The Day I Stopped Waiting for You

Eight years into our marriage, Jace cheated on me.

But it wasnt a simple affair.

He had hidden another woman away as if she were something precious, someone he had to protect from the worldand from me.

Her name was Allicent Delacroix.

When I found out, I didnt scream. I didnt throw anything. I didnt even confront him.

I just sat there, strangely numb.

The next morning, I made a decision.

I arranged for Allicent to leave with an elderly businessman from New York. He was rich, influential, and powerful enough that no one would dare question what happened behind closed doors.

She went with him willingly.

I never asked why.

At the time, I simply didnt care.

When Jace came home, he acted as though nothing had happened.

As though he hadnt betrayed me.

As though he wasnt the kind of man who could order someones death with a single phone call and go back to dinner without blinking.

He was gentle with me again.

He asked if I was tired. Sat beside me during meals. Sometimes, he would rest a hand on my shoulder with such tenderness that I almost believed he still loved me.

I convinced myself it had only been a mistake.

A stupid mistake.

Something powerful men did and eventually moved past.

I couldnt have been more wrong.

A month later, my entire world came crashing down.

My familys company went bankrupt almost overnight. Deals disappeared. Accounts were frozen. Business partners who had once surrounded my father suddenly stopped answering his calls.

It was as if everyone had been waiting for the right moment to abandon us.

My father couldnt survive the humiliation.

He jumped from a building.

He left behind nothing but debts, blood, and a family that had no idea how to keep standing.

My mother suffered even worse.

Creditors came after her relentlessly. They took more than money. They stripped away everything she had until there was almost nothing left of the woman I once knew.

She died screaming.

Then came my little sister.

She was kidnapped, brutally assaulted, and left by the roadside like she was nothing.

By then, there was barely anything left of me either.

I broke.

My body eventually gave out. I became too weak to walk, too exhausted to even lift myself from the bed.

All I could do was stare at the ceiling and wonder what I had done wrong.

What had I missed?

What mistake had I made?

Why had everything I loved been taken from me?

On the day I died, Jace stood beside my bed.

The man I had once loved more than my own life.

But there was nothing warm in his face anymore.

His expression was cold. Cruel.

I barely recognized him.

Do you remember what you did? he asked quietly.

I stared at him.

You gave Allicent to that old bastard. Did you really think I wouldnt find out what happened to her?

My fingers trembled against the sheets.

She died in that bed, Elena. Bruised from head to toe, begging someone to save her.

My breath caught.

I didnt know**

Stop lying to yourself.

His voice hardened.

You knew enough. And now youre paying for it.

I could barely breathe.

Everything that happened to your family? His lips curled into a smile. I did it.

My eyes widened.

You** destroyed them?

He gave a humorless laugh.

Who else could have done it so thoroughly?

He listed them one by one.

My father.

My mother.

My sister.

Every tragedy. Every loss.

Every broken piece of my family.

You touched what belonged to me, he said coldly. So I took everything that belonged to you.

My heart felt like it was being crushed.

Why?

The word barely escaped my lips.

I loved you. Wasnt that enough?

He looked at me as though the question itself disgusted him.

Love? Dont pretend you understand love.

His eyes were empty.

Allicent was mine. You took her away from me. I took everything from you. Seems fair.

Fair.

That was what he called it.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to tear his face apart and demand to know why he had married me if he had always hated me.

But my body was too weak.

No words came.

And in the end, I died with the same question haunting me.

Why did you choose me if all you ever wanted was to destroy me?

**

When I opened my eyes again, I was standing outside Jaces study.

My body felt strangely light.

My heart was pounding so hard it hurt.

Then I heard his voice from inside.

Jace.

Alive.

Yeah. Thanks, brother.

He was speaking on the phone.

Transfer the suburban villa to Allicents name for now. I owe you one. And keep it from my wife. I dont need unnecessary drama at home.

My entire body went cold.

This moment.

I knew it.

This was the day I had discovered Allicent in my previous life.

My hands slowly curled into fists.

Was this a dream?

Had I really been given another chance?

Then Jace spoke again.

His voice softened, almost fond.

Allicents different. When Im with her, I can actually breathe. Shes warm. She makes everything feel easy.

He paused.

But Elena**

There was a trace of irritation in his voice.

Shes always so serious. Always watching me. Being around her feels suffocating.

My throat tightened.

Im not leaving my wife, he continued. Dont misunderstand me. I just need somewhere to go when I cant stand the silence at home.

A bitter laugh escaped him.

That doesnt mean I dont love her. I just cant be around her all the time.

Every word cut deeper than the last.

So that was how he saw me.

A cage.

A burden.

Something he needed to escape.

I pressed my lips together and swallowed the tears burning behind my eyes.

No.

Not this time.

I would not break for him again.

I quietly returned to the living room and sat on the sofa, placing my hands in my lap as though I hadnt just heard my entire marriage reduced to a few cruel sentences.

A few minutes later, the study door opened.

Jace walked out.

Tall. Calm. Immaculately dressed in black.

He looked like the ruler of an empire built on fear and blood.

His eyes landed on me.

He stopped.

Honey? When did you get back?

I looked at him.

The same face.

The same voice.

The same man who had destroyed my family.

I just got home, I said calmly. Ive been sitting here for a while.

His eyes lingered on my face, as though searching for something.

For one brief second, I wondered if he could tell.

Then his expression changed.

Theres a problem with one of the shipments.

He picked up his coat.

I need to handle it. Dont wait up.

The same excuse.

Exactly the same as before.

But this time, my heart didnt ache.

Okay.

I looked away.

Go.

He hesitated.

Perhaps he had expected questions. Anger. Tears.

I gave him none of them.

Get some rest, he muttered before walking out.

The door closed behind him.

And just like that, Jace didnt come home that night.

Again.

