I Gifted Misery at My Husband’s Wedding to His First Love

Graces POV

After countless IVF attempts, I was finally eight months pregnant. But on the way home from a prenatal checkup, I got into a terrible car accident.

The contractions came fast and violent. Blood kept pouring out of me. The babys life inside my womb was hanging by a thread.

My best friend called Chris twenty-nine times. He didnt answer a single call. Even the woman he had arranged beforehand to donate blood for methe one with the same rare blood typehad disappeared as well.

On the operating table, as my whole body shook from the pain, I heard the doctor shouting angrily. Didnt I tell you? The mother has a rare blood type. Our hospital doesnt have any blood in stock! He continued.? Didnt the family say they already found a volunteer donor? Where is she?

My best friends voice trembled. Neither of them is answering their phones. Nor replying to our messages.

Chris, where are you? I whimpered as tears slipped from the corners of my eyes.?

Suddenly, another brutal contraction twisted through my abdomen. The pain was so overwhelming my consciousness slowly faded into darkness.

Before my eyes closed shut, I looked toward the operating room door one last time. Chris still wasnt there. In that moment, all hope inside me collapsed.

Everything went dark.

***

I woke up three days later and Chris still wasnt there. Only my best friend sat beside my hospital bed, her eyes swollen and red.

My belly, once round and full, was now completely flat. A terrible feeling rose in my chest. I grabbed her arm, shaking. My baby survived, right?

She stayed silent for a long time before finally speaking.?

It was a girl. But the moment she was taken out of your womb, her heartbeat was already gone, she said, her voice hoarse.

In the three days you were unconscious, Chris didnt pay a single visit. We couldnt even reach him.

Hearing that my child had died, it felt like my heart was being torn apart. My eyes burned red with grief.

Chris and I had been married for many years without children. The doctor said he had a low sperm count. Because of that, we went through IVF again and again. Even though my body suffered endless pain, I never gave up.

When I finally conceived, I did everything in my power to keep her. I waited for her arrival with so much hope, only to lose her in the very last moment.

When I first found out I was pregnant, Chris was so excited that he didnt sleep the entire night. Worried about me, he arranged for a woman with the same blood type as mejust in case something happened. But when my baby and I needed them the most, both of them disappeared.

My breathing grew tight as I picked up my phone and called Chris again. The call still didnt go through. Cold despair filled my chest as a tear rolled down my cheek. With unbearable grief, I cremated my child.

I wanted Chris to see our baby one last time, before burying her. But I couldnt reach him. I couldnt reach the blood donor woman either. So I decided to go to the villa Chris had prepared for her, hoping I might get lucky and find him there. Carrying the small urn myself, I drove to the suburban villa.?

When I arrived, the scene in front of me froze my body in place. Chris had Bonnie Callahan pressed against the railing of the terrace. They were kissing deeply. Reason screamed at me to turn around and leave, to pretend I'd never been here, but my body wouldn't listen.

If I dont go donate blood for Grace, will she hate me, Chris? Bonnie asked softly.

She has no right to hate you, Chris replied coldly. If she wants someone to hate, she should hate herself for thinking I actually loved her. My love for her was always just an act. I only married her so I could use the Donovans power to raise my status in my own family.

Chris leaned close to Bonnies ear and whispered affectionately. You are my first love. The only woman I truly love. I made you her so-called blood donor just so Id have an excuse to see you often. He smirked.?

And as for Grace the reason she couldnt get pregnant for seven years was because I bribed the doctors to make every IVF attempt fail. I even had fertility drugs mixed into her meals. This last IVF only succeeded because one of my men messed up.

His words and the scene right before my eyes were like a thousand knives stabbing into my heart.

My throat felt heavy, like it was filled with lead. I couldnt make a single sound.

Seven years. For seven whole years, he had been pretending to love me. And it was all just a stepping stone for his career. Before we got married, we were once in a car accident. Chris used his own body to shield me. He was seriously injured and almost became a vegetable.

