Before the wedding, the husband injured my father novel
One was mine.
The other belonged to my fianc Calebs childhood sweetheart, Heidi.
I brought the rings home, ready to question him, but instead walked in on Caleb bringing a pregnant Heidi into the house.
The moment I stepped through the door, the two of them behaved as if they were the rightful owners of this home. Caleb spoke casually, already giving orders.
Heidi needs someone to take care of her now. You should cook for her every day, and make sure the meals are nutritious. Shes timid, so let her have the master bedroom. Go pack your things.
I ignored him. I didnt even want to ask about the rings anymore. I turned to head to my room.
My phone suddenly rang. My mothers voice was trembling with tears.
Your father hes been beaten and crippled. Come to the hospital now.
I rushed out immediately. When I arrived at the hospital, I learned the truth.
It was Caleb who did it.
All because my father happened to look up at Heidi when passing by. Caleb exploded on the spot, beating him brutally while cursing him as a perverted creep.
I called him in fury, but he sounded completely unfazed.
Your dad scared Heidi. His eyes were wandering like a pervert. What if he frightened the baby? How can you be so heartless? Shes a pregnant woman and youre still taking your fathers side?
I clenched my teeth and stayed silent. After ending the call, I dialed another number.
The wedding is canceled. Take back the company shares. In seven days, I want both of them ruined.
The moment I stepped through the villas front door, before I even had the chance to change my shoes, Calebs voice pressed down from behind me.
Julia, leave your bracelet here. Heidi has been having nightmares lately. She needs it more than you do.
My movements froze instantly.
That bracelet was the only keepsake my younger sister left before she died.
I turned back slowly, my fingertips turning cold. Caleb saw the redness in my eyes, yet showed not a trace of sympathy. He simply said, in a calm voice,
Name your price.
Nine years.
Nine years spent treading softly in a loveless relationship, humble to the point of dust.
So in his eyes, all my love amounted to nothing more than name your price.
I could not even bring myself to calculate what he thought it was worth.
When I lifted my eyes, I saw the condescending contempt in his gaze. In that moment, images flashed through my mind.
There was a time when I had been a girl held gently in someones hands.
A time when the man I loved was still alive.
My stomach had always been weak. Whenever I ate something spicy, the pain was so sharp I could not straighten my back. He would always make me a bowl of warm porridge, blowing it to the perfect temperature before feeding it to me spoon by spoon.
Whenever I acted spoiled, he would hold me in his arms, warm palms pressed to my stomach, whispering softly that the pain would go away.
When I was down, he could sit with me for an entire day, waiting patiently for one smile.
But now, I lowered my head and pushed the bracelet down my wrist bit by bit.
The sharp edge dug into my skin. A sudden sting shot up my arm. When I lifted my hand, there was already a thin line of blood.
Tears fell before I could stop them, hitting the floor one drop at a time.
Was the pain really only on the skin?
I took a deep breath and slid the bracelet onto Heidis wrist.
I even kept a gentle, dignified smile on my face.
May the child youre carrying stay healthy and safe.
The moment I said this, Caleb actually gave me a look he believed was appreciation.
Julia, as long as you behave, my child will be your child.
Utterly absurd.
Before his words had even settled, the bracelet on Heidis wrist suddenly slipped off and hit the floor with a sharp crack.
Fragments scattered across the tiles like powdered glass.
A piece of it scraped her leg, drawing a thin line of blood.
Caleb rushed to her instantly, moving as though he were saving her life, scooping her into his arms like she was made of fragile glass.
He shouted at the butler, voice fierce with panic.
What are you standing there for? Call the family doctor! Now!
His urgency made everyone in the living room look at me with mocking eyes, as if I were the one who caused all of this.
To be honest, I almost laughed.
Heidis voice was soft as a breeze, laced with deliberate trembling.
Its all my fault. The bracelet Julia just gave me I dropped it. Im so clumsy.
Caleb held her hand, speaking with a tenderness sweet enough to melt sugar.
Its not your fault. That thing was unlucky to begin with. Its good that it broke.
I froze.
The only thing my sister left me before she died had been dismissed as something ominous.
