For three long years, Nora Joplin lived in a gilded cage. She married the man of her dreams, the cold and enigmatic CEO York Blackwood, thinking her devotion could melt his frozen heart. She was wrong. The breaking point came on the day she discovered she was pregnant. While she held the positive test, York was celebrating his childhood sweetheart’s birthday, letting another woman's child call him "Daddy." Realizing she was nothing more than a ghost in his life, Nora didn't cry. She didn't beg. She simply left a signed divorce agreement and walked away from his world. "Nora, you won't last a day without me," he had sneered, his voice laced with arrogant disdain. "You have nothing but my name." But the world was about to learn who Nora really was. Stepping into the spotlight as a world-renowned master of ancient artifact restoration, she became the woman every billionaire and tycoon clamored to meet. She was no longer a neglected wife; she was a masterpiece. When York finally realizes the magnitude of his loss, the arrogant king is brought to his knees. He crashes her press conferences, brawls with her new suitors, and begs for a single glance through bloodshot eyes. But as he reaches for her, a more powerful shadow looms. A mysterious protector—a man far more dangerous and devoted than York ever was—wraps a possessive arm around Nora’s waist. "Get lost," the man growls. "You’re staining my wife’s eyes."

Chapter 1"Two lines..."Nora Joplin stared at the pregnancy test in her hand, her eyes shining with pure joy.After three years of marriage to York Blackwood, she was finally going to have his child.*Ring—*Right on cue, the phone on her desk lit up.It was the custom notification tone she had set exclusively for York.He must be back from his business trip!Nora rushed to the desk, still clutching the test, and eagerly snatched up her phone to read the text.But the image on the screen struck her like lightning, leaving her mind completely blank.*Clatter—*Both the pregnancy test and the phone slipped from her grasp and hit the floor.The screen displayed the husband she had been desperately waiting for all month. He was in a bustling club, effortlessly carrying a petite woman in his arms while holding the hand of a little girl in a pink tutu.Nora instantly recognized the woman in York's arms. It was Sienna Lennox.The childhood sweetheart that everyone in their social circle knew York cherished above all else!An hour later, at the Grand.Nora stood outside the door of the Eden Suite.Through the slightly ajar door, she watched York and Sienna sitting on a plush sofa, surrounded by a crowd. Between them sat the little girl, wearing a toy crown and beaming. Every time the girl turned to speak to York, he would lean in to listen closely. His tender, attentive demeanor was like a poisoned needle piercing straight through Nora's eyes.Flowers, balloons, the loving interaction of a picture-perfect family of three, and the smiling faces of friends offering their blessings.Anyone who saw this scene would think it was the epitome of domestic bliss.But the one watching was Nora.York's lawful wife, Mrs. Blackwood!Amidst the cheering crowd, Sienna, dressed in a stunning red dress, stood up and leaned over to place a birthday hat on York's head.*Click—*Someone turned off the lights.Sienna's beautiful features looked absolutely radiant in the soft candlelight."York, blow out the candles and make a wish," she urged.If Nora had ever said something like that, York would have immediately dismissed her as childish.But with Sienna, he was an entirely different man. His expression was full of indulgence, and his usually cold voice was dripping with warmth."Alright," he replied softly.The candles were blown out.The crowd began singing "Happy Birthday."As York closed his eyes to make his wish, Sienna gazed at him with undisguised affection.It was as if they existed in their own private world, entirely closed off to anyone else.Nora's fingers gripped her stomach so tightly her knuckles turned white. A suffocating wave of despair washed over her, but she didn't leave. She stood there like a masochist, forcing herself to witness their sickeningly sweet display.When the lights flickered back on, her face was already drenched in tears.Just then, she heard someone inside the room speak up."Sienna, you're back for good this time, right? You should just stay by York's side. That way, he won't have to sneak off abroad every time he misses you."Sienna's cheeks flushed."York has a wife, don't talk nonsense."York propped his elbow on the armrest, resting his face against his hand. He leaned back against the sofa with lazy elegance, his gentle gaze fixed entirely on Sienna."No harm done," he murmured.No harm done?Nora remembered how much York despised being the subject of idle jokes.Yet now, he was shrugging it off?It proved that his infamous temper was entirely conditional.As long as it involved his childhood sweetheart, every rule could be broken.Nora didn't even know how she eventually made her way out of the club.There was no screaming, no confronting him, no