Chapter 1

On the TV, the Ashbourne Stock Exchange building bell rang. Leroy Olson felt an inexplicable wave of bitterness.

Scarlett Payne, donning an exquisite tweed suit, exuded an unmistakable elegance that filtered through the TV screen. The reporters eagerly fought to have their questions heard.

"Ms. Payne, we know that you were once injured and paralyzed at one point in your life. Would you mind sharing with us how you got through that period?"

"Rumors had it that your husband is a famous medical expert. Did you guys fall in love during your rehabilitation period?"

"Ms. Payne, why didn't you come with your husband today?"

Scarlett smiled brightly before the reporters and only answered the last question. "He and I are in different careers. That's why I only brought a few good friends of mine today. Of course, I believe he's thrilled for me."

The reporters each offered their congratulations, while only Leroy noticed the man standing at the back corner behind her gazing longingly at her back. The man was none other than Scarlett's first and one true love, Cedric Reid.

During the fourth year of their marriage, Leroy became the attending physician and performed the surgery on Scarlett.

The surgery was a great success. Before he could celebrate, he heard the anesthetic-induced Scarlett repeatedly call out for Cedric.

Leroy's heart broke into pieces. To her, the marriage between them was nothing more than a piece of contract. In fact, she had long come clean about it.

"We only share a contractual relationship. Though our contract expires in eight years, we will terminate it and proceed with divorce if Cedric ever returns."

Yet, after many years together, no news about Cedric surfaced. With Leroy's intense care and affection, Scarlett finally became more emotionally stabilized and saw improvement in her rehabilitation.

At last, she finally got back on her feet!

After her recovery, she focused back on her career and soon took over the company. Just as he thought everything was going well, the once-vanished Cedric made a sudden return.

Originally mad at his disappearance, Scarlett eventually believed in his sob story and forgave him. Apparently, his family forcefully sent him abroad back then, which made him unable to look after her.

By then, the love she had suppressed deeply for him exploded once and for all…

Truth be told, Leroy had applied for a leave in advance so he could ring the bell with Scarlett at the stock exchange today. But ever since her conversation with Cedric, she became drastically different, giving him the cold shoulder.

"Cedric is now back in the country. I've promised him that I'd ring the bell with him if the company goes public… So, I think you should stay home."

Faced with her helpless expression, Leroy felt a twinge in his chest. Yet, he could only pretend to be fine. "Sure. I happen to have a surgery scheduled today anyway. Have fun."

Scarlett sighed as if feeling relieved and headed out early this morning.

Despite all that, Leroy couldn't help but tighten his fists when he saw Scarlett and Cedric standing next to each other on the TV.

After some time, the sky slowly turned dark. The door was finally unlocked from the outside.

Leroy rose gradually and walked toward the door. "You're back."

Scarlett placed the car key down and merely grunted in reply. "Wait for me on the couch. We have something to talk about."

Soon, she returned with a document and passed it to him. When Leroy saw it was a divorce agreement, his already-shattered heart crumbled all at once. His body stiffened as he experienced a stabbing pain in his heart.

Seven years ago, Scarlett was the beloved campus belle and also the heiress to Payne Group. She and Cedric were a stunning couple… until the accident happened.

At that time, Leroy happened to be one of the passersby. By the time he sent her to the hospital, it was already too late. The delay in receiving the best treatment led to a blood clot in her brain, pressing on the nerves and resulting in paralysis of her lower body.

In one night, the once-gilded young woman had turned into a disabled member.

Those who had been too afraid to approach and pursue her back then all gained confidence since the accident. Even her family chauffeur was brazen enough to openly confess to her with a huge bouquet of roses.

However, the final nail in the coffin was that her boyfriend of many years, Cedric, had suddenly left the country and vanished since.

She grew increasingly despondent, her mood swinging unpredictably between highs and lows. To protect the Payne family's image, they arranged a contract marriage.

Back then, Leroy's father had fallen gravely ill and needed money for treatment, making Leroy the perfect leverage for a marriage arrangement.

"A divorce?"

Determination appeared on Scarlett's exquisite face. "I'm going to be straight with you, Leroy. If it weren't for you all these years, I would've long ended up a cripple. I'm really sorry…

"Once we finalize the divorce, I will compensate you with everything you deserve. On top of that, I'll give you another 30 million dollars."

Without a doubt, Scarlett felt remorseful. She wasn't a robot without feelings, after all.

Over the years, Leroy had been gentle and caring toward her, going out of his way to treat her legs. She had witnessed every small act of kindness and care he had shown toward her.

Gradually, she no longer resisted as she did in the beginning. At times, she even thought it wouldn't be so bad if she continued this life with him.

However, Cedric's return made her realize that love and gratitude were not the same thing. The person she loved had always been him!

After a prolonged silence, Leroy piped up faintly. "Alright. Our contract of eight years is about to end, anyway."

There wasn't any argument or hysteric reactions as imagined. Instead, he conceded compliantly and decisively signed the divorce papers.

At last, he looked up at her, asking, "When are we processing our divorce?"

Scarlett stood motionlessly, seemingly in a daze. Leroy's reaction was so calm that it didn't feel like they were discussing divorce. Shouldn't he be mad, offended, or criticize her for being ungrateful?

After signing the agreement, he passed it back to Scarlett and spoke casually. "I saw you on TV. You two look great together."

Snapping back to reality, Scarlett struggled to find her words. "I…"

In the end, she uttered, "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. Our relationship is based on a contract. It's on me that I've developed feelings for you. Besides, you helped treat my father when I was at the lowest point of my life.

"Now that your company has gone public, you won't have to worry about the rumors anymore. It's the perfect time. Our contract is up, and I have no right to argue against it, right?"

Leroy's tone was relaxed as though he was joking with his friends, yet Scarlett wore a complicated look.

Everyone knew he loved her to his bones, which was why he could accept everything about her. Yet, he was strangely calm when she initiated the divorce.

For a moment, the living room fell into a tense stillness. Suddenly, Scarlett's stomach growled, breaking the silence.

Leroy scoffed, asking, "You hungry?"

She covered her tummy with embarrassment. "A little."

"Then sit tight. I'll make you one last meal." With that, he rose and headed to the kitchen, his footsteps shuffling with unmistakable urgency.

