He Married Her to Bear Her Sister's Child

On their fifth wedding anniversary, after ninety-nine rounds of IVF, Cordelia was finally pregnant.

But the doctor said her uterine lining was too thin; she needed to be hospitalized to keep the baby safe.

She went home, ready to talk to Hendrix McQuillen about it, when she heard teasing voices drifting out of his study.

Bro, you really cant get enough of sleeping around, huh? Planning to reward Cordelia with a baby?

Yeah, seriously, bro, didnt you fake her infertility test results and make her go through all those IVF cycles for nothing?

Now that shes carrying your child, dont tell me youre actually falling for her?

Hendrixs side profile looked sharp and intense, and he twisted his lips in a mocking smile.

Of course not. Im doing it for the inheritance. Grandpa said as long as Cordelia gets pregnant, Ill be named heir of the family.

Ive only ever loved Maya. If I hadnt slipped up that night and slept with Cordelia when I drugged her, Grandpa never wouldve forced me to marry her.

Besides, Mayas afraid of pain. So Im just borrowing Cordelias body. Ill let her bear a child for me and Maya.

Every word stabbed straight into Cordelias ears, drenching her like a bucket of ice water.

She felt herself plummet into a frozen pit, her lungs twisting with every breath.

Five years ago, at her own birthday party, she had been drugged and ended up in a blurry, accidental night with him.

The next morning, Maya, the illegitimate daughter of Cordelias father, had burst into the room with a crowd of guests, accusing her of seducing him.

Everyone knew Cordelia had loved Hendrix for years, but she couldnt defend herself.

Sebastian, his grandfather, then used the pre-arranged engagement between the two families as an excuse, forcing Hendrix to marry Cordelia.

At the time, the McQuillens had just brought home another illegitimate childAngus.

Desperate for power, Hendrix didnt dare defy his grandfather.

And Cordelia, who had loved him for so long, agreed to this arrangement.

After the wedding, he changed completely, caring for her meticulously.

She loved pink diamonds; he bought countless pink diamonds for her at auctions.

When she caught a simple fever, he mobilized a private jet to bring top specialists from Switzerland.

She hated rainy days; whenever it rained, he canceled everything and took her out of the city to escape the rain.

He even hired foreign experts to treat her mother, who had fallen into a coma.

Over the years, just the medical bills had cost tens of millions

When Cordelia asked for the stars, Hendrix practically handed her the moon.

She truly believed he loved her, too. So when she found out she was infertile, she followed his advice and began IVF.

After going through ninety-nine cycles, countless injections, and hundreds of pills, she finally conceived

What she could never expect was that not only did Hendrix never love her. He didnt even see her as human.

He used IVF to torture her and wanted her to have a child for him and Maya!

All color drained from Cordelias face as her entire body trembled uncontrollably.

Suddenly, someone inside reminded him. Bro, you better never let Cordelia know that the baby shes carrying is actually yours and Mayas. Or that Maya is the one who made Cordelias mom fall into a coma. She will definitely lose it.

Hendrix let out a soft, dismissive laugh. Cordelia is obsessed with me. Even if she learns the truth, shell still willingly give birth to this child for me.

Besides, Maya only pushed Helene a little. Helene lost her balance and fell down the stairs herself

All these years, Ive spent tens of millions on her medical bills. Even if Maya was at fault, the debts already been paid a long time ago.

Cordelias pupils trembled, and her whole body felt as if her blood was boiling.

It turned out, her mom didnt end up in a coma because of an accident. Maya did it!

And Hendrix had known everything the whole time!

Inside the study, laughter and cheerful voices filled the room.

In contrast, Cordelia felt as if her heart were being cut with knives, pain making it hard to breathe, tears falling like broken strings of pearls from the corners of her eyes.

The laughter inside the study kept going.

Cordelia couldnt think. She didnt even remember walking back to her room.

She had liked Hendrix since she was seventeen, and it had already been ten full years.

On their wedding day, she was certain shed chosen the right man.

And after they married, he treated her so tenderly.

She had thought they would be together for life.

But now, she knew the truthall of it had been lies.

Memories crashed over her, one after another, until she broke down completely. She buried her face in the blankets and sobbed like a child.

