Strangers When We Meet Again

Everyone believed Ethan Cross loved Isabella Winters to his core, but nobody knew he'd already found an Isabella look-alike to keep him company through the lonely nights. Even when Isabella recovered, he continued his affair. Little did he know that Isabella's recovery was temporary—within two months, she would lose every memory she'd ever made. After that, she would forget Ethan completely, and her love for him would be erased forever. Chapter 1 "Miss Winters, your brain tumor has deteriorated again. This time you won't fall into a prolonged coma like before, but it will affect your memory. In two months, you'll lose all your memories." The doctor's voice carried a note of sympathy. "Have you told your husband about these test results?" Isabella Winters’s head snapped up. "Please don't tell him." The doctor was stunned. "Why not? Your husband is deeply devoted to you. During your five-year coma, he stayed by your bedside every day, caring for you personally... It's become quite the touching story here at our hospital." Isabella didn't explain, simply insisting, "Just don't tell him about my test results." Though puzzled, the doctor nodded. As Isabella headed downstairs, Ethan Cross was just arriving at the hospital. "Bella!" He hurried over, taking her hand. "Sorry I'm late—something came up at the company. Your checkup went fine, right?" Isabella looked up, her gaze falling on the man's neck. Fresh hickeys, clearly just made. She looked away. "Everything's fine." Ethan finally relaxed. "Good." As Ethan led Isabella toward the hospital entrance, they discovered it was pouring rain. The black Rolls-Royce sat under the covered area, but puddles dotted the ground everywhere. Without hesitation, Ethan swept Isabella into his arms and carried her toward the car. This gesture drew countless stares from people at the hospital entrance. Several young women gasped in amazement. "Wow! That man is so thoughtful—he's carrying her so she won't step in puddles!" "And he's gorgeous too! Wait, isn't that Ethan Cross?" "What? The AI professor from Avaloria National University? The one who just won the Distinguished Achievement Award?" "Yes! And he owns multiple companies—he's on the young billionaires list!" "Handsome, rich, and so devoted to his wife. She must have been a saint in her past life to land such an amazing husband! Hearing these comments, Isabella lowered her eyes, her expression growing dim. Once, she had also believed she was the luckiest woman alive to have found Ethan. Seven years ago, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer and her body deteriorated, doctors declared she could never have children. Yet Ethan married her without hesitation. Later, when her surgery failed and she fell into a coma for five years, Ethan never left her bedside. After she awakened a month ago, he lavished attention on her as if she were made of glass, spoiling her beyond measure. Until three days ago, when she went to Ethan's company and saw him pressing another woman against his office desk... She knew that woman. Sophie Shaw—a scholarship student she'd sponsored. Sophie looked similar to her, which was why Isabella had chosen her from among many scholarship applicants and supported her through college. Sophie had indeed excelled academically, earning admission to Avaloria National University's graduate program. Isabella had even arranged for Ethan to be her advisor. But she never expected... Isabella's lips curved in bitter irony. The car soon arrived at their villa. As Ethan helped Isabella out, they found someone already waiting by their front door. Sophie stood under the eaves clutching a stack of papers, shivering in her white dress. Isabella felt Ethan tense beside her. "Sophie." His tone was stiff. "What are you doing here?" Sophie gripped her papers tighter, her voice uncertain. "Professor, I have some questions about my thesis that I wanted to ask you." Ethan frowned. "You should ask me those questions at school, not come to my house. Go back—" Seeing the torrential rain, he changed his mind. "Never mind, it's pouring. Come inside." He glanced at Isabella as if seeking her permission. Isabella looked away indifferently, seeming to acquiesce. Once inside, Isabella immediately went upstairs to rest. But after tossing restlessly in bed, she couldn't resist creeping to Ethan's study door. Inside, Ethan looked furious. "Sophie, what the heck are you doing here? Are you trying to make sure Bella finds out about us?" Sophie nearly burst into tears. "I... I didn't... I know you only love Isabella..." "I know I'm just a substitute. I've never wanted to come between you and her..." Her utterly humble words instantly deflated Ethan's anger. He rubbed his temples wearily. "So what exactly do you want?" "I... I don't know..." Sophie bit her lip. "I just miss you so much... and my body feels strange." "Strange?" Ethan frowned instinctively. "Are you sick?" Sophie shook her head, eyes red. "You used to be with me every day, but now that