Chapter 1

I had been married to Liam Jennings for three years.

The tabloids about him and his secret obsession, Serena, never left the trending page.

"I saved your life, and I didn't care that you became a cripple. You'd better turn a blind eye to my business with Serena," he once told me.

I endured it for three long years.

But then, I accidentally overheard him talking to his assistant.

"Don't let her stand up. A cripple is much easier to control."

Eventually, he was the one paralyzed in bed.

He grabbed my hand, begging me not to leave him.

I let out a cold laugh. "Three years of me being a cripple in exchange for you being paralyzed for life? It was worth it."

1

"Ms. Avery, your legs are almost fully recovered. With a week of physical therapy, you'll be walking like a normal person again."

The doctor shared the news with a smile.

I rushed home, desperate to tell Liam the good news.

I couldn't find him on the first floor.

With the help of my crutches, I struggled up to the second floor and heard voices coming from the study.

"Mr. Jennings, the imported medication from overseas arrived two days ago. Should we start the mistress―I mean, the Mrs. on it?"

"No need," Liam's voice was icy. "A cripple is easier to control."

My heart skipped a beat. I froze in place.

"Also, the two men who took the fall and went to prison for Ms. Serena three years ago have been released. How should we handle them?"

"Pay them off. Make sure they don't cause trouble for Serena."

"And what about your wife?"

"Serena didn't mean to hit her and paralyze her back then. Marrying Avery was already her compensation."

"Once Serena retires from the spotlight, I'll naturally send Avery away."

My legs gave out, and I slumped to the floor.

I always knew Liam loved Serena Vance.

But to protect her image as a top star, Serena had always refused to go public.

Three years ago, when their relationship was almost exposed, Liam married me to distract the paparazzi.

For three years, we lived in a polite, hollow shell of a marriage.

Now, the truth hit me. My supposed savior wasn't my salvation.

He was the demon who dragged me into hell.

I tried not to make a sound as I used my crutches to limp back to my room.

At lunch, Liam acted as attentive as ever, placing food on my plate.

"Avery, you went for your check-up today, right? What did the doctor say?"

He looked concerned on the surface, but I didn't miss the sharp glint in his eyes.

This time, I didn't tell the truth.

"The doctor said there's still no hope for a recovery."

Liam looked visibly relieved, then comforted me with a gentle tone.

"It's okay. I'll take care of you no matter how long it takes. Don't rush it."

I used to be moved by words like that. Now, they only made my skin crawl.

Of course he wasn't in a rush. He wasn't the one who couldn't walk.

"I'm full," I said.

I put down my fork and let the maid wheel me back to my room.

Liam blinked, stunned.

He noticed I was acting differently, but he didn't have time to investigate.

Serena's new show was about to premiere, and his heart was already with her.

I dialed a number. On the other end, a man's voice sounded thick with forced calm.

"Avery, you finally decided to call me. Where are you..."

I cut him off.

"In three days, come take me away."

"...Okay."