When The Cherry Blossoms Fell

“Ms. Arnold, you really should sign this divorce agreement. Otherwise, I won’t be able to answer to Mr. Fisher.” Jeremy Fisher’s personal lawyer, Cole Stewart, stood in front of Hailey Arnold with an anxious expression. In his hands were a freshly printed divorce agreement, the pages still crisp. This was the thirty-third time Jeremy had asked to divorce her. The first time, Hailey climbed onto the rooftop and jumped. She survived but broke one of her legs. The second time, she slashed her wrist with a small knife, and blood flooded half the bathroom. The third time, she swallowed an entire bottle of sleeping pills and spent three days in the hospital having her stomach pumped. … Every single time, she had used death to force Jeremy to compromise, but this time, she was tired of it. Chapter 1 “Ms. Arnold, you really should sign this divorce agreement. Otherwise, I won’t be able to answer to Mr. Fisher.” Jeremy Fisher’s personal lawyer, Cole Stewart, stood in front of Hailey Arnold with an anxious expression. In his hands were a freshly printed divorce agreement, the pages still crisp. This was the thirty-third time Jeremy had asked for a divorce from her. The first time, Hailey climbed onto the rooftop and jumped. She survived but broke one of her legs. The second time, she slashed her wrist with a small knife, and blood flooded half the bathroom. The third time, she swallowed an entire bottle of sleeping pills and spent three days in the hospital having her stomach pumped. Every single time, she had used death to force Jeremy to compromise, but this time, she was tired of it. Hailey stood up and walked toward the window. Cole followed her nervously. “Ms. Arnold, please don’t do anything rash. Mr. Fisher specifically instructed me to ensure your safety…” Hailey did not respond. She looked out the window, her gaze landing on the massive billboard across the street. On it stood Jeremy, tall and composed in a custom-tailored suit. Beside him was a glamorous woman, Whitney Addams, the heiress of the Addams Group. Everyone said they were a perfect match—a power couple made in heaven. As for her, the woman who was legally Jeremy’s wife, no one even knew she existed. Cole glanced at the billboard outside, guilt flashing across his face. He lowered his voice and said cautiously, “Ms. Arnold, you and Mr. Fisher will only be getting a temporary divorce. Your lifestyle and benefits will remain unchanged. As for Mr. Fisher and Miss Addams, it’s all for the company’s successful IPO. Once you sign, Mr. Fisher will transfer fifty percent of the shares to you–” She had heard that speech so many times that she was sick of it. “I’ll sign,” Hailey interrupted him, her voice calm and firm, without the slightest hesitation. Cole froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. Then, delight spread across his face. “Ms. Arnold, you’ve finally come around.” Hailey picked up the pen and signed her name on the divorce papers, her fingers trembling slightly. The pen felt unbearably heavy in her hand, like a dull blade carving into her heart. Her signature was short, yet it felt as though she had spent an entire century writing it. As soon as the pen lifted off the paper, Cole quickly took the divorce papers from her hands. “Ms. Arnold, I’ll leave you to the rest of your day.” After the door shut heavily behind, Hailey collapsed onto the sofa, limp like a fish pulled from the water. The television was on, broadcasting breaking financial news. “It has been confirmed that Fisher Corporation, founded by renowned entrepreneur Mr. Jeremy Fisher, has successfully passed its IPO review. The company is expected to officially go public within a month, with an estimated market value of ten billion dollars. Mr. Fisher is set to become the wealthiest man in New Vegas.” The camera cut to Jeremy, his handsome face sharp and confident. Facing the cameras, he wore a perfectly controlled smile, the unmistakable aura of a man at the top of his game. The host asked, “Mr. Fisher, who would you most like to thank for the company’s successful listing?” Jeremy’s eyes instantly filled with affection. He turned slightly, his gaze locking onto Whitney beside him. “Of course, I have to thank my most capable partner, Whitney. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Whitney lowered her eyes shyly. The host continued, smiling, “There’s been a lot of talk about you and Miss Addams being a match made in heaven. May I ask, do you have plans to marry her?” Jeremy smiled at the camera. “That’s a question I can’t answer yet. That’ll depend on whether Whitney will give me the honor.” The audience erupted into cheers. “He sure is a CEO, confessing love so openly!” “Is this real, or is this a dream? A love story between a wealthy heiress and a successful entrepreneur? I’m shipping this couple.” “So the rumors are true. They are head over heels for each other.” … Every word was like a knife, stabbing straight into Hailey’s heart. The pain spread instantly through her entire body, and memories flooded her mind. Ten years ago, Jeremy and Hailey