The Dead Husband

My husband's little mistress broke up with him again. He drank until he perforated his stomach and ended up in the hospital. Half-dead, he mumbled, "Only she dares to treat me like this." Then he grabbed my hand and asked, "Serena, you're a woman too. Tell me, how do I win her back this time?" True. He had cheated so many times, but only this Ivy girl made him lose his mind. My phone vibrated. A text from Ivy. "Mrs. Sterling! Control your husband!" "As a woman, do you have no dignity? Tell him to stop harassing me!" I smiled mockingly and gave no response, as usual. On the fifth day of his hospitalization, Julian blew up my phone, questioning me angrily: "I'm in the hospital! Why haven't you visited me?" "Do you even care about your husband anymore?" I said calmly, "I'm afraid if I go, you'll fall in love with me again." Chapter 1 A scoff came from the other end. He seemed surprised by my sudden humor. I hung up. A notification popped up on my phone. The three-year "merger clause" in our prenuptial agreement had expired. According to the contract between the Vance and Sterling families, I could finally file for divorce. Just as I finished instructing my lawyer, I saw Ivy's post on Instagram. A photo of Julian in a hospital gown, IV drip in arm, kneeling on one knee to massage her calf. She sat on the hospital bed, smiling blissfully. Caption: Finally understood what they mean by 'Rich men are the biggest simps.' The man in high places was just a dog I couldn't chase away no matter how hard I tried. I scrolled past it without a ripple of emotion. My lawyer was surprised by my calm demeanor. "Clients as composed as you are rare, Mrs. Sterling." I smiled faintly. She didn't know that I used to scream, fight, suffer from depression, and attempt suicide because of Julian's affairs. The Serena standing here today was resurrected from a dead heart. Chapter 2 Julian came home a month later, in the early hours of the morning. Seeing me asleep, he moved lightly, like a thief. But he didn't know I was a light sleeper. Any noise would wake me. Suddenly having another person in the bed felt foreign. I couldn't remember the last time Julian slept in my bed. The next morning, a jewelry necklace worth 30 million dollars appeared on my nightstand. I was used to it. Sure enough, I received a provocative text from Ivy: "Mrs. Sterling received another 30-million-dollar necklace because of me. Shouldn't you say thank you?" Every time Julian tried to win Ivy back, he bought luxury goods. But Ivy never accepted a single one. In Julian's heart, Ivy was the purest woman who viewed money as dirt. They had been together for three years. She never spent a dime of his money. They went "Dutch." Julian, born with a silver spoon, willingly lived a commoner's life with her. So in Julian's mind, Ivy's love was the purest. Untainted. Only I knew Ivy was playing the long game to catch the big fish. Usually, I treated her like air. I never replied. But today, I typed: Thank you. A rational woman never turns down money. She replied instantly, shocked as if the sun rose from the west. "Wow, you're alive today? You actually replied." Her mouth was venomous. Julian woke up and glanced at my chat with Ivy. He smiled, his tone full of doting affection for her. "Ivy has such a sharp tongue. She's interesting." As he spoke, he patted my head naturally. "My Serena is generous now. You finally act like a big sister." Like praising a dog. Nausea rose in my chest. I used to turn the city upside down because of his affairs. I flipped tables in public. I smashed a wine bottle over his head—he went to the ER fifteen times because of me. The media exposed everything. He lost face countless times. But he never stopped. He would only say: "Look around this circle! Which man doesn't have a few women?" "I play around, but I'm not leaving you!" He also said many times: "No matter how many women I have, you are the boss. You are their big sister." Until the day my father died, I finally woke up. I played "blind" and "deaf" for three years! In exchange for his praise: "My Serena finally acts like a big sister." For three years, I didn't interfere. My existence was like air to him. He didn't even know that our son was two years old. The day I almost died giving birth, he was with Ivy, selling hot dogs at a street cart. He said he loved Ivy's independence and grit! I sneered silently and said nothing. In my heart, he was already dead. Chapter 3 On the day of my mother-in-law's birthday banquet, I planned to make an appearance and play