Lost Love, Gained Bliss

"It hurts…" Joanna Horton clutched her swollen belly in agony, a deep, wrenching pain twisting through her that words couldn't describe. Terror filled her voice as she cried out, "It hurts so bad… Theo… please, save our baby…" But outside, there was only silence—except for the soft, steady sounds of prayers and chanting from the next room. That was where her monk husband, Theo Brook, was, praying for the soul of his long-dead first love. Ever since Sharon Cooper jumped off that building, Theo had been grief-stricken. He left everything behind and became a monk, never missing a single night of chanting for her. People said he had the heart of a saint, that he was devoted and had never stopped loving her. But they didn't know that just on the other side of that wall was Joanna—his lawfully wedded wife, the one he had once married in a grand ceremony. Joanna was burning up with fever, her eyes barely open, her face pale and tired. A few days ago, she had made Theo angry. Since then, no matter how much she cried out in pain, he ignored her. Another sharp wave of pain hit, and suddenly, a rush of blood spilled from between her legs. The baby inside her stopped moving. She knew then—her child was gone. Chapter 1 Joanna Horton's scream tore through the air, hoarse and desperate. That raw cry of pain and grief finally caught Theo Brook's attention. Moments later, the door creaked open, and Theo walked in. He looked down at her pained expression and smirked with a mix of mockery and disgust. He marched over, grabbed her wrist roughly, and snapped, "Cut the act. Don't you ever think you'll soften me with this stunt. I'm telling you, it won't work." Joanna glared up at him, anger boiling in her chest. Her fury rose so quickly that she coughed up a mouthful of blood. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted on the spot. Theo stood frozen. That was when he finally noticed the large, spreading pool of bright red beneath her. The disgust in his eyes shifted into pure panic. He pulled her into his arms and shouted, "Call an ambulance! Someone, hurry!" As Joanna was being carried out on the stretcher, the rosary bracelet Theo always wore suddenly snapped. The beads scattered across the floor, glinting eerily under the moonlight. Joanna's eyes fluttered open, as if she could sense that her end was near. With the last of her strength, she grabbed Theo by the collar. "I regret ever loving you," she said through gritted teeth, her voice filled with hate. "I hope you suffer for all eternity… I hate you… I… hate you…" Her furious cry echoed through the whole monastery. Then silence fell. - Joanna jolted awake, soaked in sweat, her whole body shaking. She looked up and saw a man standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. Sunlight poured into the room, shining on his tailored suit. He stood tall and elegant, his back to her. It was Theo. Her heart sank. She looked around the room, and as the memories returned, she slowly realized that she had been reborn. Today was her wedding day, and she was in the bridal makeup room. She had dozed off for a bit, probably because Theo had worn her out the night before. She just wanted a short nap before the ceremony. But when she woke up, she had gone through a tragic past life. Moving slowly to the vanity, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her skin looked soft and flawless, her eyes clear and bright like jewels. She looked nothing like the broken woman from her past life with thin cheeks, hollow eyes, and no light left in her. Joanna touched her face gently, barely believing what she was seeing. Behind her, Theo's annoyed voice rang out. "Tell Sharon that if she wants to kill herself, then go ahead. Just don't mess up my wedding!" Joanna's heart clenched hard. Why, of all times, did she have to come back to this day? Why not to the time before she even met him? In her last life, on this exact day, Theo's childhood sweetheart, Sharon Cooper, had threatened to jump off a building. He acted like he didn't care and went through with the wedding anyway. But Sharon jumped. Her blood stained the white roses meant for their ceremony. From that moment on, Theo lost it. Saying he was atoning for his sins, he became a monk and moved into the Stoneveil Monastery. He gave up meat, prayed day and night, and donated almost half his fortune within six months. People said he was a saint and called his love for Sharon the love story of the century. But to everyone else, Joanna was the villain, the homewrecker who destroyed their love. People online cursed her every day. But no