When I opened my eyes, the world was still. My gaze held no ripples—only a dead, freezing calm.
"Aaron, you're awake?" Hannah's face hovered above mine, etched with panic. "How do you feel? You scared me to death—how could you run into something like this?"
I studied her anxious expression and forced a weak smile.
"Maybe an old enemy." I paused. "Bad timing. My heart condition flared up. When they realized they couldn't squeeze money out of me, they dumped me by the roadside."
She bent down and embraced me. Her voice dropped to a soothing coo. "Don't be afraid. It's over now. I'll always be here. If you feel uncomfortable, tell me, okay?"
Her perfume washed over me. A scent I used to love. Now it made me want to vomit.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
She glanced at the screen. Her expression didn't shift—practiced and smooth.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "Something happen?"
She tapped out a reply without looking up. "Nothing. Sales department. They miscalculated an account."
I listened to the lie she spun so effortlessly. "Work is important. Go handle it."
She nodded, grabbed her bag, and stood. "Aaron, I found you a caregiver. Call me if you need anything."
I watched her hurry out, steps light and eager. A bitter smile finally cracked through my mask.
I picked up my phone and opened the boy's feed.
Sure enough, Adrian had posted. The photo showed a room piled with luxury goods—Hermès, Gucci, the works. Beside it, a shirtless selfie showing off his abs.
Caption: Today, I'll definitely make Big Sis satisfied.
Hannah had replied underneath: You little brat. Wash up and wait for me.
I pressed a hand to my chest. The pain was suffocating.
This marriage had reached its end.
That night, she called. Her voice carried a slight, rhythmic panting. "Aaron... the company issues aren't resolved yet. I'm staying at the office tonight."
Throughout my hospitalization, she found every excuse to stay away.
On discharge day, she finally appeared. High-necked turtleneck sweater. I knew exactly what it was hiding.
That morning, I'd seen Adrian's latest post.
A picture of the floor. Scattered empty wrappers.
Caption: Two boxes. Check the results. In the end, Big Sis wouldn't even let me wear one.
I didn't feel anger anymore. Just cold. I packaged every screenshot, every chat log, the entire timeline, and sent it to my lawyer.
On the drive back, I stayed silent.
Hannah kept her head down, thumbs flying across her screen. She didn't notice my silence. Didn't notice the coldness radiating off me.
I looked out the window. The car wasn't heading toward the villa.
"This isn't the way home."
She looked up with a sweet smile. "You've been in the hospital so long. We have to celebrate your recovery. I'm taking you somewhere interesting."
The car pulled into a rustic rural restaurant.
In the private room, Adrian was already seated, surrounded by Hannah's friends.
She made introductions, her hand resting on the back of his chair. "This is Adrian, my special consultant. I invested in his café. He's very smart."
Adrian's gaze swept over me. No respect—just undisguised jealousy and a sneer of triumph.
The table grew loud. Alcohol flowed, toasts were made, laughter filled the air. I sat in silence, a ghost at my own celebration.
A deafening bang shattered the noise.
The portable gas stove exploded.
Flames shot into the air, licking the wooden ceiling. Heat blasted outward.
"Careful!" Hannah shrieked.
Her body moved on instinct. She didn't look at me. Didn't reach for her husband.
She threw herself at Adrian, grabbing him, shielding him.
Screams erupted. Everyone scrambled toward the narrow doorway.
I stood to rush out. A burning beam crashed down, slamming into the floor in front of me. Exit blocked.
Thick smoke filled the room. Through the wall of flames, I saw them.
Hannah stood on open ground outside, clutching Adrian. Checking him for injuries. Face frantic with worry.
The fire raged, swallowing the room.
Only then did she seem to remember. She spun around, staring into the inferno.
"Aaron—!"
