Our Blind Love Lost Fragrance, I Smelled My Mom's Killer

In the third year of my marriage to Conrad Hollowell, after being blind for ten long years, my sight finally came back.

I was so overwhelmed with joy that I ran all the way home, eager to tell him the moment I opened the door. But instead, what I walked in on was him and Estelle Denyer wrapped around each other in our bedroom.

His usually cold, distant face was flushed, his body moving against hers.

And his other womanshe looked soft, alluring, her voice filled with breathy moans.

The scene made me freeze all over. My lips parted to speak, but their conversation stopped me.

Conrad, Estelle said with fake worry, when are you planning to stop Ophelias meds? The doctor said that if this continues for another month, she might go permanently blind.

Conrad pinched her waist, his tone emotionless.

Her going blind is perfect. That way, shell never find out about us. Ive already taken almost everything from her family. Aside from making perfume for me, shes useless.

My heart clenched so hard it hurt when I heard those words.

A flicker of smugness flashed in Estelles eyes before she put on a show of guilt.

Still, I was the one who hit her mother with my car back then. We should at least leave Ophelia something Think of it as my apology.

And at that moment, everything finally made sense.

The man I once pulled back from the brink had turned into the monster who destroyed me.

He was like a colorless, tasteless poisonsweet in the beginning until it seeped into every part of me and swallowed me whole.

He gave my perfume to another woman. He stole my achievements. He even took my sight!

Realizing all of this felt like a blade slicing straight through me.

I stared at the two of thementangled, shameless, betraying me without a second thought. The fire burning in my eyes felt endless.

Right then and there, I swore: I would destroy the Hollowells Group!

I would use my perfumeand every sin they committedto drag them down into hell. And I would do it for my mother, so she could finally rest in peace.

Ophelias POV

The day I finally got my sight back just happened to be our third wedding anniversary.

I honestly thought God was sending me a gift. I was ready to bring the report home and surprise Conrad, maybe even celebrate a little.

But not even thirty minutes later, a letter showed up.

And on it, in clear braille, was the one thing I never expected to readthat Conrad had been cheating on me.

The dates, the times, how oftenevery disgusting detail was spelled out perfectly.

I didnt want to believe it. My heart was shaking so hard it hurt.

But the times recorded All of them were moments he really wasnt with me.

My stomach dropped with that fact.

My hands were trembling when I called him. He had never ignored my calls before. But this time, he just didnt pick up.

Thats when the panic hit. I called him over and over, more than ten times, and he didnt answer once.

And then my phone suddenly popped up a notification from the weight tracker.

[Your current weight is three kilograms more than your previous measurement. Rapid weight gain can damage your health. Please pay attention.]

The moment I saw it, everything inside me just collapsed.

There was a woman in my bedroom, standing on my scale!

I snapped. I grabbed a taxi straight home. The second I set foot inside the villa, I heard ither breathy little moans floating down from upstairs, mixed with a mans low voice.

I didnt even need to see. I knew that voice.

After more than ten years, his voice was burned into my bones.

I just never thought he would sleep with another woman.

I wanted to storm upstairs and scream at him, but then I heard them talking.

Conrad, if I hadnt run over Ophelias mother back then, you wouldnt have had to marry her just for a letter of forgiveness. And all these years just to keep her clueless, you even messed with her eye medication. Youve suffered so much because of me.

Estelles voice was dripping with fake pity. And the second her words hit me, my whole body went numb.

Conrad kissed her eyelids gently.

For you, Id do anything. Just one more month. After that, shell go completely blind. Then you never have to worry about her finding out the truth.

His cold voice stabbed into my ears. It made my brows tighten from pain instantly.

But if she goes blind in a month, will it affect the baby shes carrying? I mean, thats our child.

And what about her perfume? I only managed to gain footing in the company because of them. But Im still the R&D director. If she goes blind and cant make new products anymore, what am I supposed to do?

Estelles anxious little whine followed.

