Chapter 1

On February 14th, Valentine's Day, Madelyn Jent, a 31-year-old woman, lost her battle to cancer. Inside a room in SereneCare Hospital in Ventropolis, the air was filled with a strong scent of disinfectant. [Zach, the doctor inserted a painful dialysis needle in me today.] [I'm on the verge of death. Could you spare a moment to visit me?] [Please, Zach...] Madelyn weakly turned her head and glanced at the text messages on her phone. Despite sending multiple messages, she had received no response from Zach. IV drips were connected to her veins. Her face was pale, her eyes sunken, and her body emaciated. The cancer had ravaged her limbs, causing them to deteriorate. She was completely immobile, unable to perform even the simplest tasks unaided. The nurse assigned to care for her hadn't shown up for almost two weeks, citing that further treatment was unnecessary. Madelyn was sensitive to the pain, but in the advanced stage of her cancer, she had to suffer with it every day. The only thing that kept her going was her love for Zach. But now, her once overwhelming love for him had faded. She was left with nothing but a frail and ailing body. Madelyn switched off her phone and silently awaited the embrace of death. The pain had nearly blurred her consciousness. She reminisced about the eight years she had devoted to being Zach's faithful wife. But what had she gained in the end? One by one, those around her had abandoned her, leaving her alone and destitute. Madelyn couldn't help but think that Zach would perhaps feel the greatest relief upon her demise. With her gone, he was no longer subjected to the sight of her face. He could finally satisfy his longing to bring Cecilia Samford home as his wife. Eight months ago, on Zach's birthday, Madelyn sat on the couch, anxiously waiting for his return. It was well past two o'clock in the morning, and the carefully prepared meal on the table had grown cold. Instead of Zach, it was his assistant who arrived, bearing a divorce agreement. The assistant delivered the news hesitantly, saying, "Madam, Mr. Jardin had no choice. The Jardin Corporation is a vast enterprise that requires an heir." Madelyn forced a pale smile. A few years ago, she had been pregnant, but an accident had tragically led to a stillborn child. Since then, she hadn't been able to conceive. Zach, now in his early thirties, indeed needed an heir. That was why he wished to divorce her and seek a woman who could bear children. Madelyn dismissed the assistant and trembled as she dialed Zach's number. She needed to confirm if those were truly his instructions. The call connected, but instead of hearing Zach's voice, it was Cecilia's voice that greeted her. In that instant, a dull ache pierced Madelyn's heart. After she hung up the phone, Madelyn found herself laughing at her own expense. The laughter echoed through the room, mingling with tears that welled up in her eyes. Zach owned the Jardin Corporation, while Madelyn's father handed over the Jent Corporation to him before passing. In less than five years of taking over the Jent Corporation, the Jardin Corporation somehow rose rapidly to become a prominent conglomerate in Ventropolis. Zach emerged as a commanding figure in the business world, renowned for his extensive connections in the underworld and government agencies. His undeniable charisma effortlessly drew a bevy of captivating women. Among them, Cecilia Samford was the one who had remained by his side the longest. Cecilia came from a modest background and became Zach's assistant right after graduating from college. Her talent and methods were undeniable. The bond between Zach and Cecilia seemed destined, as they were the most compatible soulmates. If it hadn't been for Madelyn in the beginning, Zach and Cecilia might have been together much earlier, instead of carrying on as clandestine lovers for numerous years. A loveless marriage was undeniably a sorrowful circumstance. Madelyn signed the divorce agreement, received a substantial sum of money, and was permanently banished from Ventropolis. She could never return without Zach's permission. Just one week later, she received the devastating diagnosis of advanced-stage cancer. BOOM! It was Valentine's Day, and vibrant fireworks illuminated the night sky, casting a magical glow. Madelyn roused from her reverie, her weary eyes slowly fluttering open. She shifted her gaze toward the window, and in an instant, her pale face froze. On the colossal LED screen, Zach stood tall. His face was striking and breathtaking. Clad in a sleek black suit, he exuded a commanding aura. Zach cradled a boy of around five or six years old in one arm, while his other arm encircled Cecilia protectively. The child bore a striking resemblance to Zach. "Mr. Jardin, is this your child with Ms. Samford?" inquired a voice. "Ms. Samford, you look absolutely stunning. You've waited for years for Mr. Jardin to marry you. Could you share with us your wedding date?" Cecilia lifted her head from Zach's embrace, her smile sweet and enchanting, as she proudly displayed a diamond ring on her delicate hand. "From this day forward, please address me as Mrs. Jardin! We have officially tied the knot," she announced. Madelyn closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her face. 'Zach Jardin, I regret it! If only I hadn't loved you! If I could start over, I... I would never fall in love with you again!" Outside, heavy snowflakes began to descend, accompanied by the resounding fireworks. The dazzling fireworks illuminated Madelyn's face through the window, as well as her teary eyes. On the day Zach and Cecilia exchanged their vows, Madelyn's spirit waned and faded into the ethereal realm, departing from the mortal world.