I Lost My Brilliance for Him, So I Found My Freedom in the Battlefield

My husband, August Carter, had an obsession with virgins.

When he sent his newest mistress, Wanda Yates, to me for yet another reconstruction surgery, he lifted my chin with a bank card. Fix this one and this card is yours. Whether to save your mother or not is your choice.

Clutching my heavily pregnant belly, I walked into the operating room.

After five years of marriage, I had performed ninety-nine reconstruction surgeries for his mistresses. Each time, he had a reason to threaten me.

Just as I put on my gloves, my water broke and I urgently called for my colleagues.

Before I could react, Wanda suddenly slammed the surgical cart into me. The violent impact sent me crashing to the ground and I lost consciousness.

By the time they got me to the delivery room, my baby had already suffocated inside my womb.

Later, when I finally regained consciousness, I heard Wanda's tearful voice drifting in from outside the ward.

"It's all my fault. I panicked and caused her labor complications. I never imagined her mother's condition would worsen and she'd pass away after hearing the news. August, she won't divorce you, will she?"

"She won't," August replied with absolute certainty.

"Wanda, I had this child with her solely for your heart transplant. Now that the baby is born, you just need to wait for the surgery."

Sadly, he still didn't know the child was gone.

It turned out that every time he accompanied me to prenatal checkups, it wasn't out of concern for the baby or me, but to verify the quality of his beloved's donor.

At this moment, I was completely awake.

When Julie Carter came to visit me, my gaze was resolute. I said, "I've repaid what I owed you. Let me leave in a week."

***

The day before my due date, I still had to perform a reconstruction surgery for August's mistress.

Because the last time I refused, he spread false news, which resulted in me being stripped of my clothes and pushed down the stairs by a family member involved in a medical dispute.

Now, he simply used my mother's surgery fees as blackmail. So, I had no choice but to comply.

Wanda lay on the operating table, tracing the mottled hickeys on her leg. "Guess what August did to me on that waterbed last night?"

That waterbed was something I had prepared for my unborn child.

On the day of delivery, August, unusually, glanced at it several times.

I thought he was finally starting to look forward to the child. In the end, he was planning to sleep on it with his mistress.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my belly. I realized my water had broken again, so I quickly informed my colleagues and got ready to leave.

"Dr. Yager!"

When I turned back, I saw Wanda abruptly release her grip. The cart struck my stomach hard and blood mixed with amniotic fluid pooled beneath me.

Then the door opened, but August stepped over me as if he didn't see me at all. Instead, he noticed Wanda's broken fingernail and asked with concern, "Does it hurt? How did you get it?"

"August," Wanda said tearfully, "Dr. Yager said I was dirty and refused to operate on me!"

That man's eyes turned cold. "Eleanor, what right do you have to talk about others?"

"I didn't." I shook my head with difficulty, "She pushed me "

"You're lying!" Wanda cried out, "August, she said if anything happened to the baby in my belly, you would never let me off the hook and then she ran into the operating table herself!"

The assistant beside her couldn't help but speak up. "Mr. Carter, it was Miss Yates who pushed "

"Shut up." August's frown silenced everyone. "Get out!"

Soon, only the three of us remained in the operating room.

"Bribing others to act with you," August said coldly, looking at me. "Eleanor, you're quite cunning."

"I didn't," I gasped, the contractions suddenly intensified. I quickly grabbed my husband's trouser leg, pleading, "Save the baby, please "

But he kicked my hand away. "You acted so well, but your due date is tomorrow. Who are you putting on this act for? Even if you gave birth now, I wouldn't give you a second glance!"

With that, he turned and pulled Wanda away. "She's made a mess of this place. Let's get another doctor."

"Isn't Dr. Yager's mother also hospitalized here? Should we tell her?" she asked.

"You're so kind," he replied, his tone was both helpless and indulgent. "Whatever you say."

"No!" I struggled to crawl forward.

My mother had been seriously ill for many years and couldn't handle any shocks. Unfortunately, they had already reached the exit.

The door shut with a heavy thud and darkness swallowed my last shred of consciousness.

