Their kisses still burning her lips, he pushed divorce papers across the bed: “My girl’s got 6 months left with cancer. She needs to die as my wife. Fake divorce—we’ll fix it later.”
He didn’t blink, even as her fingers trembled from their recent intimacy. She laughed. 7 years of loving him body and soul, only to end like a place holder.
This “act” will cost him everything—she’s done playing nice.
Chapter 1
Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.
The sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.
When it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.
"Let's get a divorce," he said, his voice completely flat.
Still breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.
She turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.
They'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.
"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left."
Luke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.
"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life."
Evelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.
The small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.
Seeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.
"It's just to make her happy."
He said, "We'll get remarried in six months."
"Evelyn, she only has six months left."
His voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.
Evelyn stared blankly at his profile.
*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*
And why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.
A teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.
Then there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, "If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!"
She had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.
He saved her life.
And just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.
Whatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.
And afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, "Good job, Evelyn."
His words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.
But she'd always told herself that was just his nature.
So, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.
Seven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.
A year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.
He came to her, and they went to the courthouse.
She thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.
"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?"
He frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.
"Do we really have to do this?" she asked.
He didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. "Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state."
"And what about me?" The words escaped her before she could stop them.
He didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.
After about three seconds, he spoke again.
"Evelyn, she's dying."
"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines."
"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses."
"She's a good person. Just let her have this."
"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster."
His voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.
*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*
She looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.
The same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.
When had he changed?
*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*
"Are you sure you want a divorce?" she asked one last time.
He didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.
Finally, they parted.
He said, "Yes. You..."
"Fine."
She agreed before he could say another word.
He froze.
His eyes narrowed, studying her.
"Evelyn, you're getting clever."
For once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.
"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?"
Evelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.
Luke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.
He didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.
Because he knew. She would never leave him.
It had always been that way.
BANG!
The door slammed shut behind him.
Evelyn was left alone in the bedroom.
She stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.
*Buzz. Buzz.*
Her phone vibrated.
A new message.
She reached for it.
A message from a contact saved as "Her Burner Account."
Her Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]
The attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.
Her finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.
The previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]
The one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]
And the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]
...
There were so many messages like that.
Each one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.
She never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...
So alive with someone else.
She scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]
*Hah...*
Of course, she knew who it was.
Vivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.
Evelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.
He'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.
After all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.
Except for today's.
*Should I show this one to Luke?*
She tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.
From it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.
Her pregnancy confirmation.
She was having Luke's baby.
At the worst possible moment.
A tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.
*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*
Wiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.
He had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.
Seven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.
She had repaid her debt to him for saving her.
She was done. She was done loving him.
Chapter 2
The next day.
In the parking lot outside the courthouse.
Luke sat in his luxury sedan, his left hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel.
"Luke, honey, you and Evelyn have been married for a year now. You need to hurry up and have a baby," an elderly woman's voice said from his phone.
Luke's expression softened. He sounded a bit exasperated, but patient.
He said, "Grandma, we're still young. There's no rush. Right now, you just need to take care of yourself, and Grandpa. He..."
"How can I not be in a rush?" the old woman cut in. "Your grandfather is doing much better, but we're getting old. We could be gone any day now."
"Grandma..."
The old woman's voice turned serious. "Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors, and you better not be mistreating Evelyn."
Luke went silent for three seconds.
He waited until she prodded, "Did you hear me?"
He finally rubbed the bridge of his nose and answered, "I know, Grandma."
After a few more pleasantries, Luke hung up.
His fingers resumed their absent-minded tapping on the steering wheel as he stared at the courthouse in the distance, his lips pressed into a thin line.
He opened his messaging app.
His finger brushed over the profile picture of a florist saved as "My Love," then scrolled down to tap on his chat with "Evelyn Cook."
The last message was from him, telling her the time and place to meet at the courthouse this morning to file for divorce.
She wasn't here yet.
Frowning slightly, he sent her a message.
Luke: [Where are you?]
The next moment, a knock on the window. Luke looked up to see Evelyn's slightly pale face outside.
Evelyn opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.
She glanced at him.
He was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday—the one she'd picked out for him.
For years, she had managed every detail of his life, from small things like his cologne and ties to his custom-tailored shirts and suits.
"What took you so long?" he asked.
Evelyn looked away.
"I'm not late," she replied.
She just wasn't foolishly early anymore, waiting anxiously for him at his beck and call.
Luke's tapping fingers paused for a second. He frowned at her.
She looked paler than usual. *She probably didn't sleep well after I brought up the divorce last night.*
*Not that it's a big deal.*
"Grandma called me just now," Luke said, looking away. "Let's not tell our grandparents about the divorce. They're too old for that kind of shock."
Evelyn didn't agree immediately. She just asked, "What did she say on the call?"
"She was nagging us to have a kid." Luke's eyes narrowed, a flash of impatience in them.
A long silence stretched between them.
After a few minutes, Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh.
Luke's left hand clenched into a fist. He stared out the window, saying nothing.
He had imagined what his child would be like, when they would be born.
While making love to Evelyn, he had even caressed her stomach and whispered in her ear, "Evelyn, when are you going to have my baby?"
But...
*She never got pregnant anyway.*
*We'll get remarried in six months. It won't be too late then.*
*Vivian only has six months left.*
Outside the car, people came and went. Another three seconds passed.
Evelyn spoke. "One last time, Luke. Are you sure you want to divorce me?"
"Having second thoughts?" This time, his anger was real.
*Vivian is waiting for me at home.*
Getting his confirmation one more time, Evelyn said nothing more. She just pulled out a document and handed it to Luke.
Luke took it with a frown. It was a property settlement agreement.
"Since we're getting a divorce, let's make a clean break."
She said, "Everything from The Scott Group, I'm only taking what I'm entitled to."
"During the waiting period, any money we earn individually belongs to ourselves."
With that, Evelyn took out a pen and set it down.
"If there are no issues, sign it," she said.
The more Luke read, the tighter his frown became.
The standard contract was simple and clear. She really wasn't taking much. Her signature, "Evelyn Cook," was already on her line.
He didn't understand.
*It's just a temporary divorce. What's the point of this contract?*
*Vivian only has six months left. After I see her through this final chapter, I'll get back together with Evelyn, just like before, under our grandparents' watch.*
In Luke's mind, Evelyn couldn't live without him.
Her threshold for what she would endure for him was incredibly low.
He'd resented her for it before, deliberately making her do things that eroded her sense of self.
She never refused.
She would even present him with the results, beaming, and say, "Look, Luke! I did it. Aren't I great?"
She was the perfect, submissive wife. He had confirmed this countless times over the past seven years.
If it weren't for Vivian, his marriage might have continued on this placid, uneventful path.
But...
An image of Vivian's tragic, defiant face as she coughed up blood flashed in his mind, and the pain of it was so sharp he could barely breathe.
Luke glanced at the side window.
It reflected Evelyn's face, devoid of any joy or sorrow.
*Is she trying to blackmail me?*
*After all, she used fake records to slander Vivian before.*
*She hates Vivian.*
*Heh...*
He snatched the pen.
Luke scrawled his name on his designated line.
*No one blackmails me.*
Two copies were signed.
Evelyn took hers.
Then.
She got out of the car.
Took a number.
Submitted their documents.
Filled out the Divorce Application.
They each took their copy of the application receipt. After the cooling-off period, they would come back one more time to get the final divorce certificate.
Once the whole process was over, they walked out of the courthouse.
The sun was high in the sky.
Its warm rays felt pleasant on Evelyn's skin.
Luke watched the people coming and going.
It was easy to tell the difference between those getting married and those getting divorced.
A couple walked out, holding hands, the woman's face glowing with a sweet smile.
He vaguely remembered that Evelyn had worn a similar smile a year ago, when they came here to register their marriage.
Luke glanced over at Evelyn.
Her face was still a blank mask.
"I'll still deposit money into your account while we're divorced," he said. "And don't tell my grandparents about this."
He left without waiting for her reply.
She watched his car turn the corner and disappear.
Then, the car she'd called arrived.
The two vehicles headed in completely opposite directions.
One drove to Vivian's Flower Studio.
The other, to Metro General Hospital.
Luke opened the door to the flower studio, and Vivian greeted him with a smile.
He pulled out the application receipt. "It's done," he told her. "She didn't make a fuss."
At the same time, Evelyn, holding her appointment slip, walked into the gynecology department.
She sat down across from the doctor.
The doctor pulled the curtain closed.
"Evelyn, are you really going to terminate this pregnancy?" her best friend and doctor, Chloe Lin, asked worriedly. "Haven't you always wanted to get pregnant? You even came to me for fertility treatments."
Evelyn placed the receipt from the courthouse on the side table.
"Yes," Evelyn said calmly. "Let's get rid of it. I don't want it anymore."
Chapter 3
Chloe stared at the divorce filing receipt in surprise.
They'd been best friends for over a decade, and Chloe had seen firsthand just how crazy Evelyn had been for Luke Scott.
Back in the day, Evelyn would have literally died for him.
When they got married a year ago, Chloe had sighed but was still happy that her best friend had finally gotten her wish.
But now…
What happened?
“I don't love him anymore,” Evelyn said before Chloe could even ask.
She looked at Chloe, the corners of her lips turning up in a beautiful smile.
In that smile, Chloe saw a glimpse of the old Evelyn—the heiress she'd been before the Cook family fell apart, before her father died, before life had trampled her into the dirt.
And just like that, it all made sense.
“Luke doesn't know I'm pregnant,” Evelyn continued. “There's a 30-day cooling-off period, and I don't want any surprises. It's better if he doesn't know.”
During the thirty-day divorce cooling-off period, if one party changed their mind, they could withdraw the application, and the marriage would remain valid.
Hearing this, Chloe knew Evelyn was dead set on leaving him.
After getting the full picture, Chloe ordered the necessary tests for Evelyn and told her, “Evelyn, you'll have to wait a few days for the procedure.”
“Why?” Evelyn asked, confused.
Chloe answered, “You know you have a rare blood type. We need to have a supply ready just in case. I called the blood bank, and it should take about a week to get it here.”
Evelyn froze, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
She'd inherited her blood type from her father.
She missed him again.
If her dad were still here…
“Okay.” Evelyn suppressed the wave of emotion, nodding with a small, red-rimmed smile.
“Also, you're showing early signs of a miscarriage. You need to be extra careful these next few days.”
Chloe looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with sympathy.
They were childhood best friends; she understood Evelyn's pain.
Chloe squeezed Evelyn's hand. “Wait for me. I'm on the morning shift today, so I'll be off soon. We can head back together later.”
Evelyn nodded and waited for Chloe in the hallway.
She looked down at her stomach.
*Signs of a miscarriage. Does the baby know what I've decided? Is that why it wants to leave on its own?*
Evelyn pressed her lips together and took the forms to get the other tests done.
“Buzz buzz.”
Her phone vibrated—a notification about a change in her bank account balance.
It was a new bank card she'd opened to keep her finances separate from Luke's during the cooling-off period.
From now on, all her income would go into this account.
As the balance updated, another message came in.
【The payment for the composition and lyrics came through. Finance sent the transfer. Can you confirm you got it?】
Before she married Luke, Evelyn had been a songwriter who worked behind the scenes.
She loved music. Years ago, when her father was still alive and she was the Cook family heiress, she could have anything she wanted, so her talent had been nurtured.
Later, life's ups and downs gave her a deeper understanding of the world.
Her father probably never imagined that the skill he'd encouraged as a hobby would one day become her livelihood after he was gone.
After a moment, Evelyn replied: 【Got it, thanks.】
The reply was immediate: 【You earned it. Honestly, you've written some major hits over the years. Are you sure you don't want to make a comeback? Listen, there's a new show that would be perfect for you. I sent the details to your email, make sure you check it out. I'm holding a special contestant spot for you.】
Evelyn opened her email and glanced at the file. It was a music competition show. The format wasn't complicated, pretty much the same as other music shows she'd seen, but it required a high degree of originality.
Evelyn replied: 【I'll think about it.】
After replying, she put her phone down. A dull ache pulled at her lower abdomen.
She missed her dad again.
That was the second time today.
…
Meanwhile, a series of viral topics exploded online—
#VivianBakerStomachCancer
#FamousFloristVivianBakersFinalDays
#VivianBakerFacesFinal6MonthsWithASmile
…
The top trending post read—
“…reporters have learned that renowned floral artist Vivian Baker has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months to live. But she hasn't let it defeat her. She plans to share her journey over these last six months with her followers, turning her final days into a public chronicle.”
In the video, Vivian offered the camera a tragic smile. “For these last six months, I'll be sharing my journey with everyone online. My only hope is to offer some emotional support to others who are sick like me. I hope everyone can get better.”
The reporter reappeared on screen: “We understand there have long been rumors connecting Vivian Baker and Luke Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation. But Mr. Scott is already married. It makes you wonder if we're about to see some real-life romantic drama unfold.”
Vivian seemed to notice this reporter. She walked over with a smile, politely interrupted him, and took control of the conversation.
She looked directly into the camera.
“It's true that I have feelings for Luke, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.”
“He's an amazing man. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.”
“But I want to make one thing clear to everyone: I would never be the other woman in someone's marriage. That's a line I won't cross. Thank you.”
…
With that, Vivian stepped out of the frame, leaving the reporter to continue.
She navigated through the crowd, got into her car, and only then did a true smile appear on her face.
Her 'private nurse' handed her a bottle of water, a hesitant look on their face.
“Just say what you want to say,” Vivian said coldly. “The driver is one of us.”
The nurse finally lowered their voice. “Ms. Baker, your diagnosis was a stomach ulcer. It was already a huge risk for our clinic to forge medical records saying it was stomach cancer. Why are you livestreaming this to the public now?”
Vivian gave a scornful laugh, which confused the nurse.
“Is your clinic a medical institution?” she asked.
The nurse nodded.
“Are my medical records at your clinic managed independently?” she continued.
The nurse nodded again.
“And do my records state that I have terminal stomach cancer and only six months to live?” she asked again.
The nurse hesitated but finally nodded.
“So?” Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. “That makes it real. Let them investigate.”
“But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future…”
“Two solutions,” Vivian said, shooting the nurse a warning look.
“One: I continue my 'treatment' at your clinic or others, and then a miracle happens and I'm cured. Love conquers all, or whatever.”
“Two: Your clinic misdiagnosed me. That's medical malpractice, and you subjected me to improper treatment for a long time.”
The threat in Vivian's voice was unmistakable. “Which of those two options do you prefer?”
The nurse's face paled. Finally, they just said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Baker. I was overthinking things. You've thought of everything.”
Vivian sneered.
“Ms. Baker, where are we heading now?” the nurse asked, trying to break the awkward silence.
Vivian glanced absently at her phone. “City First Hospital.”
The nurse grew anxious. “But…”
“I'm just taking my medical records to get a prescription for some painkillers. Relax.” Vivian sent a text to Luke, asking him to pick her up at the hospital later.
Luke replied quickly.
【Okay.】
Meanwhile, Evelyn was in a hospital bathroom, a sharp pain pulling at her lower abdomen. In her hand was a piece of toilet paper, stained with blood.
The first sign of a miscarriage.
Chapter 4
Vivian Baker's car headed for First Hospital.
The story of her "death countdown" had already blown up online.
Comment sections everywhere were buzzing.
“Honestly, I think Vivian's great. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to love or hate. Nothing wrong with that.”
“I totally agree with the post above. Tons of people have a crush on Luke Scott. As long as she's not a homewrecker, who she loves is her business.”
“Her vlogs and that livestream from Mountainview Villa were the only reason I got a peek into the world of the super-rich. It'll be such a shame when she's gone.”
“Who even is Luke Scott's wife? Can't she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.”
“Oh, I know. She's some musician named Evelyn Cook. Heard she stopped working after marrying into money. Just a trophy wife!”
...
First Hospital.
Evelyn's phone was buzzing nonstop with calls and texts from people she knew. Some were checking in, some were fishing for gossip, and others were openly mocking her. They were all about Vivian and Luke.
She'd just glanced at the news online and learned about Vivian's death countdown.
She didn't read any further.
It didn't matter anymore.
After this trial separation, she and Luke would be done for good.
Time flew by. She checked her watch and, looking up, saw Liz walking over with her purse.
“How are you feeling? Anything wrong?” Liz asked, seeing how pale Evelyn was. She worriedly helped her to her feet.
Evelyn just shook her head with a faint smile.
Now that she'd made her decision, this was just something she had to endure.
Liz knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking, but all she could do was sigh softly as she guided her to the elevator.
*Ding.* The elevator doors opened to the first floor.
The hospital lobby was always bustling, but today it seemed especially crowded. Evelyn even spotted reporters in the mix.
“So many people, and press too. Some celebrity must be here for a doctor's visit. They always make such a scene…” Liz was muttering when her expression suddenly changed. She saw something and immediately tried to pull Evelyn in the other direction.