Chapter 2

Leroy stood in the kitchen for a long time before coming out of his daze. The ingredients had been prepared, and he skillfully prepared Scarlett's favorite dish, honey-glazed pork ribs.

After some pondering, he summoned their private primary chef. "Scarlett prefers her food slightly different from the usual recipe. Also, I'll list down the steps to making her medicinal food. In the future, the kitchen is all yours."

The primary chef, Lester Jackman, joked, "Only you know how to make the perfect dish with the perfect flavor profile for Mrs. Olson. I'm afraid the rest of us can't master it."

The feelings from the past crashed over him like an ocean wave, rendering him out of breath. "We're getting divorced soon. So, I won't be around anymore."

While Lester remained in a stun, Leroy carried the dish out of the kitchen. When he arrived at the dining hall, he found no sight of Scarlett but saw an uninvited guest instead—Cedric.

Leroy suppressed his turmoil of emotions. "Hi."

However, Cedric couldn't bother lifting his head to look at him. "Thank you for cooking. You guys should rest after this. I'll clean up after the meal."

Leroy, preparing to place the dish on the table, froze in silence. It was only then Cedric lifted his head. "Oh, it's you. Lettie told me all about you. Thank you for taking care of her for me all these years."

Every word he spoke felt like a slap in the face to Leroy's years of effort.

"What I did for her all these years has nothing to do with you; it's between us." He served up the dish and sat across from Cedric.

Instantly, Cedric narrowed his eyes and began scrutinizing Leroy. Then, he continued to assert his dominance.

"But you act more like her mother than like a husband. So what if you've looked after her for seven years? Even after you treated her legs, she still willingly returned to me with just a phone call.

"Perhaps you should start letting go of things that no longer belong to you. You're not in the place to hold onto them, anyway."

Leroy's brows tightened, and the exploding pain in his chest made him say, "You're such an actor, Mr. Reid. You left the country without second thoughts as soon as she got into that accident because you thought she would never recover.

"Yet, here you are now, eagerly trying to return to her side. What's your motive?"

Cedric squinted slightly, his countenance increasingly hostile. But as soon as he glanced at the moving shadow behind Leroy, he quickly lowered his head. "It was all my fault back then."

He continued, "I wanted to go to the hospital as soon as I found out about the accident, but at that time, I discovered I had lymphoma and that it could've been terminal. I didn't want Lettie to be saddened by the news, so I chose to receive treatment abroad.

"What I didn't expect was my family cutting off all my connections with her to ensure I focused on my treatment. That's why I'm extremely grateful for you. Thank you for taking such great care of her."

Leroy's hands formed into fists under the table. He was reluctant to take that as an answer. "Can you swear you didn't return at this perfect timing because you were eyeing her money?"

Immediately, a cold and resolute voice rang behind him. "You're wrong about him."

Amid Leroy's daze, Scarlett walked over to the table and sat between them. "Do you think everyone is motivated by money like you, Leroy? Don't project your insecurities onto others and make vile accusations like this."

She couldn't be any clearer.

Leroy looked at his wife in disbelief. The old Scarlett would've never verbally attacked others. Even when encountering tricky situations from her higher-ups back then, she had never had a public fallout with anyone.

Yet, Scarlett now had used his difficulty from seven years ago to mock him, all in an attempt to defend Cedric. As expected, their seven years of marriage meant nothing to her as far as Cedric was in the picture.

Faced with Leroy's grim expression, Scarlett decisively looked away. "Please leave. I don't think I'll have the appetite to eat with you here."

Her words resembled a freshly sharpened dagger, slowly stabbing and twisting in his heart. Almost immediately, he turned on his heels with reddened eyes.

Leroy, too, had suppressed plenty of negative emotions over the years. He didn't want Scarlett to be affected by his bad days, so he always dealt with his feelings alone.

With Cedric's return, it became the final straw for him. While it might've been insignificant to him, it was enough to break the camel's back.

"Fine. I'll go. Text me when it's time to process the divorce. Once that's done, we won't have to see each other anymore."

Leroy fished out his house keys and placed them by Scarlett's hand. Without turning back, he walked out of the villa.

She stared at the cartoon keychain and fell into a daze. Back then, she gave it up because it was old and casually tossed it to Leroy. To her surprise, he had it with him until now.

The dining hall remained in a prolonged silence. By then, Cedric's eyes were filled with satisfaction and smugness. "I'm sorry for breaking up your family, but I… I really missed you."

He gripped her hand on the table, pulling her focus back to reality. "Oh… It has nothing to do with you. Our marriage is based on a contract from the start. It's just a title, nothing more."

Cedric's gaze flickered. "But having a title without a bond is still different from one that's real, even if it's unacknowledged."

His words conveyed an underlying meaning, yet they put Scarlett into deep thought regarding her relationship with Leroy.

For seven years, they had not slept in the same bed. In the beginning, she would even hide a Taser underneath her pillow for safety. It turned out that she had worried for nothing.

Leroy was an upright man with a gentle temperament. He exuded a magnetic yet controlled charm, especially in his white coat, and looked like a character straight out of a romance book.

At times, she even found him more attractive than Cedric.

That said, Cedric was someone she had loved for years. How could she have a change of heart just because she felt indebted and grateful to Leroy? They were simply not meant to be.

Scarlett's heart finally relaxed after convincing herself. Her eyes flashed with an added hint of affection when she gazed at Cedric. "Fret not. Once I finalize the divorce, we'll get married."

Cedric's eyes lit up for a split second before he revealed a hesitant look. "But people are going to think I drove Leroy away and see me as the homewrecker."

Of course, Scarlett had anticipated that. "Don't worry. I'll offer him monetary compensation and ensure he'll live without worrying about money again. That's the best I can do."

"But the public opinions—"

"I'll tell the PR department to buckle up and have everyone know we share a history way before Leroy's appearance."

Having received the answer he wanted, Cedric pulled Scarlett into an embrace, looking smug and victorious. "Thank you, Lettie."

She was unaware of his feelings. Closing her eyes, she tried to reconnect with the spark of their old relationship, yet for some reason, the intoxicating warmth no longer seemed to exist with him.