By the time I awoke again, the baby had died because he suffocated due to delayed rescue, my mother had passed away suddenly upon hearing the news of the difficult birth and August had stated with his own words that he only saw our child as a heart donor for Wanda.

I was utterly heartbroken, so I made a phone call.

"Dr. Lockhe, I agree to join your team." My voice was soft but firm. "But I need you to erase all of my traces."

The man on the other end did not hesitate. "No problem. Give me one week."

"Then I will see you in a week," I replied.

When Julie arrived, I showed her the hallway security footage. Her face was ashen as she listened to the conversation between August and Wanda.

After a long pause, she sighed deeply. "If it hadn't been for that past incident, you and August might have "

She stopped, then continued, "It is my family who has wronged you, Eleanor. What do you want?"

"I want to leave." I coldly interrupted her, "I've repaid what I owed you, now let me go."

After seeing the elder lady off, I walked back in a daze. From around the corner came the admiring voices of young nurses.

"Miss Yates is so lucky. Just a minor reconstructive surgery and her boyfriend has booked the entire VIP floor to be with her every step of the way!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" the older nurse scolded. "That's Dr. Yager's husband!"

The young nurse gasped. "Dr. Yager just lost her child and her husband is already so high and mighty with his mistress!"

"It's worse," the older nurse said indignantly. "He personally picks up her medication three times a day, passing Dr. Yager's room each time, yet he's never once gone inside!"

I walked past expressionlessly, but my feet involuntarily turned towards the elevator.

In the top-floor ward, I could see Wanda coquettishly hand her half-eaten mousse to August.

I remembered clearly that he had severe mysophobia. Once, just because I tasted a bite while cooking, he disgustedly threw away the entire table of food. Yet now, he naturally took the spoon Wanda had used and finished the mousse she had left behind.

I took all of this in, but felt nothing inside except numbness.

"Dr. Yager, what are you doing here?" The nurse's voice rang out abruptly.

Startled, Wanda began to cough. August hurriedly patted her back. "Apologize," he said unpleasantly.

The nurse quickly said, "I'm sorry! I "

"I wasn't talking to you," he interrupted with a dark expression. "Eleanor, you scared Wanda. Apologize!"

A strange flicker passed through August's eyes and his frown deepened. As his lips parted slightly, Wanda suddenly cut in, "It's not Dr. Yager's fault. I'm just too clumsy."

The wrinkles between August's brows instantly smoothed out. He gently pinched her nose, "You really are a little fool."

I was about to leave when I was called back.

"Don't run around right after giving birth," he said with a hint of disgust. "If you're so healthy, take the baby home as soon as possible."

The nurse hesitated. "But your baby "

"I know," I interrupted her, leaving without looking back.

At dawn two days later, I went through the discharge procedures alone.

When I returned, the house was empty. I gently pushed open a door and the warm colors instantly brightened my vision.

Every detail in this nursery was arranged by my own hands. Beige wallpaper, cloud-shaped chandeliereverything was exactly what August and I had dreamed of.

Back then, we were crammed into my rented apartment and he twirled a strand of my hair and said, "From now on, our home will be decorated entirely in the warm colors you love."

But later, our home became as cold as a tomb.

In this entire house, only this room retained a trace of warmth.

Now, the once cozy nursery was a mess. A glaring lace bra lay on the waterbed and curly long hairs were tangled on a little cat-eared hat. The scent of intimacy lingered heavily in the air.

My stomach churned, so I rushed into the bathroom and threw up violently.

After washing my face, I threw away the waterbed and packed the baby's things.

"Just give Mommy four more days, baby," I whispered, burying my face in a soft yellow onesie. "Mommy will take you away from here and we'll never come back."

As dawn broke, a fragrant aroma wafted in.

Following the scent into the kitchen, I saw August standing at the stove, an apron tied around his waist.

He used to despise the smell of oil and smoke. Back then, if my cooking left even a hint of scent, he wouldn't let me sit at the same table.

Yet now he was fully focused on the stove, with several failed pots of soup lined up beside him.

When he saw me, his eyes immediately lit up. "You're just in time! Come try this!"

I walked over as if possessed and took a taste from the spoon he held out to my lips.

The flavor was very ordinary, but it warmed me up completely.

