With a touch of emotion, she embraced Tristan, her voice trembling. “Tristan, I will give you the smartest and most beautiful child!”
Tristan snorted. “Of course. You’re the best. Crystal is nothing compared to you. I still can’t believe she would eat her own filth just to survive—what good genes can she have?”
His tone was filled with disdain. “Let her stay there for a few more days. Let her learn her lesson. In a few days, I’ll release her and divorce her.”
I wanted to laugh sarcastically, but my throat felt as if it were blocked by cement, and no sound escaped.
Tristan was right; I really did want to live.
I had struggled wildly in the steamer, trying to push the lid open, hoping for a chance to escape. But no matter how hard I had tried, the lid remained unmoved. I had curled up, minimizing the parts of my body exposed to the steam and boiling water, hoping for a little more time, hoping to survive a little longer.
But when the last sliver of light in my eyes finally dimmed, I never received the news that Tristan had released me, and not a single person had opened the door and come near the steamer.
After death, I drifted out of the steamer and stared at the three strong locks on the lid. Only then did I realize that my hope for survival had been extinguished the moment they locked me in.
Tristan called for the butler. “Let that bastard out. He needs to apologize to Jessica! I can’t wait to kick him out. He’s such a nuisance!”
The butler took the keys silently. He avoided looking at Tristan, and walked towards the storage room.
Tristan was furious at the butler’s attitude. He was about to shout when Jessica gently stopped him. Her voice was soft and soothing. “Tristan, the butler is getting old. He’s no longer fit for this job. Let’s replace him with someone younger, someone more competent.”
Tristan calmed down at her words. He pulled Jessica into his arms, his voice filled with relief. “Jessica, you’re the only one who understands me! I’m so glad. After all this time, you’re still by my side.”
Yes, after all this time, Tristan still couldn’t forget her.
…
When Jessica had left him and resolutely chosen to go abroad, Tristan had been devastated, sinking into a deep depression. It was I who stayed by him, comforting him, gradually squeezing my way into his life, helping him pull himself out of the shadow of heartbreak.
I had supported him in founding a company. While others in our industry went bankrupt, our company weathered the storm and prospered. At our happiest, when we couldn’t live without each other, we got married, and I quickly became pregnant.
But before I could share the news of my pregnancy with Tristan, I received word that Jessica had returned to the country.
That very day, Tristan stayed late at work, claiming it was for a business meeting.
As I looked at the empty living room, my heart grew colder with each passing second. The industry was in a lull. What business could possibly keep him out all night?
Sure enough, in the early hours, Tristan posted on his social media: a picture of a woman’s delicate collarbone, adorned with a diamond necklace shaped like a knot, with the caption: [No matter when, I’ll always be here.]
While I was waiting patiently at our home, where was he?
Since then, he began to deliberately avoid spending time alone with me, often using the excuse of working late. He even used his connections to place Jessica, who had just returned with no roots or experience, into the company.
I had a huge argument with him. I could tolerate his lingering feelings for his youth, his regrets over Jessica, but I could not accept him bringing her into our shared company.
In the face of my hysterics, he slapped me hard. I fell to the ground.
“Crystal, can you stop being so paranoid?” he shouted. “Jessica is perfectly capable. She had nowhere to go when she returned. What’s wrong with me arranging a job for her? Stop projecting your dirty thoughts onto me! Just focus on doing your job!”
He left without a second glance, not seeing the blood soaking through my clothes. I endured the excruciating pain, holding onto consciousness as I dialed for an ambulance. Then, I passed out.
When I opened my eyes again, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled the room. Tristan was kneeling by my bed, holding my hand and crying.
“Crystal, I’m sorry. You were pregnant and I didn’t know. I was out of my mind. Please forgive me… I swear, there’s nothing between me and Jessica. Once she’s settled, I’ll cut ties with her.”
I turned my head, looking at Tommy, weak from the premature birth but peacefully sleeping, and I decided to give Tristan another chance.
I didn’t want my son to grow up without a father.
But in the end, Tristan broke his promise. He couldn’t resist Jessica, always indulging her whims. And one thing led to another, until they were in bed together.
…
Jessica was deeply touched. She was about to tiptoe and kiss Tristan on the cheek when the butler hurried in, flustered.
“Sir, Young Master Tommy… he hanged himself!