My fingers turned icy as I gripped the handle of my suitcase. I didnt dare look at the two pretenders in front of me for another second. If I stayed any longer, I would be sick to my stomach.
I was just about to leave when my phone suddenly vibrated.
Julia, come to the hospital now. Your father hes been beaten and crippled
My mothers voice trembled with tears, nearly choking.
The living room fell silent.
Heidi and Caleb heard everything, yet neither of them said a word of concern. Not even the slightest hint of guilt crossed their faces.
I didnt spare them another glance. I ran straight out the door.
Here is the refined English translation, faithful to the emotional intensity and novel-like tone, without adding unnecessary words and without any forbidden symbols:
By the time I rushed to the hospital, my legs were already giving out.
My father lay on the bed with his eyes tightly shut. His face was mottled with bruises, his chest wrapped in thick bandages, and his leg shattered into a comminuted fracture, encased in a cast that made it look like a cold block of stone.
The moment my mother saw me, her tears fell instantly. She clutched my hand, voice shaking as she told me what had happened.
My father ended up like this because of Caleb.
All because he wanted to protect his childhood sweetheart, who was pregnant. All because my father happened to glance at Heidi as he walked by.
Caleb hadnt asked a single question, hadnt confirmed anything. He attacked my father on the spot, calling him a pervert and claiming he had frightened a pregnant woman.
Hearing this felt like someone splitting me open with bare hands.
Looking at my father, barely clinging to life, I forced down my trembling and called the police.
Soon, the court date arrived.
That day, Caleb and Heidi walked into the courtroom hand in hand, as if they were attending a casual gathering.
When they saw me, there was no guilt on their faces, not even the faintest hint of unease. It was as if the person they had hurt wasnt a living human being, but simply a piece of useless trash.
Do we really have to make this such a big deal, Julia?
Caleb stood behind me, his tone filled with impatience and judgment.
I didnt look back. I only said coldly, You forced me to this.
Then I strode into the courtroom, refusing to look at their disgusting faces again.
The trial began.
Caleb immediately put on a righteous expression, his voice firm and clear, as though he were the victim.
As far as I know, my father-in-law kept staring at my friend Heidi. He disrupted public order and frightened a pregnant woman. Had I not been present, who knows what he might have done. I was protecting the community. I would rather uphold justice than shield my own family.
As he spoke, he placed Heidi behind him, guarding her like she was some priceless treasure.
Then he shot me an irritated look.
Youre not at the hospital caring for a cripple, yet you come here to accuse me? This is a courtroom. We speak with evidence, not emotion. Withdraw the suit. If something happens to your family because of this, I wont take responsibility.
At that moment, I finally understood why she tried so hard to stop me from calling the police.
Even when I knelt and begged her, she refused to stand up for my father.
Because from beginning to end, she stood on Heidis side.
I clenched my teeth, pushing down my fury as I tried one last time to summon even a shred of humanity from him.
My father treated you like his own son. He helped you with everything, supported your promotions, helped you chase your dreams. He gave you everything he could.
Now he lies half dead because of you. You are his son-in-law. Can you truly live with yourself?
Caleb rolled his eyes, speaking with disdain.
Law is impartial. I am righteous in this. I stand with truth, not with family. I am willing to testify that your fathers leg was already damaged before. It has nothing to do with me.
He lied without even a flicker of emotion.
My hands trembled with anger as I submitted the surveillance footage I had saved.
It was the crucial evidence showing Heidi striking my father first.
But when the video played, the screen showed nothing but static.
The evidence had been switched.
Heidi cast me a cold glance, mouthing two words: Idiot.
The only people with access to the evidence were me and Caleb.
I slammed my hands on the table and shot to my feet. Caleb! You tampered with the evidence! Do you have any humanity left?
Caleb didnt panic. He simply squeezed Heidis hand under the table, soothing her as gently as if comforting a child.
Heidi is kind. She didnt want to escalate the situation. She wanted to give your family a chance. But you came here full of malice, daring to frame her.
Then he handed over an audio recording.
My fathers voice suddenly came through the speaker.
So youre Heidi? The child youre carrying may not even be his. Give me five million, or Ill ruin you.
