My Husband Made Me Endure 99 IVF for My Sister novel
That day, as she braved the rain to share the good news with her husband, Hervey Dinklage, she happened to overhear his true feelings right at the doorway.
Inside the private room, he raised an eyebrow, holding and smiling at another womans photo.
I got a tattoo over my heart with the family name Oliverbut its not for Christina. Its for Keala.
Every time Im in bed with Christina and call her babe, Im actually calling out to Keala.
I only married Christina for revenge. From beginning to end, the only woman Ive ever loved is Keala.
Each word from him hit her like a sharp knife, stabbing straight into her chest.
They were childhood sweethearts in three years of marriage, and in his mouth, it had all been nothing but revenge.
From start to finish, the only one he cared for was Keala.
But the voices inside continued. Someone asked in confusion.
Dude, if you dont like Christina, then why make her go through ninety-nine rounds of IVF? Why insist she carry your child?
Hervey replied casually, It was Kealas request. Her bodys not in the best condition. She cant bear children. She said shed only be with me if Christina gave birth and passed the child to her.
Christinas face turned pale as paper. Tears splattered onto her pregnancy test report. Clutching her belly, she turned and walked away from the private room.
She didnt go home. She didnt go to the hospital. She went straight to a law firm.
Attorney, please help me draft a divorce agreement and an asset transfer agreement.
Hervey had forgotten one thing: before their wedding, they signed a prenuptial agreement.
Every time he hurt her, one percent of his shares in the Dinklage Group would be transferred to her.
After three years of marriage, this was the fifty-second time he had hurt hermeaning every single share he owned in the Dinklage Group had already been transferred to her name.
Hervey, I love you but I love myself more. Since youve been cruel, dont be surprised when I leave and take our baby with me.
Maam, once both parties sign the divorce papers, theres no going back. Are you sure about this?
Without a moment of hesitation, Christina signed her name. I am. This marriage is over.
The only reason Hervey could toy with her so easily was because he knew she loved him.
But what he didnt know was that after three long years, every ounce of her love had already been worn away.
Holding the divorce papers, Christina walked home through the rain.
As soon as she stepped inside, Herveys eyes filled with worry. Why are you still acting like a kid? You didnt even bring an umbrella. If you get sick, its going to break my heart.
He picked up a dry towel and gently wiped the rain from her face.
Over their three years of marriage, he had done things like this countless times. That was why even after being hurt fifty-one times, she still told herself that he loved her.
But after hearing the truth from his own mouth, she finally realized everything he did was just an act.
Her fingers curled tightly. She brushed his hand away and pulled the divorce papers from her bag.
Hervey, lets get a divorce.
But her voice was drowned out by a sudden clap of thunder, followed by a sharp scream from upstairs.
In an instant, her face turned pale. She would never forget that voice even in her dreamsKeala.
When they were kids, every time Christina needed their parents the most, Keala would intentionally scream to steal all their attention.
When they grew up, she did the exact same thing to Herveyforcing him to choose her every single time.
Even Christinas marriage to him only happened because Keala didnt want him, giving Christina a chance.
Christinas body trembled as she demanded, Wasnt she supposed to be overseas, married? Why is she in our house?
She clutched Herveys arm, waiting for an explanation.
But there was no guilt on his faceonly concern for Keala.
Keala got divorced. Her husband abused her, so I brought her back.
Let go, Christina. Keala is terrified of thunder. I need to go up and stay with her.
The love and panic in his eyes stabbed Christina straight through the heart.
She was his wifeyet every word out of his mouth was about another woman.
That woman, who once abandoned him and made him the laughingstock of the entire city.
Holding back the ache in her chest, Christina forced her words out. Hervey, Im your wife. Im scared of thunder, too. I
But he cut her off impatiently. Christina, shes your sister. Shes been through hell out there. She just wants to come home and feel loved. Do you really have to fight her for that?
When you were kids, snatching back her identity wasnt enough. Now, you want to push her to death?