When I was kidnapped by his enemies, he rushed alone into an abandoned factory and fought more than a dozen armed men just to save me. When he finally brought me out, his entire body was covered in wounds.

My parents and my brother had always strongly opposed our marriage. But Chris knelt outside our mansion for three days and nights in the freezing rain. At one point, he even fainted. Only then did my family finally agree.

After we got married, I couldnt get pregnant for years.

When Chris was diagnosed with low sperm count, he looked devastated and full of guilt. He said he felt sorry that I had to endure his mothers constant criticism.

I shook my head and comforted him, saying that its okay.?

I was terrified of pain, but I didnt want to disappoint the man I loved. So I chose IVF. I endured the injection after injection.?

Seven years passed like that.

Even now, the rows of needle marks on my arms were still clearly visible. Every time the IVF failed, Chris looked even more heartbroken than I was. Whenever his mother scolded me for not being able to conceive, he would pull me into his arms and comfort me gently, saying stuff likeIts okay, Grace. Maybe the baby just isnt meant to come yet. I believe well make it next time.

The day the hospital confirmed my pregnancy, the joy on his face made me feel like every bit of suffering had been worth it. But the intimate scene on the terrace right now was crushing my heart again and again.

Chriss smile turned cold.

Even her car accident was something I planned myself, he said calmly. All to get rid of the child in her womb that shouldnt exist.

But this baby inside you, he smiled to Bonnie, will be the sole heir of Lowe family.

Bonnie looked overjoyed. I knew you loved me the most, she giggled.? She held his face and kissed his right cheek loudly.?

Thats your reward.

My hands trembled violently.?

I bit into my palm as hard as I could just to stop myself from screaming. The child I had been waiting for with all my heartthe little life that lost its heartbeat in that car accidenthad been murdered by his own father.

All of it was just so he could give his inheritance to another womans child.

But, arent you afraid Grace will find out and turn against you? Bonnie asked softly, a trace of worry in her voice.

Chris let out a cold laugh.

Grace is an idiot. Ill just coax her a little when I get back and shell be my obedient dog again. His voice was calm, almost casual.

Ill create trouble to make Donovans stock price crash. Then Ill trick her into transferring all her shares to me at a cheap price. He paused, then continued coldly.

Once the Lowe International swallows all of Donovans assets, Ill kick her out and marry you.

Bonnie leaned against his chest and pondered.?

But by then Grace will lose everything she has. She might cling to you like a lifeline and refuse to divorce you no matter what. What will you do then??

Chris sneered. There was clear killing intent in his eyes.

You dont need to worry about that. He lowered his voice slightly. One week from now, at the Lowe familys investment banquet for the new shopping center, Ive already prepared a guy for her.

His tone was cruelly calm.

All my people have to do is slip roofies into her wine. Once the drug takes effect, Ill arrange for everyone to catch her cheating in public.

He chuckled.

She will be the one with the affair. Her reputation will be completely destroyed. Then I will take her to court, making sure she doesnt walk away with a single cent of my assets or any chance of getting them back.?

Chriss smile grew colder.

I'm the kind of person who likes to nip things in the bud. He paused before adding casually, I happened to hear that her father was recently diagnosed with heart disease. It'll be like killing two birds with one stone. If the old man dies during the incident, who do you think will stop our plan?

Cold, salty tears slid slowly down my cheeks.?

I stood there, watching helplessly as the two people on the balcony kissed each other and walked back inside together.? My whole body felt stiff. It was as if my soul had been ripped out of me.? Numbly, I got into the car and drove home. Outside the window, the scenery rushed past in a blur. But my mind was already quietly thinking about my next move.

Chris believed his plan was flawless. He believed I was nothing more than a foolish, naive rich girl. But there was something he didnt know.

When we first got married, his company had been in a critical growth stage. To help him get through that difficult period, I anonymously bought a large amount of Lowe International shares through the board of directors. The shareholders of Lowe International were actually under my command.