I stayed awake until morning, sitting alone in the dark and staring at nothing.

Waiting for the pain to come.

It never did.

When the first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, they felt strangely cold against my skin.

I rubbed my eyes.

They were dry.

Of course they were.

I had cried every tear I had in my previous life.

I got up, forced myself to eat breakfast, and behaved like an ordinary wife.

Then I left the house.

My first stop was a law firm.

I didnt allow myself to think too much.

Because if I stopped, I might hesitate.

And I couldnt afford to hesitate anymore.

From there, I went straight to Cole Group.

Jaces empire.

The top floor.

Naturally.

Jace had always enjoyed being above everyone elseboth literally and otherwise.

When the elevator doors opened, I stepped into an eerily quiet hallway.

Then I heard something from inside his office.

A womans voice.

Soft.

Playful.

Far too intimate.

Mr. Cole, youre too naughty! Ugh!

My footsteps stopped.

I stared at the closed office door.

Then Jaces voice came from inside.

It sounded deeper now, rougher than the gentle tone he used with me.

Mr. Cole? he murmured. Keep calling me that and I might just stop. Are you trying to tease me?

A soft laugh followed.

Fine, fine. I was only joking.

Then say it properly, he said, his voice turning warm and coaxing. What am I to you?

There was a pause.

Then came her shy answer.

Baby**

Thats better.

My nails dug into my palms.

I hated that it still hurt.

After everything Jace had done, after knowing exactly how this would end, hearing him speak to another woman with that tenderness still tore something open inside me.

Why?

Why could he still hurt me?

Hadnt I already died once?

I stood outside the door until the voices eventually faded. When the hallway went quiet, I raised my hand and knocked.

Come in.

I opened the door.

Jace was seated behind his desk, looking completely composed. His tie was perfectly straight, his expression unreadable.

As though nothing had happened.

As though another woman hadnt just been in his office.

His eyes settled on me.

What are you doing here?

I need you to sign something.

I walked over, took a document from my bag, and opened it to the last page before sliding it toward him.

What is this?

He reached for his pen without showing much interest.

Before he could read it, a faint sound came from beneath the desk.

His hand stopped.

Only for a moment.

He leaned back and cleared his throat, pretending nothing had happened.

I kept my eyes on him.

I refused to look down.

Its just paperwork for a property transfer, I said.

He didnt question me.

Why would he?

I had always been the quiet wife who handled things without making trouble.

Next time, send someone else, he said. You dont need to come here for something this minor.

I nearly smiled.

Was he worried I might get tired?

Or was he afraid Id discover who was hiding under his desk?

Its fine. I was already here.

I gave him a small smile.

You seem busy, so I wont stay.

He barely acknowledged me.

Hmm.

Then he signed the document.

Quickly.

Carelessly.

He had no idea what he had just agreed to.

The divorce papers.

I took them back and slipped them into my bag.

Go home and rest, he said, still not looking at me. You look awful.

I will.

I turned and left.

The moment the door closed, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

Its me. Im selling thirty-five percent of my Cole Group shares. Ill take a lower price.

There was silence on the other end.

Youre serious?

Yes.

When can we finalize it?

In one month.

That was when the divorce would become official.

By then, I would have walked away from the company, the name, and everything I had spent years building.

I lowered my phone.

Jace, in my previous life, you destroyed my family because I sent Allicent away.

You wanted me to pay for that decision.

Fine.

This time, Ill give you exactly what you want.

And then Ill take away everything you never believed you could lose.

Before leaving, I stopped in the restroom and splashed water on my face.

The woman staring back at me looked pale and exhausted.

For a second, I barely recognized her.

Then I walked out.

And ran straight into Allicent.

She stood in the hallway with the confidence of someone who already considered the place hers.

Mrs. Cole, she said sweetly. Youre still here?

Her blouse was slightly open, revealing faint marks on her skin.

She wanted me to notice.

In my previous life, I had used every advantage I had to drive her away.

Money.

Connections.

Threats.

Eventually, she left for New York.

But this time, I was done fighting.

I simply looked away and walked past her.

I didn't say a word.

I had barely gone a few steps when something hot splashed across my back.

I flinched.

The heat soaked through my clothes.

Oh!

Allicent gasped behind me.

Im so sorry! It was an accident.

I turned.

She held an empty coffee cup, her face carefully arranged into an innocent expression.

But her eyes were smiling.

I just** She lowered her gaze. President Cole kept me busy earlier. I guess Im still a little shaky. My hands arent steady yet.

My stomach twisted.

I didnt need her to say anything else.

Images of Jace and her flashed through my mind.

I felt sick.

I didnt want to fight over him anymore.

But that didnt mean I would let her humiliate me.

Before I could reconsider, my hand came up.

The slap echoed through the hallway.

Her head snapped sideways.

At that exact moment, the office door opened.

Jace stepped out.

Allicent immediately dropped to the floor.

She covered her face and began trembling.

Im sorry, Mrs. Cole, she cried. I really didnt mean to. Please dont be angry. I know I was careless.

Jaces expression darkened.

What happened?

He rushed toward her and shoved me aside.

My burned back struck the wall.

Pain shot through me.

I sucked in a breath.

He didnt even notice.

He was already crouching beside Allicent.

Look at me. What happened?

She grabbed his sleeve.

I suddenly felt dizzy. Maybe my blood sugar dropped. I couldnt see properly and accidentally spilled the coffee on her.

She glanced at me.

She got angry and slapped me. I know she was upset, but I still feel so dizzy**

Jaces jaw tightened.

Then he looked at me.

That cold, accusing stare was painfully familiar.

Shes just an intern, he snapped. Did you really have to hit her over something like this?

I stared at him.

An intern?

That was all she was now?

He didn't even wait for my response.

Jace slipped an arm beneath Allicent and carefully lifted her from the floor.

Easy, he murmured. Ive got you.