had depended on each other to survive. At their poorest, one loaf of bread had to be split into four meals. So that Jeremy could continue his studies, Hailey gave up her chance to go to college and worked three jobs on her own. She even sold her blood at the hospital just to scrape together tuition money. Already frail, she fainted right after leaving the blood bank from excessive blood loss. Jeremy rushed over when he heard the news, holding her tightly as burning tears fell onto her body. She wiped the tears from his eyes, holding the money in her hand and smiling brightly. “Jeremy, you can afford to go to college now.” The young, inexperienced boy swore to her that once he succeeded, he would give her a life every woman envied. The day Jeremy landed his first job after graduating from college, they went to city hall and registered their marriage. “Hailey, our good days are finally here. You won’t have to work so hard anymore. Once I make money, I’ll give you the grandest wedding.” That night, they clung to each other in the dark, holding each other tightly. Later, Jeremy’s career soared, and Hailey never had to worry about money again. She lived in a mansion, rode in luxury cars, and had domestic help waiting for her at home. However, the one thing she never had was Jeremy publicly acknowledging her existence. She kept waiting for the day he would fulfill his promise, but instead of the wedding she dreamed of, she received the divorce papers drafted by his own hand. Again and again, even when she threatened death, Jeremy never backed down. “Hailey, it’s just a temporary divorce. Don’t worry, I won’t abandon you. The company needs the Addams family’s support to go public. Whitney absolutely cannot know that I’m married, and she definitely can’t know about you.” Every time, it was the same excuse. Her struggles, her resistance, her despair—none of it mattered to him. In his eyes, they were nothing more than obstacles in the way of greater success. On the TV screen, the camera focused on Whitney again. She smiled gently, lifting a hand to brush her hair aside, revealing a massive diamond ring on her ring finger. “Thank you for everyone’s concern regarding Jeremy and me. If there’s good news, we’ll be sure to share it.” The crowd erupted into cheers once more. Hailey lowered her head and looked at the plain band on her own finger. Bitterness flooded her heart. Suddenly, she understood Jeremy had given someone else what she wanted, and what Jeremy wanted, she could no longer provide. They had long been on different paths. There was no such thing as a fake divorce. If they were divorcing, then it would be final. Hailey picked up her phone and dialed an overseas number. “Aunt Iris, I’ve decided. I want to go abroad and settle down with you.” The person on the other end was clearly surprised. “Hailey, have you thought this through? Didn’t you want to stay with that promising husband of yours?” Hailey was silent for a long time before finally saying, “I’ve divorced him.” “That husband of yours isn’t worth keeping anyway. He’s been dragging things out without giving you a proper status, and men like that usually have someone else. Divorce him. I can afford to support you anyway. Coincidentally, I’ll be returning home next month to audit a domestic company that’s about to go public. Once I’m done, I’ll take you with me.” “Alright, Aunt Iris.” Hailey’s aunt, Iris Arnold, was a senior executive at a global auditing firm, responsible for auditing the financials of major listed companies. Her work was notoriously demanding. That was also why, after her aunt found her, she never had the chance to formally meet Jeremy. Yet now, there was no longer a point. Chapter 2 She had just hung up when Jeremy’s call came through. “Hailey, I knew you’d understand me,” he said. “The company is about to go public, and this is the only option I have. Don’t worry, divorce is just a piece of paper. It won’t change what we have. I’ll send my secretary to pick you up. Tonight, we’ll celebrate.” Hailey was stunned to learn that, in his eyes, divorce was something worth celebrating. She did not refuse. After loving each other for ten years, a farewell dinner did seem appropriate. At a high-end restaurant, Jeremy and Hailey sat across from each other. As he grew wealthier, he also grew busier, so much so that Hailey could not even remember the last time they had shared a meal like that. “Hailey, everything I promised you back then has finally come true. Once the company goes public, I’ll be financially free,” Jeremy said, lifting his glass of wine and downing it all in one go. The man sitting across from her was no longer the poor young man from years ago. His eyes were bright, brimming with ambition and hunger for success. A wave of bitterness rose in her chest. Hailey raised her glass as well, forcing a smile. “Congratulations on achieving your dream,” she said. “Here’s to your freedom.” The taste of the wine burned its way down her throat, all the way to her heart. She held back her tears and silently added, ‘Here’s to my freedom, too.’ Jeremy then took out a document and handed it to her. “This is a share transfer agreement. I’m giving you fifty percent of the company’s shares. It’ll be your security.” Hailey accepted the document, a faint, self-mocking smile tugging at her lips. What she wanted had never been the company shares. Suddenly, the private dining room door swung open. The secretary hurried in, looking flustered. “Mr. Fisher, Miss Addams urgently needs to see you.” Jeremy glanced at Hailey before standing up and saying, “The food here is good. Take your time and enjoy it.” No matter how exquisite the food was, eating alone made it tasteless. With that, Hailey got up to leave. As she passed the private room next door, Jeremy’s voice drifted out. “Whitney, I’m sorry I’m late. Something came up. I’ve ordered everything you like.” Hailey’s gaze froze as it fell on the dishes inside through the glass door. They were all the same as the ones on her table. As it turned out, everything had been planned for Whitney. Dinner with her had merely been a convenient afterthought. The date with Whitney was the real main course of the night. Her fingers dug deep into her palm, yet she felt no pain. Whitney said coyly, “I know you’re busy now, but today is our third anniversary. No matter how late you were, I would’ve waited.” Outside the door, Hailey bit down hard on her lip as tears spilled uncontrollably. They had been together for three years, and it was exactly three years ago that Jeremy had first asked her for a divorce. Just then, a waiter carrying a bowl of boiling stew hurried toward her. His foot slipped, and his entire body pitched forward. Scalding liquid splashed all over her. “Ah!” Hailey screamed as pain exploded across her body. Her delicate skin instantly turned red and swollen. “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to!” the waiter apologized in a panic. Hearing the commotion, Whitney poked her head out of the room. “What happened?” Jeremy followed her out. The moment he saw Hailey, his brows knitted slightly. The waiter’s face went pale as he stammered, “I slipped by accident and burned this lady…” Jeremy instinctively stepped forward and grabbed Hailey’s arm, his voice tense. “Are you hurt? Does it hurt badly? Let me see.” His sudden concern made Whitney pause, confusion flickering across her face as she asked, “Jeremy… do you know her?” The question made Jeremy freeze and come to his senses. He abruptly withdrew his hand and turned to Whitney with a relaxed smile. “How could I know her? Seeing her badly hurt made me react. You know me. I can’t stand seeing people suffer.” Hailey’s heart skipped a beat. To him, she was nothing more than a stranger worthy of his momentary kindness. The waiter continued apologizing repeatedly. “Miss, I’ll take you to the hospital right away to get it treated.” Hailey looked up and forced herself to appear calm. “It’s fine,” she said. “It’s just a minor burn. I can handle it myself.” After that, she fled the restaurant as if escaping. If she stayed a second longer, the fragile composure she had been clinging to would shatter. Chapter 3 At the hospital, a nurse carefully cleaned and disinfected her wounds. “Miss, this burn is pretty serious. You need to take good care of it, or it may leave a scar.” Hailey nodded quietly. Layer upon layer of gauze wrapped around her body, the stark white almost blinding. All of a sudden, she was reminded of the year when she was working in a restaurant, washing dishes, and had accidentally cut her finger. Jeremy had panicked so badly that he nearly cried. He had pulled her hand to his chest, holding it carefully, as if the pain were his own. Yet now, she was nothing more than an irrelevant stranger to him. Then again, it made sense. Once she signed the divorce papers, she and Jeremy were no longer connected. Her phone vibrated. It was a message from Jeremy. “Are you okay? I can’t get away right now. If you need anything, contact my secretary.” “I’m fine,” she replied quickly, then left the hospital and went home. Back in the bedroom, she lay down. Both her body and mind were utterly exhausted, and she soon fell into a deep sleep. In her haze, she felt the mattress beside her sink, followed by a warm body pressing down on her. The man’s movements were rough and impatient, grinding painfully against her wounds. “It hurts!” Hailey pushed away the hands roaming over her body. It was Jeremy. She could not remember how long it had been since he last came home. It was probably since the first time he asked for a divorce—the night she jumped from the rooftop. Back then, Jeremy’s eyes were red as he rushed her to the hospital. However, ever since, there had been some sort of distance between them. It was as if he had made up his mind that as long as she refused to divorce him, he would never come home. She waited for him in that house, day after day. Later, she went to his company to look for him. She even hired a private investigator to track his movements. However, she no longer needed him now. The man’s hands paused slightly, clearly surprised by her reaction. He turned over and sat