Isabella's suddenly awake, we only see each other every few days. I miss you, and my body..." Sophie widened her innocent eyes, pulling his hand to her waist. "Don't you miss me too, Professor?" Her naive words struck precisely at the man's most sensitive nerve. Ethan's eyes darkened. Unable to restrain himself, he suddenly stood and pressed Sophie against the desk. Crash! Isabella heard papers scattering, followed by Sophie's gasp— "Professor, Isabella's still upstairs." Ethan's voice was already hoarse beyond recognition. "Then keep quiet, you little harlot.” Intimate sounds filtered through the door, soft and persistent. Isabella finally couldn't take it anymore and ran to the bathroom, retching violently. Though she'd known about their relationship. Though this wasn't the first time she'd witnessed it. She still felt sick to her core. After what felt like forever, Isabella's phone buzzed. She steadied herself and opened the message from her doctor— [Miss Winters, we've discovered a new treatment that could preserve your memory, though it carries some risk. Would you like to consider it?] Isabella replied almost without thinking. [No. I accept forgetting everything forever.] These nauseating memories... Forgetting them would be perfect. Chapter 2 Isabella didn't know when Sophie had left. She only noticed that the next day, Ethan was even more attentive to her, almost carrying her downstairs for everything. That evening, he took the initiative, "Bella, I've cleared my schedule tonight. Let me take you to the charity auction." Isabella was a professional photographer with quite a reputation in the industry. Every year she donated several photographs to charity auctions and attended to show support. This year, despite having just awakened, she'd received an invitation. But as soon as she and Ethan arrived at the auction venue, they spotted a familiar figure. "Professor! Isabella!" Sophie ran over cheerfully. "You're here too!" Ethan frowned slightly. "What are you doing here?" "I have photographs in the auction too!" Sophie ducked her head shyly. "To be honest, Isabella, your influence inspired me to take up photography, and I even won an award!" She gazed at Isabella with starry eyes. "Isabella, you're my idol! I want to become just like you!" Become like her? Or rather, replace her entirely? Isabella's lips curved sardonically, but she said nothing. The auction began shortly. Isabella and Ethan sat in a VIP box on the second floor, while Sophie took a seat in the main floor seating area. As the most renowned photographer at this auction, Isabella's work was featured first. "Our opening piece tonight is a work by Miss Isabella Winters from seven years ago, titled 'Memory.'" The large screen displayed the photograph, and Ethan's expression changed instantly. "Bella!" He whipped around to face her. "Why did you put this photograph up for sale?" The screen showed two hands clasped together on a beach, both wearing wedding rings on their ring fingers. This was Ethan and Isabella's most treasured piece—taken on the day he proposed. Isabella had once considered this work priceless; she'd refused offers of ten million dollars for it. But now, she was selling it. Isabella looked up at Ethan. "Ethan, do you remember the promise you made me that day?" Ethan answered without hesitation, "Of course I remember. I promised to love only you for the rest of my life, never to betray you." He felt a pang of guilt afterward. Could it be... did Bella know something? Was that why she was selling this photograph? As he panicked internally, he heard Isabella laugh. "Exactly. Since you remember so well, it's just a photograph after all. No need to keep it—might as well sell it for charity." What she didn't say aloud was: broken promises make photographs meaningless anyway. Meanwhile, the bidding had begun below— "Fifty thousand." "One hundred thousand." "One hundred fifty thousand!" As a well-known photographer, the piece immediately drew enthusiastic bidding. Then Ethan raised his paddle. "One million!" The bid—ten times higher than the previous offer—made everyone gasp. Ethan looked at Isabella earnestly. "You may say that, but since this represents my promise to you, I want to keep it forever." Amid the applause, Ethan won the photograph. Acquaintances in the crowd joked good-naturedly. "Well, well! Turns out Mr. Cross just wanted to donate a million dollars while showing off for his wife—we're all just watching a love show!" Everyone laughed, but Isabella's smile never reached her eyes. The auction continued. Since tonight's guests were all wealthy and influential, the organizers had set a rule: each guest could bid on only one photograph. So Ethan lost interest in the other pieces, focusing instead on peeling grapes for Isabella and feeding them to her one by one. Until the host announced— "Our next piece is from emerging photographer Sophie Shaw, titled 'Dreams'!" The screen lit up again amid applause, but the next second, someone cried out in shock. "What the heck is