Then he carried her back into his office.

I stood there alone, watching the door close behind them.

Something inside me finally gave out.

Tears slipped down my face.

And this time, I couldnt stop them.

I remembered something.

Once, years ago, I had cut my finger.

It was barely more than a scratch, but Jace had acted as though Id been seriously injured. He carried me straight to the hospital, yelling at the doctors to hurry up while they laughed at him for making such a fuss over a tiny wound.

That was the man I remembered.

And now?

He couldnt even see that I was hurt.

I quickly wiped my face.

Enough.

I had already made my choice.

So why did it still hurt?

I forced myself upright, ignoring the ache in my back, and walked out of the building without turning around.

My next stop was the courthouse.

I filed for divorce.

There was a mandatory waiting period of one month. After that, Jace and I would have nothing left between us.

This time, I would leave.

No matter what happened.

**

Jace didnt come home that night.

Instead, I received a short message from him saying he had to stay at the company because of an urgent business matter.

Then came another sentence.

Dont be late tomorrow.

He was talking about dinner.

The dinner I had arranged myself.

The person joining us was connected to one of Jaces underground operations. A valuable contact.

And a dangerous one.

I stared at the message for several seconds before typing a reply.

Okay.

Nothing else.

I didnt ask where he really was.

What good would it do?

**

The following evening, I arrived at the club right on schedule.

The meeting was being held in one of the private rooms of an exclusive establishmentthe kind of place where powerful men made deals over expensive liquor and problems disappeared before they ever reached the outside world.

But Jace wasnt there.

Instead, Allicent was waiting.

The moment she saw me, she stood.

She looked completely different from the woman I had encountered the day before. Her clothes were neat, her hair perfectly arranged, and her expression was polite.

Mrs. Cole, she greeted me. President Cole is still occupied with another meeting. He asked me to come first and explain.

She smiled politely.

He also told me to stay here and learn from him.

Learn?

I nearly laughed.

Still, I said nothing.

I simply nodded and walked inside.

Fine. Stay nearby and dont cause any problems.

The dinner began.

Our client had already been drinking before we arrived. He was loud, careless, and his eyes kept wandering toward Allicent.

She noticed.

And she encouraged it.

She refilled his glass, leaned closer whenever she spoke, and deliberately let her body brush against him.

When he touched her arm, she didnt move away.

Instead, she laughed.

It was obvious what she was doing.

I felt disgust rising in my throat.

I had never liked women who used themselves to get ahead.

Everything I had accomplished, I had earned without resorting to those tricks.

I wasnt going to sit there and watch it.

Excuse me.

I pushed my chair back and left for the bathroom.

When I returned, the hallway outside the private room was crowded.

Several people stood there, speaking in low voices.

Something had happened.

My stomach tightened.

I pushed through the crowd and stepped inside.

The room had been completely overturned.

Chairs were scattered everywhere. Broken glass covered the floor. There was a sharp metallic smell in the air.

Then I saw the body.

The client was lying motionless in a pool of blood.

My breath caught.

What happened?

Then I saw Jace.

He was already inside.

And he was holding Allicent.

Her hair was disheveled, her dress wrinkled, and she was trembling against his chest.

I understood immediately.

Before I could say another word, pain exploded across my cheek.

Jace had slapped me.

My head jerked sideways.

What the hell is wrong with you?

His voice was low, furious.

If you want to play dirty, Elena, then do whatever you want. But leave her out of it.

His eyes were full of anger.

She cant handle this kind of thing. She isnt like you. She doesnt have your ruthlessness.

I froze.

My cheek was burning.

But his words hurt far more.

Ruthless?

Me?

I remembered the early years of our company.

I had fought for every deal. I had sat across from men who thought they could intimidate me and walked away whenever their demands crossed the line.

There had been one deal in particular.

Things had turned dangerous.

I refused to compromise.

Even though walking away meant risking everything, I still did it.

Jace had been furious.

He stormed into my home, grabbed me, and struck me once in anger.

He spent several days in custody because of it.

But when he came home, he held me and apologized.

He told me I had made the right choice.

He had thanked me for protecting myself.

From then on, everyone who knew me understood one thing.

I hated those dirty rules.

I hated doing business that way.

And now Jace looked at me as though I had become exactly the kind of person I had always despised.

A tear slipped down my cheek.

Is that really what you think of me?

For a brief second, he said nothing.

Something uncertain flickered across his face.

Then Allicent clutched his shirt.

Mr. Cole**

Her voice was weak and trembling.

Your wife told me to drink with him. I told her I couldnt handle alcohol, but she kept filling my glass.

She swallowed.

I feel so sick**

Silence filled the room.

Jaces expression hardened.

When he looked at me again, there was nothing but coldness in his eyes.

People change, he said quietly.

His gaze lingered on me.

Apparently, I just failed to notice when you changed.

That hurt more than the slap.

I stood there without answering.

He didnt wait.

He simply picked Allicent up, holding her carefully as though she were fragile.

Come on, he murmured.

Then he carried her out.

Just like that.

I remained in the ruined room, surrounded by broken glass, blood, and whispered conversations.

Slowly, I lowered my gaze.

After a long moment, I smiled.

It hurt more than crying.

Yes.

People changed.

Jace had changed.

Or perhaps he had never truly belonged to me in the first place.

**

The ride home was strangely quiet.

The streets passed around me in a blur, and I barely noticed anything.

I didnt realize someone was following me until a hand suddenly grabbed me.

I was dragged into a dark alley.

My heart jumped.

What are you doing?

I struggled desperately.

Let me go!

No one answered.

They shoved me to the ground and pulled me farther into the darkness, my shoes scraping against the pavement as I fought to get free.

There were too many of them.

I couldn't fight them all.

Then I heard it.

Water.

A river nearby.

Cold fear spread through me.