hysterical breakdown.Sitting in the back of a cab, she pressed her cheek against the cold window. Muffled sobs tore from her throat as a suffocating pain seized her chest.Three years ago, when Arthur Blackwood was critically ill, a stroke of fate allowed her to save his life. The older man had promised to grant her one wish.She asked for nothing but to marry York.Outsiders claimed she was a gold digger, plotting her way into the prestigious Blackwood family.No one knew that she had loved him for years before that. He was the center of every teenage fantasy, the beautiful dream she had poured her heart and soul into weaving.Even though he had been coldly distant throughout their marriage, he still came home on time to eat the meals she cooked. He held her in her sleep, and he trusted her to manage every detail of his daily life.She had felt so incredibly happy, believing they would just keep living like that forever.But everything she had seen and heard today felt like a barrage of slaps across her face.Their three-year marriage was nothing but a stolen dream.And now... it was time to wake up.Nora returned to the villa like an empty shell. The house was pitch-black, devoid of any warmth or life.On the dining table, the traditional birthday noodles she had carefully prepared for him were completely cold. The handmade cake with "Happy Birthday, Husband" frosted on top now looked utterly pathetic and ridiculous.She didn't bother turning on the lights. Guided by the faint moonlight spilling through the window, she dragged her heavy feet to the sofa and collapsed. Her beautiful face was expressionless, making her look like a puppet drained of its soul.After sitting in a daze for what felt like hours, Nora reached out and rested a hand on her flat stomach. A tiny life was growing inside her.A little life she had longed for, yet now, it felt like the most tragic timing in the world.After all, her husband—the father of her baby—was out celebrating his birthday with another woman, enjoying a picture-perfect family moment that wasn't his. Meanwhile, she, the official Mrs. Blackwood, was left alone in this freezing house, completely overwhelmed by a crushing wave of despair.Sobs tore from her chest.Useless tears streamed down her cheeks once more.Nora buried her face in her hands, weeping uncontrollably."A long-awaited reunion..."She whispered the words in a hoarse, broken voice.A memory from a month ago suddenly flashed through her mind like a slideshow.She had been packing York's luggage and happened to walk past the balcony, accidentally overhearing his phone call."Yeah, the flight is at two in the afternoon.""You don't need to pick me up. Your body can't handle the exhaustion. Just stay home and wait for me.""I'll come find you the second I land."His tone had held a gentleness and patience she had never heard before.Surprised, she had casually asked who he was talking to.Facing her, York had immediately reverted to his usual cold, indifferent self and replied flatly."A friend."Thinking back on it now, that friend must have been Sienna, right?Truthfully, it wasn't her first time seeing Sienna's face.A long time ago, she had spotted a photograph of the woman tucked into a hidden fold of York's wallet.The girl in the picture had a radiant smile, her long ponytail whipped high by the wind—the absolute picture of an unforgettable first love.So, during this past month of his supposed "business trip," how much time had he actually spent working, and how much time had he spent playing house with Sienna and that child?Speaking of which, the little girl she had seen in the VIP suite looked to be about three or four years old...Suddenly, an even older memory violently resurfaced in her mind.Three years ago, not long after she married York, Sienna had abruptly moved abroad.She had lived overseas ever since, only returning today.Could it be...A horrifying realization dawned on Nora, plunging her into an icy abyss that snatched the very breath from her lungs.Digging her nails into her palms, she used the sharp sting to ground herself, murmuring empty comforts in a trembling voice."No... that's impossible..."She whispered the words frantically, shaking her head.But despite her denial, the seed of doubt had firmly taken root, twisting and growing like a thorny vine around her throat until she could barely breathe.That night, Nora sat frozen on the sofa until dawn broke.York never came home. It went without saying exactly who he was spending his night with.Nora forced her stiff, numb body up from the couch.She picked up the pregnancy test from the table and carried it into the master bedroom.She planned to lock it inside her safe. After all, she was probably the only one who actually wanted this baby.Her eyes darkened with profound sorrow.*Click—*The sudden sound of the door opening echoed behind her.Her heart lurched, and her hand violently trembled.