Love at the Wrong Time, No Obsession, No Regrets

On the day of my first wedding anniversary, I was in a terrible car accident—one so severe that it left me mentally impaired, a helpless child in the eyes of the world, a laughingstock to everyone around me.

As a gesture of devotion, my husband—an esteemed businessman known for his wealth and charity—donated millions in my name, hoping to accumulate blessings for me, praying for my recovery. But when the long-awaited day finally came, when I miraculously willed myself to wake up from my fogged mind, eager to share the joyous news with him, fate had other plans.

I arrived at his study, my heart brimming with anticipation, only to hear a hushed conversation between him and his secretary.

"Mr. Hedrick, your son with Miss Kimberly is already five years old. Even if Madam were to find out, she wouldn't be able to change the past. So why do you keep making her take those dementia-inducing drugs?"

His voice was calm, composed, devoid of remorse. "This is the only way to keep her obedient. Leo Hedrick is still too young. He can't handle any disruptions in his life and I refuse to let either of them—mother or son—face any danger."

"But, sir—"

"If she remains demented for the rest of her life, then so be it. I'll take care of her forever, let her live free of worries, sheltered from the truth. She should be grateful."

A sharp pain shot through my chest and my vision blurred with unshed tears. A deep, bone-chilling cold settled in my heart. I had once believed that my marriage would bring me happiness, a future filled with love and devotion. Instead, it had become my prison, the cruelest betrayal.

If this was love—if this was the future he had decided for me—I wanted none of it.

——

"Did she take today's dose?" Simon Hedrick asked, his tone devoid of emotion.

His secretary hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Madam thought it was candy and took it eagerly. But... the doctor warned me. If she continues taking the medicine at this rate, she may never recover. Mr. Hedrick, perhaps it's better if we—"

"No." His rejection was swift, final. "If she regains her senses, I won't be able to be with Leo every day. The boy is still young—he needs his father."

A flicker of warmth softened his cold demeanor. "Besides, Lisa has been clinging to me a lot lately. She keeps wanting me by her side. She endured the pain of childbirth for me, carried my child for nine months—how could I be so heartless as to abandon her now?"

The secretary opened her mouth as if to argue but hesitated, watching as he pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaustion evident. "Enough. I'm tired. You can go. I'll contact you if I need anything else."

I stood frozen at the doorway, my nails digging into my palms as my lips trembled. My burning eyes brimmed with tears. I had come here hoping for a moment of joy, thinking he would be elated to know that I had recovered. I had wanted him to be the first to hear the good news. But his indifferent words shattered my hope into a million irreparable shards.

Simon... why? If you no longer love me, then divorce me. Why reduce me to a mindless puppet, keeping me shackled at your side, allowing me to be mocked and pitied by everyone?

Instinctively, I reached for the door, my body shaking with anger, ready to confront him. But before I could step forward, the sudden chime of a phone filled the air.

From the other side of the study, Simon answered the call. The moment he recognized the caller, the cold, unreadable expression on his face melted into something tender, something warm. A rare smile graced his lips.

"Baby," he murmured, his voice gentle, affectionate. "Daddy is home. Do you and Mommy want to come over to visit?"

I couldn't hear the response on the other end, but his tone grew softer as he coaxed, "Alright, Daddy's time today is all yours. Whatever you want to do, just let Mommy decide. I'll follow her lead."

A sharp, piercing pain shot through my chest at the word Daddy. Memories came flooding back—ones I had once cherished, now tainted by cruel reality.

The day we first moved into our new home after the wedding, I had noticed two baby rooms prepared in advance. Confused, I had asked him why we needed two rooms when we had no children yet. He had laughed softly, his fingertips grazing my cheek with tender affection. His eyes, filled with warmth and certainty, locked onto mine as he whispered, "Because we’ll have both—a son and a daughter. Our son will be just like me, strong and protective, watching over his beautiful mother and adorable little sister. And our daughter—she’ll be like you, bright and full of life."

But now, the truth stood before me, an unforgiving storm tearing through my heart. The son he had envisioned already existed—just not with me.