My phone buzzed just as I was about to step into the wedding hall. On the other end, Joanna’s voice dripped with malice. “Lindsay, today’s your big day, isn’t it? Did you like the little gift I sent you?
”
I looked down at the pure white gown I’d spent months perfecting. Five years. Five full years with Felix, and every time Joanna needed him, he dropped me like I was nothing. And now, minutes before our wedding, he’d shoved me to the floor to run off to her.
I gripped the phone. “Joanna, you’re going to be disappointed. The wedding is still happening. ”
“Without Felix as the groom, how can you have a wedding?
”
I sneered, pulling myself up. “Who says my groom has to be Felix? ”
I pushed open the side door and rushed out. Rows of bodyguards in black suits were searching frantically.
In the middle of the crowd, a man in a wheelchair, dressed in a sharp groom’s suit, sat with an icy, commanding presence. “The ceremony is about to begin,” a guard whispered. “Mr. Riley, Ms.
Walton has fled. ”
His gaze turned razor-sharp. I understood in an instant. He’d been abandoned at the altar, just like me.
Without hesitation, I lifted my gown and strode toward him. “Sir, your bride has run away. Then let me take her place. I’ll be your bride.
”
The bodyguards blocked me. The man slowly turned his head, his gaze landing on me with overwhelming intensity. “Are you certain about this? I’m disabled.
If you marry me, you’ll regret it. ”
“Would you ever abandon your wife for another woman? ”
“Of course not. ”
“As long as you agree, I’ll marry you.
”
He looked at me for a long time, then nodded. “All right then. Let’s get married. ”
Just like that, under the priest’s witness, I exchanged vows with a complete stranger.
Walking out of the church, I pushed his wheelchair down the steps. “By the way, I don’t even know your name. ”
“Colin Riley. ”
I stopped abruptly.
“Wait. You’re Colin Riley? The eldest son of the Riley family? ”
He curled his lips into a mocking smile.
“What’s the matter? Now that you know you’ve married a loser, you’re regretting it? ”
His story was known throughout the city. His mother died in childbirth, his father remarried, then a car accident left him paralyzed.
Cast out by the Riley family. I looked into his eyes. There was no anger there, only deep exhaustion and self-mockery. I felt we were the same.
Both abandoned souls. I reached out and gently took his hand. It was cold. “Once I’ve made my decision, I won’t regret it.
Now that we’re married, I’ll give you a real home. ”
He looked down at my hand, doubt in his eyes. “Is that so? Let’s see then.
”
I went back to the condo I once shared with Felix to pack my things. The decorations on the wall, the plants on the window sills—everything carried my touch. I ripped down the frames, pulled out the plants, and threw them all into the trash. Footsteps sounded behind me.
“Lindsay, what the hell are you doing? ”
“Felix, we’re done. Completely done. ” I shook off his hand and kept packing.
“And where do you think you’re going? You have no family, no place to go. ”
Joanna walked in on high heels. “Felix, what’s taking so long?
Lindsay? What are you doing here? ”
“This is my place. Do I need to explain why I’m here?
”
She lowered her head, putting on an act of innocence. “Lindsay, are you upset? I’ll apologize if that’ll make you feel better. ”
I stared at her hypocritical face.
I walked toward her, raised my hand, and swung it down with all my strength. The slap echoed through the room. “Ah! Lindsay, how dare you slap me?
”
“That’s enough. Lindsay, don’t go too far. ” Felix rushed over, shoved me aside, and pulled Joanna into his arms. “This is going too far?
All I did was slap her. What you two have done to me is far worse. ”
“You’re such a shrew! ”
I rolled my wrist, my smile turning colder.
“I’ll take that as a compliment. Since you think so highly of me, should I slap her a few more times? ”
He stared at me, disbelief on his face. “You.
Lindsay, you’ve really changed. ”
“Of course I’ve changed. I must have been out of my mind before. But not anymore.