one knew the truth. She was the one Theo had pursued relentlessly for three years. She was the one he had proposed to and married in a grand wedding. She was his wife. But even Theo forgot. He blamed Sharon's death on Joanna and locked her up. He made her copy scriptures, day after day, and forced her to beg for forgiveness in front of Sharon's grave. She still remembered the way his face twisted when she asked for a divorce. "We're both guilty," he said. "Neither of us deserves happiness. So don't even think about leaving. You'll spend your whole life repenting." Until the day she died, Joanna never understood what her crime was. Back at the bridal makeup room, Theo slowly turned around. Their eyes met, snapping Joanna out of her painful memories. This time, she wasn't going to repeat the same tragic path. Since Theo loved his childhood sweetheart so much, she'd make sure he got exactly what he wanted. Chapter 2 Maybe it was because Joanna looked so pale, but the moment Theo hung up the phone, he walked over to her, clearly worried. He took her hand, his eyes filled with love. "Why do you look so pale? Don't worry. I'm not gonna let anything or anyone ruin our wedding." He gently tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, his voice soft as he reassured her, "Sharon's just the daughter of a neighbor I knew growing up. She means nothing. She won't change anything between us." That was exactly what he had said in her past life. Back then, Joanna believed him, so she relaxed and went through with the wedding. But when Sharon died, Theo blamed her for everything. He even said that he didn't go up to the rooftop because he was afraid she would be jealous. Thinking of all that, Joanna swallowed her emotions and replied calmly, "Don't say things you don't mean. A person's life is on the line. You should go talk to her." Theo looked at her, completely surprised. Joanna had always hated Sharon. Whenever he met with Sharon privately or had a little physical contact with her, Joanna would give him the cold shoulder. More than once, she even threatened to break up with him. So how come she suddenly changed her mind on their wedding day? Theo had no idea Joanna had already let go of him. He thought she was testing him on purpose. With a helpless sigh, he said, "What are you talking about? It's our wedding day. If I leave you to go find another woman, how do you think the guests outside will see you?" Someone knocked on the door then. It was the wedding coordinator, coming to remind them it was time to head to the ballroom. Theo held Joanna's hand and said gently, "Come on. We don't wanna be late." But Joanna pulled her hand away. Theo frowned, clearly annoyed. "What are you trying to do now?" She didn't get angry. Instead, she calmly reasoned with him. "Your and her family have been close for generations. If something really happens to Sharon, your relationship will be torn apart. "Besides, you two grew up together, so she's practically family. If anything bad happens to her, you'll blame yourself forever, and I wouldn't feel right either. "Our wedding is important, but her life matters more. So go." The tension in Theo's face eased at once. This time, he really believed her. He pulled her into a tight hug, deeply moved. "I knew I didn't choose the wrong woman. Wait for me. I'll come back and marry you." Then, without looking back, he rushed off. Joanna watched him leave, a single tear sliding down her cheek. She quietly wiped it away and whispered to herself, "But I won't marry you this time." She walked to the wedding venue alone. By now, everyone had heard that Sharon was threatening to jump. And they all knew that Theo had left his bride behind to try and save her. Even the Brooks' elders had gone up to the rooftop. Not one person cared about how the bride felt. Now, as Joanna stood in the ballroom, guests looked at her with either pity or disdain. Their voices cut through the air like knives—cold, sharp, and unrelenting. "Looks like Mr. Brook finally came to his senses. How could an orphan girl ever be good enough for him?" "Told you he was just toying with her. The one he'd actually marry was always going to be Ms. Cooper." "They grew up together and are both from powerful families—now that's a perfect match." "Poor girl. She was this close to her dream wedding, and now it's all gone." "Well, that's what you get when you're born into the wrong family." Joanna had long grown used to how this circle worked, how they praised the powerful and stepped on the weak. But right now, their words still stung. Joanna's eyes turned red with anger. Everyone