But it was too late. Evelyn had already seen them.
Two familiar figures.
The man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary presence. Even in the chaotic environment, his perfectly styled hair and custom-tailored Italian suit were immaculate.
The woman was small and frail, her complexion pale. She was clearly sick, which only made her look more tragically beautiful.
She stumbled over something, and in the next second, the man caught her, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the surrounding crowd.
It was Luke and Vivian.
“Don't look, don't look!” Liz was furious, muttering about the cheating bastards while trying to block Evelyn's view.
“Liz, let's just go,” Evelyn said. Now that she'd decided to leave Luke, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she want to run into them like this.
“Go where?” Liz's anger flared. “You two are on a trial separation, you're not divorced yet. He's still your husband, and he's all over another woman in public. He's such a goddamn asshole!”
Husband…
Evelyn looked away.
Once upon a time, that title had filled her with a secret joy.
But now…
“Liz, I'm not feeling well. Can we please just go home?” Evelyn said, changing the subject.
Liz's attention immediately shifted to her friend's health, and she forgot all about the other two.
As Evelyn walked away, Vivian, from within the crowd, glanced in her direction.
A flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.
“Luke, I'm so sorry. I dragged you into this mess with me,” Vivian said, her face a mask of guilt. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I…”
“Don't worry about it. Let's get you to the doctor,” Luke replied, his expression unchanged.
But just a moment ago, something had flickered in his mind, a fleeting thought he couldn't quite grasp.
The two of them went to the specialist's office.
Vivian handed her medical records to the doctor.
The doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.
“Your condition is very serious,” the doctor said grimly.
Vivian forced a smile. “I know,” she whispered.
She took a deep breath. “Doctor, I'm hoping you can prescribe some strong painkillers.”
“At this stage, I'd recommend you be admitted for treatment,” the doctor said, looking at her chart. “If we're aggressive, we might be able to extend your life.”
“There's no need,” Vivian said with a tragic smile.
She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I don't want treatment anymore.”
Luke, who was standing beside her, tightened his grip on her hand.
She just shook her head.
“Doctor, I just want to live the last part of my life with some dignity,” she said. “So please, just prescribe me some strong painkillers.”
The doctor let out a long sigh and, finally, nodded in understanding.
Outside the door, reporters were furiously filming and live-streaming everything.
The internet instantly erupted.
“Oh my god, this is a real person's life, and it's just going to end like this.”
“I cry from a paper cut, I can't even imagine how painful late-stage cancer is. But she's facing it all with a smile. She's so strong.”
“When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I just broke down crying. Only people who've had a loved one go through a serious illness can understand what that feels like.”
Countless people shed tears of sympathy, their pity for Vivian reaching its peak.
...
Vivian got her prescription quickly. By the time she and Luke left the hospital, Evelyn was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Liz to bring the car around from the garage.
Before Evelyn could even process what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her, and in an instant, all three of them were mobbed.
Camera flashes went off relentlessly.
Luke noticed her, too. He frowned, his thin lips parting. “What are you doing here?”
Evelyn stood up. She looked at Luke, then at Vivian's hand resting in the crook of his arm.
Before Evelyn could speak, someone in the crowd started fanning the flames.
“Ms. Cook, did you see the posts online and come here to confront them?”
“Ms. Cook, what are your thoughts on your husband being out in public with another woman?”
“Ms. Cook, what are you going to do to Vivian?”
Everyone assumed Evelyn was there to cause a scene, to have a showdown with Vivian.
Even Luke thought so.
At that thought, his annoyance returned.
He spoke, his voice tinged with a warning. “Vivian is sick. Didn't you know?”
Evelyn found it laughable.
He was implying she was here to harass Vivian.
As if she would stoop so low.
“Evelyn!” Luke called her name when she didn't answer and a reporter had already turned to ask Vivian her thoughts on being the “other woman.”
He wanted her to speak up for Vivian.
Just like every other time.
To obey his every command.
But she didn't want to anymore.
She didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?
Her right hand instinctively shielded her abdomen, where a dull ache still lingered.
“I came to see a friend,” Evelyn finally said.
They were on a trial separation. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, and she couldn't have people speculating about why she was at the hospital.
Her answer, at least, addressed Luke's question.
With that, she turned to leave.
But the reporters wouldn't let her go.
They swarmed in front of her, pushing and shoving.
“Ms. Cook, are you aware that many people online are telling you to step aside and let Mr. Scott be with Vivian?”
“Ms. Cook, you know Vivian is dying. Are you really going to upset her at a time like this?”
“Ms. Cook…”
Evelyn didn't want to answer any of it. She just wanted to get away.
Having finally captured the three of them together, the crowd wasn't about to let her leave.
Seeing that Luke wasn't going to intervene, someone in the crowd gave Evelyn a hard shove from behind.
Evelyn stumbled, and she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach.The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇 {"title":"When a Fake Divorce Becomes Real","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5a8b969a2c101406922ec55abf786d9b.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","chapter_title":"Chapter 1","chapter_text":"Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.\r\n\r\nThe sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.\r\n\r\nWhen it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.\r\n\r\n\"Let's get a divorce,\" he said, his voice completely flat.\r\n\r\nStill breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.\r\n\r\nShe turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.\r\n\r\nThey'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.\r\n\r\n\"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nLuke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.\r\n\r\n\"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life.\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.\r\n\r\nThe small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.\r\n\r\nSeeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.\r\n\r\n\"It's just to make her happy.\"\r\n\r\nHe said, \"We'll get remarried in six months.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.\r\n\r\nEvelyn stared blankly at his profile.\r\n\r\n*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*\r\n\r\nAnd why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.\r\n\r\nA teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.\r\n\r\nThen there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, \"If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!\"\r\n\r\nShe had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.\r\n\r\nHe saved her life.\r\n\r\nAnd just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.\r\n\r\nWhatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.\r\n\r\nAnd afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, \"Good job, Evelyn.\"\r\n\r\nHis words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.\r\n\r\nBut she'd always told herself that was just his nature.\r\n\r\nSo, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.\r\n\r\nSeven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.\r\n\r\nA year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.\r\n\r\nHe came to her, and they went to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nShe thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?\"\r\n\r\nHe frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.\r\n\r\n\"Do we really have to do this?\" she asked.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. \"Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state.\"\r\n\r\n\"And what about me?\" The words escaped her before she could stop them.\r\n\r\nHe didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.\r\n\r\nAfter about three seconds, he spoke again.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she's dying.\"\r\n\r\n\"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines.\"\r\n\r\n\"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses.\"\r\n\r\n\"She's a good person. Just let her have this.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.\r\n\r\n*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*\r\n\r\nShe looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.\r\n\r\nThe same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.\r\n\r\nWhen had he changed?\r\n\r\n*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*\r\n\r\n\"Are you sure you want a divorce?\" she asked one last time.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.\r\n\r\nFinally, they parted.\r\n\r\nHe said, \"Yes. You...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine.\"\r\n\r\nShe agreed before he could say another word.\r\n\r\nHe froze.\r\n\r\nHis eyes narrowed, studying her.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, you're getting clever.\"\r\n\r\nFor once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.\r\n\r\n\"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.\r\n\r\nLuke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.\r\n\r\nHe didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.\r\n\r\nBecause he knew. She would never leave him.\r\n\r\nIt had always been that way.\r\n\r\nBANG!\r\n\r\nThe door slammed shut behind him.\r\n\r\nEvelyn was left alone in the bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.\r\n\r\n*Buzz. Buzz.*\r\n\r\nHer phone vibrated.\r\n\r\nA new message.\r\n\r\nShe reached for it.\r\n\r\nA message from a contact saved as \"Her Burner Account.\"\r\n\r\nHer Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]\r\n\r\nThe attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.\r\n\r\nHer finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.\r\n\r\nThe previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]\r\n\r\nThe one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]\r\n\r\nAnd the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]\r\n\r\n...\r\n\r\nThere were so many messages like that.\r\n\r\nEach one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.\r\n\r\nShe never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...\r\n\r\nSo alive with someone else.\r\n\r\nShe scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]\r\n\r\n*Hah...*\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who it was.\r\n\r\nVivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.\r\n\r\nEvelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.\r\n\r\nHe'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.\r\n\r\nAfter all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.\r\n\r\nExcept for today's.\r\n\r\n*Should I show this one to Luke?*\r\n\r\nShe tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.\r\n\r\nFrom it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.\r\n\r\nHer pregnancy confirmation.\r\n\r\nShe was having Luke's baby.\r\n\r\nAt the worst possible moment.\r\n\r\nA tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.\r\n\r\n*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*\r\n\r\nWiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.\r\n\r\nHe had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.\r\n\r\nSeven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.\r\n\r\nShe had repaid her debt to him for saving her.\r\n\r\nShe was done. She was done loving him.","chapter_content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","chapters":[{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.\r\n\r\nThe sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.\r\n\r\nWhen it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.\r\n\r\n\"Let's get a divorce,\" he said, his voice completely flat.\r\n\r\nStill breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.\r\n\r\nShe turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.\r\n\r\nThey'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.\r\n\r\n\"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nLuke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.\r\n\r\n\"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life.\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.\r\n\r\nThe small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.\r\n\r\nSeeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.\r\n\r\n\"It's just to make her happy.\"\r\n\r\nHe said, \"We'll get remarried in six months.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.\r\n\r\nEvelyn stared blankly at his profile.\r\n\r\n*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*\r\n\r\nAnd why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.\r\n\r\nA teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.\r\n\r\nThen there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, \"If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!\"\r\n\r\nShe had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.\r\n\r\nHe saved her life.\r\n\r\nAnd just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.\r\n\r\nWhatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.\r\n\r\nAnd afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, \"Good job, Evelyn.\"\r\n\r\nHis words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.\r\n\r\nBut she'd always told herself that was just his nature.\r\n\r\nSo, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.\r\n\r\nSeven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.\r\n\r\nA year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.\r\n\r\nHe came to her, and they went to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nShe thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?\"\r\n\r\nHe frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.\r\n\r\n\"Do we really have to do this?\" she asked.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. \"Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state.\"\r\n\r\n\"And what about me?\" The words escaped her before she could stop them.\r\n\r\nHe didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.\r\n\r\nAfter about three seconds, he spoke again.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she's dying.\"\r\n\r\n\"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines.\"\r\n\r\n\"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses.\"\r\n\r\n\"She's a good person. Just let her have this.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.\r\n\r\n*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*\r\n\r\nShe looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.\r\n\r\nThe same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.\r\n\r\nWhen had he changed?\r\n\r\n*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*\r\n\r\n\"Are you sure you want a divorce?\" she asked one last time.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.\r\n\r\nFinally, they parted.\r\n\r\nHe said, \"Yes. You...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine.\"\r\n\r\nShe agreed before he could say another word.\r\n\r\nHe froze.\r\n\r\nHis eyes narrowed, studying her.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, you're getting clever.\"\r\n\r\nFor once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.\r\n\r\n\"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.\r\n\r\nLuke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.\r\n\r\nHe didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.\r\n\r\nBecause he knew. She would never leave him.\r\n\r\nIt had always been that way.\r\n\r\nBANG!\r\n\r\nThe door slammed shut behind him.\r\n\r\nEvelyn was left alone in the bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.\r\n\r\n*Buzz. Buzz.*\r\n\r\nHer phone vibrated.\r\n\r\nA new message.\r\n\r\nShe reached for it.\r\n\r\nA message from a contact saved as \"Her Burner Account.\"\r\n\r\nHer Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]\r\n\r\nThe attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.\r\n\r\nHer finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.\r\n\r\nThe previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]\r\n\r\nThe one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]\r\n\r\nAnd the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]\r\n\r\n...\r\n\r\nThere were so many messages like that.\r\n\r\nEach one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.\r\n\r\nShe never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...\r\n\r\nSo alive with someone else.\r\n\r\nShe scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]\r\n\r\n*Hah...*\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who it was.\r\n\r\nVivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.\r\n\r\nEvelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.\r\n\r\nHe'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.\r\n\r\nAfter all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.\r\n\r\nExcept for today's.\r\n\r\n*Should I show this one to Luke?*\r\n\r\nShe tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.\r\n\r\nFrom it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.\r\n\r\nHer pregnancy confirmation.\r\n\r\nShe was having Luke's baby.\r\n\r\nAt the worst possible moment.\r\n\r\nA tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.\r\n\r\n*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*\r\n\r\nWiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.\r\n\r\nHe had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.\r\n\r\nSeven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.\r\n\r\nShe had repaid her debt to him for saving her.\r\n\r\nShe was done. She was done loving him."},{"chapter_key":"pFh3joCpYa","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/2/en_29c392c2-0bab-4703-ad0b-715f3571b254.txt","word_count":1254,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next day.\nIn the parking lot outside the courthouse.\nLuke sat in his luxury sedan, his left hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel.\n\"Luke, honey, you and Evelyn have been married for a year now. You need to hurry up and have a baby,\" an elderly woman's voice said from his phone.\nLuke's expression softened. He sounded a bit exasperated, but patient.\nHe said, \"Grandma, we're still young. There's no rush. Right now, you just need to take care of yourself, and Grandpa. He...\"\n\"How can I not be in a rush?\" the old woman cut in. \"Your grandfather is doing much better, but we're getting old. We could be gone any day now.\"\n\"Grandma...\"\nThe old woman's voice turned serious. \"Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors, and you better not be mistreating Evelyn.\"\nLuke went silent for three seconds.\nHe waited until she prodded, \"Did you hear me?\"\nHe finally rubbed the bridge of his nose and answered, \"I know, Grandma.\"\nAfter a few more pleasantries, Luke hung up.\nHis fingers resumed their absent-minded tapping on the steering wheel as he stared at the courthouse in the distance, his lips pressed into a thin line.\nHe opened his messaging app.\nHis finger brushed over the profile picture of a florist saved as \"My Love,\" then scrolled down to tap on his chat with \"Evelyn Cook.\"\nThe last message was from him, telling her the time and place to meet at the courthouse this morning to file for divorce.