Lauren, are you really going to leave Brandon and go abroad?
In the office, Laurens best friend, Tania, asked her again to confirm.
A hint of sarcasm flashed across Laurens face.
Were already divorced.
Shocking to hear that, Tania still asked, Divorce? For the past three years while Brandon was bedridden, you never left his side. You do massaging him and help with his rehabilitation every day like a nurse, not even daring to sleep in. Now that hes recovered, why are you divorcing him?
Laurens eyes welled up with tears as she forced a bitter smile. She had indeed loved her husband, Brandon Muller, so deeply, but that man did not love her in return.
A month earlier, she was eight months pregnant.
She was kidnapped on the way to her prenatal checkup. Her clothes were stripped off and she was forced to pose for videos that were then posted online for others to watch.
She managed to escape with great effort.
But at the warehouse entrance, she saw Brandon and his best friend having a conversation.
Brandon, you had your people kidnap your wife and posted all her photos online. How is she supposed to live her life now?
With a cigarette between his fingers, Brandon frowned and said, Leona is back. I love her, but Lauren is my wife. Without a good reason, both of our family won’t agree to a divorce.
At that moment, Lauren realized that the man she had cared for over the past three years still harbored feelings for his first love, Leona.
Later, Brandon pretended to rescue Lauren.
She was unconscious for an entire week. When she woke up, her baby was gone. Outside the door, she heard Brandon’s friend said with confused tone, Brandon, the baby was alive. Why did you throw her away? Shes your own flesh and blood!
But Brandon replied coldly, Leona promised to give me a child, so Lauren’s baby cannot be kept.
Hearing the man’s heartless words, Lauren felt as though she had fallen into an ice cave, her heart growing colder by the second.
From then on, she made three decisions:
First, to contact the local orphanage in secret to find her baby.
Second, to divorce Brandon without him knowing.
Third, to contact the gangster boss who had been secretly in love with her for seven years, agreeing to marry him on the condition that he help her seek revenge.
***
As her thoughts returned, Lauren reminded Tania, Im still at the Muller Familys house and cant move around freely, so can you help me find my baby?
Tania answered, No worries, Ill handle it. Oh, anyway, does Brandon know about signing the divorce agreement?
Lauren sneered, recalling how Brandon had rushed out this morning only to meet Leona, so Lauren had taken the opportunity to hand him the divorce agreement.
He was only focus on Leona. He didnt even bother to read the contents of my contracthe just signed it.
Tania mused, Yeah, better that way. If he finds out and goes crazy, that will be new problem.
They had lunch together and Lauren didn’t return home until evening.
As she entered the house and passed by the study, she saw the door half-open. Leona was sitting on Brandon’s lap with her arms around his neck.
Brandon, if I hadnt left back then, would you still marry Lauren?
Brandon didnt hesitate for a moment, then replying firmly, Of course, no. Ive always loved you. Lauren was just a substitute. If it werent for her eyebrows and eyes resembling yours, I wouldnt have been with her.
Outside the door, Lauren heard Brandons words and felt a dull pain in her chest.
Leona was her younger sister, the true heiress of the Saunders Family, while she was only the adopted daughter in that family.
Three years ago, on the eve of Leona and Brandon’s engagement, Brandon was involved in a car accident.
Leona hurriedly left the country in the middle of that night, leaving Brandon alone at the engagement banquet.
The once-promising young man had become disabled. Surely all the noble ladies avoided him. But then came Lauren who stepped forward and firmly said, Brandon, I like you. Will you marry me?
Brandon agreed, and Lauren, who have secretly loved him for years, finally married him.
Over the past three years, she had studied various medical techniques, even using herself as a live experiment to find the best method to help Brandon regain the use of his legs and stand up again.
Numerous renowned doctors internationally have declared that Brandon would remain disabled for life, but Lauren refused to give up.
To learn acupuncture from a reclusive traditional medicine practitioner, she knelt at the door for three days and nights, nearly risking her life.
She even gave up on a gangster boss who had pursued her for four years only for Brandons sake.
Her once-delicate fingers became rough and calloused from soaking in herbs.
Every time it rained, Brandons wounds would ache unbearably and he would become irritable, but Lauren never complained once.