Youve changed, Christina. Youre so cruel I dont even recognize you.
Christina stared at him in disbelief.
She didnt understand. She was the real daughter of the Olivers; Keala was only adopted.
She simply came home. How was that wrong?
Herveys eyes grew cold as he looked at her hand. Let go.
Her eyes burned red, her heart freezing inch by inch. She stubbornly replied, You can go. But sign this first.
For the first time, Hervey, who was always cautious, didnt even read the document. He signed his name immediately, disgust flashing in his eyes.
There. You satisfied? Now, let go.
Seeing his signature on the divorce papers sent sharp, needling pain through Christinas chest.
More than twenty years of affection, three years of marriageended in a single moment.
Silently, she nodded and released him.
Hervey rushed upstairs without looking back.
Her palm felt suddenly empty, the cold air seeping in until she was chilled to the bone.
She raised her eyes toward the guest room. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.
Hervey this time, Im setting you free. Were even now.
All these years, he insisted Keala suffered because Christina returned to the Olivers.
But he forgotit was him who personally found Christina after she was abducted. He was the one who brought her home.
When she was eight, she was kidnapped deep into the mountains. Just when she thought shed never escape, her parents managed to track her down.
But she was locked in a basement. All she could do was make noisewhatever noise she could manageto let them know she was there.
But she had been starved for three or four days; she could barely stand. The sounds she made were too faint for anyone aboveground to hear.
Fortunately, the little girl locked up with her had been kidnapped only recently. Christina told her about a hidden passageway, urging her to escape and alert her parents.
The girl agreed. But Christina waited all night and no one came for her.
That night, the traffickers came back and beat her half to death.
You stupid brat. Trying to run? That girl you let go didnt bring help; instead she was taken in by your parents as their goddaughter. Since you let her go, youll work twice as hard from now on.
That was the first time Christina realized just how cruel people could be.
For the next fifteen years, she lived in shackles, doing the heaviest work, never getting enough to eatliving worse than a dog.
Just when she thought shed die like that, her childhood sweetheart, Hervey, personally came to rescue her and helped her get revenge.
But when she returned home, she found out that the girl who betrayed her had become the Oliverss heiressKeala.
Christina cried as she told everyone the truth. But nobody believed her.
Keala claimed Christina was insane, mentally damaged from years of abuse.
After fifteen years, her parents had long treated Keala as their real daughter and believed everything she said.
Eventually, under Kealas manipulation, they sent Christina to a psychiatric hospital.
While she was there, Hervey visited her every day but repeated the same words as her parents.
Christina, I know you feel resentful after everything youve suffered, but Keala is a good girl. Stop targeting her.
At that moment, Christina realized she had lost more than ten years of freedom; shed also lost her parents and her childhood sweethearts love and trust.
Later, she gave in. She was finally released.
But that same day, the Dinklages and Olivers announced an engagementbetween Hervey and Keala.
Christina sobbed as she asked them what about her? She was the one who had the childhood engagement with him.
But her parents said, Christina, youre our real daughter. You can stay with us forever. Everything in the family will belong to you. But Keala is different; she only wants to marry Hervey. And they love each other.
Watching Hervey and Keala so blissfully in love, Christina cried until she could barely breathe.
Keala had everythingstatus, affection, reputationwhile Christina endured all the suffering and slander. Why couldnt they give her even Hervey?
But on their wedding day, for some unknown reason, Keala suddenly backed out and left the country to marry someone else.
While everyone waited to laugh at the Dinklages, it was Christina who stepped forward and said she would marry him.
And from then on, she became Herveys wife.
She knew he loved Keala, but she believed sincerity could be returned with sincerity.
Reality proved her painfully wrong.
When she finally collected herself, Christina wiped away her tears one by one. Looking down at the divorce papers, she muttered to herself.
Hervey just give me thirty more days. After that, Ill leave your world foreverwith our baby.
Christina went upstairs to her room to pack her things. As she looked around, she saw all the evidence of how her husband had hurt her again and again.