My entire body went rigid. The thread holding my sanity snapped in an instant.
Impossible.
The recording was fake.
My father had been unconscious ever since he was beaten. I had watched the dashcam footage dozens of times. That sentence never existed.
Heidi frowned, speaking in a fragile tone as if she had been cornered.
Your father threatened me. I barely escaped.
Caleb immediately pulled her into his arms, his voice cold and absolute.
Julia, I will never forgive you. Your father being crippled is his own retribution.
Then they presented all kinds of forged evidence, accusing my father of extortion, threats, and violence.
The judge didnt even bother to look closely. A few perfunctory words, and the verdict came down.
I lost.
In an instant, my father and I became villains. Monsters who failed at extortion and then harmed a pregnant woman out of spite.
The snickers and mockery from the gallery stung my ears. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug deep into my palms.
The moment the hearing ended, before we even stepped out of the courthouse, reporters and onlookers had already blocked the entrance.
Heidi walked out surrounded by flashing cameras and sympathetic hands. Tears shimmered in her eyes, her palms pressed together like a persecuted saint.
The crowds anger and pity exploded at once, and fingers flew toward me and my mother.
I stood in the middle of it all, the cold wind numbing my already frozen face.
This wasnt justice.
This was a trial they had orchestrated from the start.
Caleb wrapped Heidi protectively in his arms, his tone dripping with tenderness.
Heidi, dont worry. I wont let anyone threaten you. Ill protect you.
The crowds emotions surged even higher.
Someone recognized me and immediately hurled a rotten egg my way.
A bucket of foul-smelling blood splashed down from the top of my head, seeping down my neck and soaking into my clothes. The stench was overwhelming, icy, humiliating.
Shes a woman too, yet she tried to use someones reputation as leverage. Does she even have a conscience!
If the judge hadnt been fair, that poor girl would have been ruined forever!
Her father deserved to be crippled! A daughter like that will never meet a good end!
The curses pierced my ears like arrows.
I bit down on my lip until the taste of blood mixed with the stench filling my throat.
Only then did Caleb finally glance my way, frowning as if he were looking at filth.
Stop resisting. If you behave, I can still consider our past and live with you peacefully.
My voice was hoarse, barely holding up.
Impossible. Even if it costs me everything, Ill fight you to the end.
Calebs expression darkened.
Still refusing to repent.
Heidi bent down slightly, giving me a gentle, pitiful look.
Im sorry about your father, but even if time went backward, I still wouldnt agree to his demand for five million.
Caleb followed her words smoothly, playing the righteous man.
Im your husband, but I stand for justice. I cannot allow wickedness to spread.
The crowd was completely ignited.
What a good man! Why do good people always end up with this kind of wife!
A woman like her would drive anyone to divorce!
Watching Calebs performance made my stomach churn.
My legs suddenly buckled, and I stumbled forward.
Caleb shoved Heidi aside and kicked me hard in the chest.
Youre trying to fake an injury at the courthouse too? How was I ever blind enough to fall for someone so disgusting!
Pain exploded in my chest, knocking the breath out of me.
But deeper inside, in that place he once held, it hurt even more.
Three years ago, when his enemies tried to kill him, I had thrown myself in front of the blade to save him.
And now, the only thing he remembered was how to crush me.
Heidi tugged on his sleeve, her soft voice instantly hooking his attention.
Caleb, my stomach hurts again. Can you make me some porridge? You cook well.
He agreed at once and hurried off with her on his arm.
I watched their silhouettes fade, feeling something inside my chest shatter piece by piece.
For three years of marriage, every meal at home was cooked by my father and me.
Even when we had a fever or were burning up, he never stepped into the kitchen.
Yet now he was willing to cook porridge for another woman.
I let out a bitter laugh. It felt like a knife had cut me open.
Before getting into the car, Heidi suddenly turned back. Her face was filled with kindness and fragile innocence.
Do not dirty your hands because of disgusting people. Heaven always has justice.
The bystanders were instantly moved to tears.
Someone even spat on me a few times.
More people cursed while walking away.
I straightened myself, every wound on my body burning with pain.
But when I thought of my father, I gritted my teeth and rushed back to the hospital.