Gradually, Brandon began to show concern for her. Lauren cured his legs and they even had a child.
But two months ago, Leona returned. Everything shattered.
Lauren thought at least they loved each other, but only to realize it was only delusion.
She turned away from the door and dragged her heavy footsteps upstairs.
She told herself to wait another week. Then after a week, the gangster boss, Marvin Gallagher, would come to take her away.
As night fell, Lauren was just about to fall asleep when Brandon pushed open the door and entered.
Without caring whether Lauren was asleep, he turned on the light and asked, When did you come back? Why didnt you tell me?
Lauren didn’t open her eyes, not even bother to speak.
When she returned, Brandon was busy trying to rekindle his relationship with Leona, so he naturally didn’t notice her.
Seeing that Lauren wasn’t speaking, Brandon furrowed his brows and said, What was that agreement you had me sign this morning? I think I saw the words divorce in it.
That question made Lauren opened her eyes.
It turned out that Brandon had seen the words divorce written in the document. How could he be so sure that she loved him so much that she wouldn’t divorce him?
Lauren propped herself up with her arms and sat up. Just as she was about to speak, an unwelcome guest appeared at the door.
It was Leona. Suddenly came by wearing Lauren’s pajamas, showing no hesitation in her presence and casually linked her arm through Brandon and said, Brandon, I’m afraid to sleep alone at night. Can you sleep with me?
Lauren clenched her fists tightly, knowing that Leona was doing this on purpose.
Both Brandon and Leona didnt even bother to act anymore.
Brandon looked at Leona with concern and took out a jacket to drape over her.
It’s getting cold. Put on more clothes when you leave the bedroom.
Leona leaned against Brandons chest, gave Lauren a provocative smile, and said deliberately, Lauren, you dont mind if I ask Brandon to sleep with me for one night, do you?
Before Lauren could speak, Brandon said, Your sister is understanding. She wont mind. Come on, Ill accompany you downstairs.
After that, Brandon carried Leona out of the bedroom.
Lauren felt a pang of sadness and forced a bitter smile.
During the years when Brandon was disabled, he feared the night most, as the darkness exacerbated his phantom limb pain.
To make him feel better, Lauren stayed awake all night, sitting by his side until dawn.
Now that his legs were healed, he was off to accompany another woman.
That night, Lauren tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Every time she thought of her abandoned baby outside, her heart ached unbearably.
The next day, Lauren descended the stairs with two dark circles under her eyes.
As she passed by Leonas door, she noticed the faint pink marks on that womans chest.
These marks stung Laurens eyes.
With her chest half exposed, Leona smirked provocatively.
Lauren, thank you for being a nanny for Brandon for three years. But Im back now and he doesnt need you as a nanny anymore. Ill give you a few days to pack your things and get out.
Although she had already decided to leave, Lauren didn’t want to give Leona the satisfaction.
Brandon and I have a marriage certificate. We are a legally recognized couple. And you? Just a homewrecker. Youre the one who should leave.
Leona, you should be grateful Im not causing you trouble. Youre a homewrecker, yet you have the nerve to feel superior? All those years of manners you learned, just in vain?
Leona was struck by the pain, her face darkening as she glared at Lauren.
Youre just an orphan my family picked up. From childhood onward, youve only been worthy of picking up the things I dont want.
Back then, I didnt want Brandon, so he could be yours. Now Im back, so you have to leave!
As she spoke, Leona leaned close to Lauren’s ear and said angrily, I heard you were kidnapped a month ago and had a miscarriage.
Do you know that I still have a short video of you being stripped naked on my phone? Should I help you spread it around? How much do you think it should sell for?
Someone like you, even if you sell it for 9.9, people would still think it’s too expensive!
Leona’s words grew increasingly outrageous, and Lauren couldn’t help but raise her hand and slap her.
This is for teaching you how to speak. You even cant control your mouth!
But as soon as Lauren finished speaking, suddenly Brandon rushed over from behind her. He grabbed her wrist and slapped her hard.
He used all his strength, nearly dislocating Laurens face, causing her to fall to the ground.
Brandon stepped forward to protect Leona. He threw his gaze at her with concern.
Im sorry, Leona. I should have come sooner.