She did not know how much time had passed before her tears finally dried, and her heart had become numb from the pain.

This grand and splendid dream she had lived for five years Now, it was time to wake up.

She wiped her face roughly, grabbed her phone, and decisively booked an abortion.

That night, she was already lying on the operating table.

She touched her still-flat belly, her eyes quickly reddening, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.

Baby Im sorry.

To her, a baby was supposed to come from love.

She didnt want to abort it, but she could not be a surrogate for Hendrix and Maya.

The doctor was about to give her anesthesia when the door of the operating room flew open.

A group of bodyguards walked in. The one in front said, Maam, our boss wants to see you. Please come with us.

Before she could refuse, they escorted her out.

Thirty minutes later, she was pushed into the presidential suite of the Peninsula Hotel.

A tall, upright man stood sideways by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking.

Hearing the noise, he immediately stubbed out his cigarette but did not turn around. In a hoarse and deep voice, he began, Youre here.

The voice sounded familiar, but she couldnt place it.

She asked directly. Who are you? And why did you have these men drag me here?

He let out a quiet, almost amused breath at her question. Who I am isnt the point. What matters is that the baby youre carrying is mine. And Im not letting you abort it.

Cordelia sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes full of disbelief. Im pregnant with Hendrix and Mayas kid. How the hell would it be yours?

He did not explain, only speaking bluntl, If you give birth to that child, I will cover your mothers medical expenses and even hire foreign neurospecialists to operate on her.

Cordelia refused without hesitation. No. Im not having this baby!

You sure? he taunted. Once Hendrix finds out you got rid of that child, hell pull your mom out of the hospital that same day. I bet hell use her to force you into carrying another kid for him and Maya.

Cordelia stiffened all over, unable to speak another word of refusal.

That man was right. If Hendrix knew she had aborted the child, he certainly would not let it go.

But

She bit her lip, watching the mysterious man in front of her warily. You wont even tell me who you are. Why should I trust you?

The man laughed softly, his tone filled with the certainty of someone in complete control. Cordelia, you dont get to choose.

Her face drained of color, her fingertips going cold.

He was right. She didnt have a choice.

If she refused him, shed end up as a surrogate for Hendrix and Maya, spending the rest of her life trapped under their shadow.

So, she could only give birth to this child.

Thinking this through, she quickly made a decision. I can give birth to this child, but I have one condition.

The man nodded slightly. Go ahead.

Cordelia blurted out, I want Hendrix ruined completely. And I want Maya in prison!

Hendrix had played her like a fool, and Maya was the reason Helene ended up in a coma. Cordelia wasnt going to let any of that go.

The man seemed to have anticipated her request. He agreed without hesitation. As you wish.

His voice had a strange, persuasive calm to itan oddly reassuring presence.

Cordelias heart finally steadied a little. She wanted to ask who he really was, but his long, slender fingers made a small motion as he ordered the bodyguards in a cold voice, Take her home. Drive carefully.

It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. He lowered his voice and said, Dont worry. When the time is right, Ill tell you who I am.

Cordelia immediately asked, When?

A week from now, he replied. At the wedding anniversary party you and Hendrix are hosting, Ill make sure everyone sees who he really is.

On the way back, Hendrix called her. She didnt want to talk to him, so she hung up immediately.

A moment later, a Telegram message came in. [Della, its late. Why arent you home yet? Do you want me to come pick you up?]

Cordelia bit her lip, her face completely bloodless.

If this were before, she wouldve been touched.

But now

Forget it. Since he loved to put on an act, she would play along.

After all, there was still one week left, and everything would be over.

The moment she stepped into the villa, Hendrix hurried over and grabbed her hand, his voice worried. Della, where were you? Why are you home so late?

Cordelia pulled her hand back and lied casually. A friend was feeling down, so I stayed and talked with her a little longer.

Hendrix didnt question it. He just nodded, then noticed her swollen eyes. His brows immediately drew together, and he asked, You were crying?

His blue eyes were full of what looked like deep concernan illusion of tenderness.

Cordelia froze for a second before denying it instinctively. I didnt.

Hendrix obviously didnt believe her and was about to keep pressing, but his phone suddenly rang.

He instinctively tilted the screen away from her, but Cordelia still caught a glimpse of the caller ID.