” I grabbed my suitcase and left without looking back. At the villa, Colin was waiting. He glanced at me, his gaze unreadable. “Follow me.
”
He led me to a bedroom. “You’ll stay here tonight with me. ”
My feet stopped. My heart pounded in my ears.
“With me? ”
“We’re married. Isn’t it natural for us to sleep together? ” He paused, his eyes suddenly darkening.
“Or do you feel uncomfortable because I’m disabled? ”
“No, I don’t feel that way at all. ” I stepped forward, explaining urgently. “We’re married now.
Sharing a bed is what married couples do. ”
He nodded. “It’s getting late. I usually go to bed early.
I hope you can adjust to my schedule. ”
“That’s fine. ”
“Wait. Given my physical condition, I’ve always had the staff help me.
But now that you’re here, I’d prefer not to trouble anyone else. ” He wheeled himself toward the bathroom. “Help me bathe. ”
My face flushed red.
But I gritted my teeth and forced myself to step forward. I reached out with trembling hands to unbutton his shirt. The buttons were tiny, my palms were sweaty, and I couldn’t get the first one undone. Colin watched me struggle with amusement.
I took a deep breath and finally got it. The shirt opened, revealing his sculpted chest. My hands trembled more violently. Just then, my fingers accidentally brushed against his abdomen.
His body tensed up, and he grabbed my wrist with surprising force. “That’s enough. Get out. ”
“What?
”
“Butler, prepare the room next door for her. ”
He pushed me out and slammed the door shut. I turned to the butler, confused. “What’s wrong with him?
Why did he just snap like that? ”
“Mrs. Riley, Mr. Riley has always been unpredictable.
Now that you’re staying here, it’s best to get used to it. ”
I understood. Colin is young, but confined to a wheelchair. Cast aside by his family.
He’s been hurt too many times. No wonder he keeps testing me. Tomorrow morning, I must apologize. The next morning, Colin wasn’t at breakfast.
“He’s been in the study working since last night,” the butler said. “He has a chronic stomach condition. But if he refuses to eat, there’s not much we can do. ”
I baked some cookies, warmed a glass of milk, and carried the tray to the study door.
“Colin, it’s me. I’ve brought you something to eat. May I come in? ”
There was silence for a few seconds.
“Come in. ”
I placed the cookies and milk on the desk. “I baked these myself. Please, have one.
I wasn’t sure about your preferences, so I made a milder flavor. ”
He took a bite. “Overly sweet treats aren’t really to my liking. ”
“I’ll make a new batch then.
”
“That won’t be necessary. ” He picked up the milk and took a sip. “This is fine for breakfast. You can leave now.
”
I bit my lip, but I didn’t leave. “Colin, I wanted to apologize for last night. I don’t have any hard feelings toward you. It’s just that we’ve only recently met and I’m still finding my footing.
”
He listened in silence for a long time. “Do you truly mean that? ”
“Absolutely. I committed to marrying you and I intend to fulfill my duties to the best of my ability.
”
A subtle smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “There’s something I haven’t shared with you. I was in a car accident when I was young, leaving me disabled. My family has overlooked me.
My business attempts have mostly failed. I’m buried under a mountain of debt. ” He paused. “If you feel the need to step back, I won’t stand in your way.
”
“How much debt are we talking about? ”
“What if I said I’m buried under a hundred million dollars? ”
My eyes widened. “A hundred million?
” I quickly calmed myself. “It’s fine. We’ll tackle it together. Somehow we’ll manage.
”
His eyes widened slightly, as if he didn’t expect that. “And how exactly do you propose we manage, Lindsay? ”
“I’m good at design. I can work.
No matter the circumstances, I refuse to let you face this alone. ” I reached out and took his hand. The moment my fingers brushed his skin, he went still. He jerked his hand away violently, making me stumble.
A flicker of panic crossed his face. “Sorry. I’m not really used to physical contact. ”
My heart ached.
He wasn’t rejecting me. He was just too insecure. Over the next few days, I sent out resumes. Finally, I received an interview invitation from CR Incorporation.
