Both Joseph and I grew up in an orphanage. He had always been determined to make something of himself, and I supported him in his entrepreneurial journey. I endured the difficulties and injustices at work, keeping us afloat with my meager salary.

I had a lively, outgoing personality, and I could handle my liquor. So in the beginning, many of Joseph's businesses were made possible by me shedding my face and accompanying him to socialize and drink. But I drank so much that I severely damaged my stomach, eventually having two-thirds of it removed.

When the company was finally taking shape, Joseph became a target for competitors. To save him, I was struck and thrown fifty meters by a car, landing in the ICU. I survived by sacrificing my uterus.

When I woke up, Joseph was kneeling by my bed for three days and three nights, tears streaming down his face. He swore, "If I ever betray you in this life, may I meet a bitter end."

Later, he learned to drink and mastered the art of socializing with quiet ease. The company thrived under his management.

On my twenty-eighth birthday, he handed me all his bank cards, asking me to stay home, take care of my health, and leave behind the hardships of the corporate world. I gladly agreed. The man who once needed my protection had finally stepped in front of me.

But sadly, things had changed.

A metallic taste rose in my throat, and I couldn’t help but cover my mouth, coughing violently. When I pulled my hand away, it was stained with blood. I hurried to the bathroom to clean myself up. When I came back, my phone showed over a dozen missed calls—all from Joseph.

A flicker of hope sparked in my heart. Had he realized his mistake? Was he finally coming back to me?

I instinctively dialed him back, but the line was busy. I was just starting to feel confused when—

“Bang!”

The door to the dressing room swung open violently. Joseph, still in his casual clothes, entered with no trace of the joy a groom should have. His face was dark as he stormed over and grabbed my wrist.

“Catherine! I’m already marrying you as we agreed, so why did you send that message to provoke Melissa?”

My heart clenched, followed by confusion and disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

Joseph held up his phone, the chat screen flashing before my eyes, but I couldn’t even make out the words.

“Melissa’s child is already six months along, and you had to provoke her now? What if something happens to her or the baby? Can you bear that responsibility? How could you be so cruel?”