospital,

the nation's most renowned Top-Tier Medical Center.

Reporters swarmed alongside a sea of onlookers.

The moment I stepped out, journalists encircled me.

Edward and Peter did shield me upfront,

but how could two men hold back such a crowd?

Within moments, Edward was swallowed by the mob.

As he went down,

cameras and microphones thrust toward my face.

"Mrs. Clark, forgive my bluntness—were you abducted on your birthday because your provocative outfit drew the assailants' attention?"

"Mrs. Clark, Mr. Clark insists no harm came to you. But those marks tell another story. Adults understand. Is he telling a white lie to protect you?"

"Mrs. Clark, will this incident change the course of your marriage?"

Peter shielded me desperately from the reporters.

Mrs. Clark, if Peter still loves you as always after this,

you could never repay this debt in three lifetimes.

Am I right?

These words pierced my heart like knives.

Watching Peter desperately shielding me from the reporters ahead,

recalling what he’d said to Edward in the car earlier,

tears splashed down my cheeks.

The man I entrusted my entire life to,

my greatest love,

had brought the greatest storm upon me.

What bitter irony...

Like a stray dog without its master, I curled up in the crowd,

letting the reporters trample over my clothes, my body.

"Edward, what are you doing?

!"

With Peter's angry roar,

Edward finally stood up from the crowd,

Their cooperation was just perfect...

I had accompanied Peter countless times to deal with these reporters,

so I was all too familiar with it.

I knew that what the reporters wanted to capture had already been captured,

even if I had just said nothing, it didn't matter.

The reporters' pens would naturally give the answer Peter wanted.

An unchaste wealthy lady and a devoted domineering CEO,

have always been the media's favorite material...

The reporters naturally didn't dare to make Peter angry.

So after that roar just now,

the surrounding reporters gradually scattered away.

Peter immediately came forward and helped me up from the ground,

while brushing off the dirt on me and comforting me softly,

'Baby, don't take those people's words to heart. After something like this, I'll only love you more than ever.'

After saying that, he turned around and kicked Edward.

'Edward, I specifically told you in the car to protect Rebecca. What were you doing?

Next time you're out, you're going back home! Don't work for me anymore!

Useless!'

Peter's acting is truly masterful...

The hospital specialists were already waiting. Seeing me arrive, they immediately ushered me through a series of examinations. Hours later, the doctor kept Peter alone in the room. Seizing the moment while Edward went to pay the fees, I stood by the door and overheard the doctor's words: 'Her uterus has rotted away. Your wife was already pregnant... unfortunately, she will never conceive again...'

'The psychiatric specialists indicate your wife's mental state has deteriorated significantly. She frequently talks to herself and exhibits intense fear of strangers – this extends far beyond typical PTSD. Upon returning home, please manage media exposure diligently to prevent secondary trauma. For the Clark family, achieving this should be manageable...'

The doctor's subsequent words faded into a blur. I was pregnant when the incident happened...

My hand drifted to my flat stomach. So Peter didn't just destroy me... he killed my child too...

I staggered into the hospital corridor, my legs buckling until I collapsed on the floor. Minutes later, Edward's familiar voice echoed in the stairwell: "Peter, it's done. Rebecca truly can't have children now. Though we didn't expect... she was already carrying a child. Another life on our hands..."

What a sin...'

Peter remained silent for a long while before Edward stammered, 'Also... Peter... since the doctors said that... those reporters... should we still let them publish?'

'Publish.'

After this exchange, both men left.

Having calmed down, I took out my phone

and accepted a job offer from an overseas animation studio that had reached out six months prior.

Within minutes, their confirmation email arrived.

Following the schedule in the email, I booked a flight departing in two days.

A cage of love without love becomes nothing but shackles;

there's no reason to linger any longer...

Just after booking the ticket, Peter called.

His voice trembled with urgency:

'Baby, where are you?

I've been searching everywhere...'

'I'm at the hospital, getting some air. I see you.'

Inside the car, Peter pulled me into his arms, holding me tight.

'Baby, please don't scare me like that again, okay?'

I struggled to hold back tears as I nodded.

Peter told Edward to drive the car home,

As soon as I entered the gate, I saw Barbara Clark arranging flowers in the garden,

and Rebecca helping her nearby.

"Sweetheart, after your accident, Mom was so worried she insisted on coming. You know Rebecca studied psychology in grad school—I brought her specially to talk with you."

If you asked Barbara to name the person she hated most,

it would absolutely be me.

So she'd never visit out of genuine concern.

Sure enough, the moment I stepped out of the car, Barbara walked over arm-in-arm with Rebecca,

staring at me with pure contempt.

"How dare you come back after being ruined by another man?

You should've died out there to make room for our Rebecca!"

Hearing this, Peter gently pulled me into his arms.

"Mom, you've always had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. If you care about Rachel, can't you say something kind?"

Barbara flicked her sleeve sharply and snapped coldly,

"Care about her?

Not in this lifetime!

I came to see when you'll finally divorce!

I want Rebecca as my daughter-in-law!"

As she spoke, she shoved Rebecca toward Peter,

gazing at them like a prized painting.

"Look how perfect they are together!"

Rebecca pressed her body against Peter's chest.

"Mom, what are you saying? Rebecca is a married woman."

Peter voiced refusal, yet his body involuntarily leaned toward Rebecca.

Rebecca merely giggled without responding.

Watching the three of them enjoying such harmony became unbearable.

"Peter, I'm tired. You should spend time with Rebecca and Mom..."

Peter had likely already lost himself in Rebecca's tenderness.

He mumbled agreement without even glancing my way.

