I loved Gavin for ten years, only for him to announce his engagement to his mistress, Serena. On the day of their engagement, they locked me in the basement. Gavin even locked the iron door himself, coldly tossing out a single sentence through the metal: “Don’t let her out until the engagement party is over.” Curled up on the freezing floor, I listened to the cheers and applause drifting down from the banquet hall upstairs. My crippled right hand spasmed violently, the pain so intense it eventually went numb. When the door finally opened again, they dragged me out and threw me into the pouring rain. I staggered forward on numb legs, walking aimlessly through the storm. Until a man stopped in front of me, holding an umbrella over my head. Dominic handed me a marriage agreement. “Marry me. I can save your father, heal your hand, and help you take back everything that belongs to you.” I signed the contract. Later, when the bankrupt Gavin saw me again, he rushed toward me like a madman, demanding to know why. Dominic wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed me right in front of him. “Because now,” he said, his voice icy cold, “she’s my wife.”
Lila's POV When Gavin announced his engagement to Serena, the whole city was stunned. The yacht party doubled as Hartwell Group's annual couture show. It was the height of extravagance. Everyone envied Serena. She wasn't just marrying the Hartwell heir. Tonight, she was also debuting as lead designer. Her gown, "First Love." The dress of the century. Under the spotlight, Serena wore that gown with nine hundred and ninety-nine diamonds. She leaned into Gavin's arms, smiling with an innocent, angelic look. Under the spotlight, Serena wore that gown embedded with nine hundred and ninety-nine diamonds. She nestled in Gavin's arms, smiling with an innocent, angelic look. And I stood in the darkest corner of the ballroom, watching it all in silence. That "First Love" gown was something I'd stayed up countless nights to make. My right hand ached so much I couldn't hold a fork. But I sewed every stitch. By hand. The hidden pattern on the hem was my mother's favorite design from when she was alive. Gavin once said it was a signature that belonged only to me. But now, he'd put my work on another woman, making it a symbol of their love. "Miss Sterling." Gavin's chief assistant, Aaron, walked up to me and handed me a paper bag. "Mr. Hartwell said this is what you asked for." I took the bag and opened it. Inside was an old fashion design notebook, my mother's keepsake. And a check for fifty million dollars. "Mr. Hartwell also said that after tonight, you two have no relationship anymore." Aaron's eyes held a trace of haughty pity. "Mr. Hartwell hopes you won't appear in front of Miss Vale anymore to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. After all, Miss Vale is now the chief designer of Hartwell Group." I looked at that check and suddenly found it amusing. Three years. I'd been with Gavin for three years. I wasn't just his mistress. I was also the "ghost designer" for his company's design department. I'd drawn over a hundred designs for him, launched more than a dozen bestselling collections, and pushed Hartwell's fashion empire to its peak. The price? Chronic overwork and mental stress had severely damaged the nerves in my right hand. My hand trembled just holding a pen now. I'd completely lost the possibility of becoming an independent designer. Everyone thought I loved Gavin so much that I was willing to be a mistress for money and status. Even Gavin thought so. He thought I couldn't leave him. He thought that as long as he threw me a little reward, I'd be grateful. I pulled out that fifty-million-dollar check and, right in front of Aaron, tore it into pieces bit by bit. "Miss Sterling, what are you doing?" Aaron frowned, his tone carrying a warning. "Mr. Hartwell's patience is limited. Don't be willful." "Keep this money for Miss Vale to buy candy." I tossed the shredded paper into a nearby trash can and clutched my mother's notebook tightly to my chest. "Tell Gavin that as he wished, we'll never see each other again." I turned and walked out of the ballroom without looking back. No breakdown, no tears. So calm it surprised even me. Outside the yacht, heavy rain began to fall. The cold rainwater pelted my body, yet I felt liberated. These three years, I'd endured Gavin's mental torture just to keep my mother's keepsake and pay for my imprisoned father's medical treatment. He would violently take me in bed while coldly suppressing my career in daily life. "Lila, besides me, who else would want you?" "Your hand is already ruined. Without me providing you a team, you can't even make a single piece of clothing." "Be good and let Serena take credit for this season's designs. She just returned. She needs this work more than you do." He said the cruelest things in the gentlest tone. Destroying my confidence bit by bit, stripping away my pride. Turning me into worthless garbage that could only survive by clinging to him. But he didn't know I'd never truly submitted. I was just waiting. Waiting to get my mother's notebook. Waiting to save enough for my father's medical bills. Now, my wait was over. I returned to the villa that had imprisoned me for three years. As quickly as possible, I packed up everything that belonged to me. Actually, there wasn't much. Just a few old clothes and some worn books. As for all those designer bags, haute couture dresses, and expensive jewelry Gavin had given me, I didn't take a single piece. I found a large cardboard box, packed everything into it, and left it on the living room table along with the villa key. When I left, I blocked and deleted every contact method related to Gavin from my phone. I left swiftly, without a trace of reluctance.
