Marrying Him was an Inferno, Leaving Him was Heaven novel

Ellens POV
When I was being stalked by a psycho, I called Carter Dillamond twenty times.
He finally picked up on the twenty-first call. I begged him, Carter, someones following me! Come help me, please!
But he sounded annoyed. Can you grow up a little? Im busy. Stop making things up.
The moment he hung up, the attacker knocked me out, dragged me into an alley, and beat me until I was barely alive.
When I woke up in the hospital, Carter told me the man was mentally ill, that there was no way to hold him responsible, and that we could only settle.
I believed him until I accidentally overheard him speaking with a lawyer in the hallway.
Settle this as soon as possible. Find someone in a psychiatric hospital to take the fall. We cannot let Ellen find out the stalker was actually Kelley in disguise
I froze where I stood, feeling the blood in my veins turn to ice.
I thought of that nighthow terrified Id been, how the nightmares still haunted me.
So it was because Kelleys design drafts had hit a creative block She wanted a special kind of inspiration, so she orchestrated all of this!
I had been with Carter for five years, but it still couldnt compare to someone who had only been around for five months.
The man who once claimed to love me to the bone was now letting Kelley do something this cruel to me!
My heart felt as if it had been split open. I stumbled back to my room, broke down, and took a long time to calm myself.
When I finally steadied my breath, I called a lawyer. Draft a divorce agreement for me.
Should we notify Mr. Dillamond?
No need. He probably wont care anyway.
Just as I said that, Carter walked in. Who were you talking to?
I turned off my screen. A friend.
He came to my bedside. Next time, dont stay out so late. A lot of people are dangerous.
I stared at him in disbelief. My god, how could someone be this hypocritical?
Thank God it wasnt serious, he added. Just rest. Ill get you the best doctors and medication.
A dull ache spread through my chest. I asked, So as long as I dont die, it doesnt count as serious?
His eyes darted away before he mumbled, Stop making trouble. The guy was mentally ill. We cant hold him accountable.
Was it that he couldnt, or that he didnt want to? He knew the answer.
Just then, his phone rang. He turned away to answer it. Compensate the secretarys burn injury at three times the standard rate for workplace accidents. And dont let her do any heavy tasks
He was talking about something from three months ago when Kelley spilled hot coffee and burned her hand.
When he heard she was injured, he gave her three months off.
He even hired five nannies to take care of her. And now, double workplace compensation on top of that!
Ridiculous! A simple burn got her three months of paid rest.
I got my ribs broken, legs swollen, arms too injured to lift, and he brushed it off with nothing serious.
When he left the room, he told me, Works hectic lately. Ill have someone take care of you.
But over the next few days, all I got were photos and videos from Kelley.
[Sorry, dear. Carter said he wants to reward me for securing that big contract for the company!]
So this hectic work he mentioned was him taking Kelley out to have fun. He lied with such ease.
Carter and Kelley had done everything two people could do, except theyd always kept the intimate parts out of my sight.
But now, Kelley was clearly trying to provoke me.
Fine. Id let her.
I saved every photo and video. Theyd be useful later.
On the day I was discharged, Carter showed up, but Kelley was already sitting in the front seat.
Ellen, I get carsick. Do you mind taking the back seat? she asked sweetly.
Carter once told me the front passenger seat was only for me. No one else was allowed to sit there.
A previous secretary sat there for one second, and he blacklisted her across the entire industry.
But after Kelley appeared, that seat was no longer special.
I turned without a word, opened the back door, and got in.
A seat that dirty, I didnt want anymore anyway.
No sooner had I sat down than Kelley began spraying perfume in the car.
I was allergic to that scent. Please stop. Im allergic to that perfume.
She immediately put on a pitiful expression. But Carter likes it I just wanted to make him happy.
He looked at her with such tenderness. Go ahead. I love that scent in the car.
So she kept spraying until the perfume filled every corner.
My rhinitis flared up instantly, and I couldnt stop sneezing.
Then she said with exaggerated guilt, Maybe I should get out I dont want to upset Ellen.
Carter slammed on the brakes. Ellen, are you doing this on purpose? If you dont like the smell, then take a cab home!