As for the trap he prepared for the banquet, since everything was set, I might as well move it to the woman he loved most. Let Bonnie taste it for me.?

Once my plan was formed, I opened my phone with trembling fingers and called my father.

Dad I was wrong about him.? I forced the words out.

I agree to divorce Chris. In a week, Ill come home and accept the arranged marriage you prepared for me.

Didnt you love him so much you insisted on marrying him? My dad said sternly. Why do you suddenly want a divorce?

I clenched my teeth and let out a bitter laugh.

For the sake of his first love, he murdered our daughter. My voice trembled, but it was firm. Im going to make him pay for it. When he feels the most proud of himself Ill send him to prison.

There was silence on the phone.

Whatever happens, your family will always have your back. His voice answered.? That bastard betrayed your love. Hell soon realize what hes lost.

After hanging up, determination filled my eyes.

One week from now, Chris planned to destroy me at the Lowe Familys investment banquet.

But I wouldnt let him succeed.

When I got home, I held a grand funeral for my child, waiting in the mourning hall for an entire day and night. Only then did Chris return. The moment he saw me, he suddenly dropped to his knees, slapping himself hard across the face.?

Im sorry, Grace. Its my fault. I was too busy work that I failed to protected you. He looked at me with guilt.?

If youre angry, you can hit me. Just dont let it hurt yourself.

He hesitated before adding, We can have another child in the future.

I almost laughed from anger hearing that. If I hadnt heard what he said to Bonnie at the villa, I might really have been fooled by him.

Without hesitation, I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face.

Another child? My voice trembled. Chris, do you know how much I suffered just to get pregnant with this one?!

He could feel heartbroken because Bonnie was afraid of the pain from drawing blood. But all the pain I had endured over the years, he acted like it meant nothing. Maybe that was the difference between loving someone and not loving them.

Chris lowered his head so I couldnt see his expression.

All I heard was his quiet voice.

Im sorry, Grace I was too busy with work and lost track of things

Another apology.

But the words Im sorry were the most useless compensation in the world.

Why didnt you answer your phone? My voice is trembling. I was lying in the operating room at my most desperate moment, waiting for you to come.

I stared at him. Were you really busy, you couldnt come, or was it the woman you kept outside refusing to donate her blood?

Chris fell silent.

Looking at the silent man in front of me, my chest twisted painfully. I should have realized it long ago. Ever since I got pregnant, Chris had openly made Bonnie his side woman.

If a light bulb as much as broke in her apartment, he would rush over in the middle of the night to fix it himself. If she got sick, he would let me go to prenatal checkups alone while he ran to visit her.

But because I loved him, I believed his clumsy lies again and again.?

Tears covered my face. And suddenly, Chris stood up and gently wiped my tears, a look of pity on his face.

Alright, Grace. Dont be angry, okay? Ive prepared gifts for you. Lots. Will you take a look and see if theres anything you like??

His assistant handed him a tablet. Chris shoved it into my hands. On the screen was his recent shopping list. Limited-edition luxury handbags. An emerald diamond ring as big as a pigeon egg.?

But none of those items interest me.?

Until a pregnancy guidebook caught my eye. I glanced at the purchase date. And instantly realized it was meant for the child in Bonnies belly.??

At that moment, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Bonnie. She had sent me a picture. It was a pregnancy test report. I carefully read every word on it. Only after I finished did she slowly withdraw the image.

Then a message appeared.

Bonnie: [Sorry, Grace. Wrong number. I meant to send it to Chris.]

Another message followed.

Bonnie: [Our baby is very healthy. I know you just lost your child. Will hearing this make you sad? But you love Chris so much. You should be happy that he finally has an heir, right?]

Another message came.

Bonnie: [By the way, can you not be too clingy with him today? He needs to go with me for a prenatal checkup later. With him beside me, I definitely wont be as jinxed as you and get into a car accident.]