*Thud—*The pregnancy test tumbled onto the plush carpet.Footsteps steadily approached.In a panic, Nora quickly snatched the pregnancy test off the floor and shoved it into her pocket.At that exact moment, a large hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around.Nora went rigid with tension. She forced her emotions down and looked up, meeting York's sharply chiseled, handsome face.As their eyes locked, his perpetually emotionless gaze resembled a frozen lake.Below his straight nose, his thin lips were pressed into a tight line, his entire presence exuding an unapproachable chill.York had always been like this. Over the past three years, she had grown completely accustomed to his icy demeanor.Yet just last night, she had seen with her own eyes how this supposedly impenetrable ice melted into warm, gentle waters for Sienna."Have you been crying?"His long, elegant fingers lightly pressed against her eyelid.After crying all night, her eyes were swollen, and his touch sent a sharp, burning sting through her skin."Just because I couldn't make it back last night to celebrate my birthday with you?"Nora gripped the fabric of her skirt and took a deep breath."I—"Before she could speak, a shadow fell over her face.A lingering, warm kiss pressed against her swollen eyelid."I saw the things you prepared..."The realization that York was tenderly kissing her eyelids sparked an inappropriate flutter of joy in Nora's chest, bringing a faint glimmer of light back to her dim eyes."Then did you—"But once again, her words were cut short."Don't bother preparing anything next time. It's a waste of time."A waste of time? Was it because he knew he would never come home for it?Did he disdain her efforts that much?It made sense. Sienna was the childhood sweetheart safely tucked inside his heart. And she... to York, she was nothing but a burden.If it hadn't been for Arthur's pressure, York probably would have divorced her ages ago and tossed her aside.And hadn't he already given her his answer last night about who he truly wanted to spend his birthday with?What was she even doing, blindly grasping at these pathetic slivers of false hope?The fleeting joy in Nora's heart instantly shattered into ice. Her beautiful eyes darkened once more, clouded by a heavy, suffocating fog."I understand," she whispered.A sudden thought struck her, and she lifted her head again, forcing the words through her painfully dry throat in a painfully raspy voice."Then last night... why didn't you come home? Where were you?""Working late," York replied smoothly.Those two simple, ordinary words tore through Nora's chest like a jagged blade, plunging straight into her heart and leaving it bleeding.Her eyes welled with tears as she reached out to grab his sleeve."York..."Nora had fair skin, so any intense emotion instantly painted itself across her features.Right now, with her reddened eyes and pink nose, she looked impossibly vulnerable.York leaned down and captured her slightly parted lips.His hand cupped the back of her head, drawing her into a deep, bruising kiss.Like the man himself, his kiss was aggressive and fiercely possessive.Nora quickly melted against him. He only pulled away when her lips felt completely numb.As she tried to catch her breath, he maintained his close proximity, reaching a long arm past her to grab a jacket from the closet.As he moved, Nora caught the distinct, lingering scent of women's perfume clinging to him.She squeezed her eyes shut in sheer agony. By the time she opened them again, York had already slipped on his jacket, fastened his watch, and buttoned his black shirt to the very top. He looked like his usual, untouchable self.Seeing him turn to leave, she reached out and grabbed his arm."York, wait, I need to tell you—""Enough."He firmly pulled his arm from her grasp and turned to the mirror to adjust his tie.Before leaving, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek."I have an important meeting at nine, and I'm running late. Stop clinging. Whatever it is, it can wait until I get back."With that, he turned on his heel and walked out.Watching his retreating figure, tears streamed freely down Nora's face.York had always been a man of meticulous planning.Even if he truly had an emergency meeting, he would have factored in plenty of time.His rush right now wasn't for some meeting; he was just eager to get back to Sienna and her daughter, wasn't he?Leaning heavily against the closet door, Nora felt the last of her strength drain away as she slumped down onto the icy floor.Chapter 2"Two lines..."Nora Joplin stared at the pregnancy test in her hand, her eyes shining with pure joy.After three years of marriage to York Blackwood, she was finally going to have his child.*Ring—*Right on cue, the phone on her desk lit up.It was the custom notification tone she had set exclusively for York.He must be back from his business trip!Nora rushed to the desk, still clutching the test, and eagerly snatched up her phone to read the text.But the image on the screen struck her like lightning, leaving her mind completely blank.