thought she was just a poor orphan girl. They all assumed she picked Theo because she wanted to marry into wealth. But none of them knew that her parents were still alive, and they were every bit as powerful as the Coopers and the Brooks. In her past life, she refused to go abroad and insisted on staying with Theo. Even when her parents gave her an ultimatum, she didn't give in. In the end, they cut off contact for a while. She had planned to officially introduce Theo to them after the wedding. But once Sharon died in her past life, Theo lost it. He took Joanna's phone, cut her off from the world, and wouldn't let her contact anyone. Later, her parents finally found the monastery. But Theo convinced them that she hated them and didn't want to see them, so they left, heartbroken. Now that she had a second chance at life, Joanna only wanted to stay by her parents' side and make up for all she had lost. She pulled out her phone and sent her mother a text. [I've made up my mind. I'll come next month to be with you and Dad. Wait for me.] Chapter 3 Joanna got a quick reply. [Really? That's amazing, sweetheart! [I'm so glad you finally came around. I'm not trying to force you to come home and get married. Your dad and I simply found out that Theo really isn't a good match, and we're worried about you.] She could almost see her mother's warm, gentle smile. She still remembered that moment in her last life when she watched through the window as her mother cried, heartbroken in her father's arms. Her mother kept apologizing over and over, while her father was so full of regret that he slapped himself across the face. They even begged Theo to talk her into seeing them just one more time. But what they didn't know was that she'd been right there. She was like some wounded animal trapped in the dark, screaming silently in her heart for someone to save her. Just thinking about it made tears slip down Joanna's cheeks. At that moment, loud noises erupted outside. She looked up and saw Theo walking in with his arm wrapped around Sharon's shoulders. Sharon was wearing the exact same wedding dress Joanna was wearing while leaning softly against him, with a sweet smile on her face. Their parents followed behind them, all of them looking pleased. The applause was nonstop. Even the roses swayed in the breeze, as if they were giving their blessings to the happy couple. And right then, Joanna felt like the ridiculous intruder at someone else's wedding. She hated Theo now. She really did. But still, her eyes stung, and she couldn't stop them from turning red. Theo caught sight of her thin figure, and his expression flickered with panic. He rushed over and gently wiped her tears, speaking carefully, "I'm sorry. I never expected this. "I didn't know Sharon would pull something like this. She had the wedding dress custom-made behind my back…" He had no idea her tears had nothing to do with him. Joanna shook her head and forced a weak smile. Her eyes stayed soft as she looked at him, as if she still loved him deeply. She said softly, "It's fine. I'm just… I'm just glad Ms. Cooper is okay." Theo felt a sharp pang in his chest. Guilt hit him hard. "There's nothing going on between us—" Before he could say more, Sharon strutted over with her chin held high, cutting in, "No point acting all kind and forgiving. You really think you're some Cinderella? What isn't yours will never be yours. "Like this wedding, for example. The real couple getting married today is Theo and me!" The room fell completely silent. Everyone turned to watch, waiting for the drama to unfold. Joanna looked at Theo in mock shock, her voice shaking. "What is she talking about?" Theo stayed quiet for a moment, looking ashamed, but he still said firmly, "Let Sharon have today. She promised if I just go through with this wedding and let her live out her dream of marrying me, she'll leave me alone for good. "If I don't… she said she'll do something crazy. So for our future, can you just step aside for now? "I swear, this is all just for show. I'll make it up to you. I'll give you a better wedding next time." Joanna froze, her hands trembling with emotion. She'd been wondering how to stop this wedding without blowing her cover. After all, she was playing the role of someone madly in love with Theo. If he truly wanted to go through with it, she couldn't object without seeming out of character. But now that Sharon was pushing things this far and making such an unreasonable demand, it was perfect! Joanna quickly buried the excitement rising in her chest. She let tears fall as she said with a trembling voice, "Did