People pointed at me everywhere I passed.
That was when I realized the court video had already gone viral online.
Heidi had become the delicate angel millions wanted to protect, while my father and I were cursed as parasites, villains, and swindlers.
When I walked into the ward, my father was wrapped in layers of bandages, both legs shattered, even his breathing trembling.
I almost collapsed from the pain in my chest.
Others in the room murmured complaints.
A person like that is vicious. Injuring himself just to fake an accident.
He better not try to extort us. Tell them to get out.
I tried desperately to explain, but no one wanted to believe me.
My father listened to their words, shaking with anger as he pounded the bed.
He had spent his whole life helping others, yet he was being insulted like this, all because he trusted the wrong person.
He looked at me with hopeless eyes.
I treated Caleb like a son. He has never been wronged in his life. Why would he help others hurt me? What did I do wrong?
I could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down my face.
But the people around us kept mocking.
You are all vicious. This is the retribution you deserve.
More and more people crowded around the door, throwing filthy and hateful looks at us.
I could not bear to let my father suffer another second. I decided to discharge him.
But when the doctor brought the bill, I froze completely.
All the charges had been raised to more than ten times the original amount.
The doctor lowered his voice.
You offended someone you should not have. Some debts must be paid.
Bodyguards surrounded me like hunters blocking their prey.
It was clear they would not let us go without the money.
My hands trembled as I took out my phone, only to find the account balance had become zero.
Caleb had transferred everything out.
I called him immediately.
Calebs voice was lazy, even amused.
Heidi has been having trouble sleeping. Consider this her emotional compensation.
I could not stop myself from shouting.
That is my fathers medical fee.
As long as you publicly admit you slandered Heidi, she will give you a large payout, Caleb said calmly.
His legs are already broken. There is no point saving him. Better to admit guilt and let him spend the rest of his life comfortably in bed.
Once this is over, I will live well with you again.
The next moment I heard a heavy thud on his end, followed by breathy, intimate sounds.
Realization struck me instantly.
My phone slipped from my hand. I covered my mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.
Before the doctor could call security, the police arrived.
Heidi and Caleb reported that your father attempted to extort them. We need to bring him in for questioning.
My father had just finished surgery and was in unbearable pain.
I knelt and begged, but the officers could only shake their heads.
These are orders from above. We cannot do anything.
I tried to block the bed, but they said I was obstructing the law.
My father was dragged away violently, the bandages on his legs turning red with fresh blood.
I ran after them, but when I reached the corner, a black bag suddenly covered my head.
A storm of fists and kicks crashed down on me.
How dare you lay a hand on Calebs woman. Learn your place.
Do not kill her. She is still Calebs wife.
Wife? Caleb never cared about her. His heart has always been with Heidi. If she had not forced herself in, she would never have married him.
I did not know how long the beating lasted before they finally left.
I lay curled on the ground, motionless, like a discarded rag.
Seven years ago, when Caleb first took over the family business, it was my father who used every connection he had to help him stabilize the situation.
Later, when I was kidnapped, it was Caleb who fought his way into the hideout and carried me out on his back.
That day, I cried in his arms, believing I had found the person I could trust for the rest of my life.
And now, for another woman, he had driven us into a dead end.
Fortunately, only three days remained.
I dragged my weakened body back home, only to see piles of luggage thrown out at the door. My chest tightened violently.
Caleb had tossed out everything that belonged to me and my father.
This house was bought with my fathers entire life savings.
What right did Caleb have to throw us out?
I felt as though I could barely breathe. Just as I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of the scene inside the house through the gap in the door.
Heidi was sitting in Calebs lap, feeding him spoonfuls of porridge.
I forced my trembling hands still, raised my phone, and quietly began recording.
Calebs hand was wrapped around her waist, fingers wandering restlessly. His voice was low and intimate.
In those days, I was too poor. I had no choice but to marry for family interests and let you marry someone else. All these years, youve suffered.
Heidis face flushed, her expression dripping with sweetness.
No, even if I married someone else, have we ever stopped talking? The only one who can satisfy me in bed has always been you, Caleb
Her words ignited him instantly. Caleb lowered his head and kissed her hungrily.
