A Love Built on Deception

When I was crippled, my entire world collapsed. I had been on the brink of winning the national dance championship, but I threw myself in front of a car to save Zander, and in return, I was left crippled.

That accident did not just take my ability to dance—it stole my pride.

While I was still recovering, Zander went behind my back and gave my hard-earned competition spot to Jenna Walsh. Then, as if that betrayal was not enough, he married her and announced it to the world.

Overnight, I lost everything and became a joke in everyone's eyes. Trapped in both physical and emotional distress, I sank into severe depression.

That was when Sean Walsh appeared in my life. He stayed by my side, quietly caring for me, and did everything he could to help me heal. He poured his patience and devotion into me year after year, making me believe in myself again.

Sean became the light that pulled me out of the darkness. For five years, I built my world around him. I dreamed of our future, believing with all my heart that we would be happy together for the rest of our lives.

Nonetheless, it now felt like a cruel joke, mocking me for being foolish enough to believe in love. I cried until I had no more tears left. Despair, sorrow, pain, frustration, and unwillingness swallowed me whole.

Even the pregnancy test in my hand felt like a ridiculous, bitter joke.

I stood in the pouring rain for what felt like forever, completely losing myself in my emotions. By the time I dragged myself back to the hospital, still dazed and drenched, Sean came running toward me, gripping his phone tightly, his face full of panic.

He pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly that I could barely breathe. His voice was laced with anxiety and distress as he said, "Talia, where did you go? You scared me. I called you so many times, but you didn't pick up."

He took his jacket off and draped it over me, then gently wiped the raindrops from my face.

I stared at him in silence, not saying a single word. He did not even notice the sadness and tears in my eyes.

As Sean pushed my wheelchair forward, his phone started ringing again. I had heard the unique, familiar ringtone so many times before. He always claimed it was an important work call, and I believed him.

I never doubted him and believed everything he said. Yet, it seemed that whether it was his promises or casual conversation, nearly everything he told me was a lie—90 percent deception, 10 percent half-hearted effort.

Just like now, when he stopped in his tracks, his phone completely captured his attention. I glanced at the screen and saw the caller ID—Jenna.

Like always, he did not even look at me before casually tossing an excuse, saying, "Talia, I'll have Carlile take you home, okay? I've scheduled a meeting with an orthopedic specialist who has just returned from abroad. I want to talk with him and see if he can help with your legs." Carlile Holt was his assistant.

Then, he said, "Talia, sweetheart, wait for me at home. I'll make you breakfast first thing tomorrow morning."