Before I could explain, he threw me out on the side of the road and drove off with her.
Rain began to pour. I stood there soaked, my wounds reopening, pain shooting through my body.
The cold rain extinguished the last bit of hope in my heart.
I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. You once said you wanted to marry me. Does that still count?
Scott Knapp answered instantly. Of course, it counts. Always.
Good. Then start preparing. Ill go straight to our wedding next month.

Ellens POV
Scott sounded a little doubtful. Really?
I swear. If you dont believe me then
He cut me off right away. I believe you. I believe you! Ill wait for you!
After I hung up, I grabbed a cab home. The moment I opened the door, I saw Carter feeding chicken soup to Kelley.
He was holding a steaming bowl, blowing on it gently. Its still a little hot. Let me cool it down for you before you drink.
The scene hit me like a punch. My eyes stung, and something sharp twisted in my chest.
He once told me hed only ever make chicken soup for me, that hed never make it for anyone else.
Funny how special treatment can be broken over and over again.
Seeing me show up dripping wet, Carter frowned. Ellen, why do you have to copy everything Kelley does?
So what, I left you on the road for a moment and now you purposely walk home in the rain? Trying to make me feel guilty? he added.
The people who covered for Kelley when she hurt me never felt guilty at all. Why would a little cold bother them?
I clenched my palms. If you really felt guilty, you wouldnt have left me on the road in the rain.
Carter fell silentbecause he knew he had.
Kelley stood up right away. Im sorry, Ellen. This all happened because of me. You got caught in the rain because of me I should go.
She grabbed her things and tried to leave, swaying like a breeze could knock her over.
Seeing that, Carter snapped at me. Jeez, Ellen, how can you be so heartless? Its pouring outside, and you still want Kelley to go out?
I just told you earlier to get a cab yourself, he continued. How was I supposed to know it would rain?
Kelley pretended to defend me. Its my fault. She got soaked because of me.
Carter held her back. You were already not feeling well after the cold wind earlier. Just rest here. Treat this place like your own home.
If I say youre staying, youre staying, he insisted. She wont mind.
When youre past anger, all thats left is laughter, so I smiled. Yeah, I dont mind. Do whatever you want.
After all, in a month, this will be their home anyway.
With my permission, Carter went back to feeding Kelley the chicken soup.
He blew on every spoonful before holding it to her lips, thenout of courtesy, maybeadded, There are some more chicken in the kitchen. Make some soup for yourself. Kelleys weak, so Ill take care of her first.
A breeze came through, and I shivered. My heart felt colder than my body.
No need. Enjoy your soup. I turned to head upstairs.
But Carter stopped me. Youre sleeping in the guest room tonight. Kelleys a light sleeper. She cant sleep on a hard mattress.
That was our master bedroom, and he wanted to give it to her.
But I just got discharged today. My neck is still injured
He interrupted impatiently. You look fine to me. Kelleys coughing, cant you see?
And she already tested the bed earlier. She said its really comfortable. So thats settled, he said.
So she had already tried the bed. They werent discussing anything with me; they were informing me.
A single cough made her more delicate than someone who just left the hospital.
I swallowed my anger and went to the guest room.
Whatever. A bed thats already dirtyId rather not sleep on it anyway.
I showered and had just put ointment on my neck when the doorbell rang.
Kelley stood at the door with the half-finished chicken soup. Ellen, I didnt finish it. You should drink some, too.
If you catch a cold later, she added, Carter and I will both worry about you.
I looked at the bowl she had already drunk from and turned her down immediately. I already took my meds. Im good.
She didnt leave. Instead, she suddenly smiled. Hey, your bed is so soft! Especially when Carter was holding me while we lay on it. It felt so good I didnt want to get up. What should I do?
She flashed a triumphant smile. I finally saw her true face.
But whether its the bed or Carter I dont care anymore.
If you love using things other people already used, then take them. Its all dirty anyway, I retorted.
I continued, Oh, and since you like collecting trash so much, you can take out the trash tomorrow, too.
Her face turned pale and red all at once in rage.
The next second, the bowl slipped from her hands.
