His Heart Is My Cage

Everyone in Eimport knew Ethan as a ruthless tycoon. Yet this same man humbly loved me.

When his enemies kidnapped me for revenge, he charged bare-handed into an inferno so fierce even firefighters hesitated.

I was unconscious but unscathed, while Ethan's right arm bore grotesque burns that would never fully heal.

Unbothered, he even declared to the world that these scars were proof of our love. I was touched and browsed positions for couples online while he worked late.

But everything shattered when I stumbled onto a video. The man's face was blurred, but the scar snaking up his wrist was unmistakable. The woman trapped in his gilded cage bore a striking resemblance to me.

My heart hammered, torn between terror and devastation. That very night, I decided to leave and not ever see him again.

I stared at the video until my eyes burned.

My nails dug crescents into my palms. The pain brought me back to reality, and I clicked 'Continue'.

The man on screen moved with rough urgency. He was relentless, causing the woman to cry out in pain.

Though his face stayed hidden, the jagged scar peeking beneath his cuff seared my vision.

Unable to bear it anymore, the woman pleaded for mercy.

Ethan Cooper leaned in and whispered in her ears, "Chiara, do you know how much I want to make you cry like this? You never listen to me. I wish I could break your legs so you'd never leave me."

The reality hit me hard. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

Suddenly, memories flooded back. Whenever we were in bed, he'd always kiss me gently, whispering my name over and over.

It seemed like I was just his hidden woman—the scapegoat he used to protect his true love.

I couldn't help but laugh at myself. But as I laughed, my tears fell again.

I wiped them, telling myself not to cry for someone unworthy. But my heart betrayed me, tearing with pain so intense it felt like I might shatter into pieces.

I opened our chat window. The last message was from Ethan before he left for work.

[I left warm milk on the table. Drink it and get some rest. I'll be working late tonight. Not sure when I'll be back, but I'll hurry and finish up so I can be there to warm your bed.]

It was accompanied by a selfie of him making a heart gesture, both silly and full of affection.

In the past, I'd been so blinded, believing his love for me was unwavering. Now I realized it was all a lie. I was just the sacrifice for their love affair.

I collapsed, shaking with despair. My hand trembled as I made a call.

An impersonal voice came from the other end. "Confirming your Vanishing Package?"

I choked back a sob and said yes.

The agent continued, "This package helps you remove your identity, cut off your ties, and ensure you can live freely wherever you want. No one will be able to trace you."

My thumb hovered over Ethan's contact as I decided to test him one last time.

[Ethan, I miss you. Can you come home now?]

His reply blinked instantly. [Honey, I'm busy right now. Can you wait a little bit?]

He was lying to me just to stay with that woman a little longer. The truth was the last straw that broke the camel.

I confirmed my request and went on to sign contracts and pay bills.

The agent's keyboard clattered. "Ms. Melton, your request has been processed. Within three days, we will erase your identity and cover your tracks. After that, you'll board our ship and sail away to a new world."