Conrad stroked her hair and actually smiled.

Ive already arranged everything. Dont worry about anything. The baby will be perfectly fine. And the perfumeonce she goes blind, Ive already hired a whole new team. Anything they create will be credited to you just like hers were.

Then he kissed her face.

All you need to do is wait to become my bride. Ive already swallowed up her entire family estate. Shes useless now. In a month, Ill arrange another car accidentjust like the one that blinded her the first time.

My skull felt like it exploded. A sharp ringing filled my ears.

So everything I sufferedall of it came from him.

My mother was killed by Estelle. And Conrad knew. And he protected her anyway.

And just to get the letter of forgiveness from me, he chose to marry me.

In an instant, my memories of him poured in.

He was the boy I rescued from a wolf attack when I was seven.

At the time, he was half-dead, no family, no one claiming him.

I begged my mom to help him. We took him in. He became my bodyguard.

He stayed by my side for over a decade, promising hed always protect me.

Then right before our wedding, my mom died in a car accident. It was raining so hard the cameras malfunctioned. All they knew was that the driver was a woman.

When I finally found a key piece of evidence and was ready to give it to the court, I got run over by a small speeding car.

When I woke up again, I had become blind.

At the hospital, he held my hands and told me he would marry me that he would drag my mothers killer to jail.

In my helplessness, I agreed to marry him and handed him all the evidence.

That very day, he put a document in my hands, saying justice was served.

I was overjoyed and, trusting him completely, signed that document.

In the days after, he was even more gentle and attentive. But my eyes never recovered.

Every night I cried from the pain in my eyes, he comforted me with utmost gentleness.

He told me even if I stayed blind forever, hed never leave me. And like a fool, I believed him.

I handed him all my perfume formulas without holding anything back.

And because of my work, he turned his company into one of the biggest perfume brands in Colorado.

I honestly thought that even though I went blind, and even though my mom died right before my wedding maybe I was still lucky because at least I had him.

But now I see it clearly. I brought a rabid wolf into my home myself.

Because of him and Estelle, I ruined my family, and my whole life fell apart.

They stole the fragrances I worked on. They used my body as a surrogate tool. God, what a sick joke.

Suddenly, I stumbled backward, missed a step, and fell down the stairs hard.

The noise startled Conrad. His voice cut through the air like ice.

Whos there?!

Before Conrad stepped out, I forced myself up off the floor.

Thanks to that fall down the stairs earlier, we were far enough apart that he didnt notice anything off.

When he saw me standing there, his face went cold. His eyes flicked with a little hesitation, but his voice remained gentle as hell.

Ophelia? When did you get home? Why didnt you tell me? Did you hear anything just now?

The second he started acting, I slipped right back into my blind routine. I let my eyes go empty and unfocused.

I called you a bunch of times. You didnt pick up the phone. I freaked out a little, so I rushed home.

He didnt react much. He just pulled out his phone.

Only after he checked and saw I really did call him over ten times did he finally relax.

Sorry. I was dealing with work stuff. My phone was turned off.

My nails dug into my palm. Not one damn word he said was true.

He ignored my calls for one reason: I wasnt useful to him anymore.

And right then, a soft little hand wrapped around him from behind. Estelle slowly wrapped herself around him, her whole body like a beautiful snake.

He frowned and jerked his chin toward me, reminding her I was right there.

But she blew a little breath against his neck, looked straight at me with that smug little smile, and whispered, Come on, she cant see anything. As long as Im careful, youre still happy, right?

And then her hand started drifting lower.

Watching that disgusting mess play out in front of me, I bit down so hard I tasted blood. But honestly, the pain didnt even scratch the surface compared to what was happening in my chest.

After she said that, Conrad didnt even bother stopping her.

He actually started getting handsy with her right in front of me.

Wet kissing noises and hushed little moans echoed from upstairs.

And like always, I sat on the couch. Except this time, my heart felt like it was tearing open.