The first time Hervey hurt her was on their wedding day.
Keala had run away from her own wedding, turning him into the biggest joke in all of Tallahassee. She was the one who stepped up and married him in her sisters place, choosing to face the gossip and humiliation alongside him.
But on the day of the wedding, someone switched out her wedding gown for mourning clothes.
Later, they discovered that Kealawho was abroad at the timehad been behind it. But Hervey didnt scold her, not even once. He even defended Keala.
To comfort Christina, Hervey went so far as to have a lawyer draft an agreement: every time he hurt her, he would transfer 1% of his shares into her name.
That was the first time, and he really did transfer 1% to her.
In the three years since, he had long forgotten the promise he made back then, and he had no idea that all of his shares had slowly ended up in her hands.
For three years, every extra percent meant another time she had been hurt.
If she couldnt win his heart, then she might as well take his money.
After looking through the countless ways he had wronged her, Christina gently wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
Hervey, this is where we end.
The next day, her parents learned that Keala had returned and asked them to come home for dinner.
Right before getting into the car, Hervey said, Christina, sit in the back. Keala likes riding in the front.
She still remembered how his female secretary once tried to take the front seat, only to be harshly scolded because the front passenger seat is for my wife.
So, of coursedeep down, the wife in Herveys heart had always been Keala.
Keala looped her arm through his and smiled. Oh, Hervey, you always treat me the best. If I had married you back then, I cant imagine how happy Id be now.
Christinas lowered fists clenched tight.
She knew Keala was provoking her.
A few years ago, she wouldve argued. She wouldve tried to reason it out.
But now? She had already decided to let this man go. None of this mattered to her anymore.
As soon as they got in the car, Hervey pulled out motion-sickness medicine and handed it to Keala.
Keala, I got this ready for you.
Keala glanced back at Christina, smiling with deliberate meaning. But Hervey, theres only one pill. If you give it to me what about Christina?
Herveys hand froze. His mind was so focused on Keala that he forgot Christina also got carsick.
He pressed his lips together and said, Christina, its just a twenty-minute drive. Try to bear with it.
A sharp ache sliced through her chest.
They were both human, so why did she always have to be the one to bear with it?
Then she caught the warm, tender look in Herveys eyes as he gazed at Keala, and she let out a mocking laugh in her heart.
Of course. Because the person he cherished wasnt her.
The entire ride, her stomach churned violently. When they arrived, she practically collapsed to the ground and started vomiting.
But neither her parents nor Hervey spared her even a single glance just like when they were children.
Both daughters got carsick, yet all their parents concern went to Keala.
In the end, it was a housemaidunable to watch any longerwho helped Christina inside.
Watching her parents and her husband fuss over another woman, Christina let out a bitter laugh.
If they all liked Keala so much, then once the divorce cooling-off period ended, she would leave for good.
Her parents... Her husband
She didnt want any of them.
Inside, the table was filled with dishes, but every one of them was Kealas favorite.
During dinner, her parents kept piling food onto Kealas plate, saying she had suffered too much while abroad and had even lost weight.
If we knew you were struggling overseas, we wouldve brought you home sooner, her father said. Wed never let you go through all that hardship.
These are your favorite ribeye and creamy mashed potatoes, her mother added. I had everything sourced fresh from out of state as soon as we heard you were coming home.
Keala curled her lips into a smile and gave Christina a provocative look. Thanks, Mom. I knew you two loved me the most. Im not leaving this time. Ill stay and be your good daughter.
Then she pointed at the ribeye and said to Hervey, Hervey, I want some ribeye. Can you slice it for me?
Hervey immediately picked up the knife and carefully cut the ribeye into neat slices, one by one.
Christinas eyes stung.
She had asked him to cut meat for her before, and he had said, I dont make a habit of cutting food for anyone.
Turns out it wasnt a habithe just didnt want to do it for her.
Love and indifference the difference really was that clear.
Her fists tightened beneath the table, nails cutting into her palm until blood dripped onto the floor.