They dragged me toward the edge and forced me down.

One of them grabbed my hair and slammed my face into the water.

For a moment, everything disappeared.

I choked as water rushed into my mouth and nose.

I tried to breathe.

There was nothing.

Just cold water and panic.

When I was nearly unconscious, they pulled me back up.

I coughed violently, desperately sucking in air.

Then they pushed me under again.

And again.

And again.

I lost track of how many times.

My lungs burned.

My strength disappeared.

Eventually, even struggling became difficult.

I felt myself fading.

When they finally stopped, I collapsed onto the ground.

My entire body was trembling.

I coughed up water, barely able to move.

Then I heard them talking nearby.

Enough. The boss only told us to frighten her, not kill her.

The man sounded uneasy.

You want to explain it if something goes wrong?

Another man laughed.

What are you worried about?

He snorted.

Youve seen how that bastard treats his own wife. He couldnt care less about her.

His voice turned careless.

We could take it further and nobody would even give a damn. Hell, maybe hed thank us.

My eyes opened.

Jace.

They were talking about Jace.

My chest tightened until every breath became difficult. So this was all because of Allicent. She had played the helpless victim, convinced Jace that she had been in danger, and now he wanted me to suffer for it. Did he really care about her enough to go this far?

Before I could process what was happening, one of the men crouched beside me and reached for my clothes. His rough fingers brushed against my skin, and my whole body went rigid.

Then I heard police sirens approaching.

Stop right there! someone shouted from nearby. The police are coming. I already called them!

The men cursed and immediately backed away.

Damn it! We have to go!

They scattered into the darkness, leaving me alone on the ground.

Soaked and trembling, I stared up at the night sky without really seeing it. My mind had gone completely numb, but then everything I had been holding inside finally collapsed. Tears poured down my face as fear, anger, and humiliation overwhelmed me.

My chest hurt so badly that I could barely breathe, and my body continued shaking long after the men had disappeared. It took a long time before I could force myself to stand. Eventually, I dragged myself home.

Jace didn't return that night.

He didn't come home the next night either.

**

A week passed without a single word between us. There were no calls, no messages, and no explanations. We were still husband and wife, yet it felt as though we were nothing more than strangers living under the same roof.

I still knew where Jace was, though.

Allicent made sure of that.

Every day, she posted pictures of them together. One evening, they were having dinner by candlelight. Another day, they were watching a movie in a private theater. Then there were photographs of fireworks lighting up the sky as she stood beside Jace, smiling happily.

The places changed, but the message remained the same.

Jace was with her.

And he was giving her everything.

He bought her designer bags, jewelry, a house, and even one of his unlimited black cards. She was receiving privileges I had never enjoyed, despite being the woman who had been his wife for eight years.

I stayed home and stopped seeing people. If I was going to leave Jace and everything connected to him, I wanted to erase every trace of the life we had shared.

The first day she posted pictures of them together, I went to the storage room and brought out every photo album we had collected over the years. Our wedding, anniversaries, vacations, birthdays, and all the other memories I had once treasured were inside.

I burned every one.

I watched the photographs curl and blacken in the flames until all those years were reduced to ashes.

The next day, Allicent posted a video of her and Jace baking together. They were laughing, covered in flour, and feeding each other as if no one else in the world existed.

I watched it silently before walking over to Jace's wine cabinet.

He had collected those bottles for years. Some were rare and expensive, and he used to tell me he was saving them for special occasions we could celebrate together.

I took one bottle and smashed it against the floor.

Then another.

And another.

I didn't stop until broken glass covered the tiles and my hands were trembling.

On the seventh day, Allicent uploaded another video. This time, Jace was confessing his feelings to her while she smiled shyly and removed the ring from her finger.

I looked at my own hand.

My wedding ring was still there, its diamond catching the light.

I had once believed it represented love, commitment, and the future Jace and I would share.

Now it meant nothing.

I stared at it for several seconds, then took it off and dropped it into the toilet.

**

Jace came home late that night.

The mattress shifted when he lay down beside me, and almost instinctively, his arm reached around my waist.

Wife, he murmured tiredly. Can we stop fighting like this? I'm done with the silent treatment. Tomorrow is the company's anniversary, so come with me. We should at least appear together.

Our eighth wedding anniversary.

Once, that day had meant everything to me. Every year, I had planned the celebration myself, from the dinner and decorations to the smallest details.

This would be the last.

I moved closer to the edge of the bed, putting enough distance between us that he couldn't reach me.

Alright, I answered quietly.

His hand stopped for a moment, as though he hadn't expected me to pull away. Eventually, he withdrew it and settled back down, probably assuming I was still angry.

Soon, his breathing became slow and steady.

He fell asleep.

I stayed awake.

**

The anniversary celebration was held the following evening at one of Jace's private estates. The huge garden was decorated with lights, and a large pool reflected everything around it. Guests arrived in expensive suits and elegant dresses while music played and quiet business deals took place beneath polite conversations.

Everything looked perfect.

Almost too perfect.

The enormous screen suddenly came alive.

It began with the history of Cole Group, showing its growth, achievements, and rise to power. Naturally, none of the ugly truths behind that success were mentioned.

Then the footage changed.

Jace and me appeared on the screen.

Eight years of marriage were displayed through photographs and videosour vacations, celebrations, anniversaries, and all the moments when we had stood beside each other, smiling as though nothing could ever come between us.

The guests began whispering.

Some looked impressed. Others looked envious.

I felt Jace watching me, and when I glanced over, his expression had softened. For a brief moment, his eyes held something almost warm.

Then the screen flickered.

The next images appeared.

Allicent.

Photograph after photograph showed her with Jace, standing too close and sharing moments that were clearly intimate. Some had been taken in unfamiliar places, while others showed Allicent in private situations that were never meant to be displayed publicly.

The crowd erupted.