Lila's POV The rain grew heavier. I dragged a cheap suitcase down the empty street. My clothes were soaked through, my body shaking from the cold, but I didn't want to stop. I just wanted to get as far away from Gavin's world as possible. Just then, a black Maybach slowly stopped beside me in the rain. The window lowered. Revealing a handsome face. The man wore a perfectly tailored black suit with gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Behind those lenses, his eyes were deep, dark, and carried an irresistible sense of authority. Dominic Kane. Heir to New York's most elite financial empire. Rumor had it he was a ruthless, unpredictable, heartless capitalist. I'd only met him once. It was at one of Gavin's private cocktail parties. I attended as Gavin's date but was left alone in a corner. Dominic saw this and handed me a glass of warm water, expressing concern. "Miss Sterling, in such heavy rain, where are you planning to go?" His voice was deep and pleasant, with a hint of leisure. I stopped and looked at him warily. "Mr. Kane, is there something you need?" The car door opened. A large black umbrella appeared over my head. Dominic's assistant stood respectfully to the side. "Miss Sterling, Mr. Kane requests that you get in the car." I didn't move. I'd just escaped one cage. I didn't want to jump into another abyss. Dominic seemed to see through my thoughts. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling on my face through the rain. "Lila, your father had a sudden heart attack in prison. He's being rushed to the hospital right now." "Gavin has already cut off his medical payments." "If you go now, you'll only see his corpse." My brain went blank with a buzzing sound. The suitcase slipped from my hand, crashing into a puddle and splashing muddy water. "What... what did you say?" My whole body trembled, my voice shaking. "Get in." Dominic's tone was serious. "I'll take you to him." Without any hesitation, I bent down and got into the car. The cabin was heated, filled with a faint, pleasant fragrance that inexplicably brought peace of mind. Dominic handed me a clean towel. "Dry yourself off." I took the towel and hastily wiped the rain from my face. "Mr. Kane, why are you helping me?" I stared at him, trying to find answers in his expression. I didn't believe in random acts of kindness in this world, especially not from someone like Dominic Kane. Dominic chuckled softly. He pulled out a document from the storage compartment beside him and placed it in front of me. "I need a wife. And you happen to be suitable for the position." I froze, looking down at the document. "Marriage Agreement." "Why me?" I couldn't believe it. With Dominic's status and position, he could find any type of woman he wanted. Why would he choose someone ordinary like me, someone Gavin had discarded? "Because you're smart enough, and strong enough." Dominic's slender fingers lightly tapped his knee, his gaze deep as he looked at me. "More importantly, I've seen your real design drafts. Gavin is a blind fool who doesn't know how to appreciate them, but I'm not." He leaned forward slightly, moving closer to me. His warm breath fell on my ear, carrying a hint of temptation. "Lila, marry me. I can not only save your father but also help you take back everything that belongs to you. Including healing your right hand." My heartbeat skipped a beat. My right hand. This was my deepest pain. I looked into Dominic's beautiful eyes, knowing I had no other choice. I picked up the pen and signed my name on the agreement. "Alright, I agree." Dominic looked at the name on the paper, his lips curving into a satisfied arc. "Mrs. Kane, pleasure doing business with you."