This soup was my mother's specialty, a taste of home I had mentioned to August many times.

"It's delicious," I heard myself say.

"That's wonderful!" he exclaimed with relief. "Wanda said she wanted this soup yesterday and I failed several times, almost disappointing her."

My body instantly turned cold and the soup I swallowed felt like a lump in my throat.

August was in high spirits, casually asking while sprinkling scallions, "Where's the child?"

I lowered my eyes. "At Grandma's."

Before he could say anything more, I had already walked away to get a document.

August raised an eyebrow. "Bringing up the child to ask for a reward again? What do you want to buy this time?"

"A burial plot," I said calmly. "Please sign this."

He paused, his tone unusually gentle. "So you know about your mother's passing? Where did you choose for the burial plot?"

As he spoke, he took the document and started to open it. I was about to stop him when his phone rang.

Later, Wanda's sweet, coquettish voice came through. "August, have you left yet?"

"Right away," August replied, a smile in his eyes. "Miss me?"

He flirted with her while mouthing, "We'll talk about it when I get back."

"No," I grabbed his wrist. "Sign it now."

August's face darkened. "Don't push your luck!"

He was always cautious, meticulously reviewing documents before signing and my insistence went against his principles.

In the past, I would have apologized immediately. But this time, I stubbornly refused to let go.

We locked eyes for a long moment until Wanda's voice sounded again. "August?"

Her single prompt made him compromise instantly. For the first time, he didn't read a single word and signed hastily.

"Satisfied?" that man sneered. He threw the document at me, packed up the soup and slammed the door as he left.

I clutched the document tightly and slowly crouched down. In truth, Julie had already helped me arrange my mother's funeral affairs. What he had just signed was our divorce agreement.

A long time later, my phone vibrated.

A post from Wanda popped up. [I just mentioned it casually and the next day, someone made it happen for me!]

The accompanying photo was that very bowl of soup. The first instant like came from August, someone who rarely checked social media and had never once liked any of my posts.

Just as I was about to swipe away, Julie's message popped up. [Eleanor, today is the day of the child's cremation. Do you need me to pick you up?]

I declined her offer and drove to the crematorium.

Seeing that I was alone, the old lady asked, "Where's August?"

I shook my head. "I didn't tell him."

The baby was my child and had nothing to do with August. In three days, I would also have no further connection to him.

The old lady was furious. "This is his child, too! Didn't he even ask about it once?"

She took out her phone to call August, but couldn't get through. Meanwhile, my phone buzzed.

August texted me. [Why is Grandma calling me? Did you complain to her again?]

In our chat history, which contained 19,277 messages I had sent him over five years, he had replied only 82 times. This was the first message he had ever initiated and it was to blame me.

Subsequently, his messages popped up one after another.

[If Grandma causes trouble for Wanda, I won't let you off the hook.]

[I was just helping Wanda out.]

[If you want soup, I'll make it for you later.]

[Stop making a scene.]

I pressed the power button quietly, expressionless.

Soon, a staff member walked over and asked, "Are the two of you ready?"

My throat felt tight, but I nodded.

The moment the child was placed into the cremation furnace, my phone suddenly began buzzing incessantly.

It was a call from August.

My finger hovered over the 'end call' button for a long while, yet it never quite fell. In the end, I still answered the phone.

"What are you doing?" August demanded bluntly.

"Why did it take you so long to answer the phone? Why didn't you reply to my messages? What trick are you trying to pull now?"

He was used to me being available 24/7instantly replying, instantly answering, always on call. That was why this single abnormality prompted him to call me and demand an explanation. Still, I had no time for him now.

I stared at the slowly closing incinerator, unable to hold back my sobs.

"Eleanor, what's wrong?" August's tone was urgent. "Speak!"

Right at that moment, a staff member pressed the ignition button. Flames leaped up, instantly engulfing the small body.

Simultaneously, Wanda's excited shriek came through from the other end of the phone. "She gave birth! August, Bella gave birth!"

The next second, the call was ruthlessly disconnected.

Not long after, August posted a rare update. The accompanying picture was of a puppy wearing a longevity lock. [A new life has arrived. Hope you like this gift.]

I stared at the message, speechless for a long time.