Gasps and whispers filled the garden as everyone immediately turned toward me.

Of course they did.

Who else would they assume was responsible?

Jace's face darkened.

Elena, what the hell is this? he demanded. Did you really think humiliating her in front of everyone was funny?

I didn't do this, I said, shaking my head.

Before I could explain further, Allicent rushed toward us with tears streaming down her face.

Mrs. Cole, why would you do this to me? she cried. President Cole and I never crossed that line. Why are you trying to destroy my reputation?

I didn't do it.

My voice came out weaker than I wanted.

Allicent immediately grabbed Jace's arm.

I can't stay here anymore. If I remain, everyone will keep talking about me. I'll resign and leave. I don't want to ruin your marriage.

Then she turned and ran away crying.

Jace tensed and immediately moved after her.

I caught his hand.

Jace, please. I didn't do this. You have to believe me.

He roughly pulled his hand away.

I stumbled backward, my heel slipping beneath me. Before I could regain my balance, I crashed into the champagne tower.

The glasses toppled and shattered. Champagne spilled across the floor as I fell, and sharp pieces of glass cut into my skin.

Jace didn't even stop.

Instead, he stared at me with disgust.

You've gone too far this time. Following people, taking pictures, spreading this kind of garbagewhat else are you planning to do?

I didn't

I was going to make things right with you, he interrupted. I thought you were simply throwing another tantrum, but this time you've crossed the line.

Then he reached into his pocket.

When he pulled out the emerald necklace, my breath caught.

I knew it immediately.

It had belonged to my family for generations. Years ago, I had sold it to help save Jace's company, and I had never been able to get it back.

For one foolish moment, hope rose inside me.

Maybe he had bought it back.

Maybe he remembered what it meant to me.

Then he threw it into the pool.

No!

My voice broke as the necklace disappeared beneath the water.

Jace had already turned away.

Stay here and clean up the mess you've made. I don't have time for this.

He didn't look back.

He simply walked away after Allicent, leaving me alone among the shattered glass and spilled champagne.

I forced myself to my feet despite the pain and rushed toward the pool. The surface was still rippling where the necklace had disappeared. Without giving myself time to think, I climbed over the edge and plunged into the water.

The cold hit me instantly.

I opened my eyes and searched beneath the surface, diving deeper as my lungs began to burn. I had no idea how long I stayed underwater. It could have been minutes or longer, but none of that mattered. I only knew that I couldn't leave the necklace behind.

By the time my fingers finally found it, my body was already exhausted. The cuts on my skin stung fiercely as the water seeped into them, but I refused to let go. I clenched my teeth and kept searching until my hand closed firmly around the chain.

When I finally dragged myself out of the pool, I was shaking so badly that I could barely stand. I pulled myself onto the edge and collapsed onto the ground, struggling to catch my breath while the necklace remained tightly clenched in my hand.

As water dripped from my fingers, memories came rushing back.

I remembered the day I had pawned the necklace to help Jace. I remembered the way he had held my hand afterward and promised that he would take care of me for the rest of his life. He had sworn that I was the only woman he would ever love.

What a cruel joke.

A bitter laugh escaped me, but tears immediately followed. I couldn't even tell whether I was laughing or crying anymore. My chest hurt so badly that every breath came out unevenly.

When I finally returned home, I became sick.

A high fever consumed me, leaving my entire body heavy and weak. Even the simple act of getting up to pour myself a glass of water felt impossible. I could only lie in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as I drifted in and out of consciousness.

Then the bedroom door opened.

Jace was home.

Before I could even ask what he wanted, he grabbed my arm and pulled me out of bed.

Get up. You're coming with me.

His voice was cold and impatient.

For a brief moment, I wondered if he had finally noticed how sick I was. Perhaps he had realized that I needed medical attention and was taking me to the hospital.

So I didn't resist.

I followed him.

But somewhere along the drive, I realized we weren't going in the direction of any hospital.

Jace, I said weakly, gripping the edge of the seat for support. This isn't the road to the hospital. Where are you taking me?

He gave a humorless laugh.

Hospital? You really have some nerve. You haven't even dealt with the trouble you caused, and you're already thinking about yourself?

His words made no sense to me.

My fever had left my mind sluggish and clouded, and I couldn't understand what he was talking about until the car finally stopped.

We were on a bridge.

It was dark, the wind was strong, and far below us, cars passed beneath the bridge with their headlights flashing through the night.

Then I saw her.

Allicent was standing near the edge.

My heart dropped.

Jace pulled me out of the car and forced me forward. The wind whipped against my face as Allicent noticed us and immediately stepped backward, fear appearing on her face.

Don't come any closer! she cried.

Allicent, calm down, Jace said quickly, sounding tense for the first time. Don't do anything reckless. I brought Elena here so she can apologize. She'll clear everything up publicly, and then this whole situation will be over. Nobody is going to hurt you.

Apologize?

I stared at him in disbelief.

No, I said firmly. I'm not apologizing. I haven't done anything wrong. Why should I take the blame for something you two did?

They were the ones who had betrayed me. They were the ones who had humiliated me. Yet somehow, I was the one standing here being forced to beg for forgiveness.

Allicent lowered her head, her shoulders trembling as she quietly said, You don't have to apologize to me. I'm not worth protecting anyway. Everyone is laughing at me now, and maybe it would be easier if I just ended everything.

Jace's expression changed immediately.

Don't say things like that!

He turned toward me, anger flashing across his face.

What is wrong with you, Elena? All she wants is an apology. Is it really so difficult for you to give her one?

My chest tightened.

Jace, I whispered, my voice trembling despite my efforts to remain calm. We've been together for ten years. Doesn't any of that mean anything to you?

I wasn't only speaking for myself. I was speaking for the woman I had once beenthe woman who had loved him until her very last breath and never understood why he had destroyed her.

For a moment, Jace hesitated.

