Chapter 18
Over the years, the state of Joshua’s marriage to Sophia had frequently made entertainment news headlines. Juliette, having seen these stories, knew what Sophia looked like. What she hadn’t expected was that Joshua would endure such humiliation for a woman like her.
Fixing her gaze on Sophia, Juliette said coldly, “A person like you doesn’t deserve Joshua’s unconditional love!”
Sophia froze, stunned. Before she could respond, Jayden’s hoarse voice cut through the air. “Sophia, during all those nights you were out, do you know what Joshua was going through? He knew you hated him. That’s why he repeatedly explained his innocence, hoping his unwavering kindness and devotion would make you see him for who he truly is—that you’d believe in him. But you never trusted him. You found joy in tormenting him instead. Edson was never the good man you thought he was. You’re so capable, yet why have you never tried to dig into his past?”
She remained silent. She had once doubted Edson was as perfect as he seemed, but he was gone now, and she hadn’t dared to investigate. She feared the thing she had clung to all these years might be a mistake.
Jayden’s words continued, each one piercing her like a blade. “You’ve cycled through man after man, each resembling Edson more than the last. Did you ever think about Joshua’s feelings? He’s suffered from severe depression for years. He’s attempted suicide countless times. He wouldn’t be alive now if it weren’t for sheer luck! Sophia, most of his suffering stems from you. You can’t absolve yourself of that guilt!”
His accusations struck her deeply. The pain in her chest was sharp and unrelenting, but Sophia knew now was not the time to wallow in sorrow. She raised her head and looked at Juliette, her voice steady but serious. “How much will it cost to treat him?”
Juliette’s expression grew colder. “Do you honestly think curing his illness will make up for the harm you’ve caused him?”
“Joshua, you have terrible judgment,” she thought.
Sophia locked eyes with her, her tone unyielding. “I’ll look into Edson’s past again and uncover the truth. As for the pain I’ve caused him, I’ll do everything I can to make amends. Whatever medicine works for his illness, I’ll pay for it. All I want is for him to live.”
“If all you want is for him to live, why don’t you divorce him?” Jayden’s anger boiled over. “He’s stayed by your side for years, giving you his all. Now that he’s running out of time, he just wants to prioritize himself a little. What’s wrong with that? Sophia, you’re heartless!” Unable to stomach being around her any longer, he stormed off.
Before leaving, Juliette added icily, “Three million. Transfer it to the hospital’s account, and I’ll immediately order the special medication from the research lab. Once the drugs arrive, we’ll start treatment.” With that, she also left.
Over the years, Juliette harbored resentment toward Joshua. She resented that he was blind to her excellence and had chosen someone so unworthy to marry instead. Logically, she should feel satisfaction seeing my current state. Yet, she didn’t. Why not?
When I finally regained a sliver of consciousness in the ICU, three days had passed. I heard the faint beeping of machines mixed with the low murmur of Jayden’s voice.