*Clatter—*Both the pregnancy test and the phone slipped from her grasp and hit the floor.The screen displayed the husband she had been desperately waiting for all month. He was in a bustling club, effortlessly carrying a petite woman in his arms while holding the hand of a little girl in a pink tutu.Nora instantly recognized the woman in York's arms. It was Sienna Lennox.The childhood sweetheart that everyone in their social circle knew York cherished above all else!An hour later, at the Grand.Nora stood outside the door of the Eden Suite.Through the slightly ajar door, she watched York and Sienna sitting on a plush sofa, surrounded by a crowd. Between them sat the little girl, wearing a toy crown and beaming. Every time the girl turned to speak to York, he would lean in to listen closely. His tender, attentive demeanor was like a poisoned needle piercing straight through Nora's eyes.Flowers, balloons, the loving interaction of a picture-perfect family of three, and the smiling faces of friends offering their blessings.Anyone who saw this scene would think it was the epitome of domestic bliss.But the one watching was Nora.York's lawful wife, Mrs. Blackwood!Amidst the cheering crowd, Sienna, dressed in a stunning red dress, stood up and leaned over to place a birthday hat on York's head.*Click—*Someone turned off the lights.Sienna's beautiful features looked absolutely radiant in the soft candlelight."York, blow out the candles and make a wish," she urged.If Nora had ever said something like that, York would have immediately dismissed her as childish.But with Sienna, he was an entirely different man. His expression was full of indulgence, and his usually cold voice was dripping with warmth."Alright," he replied softly.The candles were blown out.The crowd began singing "Happy Birthday."As York closed his eyes to make his wish, Sienna gazed at him with undisguised affection.It was as if they existed in their own private world, entirely closed off to anyone else.Nora's fingers gripped her stomach so tightly her knuckles turned white. A suffocating wave of despair washed over her, but she didn't leave. She stood there like a masochist, forcing herself to witness their sickeningly sweet display.When the lights flickered back on, her face was already drenched in tears.Just then, she heard someone inside the room speak up."Sienna, you're back for good this time, right? You should just stay by York's side. That way, he won't have to sneak off abroad every time he misses you."Sienna's cheeks flushed."York has a wife, don't talk nonsense."York propped his elbow on the armrest, resting his face against his hand. He leaned back against the sofa with lazy elegance, his gentle gaze fixed entirely on Sienna."No harm done," he murmured.No harm done?Nora remembered how much York despised being the subject of idle jokes.Yet now, he was shrugging it off?It proved that his infamous temper was entirely conditional.As long as it involved his childhood sweetheart, every rule could be broken.Nora didn't even know how she eventually made her way out of the club.There was no screaming, no confronting him, no hysterical breakdown.Sitting in the back of a cab, she pressed her cheek against the cold window. Muffled sobs tore from her throat as a suffocating pain seized her chest.Three years ago, when Arthur Blackwood was critically ill, a stroke of fate allowed her to save his life. The older man had promised to grant her one wish.She asked for nothing but to marry York.Outsiders claimed she was a gold digger, plotting her way into the prestigious Blackwood family.No one knew that she had loved him for years before that. He was the center of every teenage fantasy, the beautiful dream she had poured her heart and soul into weaving.Even though he had been coldly distant throughout their marriage, he still came home on time to eat the meals she cooked. He held her in her sleep, and he trusted her to manage every detail of his daily life.She had felt so incredibly happy, believing they would just keep living like that forever.But everything she had seen and heard today felt like a barrage of slaps across her face.Their three-year marriage was nothing but a stolen dream.And now... it was time to wake up.Nora returned to the villa like an empty shell. The house was pitch-black, devoid of any warmth or life.On the dining table, the traditional birthday noodles she had carefully prepared for him were completely cold. The handmade cake with "Happy Birthday, Husband" frosted on top now looked utterly pathetic and ridiculous.She didn't bother turning on the lights. Guided by the faint moonlight spilling through the window, she dragged her heavy feet to the sofa and collapsed. Her beautiful face was expressionless, making her look like a puppet drained of its soul.After sitting in a daze for what felt like hours, Nora reached out and rested a hand on her flat stomach. A tiny life was growing inside her.A little life she had longed for, yet now, it felt like the most tragic timing in the world.After all, her husband—the father of her baby—was out celebrating his birthday with another woman, enjoying a picture-perfect family moment that wasn't his. Meanwhile, she, the official Mrs. Blackwood, was left alone in this freezing house, completely overwhelmed by a