While my child was being cremated, he was accompanying Wanda, welcoming a new life. He prepared a longevity lock for her dog, yet he never once thought to give our own child a name.

Actually, I felt no anger or pain as I had imagined. Five years of hardship had long since exhausted all my expectations of him.

When I returned home carrying the small urn of ashes, August was already back. He sat on the sofa without looking up. "Where did you go?"

"The crematorium," I said hoarsely.

That man quickly frowned and stood up. "Why didn't you tell me?"

He had clearly misunderstood, thinking it was my mother who was being cremated today. But I didn't explain, my gaze falling on the suitcase beside the sofa.

August noticed my gaze and suddenly became somewhat uneasy. "Wanda just had her nails done and isn't feeling well, so I brought her and the puppy over. Could you help look after them?"

A wave of pent-up exhaustion washed over me.

Just as I was about to refuse, the nursery door suddenly opened. Wanda came out carrying a small white puppy. "The little guy's sleeping so soundly in there!"

She stopped beside August, acting every inch the lady of the house.

I stared at August and asked, "You let her dog stay in the nursery?"

His eyes shifted away momentarily. "Well, since the baby is over at Grandma's place, the room was just sitting empty anyway."

I watched him in silence for a while. In the end, I uttered only one word: "Whatever."

August pursed her lips. "Bella's baby was born just a few days apart from that child. They can grow up together."

Unfortunately, my child would not have the chance to grow up.

Just then, Bella suddenly barked wildly at me.

"Oh dear!" Wanda looked at August in a panic. "Bella never barks without reason! It's the most sensitive dog. Dr. Yager must have brought back something dirty from the crematorium and scared her!"

My heart suddenly clenched and I instinctively hugged the urn tighter.

"Dr. Yager!" Wanda suddenly knelt. "I know you're very unhappy about me staying here without your permission and I know you hate me because August favors me. But Bella is like family to me. Please, let her go!"

"Wanda!" August immediately pulled her up, turning to glare at me. "Eleanor, how could you be so vicious?"

I looked at them coldly, finding it all absurd. "I didn't even know she would move in. How could I harm her dog?"

August sneered, "Then what are you holding in your hand?"

I bit my lip hard. The murderer who killed my child didn't deserve to know.

In the stalemate, Wanda hugged August's arm. "Maybe we misunderstood Dr. Yager. Let's not talk about this. I'm just panicking. Will you sleep with me tonight?"

"Of course," he replied, planting a kiss on her forehead before turning back to me, his voice cold. "Don't disturb us."

The first time he brought a woman home, I cried and asked him why he betrayed me.

In response, he threw the medical bill, which Julie had paid for my mother, right in my face. "You betrayed me first," he shouted.

After that, he only grew worse, even barging into the master bedroom in the middle of the night with other women and forcing me out. My initial pain and resentment slowly faded into numbness over time.

Only this time, I genuinely wanted to leave.

Late at night, the guest room door was suddenly pushed open. August stood in the shadows. "Wanda was terrified. Give her your warm jade."

The warm jade he mentioned was pressed against my chest.

Six years ago, after August's mother took her own life, he ran away from home and spent half a year in despair inside the tiny apartment I rented.

I shouldered all our expenses, including my mother's medical bills. Besides my internship at the hospital, I worked three other jobs, until one day I collapsed from exhaustion in the bathroom.

August held me and cried all night. The very next day, he took off the jade pendant he had never removed from his neck and gave it to me. He told me it was a protective talisman his mother had gotten for him.

That woman had jumped from a building because of her husband's endless betrayals. Now, he wanted it back for the woman he was cheating on me with.

I calmly took off the jade and handed it to him.

He didn't take it; instead, he went to my bedside. He swallowed slightly. "I'll give it back to you when Wanda sleeps better."

"It's yours. She should keep it," I said, pressing the jade into his hand before turning my back to him.

August was silent for a long moment, then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Eleanor, what's really wrong with you?"

Just then, a crisp cracking sound suddenly came from the nursery. This was immediately followed by Wanda's shriek, "Bella!"

August and I rushed over to find a mess of fragments scattered all over the floor. At that time, Wanda was holding 'Bella' and comforting her.