It was Maya.

Hendrix turned away to answer the call. Okay, dont worry. Im leaving now.

When he hung up, he told her, Theres something urgent at the company. I have to go.

He had used that excuse countless times.

Once, Cordelia wouldve just felt sorry he had to work so hard.

Now, she finally understoodit was all lies.

A quiet laugh slipped out of her, but it didnt reach her eyes. Her face was full of mockery.

For five years, she had been nothing but a joke.

Lost in thought, she didnt notice Hendrix coming closer until he leaned down, trying to kiss her.

She immediately turned her head away to avoid it. Dont you have to go to the office? Go on.

Hendrix stiffened. She was acting strangely tonight.

But Maya was waiting for him, so he didnt think too deeply. He just nodded. Then rest early. Ill come back and keep you company after I finish.

With that, he left in a hurry.

Watching him walk away without hesitation, Cordelia felt tears surge up again.

So, loving someone could really be an act.

Not long later, she saw Mayas new post on her Instagram Story.

[Anytime I need you, youre always there. Thank you for giving me a sense of safety]

The attached photo was a candid shot of Hendrix driving, his lips curved in a gentle smile.

Within minutes, a mutual friend commented. [Wow, Maya, are you in love? Your boyfriend is so handsome!]

Maya replied. [Hes not my boyfriend. Hes my brother-in-law!]

So two-faced.

She was basically publicizing their romance.

Had they counted on her being pregnant, so they had gotten this bold?

Cordelia bit her lips tightly, clenching her phone until her hand went numb before releasing it.

All her sweet memories with Hendrix flashed across her mind like a cruel slideshow.

Her heart felt as if being cut with blunt knives, pain making it impossible to breathe.

That night, she was almost sleepless until she drifted off in a daze at dawn.

She didnt know how long she slept before she heard noise downstairs.

Moments later, Maya pushed open her bedroom door and walked in.

Della, Dad heard youre pregnant. He asked me to bring you some supplements.

Cordelia stared at that fake and innocent face, her expression went cold. Get out! Youre not welcome here!

Unlike their usual back-and-forth arguments, Maya just pouted and nodded. If my sister doesnt want me here, Ill get going now.

She had just turned around when Hendrix stepped in to block her.

Della. His tone was displeased. Maya came all the way here to see you. What kind of attitude is that? Apologize!

Cordelia scowled angrily. No wonder Maya had been so well-behaved just now; it turned out she was playing the wounded-strategy act!

Too bad for her, Cordelia wasnt buying it.

I didnt do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?

Hendrixs brows tightened slightly. This was the first time Cordelia had ever talked back to him.

Before, no matter what he said, she always responded with that mild, easygoing temper.

As he thought about that, his expression darkened, and his voice grew colder.

Hey, did you eat something explosive today? Why are you speaking so harshly?

The anger burning in Cordelias chest made it hard to breathe. She was about to speak when Maya cut in.

Hendrix, my sisters pregnant. Its normal for her to be a little moody.

Her gaze slid to Cordelias still-flat stomach. She tugged at the corner of her lips in a barely-there smirkone full of meaning.

Hendrix, dont argue with her because of me. After all, the baby shes carrying is yours!

At those words, some of the tension left Hendrixs face. He turned to Cordelia, saying, If youre not feeling well, then rest a little longer. Once dinner is ready, Ill have the housekeeper call you.

Mayas here for the first time. Ill show her around.

With that, he turned and left with Maya.

Right before the door closed, Maya shot Cordelia a bold, triumphant smile.

Cordelia took a few long breaths, forcing herself to calm down. Then she printed out the divorce papers. Shed find the right moment to get Hendrixs signature.

At the dining table, Maya was there, too.

Cordelia immediately noticed the table was covered with all of Mayas favorite dishes.

There was no need to ask; clearly, Hendrix had told the chef.

Cordelia barely had an appetite to begin with. Seeing this, she turned to leave.

Suddenly, Maya spoke in a fake-sweet, mocking tone.

Della, Hendrix asked the kitchen to make all this delicious food just for you. You should eat at least a little!

Cordelia let out a cold laugh. Yeah. Youd better not waste your dear brother-in-laws thoughtful gesture.

