Fading Love, Fading Hate, A Forever Farewell

The day before my wedding, a video of me being kidnapped and assaulted by criminals was uploaded for the public to see.

That very night, my fianc called off our engagement.

The next day, he married a woman named Marie Benson.

In my despair, his younger brother, Emeric Jacob, knelt on one knee, holding a diamond ring several times larger than the one Marie received on her wedding day.

With deep affection in his eyes, he said to me, "Flora Beaufils, I have secretly loved you for years. Now, I finally have the chance to be close to you. Will you marry me?"

Thinking about the coldness and cruelty I had endured in the past few days, I let Emeric slip the ring onto my finger.

Six months after our wedding, I went to a private club to pick up a drunken Emeric. Outside his private room, I overheard a conversation between him and his personal bodyguard.

"Boss, six months ago, you had me kidnap your sister-in-law, ruin her and leak the videos online. But seeing how well she treats you now do you think we went too far?"

A long silence followed

Emeric let out a weary sigh, his voice rough with strain. For Marie to marry into my family without trouble, this had to be doneeven if it was wrong. If I cant stand by her side in this life, then at least I can clear the obstacles in her path

The bodyguard hesitated before speaking. But your sister-in-law everything she went through

I will spend the rest of my life making it up to her. Enough. Not another word.

A tense silence hung between them before the bodyguard finally said, Boss the hospital under Jacob Enterprises just submitted her medical report. The injuries from the kidnapping were too severe She cant have children anymore. If the treatment doesnt work, she may even need a hysterectomy.

"All thisjust for Marie? Is it really worth it?

And her psychological evaluation His voice dropped lower. The results are alarming

Slap!

The sharp crack of a palm striking flesh cut through the room, followed by the shattering crash of glass.

Emerics voice followed, colder than death itself. Whether it was worth it or notI already know the answer. Do your job. Speak another word and youll regret it.

Outside the door, my legs buckled. I crumpled to the floor, my breath stolen from my lungs.

The man I had believed to be my savior was the very one who had pushed me off the cliff.

I clamped both hands over my mouth, desperately stifling the sobs that threatened to escape.

I stumbled to my feet, still shaken, then fled the scene like a madwoman.

On the way home, my phone wouldnt stop ringingEmerics name flashing on the screen over and over.

The same name that had once filled my life with hope and happiness now made my hands tremble. But I couldnt bring myself to answer.

At midnight, the front door creaked open. A familiar presence soon appeared behind me.

Flora, are you upset today? Emerics voice was low, almost soothing. Puma told me he called you, asked you to pick me up from the club. But I waited for so long and you never showed. Your phone was off too I knew it. You were thinking about the past again, werent you?

When I didnt respond, his tone softened even more.

Its okay, Flora. We have a lifetime ahead of us. Ill always be with you. I believe one day, all those painful memories will fade away. Ill drive out every demon haunting youwith love.

If I hadnt overheard what he said in that private room just hours ago, his tenderness would have left me utterly moved.

But now, all I felt was fear.

Emeric, my voice wavered, I went to the hospital today The doctor said well never be able to have children. You once told menothing makes you happier than having kids

At my words, Emerics body tensed. His eyes darkened, unable to hide the flicker of disappointment within.

Emerics disappointment flickered for only a moment before vanishing completely. His gaze softened as he looked at me.

Its okay, Flora. As long as its you, it doesnt matter whether we have children or not. If we cant have a child then Ill just spoil you like my own daughter, alright?

You must be exhausted. Get some rest. Tomorrow is Moms birthdaywell need to go back to the family estate.

With that, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, adjusted the lights to a soft, warm glow and quietly left the room.

Soon, the soft melody of my favorite music drifted in from the living room.

These little thingssmall, seemingly insignificant detailsEmeric always got them just right, as if he could read my heart.

To go to such lengths for a woman he could never have carefully indulging another woman he didnt even love.

I never knew someone could love so deeply, so painfully.

Its just that the person he loved was never me.

I glanced at the email inbox on my screen, at the invitation letter from San Mirren University that had arrived two weeks ago.

Without hesitation, I drafted a reply accepting the offer. Then, I booked a flight for three days later.

When it was all done, I let out a quiet breath of relief.

Since that love was never meant for methen I would simply choose to walk away.

The next morning, when I woke up, Emeric was already gone.

