Chapter 2 Don’t Read Too Much Into It Kaitlin was Alan’s wife! Despite his lack of affection, could he truly remain unmoved by her unwavering dedication during the last three years? Alan had rescued her from the ocean’s grasp, and upon regaining consciousness, she confessed her amnesia about her family, prompting him to take her in. He likely assumed she married him out of necessity, believing she couldn’t fend for herself. Yet, he was unaware that she had been smitten from their first encounter, as if enchanted. Kaitlin refused to draw comparisons to someone who had passed away, but Ashley was a continual source of pain in their marriage, stabbing her heart over and over. After three years of enduring, all she had to show was a shattered heart. “Damn it! You say you’re Alan Hewitt’s wife, yet he won’t even answer your calls!” The group leader pulled her hair and struck her across the face with a sharp slap. “We feared the Hewitt family might retaliate, but it’s clear they don’t care about you, so we’re free to do as we please! Come on, guys, let’s enjoy ourselves! Who cares if she’s Alan Hewitt’s wife?” The sharp pain in her scalp elicited a groan from Kaitlin. Seeing the vile grins on her kidnappers’ faces, she balled her hands into fists. She was determined to resist them, even if it meant her death! As they approached, she lunged at the closest man, striking his abdomen. Seizing the moment, she sprinted towards a partially open window. Her vision clouded with blood, her head spun, and blood dripped from a wound on her forehead as she lost consciousness. “The patient is stable, but her head injury is severe. It’s uncertain when she will regain consciousness.” “Thank heavens the special forces were already on their trail. Otherwise, who knows…” Soft, indistinct voices surrounded her. Struggling to regain her senses, Kaitlin managed to pry her eyes open, only to see a blur of white. The pungent scent of disinfectant overwhelmed her senses, and through the haze, she caught the murmur of Alan’s assistant. “Thank you, doctor.” She was still alive? Gradually, Kaitlin’s awareness crept back. Pain radiated through her, as if her body had been shredded. “Mrs. Hewitt, you’re awake?!” The assistant noticed her stirring and hurried over, his voice laced with concern. “Does it hurt?” Kaitlin glanced around the sterile hospital room, her voice barely a whisper. “Where’s Alan?” The assistant’s face tensed, and after a moment’s hesitation, he muttered, “He… had to handle something. He might be here later.” Kaitlin was overwhelmed by disappointment. Was there something more urgent than this? Did he really not care for her? Could he really be so indifferent to whether she survived? Her voice rough, Kaitlin murmured, “I see. You may leave. Thanks for coming.” The assistant lingered, as if he wanted to add more, but remembering Alan’s stern orders, he remained silent and exited the room. Left alone, Kaitlin lay on the hospital bed, her heart weighed down by a chilling sorrow that spread throughout her chest. She grappled with the painful realization that Alan didn’t love her, despite trying to convince herself that perhaps he was genuinely occupied with something urgent. Yet, as the door to her room swung open once more, she braced for the return of the assistant. Instead, it was Lilliana. Kaitlin’s eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists. “Miss Willis, to what do I owe this visit?” Lilliana’s voice was soft, tinged with a mocking sweetness. “I heard about your kidnapping and injuries, Kaitlin. I was so worried, I had to come check on you. You remind me so much of my sister. It’s always made me feel a special bond with you.” The message was clear to Kaitlin. Lilliana was subtly reminding her of her place as nothing more than a stand-in for her sister. “If your sister could see you now, pretending to be sweet and innocent in front of her fiancé, I wonder what she’d think,” Kaitlin responded icily. “We’re hardly close, so there’s no need to use my first name.” A flicker of surprise and annoyance passed over Lilliana’s face, quickly masked by a look of sorrow. “Kaitlin, does my closeness with Alan upset you?” She adopted an innocent expression. “We’re just friends. He’s just looking out for me because of my sister. Don’t read too much into it.” The facade nauseated Kaitlin. Initially, she had taken Lilliana at her word, harboring no ill will towards her. However, as time passed, Lilliana continuously invoked Ashley’s name, manipulating Alan and sowing discord with petty schemes. Kaitlin now saw through her ploys. “I’m indifferent to whatever relationship you have with him,” Kaitlin stated, her tone chilling. “I’d appreciate it if you’d leave now. Save your performances for your admirers. They do nothing for me.” Tears welled up in Lilliana’s eyes, portraying a deep, aggrieved hurt. She scrambled to her feet, and deliberately dropped her phone which landed in front of Kaitlin. As it hit the blanket, the screen flared to life, revealing an active group chat. An image popped up, displaying Lilliana being swept off her feet by Alan, as they entered a hotel under the cover of night. They seemed impeccably suited for each other, far more so than Kaitlin and Alan ever appeared. The texts that followed the image were just as shocking. “Isn’t that your boyfriend, Miss Willis? He’s quite the looker!” “What? Miss Willis has a boyfriend? My heart is shattered!” Kaitlin felt a chill run through her fingers. So, they went to a hotel after visiting the grave last night? While she was battling for her life, what exactly was Alan up to? He was hooking up with Lilliana? Was he using her as a stand-in for Ashley while indulging with Ashley’s sister? The thought revolted her… Shaking uncontrollably, Kaitlin raised her head to meet Lilliana’s gaze, her eyes burning with anger and hurt.
