“That Sterling Heir is absolutely nuts!“]]


    “All for a tiny rose thorn prick on Sophia’s finger, and he calls in every doctor in the hospital.“[]


    “A few more seconds and that little scratch would’ve healed itself!“]


    “Shh<b>! </b>Stop talking – the woman lying here is his actual wife!“]


    Bitter tears rolled down my face.[]


    That’s just how Dominic was.]


    When it came to making Sophia happy.


    He’d do absolutely anything.]


    I heard Dominic’s footsteps. He rushed over and grabbed my hand, apologizing like crazy:]]


    “Sorry Lauren, <b>I </b>had no idea this happened to you.“]


    “You know how much Sophia helped me when we were kids. I couldn’t stand seeing her finger get infected after that cut…“]


    I was hooked up to a breathing machine<b>, </b>barely able to open my eyes – they were so swollen <b>I </b>looked like a monster.


    “Dorninic, stop pretending. You hate me, because you hate the thing my dad did to your mom back then, don’t you?“]


    His grip on my hand loosened.]


    His smile turned kinda twisted:[]


    “So you figured it out?<b>” </b>


    “Lauren, if it wasn’t for your dad, my mom would still be alive.“[]


    “All this stuff? It’s just me collecting a little interest. As long as you behave<b>, </b>I promise I won’t take it out on you anymore…”


    He kept talking and talking.


    But I’d already turned my head away.]]


    Tears were streaming down silently.]


    My voice was all scratchy when I told him:]


    “Dominic, the debt’s paid. Let’s get divorced.“]


    His eyes went wide and he shot up from his chair:[]


    “Cut it out! Don’t think I don’t know, Lauren. All you’ve ever wanted is to be Mrs. Sterling. You think putting on this little freaking act is gonna make me give you what you want?“]


    “Dream on!“]]


    But Dominic.


    These past three years, when did I ever get treated like Mrs. Sterling?


    I was worse off than the most miserable ve.]]


    But once I’m away from you.[]


    The world’s huge. I’ve got a million ways to survive.]]


    I shook my head, denying what he thought.[]


    But then he totally exploded:[]


    “ying hard to get now? Lauren, since you know everything already, I’ll stop hiding it.“]


    “I need a wife who’s sweet and perfect.“[]


    “If you can do that, I promise you–the position of Mrs. Sterling will only ever be yours.”


    “Even that debt your father killing my mother before–I can wipe it clean for you!“]


    Heughed coldly.]]


    “Lauren, I’m being really generous here. You should be thrilled.“]


    “Now I’m gonna go check on Sophia’s injury. She’s way more delicate than a tough piece of work like you.”


    Then he just walked out.]]


    Didn’t even give me a chance to think about it.]


    I smiled bitterly to myself.[]


    Dominic, you’re way too full of yourself.]]


    Even if death was the only option left for me right now.


    I’d never change the decision I’m about to make because of your damn phony “generous.“]


    <b>I </b>lifted my hand and tried to pull the oxygen mask off my face.<b>[</b><b>] </b>


    Right then


    I heard this cry from outside–so choked–back, like <b>the </b>pain was about to burst:<b>[</b>]


    “Lauren-”