\nShe wasn't here yet.\nFrowning slightly, he sent her a message.\nLuke: [Where are you?]\nThe next moment, a knock on the window. Luke looked up to see Evelyn's slightly pale face outside.\nEvelyn opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.\nShe glanced at him.\nHe was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday—the one she'd picked out for him.\nFor years, she had managed every detail of his life, from small things like his cologne and ties to his custom-tailored shirts and suits.\n\"What took you so long?\" he asked.\nEvelyn looked away.\n\"I'm not late,\" she replied.\nShe just wasn't foolishly early anymore, waiting anxiously for him at his beck and call.\nLuke's tapping fingers paused for a second. He frowned at her.\nShe looked paler than usual. *She probably didn't sleep well after I brought up the divorce last night.*\n*Not that it's a big deal.*\n\"Grandma called me just now,\" Luke said, looking away. \"Let's not tell our grandparents about the divorce. They're too old for that kind of shock.\"\nEvelyn didn't agree immediately. She just asked, \"What did she say on the call?\"\n\"She was nagging us to have a kid.\" Luke's eyes narrowed, a flash of impatience in them.\nA long silence stretched between them.\nAfter a few minutes, Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh.\nLuke's left hand clenched into a fist. He stared out the window, saying nothing.\nHe had imagined what his child would be like, when they would be born.\nWhile making love to Evelyn, he had even caressed her stomach and whispered in her ear, \"Evelyn, when are you going to have my baby?\"\nBut...\n*She never got pregnant anyway.*\n*We'll get remarried in six months. It won't be too late then.*\n*Vivian only has six months left.*\nOutside the car, people came and went. Another three seconds passed.\nEvelyn spoke. \"One last time, Luke. Are you sure you want to divorce me?\"\n\"Having second thoughts?\" This time, his anger was real.\n*Vivian is waiting for me at home.*\nGetting his confirmation one more time, Evelyn said nothing more. She just pulled out a document and handed it to Luke.\nLuke took it with a frown. It was a property settlement agreement.\n\"Since we're getting a divorce, let's make a clean break.\"\nShe said, \"Everything from The Scott Group, I'm only taking what I'm entitled to.\"\n\"During the waiting period, any money we earn individually belongs to ourselves.\"\nWith that, Evelyn took out a pen and set it down.\n\"If there are no issues, sign it,\" she said.\nThe more Luke read, the tighter his frown became.\nThe standard contract was simple and clear. She really wasn't taking much. Her signature, \"Evelyn Cook,\" was already on her line.\nHe didn't understand.\n*It's just a temporary divorce. What's the point of this contract?*\n*Vivian only has six months left. After I see her through this final chapter, I'll get back together with Evelyn, just like before, under our grandparents' watch.*\nIn Luke's mind, Evelyn couldn't live without him.\nHer threshold for what she would endure for him was incredibly low.\nHe'd resented her for it before, deliberately making her do things that eroded her sense of self.\nShe never refused.\nShe would even present him with the results, beaming, and say, \"Look, Luke! I did it. Aren't I great?\"\nShe was the perfect, submissive wife. He had confirmed this countless times over the past seven years.\nIf it weren't for Vivian, his marriage might have continued on this placid, uneventful path.\nBut...\nAn image of Vivian's tragic, defiant face as she coughed up blood flashed in his mind, and the pain of it was so sharp he could barely breathe.\nLuke glanced at the side window.\nIt reflected Evelyn's face, devoid of any joy or sorrow.\n*Is she trying to blackmail me?*\n*After all, she used fake records to slander Vivian before.*\n*She hates Vivian.*\n*Heh...*\nHe snatched the pen.\nLuke scrawled his name on his designated line.\n*No one blackmails me.*\nTwo copies were signed.\nEvelyn took hers.\nThen.\nShe got out of the car.\nTook a number.\nSubmitted their documents.\nFilled out the Divorce Application.\nThey each took their copy of the application receipt. After the cooling-off period, they would come back one more time to get the final divorce certificate.\nOnce the whole process was over, they walked out of the courthouse.\nThe sun was high in the sky.\nIts warm rays felt pleasant on Evelyn's skin.\nLuke watched the people coming and going.\nIt was easy to tell the difference between those getting married and those getting divorced.\nA couple walked out, holding hands, the woman's face glowing with a sweet smile.\nHe vaguely remembered that Evelyn had worn a similar smile a year ago, when they came here to register their marriage.\nLuke glanced over at Evelyn.\nHer face was still a blank mask.\n\"I'll still deposit money into your account while we're divorced,\" he said. \"And don't tell my grandparents about this.\"\nHe left without waiting for her reply.\nShe watched his car turn the corner and disappear.\nThen, the car she'd called arrived.\nThe two vehicles headed in completely opposite directions.\nOne drove to Vivian's Flower Studio.\nThe other, to Metro General Hospital.\nLuke opened the door to the flower studio, and Vivian greeted him with a smile.\nHe pulled out the application receipt. \"It's done,\" he told her. \"She didn't make a fuss.\"\nAt the same time, Evelyn, holding her appointment slip, walked into the gynecology department.\nShe sat down across from the doctor.\nThe doctor pulled the curtain closed.\n\"Evelyn, are you really going to terminate this pregnancy?\" her best friend and doctor, Chloe Lin, asked worriedly. \"Haven't you always wanted to get pregnant? You even came to me for fertility treatments.\"\nEvelyn placed the receipt from the courthouse on the side table.\n\"Yes,\" Evelyn said calmly. \"Let's get rid of it. I don't want it anymore.\""},{"chapter_key":"sBjVKAuDwQ","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/3/en_e73ad34f-01dd-4336-a080-c44b0ae3d561.txt","word_count":1315,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Chloe stared at the divorce filing receipt in surprise.\r\nThey'd been best friends for over a decade, and Chloe had seen firsthand just how crazy Evelyn had been for Luke Scott.\r\nBack in the day, Evelyn would have literally died for him.\r\nWhen they got married a year ago, Chloe had sighed but was still happy that her best friend had finally gotten her wish.\r\nBut now…\r\nWhat happened?\r\n“I don't love him anymore,” Evelyn said before Chloe could even ask.\r\nShe looked at Chloe, the corners of her lips turning up in a beautiful smile.\r\nIn that smile, Chloe saw a glimpse of the old Evelyn—the heiress she'd been before the Cook family fell apart, before her father died, before life had trampled her into the dirt.\r\nAnd just like that, it all made sense.\r\n“Luke doesn't know I'm pregnant,” Evelyn continued. “There's a 30-day cooling-off period, and I don't want any surprises. It's better if he doesn't know.”\r\nDuring the thirty-day divorce cooling-off period, if one party changed their mind, they could withdraw the application, and the marriage would remain valid.\r\nHearing this, Chloe knew Evelyn was dead set on leaving him.\r\nAfter getting the full picture, Chloe ordered the necessary tests for Evelyn and told her, “Evelyn, you'll have to wait a few days for the procedure.”\r\n“Why?” Evelyn asked, confused.\r\nChloe answered, “You know you have a rare blood type. We need to have a supply ready just in case. I called the blood bank, and it should take about a week to get it here.”\r\nEvelyn froze, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.\r\nShe'd inherited her blood type from her father.\r\nShe missed him again.\r\nIf her dad were still here…\r\n“Okay.” Evelyn suppressed the wave of emotion, nodding with a small, red-rimmed smile.\r\n“Also, you're showing early signs of a miscarriage. You need to be extra careful these next few days.”\r\nChloe looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with sympathy.\r\nThey were childhood best friends; she understood Evelyn's pain.\r\nChloe squeezed Evelyn's hand. “Wait for me. I'm on the morning shift today, so I'll be off soon. We can head back together later.”\r\nEvelyn nodded and waited for Chloe in the hallway.\r\nShe looked down at her stomach.\r\n*Signs of a miscarriage. Does the baby know what I've decided? Is that why it wants to leave on its own?*\r\nEvelyn pressed her lips together and took the forms to get the other tests done.\r\n\r\n“Buzz buzz.”\r\nHer phone vibrated—a notification about a change in her bank account balance.\r\nIt was a new bank card she'd opened to keep her finances separate from Luke's during the cooling-off period.\r\nFrom now on, all her income would go into this account.\r\nAs the balance updated, another message came in.\r\n【The payment for the composition and lyrics came through. Finance sent the transfer. Can you confirm you got it?】\r\nBefore she married Luke, Evelyn had been a songwriter who worked behind the scenes.\r\nShe loved music. Years ago, when her father was still alive and she was the Cook family heiress, she could have anything she wanted, so her talent had been nurtured.\r\nLater, life's ups and downs gave her a deeper understanding of the world.\r\nHer father probably never imagined that the skill he'd encouraged as a hobby would one day become her livelihood after he was gone.\r\nAfter a moment, Evelyn replied: 【Got it, thanks.】\r\nThe reply was immediate: 【You earned it. Honestly, you've written some major hits over the years. Are you sure you don't want to make a comeback? Listen, there's a new show that would be perfect for you. I sent the details to your email, make sure you check it out. I'm holding a special contestant spot for you.】\r\nEvelyn opened her email and glanced at the file. It was a music competition show. The format wasn't complicated, pretty much the same as other music shows she'd seen, but it required a high degree of originality.\r\nEvelyn replied: 【I'll think about it.】\r\nAfter replying, she put her phone down. A dull ache pulled at her lower abdomen.\r\nShe missed her dad again.\r\nThat was the second time today.\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a series of viral topics exploded online—\r\n#VivianBakerStomachCancer\r\n#FamousFloristVivianBakersFinalDays\r\n#VivianBakerFacesFinal6MonthsWithASmile\r\n…\r\nThe top trending post read—\r\n“…reporters have learned that renowned floral artist Vivian Baker has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months to live. But she hasn't let it defeat her. She plans to share her journey over these last six months with her followers, turning her final days into a public chronicle.”\r\nIn the video, Vivian offered the camera a tragic smile. “For these last six months, I'll be sharing my journey with everyone online. My only hope is to offer some emotional support to others who are sick like me. I hope everyone can get better.”\r\nThe reporter reappeared on screen: “We understand there have long been rumors connecting Vivian Baker and Luke Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation. But Mr. Scott is already married. It makes you wonder if we're about to see some real-life romantic drama unfold.”\r\nVivian seemed to notice this reporter. She walked over with a smile, politely interrupted him, and took control of the conversation.\r\nShe looked directly into the camera.\r\n“It's true that I have feelings for Luke, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.”\r\n“He's an amazing man. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.”\r\n“But I want to make one thing clear to everyone: I would never be the other woman in someone's marriage. That's a line I won't cross. Thank you.”\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nWith that, Vivian stepped out of the frame, leaving the reporter to continue.\r\nShe navigated through the crowd, got into her car, and only then did a true smile appear on her face.\r\nHer 'private nurse' handed her a bottle of water, a hesitant look on their face.\r\n“Just say what you want to say,” Vivian said coldly. “The driver is one of us.”\r\nThe nurse finally lowered their voice. “Ms. Baker, your diagnosis was a stomach ulcer. It was already a huge risk for our clinic to forge medical records saying it was stomach cancer. Why are you livestreaming this to the public now?”\r\nVivian gave a scornful laugh, which confused the nurse.\r\n“Is your clinic a medical institution?” she asked.\r\nThe nurse nodded.\r\n“Are my medical records at your clinic managed independently?” she continued.\r\nThe nurse nodded again.\r\n“And do my records state that I have terminal stomach cancer and only six months to live?” she asked again.\r\nThe nurse hesitated but finally nodded.\r\n“So?” Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. “That makes it real. Let them investigate.”\r\n“But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future…”\r\n“Two solutions,” Vivian said, shooting the nurse a warning look.\r\n“One: I continue my 'treatment' at your clinic or others, and then a miracle happens and I'm cured. Love conquers all, or whatever.”\r\n“Two: Your clinic misdiagnosed me. That's medical malpractice, and you subjected me to improper treatment for a long time.”\r\nThe threat in Vivian's voice was unmistakable. “Which of those two options do you prefer?”\r\nThe nurse's face paled. Finally, they just said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Baker. I was overthinking things. You've thought of everything.”\r\nVivian sneered.\r\n“Ms. Baker, where are we heading now?” the nurse asked, trying to break the awkward silence.\r\nVivian glanced absently at her phone. “City First Hospital.”\r\nThe nurse grew anxious. “But…”\r\n“I'm just taking my medical records to get a prescription for some painkillers. Relax.” Vivian sent a text to Luke, asking him to pick her up at the hospital later.\r\nLuke replied quickly.\r\n【Okay.】\r\nMeanwhile, Evelyn was in a hospital bathroom, a sharp pain pulling at her lower abdomen. In her hand was a piece of toilet paper, stained with blood.\r\nThe first sign of a miscarriage."},{"chapter_key":"9tmS4azM9U","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/4/en_9dee4c2d-1ee8-4b58-9e37-d48008a0a8a1.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Vivian Baker's car headed for First Hospital.\r\nThe story of her \"death countdown\" had already blown up online.\r\nComment sections everywhere were buzzing.\r\n“Honestly, I think Vivian's great. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to love or hate. Nothing wrong with that.”\r\n“I totally agree with the post above. Tons of people have a crush on Luke Scott. As long as she's not a homewrecker, who she loves is her business.”\r\n“Her vlogs and that livestream from Mountainview Villa were the only reason I got a peek into the world of the super-rich. It'll be such a shame when she's gone.”\r\n“Who even is Luke Scott's wife? Can't she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.”\r\n“Oh, I know. She's some musician named Evelyn Cook. Heard she stopped working after marrying into money. Just a trophy wife!”\r\n...\r\nFirst Hospital.\r\nEvelyn's phone was buzzing nonstop with calls and texts from people she knew. Some were checking in, some were fishing for gossip, and others were openly mocking her. They were all about Vivian and Luke.\r\nShe'd just glanced at the news online and learned about Vivian's death countdown.\r\nShe didn't read any further.\r\nIt didn't matter anymore.\r\nAfter this trial separation, she and Luke would be done for good.\r\nTime flew by. She checked her watch and, looking up, saw Liz walking over with her purse.\r\n“How are you feeling? Anything wrong?” Liz asked, seeing how pale Evelyn was. She worriedly helped her to her feet.\r\nEvelyn just shook her head with a faint smile.\r\nNow that she'd made her decision, this was just something she had to endure.\r\nLiz knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking, but all she could do was sigh softly as she guided her to the elevator.\r\n*Ding.* The elevator doors opened to the first floor.\r\nThe hospital lobby was always bustling, but today it seemed especially crowded. Evelyn even spotted reporters in the mix.\r\n“So many people, and press too. Some celebrity must be here for a doctor's visit. They always make such a scene…” Liz was muttering when her expression suddenly changed. She saw something and immediately tried to pull Evelyn in the other direction.\r\nBut it was too late. Evelyn had already seen them.\r\nTwo familiar figures.\r\nThe man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary presence. Even in the chaotic environment, his perfectly styled hair and custom-tailored Italian suit were immaculate.\r\nThe woman was small and frail, her complexion pale. She was clearly sick, which only made her look more tragically beautiful.\r\nShe stumbled over something, and in the next second, the man caught her, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the surrounding crowd.\r\nIt was Luke and Vivian.\r\n“Don't look, don't look!” Liz was furious, muttering about the cheating bastards while trying to block Evelyn's view.\r\n“Liz, let's just go,” Evelyn said. Now that she'd decided to leave Luke, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she want to run into them like this.\r\n“Go where?” Liz's anger flared. “You two are on a trial separation, you're not divorced yet. He's still your husband, and he's all over another woman in public. He's such a goddamn asshole!”\r\nHusband…\r\nEvelyn looked away.\r\nOnce upon a time, that title had filled her with a secret joy.\r\nBut now…\r\n“Liz, I'm not feeling well. Can we please just go home?” Evelyn said, changing the subject.\r\nLiz's attention immediately shifted to her friend's health, and she forgot all about the other two.\r\nAs Evelyn walked away, Vivian, from within the crowd, glanced in her direction.\r\nA flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.\r\n“Luke, I'm so sorry. I dragged you into this mess with me,” Vivian said, her face a mask of guilt. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I…”\r\n“Don't worry about it. Let's get you to the doctor,” Luke replied, his expression unchanged.\r\nBut just a moment ago, something had flickered in his mind, a fleeting thought he couldn't quite grasp.\r\nThe two of them went to the specialist's office.\r\nVivian handed her medical records to the doctor.\r\nThe doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.\r\n“Your condition is very serious,” the doctor said grimly.\r\nVivian forced a smile. “I know,” she whispered.\r\nShe took a deep breath. “Doctor, I'm hoping you can prescribe some strong painkillers.”\r\n“At this stage, I'd recommend you be admitted for treatment,” the doctor said, looking at her chart. “If we're aggressive, we might be able to extend your life.”\r\n“There's no need,” Vivian said with a tragic smile.\r\nShe wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I don't want treatment anymore.”\r\nLuke, who was standing beside her, tightened his grip on her hand.\r\nShe just shook her head.\r\n“Doctor, I just want to live the last part of my life with some dignity,” she said. “So please, just prescribe me some strong painkillers.”\r\nThe doctor let out a long sigh and, finally, nodded in understanding.\r\nOutside the door, reporters were furiously filming and live-streaming everything.\r\nThe internet instantly erupted.\r\n“Oh my god, this is a real person's life, and it's just going to end like this.”\r\n“I cry from a paper cut, I can't even imagine how painful late-stage cancer is. But she's facing it all with a smile. She's so strong.”\r\n“When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I just broke down crying. Only people who've had a loved one go through a serious illness can understand what that feels like.”\r\nCountless people shed tears of sympathy, their pity for Vivian reaching its peak.\r\n...