The next day, Scarlett sat in the dining hall and was subsequently served with her medicinal food. As soon as she took her first sip, she spat it out and tightened her brows.

"Why is the medicine taste so heavy in this? It's completely different from usual. Didn't Leroy give you the recipe?"

Lester scratched his head. "He did, Ms. Payne, but this is our first time making it for you since Dr. Olson had been preparing it all this time. I supposed we didn't control the measurements and heat well."

Her frown deepened, and she stirred the medicine, losing all her appetite. "Alright, I got it. Proceed with your work."

For some reason, Lester's words made her chest feel stuffed as if a rock was weighing down her heart.

Chapter 3

Leroy didn't leave many belongings at Scarlett's place. Since her recovery, he had been occupied at work and rarely returned home because he had more freed-up time.

Later, he took all his daily clothes and essentials and brought them to the assigned hostel near the hospital. Hence, he didn't need to pack much and headed straight to his home.

Once he entered, he was welcomed by his elated parents. His mother, Olivia Hersey, embraced him emotionally. "Roy, you're finally home! I missed you so much!"

The sight of his parents, whose hair had turned white, rendered Leroy emotional. Why did they seem to age so rapidly?

Olivia wiped her tears away and asked, "Are you hungry? Let me cook for you. Also, where's Lettie? How's she been lately?"

At the mention of Scarlett, Leroy stayed quiet briefly. "Scarlett and I are getting a divorce."

Olivia was startled. "It's normal for couples to fight. If it's not something unfixable, you two should apologize to each other and move on."

His voice was hoarse. "She suggested it."

She sighed deeply, looking sorry for his son. "Well, I guess it's about time. Back then, you two married because you wanted to treat your father. Now that you've treated her legs and looked after her for years, I suppose you've repaid her enough.

"Truth be told, I've always felt guilty for making you sacrifice your happiness."

Leroy suddenly froze. In the past, he would swallow every grievance and pain he endured without asking for help. But now that his mother gazed at him with empathy and care, he couldn't help but crumble to vulnerability.

His voice choked up. "Mom, I didn't marry her simply because of Dad. I had feelings for Scarlett, too. You shouldn't feel this way."

That year, at the orientation party, Scarlett donned a white dress and stunned everyone present. Perhaps that was the exact moment she had made a lasting impression on his heart.

Thus, later, he changed his major to medicine for her, and for the sake of the contract, he diligently took care of her for the next seven years.

All that happened because of one simple moment—the second he fell for her.

Leroy smiled wryly. Seeing his dejected look, Olivia couldn't help but shed tears and embrace her son.

"You're a good son, Roy. I'm sorry to have put you through hardships. Your dad and I have opened a store and can fend for ourselves now.

"From now on, follow your heart and do things you want to do."

After Leroy settled back home, he applied for a long leave at the hospital to spend more time with his parents.

The next day, he awoke and was immediately summoned by Olivia to the living room. "Leroy, do you still remember the girl next door, Eve? She's always had a thing for you. Now that you're single, you two can finally get to know each other."

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Leroy headed to the door and burst into a bitter smile. "Mom, I'm still a married man. Aren't you afraid to smear the innocent girl's name?"

Olivia glared at him, rebuking, "Nonsense. Didn't you say you've signed the divorce agreement?"

"You're not wrong." With that, he opened the door.

She continued, "Since you're divorced, you might as well set up a meeting with her. If she's not your cup of tea, you can still be friends with her."

Leroy affirmed and turned to the opening door. Standing outside was Grace Farmer, Scarlett's best friend and secretary.

"Long time no see." Grace smiled brightly.

Before he could say anything, Olivia excitedly exclaimed, "Are you a friend of Leroy? Come on in!"

Grace refused with a smile. "It's alright, Mrs. Olson. Dr. Olson and I will be stepping out to talk about something."

"Alright then. Be quick!"

Grace led Leroy down the building and found a cafe. There, she pulled out a document listing all the terms outlined in the contract, as well as the compensation for Scarlett's early termination of the agreement.

"There's a supplementary contract at the back, stating an additional compensation. Everything totals up about 80 million dollars."

He understood Scarlett had always been generous. Although they shared a mutually beneficial relationship, he didn't expect her to offer him additional compensation.

Staring at the astronomical figure on the paper, Leroy began to feel an emotional turmoil again.

Grace was somewhat skeptical after seeing his stiff expression. "Are you sure you want to give up on her?"

Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, he picked up the pen and signed the document. "We're reaching a mutual agreement. There's no such thing as giving up anything as long as she's happy."

Grace was taken aback. She truly didn't expect him to be this gracious and cool-headed.

She was suddenly at a loss for how to comfort him, eventually saying, "At least she's generous to you. You won't have to worry about money ever again."

Leroy glanced at her. "Do you think money can compensate for all the time and effort one puts into a marriage? She's doing all this because she wants her man to feel less guilty, and I'm graciously accepting it only because I don't want her to feel bad."

Grace wore a complicated look. At times, she envied Scarlett for having a man who gave his everything to her. That was something she knew as a fact from the observer's perspective.

Yet, to her surprise, Scarlett acted unfeeling like a robot and chose to long for someone who abandoned her while she was at her lowest. When that person returned, she even deserted her companion of seven years for him.

Retrieving the signed document, Grace let out a sigh and told Leroy to take care of himself before leaving the cafe. Once she entered her car, she dialed Scarlett's number after much consideration.

"Lettie, I heard your ex-mother-in-law is arranging a blind date for Leroy. Are you sure you want a divorce?"

The receiver stayed silent momentarily before coldly saying, "We're divorced. He can see whoever he wants for all I care. Besides, I already have Cedric. So, please refrain from updating me about his life from now on.

"I have no interest in it and do not want Cedric to misunderstand us."

Her words caught Grace off guard. For some reason, she found Scarlett's tone rather strange.

Thus, she jokingly probed, "Is that so? Does that mean I can start pursuing him? I'll be honest—he's actually my type. He's so hot and gentle, and he was so good to you.

"A doctor is hella busy, yet he came home every day to look after you. Seriously, if he wasn't so smitten with you, I would've pursued him. But then again, you said you've always liked Cedric and Cedric only…

"You wouldn't call this breaking the girl's code, would you?"

