For Her Sake, He Married Me

Cecelia simply looked at the gifts presented to her by Francis's friends, her face expressionless.

"You're so lucky!" A sweet voice cut in.

Melody strode over, showing off in a sparkling, skin-tight mini dress. She wrapped her arm around Francis's arm, her eyes full of hidden jealousy and hate, but her smile was very sweet.

"Fran treats you so well! I'm so jealous! If my future boyfriend is even half as thoughtful as him, I'll count my blessings!" Melody said, deliberately emphasizing the word "boyfriend."

Everyone around them burst into laughter.

The salty ocean wind blew by. After a moment, all Cecelia could feel was suffocation. She turned to head back to her cabin for some air. As she rounded the corner, she saw Melody pulling Francis into a lounge.

Cecelia quietly followed.

Through the crack in the door, she saw Melody clinging to Francis, arms around his neck and red lips almost kissing his ear.

"Fran, I'm scared," Melody said, a sob in her voice. "Cecelia looked at me so coldly… Does she know it was me who…ran over her dad that year? Is she going to have her revenge on me?"

Cecelia's nails dug deep into her palms, but she didn't feel a thing.

Francis stiffened, then raised his hand to pat Melody's back, his voice low and steady. "Don't worry, Melody. As long as I'm here, she'll never know the truth. I swore I'd protect you, and I will. She can't hurt you."

Melody broke into a smile and nestled closer in his arms, her voice even sweeter. "You're the best, Fran. I have a surprise for you…"

She looked up at him with flirtatious eyes, gently placing a hand on her own belly. "Congratulations, you're going to be a dad!"

Francis froze completely, his eyes narrowed in shock.

Melody saw his reaction and instantly pouted, looking aggrieved. "Does our baby have to be hidden away like some dirty secret? It makes me so sad…"

After a few seconds, he seemed to have made up his mind. He held Melody's face, his voice both comforting and cold.

"Don't worry, Melody. You can have the baby. If Cecelia really can't accept it, if she won't raise the child… I'll give her enough money and divorce her. I'll take care of you and the baby. I won't let you suffer."

"You're the best, Fran!" Melody hiked up her skirt and tangled herself with Francis.

The room quickly filled with a steamy heat.

Every word they said was like stakes shooting right into Cecelia's heart and twisting it.

The truth about her father's death.

Francis's promises to protect Melody.

Melody's pregnancy.

And how easily he tossed his wife aside…

It was like one poisoned stake after another, reducing her already shattered heart to dust.

So, in Francis's game, she was just an obstacle that could be swept away with money.

All her years of love and even her father's life… She now wondered, what did they mean to him?

A sharp pain ripped through her chest as she clamped a hand over her mouth, just barely keeping her sob of despair inside.

So…

This was how utter despair felt.