up, apologizing, “I’m sorry. I was too impatient and forgot you were hurt. I just wanted you to understand that no matter what’s going on between Whitney and me, in my heart, you’re the only wife I have.” Hailey laughed. A wife with no wedding, status, or a marriage certificate? She did not want to be that kind of “wife” anymore. Seeing her remain silent, Jeremy thought she was angry about what had happened earlier. Hence, he lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead. “Hailey, I know you’re upset, but you have to think about the bigger picture. Rest well and recover. I’ll sleep in the study tonight.” In the middle of the night, with the pain from her wounds making her body tremble, Hailey got up and went to the living room to look for painkillers. As she passed by the study, she heard Jeremy’s voice from inside. “Yes. I got the divorce settlement agreement today. Tomorrow, I can inform the board about my marital status.” The other person scoffed. “Did Hailey agree to divorce you? That’s rare. How did you convince her?” Jeremy sighed. “She probably figured it out. She’s always been considerate of me.” “So you’re planning to marry Whitney after this?” Jeremy was silent for a long time before speaking again. “When I first approached Whitney, I did want to use the Addams as leverage. But later, every day I spent with her felt easy. She always understands me. Sometimes, just a look is enough, unlike with Hailey. Every time I see her face, I’m reminded of how miserable I was back then. So poor that I had to rely on a woman to support me. That period of my life was nothing but a nightmare.” Outside the door, Hailey stumbled backward in shock. Tears spilled down her face, burning hot against her cheeks. It seemed the days she cherished—the days she had suffered for him—were, to him, an unbearable nightmare. In that case, what was she to him, really? Jeremy continued, “Once the company goes public, I plan to propose to Whitney.” Just moments ago, he had said Hailey was his only wife, and now, he was planning to propose to another woman. Hailey cried until she started laughing. Her wounds throbbed faintly, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She had had enough. She wanted nothing but to leave this place as soon as possible. The next day, Hailey went to the mall to pick out a gift for her Aunt Iris. After entering a boutique, she set her eyes on a silk scarf. Just as she was about to ask the sales assistant to wrap it up for her, a commotion broke out outside. “Make way. Mr. Fisher has booked out the entire floor today. All other customers, please leave immediately.” Several tall bodyguards began clearing the area. Through a narrow gap, Hailey caught sight of Jeremy and Whitney walking together. Soon, all unrelated customers were escorted out. She remained unnoticed, hidden away in a corner, out of the bodyguards’ line of sight. Chapter 4 A doting smile curved on Jeremy’s face. “Whitney, pick whatever you like. They’re all on me.” A shy blush spread across Whitney’s cheeks. “Jeremy, I trust your taste. Why don’t you pick something for me?” “Alright.” Jeremy’s gaze swept across the display cabinets before quickly settling on a limited-edition handbag. “Excuse me, can we take a look at this bag? Whitney, this bag is this year’s new release. It’s small and elegant. It’ll suit you perfectly.” Next came the clothes. “Whitney, this ink-blue dress looks stunning. It’ll complement your skin tone beautifully.” Then came the shoes. “Whitney, these shoes have a detailed design. The heel isn’t too high, so they’re comfortable but still look classy.” Several sales associates standing nearby could not help whispering among themselves. “No way. This is my first time seeing a man who understands women and fashion so well.” “Exactly. Mr. Fisher really is the perfect man. He’s successful, rich, and has such good taste. Everything he picked is one of our bestsellers.” “When will I ever meet a man like that? I’m so jealous.” … Hailey shrank into the corner, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. As it turned out, he understood fashion perfectly well; he just never bothered showing her that he did. After Jeremy became successful, Hailey had bought countless outfits and accessories to match his status. Every time she showed them to him, all excited, he would not even glance up. He, with his head always buried in work, would say calmly, “I know nothing about women’s fashion. All that matters is that you like it.” Now, seeing how knowledgeable he was about fashion felt like a knife stabbing straight into her heart. Whitney soon came out of the fitting room. As expected, the outfit Jeremy had chosen suited her perfectly, as if it had been tailor-made for her, making her look even more alluring. Jeremy looked at Whitney tenderly, his eyes filled with a softness that could melt hearts. “Whitney, when the company goes public, you’ll stun everyone wearing this. I have a surprise waiting for you that day.” Taken aback by what she heard, Hailey lost her balance. With a loud crash, she stumbled and knocked over a display rack. The