My body froze. I was trembling slightly all over. Next to me, Chris hung up his phone. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead.?

Something just came up at the company, he said. If theres anything you want to buy, just use my account. Ill go handle this first and Ill be right back to keep you company.

I watched his back as he left with his assistant.

Finally, the dam brokemy tears couldnt stop flowing.

After letting my emotions out, I called my lawyer. Let's begin.

I would slowly take control of the entire Lowe International. The transfer would be finished by the day of the banquet. On the day he believed he had finally closed the net after years of planning, I would send him the most devastating blow. For the sake of his first love, he took away my daughters heartbeat. So I would take back everything he owned, piece by piece.

This was not only punishment for betrayal. It was justice.?

The justice I would seek as a mother for my child.

By the time I finished handling my childs funeral and returned home, the night was already set. Exhausted, I took off my shoes and coat. But then I noticed the lights in my bedroom were on and noises came from it.

Since I became pregnant, Chris had insisted that I needed proper rest. He said it was for the babys safety, so we had started sleeping in separate rooms. Because of that, he almost never entered my bedroom. I walked toward it with a frown and pushed the door open.?

What are you doing here? I asked.?

I found Bonnie inside. She was holding a mop, as if she had been cleaning for quite a while. A thin layer of sweat covered her forehead and her cheeks were flushed red.

When she saw me, she immediately bowed her head politely, putting on a humble expression.

Its my fault that you miscarried, Mrs. Lowe, because I didnt give my blood. But I already cleaned your room.?

I was still confused by her behavior when a voice suddenly came from behind me.

Bonnie, who told you to do this? Put the mop down. You shouldnt be exhausted. Chris rushed forward. He bumped into my shoulder as he passed me and immediately pulled Bonnie into his arms, his face full of concern.

Noticing the tiredness in her face, he suddenly turned toward me with anger.?

Haven't I already made it up to you, Grace? Why are you still holding onto this? he snapped. We have maids. Do you really want to make Bonnie miserable by making her clean your room??

He thought all those luxurious items were enough to make up for the loss of my child. That everything could be replaced with money.?

Even though I already knew about the evil plan they set for me, but still it made my heart ache and this time Id stood up for myself.?

I didn't make her do anything. I just got here and saw her. That was all I said.?

Chris gently wiped the tears from Bonnie's cheeks. It made me, the rightful lady of the house, look like an outcast.?

Listen, Grace, Bonnie is fragile right now, he said, sounding like a warning. If anything happens to her, I won't forgive you.

Chris swallowed his words halfway through and I sneered, tearing away the last veil of pretense between him and Bonnie, Fragile as in... she's pregnant and it's yours?

Shock was written all over Chris's face. He appeared to want to deny it, but I cut him from it by speaking first.?

This girl you think is so nice and innocent sent me photos and messages to provoke me this afternoon, I started. She said shes pregnant with your child. Do you want to see them for yourself?

Chris looked at her, then at me.?

Im sorry, Grace. It was actually my fault. He let out a helpless sigh, began explaining. I got drunk and slept with her. Thats how the child happened. You were just becoming pregnant and I was afraid youd get angry and it would affect the baby, so I didnt tell you.

He paused before continuing.

Bonnie has a weak body. The doctor said if she aborts this baby, she may never be able to become a mother again. So please, dont be so cruel. Let her give birth to the child. I promise it wont affect your position at all. Besides he added, his tone turning colder, you havent given me an heir all these years. I cant just let my family line end, can I?

After going in circles, he still managed to put the blame back on me.

My eyes stung with tears.

Without saying a word, I quietly took out the divorce agreement I had already prepared and printed earlier. I placed it in front of him.

Fine, I said calmly. Then sign this and I wont pursue this matter.

Chris looked confused as he took the document from my hand. He was about to open it and read it, but before he could, Bonnie suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Chris, my stomach hurts she said weakly. Can you take me to the hospital?