Seeing her reaction, Keala smirked and deliberately said, Dad, Mom, Herveystop focusing only on me. Otherwise my sister might get upset.
At that, a flicker of impatience crossed Herveys face. He grabbed a slice of roast chicken breast and dropped it into Christinas plate, his tone sharp.
Youre a grown woman. Cant you feed yourself? Do you really need someone to serve you?
When she still didnt pick up her fork, Keala spoke up again.
Why arent you eating, Christina? Do you not like the food? Or do you just not like me?
With that one sentence, all three adults at the table turned their accusing gazes on her.
It was as if she had committed some unforgivable crime.
Elijah frowned. Christina, your sister finally came home. Stop being childish and showing attitude for once.
Christina stared at the piece of chicken meat on her plate. She let out a bitter breath, picked up her fork, and ate it.
It tasted salty.
Because her tears had fallen onto it.
Even after all these years they still didnt remember she was allergic to chicken.
As soon as the chicken went down, red rashes spread across Christinas face.
Everyone at the table froze.
Herveys hand stopped mid-motion as he was slicing more ribeye for Keala. Youre allergic to chicken. Why didnt you say anything? So you did this on purpose? Hoping wed feel guilty and blame Keala instead?
Christina lifted her gaze toward him, her eyes stinging.
She had told themmany times over the years. No one ever cared enough to listen.
She was tired. Think whatever you want.
She got up and returned to her room.
If no one loved her, then she would love herself.
She stayed at her parents house for several days. Apart from seeing Hervey briefly at night, he spent his entire days taking Keala out to different places.
He claimed Keala had just come back and was in a bad mood, and he wanted to cheer her up.
To accompany her, he even stopped going to the company. The board of directors ended up calling his wife, asking her to control him.
Christina only replied calmly, I cant control him.
If she could, she wouldnt be getting divorced.
There were fifteen days left of the divorce cooling-off period. That night, Hervey came home early for the first time in forever.
He grabbed her wrist and stared at her stomach. Youve done ninety-nine IVF cycles. Still nothing?
That was the first thing hed said to her in more than ten days, and it was only because he was calculating.
Christina pulled her arm back and answered coldly, No.
She would never give birth to a child just so it could call Keala Mom.
A shadow flickered across Herveys face before he said, Then try again.
Christina looked up at him, her eyes cold.
To make Keala happy, he was willing to damage Christinas body again and again?
Afraid he might force himself on her, she said, Fine. After my body recovers. The doctor said I need to rest for a bit, or itll make pregnancy harder.
As he heard her act so agreeable, a flicker of guilt rose in Hervey.
But the moment he thought of Keala, that guilt disappeared. His tone hardened.
Im the only son of the Dinklages. I cant end the family line. Eat well these days and get your body back in shape.
Christina, I know IVF is tough, but for us to have a child, I can only ask you to endure it.
Kealas been scared at night lately. Ill sleep in the room next door to keep her company. Dont worry
Before he could finish, Christina cut him off. Okay. Go.
A dirty man wasnt someone she wanted anyway.
Her indifference left Hervey strangely irritated.
He let out a cold snort and slammed the door on his way out.
Watching his retreating figure, Christina whispered, Hervey, since you like her so much, you two can stay chained together.
Later that night, she got thirsty and went downstairs for water. As she passed Kealas room, she accidentally overheard them talking.
Keala was curled up in the mans arms. Hervey, since Christina cant have a baby, why dont I have one for you?
Hervey rejected her immediately. No. IVF is painful, and giving birth carries huge risks. I cant let you face that.
Keala, he called, I can lose anyone else, but I cant lose you.
Keala smiled, and the next second, the man rolled over and pressed her beneath him. The room quickly filled with their intimate sounds.
Christina ran back to her bathroom, covering her mouth. She shut the door and locked it.
In the mirror, her tears streamed down uncontrollably as soft sobs escaped her.
So Hervey always knew IVF was painful. He knew childbirth was dangerous, yet he still made her go through ninety-nine cycles.