Leona pretended to be upset, leaning into Brandons embrace and crying, I’m fine. She’s my sister afterall. She can scold me however she wants. Please don’t blame her.
Seeing how understanding Leona was, Brandon grew increasingly disappointed in Lauren.
He glared coldly at her who was still on the ground, saying with an icy voice, You see? Leona has been speaking up for you, yet you keep hurting her. When did you become so jealous?
Lauren, Im very disappointed in you!
The mans words echoed in Laurens ears and she laughed sarcastically.
She held back her tears and stared at Brandon, saying calmly, Back then, because of your disability, Leona abandoned you on your wedding day. It was me who took care of you for over three years.
Now that your legs are healed, have you forgotten how she treated you? Brandon, you have no heart!
Once, Lauren never regretted her sacrifices, but now she did.
Brandon frowned at Lauren and said, Leona never abandoned me. She went abroad to find a treatment for me. I can walk because she healed me.
Lauren was struck dumb with shock.
She had endured so much hardship and undergone so many human experiments to cure Brandon, but now it was Leona who was taking the credit?
She slowly stood up from the ground and said, one word at a time, Brandon. I, cured, your leg!
Upon hearing this, Leona smiled. Oh, come on, why are you lying again, Lauren? You dont even know medicine, so how could you help Brandon heal his legs?
There are some unpleasant things I didnt want to say, but its because of the methods you used that Brandon couldnt recover.
Over the years, Ive been studying medicine abroad specifically to help Brandon recover. I left without saying goodbye back then because I didnt want Brandon to feel burdened. I never expected you to beat me to it. Dad and Mom know all about this. Do you think we do conspiring together to deceive Brandon?
Lauren was about to say that the Saunders Family parents had always been biased and had done their share of such underhanded deals.
But before she could speak, Brandon said firmly, Wake up, Lauren. How capable do you think you are? You can manage as a maid and do household chores at home, but do you have the ability to treat a leg injury?
Suddenly, Lauren laughed bitterly.
Years of effort were dismissed by the man in one sentence.
Brandon told Lauren to reflect on herself and left with Leona.
Watching the mans receding figure, Lauren laughed sarcastically.
Brandon didn’t know that the treatment hadn’t ended yet. Without her method, he’d still be a cripple in a month.
In the afternoon, Lauren was packing her things at home when Tania suddenly called. She said the baby had been found.
When she arrived at the orphanage, Lauren saw her baby girl.
Since she was a premature baby, she was much smaller.
But mother and daughter were connected by heart. The baby kept staring at Lauren, reaching out her little hand to touch her mother.
Lauren cried hysterically, hugging her baby and promising.
Dont be afraid. Just wait a few more days for Mom. Once Uncle Marvin comes to pick us up, we can leave for good.
The baby had multiple bruises on her body. Lauren soon asked the orphanage what had happened.
The orphanage said the baby had been abandoned at the orphanage’s doorstep. At the time, she had been injured.
Additionally, since kids usually have low immune systems, she hadn’t recovered yet.
Hearing about the suffering her baby had endured, Lauren felt a sharp pain in her heart.
Baby, wait for Mom. Those who hurt you, Ill make them pay.
Lauren spent the entire afternoon with her baby and didn’t return home until evening.
As soon as she entered the house, she was forcibly taken away by bodyguards. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already at the hospital.
Leona kept touching her abdomen, while Brandon was peeling an apple for her beside her.
This scene pierced Lauren’s heart.
Once, she had also asked Brandon to peel fruit for her, but he just said, Just eat it yourself. Why be so pretentious?
It turned out he didnt think it was pretentious; he simply didnt like her.
Brandon noticed Lauren behind him and said, Leona is pregnant. Youre meticulous in your work, so you should take care of her.
Lauren thought she had heard wrong, until he repeated his instructions, Leona is picky and doesnt like takeout. You have to cook all three meals yourself.
Its hot now, but turning on the air conditioner can cause contractions, which is bad for her and the baby. Using an electric fan makes noise, so I bought a hand fan. You have to manually fan Leona every day.
Laurens body stiffened, but her heart grew even colder.
She stared at Brandon and said, word by word, I just had a miscarriage not long ago. My baby is gone, and now you want me to take care of the pregnant woman you cheated on me with?