\r\nVivian got her prescription quickly. By the time she and Luke left the hospital, Evelyn was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Liz to bring the car around from the garage.\r\nBefore Evelyn could even process what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her, and in an instant, all three of them were mobbed.\r\nCamera flashes went off relentlessly.\r\nLuke noticed her, too. He frowned, his thin lips parting. “What are you doing here?”\r\nEvelyn stood up. She looked at Luke, then at Vivian's hand resting in the crook of his arm.\r\nBefore Evelyn could speak, someone in the crowd started fanning the flames.\r\n“Ms. Cook, did you see the posts online and come here to confront them?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are your thoughts on your husband being out in public with another woman?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are you going to do to Vivian?”\r\nEveryone assumed Evelyn was there to cause a scene, to have a showdown with Vivian.\r\nEven Luke thought so.\r\nAt that thought, his annoyance returned.\r\nHe spoke, his voice tinged with a warning. “Vivian is sick. Didn't you know?”\r\nEvelyn found it laughable.\r\nHe was implying she was here to harass Vivian.\r\nAs if she would stoop so low.\r\n“Evelyn!” Luke called her name when she didn't answer and a reporter had already turned to ask Vivian her thoughts on being the “other woman.”\r\nHe wanted her to speak up for Vivian.\r\nJust like every other time.\r\nTo obey his every command.\r\nBut she didn't want to anymore.\r\nShe didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?\r\nHer right hand instinctively shielded her abdomen, where a dull ache still lingered.\r\n“I came to see a friend,” Evelyn finally said.\r\nThey were on a trial separation. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, and she couldn't have people speculating about why she was at the hospital.\r\nHer answer, at least, addressed Luke's question.\r\nWith that, she turned to leave.\r\nBut the reporters wouldn't let her go.\r\nThey swarmed in front of her, pushing and shoving.\r\n“Ms. Cook, are you aware that many people online are telling you to step aside and let Mr. Scott be with Vivian?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, you know Vivian is dying. Are you really going to upset her at a time like this?”\r\n“Ms. Cook…”\r\nEvelyn didn't want to answer any of it. She just wanted to get away.\r\nHaving finally captured the three of them together, the crowd wasn't about to let her leave.\r\nSeeing that Luke wasn't going to intervene, someone in the crowd gave Evelyn a hard shove from behind.\r\nEvelyn stumbled, and she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach."}],"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.\r\n\r\nThe sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.\r\n\r\nWhen it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.\r\n\r\n\"Let's get a divorce,\" he said, his voice completely flat.\r\n\r\nStill breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.\r\n\r\nShe turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.\r\n\r\nThey'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.\r\n\r\n\"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nLuke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.\r\n\r\n\"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life.\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.\r\n\r\nThe small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.\r\n\r\nSeeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.\r\n\r\n\"It's just to make her happy.\"\r\n\r\nHe said, \"We'll get remarried in six months.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.\r\n\r\nEvelyn stared blankly at his profile.\r\n\r\n*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*\r\n\r\nAnd why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.\r\n\r\nA teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.\r\n\r\nThen there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, \"If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!\"\r\n\r\nShe had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.\r\n\r\nHe saved her life.\r\n\r\nAnd just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.\r\n\r\nWhatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.\r\n\r\nAnd afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, \"Good job, Evelyn.\"\r\n\r\nHis words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.\r\n\r\nBut she'd always told herself that was just his nature.\r\n\r\nSo, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.\r\n\r\nSeven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.\r\n\r\nA year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.\r\n\r\nHe came to her, and they went to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nShe thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?\"\r\n\r\nHe frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.\r\n\r\n\"Do we really have to do this?\" she asked.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. \"Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state.\"\r\n\r\n\"And what about me?\" The words escaped her before she could stop them.\r\n\r\nHe didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.\r\n\r\nAfter about three seconds, he spoke again.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she's dying.\"\r\n\r\n\"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines.\"\r\n\r\n\"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses.\"\r\n\r\n\"She's a good person. Just let her have this.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.\r\n\r\n*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*\r\n\r\nShe looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.\r\n\r\nThe same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.\r\n\r\nWhen had he changed?\r\n\r\n*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*\r\n\r\n\"Are you sure you want a divorce?\" she asked one last time.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.\r\n\r\nFinally, they parted.\r\n\r\nHe said, \"Yes. You...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine.\"\r\n\r\nShe agreed before he could say another word.\r\n\r\nHe froze.\r\n\r\nHis eyes narrowed, studying her.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, you're getting clever.\"\r\n\r\nFor once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.\r\n\r\n\"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.\r\n\r\nLuke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.\r\n\r\nHe didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.\r\n\r\nBecause he knew. She would never leave him.\r\n\r\nIt had always been that way.\r\n\r\nBANG!\r\n\r\nThe door slammed shut behind him.\r\n\r\nEvelyn was left alone in the bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.\r\n\r\n*Buzz. Buzz.*\r\n\r\nHer phone vibrated.\r\n\r\nA new message.\r\n\r\nShe reached for it.\r\n\r\nA message from a contact saved as \"Her Burner Account.\"\r\n\r\nHer Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]\r\n\r\nThe attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.\r\n\r\nHer finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.\r\n\r\nThe previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]\r\n\r\nThe one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]\r\n\r\nAnd the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]\r\n\r\n...\r\n\r\nThere were so many messages like that.\r\n\r\nEach one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.\r\n\r\nShe never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...\r\n\r\nSo alive with someone else.\r\n\r\nShe scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]\r\n\r\n*Hah...*\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who it was.\r\n\r\nVivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.\r\n\r\nEvelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.\r\n\r\nHe'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.\r\n\r\nAfter all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.\r\n\r\nExcept for today's.\r\n\r\n*Should I show this one to Luke?*\r\n\r\nShe tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.\r\n\r\nFrom it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.\r\n\r\nHer pregnancy confirmation.\r\n\r\nShe was having Luke's baby.\r\n\r\nAt the worst possible moment.\r\n\r\nA tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.\r\n\r\n*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*\r\n\r\nWiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.\r\n\r\nHe had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.\r\n\r\nSeven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.\r\n\r\nShe had repaid her debt to him for saving her.\r\n\r\nShe was done. She was done loving him."},{"chapter_key":"pFh3joCpYa","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/2/en_29c392c2-0bab-4703-ad0b-715f3571b254.txt","word_count":1254,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next day.\nIn the parking lot outside the courthouse.\nLuke sat in his luxury sedan, his left hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel.\n\"Luke, honey, you and Evelyn have been married for a year now. You need to hurry up and have a baby,\" an elderly woman's voice said from his phone.\nLuke's expression softened. He sounded a bit exasperated, but patient.\nHe said, \"Grandma, we're still young. There's no rush. Right now, you just need to take care of yourself, and Grandpa. He...\"\n\"How can I not be in a rush?\" the old woman cut in. \"Your grandfather is doing much better, but we're getting old. We could be gone any day now.\"\n\"Grandma...\"\nThe old woman's voice turned serious. \"Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors, and you better not be mistreating Evelyn.\"\nLuke went silent for three seconds.\nHe waited until she prodded, \"Did you hear me?\"\nHe finally rubbed the bridge of his nose and answered, \"I know, Grandma.\"\nAfter a few more pleasantries, Luke hung up.\nHis fingers resumed their absent-minded tapping on the steering wheel as he stared at the courthouse in the distance, his lips pressed into a thin line.\nHe opened his messaging app.\nHis finger brushed over the profile picture of a florist saved as \"My Love,\" then scrolled down to tap on his chat with \"Evelyn Cook.\"\nThe last message was from him, telling her the time and place to meet at the courthouse this morning to file for divorce.\nShe wasn't here yet.\nFrowning slightly, he sent her a message.\nLuke: [Where are you?]\nThe next moment, a knock on the window. Luke looked up to see Evelyn's slightly pale face outside.\nEvelyn opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.\nShe glanced at him.\nHe was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday—the one she'd picked out for him.\nFor years, she had managed every detail of his life, from small things like his cologne and ties to his custom-tailored shirts and suits.\n\"What took you so long?\" he asked.\nEvelyn looked away.\n\"I'm not late,\" she replied.\nShe just wasn't foolishly early anymore, waiting anxiously for him at his beck and call.\nLuke's tapping fingers paused for a second. He frowned at her.\nShe looked paler than usual. *She probably didn't sleep well after I brought up the divorce last night.*\n*Not that it's a big deal.*\n\"Grandma called me just now,\" Luke said, looking away. \"Let's not tell our grandparents about the divorce. They're too old for that kind of shock.\"\nEvelyn didn't agree immediately. She just asked, \"What did she say on the call?\"\n\"She was nagging us to have a kid.\" Luke's eyes narrowed, a flash of impatience in them.\nA long silence stretched between them.\nAfter a few minutes, Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh.\nLuke's left hand clenched into a fist. He stared out the window, saying nothing.\nHe had imagined what his child would be like, when they would be born.\nWhile making love to Evelyn, he had even caressed her stomach and whispered in her ear, \"Evelyn, when are you going to have my baby?\"\nBut...\n*She never got pregnant anyway.*\n*We'll get remarried in six months. It won't be too late then.*\n*Vivian only has six months left.*\nOutside the car, people came and went. Another three seconds passed.\nEvelyn spoke. \"One last time, Luke. Are you sure you want to divorce me?\"\n\"Having second thoughts?\" This time, his anger was real.\n*Vivian is waiting for me at home.*\nGetting his confirmation one more time, Evelyn said nothing more. She just pulled out a document and handed it to Luke.\nLuke took it with a frown. It was a property settlement agreement.\n\"Since we're getting a divorce, let's make a clean break.\"\nShe said, \"Everything from The Scott Group, I'm only taking what I'm entitled to.\"\n\"During the waiting period, any money we earn individually belongs to ourselves.\"\nWith that, Evelyn took out a pen and set it down.\n\"If there are no issues, sign it,\" she said.\nThe more Luke read, the tighter his frown became.\nThe standard contract was simple and clear. She really wasn't taking much. Her signature, \"Evelyn Cook,\" was already on her line.\nHe didn't understand.\n*It's just a temporary divorce. What's the point of this contract?*\n*Vivian only has six months left. After I see her through this final chapter, I'll get back together with Evelyn, just like before, under our grandparents' watch.*\nIn Luke's mind, Evelyn couldn't live without him.\nHer threshold for what she would endure for him was incredibly low.\nHe'd resented her for it before, deliberately making her do things that eroded her sense of self.\nShe never refused.\nShe would even present him with the results, beaming, and say, \"Look, Luke! I did it. Aren't I great?\"\nShe was the perfect, submissive wife. He had confirmed this countless times over the past seven years.\nIf it weren't for Vivian, his marriage might have continued on this placid, uneventful path.\nBut...\nAn image of Vivian's tragic, defiant face as she coughed up blood flashed in his mind, and the pain of it was so sharp he could barely breathe.\nLuke glanced at the side window.\nIt reflected Evelyn's face, devoid of any joy or sorrow.\n*Is she trying to blackmail me?*\n*After all, she used fake records to slander Vivian before.*\n*She hates Vivian.*\n*Heh...*\nHe snatched the pen.\nLuke scrawled his name on his designated line.\n*No one blackmails me.*\nTwo copies were signed.\nEvelyn took hers.\nThen.\nShe got out of the car.\nTook a number.\nSubmitted their documents.\nFilled out the Divorce Application.\nThey each took their copy of the application receipt. After the cooling-off period, they would come back one more time to get the final divorce certificate.\nOnce the whole process was over, they walked out of the courthouse.\nThe sun was high in the sky.\nIts warm rays felt pleasant on Evelyn's skin.\nLuke watched the people coming and going.\nIt was easy to tell the difference between those getting married and those getting divorced.\nA couple walked out, holding hands, the woman's face glowing with a sweet smile.\nHe vaguely remembered that Evelyn had worn a similar smile a year ago, when they came here to register their marriage.\nLuke glanced over at Evelyn.\nHer face was still a blank mask.\n\"I'll still deposit money into your account while we're divorced,\" he said. \"And don't tell my grandparents about this.\"\nHe left without waiting for her reply.\nShe watched his car turn the corner and disappear.\nThen, the car she'd called arrived.\nThe two vehicles headed in completely opposite directions.\nOne drove to Vivian's Flower Studio.\nThe other, to Metro General Hospital.\nLuke opened the door to the flower studio, and Vivian greeted him with a smile.\nHe pulled out the application receipt. \"It's done,\" he told her. \"She didn't make a fuss.\"\nAt the same time, Evelyn, holding her appointment slip, walked into the gynecology department.\nShe sat down across from the doctor.\nThe doctor pulled the curtain closed.\n\"Evelyn, are you really going to terminate this pregnancy?\" her best friend and doctor, Chloe Lin, asked worriedly. \"Haven't you always wanted to get pregnant? You even came to me for fertility treatments.\"\nEvelyn placed the receipt from the courthouse on the side table.\n\"Yes,\" Evelyn said calmly. \"Let's get rid of it. I don't want it anymore.\""},{"chapter_key":"sBjVKAuDwQ","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/3/en_e73ad34f-01dd-4336-a080-c44b0ae3d561.txt","word_count":1315,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Chloe stared at the divorce filing receipt in surprise.\r\nThey'd been best friends for over a decade, and Chloe had seen firsthand just how crazy Evelyn had been for Luke Scott.\r\nBack in the day, Evelyn would have literally died for him.\r\nWhen they got married a year ago, Chloe had sighed but was still happy that her best friend had finally gotten her wish.\r\nBut now…\r\nWhat happened?\r\n“I don't love him anymore,” Evelyn said before Chloe could even ask.\r\nShe looked at Chloe, the corners of her lips turning up in a beautiful smile.\r\nIn that smile, Chloe saw a glimpse of the old Evelyn—the heiress she'd been before the Cook family fell apart, before her father died, before life had trampled her into the dirt.\r\nAnd just like that, it all made sense.\r\n“Luke doesn't know I'm pregnant,” Evelyn continued. “There's a 30-day cooling-off period, and I don't want any surprises. It's better if he doesn't know.”\r\nDuring the thirty-day divorce cooling-off period, if one party changed their mind, they could withdraw the application, and the marriage would remain valid.\r\nHearing this, Chloe knew Evelyn was dead set on leaving him.\r\nAfter getting the full picture, Chloe ordered the necessary tests for Evelyn and told her, “Evelyn, you'll have to wait a few days for the procedure.”\r\n“Why?” Evelyn asked, confused.\r\nChloe answered, “You know you have a rare blood type. We need to have a supply ready just in case. I called the blood bank, and it should take about a week to get it here.”\r\nEvelyn froze, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.\r\nShe'd inherited her blood type from her father.\r\nShe missed him again.\r\nIf her dad were still here…\r\n“Okay.” Evelyn suppressed the wave of emotion, nodding with a small, red-rimmed smile.\r\n“Also, you're showing early signs of a miscarriage. You need to be extra careful these next few days.”\r\nChloe looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with sympathy.\r\nThey were childhood best friends; she understood Evelyn's pain.\r\nChloe squeezed Evelyn's hand. “Wait for me. I'm on the morning shift today, so I'll be off soon. We can head back together later.”\r\nEvelyn nodded and waited for Chloe in the hallway.\r\nShe looked down at her stomach.\r\n*Signs of a miscarriage. Does the baby know what I've decided? Is that why it wants to leave on its own?*\r\nEvelyn pressed her lips together and took the forms to get the other tests done.\r\n\r\n“Buzz buzz.”\r\nHer phone vibrated—a notification about a change in her bank account balance.\r\nIt was a new bank card she'd opened to keep her finances separate from Luke's during the cooling-off period.\r\nFrom now on, all her income would go into this account.\r\nAs the balance updated, another message came in.\r\n【The payment for the composition and lyrics came through. Finance sent the transfer. Can you confirm you got it?】\r\nBefore she married Luke, Evelyn had been a songwriter who worked behind the scenes.\r\nShe loved music. Years ago, when her father was still alive and she was the Cook family heiress, she could have anything she wanted, so her talent had been nurtured.\r\nLater, life's ups and downs gave her a deeper understanding of the world.\r\nHer father probably never imagined that the skill he'd encouraged as a hobby would one day become her livelihood after he was gone.\r\nAfter a moment, Evelyn replied: 【Got it, thanks.】