Ophelia, Ill be swamped with work for a while. If you need anything, just call me. And make sure you take your meds on time.

He said it gently while holding her in his arms. They walked right up to me.

I leaned away from their bodies practically glued together and acted like nothing was happening. I just nodded.

I thought that was it. But he just had to keep playing the caring husband.

I remember your meds running low. Ill bring more tomorrow. Oh rightdid you finish the new fragrance? The companys been pressuring me, but if youre not feeling well, I can stall a bit longer.

It was the same script he always used.

Every time he said stuff like that, Id stay up night after night, nose bleeding from exhaustion, just to make whatever fragrance he neededjust to make things easier for him.

And today I finally learned the truth: every single fragrance I made had been handed over as Estelles work!

The woman who killed my mother was now the companys R&D director!

I wanted to expose everything right then and there. I wanted all three of us to go down in flames.

But the last bit of rational thought in me said no.

If I said anything here, Id just die quietly, and no one would ever know.

Conrad wasnt the man who once loved me. Not even close.

Holding back tears, I kept my voice steady. Ill drop the fragrance off at the company tomorrow.

Only then did he finally look satisfied. He tightened his grip on the already dazed Estelle.

In a low, husky voice, he said, Ive got overtime tonight, so I cant stay with you. Ophelia, take care of yourself, stay home, and wait for me like a good girl. Ill come back early.

The second he finished, Estelle pinched his waist in annoyance, and he shot her this sharp, dangerous glare.

He didnt wait for me to say a word. He couldnt get out of here fast enough, carrying her out of the villa like he was starving.

When their silhouettes finally disappeared, I slumped back onto the couch, my face pale. I grabbed my phone and booked an abortion appointment for three days later.

I would nevereverbring the child of a murderer into this world.

If Conrad planned to kill me at the perfume launch next month

Then Id drag both of them down with me.

The moment I confirmed the appointment, my phone suddenly rang.

I frowned but answered anyway.

Hi, is this Miss Ophelia? The baby youre carrying It isnt yours and your husbands. Its mine. Could we talk?

Ophelias POV

The moment I heard him, my eyes flew wide open in disbelief.

What the hell are you talking about? How could the baby Im carrying possibly be yours?

The man on the other end sounded way too calm, slowly explaining, Im sorry, but the baby youre carrying is indeed mine. The doctor made a mistake during the procedure and this is the result.

Then he added, almost casually, Because of my family situation, I need a childand a wife. And you you could use my help right now.

My heart dropped so hard it felt like it hit the floor.

In the dead silence, the only thing I could hear was my own strangled voice.

Who the hell are you? And why do you know so damn much?

He paused, then told me everything.

Because of my health issues, when Conrad said he wanted a baby with me, I was honestly thrilled.

But for some reason years passed and I still couldnt get pregnant.

I used to blame myself. Now, I see it clearlyeverything had been planned by Conrad and Estelle from the very beginning.

Estelle didnt want to go through pregnancytoo painful, too messyso they decided to use me as their walking incubator.

Thats why I mysteriously failed to conceive for years.

Until this year, when I finally went to the hospital and the doctor messed up and used Zane Montroses sperm with my egg. And thats how this baby happened.

If I had heard this before, I probably wouldve lost my mind and aborted the baby on the spot.

But now that I know the truththat this child isnt ConradsI actually felt relieved. Lucky, even.

Zane said that if I agreed to become his contract wife, hed help me take down Conrad and Estelle.

And honestly, on my own, I cant fight them.

My family company has already been eaten away by Conrad. Hes just waiting for me to have an accident next month so he can swallow the rest.

Thinking about that, I didnt hesitate for even a second. I agreed.

In one month, Ill take my child and my new fragrance line and join Montrose Corporation.

And Hollowells Group? Im going to burn it to the ground with my own hands!

That night, I prepared the divorce papers, ready for Conrad to sign them.