Hendrix immediately heard something was off. He frowned at Cordelia.

Mayas a guest. Of course, we should treat her well, he retorted. Youre the older sister. Why are you always picking on your younger sister?

That blatant favoritism hit Cordelia like a knife straight to the chest. It hurt so much she could barely breathe.

A moment later, Maya pushed Cordelia down into a chair.

Della, even if youre not hungry, you still need to eat for the baby.

Maya finished speaking and ladled her a bowl of creamy mushroom soup.

Cordelia had no intention of playing along with this fake sisterly act. She stood up immediately.

Maya grabbed her.

In the tugging, the steaming hot soup spilled all over Cordelias chest.

The pain shot through her, forcing a gasp out of her throat, her features twisting.

But Maya yelped instead, Ahhh! It hurts!

The next second, Hendrix rushed over, shoved Cordelia aside, and pulled Maya into his arms.

His voice was frantic. Maya! Are you okay? Where did it burn you?

Caught off guard, Cordelia stumbled, her lower back slamming hard into the table corner. She clenched her teeth from the pain.

But Hendrix didnt even look at her. His eyes were full of nothing but Maya.

Because of that, he didnt see the way Cordelia was staring at him unblinking.

The burning pain spread across her body, but none of it came close to the pain crushing her heart.

So this was it.

Even someone as always-calm as Hendrix could lose control when he cared about the woman he loved.

This was the difference between being loved and not being loved.

Noticing Cordelias stare, Maya raised a brow and met her eyes. A victors smile flashed across her face before she quickly switched to a pitiful expression.

Im fine, Hendrix. Go check on my sister instead. I think she got burned because of me.

Hendrix paused, finally remembering Cordelia existed. He let go of Maya and walked over.

When he saw the red, swollen skin on Cordelias chest, he inhaled sharply.

Youre this badly burned and didnt say anything? Does it hurt?

Cordelia let out a mocking laugh. The movement made the pain lance through her lungs.

And what difference would it make if I said something?

Would Hendrix worry about her?

No. He wouldnt.

Since that was the case, why humiliate herself by asking for his concern?

When he heard her sarcasm, Hendrixs expression shifted. His tone softened.

Mayas visiting for the first time. I just didnt want her getting hurt and having your father blame me when she goes back, so I

Is that so? Cordelia cut him off. Then you really are a great brother-in-law.

She didnt want to watch his performance any longer. She turned and headed upstairs.

A few minutes later, Hendrix walked into the bedroom with a medical kit. His voice was earnest this time.

Hey, Im sorry. I really messed up just now. I shouldnt have overlooked you. I promise it wont happen again.

Cordelia stayed silent, staring at him with a cold expression.

If she hadnt already learned the truth, she mightve actually believed hed just been careless for a moment.

But now, she didnt feel even a trace of being movedonly hatred.

Seeing she wasnt talking, Hendrix assumed she was still upset. He softened his tone.

No matter what happens from now on, Ill always put you first. Please forgive me, okay?

Looking at his earnest expression, Cordelia suddenly remembered the day the embryo transfer succeeded.

He had gazed at her with the same tender eyes and made a solemn promise.

Babe youve suffered so much.

You went through hell and finally got pregnant with our baby. I swear Ill take care of you for the rest of my life. Ill never let you down.

Those words still echoed in her ears, but now, they felt like nothing but mockery.

A wave of crushing disappointment washed over her. Exhausted, Cordelia closed her eyes.

Hendrix thoughtfully helped her lean back against the bed, his voice unbelievably gentle.

Let me clean your wounds. If it hurts, just tell me, alright?

Cordelias lips curled into a mocking smile.

No matter how much it hurt, it would never hurt more than her heart.

With his eyes lowered, Hendrix carefully tended to her wounds, his expression serious, with hints of distress and guilt flickering in his gaze.

When he finished, Cordelia still didnt open her eyes.

He immediately assumed she had fallen asleep. He gently pulled the blanket over her and quietly walked out.

As soon as the door shut, Cordelia opened her eyes, her gaze cold and clear.

A moment later, the roar of a sports car engine came from outside.

She turned her head toward the windowjust in time to see Hendrixs red Ferrari driving out of the garage.

In the passenger seat sat Maya, smiling sweetly like a blooming flower.