Hearing that, Chris immediately pulled a pen out of his pocket. Without even checking the contents of the document, he flipped to the last page and signed his name.

Sure, Grace. You know Ill always give you whatever you want, he said casually. There, Ive signed it. Now let me take Bonnie to the hospital, yeah?

I looked at the signature on the paper. A bitter smile slowly formed on my lips.

Silently, I stepped aside and let the two of them leave.

After they were gone, I handed the document to my lawyer.

Help me process the divorce, I said quietly. The faster, the better.

By the time everything was finished, it was almost midnight.

After such a long day, I felt completely exhaustedboth physically and mentally.

I was just about to lie down and rest when suddenly the bedroom door was kicked open violently. Chris stood at the doorway, breathing heavily.?

You just cant stand seeing Bonnie happy, can you?! He rushed over and yanked me off the bed. You told her to clean your room and then you secretly lit incense thats harmful to a fetus. The doctor said she almost miscarried. If she had stayed in your room any longer, the child wouldve been gone. Youre so vicious, Grace!?

Come with me to the hospital and apologize to Bonnie! He grip me by hand and dragged me.?

His grip was incredibly strong. My wrist quickly turned purple from how tightly he held it. No matter how hard I struggled, he refused to let go. He dragged me out of the house and all the way to the hospital.

Soon, I was standing beside Bonnies hospital bed.

Apologize! he ordered sternly.

Bonnie lay on the bed with a pale face. Chris grabbed my shoulders forcefully, trying to push me down so I would bow to her.

But he didnt see the mocking smile at the corner of Bonnies lips.

At that moment, I realized. This whole thing had been her plan from the beginning. She deliberately framed me just to humiliate me.

You think a mistress deserves my apology? I said coldly.

My eyes swept across the room. When I saw the thermos on the bedside table, I didnt hesitate. I grabbed it, twisted open the lid and splashed the hot water directly onto the bed.

What a pity your child didnt die. With a mother as wicked as you, dying wouldve been a whole lot of a greater fate.

No one expected my sudden action.

Bonnie was instantly drenched from head to toe. Her hair stuck to her face in a miserable mess and she completely lost control of her expression. Anger burned in her eyes.

Chris! she cried out. The doctor said I cant be emotionally stressed. Look at her. If she wasnt trying to harm our baby, then what was that?

Chris finally reacted. He looked furious. He immediately pressed the nurse call button, asking the medical staff to check Bonnie again. Then he called several bodyguards over and had them hold me down.

Grace, he said coldly, I already gave you a chance. Since you dont appreciate it, go kneel in the backyard and pray for Bonnies child.

Several strong bodyguards dragged me back to the villa and forced me into the backyard.

They pushed me down onto my knees in the middle of the rose garden Chris had once planted for me. Back then, I had casually mentioned that I liked white roses. Because of that single sentence, Chris had flown overseas overnight to buy the best rose seeds and personally planted an entire sea of roses for me. As their sharp thorns pierced my knees, I came to a thinking: These roses once existed to please me. Now they only brought me pain.

Just like Chris.

Back when he said he loved me, he planted a sea of flowers with his own hands. Now that he no longer loved me, he could abandon me here and let me suffer until I was covered in wounds.

A clap of thunder shattered my reverie, tears mingling with rainwater as they slid down my face.

The second before I collapsed from exhaustion, I thought I saw Chris racing downstairs, lifting me into his arms. I snorted derisively, mocking myself silently. My current predicament was entirely his doingwhy would he rush to save me?

It was probably just a hallucination before I passed out.

When I woke up in the hospital, I was alone.

My wounds had been dressed. I forced myself up and glanced at the phone on the nightstand. My chat with Chris was empty, but in my social feed, Bonnie had posted a new update.

In the photos, every rose in the backyard garden had been picked clean. She held a massive bouquet in her arms, smiling radiantly.