bodyguards reacted instantly, rushing in and yanking Hailey up. One of them slapped her hard across the face. “How dare you have the nerve to hide and spy on Mr. Fisher?” “What’s going on? Didn’t I tell you to clear the place beforehand? How could someone be hiding in here?” Jeremy’s voice was icy. The lead bodyguard quickly replied, “Sorry, Mr. Fisher. We’ll handle this right away.” Before Hailey could even call out his name, a hand covered her mouth, and she was dragged away. They pulled her to a deserted corner. The lead bodyguard cursed viciously. “What bad luck, running into trash like you. Are you trying to ruin my job? Teach her a proper lesson.” The others immediately surrounded her. Hailey trembled, fear filling her eyes. “If you touch me, Jeremy will never let you off.” The men burst into laughter. “Who do you think you are? Dreaming of being Mr. Fisher’s woman?” Then fists rained down on her body, her head, and her legs. The pain was so overwhelming that she could not even scream for help. Before losing consciousness, the last thing she saw was Jeremy wrapping an arm around Whitney, who was holding bags upon bags of purchases, as they got into a luxurious Maybach. Her heart felt hollowed out, and strangely, it no longer hurt. Her thoughts drifted far back in time, when Jeremy never left her side. Every day, he would take her to work in the morning and pick her up in the evening. She used to joke, “You sure keep a close eye on me. Are you afraid I’ll run away?” The man would smile shyly and reply, “Of course. You, my wife, are so beautiful. I have to keep a close eye on you. I can’t allow anything to happen to you.” A young man cycling the girl he loved eventually disappeared around the corner of the street… When she woke up again, she was lying in a hospital bed. Jeremy sat beside her, his face dark. Seeing her awake, his expression shifted slightly. “Hailey, who did you offend? How did you get beaten like this? Tell me. I’ll make them pay.” She struggled to open her mouth, about to speak, when his phone rang. “Alright, I got it. I’ll be right there.” With that, Jeremy stood up and walked out, saying to her, “I’ll be back!” However, he never did; he never came back again. On the day she was discharged, Hailey felt unusually light. She no longer hoped for Jeremy’s love, and when there was no expectation, there would be no disappointment. After returning home, Hailey began packing her things. All the memories she shared with Jeremy were carefully scattered throughout the house. On the living room wall were dried bouquets made from flowers he had given her over the years. On the table sat a pair of matching mugs that they had crafted together. The throw pillows on the sofa were souvenirs from their travels. Even the teddy bear on the bed was the very first birthday gift he had bought her after receiving his paycheck. Thinking about how all those things had become symbols of shame in Jeremy’s life made her chest feel painfully heavy. The massive mansion resembled a gorgeous cage, yet all these years it had only imprisoned her, consumed by unrequited longing. Chapter 5 It took Hailey a full five oversized trash bags to clear everything out. Iris called soon after. “Hailey, I’ll be arriving in New Vegas the day after tomorrow. Don’t forget to pick me up at the airport.” Hailey replied softly, “Okay, Aunt Iris. I’ll be there early.” She had just hung up when Jeremy walked in. “Who are you seeing?” he asked. Hailey lowered her gaze. “No one. I’m just going to pick up a piece of clothing I ordered online.” Jeremy stepped closer, guilt flickering across his face. “I’m sorry. I’ve been tied up with the company audit for the past few days. The lead auditor from a third-party firm will arrive the day after tomorrow. It’s a critical step before the company goes public, so I can’t afford to be careless.” “I see.” Hailey nodded perfunctorily. She no longer cared about his affairs. For some reason, Jeremy felt a sudden pang of unease. The Hailey before him seemed like a different person. She was no longer clinging to him or asking about his whereabouts. However, when he reconsidered, he figured she probably understood that this was a crucial period for his career and did not want to add to his burden. Relief washed over him. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his eyes. “Hailey, you’re much more sensible now.” Hailey smiled faintly and said nothing. When she loved him to the point of madness, he labelled her willful and troublesome. Now that she no longer loved him and had chosen to let go, he said she was sensible. Men… really were boring creatures. Jeremy glanced around the room and only then realized something was missing. The space felt emptier than before. “Hailey, have you been doing a major cleanup lately? I think it looks great now. The space feels relaxing.” Hailey’s expression remained calm as she spoke, “Yeah. I threw away a lot of trash.” As it turned out, all those things had always been an eyesore to him. The next day, Hailey received an anonymous text message claiming that there was something important