Chapter 6: Provocation

In the room, Chloe decided to put an end to all conversation and Mortimer couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. He gently kissed her forehead and said, "You've severed contact with that man. Let's live a good life from now on."

Chloe opened her eyes and looked at him, finding it somewhat amusing. Mortimer, how could you doubt my love for you?

Perhaps Chloe's gaze was too intimidating. Mortimer furrowed his brow and said, "You know I don't like you associating with others. I work hard outside to provide you with a good life. But you, enjoying life at home, make some questionable friends outside."

Chloe felt a coldness creeping into her heart. At the end of their nine years together, all that remained were embarrassment and arguments.

She turned over and rose from the bed. With unexpected strength, she pushed him out of the room and yelled, "Get out! I don't want to see you!"

As he watched the closed bedroom door, Mortimer clenched and unclenched his fists, and finally, out of spite, he turned and left. He had a temper too!

Listening to the sound of the car receding, Chloe suddenly rushed into the bathroom and leaned against the toilet as if she were about to throw up everything from her insides.

Ten minutes later, Chloe stared at the vomit stained with bloodshot eyes, and with a bitter smile, she covered her face. Her words of despair and desolation slipped through her fingers.

"Mortimer, I'm not unyielding or unwavering. I don't have much time left, but you make it difficult for me. How am I supposed to face my parents?"

Chloe was awakened by the doorbell. She stared blankly, with her room bathed in silent darkness, not knowing if she was still trapped in a sorrowful dream or if she was experiencing a lonely reality.

Chloe endured a wave of pain and, with a great effort, went to open the door. She was taken aback when she saw the person at the door.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Are you Chloe?" Vivian seemed surprised.

She had seen Chloe before. Even though it had been from a distance, Chloe's beauty shone through even without makeup.

But now, the woman in front of her had sunken cheeks and seemed lifeless. Was a woman like this really worth Mortimer's efforts to keep hidden?

With newfound confidence, Vivian handed over what she had brought and smiled, saying, "Take a look. This is the child I had with Mortimer."

Chloe raised her eyes and felt somewhat numb. It wasn't just for the child, but for what Vivian had just said, "Mortimer."

Mortimer, you talked about living well, but is it because you're trying to appease me, or do you have another home outside?

"Miss Lam, did you come here just to show me this illegitimate child?" Chloe said in a soft voice that hit the mark, leaving Vivian with no remaining self-esteem.

"What are you so pleased about? Do you know how many times in the past three years Mr. Shaw talked about how you lack charm, saying you were just clinging to him relentlessly for those few years? Now, in your present ghostly state, you're still monopolizing Mortimer for what reason?" Vivian retorted angrily.

Chloe looked at her hysterical behavior and couldn't help but find it amusing. She was about to say something when her eyes caught something on Vivian's neck. Her face suddenly turned as white as paper.

She took a step forward, tugging at Vivian's clothing, and when she saw what she was looking for, her face turned bloodless. She pulled Vivian's necklace out and asked, "Where did this come from?"

Vivian was slightly stronger than this frail patient and easily snatched the item back from her hands. She said, "Mortimer gave it to me. Are you so poor that you want to steal from others?"

"It's mine!" Chloe shouted and, without regard for consequences, pushed Vivian against the wall to retrieve her necklace.

How could she forget? Back then, Mortimer had just started working and used an entire month's salary to buy two couple necklaces as an anniversary gift. The quality wasn't extraordinary, but Chloe had treasured it and still wore it to this day.

Mortimer, how could you give our memento to someone else?

Chloe went mad. Her eyes were bloodshot as she engaged in a heated physical struggle with Vivian.

"Ah!" Vivian stumbled, her feet slipped, and she tumbled down the stairs.

When she came to a halt, she couldn't help but clutch her stomach in pain and wailed, "My child..."

Chloe watched the faint traces of blood between her legs, panic setting in. She quickly dialed the hospital.