\r\nThe reply was immediate: 【You earned it. Honestly, you've written some major hits over the years. Are you sure you don't want to make a comeback? Listen, there's a new show that would be perfect for you. I sent the details to your email, make sure you check it out. I'm holding a special contestant spot for you.】\r\nEvelyn opened her email and glanced at the file. It was a music competition show. The format wasn't complicated, pretty much the same as other music shows she'd seen, but it required a high degree of originality.\r\nEvelyn replied: 【I'll think about it.】\r\nAfter replying, she put her phone down. A dull ache pulled at her lower abdomen.\r\nShe missed her dad again.\r\nThat was the second time today.\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a series of viral topics exploded online—\r\n#VivianBakerStomachCancer\r\n#FamousFloristVivianBakersFinalDays\r\n#VivianBakerFacesFinal6MonthsWithASmile\r\n…\r\nThe top trending post read—\r\n“…reporters have learned that renowned floral artist Vivian Baker has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months to live. But she hasn't let it defeat her. She plans to share her journey over these last six months with her followers, turning her final days into a public chronicle.”\r\nIn the video, Vivian offered the camera a tragic smile. “For these last six months, I'll be sharing my journey with everyone online. My only hope is to offer some emotional support to others who are sick like me. I hope everyone can get better.”\r\nThe reporter reappeared on screen: “We understand there have long been rumors connecting Vivian Baker and Luke Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation. But Mr. Scott is already married. It makes you wonder if we're about to see some real-life romantic drama unfold.”\r\nVivian seemed to notice this reporter. She walked over with a smile, politely interrupted him, and took control of the conversation.\r\nShe looked directly into the camera.\r\n“It's true that I have feelings for Luke, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.”\r\n“He's an amazing man. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.”\r\n“But I want to make one thing clear to everyone: I would never be the other woman in someone's marriage. That's a line I won't cross. Thank you.”\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nWith that, Vivian stepped out of the frame, leaving the reporter to continue.\r\nShe navigated through the crowd, got into her car, and only then did a true smile appear on her face.\r\nHer 'private nurse' handed her a bottle of water, a hesitant look on their face.\r\n“Just say what you want to say,” Vivian said coldly. “The driver is one of us.”\r\nThe nurse finally lowered their voice. “Ms. Baker, your diagnosis was a stomach ulcer. It was already a huge risk for our clinic to forge medical records saying it was stomach cancer. Why are you livestreaming this to the public now?”\r\nVivian gave a scornful laugh, which confused the nurse.\r\n“Is your clinic a medical institution?” she asked.\r\nThe nurse nodded.\r\n“Are my medical records at your clinic managed independently?” she continued.\r\nThe nurse nodded again.\r\n“And do my records state that I have terminal stomach cancer and only six months to live?” she asked again.\r\nThe nurse hesitated but finally nodded.\r\n“So?” Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. “That makes it real. Let them investigate.”\r\n“But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future…”\r\n“Two solutions,” Vivian said, shooting the nurse a warning look.\r\n“One: I continue my 'treatment' at your clinic or others, and then a miracle happens and I'm cured. Love conquers all, or whatever.”\r\n“Two: Your clinic misdiagnosed me. That's medical malpractice, and you subjected me to improper treatment for a long time.”\r\nThe threat in Vivian's voice was unmistakable. “Which of those two options do you prefer?”\r\nThe nurse's face paled. Finally, they just said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Baker. I was overthinking things. You've thought of everything.”\r\nVivian sneered.\r\n“Ms. Baker, where are we heading now?” the nurse asked, trying to break the awkward silence.\r\nVivian glanced absently at her phone. “City First Hospital.”\r\nThe nurse grew anxious. “But…”\r\n“I'm just taking my medical records to get a prescription for some painkillers. Relax.” Vivian sent a text to Luke, asking him to pick her up at the hospital later.\r\nLuke replied quickly.\r\n【Okay.】\r\nMeanwhile, Evelyn was in a hospital bathroom, a sharp pain pulling at her lower abdomen. In her hand was a piece of toilet paper, stained with blood.\r\nThe first sign of a miscarriage."},{"chapter_key":"9tmS4azM9U","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/4/en_9dee4c2d-1ee8-4b58-9e37-d48008a0a8a1.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Vivian Baker's car headed for First Hospital.\r\nThe story of her \"death countdown\" had already blown up online.\r\nComment sections everywhere were buzzing.\r\n“Honestly, I think Vivian's great. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to love or hate. Nothing wrong with that.”\r\n“I totally agree with the post above. Tons of people have a crush on Luke Scott. As long as she's not a homewrecker, who she loves is her business.”\r\n“Her vlogs and that livestream from Mountainview Villa were the only reason I got a peek into the world of the super-rich. It'll be such a shame when she's gone.”\r\n“Who even is Luke Scott's wife? Can't she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.”\r\n“Oh, I know. She's some musician named Evelyn Cook. Heard she stopped working after marrying into money. Just a trophy wife!”\r\n...\r\nFirst Hospital.\r\nEvelyn's phone was buzzing nonstop with calls and texts from people she knew. Some were checking in, some were fishing for gossip, and others were openly mocking her. They were all about Vivian and Luke.\r\nShe'd just glanced at the news online and learned about Vivian's death countdown.\r\nShe didn't read any further.\r\nIt didn't matter anymore.\r\nAfter this trial separation, she and Luke would be done for good.\r\nTime flew by. She checked her watch and, looking up, saw Liz walking over with her purse.\r\n“How are you feeling? Anything wrong?” Liz asked, seeing how pale Evelyn was. She worriedly helped her to her feet.\r\nEvelyn just shook her head with a faint smile.\r\nNow that she'd made her decision, this was just something she had to endure.\r\nLiz knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking, but all she could do was sigh softly as she guided her to the elevator.\r\n*Ding.* The elevator doors opened to the first floor.\r\nThe hospital lobby was always bustling, but today it seemed especially crowded. Evelyn even spotted reporters in the mix.\r\n“So many people, and press too. Some celebrity must be here for a doctor's visit. They always make such a scene…” Liz was muttering when her expression suddenly changed. She saw something and immediately tried to pull Evelyn in the other direction.\r\nBut it was too late. Evelyn had already seen them.\r\nTwo familiar figures.\r\nThe man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary presence. Even in the chaotic environment, his perfectly styled hair and custom-tailored Italian suit were immaculate.\r\nThe woman was small and frail, her complexion pale. She was clearly sick, which only made her look more tragically beautiful.\r\nShe stumbled over something, and in the next second, the man caught her, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the surrounding crowd.\r\nIt was Luke and Vivian.\r\n“Don't look, don't look!” Liz was furious, muttering about the cheating bastards while trying to block Evelyn's view.\r\n“Liz, let's just go,” Evelyn said. Now that she'd decided to leave Luke, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she want to run into them like this.\r\n“Go where?” Liz's anger flared. “You two are on a trial separation, you're not divorced yet. He's still your husband, and he's all over another woman in public. He's such a goddamn asshole!”\r\nHusband…\r\nEvelyn looked away.\r\nOnce upon a time, that title had filled her with a secret joy.\r\nBut now…\r\n“Liz, I'm not feeling well. Can we please just go home?” Evelyn said, changing the subject.\r\nLiz's attention immediately shifted to her friend's health, and she forgot all about the other two.\r\nAs Evelyn walked away, Vivian, from within the crowd, glanced in her direction.\r\nA flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.\r\n“Luke, I'm so sorry. I dragged you into this mess with me,” Vivian said, her face a mask of guilt. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I…”\r\n“Don't worry about it. Let's get you to the doctor,” Luke replied, his expression unchanged.\r\nBut just a moment ago, something had flickered in his mind, a fleeting thought he couldn't quite grasp.\r\nThe two of them went to the specialist's office.\r\nVivian handed her medical records to the doctor.\r\nThe doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.\r\n“Your condition is very serious,” the doctor said grimly.\r\nVivian forced a smile. “I know,” she whispered.\r\nShe took a deep breath. “Doctor, I'm hoping you can prescribe some strong painkillers.”\r\n“At this stage, I'd recommend you be admitted for treatment,” the doctor said, looking at her chart. “If we're aggressive, we might be able to extend your life.”\r\n“There's no need,” Vivian said with a tragic smile.\r\nShe wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I don't want treatment anymore.”\r\nLuke, who was standing beside her, tightened his grip on her hand.\r\nShe just shook her head.\r\n“Doctor, I just want to live the last part of my life with some dignity,” she said. “So please, just prescribe me some strong painkillers.”\r\nThe doctor let out a long sigh and, finally, nodded in understanding.\r\nOutside the door, reporters were furiously filming and live-streaming everything.\r\nThe internet instantly erupted.\r\n“Oh my god, this is a real person's life, and it's just going to end like this.”\r\n“I cry from a paper cut, I can't even imagine how painful late-stage cancer is. But she's facing it all with a smile. She's so strong.”\r\n“When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I just broke down crying. Only people who've had a loved one go through a serious illness can understand what that feels like.”\r\nCountless people shed tears of sympathy, their pity for Vivian reaching its peak.\r\n...\r\nVivian got her prescription quickly. By the time she and Luke left the hospital, Evelyn was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Liz to bring the car around from the garage.\r\nBefore Evelyn could even process what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her, and in an instant, all three of them were mobbed.\r\nCamera flashes went off relentlessly.\r\nLuke noticed her, too. He frowned, his thin lips parting. “What are you doing here?”\r\nEvelyn stood up. She looked at Luke, then at Vivian's hand resting in the crook of his arm.\r\nBefore Evelyn could speak, someone in the crowd started fanning the flames.\r\n“Ms. Cook, did you see the posts online and come here to confront them?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are your thoughts on your husband being out in public with another woman?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are you going to do to Vivian?”\r\nEveryone assumed Evelyn was there to cause a scene, to have a showdown with Vivian.\r\nEven Luke thought so.\r\nAt that thought, his annoyance returned.\r\nHe spoke, his voice tinged with a warning. “Vivian is sick. Didn't you know?”\r\nEvelyn found it laughable.\r\nHe was implying she was here to harass Vivian.\r\nAs if she would stoop so low.\r\n“Evelyn!” Luke called her name when she didn't answer and a reporter had already turned to ask Vivian her thoughts on being the “other woman.”\r\nHe wanted her to speak up for Vivian.\r\nJust like every other time.\r\nTo obey his every command.\r\nBut she didn't want to anymore.\r\nShe didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?\r\nHer right hand instinctively shielded her abdomen, where a dull ache still lingered.\r\n“I came to see a friend,” Evelyn finally said.\r\nThey were on a trial separation. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, and she couldn't have people speculating about why she was at the hospital.\r\nHer answer, at least, addressed Luke's question.\r\nWith that, she turned to leave.\r\nBut the reporters wouldn't let her go.\r\nThey swarmed in front of her, pushing and shoving.\r\n“Ms. Cook, are you aware that many people online are telling you to step aside and let Mr. Scott be with Vivian?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, you know Vivian is dying. Are you really going to upset her at a time like this?”\r\n“Ms. Cook…”\r\nEvelyn didn't want to answer any of it. She just wanted to get away.\r\nHaving finally captured the three of them together, the crowd wasn't about to let her leave.\r\nSeeing that Luke wasn't going to intervene, someone in the crowd gave Evelyn a hard shove from behind.\r\nEvelyn stumbled, and she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach."}],"recommend_text":"Their kisses still burning her lips, he pushed divorce papers across the bed: “My girl’s got 6 months left with cancer. She needs to die as my wife. Fake divorce—we’ll fix it later.”\n He didn’t blink, even as her fingers trembled from their recent intimacy. She laughed. 7 years of loving him body and soul, only to end like a place holder.\n This “act” will cost him everything—she’s done playing nice.","button_text":"","bottom_text":""} "2600:1f28:365:80b0:4d23:66fa:c2bb:7bae" {"clickToRead":"🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free 👇","continueReading":"CONTINUE READING","more":"More","open":"Open","bottomText":"The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇"} {"id":1000182,"name":"When a Fake Divorce Becomes Real","start_time":1761911361,"end_time":1793447361,"status":1,"version_config":[{"name":"base","traffic_interval":0},{"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":422,"novel":{"novel_id":5138,"novel_key":"uTMWf32pMt","title":"When a Fake Divorce Becomes Real","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5a8b969a2c101406922ec55abf786d9b.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Luke scott divorces Evelyn cook for his ex, expecting her to wait. But she's done—tears spent, heart broken. After losing their baby, she leaves for good. The fake divorce becomes real. Now he's the one chasing her in his Maybach, red-eyed and desperate for just one glance back.","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":200,"word_count":260262,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"Their kisses still burning her lips, he pushed divorce papers across the bed: “My girl’s got 6 months left with cancer. She needs to die as my wife. Fake divorce—we’ll fix it later.”\n He didn’t blink, even as her fingers trembled from their recent intimacy. She laughed. 7 years of loving him body and soul, only to end like a place holder.\n This “act” will cost him everything—she’s done playing nice.","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.\r\n\r\nThe sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.\r\n\r\nWhen it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.\r\n\r\n\"Let's get a divorce,\" he said, his voice completely flat.\r\n\r\nStill breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.\r\n\r\nShe turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.\r\n\r\nThey'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.\r\n\r\n\"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nLuke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.\r\n\r\n\"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life.\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.\r\n\r\nThe small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.\r\n\r\nSeeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.\r\n\r\n\"It's just to make her happy.\"\r\n\r\nHe said, \"We'll get remarried in six months.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.\r\n\r\nEvelyn stared blankly at his profile.\r\n\r\n*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*\r\n\r\nAnd why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.\r\n\r\nA teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.\r\n\r\nThen there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, \"If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!\"\r\n\r\nShe had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.\r\n\r\nHe saved her life.\r\n\r\nAnd just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.\r\n\r\nWhatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.\r\n\r\nAnd afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, \"Good job, Evelyn.\"\r\n\r\nHis words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.\r\n\r\nBut she'd always told herself that was just his nature.\r\n\r\nSo, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.\r\n\r\nSeven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.\r\n\r\nA year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.\r\n\r\nHe came to her, and they went to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nShe thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?\"\r\n\r\nHe frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.\r\n\r\n\"Do we really have to do this?\" she asked.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. \"Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state.\"\r\n\r\n\"And what about me?\" The words escaped her before she could stop them.\r\n\r\nHe didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.\r\n\r\nAfter about three seconds, he spoke again.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she's dying.\"\r\n\r\n\"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines.\"\r\n\r\n\"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses.\"\r\n\r\n\"She's a good person. Just let her have this.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.\r\n\r\n*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*\r\n\r\nShe looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.\r\n\r\nThe same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.\r\n\r\nWhen had he changed?\r\n\r\n*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*\r\n\r\n\"Are you sure you want a divorce?\" she asked one last time.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.\r\n\r\nFinally, they parted.\r\n\r\nHe said, \"Yes. You...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine.\"\r\n\r\nShe agreed before he could say another word.\r\n\r\nHe froze.\r\n\r\nHis eyes narrowed, studying her.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, you're getting clever.\"\r\n\r\nFor once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.\r\n\r\n\"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.\r\n\r\nLuke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.\r\n\r\nHe didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.\r\n\r\nBecause he knew. She would never leave him.\r\n\r\nIt had always been that way.\r\n\r\nBANG!\r\n\r\nThe door slammed shut behind him.\r\n\r\nEvelyn was left alone in the bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.\r\n\r\n*Buzz. Buzz.*\r\n\r\nHer phone vibrated.\r\n\r\nA new message.\r\n\r\nShe reached for it.\r\n\r\nA message from a contact saved as \"Her Burner Account.\"\r\n\r\nHer Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]\r\n\r\nThe attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.\r\n\r\nHer finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.\r\n\r\nThe previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]\r\n\r\nThe one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]\r\n\r\nAnd the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]\r\n\r\n...\r\n\r\nThere were so many messages like that.\r\n\r\nEach one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.\r\n\r\nShe never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...