Chapter 1
“Morrison, I just sent over those divorce papers–my husband and I signed them on our wedding day. Could you check for any issues?”
Callie Hartwell stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, her fingers mindlessly rubbing the edge of her phone.]
“Miss Hartwell, I reviewed the agreement,” the lawyer’s professional voice came through. “Looks good. You’ve got a month till the three–year mark–once that’s up, the papers activate automatically. Just hit the courthouse for the divorce certificate.“]
“Got it. Thanks.”
After hanging up, Callie looked up at the wedding photo on the wall.]
In the picture, she wore a pristine white gown, smiling so wide her eyes crinkled into crescents.
Beside her was Declan Hayes–sharp suit, handsome features, but not even a hint of a smile.
Love versus indifference. Plain as day
“Finally, this day’s almost here. You must be thrilled, right?” she murmured, tracing the man’s cold profile in the photo with her fingertip.]]
The door clicked open. Callie quickly yanked her hand back, turning to greet him.[]
“You’re home.” She took his suit jacket, then crouched down to slip on his slippers, her movements as smooth as if rehearsed a thousand times.
Declan loosened his tie, expression cold. “Hayes Industries has its anniversary gala next month. I need you there.“]
Callie’s hands paused while hanging up his jacket, then she shook her head. “I can’t make it.“[]
“Why not?” Declan frowned.]
Just as Callie was about to speak when Declan’s eyes iced over like he’d just figured something out. “Is this because I’ve been spending time with Mia lately? I told you on our wedding day–I have someone I love. You said you wouldn’t interfere.“]]
Pain shot through Callie’s heart like someone had torn
Right. What husband tells his wife on their wedding day that he loves someone else and makes her sign divorce papers?
She was just doing what he wanted–wouldn’t be around next month, so she couldn’t make that gala.]
Three years ago, the Hartwell and Hayes families had announced their arranged marriage.[]
Callie had secretly loved Declan since childhood and was overjoyed to learn she could marry him.[]
But on their wedding night, Declan handed her divorce papers.]
“I love someone else, but her famliy is ordinary and the Hayes family won’t let her in,” he’d said coldly and bluntly. “In three years, I’ll take over Hayes Group. Then no one can stop us. For now, we play husband and wife. We’ll divorce when the time comes.”
That night, Callie signed as he wanted, then cried in the bathroom till dawn.[]
But less than three months in, Mia Castellano vanished after a fight with Declan
Declan went crazy looking for her, using every connection, but never found any leads.
During that time, he’d stay out all night and come home reeking of alcohol, his eyes terrifyingly dark.]
Until one night when he came home completely drunk and pinned her to the bed.[]
His kiss came down, heavy with alcohol, but he mumbled:[]
“Mia… why did you leave? Why are you with someone else? Don’t you trust me?“]
Callie went rigid, her heart clenched so tight she could barely breathe.
So… he’d found her
But Mia was already with someone else.]]
That night was her first time, but all night he moaned someone else’s name.
Next morning, seeing the blood on the sheets, Declan’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he said nothing.
Callie acted like nothing had happened, preparing his fresh clothes and even gently reminding him about an important meeting before he left.
She acted everything was fine, but her heart was already bleeding.[]
From then on, she even bent over backward for him:[]
When his stomach bothered him, she’d wake early every day to make bland toast and herbal tea.
When work stressed him out, she learned massage to help him relax.[]
Since he liked quiet, she never made noise around him, even walking softly.
Gradually, Declan seemed to start treating her as his wife.[]
He’d bring her small gifts when returning from business trips.]
He’d make her cold medicine when she was sick.[]
He’d even hold her close while sleeping, his palm warm against her waist.]
Declan never mentioned divorce again, as if that agreement had never existed.[]
Callie even naively thought that maybe he could actually fall in love with her.
Until three months ago, when Mia broke up and came back single.[]
Declan immediately went back to her side.[]
He’d have dinner with her, go shopping with her, even skipped important meetings just because Mia said she was “feeling down.“[]
Standing by the window, watching Declan’s car drive toward Mia’s apartment once again, Callie finally got it.
True love was true love. No matter how much she gave, it couldn’t compare to a single look from Mia.[]
Fortunately, the three–year contract marriage, was finally ending.[]
She told herself to think of these three years as a dream.[]
Now the dream was over, and it was time to leave.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?“]]
Declan’s voice cut through her thoughts. Callie stared at him in a daze, her throat tight.[]
He… didn’t remember the divorce papers?
For three years, she’d been counting the days, afraid that once the deadline hit, he’d leave without hesitation. But now, he seemed to have completely forgotten about it.
She opened her mouth to remind him, but Declan’s phone suddenly rang.
The moment he answered, Mia’s tearful voice came through. Callie couldn’t make out what she was saying, but she saw Declan’s expression change drastically.
“Don’t be scared. I’ll be right there.“]
He hung up, grabbed his car keys and rushed out. In his hurry, his shoulder slammed hard into hers. She staggered, back smacking the doorframe–she let out a pained grunt.
But Declan didn’t even look back–his figure had already disappeared through the door.
Callie supported herself against the wall, inching back to the bedroom. She peeled off her coat–already a bruise was blooming on her shoulder.
She got out the first aid kit and silently applied medicine to herself. Inside, it felt like a blunt knife was slowly carving her up
She sat on the bed’s edge, staring blankly at the darkening sky outside, until her phone rang.]
It was Declan.
“Come to Massachusetts General Hospital.”
Callie’s heart jumped. “What happened?“[]
“I’ll explain when you get here.“[]
When Callie arrived, she immediately saw Declan standing outside the operating room, with Mia leaning against him, crying pitifully.
Callie’s steps faltered, her chest feeling like something was squeezing it tight, making breathing difficult.
What’s wrong?” she walked over and asked softly.[]
Declan looked up at her. “Mia’s mother suddenly has leukemia and needs an immediate bone marrow transplant.“[]
Callie was stunned. “And then?“[]
“We’ve searched the whole city, no suitable matches.” Declan said flatly, “I got tested for compatibility. It matched.“[]
Callie’s pupils contracted as she stared at him in disbelief. “You’re donating bone marrow?“]
“Bone marrow donation has risks, you…“]
“I didn’t call you here for your approval,” Declan interrupted her. “The surgery requires a family member’s signature.“]]
Family member…]
Callie’s heart ached sharply.[]
Right, legally, she was still his wife.]
But in his heart, she had never been his family.[]
Callie clenched her fingers tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms.[]
“Okay,” she heard herself say. “I’ll sign.“]]
The nurse handed over the surgical consent form. She wrote her name stroke by stroke, each one feeling like it was being carved into her heart.]
Declan released Mia and walked toward the operating room.]
Just before the door closed, Callie finally couldn’t help calling out: “Declan!“[]
He turned back to look at her, his gaze indifferent.[]
Callie’s lips trembled, but in the end she only said softly: “Be careful.“[]
Declan’s
eyes
flickered slightly, but he said nothing and turned to enter the operating room.[]
The moment the door closed, Callie’s tears finally fell.]
She finally knew that Declan’s love for Mia was so deep he was willing to risk his life.]