you even think about how this would make me look? Just because I love you doesn't mean you get to humiliate me like this! "If you really love her, I won't stand in your way." She slowly removed the crown from her head, her eyes full of disappointment and finality. "Go on and marry her. We're done." Then she turned to leave. Theo panicked and grabbed her wrist tightly. "Stop making this a big deal! I told you, this is just an act. I'll throw you an even grander wedding later!" Joanna shook her head and choked back a sob. "I don't want it…" Chapter 4 Before Theo could say a word, Eleanor Brook stepped forward and slapped Joanna hard across the face. "What are you doing, Mom?" Theo shouted, furious. Eleanor's face was cold. "What am I doing? I'm waking this woman up!" She sized Joanna up with clear disgust, her voice sharp and cruel. "You're just an orphan. If you want to marry up and become someone important, you'd better learn to swallow your pride! "I watched Sharon grow up. She's been heartbroken because of you for so long. All she wants is a wedding. Is that really something to cry about?" Sharon smirked and added, "Yeah, don't let her fool you, Theo. Marrying you is a dream come true for so many women. She'd never give you up that easily. "She's just using your feelings for her to force your hand. That's all this is." Theo had felt bad when Joanna got slapped, but after he heard that, his face darkened, and his eyes turned cold. "You're really trying to guilt me like this?" he asked harshly. "What happened to you? You used to be so sweet and innocent. When did you turn into someone so fake and calculating?" Joanna almost laughed out loud. The logic of these people was ridiculous. But more than that, her heart was turning to ice. Even a fool could see Sharon was stirring things up on purpose, but Theo couldn't. Or maybe he just didn't want to see it. No. He probably knew. He just chose to believe Sharon completely. Joanna hated how blind she used to be. She had missed all the signs, all the favoritism. She actually believed Theo only saw Sharon as a sister. In her past life, Sharon's death had been anything but undeserved. Grinding her teeth, Joanna slapped Theo across the face and spat, "I was so wrong about you!" All the hate she'd been trying to hold back since the moment she woke up was now burning in her eyes. It was a sharp, wild look that unsettled Theo. He didn't like this version of her. She was supposed to love him, not look at him like that. Eleanor snapped, "How dare you hit my son!" Then Sharon lunged at her. She yanked Joanna's hair with one hand and slapped her face with the other. "You touched Theo? You low-class trash! I'll kill you!" she screamed. Joanna tried to fight back, but Sharon's flunkies were quick—they pinned Joanna down before she could move. She was helpless as Sharon slapped her again and again. Her cheeks swelled, and her head spun from the hits. No one stepped in to help. In fact, many guests pulled out their phones to record the whole thing. Some even clapped, laughing and shouting, "Nice hit!" Theo just stood there, cold and silent. He didn't move until Sharon kicked Joanna in the stomach, making her cry out in pain. Only then did he finally look panicked and shout, "That's enough!" Sharon fixed her dress calmly, not a hair out of place. She looked up at Theo and said sweetly, "Sorry. I just couldn't stand watching her lay a hand on you. No one touches you in front of me and gets away with it. I'll protect you, even if it means ruining her." Her eyes were full of love, raw and intense. But that love only made Theo more uncomfortable. It burned straight through him. He turned away and hurried to Joanna, wanting to help her up. Joanna's stomach throbbed painfully. She stared at Theo's outstretched hand with cold eyes, then looked away and pushed herself up on her own. Theo's face twisted in frustration. But seeing her torn scalp and the blood trickling down from her temple made his heart ache. "If you hadn't thrown a fit, none of this would've happened," he said. Joanna felt like ice was spreading through her veins. She'd been beaten to a pulp, and he thought it was her own fault for not behaving. This was just like her last life. His way of making her "obedient" had always been brutal. Joanna didn't say a word. She turned around and started to leave. Theo watched her back, and a strange panic rushed through him. For some reason, it felt like she was really going to disappear from his life for good. He quickly ordered his assistant, "Take her to the villa. Make sure she's well taken care of." Joanna