Hendrix had once said that the passenger seat was reserved for his wife.

And now he actually

Cordelia let out a self-mocking laugh.

His whole heart belonged to Maya. Why would she expect something as small as a passenger seat?

Everything he said and did had only been to deceive Cordelia.

At that moment, her heart felt like it was being sliced open.

It was nearly dawn when Hendrix finally returned. His handsome face was slightly flushed with alcohol, and he carried a faint trace of a womans perfume.

She didnt want to pretend with him. She stayed in bed, feigning sleep.

Soon, the mattress dipped beside her.

Hendrix wrapped an arm around her from behind, his scorching hand slipping under the hem of her nightdress.

Cordelia immediately grabbed his hand and flung it away.

This was the first time she had ever rejected his advances.

Hendrix froze, his voice hoarse.

Whats wrong?

I dont want to, she said bluntly.

He let out a low chuckle.

Seriously, youre jealous, arent you? Mayas your sister. Youre pregnant, and its hard for you to move around, so as her brother-in-law, I figured I should make sure she gets home safely.

After that, he picked up the chicken noodle soup on the nightstand, his voice gentle.

The housekeeper said you barely ate today, so I picked up your favorite chicken noodle soup.

Just then, Cordelias phone buzzed. It was a message from Maya.

[Hey, Della, I figured you were so mad you didnt eat, so I asked my brother-in-law to bring you food.]

[We even tasted it for you. Its so good! Eat more, okay?]

The provocation couldnt be more obvious. Maya couldnt hold herself back anymore, huh?

Cordelia bit down hard, forcing herself to stay calm.

Hendrix noticed nothing. He scooped up a spoonful of soup and held it to her lips.

Come on, eat a little. Dont starve the baby.

The word baby stabbed into Cordelia like a knife.

She pushed him away. Her voice was completely devoid of warmth.

I dont want to eat.

The bowl slipped from his hand and spilled onto the floor. Hendrixs expression darkened.

Youre still mad? He sighed. Della, what do you want me to do for you to forgive me?

Suddenly, something came to Cordelias mind. She opened the nightstand drawer and pulled out the divorce papers, flipping straight to the last page.

Theres a villa I like. Buy it for meas an apology.

Hendrixs face lit up immediately. Without hesitation, he signed his name.

Is that enough? If not, I can

Cordelia cut him off.

One more thing. I want you to promise youll never have contact with Maya again.

Clearly, Hendrix hadnt expected Cordelia to say that. His brows tightened instinctively.

Della, if you want the villa, I can give it to you. Why make things difficult for me?

Difficult? Cordelia replied with layered meaning. Im your wife. Asking you to choose between me and Mayadoes that really count as difficult?

He had no response. His expression gradually turned cold.

She let out a faint, mocking laugh.

What? Wasnt he always good at acting? Why stop now?

A moment later, he tossed out one last line.

Youre in a bad mood. Ill stop bothering you. Get some rest.

And then he got up and went to the guest room.

Cordelia didnt care in the slightest. She took out her phone and contacted her lawyer.

The lawyer said that with Hendrixs signature, she could end their marriage at any time.

The next morning, she mailed the divorce papers to the lawyer and officially entrusted him with the process.

Maybe she hadnt slept well the past two days because a wave of dizziness suddenly washed over her.

Since Hendrix wasnt home, the housekeeper noticed her condition and quickly told the driver to take her to the hospital.

After the examination, the doctor told her that she was in early pregnancy and must take in enough nutrients.

Cordelia ate a little something and was about to leave when Hendrix called.

She rejected the call immediately. But the next second, his voice came through the elegant diamond watch on her wrist.

Babe, why did you go to the hospital? Is something wrong with the baby?

Cordelia froze. Only then did she realize she had worn the watch out of habit that morning.

It was a gift from Hendrix after he learned she was pregnant.

Besides telling time, it had tracking and call features.

Hendrix had said that because she was pregnant, he needed to know her location at all times, just in case.

When he personally fastened the watch on her wrist, the expression on his face had been even more solemn than when he put a ring on her finger at their wedding five years ago. She had cried so much over that moment.

Now that she was looking back, she realized he hadnt done it for her or the babys safety at all. It was all for control.