August quickly asked, "Wanda, why did you come down?"

"You were gone so long, I got scared," she said with a sob in her voice. "I'm so sorry "

I bent down and picked up a fragment shaped like a wing.

After I fell ill back then, August had pulled himself together and gone out to find a job. With his first month's salary, he had personally made me a clay figurine of a little angel wearing a white coat.

"Look, it looks just like you," he had said, holding it next to my cheek, his eyes brimming with tenderness. "My angel in white."

But later, the only value this 'angel in white' had was to perform reconstruction surgeries for his mistress.

Last night, after much hesitation, I finally put this clay figurine deep inside a cabinet.

I looked at Wanda, not missing the unconcealed triumph in her eyes. I knew she had done this on purpose, but I didn't care anymore.

August walked over, his expression darkening instantly. "How did this get here?"

Wanda immediately put on a pitiful look. "Was it something important? It's all my fault for not watching Bella closely enough."

"How could it be your fault?" August quickly stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. "It's just a useless ornament. The important thing is that you and Bella are okay."

Yes, once the feelings are gone, what's left behind naturally becomes useless.

I then placed the wing-shaped fragment back on the floor. As soon as I stood up, I heard August command. "Clean this up."

I silently went to get a broom.

"Stop!" His voice suddenly rose sharply. "What do you think you're doing?"

I looked at him, bewildered. "Didn't you tell me to clean it up?"

Surprisingly, that man frowned. "How can you sweep it up like that if we're going to have it repaired?"

I shook my head. "It's shattered beyond repair. There's no point."

August's face grew even more grim. He stared intently at me, clearly not expecting my indifference towards this clay figure he once cherished.

My unusual behavior unsettled him. Yet, he remained convinced that I would not leave him, especially now that we had a child.

He looked at me deeply and said, "Fine, do as you please."

Then he coldly ordered, "Wanda didn't eat well at dinner. After you're done cleaning up, go buy her a mango cake."

I didn't even lift my eyelids. "I'm not going."

A deathly silence instantly filled the air.

August said eerily, "After your mother passed away, the hospital sent her belongings to me."

My head snapped up to look at him.

Getting the reaction he wanted, he curled his lips in a satisfied smile. "If you want them back, go buy that cake for Wanda now."

After stepping out of the room, I leaned against the wall for a long while.

Just like the ninety-nine times before, he always knew how to find my weakness and exploit it.

When my mother was alive, he used her surgery fees to threaten me. Now that she was gone, he was still using her belongings against me!

The hatred burned like a wildfire in my heart.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my breathing. However, I knew that soon, I would no longer be subjected to August's threats.

Luckily, I knew a store that was still open at this hour. The only problem was that I had rushed out too quickly and forgotten my key.

The late autumn night wind was piercingly cold. I pressed the doorbell repeatedly from the outside while holding the box.

Once, twice, three times ...

Still, no one answered.

Just as I was about to turn and leave, the intercom system emitted a sharp beep. Immediately after, the sound of two people's hurried, heavy breathing came through clearly.

"Ugh, August, wait a moment!" Wanda's voice was sugary sweet. "The doorbell's ringing. I should go let Doctor Yager in."

"Don't bother with her." August's voice was hoarse. "Who told her to forget her keys?"

"But she went out to buy cake for me," Wanda said with feigned sympathy. "It's so cold out there and she just had a baby. Her body must be weak "

"She's weak, you said?" August sneered. "She puts on that act of not caring about anything all day long. Isn't she supposed to be so strong?"

"I've been too kind to her lately, leading her to believe that just because she had a child, she can give me attitude!"

The passion in his voice had vanished, replaced by a cold tone. "Just let her stand outside in the wind. It'll be a good way to sober her up."

"You're so mean!" Wanda's voice grew even sweeter. "You wouldn't treat me like this in the future, would you?"

August gave a low chuckle, his tone becoming intimate and husky. "You're different. You, my little fool, are truly delicate. Without me to take care of you, your life would be a mess. How could I ever bear to treat you that way?"

I listened quietly until the intercom system clicked off.

History repeated itself, but I no longer felt heartbroken. It was as if a wound that had been repeatedly torn open had finally become completely dead and numb.