Just like that, Carter rushed over at the sound. What happened?

Ellens POV
Kelleys eyes were red. I just wanted to bring the chicken soup to Ellen. I was worried shed catch a cold.
But she said she didnt want it that I was disgusting. I was just trying to be nice she lied.
Carters expression darkened instantly. Ellen, youve gone too far! Kelley brought you chicken soup out of kindness and you smashed it!
Its just letting her take your bed for a bit. Why are you so petty? he snapped.
In the past, I honestly couldnt be bothered to explain.
But now? I refuse to keep giving in.
If youd check the house cameras, youd know exactly who threw the bowl. And
Before I could finish, Kelley quickly crouched down. Im sorry! Its all my fault! Ill clean it up
She bent down to pick up the pieces, and the moment she touched them, her finger was cut. Blood instantly started dripping down.
Carter panicked and knelt beside her. Stop picking it up. Let the housekeeper do it. Ill take you to get bandaged.
He wrapped her finger with a towel, completely distressed, then scooped her up in his arms.
Before leaving, he threw a heavy warning at me.
Youd better pray Kelleys okay, or youll regret it.
He rushed out with her in his arms.
The last look he gave me was pure hostilitycold, sharp, like a blade trying to pin me in place.
Soon after, the family doctor came downstairs and told me Kelley had issues with clotting and needed a blood transfusion. Mine was the only type that matched.
Maam, Im sorry. Its raining heavily, and we cant get supplies delivered. We can only draw your blood.
But I just got discharged. Im still recovering. I dont believe an ambulance cant
Before I could finish, they pinned me down.
Sorry, Maam. This is also Sir Carters order.
So this was Carters idea.
For Kelley, he didnt care about anything, even my life.
They held me down and forcibly drew two full bags of blood.
By the end, I completely blacked out.
When I finally woke up in the middle of the night, I was freezing.
I realized they had dumped me back in my room after draining my blood and left me unattended.
Dragging my weak body out of bed, I heard sounds of pleasure coming from the second floor.
Carter, you drew so much of Ellens blood. Wont she get mad? What a waste.
Carters cold voice followed.
She didnt appreciate your kindness and even let you cut yourself. She deserved a lesson.
Giving her a lesson will really make her behave? Youre so good at handling her.
He let out a proud laugh.
Last time she argued with me, I left her on the mountain. When she came back, she was much more obedient.
That time, we disagreed about something, and I contradicted him in public.
He left me alone on a mountain and drove away.
Later, he claimed he thought I didnt get in the car because I was making a fuss.
I never imagined that was one of his lessons.
My heart tightened painfully.
What hurt even more was that he was doing it again, this time partnering with Kelley to hurt me, indulging her every move.
If I upset you one day, will you punish me like that, too?
Carter chuckled softly, almost doting.
Id only punish myself. Why would I ever make you unhappy?
Stumbling toward the kitchen, I froze when I saw ittwo full bags of my blood tossed in the trash!
A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I forced myself back to my room.
I pulled out my phone and called Scott.
To my surprise, he picked up instantly, even though it was four in the morning.
Whats wrong? Did something happen?
I swallowed the pain in my throat. How are the wedding preparations going?
Everythings arranged exactly how you wanted it. Were just waiting for you.
Good. I need you to handle something else for me.
I sent him the files Id collected.
These are the surveillance clips from the day I had my accident. I want you to expose everything. Make them pay. Make them crash and burn.
No problem. If its for you, Ill get it done.
The next day, Carter came to check on me.
If youre not feeling well, dont go to work. Just rest at home.
For a second, I thought maybejust maybehe felt guilty.
But then he tossed a design draft onto the bed.
Kelley hasnt finished this yet. Help her complete it. The deadlines coming.
When you finish it, Ill take you out to relax. Make it up to you.
Hed said that countless times.
Yet every time, he got busy, and ended up going out to play with Kelley instead.
I took the design draft.
No need to compensate me. Just agree to one request when the time comes.
What request?
Carter looked genuinely surprised.

Ellens POV
I normally never ask Carter for anything, so he looked a little surprised.