But even late into the night, he didnt come home.

My body was stiff, but I curled my lips into a cold, silent laugh.

I was about to call him when my phone suddenly lit up.

A strange number sent me an address and a message.

My phones auto-reader started playing it out loud.

Your husband is here with another woman. Maybe you should come see. But honestly? You should just know your place and back off. After all youre just a blind woman.

I didnt need to think twice; this was definitely from Estelle.

I didnt want to give her the satisfaction, but in the end I still grabbed the divorce papers and went to the address.

Before I even stepped inside, I heard the laughter of Conrads buddies.

He was nothing like the reserved, gentle husband he pretended to be in front of me. In that private room, he was showing his real face.

Bro, when are you gonna bring our Estelle home? Isnt it time to get rid of that blind woman? Though shes pregnant. It's a bit of a problem.

The kids no issue. She can give birth, and then Estelle can raise it. Estelle is so kind-hearted. If it werent for that blind woman guilt-tripping Conrad into marrying her, the two of them wouldnt have been separated in the first place.

Just those two stupid sentences made all the blood in my body run backward, turning completely cold.

So everyone knew. Everyone knew about them. Everyone except me.

I gripped the divorce papers so tightly my hands were shaking. The anger and humiliation swallowed my chest whole.

And just then, my phone rang. It was Conrad.

In an instant, the private room went silent.

Ophelia?

He sounded unsure, almost nervous.

I didnt even think; I turned and walked away.

He rushed out just in time to see my back. A back he knew too wellfamiliar enough to haunt him.

He almost chased after me. But then Estelles voice called him from inside the room.

He hesitated just for a second. And in the end, under her increasingly urgent calls, he returned to the private room.

I didnt even know how I made it back to the villa.

All I knew was, the second I stepped inside, Conrads call came through.

Ophelia, why didnt you answer earlier? Were you not home?

His voice was still that same soft, gentle tonebut I could hear the suspicion under it.

I stayed quiet for a moment, and when he spoke again, he sounded a little panicked.

Did someone say something to you? Dont listen to them. Whatever it is, Ill explain when I get back.

He sounded just as affectionate as he did in the beginninglike he was incapable of lying.

But the way he acted in front of Estelle? He was a completely different man.

Thinking about everything hed done to me, I didnt hesitate anymore. I just said, When are you coming back? I have something to tell you.

The moment he heard that, he said, Wait for me, and hung up.

A second later, a message from Estelle popped up.

[Did you really think calling him home like this means youve won? As long as I want him, all I have to do is curl my finger and Conrad will come running right back to me. You heard it yourself. Neither Conrad nor his brothers like you. If I were you, I wouldnt even want to keep living.]

After everything Ive been through, reading that message didnt even stir anything in me.

I just closed my phone and waited calmly for Conrad to show up.

The trip shouldve taken thirty minutes. He shoved it into ten. When he rushed up to me, he was still out of breath.

He came over like he always did, gently steadying me.

Ophelia, what did you want to talk about?

I subtly moved away from his hand and handed him the divorce papers.

Sign them.

He froze for a second, then took the documents. Is this the fragrance project contract?

Right as he was about to open it, his phone rang.

Even though he grabbed the phone fast, I still clearly saw her name.

[Estelle]

He answered, and all I heard on her end was, Conrad I miss you so much

His expression shifted. He lowered the volume and whispered a few comforting words to her.

When the call finally ended, he didnt even bother reading the papers anymore; he just signed his name quickly.

Then he grabbed his car keys, ready to leave again.

Ophelia, something urgent came up at work. Go to bed early. And about the fragrance project, no need to rush.

He tossed out a few lazy, half-hearted reassurances, then walked out without looking back.

I clutched the signed divorce agreement tightly in my hand, watching his back as he left, and tugged at the corner of my lips.

Conrad I muttered, starting now, were no longer a married couple.

Ophelias POV

The next day, I took the perfume and went straight to the company.

