Chapter 1
Everyone in London knows that Patrick McGrath adores his wife as if she were his entire world.
But secretly, he keeps an 18–year–old girl around, claiming she resembles me years ago. He insists he’s just trying to preserve the essence of true love.
He even issued a strict order that no one should bring up anything that might upset
- me.
One day, overjoyed with news of my pregnancy, I rushed to his office to share it. But there she was–the young girl who bore a striking resemblance to me, sitting on his lap, feeding him wine mouth–to–mouth.
She looked at Patrick and asked, “Am I just her replacement?”
But he pulled her close and replied, “How could she ever compare to you?”
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Chapter 1
That same day, I booked an appointment for an abortion and called my aunt, who lived abroad.
“Aunt, I’ve made my decision. I’m immigrating to New Zealand.”
On the other end, my aunt was momentarily stunned before exclaiming happily, “Lora Fletcher, you‘ ve finally decided! I’ll ask your uncle to handle the paperwork. It’ll take about ten days–wait for my update!”
After hanging up, I went straight home.
When I arrived, Patrick was already sitting in the living room, a rare look of nervousness in his eyes.
“You‘ re home late. Where have you been?”
I held up the bag in my hand and replied calmly, “Nothing much. Just some mild stomach discomfort. I went to the hospital for a check–up and picked up some
Chapter 1
Western medicine.”
My health had always been poor, and getting pregnant was a challenge. After the abortion, the doctor had specifically
advised me to take Western medicine for
recovery.
Seeing that I appeared fine, Patrick finally got to the point. “Did you stop by the company for something today? Why did you leave so quickly after arriving?”
I assumed someone had reported seeing me outside his office. He probably wasn’t sure if I’d witnessed what happened.
In truth, the moment I saw them was brief. His assistant had only fed him a sip of wine and quickly got off his lap.
“I was just passing by your company,” I said lightly. “I saw you busy with the assistant, so I didn’t stay long.”
He visibly relaxed at my words, but my heart ached.
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hapter 1
We had been married for seven years and vere admired as a model couple by beeneryone around us. I had always thought
a challe
had spe
ved love each other for life, but his heart
ad changed so quickly.
estemet
She was just reporting to me!” Patrick xplained, stepping closer. “You know how ung she is–she doesn‘ t know proper undaries, so she stood a bit too close.”
d fine,
you ste bu
ing toding t
añerantigently placed his hand on my shoulder
d continued in a soft voice.
had rad
Hey Wife, it’s been ages since we visited our i whama mater. I happen to have some free
e tomorrow–why don’t we go back Lisant relive those memories from the past?”
Is
I
y today fed
is fahis seemed more at ease as he brought up
alma mater, his mood noticeably
7 youb u your
iter.
Sy busy
long were a couple who transitioned from
ool uniforms to wedding attire, and ting our alma mater on our wedding iversary had become a tradition. But
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Chapter 1
this year, Patrick claimed work at the company was too hectic, so we didn’t go.
Thinking back now, he was probably preoccupied with his 18–year–old assistant.
I sighed softly and shook my head. “Let’s talk about it another time. The doctor
prescribed me ten days of Western medicine, and I must boil it daily.”
He hummed in acknowledgment, reaching out to gently stroke my long hair.
I turned my head slightly, avoiding his touch without making it obvious. His hand froze mid–motion.
“Lora, is something bothering you? Why do I feel like you‘ re unhappy? Is it
because Christy Barrett seemed too close to me while reporting her work earlier. today?”
“She’s just a kid, barely 18. Surely you wouldn’t take it to heart, right?”
My chest tightened at his words. Once, I
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Chapter 1
too had been an 18–year–old girl.
When I looked up again, my eyes were steady and calm. “No, I didn’t take it to heart.”
His expression softened as he murmured gently.