On the day of the interview, crash! A luxury car slammed into the back of my car. The young man got out, full of apology. “I’m terribly sorry, ma’am.
Let me cover the damages. ” He pulled out a checkbook. “I’m Justin Wade. Feel free to fill in the amount.
May I have your name? ”
“Lindsay Riley. ”
When he heard my name, he froze, then stared intently at my face. “Nothing.
Nothing. Since your car is damaged, why not ride with me? Where are you headed? ”
I narrowed my eyes.
“No need. My car will manage. ” I turned to leave. He quickly blocked my path.
“Please, wait a moment. Take the check and my card. ”
“I’d suggest you refrain from any unseemly thoughts. I’m happily married and my husband and I are deeply in love.
” I got back in my car and drove away. I arrived at CR Corporation just in time for the interview. A crowd of people escorted Dustin. He was the CEO.
I quickly hid in a corner. But I soon learned Dustin was just the acting CEO. The mysterious founder was someone else who never showed his face. A sharp, sarcastic voice came from nearby.
“Well, well, what have we here? Is CR really open to just anyone for interviews now? ” It was Cynthia Keller, a well-dressed woman looking at me with contempt. “So, you’re Cynthia Keller?
” I smiled. “I’ve heard your name. Like how your thesis was actually written by a ghostwriter. And how it got exposed when you refused to pay them.
”
Her face changed instantly. “What the hell are you saying? I was framed. ”
I turned to her followers.
“And you, Mrs. Rodriguez, your latest project was involved in a plagiarism scandal. And Mrs. Jimenez, I remember you boasted about winning a design award.
Turns out it could be bought. ” One by one, I exposed their dirty laundry. They slunk away in shame. The interview began.
I focused on my sketching, thinking of Colin sitting in his wheelchair, calm and demanding. With only one minute left, I finished. I signed my name and handed in my design. After a long wait, the interviewer came out.
“After careful consideration, we have selected Lindsay Riley for the position. Congratulations, Lindsay. ”
I widened my eyes in disbelief. Me?
Really me? Cynthia demanded a review, but the interviewer shut her down. I walked out in high spirits, wanting to share the news with Colin. But Cynthia was waiting for me.
“Lindsay, don’t get too cocky. Just wait. I’ll expose your true colors. ”
I was baffled but just found it amusing.
I went home, determined to prepare dinner for Colin myself. But hours passed, and there was no sign of him. I fell asleep on the sofa. Deep into the night, I heard the sound of wheelchair wheels.
Someone stopped in front of me. “Why is she sleeping here? ”
“Mrs. Riley cooked dinner herself and waited here for you.
”
“I’m busy. I don’t need anyone waiting for me. Unnecessary. ”
I slowly opened my eyes.
“Colin, you’re finally back. I have something important to tell you. ”
At dinner, I finally couldn’t hold back. “I found a job.
I passed the interview today. The salary is good. From now on, I can help share the burden with you. ”
A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
He stared at me for a long time. I followed his lead and gulped down the whiskey. The fiery liquid made me cough. “You can’t drink?
”
“I don’t usually, but it’s fine. Tonight, we drink until we drop. ”
He tried to stop me, but I was too happy. I stood up to grab my glass, but my foot caught and I fell toward him.
I gasped and fell into his arms. He caught me. “Mm, Colin? What are you hiding in your pants?
” His body tensed instantly. “Don’t touch me. ”
“What do you mean? We’re married.
Why should I stay away from you? ” I saw his soaked shirt. “Your shirt is dirty. Let me help you bathe.
” I reached to take off his shirt. “Stop. ” He grabbed my wrist hard. “Colin, you’re hurting me.
” He immediately let go. I took the chance to grab his collar and try to pull it open. The next morning, my phone woke me. My head was splitting.
First day of work. I rushed downstairs. Colin was already at the table. “Colin, when did you come home last night?
”
His face started to darken. “Don’t you remember what happened last night? ”
I shook my head blankly. “What happened?
