Chapter 1 Five years into our marriage, my husband, Liam, fell madly in love with a college student. The girl was poor but proud. She rejected the black card Liam handed her, saying, "I won't be anyone's trophy bird in a gilded cage." That single sentence made Liam obsessed. He chased after this college girl, causing a scandal all over the city, completely forgetting he had a wife at home—a wife he had wooed with ninety-nine love letters before she finally agreed to marry him. I didn't cry or make a scene. Instead, every time he hurt me for her sake, I burned one of those love letters. When all ninety-nine letters were ashes, that would be the day I left him for good. The day the first letter burned was our wedding anniversary. He stood me up to sit in the boba shop where she worked, waiting all day just for her shift to end. The day the thirty-sixth letter burned was a stormy night. I had a fever of 104, and he dumped me on the highway because she was afraid of thunder and needed him. The day the seventy-second letter burned was when he took down our wedding photo from the living room wall and replaced it with a doodle she had drawn, just to make her smile. ... The ninety-fifth letter burned on the day of an auction. Liam had accompanied me to bid on my mother's necklace, the sapphire one she loved most before she passed. It was her legacy. But as soon as the auction started, he saw the college girl working there as a server. She glanced at the necklace twice. Liam immediately lit the sky lantern, bidding an astronomical price to win it, then gifted it to her in front of everyone. "I saw you liked it, so I bought it for you," he said, his voice low and seductive. "Do you like it?" She was wearing a server's uniform, pushing his hand away self-righteously. "Sir, I told you, I'm not interested in wealth, and I don't want to be your mistress. No matter what you give me, it's useless. Please take the necklace back and let me work." With that, she turned and walked away with her empty tray. Liam wasn't angry. Instead, he chuckled and chased after her, leaving everyone—including me—behind. My heart seized. I stood there, stunned for two seconds, then ran after them. On the windy deck, Liam was still pestering her. seeing she really wouldn't accept it, he casually flicked his wrist... And threw the priceless sapphire necklace into the ocean. "If you don't like it, I'll pick another one," he said, his voice impossibly tender. "I'll keep picking until you're satisfied." He walked away with her without looking back, completely oblivious that... I was climbing over the railing, jumping into the dark, freezing ocean without hesitation. As the seawater flooded my nose, I suddenly remembered that five years ago, he proposed to me on a cruise ship just like this. He said, "Paige, from now on, even if you want the stars in the sky, I'll pluck them for you." But now, he could toss my mother's legacy into the sea like it was trash. It took me all night to crawl out of the freezing water. I clutched the necklace in my hand, the metal gleaming from the saltwater, but my fingers were frozen stiff. On the way home, I scrolled through my feed. All the rich kids were posting about it... "Liam is really gone this time, chasing a waitress and making headlines." "He didn't make this much noise when he chased his wife, did he?" My finger paused. My heart felt like it was being strangled by a thin wire. Yeah. When he chased me, he wrote 99 love letters and confessed 99 times before I nodded. We went from high school sweethearts to walking down the aisle. Our marriage was sweet once. Everyone said Liam was crazy about me. Until the fifth year. He was at the hospital getting an IV, and he met a clumsy intern. She missed his vein several times, turning his hand blue, but he didn't get mad. Instead, he stared at her flustered face and smiled. Later, he threw money, cars, and houses at her, trying to make her his mistress. But she rejected him with a face full of integrity: "Mr. Luke, I'm not interested in your money. Please have some self-respect." She even came to me and said, "Please control your husband. Don't let him harass me anymore." Anyone else, and Liam would have exploded. But with her, he wasn't angry. He chased harder. I confronted him, and he said nonchalantly: "She's interesting. I'm just playing. When I've had enough fun, I'll come back." "Paige, I love you, but loving one person for a lifetime is too hard. You have to allow me a moment to wander." I was in agony, but I couldn't bear to leave him. So, I took out those 99 love letters and decided to give him 99 chances... Every time he hurt me, I burned one. When the letters were gone, I would be done with him. Right now, I flicked my lighter and burned the ninety-fifth letter. As the flames devoured the paper, I thought: He only has four chances