Chapter 1Reborn from the Ruins of Marriage

In five years of marriage, I had caught my husband with 99 paramours.

When I was heavily pregnant, his hundredth little vixen offended our biggest client. To salvage the crucial project, Jack demanded that I, instead of her, walk to the client's estate and beg for forgiveness on bended knee.

In the torrential rain, I sobbed, my voice trembling:

"The child is seven months old. A twenty-mile walk in such a downpour… the baby won't survive this—"

He slapped me impatiently, knocking me to the ground.

"A few steps and you're wailing like a banshee! What a performance! Aren't you from the Northern Peaks?"

He shoved me into the pouring rain, forcing me to prostrate myself every three steps.

Blood streamed from between my legs, washing into crimson rivulets on the soaked ground.

Inside the carriage, his little vixen, Lady Seraphina, looked utterly disgusted.

"Didn't even bother to use a proper cloth during her monthly flow. Disgusting."

I walked to the brink of death, giving birth prematurely to a daughter barely three pounds.

When Dowager Countess Thorne rushed to my side, I used my last ounce of strength to beg her.

"The Thorne family's grace, in sponsoring my education, has been fully repaid with this child. Can I finally be free now?"

* * *

"Clara, my dear, have you made up your mind? Jack, he's just lost his way for a time; he's not truly himself. Could you possibly…"

Dowager Countess Thorne choked back tears, her face etched with sorrow and a reluctance to accept my decision.

The news report on the television happened to be broadcasting the Thorne Holdings Annual Gala, capturing our attention.

Jack, with his hundredth paramour, Lady Seraphina, attended the event.

On screen, their fingers were intertwined, the ruby engagement ring on Seraphina's left hand drawing every eye.

Their intimate posture garnered all the flashing lights.

The Thorne Holdings directors bowed and scraped before Seraphina, their flattery oozing.

"Whoever spread rumors that Lord Jack treats his lady wife poorly should see this! He keeps her by his side, even at the company gala. A match made in heaven, envied by all!"

The words "lady wife" struck a chord in Seraphina's heart, deepening her smile, her cheeks flushing with vibrant color.

Other employees immediately followed suit, eagerly egging them on.

"Angels descended! Come, show us your affection! A kiss! A kiss!"

Jack’s lips curved into a smirk. He didn’t rebuke his subordinates. Instead, he embraced Seraphina and passionately kissed her.

Dowager Countess Thorne froze, then quickly grabbed the remote and turned off the television.

She looked at me, her face filled with shame, her voice softening.

"Clara, alas, it's all my fault for my misguided good intentions. I believed you two were meant for each other, and instead, I've harmed you. You owe the Thorne family nothing more, my dear. Go. Go anywhere you wish!"

Dowager Countess Thorne’s calloused hand gently caressed my cheek, but I couldn't shed a single tear.

In five years of marriage, my tears had long since dried.

"You haven't seen the child yet…"

Dowager Countess Thorne’s hand paused. My heart, like a heavy stone suspended in air, suddenly plummeted.

Smashing, leaving a bloody mess.

My own flesh and blood, born at seven months, after half my life force was spent.

How could I abandon her, just like that?

In a daze, the nurse brought the baby into the room.

"Baby's mother, look how adorable your little one is. Though she's small, she's…"

"No, I don't want to see her!"

I sharply turned my head, staring out the window, desperately trying to prevent myself from looking at the tiny bundle wrapped in pink.

Clenching my fists, I told myself not to yield.

Clara, your freedom lies beyond that window. Nothing can keep you rooted here.

The nurse stood frozen, unsure what to do. Dowager Countess Thorne sighed, shook her head, and signaled her to take the child away.

When the room was left to just the two of us again, she wiped away her tears and reluctantly dialed Jack’s number.

His voice on the other end was still somewhat gentle; after all, his grandmother was now his only true kin.

"Grandmother, I'm busy with work. You know how it is, end of the year, lots of company matters. I'll be home soon…"

"Silence! Are you going to lie to your grandmother’s face now? The news is filled with you and that disreputable woman!"

Jack fell silent for a moment, then spoke, his voice dripping with scorn.

"Grandmother, your eyesight isn't what it used to be. How long has it been since you watched television? Clara, that wretched woman, must have fed you this nonsense, didn't she?"

"Is that wretched Clara right there beside you? Let her listen!"

I switched on the speakerphone. My tears silently fell onto the receiver.

From the other end of the line, amidst the background sound of a woman sobbing, came Jack’s utterly insulting curses.

Dowager Countess Thorne’s eyes were red-rimmed, her hand trembling slightly.

"Clara, my dear, finish your confinement, and then leave the Thorne estate."