Chapter 4My Husband Killed Me Ninety-Nine Times

Seeing Nina in such a stubborn, broken state, Declan’s heart suddenly felt like it was crushed by a massive stone, muffled, unable to breathe. Just as he was about to say something more, the door suddenly opened.

It was Clara. She wore a pristine white dress, her face flushed with health, looking perfectly recovered. Seeing the argument between Declan and me, she walked over in her high heels, gently removing Declan's hand from my wrist, and softly whined, "Declan, don't be so rough. Girls need to be cherished."

Then, with a radiant smile, she looked at me: "Nina, please don't be angry with Declan, don't blame him. Blame me instead."

"It's all because of my poor health that Declan showed me more care. But don't worry, he and I are just old school friends. I would never disrupt your relationship."

"And thank you for always taking care of Declan. He always tells me how wonderful you are. You two must stay strong together."

Seeing the irrepressible triumph in her eyes, I only felt cynical. Her words on my phone, "the unloved one is the home-wrecker," were still fresh in my memory. What was she trying to act out for me? Declan, however, was blind. With his darling by his side, his gaze instantly softened. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Clara’s forehead, his tone a tenderness I had never heard: "Silly girl, why aren't you resting at the sanatorium? What are you doing coming to find me in this cold wind?"

Clara clutched her chest, her voice faint: "Declan, I… I feel a little tight in my chest. I couldn't bear it anymore, so I asked the driver to bring me to you."

"I… I was just afraid I wouldn't see you one last time."

This act, performed ninety-nine times, still didn’t tire Declan. But I was already scarred and exhausted, and I refused to play along any longer. I picked up the dagger I had prepared, placed it against my neck closest to the carotid artery, and gave him one last look.

"Declan Martin, from this moment on, we are even."

Under Declan's horrified gaze, I plunged the blade. The instant the knife sliced through my skin, blood spurted. Declan immediately flung Clara aside, rushing towards me, utterly desperate. I even saw a flicker of panic in his eyes.

"No!"

The system's mechanical voice sounded again:

[Contract complete.]

[Target Clara Thorne's life signs permanently stabilized.]

Declan, congratulations. Your Clara is finally fully recovered. And I, at last, am free.