Chapter 3 Remember Your Place! “Kaitlin, please understand. It’s not what you think. It’s just…” Lilliana uttered as she grabbed her phone, her face a mix of mock sorrow and defiance. Kaitlin’s rage bubbled over, and she struck Lilliana across the face with a sharp slap. “Get out! What are you so proud of? Proud of destroying my marriage? How can you not be ashamed?!” The force of her slap sent the phone crashing to the floor, breaking into pieces. Lilliana stumbled back, her hand deliberately striking Kaitlin’s injured leg as she fell against the hospital bed. Pain exploded in Kaitlin’s leg, blurring her vision with tears. As she reached out to push Lilliana away, a strong hand clamped down on her wrist. “Kaitlin, have you lost your mind?” Alan’s cold, stern voice cut through the chaos. Kaitlin looked up to see Alan, still dressed in the somber black suit from the photo she had seen earlier, exhaustion and anger etched across his face. He was still the same tall, broad-shouldered, and good-looking man, but to Kaitlin, he looked utterly repulsive now. “I’m the one who’s lost my mind?” Kaitlin hissed, emphasizing every word. “Your lover here has been mocking me to my face. How could I not react? You disgust me, Alan!” Alan’s face darkened with fury as he met Kaitlin’s tear-filled, furious gaze. He had been up all night handling the kidnappers, without a moment’s rest, only to arrive at the hospital and find Kaitlin snapping at him over Lilliana. His assistant had informed him that Lilliana was badly hurt, yet here she was, seemingly more vigorous than he felt. “Kaitlin, are you trying to test my patience?” He gripped her delicate jaw firmly, his tone icy. “Apologize to Lilliana. Now!” The sharp pain in her jaw made Kaitlin shudder, but the ache in her heart cut deeper. There was no way she would apologize. “For what exactly?” Her voice was raspy as she protested, “Because I interrupted your mourning for your beloved while I was nearly dying? Or because I slapped your new lover when she mocked me? Alan, even if your heart isn’t with me, can’t you at least show me the respect due to a wife?” Veins throbbed on Alan’s forehead, and his grip grew tighter, his knuckles whitening. “Enough! How dare you bring her up?!” Alan’s shout echoed as he shoved Kaitlin back against the bed like a furious dragon. “Remember your place! Do as I command, now!” Her back slammed against the headboard, igniting her untreated injuries with unbearable pain. Tears pooled in her eyes, and the pain made it difficult to breathe. What was her place, really? Merely his nominal wife, a pawn for his desires, a stand-in for Ashley? None of these roles held any true significance. Alan noticed her bloodshot eyes brimming with tears and realized she was still suffering from her injuries. He loosened his grip, about to speak, when Lilliana, snapping out of her shock, seized his arm. “Alan, Kaitlin is still hurt! She must be scared after the kidnapping. Please, don’t be harsh with her. If hitting me makes her feel any better, I can take it. The worst that could happen is I might have to cancel my upcoming interviews and collaborations.” She looked up at him, her expression one of sincere understanding. “Let’s talk this through.” Alan, managing his irritation, carefully withdrew his hand from hers and spoke softly. “You need rest too. Go home and sleep. I’ll sort this out. And don’t worry about the work you might miss. I’ll find you even better opportunities.” Lilliana nodded, cast a cautious glance at Kaitlin, and left the room with a faint smirk. Alan’s different reactions toward her and Lilliana left Kaitlin feeling colder. Despite her body being marred with wounds, Alan seemed oblivious. Yet, at Lilliana’s slightest word, his anger dissolved. It was ridiculous. After three years of marriage, Kaitlin finally grasped where she stood in Alan’s regard. “Kaitlin, since you’re injured, I don’t want to argue,” Alan stated icily, dropping her back onto the bed. “Don’t tell Grandma about this. When you’re discharged, you–” Kaitlin interrupted him, her tone emotionless. “When I’m discharged, we’re getting a divorce.” She removed her cherished wedding ring and tossed it at his feet. “Consider your kindness for saving me repaid over these past three years.” Alan halted, his expression one of stunned disbelief as he stared at the ring. After a moment, he stepped closer, clenched her wrist tightly, and demanded, “What did you say?!” “When did you start having trouble hearing?” Kaitlin retorted, allowing him to pull her closer. “I’m done playing this stand-in. Our marriage is over.” Alan’s eyes darkened, his features clouded with rage.