to tell her. Confused, she decided to go and see what it was about. She had just taken a seat in the café when a person with a slender figure sat down across from her. The woman removed her sunglasses, smiled, and extended her hand with composed elegance. “Hello, Ms. Arnold.” Hailey looked up and froze slightly when she saw it was Whitney. A trace of barely concealed pride flickered across Whitney’s face. “Didn’t expect me to find you, did you?” She paused, her gaze slowly sweeping over Hailey’s face before continuing, “After we ran into each other at the restaurant that day, I had someone look into your background a little. It seems Jeremy has kept you hidden pretty well.” Her voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable hint of sadness. Looking at the beautiful yet dejected woman before her, Hailey felt an unexpected twinge of sympathy. Jeremy may have hurt her, but had he not also been deceiving Whitney all along? Just as Hailey was about to speak, Whitney pulled out a check from her purse and gently pushed it across the table. “Ms. Arnold, no matter the relationship you and Jeremy had in the past, I hope you’ll make a clean break from now on. As for compensation, you can fill in any amount you want. The Addams family can afford it.” The corner of Hailey’s lips lifted slightly. She found it all so ironic. She had thought Whitney was a victim like herself, but instead, Whitney was the same kind of person as Jeremy—someone who believed money could solve everything. They were truly a match made in heaven. Meeting Whitney’s gaze, Hailey spoke gently but clearly, “Miss Addams, no amount of money can buy the end of a genuine relationship. Don’t you agree?” Whitney’s expression instantly sank. “Ms. Arnold, I advise you not to refuse a kind offer,” she said in a hushed voice, yet each word cut like a knife. “No one has ever rejected my requests.” Hailey replied indifferently, “In that case, let me offer you a piece of advice as well, Miss Addams. Money sure is good, but the things it can buy are often the least valuable.” She had no intention of continuing the conversation, so she picked up her purse, stood, and turned to leave. Just then, Whitney grabbed the glass on the table and smashed it hard against her own temple. A sharp cracking sound rang out. Blood immediately gushed out, dripping down her delicate face in a horrifying sight. Almost at the same time, Jeremy pushed open the café door. At a glance, he saw Whitney covered in blood. His expression changed dramatically as he rushed forward and pulled her tightly into his arms. “Whitney! What happened? Who hurt you?” Whitney trembled as she raised her hand and pointed at the stunned Hailey. Tears mixed with blood streamed down her face as her voice broke. “It was her… She was the one who asked me out…” Jeremy whipped his head around. That was when he noticed Hailey standing nearby, her face pale. Rage instantly overcame him. He clenched his jaw as he growled, “Hailey, are you out of your mind? How dare you lay a hand on her?” At that moment, Whitney struggled free from his arms and staggered to her feet, her eyes filled with heartbreak and despair. “Jeremy… why did you lie to me?” With that, she turned and ran out of the café without looking back. Jeremy shot Hailey a vicious glare, then spun around and ran after her. Hailey, on the other hand, stood frozen in place. Only then did she finally understand Whitney’s true purpose in asking her out. It was to stage this entire scene in front of Jeremy. Chapter 6 That very night, Jeremy tied Hailey up and threw her into the basement. From outside the metal door, Jeremy’s voice was cold as ice. “Hailey, I told you not to tell Whitney. Why do you never listen?” Hailey’s body began to shake violently. She gasped for air, her breathing rapid and uneven. Using what little strength she had left, she slammed her hands against the door. “It wasn’t me. I didn’t ask her out… Let me out… I’ll die in here…” Her strength faded with every word, but the man outside showed no reaction at all. “Hailey, if you make a mistake, you deserve punishment. You shall stay in there tonight and reflect on it.” With that, the last trace of light disappeared, and the basement was plunged into complete darkness. Hailey curled up in the corner, hugging herself tightly as she struggled to breathe. He knew she was claustrophobic, yet he chose the one method she feared most to punish her. Before she lost consciousness, a blurred memory flashed through her mind. That year, she had been washing dishes alone in the back kitchen of a restaurant. After closing, the chef locked the doors, leaving her trapped inside. In despair, she called Jeremy for help. He made a ten-kilometer drive in just ten minutes and rescued her. Later, she found out that in his rush to save her, he had run through more than a dozen red lights. She cried and scolded him for being stupid. What if he had gotten into an accident? However, Jeremy had held her tightly and said, “Your life matters more than mine. Without you, what’s the point of me living?” He had once loved her so passionately