I clenched my palms. I want to buy a house.
Alright. Whatever else you want later, Ill buy it, too. Ill get going now.
He turned around and shut the door without a trace of hesitation.
He said he was worried hed disturb me if he stayed home, so hed live outside for a while and let me focus on my drafts.
But starting the very next day, Kelley would send me their scheduleevery place they wentjust to show off.
So while I stayed home drawing design drafts for her, he was out there charting maps with her.
I just kept gathering proof, sending everything to Scott, and organizing it into a video for exposing them.
The day I finished the design drafts, I went straight to the company.
Carter came over to get them. Where is it? Hurry up and give it to me.
I pulled out a document. Sign this first. Its for the house Im buying in the countryside.
He signed impatiently. Its just a house. You couldve just put your own name.
That wont work. This document needs both signatures.
I thought the hint was obvious enough that hed at least glance at it, but he didnt even look. He just signed.
Then he tossed the papers back at me. Done. Now, hand over the drafts.
He only wanted to take the designs to Kelley. He didnt even realize what hed just signed.
I tucked away the divorce papers and handed him the drafts. This is the last time.
He froze for a second but still took them and left.
Watching his back as he walked away, I felt like I could finally breathe.
Kelley had used plenty of my designs, but she never noticed Id left a unique marker on each one.
This batch was no exception. Once everything gets exposed, Id love to see how she explains herself.
I sat at my computer and typed up my resignation letter, then handed it to the manager.
He looked shocked. Why are you leaving?
I smiled. I want a break. Could you announce it at the end of the month?
Youre hiding it from Mr. Dillamond too?
I nodded. Yeah. I want it to be a surprise.
After leaving the company, I went home and packed.
Everything Carter had bought meI didnt even want to touch it. I only took what I actually wanted.
Then I called Scott. Im all done on my end. Push forward on yours.
He sounded thrilled. Absolutely. Ill wait for you!
That night Carter came home drunk. The living room was empty; no one was waiting for him.
He stumbled to my room. Ellen, make me some hangover soup.
I locked the door and pretended to be asleep, no matter how many times he called me.
He eventually had to make it himself and even burned his hand.
He quietly applied ointment in the living room before finally going back to the master bedroom.
The next morning, with dark circles under his eyes, he asked, Did you do that on purpose yesterday?
I acted clueless. What are you talking about?
He retold the whole thing.
I said, I havent been sleeping well, so I wore earplugs. I didnt hear anything.
A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes. Why didnt you sleep in the master bedroom?
Because its disgusting there.
I suddenly dont like that mattress anymore. It feels dirty.
Hed custom-made that mattress for me and put a lot of thought into it.
But to me now, it was nothing but a dirty object.
He went silent, then muttered, Then next time Ill get you another one.
He handed me a necklace. This is the newest design. I thought youd like it.
I took it and casually set it aside. Thanks.
He froze, not getting the reaction hed imaginedno excitement, no surprise.
Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at it and said, There's dinner tonight. I wont be home. Dont wait for me.
I smiled. What a coincidence. I have plans, too. I wont be waiting.
I grabbed my bag and walked out, leaving him standing there stunned for a long moment.
My girlfriends had invited me out. I told them about the divorce.
They shrieked, We need to celebrate you finally leaving that loser! Im booking male models! Lets have fun.
But soon after, Kelley appeared. Ellen? I didnt expect to see you here.
Thats when I realizedthe dinner Carter mentioned was actually her birthday celebration in the room next door.
Hey, can you come celebrate with me?
I was about to refuse when Carter appeared at the door. Seeing a room full of men, his face instantly darkened.
Ellen, youre a married woman. Have some boundaries!
My friend shot back immediately, Were just having drinks! Its not like were the ones being shady with someone else.
Everyone knew exactly who she meant; their eyes all drifted to Kelley.
Her eyes reddened and she ran off.
Carter then glared at me. You owe me an explanation.

Ellens POV
My best friend cursed under her breath. Explain what? Did he ever explain anything to you? Forget him. Lets keep going.
Not long after, Carter texted me.
[If I remember right, your best friends family is desperately looking for investors right now, isnt that so?]