The reason I knew a shop was open at this hour was precisely that it had happened before.

That time, to buy a cake for his mistress, I searched from the south to the north of the city at two in the dead of winter. When I got back, I couldn't get in, so I rang the doorbell for an hour in the cold wind. Finally, I spent the night curled up in the garage, developing pneumonia from a high fever.

Back then, his mistress was a college student facing final exams. Afraid I might infect her, he locked me in my room for an entire week and wouldn't even let me go to the hospital. From then on, I developed a chronic illness.

Actually, I knew he heard the doorbell ring that time, too. He was just busy with his affair, too lazy to open the door for me and didn't care if I caught a cold.

In the past, I always clung to the hope that one day he would see my grievances and my endurance. This time, I held no more expectations for him.

However, it was already 4 a.m. Only two more days until my freedom.

I placed the cake box by the door, then turned and walked away without the slightest hesitation.

The next day, August opened the door with a furrowed brow. "Where were you last night?"

I looked at the untouched cake at the doorway. "I couldn't get in, so I spent the night in the hospital duty room."

"Do you really think I'd believe that?" He squinted his eyes. "If you don't want to come home, then don't come back at all. Wanda likes the master bedroom anyway, so you can move out today."

"Okay," I answered decisively.

August's frown deepened almost imperceptibly. After a pause, he picked up the cake from the floor and shoved it into my hands. "Wanda and I are going out. You can have this."

After they left, I threw the cake into the trash bin.

Walking into the master bedroom, my gaze swept over the wedding photo on the wall.

Six years ago, August had pointed at a mermaid-style wedding dress in a shop window and said, "Baby, you'll look so beautiful in that I can't take my eyes off you."

So, when we took our wedding photos, I deliberately chose that style. Sadly, the groom didn't look at me once.

I took a deep breath and put down the photo frame. Since I had decided to leave, I wouldn't leave a single trace behind.

After packing up, I went out with the divorce papers.

When I returned in the evening, August kicked the trash bin right in front of me. "What do you mean by this?" he demanded coldly.

I glanced at the cake, spilt all over the floor and said calmly, "I'm allergic to mango."

"How would I not kn " August's words cut off abruptly and his pupils widened sharply.

At this point, he suddenly remembered.

Once, when I accidentally ate a mango, he had carried me on his back, rushing through the rainy night for three blocks.

While waiting for me to get my stomach pumped, his face was more frightening than mine, the patient's.

It's just that he hadn't cared for so long that he had forgotten.

August took a deep breath and asked again, "Where's the wedding photo?"

"I took it down."

"Why?"

"Doesn't Wanda want to sleep in the master bedroom?" I retorted calmly. "Wouldn't she feel uncomfortable seeing it?"

His expression grew complicated. "You didn't need to go that far."

The corner of my lips couldn't help but curl into a mocking smile. What things hadn't he forced me to do that were far worse than taking down a wedding photo?

Just then, the TV suddenly broadcast an entertainment news segment. "The president of the Carter Enterprise has booked the cross-sea bridge to host a grand fashion show celebrating the birthday of an unknown model, sparking speculation about their relationship."

He stood up abruptly. "Don't listen to that nonsense. It was just Wanda's birthday wish."

"Birthday wish?" I questioned, my eyelashes trembling slightly. "Then do you still remember the wish you made on my birthday?"

Six years ago, on my birthday, we could only afford a discounted cake nearing its expiration date.

When I blew out the candles, he borrowed a wish from me. "From now on, every year, August Carter will throw Eleanor Yager the grandest birthday party ever!"

But for the next five years, he never celebrated my birthday with me again.

Hence, birthday wishes really don't come true if you say them aloud.

"What?"

Looking into his bewildered eyes, I suddenly felt utterly exhausted. "Nothing."

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. "You should come tomorrow too. Consider it a chance to relax."

I found it bitterly ironic. August had forgotten the promise he made to me, yet he wanted me to witness him fulfill it for someone else.

I smiled wryly and pulled my hand back forcefully. "That's unnecessary."

Alas, he wouldn't accept my refusal. "It's settled."

The next afternoon, the stylists arrived right on time. I let them doll me up like a puppet.