But whatever uncertainty had appeared in his eyes quickly disappeared.

His face hardened again.

So are you going to apologize or not?

That was all the answer I needed.

I lowered my eyes as a tear slipped down my cheek.

Fine. I'll do it. I'm sorry, Allicent. I'll make a public statement and clear everything up.

My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone and wrote the statement he wanted. I took responsibility for the scandal, cleared Allicent's name, and made myself look like the one responsible for everything.

When I finished posting it, Jace didn't even bother checking.

He immediately went to Allicent.

Did you hear that? It's over now. Come away from there and don't frighten me like that again.

He reached for her and pulled her into his arms, holding her with a tenderness I hadn't seen directed at me in years.

I stood several feet away, watching them, and felt something inside me go completely empty.

Using the railing for support, I slowly forced myself upright.

Allicent eventually walked toward me, still holding Jace's hand. She reached out and took mine.

Mrs. Cole, she said sweetly. Thank you.

Her fingers tightened around mine.

Then she leaned closer, lowering her voice so Jace couldn't hear.

Honestly, as another woman, don't you think you're embarrassing yourself?

My head snapped toward her.

Anger surged through me, and I tried to pull my hand free.

Instead, she tightened her grip and suddenly yanked me toward her.

Ah!

Her scream came at the same time my foot slipped.

The ground seemed to disappear beneath me.

Jace rushed forward.

For one desperate second, I thought he would catch me.

He reached out.

But his hand closed around Allicent's.

Not mine.

Our eyes met.

And then I fell.

The wind tore past my ears as the lights below blurred into streaks. My mind went strangely quiet before memories began flashing through itour first meeting, our wedding, every promise he had made, every lie I had believed.

In the end, he had chosen her.

My body slammed into something hard below.

A black SUV had been passing beneath the bridge.

The impact knocked the air from my lungs, and pain erupted through every part of my body before everything disappeared into darkness.

**

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a hospital room.

So I hadn't died.

Apparently, the bridge wasn't as high as it had looked. I had struck the roof of the SUV before falling onto the ground.

The doctors called me lucky.

If this was what surviving looked like, I wasn't sure I agreed.

Three ribs were broken, and every breath sent a sharp pain through my chest.

Honey, you're awake.

Jace rushed toward me when he noticed my eyes were open. He looked exhausted, with red-rimmed eyes as though he hadn't slept properly.

For a moment, I thought**

He stopped himself and exhaled slowly.

Anyway, you're awake now. That's what matters. Allicent has been blaming herself ever since it happened. She could barely eat because she felt so guilty about seeing you like this.

I stared at him quietly.

So that was where he had been.

Taking care of Allicent.

I slowly withdrew my hand when he tried to touch me.

With you constantly by her side, I'm sure she'll be just fine, I said quietly.

His expression immediately darkened.

Do you really have to speak like that?

I said nothing.

Allicent works for me, he continued, his tone becoming colder. She's alone here and doesn't have anyone else to depend on. Naturally, I'm going to look after her. And don't forget, if you hadn't caused all of this in the first place, she wouldn't be in this situation.

There it was again.

Somehow, everything was still my fault.

I closed my eyes.

I didn't have the energy to argue anymore, and there was no point anyway. Jace had already decided who he believed.

Then his phone began to ring.

He glanced at the screen and answered immediately. The moment he heard Allicent's voice, his tone softened.

Jace, I'm frightened. I don't want to be here alone.

I'll come back, he promised without hesitation. Just stay where you are. I'll be there soon.

He was already getting out of his chair when he suddenly remembered I was still in the room. He looked at me and sighed.

Elena, you have me and the best doctors money can provide. Allicent has no one here. So stop making things harder for her.

Then he walked out.

Just like that.

I lay in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. He had said I had him, but hadn't I lost him long ago?

For the next several days, Jace never returned. This time, I didn't wait for him either. I followed the doctor's instructions, took my medication, and concentrated on getting my strength back. Recovery was slow and painful, but eventually, I was well enough to leave the hospital.

I didn't even make it home.

I was summoned directly to the company for an emergency meeting.

The atmosphere inside the conference room was tense. Allicent stood at the center of the room with swollen, reddened eyes, looking as though she had spent hours crying.

I honestly didn't mean for any of this to happen, she said softly.

No one seemed convinced.

One board member after another accused her of leaking confidential company information to a business competitor. They told her she had crossed a line that could not simply be overlooked.

That's enough.

Jace's voice silenced the entire room.

I don't believe Allicent deliberately did anything wrong, he said firmly. And regardless of what happened, none of you gets to decide her fate.

A board member frowned. Mr. Cole, this involves sensitive company information. We cannot simply ignore it. She needs to be removed.

Jace didn't even pause.

I've already transferred thirty-five percent of my shares to Allicent, he announced. She's no longer just an employee. She's a shareholder, and none of you has the authority to dismiss her.

My mind went completely blank.

Thirty-five percent.

Do you know how long it had taken me to earn that much?

Ten years.

For a decade, I had stood beside Jace, worked with him, helped build the company, and watched Cole Group grow from almost nothing into the empire it had become.

Allicent received the same share in less than a month simply because Jace wanted to protect her.

He used to tell me that the company would always belong to the two of us.

Now there were three owners.

Just like there were three people in our marriage.

I lowered my eyes and let out a quiet, bitter laugh. I kept my expression calm, although my fingers were digging into my palm so hard that the pain nearly matched the ache in my ribs.

With Jace openly supporting Allicent, the board members had no choice but to back down. One after another, they left the room, clearly furious but unwilling to challenge him.

I stood as well. I had no desire to remain there any longer.

Before I could reach the door, it opened.

Two police officers entered.

Good afternoon, one of them said, looking around the room. We've received a report concerning stolen and leaked trade secrets. The name Allicent has come up in connection with the investigation. Is she here?