\r\n\r\nSo alive with someone else.\r\n\r\nShe scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]\r\n\r\n*Hah...*\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who it was.\r\n\r\nVivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.\r\n\r\nEvelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.\r\n\r\nHe'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.\r\n\r\nAfter all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.\r\n\r\nExcept for today's.\r\n\r\n*Should I show this one to Luke?*\r\n\r\nShe tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.\r\n\r\nFrom it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.\r\n\r\nHer pregnancy confirmation.\r\n\r\nShe was having Luke's baby.\r\n\r\nAt the worst possible moment.\r\n\r\nA tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.\r\n\r\n*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*\r\n\r\nWiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.\r\n\r\nHe had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.\r\n\r\nSeven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.\r\n\r\nShe had repaid her debt to him for saving her.\r\n\r\nShe was done. She was done loving him."},{"chapter_key":"pFh3joCpYa","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/2/en_29c392c2-0bab-4703-ad0b-715f3571b254.txt","word_count":1254,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next day.\nIn the parking lot outside the courthouse.\nLuke sat in his luxury sedan, his left hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel.\n\"Luke, honey, you and Evelyn have been married for a year now. You need to hurry up and have a baby,\" an elderly woman's voice said from his phone.\nLuke's expression softened. He sounded a bit exasperated, but patient.\nHe said, \"Grandma, we're still young. There's no rush. Right now, you just need to take care of yourself, and Grandpa. He...\"\n\"How can I not be in a rush?\" the old woman cut in. \"Your grandfather is doing much better, but we're getting old. We could be gone any day now.\"\n\"Grandma...\"\nThe old woman's voice turned serious. \"Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors, and you better not be mistreating Evelyn.\"\nLuke went silent for three seconds.\nHe waited until she prodded, \"Did you hear me?\"\nHe finally rubbed the bridge of his nose and answered, \"I know, Grandma.\"\nAfter a few more pleasantries, Luke hung up.\nHis fingers resumed their absent-minded tapping on the steering wheel as he stared at the courthouse in the distance, his lips pressed into a thin line.\nHe opened his messaging app.\nHis finger brushed over the profile picture of a florist saved as \"My Love,\" then scrolled down to tap on his chat with \"Evelyn Cook.\"\nThe last message was from him, telling her the time and place to meet at the courthouse this morning to file for divorce.\nShe wasn't here yet.\nFrowning slightly, he sent her a message.\nLuke: [Where are you?]\nThe next moment, a knock on the window. Luke looked up to see Evelyn's slightly pale face outside.\nEvelyn opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.\nShe glanced at him.\nHe was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday—the one she'd picked out for him.\nFor years, she had managed every detail of his life, from small things like his cologne and ties to his custom-tailored shirts and suits.\n\"What took you so long?\" he asked.\nEvelyn looked away.\n\"I'm not late,\" she replied.\nShe just wasn't foolishly early anymore, waiting anxiously for him at his beck and call.\nLuke's tapping fingers paused for a second. He frowned at her.\nShe looked paler than usual. *She probably didn't sleep well after I brought up the divorce last night.*\n*Not that it's a big deal.*\n\"Grandma called me just now,\" Luke said, looking away. \"Let's not tell our grandparents about the divorce. They're too old for that kind of shock.\"\nEvelyn didn't agree immediately. She just asked, \"What did she say on the call?\"\n\"She was nagging us to have a kid.\" Luke's eyes narrowed, a flash of impatience in them.\nA long silence stretched between them.\nAfter a few minutes, Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh.\nLuke's left hand clenched into a fist. He stared out the window, saying nothing.\nHe had imagined what his child would be like, when they would be born.\nWhile making love to Evelyn, he had even caressed her stomach and whispered in her ear, \"Evelyn, when are you going to have my baby?\"\nBut...\n*She never got pregnant anyway.*\n*We'll get remarried in six months. It won't be too late then.*\n*Vivian only has six months left.*\nOutside the car, people came and went. Another three seconds passed.\nEvelyn spoke. \"One last time, Luke. Are you sure you want to divorce me?\"\n\"Having second thoughts?\" This time, his anger was real.\n*Vivian is waiting for me at home.*\nGetting his confirmation one more time, Evelyn said nothing more. She just pulled out a document and handed it to Luke.\nLuke took it with a frown. It was a property settlement agreement.\n\"Since we're getting a divorce, let's make a clean break.\"\nShe said, \"Everything from The Scott Group, I'm only taking what I'm entitled to.\"\n\"During the waiting period, any money we earn individually belongs to ourselves.\"\nWith that, Evelyn took out a pen and set it down.\n\"If there are no issues, sign it,\" she said.\nThe more Luke read, the tighter his frown became.\nThe standard contract was simple and clear. She really wasn't taking much. Her signature, \"Evelyn Cook,\" was already on her line.\nHe didn't understand.\n*It's just a temporary divorce. What's the point of this contract?*\n*Vivian only has six months left. After I see her through this final chapter, I'll get back together with Evelyn, just like before, under our grandparents' watch.*\nIn Luke's mind, Evelyn couldn't live without him.\nHer threshold for what she would endure for him was incredibly low.\nHe'd resented her for it before, deliberately making her do things that eroded her sense of self.\nShe never refused.\nShe would even present him with the results, beaming, and say, \"Look, Luke! I did it. Aren't I great?\"\nShe was the perfect, submissive wife. He had confirmed this countless times over the past seven years.\nIf it weren't for Vivian, his marriage might have continued on this placid, uneventful path.\nBut...\nAn image of Vivian's tragic, defiant face as she coughed up blood flashed in his mind, and the pain of it was so sharp he could barely breathe.\nLuke glanced at the side window.\nIt reflected Evelyn's face, devoid of any joy or sorrow.\n*Is she trying to blackmail me?*\n*After all, she used fake records to slander Vivian before.*\n*She hates Vivian.*\n*Heh...*\nHe snatched the pen.\nLuke scrawled his name on his designated line.\n*No one blackmails me.*\nTwo copies were signed.\nEvelyn took hers.\nThen.\nShe got out of the car.\nTook a number.\nSubmitted their documents.\nFilled out the Divorce Application.\nThey each took their copy of the application receipt. After the cooling-off period, they would come back one more time to get the final divorce certificate.\nOnce the whole process was over, they walked out of the courthouse.\nThe sun was high in the sky.\nIts warm rays felt pleasant on Evelyn's skin.\nLuke watched the people coming and going.\nIt was easy to tell the difference between those getting married and those getting divorced.\nA couple walked out, holding hands, the woman's face glowing with a sweet smile.\nHe vaguely remembered that Evelyn had worn a similar smile a year ago, when they came here to register their marriage.\nLuke glanced over at Evelyn.\nHer face was still a blank mask.\n\"I'll still deposit money into your account while we're divorced,\" he said. \"And don't tell my grandparents about this.\"\nHe left without waiting for her reply.\nShe watched his car turn the corner and disappear.\nThen, the car she'd called arrived.\nThe two vehicles headed in completely opposite directions.\nOne drove to Vivian's Flower Studio.\nThe other, to Metro General Hospital.\nLuke opened the door to the flower studio, and Vivian greeted him with a smile.\nHe pulled out the application receipt. \"It's done,\" he told her. \"She didn't make a fuss.\"\nAt the same time, Evelyn, holding her appointment slip, walked into the gynecology department.\nShe sat down across from the doctor.\nThe doctor pulled the curtain closed.\n\"Evelyn, are you really going to terminate this pregnancy?\" her best friend and doctor, Chloe Lin, asked worriedly. \"Haven't you always wanted to get pregnant? You even came to me for fertility treatments.\"\nEvelyn placed the receipt from the courthouse on the side table.\n\"Yes,\" Evelyn said calmly. \"Let's get rid of it. I don't want it anymore.\""},{"chapter_key":"sBjVKAuDwQ","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/3/en_e73ad34f-01dd-4336-a080-c44b0ae3d561.txt","word_count":1315,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Chloe stared at the divorce filing receipt in surprise.\r\nThey'd been best friends for over a decade, and Chloe had seen firsthand just how crazy Evelyn had been for Luke Scott.\r\nBack in the day, Evelyn would have literally died for him.\r\nWhen they got married a year ago, Chloe had sighed but was still happy that her best friend had finally gotten her wish.\r\nBut now…\r\nWhat happened?\r\n“I don't love him anymore,” Evelyn said before Chloe could even ask.\r\nShe looked at Chloe, the corners of her lips turning up in a beautiful smile.\r\nIn that smile, Chloe saw a glimpse of the old Evelyn—the heiress she'd been before the Cook family fell apart, before her father died, before life had trampled her into the dirt.\r\nAnd just like that, it all made sense.\r\n“Luke doesn't know I'm pregnant,” Evelyn continued. “There's a 30-day cooling-off period, and I don't want any surprises. It's better if he doesn't know.”\r\nDuring the thirty-day divorce cooling-off period, if one party changed their mind, they could withdraw the application, and the marriage would remain valid.\r\nHearing this, Chloe knew Evelyn was dead set on leaving him.\r\nAfter getting the full picture, Chloe ordered the necessary tests for Evelyn and told her, “Evelyn, you'll have to wait a few days for the procedure.”\r\n“Why?” Evelyn asked, confused.\r\nChloe answered, “You know you have a rare blood type. We need to have a supply ready just in case. I called the blood bank, and it should take about a week to get it here.”\r\nEvelyn froze, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.\r\nShe'd inherited her blood type from her father.\r\nShe missed him again.\r\nIf her dad were still here…\r\n“Okay.” Evelyn suppressed the wave of emotion, nodding with a small, red-rimmed smile.\r\n“Also, you're showing early signs of a miscarriage. You need to be extra careful these next few days.”\r\nChloe looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with sympathy.\r\nThey were childhood best friends; she understood Evelyn's pain.\r\nChloe squeezed Evelyn's hand. “Wait for me. I'm on the morning shift today, so I'll be off soon. We can head back together later.”\r\nEvelyn nodded and waited for Chloe in the hallway.\r\nShe looked down at her stomach.\r\n*Signs of a miscarriage. Does the baby know what I've decided? Is that why it wants to leave on its own?*\r\nEvelyn pressed her lips together and took the forms to get the other tests done.\r\n\r\n“Buzz buzz.”\r\nHer phone vibrated—a notification about a change in her bank account balance.\r\nIt was a new bank card she'd opened to keep her finances separate from Luke's during the cooling-off period.\r\nFrom now on, all her income would go into this account.\r\nAs the balance updated, another message came in.\r\n【The payment for the composition and lyrics came through. Finance sent the transfer. Can you confirm you got it?】\r\nBefore she married Luke, Evelyn had been a songwriter who worked behind the scenes.\r\nShe loved music. Years ago, when her father was still alive and she was the Cook family heiress, she could have anything she wanted, so her talent had been nurtured.\r\nLater, life's ups and downs gave her a deeper understanding of the world.\r\nHer father probably never imagined that the skill he'd encouraged as a hobby would one day become her livelihood after he was gone.\r\nAfter a moment, Evelyn replied: 【Got it, thanks.】\r\nThe reply was immediate: 【You earned it. Honestly, you've written some major hits over the years. Are you sure you don't want to make a comeback? Listen, there's a new show that would be perfect for you. I sent the details to your email, make sure you check it out. I'm holding a special contestant spot for you.】\r\nEvelyn opened her email and glanced at the file. It was a music competition show. The format wasn't complicated, pretty much the same as other music shows she'd seen, but it required a high degree of originality.\r\nEvelyn replied: 【I'll think about it.】\r\nAfter replying, she put her phone down. A dull ache pulled at her lower abdomen.\r\nShe missed her dad again.\r\nThat was the second time today.\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a series of viral topics exploded online—\r\n#VivianBakerStomachCancer\r\n#FamousFloristVivianBakersFinalDays\r\n#VivianBakerFacesFinal6MonthsWithASmile\r\n…\r\nThe top trending post read—\r\n“…reporters have learned that renowned floral artist Vivian Baker has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months to live. But she hasn't let it defeat her. She plans to share her journey over these last six months with her followers, turning her final days into a public chronicle.”\r\nIn the video, Vivian offered the camera a tragic smile. “For these last six months, I'll be sharing my journey with everyone online. My only hope is to offer some emotional support to others who are sick like me. I hope everyone can get better.”\r\nThe reporter reappeared on screen: “We understand there have long been rumors connecting Vivian Baker and Luke Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation. But Mr. Scott is already married. It makes you wonder if we're about to see some real-life romantic drama unfold.”\r\nVivian seemed to notice this reporter. She walked over with a smile, politely interrupted him, and took control of the conversation.\r\nShe looked directly into the camera.\r\n“It's true that I have feelings for Luke, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.”\r\n“He's an amazing man. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.”\r\n“But I want to make one thing clear to everyone: I would never be the other woman in someone's marriage. That's a line I won't cross. Thank you.”\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nWith that, Vivian stepped out of the frame, leaving the reporter to continue.\r\nShe navigated through the crowd, got into her car, and only then did a true smile appear on her face.\r\nHer 'private nurse' handed her a bottle of water, a hesitant look on their face.\r\n“Just say what you want to say,” Vivian said coldly. “The driver is one of us.”\r\nThe nurse finally lowered their voice. “Ms. Baker, your diagnosis was a stomach ulcer. It was already a huge risk for our clinic to forge medical records saying it was stomach cancer. Why are you livestreaming this to the public now?”\r\nVivian gave a scornful laugh, which confused the nurse.\r\n“Is your clinic a medical institution?” she asked.\r\nThe nurse nodded.\r\n“Are my medical records at your clinic managed independently?” she continued.\r\nThe nurse nodded again.\r\n“And do my records state that I have terminal stomach cancer and only six months to live?” she asked again.\r\nThe nurse hesitated but finally nodded.\r\n“So?” Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. “That makes it real. Let them investigate.”\r\n“But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future…”\r\n“Two solutions,” Vivian said, shooting the nurse a warning look.\r\n“One: I continue my 'treatment' at your clinic or others, and then a miracle happens and I'm cured. Love conquers all, or whatever.”\r\n“Two: Your clinic misdiagnosed me. That's medical malpractice, and you subjected me to improper treatment for a long time.”\r\nThe threat in Vivian's voice was unmistakable. “Which of those two options do you prefer?”\r\nThe nurse's face paled. Finally, they just said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Baker. I was overthinking things. You've thought of everything.”\r\nVivian sneered.\r\n“Ms. Baker, where are we heading now?” the nurse asked, trying to break the awkward silence.\r\nVivian glanced absently at her phone. “City First Hospital.”\r\nThe nurse grew anxious. “But…”\r\n“I'm just taking my medical records to get a prescription for some painkillers. Relax.” Vivian sent a text to Luke, asking him to pick her up at the hospital later.\r\nLuke replied quickly.\r\n【Okay.】\r\nMeanwhile, Evelyn was in a hospital bathroom, a sharp pain pulling at her lower abdomen. In her hand was a piece of toilet paper, stained with blood.\r\nThe first sign of a miscarriage."},{"chapter_key":"9tmS4azM9U","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/4/en_9dee4c2d-1ee8-4b58-9e37-d48008a0a8a1.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Vivian Baker's car headed for First Hospital.\r\nThe story of her \"death countdown\" had already blown up online.\r\nComment sections everywhere were buzzing.\r\n“Honestly, I think Vivian's great. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to love or hate. Nothing wrong with that.”\r\n“I totally agree with the post above. Tons of people have a crush on Luke Scott. As long as she's not a homewrecker, who she loves is her business.”\r\n“Her vlogs and that livestream from Mountainview Villa were the only reason I got a peek into the world of the super-rich. It'll be such a shame when she's gone.”\r\n“Who even is Luke Scott's wife? Can't she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.”\r\n“Oh, I know. She's some musician named Evelyn Cook. Heard she stopped working after marrying into money. Just a trophy wife!”\r\n...\r\nFirst Hospital.\r\nEvelyn's phone was buzzing nonstop with calls and texts from people she knew. Some were checking in, some were fishing for gossip, and others were openly mocking her. They were all about Vivian and Luke.\r\nShe'd just glanced at the news online and learned about Vivian's death countdown.\r\nShe didn't read any further.\r\nIt didn't matter anymore.\r\nAfter this trial separation, she and Luke would be done for good.\r\nTime flew by. She checked her watch and, looking up, saw Liz walking over with her purse.\r\n“How are you feeling? Anything wrong?” Liz asked, seeing how pale Evelyn was. She worriedly helped her to her feet.\r\nEvelyn just shook her head with a faint smile.\r\nNow that she'd made her decision, this was just something she had to endure.\r\nLiz knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking, but all she could do was sigh softly as she guided her to the elevator.\r\n*Ding.* The elevator doors opened to the first floor.\r\nThe hospital lobby was always bustling, but today it seemed especially crowded. Evelyn even spotted reporters in the mix.\r\n“So many people, and press too. Some celebrity must be here for a doctor's visit. They always make such a scene…” Liz was muttering when her expression suddenly changed. She saw something and immediately tried to pull Evelyn in the other direction.\r\nBut it was too late. Evelyn had already seen them.\r\nTwo familiar figures.\r\nThe man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary presence. Even in the chaotic environment, his perfectly styled hair and custom-tailored Italian suit were immaculate.\r\nThe woman was small and frail, her complexion pale. She was clearly sick, which only made her look more tragically beautiful.\r\nShe stumbled over something, and in the next second, the man caught her, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the surrounding crowd.\r\nIt was Luke and Vivian.\r\n“Don't look, don't look!” Liz was furious, muttering about the cheating bastards while trying to block Evelyn's view.