Breakfast was neatly set on the dining table, accompanied by a handwritten note:

[Baby, Ive gone to the family estate. Make sure to eat. Dont worryIll stand by you in front of Mom and Dad.]

I glanced around the house, my gaze landing on the most conspicuous spot in the living room.

The cello that had always been theregone.

Noticing the thick layer of dust that had settled underneath, I turned and grabbed a mop from the washroom to clean it.

The moment the mop touched the floor, I noticed somethingone of the tiles was slightly lifted at the edge.

Emeric and I had personally overseen every detail of this houses renovation. There was no way such a flaw could exist.

Frowning, I crouched down and pried at the loose tile. The moment it came off, I saw ita small, carefully wrapped voice recorder.

I pressed the play button.

A deep, melancholic cello melody filled the air. And then, over the music, came Emerics hoarse, low voice.

[Marie, today is your wedding day My heart aches. Consider this piece my blessing for you.]

[Marie, she asked me to play for her again today. But I promised youI would only ever play for you. She doesnt deserve to listen.]

[Marie, she treats me so well But I have never once regretted what I did to her. As long as youre happy, I would do anything.]

At that moment, I finally understood.

No wonder Emeric always found ways to refuse whenever I begged him to play a song for me. The cello in our homeit had never been for me. It had always been for Marie.

And now, he had taken it with him. Most likely, he was bringing it to the family estate to play a song for Marie, one she loved.

The Jacob brothersone wore his love openly, the other hid it in silence. But in the end, all of it belonged to Marie.

As I made my way to the family estate, memories of the kidnapping crashed over me like an unrelenting tide.

Three days and three nights of torment at the hands of those men.

By the time I was rescued, my chest was nothing but raw, mangled flesh. The blood that had soaked through my clothes had dried, fusing fabric to skin. When the doctors tore it away, it took my flesh with it.

Even now, just the memory of that pain was enough to send cold sweat trickling down my back.

Everything that happened during those three days had been recordedspread across Mirrencourt before the night was even over.

To this day, I still wake up gasping from nightmares.

Despite everything I had endured, Emeric felt no remorse. Not even a trace of it.

Madam, weve arrived The drivers voice pulled me from my thoughts.

Only then did I realize that cold sweat had once again soaked through my clothes.

I wanted to sit in the car for a moment, to steady myself before stepping outbut before I could, Belizes sharp voice cut through the air.

Milo! Didnt I tell you to use the side entrance? Do you ever learn? If anyone sees this, Ill dock your entire months salary!

Then, she turned to me, her lips curling into a sneer.

What are you still sitting there for? Does a woman tainted by countless men have any dignity to uphold? Next time, make sure the driver takes the back entrance.

To the Jacob family, my presence was nothing but a disgrace. Especially to Emerics mother, Belize.

In the past, the only thing that gave me the strength to step into this house was Emeric.

But now, as the elegant, flowing notes of the cello drifted from the hall, I felt the last bit of hope wither inside me.

As if sensing the commotion outside, Emeric and Marie suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Maries eyes lit up when she saw me. She quickly rushed forward, linking her arm through mine with a bright smile.

"Flora, how lucky you are! You came just in time! Emerics cello playing is absolutely breathtaking. Its a shame Remi isnt here to hear it. Come inside! Lets have Emeric play another piece for us."

I turned to look at Emeric. For a brief moment, I saw a flicker of resistance flashed through his deep, unreadable eyes.

"Lets not, Flora," he said lightly. "Dinner will be served soonlet the cello rest for now."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. So, even with a third person present I was still not allowed to hear him play.

The birthday banquet began soon after.

Before all the dishes had even been served, my mother-in-laws cold voice rang again.

"Doctor Lacan has already sent me your medical report. He confirmed that you can no longer have children. This is the result of your own carelessnessso tell me, what do you plan to do now? My son cant be tied down by you forever. Find a time to finalize the divorce."

So much had happened in the past few days, yet her words still sent a violent tremor through my body.

Beside me, Emeric silently slipped off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. He let out a soft sigh, his voice calm and measured.

"Mom, is this really the time for that? Flora is still youngIll figure something out. Besides, dont you still have Marie? She and my brother are practically inseparable. Its only a matter of time before they give you the grandson youve been waiting for."

At his words, Marie immediately latched onto Belizes arm, laughing sweetly.