crushing wave of despair.Sobs tore from her chest.Useless tears streamed down her cheeks once more.Nora buried her face in her hands, weeping uncontrollably."A long-awaited reunion..."She whispered the words in a hoarse, broken voice.A memory from a month ago suddenly flashed through her mind like a slideshow.She had been packing York's luggage and happened to walk past the balcony, accidentally overhearing his phone call."Yeah, the flight is at two in the afternoon.""You don't need to pick me up. Your body can't handle the exhaustion. Just stay home and wait for me.""I'll come find you the second I land."His tone had held a gentleness and patience she had never heard before.Surprised, she had casually asked who he was talking to.Facing her, York had immediately reverted to his usual cold, indifferent self and replied flatly."A friend."Thinking back on it now, that friend must have been Sienna, right?Truthfully, it wasn't her first time seeing Sienna's face.A long time ago, she had spotted a photograph of the woman tucked into a hidden fold of York's wallet.The girl in the picture had a radiant smile, her long ponytail whipped high by the wind—the absolute picture of an unforgettable first love.So, during this past month of his supposed "business trip," how much time had he actually spent working, and how much time had he spent playing house with Sienna and that child?Speaking of which, the little girl she had seen in the VIP suite looked to be about three or four years old...Suddenly, an even older memory violently resurfaced in her mind.Three years ago, not long after she married York, Sienna had abruptly moved abroad.She had lived overseas ever since, only returning today.Could it be...A horrifying realization dawned on Nora, plunging her into an icy abyss that snatched the very breath from her lungs.Digging her nails into her palms, she used the sharp sting to ground herself, murmuring empty comforts in a trembling voice."No... that's impossible..."She whispered the words frantically, shaking her head.But despite her denial, the seed of doubt had firmly taken root, twisting and growing like a thorny vine around her throat until she could barely breathe.That night, Nora sat frozen on the sofa until dawn broke.York never came home. It went without saying exactly who he was spending his night with.Nora forced her stiff, numb body up from the couch.She picked up the pregnancy test from the table and carried it into the master bedroom.She planned to lock it inside her safe. After all, she was probably the only one who actually wanted this baby.Her eyes darkened with profound sorrow.*Click—*The sudden sound of the door opening echoed behind her.Her heart lurched, and her hand violently trembled.*Thud—*The pregnancy test tumbled onto the plush carpet.Footsteps steadily approached.In a panic, Nora quickly snatched the pregnancy test off the floor and shoved it into her pocket.At that exact moment, a large hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around.Nora went rigid with tension. She forced her emotions down and looked up, meeting York's sharply chiseled, handsome face.As their eyes locked, his perpetually emotionless gaze resembled a frozen lake.Below his straight nose, his thin lips were pressed into a tight line, his entire presence exuding an unapproachable chill.York had always been like this. Over the past three years, she had grown completely accustomed to his icy demeanor.Yet just last night, she had seen with her own eyes how this supposedly impenetrable ice melted into warm, gentle waters for Sienna."Have you been crying?"His long, elegant fingers lightly pressed against her eyelid.After crying all night, her eyes were swollen, and his touch sent a sharp, burning sting through her skin."Just because I couldn't make it back last night to celebrate my birthday with you?"Nora gripped the fabric of her skirt and took a deep breath."I—"Before she could speak, a shadow fell over her face.A lingering, warm kiss pressed against her swollen eyelid."I saw the things you prepared..."The realization that York was tenderly kissing her eyelids sparked an inappropriate flutter of joy in Nora's chest, bringing a faint glimmer of light back to her dim eyes."Then did you—"But once again, her words were cut short."Don't bother preparing anything next time. It's a waste of time."A waste of time? Was it because he knew he would never come home for it?Did he disdain her efforts that much?It made sense. Sienna was the childhood sweetheart safely tucked inside his heart. And she... to York, she was nothing but a burden.If it hadn't been for Arthur's pressure, York probably would have divorced her ages ago and tossed her aside.And hadn't he already given her his answer last night about who he truly wanted to spend his birthday with?What was she even doing, blindly grasping at these pathetic slivers of false hope?The fleeting joy in Nora's heart instantly shattered into ice. Her beautiful eyes darkened once more, clouded by a heavy, suffocating fog."I understand," she whispered.A sudden thought struck her, and she lifted her