Gavin's POV My engagement party lasted until late into the night. I'd drunk quite a bit. My head hurt. Serena leaned against me weakly, wanting to return to the villa with me. "Gavin, can I stay with you tonight?" I rubbed my temples, and Lila's face suddenly flashed through my mind. I gently pushed Serena away. "I'm too tired tonight. Go home and rest. I'll come see you tomorrow." Serena was somewhat reluctant but didn't dare disobey me. She could only nod obediently. I got in the car and instructed the driver to return to the villa. The whole way, I thought about Lila. That woman actually didn't make a scene tonight. Usually, if I so much as glanced at another woman, she'd question me with red-rimmed eyes. Tonight I announced my engagement to Serena in front of everyone, even put the wedding dress she'd stayed up nights making on Serena, yet she didn't shed a single tear. She even tore up the fifty-million-dollar check I gave her. Thinking about this, I couldn't help but sneer. She just wanted to get my attention. She was becoming more and more willful. I was certain that Lila was now crying in pain at the villa. When I returned, she would definitely kneel at my feet humbly like always, begging me not to abandon her. Thinking this, my mood suddenly improved. The car pulled into the villa driveway. I pushed open the door. The living room was pitch dark, and there was no figure in pajamas coming forward with warm milk. "Lila!" I frowned and turned on the lights. In the empty living room, only a huge cardboard box sat on the coffee table. I walked over and saw clearly what was inside. All the gifts I'd given her over these three years. Jewelry, watches, haute couture dresses... On top of the box lay the villa key. My pupils contracted sharply. I rushed upstairs and pushed open the bedroom door. The closet was empty, the vanity was empty, and her toiletries in the bathroom were gone too. Throughout the entire villa, there was no longer any trace of Lila. She'd left. Left decisively, without a hint of reluctance. I stood in the empty bedroom, a sudden irritation rising in my chest. I pulled out my phone and dialed Lila's number. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service." Not in service? She'd even canceled her number! I hurled my phone against the wall. The screen shattered instantly. "Fine, very good!" I laughed coldly in anger. "Lila, don't you ever think about coming back!" I thought Lila was just acting out. I thought she needed me to survive. Her father's hospital bills were piling up. Her right hand was useless. No other design firm would hire a cripple who couldn't hold a pen. Only me. She had no choice but to come back and beg me. I lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. I wanted to see just how stubborn this woman could be. Within three days, she would definitely come back begging. However, three days passed. I hadn't heard a single thing about Lila. I sent people to check the hospital, only to be told that Lila's father had been taken away three days ago. Where her father went, who took him. No one at the hospital knew. I sat behind my large desk, my expression terrifyingly dark. Aaron stood to the side, trembling nervously. "Find her! Bring her back to me!" I violently swept the documents off the desk like an enraged lion. "Even if you have to search all of New York, find her!" I absolutely would not allow my prey to escape my control.
Lila's POV These three days, I'd been staying at Dominic's private estate. The environment here was beautiful with excellent scenery. Dominic arranged the best room for me, the finest chef, and an entire medical team. He hadn't lied to me. My father was transferred to a private hospital under Dominic's name and received the best treatment. He was now out of danger. And I was being cared for like something fragile. Dominic made time to eat with me every day. Though he didn't say much, his every action showed tremendous respect and restraint, giving me a long-lost sense of peace. During those three years by Gavin's side, I lived in constant fear and anxiety every day. Afraid I'd do something wrong and upset him. Afraid he'd stop my father's medication in a fit of rage. Now, I finally didn't have to follow anyone's orders anymore. Dominic even built me a top-tier private studio on the estate. The fabrics, sewing equipment, and pattern-making tools inside were even more complete than Hartwell Group's design department. "Mr. Kane, thank you." I stood in the studio, looking at those expensive silk fabrics, my eyes getting warm. Dominic leaned against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, his gaze deep as he watched me. "Lila, have you forgotten we're already married?" He walked over and reached out to gently wipe away the tears at the corner of my eye. The warmth of his fingertip was somewhat hot. "From now on, call me by my name." I uncomfortably turned my head away and called softly, "Dominic." Dominic chuckled lightly, seeming very pleased. "The doctor said your right hand's condition is due to chronic overuse combined with excessive psychological stress causing neurological spasms. I've already contacted the nation's top orthopedic and neurology experts. Next week they'll fly here to consult on your case." "Lila, trust me, you'll get better. Your hand will still be able to draw the most beautiful designs in the world." His voice was low and firm, carrying a convincing power. I looked at him and nodded hard. That afternoon, I went to the mall. I wanted to buy some daily necessities and a few sets of clothes for my father. Dominic wanted to send bodyguards with me, but I refused. I didn't want to be monitored like a prisoner. However, I never expected to run into Serena at the mall. She was holding Gavin's arm, browsing bags at a luxury boutique. Serena spotted me immediately. She tottered over in her heels, walking with an exaggerated sway, her face displaying a victor's smugness. "Well, well, if it isn't Lila? After Gavin kicked you out, you don't even have money to buy clothes?" She looked over my simple casual outfit, her eyes full of disdain. I looked at her coldly without speaking, but my gaze fell on the ruby necklace around her neck. That was a necklace Gavin once gave me. When I left, I'd left it in the cardboard box. I never imagined Gavin would give it to Serena. How disgusting. "What are you looking at?" Serena noticed my gaze and deliberately touched the necklace at her neck. "This is the engagement gift Gavin gave me. Beautiful, isn't it? Lila, you were with Gavin for three years, drawing all those designs for me, yet he wouldn't give you anything. Now that I'm back, he gives me everything. You're nothing but a clown, a cheap tool." Her words stabbed into my heart like poisoned knives. If it were before, I might have endured it, but now, I didn't need to endure anymore. I raised my left hand and slapped her hard across the face. The crisp sound of the slap was particularly loud in the quiet luxury boutique. Serena's head snapped to the side. Covering her face, she stared at me in shock. "You... you dare hit me?" "I hit you. Do I need a reason?" I sneered and shook my somewhat numb hand. "Serena, stealing someone else's work as your signature piece. Do you think your own work is that terrible?" "Lila!" A sinister, furious voice came from behind. Gavin quickly walked over and protectively pulled Serena behind him. He stared at me intently, his eyes cold as ice. "What are you freaking out about?" He grabbed my right wrist in one swift motion, his grip so tight it felt like he'd crush my bones. "Apologize to Serena!"
