Chapter 1

After my husband Julian Blackwood got a heart transplant, he fell for a widow seven years his senior.

At my birthday party, he gave her my seat at the head of the table.

"Audrey doesn't like chocolate. Change the cake to strawberry."

I stood up, face set in stone, and walked out, leaving behind the obedient wife I used to be.

He roared after me, "Why are you being so unreasonable? My new heart makes me love her—can't you try to understand?"

I laughed, tears streaming down my face.

The truth he never learned was that the donor had loved me since the very beginning.

As I was about to leave, Julian's hand clamped down on my wrist.

"Audrey, give your design drafts to Serena Thorne. She needs a new piece for her show the day after tomorrow, to legitimize her name."

Those design drafts were the culmination of three years of my hard work.

He knew exactly what they cost me, yet he said tonelessly, "I'll compensate you."

How could he compensate for all my years of sacrifice and humiliation?

I only remembered that a month ago, I refused to rig the new artist award in Serena's favor.

In retaliation, he posted my private photos all over the internet.

I pulled out my design drafts and my USB drive, then formatted my computer right there, in front of everyone.

I offered my congratulations obediently.

"I wish you great success."

Julian's expression softened at my words.

"Audrey, this is how you should always be—obedient and sensible. As long as you're good, I can give you anything you want."

But the next second, Serena clutched her chest, struggling to breathe.

Julian immediately shoved me aside, and he was doting on her, practically falling over himself.

His movements were careful, yet clumsy.

His panic and helplessness were plain for everyone to see. They watched me, smirking, their eyes full of mockery.

They weren't the only ones who looked down on me. I looked down on myself, too.

Three days prior, I suddenly started bleeding down there. Julian was just about to leave to take Serena out for a candlelight dinner.

I crawled to his feet, a long trail of blood marking my path behind me.

The man ignored my desperate plea, forcefully pulling his pant leg free from my desperate grip.

Just before I completely gave up hope, Julian turned back.

He frowned at the bloodstains behind me, pinched his nose, and ordered, "Clean up the mess, and get her a fresh change of clothes. Serena gets sick to her stomach at the smell of blood."

I silently turned to leave, only to be violently pushed to the ground by him.

The champagne tower and cake toppled onto me, leaving me utterly humiliated.

"Kneel."