Chapter 1

In the darkest year of his life, Alexander Thorne was forced to abandon his first love and marry me in a strategic alliance.

For seven years, we fought. For seven years, he despised me.

He would often curse, "Why don't you just die already, you wicked woman?"

As he wished, I was finally dying.

It was the start of winter when a terrible headache sent me to the hospital.

The results came back, but the doctor held the papers tight, refusing to hand them over.

Inside the office, the middle-aged head doctor, dressed in a white coat, spoke again, his expression complex and troubled.

"Miss, it's best if you bring a family member."

I wasn't stupid.

My fingers tangled together, and for a fleeting moment, a chill spread through my limbs.

But I pushed through it, my voice steady. "My family can't make it right now."

"Doctor, please, just tell me. I can handle it."

A flicker of pity passed through the doctor's eyes behind his glasses.

After a brief, heavy silence, he repeated, "Still, it's better if a family member comes."

It seemed my psychological fortitude, no matter how strong, wouldn't be enough for this.

I glanced at the stack of suppressed test results. Behind me, outside the door, other patients waited.

I had no choice but to stand up and step out to make a call.

Nearly half an hour later, he finally answered.

Alex's voice, cold and impatient, crackled through the phone. "What kind of stunt are you pulling now?"