The room fell silent.

Allicent immediately moved behind Jace and nervously tugged at his sleeve.

Jace stared at her for several seconds before finally answering.

She wasn't responsible.

Everyone turned toward him.

We investigated the matter ourselves, he continued. His voice was calm, almost frighteningly so. Allicent didn't leak anything. The person behind it was Elena.

He pointed directly at me.

My heart stopped.

What did you just say?

I could barely recognize my own voice.

Who did you say was responsible?

Jace stepped toward me and caught my hand before I could move away. His grip was firm enough to hurt.

If Allicent ended up with a criminal record, her career would be over and she'd have nowhere to go, he said quietly. But you have me. I'll make sure you're taken care of for the rest of your life. Don't worry. I'll get you out of this.

Then he released me, walked over to the officers, and handed them a USB drive.

This contains the evidence. Elena was responsible.

My blood ran cold.

He had fabricated evidence.

There was no way for me to escape now.

I tore my hand away and stared at him through the tears burning my eyes. Ten years ago, he had promised to protect me and love me for the rest of his life.

So this was what his promise had become.

At the police station, I tried everything I could.

I repeatedly told them that I was innocent, that the evidence had been fabricated, and that Jace had deliberately framed me. Nobody believed me. Instead, they looked at me as though I were an inconvenience.

Then the lawyer arrived.

He calmly told them that I was emotionally unstable and under extreme stress, suggesting that I wasn't mentally capable of understanding what I was saying.

Elena requires a psychological evaluation, he said. She's clearly showing signs of severe emotional distress. I believe treatment would be in her best interest.

Treatment?

I almost laughed.

Before I could properly defend myself, the decision had already been made.

I wasn't sent to prison.

I was sent somewhere far worse.

A private psychiatric facility surrounded by tall walls and locked gates, where every corridor was spotless, silent, and completely devoid of warmth.

The moment I entered, I knew something was wrong.

The nurses barely looked at me, and the doctors seemed more interested in writing things down than listening to what I had to say.

The patient is displaying resistance, one of them remarked.

I am not sick, I insisted, my voice already hoarse. You're making a mistake.

Nobody listened.

They restrained me, and on the first day, they injected something into my arm. Within minutes, my limbs became heavy and my thoughts slowed until it felt as though I were sinking beneath deep water.

The following day, they kept me awake for hours beneath bright lights, repeating the same questions until I could barely think.

Did you do it?

Just admit what you did.

Why are you refusing to cooperate?

I denied everything every time.

They didn't like that.

By the third day, their methods became even worse. They repeatedly forced my head beneath cold water, keeping me there until panic overwhelmed me before pulling me back up. Then they did it again.

You see? one of them said coldly. She's still refusing to cooperate.

After three days, I could barely distinguish reality from nightmare. My hands wouldn't stop shaking, my chest constantly ached, and even walking felt like moving through a fog.

Those three days felt longer than death itself.

When they finally released me, my mind was sluggish and almost completely empty. I couldn't trust my own thoughts anymore, and I struggled to understand what was happening around me.

That's why I didn't realize the car I entered wasn't taking me somewhere safe.

The lawyer who claimed Jace had sent him wasn't actually working for Jace.

It had all been part of the setup.

Jace had pushed the wrong man too far. He had cornered one of his business partners, destroyed his company, and left him with nothing. Now that man was fighting back.

And somehow, Allicent and I had both been dragged into his revenge.

The car drove for what felt like hours. Nobody spoke. I rested my head against the window with my eyes half closed until the vehicle finally came to a stop.

The door opened.

Rough hands grabbed me and dragged me outside.

The first thing I noticed was the smell of the ocean.

Then I saw him.

Aegon?

My voice came out weak.

My chest tightened when I recognized him.

President Strong, please. You don't have to do this. We can still talk about it. There has to be another way.

He laughed, but there was no amusement in it.

Talk? he scoffed. If talking could solve anything, your husband wouldn't have destroyed everything I worked for. He backed me into a corner, Elena. What exactly do you think I have left to lose?

I swallowed hard.

You people started this, he continued, his expression filled with fury. You stole secrets, destroyed my company, and now you expect me to sit down and negotiate? No. If I'm going down, I'm taking every one of you with me.

He pulled out his phone and made a call.

The moment Jace answered, Aegon spoke.

Jace, I've got both of your women here. You have one hour to bring me five hundred million in cash.

His expression hardened.

If you don't, I'll burn one of them alive and drown the other.

My breath caught. For several seconds, there was nothing but silence on the other end of the call. Then Jace's voice finally came through, low and threatening.

If you lay a hand on either of them, I'll make you wish you'd never been born.

Aegon laughed. Save your threats. You don't have that kind of power anymore. You have one hour, Jace. Don't be late.

The call ended.

They tied us up soon afterward. I was dragged toward the edge of the platform and left hanging over the dark water, the ropes biting painfully into my wrists. The sea below looked endless, with nothing but blackness stretching beneath me. Allicent was kept closer to Aegon, and the strong smell of gasoline filled the air. I closed my eyes for a moment and wondered if this was really how my life would end.

Less than an hour later, Jace arrived.

Of course he did.

He stepped out of the car with a controlled expression, though the tension in his face was impossible to miss. His eyes swept across the area, briefly passing over me before settling on Allicent. Only then did he look at Aegon.

Release them, he ordered.

Aegon gave him a mocking smile. You're not the one giving commands here. Where's the money?

Jace pushed a black case forward. Five hundred million. You wanted cash, so there it is. Let them go.

Aegon's men opened the case and checked the money carefully. Once they confirmed the amount, Aegon unexpectedly laughed.

Actually, I've changed my mind. You don't get both of them anymore. You get to save one. The other one dies.

My heart began pounding.

I already knew what Jace would do.

Even though I desperately wished I were wrong, I knew him too well.