This time, Scarlett stayed silent for so long that Grace thought she had ended the call. "Scar—"

"Do what you want." Scarlett interrupted and immediately hung up, leaving Grace no chance to respond.

Grace chuckled helplessly, shaking her head and keeping her phone.

In the meantime, Scarlett sat on the edge of her bed and stared at her incoming call, feeling a sudden thirst. Usually, at this hour, Leroy would've prepared a cup of passion fruit tea, her favorite, by the bed.

Instead, what lay on her nightstand was a bunch of tangled charging cables. A wave of frustration slowly engulfed her.

Chapter 4

Ultimately, Leroy couldn't persuade Olivia and ended up meeting the girl next door she had mentioned.

He still remembered how Yvonne Middleton, a chubby girl, used to follow him around and repeatedly call his name whenever they played as a kid.

It had been a while, and he couldn't help but wonder how she was now.

The next second, a soft voice rang above his head. "Hey, stranger."

Although Leroy didn't harbor many expectations, he was pleasantly surprised by her exquisite and refined appearance. "Yvonne?"

The girl before him had a dainty face, a pair of big, round eyes, and a refreshing smile. Her lips, soft and rosy, complemented her fair skin. Her chestnut-colored, wavy hair cascaded down her back, giving her a carefree but polished look.

She sat confidently across from Leroy, blinking mischievously at him. "Yeah, it's me. What's wrong? Do you not recognize me?"

Realizing his impoliteness, he let out an awkward smile. "I'm sorry. You did change quite drastically. You look a lot prettier now."

A smudge of pink spread across her cheeks. "Thanks."

"What would you like to drink? I'll treat you."

After ordering two drinks, the two continued talking for a while.

As the conversation went on, Leroy found himself momentarily lost in thought. He never expected that he and Yvonne would have so many common topics. Nearly everything he liked, she seemed to be deeply interested in as well.

Sipping on his tea, he lowered his gaze and began pondering. As someone who had been in relationships, he knew it wasn't easy to meet someone compatible in terms of values and hobbies.

More often than not, the party with much deeper feelings would be the one compromising for their potential partner.

He wasn't sure if he and Yvonne were truly compatible or if she was compromising to make the date smoother. Regardless, he hadn't finalized the divorce with Scarlett nor moved on from his failed marriage.

Pursuing a new relationship when he wasn't ready would not only be irresponsible to himself but also unfair to the girl.

"Yvonne, I—"

"You don't have to be this formal with me, Leroy. Just think of us as friends like we were young."

After some thought, he lowered his head as a sign of apology. "I know my mom arranged this meeting for us to get to know each other on a deeper level, but I'm not ready to move on to a new relationship yet. I'm sorry…

"Do you understand what I mean?" He was straightforward.

If Yvonne had any feelings for him, she would've inevitably felt hurt. That said, it was better than giving her false hope.

As expected, once he finished, her smile froze stiffly. Just as he thought things were about to get awkward, she tilted her head, looking unbothered.

"I'm a victim of my mom's constant pressure to get married, too. So, I understand, Leroy. Besides, we're best friends who grew up together."

At that moment, Leroy could feel his unease lessening. "Thank you."

"Wait—don't thank me first. Since we're on the same team and as my best friend, could you please head to the mall and pick up a present with me? It's my dad's birthday next week, and I have no idea what to get him."

Since it wasn't an outrageous request, Leroy quickly agreed to help. The two then headed to a shopping mall near the cafe.

Having just entered the mall, Leroy had no idea that he had been observed by two individuals behind him.

As soon as Scarlett promised to marry Cedric, he immediately dragged her to the mall to purchase a diamond ring. Amid her frustration, she looked up and surprisingly saw Leroy and a pretty, young girl strolling together.

That should be the blind date Grace mentioned, right? Sure, she was pretty, but her physique seemed less curvaceous than hers.

At that point, Scarlett was rendered surprised by her own thought process. Why would she subconsciously compare herself to the women around Leroy? That wasn't right.

As she silently criticized herself, Cedric, too, noticed the couple. "Is that Leroy? And the girl beside him… Wow, he sure moved on quickly. Is he that excited to spend the money you gave him?"

Cedric's statement was full of doubt and accusation, making Scarlett increasingly annoyed.

"We've signed the divorce agreement. He can be with whoever he wants." With that, she turned on her heels and prepared to leave. However, Cedric stood in place.

"No matter what, we did wrong him. Why don't we say hi to them? Now that you compensated him, you don't owe him anything anymore. If we just leave, we might end up looking guilty…"

Scarlett halted her steps. After some consideration, she agreed to approach them with Cedric.

In the meantime, Leroy and Yvonne exited a watch shop and immediately saw Cedric and Scarlett linking arms and approaching him. His heart sank and clenched at the same time.

Cedric was the first to initiate the conversation. "What a coincidence. How have you been lately?"

Met with Leroy's silence, he then glanced at Yvonne, became amused, and softened his tone. "You're a hot item, aren't you, Leroy? And this lady is…"

Yvonne seemingly sensed the off-putting tension and slowly leaned toward Leroy. He locked eyes with Scarlett and introduced Yvonne with his usual composure.

"Yvonne Middleton, my childhood best friend."

He then turned to Yvonne beside him and introduced, "This is Scarlett Payne, the current CEO of Payne Group, while this is Cedric…"

He paused and continued after some thought, "Scarlett's fiancé."

Smugness appeared in Cedric's eyes, yet Scarlett immediately refuted, "No!"

Her tone sounded anxious, and the three of them froze briefly, casting her various expressions.

Realizing her abnormal reaction, she quickly lowered her gaze. "Our divorce hasn't been finalized yet. It'd affect Cedric's image if you announce it like that."

It was only then Cedric's expression softened. In fact, he appeared mildly excited and even gazed triumphantly at Leroy, who froze in his spot.

He had noticed the way Scarlett treated him and Cedric differently, and he was no stranger to the intensity with which she defended him. However, he couldn't contain his disappointment at that moment.

He felt dejected and regretful of his own inability to fight back. At the same time, Yvonne's expression grew complicated.

"Ms. Payne, you're… very nice to your fiancé."

