My husband scolded me for being a bitch. After I left, he regretted it. Chapter 1

“Ms. Winters, are you absolutely certain you want to donate your corneas to Mr. Harrington?”

“I am.”

I forced a smile, but even the brightest grin couldn't hide my pale complexion.

“The corneas are for him. Once I’m gone, I want my body donated for medical research.”

Just a few days ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. The doctors told me the chances of successful surgery were incredibly low.

So, I decided to forgo treatment.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, please sign this donor form.”

I scrawled my name, then added, “Please keep this a secret from my husband.”

Leaving the hospital, I sat in the taxi, staring down at Julian’s SnapChat messages.

The driver chimed in, “Hey there, miss, it’s pouring out. Why aren’t you heading home? Where are you off to?”

I finally looked out at the torrential rain, a small smile touching my lips. A thrill of anticipation buzzed beneath my skin.

“I’m going to pick up my husband.”

The driver chuckled, saying my husband was a lucky man, and a warmth spread through my chest.

Julian had been unusually communicative today. Could it be because he was finally getting his cornea transplant next month?

I didn’t dare waste a second. I hopped out of the cab, sprinted into the rain, and hurried toward the bar.

My thin cover-up was almost drenched. I dabbed myself dry with paper towels in the restroom before heading to his VIP room.

“Julian, I’m here to pick you up.”

“Pffft, hahaha——”

“She actually came? In this downpour!”

A wave of mocking laughter crashed over me. I steadied myself, my eyes adjusting to the smoke-filled room. It was packed with Julian’s usual crowd of privileged friends.

Julian sat regally in the center of the chaos, his crisp white shirt a stark contrast to the smoky room, yet a cigarette still dangled from his fingertips.

He tilted his head, a cruel smirk playing on his lips, his eyes unfocused.

“Aria Winters, I just tossed you a random location, and you came running like a damn dog.”

“How pathetic are you?”

The room erupted in laughter again. The dull ache in my chest twisted into a sharp, agonizing stab, stealing my breath.

Still, I managed a fragile smile.

“Julian, let’s go home.”

Julian acted as if he hadn’t heard me, raising his drink to his lips.

I stumbled closer and snatched the glass from his hand.

“Julian, you have surgery next month. You can’t drink.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?”

Was it just my imagination, or did I see cold indifference and mockery in his vacant eyes?

“Julian, you’ll be able to live a normal life next month. Aren’t you happy?”

He stayed silent. I took a deep breath, struggling to speak again.

“I heard Serena Davies is back…”

“You don’t even deserve to utter Serena’s name!”

At that name, Julian, who had been lazily mocking me, exploded in a sudden rage. He grabbed an ashtray from the coffee table and hurled it at me.

I couldn’t dodge in time. A gash opened on my forehead, instantly oozing blood.

The room fell silent. His friends hesitated, exchanged glances, then quietly slipped out.

Leaving the space for the warring couple.

“If it weren’t for you, how would Serena have left New York City? How would I have gone blind?”

His voice was a venomous growl, his face contorted with a searing hatred.

“Why don’t you just die! A vicious, manipulative woman like you – why are you even still alive?!”

My face was ashen at his words, my heart twisting in agony. Yet, I forced a bitter laugh.

“Julian, even if you hate me, I’ve never regretted taking you from Serena Davies. I simply…”

“Enough!”

My words were cut short by Julian’s sharp roar.

“You’re not worthy to speak Serena’s name!”

He then fumbled, trying to stand.

Ignoring the throbbing pain, I scrambled forward, reaching out to help him.

Julian’s hand shot out. Before I could feel a flicker of hope that he wasn’t rejecting me this time, my breath hitched.

His fingers were clamped around my throat.

Veins bulged on his hand, and he squeezed without mercy. My face flushed crimson.

“The thought of seeing your pathetic face after my surgery next month makes me sick! Get out of my life permanently. Don’t ever appear before me again.”