Before she could speak, Hendrix said, Wait for me at the hospital. Im coming right now.

Cordelia stiffened.

Why was he coming?

Did the staff tell him she wasnt feeling well?

Was he worried about her?

She dug her nails into her palm, forcing herself not to be foolish again.

No matter how convincing his performance was, she must never trust him again.

Ten minutes later, Hendrix arrived at the hospital carrying Maya in his arms. The moment he saw Cordelia, he said, Maya accidentally cut her finger. She lost a lot of blood. The blood bank is in crisis. Luckily, you two have the same blood type. You should donate some for her.

Cordelia froze.

No.

During her last prenatal checkup, the doctor had warned her repeatedlyshe had severe anemia. She must take her medicine. Otherwise, both she and the baby could be in danger.

Hendrix had been right there at the time, even promising to supervise her medication.

And he already forgot?

Ignoring her refusal, he dragged her into the blood-draw room and ordered the nurse to take her blood.

Cordelia completely broke down.

Im pregnant! And I have severe anemia! I cant donate blood!

Hearing this, the nurse immediately said, Sir, pregnant women cant donate blood. It would endanger both her and the baby.

Hendrix hesitated, but right then, the supposedly unconscious Maya suddenly opened her eyes and weakly whispered, Hendrix my sister must still be mad at me. Dont force her. Just let me die.

Cordelia let out a cold laugh. She knew itMaya was perfectly fine. She was just putting on another performance.

She didnt want to watch their act any longer and turned to leave, but Hendrix grabbed her wrist.

Della, I know youre mad, but this isnt the time to throw a tantrum, he said. Maya is your sister. You cant just watch her die.

Cordelia finally snapped.

She is not my sister! She is the daughter of a homewrecker!

Maya had destroyed Helenes life, leaving the lady unconscious. Even if Maya died, Cordelia would never donate blood.

But Hendrix didnt give her the chance to refuse. He forced her into the chair.

Della, its just some blood. It wont affect you or the baby.

Then he turned to the nurse.

Draw it now. If anything happens to Maya, youll pay with your life.

The McQuillens were one of Seattles most powerful families, and Hendrix was the heir. The nurse didnt dare defy him and immediately picked up the needle.

Cordelia struggled desperately.

Get away from me! Dont touch me!

But Hendrix pinned her down, his voice cold against her ear.

If you want your mother to stay safe, give Maya your blood.

Cordelias eyes widened in disbelief.

Youre threatening me with my mom?!

Hendrix didnt respond, only urged the nurse again.

When the needle pierced her skin, Cordelia could almost hear her heart shatter.

In the end, the nurse drew two units of her blood.

Her vision blurred; her face turned ghostly pale, her lips drained of color.

Meanwhile, Mayawho supposedly needed the transfusionlooked perfectly flushed and healthy.

She leaned over and whispered in Cordelias ear.

So what if youre pregnant? If I want your blood, youll give it.

Rage shot through Cordelias chest. She fainted on the spot.

At the sight, Hendrixs heart tightened. He moved to pick her up, but Maya suddenly cried out, Ahhh! Hendrix, my head hurts

Then she swayed dramatically and collapsed into his arms.

And just like that, Hendrix forgot all about Cordelia.

He picked Maya up and rushed out.

Cordelia had a terrifying dream.

In it, Hendrix had imprisoned her and forced her to give birth over and over again for him and Maya, turning her into nothing more than a walking womb.

The babies she carried for ten months and brought painfully into the world all called Maya Mom.

In the final scene of the dream, Maya and Hendrix walked into a wedding hall together

No!

Cordelia jolted awake to find Hendrix sitting beside her.

Seeing her panic, he immediately grabbed her hand.

Nightmare? Dont be scared. Im here.

For a moment, she couldnt tell dream from reality. She mumbled, Hendrix whose child am I carrying?

His face froze instantly.

Tell me, she said coldly.

Hendrix quickly recovered and forced a gentle tone.

Of course, its oursour child. Dont overthink it.

Watching him fake that affectionate expression made her grind her teeth in hatred.

Compared to Maya, she despised him far more.

Just as she was about to slap him, Maya walked in, speaking in a soft, pitiful tone.

Della thank you for donating blood for me. I heard you fainted, so I came to check on you.