Did I do something wrong? ”
He took a deep breath. “Nothing. I have work to do.
” He turned his wheelchair and headed to the study without looking back. At work, I was assigned to the fashion design department. Cynthia was there too. Supervisor Cohen was warm to Cynthia but cold to me.
“Lindsay doesn’t have much experience. She can help with errands, like getting coffee for everyone. ”
I frowned. “Mr.
Fuller, this isn’t fair. Why does Cynthia get a project while I’m stuck with basic tasks? ”
“Cynthia has competed in numerous design contests. She’s far more experienced than you.
As a newcomer, how dare you question me? ” He glared at me. “If you keep challenging my decisions, I’ll have to reconsider whether you’re even fit to pass the probation period. ”
I gritted my teeth and swallowed my frustration.
Cynthia smirked. “Now that I think about it, a coffee run sounds perfect. Lindsay, go buy some for everyone. ”
When I handed Cynthia her coffee, she suddenly tilted the cup on purpose.
Hot coffee spilled all over me. “Oops. My hand slipped. Are you okay?
”
I looked down at my soaked clothes, then slowly lifted my head. “It’s fine. ” But the next second, I grabbed every coffee cup on the table and overturned them onto Cynthia’s head. “Ah!
Lindsay! Are you insane? ”
“I was just as shocked when my own clothes were splashed. My hand slipped, too.
What’s the problem? ”
After that day, the colleagues dared not provoke me anymore. Right after lunch, Cohen called me into his office. “An important client is coming soon.
Deliver these documents to the conference room on the 17th floor. ”
I took the elevator to the 17th floor, but froze at the door of a conference room. Inside, there was a familiar face. Colin?
Why wasn’t he in a wheelchair? A colleague from behind asked, “Who are you? ”
“I’m here to deliver documents. Is that the main conference room over there?
”
“That’s the CEO’s conference room. Stay away if you’re not an exec. ”
I delivered the documents with lingering doubts. Could that man be Colin?
Impossible. He’s in a wheelchair. Maybe I just saw wrong. I sent him a message.
He replied, saying he’d be at home waiting for me. That profile. I probably just imagined it. After work, I went to the mall to buy him a gift.
I picked out a burgundy outfit. Just as I was about to pay, an annoying voice came from behind. “Lindsay? What a coincidence.
” It was Joanna and Felix. “Don’t touch me. I have nothing to say to you. ”
Joanna noticed the shopping bag in my hand and smirked.
“Lindsay, what did you buy for Felix? You’re so thoughtful. ”
Felix’s expression softened. “Lindsay, I knew you remembered my birthday.
I forgive your tantrum. Come back with me. ”
“Felix, are you an idiot? Can’t you understand plain speech?
”
“Can’t I buy them for my husband? ”
“And I’m your future husband. I promise to give you a bigger wedding later. ”
“Felix, stop deluding yourself.
Who said I was talking about you? ”
“Lindsay, you’re married to someone else? How is that possible? ”
I tried to leave, but Felix blocked me.
“Lindsay, my patience is running out. You’re coming home with me today. ”
“Don’t touch me. I’ll call the police if you keep this up.
”
The crowd started condemning Felix. Security kicked him and Joanna out of the mall. Watching them slink away, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, my phone rang.
It was Colin. “It’s late. Why aren’t you home yet? ”
“I’m at the mall.
Something came up. I’m heading back now. ”
“Send me the address. I’ll send a car.
”
“Don’t bother. I’ll take the bus. ”
“It’s dark. It’s not safe for you alone.
I’ll pick you up myself. ”
His words made my heart flutter. I walked out and saw his car. I got in.
“Why did you come yourself? ”
“Is there a problem with me picking up my wife? ”
The car suddenly slammed to a halt. The momentum threw me forward.
The next second, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me securely into an embrace. “Careful. ”
My mind went blank. All I could smell was the cold, crisp scent of him.
