Chapter 1

On the TV, the Ashbourne Stock Exchange building bell rang. Leroy Olson felt an inexplicable wave of bitterness.

Scarlett Payne, donning an exquisite tweed suit, exuded an unmistakable elegance that filtered through the TV screen. The reporters eagerly fought to have their questions heard.

“Ms. Payne, we know that you were once injured and paralyzed. Would you mind sharing with us how you got through that period?”

“Rumors had it that your husband is a famous medical expert. Did you guys fall in love during your rehabilitation?”

“Ms. Payne, why didn’t you come with your husband today?”

Scarlett smiled brightly before the reporters and only answered the last question. “He and I are in different careers. That’s why I only brought a few good friends today. Of course, I believe he’s thrilled for me.”

The reporters offered their congratulations, but only Leroy noticed the man standing in the back corner behind her, gazing longingly at her. The man was none other than Scarlett’s first and true love, Cedric Eld.

During their fourth year of marriage, Leroy became Scarlett’s attending physician and performed her surgery. The surgery was a great success. Before he could celebrate, he heard the anesthetized Scarlett repeatedly call out for Cedric.

Leroy’s heart broke. To him, their marriage was nothing more than a contract. In fact, she had long since confessed this.

“We only share a contractual relationship. Though our contract expires in eight years, we will terminate it and proceed with a divorce if Cedric ever returns.”

Yet, after many years together, no news of Cedric surfaced. With Leroy’s intense care and affection, Scarlett finally became more emotionally stable and her rehabilitation improved.

At last, she got back on her feet! After her recovery, she focused on her career and soon took over the company. Just as he thought everything was going well, the once-vanished Cedric made a sudden return.

Originally angry at his disappearance, Scarlett eventually believed his sob story and forgave him. Apparently, his family forcefully sent him abroad, making him unable to care for her. By then, the love she had suppressed for him exploded.

Truth be told, Leroy had applied for leave so he could ring the bell with Scarlett at the stock exchange. But ever since her conversation with Cedric, she had given him the cold shoulder.

“Cedric is back. I’ve promised him that I’d ring the bell with him if the company goes public… So, I think you should stay home.”

Faced with her helpless expression, Leroy felt a twinge in his chest. Yet, he could only pretend to be fine.

“Sure. I happen to have a surgery scheduled today anyway.”

Scarlett sighed, seemingly relieved, and left early that morning.

Despite that, Leroy couldn’t help but tighten his fists when he saw Scarlett and Cedric standing together on TV.

After some time, the sky turned dark. The door was finally unlocked from the outside. Leroy rose and walked toward the door. “You’re back.”

Scarlett placed her car keys down and said, “Wait for me on the couch. We have something to talk about.”

Soon, she returned with a document and passed it to him. When Leroy saw it was a divorce agreement, his already shattered heart crumbled. His body stiffened as he experienced a stabbing pain in his heart.

Even years ago, Scarlett was the beloved campus belle and heiress to Payne Group. She and Cedric were a stunning couple…until the accident.

At that time, Leroy happened to be a passerby. By the time he sent her to the hospital, it was too late. The delay in receiving treatment led to a blood clot in her brain, causing paralysis of her lower body.

The once gilded young woman had become disabled. Those who had been too afraid to approach her gained confidence after the accident. Even her family chauffeur was brazen enough to confess his love with a huge bouquet of roses.

The irony was that her boyfriend of many years, Cedric, had suddenly left the country and vanished.

She grew increasingly despondent, her mood swinging unpredictably. To protect the Payne family’s image, they arranged a contract marriage.

Back then, Leroy’s father had fallen gravely ill, requiring treatment, making Leroy the perfect leverage for the marriage arrangement.

Determination appeared on Scarlett’s face. “I’m going to be straight with you, Leroy. If it weren’t for you all these years, I would’ve long ended up a…”

“Before we finalize the divorce, I will compensate you with everything you deserve. On top of that, I’ll give you another ten million dollars.”

Over the years, Leroy had been gentle and caring, going out of his way to treat her legs. She had witnessed every act of kindness.

Gradually, she no longer resisted. At times, she even thought she could continue this life with him…

However, Cedric’s return made her realize that love and gratitude were not the same. The person she loved had always been him!

After a prolonged silence, Leroy said faintly, “Alright. Our contract of eight years is about to end, anyway.”

There wasn’t any argument or hysterical reaction. Instead, he conceded and signed the divorce papers.

At last, he looked up at her, asking, “When are we processing our divorce?”

Scarlett stood motionlessly. Leroy’s reaction was so calm that it didn’t feel like they were discussing divorce. Shouldn’t he be mad, offended, or criticize her for being ungrateful?

After signing the agreement, he passed it back to Scarlett and said casually, “I saw you on TV. You two look great together.”

Snapping back to reality, Scarlett struggled to find her words. “I…”

In the end, she uttered, “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. Our relationship is based on a contract. It’s on me that I’ve developed feelings for you. Besides, you helped treat my father when I was at the lowest point of my life.

“Now that your company has gone public, you won’t have to worry about the rumors anymore. It’s the perfect time. Our contract is up, and I have no right to argue against it, right?”

Leroy’s tone was relaxed, yet Scarlett wore a complicated look. Everyone knew he loved her deeply, which was why he could accept everything about her. Yet, he was strangely calm when she initiated the divorce.

For a moment, the living room fell into a tense stillness. Suddenly, Scarlett’s stomach growled, breaking the silence.

Leroy chuckled, asking, “You hungry?”

She covered her tummy with embarrassment. “A little.”

“Then sit tight. I’ll make you one last meal.” With that, he rose and headed to the kitchen, his footsteps shuffling with unmistakable urgency.