Chapter 4

When Phyllis woke from her coma, the first thing she saw was the hospital ceiling. The smell of disinfectant filled her nose. Patricia quickly took her hand, putting on a show of generosity. "Phyllis, the doctor said you almost died. Please don't blame Nat. He only did it for me." The words sounded apologetic, but every syllable was laced with provocation and mockery. Looking at the face identical to her own, Phyllis felt a wave of absurdity. It was said that twins had a special connection. Since they were little, they'd shared the same habits and tastes. It was hard to differentiate them unless one went close to them. Now, they even shared the same husband. Without a word, Phyllis quietly pulled her hand back and turned her head toward the view outside the window. A hint of pity flashed in Nathan's eyes as he gently helped Patricia sit up. Then, he turned to Phyllis with a gloomy expression. "Patricia's understanding enough to apologize to you. Besides, that matter was your fault to begin with. Shouldn't you take responsibility for your past mistakes?" At that, she let out a short, mocking laugh and met his gaze head-on. "There was only my voice in the video, and you're already sure it's me. Was there no chance that the video could be fake?" They had been together for so many years, and he didn't have an ounce of trust in her. What a joke. Nathan's lips moved, a flicker of guilt crossing his eyes, but in the end, he stayed silent and left the ward with Patricia. After they left, Phyllis received a call from the visa office. They told her that because she was the first woman in the country to win a Pulitzer Prize, they had expedited her application. It could be done as early as next week. Which meant she only had to wait one more week. One more week, and she could be free of everything about Nathan. ... Two days later, Phyllis was discharged from the hospital alone. Nathan only sent her a text. "Patricia says she's never experienced dating before. I'll be taking her out for the next few days. Take care of yourself until I come home." When she read the message, she almost let out a bitter laugh edged with pain. When they first got together, Nathan's career was on the rise, but he didn't hesitate to ditch a billion-dollar deal to come home for her birthday. He had kissed her forehead and said, "I'm not just going to be with you on your birthday—I'm going to take you to do all the things couples do as well, so that you won't have the chance to envy others." And he had kept that promise. Even as his business grew, he always made time for her. They went shopping and tried out new food together like any ordinary couple. They had made a vow under the Tree of Love to never change. But now, that vow had rusted away. Through Patricia's post on social media, Phyllis saw Nathan once again standing under the Tree of Love, but the person beside him was no longer her. Her fingers trembled around her phone. Wave after wave of pain crashed over her until night fell and she finally calmed down. She took an album from her nightstand and discarded every record of their past into the fireplace until nothing was left. She also smashed the custom-made ring Nathan had flown overseas to get for her. Every item in the house tied to their memories was either thrown out, smashed, or burned. She could accept betrayal, and she had the courage to face it. She didn't want these once-precious memories anymore. Before long, the home that had once been warm and full of love was left in ruins, just like her relationship with Nathan. Three days later, Nathan suddenly sent three bodyguards to her. Without a word, they forcibly took her away. By the time she realized what was happening, she was standing at the door of an operating room. A nurse handed her a thick family consent form. "If everything looks fine, please sign here." Her heart skipped a beat. "Why do I need to sign?" she asked. One of the bodyguards quickly answered, "Ms. Patricia burned her face during a date. Mr. Frey has decided to have his skin grafted to her. Since you're Mr. Frey's legal wife in Juville, your signature is required." For a moment, she didn't know whether to laugh at the words "legal wife in Juville", point out that they were already divorced, or marvel at how deeply Nathan cared for Patricia. In the end, under the bodyguards' urging, she signed her name in the family member section.