left. When the car arrived at the villa, I saw Liam standing on the stairs, looking down at me as soon as I walked in. "You're back? I need to talk to you." I nodded and walked up the steps, defenseless as always. But just as I reached him, he suddenly reached out and shoved me hard! "Ah...!" I tumbled down the stairs, the back of my head slamming against the steps. Warm blood trickled down my forehead, blurring my vision. I was shaking from the pain, looking at Liam in disbelief. He walked down slowly, crouched in front of me, and wiped the blood from my face. "Paige, bear with it." "She's looking for a caregiving job... Only if you're injured do I have a reason to let her move in." Chapter 2 I never imagined Liam would go this far for Jenny. To chase her, he would hurt his own wife. I tried to speak through the agony, but darkness swallowed me. When I woke up, a sharp pain radiated from the back of my head. I struggled to open my eyes, seeing an unfamiliar ceiling, disoriented. "Mrs. Luke, you're awake." A cool voice drifted over. I turned my head and saw Jenny standing by the bed, holding a medical kit. She wore a simple white t-shirt and jeans, a high ponytail, no makeup, radiating youth. "I'm your caregiver, Jenny," she said calmly, her tone detached. "Even though I moved in, please control Mr. Luke. If he crosses the line again, I'll leave immediately." My chest ached. How ironic. This girl moves into my house and tells me, the mistress of the house, to "control my husband." "I want a different caregiver," I rasped. Jenny acted like she didn't hear me, pulling out a syringe. "I'm giving you an anti-inflammatory shot now." First attempt, couldn't find the vein. Second attempt, missed, causing a bump on my hand. Third attempt, she poked right through, drawing blood. "If you can't do it, get someone else," I said, my voice trembling with pain. Hearing this, Jenny's eyes reddened instantly. She retorted stubbornly, "What do you mean? If my grandma wasn't sick, you think I'd want to be here?" She reached for my hand again, and this time the needle scratched my skin deeply. Blood ran down my pale wrist. I couldn't take it anymore and shoved her away. "Enough! Don't touch me!" Jenny stumbled back, knocking over the tray. Glass vials shattered on the floor. At that moment, the door burst open. Liam strode in. "What happened?" His gaze darted between us, finally landing on Jenny sitting on the floor. His face darkened. "If I'm not welcome, I'll leave!" Jenny scrambled up, red-eyed, heading for the door. Liam grabbed her. "Who said that?" Jenny struggled. "Your wife! I was kind enough to give her a shot, and she pushed me! I'm just inexperienced, didn't you guys know that from the start?" Liam looked at my swollen, bleeding hand. A flash of pain crossed his eyes, but when he turned to Jenny, it turned into compromise. "What will it take for you to stay?" he asked softly. Jenny lifted her chin. "I hate rich people acting high and mighty. I want her to apologize." "Paige," Liam turned to me, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Apologize." I looked at him in disbelief. "She butchered my arm, and I have to apologize?" Liam's eyes darkened. "If you don't want to, think about your parents' company." I went cold. "You're threatening me... for her?!" "Paige, it's just an apology," Liam frowned impatiently. "You won't lose a piece of meat. Do you really want to watch your parents go bankrupt?" In that moment, I felt a thousand arrows pierce my heart. I bit my lip until I tasted blood. Seeing Liam's expression turn colder, realizing he was serious, I forced myself up. Enduring the humiliation, I bowed deeply to Jenny. "I'm sorry." Jenny frowned. "Do rich people apologize so quietly?" My nails dug into my palms. I bowed again, raising my voice. "I'm sorry! Are you satisfied now?" Seeing Jenny nod reluctantly, Liam's face softened. He carefully coaxed her to go get bandaged. The moment the door closed, I couldn't hold on anymore. I collapsed on the floor, weeping silently. I pulled a yellowed love letter from under my pillow and lit it with trembling hands. As the fire consumed the ninety-sixth letter, I remembered sixteen-year-old Liam writing it. Under the cherry blossom tree on campus, the boy with red ears shoved the letter into my hand and said, "Paige, be with me, okay? I'll treat you well forever." The flame died out, and the door suddenly opened. "What are you burning?" Chapter 3 I clenched the charred remains of the letter in my palm, the residual heat stinging my skin. "Nothing. Just burning some trash." Liam frowned at the scraps, seemingly recognizing something, but before he could think, Jenny's voice came from the hall. "Mr. Luke, are you going to the party or not? If we don't leave now, I'm not going!" I looked up. "What party?" "I want to introduce her to the