Chapter 5
The moment the doctor mentioned that I had terminated my pregnancy, I immediately called out to Bradley.
“Bradley!”
He turned toward me, drawn by my voice. Just like that, he missed the last part of what the doctor had said.
I quickly shook my head at the doctor. He assumed we were just having a small lovers’ quarrel, so he chose not to intervene.
He only gave Bradley a final reminder. “Mrs. Sharp’s hand has suffered severe burns. It needs proper care. If an infection sets in, things could get serious. But even if it heals well, she’ll never be able to paint again. What a shame.”
Bradley’s eyes flickered slightly. He turned back to me, gently helping me sit up before wrapping me in his arms. His voice was soft as he said, “I’m so sorry, Alice. I couldn’t protect you.
“But you saw what happened. Maisy lost her baby because of you. Daniel was furious, and I couldn’t go against him. Seeing you hurt kills me. I wish I could take the pain for you.”
“But don’t worry. Even if you can’t paint anymore, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life. I’ll cherish you and love you.”
I watched as he played the role of the devoted husband, and all I felt was disgust.
If the one who got hurt had been Maisy, he wouldn’t have hesitated for a second before shielding her with everything he had.
But I didn’t expose him because there was no need.
For the next few days in the hospital, Bradley performed flawlessly as the perfect, doting husband.
Doctors and nurses kept flooding into my room, terrified that something might happen to me.
To lift my spirits, Bradley spent a fortune covering the entire hallway with pink roses.
Whatever I wanted to eat, all I had to do was say the word, and he would immediately get it and feed it to me himself.
He stayed by my bedside day and night, even moving his work into my ward so he wouldn’t have to leave me.
To everyone in the hospital, he was the dream husband.
If I hadn’t already known the truth, I might have been moved to tears. After all, this was how he had lured me into his trap before.
On the day I was discharged, Bradley threw a grand party in my honor, inviting countless friends from our circle.
The entire venue was decorated according to my preferences.
A massive portrait of the two of us was displayed at the center of the stage. In the photo, he gazed down at me with deep affection, while I looked up at him with equal devotion.
Back when we took that picture, I had given him my whole heart. But when he looked at me, the one on his mind was probably Maisy.
Looking at it again, I could only laugh at my own stupidity.
During the party, Bradley took the stage and presented me with an outrageously expensive necklace in front of everyone.
“This necklace is called ‘True Love.’ And today, before all of you, I offer my true love to my wife, Alice Campbell.”
The crowd erupted into applause, swept away by his show of devotion.
Then, Bradley delivered the night’s real bombshell.
With all eyes on him, he stepped toward me, took my hand, and placed it over his chest. His gaze at me was warm and affectionate.
“Tonight is not just a celebration of my wife’s recovery. I have another announcement to make. Once our child is born, I will transfer all of Sharp Corporation’s shares to my wife!”
