Chapter 2

I returned home in a daze, collapsing heavily onto the bed.

Recalling the past three years, it all seemed like a dream.

All that happiness turned out to be fake, all an act by Lucas.

Looking back, there were signs.

He never remembered our wedding anniversary.

Every year on my birthday he gave the same gift.

He rarely ate at home. I often waited until late at night, guarding a table full of food.

Messages and calls were few and far between.

Whenever I happily shared something with him, he either didn't reply or just said "Mm", "Oh", "Okay".

I comforted myself that he was just too busy, explaining away all the cold treatment.

But no one is busy 24 hours a day. His attitude was his answer.

Yet I drowned myself in his occasional sweet words.

Tears flowed freely. It hurt so much.

The man I fell for at first sight, whom I loved deeply for years, turned out to be unworthy of that love.

Hearing the incoming call, seeing that familiar name, I broke down sobbing.

Once, getting his call or message would make me happy for hours.

But now, the dream was over.

As I dozed off, I was roughly yanked awake.

Lucas stood by the bed demanding, "You left without a word and won't answer your phone. What's the problem?"

I licked my dry lips and managed to say, "Phone died. What is it?"

"I know you're upset. Wendy specially arranged a party to cheer you up."

I waved my hand weakly, "I'm not feeling well. I won't go."

"Are you embarrassed to face Wendy? She doesn't blame you. She even wants to comfort you. I believe you didn't mean it."

Is that so?

Their conversation at the hospital echoed in my ears.

"Natalie's baby is already gone. Isn't that enough? How do you plan to get revenge for Wendy?"

"Kill the heart, not the body. Just wait and see."

Seeing I wasn't moving, Lucas frowned impatiently, "Stop dawdling. Everyone's waiting."

I felt utterly drained, even speaking was an effort, "Lucas, I really don't feel well..."

"Natalie Sanders, what are you being so delicate about? Don't waste Wendy's goodwill."

In the end, he forcibly dragged me away.

Arriving at the private room, Wendy and her group of sycophants were watching me with undisguised contempt.

There was disdain, scorn, mockery, and mostly indignation.

Comfort me? This was clearly a pack of wolves wanting revenge for Wendy, waiting to tear me apart.

I felt deep fear, clutching Lucas's shirt with pleading eyes.

"Lucas, my stomach hurts. Can you take me to the hospital?"

He smirked coldly, then expressionlessly pulled my hand away.

He sprawled on the couch without a word.

"Sis-in-law, I know you don't like me, but as women, I understand the pain of losing a child.

"You're just a housewife without many friends, so I wanted to throw a party to cheer you up.

"Don't refuse anymore."

Her words sounded kind and sincere, but her eyes were full of malice.

I instinctively stepped back.

These people were vicious.

If I didn't leave, I feared there would be no good outcome.

Wendy seemed to see through my intentions. When I turned to escape, she grabbed me back.

The door slammed shut and locked.