When I went upstairs and looked out from the balcony,

Rebecca had already linked arms with Peter.

Mrs. Clark's shrill voice pierced through from outside:

"Peter! Make that woman leave our house immediately! She's nothing but bad luck! And Rebecca's fiancé is a good-for-nothing! Just set your wedding date already!"

Hearing his mother's words,

Peter gazed at Rebecca with profound tenderness.

But Rebecca averted her gaze, leaving only boundless bitterness in Peter's eyes.

I couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Returning to bed, I burrowed into the blankets and sank into heavy sleep.

When I woke again, dusk had settled.

Groggily, I heard Peter's familiar voice drifting through the door:

"Rebecca, do you know how thrilled I was when Mom brought you to me today?"

That was a scene I'd dreamed of countless times. Peter could have anything he wanted in life, except you...'

Peter's voice cracked with unshed tears. I'd never seen him so vulnerable. Slipping out of bed, I cracked the door open. Rebecca cradled Peter in her arms, stroking his back as she murmured, 'Peter, I have my own struggles too. I just never imagined you'd sacrifice so much for me. Oh Peter, you've suffered so much...'

At Rebecca's words, Peter suddenly crushed his lips against hers in a desperate kiss. Rebecca froze momentarily before tilting her head to respond with equal fervor. When they finally parted, breathless, Peter whispered against her mouth, 'No suffering at all, Rebecca. If it brings you joy, nothing feels like sacrifice...'

Before Peter could finish, Rebecca tore open his shirt and captured his lips in another searing kiss. Unable to bear more, I shut the door. Minutes later, the guest room door clicked open. Passionate sounds soon drifted through the walls. My stomach churned violently, fire raging in my chest with no escape. I slammed my forehead against the wall before me. Dizziness washed over me, finally dulling that suffocating ache.

I turned and stared at my disheveled reflection in the mirror, bursting into tears. I sat motionless in the room until dawn. Peter never returned, while constant giggling drifted from the guest room next door. As daylight crept in, the door swung open—but it wasn't Peter entering. It was Rebecca.

Rebecca looked down at me slumped on the floor and burst into laughter.

She pointed sharply at my nose and snapped:

"Scott loved you so much once, remember?

How about that?

He jumped into my bed with just one crook of my finger.

So what if Peter married you?

Right inside your own home,

he still slept with me."

‘Rachel, how I despised that haughty pride of yours! Now look at you—a shamed woman in the eyes of all!’

‘Did you know Peter was aware you were carrying his child when he had you harmed?

What could be done?’

Peter still showed no mercy. While you were bleeding heavily beneath him, he was with me on the golf course. That swing I made was absolutely perfect... Your agonized screams hovered over the golf course, sounding so beautiful...'

Rebecca's words struck me like lightning, freezing me in place.

So Peter had known all along about my pregnancy.

That he'd humiliate me for this vile woman was one thing,

but he wouldn't even spare our own child.

Rebecca paced relentlessly before me,

her face brimming with smug triumph as she watched my devastated state.

I couldn't hold back any longer.

I lunged forward and grabbed her neck.

But my body hadn't recovered, my strength pitifully weak.

Before I could do anything to Rebecca,

she wrenched her throat free and shrieked toward the door,

'Peter, save me! Rachel's gone mad! Peter...'

The door burst open as Peter shoved it from outside.

He shoved me to the ground,

then pulled Rebecca close, softly asking,

'Rebecca, what happened?

Why are you two arguing like this?'

Rebecca looked at Peter in front of her, tears pouring like rain.

'Peter, I told you before coming. I wanted to help Rachel psychologically from a professional angle. This method required her to recount past events. But I never imagined she'd try to strangle me...'

Her voice cracked with sobs as she spoke.

Peter turned and stared at me, his eyes glacial.

'Peter...'

'Shut up!

Rachel!

I don't understand why you harbor such prejudice against Rebecca!

She came here to comfort you with good intentions. What were you doing?

Attempted murder?

!

I'm ashamed to have a wife like you!

Disgusting!'

After saying this, he scooped Rebecca into his arms and strode away.

Before leaving, Rebecca shot me a triumphant smile.

Tears soaked through my collar.

I scanned the home I'd personally decorated with Peter, piece by piece.

Staring at my reflection—neither human nor ghost—I erupted in wild laughter.

So everything was fake...

Since they're hellbent on destroying me,

I won't let them off easy either!

With this thought, I pulled out my phone

and dialed the number etched in my memory but untouched for years.

Peter left that room with a flicker of regret gnawing at him.

His words had struck too harshly,

especially since Rebecca seemed perfectly fine.

Sure enough, the moment they stepped out, she started clamoring to visit the shopping center for that limited-edition purse.

Peter hesitated briefly,

but thoughts of Rachel's usual gentleness eased his mind.

At the mall, seizing a moment when Rebecca was distracted, he called Edward.

He instructed Edward to check on Rachel's condition back home.

Hanging up, Peter felt completely at ease.

A mere Edward was more than enough to handle Rachel's situation.

All day, Peter accompanied Rebecca through the shopping center like lovers in the throes of passion.

As dusk settled, Rebecca finally complained of exhaustion, demanding to leave.

Back in the car, Peter finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Picking up his phone, he discovered nearly a hundred missed calls—

all from Edward.

Peter's heart sank. Starting the engine, he immediately returned the call.

Edward answered on the first ring, his voice frantic:

"Peter, it's bad—— Mrs. Clark has vanished! And... and those billions in liquid assets from the corporate account—— vanished into thin air!"

And God knows where the reporters got their intel—they've flooded the corporate headquarters entrance now!