the filial daughter-in-law. But when I walked in with gifts, I saw Julian and Ivy standing on either side of his mother. My mother-in-law was chatting happily with guests. "Mrs. Sterling, your hair looks beautiful today. It matches your Qipao perfectly." Her hair was indeed elegant, pinned up with a vintage hairpin. She smiled gently and patted Ivy's hand approvingly. "My daughter-in-law styled it. She has clever hands." So, even his mother had accepted Ivy. Ivy smiled gracefully. "Mom, I'm glad you like it." Julian added, "Mom likes you the most. She told me many times." "Having you as the Sterling family's daughter-in-law is our blessing." I sneered internally, not wanting to stay a second longer. As I turned to leave, Ivy's voice called out: "Sister Serena." Her tone was light, pretending we were close. I paused, turned around calmly, and smiled. Surprise flashed in her eyes. She expected me to make a face. Or have a breakdown and storm off. Not this calm, collected demeanor. "Sister, you look beautiful today," she said, feigning warmth. "Thank you." I accepted the compliment with a smile. I didn't care about her anymore. Her petty hostilities were wasted on me. My mother-in-law said naturally: "You two sisters help me entertain the guests." I suddenly remembered what she told me before: "You are my own daughter now. I will treat you like one." "If Julian dares to cheat, I'll be the first to break his legs for you." Those words felt like yesterday. But now, she was the one humiliating me. She patted my hand gently and whispered: "Serena, Ivy is a good girl. She's different from the others." I smiled faintly and lied, "Mom, you're right." I was leaving anyway. Nothing here mattered. My mother-in-law smiled with relief. "It's good you figured it out." She looked at Julian. "See? I told you Serena is reasonable." Julian looked at me with pride. "I trained her well." Treating me like a pet. In the past, I would have smashed every table at this banquet. Now, I wouldn't waste a single emotion on unworthy people. I stood beside my mother-in-law, flanking her with Ivy. Everyone looked at me strangely. Whispers floated around. "Serena changed so much. This isn't like her." "She would have flipped the table by now. Why is she so docile?" Amidst the surprise, my mother-in-law announced happily: "I have good news to share." "My daughter-in-law Ivy is three months pregnant." "The doctor says it's a boy." "This is a double blessing for the Sterling family." Guests offered their flatteries. This was common in our circle. But slapping the original wife's face like this? Only the Sterlings. Ivy smiled shyly. Julian hugged her happily. I was the clown, adding entertainment to the party. Finally, I spoke. "I wanted to wait until after Mom's birthday to discuss the divorce." "But since Ivy is pregnant, we can't let her child be a nameless bastard." "So, discussing divorce here seems appropriate." I signaled my lawyer. She handed the divorce papers to Julian. Julian froze, frowning at me. "Are you making a scene again?" I smiled calmly. "I'm serious. Do you love Ivy by making her a mistress for life?" He was shocked by the calmness in my eyes. For a moment, disbelief filled his gaze. The person he thought would never leave him... was calmly proposing divorce. My words choked him. He loved Ivy so much; he couldn't say anything to hurt her. The room fell silent, waiting for Julian's reaction. Ivy stared at him. Julian hesitated for two seconds. Ivy couldn't take it. She acted the victim: "Julian, don't be torn." "I know I'm not good enough for you." "I'll abort the baby. I can be a mistress." "But honestly, I don't want my child to be called a bastard." "So I'll get rid of it." Julian panicked. "No! This is our love child. My first child." "Who dares call him a bastard? I'll give him a legitimate status." I said approvingly, "That's a man! Sign it!" Under pressure from both sides, Julian picked up the pen. He signed without looking. He leaned in and whispered so only I could hear: "After Ivy gives birth, I'll remarry you." "Just endure it. I won't abandon you." I remained calm, a heavy weight lifting from my heart. Julian, I don't want you anymore. Never again. Ivy gave me a victor's smile. I smiled back, feeling liberated. Chapter 4 I returned to the house I shared with Julian. The movers had already taken my valuables. My two-year-old son was still sleeping. I didn't have the heart to wake him. My lawyer got injured by a falling cabinet, so I rushed her to the hospital. I hurried back to pick up my son when he