13 

Sera’s friends exchanged glances. Noticing her disinterest in continuing the conversation, they fell silent. 

That evening, Sera said goodbye to her friends and went back to her apartment. Her maid had already made a late–night snack. She bowed and quietly left. 

Sera sat down, sipping her coffee and browsing her phone. The bitterness filled her mouth, but before she could frown, her phone buzzed. Her face paled. It was the headman from her uncle’s village. 

He explained that her aunt had fallen ill after learning about what Julian had done to her. Her uncle was juggling caring for his wife and teaching. He hoped she could visit when she had time. Sera’s eyes welled up. Besides her parents, her aunt and uncle were the most important people in her life. They’d called her frequently, urging her to take care of herself. They didn’t tell her about her aunt’s illness, and she might never have known if the headman hadn’t called. 

She canceled her late–night snack and booked the earliest flight back. Then, she began packing. 

Sera’s aunt and uncle were overjoyed to see her. 

“You’re doing so well there. Why are you back?” her uncle asked. 

“I just wanted to see you guys,” Sera said, placing gifts on the table. 

Her aunt sighed. “This trip must have cost a fortune!” 

Touched by her aunt’s concern, Sera took her hand. “I heard you were not feeling well. I’ll take you to the best hospital tomorrow.” 

Her aunt refused.“I’m fine! Don’t spend your money on that.” 

Speaking of the past, her aunt’s eyes filled with tears. She apologized for not stopping Sera from marry Julian. 

Sera held no resentment towards them. She knew Chloe hated her long time ago. The first time they met, Chloe said, “Sera, I bet he’ll be mine in the end.” 

At that time, she didn’t care, because Julian was so deeply in love with her. She thought even if every man in the world cheated, Julian wouldn’t. 

Reality had slapped her hard. Fortunately her friends and family had stood by her. Even the Chloe’s family had disowned Chloe. 

Still, Julian deserved the most blame. If he had refused Chloe, nothing would have happened. 

Sera insisted on taking her aunt and uncle to the hospital. Her aunt’s condition was serious; the doctor recommended a few days of observation. Sera admitted her aunt to a VIP room, hired a caretaker, and rented a courtyard house near the hospital for her uncle to stay in. Her aunt and uncle tried to give her money, but she secretly returned it. 

That evening, after the caretaker came, Sera called the restaurant to send dinner to the hospital. In the corridor, she heard nurses shouting. 

“Make way!” 

“Emergency surgery!” 

“Make way!” 

20:28 

< 13 

People hastily moved aside 

as 

Menu 

stretcher sped past. Sera froze. It was Julian! 

She wouldn’t have recognized him if she hadn’t spent five years with him. He was gaunt, pale, reeking of alcohol. The people around covered their noses. 

She was about to leave when she overheard whispers. 

“Was that Julian? What happened to him?” 

“Serves him right. He had a good wife, but he cheated on her with that Chloe_girl!” 

“I heard he’s been drinking heavily since his wife left. He comes to the hospital all the time.” 

Cera walked to the end of the corridor, a gust of wind making her shiver. After the call, she sat down, waiting. 

Several people sat nearby, chatting. 

“Hey, did you hear? Chloe’s out of jail!” 

“What? How? Wasn’t she supposed to be there for years?” 

The first speaker glanced around before whispering, “My brother–in–law works at the prison. Chloe’s pregnant again! The baby’s Julian’s.” 

“She got pregnant in jail. Julian kept her locked up, planning to force an abortion. But he drank too much that he collapsed first.” 

“The Stones were afraid he’d have no children, so they brought Chloe to their place. They’re taking care of her, planning to send her away after the baby is born, and telling her never to return.” 

Sera remained stunned until a delivery person handed her a large box of food. 

She thanked him and returned to the ward, shivering again in the chilly wind. She 

to the caretaker, who thanked her and left. 

During dinner, Sera was distracted. 

Her aunt noticed that.“Sera, what’s wrong?” 

gave some food 

Sera forced a smile, claiming she was fine. Actually she was thinking about Julian and Chloe, who were probably both in this very hospital. If her aunt and uncle encountered them, her aunt might fall ill again. She couldn’t let that happen.