Chapter 4

Julian, under the guise of wanting me to "reflect," didn't show up at all during my half-month hospital stay.

Only Chloe visited, as if to declare her dominance.

As if I were the one who had been taken in by their family;

And she, the rightful lady of the house, came to visit me so naturally.

She even "casually" exposed her baby bump, trying to provoke me into an irreversible decline.

"Ms. Aubrey, your condition has mostly stabilized, but a few data points aren't quite up to par."

"But don't worry too much, as long as you regulate your mood, you'll be fine. Is the lady who often visits you your sister? She really cares for you."

The doctor looked at the medical records in her hand, explaining my situation, clearly thinking Chloe and I were sisters.

A crestfallen expression on my face, I closed my eyes and softly murmured, "With a sister like that, I probably won't ever leave this hospital."

The doctor didn't quite catch what I said and instinctively asked.

I didn't want to elaborate, so I perfunctorily sent the doctor away.

Discharged, I returned home.

Chloe looked at me sitting in a wheelchair.

A resentful malice flashed in her eyes.

"Sister-in-law, you're really lucky, coming out of such a car accident in half a month like nothing happened."

I didn't respond to her. I surveyed the small home I once considered our love nest, Julian's and mine.

Many of my things were gone,

Replaced by items clearly in Chloe's preferred style.

"Oh, Sister-in-law, I'm so sorry, but while you were in the hospital, I was afraid Julian wouldn't have anyone to take care of him, so I moved in. You're not angry, are you?"

There wasn't an ounce of apology in Chloe's words, only overflowing smugness.

I sat there, silent.

It was always like this, I don't know when it started.

Whenever it came down to a choice between me and Chloe, I was always the one cast aside.

Just like that crucial charity gala.

To save Julian from embarrassment, I poured immense effort into designing a matching gown.

With all my love for Julian and the belief that we would soon have the fruit of our love.

The dress created with such conviction;

Chloe obtained it with a single pout directed at Julian.

When the gala began, I couldn't find my gown and cried in desperation.

But Julian said, "How many times have I told you to keep your things safe? Now look, we're going to be late because of you."

He seemed a little guilty, not daring to meet my tear-filled eyes.

My tears smudged my delicate makeup:

"I distinctly remember telling Mrs. Davies to take it to the dry cleaner and then put it personally in the deepest part of the wardrobe. I even saw her do it."

Seeing me frantically rummaging through the wardrobe like a madwoman,

Julian, as if escaping something, flung out a frustrated accusation, saying he was going to attend with Chloe and I shouldn't bother.

When I finally got a hastily bought dress from Mrs. Davies,

And arrived at the venue, only then did I find out where my original gown had gone.

Chloe smugly held Julian's arm, stroking the gown that was meant for me,

Smiling, she said, "Sister-in-law, isn't this dress beautiful? It's Julian's matching one."

"But Sister-in-law, how dare you come here wearing such a cheap dress? You're totally embarrassing Julian."

Seeing the two glued together,

I almost immediately leaned against the wall and started dry heaving, unable to control myself.

Chloe immediately covered her mouth in disgust. "Julian, I think Sister-in-law's not well. If she goes to the gala in this state…"

Julian's slight feeling of guilt vanished instantly. He ordered someone to "escort" me out.

My tears fell like a broken string of pearls.

I shook off the security guard who came to restrain me, looking utterly pathetic in the eyes of countless guests.

Mocks and laughter filled my ears.

My heart lost the ability to feel in that moment.

"Julian, let's get a divorce."