Cordelias face turned cold.

With acting skills like that, why dont you become an actress?

Hendrixs brows tightened; his voice grew displeased.

Maya came out of kindness. What kind of attitude is that? Im the one who asked you to give her blood. If youre mad, take it out on me.

A flash of triumph flickered through Mayas eyes. She bit her lip and whispered, Hendrix, dont argue with my sister. Its my fault. I shouldnt have come.

She stepped back as if to leave, then accidentally stumbled.

Seeing her about to fall, Hendrix rushed forward.

As he moved, he bumped into Cordelias IV line.

The needle jerked violently, stabbing deep into her vein. The pain twisted her entire face.

But Hendrix didnt even glance at her.

He scooped up the unconscious Maya and carried her out of the room.

He didnt return for three days.

During those three days, he didnt call. He didnt text.

But Cordelia knew exactly what he was doing.

He had taken Maya to France.

They held hands strolling down the Champs-lyses, went shopping, and celebrated Mayas birthday at a high-end restaurant.

She saw everything on Mayas Instagram.

Cordelia wasnt angry at all. In fact, she was grateful.

Finally, she had evidence of his affair.

She sent every intimate photo and video to her lawyer, asking him to fight for as much property as possible.

When Hendrix finally returned to the villa, Cordelia was in the yard burning the things he had given her.

Watching his gifts consumed by flames, he frowned.

Della? What are you burning?

Without even looking up, Cordelia answered, Trash.

Hendrix frowned. If its trash, just throw it away. Why burn it?

Cordelia gave a cold, mocking smile. Burning it was the only way to make something disappear completely.

Seeing that she didnt respond further, Hendrix was about to ask more when he suddenly remembered something else.

Oh, right, Dellayour pregnancy didnt come easy. For safetys sake, from now on, dont run around. Just stay home and rest.

Cordelias breath caught.

So now he wanted to restrict her freedom?

A surge of anger nearly burst out of her chest, and she clenched her fists before she realized it.

But in the end, she forced herself to swallow it down.

Just three more days she told herself inwardly.

In three days, she would expose his true face.

At such a critical moment, she couldnt afford a fight. One wrong move could ruin everything.

Thinking this, Cordelia took a deep breath and pressed down her emotions. Okay. I get it.

Her calmness actually surprised Hendrix a little.

But he didnt think much of it. Instead, he pulled a diamond necklace from his pocket.

I picked this out just for you. Let me put it on you.

Hit with one hand, give with the otherthis had always been Hendrixs tactic.

But she wasnt falling for it anymore.

I dont like it, Cordelia said flatly, her tone full of mockery. Give it to Maya instead.

Hendrix froze. Youre still mad? Come on, how many times do I have to say it? Theres really nothing between me and Maya. I just

Cordelia nodded lightly, her expression unreadable. Youre just her wonderful brother-in-law, right? I understand.

Hendrixs brows tightened. He wanted to explain more, but his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller and quickly picked up.

A-Alright. Ill be right there.

After hanging up, he told Cordelia casually, Something urgent came up at the company. I need to go over. Youre pregnant; get more rest. Ill come back and keep you company when Im done.

Cordelia let out a cold laugh. He was using the same excuse every single time.

Not long after Hendrix left, a Telegram message from Maya popped up.

[Bitch, dont think youre safe just because youre pregnant. The woman Hendrix loves is me. If I so much as crook my finger, hell leave you in a heartbeat and come running to me.]

Everything she said was the truth. Cordelia couldnt deny it.

Maybe because she didnt respond, Maya immediately posted a photo on her Instagram Story.

In the picture, the always-aloof, elegant Hendrix was kneeling on one knee, head down, tying Mayas shoelaces.

The comments section exploded.

[Wow! Hendrix treats you like absolute royalty, Maya!]

[Obviously! Five years ago in Palau, if Maya hadnt risked her life to save him during that diving accident, Hendrix wouldve died in the ocean!]

[No wonder hes so devoted to her. So thats the truth]

Cordelias pupils constricted, and her heartbeat suddenly sped up.

She had been the one who saved Hendrix so why was everyone saying it was Maya?

Her thoughts drifted back to five years ago.