froze. She knew exactly what that meant. Theo wasn't going to let her go. Even if he had already chosen Sharon, he still wanted to keep Joanna around. Men like him never thought they had enough women. He wanted both—Sharon as his wife, and her as his hidden lover. Joanna tried to run, but her heavy wedding dress held her back. Theo stood there with cold eyes as his people pinned her down. "Don't even think about running," he said flatly. "No one in this city would dare help you." Joanna looked at him, her heart going numb. She wanted to argue and to scream back at him, but she knew it would only make things worse. So, she forced a bitter, unwilling look on her face and let them drag her into the car. Inside, she turned to look helplessly back at the hotel. There, under the bright lights, Theo and Sharon stood side by side. They kissed, surrounded by cheers and applause. And as the officiant led them through their vows, they promised each other forever. Chapter 5 Joanna was placed under house arrest in the villa. It was the home Theo had prepared for their future together. Everything in it—from the renovations down to the smallest decorations—had been picked out by her. She once thought this would be her safe place. She never imagined it would turn into a cage. After returning to the room, she pulled out her phone and started typing a message to her mother, briefly explaining what had happened to her. At the end, she added, [Please help me fake my death.] Since she'd mentioned she couldn't talk on the phone, a reply came quickly. [Okay, sweetheart. I'm so sorry you're going through this. [Give it two weeks, tops. I'll take care of everything and come get you.] As Joanna read that, her eyes welled up with tears. In her previous life, when she was locked away in a villa near the monastery, she had tried to reach out to her parents, but Theo had taken her phone away. This time, she was going to ask for help before he had the chance to react. She replied with a simple "Okay" before deleting the entire conversation. Over the next few days, the staff at the villa kept a close eye on her. She wasn't allowed to leave, and her phone had been taken the night of the wedding. Still, she had faith in her parents. She wasn't worried. Then one day, she heard yelling downstairs. When she went to look, she saw Sharon had shown up. Sharon was lounging on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other. When she saw Joanna, she gave a nasty smile and asked, "So, how's life in your pretty little cage, playing the side chick?" Joanna's face turned cold. "Don't forget—you're the one who broke up someone else's marriage." Sharon laughed and raised her hand, showing off the huge diamond ring on her finger. "But guess what? I'm officially Mrs. Brook now." As soon as she said that, she tossed her phone at Joanna. Joanna picked it up, and the second she looked at the trending news, she froze. In the past few days, the Brooks and Coopers had publicly announced their marriage. There was even footage of Theo holding Sharon close in front of everyone, smiling and promising to love her for the rest of his life. Their wedding had been broadcast, and right along with it was footage of Joanna being slapped. Some so-called "insiders" claimed Joanna was Theo's clingy ex who tried to crash the wedding and got beaten up by the bride. Others said Joanna had always known she was the third wheel. They said that even though she knew Theo would never marry her, she still shamelessly threw herself at him. The comment section was filled with insults against Joanna. The words were so disgusting that they made her whole body tremble. Sharon sat there proudly, watching Joanna's spirit fall apart. Then she added with a smug tone, "You know what? Your classmates actually wanted to speak up for you, since they knew the truth. "But Theo was worried that if they cleared your name, people might come after me. So he paid everyone off and wiped the internet clean of anything showing the two of you together. "He said you're just an orphan, so it doesn't matter if people talk trash about you. But I'm different—I'm the Coopers' daughter. My reputation has to stay spotless. "And most importantly, he didn't want me to be upset. He said when he saw me standing on the rooftop that day, his heart almost stopped. "He told me he used to be confused about what he really wanted, that he'd chosen the wrong person before, but from now on, he'd love me with everything he's got." She paused, then looked Joanna up and down like she was inspecting a cheap knockoff. Crossing her arms, she scoffed. "You've been with