circle." He paused. "But she says she's your caregiver, so she'll only go if you go." "Paige, just come with me." I felt like I'd been hit by a sledgehammer. I laughed bitterly. "Liam, what am I to you?" He seemed stunned for a moment, then finally said, "Paige, I already explained. I've never met a woman so hard to conquer before, so I'm interested. You don't need to be jealous. Once I get her and get bored, I'll come back and live a good life with you." I closed my eyes. My heart felt numb. In the end, he forced me to go. In the car, Jenny suddenly pulled out a few white pills. "Mrs. Luke, these are antibiotics. You'll heal faster if you take them." I stared at the pills, not reaching out. "Are you sure these are antibiotics?" Jenny's face changed. "If you don't trust me, I have nothing to say." "Paige," Liam frowned, immediately defending her. "Take the medicine." Under his cold stare, I felt exhausted. I closed my eyes and swallowed the pills with water. In the VIP box at the club, Liam's boys were waiting. Seeing them enter, everyone started cheering. "Liam finally brought Miss Jenny out!" "So this is the girl Liam dreams about? Truly unique!" I sat in the corner, watching these people who once cheered for us, my heart throbbing with pain. "Miss Jenny, Liam really loves you," one guy laughed. "Ask for the stars, he'll get them!" Jenny didn't believe it. "Really?" They egged her on to test him. "Then... give me the most expensive car in your garage?" She pointed at one of the guys. Liam didn't hesitate. He smiled and tossed the keys over. Everyone cheered. She tested him a few more times. Watches, houses. He indulged her. The atmosphere in the room peaked. "See? Liam is serious about you. Just give in and agree to be his bird!" Jenny looked stubborn. "Impossible! I will never be a kept woman! Say that again and I'm leaving!" Afraid she'd actually leave, they changed the subject and started playing games. Every round, they let Jenny lose on purpose. The dares were sitting on Liam's lap, or holding hands. The tenth time Jenny lost, the dare was to kiss the opposite sex on her left for three minutes. Cheers erupted. Liam was sitting on her left. Her expression froze. She stood up abruptly. "Are you guys doing this on purpose? I'm not playing anymore." "It's just a game, don't be so serious." "Yeah, how could we cheat? Liam is worth billions, is he that childish?" I gripped my glass, watching the smirk on Liam's lips. Why wouldn't he? To create a chance to get intimate with Jenny, this billionaire would absolutely play childish games with his frat boy friends. The last time I saw him like this was when he was chasing me. My heart felt like it was being sliced by a dull knife. But what was worse was that my breathing was getting harder. I clutched my chest, realizing my arms were covered in a terrifying rash. It was an allergic reaction. But I was always careful with food. I couldn't breathe. Hazy, I remembered the pills Jenny gave me. Amidst the jeering, Jenny quickly pecked Liam on the cheek. He clearly wasn't satisfied. He grabbed the back of her head. "Call that a kiss? Let me teach you what a real kiss is." The next second, I watched them lock lips, his fingers tangling in her long hair. He didn't notice his wife breaking out in hives, gasping for air. "Liam..." I struggled to grab his arm. "Take me to the hospital... I'm having a reaction..." "Stop it." He pushed me away without looking, his other hand still holding Jenny's neck. "Please..." I tugged at his shirt again, my voice hoarse. This time he shoved me hard, pinning Jenny to the sofa to deepen the kiss. Kissing harder, addicted, intertwined. As he lost himself in the game, my vision blurred. I stumbled and crashed into the champagne tower. Through the sound of shattering glass, I finally heard Jenny scream. "She fainted!" Chapter 4 When I woke up, I was in the hospital. Jenny was sobbing outside the door. "What do I do... I didn't mean to mistake the sleeping pills for antibiotics..." "If something happens, it's a major medical accident..." Then came Liam's gentle comfort. "Don't be scared. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you." "Even if they investigate, I can sign the waiver as family." I bit my lip until I tasted iron. After a while, the door opened. Liam walked in. "What happened to me?" I asked, trembling. "Why did I faint?" "Low blood sugar." Hearing those three words from his mouth, I heard my heart shatter. I remembered when we first got married, a socialite tried to force drinks on me. The next day, Liam tanked her company's stock. When she knelt to apologize, he held my waist and said, "Paige, as long as I'm here, no one touches a hair on your head." Now, I almost died because of Jenny's "mistake," and he was protecting the culprit! Liam, oh Liam. How could you hurt me like this? I was shaking