After all, once tonight was over, everything would end.

When I arrived at the cross-sea bridge, it was already dark, yet the bridge was as bright as day.

My phone vibrated, so I moved away from the crowd to a quiet corner.

"Your information and traces have all been wiped clean," Dr. Lockhe said, his voice was deep and sharp. "Come directly to the south parking lot when you're done."

"Thank you." I suddenly felt a long-lost sense of excitement.

"You're welcome," Adrian Lockhe chuckled lightly. "See you there."

Just as I hung up the phone, August's cold voice suddenly rang out behind me. "Who are you agreeing to 'see there' with?"

My back stiffened and I slowly turned around. I tried my best to keep my voice steady as I said, "I have a follow-up appointment."

August's gaze was piercing, making sweat almost bead on my forehead. "Troublesome," he urged impatiently, "Hurry up, the show's about to start."

Wanda was just an unknown model, yet tonight she was the center of attention. Thanks to August's devotion, the cross-sea bridge was closed for her and the industry's elite gathered in her honor.

That girl made her grand entrance in a haute couture gown, her smile radiant and dazzling. Then, August stepped onto the stage and tenderly placed a priceless necklace around her neck.

Whispered discussions rustled from behind me.

"Mr. Carter is really devoted to Miss Yates!"

"Shh! Mrs. Carter is here!"

"Why is she here, too? Isn't she embarrassed?"

"I heard she just had a baby. Isn't this a slap in the face?"

"So what if she had a baby? She's still not favored!"

If this were the past, those words would have cut me to the bone, but now I listened indifferently, just hoping the event would end quickly.

"Dr. Yager, you really have plenty of free time!" someone called me out.

Soon, Wanda appeared behind me. Her voice dripped with triumphant smugness. "August never threw a show like this for you, did he?"

I gave a faint nod, but she scorned at me instead, "Don't pretend it doesn't matter. August couldn't care less."

Afterward, she instantly lowered her voice. "He doesn't care about you or your child."

My hand clenched the railing so hard my knuckles turned white. I no longer cared about August, but my child was my bottom line.

"Don't you dare mention him," I warned coldly.

Too bad, Wanda only grew more aggressive. "Not only will I mention him, but in the future I will also

She then laughed maliciously, "Care to guess?"

Slap!

A resounding slap landed across her face.

So many cameras flash at once to capture the moment and the surroundings fall abruptly silent.

In the next second, August rushed over to shield Wanda. "Eleanor! Have you lost your mind?"

"I warned her not to mention my child," I replied coldly.

He frowned, lowering his voice. "Apologize to her immediately. She's not like you; she's a public figure. Her reputation matters."

I stared straight at him. "So, for the sake of a reputation everyone knows belongs to a mistress, you can sacrifice me?"

The crowd erupted in an uproar, whispers rising around us.

Wanda gritted her teeth in hatred. Her eyes shifted and she suddenly clutched her chest. "August, my heart it hurts so much."

August immediately panicked. "Don't worry, I'll take you to the hospital right away!"

He turned and ordered his assistant, "Go bring the child!"

After the car drove for a while, he suddenly felt something was wrong. When he told them to bring the child, I only looked at him quietly and didn't try to stop them.

A sense of unease, stronger than ever, gripped him. He couldn't help but yell, "Turn around!"

The driver froze, hesitating, "Mr. Carter, aren't we taking Miss Yates to the hospital?"

"August, what's wrong?" Wanda asked in a weak voice.

That man gritted his teeth. "Stop the car. Take her to the hospital first."

With that, he leaped out of the car and sprinted toward the cross-sea bridge. But when he returned, breathless and panting, I was nowhere to be seen on the bridge.

Just then, his phone rang.

"August, the person you sent to pick up the child has arrived."

"Grandma?" He grabbed onto the call like it was his lifeline. "Do you know where Eleanor is?"

"I don't know," Julie's voice sounded weary. "What I need to tell you is that child ... was gone from the moment it was born."

In the south parking lot, a black car had been waiting for a long time.

I looked back once at the brilliantly lit cross-sea bridge, then got into the car without a second thought.

The engine roared to life, carrying me away as I completely said goodbye to the past.