Even when the doctor warned it would seriously harm her health.
He knew everything. He just didnt care whether she lived or died.
She collapsed onto the floor, her knees giving out.
His promises echoed in her ears.
Christina, lets grow up quickly. When were older, Ill marry you and make you the happiest bride.
Christina, dont be scared. Im here to save you. From now on, I wont let anyone hurt you.
Christina, after we get married, Ill treat you well. I wont let you suffer.
All of it was nothing but lies. And she was the only one who ever believed them.
Just as she was drowning in heartbreak, her phone rang. It was her lawyer.
Maam, the share transfers are almost done. With this many shares, how do you plan to handle them?
Christina tightened her grip on the phone, the last trace of love disappearing from her eyes, replaced only by hatred.
I have my own plans. Prepare a transfer agreement for me.
After hanging up, she called Herveys greatest rivalHamish Eigenberg.
The man answered in his usual careless tone. Well, well. Miss Christina. I never thought Id get a call from you.
Christinas voice came out cold. Hamish, I want to discuss a major business deal with you.
Youve always wanted to take over the Dinklage Group, havent you? I currently hold fifty-two percent of its shares. Give me a reasonable price, and Ill sell everything I have to you.
The man on the other end paused for a moment, then let out a teasing laugh. If you hand me all of Dinklage Groups shares, Im never letting Hervey off the hook.
Hervey and Hamish had been at odds for yearsneck-and-neck rivals who could never stand the sight of each other.
If she handed those shares to Hamish, Hervey would never recover.
Thinking about all the times hed lied to her and hurt her, Christinas voice sharpened with resolve. I dont care. Even if you buy the company just to tear it down and turn it into a pig farm, its fine with me.
Hamish chuckled. Christina, now Im curious. What did Hervey do to you to make you this ruthless?
Hey, youre asking too many questions. Just tell medo you want the shares or not?
I want them. An opportunity like this? Id be crazy to pass it up.
Send me an account number. Ill sell the shares to you at market price.
Alright.
Once the deal was settled, Christina sent him her card details.
Over the next few days, Hervey used letting her rest as an excuse not to come home. He didnt return for an entire week.
But Kealas Instagram never stopped updating.
Day one: Hervey spent a fortune at an auction to buy her a pink diamond.
Day two: He spent ten million on a city-wide fireworks display just for her.
Day three
Day four
In just one week, he did more for Keala than he ever did for Christina in three years.
Whenever she asked him to do anything with her, he only ever said one thingbusy.
Now, she finally understood. It wasnt that he was too busy. He simply didnt want to. He simply didnt like her.
Christina opened a box and pulled out the childhood love letters Hervey had written to her. Their families had arranged their engagement when they were kids, so he had written her one letter every month, telling her she could read them when they grew up.
For the past three years, whenever heartbreak overwhelmed her, she opened one and burned one.
Only one letter remained.
She unfolded it. It was his childish handwriting.
[Christina, twenty years from now, we should already be married, right? We should have a child by then too. You must have become the happiest wife and mother in the world. Ill do everything I can to make money and give you and our child the best life.
[Christina, you are the woman I will love the most in this lifetime.]
His childhood love had been real.
And now, his betrayal was just as real.
Her parents and her husband had both fallen in love with someone else long before they ever reached her side.
Christina didnt cry. She was just too tired to feel the pain anymore.
Promises were fake. His new love was real. So was every wound he left on her.
She burned the last remaining letter until it turned to ash.
There were four days left. When the fourth day arrived, she would take the money and her baby, and leave this suffocating place for good.
But that night, Hervey came home, reeking of alcohol.
The moment he stepped into the room, he wrapped her tightly in his arms, muttering complaints.
Why werent you angry that I didnt come home for so many days?
Christina do you not love me anymore?
Looking at his childish, drunken expression, Christina suddenly laughed.
If she got angry, he called her unreasonable.
If she didnt get angry, he accused her of not caring.
Hervey What exactly do you want from me?