Chapter 5

Yvonne's words rendered everyone awkward, except Cedric, who looked as proud as ever.

Stuck in a tense atmosphere, Leroy quickly smoothened things to avoid making Yvonne uncomfortable.

"Why don't you guys get on with your day? We won't hold you up. We have somewhere else to be as well." With that, he pulled Yvonne's hand and prepared to leave.

Meanwhile, Scarlett had been oddly quiet by the side. Instead, her gaze fixed squarely on Leroy's hand on Yvonne. Cedric, however, stepped forward and stopped them.

"Since we're all here, why don't we have lunch with Ms. Middleton?"

"No, I don't think we should."

Leroy rejected him decisively, yet Cedric glanced at the former's hand on Yvonne's and deliberately let out a knowing expression.

"Oh, I see… You guys wanna have some alone time. But a meal isn't going to take up much of your time. Come on."

Cedric's suggestive tone made Leroy tighten his brows. He would've accepted the invitation if he were alone, but he definitely wouldn't dare to drag an innocent girl like Yvonne into this mess.

Before he could turn him down again, Scarlett suddenly piped up with a cold voice. "Come on! Otherwise, Cedric is going to keep feeling sorry for you."

Leroy's free hand clenched into a fist as he felt a wave of emotions. He couldn't tell from his feelings whether he wanted to escape or face them head-on.

In a dilemma, he turned to Yvonne and asked, "Yvonne, do you want to do it?"

Scarlett's gaze dimmed when she saw how intimate they were behaving. Yvonne was perceptive enough to notice her expression, so she withdrew her hand from Leroy's grip and wrapped her arm around his instead.

With a light chuckle, she smiled sweetly and affirmed, "Sure. Let's go."

At last, the group arrived at a restaurant on the top floor of the mall. The waiter passed the menu to Cedric, who began ordering for everyone.

"We'll have some Cajun shrimp, some Buffalo wings…" He listed a bunch of oily and spicy dishes.

Leroy scrunched his brows. "Why are you ordering all the spicy food?"

Cedric cast him a glance, then turned to Scarlett. "These are all her favorite foods."

Leroy stayed silent momentarily but decided to speak up at last. "Ever since she got sick, she had to go on a strict diet. She can't eat most of the foods you've just ordered."

Upon hearing that, Cedric's face stiffened. "What?"

However, quickly regained his composure and wore a dejected look. "I'm sorry, Lettie. I wasn't with you at your lowest point, and now, I don't even know what your favorite foods are anymore…"

His words softened the expression of the originally gloomy Scarlett.

She held his hand but glared at Leroy, rebuking, "You're so controlling. Since Cedric is thoughtful enough to remember what I like, I'll eat whatever he orders. You should mind your business."

Then, she instructed the waiter, "We'll get whatever he's ordered."

Leroy was undoubtedly hurt. He fell silent, musing, "Right. Why did I care?"

Naturally, Cedric was satisfied with the outcome. His gloominess from earlier instantly transformed into amusement.

He closed the menu and passed it over to Leroy and Yvonne. "Here, have a look."

However, Leroy remained quiet and gave the menu to Yvonne instead. "Feel free to order whatever you like."

No matter what, he had to consider the feelings of the innocent party who had been dragged into this meal.

After they ordered the food, Cedric opted for a bottle of whiskey, claiming he wanted to have a drink with Leroy.

Without considering his feelings, he insisted on pouring the whiskey straight into Leroy's glass. Right then, a fair and slender hand covered the mouth of the wine glass, halting Cedric's movement.

"He can't drink." Yvonne's voice was soft yet resolute.

In reality, Cedric had intended to get Leroy drunk so the latter would embarrass himself before Scarlett. As such, Yvonne's abrupt action caught him off guard.

Regaining his bearings, he cast a helpless look at Scarlett. "Leroy, are you still mad at me and Lettie? I understand you dislike me because Lettie loves me, but I truly didn't have it in myself to give up our bond of many years.

"I thought you'd forgiven me and Lettie after accepting the compensation, but I guess… not."

The more he spoke, the more grim Scarlett looked. "Hey, Leroy. Cedric is being generous enough to you. Are you going to keep this up?"

Truth be told, she was confused by her own emotions. For some reason, her chest felt stuffy when she saw the intimate interactions between Leroy and Yvonne. In fact, it felt awful.

She believed it was because of Leroy's deliberate attempt to inconvenience Cedric that made her feel that way.

Sensing the tension at the lunch table, Yvonne furrowed her brows and withdrew her hand.

Subsequently, Leroy gripped the wine glass and stared fixedly at Scarlett. "Does it mean we'll be even as soon as I finish this glass?"

Scarlett was stunned. Leroy's stare made her heart pound, yet she feigned calmness and replied, "Of course."

With a smirk, Leroy took the glass of white wine that was filled to the brim. Sitting beside him, Yvonne quickly tugged at his sleeve.

"You can't take it on an empty stomach. You have gastric disease."

He shot her a glance, signaling her to relax, and then downed the wine glass. "Here, I did it. From now on, you don't have to feel sorry for me anymore. Now, I wish you guys happiness."

Soon after, an array of spicy and oily food was served. Suppressing the pain in his stomach, Leroy quietly finished the meal and eventually bid farewell to Scarlett and Cedric.

When he exited the shopping mall, the pain in his stomach intensified. His back had been drenched in cold sweat by then.

As he began to feel weak in his knees, a pair of arms suddenly encircled his waist from the back. "Is it bad? Here, you can lean on me for a while. I'll send you to the hospital now."

Chapter 6

Leroy waved in dismissal. "I'm fine. Let's go."

Yvonne was filled with worry. "You're not fine at all. Look at all the cold sweat. Come on. Let's go." With that, she swiftly halted a cab and then sent him to the hospital.

Since it was a recurring illness, Leroy's colleague did a simple checkup on him and began the treatment.

The pale-looking Leroy told Yvonne, "You should head back, Yvonne. I'll be fine alone."

However, she stubbornly shook her head. "No can do. I won't leave you by yourself. Let me accompany you. I'm free now anyway."

Unable to break through her persistence, he had no choice but to give in and agree. Thus, she stayed with him throughout the treatment and bought him some liquid food to ease his pain.