Her caption read: [What a shame about this whole garden of roses. I casually mentioned wanting some and who knew he would pick them all for me.]

My heart went numb.

I recalled the hallucination of Chris saving me before I fainted and felt utterly ridiculous. I lost all desire to keep scrolling. I exited Instagram and began sorting through the pile of messages waiting for me.

Among them, a document my dad had sent caught my attentionit was the new match hed arranged for me. I clicked to open it. The name listed made me frown instantly, feeling an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

Tyler Callahan?

I glanced at the photoa handsome man in his thirties.

A sudden flash of insight struck me. I opened the dossier my lawyer had compiled on Bonnie days ago. Under Family, her adoptive father's name stood out: Tyler Callahan.

Bonnie was his adopted orphan.

After a moment of deep thought, I replied to my dad, I'll marry him.

Since she stole my husband, I'd marry her adoptive father and cut off her escape route completely. After finalizing this, the hospital door slid open and Chris walked in. He took my hand with concern, a stark contrast to his attitude yesterday.

Grace, how are your injuries? Does it still hurt? he asked softly.

Look, I was out of my mind yesterday. After seven years of marriage, this is the first child Ive ever had. I couldnt stay calm. He paused. By the way, theres an auction in West City today. Ill take you there. Whatever you want, Ill buy it for you. Think of it as my way of making it up to you, okay?

He seemed to assume I wouldnt refuse, so before I could answer, he pulled me out of bed.

His rough movements tore open my wounds, sending waves of pain through me as fresh blood soaked through the gauze.

I remembered when I accidentally cut my finger on a sharp thorn while learning flower arranginghed been heartbroken for days, personally flying abroad to buy me the best scar-healing ointment.

But now, with me badly injured, he hadnt offered a single word of concern.

When we arrived at the underground parking garage, I reached out and opened the front passenger door. Bonnie, sitting inside, gasped in surprise, seemingly more shocked than I was.

Chris, she said softly, isnt Mrs. Lowe supposed to be hospitalized because of her injuries? Is she coming to the auction with us? Then she smiled faintly. I knew it. Mrs. Lowe has been in perfect health. She must have fainted last night because she wanted you to feel sorry for her.

She glanced at me and added sweetly, Did I take your seat, Mrs. Lowe? Should I move to the back?

Before she could rise, Chris stepped past me and gently pushed her back down.

It's fine. She can sit in the back. You're pregnant and prone to nausea. The front seat is better for you.

The seat that had always belonged to me, Chris had given to Bonnie.

From the backseat, I watched their affectionate display the entire ride. Bonnie fed him fruit, then turned to coo at him. It made me feel sick to my stomach that I lost all interest. This heavy silence lingered until the auction's grand finale piece emerged.

I recognized it instantlynot merely a priceless diamond necklace, but a keepsake left by my mother before her passing.

My dad and I had searched for years without a lead. We assumed some wealthy collector had it and kept it hidden, that it would never appear in public again. Yet today, I saw it here, in this unassuming auction house.

Ten million. I raised my paddle.

Bonnie, sitting beside me, sat up straight the moment I bid. After a glance, she countered, Fifteen million!

I turned to look at her. The sly gleam in her eyes told me she was determined to oppose me. I raised my paddle for the second time.

Twenty million!

Tears welled up in Bonnie's eyes instantly. She turned and threw herself into Chris's arms.

Chris, she said pitifully, I finally found something I really like. Does Mrs. Lowe have to compete with me for it?

Chris had not spoken to me once throughout the entire auction. But now, because of her plea, he finally turned to me.

Grace, he said, Bonnie rarely finds something she really likes. Can you let her have this one? Just pick something else. Ill buy it for you.

Before I could respond, he gestured toward the auction podium, signaling a bid, Whoever makes the next bid, I'll outbid them by ten million.

I stared at this manfamiliar yet utterly foreignand recalled how, when he claimed to love me, hed always lavishly bid for items I desired at auctions, driving prices to astronomical heights no one could match.