My heartbeat pounded in my ears. “Lindsay, how much longer are you going to stay in my arms? ”
I snapped out of it and sat up, my face burning. To change the subject, I asked, “What happened last night?
You seemed upset this morning. ”
“You forgot that you took my clothes off forcibly? Impressive. ”
“Me?
Took your clothes off? No way, I would never do that. ”
“Oh, so you’re saying I’m lying? ”
“No, I really don’t remember.
Someone once told me I’m not good with alcohol. Maybe I really did lose control. ”
His expression darkened even more. “You’re not allowed to drink in front of anyone else from now on.
”
Back at the villa, I asked the butler what happened. He told me a story. “Once at a banquet, a drunk man mocked his legs and poured an entire bottle of wine on him. Mr.
Riley crippled that man’s limbs. After that, the Riley family kicked him out. ”
My heart clenched. “No wonder he keeps testing me.
No wonder he’s so insecure. ”
I carried the gift to the study door. Just as I was about to knock, I heard voices inside. “Sir, the proposals for this season are ready.
Which ones do you approve? ” “All garbage. Send them all back to redo. ” “We might not have enough time.
” “Is CR Corporation hiring only incompetence? If they can’t finish, fire them. ”
My eyes widened in shock. Did Colin just say CR Corporation?
The door suddenly opened. “Mrs. Riley? ”
Colin saw me, his expression shifting.
“When did you get here? How much did you hear? ”
“I heard you mention CR Corporation. Do you do business with them?
”
“Something like that. ”
“You said you owe a hundred million. Is that related to CR Corporation? ”
“Something like that.
”
I let out a bitter laugh. “So, we’re both working for CR Corporation. ” I pumped myself up. “Let’s not think about that.
Try on the clothes I bought you. ”
He took out the burgundy outfit. “Put it on. Let’s see.
” He didn’t move. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? ”
“I need to change.
Are you planning to stand there and watch? ”
My face flushed. “I’ll step out. Call me when you’re done.
”
“Wait. I meant come here and help me. ”
I froze, remembering last time. “You’re not going to get mad and kick me out again, are you?
”
“So, you see me as someone who’s moody and unpredictable? ”
“No. No. I’ll help you.
” I stepped forward, but he grabbed my wrist. “I didn’t ask you to undress me. Just hold my clothes. ”
I awkwardly stood to the side.
He undid the buttons one by one. His toned chest and defined abs came into view. My face burned. When I opened my eyes again, he was already changed.
“It looks amazing on you. It suits you. ”
“How did you know my size? ”
“I studied fashion design.
My eyes can measure. ”
He was about to say something when his phone rang. He frowned. “I have something to take care of.
Get some rest. Don’t wait up. ”
He wheeled himself away hastily. I watched his back, a doubt forming in my mind.
When Colin talked about CR Corporation, his tone was too calm for someone in debt. Could it be he’s actually someone high up at CR? No, that’s impossible. If he had that kind of power, why would the Riley family have kicked him out?
No matter what, he’s my husband. I choose to trust him. The next day, Felix blocked me outside CR Corporation. “Lindsay, let’s talk properly.
”
He said, “Divorce Colin. He’s a cripple. He doesn’t deserve you. ”
“Felix, shut up.
Insult my husband again, and you’ll regret it. ”
“I’m telling the truth. We were together for 5 years. And he is nothing.
”
I picked up my coffee and threw it in Felix’s face. He chased after me. Then a hand grabbed his wrist. Colin.
“Stay away from my wife. ”
Felix screamed in pain as Colin gripped his wrist. Colin released him, and Felix fell to the floor. “Colin, you’re just a cripple!
Lindsay, you’ll regret this! ”
I leaned down and kissed Colin on the cheek. “Give up. I’ll never regret this.
My husband is the best. ”
In the car, Colin said, “But just kissing my cheek might not be enough to convince him. ”
“Then how should I prove it? ”
He suddenly leaned toward me.
