Chapter 3

I didn't wait for Caleb to visit me again; I checked out of the hospital early.

I took my marriage certificate to the relevant office, intending to file for divorce.

But the clerk frowned after examining it. "Ms. Hayes, your marriage certificate is a fake.

It holds no legal validity whatsoever, so you can't file for divorce based on this."

I froze, then suddenly remembered the day we remarried.

Caleb had said it was too crowded at the office, and waiting in line would be tiring.

He'd arranged for a friend to handle the paperwork, telling me to just wait at home.

Back then, I was touched by his thoughtfulness.

Now I realized that this remarriage, from beginning to end, was nothing but a sham.

I clutched the fake certificate, my fingertips white, but then I laughed aloud.

Good. It saved me the trouble of divorcing.

When I got home, Caleb was already waiting for me on the sofa.

"Layla, why did you check out of the hospital alone? Why didn't you wait for me to pick you up?"

"Are you still upset about the cake? Can you forgive me? As an apology, how about I take you to an auction to buy you a present?"

I didn't want to go, but Caleb didn't give me a choice, pulling me out the door.

Once we arrived, I immediately spotted Serena Thorne in the crowd.

She wore a striking red gown, the heirloom bracelet meant for the Caldwell family's true daughter-in-law glistening on her wrist.

Noticing my gaze on Serena, Caleb hastily explained, "Layla, I don't know why Serena is here. I haven't been in touch with her for a long time."

"If you're unhappy, I'll have someone remove her right now."

I forced a smile, too tired to expose his lies. "No need."

It was just an act for my benefit anyway.

The auction soon began, and I was indifferent throughout.

But Caleb acted as if he genuinely wanted to make it up to me.

Whenever I so much as glanced at an item, he would immediately raise his paddle.

In a short while, he had acquired many things.

People around us cast envious glances, but a terrible premonition bloomed in my heart.

My premonition soon came true.

When the ruby necklace, the grand finale item, was brought out, Serena was the first to raise her paddle.

"Ten million."

I thought Caleb wouldn't dare bid against Serena, but he didn't hesitate to raise his paddle.

"Fifteen million."

Meeting my astonished gaze, he gave me an affectionate smile.

"You didn't like any of the other things we bid on. You'll definitely love this final necklace, right?"

I was about to shake my head, but he had already turned his attention back to bidding against Serena.

After a tense bidding war, Caleb made a decisive gesture.

"Sold!"

Suddenly, the entire room erupted.

Everyone's gaze at me was no longer just envy.

I felt a pang of agony. Turning my head, I met Serena's knowing, mocking eyes, and my heart sank.

Caleb ultimately won the bid for the ruby necklace.

But when the auction ended and the staff came to collect payment, he was nowhere to be found.

My face went pale at the astronomical sum.

I tried calling him, but only heard the voicemail message saying his phone was off.

The staff's expression slowly changed. The looks from the people around me shifted from envy to mockery.

"Caleb Caldwell's wife, can she actually not afford it?"

"I thought Caleb doted on his wife so much. Turns out it was all fake."

"Maybe this woman deliberately latched onto Caleb and came to the auction, wanting to show off and buy expensive jewelry, but Caleb didn't indulge her at all. Now look, she's totally humiliated."

The insulting words felt like a barrage of slaps, making me feel faint.

The staff had completely lost their pleasant demeanor, sneering at me, "Mrs. Caldwell, can you pay or not? If not, there's a breach of contract fee!"

I opened my mouth, but finally, my voice rasped, "Alright, I'll pay the penalty."

I didn't have any money on me. I had no choice but to take off my necklace, my bracelet, and even my dress, to use as collateral for the penalty.

The incident quickly went viral online. The hashtag #LaylaAuctionScam trended instantly.

The comments were filled with ridicule and curses.

I stared at the vicious words, my nails digging into my palms, but I couldn't even cry.

So this was Caleb's true purpose in bringing me to the auction.

He wanted me to become everyone's laughingstock.

I returned home, looking at the countdown on the calendar.

Five more days.