Zane and I had already agreedthis perfume was going to be my gift for Conrad.

When the new product launch happens, hes going to fall straight into hell.

After handing the perfume over to R&D, I walked toward the lab the same way I used toslow, fumbling steps.

I kept some necessary equipment stored there. Even if Im quitting, Im taking every last thing that belongs to me.

I had barely started packing when the other R&D staff walked up to me, their faces full of disgust.

Some people really have no shame, one of them sneered. Never contributed a damn thing to R&D but still comes to the lab every day pretending shes doing something. If the director hadnt let her turn in her perfume formulas every time, she wouldve been fired ages ago.

Another one immediately jumped in, like theyd been dying to say, Yeah, exactly. Shes blind, for gods sake. And she still has the nerve to show up here and freeload off the department? Must be nice having connections.

And whats even worse, someone added, is she doesnt even know how to be grateful. The director lets her hand in her perfume work, and she repays her by going after her man. Everyone knows the CEO and the director are together.

My nails dug hard into my palm.

From the day the company was founded, Conrad hid who I was to him.

He said it was so I could focus on creating.

And I believed him. I let him hide me for years.

But the moment Estelle walked into this company, suddenly, everyone thought they were the actual couple.

I was blind. Even if I overheard things sometimes, I never saw the full picture.

And every time I confronted him, Conrad always had some righteous, perfectly logical explanation. Because of that, I never doubted them.

But now? Turns out everyone in the company already knew they were togetherand they all thought I was the mistress.

I didnt bother responding. I tightened my grip on the things in my hands and got ready to leave.

But they just wouldnt let it go. The moment they saw me heading for the door, someone grabbed the tools in my hand and yanked them away with a mocking laugh.

What? You still dont get that were talking about you? How can someone be this shameless? Stealing another womans perfume work, and trying to steal her boyfriend, too? Because of people like you, our entire R&D departments reputation is rotting.

Then, without warning, they shoved me hard.

I crashed straight into the sharp corner of a table, and blood immediately gushed from my waist.

I couldnt hold it back anymore. Gritting my teeth, I said each word clearly. Every perfume I submitted was my own creation. And Conrad and I are actually

Before I could finish, a fake, delicate voice sounded from the door.

What are you all doing? Estelle widened her eyes like she was oh-so-shocked.

Everyone instantly put on their most bootlicking smiles.

Miss Estelle, we were getting along with Ophelia just fine, but then she suddenly threw herself on the floor. No wonder shes good at stealing other peoples boyfriends, she sure knows all the tricks. Please, dont let her fool you.

Hearing that, Estelle frowned deeply.

She glanced at the R&D team and said, all gentle and disapproving, Even if youre joking, thats going a bit too far. Ophelia is blind, after all. This isnt a nice way to treat her. Though she has caused the CEO some trouble, but

She let her voice trail off and looked at me with a helpless little sigh, performing for the whole room.

Forget it. Ophelia, just dont do this next time. Dont worry, as long as Im still in R&D, youll always have perfume formulas to submit. Ill explain things to the CEO on your behalf, too.

With that one speech, everyone started looking at her like she was some kind of saint.

She didnt say anything directly, but she pushed everything onto me.

That I stole her work. That I hooked up with Conrad.

When in reality, the perfume was mine. And Conrad was my legal husband.

She reached her hand out to me with that soft, pitiful expressionexcept behind her lowered eyes, I saw the flash of mockery.

I was furious. I slapped her hand away hard.

Estelle! Spare me the fake sympathy. Why dont you tell them the truth? Tell them the perfumes I submitted are my work. Tell them what my relationship with Conrad actually is. Or are you planning to lie to my face right here?

I glared straight at her. She panicked instantly, her eyes darting, stuttering as she failed to answer.

And right then, a voice came from the doorway. It was Conrad.

Whats going on in here?

Estelles eyes instantly went red, like she was about to cry.

And the R&D staff jumped right in, running their mouths nonstop.