Chapter 4 I’m Getting A Divorce The air in the room was thick with tension. Alan’s voice cut through the silence like ice. “Kaitlin, how could you even suggest divorce as a joke?” Kaitlin held his gaze with a newfound resolve, and the timid, accommodating woman she had been was nowhere in sight. “Alan, this is no joke. We agreed to a three-year term of marriage. Once that’s up, I’ll have the divorce papers ready. I want nothing from you–not a single penny. From then on, we go our separate ways.” A deep flush of anger spread across Alan’s face, his eyes burning with fury. “Kaitlin, how dare you!” His grip tightened around her waist, and with a forceful shove, he pinned her to the bed. His voice was a threatening whisper. “How dare you even mention divorce! Do you think you can manage on your own out there?” Kaitlin’s response was calm and collected. “I’m perfectly healthy and of sound mind. Why wouldn’t I make it on my own?” Alan clenched his teeth, his cold stare fixed on her. Kaitlin was unfazed, her lips curling into a scornful smile. “Oh, you don’t want to split? I’m merely a stand-in. Surely you haven’t developed feelings for me. You profess your love for Ashley, yet here you are, using others in her place. Isn’t that absurd?” Alan’s hand trembled with rage, the veins popping. “Don’t kid yourself!” “Fine,” Kaitlin responded, her smile strained but determined as she fought through her inner turmoil. “I’ll contact you about the divorce. And should anything happen to me out there, don’t concern yourself.” Alan stood there, chest heaving in rage, his broad shoulders trembling as a dazed expression clouded his face. Kaitlin’s sudden fierceness along with her steely resolve reminded him of someone he once knew. Ashley had that same sharp, unyielding spirit. But now, it was Kaitlin who was walking away from him. How could she even think of such a thing? “Fine, I’ll be waiting,” he spat out bitterly. With a forceful turn, he stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him with a resounding thud. How could Kaitlin, seemingly a mere amnesiac orphan, manage without him? He scoffed at the thought, curious to see how long she could endure on her own. The room fell silent again, leaving Kaitlin alone with her thoughts. She listened to the fading sound of Alan’s footsteps, tears beginning to stream down her face, scorching her skin like fire. This was the end. The absurd obsession and playing the part of someone else for three years were over at last. She wrapped herself in a blanket, trying to stave off the chill, but her heart remained cold and hollow, as if torn asunder, leaving nothing but a mangled, bloody mess. Three days later, Kaitlin left the hospital. She had drawn up divorce papers and had them delivered to Alan’s company. Kaitlin then accessed her Twitter account and shared a post. “I’m back.” …… ==== Kaitlin fell in love with Alan at first sight, but failed to capture his heart even after three years of marriage. When her life was on the line, he was weeping at his beloved’s grave. It was the last straw. “Let’s get a divorce, Alan.” Kaitlin thrived in her newfound freedom, gaining international acclaim as a designer. Her memory returned, and she reclaimed her rightful identity as the heiress to a jewelry empire, while embracing her new role as the mother to beautiful twin babies. Alan panicked as eager suitors flocked to her. “I screwed up. Please let me see our children!” What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)