him this long. If you behave, he might just keep you in this pretty cage like a pampered pet. And honestly? I bet you'd be fine with that." Chapter 6 Low, mocking laughter came from the maids around Sharon. Joanna's hands were shaking with anger. She knew Sharon wasn't telling the full truth, but at least most of it was. If Theo really cared about Joanna, there was no way those scandalous posts would've stayed at the top for so long. Her chest felt tight. She'd loved this man for years, treating him like he was the most important thing in her life. And now, she felt like she'd been blind all along. Suddenly, the sound of an engine roared from outside. Sharon stood up out of nowhere. She walked right over and grabbed Joanna by the wrist. "Theo really loves you," she said softly. "I don't want him to be unhappy because of me. So please, just stay by his side. As long as he's happy, I'm willing to share him with you…" Theo walked in just in time to hear Sharon's so-called heartfelt confession. He hadn't expected this. Sharon, who always acted above it all, was now making such a huge sacrifice for him. He turned to Joanna, eyes full of hope, waiting for her to show that she was as understanding as Sharon. But what he got instead was her cold and sharp rejection. "In your dreams," Joanna snapped. "Theo and you both act like you're better than everyone else, but I find you disgusting!" With that, she yanked her arm out of Sharon's grasp. Sharon suddenly stumbled back with a dramatic scream and pretended to trip over the coffee table, falling right onto the couch. It was a terrible act, but of course, Theo bought it instantly. He rushed over, shoving Joanna aside, then wrapped Sharon in his arms. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern. Joanna was already weak, and that push made her fall hard onto the cold marble floor. A sharp, unbearable pain shot through her lower abdomen. She instinctively held her stomach. It was her first child. Even though the baby's father had made her feel miserable, she'd still clung to the small hope that if she gave birth, maybe she'd finally have someone of her own, someone who was family. So, she had held off making any decisions. But with the pain and the ridiculous love drama unfolding in front of her, everything just collided inside her mind. She shut her eyes and decided to give up. Tears silently slid down her cheeks. Sharon glanced at her, a smug flicker in her eyes. Then she turned to Theo and said sweetly, "I'm okay. Joanna's just upset. She saw the news and got emotional. So, it's understandable that she pushed me." Theo paused for a moment before looking over at Joanna. Her face was pale, and her eyes were empty, staring at nothing. Tears were still falling from her wet lashes, but her once bright eyes had gone hollow. Theo started to feel uneasy, but he still kept a straight face and said, "The marriage announcement was something both our families agreed on. What's done is done. For the sake of both companies, I had no choice but to go along with it. "You're a top college student. Don't you get how this works? It's just a show. After three years—" "Ah!" Sharon cried suddenly. Theo's attention snapped back. "What happened?" Sharon pouted. "It's nothing. I probably just twisted my ankle earlier." Theo immediately said, "I'll take you to the doctor." As he spoke, he scooped Sharon up into his arms. Joanna was still sitting on the cold floor. She felt a warm, wet patch spreading beneath her. Gently, she placed a hand on her belly, quietly saying goodbye to the baby growing inside her. Theo, annoyed now, said, "It was just a little shove. When did you get so delicate?" Sharon let out a snort of laughter and teased, "I get it now—she's trying to copy me. She's acting weak so you'll feel sorry for her." Theo fondly ruffled Sharon's hair. "Nah, you're different. You've earned your right to do that." Then he turned serious again and looked at Joanna. "Get up. You messed up. Do you really think I'd still pity you? "And I've told you before, I hate it when you play these manipulative games. So stop trying to be like Sharon just to get to me." Joanna stared at Theo's moving mouth, and suddenly, a memory from her past life came back. That time, she had lost her baby, too. Lying in a pool of her own blood, she'd looked up and seen the same disgust on his face. So, even in this second chance at life, Theo still wouldn't give her the tiniest bit of real affection. But at least now, she didn't love him anymore. That thought made her smile. Chapter 7 Theo flinched a little at Sharon's smile. He was clearly