My heart tightened. He was planning to use my best friend to threaten me.
Ill be right back. You guys continue.
I walked to Kelleys private room. Carter handed me a glass of alcohol.
Drink it. Consider it an apology to Kelley.
Kelley quickly tried smoothing things over. Its all my fault, I
But Carter glared at me. I dont want to repeat myself. You know what to do.
I reached for the glass, but Kelley suddenly suggested, If Ellen has to drink, maybe she should have mango juice instead.
Carter immediately swapped the alcohol for mango juice.
Kelleys so kind. If it werent for her, I wouldnt bother giving you face.
I didnt take it. Im allergic to mango juice.
Kelleys expression shifted instantly. I didnt mean it I didnt know you were allergic.
To show you Im really sorry, she added, Ill drink it instead.
But Carter snatched the glass out of her hand.
Kelley is the one allergic to mango juice. Why are you lying?
If you dont drink it, he warned, your friend who ran her mouth tonight Ill make sure she pays for it.
Five years together, and he forgot Im allergic to mango, too.
Looking at him now, all I felt was unfamiliarity.
Did he really forget, or was he helping Kelley mess with me?
No idea. And honestly, I didnt care anymore. Id be gone tomorrow anyway.
But before leaving, I couldnt drag my best friend into this.
So I took the mango juice.
I drank it, and not long after, red rashes started spreading across my skin.
You guys enjoy. Im not feeling well, so Im heading out first.
But Kelley grabbed me. Ellen, we havent had cake yet. Dont you want to stay for my birthday?
Carters cold gaze locked on me.
Dont ruin the mood. Eat, then leave.
Im not feeling well. Cant you see my neck is already itching?
He yanked my hand hard. Stop throwing a fit. Think about your best friend.
In his eyes, only Kelley existed.
I felt more like an enemy than a wife.
I could only dig my nails into my palm and sit back down.
My whole body itched, and I couldnt even focus on their interactions.
I just kept drinking water to ease the discomfort.
Right then, Scott sent over several wedding dress photos for me to choose from.
I replied: [The second set is fine. You choose the rest.]
He sent back an excited emoji.
[Cant wait to see my wife soon. Im so happy.]
Seeing me staring at my screen, Carter came over.
Who are you chatting with that makes you so happy?
It was surprising he even noticed.
I turned off my screen. My sisters kid. Shes cute.
Yeah? Let me see.
He reached for my phone, but he didnt know the password.
Whats the password?
Its my birthday.
His hand froze.
Righthe didnt remember my birthday.
In the end, he shoved the phone back into my hand.
Forget it. Ive seen her before anyway.
Five years together, and he didnt even remember my birthday.
Oddly, I didnt feel hurt. I actually felt calm.
Tomorrow, Id finally be done with this.
Suddenly someone exclaimed, Isnt that the newest necklace? The collectors edition!
Kelley held up a necklace Carter gave her. It really was the latest release, and it looked painfully familiar.
Buying the collectors edition came with a limited-edition bonus.
So the one he gave me was just the freebie, huh?
Kelley stepped right in front of me. Ellen, isnt it pretty?
I looked at Carter.
It is. Truly one of a kind.
He stood up calmly and walked away, avoiding the question entirely.
Even caught red-handed, he didnt bother trying to explain.
The party was wrapping up when chaos suddenly erupted outside.
Thick smoke poured in, and people started running.
Someone shouted, Run! Theres a fire! Looks like an electrical short!
The entire room panicked and bolted for the exit.
I stood up but someone shoved me. I fell, glass slicing my leg.
Blood immediately started flowing.
I looked up, trying to call out to Carter.
But I saw him carrying Kelley in his arms, rushing straight out.
Dont be scared, Kelley. Im here. I wont let anything happen to you.
He didnt even glance my way.
I shouted after him, Carter! Dont leave me behind! Im hurt!
But he didnt even turn around.
He just snapped impatiently, Even a murderer couldnt kill you. Youll make it out of a fire.
Kelley is fragile, he reasoned. She needs me. Figure it out yourself.

Ellens POV
Carters words made my heart jolt violently.