"Thats right, Mom! Remi and I are working hard at it every day" A rosy blush crept up her cheeks as she spoke.

From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Emeric. He was staring at Marie as he downed his drink in one swift motion, an overwhelming sadness darkening his gaze.

Throughout the entire dinner, Belize was completely captivated by Maries sweet words and doting gestures, basking in the attention without a care for anything else.

I was finally able to finish a meal in peace.

After dinner, Belize gestured toward the table full of leftovers and cold dishes, her gaze sharp as she looked at me.

The Jacobs dont support dead weight. A hen that cant lay eggs should at least know her place. Clean this up! Just looking at your sickly face irritates mewhat awful luck.

Emeric was already drunk, so naturally, no one spoke up for me.

I nodded quietly and got up to clear the table.

Meanwhile, Marie clung sweetly to Belizes arm as they walked away together.

Just before leaving, she put on an innocent expression and asked, feigning curiosity, Mom, how badly does someone have to ruin themselves to end up unable to have children? Tsk, tsk poor Flora.

A scalding tear landed on the back of my hand.

As I looked at the discarded scraps and cold leftovers on the table, I saw myself in themunwanted, tossed aside.

By the time I had finished cleaning everything, night had already fallen.

I never spent the night at the Jacob family estateEmeric knew that.

After wiping my hands clean, I headed upstairs to call him home. But just as I reached the guest room, I froze.

His voice strained yet raw with anguish drifted through the cracked door.

"Marie, when Mom asked us to divorce today, I almost said yes. But I couldn't. If I let you go, my brother might cast you aside without a second thought. And Marie... I can't stand it. It hurts too much..."

The door wasnt fully closed. Through the narrow gap, I saw Emeric curled up against Marie, sobbing like a child who had lost his dearest treasure.

She held him gently, soothing him with quiet whispers. Then, as if to erase his sorrow, she slipped off her coat and pressed a lingering kiss to his lips.

"Emeric, I know you're hurting. Now that Im your sister-in-law, this is the only way I can make it up to you. Whatever I owe you, Ill find a way to repay it. I swear."

In an instant, the cold guest room was consumed by something feverish, moans of passion.

Emeric seized her with the desperate hunger of a man at war with his own heart. "No, Marie, you dont owe me anything. There's nothing to repay. I love youI do this willingly, for you..."

I couldn't bear to listen. Biting my lip to keep from crying out, I turned and fled, shame and humiliation clawing at my throat.

The Jacobs had strict rules for women. Without Emeric, I wasnt allowed to leave the estate at night.

But after what I had just witnessed...

I could no longer face Emeric with indifference.

So, I sat on the bench in the estates garden, waiting for dawn to break.

That night, the bedroom Emerics mother had prepared for us remained dark.

But from the guest room I had just passed, the sounds of passionbreathless murmurs and fevered whispersdid not cease for even a moment.

At sunrise, Marie found me in the garden.

The moment she saw me, she yanked down the neckline of her silk nightgown, exposing a trail of deep, unmistakable kiss marks.

"Flora, looks like Emeric really finds you disgusting. He wont even touch you." Her lips curled into a smirk. "Did you see how desperate he was last night?"

Her gaze flickered with amusement as she tilted her head.

"You know, that video wasnt all that clear. Id love to get a closer look. They say your chest was practically covered in bite marks. Was it thrilling?"

Before I could react, she grabbed my collar and yanked it down. A wave of humiliation crashed over me.

I shoved Marie away, spinning on my heel to leave, but before I could take more than half a step, I collided straight into Emerics chest.

Marie stumbled backward, landing on the ground with a thud.

Without hesitation, Emeric shoved me aside and rushed to her, concern clouding his eyes. "Marie, what happened?"

Tears shimmered in Maries eyes as she looked up at Emeric.

"I just wanted to check Floras wounds. I have a friend who specializes in scar treatmentI thought maybe I could help her. But before I could even say a word, she shoved me away" her voice trembled.

Emeric gently brushed the dirt off Maries clothes, then turned to me. His tone was colder than I had ever heard before.

"Flora, why do you always have to act like this with Marie? The past is overyou cant keep using your pain as an excuse to lash out at everyone. You act like a wounded animal, stabbing anyone who gets too close. Marie has done nothing but try to help you. What has she done to deserve this?"