annoyed, but he still tried to keep his cool. He said to Joanna, "You're not like Sharon. She has her parents' love, and she comes from a wealthy family. She can afford to throw tantrums. "But you're an orphan. You only have me to rely on. So be a good girl and stay by my side, okay?" A flicker of jealousy flashed in Sharon's eyes, but it vanished just as quickly. She took on a soft, persuasive tone as she spoke to Joanna. "I know I used to be spoiled and selfish, and that's probably why you hate me. But I really want to mend our relationship. Ever since I found out you told Theo to come save me from the rooftop, I decided to change things between us. "I don't want much. Just a little of Theo's love—that's all. You can have the rest. So please, stop being mad at him and don't leave him, okay?" Theo looked deeply moved. He couldn't believe someone like Sharon, who never tolerated even the smallest slight, would humble herself like this for his sake. Compared to her, Joanna was just... disappointing. His expression turned cold. "I've clearly spoiled you too much," he snapped at Joanna. "Someone take her back to her room! She needs time to think things through. She's not allowed to leave unless I say so!" Then, without a second glance at Joanna, he picked Sharon up and started to walk out. Sharon wrapped her arms around his neck. "Are you sure this is okay?" she whispered. Joanna's face had turned completely pale. Her body started to sway, and more blood pooled beneath her. A few maids came over and roughly yanked her to her feet. But as soon as they noticed the blood on the floor, they let out gasps and instinctively let go. Joanna collapsed with a dull thud, too weak to stay upright. Theo snapped in irritation. "What's with all the noise?" He turned to look, but Sharon grabbed his face and kissed him lightly. "The maids just tripped over themselves. Don't mind them," she said sweetly. "My foot really hurts. Let's go to the hospital." She gave the maids a quick look, and they instantly moved to block Joanna from view. Theo didn't say another word. Holding Sharon in his arms, he hurried out the door. Once the car drove off, the maids dragged Joanna upstairs. Before Joanna came down, Sharon had already bribed them, so they knew exactly what to do to please her. One of them yanked on Joanna's hair as the other two grabbed her arms and dragged her up the stairs. When her stomach hit the edge of a step, she trembled in pain. "Let go of me… or I'll call the police!" she gasped. A slap landed hard across her face. "You're gonna call the cops? With what phone?" one of them mocked. "You're just some cheap side chick Mr. Brook got bored with. You think you deserve our respect? Ha!" Joanna pushed one of them away as best she could, but the maid kicked her in the face. She tasted blood instantly. It filled her mouth and poured from her nose and lips. The other two maids, now worried, pulled the attacker back. But the moment they let go, Joanna lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs. Outside, Theo had just finished setting Sharon in the car when a sharp pain shot through his chest. He clutched at his heart, uneasy, and glanced back toward the villa. That was when he heard a loud crash from inside. Without thinking, he ran back toward the house. This time, Sharon wasn't fast enough to stop him. He burst into the living room and froze. Joanna was lying at the bottom of the stairs, her whole body covered in blood. The trail of red ran from the steps to the floor, vivid and jarring. For a second, it felt like déjà vu, as if he'd seen this nightmare before. Panic shot through him as he rushed over and cradled her in his arms. Looking at her bloody face, he sensed a fear he'd never felt before taking hold of him. "Joanna!" he yelled, his voice sharp with desperation. Joanna stirred, her eyes blinking through the haze. She looked up at him—at the way his jaw trembled with fear—and gave a bitter smile. "You killed our baby… twice…" Chapter 8 Theo froze the moment he heard the word "baby". His whole body stiffened as he stared at Joanna in disbelief. "When did you get pregnant?" he asked, voice shaking. "Why didn't you tell me?" Joanna didn't answer. She just shut her eyes in pain and coughed up another mouthful of blood. Theo scooped her into his arms, panic in his voice. "Hang in there. I'm taking you to the hospital right now!" Just then, Sharon walked in and stepped right in front of them, blocking their path. "Move!" Theo snapped, growing impatient. Sharon's eyes welled up as she bit her lip. "No, I'm not being jealous. I'm actually doing this for