\r\n“Liz, let's just go,” Evelyn said. Now that she'd decided to leave Luke, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she want to run into them like this.\r\n“Go where?” Liz's anger flared. “You two are on a trial separation, you're not divorced yet. He's still your husband, and he's all over another woman in public. He's such a goddamn asshole!”\r\nHusband…\r\nEvelyn looked away.\r\nOnce upon a time, that title had filled her with a secret joy.\r\nBut now…\r\n“Liz, I'm not feeling well. Can we please just go home?” Evelyn said, changing the subject.\r\nLiz's attention immediately shifted to her friend's health, and she forgot all about the other two.\r\nAs Evelyn walked away, Vivian, from within the crowd, glanced in her direction.\r\nA flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.\r\n“Luke, I'm so sorry. I dragged you into this mess with me,” Vivian said, her face a mask of guilt. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I…”\r\n“Don't worry about it. Let's get you to the doctor,” Luke replied, his expression unchanged.\r\nBut just a moment ago, something had flickered in his mind, a fleeting thought he couldn't quite grasp.\r\nThe two of them went to the specialist's office.\r\nVivian handed her medical records to the doctor.\r\nThe doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.\r\n“Your condition is very serious,” the doctor said grimly.\r\nVivian forced a smile. “I know,” she whispered.\r\nShe took a deep breath. “Doctor, I'm hoping you can prescribe some strong painkillers.”\r\n“At this stage, I'd recommend you be admitted for treatment,” the doctor said, looking at her chart. “If we're aggressive, we might be able to extend your life.”\r\n“There's no need,” Vivian said with a tragic smile.\r\nShe wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I don't want treatment anymore.”\r\nLuke, who was standing beside her, tightened his grip on her hand.\r\nShe just shook her head.\r\n“Doctor, I just want to live the last part of my life with some dignity,” she said. “So please, just prescribe me some strong painkillers.”\r\nThe doctor let out a long sigh and, finally, nodded in understanding.\r\nOutside the door, reporters were furiously filming and live-streaming everything.\r\nThe internet instantly erupted.\r\n“Oh my god, this is a real person's life, and it's just going to end like this.”\r\n“I cry from a paper cut, I can't even imagine how painful late-stage cancer is. But she's facing it all with a smile. She's so strong.”\r\n“When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I just broke down crying. Only people who've had a loved one go through a serious illness can understand what that feels like.”\r\nCountless people shed tears of sympathy, their pity for Vivian reaching its peak.\r\n...\r\nVivian got her prescription quickly. By the time she and Luke left the hospital, Evelyn was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Liz to bring the car around from the garage.\r\nBefore Evelyn could even process what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her, and in an instant, all three of them were mobbed.\r\nCamera flashes went off relentlessly.\r\nLuke noticed her, too. He frowned, his thin lips parting. “What are you doing here?”\r\nEvelyn stood up. She looked at Luke, then at Vivian's hand resting in the crook of his arm.\r\nBefore Evelyn could speak, someone in the crowd started fanning the flames.\r\n“Ms. Cook, did you see the posts online and come here to confront them?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are your thoughts on your husband being out in public with another woman?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are you going to do to Vivian?”\r\nEveryone assumed Evelyn was there to cause a scene, to have a showdown with Vivian.\r\nEven Luke thought so.\r\nAt that thought, his annoyance returned.\r\nHe spoke, his voice tinged with a warning. “Vivian is sick. Didn't you know?”\r\nEvelyn found it laughable.\r\nHe was implying she was here to harass Vivian.\r\nAs if she would stoop so low.\r\n“Evelyn!” Luke called her name when she didn't answer and a reporter had already turned to ask Vivian her thoughts on being the “other woman.”\r\nHe wanted her to speak up for Vivian.\r\nJust like every other time.\r\nTo obey his every command.\r\nBut she didn't want to anymore.\r\nShe didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?\r\nHer right hand instinctively shielded her abdomen, where a dull ache still lingered.\r\n“I came to see a friend,” Evelyn finally said.\r\nThey were on a trial separation. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, and she couldn't have people speculating about why she was at the hospital.\r\nHer answer, at least, addressed Luke's question.\r\nWith that, she turned to leave.\r\nBut the reporters wouldn't let her go.\r\nThey swarmed in front of her, pushing and shoving.\r\n“Ms. Cook, are you aware that many people online are telling you to step aside and let Mr. Scott be with Vivian?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, you know Vivian is dying. Are you really going to upset her at a time like this?”\r\n“Ms. Cook…”\r\nEvelyn didn't want to answer any of it. She just wanted to get away.\r\nHaving finally captured the three of them together, the crowd wasn't about to let her leave.\r\nSeeing that Luke wasn't going to intervene, someone in the crowd gave Evelyn a hard shove from behind.\r\nEvelyn stumbled, and she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach."}]}}]} {"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":422,"novel":{"novel_id":5138,"novel_key":"uTMWf32pMt","title":"When a Fake Divorce Becomes Real","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5a8b969a2c101406922ec55abf786d9b.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Luke scott divorces Evelyn cook for his ex, expecting her to wait. But she's done—tears spent, heart broken. After losing their baby, she leaves for good. The fake divorce becomes real. Now he's the one chasing her in his Maybach, red-eyed and desperate for just one glance back.","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":200,"word_count":260262,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"Their kisses still burning her lips, he pushed divorce papers across the bed: “My girl’s got 6 months left with cancer. She needs to die as my wife. Fake divorce—we’ll fix it later.”\n He didn’t blink, even as her fingers trembled from their recent intimacy. She laughed. 7 years of loving him body and soul, only to end like a place holder.\n This “act” will cost him everything—she’s done playing nice.","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"EyoRxISKZr","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/1/en_85c1a44f-496c-4987-ad59-5763a831474d.txt","word_count":1324,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Mountainview Villa, the bedroom.\r\n\r\nThe sheets were a tangled mess. The man, lost in the moment, softly kissed the mole on the woman's chest.\r\n\r\nWhen it was over, Luke rolled over and sat up.\r\n\r\n\"Let's get a divorce,\" he said, his voice completely flat.\r\n\r\nStill breathless, Evelyn was just catching her breath.\r\n\r\nShe turned to face him, staring, confused, into his deep-set eyes.\r\n\r\nThey'd been married for a year. She couldn't understand what he was saying.\r\n\r\n\"She has stomach cancer. She only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nLuke lit a cigarette, the rising smoke blurring his face.\r\n\r\n\"Being my wife before she dies... it's her only wish in life.\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn said nothing. The huge bedroom was deathly quiet.\r\n\r\nThe small bedside lamp cast their shadows on the wall, stretching the short distance between them into a vast, uncrossable gulf.\r\n\r\nSeeing that she didn't agree immediately, he frowned slightly.\r\n\r\n\"It's just to make her happy.\"\r\n\r\nHe said, \"We'll get remarried in six months.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she only has six months left.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was so calm, as if he were just informing her of a new company policy.\r\n\r\nEvelyn stared blankly at his profile.\r\n\r\n*It's like I have to agree to every single thing he asks. As if his word is law, and I'm just here to obey.*\r\n\r\nAnd why not? Their entire relationship was built on her groveling for his affection.\r\n\r\nA teenage crush that turned into years of trailing behind him.\r\n\r\nThen there was that night, in the pouring rain, when he'd stood in front of her, wielding a splintered piece of wood, and snarled at her stepfather, \"If you ever touch Evelyn again, I'll make you regret it!\"\r\n\r\nShe had been beaten nearly to death. That night, through the downpour and the crimson haze of her own blood, all she could see were his knuckles, white as he gripped that piece of wood, and his eyes, cold and determined in the storm.\r\n\r\nHe saved her life.\r\n\r\nAnd just like that, she fell hopelessly in love with him.\r\n\r\nWhatever he asked, she did. She'd move heaven and earth for him, doing it better than anyone else.\r\n\r\nAnd afterward, he'd pat her on the head and praise her softly, \"Good job, Evelyn.\"\r\n\r\nHis words and kisses were always fleeting, their relationship always distant.\r\n\r\nBut she'd always told herself that was just his nature.\r\n\r\nSo, even when everyone called her a simp, she'd accepted it gladly.\r\n\r\nSeven years. Her entire youth, spent trailing in his shadow.\r\n\r\nA year ago, his grandfather's health took a sudden turn for the worse, and the Scott family decided he should get married, hoping a wedding might change their luck.\r\n\r\nHe came to her, and they went to the courthouse.\r\n\r\nShe thought all those years of devotion had finally paid off. But after the wedding, he was hot and cold, and lately, she could feel his annoyance growing into outright disdain.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, are you even listening to me?\"\r\n\r\nHe frowned, noticing she'd zoned out.\r\n\r\n\"Do we really have to do this?\" she asked.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer her question, dodging it completely. \"Evelyn, she's in a pitiful state.\"\r\n\r\n\"And what about me?\" The words escaped her before she could stop them.\r\n\r\nHe didn't reply right away, a flicker of impatience in his dark eyes.\r\n\r\nAfter about three seconds, he spoke again.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, she's dying.\"\r\n\r\n\"You probably don't know this, but she loves me. She never wanted to hurt you, so because of our marriage, we never crossed any lines.\"\r\n\r\n\"Even when I try to give her things, she always refuses.\"\r\n\r\n\"She's a good person. Just let her have this.\"\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, don't make me think you're a monster.\"\r\n\r\nHis voice was calm, almost icy, but each word was a knife in her heart.\r\n\r\n*So, getting involved with a married man and spouting a few empty words is what passes for 'good' now. And a wife who refuses to give up her husband is 'a monster.'*\r\n\r\nShe looked at his face, the same one from all those years ago.\r\n\r\nThe same deep-set eyes, the same strong nose, the same thin, sharp lips.\r\n\r\nWhen had he changed?\r\n\r\n*Probably the day 'she' appeared.*\r\n\r\n\"Are you sure you want a divorce?\" she asked one last time.\r\n\r\nHe didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin, hard line.\r\n\r\nFinally, they parted.\r\n\r\nHe said, \"Yes. You...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine.\"\r\n\r\nShe agreed before he could say another word.\r\n\r\nHe froze.\r\n\r\nHis eyes narrowed, studying her.\r\n\r\n\"Evelyn, you're getting clever.\"\r\n\r\nFor once, there was a rare hint of anger in his voice.\r\n\r\n\"You figured out I need you to agree, so now you're trying to blackmail me?\"\r\n\r\nEvelyn didn't speak, just kept her eyes on their two shadows on the white wall.\r\n\r\nLuke crushed out his cigarette. Without another word, he threw on his clothes and stormed out the door.\r\n\r\nHe didn't seem to care what she thought, or how humiliating and unacceptable his demand was.\r\n\r\nBecause he knew. She would never leave him.\r\n\r\nIt had always been that way.\r\n\r\nBANG!\r\n\r\nThe door slammed shut behind him.\r\n\r\nEvelyn was left alone in the bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe stared at the closed door for a long, long time, sitting silently on the edge of the bed.\r\n\r\n*Buzz. Buzz.*\r\n\r\nHer phone vibrated.\r\n\r\nA new message.\r\n\r\nShe reached for it.\r\n\r\nA message from a contact saved as \"Her Burner Account.\"\r\n\r\nHer Burner Account: [He came to see me again.]\r\n\r\nThe attached photo was a reflection in the glass of an entryway cabinet, showing Luke's profile. He was smiling warmly, a tenderness in his eyes she had never, ever seen.\r\n\r\nHer finger hovered for a second before she scrolled up.\r\n\r\nThe previous message: [He told me I'm the one in his heart.]\r\n\r\nThe one before that: [Is it cold on a rainy night? Not for me. He's right here beside me.]\r\n\r\nAnd the one before that: [The one who isn't loved is the real other woman, Evelyn. You were just a convenient choice to try and bring his family some good luck. He admires *my* aesthetic, he appreciates *my* taste. I'm the one he loves.]\r\n\r\n...\r\n\r\nThere were so many messages like that.\r\n\r\nEach one another drop of poison, another piece of evidence of his betrayal.\r\n\r\nShe never knew that Luke, who had always been so distant with her for seven years, could be...\r\n\r\nSo alive with someone else.\r\n\r\nShe scrolled to the very end, not really reading anymore, just mechanically flicking through the history until she landed on the very first message—[You should know who I am. Did you like the flowers in the living room today? I sent them. He said they were beautiful.]\r\n\r\n*Hah...*\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who it was.\r\n\r\nVivian Baker, the famous influencer florist known for creating arrangements for the penthouses and mansions of the super-rich.\r\n\r\nEvelyn had shown Luke these messages before, but he'd just said she had no proof they were from Vivian.\r\n\r\nHe'd even accused her of creating a burner account to send them to herself, just to frame Vivian.\r\n\r\nAfter all, the chat log rarely had photos, and the ones it did have could have been easily taken by any third party.\r\n\r\nExcept for today's.\r\n\r\n*Should I show this one to Luke?*\r\n\r\nShe tossed the phone aside and pulled a folder from the bottom drawer of her nightstand.\r\n\r\nFrom it, she took out a document she had just gotten earlier that day.\r\n\r\nHer pregnancy confirmation.\r\n\r\nShe was having Luke's baby.\r\n\r\nAt the worst possible moment.\r\n\r\nA tear dripped onto the paper, blurring the ink.\r\n\r\n*His heart isn't mine anymore. What's the point of proving anything?*\r\n\r\nWiping her tears, Evelyn picked up the lighter Luke had used for his cigarette and set the document on fire.\r\n\r\nHe had no idea. This divorce was the last request of his she would ever grant.\r\n\r\nSeven years of her youth. Seven years of her life.\r\n\r\nShe had repaid her debt to him for saving her.\r\n\r\nShe was done. She was done loving him."},{"chapter_key":"pFh3joCpYa","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/2/en_29c392c2-0bab-4703-ad0b-715f3571b254.txt","word_count":1254,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next day.\nIn the parking lot outside the courthouse.\nLuke sat in his luxury sedan, his left hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel.\n\"Luke, honey, you and Evelyn have been married for a year now. You need to hurry up and have a baby,\" an elderly woman's voice said from his phone.\nLuke's expression softened. He sounded a bit exasperated, but patient.\nHe said, \"Grandma, we're still young. There's no rush. Right now, you just need to take care of yourself, and Grandpa. He...\"\n\"How can I not be in a rush?\" the old woman cut in. \"Your grandfather is doing much better, but we're getting old. We could be gone any day now.\"\n\"Grandma...\"\nThe old woman's voice turned serious. \"Don't try to change the subject. I've heard the rumors, and you better not be mistreating Evelyn.\"\nLuke went silent for three seconds.\nHe waited until she prodded, \"Did you hear me?\"\nHe finally rubbed the bridge of his nose and answered, \"I know, Grandma.\"\nAfter a few more pleasantries, Luke hung up.\nHis fingers resumed their absent-minded tapping on the steering wheel as he stared at the courthouse in the distance, his lips pressed into a thin line.\nHe opened his messaging app.\nHis finger brushed over the profile picture of a florist saved as \"My Love,\" then scrolled down to tap on his chat with \"Evelyn Cook.\"\nThe last message was from him, telling her the time and place to meet at the courthouse this morning to file for divorce.\nShe wasn't here yet.\nFrowning slightly, he sent her a message.\nLuke: [Where are you?]\nThe next moment, a knock on the window. Luke looked up to see Evelyn's slightly pale face outside.\nEvelyn opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.\nShe glanced at him.\nHe was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday—the one she'd picked out for him.\nFor years, she had managed every detail of his life, from small things like his cologne and ties to his custom-tailored shirts and suits.\n\"What took you so long?\" he asked.\nEvelyn looked away.\n\"I'm not late,\" she replied.\nShe just wasn't foolishly early anymore, waiting anxiously for him at his beck and call.\nLuke's tapping fingers paused for a second. He frowned at her.\nShe looked paler than usual. *She probably didn't sleep well after I brought up the divorce last night.*\n*Not that it's a big deal.*\n\"Grandma called me just now,\" Luke said, looking away. \"Let's not tell our grandparents about the divorce. They're too old for that kind of shock.\"\nEvelyn didn't agree immediately. She just asked, \"What did she say on the call?\"\n\"She was nagging us to have a kid.\" Luke's eyes narrowed, a flash of impatience in them.\nA long silence stretched between them.\nAfter a few minutes, Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh.\nLuke's left hand clenched into a fist. He stared out the window, saying nothing.\nHe had imagined what his child would be like, when they would be born.\nWhile making love to Evelyn, he had even caressed her stomach and whispered in her ear, \"Evelyn, when are you going to have my baby?\"\nBut...\n*She never got pregnant anyway.*\n*We'll get remarried in six months. It won't be too late then.*\n*Vivian only has six months left.*\nOutside the car, people came and went. Another three seconds passed.\nEvelyn spoke. \"One last time, Luke. Are you sure you want to divorce me?\"\n\"Having second thoughts?\" This time, his anger was real.\n*Vivian is waiting for me at home.*\nGetting his confirmation one more time, Evelyn said nothing more. She just pulled out a document and handed it to Luke.\nLuke took it with a frown. It was a property settlement agreement.\n\"Since we're getting a divorce, let's make a clean break.\"\nShe said, \"Everything from The Scott Group, I'm only taking what I'm entitled to.\"\n\"During the waiting period, any money we earn individually belongs to ourselves.\"\nWith that, Evelyn took out a pen and set it down.\n\"If there are no issues, sign it,\" she said.\nThe more Luke read, the tighter his frown became.\nThe standard contract was simple and clear. She really wasn't taking much. Her signature, \"Evelyn Cook,\" was already on her line.\nHe didn't understand.\n*It's just a temporary divorce. What's the point of this contract?*\n*Vivian only has six months left. After I see her through this final chapter, I'll get back together with Evelyn, just like before, under our grandparents' watch.*\nIn Luke's mind, Evelyn couldn't live without him.