Chapter 22
Courtney remembered her father, who had always been her pillar of support
He had raised her in abundance, promised her a bright future, and never allowed anyone to bully her.
Courtney’s parents had always known that Courtney was born kind–hearted. They had given her the best education and upbringing they could have provided. Courtney’s father had known her better than anyone and never tolerated anyone speaking ill of her
When Courtney insisted on marrying Austin, many of her relatives had something to say about it. Courney’s family has been a single–child lineage for three generations, and the relatives have grown distant over time. But when it came to the wedding, they were still informed.
Those relatives, who hardly ever visited, began chattering incessantly, criticizing Austin for being from a small town, saying that he was using Courtney. They said Courtney, with her excellent background, shouldn’t marry an outsider.
Courtney didn’t like hearing their remarks about Austin and snapped back. This led to the relatives feeling embarrassed and complaining to her parents.
But Courtney’s father stood firmly by her side from the beginning
“Courtney” Courtney! It was Austin’s voice.
“Austin, she’s your wife. You’ve been together for so many years; there’s genuine love between you. Those who betray true feelings will face consequences. Mark my words, Garl said.
When Courtney woke up, she overheard a conversation between Carl and Austin.
Lorraine had taken Courney to the hospital, and Austin had rushed over.
“She suffered too much in South Weidan, Lorraine said, choking back her tears. “If you have any decency as a person, treat her well.”
“I heard that she has slept with terrorists in South Weidan… Austin couldn’t finish his sentence. He lowered his head before continuing. “Is it true??
He wanted to know if Courney really had sold herself to terrorists to survive.
Lorraine frowned, looking at Austin in disbelief She couka’t believe that he actually asked such a question. “Austin, what’s wrong with you! In such a situation, shouldn’t you just be thankful that your wife is alive?”
Austin clenched his fists tightly. “So… the rumors are true?” :
Lorraine couldn’t hold back anymore and slapped Austin across the face. You’re such a jerk. You’d better not bring this up in front of Courtney. No matter what happened, it wasn’t her choice?
Even Lorraine wasn’t sure whether Courtney had been involved with Hayden, but while she was with the terrorist group, it was clear that Hayden had always been protecting her.
Everyone assumed Courtney was Hayden’s woman.
Austin’s face was ashen, and he spoke in a low voice, “It’s not that I care… I know whatever happened wasn’t her choice.”
Courtney lay on the h
hospital bed, taking a deep breath as she quietly stared at the ceiling. She finally knew what despair was
“Courney…” Seeing Courtney awake, Lorraine hurried to the bedside.
Courtney gestured a “thank you” and indicated she wanted to speak with Austin alone.
Lorraine nodded, bugging Courtney with visible heartache. “Courtney, remember, no matter what happens, I always stand by your side.”
Courtney’s eyes reddened as she nodded silently.
After Lorraine and Carl left, Courtney and Austin were alone in the room.
Austin looked at Courtney nervously before breaking the silence with a question “Courtney, who were those two? They clearly don’t look like good people. How do you know them! How could you just go with them so easily? You were never like this before.”
His words, layered with implication, seemed to suggest that Courtney had changed.
Courtney’s gaze burned into Austin. [Who told you that?] She typed the question on her phone, demanding to know who had spread those slanderous rumors about her.
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11:22 AM
Chapter 22
Austin looked down, avoiding her eyes. “Courtney, did you hear everything I believe you didn’t do it willingly. In that situation, there was probably no choice…
[Was it Vera?] Courtney’s anger flared as she typed furiously.
Austin’s silence spoke volumes, confirming her suspicion.
[So you believed her!] Courtney’s entire body trembled as she questioned him.
Austin remained silent. His expression made it clear–deep down, he no longer saw Courtney as pure
[Austin, let’s get a divorce] Courney’s fingers shook as she typed out each word deliberately.
She finally made up her mind to divorce him. In the future, they would be strangers. And if her parents deaths were somehow tied to him, they would be enemies.
“No, Courtney! I won’t agree to a divorce!” Austin’s emotions spilled over, his reaction bordering on desperation as he refused to accept a divorce.
And what about Veral] Courtney demanded, typing on her phone.
“Courtney, I just can’t decide. She gave me a daughter. I have to think about Phoche, Austin replied, visibly torn.
He wouldn’t agree to divorce Courtney, nor would he leave Vera. The hypocrisy was palpable.
“I have proof she cheated in South Weidant She slept with terrorists for five years to survive, even pretending to be one terrorist’s wife! The sudden outburst came from the doorway, where Vera had stormed in her voice dripping with fury
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