would be waking up. Before I reached the house, I saw thick black smoke billowing into the sky. My heart tightened. I floored the gas pedal. The closer I got, the stronger the dread. My hands shook on the steering wheel. Please, not my house. But when I got out of the car, I saw the villa being swallowed by fire. My world collapsed. Ivy was nestled in Julian's arms, crying delicately. "Julian, I'm sorry. I didn't know lighting fireworks to celebrate would burn the house down." "What do we do? Boohoo..." She looked like a frightened bunny. Julian didn't care about the house. He smiled and comforted her. "It's okay, don't cry. It's just a house." "I have plenty of houses. This loss is nothing." "Don't cry, silly girl." My legs went weak. I screamed and ran toward the fire. "My son is inside! Save him!" "Fire! Help!" I ran like a madwoman. Julian grabbed me from behind. "Serena! Calm down!" "We don't have a child! What child?!" "If you care about the house, I'll give you another one!" Ivy chimed in sarcastically: "Sister Serena, what act is this?" "Where's the child? Are you hallucinating?" I broke free and slapped Julian hard. I trembled and roared: "It's your son! Two years old! He's sleeping inside!" I lost my mind and tried to rush into the fire again. The house was engulfed. The crackling was deafening. Sirens wailed in the distance. Julian blocked me again, shouting: "Are you crazy?!" "Are you trying to manipulate me with this?" "Serena, it's your life!" "If you go in there, you'll die." "Son? When did you have a son? Why didn't I know?" "I think you're mentally unstable!" Ivy added: "I think so too. Sister, you can't force love. Why do this?" I looked like a lioness ready to kill. I grabbed Ivy's hair and dragged her toward the fire. "Ivy! If my son dies! You burn with him!" She screamed in pain. Julian rushed over, blocked me, and slapped me. "Serena, stop it!" He ordered his bodyguards: "Take her to the psych ward!" Two huge men grabbed me. In total despair, I was ready to die in the fire looking for my son. Suddenly, a familiar, terrified voice came from behind: "Mommy, I'm here..." Hope ignited in my heart. I turned and saw my son, face covered in soot, clothes burned. I ran over and hugged him tight. Julian was thunderstruck. He stared at the mini version of himself in disbelief. Annoyance flashed in Ivy's eyes. She feigned shock. "This..." Julian walked over quickly, grabbing my arm. "Is this my son?" "Our son?" I shook off his hand in disgust. "No!" "He is my son!" From the day Leo was born, I considered Julian dead. He was never worthy of being a father! So the child was registered under my name. His surname is Vance. Leo Vance. Leo had never met Julian. He thought I was being bullied. He pushed Julian with his dirty little hands angrily. "Don't bully my mommy!" He glared, his angry face a carbon copy of Julian's. Julian froze, his brain short-circuiting. Ivy held his arm, sowing discord: "No wonder she divorced so easily. She cheated long ago and had a child." Julian stared at Leo for a long time. Still unsure, he asked urgently: "Is Leo my son?!" I glared at him coldly. Ivy asked deliberately: "Have you touched her in the last three years?" "No," Julian blurted out. Realization hit him. His face darkened. He grabbed my collar, looking hurt. "You really cheated!" "Who is he?" "I'm asking you, whose bastard is this?!" Leo rushed over and bit Julian's leg. "Don't bully mommy!" Thud! Julian lost control and kicked my son aside. Leo wailed in pain. I slapped Julian with fury. "Touch my son again and I'll kill you!" "His dad is dead! Are you happy?!" I stared at him with murderous eyes and slapped him again! Suddenly, I was pushed back. A loud slap landed on my face. Ivy protected Julian angrily: "Serena! Are you crazy?!" "Julian is my man now. Dare touch him again!" All the rage in my chest channeled into my arm. I slapped her back hard. "Ivy! You will pay for this!" "I can give you the man, but if you take my son's life, I'll take yours!" She was scared by my vicious look. "Crazy woman!" "I didn't try to kill your son!" Firefighters and police arrived. The fire was huge. I held my son and told the police: "She set the fire intentionally." I pointed at Ivy. Ivy denied it in panic. "I didn't! I didn't know she had a son. Why would I hurt a child?" The police said reasonably: "We will investigate. Let's check the surveillance." "Mommy, it hurts... it hurts..." My son slumped against my neck. He passed out while talking to me. "Mommy is taking you to the hospital now." I shook his