Sir, thank god you showed up. You wont believe thisthis blind woman almost bullied Estelle to death. She even said all of the directors fragrances were made by her! And she claimed she was closer to you than Estellelike even more intimate

When Conrad heard that, his face tightened.

He looked at the R&D group with this dark, cold stare.

Then he snapped, his voice freezing the whole room.

Who the hell told you to call her a blind woman? Im giving you three seconds. Pack your crap and get out!

And then, he reached a hand out toward me, his eyes all soft and concerned like he suddenly cares.

The R&D staff instantly went pale. Their mouths opened, closed, opened again; no one dared talk back under his stare.

None of them expected hed actually defend me, and they all started side-eyeing Estelle like they were doubting her then

Sir isnt the director your girlfriend? Is she lying to us? And those fragrances she keeps presenting theyre exactly the same as the ones Ophelia submitted. Estelle told us the fragrances in Ophelias hands were hers.

So is the director just lying to all of us?

They were about to get fired anyway, so screw cautionthey just said it straight out.

And instantly, everyone in the room started looking at Estelle with disgust.

Seeing that, she freaked and grabbed onto Conrads sleeve, looking at him with teary eyes.

Conrad they just misspoke. They didnt mean it. Everything I told you is true. You can tell them that, right?

Something flickered in Conrads eyesstruggle, guilt, whatever.

And the more desperate she looked, the guiltier he looked when he glanced at me.

And then, in the end, he did it. He pulled his hand back. He just let me lie there on the damn floor in front of everyone like some pathetic wreck.

Not once did he care that Im still pregnant.

Or maybe he did care just not enough. It meant nothing compared to her.

And I thought that humiliation was already rock bottom.

But she let go of his sleeve, wiping tears dramatically, and said, all pitiful, Conrad after everything that happened today, I really dont have the face to stay here anymore. Thank you for taking care of me but I just cant

And the tears fellgiant, perfect, actress-level tears.

And that was it. He forgot everyone else existed.

He pulled her straight into his arms, holding her so tight youd think she was his actual wife.

He whispered to her, soothed her, waited until she calmed downthen finally looked back at the R&D team.

Ridiculous. Every fragrance Estelle submitted was created by her and no one else.

Then he shot a tiny glance my waybarely thereand said, And about my relationship with Ophelia, thats all in your imagination. Nothing improper happened. Maybe I handled some things poorly and made her misunderstand.

Perfect. If I were just some shameless woman chasing him, maybe Id finally give up after that.

But Im not. Im his wife. And he just turned me into the other woman in front of an entire department.

At this point, I honestly just wanted to laugh. Everything felt like some sick joke.

I already knew he wouldnt stand with me but I didnt expect him to cut me off this fast, this clean.

And just like that, everyone who was starting to doubt things went right back to glaring at methis time even nastier, like I was some dirty homewrecker.

I sat there on the floor, head down, feeling blood drip from the wound on my waist.

When Conrad saw my empty, hopeless face, I saw him flinch just for a second.

He actually reached toward mehis hand moved.

But the moment he saw Estelle looking at him with tear-filled eyes he dropped it in silent surrender.

Ophelias POV

Finally, everyone else was cleared out of the room.

My wounds hadnt even been treated yet when I was sent to the CEOs office.

Maybe it was because I was blind, but his desk had a photo of him and Estelle hugging intimately, just out in the open.

Sunlight hit him, and his eyes looked impossibly gentle.

I forced myself to act normal, pulling my gaze away, but my chest ached in sharp, stabbing waves.

Once the secretary left, Conrad finally looked at me.

Just one look, and I saw a flicker of concern in his eyes.

Why didnt they take care of your wounds?

His voice softened, and he reached out carefully toward my injury.

I subtly moved away, without letting it show.

He bent his knuckles, explaining gently. What happened earlier Dont be upset. Estelles been in R&D for years, its not easy for her. The upcoming fragrance project depends on her, too. I had no choice in what I said. Once this is all settled, Ill make your identity public, okay?