She stayed silent and tried to guide him toward the guest room.
But he refused to move. Instead, he pinned her wrists against the wall.
Babe you havent given yourself to me in a long time
Babe. For years, she thought it was his endearment for her.
But now
Even though shed already heard the truth, she still couldnt stop herself from asking, Who are you calling?
He answered instantlywithout hesitation.
Keala.
Her smile broke, and tears slipped out. Without caring about his reaction, she shoved him out of the room and slammed the door in his face.
She told herself she would never soften again.
She would never live as anyones substitute.
The next morning, Hervey woke up freezing on the floor outside the door. The sight of him sleeping there overnight shouldve stirred guilt, but instead, her bitterness evaporated, replaced by anger.
He barged into the room to demand an explanation, but stopped short when he saw her marking dates on the calendar.
The date three days later was circled in bright red.
Suddenly, a heavy, uneasy feeling pressed down on his chest.
What does that red circle three days from now mean?
Christina showed no hint of guilt for leaving the man outside the door all night. Her expression stayed calm as she said, This day is our wedding anniversary. I prepared a big gift for you.
A divorce certificateher way of setting him free.
When he heard that, all his irritation instantly disappeared. The corners of his lips lifted into a smile.
He knew it. Christina could never really leave him.
Since youre being so thoughtful, Ill prepare a gift for you, too. As for what you pulled last night, Ill let it go.
With that, he turned and walked out of the house.
Watching him rush away, Christina let out a quiet, mocking laugh.
He wasnt letting it go. He simply didnt have time to argue; after all, he had to go see the woman he actually cared about.
Still, Hervey kept his word. At noon, he had his secretary deliver a bouquet of roses.
Maam, Sir Hervey picked these out himself. He hopes youll like them.
The roses were beautifulbright and full. But he had forgotten one thing: she preferred heirloom roses.
When they were young, she loved them so much that Hervey once climbed over the neighbors fence just to pick one for her.
His mother made him kneel in the hallway for hours because of it.
Roses were Kealas favorite.
If this had been years ago, Christina wouldve argued with him, furious that he couldnt even remember what she liked.
But after these three yearsafter so many moments like thisshe no longer had the strength to be angry.
After she finished signing for the flowers, the secretary left. But later, she saw the real story on Kealas Instagram.
An hour earlier, Keala had posted a photo with a caption.
[I casually mentioned I liked sapphires once, and Hervey flew me to Miami in a private jet. But the auction roses? He just handed them off to whoever.]
The roses in the photo were exactly like the bouquet Christina received.
Apparently, the flowers she ended up with were the ones Keala didnt care to keep.
With that realization, Christina picked up the bouquet and tossed it straight into the trash.
Things that served no purpose should be thrown away.
There were still two days left before the divorce proceedings. She had already booked her plane ticket.
She planned to travel for a while, to finally slow down and see the landscapes shed never had the chance to enjoy.
But that night, she received a call from her parents, telling her she had to attendtoday was Kealas birthday.
They seemed to forget that they hadnt celebrated her birthday in nearly twenty years.
It was not because they refused but because they always forgot.
Their hearts were smallso small that they only had room for Keala, leaving no space for Christina at all.
She hadnt wanted to go. But thinking about the fact that they had at least given her life, she decided she would treat tonight as a farewell.
But once she arrived at the party, she realized she was not needed there.
Her childhood best friend was now Kealas best friend.
Her parents stood on Kealas side.
Even her husband sided with Keala.
Kealas circle of friends sneered openly.
Keala, wheres that small-town sister of yours? Is she gonna be here tonight? Dont let her run her mouth like she did years ago and embarrass you again.
Christinas fist tightened.
Back then, when she had just been rescued and brought home, even her accent had changed. She didnt know how to dress, looked plain and awkward, completely out of place among these people.
The moment she spoke, they laughed and called her a hillbilly.
Even Hervey couldnt hold back his laughter.
She had been so crushed by it that she spent two months correcting her accent.
But now, she finally understood something.