head again, forcing the words through her painfully dry throat in a painfully raspy voice."Then last night... why didn't you come home? Where were you?""Working late," York replied smoothly.Those two simple, ordinary words tore through Nora's chest like a jagged blade, plunging straight into her heart and leaving it bleeding.Her eyes welled with tears as she reached out to grab his sleeve."York..."Nora had fair skin, so any intense emotion instantly painted itself across her features.Right now, with her reddened eyes and pink nose, she looked impossibly vulnerable.York leaned down and captured her slightly parted lips.His hand cupped the back of her head, drawing her into a deep, bruising kiss.Like the man himself, his kiss was aggressive and fiercely possessive.Nora quickly melted against him. He only pulled away when her lips felt completely numb.As she tried to catch her breath, he maintained his close proximity, reaching a long arm past her to grab a jacket from the closet.As he moved, Nora caught the distinct, lingering scent of women's perfume clinging to him.She squeezed her eyes shut in sheer agony. By the time she opened them again, York had already slipped on his jacket, fastened his watch, and buttoned his black shirt to the very top. He looked like his usual, untouchable self.Seeing him turn to leave, she reached out and grabbed his arm."York, wait, I need to tell you—""Enough."He firmly pulled his arm from her grasp and turned to the mirror to adjust his tie.Before leaving, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek."I have an important meeting at nine, and I'm running late. Stop clinging. Whatever it is, it can wait until I get back."With that, he turned on his heel and walked out.Watching his retreating figure, tears streamed freely down Nora's face.York had always been a man of meticulous planning.Even if he truly had an emergency meeting, he would have factored in plenty of time.His rush right now wasn't for some meeting; he was just eager to get back to Sienna and her daughter, wasn't he?Leaning heavily against the closet door, Nora felt the last of her strength drain away as she slumped down onto the icy floor.Chapter 3"Two lines..."Nora Joplin stared at the pregnancy test in her hand, her eyes shining with pure joy.After three years of marriage to York Blackwood, she was finally going to have his child.*Ring—*Right on cue, the phone on her desk lit up.It was the custom notification tone she had set exclusively for York.He must be back from his business trip!Nora rushed to the desk, still clutching the test, and eagerly snatched up her phone to read the text.But the image on the screen struck her like lightning, leaving her mind completely blank.*Clatter—*Both the pregnancy test and the phone slipped from her grasp and hit the floor.The screen displayed the husband she had been desperately waiting for all month. He was in a bustling club, effortlessly carrying a petite woman in his arms while holding the hand of a little girl in a pink tutu.Nora instantly recognized the woman in York's arms. It was Sienna Lennox.The childhood sweetheart that everyone in their social circle knew York cherished above all else!An hour later, at the Grand.Nora stood outside the door of the Eden Suite.Through the slightly ajar door, she watched York and Sienna sitting on a plush sofa, surrounded by a crowd. Between them sat the little girl, wearing a toy crown and beaming. Every time the girl turned to speak to York, he would lean in to listen closely. His tender, attentive demeanor was like a poisoned needle piercing straight through Nora's eyes.Flowers, balloons, the loving interaction of a picture-perfect family of three, and the smiling faces of friends offering their blessings.Anyone who saw this scene would think it was the epitome of domestic bliss.But the one watching was Nora.York's lawful wife, Mrs. Blackwood!Amidst the cheering crowd, Sienna, dressed in a stunning red dress, stood up and leaned over to place a birthday hat on York's head.*Click—*Someone turned off the lights.Sienna's beautiful features looked absolutely radiant in the soft candlelight."York, blow out the candles and make a wish," she urged.If Nora had ever said something like that, York would have immediately dismissed her as childish.But with Sienna, he was an entirely different man. His expression was full of indulgence, and his usually cold voice was dripping with warmth."Alright," he replied softly.The candles were blown out.The crowd began singing "Happy Birthday."As York closed his eyes to make his wish, Sienna gazed at him with undisguised affection.It was as if they existed in their own private world, entirely closed off to anyone else.Nora's fingers gripped her stomach so tightly her knuckles turned white. A suffocating wave of despair washed over her, but she didn't leave. She stood there like a masochist, forcing herself to witness their sickeningly sweet display.When the lights flickered back on, her face was already drenched in tears.Just then, she heard someone inside the room speak up."Sienna, you're back for good