"Leroy, you should start having more meals but in smaller amounts."

"I got it. Thank you."

He couldn't help but mock himself, thinking, "I took care of Scarlett for seven whole years, yet she hasn't once done this for me. How… devastating."

After the treatment was completed, Leroy sat in the corridor. His pale face finally regained some colors.

Suddenly, Yvonne held his hands with the tenderest gaze. "Promise me, Leroy, that you will never drink again. You know how harmful it is to your body as a doctor."

He nodded lightly. "I do."

At that moment, his colleague in a white coat ran over, looking frantic. "Dr. Olson, Mr. Black Senior's condition has worsened and requires immediate surgery. The dean has specifically assigned you to be the attending physician."

Arthur Black, the founder of Black Group, was the business mogul known across Ashbourne for many decades.

Later, he devoted his life to charity work, helping many out of poverty. Undoubtedly, he was a well-respected figure in the city.

Leroy rose weakly to his feet. "Alright. I'll be there."

However, Yvonne quickly pulled him back down. "Leroy, you can't do it in this condition! You need rest!"

The colleague similarly noticed something off with Leroy. "Dr. Olson, are you alright? Why don't I inform the dean about it and—"

"It's okay. I can handle it." Leroy interrupted him, continuing, "I've been following up with Mr. Black Senior's case, and I know his condition best. It has to be me."

He turned around to look at Yvonne. "I'll be fine. You should head back. We'll hang out soon."

He swiftly wore the white coat passed over by his colleague and left, leaving her behind. Her gaze lingered on his retreating figure and slowly lost focus.

In the meantime, the Black Group members gathered outside the operating theatre, most of them being veteran employees. Some had even appeared on television before.

Among them, one man with a determined expression was Samuel Black, the eldest son of Arthur and the current leader of Black Group. When he saw Leroy, he hurriedly went up to him.

"Dr. Olson, you're here. You must save my dad. We're relying on you!"

Leroy shot him a confident look. "Rest assured that I'll try my best."

However, Samuel noticed something off with him. "Dr. Olson, are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so pale? Can you still perform the surgery?"

His gaze was full of doubt. Everyone knew that performing surgery required not only precision, skill, and technical expertise, but also stamina and the attending physician's unwavering focus. One tiny mishap and a tragedy might occur.

Leroy smiled. "Don't worry. I know what I can handle."

"I know I shouldn't pry into your private life, but if anything happens to my dad, I'll make you and the hospital pay!"

The atmosphere suddenly became tense. That was a blatant threat!

Leroy shook his head with a smile and entered the operating theatre. The entire procedure was full of thrill, and he drank a few bottles of glucose drinks to replenish his energy throughout.

Ultimately, the surgery was a great success. However, Leroy's condition had worsened, as evident from the endless pouring of sweat from his forehead.

Samuel lowered his head in apology. "I was crass earlier, Dr. Olson. Please forgive my impudence."

Leroy waved in dismissal. "It's fine. I understand how you felt."

Then, Samuel passed him a business card. "Thank you, Dr. Olson, for saving my dad's life. If you need anything in the future, feel free to seek me out."

The card didn't ignite much emotion within Leroy. However, to avoid embarrassing Samuel, he gladly accepted it.

"Sure."

As he prepared to take a rest, a familiar, mocking voice sounded in the corridor. "Hey, if it isn't the workaholic, Dr. Olson. Look at you, working diligently after a date with your girlfriend."

Leroy turned around and expectedly saw Cedric. His arm wrapped around Scarlett's as usual, creating an intimate scene.

Leroy's brows knitted ever-so-slightly as the looming pain in his chest returned. Yet, Cedric didn't seem satisfied with his continuous provocation of Leroy.

"To ensure Lettie is fine, I decided to bring her here for a checkup. Who knew if somebody had made a mistake and secretly caused her legs to have a hidden condition? That won't be great, will it?"

His words couldn't be easier to understand. He was obviously talking about Leroy.

However, Scarlett wasn't paying attention to that at all. Instead, she had been staring at Leroy's pale face. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his face was devoid of colors.

Before she could inquire about his condition, she subconsciously glanced at Cedric. To avoid arising unnecessary suspicion, she eventually swallowed her words.

Leroy let out a faint cough, concluding, "Sure. Go ahead."

However, Cedric wasn't going to let him go. "Hold on. You've been looking after Lettie all this time. You should be the one who does the checkup.

"Besides, I only trust your medical abilities. I need to ensure everything is fine with her before we get married."

An invisible knife slashed across Leroy's heart when he heard his words. Despite showing no signs of emotions, he was unbearably hurt deep down.

Cedric seemed to enjoy that feeling, adding, "You know Lettie's condition the best. If anything happens during the checkup, it's much more convenient for us to communicate."

In this case, communicating meant condemning Leroy's work.

At that point, Scarlett couldn't bear to see his frail expression anymore. "Cedric, let's not trouble him. We'll just see another doctor."

Cedric shrugged in response. "Fine. I won't pressure him then, given how reluctant he is. I guess we should give him a break considering he's looked after you for years.

"Anyway, we'll see you at our wedding, Dr. Olson!"

Every sentence of his revolved around Leroy's years of caring for Scarlett and their upcoming marriage, each word filled with ulterior motives. Besides, they were currently in the corridor where plenty of people gathered.

One had to know that Leroy and Scarlett's relationship had always been the talk of the hospital. Many even saw him as the perfect husband.

Now that he had been dumped, the hospital would undoubtedly have a field day with the new gossip—something Cedric precisely wanted.

Chapter 7

As expected, everyone in the corridor looked in Leroy's way. He felt a dull ache in his chest as it continued to linger with pain.

An exasperated Samuel approached and stated, "This dude is trying to start trouble on purpose. Let me kick him out for you, Dr. Olson!"

Leroy's hand waved weakly in the air. "Forget about it. I'm tired and need some rest."

He had prepared to leave, yet Cedric strode over and blocked him with his arms crossed. "Come on, Dr. Olson. Are you this eager to run away from us?"

Scarlett's expression was unreadable. "Cedric, come on. Let's not waste our time with him here."

He smiled. "Oh, trust me, we're not. Besides, I only intend to thank Mr. Olson for his contribution. I'll be sure to leave you a good seat at our wedding dinner, Mr. Olson. By then, let's have a toast."

