Chapter 5

Pain shot through my heart as I watched the scene unfold.

The two pups I’d fought to give birth to were pushing Evander into another woman’s arms right in front of me.

He kissed Evangeline for a long time before pulling away, a faint silver string still glistening between their lips.

Evangeline’s cheeks burned bright red as she lowered her head.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice rough. “I lost my balance just now.”

He then frowned at Cyril and Flynn. “What do you think you’re doing?”

His tone was stern, but I knew him too well—he was more pleased with that kiss than anyone.

He glanced at me as if explaining. “It was an accident. The pups were messing around. Don’t mind it.”

I shook my head calmly. “I don’t.”

I truly didn’t care anymore.

I didn’t want any of them—the father or his two sons.

After getting off the Ferris wheel, we went to watch the parade. Bright lights and laughter filled the air as the floats slowly approached.

Suddenly, the horses pulling the lead float spooked, rearing and charging toward the crowd!

“Look out!”

In the chaos, I saw Evander and the pups lunge toward Evangeline at once, shielding her tightly beneath them.

I stood frozen, then was knocked violently to the ground by the crowd.

“Ah—!”

Agony exploded through me. A horse’s hoof crushed my ribs, and a wheel rolled over my legs.

I heard the distinct crack of breaking bones.

My vision went black, and I passed out completely.

…

When I woke up, the hospital room was deadly quiet.

I struggled to sit up, sharp pain shooting from my ribs and legs, making me break out in cold sweat.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand to check the time.

The screen lit up, and an Instagram notification popped up on the lock screen—

Evangeline had posted a photo.

Evander and the two pups surrounded her hospital bed: one holding water, one holding medicine, and Evander gently tucking her blanket.

Caption: It feels so good to be loved.

I curled my lip slightly and set the phone down.

The doctor pushed in and checked my report. “Ma’am, you have three broken ribs and a tibial fracture in your left leg. You need to stay under observation for a few days.” He looked around. “Where is your family? We need a family member’s signature.”

I said calmly, “I don’t have a family.”

For the next few days, the room remained empty. The nurses looked at me with pity and sometimes slipped me an extra box of painkillers.

He only showed up on the day I was discharged.

“Evangeline was traumatized; she couldn’t be left alone these days.” His tone was casual. “How are your injuries? Do you need to stay longer? I can bring the pups to look after you.”

I shook my head. “No need. I won’t get in your way.”

His brow furrowed slightly.

Before, even if he was busy with work, if he spent just one hour with me, I would have been overjoyed. Now I was turning him away?

He thought nothing of it and told the driver to head to a high-end boutique in downtown Aetherton.

The store was brightly lit. He told the clerks to bring out all the clothes, shoes and bags, and let me try them on one by one.

I frowned and asked, "Why do I need to try all these?"

He pushed me firmly towards the fitting room, his tone resolute: "Just try them on casually."

The clerks had already started unpacking, so I had to change into the clothes. After each try-on, he would take photos with his phone, and then I was pushed back into the fitting room... This went on, and I tried on nearly a hundred sets of clothes.

My feet ached terribly. I couldn't help pushing the clerk away, stumbled towards him, and said with suppressed emotions: "I don't need you to compensate me with these things——" Before I could finish speaking, he looked up and said to me casually,

"You have almost the same figure as her. Bringing you to try them on was really a wise choice."

I froze. Then suddenly, I couldn't help laughing.

Laughing at my own wishful thinking, and laughing because he knew exactly where to stab me to hurt the most.

Next, I stared blankly as he told the clerk to pack a mermaid skirt inlaid with countless small diamonds.

"Just this one."

Back home, he tossed a paper bag at me. “Bought this for you on the way.”

I glanced inside. It was a free gift that came with the haute couture dress—a plain black dress, the tag still marked “Complimentary With Purchase”, cheap and perfunctory.

I took it and said quietly, “Alright.”

In my room, I threw it straight into the trash.