this time, right? You should just stay by York's side. That way, he won't have to sneak off abroad every time he misses you."Sienna's cheeks flushed."York has a wife, don't talk nonsense."York propped his elbow on the armrest, resting his face against his hand. He leaned back against the sofa with lazy elegance, his gentle gaze fixed entirely on Sienna."No harm done," he murmured.No harm done?Nora remembered how much York despised being the subject of idle jokes.Yet now, he was shrugging it off?It proved that his infamous temper was entirely conditional.As long as it involved his childhood sweetheart, every rule could be broken.Nora didn't even know how she eventually made her way out of the club.There was no screaming, no confronting him, no hysterical breakdown.Sitting in the back of a cab, she pressed her cheek against the cold window. Muffled sobs tore from her throat as a suffocating pain seized her chest.Three years ago, when Arthur Blackwood was critically ill, a stroke of fate allowed her to save his life. The older man had promised to grant her one wish.She asked for nothing but to marry York.Outsiders claimed she was a gold digger, plotting her way into the prestigious Blackwood family.No one knew that she had loved him for years before that. He was the center of every teenage fantasy, the beautiful dream she had poured her heart and soul into weaving.Even though he had been coldly distant throughout their marriage, he still came home on time to eat the meals she cooked. He held her in her sleep, and he trusted her to manage every detail of his daily life.She had felt so incredibly happy, believing they would just keep living like that forever.But everything she had seen and heard today felt like a barrage of slaps across her face.Their three-year marriage was nothing but a stolen dream.And now... it was time to wake up.Nora returned to the villa like an empty shell. The house was pitch-black, devoid of any warmth or life.On the dining table, the traditional birthday noodles she had carefully prepared for him were completely cold. The handmade cake with "Happy Birthday, Husband" frosted on top now looked utterly pathetic and ridiculous.She didn't bother turning on the lights. Guided by the faint moonlight spilling through the window, she dragged her heavy feet to the sofa and collapsed. Her beautiful face was expressionless, making her look like a puppet drained of its soul.After sitting in a daze for what felt like hours, Nora reached out and rested a hand on her flat stomach. A tiny life was growing inside her.A little life she had longed for, yet now, it felt like the most tragic timing in the world.After all, her husband—the father of her baby—was out celebrating his birthday with another woman, enjoying a picture-perfect family moment that wasn't his. Meanwhile, she, the official Mrs. Blackwood, was left alone in this freezing house, completely overwhelmed by a crushing wave of despair.Sobs tore from her chest.Useless tears streamed down her cheeks once more.Nora buried her face in her hands, weeping uncontrollably."A long-awaited reunion..."She whispered the words in a hoarse, broken voice.A memory from a month ago suddenly flashed through her mind like a slideshow.She had been packing York's luggage and happened to walk past the balcony, accidentally overhearing his phone call."Yeah, the flight is at two in the afternoon.""You don't need to pick me up. Your body can't handle the exhaustion. Just stay home and wait for me.""I'll come find you the second I land."His tone had held a gentleness and patience she had never heard before.Surprised, she had casually asked who he was talking to.Facing her, York had immediately reverted to his usual cold, indifferent self and replied flatly."A friend."Thinking back on it now, that friend must have been Sienna, right?Truthfully, it wasn't her first time seeing Sienna's face.A long time ago, she had spotted a photograph of the woman tucked into a hidden fold of York's wallet.The girl in the picture had a radiant smile, her long ponytail whipped high by the wind—the absolute picture of an unforgettable first love.So, during this past month of his supposed "business trip," how much time had he actually spent working, and how much time had he spent playing house with Sienna and that child?Speaking of which, the little girl she had seen in the VIP suite looked to be about three or four years old...Suddenly, an even older memory violently resurfaced in her mind.Three years ago, not long after she married York, Sienna had abruptly moved abroad.She had lived overseas ever since, only returning today.Could it be...A horrifying realization dawned on Nora, plunging her into an icy abyss that snatched the very breath from her lungs.Digging her nails into her palms, she used the sharp sting to ground herself, murmuring empty comforts in a trembling voice."No... that's impossible..."She whispered the words frantically, shaking her head.But despite her denial, the seed of doubt had firmly taken root, twisting and growing like a thorny vine around her throat until she could barely breathe.That night, Nora sat frozen on the sofa until dawn broke.York never came home. It went without saying exactly who he was spending his night with.Nora forced her stiff, numb body up from the couch.She picked up the pregnancy test from the table and carried it into the master bedroom.She planned to lock it inside her safe. After all, she was probably the only one who actually wanted this baby.Her eyes darkened with profound sorrow.