that!" Chapter 3 The photograph on screen showed Sophie herself. And a man. Sophie was kneeling in front of him, her eyes in daze—anyone could see what was happening. The man's face wasn't visible, but Isabella still recognized him as Ethan. The venue erupted. "What the hell! She's auctioning off this kind of photo? Has she lost her mind?" "If I'm not mistaken, that's the photographer Sophie Shaw herself in the picture. Is she trying to create a scandal for attention?" "I mean, there are artistic nude works out there, but this... it's just vulgar!" Amid the chaos of voices, Sophie's face went ashen as she shook her head frantically. "No... this isn't the photo I submitted. I swear it's not this one..." But no one was listening. The auctioneer, maintaining professional composure, began the bidding. "This photograph has a starting bid of one hundred thousand. Do I hear any higher offers?" The room fell dead silent. Only a few sleazy men's crude laughter broke the quiet. "A hundred grand for this? It's just a sex photo—you can find thousands online for free!" "Exactly. A hundred thousand for the photo is ridiculous, but this girl clearly knows how to please a man. If she'd recreate what's in the photo live, then maybe a hundred grand would be worth it." "Hahaha!" The humiliating comments kept coming. Sophie's last trace of color drained from her face as she swayed on her feet. Until— "I bid two hundred thousand!" Ethan's cold voice cut through the room, instantly silencing everyone. People stared at Ethan in disbelief, whispering among themselves. "Does Mr. Cross know this Sophie Shaw?" "Oh, I remember now—Sophie Shaw is one of Mr. Cross's students..." The auctioneer was also stunned but politely reminded him. "Mr. Cross, according to our auction rules, each person can only bid on one item. If you wish to change your bid, you'll need to forfeit your previous purchase and offer a higher amount." Ethan instinctively looked at Isabella, who kept her head down in silence. Sophie below was already sobbing audibly. "Professor, you don't need to help me. I uploaded the wrong photo by mistake. Please don't worry about me..." Her voice grew smaller and smaller until she was crying uncontrollably. Ethan felt his heart clench and blurted out, "Fine. I bid two million for this photograph." The entire room gasped. The auctioneer confirmed, "So Mr. Cross, you're forfeiting Miss Winters's photograph?" Ethan again looked instinctively at Isabella, but this time she had already stood and left. "Bella!" Only then did Ethan panic, rushing to follow her. But at that moment, someone below shouted, "Sophie Shaw has fainted!" Ethan's steps froze. The scene descended into chaos. As Isabella left the auction house, she could only hear the auctioneer's voice: "Congratulations to Mr. Cross for winning Miss Sophie Shaw's 'Dreams' at two million dollars!" Isabella closed her eyes as the tears she'd been holding back finally fell. In the end, he had chosen her after all. ... For the next several days, Isabella didn't speak to Ethan. No matter how much jewelry and designer bags he bought, no matter what novelties he brought home, she wouldn't even look at him. Until Isabella's birthday. Ethan practically got on his knees begging before she finally agreed to go out with him. After driving for what felt like hours, the car stopped. Ethan covered her eyes as they walked, and after a long journey, he finally spoke. "Okay, Bella, you can open your eyes now." Isabella looked up to find they were at a marina. Before them sat an enormous yacht, brilliantly lit, with words painted on its hull— The Winters Isabella's eyes flashed with surprise as she looked at Ethan. "This is..." Ethan took her hand. "This is a yacht I had custom-made for you, named after you." He said softly, "Bella, I'm truly sorry about the auction. Sophie is my student and the girl you've been sponsoring. I really was just trying to help her out of an embarrassing situation—nothing more. "I asked her about the photo too. She said someone jealous of her photoshopped it. Please believe me. Besides..." He paused, then said gently, "Didn't you want to sell the 'Memory' photograph for charity anyway? An extra donation is a good thing, right?" Isabella's eyelashes trembled slightly. ‘Since this represents my promise to you, I want to keep it forever.’ His words from that day seemed to echo in her ears, but now his story had completely changed. Isabella lowered her head, hiding the irony in her eyes. "We don't need to explain so much to each other." Because I... stopped believing you long ago. And soon I'll forget all these sordid details anyway. But Ethan misinterpreted her words as forgiveness. Joy flashed in his eyes as he eagerly took her hand. "Come on, let's go aboard!" Once on the yacht, Isabella saw that nearly everyone she knew was there. Ethan had ordered a massive three-meter-tall cake, and everyone was celebrating her. The yacht set sail as fireworks lit up the sky—everything was so beautiful it felt like a dream. Even Isabella felt momentarily dazed. As if they were back in their happiest days, sweet and inseparable. Until Ethan's phone buzzed and he looked down at it. Isabella glanced over and realized he wasn't reading a message—he was checking social media. Understanding dawned. She opened her own social media to find Sophie had just posted a photo. The image showed Sophie sitting alone at a table in darkness with a cake and a single lonely candle. The caption read: "My 23rd birthday, spending it alone again." Chapter 4 From that moment on, Ethan seemed distracted. When the fireworks ended, he finally couldn't hold back anymore. He grasped Isabella's hand apologetically. "Bella, there's an emergency at the company. I have to go back. I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow, okay?" Isabella looked up at him with an unreadable expression. "What kind of work is so urgent that you have to rush back from a yacht?" Ethan stiffened slightly. "It's about some AI intellectual property issues. Only I can sign off on them. I promise I'll make it up to you—please don't be angry." He kissed her forehead and hurried away. Isabella walked to the deck and watched Ethan board a speedboat with staff members, roaring off into the darkness. White foam split across the sea like her fractured heart. An hour later, Isabella's phone suddenly rang. It was Sophie. Isabella hesitated for a moment, then understood immediately. She debated for a second before answering, but the caller didn't speak. Instead, muffled voices came through— "Professor! You actually came to celebrate my birthday! But... but today is Isabella's birthday too. Don't you need to be with her?" "It's fine. She has lots of friends and family there, but you only have me, don't you?" "Professor..." The girl's moved sobs were suddenly muffled, then transformed into erotic moans... Isabella finally couldn't take it anymore and hung up. She thought she'd be devastated, but found she couldn't even cry. Perhaps when disappointment reaches its peak, tears simply won't come. She took a deep breath and dialed a number. "Hello." As soon as the call connected, she spoke immediately. "Did you get all the photos?" ... Ethan didn't come home that night. The yacht was scheduled for a three-day, three-night cruise, but early the next morning, Isabella also took a speedboat back to shore. When she got home, she found what she'd been waiting for in her mailbox. It was an envelope full of photographs of Ethan and Sophie. Kissing in a car, embracing in his office, even in the university library... All taken by the private investigator Isabella had hired. Even though she'd prepared herself mentally, Isabella's hands still trembled as she looked at the photos. The frequency... Almost every time Ethan said he had work and left, he was with Sophie... Isabella slammed the envelope shut and went upstairs to retrieve a photo album from her safe. This was her album with Ethan. Being a photographer herself, Isabella had always loved documenting life's moments in pictures. When she'd learned about her brain tumor, she'd been terrified of losing her memories of Ethan someday, so she'd collected all their photos together. She'd hoped that even if she lost her memory, she could learn about their sweet past through these photographs. But now... Isabella's lips curved in a bitter smile as she unhesitatingly lit the photos with her lighter— The first: Ethan carrying her on his back along the beach. Because she'd said her father died young and no one had ever carried her, he'd carried her all night long. The second: When she'd first been diagnosed and wanted to break up with Ethan. But he'd deployed over ten thousand drones to spell out her name in the sky when he proposed. The third: During her five-year coma, Ethan stood by her bed, carefully cleaning every inch of her skin. For seven whole years, her life had been filled entirely with Ethan. But now all those memories and beautiful moments were being consumed by flames, turning to ash... After burning those photos, Isabella placed all the sordid pictures of Ethan and Sophie into the album instead. She didn't want to remember the love that had turned rotten. But this betrayal—she could never forget. ... By the time she finished burning the photos, it was deep into the night. Isabella fell into a restless sleep. After what felt like hours, her wrist was suddenly grabbed frantically. She woke with a start to see Ethan's pale face in the darkness. "Bella." His voice trembled uncontrollably. "You... you burned all our photos?" Chapter 5 Isabella froze, then noticed Ethan was holding a half-burned photograph. Because there had been so many photos, by the time she reached the end, some hadn't burned completely before she tossed them in the trash. She hadn't expected Ethan to find them. However, the album containing Ethan and Sophie's photos was already locked away in her private safe where Ethan couldn't possibly see it. "Yes." She didn't deny it. Only then did Ethan truly panic, gripping her even