But now, the person he was doing this for had become someone else. And I had become the one whose beloved item was being taken away.

Hidden beneath my sleeves, my fists clenched into iron. Yet I had no choice but to endure. The equity transfer wasn't finalized yet. I couldn't risk exposing my identity and jeopardizing my plan.

Finally, Chris secured the record-breaking necklace for eighty million. A waiter reverently carried it from the podium to Bonnie. But the next moment, she slipped the necklace onto the neck of the puppy she'd been cradling all evening.

The weight of the necklace startled the puppy. As it twisted and struggled, it snapped the chain clean in two with a single bite. The gemstones fell onto the marble floor, shattering into countless fragments. The sharp crack echoed through the banquet hall, plunging it into silence.

My eyes widened in horror as I stared at the pile of sparkling shards. I crouched stiffly, carefully gathering them, yet no matter how I tried, I couldn't piece them back together. My tears fell like heavy raindrops onto the floor. Once again, I had failed to protect what I cherished most.

First my child, then my mother's keepsake.

The rage I'd been holding back finally erupted.

I slapped Bonnie across the face. I poured every ounce of strength into that blow, leaving five red marks across her cheek. I lifted my hand again, ready to slap her once more. But before I could, Chris grabbed my wrist.

Thats enough, Grace! he snapped coldly. You couldnt outbid me, so you took it out on Bonnie? Its just a stupid necklace. Is it really worth making a scene? He was asking me with disbelief in his eyes.

Apologize to Bonnie!

I stared at the man in front of me, stunned for a moment. Then I let out a bitter laugh, my eyes red as I pointed at the shattered gemstones on the floor.

That was my mothers heirloom. Do you know how long Ive been looking for it?

My voice trembled, but the anger in my chest only burned hotter.

I wont apologize and I will make her pay for what she did.

When I said the first sentence, something like regret seemed to flash across Chriss eyes. But when he heard the second sentence, that expression vanished completely, replaced by pure fury.

Regardless, that's no excuse for hitting someone, he said coldly. Lets see whos going to pay the price today.

He grabbed Bonnie and turned to leave, hurling a threat over his shoulder before they vanished.

I didnt take his words to heart.

Carefully, I untied the silk scarf around my neck and wrapped the broken necklace pieces inside it. But the moment I stepped outside the gate, darkness suddenly engulfed my vision. Someone had slipped a sack over my head from behind and dragged me into a nearby alley.

Thinking I'd encountered muggers, I obediently handed over my handbag.

All my money is in here, I said quickly. You can take it. Just please let me go.

But they showed no interest in the cash or bank cards inside my bag.

The leader ordered his men to pin me down. He raised his hand and slapped me hard across the face. He didn't stop until he'd delivered ten slaps, leaving my cheeks high and swollen and I finally went limp.

Right before I lost consciousness, I faintly heard him speaking on the phone.

Jobs done, Mr. Lowe. Ive sent the video. Exactly ten slaps. Not a single one missing.

So this wasn't robbery at all. It was the punishment Chris had deliberately arranged for me.

I slapped Bonnie once and he made me pay tenfold.

Waking up in the hospital again, I had the same doctor attending to me. He flipped through my medical records.

You had a miscarriage not long ago and with these repeated injuries they seemed to start taking a toll on your body, he sighed.

Yes. Chris knew full well that I'd just lost the baby to severe bleeding. Yet he was willing to let me suffer injury after injury, landing me in the hospital time and time again.

A wave of bitterness washed over me. After the doctor left, I picked up my phone and glanced at the time. Id been unconscious for two whole days. Tomorrow was the day Chris was hosting that dinner party.

I checked my email. My lawyer had sent me the divorce papers, expedited and finalized. The shares held by several major shareholders in Chriss company had also been successfully transferred to my account. Everything was in place.