*Click—*The sudden sound of the door opening echoed behind her.Her heart lurched, and her hand violently trembled.*Thud—*The pregnancy test tumbled onto the plush carpet.Footsteps steadily approached.In a panic, Nora quickly snatched the pregnancy test off the floor and shoved it into her pocket.At that exact moment, a large hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around.Nora went rigid with tension. She forced her emotions down and looked up, meeting York's sharply chiseled, handsome face.As their eyes locked, his perpetually emotionless gaze resembled a frozen lake.Below his straight nose, his thin lips were pressed into a tight line, his entire presence exuding an unapproachable chill.York had always been like this. Over the past three years, she had grown completely accustomed to his icy demeanor.Yet just last night, she had seen with her own eyes how this supposedly impenetrable ice melted into warm, gentle waters for Sienna."Have you been crying?"His long, elegant fingers lightly pressed against her eyelid.After crying all night, her eyes were swollen, and his touch sent a sharp, burning sting through her skin."Just because I couldn't make it back last night to celebrate my birthday with you?"Nora gripped the fabric of her skirt and took a deep breath."I—"Before she could speak, a shadow fell over her face.A lingering, warm kiss pressed against her swollen eyelid."I saw the things you prepared..."The realization that York was tenderly kissing her eyelids sparked an inappropriate flutter of joy in Nora's chest, bringing a faint glimmer of light back to her dim eyes."Then did you—"But once again, her words were cut short."Don't bother preparing anything next time. It's a waste of time."A waste of time? Was it because he knew he would never come home for it?Did he disdain her efforts that much?It made sense. Sienna was the childhood sweetheart safely tucked inside his heart. And she... to York, she was nothing but a burden.If it hadn't been for Arthur's pressure, York probably would have divorced her ages ago and tossed her aside.And hadn't he already given her his answer last night about who he truly wanted to spend his birthday with?What was she even doing, blindly grasping at these pathetic slivers of false hope?The fleeting joy in Nora's heart instantly shattered into ice. Her beautiful eyes darkened once more, clouded by a heavy, suffocating fog."I understand," she whispered.A sudden thought struck her, and she lifted her head again, forcing the words through her painfully dry throat in a painfully raspy voice."Then last night... why didn't you come home? Where were you?""Working late," York replied smoothly.Those two simple, ordinary words tore through Nora's chest like a jagged blade, plunging straight into her heart and leaving it bleeding.Her eyes welled with tears as she reached out to grab his sleeve."York..."Nora had fair skin, so any intense emotion instantly painted itself across her features.Right now, with her reddened eyes and pink nose, she looked impossibly vulnerable.York leaned down and captured her slightly parted lips.His hand cupped the back of her head, drawing her into a deep, bruising kiss.Like the man himself, his kiss was aggressive and fiercely possessive.Nora quickly melted against him. He only pulled away when her lips felt completely numb.As she tried to catch her breath, he maintained his close proximity, reaching a long arm past her to grab a jacket from the closet.As he moved, Nora caught the distinct, lingering scent of women's perfume clinging to him.She squeezed her eyes shut in sheer agony. By the time she opened them again, York had already slipped on his jacket, fastened his watch, and buttoned his black shirt to the very top. He looked like his usual, untouchable self.Seeing him turn to leave, she reached out and grabbed his arm."York, wait, I need to tell you—""Enough."He firmly pulled his arm from her grasp and turned to the mirror to adjust his tie.Before leaving, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek."I have an important meeting at nine, and I'm running late. Stop clinging. Whatever it is, it can wait until I get back."With that, he turned on his heel and walked out.Watching his retreating figure, tears streamed freely down Nora's face.York had always been a man of meticulous planning.Even if he truly had an emergency meeting, he would have factored in plenty of time.His rush right now wasn't for some meeting; he was just eager to get back to Sienna and her daughter, wasn't he?Leaning heavily against the closet door, Nora felt the last of her strength drain away as she slumped down onto the icy floor.