Leroy's countenance grew increasingly grim, his breath hitching with every second.

Samuel had had enough of it. He stepped forward and yelled, "That's enough, young man. Don't push your luck!"

Cedric couldn't help but glare at him. "Excuse me. Who do you think you are to chime in our conversation?"

Samuel huffed, threatening, "Dr. Olson is my family's savior. You better apologize to him, or your consequences will be unimaginable."

Cedric believed Samuel didn't know his place and burst into laughter. "Lettie, look at this dude. I was talking to Dr. Olson, and he thinks he can interrupt us when this has nothing to do with him. He sure is loyal and protective.

"And did you hear how he wanted me to apologize? Gosh, he really thinks he's someone important. In reality, he's nothing but a clown."

When Scarlett glanced over in Samuel's direction, her body stiffened immediately. Her focus had been on Leroy all this time, and she failed to notice the presence of an influential man.

"Cedric, stop talking…" she gently reminded him, then switched to a more respectful tone. "Uh… Nice to meet you, Mr. Black."

A cold sneer escaped from Samuel's lips. "So, is this your new beau, Ms. Payne? I gotta say… your taste in men has gotten worse."

Scarlett stayed silent, her hands clenching into fists. As of then, Payne Group did not have the strength to go head-to-head with Black Group."

At that point, Cedric's face shifted drastically. He quickly went up to Samuel and behaved like a boot-licker.

"Oh, so you're Mr. Samuel Black. A pleasure to meet you. I've been wanting to visit you." He put on a smile and extended his hand but was completely ignored.

"Visit me? Who do you think you are?"

"I…" Cedric froze awkwardly in his spot, his hand hanging in midair.

"Apologize to Dr. Olson, or I'll make sure you won't survive another day in Ashbourne. Try me." Samuel spoke calmly, but his tone left no room for argument.

Scratching his head, Cedric was at a total loss for what to do. At that moment, Leroy piped up. "Save the apology. I don't need it anyway. I'm off, so goodbye."

He turned around, and the sight of his desolate silhouette made Scarlett even gloomier.

…

When Leroy returned home, he remained troubled, his mind repeatedly wandering to the image of that striking figure.

On the other hand, Scarlett had completed her medical checkup. The report showed that her legs had healed entirely.

Cedric hugged her waist. "That's great news, Lettie. You're completely healed! I told you you're the lucky one."

She forced a smile, and it was evident she didn't feel as happy as she used to.

He then told the doctor, "Thank you so much, doc!"

The doctor merely glanced at him and replied coldly, "Don't thank me. If anything, you should thank Dr. Olson. This is all his work."

The couple was somewhat embarrassed.

While exiting the hospital, Cedric held Scarlett's hand affectionately. "Lettie, you don't have to worry about your legs anymore. Let's get married as soon as possible. Anyway, you should finalize the divorce with Leroy now. You can't keep dragging it on."

She didn't promise him immediately. Instead, she avoided eye contact and appeared hesitant.

He wrapped her arm around her waist again and spoke longingly this time. "After everything we've been through, the challenges and hardships, we're finally together, Lettie. So, what are you worried about?

"Are you still mad that I disappeared? I swear I didn't have any way to contact you at that time. But no matter what, my love for you cannot be questioned."

Due to his sweet words, Scarlett once again succumbed. "Okay. I'll tell him to do it soon."

Goal accomplished. Cedric revealed a smug smile. "That's a deal."

…

Leroy took only one day's rest at home before returning to the hospital. He had initially planned to take a short break and have a proper rest, but now, it seemed unnecessary.

The reason was simple—being at home only made him feel emptier and lonelier. At this point, only the business of work could temporarily help him forget the pain.

He completed three high-intensity surgeries in one go, his breath growing increasingly labored. A colleague handed him a towel and some sugary snacks to replenish his energy.

"You should rest. You haven't recovered from your gastric disease, and you're only going to wear out your body. The dean has permitted your leave anyway. You should take this chance to spend some time with your parents."

His colleague patted his shoulder and kept his words vague.

However, Leroy shook his head. "It's fine. I'll have nothing to do at home anyway. I'm okay."

The colleague was helpless. All he could do was advise him to rest at his office.

Leroy's phone rang with a text notification just as he entered his office. When he saw the name of the sender, his heart skipped a beat.

As he opened the message, the following text appeared. "Come over to the courthouse. Let's finalize the divorce."

Drawing a deep breath, Leroy knew deep down that this was inevitable.

At the courthouse, Scarlett and Cedric had waited for some time. When she saw Leroy's weak face, she was not only concerned but also smug at the same time.

It appeared this man had lost sleep and appetite lately because of the divorce.

Cedric ridiculed him, saying, "Oh no. Why did your complexion worsen so much in a day? Are you sad it's going to be over? I may be grateful to you, but you can't force love. I hope you feel better soon, Dr. Olson." He wore a sinister smile, his words provocative as always.

Nevertheless, Leroy kept his words brief. "No, it's been hectic at the hospital, so I didn't get much rest. Let's get on with the procedure. I need to get back to the hospital soon."

Scarlett didn't pay much heed to his words as she assumed it was a script he had prepared beforehand.

The two parties proceeded with the divorce with no objections, and the process was completed quickly.

For some reason, Scarlett felt a twinge of pain as the stamp hit the divorce papers. Meanwhile, Leroy had long been numb from the pain he felt over the last few days.

"It's done. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other. Let's not see each other again." He turned and prepared to leave.

"Wait." Scarlett stopped him. She pulled out a property deed for Ashbourne Villa.

Ashbourne Villa, located in the renowned affluent district of Ashbourne, was home to the elite—people who were either immensely rich or highly influential. A single property there was worth tens of millions.

Scarlett said softly, "Take it. Consider it a gift."

Before Leroy could respond, Cedric swiftly snatched the property deed away. "You shouldn't do this, Lettie. You'll hurt his ego."

Chapter 8

"What are you saying?"

Cedric explained in a provocative tone, "Think about it. You've already provided him with a hefty amount of compensation. If you give him a villa, some might think he's after your money.