Without waiting for a response, he scooped Marie into his arms.

As he passed me, I saw his glare got sharper than ever. "Im taking Marie to the hospital. You can drive yourself home."

Without further ado, he carried her away.

Once Emeric was gone, I quietly slipped out through the back door.

As expected, Belize remained indifferentshe had never cared to begin with.

As soon as I parked the car in the driveway, a message from Marie popped up on my phone.

[Flora, you really are pathetic. I let you have a man and you still couldnt hold on to him. Emeric has been by my side at the hospital all morningno matter what I do, he wont leave.]

Attached was a video.

In the clip, Emeric was rushing around, handling Maries medical forms, his brows furrowed with genuine worry. That kind of concern couldnt be faked.

Suddenly, memories surfacedthose days when my illness took hold. Emeric had always used work as an excuse, leaving me in the hands of the doctors before walking away.

But now, Marie had simply taken a fall and he was treating it like a crisis.

The truth had been there all alongI had just been too blind to see it.

I knew he wouldnt be coming home tonight. For once, that played to my advantage.

I reached out to a lawyer, had the divorce papers drafted and signed them without hesitation. I left them in Emerics study, along with an audio recordingone from the private suite, capturing him and his personal bodyguard.

Then, I packed up everything I owned in this house and shipped it all to San Mirren.

By the time I had finished, I picked up a call from Emeric.

"Flora, dont be upset about this morning. My brother isnt here and before he left, he made me promise to take good care of his wife. Hes the pillar of this family nowI have no choice but to do as he asked.

I stayed with Marie at the hospital today, but you just stay home and be good. Tomorrow, when Im back, lets take a short trip to Europe. A little getaway will do you good."

I couldnt understand why a simple fall required an entire day at the hospital. But since I was leaving soon, there was no point in dwelling on it.

I gave a half-hearted response and ended the call.

By noon, another message from Marie arrivedthis time, a video. It was filmed at the concert hall funded by Jacob Enterprises.

On stage, Emeric sat with his beloved cello, gazing at Marie with deep affection as he played Bachs Air on the G Stringa piece Bach had written for his wife, a symbol of eternal love.

As the final note faded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

And, of course, hushed whispers followed.

[Isnt that the second son of the Jacobs? Why would he play a piece like that for his own sister-in-law?"

"Well, his wife is just damaged goods after what happened to her. Guess hes had enough.]

The video hadnt even finished playing when Maries call came through.

Her voice slithered through the phone like a demons whisper.

"Flora, do you remember what happened six months ago? The men Emeric sent toyed with you for three whole days and nights. We watched every second of it, live. You screamed so pitifully...

And during those very nights, I conceived Emerics child. With your cries as the soundtrack, he was especially... passionate."

Maries laughter rang through the phone, sharp and cruel.

A violent tremor ran through me, followed by uncontrollable dry heaving.

"Flora, youll always be nothing but a loser to me."

With that, she hung up.

A few minutes later, my phone rang again.

This time, it was Emeric. His voice was light, almost cheerful.

"Flora, I finished up earlier than expected. Meet me at our usual restaurant. Youve had a tough few dayslet me take you out for a nice meal."

I glanced at my plane ticket, scheduled for departure in just a few hours.

A slow smile tugged at my lips.

"Sure. I have a gift for you."

After I hung up, though, Emeric couldnt shake a nagging sense of unease.

Maybe that day, he had been too bold in showing his favoritism toward Marie.

Maybe he shouldnt have played that particular piece in the concert hall

Then Flora... her response on the phone just now had been too willing. That wasnt like her at all.

A sense of unease crept over Emeric.

Without wasting another second, Emeric stood up from his seat in the concert hall. He quickly instructed Pierre to head to the restaurant and keep an eye on Flora, then rushed there himself.

For some reason, everything seemed to go wrong on the wayunexpected delays, endless traffic.

By the time he finally pulled up in front of the restaurant, Pierre came bursting out of the entrance, his face pale with panic.

Emeric quickly rolled down the window.

Pierre, my most trusted bodyguard, was still gasping for breath as he thrust two sheets of paper and a voice recorder into the car.

"Bossshes gone. Your wife disappeared. And that night she heard everything we said outside the private suite!"

Emerics gaze dropped to the papers in his hands.

The bold, black letters at the top burned into his vision"DIVORCE AGREEMENT."