\nHer threshold for what she would endure for him was incredibly low.\nHe'd resented her for it before, deliberately making her do things that eroded her sense of self.\nShe never refused.\nShe would even present him with the results, beaming, and say, \"Look, Luke! I did it. Aren't I great?\"\nShe was the perfect, submissive wife. He had confirmed this countless times over the past seven years.\nIf it weren't for Vivian, his marriage might have continued on this placid, uneventful path.\nBut...\nAn image of Vivian's tragic, defiant face as she coughed up blood flashed in his mind, and the pain of it was so sharp he could barely breathe.\nLuke glanced at the side window.\nIt reflected Evelyn's face, devoid of any joy or sorrow.\n*Is she trying to blackmail me?*\n*After all, she used fake records to slander Vivian before.*\n*She hates Vivian.*\n*Heh...*\nHe snatched the pen.\nLuke scrawled his name on his designated line.\n*No one blackmails me.*\nTwo copies were signed.\nEvelyn took hers.\nThen.\nShe got out of the car.\nTook a number.\nSubmitted their documents.\nFilled out the Divorce Application.\nThey each took their copy of the application receipt. After the cooling-off period, they would come back one more time to get the final divorce certificate.\nOnce the whole process was over, they walked out of the courthouse.\nThe sun was high in the sky.\nIts warm rays felt pleasant on Evelyn's skin.\nLuke watched the people coming and going.\nIt was easy to tell the difference between those getting married and those getting divorced.\nA couple walked out, holding hands, the woman's face glowing with a sweet smile.\nHe vaguely remembered that Evelyn had worn a similar smile a year ago, when they came here to register their marriage.\nLuke glanced over at Evelyn.\nHer face was still a blank mask.\n\"I'll still deposit money into your account while we're divorced,\" he said. \"And don't tell my grandparents about this.\"\nHe left without waiting for her reply.\nShe watched his car turn the corner and disappear.\nThen, the car she'd called arrived.\nThe two vehicles headed in completely opposite directions.\nOne drove to Vivian's Flower Studio.\nThe other, to Metro General Hospital.\nLuke opened the door to the flower studio, and Vivian greeted him with a smile.\nHe pulled out the application receipt. \"It's done,\" he told her. \"She didn't make a fuss.\"\nAt the same time, Evelyn, holding her appointment slip, walked into the gynecology department.\nShe sat down across from the doctor.\nThe doctor pulled the curtain closed.\n\"Evelyn, are you really going to terminate this pregnancy?\" her best friend and doctor, Chloe Lin, asked worriedly. \"Haven't you always wanted to get pregnant? You even came to me for fertility treatments.\"\nEvelyn placed the receipt from the courthouse on the side table.\n\"Yes,\" Evelyn said calmly. \"Let's get rid of it. I don't want it anymore.\""},{"chapter_key":"sBjVKAuDwQ","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/3/en_e73ad34f-01dd-4336-a080-c44b0ae3d561.txt","word_count":1315,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Chloe stared at the divorce filing receipt in surprise.\r\nThey'd been best friends for over a decade, and Chloe had seen firsthand just how crazy Evelyn had been for Luke Scott.\r\nBack in the day, Evelyn would have literally died for him.\r\nWhen they got married a year ago, Chloe had sighed but was still happy that her best friend had finally gotten her wish.\r\nBut now…\r\nWhat happened?\r\n“I don't love him anymore,” Evelyn said before Chloe could even ask.\r\nShe looked at Chloe, the corners of her lips turning up in a beautiful smile.\r\nIn that smile, Chloe saw a glimpse of the old Evelyn—the heiress she'd been before the Cook family fell apart, before her father died, before life had trampled her into the dirt.\r\nAnd just like that, it all made sense.\r\n“Luke doesn't know I'm pregnant,” Evelyn continued. “There's a 30-day cooling-off period, and I don't want any surprises. It's better if he doesn't know.”\r\nDuring the thirty-day divorce cooling-off period, if one party changed their mind, they could withdraw the application, and the marriage would remain valid.\r\nHearing this, Chloe knew Evelyn was dead set on leaving him.\r\nAfter getting the full picture, Chloe ordered the necessary tests for Evelyn and told her, “Evelyn, you'll have to wait a few days for the procedure.”\r\n“Why?” Evelyn asked, confused.\r\nChloe answered, “You know you have a rare blood type. We need to have a supply ready just in case. I called the blood bank, and it should take about a week to get it here.”\r\nEvelyn froze, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.\r\nShe'd inherited her blood type from her father.\r\nShe missed him again.\r\nIf her dad were still here…\r\n“Okay.” Evelyn suppressed the wave of emotion, nodding with a small, red-rimmed smile.\r\n“Also, you're showing early signs of a miscarriage. You need to be extra careful these next few days.”\r\nChloe looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with sympathy.\r\nThey were childhood best friends; she understood Evelyn's pain.\r\nChloe squeezed Evelyn's hand. “Wait for me. I'm on the morning shift today, so I'll be off soon. We can head back together later.”\r\nEvelyn nodded and waited for Chloe in the hallway.\r\nShe looked down at her stomach.\r\n*Signs of a miscarriage. Does the baby know what I've decided? Is that why it wants to leave on its own?*\r\nEvelyn pressed her lips together and took the forms to get the other tests done.\r\n\r\n“Buzz buzz.”\r\nHer phone vibrated—a notification about a change in her bank account balance.\r\nIt was a new bank card she'd opened to keep her finances separate from Luke's during the cooling-off period.\r\nFrom now on, all her income would go into this account.\r\nAs the balance updated, another message came in.\r\n【The payment for the composition and lyrics came through. Finance sent the transfer. Can you confirm you got it?】\r\nBefore she married Luke, Evelyn had been a songwriter who worked behind the scenes.\r\nShe loved music. Years ago, when her father was still alive and she was the Cook family heiress, she could have anything she wanted, so her talent had been nurtured.\r\nLater, life's ups and downs gave her a deeper understanding of the world.\r\nHer father probably never imagined that the skill he'd encouraged as a hobby would one day become her livelihood after he was gone.\r\nAfter a moment, Evelyn replied: 【Got it, thanks.】\r\nThe reply was immediate: 【You earned it. Honestly, you've written some major hits over the years. Are you sure you don't want to make a comeback? Listen, there's a new show that would be perfect for you. I sent the details to your email, make sure you check it out. I'm holding a special contestant spot for you.】\r\nEvelyn opened her email and glanced at the file. It was a music competition show. The format wasn't complicated, pretty much the same as other music shows she'd seen, but it required a high degree of originality.\r\nEvelyn replied: 【I'll think about it.】\r\nAfter replying, she put her phone down. A dull ache pulled at her lower abdomen.\r\nShe missed her dad again.\r\nThat was the second time today.\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a series of viral topics exploded online—\r\n#VivianBakerStomachCancer\r\n#FamousFloristVivianBakersFinalDays\r\n#VivianBakerFacesFinal6MonthsWithASmile\r\n…\r\nThe top trending post read—\r\n“…reporters have learned that renowned floral artist Vivian Baker has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only six months to live. But she hasn't let it defeat her. She plans to share her journey over these last six months with her followers, turning her final days into a public chronicle.”\r\nIn the video, Vivian offered the camera a tragic smile. “For these last six months, I'll be sharing my journey with everyone online. My only hope is to offer some emotional support to others who are sick like me. I hope everyone can get better.”\r\nThe reporter reappeared on screen: “We understand there have long been rumors connecting Vivian Baker and Luke Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation. But Mr. Scott is already married. It makes you wonder if we're about to see some real-life romantic drama unfold.”\r\nVivian seemed to notice this reporter. She walked over with a smile, politely interrupted him, and took control of the conversation.\r\nShe looked directly into the camera.\r\n“It's true that I have feelings for Luke, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.”\r\n“He's an amazing man. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.”\r\n“But I want to make one thing clear to everyone: I would never be the other woman in someone's marriage. That's a line I won't cross. Thank you.”\r\n\r\n…\r\n\r\nWith that, Vivian stepped out of the frame, leaving the reporter to continue.\r\nShe navigated through the crowd, got into her car, and only then did a true smile appear on her face.\r\nHer 'private nurse' handed her a bottle of water, a hesitant look on their face.\r\n“Just say what you want to say,” Vivian said coldly. “The driver is one of us.”\r\nThe nurse finally lowered their voice. “Ms. Baker, your diagnosis was a stomach ulcer. It was already a huge risk for our clinic to forge medical records saying it was stomach cancer. Why are you livestreaming this to the public now?”\r\nVivian gave a scornful laugh, which confused the nurse.\r\n“Is your clinic a medical institution?” she asked.\r\nThe nurse nodded.\r\n“Are my medical records at your clinic managed independently?” she continued.\r\nThe nurse nodded again.\r\n“And do my records state that I have terminal stomach cancer and only six months to live?” she asked again.\r\nThe nurse hesitated but finally nodded.\r\n“So?” Vivian's lips curved into a smirk. “That makes it real. Let them investigate.”\r\n“But you don't actually have cancer. What about in the future…”\r\n“Two solutions,” Vivian said, shooting the nurse a warning look.\r\n“One: I continue my 'treatment' at your clinic or others, and then a miracle happens and I'm cured. Love conquers all, or whatever.”\r\n“Two: Your clinic misdiagnosed me. That's medical malpractice, and you subjected me to improper treatment for a long time.”\r\nThe threat in Vivian's voice was unmistakable. “Which of those two options do you prefer?”\r\nThe nurse's face paled. Finally, they just said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Baker. I was overthinking things. You've thought of everything.”\r\nVivian sneered.\r\n“Ms. Baker, where are we heading now?” the nurse asked, trying to break the awkward silence.\r\nVivian glanced absently at her phone. “City First Hospital.”\r\nThe nurse grew anxious. “But…”\r\n“I'm just taking my medical records to get a prescription for some painkillers. Relax.” Vivian sent a text to Luke, asking him to pick her up at the hospital later.\r\nLuke replied quickly.\r\n【Okay.】\r\nMeanwhile, Evelyn was in a hospital bathroom, a sharp pain pulling at her lower abdomen. In her hand was a piece of toilet paper, stained with blood.\r\nThe first sign of a miscarriage."},{"chapter_key":"9tmS4azM9U","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25886/4/en_9dee4c2d-1ee8-4b58-9e37-d48008a0a8a1.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Vivian Baker's car headed for First Hospital.\r\nThe story of her \"death countdown\" had already blown up online.\r\nComment sections everywhere were buzzing.\r\n“Honestly, I think Vivian's great. She wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to love or hate. Nothing wrong with that.”\r\n“I totally agree with the post above. Tons of people have a crush on Luke Scott. As long as she's not a homewrecker, who she loves is her business.”\r\n“Her vlogs and that livestream from Mountainview Villa were the only reason I got a peek into the world of the super-rich. It'll be such a shame when she's gone.”\r\n“Who even is Luke Scott's wife? Can't she just step aside? Vivian only has six months left.”\r\n“Oh, I know. She's some musician named Evelyn Cook. Heard she stopped working after marrying into money. Just a trophy wife!”\r\n...\r\nFirst Hospital.\r\nEvelyn's phone was buzzing nonstop with calls and texts from people she knew. Some were checking in, some were fishing for gossip, and others were openly mocking her. They were all about Vivian and Luke.\r\nShe'd just glanced at the news online and learned about Vivian's death countdown.\r\nShe didn't read any further.\r\nIt didn't matter anymore.\r\nAfter this trial separation, she and Luke would be done for good.\r\nTime flew by. She checked her watch and, looking up, saw Liz walking over with her purse.\r\n“How are you feeling? Anything wrong?” Liz asked, seeing how pale Evelyn was. She worriedly helped her to her feet.\r\nEvelyn just shook her head with a faint smile.\r\nNow that she'd made her decision, this was just something she had to endure.\r\nLiz knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking, but all she could do was sigh softly as she guided her to the elevator.\r\n*Ding.* The elevator doors opened to the first floor.\r\nThe hospital lobby was always bustling, but today it seemed especially crowded. Evelyn even spotted reporters in the mix.\r\n“So many people, and press too. Some celebrity must be here for a doctor's visit. They always make such a scene…” Liz was muttering when her expression suddenly changed. She saw something and immediately tried to pull Evelyn in the other direction.\r\nBut it was too late. Evelyn had already seen them.\r\nTwo familiar figures.\r\nThe man was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary presence. Even in the chaotic environment, his perfectly styled hair and custom-tailored Italian suit were immaculate.\r\nThe woman was small and frail, her complexion pale. She was clearly sick, which only made her look more tragically beautiful.\r\nShe stumbled over something, and in the next second, the man caught her, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the surrounding crowd.\r\nIt was Luke and Vivian.\r\n“Don't look, don't look!” Liz was furious, muttering about the cheating bastards while trying to block Evelyn's view.\r\n“Liz, let's just go,” Evelyn said. Now that she'd decided to leave Luke, she didn't want him to know why she was at the hospital, nor did she want to run into them like this.\r\n“Go where?” Liz's anger flared. “You two are on a trial separation, you're not divorced yet. He's still your husband, and he's all over another woman in public. He's such a goddamn asshole!”\r\nHusband…\r\nEvelyn looked away.\r\nOnce upon a time, that title had filled her with a secret joy.\r\nBut now…\r\n“Liz, I'm not feeling well. Can we please just go home?” Evelyn said, changing the subject.\r\nLiz's attention immediately shifted to her friend's health, and she forgot all about the other two.\r\nAs Evelyn walked away, Vivian, from within the crowd, glanced in her direction.\r\nA flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.\r\n“Luke, I'm so sorry. I dragged you into this mess with me,” Vivian said, her face a mask of guilt. “I know you hate dealing with the media, but I…”\r\n“Don't worry about it. Let's get you to the doctor,” Luke replied, his expression unchanged.\r\nBut just a moment ago, something had flickered in his mind, a fleeting thought he couldn't quite grasp.\r\nThe two of them went to the specialist's office.\r\nVivian handed her medical records to the doctor.\r\nThe doctor's brow furrowed deeper the more he read.\r\n“Your condition is very serious,” the doctor said grimly.\r\nVivian forced a smile. “I know,” she whispered.\r\nShe took a deep breath. “Doctor, I'm hoping you can prescribe some strong painkillers.”\r\n“At this stage, I'd recommend you be admitted for treatment,” the doctor said, looking at her chart. “If we're aggressive, we might be able to extend your life.”\r\n“There's no need,” Vivian said with a tragic smile.\r\nShe wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I don't want treatment anymore.”\r\nLuke, who was standing beside her, tightened his grip on her hand.\r\nShe just shook her head.\r\n“Doctor, I just want to live the last part of my life with some dignity,” she said. “So please, just prescribe me some strong painkillers.”\r\nThe doctor let out a long sigh and, finally, nodded in understanding.\r\nOutside the door, reporters were furiously filming and live-streaming everything.\r\nThe internet instantly erupted.\r\n“Oh my god, this is a real person's life, and it's just going to end like this.”\r\n“I cry from a paper cut, I can't even imagine how painful late-stage cancer is. But she's facing it all with a smile. She's so strong.”\r\n“When she said she didn't want treatment anymore, I just broke down crying. Only people who've had a loved one go through a serious illness can understand what that feels like.”\r\nCountless people shed tears of sympathy, their pity for Vivian reaching its peak.\r\n...\r\nVivian got her prescription quickly. By the time she and Luke left the hospital, Evelyn was sitting on a bench outside, waiting for Liz to bring the car around from the garage.\r\nBefore Evelyn could even process what was happening, a sharp-eyed paparazzo spotted her, and in an instant, all three of them were mobbed.\r\nCamera flashes went off relentlessly.\r\nLuke noticed her, too. He frowned, his thin lips parting. “What are you doing here?”\r\nEvelyn stood up. She looked at Luke, then at Vivian's hand resting in the crook of his arm.\r\nBefore Evelyn could speak, someone in the crowd started fanning the flames.\r\n“Ms. Cook, did you see the posts online and come here to confront them?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are your thoughts on your husband being out in public with another woman?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, what are you going to do to Vivian?”\r\nEveryone assumed Evelyn was there to cause a scene, to have a showdown with Vivian.\r\nEven Luke thought so.\r\nAt that thought, his annoyance returned.\r\nHe spoke, his voice tinged with a warning. “Vivian is sick. Didn't you know?”\r\nEvelyn found it laughable.\r\nHe was implying she was here to harass Vivian.\r\nAs if she would stoop so low.\r\n“Evelyn!” Luke called her name when she didn't answer and a reporter had already turned to ask Vivian her thoughts on being the “other woman.”\r\nHe wanted her to speak up for Vivian.\r\nJust like every other time.\r\nTo obey his every command.\r\nBut she didn't want to anymore.\r\nShe didn't even want him anymore, so why should she obey him?\r\nHer right hand instinctively shielded her abdomen, where a dull ache still lingered.\r\n“I came to see a friend,” Evelyn finally said.\r\nThey were on a trial separation. She didn't want to reveal her pregnancy, and she couldn't have people speculating about why she was at the hospital.\r\nHer answer, at least, addressed Luke's question.\r\nWith that, she turned to leave.\r\nBut the reporters wouldn't let her go.\r\nThey swarmed in front of her, pushing and shoving.\r\n“Ms. Cook, are you aware that many people online are telling you to step aside and let Mr. Scott be with Vivian?”\r\n“Ms. Cook, you know Vivian is dying. Are you really going to upset her at a time like this?”\r\n“Ms. Cook…”\r\nEvelyn didn't want to answer any of it. She just wanted to get away.\r\nHaving finally captured the three of them together, the crowd wasn't about to let her leave.\r\nSeeing that Luke wasn't going to intervene, someone in the crowd gave Evelyn a hard shove from behind.\r\nEvelyn stumbled, and she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around her stomach."}]}} 200003
Their kisses still burning her lips, he pushed divorce papers across the bed: “My girl’s got 6 months left with cancer. She needs to die as my wife. Fake divorce—we’ll fix it later.”
He didn’t blink, even as her fingers trembled from their recent intimacy. She laughed. 7 years of loving him body and soul, only to end like a place holder.
This “act” will cost him everything—she’s done playing nice.