"Ma'am, perhaps it's best if you don't finalize this today..." We were at City Hall, about to get our marriage license, when Ethan’s phone buzzed. A picture of a pregnancy test report from his precious 'mentee,' Ella, flashed onto the screen. Without a shred of hesitation, he ditched me right there, rushing off to take her home so she could "rest and take care of the pregnancy." Not long after, a cozy photo of them appeared on social media. The familiar background? Our bedroom—the one that was supposed to be ours. Then, Ethan’s message popped up: “I had too much to drink at the success party that night. Ella’s pregnant, and I need to be there for her. She wanted to keep it from me, have the baby, and raise it alone, but she’s so young, with a future as a top cardiothoracic surgeon… I can’t ruin her, and I can’t abandon an innocent life.” When I didn’t reply, he added: “Didn’t you want a baby soon? After she gives birth, I’ll send her abroad for advanced studies. You can raise the child. It will only ever know you as its mother.” He even remembered to say: “About the license, we’ll probably have to reschedule after Ella has the baby.” I stared at my phone, my eyes burning, but a laugh escaped me. Did he really think that I, Sarah Sterling, the only daughter of the Northwood Sterlings, couldn't live without him? Without a second thought, I dialed Jason Jiang’s number. “Marriage license. You in?” … When Jason showed up at City Hall, cursing under his breath, I knew I’d really put him out this time. I heard he was at the airport, about to fly to Italy for a crucial business conference, only to be dragged here by my call. Seeing him grind his teeth, a wave of guilt washed over me. “Sarah Sterling, what in God’s name did I do to deserve you? I chase you for eight damn years, you barely give me the time of day, and now you suddenly want to get married, just like that?” I glanced at the time. “They’re about to close. Are you in or out?” He deflated instantly. “In! I’ve got my papers, rescheduled my flight, and my parents already know. Might as well, right?” Ethan must have finally noticed my silence because he called, his voice tight with an urgency he couldn’t hide. “Sarah, don’t overthink this. You’re the only one for me. What I feel for Ella is just admiration, pure and simple. That night was a genuine accident.” “Mm, I get it,” I said, my voice as flat and lifeless as a stagnant pond. “Men, you know? These things happen.” Silence on his end. After a moment, I heard him take a sharp breath. “Where are you? I’ll send a driver. Ella’s having some morning sickness, and I really can’t leave her…” I cut him off. “Don’t bother.” His tone chilled instantly. “Sarah, are you throwing a tantrum? I’ve explained everything. Ella will leave after the baby is born. What more do you want from me?” A dull ache spread through my chest. I instinctively clutched the brand-new marriage certificate in my hand, forcing myself to stay calm. “Ethan, let’s break up.” He was stunned for a second, then let out a cold, sarcastic laugh. “You know damn well how I’ve treated you all these years, don’t you? Yes, I made a mistake, but what man doesn’t? I’m already trying to make up for it. Do you have to be so aggressive?” I bit my lip, saying nothing. My continued silence made him lose his patience completely. “Fine! Have it your way! Break up then! You’ll come crying back to me in less than half an hour!” The call ended abruptly, leaving only a harsh dial tone ringing in my ear. I took a cab back to our—my former—home. Not to reconcile, but to pack my things and leave for good. The scene that greeted me as I opened the door was a stab to the eyes: Ethan, wearing an apron, a table laden with exquisite dishes. He and Ella were sitting across from each other, laughing and talking. He gently placed food on her plate, even carefully feeding her a bite. That adoring expression, I once thought, was reserved only for me. I remembered how, when I used to cook for him, he’d always hug me from behind, whispering in my ear, “My poor baby, working so hard.” But in five years, he hadn’t so much as poured me a glass of hot water. His excuse was always, “A surgeon’s hands are for operating; they must be protected.” Even holding hands was a careful affair. Now, he was willing to roll up his sleeves and cook for Ella. When Ethan saw me, he shot me a disdainful look that screamed, “See? I knew it.” Ella, on the other hand, greeted me with a sickeningly sweet smile, “Oh, Sarah, you’re back! Want to join us for dinner?” I walked straight past her, heading for the