tighter. "Bella, didn't you say these photos were your most precious memories? Why did you burn them? Did I do something wrong?" The usually composed and dignified man now looked like a child who'd made a mistake, almost ready to cry. "If I did something wrong, tell me! I'll change everything!" Isabella finally looked at him. If she told him, would he leave Sophie? If she told him, could his betrayals simply be wiped clean? No. So it was better not to say anything. Better to forget everything completely. So she said calmly, "Don't overthink it. I fell asleep looking at the album, and an aromatherapy candle caught it on fire. By the time I put it out, most of it was burned. The negatives are still intact anyway, so it's not a big deal." The lie was almost laughably poor. There was no way someone with Ethan's intelligence would believe it. "Bella, you..." He was about to speak when his phone suddenly buzzed. He glanced down at the message, his expression changing, and immediately stood up. "Bella, I need to take a call." He hurried out to the balcony. Faintly, Isabella could hear fragments of conversation drifting in— "What do you mean you haven't had it this month..." "Did you actually test? Are you sure?" Ethan's tone on the balcony was somewhat agitated, but Isabella had no interest in listening to what he was saying. She simply closed her eyes and smiled bitterly. You see. Even the most pathetic lies can succeed when the other person doesn't care. ... Over the next few days, Ethan was restless and didn't even bother pursuing the matter of the photos. Isabella couldn't be bothered to care, focusing instead on preparing for her upcoming memory loss. That day, she went to the university to handle some paperwork. As she left the office, she ran into Sophie at the stairwell. "Isabella!" Sophie looked delighted to see her. "What brings you here? Are you looking for Professor Cross?" She affectionately linked arms with Isabella, but Isabella pulled away coldly. "Ethan's not here either," she said flatly. "So there's no need to pretend anymore." Sophie's phone call during her birthday had already shattered the pretense between the two women. But Sophie still wouldn't admit it, only widening her eyes to look at Isabella with innocent alarm. "Isabella, what are you talking about? Are you still angry about the auction when Professor Cross bid on my photo? I'm sorry, I'm sorry—I really didn't mean for that to happen... If you're still angry, you can hit me..." She actually grabbed Isabella's hand and tried to make her hit herself. Isabella thought she was completely unhinged and immediately pulled her hand back. "What are you doing..." But as she pulled away, Sophie suddenly cried "Ah!" and lost her balance, tumbling backward down the stairs. "Sophie!" An urgent shout came from behind. Isabella turned to see Ethan appearing at the end of the hallway. He rushed down to scoop up Sophie from the floor, his face pale with worry. "Sophie, are you okay? You’re…” Before Ethan could finish his sentence, Sophie burst into tears. "Professor!" She grabbed Ethan's hand, crying pitifully. "Why did Isabella push me... Does... does she really hate me that much?" Chapter 6 Sophie's outburst drew a crowd of onlookers. Isabella's expression turned cold. "I didn't. She did it herself..." She tried to explain, but before she could finish, Ethan had already swept Sophie into his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital first!" He rushed off without sparing Isabella a single glance. ... When Isabella arrived at the hospital, she saw the doctor speaking with Ethan. "Don't worry, Mr. Cross. Miss Shaw is fine—she just needs some rest." Ethan visibly relaxed. When he turned around, he saw Isabella. He looked surprised and walked over to her gently. "Bella, what are you doing here?" Isabella got straight to the point, "I came to tell you that I didn't push Sophie just now. She framed me." Isabella hadn't wanted to get entangled with Ethan and Sophie. But she refused to take the blame for something she didn't do, so she came to clear her name. Ethan's hand stiffened. The next second, he said softly, "It's okay. I'll apologize to Sophie on your behalf, and we can put this behind us." Ethan tried to take Isabella's hand and leave. But Isabella wouldn't move. She looked up at him in disbelief. "Apologize? Why should you apologize? Ethan, didn't you hear what I just said? I didn't push Sophie! She deliberately—" "Enough!" Before Isabella could finish, Ethan cut her off, unable to contain himself any longer. "Sophie isn't that kind of person!" The last trace of color drained from Isabella's face. "She's not that kind of person?" Her earlier attempt at explanation suddenly lost all strength. She smiled weakly, her voice trembling. "So Ethan, you think I am that kind of person?" Seeing Isabella's pale face, Ethan felt like his heart had been stabbed. He panicked instantly and grabbed her hand. "Bella, that's not what I meant. It's just that Sophie couldn't possibly risk her own body