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 at one point in your life. 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 period?" "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 of mine today. Of course, I believe he's thrilled for me." The reporters each offered their congratulations, while only Leroy noticed the man standing at the back corner behind her gazing longingly at her back. The man was none other than Scarlett's first and one true love, Cedric Reid. During the fourth year of their marriage, Leroy became the attending physician and performed the surgery on Scarlett. The surgery was a great success. Before he could celebrate, he heard the anesthetic-induced Scarlett repeatedly call out for Cedric. Leroy's heart broke into pieces. To her, the marriage between them was nothing more than a piece of contract. In fact, she had long come clean about it. "We only share a contractual relationship. Though our contract expires in eight years, we will terminate it and proceed with divorce if Cedric ever returns." Yet, after many years together, no news about Cedric surfaced. With Leroy's intense care and affection, Scarlett finally became more emotionally stabilized and saw improvement in her rehabilitation. At last, she finally got back on her feet! After her recovery, she focused back 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 mad at his disappearance, Scarlett eventually believed in his sob story and forgave him. Apparently, his family forcefully sent him abroad back then, which made him unable to look after her. By then, the love she had suppressed deeply for him exploded once and for all… Truth be told, Leroy had applied for a leave in advance so he could ring the bell with Scarlett at the stock exchange today. But ever since her conversation with Cedric, she became drastically different, giving him the cold shoulder. "Cedric is now back in the country. 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. Have fun." Scarlett sighed as if feeling relieved and headed out early this morning. Despite all that, Leroy couldn't help but tighten his fists when he saw Scarlett and Cedric standing next to each other on the TV. After some time, the sky slowly turned dark. The door was finally unlocked from the outside. Leroy rose gradually and walked toward the door. "You're back." Scarlett placed the car key down and merely grunted in reply. "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 all at once. His body stiffened as he experienced a stabbing pain in his heart. Seven years ago, Scarlett was the beloved campus belle and also the heiress to Payne Group. She and Cedric were a stunning couple… until the accident happened. At that time, Leroy happened to be one of the passersby. By the time he sent her to the hospital, it was already too late. The delay in receiving the best treatment led to a blood clot in her brain, pressing on the nerves and resulting in paralysis of her lower body. In one night, the once-gilded young woman had turned into a disabled member. Those who had been too afraid to approach and pursue her back then all gained confidence since the accident. Even her family chauffeur was brazen enough to openly confess to her with a huge bouquet of roses. However, the final nail in the coffin was that her boyfriend of many years, Cedric, had suddenly left the country and vanished since. She grew increasingly despondent, her mood swinging unpredictably between highs and lows. To protect the Payne family's image, they arranged a contract marriage. Back then, Leroy's father had fallen gravely ill and needed money for treatment, making Leroy the perfect leverage for a marriage arrangement. "A divorce?" Determination appeared on Scarlett's exquisite 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 cripple. I'm really sorry… "Once we finalize the divorce, I will compensate you with everything you deserve. On top of that, I'll give you another 30 million dollars." Without a doubt, Scarlett felt remorseful. She wasn't a robot without feelings, after all. Over the years, Leroy had been gentle and caring toward her, going out of his way to treat her legs. She had witnessed every small act of kindness and care he had shown toward her. Gradually, she no longer resisted as she did in the beginning. At times, she even thought it wouldn't be so bad if she continued this life with him. However, Cedric's return made her realize that love and gratitude were not the same thing. The person she loved had always been him! After a prolonged silence, Leroy piped up faintly. "Alright. Our contract of eight years is about to end, anyway." There wasn't any argument or hysteric reactions as imagined. Instead, he conceded compliantly and decisively signed the divorce papers. At last, he looked up at her, asking, "When are we processing our divorce?" Scarlett stood motionlessly, seemingly in a daze. 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 spoke 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 as though he was joking with his friends, yet Scarlett wore a complicated look. Everyone knew he loved her to his bones, 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 scoffed, 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.