with pain, but Liam didn't notice a thing. Seeing I was "fine," he stood up impatiently. "Jenny was scared all night because of you. I'm taking her home. I'll come back later." But for the next few days, I never saw him. I only saw on Instagram that he took Jenny to the beach, to concerts, to all the places we promised to go but never did. The day I was discharged, Liam finally appeared. He leaned against the car holding a bouquet of chrysanthemums. Seeing me, he handed them over. "Been busy with work. Today is your mom's death anniversary. I'll go with you." I took the flowers silently, then realized Jenny was in the car too. I sat in the back, ignoring them, watching the scenery fly by. I remembered my mom's last words: "Paige, I just hope you find someone who truly loves you." I touched the three remaining love letters in my bag and thought bitterly: Mom, I think I picked the wrong guy. At the cemetery, before I could even pay my respects, I got hit with bad news. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Carter. The recent rains caused landslides. We need to relocate the graves in this section..." I gripped my bag, knuckles white. Mom loved peace and quiet. Now she couldn't even rest in death. Liam appeared behind me, signing the paperwork the staff handed him. "Paige, go bring the urn down. I'll handle the relocation procedures." I nodded and walked up the hill. Rain soaked the stone steps. I dragged my weak body up, every step like walking on knives. Staff had already opened the grave. I knelt in the mud and lifted out the urn. A simple sandalwood box carved with her name... Eleanor Carter. "Your mom must have been beautiful," Jenny said suddenly, reaching out. "Mrs. Luke, let me help you carry it." "No need." I turned sideways to avoid her, carefully walking down the hill with the box. But then, Jenny screamed. "Ah! A bug!" In her panic, she slammed into me. I was caught off guard and tumbled down the stairs. I hugged the urn tight, my back slamming against the stone steps. Pain blinded me. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" Jenny ran down frantically. "Let me help you pick it up!" She reached for the urn. Before I could stop her, she slipped... Smash! The urn hit the ground hard and shattered. Grey ashes spilled everywhere, instantly soaked by the rain. "I'm sorry! I... I'll clean it up!" Jenny scrambled to scoop up the ashes, but she only made a bigger mess. Washed away by the rain, my mother's ashes disappeared into the mud. I shook violently. I couldn't hold it back anymore. I slapped her. "Enough! You did that on purpose!" Jenny clutched her face, tears flowing instantly. "I didn't! I just wanted to help! I'm clumsy, but I had good intentions! Why did you hit me? I'm poor, but I won't let you humiliate me like this!" "You just lost your mom's ashes, but I lost my dignity!" Despair rushed to my head. I raised my hand again, but a strong grip stopped me. Liam appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my wrist. "Paige! What are you doing?" Jenny finally spoke, crying like a pear blossom in the rain. "I just tried to help her move the urn... I accidentally spilled it... and she hit me..." "If you guys can't tolerate me, I'll just leave." She took a step, and Liam pulled her into his arms. "Don't go. I'll get justice for you." Then, he looked at me coldly. "Apologize!" Rain mixed with tears on my face. I watched him tenderly wipe Jenny's tears while yelling at me to apologize. It felt like someone carved a piece of my heart out. I stared at him, lips trembling. "Liam, did you hear me? She smashed my mother's urn!" "That's no reason to hit her!" Liam's voice was colder than the rain. He grabbed Jenny's wrist. "Don't be scared. Since she won't apologize and she hit you, hit her back." My pupils shrank. Before I could react, I saw Liam's large hand guide Jenny's, slapping me with thunderous force. Slap! This slap was ten times harder than mine. Chapter 5 I stumbled back, the world spinning. My lower back hit a tombstone, knees slamming onto the stone steps. Sharp pain exploded through my body. But it was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. The tearing agony made it hard to breathe. Liam didn't even look at me. He just wiped the rain from Jenny's face. "Feel better?" Only when he heard her sob a "Yeah" did he sigh in relief. He wrapped his jacket around her and picked her up. Turning away, his leather shoes crushed the scattered ashes into the mud, leaving a glaring footprint. I sat in the rain, shaking with pain. I reached out with trembling hands, trying to scoop up the grey powder, but the rain washed it away too fast. Just like my love for Liam. Slipping through my fingers. "Mom, I was wrong..." I choked out. "I married the wrong man. I shouldn't have married him..." After collecting what little ash remained, I