bedroom. “Stop!” Ethan shot up, his face dark. “Ella’s talking to you. Have the decency to respond. Have you lost all your manners?” I turned slowly, a cold laugh escaping me. “How do you want me to respond? Thank her for eagerly volunteering to have my fiancé’s baby so I can be a mother douleur-free? Or should I march over there, slap her, and call her a cheap homewrecker?” “You!” Veins pulsed on Ethan’s temples, he was so angry. Just then, Ella suddenly covered her mouth, gagging, tears welling in her eyes. Ethan immediately rushed to her side. “Ella, what’s wrong? Are you feeling awful?” “Ethan, darling, I’m okay…” She clutched his sleeve, her voice trembling, but directed her tearful accusation at me. “Sarah, it’s all my fault. I didn’t want to live in your house either, but I truly have nowhere else to go. I… I’ll leave as soon as the baby is born. I’ll never bother you and Ethan again…” Then, stroking her belly, she sobbed, “Baby, I’m so sorry. Mommy doesn’t want to leave you, but Mommy did something bad, so she has to accept the punishment… I’m sorry…” She started gagging violently again, collapsing into Ethan’s arms. The look Ethan gave me was filled with loathing, as if I’d committed some heinous crime. “Are you satisfied now?” I scoffed and turned to leave. My attitude completely enraged Ethan. He snatched a glass from the table and hurled it at me. A sharp pain exploded in the back of my head, followed by the sound of shattering glass. I stumbled and fell hard onto the stairs. The piercing pain brought a cold sweat to my brow; for a moment, I couldn’t even get up. “Stop faking it! Get up!” Ethan barked impatiently from behind me. Ella approached, feigning concern. “Sarah, you… you should be okay, right? I think the glass just grazed your shoulder…” “Shut up!” I bit out, gritting my teeth and forcing myself to stand. Seeing me treat Ella so harshly, Ethan’s eyes turned icy. “Ella’s lost her appetite. Go make her your specialty, that fish soup with tofu. And remember, no onions. She doesn’t like them.” “I’m not doing it,” I refused without hesitation. “That’s an order!” Ethan’s face was terrifyingly dark. “Sarah, do you think you have a choice?” I clenched my fists, looking him straight in the eye. “I’m just not doing it. What are you going to do about it?” A dangerous glint flashed in Ethan’s eyes. He strode forward, roughly grabbed my arm, and shoved me hard into the kitchen. Slam! The door was slammed shut. “Don’t even think about coming out until that soup is made!” “Ethan, you’re insane!” I pounded on the door, screaming “Let me out!” at the top of my lungs, but was met only with dead silence. My palms were red and throbbing. Finally, I slid down, defeated, leaning against the cold door. Through the door, I could hear their voices clearly. Ella, in a soft, gentle voice: “Ethan, darling, isn't this a bit too harsh on Sarah? If she doesn't want to make it, then don't force her. I’m fine without the soup.” Ethan sighed. “Ella, she’s just been spoiled by the Sterlings all these years. I have to break her of that princess attitude. If she’s going to marry into the Miller family, she has to follow Miller family rules. Otherwise, how will she be a good mother to our child?” “The Millers are a medical family; we've always valued kindness and good relations. But she's too blunt... My mom never really liked her.” Ella asked, puzzled, “Ethan, honey, then why don’t you just break up with her?” Silence fell outside. I held my breath, motionless, leaning against the door. Yes, if I was so unbearable in his eyes, why did he put up with me? The silence stretched on for a long time. Ella prompted cautiously, “Ethan?” Ethan’s calm voice, like a knife, pierced my heart: “The Sterling family’s influence in Northwood is second to none. They’ve been a huge help to my career over the years…” I clutched my chest, tears finally breaking free. So that was it. All these years, he’d valued the Sterling family, not me. In a daze, I remembered the year my grandfather had a sudden heart attack. It was Ethan’s bold surgical plan that saved his life. I was instantly smitten with this young, accomplished, and skilled doctor. I only sent a commendation plaque to express my gratitude, never expecting him to start pursuing me so intensely. He never actively asked for the Sterling family’s help; all those behind-the-scenes maneuvers were arranged by me, without his knowledge. How laughable. I’d even worried he’d refuse it if he found out. The kitchen door opened. Ethan was visibly startled when he saw me, then frowned. “You cry this much just making