Lila's POV Excruciating pain shot through my right wrist. That was my most vulnerable, most painful spot. The pain made me gasp, forcing my head back to meet Gavin's fury-filled eyes. Three years. He was always like this. As long as Serena shed a single tear, he'd pin all the blame on me. I looked at this face I once loved deeply, now finding it only unfamiliar and repulsive. "Apologize?" I forced myself to endure the spasms in my right hand, laughing coldly, my gaze unflinchingly meeting his. "Gavin, impossible! I, Lila Sterling, will never apologize to a thief who only steals other people's designs!" Gavin's expression instantly darkened to the extreme. He tightened his grip even more, completely disregarding my trembling hand, glaring at me furiously. "Lila, do you think that leaving me means you can survive on your own? Do you believe that with just one word from me, your father won't get a single pill in the hospital!" He was threatening me with my father again. This was his usual tactic, his most lethal way of controlling me. He thought that as long as he brought up my father, I'd immediately kneel on the ground and beg him like before. Unfortunately, he was wrong. I looked at his arrogant face and suddenly laughed. I laughed until tears almost came out. "Gavin, you still don't know, do you?" I used my left hand to pry his fingers off one by one, my voice cold and emotionless. "My father has already been transferred. From now on, his life or death has nothing to do with you." Gavin froze. He seemed unable to process what I'd said, but his grip instinctively loosened. "What did you say?" His brow furrowed. I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes. "I said, I'm no longer under your threats." I yanked my right hand back and stepped away, creating distance between us. "Gavin, we're completely finished. From now on, you and Serena can be together forever. Don't ever appear in front of me again." With that, I turned to leave. "Stop!" Gavin reached out sharply, trying to grab me again. Just as his hand was about to touch me, another large hand suddenly reached out from the side and firmly caught Gavin's wrist. "Mr. Hartwell, manhandling a lady is hardly gentlemanly behavior." A low, lazy voice sounded above my head. My whole body jolted as I looked up sharply. Dominic had appeared behind me at some point. He wore an impeccably tailored dark gray suit, his posture upright and bearing dignified. Dominic released Gavin's hand and naturally pulled me into his embrace. Gavin stumbled back a step, his face iron-dark as he stared at Dominic. "Dominic Kane? What are you doing here?" Gavin's gaze swept back and forth between Dominic and me, his eyes full of shock and suspicion. "Lila, what's your relationship with him?" Dominic ignored Gavin's interrogation. He looked down at me, his gaze falling on my slightly trembling right hand. His brow instantly furrowed. "What happened to your hand?" He pulled out a pristine white handkerchief from his pocket, cradled my right hand, and carefully wiped the spots Gavin had touched, as if I'd just touched something extremely filthy. "How can you use the hand you draw with to hit people?" Dominic's voice was soft but carried indulgence and heartache. "Next time you encounter such idiots, just have the bodyguards handle it. Don't dirty your hands." Serena's face instantly turned pale. Gavin trembled with rage. "Dominic Kane, what do you mean?" Gavin stared at the hand Dominic had around my waist, his eyes blazing with fury. "Lila is my woman. Stay away from her!" Dominic finished wiping my hand and casually tossed the handkerchief into a nearby trash can. He raised his head, looking at Gavin with contempt, as if he were nothing but a clown. "Mr. Hartwell may not have grasped the situation yet." Dominic pulled me closer, his lips curving into a cold smile. "Lila is now my wife. I won't allow you to touch her again." Gavin stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, staring at me in disbelief. "Wife? Lila, you... you married him?"
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