shoulder and saw his shoulder was burned raw. Bloody. My heart was cut into pieces. I ignored the police and rushed him to the hospital. The doctor said the burn was infected and almost reached his heart. He was saved, but critical. He needed to be in the ICU. My heart was in my throat again. I looked at my tiny son through the glass. I wished I could take his pain. "Seems like you love that wild man very much." Julian's cold voice came from behind. Instantly, hate filled my chest. I turned around. We locked eyes. His gaze was cold, mixed with the anger of being cuckolded. And I only had pure hate for him! "Who is that man!" Julian stepped closer, demanding an answer. "Speak! Who is he!" He grabbed my chin. Suddenly, his eyes turned red. I admired his broken look. He didn't love me, so why this act? I slapped his hand away. "What right do you have to question me?" "You can't handle it when I treat you the way you treated me?" Julian took this as confirmation. I cheated. His eyes trembled, as if heartbroken. Tears welled up. He turned around for three seconds, then turned back. He spoke in a tone that allowed no refusal: "You said that man is dead, right?" "Fine. I'll give you one last chance." "I'll accept this bastard!" "But you better behave from now on!" I laughed in anger! He thought he was being generous! He thought loving me this much was a gift! My cold laugh bruised his ego. Julian frowned. "What's funny?" "Haha! Your patheticness!" He frowned deeper. Footsteps approached. The police arrived. I walked over quickly. "Officer, is Ivy arrested?" The officer said: "The person who set off the fireworks wasn't Ivy." "It was the nanny serving her. She confessed." I was thunderstruck. She found a scapegoat. My anger flared. I grabbed the officer's arm. "The nanny is just a fall guy! Ivy lit it!" "I heard it! Did you check the cameras?" The officer patted my arm. "The fire destroyed the cameras." "The homeowner, Mr. Sterling, said he won't press charges." "They will cover your child's medical bills." "It looks like an accident. The nanny didn't know a child was inside." "Luckily, the child crawled out." I couldn't accept this. Julian shook the officer's hand. "Thank you, Officer Liu." The officer left. I slapped Julian in rage. "You covered for her!" He sneered coldly. "It's just a bastard! He didn't die!" "Even if he died, I'd give you another one!" "I won't let you hurt Ivy over this!" I laughed at myself. Hard to imagine this was the man I once loved with all my heart! Freshman year, he fell for me at first sight. He chased me for four years. I agreed because senior year, a fire broke out in the dorms. He thought I was inside. He rushed in, risking his life. I didn't expect him to love me that much. My heart was conquered. He spoiled me rotten. But one year after marriage, he started cheating. He became the person I hated most. Now, a human life meant nothing to him! "Julian! For my son, I will see you in court!" He laughed. He pointed at Leo in the ICU. "For that bastard?!" He scoffed, looking at me like I was brain-dead. His phone rang. Contact: Wifey. He answered in front of me. "Wifey, I just finished with the police." "Don't worry. It's over." Ivy's pitiful voice came through: "Hubby, I'm so scared. Thank goodness you believe me." "Come back, please? Your son is kicking." "Okay, I'm coming. Be good. Wait for me." He hung up and looked at me coldly. "Stop making trouble. You know I love Ivy, but I love you too." "As long as you don't fuss, we can grow old together." I wanted to spit in his face! My phone rang. My new lawyer. "Yes. Make this big. As big as possible." While talking, I remembered the drone in the big sycamore tree. It had a camera pointed at the villa. I lost it there while playing with Leo. I rushed back. I found the drone. I watched the footage in my car. My fists clenched tighter and tighter! Hatred tried to jump out of my body! My phone vibrated. Ivy. "Sister Serena, don't worry. If your son survives this..." "I'll pay for you to adopt one from the orphanage. How's that?" "Honestly, how could you raise a bastard openly in the Sterling house?" My knuckles turned white. I ground my teeth. Ivy, I will make you rot in prison! The hospital called. Leo was stabilizing. I rushed back. My son smiled at me sensibly. "Mommy, it doesn't hurt. Don't worry." The more sensible he was, the guiltier I felt. Choosing a bad father was my lifelong debt to him. I stroked his hand. "Baby, you're so brave." "Mommy will get justice for you."

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