Brandons expression changed slightly, a hint of gravity flashing across his face, but he quickly said, Lauren, shes your sister. Dont speak so harshly.
In any case, you will stay here to take care of her for the next few days. If anything happens to her, thatll be on you.
Brandon kept his word; the hospital room was surrounded by bodyguards and Lauren couldn’t leave.
For three whole days, she ate and slept with Leona.
Whenever Leona complained of feeling unwell, the bodyguards would force her to take care of Leona.
Leona complained of morning sickness and wanted something sour to eat. Lauren had just cut up a pineapple for her.
Leona took a bite and immediately vomited onto Laurens hand, saying she felt nauseous and made her stay outside the ward for the night.
Laurens phone was also confiscated. Many times, she had tried to escape, but was always caught by the bodyguards and brought back.
That evening, Leona wanted to take a bath and demanded that Lauren personally wash her body.
Lauren coldly said, Leona, you’d better stop this.
In the bathroom, Leona acted unusually, feigning helplessness.
Lauren, I truly love Brandon. The baby in my womb is his. You can take my life, but you cannot harm this baby!
Lauren couldnt understand what Leona was saying and thought that woman was crazy, so she pulled Leonas arm away.
But she suddenly screamed, Ah, Lauren, dont push me!
Leona deliberately fell to the ground. Soon, the bodyguards outside the door rushed in.
Three hours later, Brandon arrived.
He had been in a neighboring city for business meeting, but as soon as he heard that Leona had fallen, he rushed back by helicopter.
The first thing he did upon entering the ward was to scold Lauren.
He then drove her away, took her back to the villa and locked her in a room for two full days and nights. No water, no food.
In just a few days, Laurens jaw had grown sharper and her body had become thin and frail.
At home, she tore up their wedding photos and burned all the gifts Brandon had ever given her.
She also tore up all the treatment plans she had stayed up all night to prepare for Brandon over the years and threw them into the trash.
Lauren leaned against the window, watching the sky outside.
It was already day five, and in two days, Marvin would come to take her and her baby away.
Day six, Lauren was released.
That evening, there was a class reunion. Brandon, Leona and Lauren them had been classmates, so they went together.
When they got out of the car, Brandon warned her, Lauren, it was only because Leona pleaded for you that I let you out. Be grateful and dont cause any trouble.
Hearing this, Lauren gave a cold smile and walked straight inside.
Seeing this, Brandons expression turned cold. Leona pretended soothe him.
Just let it go, Brandon. Thats just how my sister is.
In the bars private room, everyone was boasting about their achievements.
When it was Laurens turn, she remained silent.
After graduating from university, she had chosen not to work in order to take care of Brandon, dedicating all her energy to him.
At the time, she never imagined Brandon would cheat on her.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the others suggested playing Truth or Dare.
In the first round, Brandon lost. Fearing everyone would play recklessly, he chose truth.
From the moment he entered the private room until now, Brandon had only shown concern for Leona.
But everyone present knew his wife was Lauren.
The crowd, eager for drama, deliberately asked, Brandon, is Lauren the woman you love the most?
Laurens face paled. Brandon hesitated.
Everyone laughed and teased, Brandon, youre a manjust say who you like!
Under everyones pressure, Brandon said, Its Leona. Ive always liked herthree years ago and now.
Everyone presents exchanged glances, feeling embarrassed for Lauren. While Lauren only sneered inwardly.
Back then, when Brandon was on top of her, demanding her, he had said, I love you, Lauren.
She had thought love could be transferred, but it couldn’t. People just lied.
Soon, Lauren also lost.
She also chose to tell the truth.
The others deliberately asked, Lauren, is Brandon the man you love the most?
Upon hearing this question, Brandon wasn’t curious about the answer. Because Lauren’s true love was undoubtedly him.
Just as Lauren was about to speak, Leona suddenly screamed at the door. Brandon panicked and rushed out immediately. Others beside him also rushed out to investigate what had happened.
In the private room, only Lauren remained seated. She picked up a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp.
The wine was strong, burning her throat. A tear trickled down the corner of her eye.
No, I no longer love Brandon.