I won't choose between them, he said coldly. I'll take both.

For one brief moment, I looked at him in disbelief.

Then I noticed Allicent.

Her expression changed for the slightest second before she lowered her head, allowing tears to run down her cheeks.

Mr. Cole, you don't have to save me, she whispered. All of this happened because of me. Just let me go.

Before anyone could react, she suddenly shoved the man standing beside her.

He stumbled backward, and the lighter in his hand slipped from his fingers.

Everything happened at once.

The gasoline ignited immediately, and flames shot upward.

Damn it!

Aegon grabbed Allicent and threw her toward the flames before turning to cut the rope holding me.

I dropped.

Just before I hit the water, I saw Jace move.

His face had gone pale.

Allicent!

He rushed straight into the flames, grabbed her, and pulled her into his arms, shielding her body from the fire.

And I fell into the sea.

**

When I opened my eyes again, bright surgical lights were shining above me. My head felt heavy, and my body seemed strangely disconnected from my mind.

Then I saw Jace standing beside me.

His face was dark, and there was an anger in his eyes that I hadn't seen in a long time.

Elena, he said in a dangerously quiet voice. How could you work with Aegon and pull something like this? Did you really think you could manipulate everyone and walk away without consequences?

I stared at him, completely confused.

What are you talking about?

His jaw tightened.

Don't pretend you don't know. Allicent told me everything. You didn't want to take responsibility, so you arranged all of this to make her look guilty. You deliberately put her in danger because you wanted revenge.

My heart sank.

So that was the story she had given him.

I had no idea how she had twisted everything so completely, but Jace believed every word.

It wasn't me, I said, forcing myself to sit up despite my weakness. Please, Jace. Just listen to me for once. I didn't do any of this.

Enough.

His voice cut through mine.

I don't want to hear another excuse.

I slowly sank back against the table.

Why was I still trying to explain myself? When had Jace ever chosen to believe me over Allicent?

I gave him a bitter smile.

Then what happens now? What are you going to do to me this time?

His expression hardened.

Someone has to pay for what happened to Allicent.

My fingers tightened against the sheet.

She was burned because of you, he continued. She needs a skin graft. You're going to give her yours.

For a moment, I thought I had misunderstood him.

What?

You heard me.

No. I'm not doing it.

I tried to get off the table, but several men immediately forced me back down.

Let me go! Jace, you can't do this!

There is nothing left to discuss.

He turned and walked away without looking back.

The door closed behind him.

Moments later, another bed was wheeled into the room.

I turned my head and saw Allicent.

Her leg was wrapped in bandages, and she had been lying still a moment earlier. But as soon as the door closed, she sat up with ease.

There was no sign of the weakness she had been pretending to have.

She stepped down from the bed and walked toward me normally, then glanced at the doctor.

Begin, she said softly. And don't give her anything for the pain. I want her to remember every second.

Fear rushed through me.

No! Don't do this!

I fought against the hands holding me down, but the restraints around my wrists tightened.

The doctor hesitated, but no one dared disobey.

Then the procedure began.

Pain tore through me so violently that I screamed. Allicent simply watched, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Don't stop, she told the doctor.

I eventually stopped fighting.

There was no point. Every time I screamed, Allicent seemed to enjoy it more. So I clenched my teeth and endured the pain in silence, even when every second felt unbearable.

As the procedure continued, one thought kept returning to me.

How had the man who once treated me as though I were precious become someone capable of allowing this to happen?

By the time it ended, I was drenched in blood and barely conscious. My vision blurred, my body shook uncontrollably, and I could hardly feel my hands.

Then darkness took me again.

**

When I woke, I was back in a hospital room.

Thick gauze covered my thigh, and blood had already seeped through part of the dressing. Even the smallest movement sent pain through my body.

I stared at the ceiling and counted the days.

Five more days.

That was all.

Five days, and I would finally be free of Jace.

I spent the next few days recovering in silence. Jace never came to see me. It was as though the cold distance between us had become permanent.

Four days later, a nurse told me I could finally leave.

I gathered my things and slowly made my way toward the exit. As I passed one of the rooms, I heard Allicent's familiar voice.

Mom, Dad, I'm completely fine now. Jace has been taking such good care of me. Oh, I almost forgot to introduce him. He's my boss, and he's also my boyfriend.

I glanced through the half-open door.

Jace was holding her hand.

His expression was gentle.

I'll take good care of her, he assured her parents. You can trust me with Allicent. I'll protect her for the rest of my life.

Her mother smiled brightly.

That's wonderful. Allicent is lucky to have someone like you.

Something twisted painfully inside my chest.

Those words took me back to years ago, when Jace had stood in front of my parents and made almost the exact same promise.

Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, please entrust Elena to me. I swear I'll protect her for the rest of my life.

Now he was making that same promise to another woman.

I swallowed the bitter laugh rising in my throat and walked out of the hospital.

For the first time in a long while, my face was calm.

And strangely enough, I felt lighter.

**

The following day, Jace came home.

He went upstairs, showered, and changed into a neat but casual outfit. Before leaving, he stopped near the door.

I'll be away on business for a few days, he said. I'll bring something back for you when I return.

He leaned toward me as though he intended to kiss my forehead.

I stepped back just enough to avoid him.

Alright. Have a safe trip.

He paused and studied me, clearly sensing that something had changed, but he didn't ask.

Instead, he gave me a small smile and walked out.

The moment his car disappeared, I picked up my bag and left the house too.

I went directly to the courthouse downtown.

My hands trembled slightly when I received the finalized divorce papers, but this time it wasn't from fear. I placed one copy safely inside my bag and had the other sent to Cole Group.

Before boarding the bus, I broke my SIM card in half and dropped the pieces into a trash bin.

For the first time in eight years, I was no longer Mrs. Cole.

I was simply Elena.