Chapter 3

Christian misunderstood. I should explain things clearly to him.

That’s what I thought.

But I waited in my room for one day, two days, a week, two weeks…

He never showed up.

“Dependent,” “cripple”—my mind started to wander.

Christian had changed. He no longer cared about my pain.

He no longer trusted me.

In the constant anxiety that filled my days, something inside me slowly began to fade away.

Finally, he came that day.

But it was to replace me as his bride.

“The wedding, I’ll make it up to you later. I’ll explain things to Mom and Dad.”

“I’ll rent a nice place for you abroad and arrange for someone to take care of you.”

“Stella’s life is already hard enough. Can’t you just try to understand…”

Christian frowned, as if my refusal would be an unforgivable sin.

“Okay,” I nodded, my calmness surprising even myself.

Christian froze for a moment, seemingly not expecting me to agree so readily. His prepared lecture went unused.

The acrid smoke made me cough again.

Christian seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly snuffed out his cigarette.

“I’m sorry, I’m just a little stressed.”

For Stella, he’d been constantly stressed for Stella these past few years.

Seeing no reaction from me, he explained again.

“Ellie, since I decided to sponsor Stella, I have to be responsible for her life.”

“Mhm.”

“Living in an environment like that, she’s just so insecure.”

“I swear, this is the last time I’ll help her. As soon as her family stops bothering her, I’ll cut ties with her immediately.”

“Mhm.”

“Once this is settled, we’ll get our marriage license.”

“…”

I didn’t respond to Christian’s words, just pressed a hand to my forehead.

“I’m tired. Let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

I turned my wheelchair around and pressed the call button by my bed.

Maria walked in. “Mr. Hayes, please leave. Ms. Vance needs to rest.”

Christian opened his mouth, a somewhat crestfallen expression on his face.

“Okay, get some rest.”

With that, he turned and left.