When the baby is born, well go abroad together. Alright?
Heidi let out a soft sound.
Last time I got pregnant, you forced me to end it. Why do you want this one?
My heart clenched as if someone had grabbed it.
Half a year ago, she had been pregnant.
That was also the first time I became pregnant, and he forced me into surgery, claiming it would affect his work.
I had always thought he was just ambitious.
But the real reason was that Heidi disagreed.
My fingers shook, but I kept the phone steady.
Heidi buried her head in his chest, her tone dripping with malicious sweetness.
At that time, we didnt know whose the baby was. How could I let someone else carry a bastard?
Then came the sound of sticky kisses.
Heidis breathing grew soft and tangled.
Dont worry. This time, the baby is ours.
Her words exploded in my ears, each one like a blade slicing straight into my chest.
I could no longer watch. I lowered my phone and turned to leave.
But my weakened legs gave out. I stepped wrong and knocked over a vase by the door.
It shattered loudly.
Caleb rushed out at once. When he saw how disheveled I was, his expression stiffened for a moment before he shouted,
What did you do to yourself this time!
The next second, he dragged Heidi into his arms protectively, his eyes filled only with concern for her.
Trying to get my sympathy again? Stop using this kind of pathetic trick.
Heidi recovered quickly and let out a mocking laugh.
Planning to go to court again and accuse me of hitting your father? Who would believe you?
I looked at them coldly.
If your affair goes public, who people believe is another question.
Calebs eyes widened with rage.
Julia, stop spouting nonsense! I only invited Heidi over for porridge. What filthy thoughts are you imagining?
If you would just apologize publicly, we could still live together peacefully. Ill give you a child. Why wont you agree?
I had no interest in arguing with him. I hid my phone securely.
Just then, Heidi spoke softly.
Caleb, go get another bowl of porridge. Mr. Fang doesnt seem unreasonable. We can talk calmly.
As soon as Caleb walked away, she dropped the gentle facade and forced me into the corner.
Her voice was low, like a snake hissing.
Do you know why I hit your father? Because he deserved it. Who told him to show off in front of me? Caleb belongs to me. Even if he marries you, he is still mine. Your father deserved what happened.
Here is the refined English translation, faithful to the emotional tension and novel tone, without adding unnecessary words and without any forbidden symbols:
I couldnt help but throw a punch, but my body was covered in injuries. I was no match for her.
In an instant, she had me pinned to the ground.
She stepped on my chest and leaned down, her lips brushing my ear.
If you insist on being disobedient, Ill make sure you learn your lesson. Your father died in prison because of you.
I struggled and raked my nails across her ankle, leaving a deep scratch.
Seeing Caleb about to come out, Heidi immediately clutched her forehead and let herself collapse onto the floor as if she had been shoved.
Caleb saw her fall, and the bowl in his hand shattered against the ground with a sharp crack that tore through the air.
He rushed toward us, screaming, his fury twisting his face into something monstrous.
Julia! How dare you touch Heidi? Can you afford to compensate for the child shes carrying? You and your fathers lives wouldnt be enough!
He charged forward, grabbed my shoulders, and shoved.
I was thrown hard, my back slamming into the sharp corner of the entryway like a heavy hammer striking me.
Pain exploded in my chest. My vision went black. I staggered, then collapsed.
I heard Calebs hysterical roaring, Heidis fake frightened sobs, and the murmurs of people around us.
The noises tangled together, stabbing into my ears like countless needles.
I tried to push myself up, but my body refused to move.
My consciousness cracked open, leaking away rapidly.
In the last moment before everything went dark, I saw Caleb glaring at me with a frown, yet still holding Heidi protectively, terrified that she might be startled.
Then the darkness swallowed me completely.
When I opened my eyes again, the first thing that hit me was the sharp smell of disinfectant.
The white ceiling swayed slightly in my vision. I tried to move my fingers, but they felt weighed down by something heavy.
The curtain was pulled aside. A doctor stepped to the bedside, his expression calm.
Youre awake?
I nodded. My throat burned as if scraped raw by sandpaper.
The doctor sighed, speaking as gently as he could.
Julia, when you were brought in, you were experiencing massive bleeding.