to frame you at a time like this, because she..." Ethan's words suddenly stopped short, and he changed direction. "What I mean is, you definitely didn't do it on purpose. Maybe you didn't notice there were stairs behind Sophie, so..." The more he explained, the more hollow his words sounded. Even Ethan gradually couldn't continue. Finally, he could only look at Isabella and say almost wearily, "Bella, can we not talk about this anymore?" Isabella looked up at him. She suddenly remembered when she and Ethan were in high school together. Other students, jealous of her academic progress, had falsely accused her of cheating. Ethan had believed her without question and even dragged everyone who had gossiped about her to apologize to her face. She had thought that even if Ethan betrayed her, their years together would at least be worth mutual trust. But now he wouldn't even trust her character. Something inside her finally collapsed completely. She lowered her head and said quietly, "Fine." Ethan seemed surprised that Isabella had given in so easily. After a moment of shock, he put his arms around her and spoke as if coaxing a child. "I knew my Bella would be reasonable." Reasonable? Isabella smiled weakly. She simply didn't want to explain anymore. After all, explanations were for people who mattered. And she had completely stopped caring about Ethan. ... Over the next few days, Isabella began preparing divorce papers. She sent the signed divorce agreement and all the photos the private investigator had taken to her lawyer. The lawyer reassured her over the phone. "Don't worry, Miss Winters. With these photos, the divorce is a sure thing. Even if you lose your memory, I'll handle everything properly for you." Isabella nodded. "I'm counting on you for the divorce." She hung up the phone, but when she looked up, she saw Ethan standing in the bedroom doorway. He grabbed her hand, looking alarmed. "Divorce? Isabella, who's getting divorced?" Chapter 7 Isabella's heart skipped a beat. But within a second, she regained her composure. "It's my college roommate Fion Newman. She's getting divorced, so I'm referring my lawyer to her. Why?" Ethan relaxed. "I thought..." Before finishing his sentence, he smiled and shook his head. He was overthinking things. Bella had no idea about him and Sophie. Even if they'd been having some disagreements lately, it would never escalate to divorce. So he dropped the topic and simply took Isabella's hand. "Bella, I have a gift for you." Isabella raised an eyebrow. "What gift?" Ethan smiled. "Didn't you always want to adopt a child? I've been thinking about it, and you're right—we do need a child." Isabella looked at Ethan in disbelief. Due to her condition, she'd known for a long time that she could never have children of her own. She'd always felt guilty about this, and knowing that Ethan actually loved children, she had suggested adopting when they first married. But Ethan had refused outright then. Why was he suddenly changing his mind? Isabella found it strange and couldn't help asking, "Why so sudden?" "It's not sudden," Ethan said gently. "I'm already contacting agencies. The paperwork is slow—probably seven or eight months—but then we can welcome our child." Ethan showed unprecedented enthusiasm for adopting a child. He converted one room in the villa into a nursery, had it renovated and painted, then began buying baby supplies. From cribs to tiny clothes to all sorts of toys and books. He was devoted to every detail. Isabella found it even more bizarre. Until one night, Isabella woke up with a headache and heard sounds coming from the nursery. She walked to the doorway and saw Sophie and Ethan inside. Ethan was gripping Sophie's hand, angrily questioning her. "Sophie! Who gave you permission to come to my house in the middle of the night? And into this room? And what's the meaning of these photos!" Sophie was holding a photo album filled with ultrasound images and pictures of a pregnant belly, but no faces were visible. Sophie burst into tears. "I just thought the baby's birth process only happens once, so I wanted to document it for him. I didn't mean anything else..." Ethan's anger flared even more. "What do you mean 'document it'? I think you're deliberately trying to let the child know you're his biological mother! Sophie, I've made it very clear—you can keep the baby in your belly, but only as mine and Bella's child! "And you are never to appear in front of this child!" At that moment, Sophie completely broke down. "I know..." she sobbed uncontrollably. "I know everything... if you don't believe me, look at the album cover..." Ethan frowned and closed the album in his hands. The cover read: Baby, this is a gift documenting your growth From Mommy, Isabella Ethan's pupils contracted as he looked up sharply at Sophie. "You..." Sophie was now crying inconsolably. "I know everything... I know you're only keeping this baby for Isabella. I never thought about taking anything away, and I know my place... "But I really wanted to leave the baby a memento, so I took these photos. Don't worry—everything I give the child, I'll put Isabella's name on it... mmph..." Before Sophie could finish, Ethan silenced her with a fierce kiss. The pain in the man's eyes had become almost tangible, finally transforming into possessive action as he pressed the girl against the crib railing. Sophie covered her belly in fear. "Professor, the baby..." But Ethan roughly pulled at her dress. