My Fiancé Orchestrated My Ruin to Crown His Mistress

The tears on the operating table had long dried, and I swallowed the raw, stinging sensation in my throat.

"Is the cottage ready yet? I really don't want to stay in the hospital any longer."

Aziel's grip on my hand tightened. He hesitated, "Kelsey, the cottage is designed with dreamlike freedom in mind, meant to be our showcase for future buyers. It's not that I don't want you there, but with your current reputation... Let's just head back to the old house for now."

When we got engaged, Aziel bought a townhouse downtown as our future home. I'd snuck over countless times to see it. He'd spend some time there every day, overseeing every detail himself. Everything, down to the last blade of grass, was meticulously placed by his hand.

I always thought it was a surprise he was preparing for me. Turns out, it was all in my imagination.

The car screeched to a halt midway. After receiving a phone call, Aziel's face grew pale.

"Kelsey, there's an emergency at work. Stay here. I'll send Austin to pick you up shortly."

Before I could react, he had left me by the roadside and drove off.

I waited until nightfall, but no one came. The flimsy hospital gown felt colder with each passing minute.

Finally giving in to the help of some college students, I made my way back to the old house.

When Aurora opened the door and saw me, her expression twisted with disdain. "Miss Robinson, what took you so long? Even when you're sick, you manage to cause trouble."

Several people inside turned their eyes towards me, and I noticed Ana Tran and Georgina Murray having a cozy meal together, like a close-knit family.

I felt like an outsider, intruding at the worst possible moment.

Aziel stood when he saw me, draping his coat over my shoulders. He looked apologetic: "I'm really sorry, Kelsey. I was so tied up this afternoon and completely forgot. Are you cold? Quick, put this on before you catch a chill."

"Kelsey, don't blame Aziel. He was picking me up. I got hurt on set this afternoon," Georgina said, showing her bandaged finger.

Aziel consoled her quickly, "It's not your fault. You didn't hurt yourself on purpose. And such a noticeable wound... we must make sure it doesn't scar."

Ana chimed in, sliding a sophisticated emerald bracelet onto Georgina’s wrist.

"Lana, only someone as pure and innocent as you deserves this."

I recognized it as the bracelet intended for the Tran family's daughter-in-law. I'd heard about it from Aziel, but Ana never mentioned it during our relationship. Now it was given to Georgina.

Aziel was about to help me sit when Ana suddenly swept her hand, sending dishes crashing to the floor.

"Those who lack dignity shouldn't eat our food!"

As the porcelain shattered, Aziel instinctively let go of me to steady Georgina, and I fell hard, a pool of sauce spreading beneath me.

Aziel rushed to help me, but Georgina tugged at him. "Aziel, I'm feeling dizzy. Could you take me upstairs to rest?"

Aziel hesitated momentarily, then carried Georgina, striding upstairs.

"Aurora, clean up this mess! How can a house accommodate such filth and ugliness? Look at this disaster now!" Ana remarked, giving me a disdainful glance as she strutted into the house in her heels.