I closed my eyes nervously. But his hand gently brushed the hair away from my ear. “Your hair is messy. ”
I opened my eyes and saw him smiling.
“You closed your eyes just now. Were you expecting something? ”
My face burned bright red. “No, I wasn’t.
” I rushed out of the car. Later, the company notified me that a major client specifically requested me. “This is your probation evaluation. Fail and you’re out.
” I was told to meet with Mrs. Blakeley, a notoriously picky client. Outside her villa, I saw a familiar car drive out. It was Colin’s car.
Mrs. Blakeley walked out, her expression cold. “I have nothing to discuss with your company. Please leave.
”
“Mrs. Blakeley, my name is Lindsay Riley. Please give me a chance. ”
She stopped and turned around.
“What’s your name? Say it again. ”
“Lindsay Riley. ”
“Are you married?
Who is your husband? ”
“Yes, I’m married. His surname’s Riley. ”
She smiled and let me in.
“Do you know why I dislike designers from your company? Because they all wanted to pry information about the CR founder from me. I’m tired of it. ”
“I’m here only to discuss design.
I have no other intentions. ”
She looked at my design sketches and was very pleased. “All right. This project is yours.
”
Back at work, I noticed Cynthia sneaking a look at my design drafts. I sensed something was wrong, but I had no proof. Then, one night, as I was leaving the building, a dark figure stood before me. Someone covered my mouth and nose with a cloth.
My consciousness faded. I woke up in an abandoned warehouse, tied to a chair, soaking wet. Felix stood in front of me. “Lindsay, you’re finally awake.
”
“Felix, are you insane? Kidnapping is a crime. ”
“You married Colin. You betrayed me.
I’m going to bring you back. ”
My body grew hotter and hotter. “Feeling hot? I drugged you.
After tonight, you’ll return to me. ”
He lunged at me. I broke free from the rope and grabbed a bottle to fight back. But he choked me and pinned me to the ground.
“You’re never leaving me. You’re mine in life and in death. ”
I could barely breathe. I closed my eyes in despair.
The door was kicked open. Colin stood in the doorway. Felix was kicked away, crashing into the wall and passing out. “Lindsay, how are you?
” I reached out with trembling hands and touched his face. It was warm, it was real. “Colin, you finally came. ” I smiled in relief, then lost consciousness.
I woke up in the hospital. I saw Felix lunging at me in my mind and grabbed a fruit knife, trembling. “Lindsay, it’s me. Colin.
You’re safe. ” Tears poured out instantly. I threw myself into his arms, crying like a child. A few days later, I saw the news.
Felix had confessed. Liam had been arrested, too. “Was it you? ”
“I just sent him to the police station.
The rest is to the police’s credit. ”
I knew he wasn’t telling the whole truth, but I didn’t press. Back at work, Cynthia sneered, “Lindsay, you chose to be hospitalized right after getting a big project. Are you deliberately stalling?
”
“I’ve already finished the design. Production will start soon. ”
“Newbies have no idea that production is much harder than design. ”
I smiled and turned to ask a few colleagues to collaborate.
“Everyone, the results of this project will count toward your performance. Are you willing to help? ” Everyone was invited except her. That evening, I was in a good mood.
I decided to cook. Colin asked, “Need any help? ” We worked together in the kitchen. This sense of peace was wonderful.
He ate everything I made, even the ridiculously salty meatloaf. “Is there something wrong with your taste buds? That dish was way too salty. ”
“Anything you make tastes good.
”
Colin was worried about my health. He asked me to move into the master bedroom and sleep with him. That night, he applied ointment to my wounds. In the middle of the night, I had a nightmare about Felix choking me.
Half asleep, I hugged Colin and curled up in his arms. He didn’t push me away. The next morning, I woke up to find we’d held each other all night. I stared at his face for a long time.
“Had your fill of looking? ”
“I wasn’t looking at you. I was just trying to wake you up. ”
In the morning, Colin had an erection.
I was so embarrassed I wanted to hide. “I’ll take a cold shower. ”
“Wait. Let me help you.