you. "There are enough rumors about us. If the media catches you carrying Joanna out of the house now…" She didn't finish the sentence, but Joanna could clearly see the hesitation in Theo's eyes. Even when she was hanging by a thread, he still paused for the sake of his reputation. Sure enough, the next second, Theo said, "Call the family doctor. Have him come here." Then he carried Joanna upstairs. Joanna clenched her teeth, fury burning in her chest. "My life… matters too…" Theo glanced down, meeting her angry eyes. He looked guilty. "I'm sorry. I have my reasons. But don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you." Sometime later, Joanna slowly opened her eyes and locked gazes with Theo. He lit up instantly. "Hey. How are you feeling?" She thought of the baby and couldn't stop the tears from filling her eyes. Theo spoke gently, "The doctor already treated you. You're going to be okay, I promise. Here, take these meds." He gave her a few pills, clearly worried she might refuse. But to his surprise, Joanna quietly swallowed them without a word. Theo's face lit up. "I've already had those maids arrested. I gave strict orders—they won't get off easy. "The doctor said you'll recover as long as you rest, and… we can still have a baby someday." A baby? As if he deserved one. Joanna pushed down her bitterness and smiled softly. "I'll take care of myself. You should get some rest. You look exhausted." Theo was caught off guard. "You're not mad at me anymore?" Joanna shook her head. "When I was pushed down those stairs, I suddenly realized that you were right. You're all I've got to rely on now…" Theo looked at her sincere expression and smiled with satisfaction. "I'm glad you understand now." She smiled sweetly until he left the room. Only then did her expression turn cold. Right on cue, Sharon came in with a smirk on her face. "Never thought you were spineless." Joanna replied calmly, "Didn't you say you were willing to share Theo with me? Why the change of heart now?" Sharon's face twisted in anger. "In my past life, I was unlucky. I accidentally fell and died, and you stole Theo from me. But this time, he's mine—only mine!" Joanna's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected that Sharon had been reborn too. No wonder her whole personality had changed. Joanna almost laughed. If Sharon ever found out that in their past life, Theo had tormented Joanna to death because of her, she'd probably be thrilled. Joanna decided to give up and let them be together. Maybe that could count as a good deed on her part. She put on a confused look and said, "What are you talking about? Are you losing your mind?" Right then, Theo walked back in and frowned when he saw Sharon. "What are you doing here?" "I just wanted to apologize to Joanna," Sharon said sweetly, her eyes filling with tears. "It's my fault she lost the baby." Theo sighed and gently patted her head. "It wasn't your fault. I just overreacted. And… maybe that baby just wasn't meant to live." Joanna went pale as her heart clenched with pain. But she said nothing and just nodded silently. That child really was unlucky. It never got to be born in two lifetimes. Over the next few days, Joanna acted sweet and obedient. Maybe because he felt guilty, Theo came by every evening to have dinner with her. He tried to make conversation, hoping to patch things up. Joanna played along, smiling and chatting with him. They even reminisced about their early days together. It almost felt like a different life. Two weeks flew by, and tomorrow was their anniversary. As usual, Theo stayed for dinner. Before he left, he held Joanna's hand and said, "I've got a surprise planned for you tomorrow." She smiled gently. "Me too." Theo's eyes lit up. "What is it?" She just smiled and whispered, "It's a secret." Theo looked at her, clearly pleased with her behavior. Still, a part of him missed the old Joanna, the one who wouldn't tolerate a single lie or betrayal. He gently stroked the top of her head. "I'm sorry for all the things you've been through. But I promise, three years from now, I'll make you the real Mrs. Brooks." Joanna smiled softly. "Alright." Theo hugged her tightly, then reluctantly left. As soon as he was gone, Joanna changed out of her pajamas and into her favorite outfit. The maid who cared for her came in and spoke quietly, "Everything is ready." Theo would never guess that the woman he had hired to spy on Joanna was actually working for her parents. Joanna followed the maid out the back door. The moment the black car drove away from the villa, flames exploded behind them in a fiery blaze.