“That Sterling Heir is absolutely nuts!“]]

“All for a tiny rose thorn prick on Sophia’s finger, and he calls in every doctor in the hospital.“[]

“A few more seconds and that little scratch would’ve healed itself!“]

“Shhb! /bStop talking – the woman lying here is his actual wife!“]

Bitter tears rolled down my face.[]

That’s just how Dominic was.]

When it came to making Sophia happy.

He’d do absolutely anything.]

I heard Dominic’s footsteps. He rushed over and grabbed my hand, apologizing like crazy:]]

“Sorry Lauren, bI /bhad no idea this happened to you.“]

“You know how much Sophia helped me when we were kids. I couldn’t stand seeing her finger get infected after that cut…“]

I was hooked up to a breathing machineb, /bbarely able to open my eyes – they were so swollen bI /blooked like a monster.

“Dorninic, stop pretending. You hate me, because you hate the thing my dad did to your mom back then, don’t you?“]

His grip on my hand loosened.]

His smile turned kinda twisted:[]

“So you figured it out?b” /b

“Lauren, if it wasn’t for your dad, my mom would still be alive.“[]

“All this stuff? It’s just me collecting a little interest. As long as you behaveb, /bI promise I won’t take it out on you anymore…”

He kept talking and talking.

But I’d already turned my head away.]]

Tears were streaming down silently.]

My voice was all scratchy when I told him:]

“Dominic, the debt’s paid. Let’s get divorced.“]

His eyes went wide and he shot up from his chair:[]

“Cut it out! Don’t think I don’t know, Lauren. All you’ve ever wanted is to be Mrs. Sterling. You think putting on this little freaking act is gonna make me give you what you want?“]

“Dream on!“]]

But Dominic.

These past three years, when did I ever get treated like Mrs. Sterling?

I was worse off than the most miserable ve.]]

But once I’m away from you.[]

The world’s huge. I’ve got a million ways to survive.]]

I shook my head, denying what he thought.[]

But then he totally exploded:[]

“ying hard to get now? Lauren, since you know everything already, I’ll stop hiding it.“]

“I need a wife who’s sweet and perfect.“[]

“If you can do that, I promise you–the position of Mrs. Sterling will only ever be yours.”

“Even that debt your father killing my mother before–I can wipe it clean for you!“]

Heughed coldly.]]

“Lauren, I’m being really generous here. You should be thrilled.“]

“Now I’m gonna go check on Sophia’s injury. She’s way more delicate than a tough piece of work like you.”

Then he just walked out.]]

Didn’t even give me a chance to think about it.]

I smiled bitterly to myself.[]

Dominic, you’re way too full of yourself.]]

Even if death was the only option left for me right now.

I’d never change the decision I’m about to make because of your damn phony “generous.“]

bI /blifted my hand and tried to pull the oxygen mask off my face.b[/bb] /b

Right then

I heard this cry from outside–so choked–back, like bthe /bpain was about to burst:b[/b]

“Lauren-”