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle." The sounds of impact continued. Isabella, standing at the door, finally couldn't take it anymore and slid down the wall. No wonder Ethan had suddenly wanted a child. No wonder he was so excited about this baby. No wonder when Sophie fell down the stairs, Ethan didn't believe she'd done it deliberately. The child she was supposed to "adopt" was Sophie's. Ethan actually wanted the child he and Sophie created to call her mother. Isabella closed her eyes as tears silently rolled down her cheeks. Ethan, how could you... be so cruel? ... The matter of the child was the final straw for Isabella. She couldn't even pretend anymore and told Ethan directly that she wanted to go back to her parents’ home to rest. Ethan initially disagreed but eventually relented. He was supposed to drive her to the airport, but halfway there, he got a call saying there was an emergency at the company. Isabella knowingly opened social media and, sure enough, Sophie had posted another hospital check-in with the caption: My stomach hurts a little, I hope nothing's wrong. But Isabella couldn't be bothered to call out the lie. After Ethan left, she drove herself to the airport. But just as her car left the villa gates, a large truck suddenly charged toward her. CRASH! Isabella had no time to react before her entire car was sent flying. Chapter 8 Her head slammed hard against the car window, the airbag deployed, and Isabella was left semi-conscious in her seat. In her daze, she saw several young men getting out of the truck. She recognized them—boys from the same orphanage as Sophie. When she'd sponsored Sophie, she'd helped them too. They walked over to check on Isabella's condition. "Hit this bad, she probably won't make it, right?" "Definitely not. This woman already had brain problems—she's a goner!" "Haha, perfect! Once she's dead, Sophie can become the Cross family's young hostess, and we'll get our cut!" "Alright, alright, let's get out of here before someone comes!" They hurried away, leaving Isabella lying there, her chest heaving violently. So it was... Sophie... There was no one around the villa entrance. She struggled to reach for her phone to call for help. But the phone was too far away—she could only reach a speed dial button. She had no choice but to press it. After all these years, she only had one person on speed dial: Ethan. The call connected quickly. "Hello, Bella?" Isabella used her last bit of strength to speak, "Ethan, quick... call an ambulance..." But she could hear commotion on the other end. Isabella faintly heard Sophie's crying. "Professor, do you think something's wrong with the baby?" Ethan's attention was immediately captured completely. He hadn't heard what Isabella was saying and spoke hurriedly. "Bella, I have an emergency here to deal with. I'll call you back later." He hung up directly. Beep, beep, beep. The busy tone echoed in the empty car as Isabella closed her eyes in despair. Her strength was draining away, her skull felt like it was splitting open, and countless memories flashed through her mind like a slideshow... The moment Ethan slipped the ring on her finger... The moment before surgery when Ethan held her hand and begged her not to leave... The moment when she woke up and he cried tears of joy... Isabella finally couldn't hold on anymore and slowly closed her eyes. Then suddenly she heard— "Someone's been in an accident here! Quick! Come help!" Isabella felt herself being pulled from the car as ambulance sirens wailed around her. Then— "No good, she needs surgery!" "But surgery might cause premature memory loss!" "Forget about memory loss! Saving her life comes first—operate now!" The sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils as Isabella finally gave in and lost consciousness completely... After surgery, Isabella remained unconscious for three days and nights. On the third day, she finally woke up. "Bella!" Ethan, who had been keeping vigil by her bedside, rushed to take her hand. The usually composed and dignified man now looked completely haggard, his face covered with stubble. But he paid no attention to his appearance, only gripping Isabella's hand anxiously. "Bella, how do you feel? Are you uncomfortable anywhere? "I'm sorry—I never should have hung up on you that day. I didn't know you'd been in an accident. I'm so sorry..." Ethan was almost in tears. But Isabella in front of him just frowned slightly. She remained unmoved by Ethan's tears, simply withdrew her hand and looked at him warily before speaking coldly. "Who are you?"