Warmth Beckons, Spring Unfolds

Every gaze in the room was a dagger, all aimed squarely at me.

Mockery, disdain, gleeful schadenfreude—

I stood frozen, my blood turning to ice. Though my body trembled, I couldn’t move an inch.

After a moment of stunned silence, Jonathan and Frank broke into smug, malicious grins.

Qiao Joe’s face darkened instantly with rage. “Who did this?!” he roared at the security guards. “Turn it off—now!”

The screen finally went black, but the images were already seared into everyone’s memory.

I had become the city’s greatest disgrace.

Pamela walked over to me, wearing a mask of feigned concern. “Allison, are you all right? What in the world was that? How could—”

Before she could finish, Qiao Joe grabbed my arm and yanked me away, dragging me out of the banquet hall.

His grip was iron-tight, fingers digging into my wrist until it ached.

“Qiao Joe, let me go!” I struggled against him.

He shoved me roughly into the car, then climbed in after me. “Drive!” he barked.

The car sped away, leaving the laughter and whispers behind.

Inside, the atmosphere turned suffocating.

“Who told you to dress like that?” he snapped suddenly, his voice thick with fury. “Was this your plan all along—to make me a laughingstock?”

I stared at him in disbelief.

My reputation had just been publicly shredded, and all he cared about was his pride.

“Is your pride really all you see?” A cold laugh escaped my lips.

“What else is there?” he sneered. “Allison, remember your place! You are Mrs. Joe Joe. Everything you do reflects on this family’s name!”

“Not for much longer,” I reminded him.

He faltered for a second, then his anger flared hotter. “Until I sign those papers, you’ll remain Mrs. Joe!”

I closed my eyes, refusing to argue further.

My heart sank, piece by piece.

So this nine-year marriage… for me, it had been a cage. But hadn’t it been a shackle for him, too?

He hated me for occupying the position of Mrs. Joe. He hated me for making him a laughingstock.

He had never loved me.

Not even a little.

Back at the villa, Qiao Joe flung me into the living room before storming off to his study and slamming the door so hard the walls shook.

I collapsed onto the sofa like a puppet with its strings cut.

Two months.

My period was two months late.

A wild, terrifying thought shot through my mind.

I didn’t dare dwell on it. I didn’t want to know. I was terrified it would be just another cruel disappointment.

Soon after, Pamela returned, carrying a cup of hot milk with fake sympathy. “Allison, drink this. It’ll help you calm down. About what happened today… I’m so sorry. I have no idea how—”

“It was you, wasn’t it?” I cut her off, lifting my head to meet her eyes.

Her gaze flickered for an instant before settling into cool composure. “Allison, how could you think that of me? Why would I ever do such a thing?”

“Who else would it be?” I scoffed. “You came back and immediately started trying to push me out, so you could take the title of Mrs. Joe for yourself. Pamela, your tactics haven’t improved one bit in nine years.”

Nine years ago, she was the one behind those doctored photos and vicious rumors.

Jealous of my better resources at the company, she’d paid off a rival’s paparazzo to create the scandal.

I had never told Qiao Joe.

Because I knew, even if I did, he wouldn’t believe me.

In his heart, Pamela would always be that pure, kind-hearted girl who chased her dreams with everything she had.

Pamela’s face paled; then she quickly conjured a look of teary distress. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Joe, come quick! Allison has completely misunderstood me…”

She called weakly toward the study.

Of course, Qiao Joe emerged immediately.

Seeing Pamela’s wounded expression, he moved to shield her, glaring at me. “Allison, what’s wrong with you now? Apologize to Pamela!”

“Apologize?” It was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard. “Qiao Joe, are you blind? Can’t you see she’s acting?”

“Enough!” Qiao Joe barked, cutting me off. “I know exactly what kind of person Pamela is! Unlike you—vicious and incapable of change!”

His words were a poisoned blade, thrust deep into my heart.

I looked at him standing there, protecting her, and suddenly I started to laugh.

I laughed until tears streamed down my face.

What had I been hoping for?

That he’d finally see the truth? That he’d stand up for me, just once?

Nine years. I should have given up hope long ago.

“Fine. I’ll apologize.” I stood up, walked over to Pamela, and met her triumphant gaze. Word by word, I said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have exposed you.”

Then I turned to Qiao Joe, my voice eerily calm. “Qiao Joe. We’re done. Completely.”

I didn’t look at either of them again. I turned and walked toward the door.

I couldn’t stand another second in this place.

“Stop!” Qiao Joe’s voice rang out behind me. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“None of your business.”

“Allison!” He rushed forward and grabbed my arm. “I said, until I agree, you’re not going anywhere!”

“Let go!” I struggled with all my strength.

Just then, Pamela let out a sharp cry and collapsed to the floor.

A fresh, bloody gash had appeared on her arm.

At her feet lay a kitchen knife.

“Ah! Blood…” She stared at her wound in horror, then looked up at me with feigned shock. “Allison… why would you do this?”

I was frozen.

I hadn’t touched her!

Qiao Joe’s expression darkened completely. The look he gave me was pure, unadulterated hatred.

“Allison, how dare you hurt Pamela! You venomous witch!”

He shoved me away hard and rushed to scoop Pamela into his arms, his eyes full of tender concern.

The shove sent me staggering. A sharp, stabbing pain lanced through my lower abdomen.

Clutching my stomach, I broke into a cold sweat.

“Joe… my stomach… it hurts…” I managed weakly, reaching out.

He didn’t even glance my way. Holding Pamela, he turned and rushed for the door. “Guards! Lock this madwoman in the basement! She doesn’t come out without my permission!”

Two bodyguards seized my arms, dragging me toward the cold, damp basement.

I stared hopelessly at Qiao Joe’s retreating back until he vanished from sight.

The pain in my abdomen crested, sharp and vicious. I felt a warm, terrible wetness between my thighs.

With that crimson flow, my last hope drained away.

This… was the final straw.