took the ninety-seventh letter from my bag and lit it with shaking hands. As the fire ate the paper, I remembered Liam promising my sick mother: "Don't worry, I'll protect Paige with my life. I won't let anyone bully her." Liam. So helping another woman beat me is your way of protecting me? I regret it. I regret loving you so much. I had a fever all night. I dreamed I was sinking into the cold ocean. My mother's ashes fell like snow around me. I tried to catch them, but I couldn't. "Paige... Paige..." Someone was calling me. I struggled to open my eyes. I wasn't in bed. I was in a speeding car. Outside, the scenery blurred. Liam gripped the steering wheel, his face grim. "Liam..." my voice was wrecked. "Where are you taking me?" He didn't look at me. "Jenny was kidnapped." I froze. My brain slowly rebooted. "So?" "The kidnapper asked for you." He finally glanced at me. "It's Zeke." Zeke. That name was a knife. The psycho who stalked me until Liam ran him out of town. "You... you're trading me for Jenny?" My voice shook. Liam tightened his grip on the wheel. "Zeke used to like you. He won't hurt you." I felt like I fell into an ice cave. I struggled to open the door, but my hands were tied under the seatbelt. "Liam!" I screamed. "Are you crazy? You know what kind of person Zeke is!" "Paige, calm down." His voice was terrifyingly calm. "Once I get Jenny back, I'll come save you immediately." The car stopped at an abandoned warehouse. "I brought her." Liam pushed me forward. "Where's Jenny?" Zeke snapped his fingers. Two goons brought Jenny out. She was messy, tear-stained. Seeing Liam, her eyes lit up. "Mr. Luke!" Liam let go of me instantly and rushed to hug her. "It's okay. I'm here." I stood there, freezing. I watched him check her for injuries. I watched him wipe her tears. I watched him not give me a single glance. "Liam!!!" I screamed. He finally turned back. "Don't be scared. I'll come back for you soon." Then, he put his arm around Jenny and walked away. Without looking back. I tried to run after them, but Zeke grabbed my wrist. "Long time no see, Miss Carter." His breath on my ear made me shudder. Zeke shoved me into a car and drove straight to a hotel. The moment the door closed, he threw me onto the bed. Chapter 6 "Liam is generous," he loosened his tie. "Hand-delivering a beauty like you." I fought, but he overpowered me easily. He pressed down on me, tracing my cheek. "Do you know how long I've wanted you?" "Get off me..." I shook. "Don't touch me..." Seeing my fear, Zeke laughed. "Tell you what. I'll give you a chance. Call Liam. If he answers, I'll let you go." Trembling, I dialed Liam's number. Once, twice, three times... Over a hundred calls. None answered. "See that, Paige? You're worthless to him now." "Be with me. I'll make you happy." Zeke grinned and leaned in, tearing at my dress. Just as he was about to violate me, I snapped. I grabbed a vase from the nightstand and smashed it over his head. He grunted and collapsed. I ran. It was pouring rain. I stumbled home. Soaked, bruised. Pushing open the door, I saw Jenny crying in Liam's arms. "Did you really risk your wife's life for me?" Liam wiped her tears. "Yes. You're the most important thing to me." Jenny cried harder. He cupped her face helplessly. "Baby, you're safe now. Why are you still so scared?" "Who wouldn't be scared after being kidnapped..." Liam smirked. "I know a way to make you not scared." "I don't believe you..." "Let me try?" He smiled. Then, Liam kissed her, pressing her onto the sofa. I watched, feeling my heart being carved out. I turned and walked back into the rain. I ran until I reached the old house. This was where we grew up. Our families were close. We lived in neighboring villas. Rain dripped from my hair. I walked to the old oak tree in the backyard. I remembered when we were eighteen, we buried a time capsule here. We promised to dig it up in ten years. "Paige, in ten years we'll definitely be married." Teenage Liam smiled brightly, putting a letter in the tin box. "I wrote a letter to my future self, telling him to love you forever." I knelt in the mud, digging with my bare hands. My nails broke, fingers bled. I didn't feel it. The box was rusty, but the letter was intact. I unfolded the paper with trembling hands. Teenage Liam's neat handwriting jumped out: "To 28-year-old Liam: If you dare stop loving Paige, 18-year-old me will never forgive you. Remember, she is your life." Rain blurred the ink. I pressed the letter to my chest and sobbed. I missed the boy who blushed giving me love letters. I missed the Liam who swore to protect me. "He broke his promise... he broke his promise..." I cried to the air, as if the boy could hear me. I sat there until the rain stopped. Then, I took the ninety-eighth letter from my bag and lit it.
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