At that time, her father had just brought Maya and her mother home and forced that illigitimate daughter to take Cordelia on a trip to Palau.

While diving, Cordelia had encountered Hendrix on the verge of losing consciousness.

He didnt recognize her and signaled that he was out of oxygen.

She didnt have much left herself, but she still gave him some without hesitation and dragged his exhausted body back up to the surface.

Once they reached shore, both of them fainted.

When she woke up, the doctor told her that her lungs had been severely damaged and she might never be able to dive again.

She was afraid Hendrix would blame himself, so she never told him.

But her silence simply gave Maya the perfect chance to steal the credit.

Maybe that was why Hendrix fell for Maya.

Cordelia hesitated for a moment, then decided she needed to tell Hendrix the truth.

Not because she wanted him back. She just didnt want Maya using this lie to do whatever she wanted anymore.

That night, the moment he came home, Cordelia said, Five years ago, during that diving accident in PalauI saved you.

Her words were drowned out by Hendrixs ringtone.

He didnt hear a single thing she said before he immediately picked up the call.

On the other end, Maya was crying loudly, saying something between sobs.

His face darkened instantly. His sharp gaze swung toward Cordelia.

Okay. I understand. Ill make sure you get justice.

The second he hung up, he grabbed Cordelia by the throat, squeezing hard enough to crush bone.

Cordelia! Just because Ive been busy lately and spent a few days with Maya, you sent someone to rape her?! She barely escaped!

Cordelia instantly understoodit was one of Mayas staged acts.

She tried to explain at once. I didnt do anything! Shes framing me!

But Hendrix didnt believe a word. Grinding his teeth, he said, Maya is gentle and kind. Shed never lie. Otherwise, she wouldnt have risked her life to save me back then.

Cordelia blurted out, Hendrix, I was the one who saved you five years ago!

He sneered. Youre seriously using that as an excuse now? When we were on our honeymoon in the Maldives, you wouldnt even get in the water. You probably dont even know how to dive.

Cordelia laughed from sheer anger. I couldnt dive because saving you damaged my lungs! I cant handle the pressure underwater!

Ha. Hendrix let out a cold chuckle. You even know about Mayas lung injury? She mustve told you, right? Cordeli How come I never realized you love making things up?

A suffocating pain hit her chest. She had never felt so helpless.

But Hendrix snorted harshly. This time, Im going to teach you a lesson you wont forget. Ill make sure you never dare lay a hand on Maya again.

Then he called the police.

My wife intentionally harmed someone and keeps lying. Please lock her up for three days and teach her a lesson.

Just like that, Cordelia was taken away.

Because of Hendrixs special instructions, the next three days became abyss.

The inmates ganged up on her, torturing her in every possible way.

They stole her food, refused to give her water, defiled her bed, and beat her whenever they pleased.

Three days later, there wasnt a single uninjured patch of skin on her body. She looked like a hollow shell.

Right before she left the station, a guard slapped her so hard her head rang.

Your man told us to teach you a lesson. Learned it yet?

Cordelias heart turned to ash. Whether she wanted to believe it or not, she finally had to acceptHendrix truly hated her enough to destroy her.

At that moment, she regretted ever loving him. She regretted saving his life.

She walked out of the police station in a daze when her phone suddenly rang.

It was an unfamiliar number.

She answered, and a familiar yet distant male voice came through.

Ive been on a business trip the past few days. Im returning to Seattle tomorrow, he began.

Dont worry. Ill fulfill every promise I made to you. he swore.I'm boarding now. See you tomorrow.

"You had a safe journey back," Cordelia replied with a slight smile, then hung up the phone with satisfaction.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed again.

It was her lawyer.

Cordelia, your marriage with Hendrix has officially been dissolved. You can pick up the divorce certificate anytime.

Since he committed adultery during the marriage, he added, all marital assets will go to you.

Alright. Cordelias voice came out hoarse. Thank you.

After she hung up, a message from Sebastian popped up.

[Della, tomorrow is your fifth wedding anniversary with Hendrix. Come back to the old house. Ive arranged a dinner for you two. I have something important to announce.]

Cordelias breath caught.

The day had finally come.

Tomorrow night, she would expose everything about Hendrix in front of everyone.

What he and Maya owed hershe would take it all back.