and sincerely. Yet now, for Whitney, he no longer cared whether she lived or died. A tear slid down from the corner of her eye. Then, everything went black. … The next morning, she was dragged out of the basement. Sunlight hit her face, blindingly white. Jeremy sat neatly dressed in a tailored suit in the courtyard, watching her miserable state with calm indifference. “How did it feel, being locked up? If you cause trouble for Whitney again, it won’t be just one night next time.” Hailey’s heart was in her throat. He knew her too well. He always knew exactly where to strike to hurt the most. She looked up at him, a chill creeping up her spine. Her eyes were bloodshot as she struggled to stand. Suddenly, she laughed and replied, “From now on, it’ll never happen again.” Without sparing her another glance, Jeremy turned and left in a hurry. Hailey dragged her heavy steps toward the hospital. She didn’t want her Aunt Iris to see her in such a sorry state. However, she had barely walked past the gate when her vision went dark. Several burly men then seized her and forced her into a car. … When she woke again, she found herself tied up in an abandoned factory, alongside Whitney. Two men stood behind them, knives pressed tightly against their necks. Before long, Jeremy rushed in. The moment he saw the scene, panic filled his eyes. “Who are you? Let them go! If you want something, come at me!” “You sure are impressive, Mr. Fisher.” A thin man stepped out of the shadows, his voice cold as he asked, “Do you remember an old acquaintance like me?” When Jeremy saw the man’s face, his expression changed instantly. He yelled, “West Will, have you lost your mind? What happened back then had nothing to do with me. You were ill. That’s why headquarters gave the promotion to me.” “Is that so? Everyone knows you’d stop at nothing to climb higher. I took you as my closest friend, yet you sold me out. Now your company is about to go public, while I have nothing,” West Will responded. A smile stretched across West’s pale face, his gaze sweeping between Whitney and Hailey. “Since you forced the company to choose between you and me back then, why don’t I let you choose once more, Jeremy? Choose between these two women, and the other one will be mine to deal with.” By then, Whitney had broken down in tears. “Jeremy, save me! Please, you have to save me!” Hailey held her breath, her heart pounding violently in her chest. In utter panic, Jeremy said, “Let them go. You just want money, don’t you? Name your price. I’ll give you anything.” West’s eyes suddenly turned vicious. “If you won’t choose, I won’t let either of them go.” With a raise of his hand, the men beside him stabbed Whitney and Hailey both at the same time, blood splattering across the ground. Whitney’s screams tore through the air, while Hailey clenched her fists tightly, her face deathly pale. Cold sweat rolled down her temples as her body trembled from the searing pain. Jeremy could no longer stay calm. His eyes turned a terrifying shade of red as he roared, “Stop! I’ll choose!” West’s lips curled into a knowing smile. He sneered, “So, Mr. Fisher, who will it be? The wife who’s stayed by your side for years, or the Addams family heiress who can help you reach the top of the world? I’m very curious.” Chapter 7 Jeremy’s gaze wavered between Whitney and Hailey. After a brief, suffocating silence, his eyes finally settled on Whitney. He opened his mouth with great difficulty, his voice hoarse. “I choose… Whitney.” The moment the words fell, Hailey collapsed limply to the ground, as if all the strength had been drained from her body. “Hahaha!” West burst out laughing. “Jeremy, you haven’t changed at all. You’d sacrifice even your lawful wife’s life for your future.” He then cut the ropes binding Whitney and shoved her toward Jeremy, who hurriedly bent down and caught her. Jeremy held her with extreme care, as if she might shatter at the slightest touch. “Whitney, don’t be afraid. I’m taking you to the hospital right now.” Without the slightest hesitation, he turned and rushed out, afraid that a second’s delay would worsen her injuries. He did not even spare Hailey a glance. West picked up a whip and lashed it hard across Hailey’s body. “Ms. Arnold, don’t blame me for being ruthless—blame your poor choice in men. Jeremy’s debts are now yours to pay.” The whip came down again and again. Soon, her back was torn and bloody. The searing pain felt like it was carving into her heart, squeezing the air from her lungs until she could not even cry out for help. In her haze, she remembered that year when Jeremy knelt on one knee, holding a plain band ring in his hand. His eyes were burning with sincerity as he said, “Hailey, marry me. I’ll protect you for the rest of my life.” However, the rest of his life turned out to be only a few short years. When Hailey woke up again, she was lying in a hospital bed. Jeremy was leaning against the bedside, his tie crooked. There were dark shadows under his eyes, as if he had been keeping watch over her for a long time. “You’re awake!” Hailey turned her head away, avoiding the hand he reached out toward her. Jeremy awkwardly withdrew his hand and explained, “The situation was urgent. I could only get Whitney out first, then figure out a way to save you. West is a madman. I couldn’t risk it.” His voice softened suddenly. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that because of me, Hailey.” “If I had died in West’s hands,” Hailey suddenly asked, her throat dry, “would you have regretted it?” Jeremy froze. A tense silence filled the room. A few seconds later, he finally opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, a shrill phone ringtone broke the stillness. “Jeremy, where are you? I’m in so much pain…” Hearing Whitney’s weak voice coming through the line, Jeremy subconsciously glanced at Hailey. He mouthed for her to get some rest before he turned and left the room. After he was gone, Hailey smiled. Those few seconds of hesitation were the answer itself. She was no longer Jeremy’s first choice, so naturally, he felt no regret for not saving her. Her question had been pointless. After being discharged, Hailey did not even stop to pack. She went straight to the airport. “Hailey, it’s been so long! I’ve missed you so much,” Iris said as she pulled Hailey into a tight embrace. The moment their bodies touched, pain flared along Hailey’s wounds. She could not help letting out a soft gasp. Only then did Iris notice the injuries on Hailey’s body. “Hailey, what happened to you?” Hailey took a deep breath and said casually, “It’s nothing. I fell a few days ago.” Iris was doubtful, but seeing that Hailey did not want to talk about it, she did not press further. “Where’s your husband? Oh, I mean, your ex-husband now. Why didn’t he come with you? Even if you’re divorced, I’m your aunt. It’s common courtesy for him to meet me once at least.” Hailey lowered her eyes. “He’s busy with the company’s IPO. He doesn’t have time.” “IPO?” Iris repeated. “Which company?” “Fisher Group.” Iris froze for a moment. That was exactly the company she had returned to audit this time. “Aunt Iris, don’t worry about him,” Hailey said. “I’ll take you to that restaurant you love.” During the meal, Iris excused herself to go to the restroom and called her assistant. “Investigate Jeremy Fisher, chairman of Fisher Group. I want everything about his private life.” The assistant moved fast. By the time Iris stepped out of the restaurant, the information had been sent to her phone. As she read through it, her chest tightened, and her eyes misted over. Noticing her expression, Hailey asked. “What’s wrong, Aunt Iris? Are you feeling unwell?” Iris held Hailey’s hand tightly and sighed. “Silly child. You’ve suffered so much all these years. From now on, I will protect you.” A wave of resentment welled up in Hailey’s heart, but she quickly suppressed it. “I’m fine, Aunt Iris.” Over the next few days, while Iris threw herself into the audit work, Hailey began preparing to migrate overseas. From applying for a visa to booking flights, packing her belongings, and buying supplies, her days were filled. At the same time, Jeremy took Whitney to a seaside island to recover. Every day, his social media was updated with moments from their time together. The first post was of the two of them walking hand in hand along the beach. The caption read, “Life is filled with uncertainty, and I’m grateful to have you by my side.” The second post was of sunlight flooding the shore as they sat close together. The caption read, “The weather is perfect today. We collected stones by the sea.” The third post was of stars glittering and fireworks blooming in the night sky. The caption read, “I offer you the stars as my pledge to provide you a life free of worry.” Hailey laughed as she read them. He had once said all of those words to her. Now, the person listening with joy was no longer her. Sure enough, when love fades, the heart no longer aches. Standing in the empty mansion, not a trace of herself left behind, a satisfied smile spread across Hailey’s face. She then went into the study, took off the plain band ring from her finger, and placed it on Jeremy’s desk along with the share transfer agreement. Since she was leaving, she would do it with a clean slate. Three days later, Iris’s audit work was done. After picking Iris up to go to the airport, Hailey casually asked, “Aunt Iris, did everything go smoothly this time?” A glint flashed in Iris’s eyes as she replied calmly, “That company had quite a few issues, so it didn’t pass the audit. It probably won’t go public.” “Oh. That’s a pity,” Hailey said as she turned to look out the window, failing to notice the words “Fisher Group” marked on the documents in Iris’s hand. The city slowly receded from her view, growing distant and blurred. She was finally leaving the place where she had once depended on Jeremy for survival. After completing the boarding procedures, Hailey took out her phone and deleted everything related to Jeremy. Meanwhile, Jeremy received a call. “Mr. Fisher, we didn’t pass the financial audit. You need to come back immediately.” Jeremy’s heart sank. “What did you say?”