Even if Hervey couldnt understand her words back then, couldnt he at least understand her tears?
The memories made her feel ridiculous.
The dazzling, crowded party hall felt suffocating. Christina turned and stepped outside for a breath of air.
She had barely been out for a moment when Keala followed her like a piece of stubborn cling film.
Standing there with the arrogance of a victor, she looked down on her and said, Christina, your parents and your husbandnow, they all love me.
Christinas tone stayed light. Once, they loved me, too.
Love is the most unstable thing in the world. Today, they can love you, and tomorrow, they can love me again.
Falling in love isnt impressive. Staying in lovethats the real skill.
And love always changes.
Just like how Hervey used to love her but now loved Keala instead.
Kealas expression twisted. Nothing infuriated her more than Christinas calm, indifferent manner.
You act so high and mighty. Want to hear a secret?
You ever wonder why Hervey suddenly stopped loving you? I told him that while you were kidnapped, you were passed around. That when you came back pretending to be pure, it was all fake.
Men love to say they dont care about stuff like that, but inside? Theyre disgusted.
Whenever Hervey slept with me, hed say you were already used up but still played innocent. It made him sick.
This giftdo you like it?
Christina trembled all over with rage.
No wonder Hervey had been distant and unpredictable with her throughout their three-year marriage.
No wonder hed spend ages in the shower after they slept together.
Apparently he had always thought she was tainted.
And the one who planted all of this was Keala.
Christina finally snapped. She raised her hand and slapped Keala hard.
Keala fell to the ground on cuejust as the guests from the party conveniently walked out and witnessed the scene.
She immediately grabbed Christinas pant leg and started crying.
Im sorry, Christina! I didnt mean to take Mom, Dad, or Hervey from you. I know Im just an adopted child, and youve always looked down on me. Ill leave the Olivers. Youll never see me again...
The moment she spoke, their parents, Elijah and Liza, rushed over and protectively wrapped their arms around Keala.
No! Youre our precious daughter. If anyone leaves, it wont be you.
Christina, after all these years, you still cant let Keala go? If you cant accept her, then you get out of the family. As far as were concerned, we never had a daughter like you!
Hervey glared at her with righteous fury.
Christina, if you have a problem, come at me. Why are you bullying Keala?
Ive already done what you wanted and married you. What else do you want?
Christinas eyes burned red.
Her parents, her husbandevery single one of them was ready to cut ties with her for this vicious woman.
Christina was the one who had been hurt, and somehow, all of it had become her fault.
She looked at him coldly.
So marriage isnt something you can decide for yourself, but an affair is?
Herveys expression changed. Elijah and Liza looked confused.
Before they could react, Keala suddenly threw herself off the second floor.
Below was soft grass; she wouldnt die. But it was enough to make everyone believe Christina had driven her to an attempted suicide.
Once again, she became the villain in everyones eyes.
Watching the people who once loved her turn their backs one by one, Christinas expression grew more and more bitter. She turned and went home to pack her things.
That night, as soon as Hervey walked in, he attacked her verbally.
Are you satisfied now?
Did she die? Christina replied calmly. If she didnt, then noIm not satisfied.
Given everything Keala had done to her, even dying a hundred times wouldnt be enough.
Herveys fists clenched, his knuckles cracking.
You know about Keala and me, so I wont hide it anymore. Ill give you one chance. If you go to the hospital right now and donate blood to her, I wont divorce you.
Christina let out a cold laugh.
Impossible. If she dies, Ill set off fireworks.
Herveys face darkened. Whether she agreed or not, he dragged her to the hospital and forced the doctors to draw her blood for Keala.
Inside the blood-drawing room, Christina backed away step by step.
You cant take my blood. Im pregnant. I need to see Hervey. Tell him to come here!
The doctor, afraid something serious might happen, went to inform Hervey.
But before the doctor said a word, Hervey snapped, She refuses? Then tell her thisno matter what, the blood must be drawn today. Even if she dies, shell die after giving the blood!
