Chapter 3

Over the next few days, Noah began attending high-profile events with Amber by his side. She never wore designer gowns or flashy jewelry. Instead, she always dressed in simple, understated outfits in soft tones. Her long black hair was either left straight or pulled into a high ponytail, and she never wore makeup. In a world full of glitz and glamor, she stood out with a kind of effortless simplicity that quietly drew attention. Noah didn't hide his admiration for her. He praised her for being different, and soon, wealthy socialites began copying her style. Even fashion designers used her look as inspiration for their latest collections. To treat Amber's amblyopia, Noah spent tens of millions of dollars flying in top medical experts from around the world. He formed a team to conduct a full consultation. Though her condition was congenital and irreversible, they believed they could at least prevent it from getting worse. When he found out, Noah lost his temper. He nearly ruined his own eyesight just to become blind with her. Back at the hospital, Isabelle lay alone in bed, overwhelmed by bitterness. She stared at her phone as news of Noah and Amber's public appearances kept popping up. Each headline chipped away at her heart until she felt nothing at all. Noah's love wasn't exclusive. He was just as capable of giving everything to another woman. Later, Isabelle went to visit her younger brother, Isaac Spencer, who had been in a coma for three years. He had been hit by a car on his way to school. Back then, Noah had gathered the best doctors money could buy to save him, and they had. Yet, Isaac never woke up. Machines and medication kept him alive. Tears welled up in Isabelle's eyes as she held Isaac's hand. "Isaac, I'm leaving," she whispered. "Before I go, I'll take you somewhere else. I used to believe Noah was my forever, but I was wrong." It felt like she had finally found a release, and all the pain and sorrow she had kept bottled up came pouring out at once. By the time she finished, it was well past lunch. She wiped her tears and left the hospital reluctantly. Her first stop was the registry office, where she filed to have both her and Isaac's household records canceled. She used an expedited service. The process would be complete in seven business days. Next, she went to the private villa Noah had given her. She packed up all the gifts she had once cherished and contacted an auction house to put them up for consignment. Then, she visited a small law firm to handle the transfer paperwork and officially returned the villa to Noah. Finally, she returned to the villa and gathered all the handmade gifts she had once given to Noah. They weren't worth much, but back then, he had treasured them more than anything. One by one, she tossed them into the fireplace. In the flames, flashes of their happy past played before her eyes. They had truly loved each other. However, that happiness was fragile and fleeting. When the fire finally died out, so did everything they once shared. She didn't know when she started crying, but her face was already soaked with tears. As she wiped them away and turned around, she found herself face-to-face with Noah's questioning gaze and Amber's cold, expressionless face. "What are you burning?" Noah asked. Isabelle paused for a second before replying, "Just some things I no longer need." Noah nodded with little interest, then said, "Find that emerald bracelet I gave you and give it to Amber." The words hit her like a slap. That bracelet was a family heirloom from the Ashfords, traditionally passed down to the eldest daughter-in-law. And now, Noah wanted to give it to Amber. Isabelle clenched her fist slightly but still nodded. "Alright. I'll get it now." They were already divorced. That bracelet had never truly belonged to her anyway. Amber followed Isabelle upstairs to retrieve the bracelet. As she glanced around the walk-in closet filled with clothes and jewelry, a flicker of jealousy and resentment passed through her eyes, though her expression remained calm and indifferent. Isabelle handed her the rosewood box without noticing the malice that briefly flashed across Amber's face. "Isabelle, you and Noah are already divorced. Why are you still here?" Amber sneered behind her. "It's honestly pathetic." "You don't have to worry about me. I'll leave," Isabelle said coolly, casting her a brief glance. She would walk away from all of this and leave everything to Amber. Amber looked nothing like her usual self. Her eyes were filled with a sharp, vicious intent. "Don't act like you're doing me a favor. You didn't give it to me. I earned it myself. Isabelle, I won't let anyone stand in my way." She took out the bracelet and smashed it hard on the floor. Then, she suddenly shoved Isabelle down the stairs. Isabelle cried out in shock as she tumbled down the stairs. Her forehead struck the edge of a step, and blood started gushing from the wound. Amber immediately dropped to the floor, picked up a shard from the broken bracelet, and slashed her own leg. "Mr. Ashford, hurry! Ms. Spencer is hurt!" she screamed. The crash had startled the entire household. Moments later, Noah appeared at the top of the stairs. His eyes landed briefly on Isabelle's bloodied body at the bottom, but he didn't pause. Without hesitation, he rushed to Amber and scooped her up into his arms. When he saw the gash on Amber's leg, his expression turned cold. "Did she do this to you?" Amber nodded without the slightest hesitation and looked coldly at Isabelle lying downstairs. "I know I don't deserve this bracelet. She'd rather destroy it than give it to me. I just didn't expect her to throw herself down the stairs to frame me." Noah glanced at Isabelle, then called for a helper to treat Amber's wound. "I'll get you cleaned up first," he said gently to Amber. "I'll take care of the rest." Moments later, he ordered a bodyguard to drag Isabelle down to the living room. "Darling, why are you becoming so disobedient?" Noah coldly asked as he looked down at her. "I told you not to lay a finger on her." Isabelle struggled to lift herself up. Through the haze of blood, she met his gaze and forced the words through gritted teeth. "She pushed me down the stairs!" As if he had expected her to say that, Noah gave a cold laugh. "You never learn, do you? If you won't admit your mistake, then you leave me no choice but to punish you the old-fashioned way." "Noah! Why don't you check the surveillance footage?" Isabelle cried in a panic. "There's no need," he said coldly. "Amber would never lie to me, but you have let jealousy get the better of you." He gave a slight wave, and the butler stepped forward holding a leather belt. Isabelle trembled uncontrollably. She could hardly believe Noah's favoritism had gone this far. Without giving her a chance to explain, the belt lashed across her back. The sharp pain tore through her skin, soaking her clothes with blood. She bit down hard on her lip to keep from crying out. Under Noah's cold gaze, Isabelle gave up pleading. She shut her eyes, bracing herself as the searing blows came one after another. She still remembered how Noah's grandfather, Charles Ashford, had once refused to let him marry her. He had Noah confined and punished for three full days and nights. Noah endured three hundred lashes and nearly died, but not once did he waver. Even while unconscious, he had called out her name, saying he would marry no one but Isabelle and love her for the rest of his life. He had once told her she meant more to him than his own life, that he would never let her suffer even the slightest grievance, and that he wanted the whole world to know she was his wife. But now, he was accusing her of something she did not do and punishing her without hesitation, all because of another woman. It made Isabelle question whether Amber was really just a fling for Noah.