Was that whole stalker incident something he and Kelley staged?
If it had been a real stalker, I might not even be alive right now.
I saw it with my own eyesCarter ran out carrying Kelley, and no matter how loudly I shouted behind them, he never once looked back.
He just walked away without a trace of hesitation.
Soon, thick smoke billowed everywhere, flames shooting up around me.
I tried to escape but the fire had already cut off my way out.
When I finally forced myself up and struggled to the door, there were crowds of people outside, rushing around in a panic, screams everywhere.
I opened my mouth to call for help, but smoke flooded into my lungs, and I blacked out instantly.
Just like that, the fire swallowed me whole.
Carter had rushed out of the burning building with Kelley in his arms. Fortunately, both of them were unharmed.
Kelley trembled in his embrace, clinging to him tightly.
He watched as more people stumbled out of the flames, each one accompanied by screams.
The fire grew even fiercer, and after watching for a long time, he still didnt see me among those escaping.
His brows instantly furrowed. Something like worry flickered in his chest.
Only then did he rememberright before he left, it seemed like Id called out to him.
But he didnt catch what I said.
He searched the crowd again, shouting my name several times.
Kelley saw this, immediately gasped, and collapsed. Carter I cant breathe
She fainted right after. He quickly shouted for help.
But no one came. The whole scene was chaoticfire trucks, police cars, ambulances were arriving one after another.
He had no time for anything elsenot even for me.
He carried Kelley to the hospital.
Before getting in the ambulance, he glanced back at the burning building and muttered to himself, She was fine last time, too. Shell definitely make it out again.
At the hospital, Kelley was examined and found to be perfectly okay. She woke up soon after.
Carter wanted to rush back to the scene, but she grabbed him.
Carter, stay with me. Please Im really scared.
Looking at her red, tear-swollen eyes, he ended up staying.
So many people had escaped, and the firefighters were already there; he figured I would be fine.
For the next several days, he stayed at the hospital taking care of Kelley.
He never went home.
He never called me.
Maybe he was just used to me taking care of myself.
He was used to me healing on my own.
He was used to me not bothering him whenever he was with Kelley.
The news kept reporting the rising death toll.
Photos of the tragedy spread onlinegruesome and heartbreaking.
He glanced at them a few times, didnt see me, and turned off his phone.
It wasnt until the official list of victims appearedwith my name on itthat he finally panicked.
How could Ellens name be here? Thats impossible!
Kelley noticed the fear in his eyes.
Maybe its someone with the same name. Ellen is tough. Shell be fine.
But Carter suddenly felt an inexplicable dread.
You take care of yourself. Im going back to check.
But I havent fully recovered I need you, I
He didnt listen. He stood up and left.
Back home, there was no sign of me anywhere.
He opened the bedroom dooreverything looked the same, yet something felt missing.
When he checked the guest room, he realized all my things were gone.
He frantically called me, but no one picked up.
Then his phone buzzed; our manager had posted in the group chat announcing that Id resigned.
He finally let out a breath.
Shes still processing her resignation today that means shes fine.
But when he returned to the living room and saw the necklace hed given me still sitting on the table, untouched, guilt flickered across his face.
She didnt even take something this important she must not have really left, he muttered. Shes run away from home before. She always comes back after a few days. When youre back, Ill buy you a new one.
Reassured, he returned to the hospital to take care of Kelley, and when she was discharged, he even brought her home.
During that time, he kept messaging me.
[Dont think Im going to chase after you just because you ran away from home. Youre an adult. Stop playing childish games.]
But after half a month passedno sign of me, no reply from mehe finally panicked again.
He searched everywhere, asking anyone he could about my whereabouts.
But there wasnt a single clue.
His heart felt hollow.
He didnt know why, but it felt like he was losing metruly losing me.
When the official death certificate was finally placed into his hands, he completely lost it.
I dont believe it. I dont believe it! She must be hiding somewhere. Keep looking!
And then, a headline flashed before his eyes.
[The Well-Known Heir of the Knapps in Los Angeles Is Getting Married!]
Carter froze on the spot.
Because the bride standing next to Scott was me.

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