The doctor didnt even get to explain before Hervey pushed him out.
When the doctor returned to the room, Christina grabbed onto a sliver of hope.
Did he agree to let me go? Im carrying his child; he cant treat me like this.
The doctor looked at her, sighed deeply, and said, Maam He said even if you die, he wants every last drop of your blood first.
Christinas eyes shook violently. She tried to escape.
But before she reached the door, the doctor had people drag her back and forcefully restrain her.
They first drew 13 and a half ounces.
Hervey said it wasnt enough.
Then they drew another 13 and a half ounces.
Christinas face turned ghostly pale. A sharp pain stabbed through her lower abdomen as blood continued to flow.
She cried until her throat nearly tore.
She knewher baby could not be saved.
Christina was rushed into the emergency room after her miscarriage.
When Hervey stepped out of Kealas ward and saw how much blood Christina had lost, his heart skipped a beat.
It was just a blood draw. How could she lose that much?
She must be faking it.
In the past, every time she bullied Keala, she always put on an innocent face afterward. This time had to be the same.
Inside the operating room, the doctor prepared to have Hervey sign the surgery consent form, but Christina refused.
Were already divorced. Hes not my husband. He has no right to sign for me. Ill sign it myself.
Holding on with the last of her strength, she signed the consent form.
After the operation, she stayed in the hospital for three days. She rescheduled her flight and received the official divorce certificate.
And during those three days, Hervey stayed at the hospitalbut only to accompany Keala.
Christina also heard that Keala hadnt actually needed that much blood.
It was only because Hervey couldnt tolerate even the slightest risk that he allowed them to draw 27 ounces of blood from Christina.
When she learned the truth, she didnt even have tears left.
Shed gotten used to this kind of treatment years ago.
On the third day, she finished the discharge paperwork. Her flight was scheduled that night; she needed to go.
As she walked past Kealas ward, she heard the two of them talking.
Hervey, lets get married.
This time, Hervey hesitated, his voice complicated.
Keala because I donated blood for you, I promised Christina I wouldnt divorce her. And honestly, she hasnt done anything wrong these past three years. I cant just divorce her for no reason.
But dont worry. The title might be hers, but my heart has always been with you.
Kealas expression darkened, but she still softened her tone and said, I understand your situation, Hervey. As long as we can be together, I dont care about the title.
Watching them act so hypocritical, Christinas eyes were filled with cold ridicule.
Hervey So now, you dont want a divorce?
Well, she was done. She was divorced.
She turned and left, heading out to get a cab to the airport.
Just as she reached the hospital entrance, Hervey caught up to her and grabbed her wrist.
Christina, I know this whole thing wronged you, but Keala has never had any sense of security since she was a child. I have to stay with her.
But dont worryI keep my word. I wont divorce you. As long as youre willing, you will always be my wife.
There was a time when she held onto that title because she loved him.
But she didnt love him anymore. If Keala wanted that title, she could have it.
Christinas reply was cold. Its fine. None of that matters now. Im leaving anyway.
Hervey didnt hear the rest; Keala was calling him again.
He let go of Christinas hand. I need to get back to the ward. Go home for now. Once everything is settled with Keala, well talk, okay?
Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Christina let out a cold laugh.
If he cared about Keala so much, then they should just stay together forever.
When Christina got in the car, she sent the video from the birthday partywhere Keala exposed the truthstraight to his email, along with their electronic copy of the divorce certificate.
Right then, Hamish called her.
The moneys already been transferred to your account. Where are you planning to go this time?
Christina looked out the window. Somewhere no one knows me. Somewhere without biased parents or a biased husband.
After a pause, she added, Hey, thank you.
At least with him, she had felt a sense of fairness.
As the hospital grew farther and farther behind her, she blocked and deleted all contact information for Hervey, Elijah, and Liza.
She didnt need biased parents anymore.
And since Hervey cheated, he was out of her life, too.
Hervey, she thought, I hope we never meet again in this lifetime. If we do well be enemies.
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