We’re married. You don’t have to hold back,” I mustered the courage to say. His eyes darkened instantly. “Lindsay, are you sure?
”
“Yes. ”
On the weekend, I took Colin to the orphanage where I grew up. The children were initially afraid of him, but he had his men bring lots of gifts, and they warmed up. I saw Ella, the director, and noticed bruises on her arms.
“Ella, what happened? ”
“Nothing, just a fall. ”
Just then, noise came from outside. Thugs were demanding Ella move out because the land had been bought by Mr.
Wade. Dustin. I confronted them, threatening to post a video online. They slunk away.
“Ella, leave this to me. ”
The next day, Dustin came to the orphanage personally to apologize, promising compensation and a new location. I was surprised he gave in so easily. Suddenly, a flood of hate posts appeared online.
They said I two-timed Felix and framed him. I didn’t respond because I was waiting for the right moment. On the third day, I released all the evidence: Felix’s cheating records, Joanna’s boastful screenshots, the police statement on the kidnapping. The internet was in an uproar.
I was the real victim. One day, I came home to find an unfamiliar luxury car parked at the gate. Kylie Russell, the superstar, was inside. “Impossible.
How could Colin marry someone like you? ”
She ran to Colin, calling him affectionately. “Colin! The paparazzi are chasing me.
Can I stay here for a few days? ”
“You’ll have to ask Lindsay. ” I agreed. Kylie was delighted.
“Lindsay, you probably don’t know Colin is allergic to chili peppers. Colin and I grew up together. I know all his preferences. ”
I lowered my head, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss.
The next day, Kylie came to CR Corporation to choose a designer for her project. She picked me on the spot. My colleagues looked at me differently. Cynthia was livid.
I accidentally overheard Kylie whisper, “Lindsay, you think you’ve won? Just wait. ” My heart sank. I noticed my design drafts had been moved.
I quietly backed up all my files. I knew a plot was brewing. Soon, Kylie and Cynthia’s plan began. “Mr.
Fuller, I report Lindsay plagiarizing my design drafts,” Cynthia claimed. “Lindsay secretly photographed my drafts when I was at lunch and claimed them as her own. I have a witness. ”
Kylie walked in gracefully, standing beside Cynthia.
“I saw with my own eyes Lindsay peeking at Cynthia’s drafts. ”
I took out my computer and pulled up my design process records. “Every revision timestamp, sketch, and inspiration note is clearly documented. These are my original files.
Their creation dates are 2 days earlier than Cynthia’s so-called originals. What’s more, I have cloud backups that can check the full revision history. ”
Mr. Fuller carefully compared the documents, his expression growing grim.
“Cynthia, you have fabricated evidence and framed a colleague. The company has decided to dismiss you and pursue legal liabilities. ”
“No, it’s not my fault. It was Kylie.
She made me do it. ”
“Cynthia, what are you talking about? I know nothing about this at all. ”
Cynthia was escorted out by security.
Colin took me to the cemetery to visit his mother. “Mom, I’m married. This is my wife, Lindsay. ” I squatted down, held Colin’s hand, and solemnly greeted her.
I wove a wreath of wildflowers and placed it at the grave. Colin tried to learn, his clumsiness making me want to laugh. “Such a beautiful wreath looks even more beautiful on you. ” He put the wreath on my head, his eyes impossibly tender.
On the way back, he leaned in to kiss me. Just then, Kylie called. “Colin, why aren’t you back yet? I was worried.
” Her tone was intimate, as if she were his wife. The romantic mood in the car was gone. At the villa, Kylie offered to cook. I helped, but she deliberately knocked over hot soup, burning my hand.
She offered a fake apology. At dinner, Kylie tearfully told Colin that her manager was targeting her. “Colin, you have to believe me. I really don’t know what I did wrong.
” She threw herself into his arms. My mind went blank. I turned and ran. I hid in a corner of the back garden and cried.