"Besides, he's a medical expert, the top of the top at his hospital. He doesn't lack money. We shouldn't bend over backward for someone who doesn't appreciate it, Lettie."

Scarlett frowned. "No, I did it out of—"

However, Leroy spoke up timely, cutting her off. "I don't need it. You should keep it for yourself. Goodbye."

Then, he turned on his heels and prepared to leave without second thoughts, almost as if nothing was holding him back anymore.

Her heart sank deeper and deeper, and her emotions were more complicated than ever. Cedric, on the other hand, stared greedily at the property deed in her hand.

"Lettie, since he refused your offer, why don't you give it to me? I happen to need a place to stay, anyway." He pulled her hand, continuing, "I know you love me the best. Don't worry. I'll compensate you twice as much in the future."

By then, he had already stuffed the property deed in his arms.

A faint smile appeared on Scarlett's face, yet her affection for him had greatly decreased…

At home, Leroy stared at the divorce certificate, memories from the past flooding his mind. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he couldn't help but wonder, "Is this really what I get after seven years of unwavering care and love?"

It seemed that all those years faded into insignificance when compared to a few words from her special someone.

The next few days, he remained engulfed in sadness, unable to shake off the lingering shadows of his divorce. Instead, he transformed into a workaholic.

He shut everyone out as soon as he returned home by locking himself in his room, and his parents began to worry.

One afternoon, Olivia prepared a feast consisting of all his favorite dishes. She repeatedly refilled his plate whenever he was distracted.

"Have more, Roy. Look how much you've slimmed down lately. There are things we can't change in life, and you mustn't make it hard on yourself." She was evidently helpless.

Leroy smiled wryly. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me." However, not even he believed that.

His father, Stephan Olson, sighed, equally helpless as his wife.

After the meal, Leroy returned to his room soullessly.

"Hey, Steve. We gotta do something about this," said Olivia.

The next morning, she halted Leroy before he set out for work. "Why don't you take a break from work today?"

"What's happening, Mom?" He frowned.

Olivia smiled cheerfully. "Something great! Last night, I reached out to Yvonne on your behalf. She happens to be free today. Why don't you two hang out and get to know each other more?"

Leroy naturally knew what his mom intended. He smiled wryly, stating, "Mom, I don't want to go on a date now. I just don't feel like it."

Of course, his objection was futile. Olivia had stuffed a new set of casual clothes into his hands. "Don't see it as a date then. Instead, see it as a friendly hangout between two childhood friends. What's so difficult about that?

"Also, Yvonne seems like a nice girl. She immediately agreed to hang with you as soon as I called. Anyway, how will I face her in the future if you stand her up?"

Ultimately, under his mother's strong insistence, Leroy reluctantly agreed to keep the appointment. After all, Yvonne left a decent impression from their previous meeting, and he didn't want to embarrass her.

This time, they didn't choose to meet at a quiet cafe. Rather, they went to an arcade.

Yvonne smiled, her beauty radiant like a blooming flower. "I chose this place to help you unwind since you seem stressed lately. Are you okay with that, Leroy?"

He squeezed a smile, looking undeniably distracted. "Of course. Let's go."

Throughout the entire process, it was mostly Yvonne having fun while Leroy stood like a robot, barely moving. Later, the two went for a walk, chatting casually and sharing about themselves, yet neither mentioned the topic of their blind date.

The sky grew dark, and Yvonne bade him farewell with a smile. "I'll get going, Leroy. You should get home, too. Don't let Mrs. Olson worry about you."

He nodded and prepared to leave. Suddenly, he saw someone from the corner of his eye and quickly shuffled back. "The, uh… Why don't I send you home?"

He had accidentally glimpsed a familiar figure nearby—Cedric. At that moment, he was browsing a high-end store, swiping his black card.

Leroy recognized the card—it was one of the supplementary cards under Scarlett's name. Cedric had even hired two bodyguards to follow him and help carry his purchases, which included a variety of high-end brands, clothing, and luxury items.

A self-deprecating smile graced Leroy's face. "Looks like they're a family now."

Yvonne gazed empathetically at him. "Thanks, Leroy, but I can get home alone just fine. Go ahead and rest for the night. When you wake up, it's going to be a new day."

Looking at her thoughtful expression, Leroy couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. What was he doing now? Acting like a scumbag?

Deep down, he knew he just wasn't in the mood to pursue anything serious now.

Meanwhile, Scarlett was overwhelmed with various collaborations since her company had gone public. She was constantly running from one task to another, barely finding time to eat or sleep.

By the time work had finally wrapped up today, she looked up at the window, only to realize it was already past midnight.

Her stomach growled as a sign of protest, prompting her to look to her side.

Normally, a thermos container filled with fresh, warm food would sit there, awaiting her. But now, forget about a carefully prepared meal—there wasn't even a small snack in sight.

Right then, Grace entered her office with a cup of coffee. As her secretary and best friend, she would accompany Scarlett and clock out at the same time as her. "Have some. It'll warm up your stomach."

"Thanks." Scarlett retrieved the coffee but couldn't bring herself to drink it.

Grace raised her brows slightly. "Where's Cedric? Isn't he going to pick you up? It's late."

Scarlett shook her head in response. "He hasn't been feeling well lately and has been resting at home. I'll get home by myself just fine."

A displeased Grace remarked, "Feeling unwell? I don't think so. If he is, why has he been shopping all day and buying so much stuff?"

"What do you mean?" Scarlett frowned.

Grace handed over the transaction details for Scarlett's supplementary card. "Take a look for yourself. This is his transaction history in just one day. I don't even know what he's buying these stuff for.

"Buying clothes is one thing, but what's with all this jewelry? It's all men's jewelry, by the way."

Staring at the transaction history, which amounted to over a million dollars, Scarlett fell silent for a moment.

She had indeed given him a supplementary card and told him he could use it freely if needed. But spending over a million dollars in a day was… definitely an overspend.

Grace said, "I need you to hear this from me, Lettie. Sometimes, you need to see the truth as it is. Otherwise—"

"Enough!" Scarlett decisively cut her off. "He went on a shopping spree. What's the big deal? Besides, his career hasn't taken off yet, and it's not wrong for me to support him."

Grace wasn't giving up just yet. "But…"