My heart clenched, but I forced myself to ask, So?
He paused for a moment before answering.
The baby is gone.
My breathing caught in my chest, unable to move.
The baby?
I repeated softly, as though confirming something I had never imagined.
The doctor continued, You were three weeks pregnant. It was too early to detect. But your injuries were severe, and the embryo couldnt continue developing. We have already completed the procedure.
My fingertips slowly turned cold.
So I had been pregnant.
In the middle of their blows, their insults, all the despair I had been carrying a tiny life.
And now he was gone.
Because of their push.
Because of their violence.
Because of their cruelty.
Seeing me silent, the doctor added in a low voice, Your injuries were caused by assault. We have reported it according to protocol. Once your condition stabilizes, youll need to give a statement.
I closed my eyes. My chest felt as if it had been torn apart.
Images flashed through my mind: Calebs indifferent shove, Heidis triumphant smile, her words about letting the old man die in prison.
Each one cut like a blade.
The baby was gone.
And the marriage I had fought so hard to hold together collapsed completely in that moment.
I opened my eyes. My voice was cold as a winter night.
Theres no need to continue with the police report. Please help me preserve all medical records, emergency documents, and surgical reports.
The doctor paused, surprised.
Of course, but you need rest.
Dont worry. My tone was calm, yet so firm it allowed no refusal.
The doctor could only nod and leave.
After a while, the door to the hospital room swung open.
Caleb walked in. The sharpness in his expression had been carefully tucked away, replaced with something that almost looked gentle. His presence instantly drained the warmth from the air.
Julia, I know youre still angry about what happened yesterday, but I truly had no choice. Heidi was badly hurt. And your own wounds havent healed yet. Please, dont make things harder for me, alright?
His voice was soft enough to drip with sweetness, the tone a man uses when coaxing a child who doesnt know any better.
That gentleness was something he offered to everyone.
Everyone except me.
His act made me laugh, a cold, hollow sound.
Relax. I wont delay tomorrows press conference.
The sarcasm in my voice wiped the softness from his face at once.
Julia, he snapped, stop being childish. Youre the one at fault. If you hadnt harmed the baby in Heidis stomach, I wouldnt have laid a finger on you. Everything that happened to you was your own doing.
He shoved every sin onto me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
That kind of cruelty chilled the bones.
I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him about the child I had lost, but someone interrupted.
Heidi burst in like a frightened little rabbit, throwing herself into his arms.
Caleb, where did you go? I woke up and didnt see you, I thought you didnt want me anymore. I dreamed about yesterday I dreamed those people came after me again
Her voice trembled with every word, tears streaming nonstop.
Caleb bent over her protectively, soothing her as if she were the most precious treasure in existence.
When she finally calmed down a little, his eyes turned sharp and vicious as he glared at me.
Look at what you did! Heidi nearly died because of you!
I couldnt help but laugh, the sound slicing through the room like a blade.
Seeing that I didnt respond, Heidi suddenly let out a shrill scream.
Julia, is it not enough that Im leaving? Please dont hurt me or the baby anymore I never should have made you angry
She even tried to kneel by my bed, her pitiful act almost enough to make Caleb crumble.
I remained expressionless.
I simply watched their performance with icy amusement.
Caleb finally lost his patience.
Julia, you still refuse to admit your mistakes. Stay here and reflect. After the press conference, Ill reconsider our marriage. My family does not need a heartless woman.
With that, he guided Heidi out without looking back.
Just before disappearing from view, Heidi cast a glance over her shoulder. Her eyes gleamed with arrogance and triumph, the clear declaration lingering in her gaze.
This time, I won.
I didnt even bother looking at them as I reached out and shut the door.
The next morning, I began executing my plan.
There were three hours left until the Caleb familys press conference.
In three hours, his familys business would begin its freefall.
Every resource, every share, every partnership I had once placed into his hands, I would take back without hesitation.
For every wound they gave me, I would repay them with what they valued most.
I blocked both Caleb and Heidis numbers, then boarded the plane with Karl.
I could hardly wait to watch the grand celebration they ignited with their own hands turn into the very fire that devoured them.
Their fall was only the beginning.
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