But no one heard her words…
Because Leona had accidentally tripped outside, Brandon carried her away and the class reunion ended in chaos.
Since Brandon had driven away and it was pouring rain outside, no taxis were available.
Lauren froze outside for a full hour before finally getting into a car.
Upon returning home, Lauren felt feverish, took a shower and began packing her belongings.
Lauren told herself to wait a little longer; she could leave tomorrow.
When Brandon returned that evening and saw Lauren packing her clothes, his brows furrowed slightly, thinking she was throwing a tantrum.
But all his attention was focused on Leona and he had no energy left to comfort Lauren.
He coldly said, Are you planning to move out? Great. Leonas pregnancy has been unstable lately and seeing you just stressed her out. Stay at the apartment outside for a few days. Ill come pick you up later.
And dont make a big deal about what I said tonight. Youve always known I love Leona. Dont you think its a little dramatic if youre acting hurt now??
But dont worry. The title of Mrs. Muller is still yours, I can assure it.”
Lauren was done with his hypocrisy.
Just as she was about to speak, Leona, who was at the door, heard it and ran out crying.
Seeing this, Brandon immediately chased after her. And before leaving, he said to Lauren, The rain is too heavy today. It’s not safe to go out. You can move tomorrow.
Brandon left.
Once again, he chose Leona over her.
Lauren had long get used to it. Being abandoned.
She no longer cared about the title of Mrs. Muller.
Tomorrow was the last day of the divorce cooling-off period and also the day Marvin would come to pick her up.
Just one more night. She could endure it and leave for good.
Once she left this country, Marvin had promised to help her get revenge.
But that night felt longer than any other. Lauren lay awake, staring into the dark, waiting for dawn.
At eight in the morning, she packed her belongings and was about to leave when Brandon walked in.
Seeing Lauren carrying so many suitcases, he furrowed his brows.
I only asked you to stay at the apartment for a few days. Whats with all those bags?
But he quickly added, Forget it. You women and your endless bottles of makeup or whatever.
Lauren didnt even bother to mock him.
She had never liked makeup, so she had very few skincare products. It was Leona who always liked to buy such things.
Brandon had gotten it wrong again.
How indifferent could someone be to feel so unfamiliar with someone they had lived with for three years?
Lauren didnt want to say another word to him. She pulled her suitcase and prepared to leave, but Brandon stopped her.
For some reason, he had felt uneasy since he woke up that morning, especially when he saw Lauren was about to leave.
Even though youve moved out, you need to still come back every day to take care of Leona. Shes pregnant, so you should pay more attention to her emotions.
After all, youre my wife, and the child she gives birth to will call you mom too.
Finally, Lauren stopped in her tracks and turned to stare at Brandon.
She felt sorry for Brandon.
She hadnt known before, but last night while packing her things, she had discovered a medical report from six months ago.
Brandon was infertile.
A man who had been infertile for six monthshow could he have had a child with another woman three months ago?
The baby in Leona’s womb was someone else’s. Yes, that woman had cheated on Brandon.
While her baby girl was Brandon’s only child in this lifetime.
But Lauren didn’t plan to tell him now. She said, Today is our wedding anniversary. I’ve left you three gifts. You can open them after midnight.
Brandon, who had been anxious, instantly felt at ease.
Even at a time like this, Lauren still remembered to prepare an anniversary gift for him, which meant she still loved him.
I know how you feel about me. Youve taken care of me for three years. Even if you havent done anything special, youve still put in a lot of effort. After Leona gives birth, Ill make time to be with you.
If it were before, Lauren would indeed want Brandon to be with her.
But not anymore.
She didnt want a man whos been with another woman.
Alright, remember to look at the gift tonight. I prepared it specially for you.
Inside were their divorce agreement, Brandons infertility medical report and the agreement for their daughter to sever her father-daughter relationship with him.
Lauren dragged her suitcases and left the villa step by step under Brandons gaze.
After leaving the villa, she immediately went to the orphanage to pick up her baby.
She held her baby and took a taxi to the airport.
After getting into the car, she opened her phone. She blocked and deleted Brandon.
She removed the SIM card from her phone, broke it in half and casually threw it out the window.
Goodbye, Brandon. When we meet again, I will return with my daughter to seek revenge.
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