Why does this have to happen to me again? Colin found me. “Are you okay? ” I got so angry I bit his arm until it bled.
He just smiled and said, “Feel better? Bite more if you need to. Lindsy, there’s nothing between me and Kylie. From now on, I’ll take care to avoid misunderstandings.
”
His words softened my heart. I took him back to bandage his wound. Maybe I can trust him one more time. The next day, Kylie came to the office to apologize and asked me to continue her order.
Her eyes were so sincere. I agreed to finish her gown. To finish it, I worked late every night. Colin said it must be kept confidential.
When I finished, I locked it in a glass cabinet. I didn’t know someone had been watching me. Late at night, I saw a figure sneak into the workroom. It was Cynthia.
She used a stolen key to open the cabinet and stared at my gown, envy burning in her eyes. The next day, Kylie walked the red carpet in the gown I designed. The whole internet praised it. I was overjoyed.
But the next day, a designer named Jud posted that I plagiarized his work. The internet exploded. Everyone cursed me. Kylie’s studio urgently replaced the gown.
I fell from glory in an instant. I gave Colin my original design drafts, asking him to clear my name. He said he’d handle it and told me to go home and rest. I trusted him.
A few days later, my account was deleted, and the company announced I’d been fired. I didn’t give up. I created a new account and presented my final piece of evidence. All my design drafts had my anti-counterfeiting mark, my initials.
And Jud’s design draft had the same mark. Media started to doubt. Then, a hacker uncovered the truth. Jud’s design was altered.
The whole internet tide reversed. Jud was the plagiarizer. I didn’t know the hacker was arranged by Colin. He’d been protecting me all along.
After the incident, Colin took me to a private island. We played in the pool. He pretended to have a headache to lure me close, then kissed me. That night, I kissed him first.
I didn’t want him to think I only got intimate when I was drunk. On the island, I had a dream. Years ago, in a small fishing village, I saved a man covered in blood. I dragged him ashore, stopped the bleeding, and brought down his fever.
In his coma, he clung to my hand. Later, he disappeared. I never expected him to still be alive. Back from vacation, I learned that Colin had threatened Jud with his past crimes.
Jud confessed: “Kylie and Cynthia made me frame Lindsay. ” Colin had Jud take recording equipment to meet Kylie. Jud demanded 50 million in hush money. Kylie flew into a rage and tried to kill him.
Just then, the police burst in. Colin had called them. Kylie, Cynthia, and Cohen were all arrested. After it settled, I returned to the company.
I’d been promoted to head of the design department. I texted Dustin asking if he arranged it. He denied it, but I had a nagging feeling this had something to do with Colin. One day, I received a call from an unknown number.
“Is this Lindsay? Long time no see. ”
“Who is this? ”
“Guess who?
Tonight at 7:00 at Rayhill Hotel. Let’s meet and talk. ”
I thought it was a scammer and hung up. But at the hotel, I saw a painting on the wall.
One I’d painted years ago in that small fishing village. “Lindsey. Long time no see. ”
“It’s you.
You’re the person I saved back then? ”
“Yes. I’ve been looking for you for years. Linda, will you marry me?
”
I was stunned, but refused without hesitation. “I’m already married. I love my husband very much. ”
“That Colin isn’t worthy of you.
One day you’ll willingly marry me. ”
I left the hotel without looking back. This man made me uneasy. Back home, I started preparing Colin’s birthday party.
I baked a cake and decorated the villa. I invited Dustin and Dominic to celebrate. Colin made a wish but wouldn’t tell me what it was. “If I say it, it won’t come true.
”
After cake, Dustin suggested going to a bar. At the bar, a waiter brought me a bouquet of red roses. I thought they were from Colin, but he denied it. Back home, I felt nauseous.
The butler said I might be pregnant. The test showed I wasn’t. Just a stomach issue. Colin held me.
“I don’t like children. But if the child is yours, I don’t seem to mind. ”
My heart felt warm, but I thought about those roses.
Something felt off.