Tomorrow would be the day I reclaimed what was rightfully mine.

***

I applied heavy makeup to conceal the scars on my face. Alone, I arrived at the banquet venue. The moment I entered, I heard a collective gasp. I looked toward the center of the crowd. Chris had already arrived with Bonniewho was linking her arm to him.

On such an important night, where the presence of legal wives was closely watched, Chris was openly holding another womans hand.

Goodness, a woman whispered nearby. I heard rumors that Grace and Chriss marriage has been falling apart since her miscarriage.

Yeah, another woman, who looked a little older, replied with a knowing nod. People have seen them arguing a lot lately.

A man standing between them couldnt help but chime in. Well, theyve been married for seven years and she still hasnt given him a child. With such a huge fortune at stake, whos supposed to inherit it? Honestly, she kind of deserves the divorce, dont you think?

Wave after wave of mockery flooded my ears.

But my heart felt numb, as if it had already forgotten how to feel pain.

I knew the man who once stood up for mewho used to shield me from gossip like thiswould not help me now.

Just as I was about to fire back at their vicious remarks, Chris suddenly walked toward me.

A gentle smile appeared on his face as he handed me the glass he was holding.

Dont listen to them, he said softly. You know they love gossip.

Then he added casually, Bonnie said shed never gone to a banquet, so I brought her along.

I glanced at the drink he pushed toward me. His peculiar demeanor made me suspect it was drugged. I didn't drink it, merely staring coldly at him, waiting to see what else he'd do. A crack appeared in Chris's smile. Just as he was about to persuade me, his assistant rushed over.

Sir, there's been an issue with a supplier's shipment. We need you to handle it in person, he said, panting.

The sudden urgency forced Chris to follow the assistant out. Just before leaving, he reminded me, I get creative with this one. Its very low on alcohol. Try and see if you like it. Ill be glad to make another for you.

Watching him walk away, glancing back repeatedly, I chuckled softly. I picked up the glass and pretended to take a sip. But I secretly poured the liquid onto a silk scarf Id prepared earlier. Soon, the glass was empty.

Once done, I leaned on the table, staring blankly, idly scanning the room, waiting for the fish to take the bait.

Within half an hour, the long-absent Bonnie appeared behind me.

Are you not feeling well, Mrs. Lowe? she asked sweetly. Chris told me to take good care of you before he left. Here, let me help you upstairs so you can rest.

She helped me stand.

Slightly shorter than me, Bonnie struggled as I leaned almost all my weight onto her shoulders. Once we left the crowded hall and entered a quiet hallway, her expression changed.

Time for your downfall, Grace, she sneered. After tonight, lets see how youll ever recover.

She stopped in front of a room and swiped a key card.

At that exact moment, I suddenly pushed forward with all my strength. Breaking free from her hold, I kicked her hard into the room. Before the door closed, I saw the terrified look in her eyes. And I heard the strange, heavy breathing of a man inside.

When the door finally shut, I knew it was over. I walked down to the underground parking garage. My assistant was already waiting there.

Im done here, I said calmly. You can pull the net in now. Tell the people distracting Chris to withdraw.

Then I got into the car and drove away.

Through the rear window, I looked back at the brightly lit hotel behind me. The banquet hall inside was still full of noise and laughter. No one knew what was about to happen.

But I knew one thing.

Tonight would be a rough night for Chris and Bonnie

And the seven years of love between Chris and me would finally end completely.

I pulled out the phone I'd just taken from Bonnie's pocket, quickly unlocked it, and sent Chris a text message:

[Honey, I've got Grace in the room you arranged. Now you can bring everyone over and catch your wife cheating!]

Chris quickly replied: [My dearest baby, great job. For your safety, you should leave first. I'll bring people up immediately.]

I stopped replying to his messages and threw Bonnie's phone out the car window. Soon, it would be crushed to pieces by passing vehicles.

And what will also be shattered is Chris's dream of leaving me with nothing!