Chapter 1
The day before my wedding, a video of me being kidnapped and humiliated surfaced online. That night, my fiancé Charlie called off the engagement, and the very next day, he married Judy.
In my moment of despair, his brother, Edward, knelt before me, holding a diamond ring that dwarfed Judy’s. With sincerity in his eyes, he said, “Isabella, I’ve loved you from afar for so long. Now I finally have the chance to be close to you. Will you marry me?“}
Thinking about what I’d been through, I let Edward slip the ring onto my finger.”
Six months into our marriage, I went to pick up a drunken Edward from a club. Outside his private room, I overheard a conversation between him and his bodyguard.§
“Sir, you had me orchestrate Isabella’s abduction. Then those videos were leaked online. She’s been good to you. Don’t you think we’ve made mistake?”
After a long silence, Edward sighed, “Even if it was wrong, it had to be done. It’s the only way for Judy become a member of the Reyes family smoothly. If I can’t be with Judy, I’ll at least clear her path.”
“But the pain Isabella suffered…”
“I’ll spend my life making it up to her.“>
“Edward, the hospital report on her health came in. The ordeal was so severe she might never have children. She might even need surgery. Is it really worth it? There are also serious psychological issues…”
A smack echoed, followed by glass shattering. Edward’s voice turned icy, “I know what’s worth it. Do your job, and you know the consequences if you speak out.”
My legs buckled, and I collapsed by the door, realizing the man I saw as my savior was the one who pushed me over the edge. I clamped my hands over my mouth, stifling any sound, and fled like a madwoman.
On the way home, Edward kept calling. The number that once brought me hope now filled me with dread. I couldn’t bring myself to
answer.
At midnight, Edward gently pushed open the door. His familiar presence loomed behind me. “Isabella, are you upset today? Tim said he called you to pick me up, but you didn’t come. I figured you were thinking about the past again, right?“}
When I remained silent, Edward’s voice softened. “It’s okay, Isabella. We have so much time ahead. I’ll always be here. We’ll forget those bad memories. I’ll use my love to chase away your demons.“@
Had I not overheard what I did earlier, his words might have moved me. But now, I was only afraid.
“Edward, I went to the hospital today. The doctor said we can’t have children anymore. You told me you love kids…”
Edward froze, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with tenderness. “It doesn’t matter, Isabella. I just want to be with you. Without kids, I’ll just spoil you more, okay?
“You’re tired. Rest up. Tomorrow is Mom’s birthday, and we need to head back to the farmily estate.“}
Edward placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, adjusted the lights to a perfect glow, and left. My favorite soft music soon drifted in from the living room. These small gestures always touched me deeply.
To please a woman he doesn’t love, for the sake of a woman he can’t have, Edward’s efforts astounded me.§
I glanced at the university invitation from another country that had been sitting in my inbox for two weeks. I replied with my acceptance and booked a flight for three days later. Once done, I breathed a sigh of relief.”
If love isn’t meant for me, then I don’t want it at all.
Chapter 2