soup? Get out, you’re annoying to look at!” I fought back a wave of dizziness and stood up, stumbling towards the bedroom. The moment I pushed open the door, a chill ran down my spine. The bedsheets had been changed to a pink lace set I detested. My photo on the nightstand was replaced with a picture of an unfamiliar baby. In the closet, not a single piece of my clothing remained. Ethan’s voice came from behind me: “The guest room is too small. It’s inconvenient for Ella with her big belly. She needs to stay in the master bedroom for now.” Ella added timidly, “Sarah, you… you wouldn’t mind, would you? Don’t worry, as soon as the baby is born, I’ll…” “Oh,” I cut her off. “Where are my things?” Ethan looked away. “I had the maid move them to the storage room. The nearest guest room is being converted into a nursery. You can pick another guest room.” I was silent for a long moment, then nodded. “Fine.” In the storage room, my couture gowns were carelessly tossed on the floor. My jewelry was scattered in a grimy corner, like unwanted trash. I took a deep breath and looked sarcastically at Ella, who had followed me in. “Couldn’t wait, could you? Couldn’t even wait for me to leave?” A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face before she put on an innocent expression. “Sarah, what are you talking about? Ethan asked the maid to pack these. I didn’t do anything.” I scoffed, pointing at a shoe print on one of my gowns. “Did the maid do this too?” “So what if I did?” She suddenly lowered her voice, a venomous glint in her eyes, yet she feigned fear and backed away. “Sarah, I’m begging you, please let me go!” With that, she let out a sudden shriek and pretended to fall backward. Ethan rushed in just in time to catch her. Ella immediately clutched her stomach, sobbing. “Ethan, darling, I didn’t do anything! Why would Sarah push me… Thank goodness you came, otherwise the baby…” “I didn’t push her!” My throat tightened, and I explained instinctively. Rage flared in Ethan’s eyes. He grabbed my neck, slamming me against the wall. “You think I’ll believe you? That Ella would use her child to frame you? When did you become so vicious!” His grip was terrifyingly strong. I could barely breathe, desperately struggling to force out a few words. “I really… didn’t…” “Enough! I don’t want to hear your excuses!” He laughed, a chilling, furious sound, then shoved me to the floor. “Go back to the Sterlings and be your precious little princess! Don’t come back until you’ve learned your lesson!” I stumbled to my feet, looking at him in disbelief. Eleven o’clock at night, and he was kicking me out? I remembered how, in the past, he would insist on accompanying me even if I just wanted to take a walk at night. But now, his chin was high, and he wouldn’t even spare me a glance. My nose suddenly stung. How many times had he lost his temper with me today because of Ella? No matter what I said or did, in his eyes, I was wrong. And today… today was supposed to be our wedding day. I closed my eyes, didn’t even grab any clothes, and fled that suffocating place without a backward glance. … I had just gotten back to the Sterling mansion when my phone vibrated. It was a video from Ella. I knew I shouldn’t open it, but my finger pressed play uncontrollably. In the video, Ethan was gently holding Ella, his eyes closed as he softly kissed her forehead, his face a mask of bliss and tenderness. His voice carried a hint of regret: “Ella, if I had met you sooner, I wouldn’t have ended up with Sarah. You’re so talented in medicine, so pure and driven. And her? She just throws her weight around because of the Sterling family’s backing, doing nothing productive all day.” “The Miller family has been in medicine for generations. If I really married her, our reputation would be ruined sooner or later.” Every word was like a poisoned needle, precisely striking my most vulnerable spots. Ella, using her family’s connections in the medical field, had easily become his personally mentored student, his ‘little sister.’ That was his definition of “talented.” And I, who had given up family resources to start from the bottom and climb my way up to Director of Investments at Sterling Corp… In his eyes, I was “doing nothing productive.” So, in his heart, I had always been worthless. How could he have ever genuinely loved me? I put down my phone, tears soaking my pillow. I tossed and turned all night. Just as dawn was breaking, Jason called. “Morning, wifey. Sleep well?” His voice was practically buzzing with unconcealed joy. “Just landed in Milan. I was too excited to sleep a wink on the plane—that was over ten hours. I still can’t believe you actually married me.” His tone suddenly softened. “Wifey, I’m already missing you. Do you miss me?” Wifey? The word jolted me awake. Only then did I remember: yesterday, in a fit of anger, I had married Jason Jiang. “Wifey? Why aren’t you saying anything? You… you don’t regret it, do you?” His voice was filled with a mountain of hurt. “No,” I answered softly. Jason and I had grown up together. While I wasn’t sure if he truly loved me, at least we knew each other inside out. The Jiang family was a good match for mine; he was indeed a suitable husband. He audibly sighed in relief on the other end, his energy returning. “I’ll be back tomorrow! We’re going to pick out wedding rings! Even though getting the license was rushed, the proposal, the wedding ceremony—we’re not skipping a single thing!” “You just focus on being the most beautiful bride. Leave everything else to me.” I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, agreeing to his plans. That was Jason. With him, he’d arrange everything. I only ever needed to follow. And Ethan… My memories were always of his retreating back. Even getting married was something I had to bring up. At the time, he’d frowned and said, “It’s only been five years. Isn’t it too soon to get married?” The difference between being loved and not being loved… it was so painfully clear. For an entire day, there was no word from Ethan. His mother, however, eagerly called, her tone dripping with condescending superiority: “You know about Ethan and Ella, don’t you? Now that Ella is carrying the Miller family’s first grandchild, we certainly won’t let her be wronged. We’ll make sure Ethan marries her. It’s a good thing Ethan didn’t get the license with you yesterday. This is fate!” “I told you long ago you two weren’t suitable. The Sterlings have been in business for three generations, while the Millers have been doctors for generations. Our family legacies simply don’t match, don’t you agree?” I let out a cold laugh. “Mrs. Miller, Ethan and I have already broken up. In the future, please don’t contact me unless it’s something important.” She was clearly stunned, probably not expecting me, usually so docile, to talk back like that. Just as she was about to fly into a rage, I decisively hung up. She immediately called back several times. I blocked her number without hesitation, then proceeded to block all of Ethan’s contact methods as well. I deleted all our photos together. Five years of love dissipated along with them. The next day, while I was at a jewelry store picking out wedding rings, I unexpectedly ran into Ethan and Ella. He was excitedly helping Ella pick out an expensive set of jewelry and had even ordered a custom baby charm for their unborn child. Seeing me trying on rings, Ethan’s face instantly darkened. “Sarah! I told you to go home and reflect on your actions, and instead, you’re out buying wedding rings? You think I’ll still marry you with this attitude?” He roughly grabbed my hand, forcibly took off the ring, and handed it back to the salesclerk. “We’re not buying this ring, thank you.” The edge of the diamond scratched my finger, and blood welled up immediately. The clerk hurried to tend to my wound, but Ethan stopped her coldly. “It’s just a scratch, don’t bother.” I ignored him. Wiping away the blood, I told the clerk, “Please get me that other ring.” Ethan seized my wrist, roaring, “Didn’t I make myself clear? You’re not buying any rings today!” Customers around us started whispering: “That pregnant woman must be his wife, right? This other woman is pretty brazen, daring to pick out wedding rings so openly.” “Shameless. Being the other woman and still wanting a title. See, her man just shut her down.” Seeing this, Ella feigned conciliation. “Sarah, please stop making a scene. It’s embarrassing with so many people watching. How about I give you the ring Ethan just bought me? See if you like it?” The salesclerk also chimed in, “Ma’am, if you keep this up, we can’t do business.” Ethan’s grip tightened, and he was about to drag me away forcefully. I wrenched my hand free. “Ethan, what business is it of yours if I buy a wedding ring? Please mind your own damn business!” “None of my business? Fine! I’m officially calling off our engagement! You’ll never need to buy a wedding ring now!” With that, he shoved me hard. Just as I stumbled and was about to fall, a pair of strong hands caught me. Jason’s voice sounded by my ear, “Honey, sorry I’m late.”
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