His voice was as calm as always, but my throat felt clogged with cotton.

Looking at his face, I whispered, Conrad do you still remember what you said when I first handed you my fragrance?

He frowned and hesitated for a moment before replying, Of course, I remember. Its just recently, things at the company havent been easy. Today was a lot with the R&D department. For your own good, dont come to the office for now. Once things calm down, Ill reinstate your position.

My face was drained of color inch by inch. Even though my goal today was to resign, after seeing him so easily choose to give me up, it felt like being stabbed straight through the heart.

Over a decade of feelings felt like rotting flesh over a woundsomething I should have cut away long ago, but it still hurt like hell.

And Conrad had already forgotten the promises he made to me.

When I first handed him my fragrance, he had promised that no matter what, the credit would always be mine.

He wouldnt sell a single patent related to my fragrance.

But ever since Estelle joined the company, every fragrance I made had her name on it.

The man who once loved and protected me had long since changed.

I took a deep breath, shoved down the storm of emotions, and handed him the resignation papers.

He frowned as he took it. Is this also related to the fragrances? For now, let Estelle handle this part.

Before I could respond, a commotion erupted outside the door.

Sir! Somethings wrong! Miss Estelle has been taken away!

His face went pale, and he turned to run out of the office.

I grabbed his hand tight, my voice neutral. Sign first.

He glared at me, clearly not expecting me to do this at this time.

But with people urging outside, he finally shot me a look of disappointment, quickly signed, and rushed out.

I carefully tucked the resignation papers away, ready to leave, when Conrad suddenly spun me around and grabbed my wrist like he was trying to snap it off.

Dragging me forward, his voice cold as ice, he demanded, Ophelia, what the hell are you trying to do? The R&D team said Estelle left with some guy and didnt come backand that guy used your name!

I froze in shock. It wasnt me! I didnt!

His eyes burned red. That guy used your name. Just now, you even had a fight with Estelle. If it wasnt you, then who else? Who else would go through all that trouble just to frame a blind girl like you?

Before I could even explain, he shoved me to the floor in one brutal motion.

Youve got a problem with me? Fine, take it out on me. But why the hell are you attacking Estelle?!

I crashed hard again, this time my stomach hitting the floor. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through me instantly.

I screamed, trembling, reaching out. Conrad! Take me to the hospital! My stomach hurts so much!

When he saw the blood pooling beneath me, panic flashed in his eyes, and he scooped me up immediately.

Right then, the secretary came rushing in, phone in hand, mid-call.

Sir, weve located Miss Estelle, but the kidnappers say theyll only release her if Maam Ophelia comes in person

She hesitated, then, under Conrads red-hot stare, spilled everything.

They said only you could pay them. They wont release Miss Estelle unless you personally tell them to

Hearing that, Conrads face went completely dark. His eyes on me were ice-cold.

The secretary continued, Oh, and Miss Estelle isnt in good shape. Shes in shock, having trouble breathing. We sent doctors, but the kidnappers refused to let her get treated. At this rate it could

That was all it took. Conrad made up his mind.

He changed direction and started running toward the parking lot with me in his arms, telling the secretary to send the location.

I gritted my teeth against the pain, panicked. Conrad! Where are you taking me? I already told youI didnt send that guy! Just take me to a hospital for the babys sake, please!

I practically begged through tears.

But he ignored me completely, pressing harder on the gas.

All the way there, I pleaded, I explained, I screamed, I cursed. But he didnt care.

All I could do was feel the life inside me slipping away.

When we reached the abandoned factory, Conrads panic was palpable as he dragged me out.

Inside, the kidnapper had a knife to Estelles throat. She was gasping for air, her face frozen in terror.

Conrads eyes softened for a fraction, a flicker of pain, but when they landed on the kidnapper, they went cold again.

I brought her here. You can let Estelle go now, right?

The kidnapper sneered. How do I know youll keep your word? Heres the deal: you put that woman into the factory so I can talk with her. Dont worrythree minutes later, Estelle is yours.

Conrads brow furrowed hard. He gripped my hand, trembling, and I clutched my stomach, struggling with everything I had.

I didnt send this kidnapper. And now, he wants me inside the factory? This has got to be Estelles trap.

If I go in, Im done for.

I fought harder, my fear and rage fueling me.

Ophelias POV

Conrads eyes softened with concern, like he wanted to refuse, but the next second, the kidnappers knife grazed Estelles neck. She screamed sharply.

Conrad couldnt hold back anymore. Panicked, he shoved me toward the kidnapper, his gaze sharp and dangerous.

You better keep your promise!

The kidnapper laughed, loud and cruel, while Conrad slowly backed out of the factory.

Once he disappeared completely, Estelle slid the knife off her neck, a dazzling, wicked smile on her face. It was obviouseverything had been part of her plan.

Ophelia, she murmured, stepping close to my ear, now do you finally see your place? Compared to me, youre disposablea piece of trash that can be thrown away anytime.

She leaned even closer, her cold laugh brushing against me. If I want it, everything you have will be mine. Even the baby in your bellythats mine and Conrads.

Back when you were about to get married, she continued, Conrad and I drank all night. Your worthless mother showed up at the worst possible moment I could only crash her. You dont even know how pitiful her screams were.

Rage exploded inside me as she laughed like a maniac. This bitch actually dared to bring up my mother in front of me!

A crimson haze clouded my vision. I couldnt hold back anymore; I lunged at her, my teeth sinking into her throat.

It only took a secondher wound widened, and she screamed in sheer terror.

Conrad! Help! Ophelias trying to kill me!

Like a lightning bolt, Conrad shot in. His eyes went wide, fury splintering across his face at the scene before him.

The kidnapper was pinned to the ground by his bodyguards.

The secretary shouted, panic-stricken, Sir! Miss Estelle is in critical condition! Maam Ophelias injuries are serious, too! The medics can only save one first!

Conrads gaze locked on Estelle without hesitation. Save Estelle! he barked.

The next second, I felt like a rag dollhe yanked me off her and tossed me aside.

Estelle lay on the floor, eyes closed, soft and serene.

Conrad scooped her up effortlessly and walked away.

In a shadowed corner, Estelles eyes opened silently.

I win.

In the next second, pain surged through me, my stomach and heart both twisting painfully.

And then, I collapsed, unable to hold on anymore.

When I woke again, Conrad was at my bedside.

His eyes were dark and bloodshot, exhaustion written all over him. It was obvious he had been waiting for a long time.

Ophelia! Thank god youre finally awake! he said, gripping my hand tightly, relief flooding his voice.

Reflexively, I pulled my hand back and glared at him coldly.

His smile froze; he looked like someone had stuffed cotton in his chest.

Ophelia you attacked Estelle. I had to save the innocent first, he said, frowning.

I stared at him, a bitter laugh escaping. I told youthe kidnapper wasnt sent by me! Estelle set this up herself!

Disappointment darkened his eyes. Ophelia, I thought that even though youd changed, you were still at least kind. But now? Youve turned into a lying, cruel woman.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth, unable to speak a word.

The hospital room felt terrifyingly silent until his phone rang.

Estelles soft voice came through. Conrad didnt even look at me as he soothed her over the phone. When he hung up, he glanced at me coldly.

Take this time to calm down. We shouldnt see each other for a while. When its time for the new fragrance launch event, Ill come pick you up.

With that, he turned and left.

I watched his back, erasing every bit of love I had for him from my heart.

The next day, I deleted over a decade of memories with Conrad. On the bedroom desk, I left the divorce papers, the resignation papers, and the diagnosis proving my eyesight had returned.

From now on, Conrad and I would never cross paths again.