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I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.
Chapter 1 I secretly sent Ava Monroe—the mistress Landon Blackwood had been keeping on the side—out of the country. That same night, he cut off my father's life-saving medication. My father had end-stage heart failure. He was on the transplant waiting list, barely holding on. The Blackwood family's medical foundation controlled both organ allocation and access to a critical experimental drug. Without them, he wouldn't last a month. Landon slid a medical termination notice across the table. My father's name had been struck off the transplant list. The drug status read: "Permanently Discontinued." He sat across from me in a perfectly tailored Armani suit, long fingers tapping lightly against the table. His expression was relaxed, as if he were reviewing a routine business deal. "Your father has about four weeks left, Eleanor," he said calmly, his tone almost gentle in a twisted way. "Now tell me—where is Ava?" My body went cold. My throat felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. I couldn't speak. This was the third time he had asked. The first time, he asked where Ava Monroe was. I stayed silent. The second time, he grabbed my chin, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Stop being difficult." And now, the third time—he was using my father's life to force me. "Landon..." My voice trembled. "That's my father... he's waiting for a heart..." He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were as cold as the Hudson River in winter. "Is that so? Then when you sent Ava away, did you think about how important she is to me?" I stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed by how absurd everything felt. Important? He had once said the women outside were just distractions. Disposable. He had once said I was the only one he loved. And now, for Ava, he was willing to let my father die. "If I don't tell you..." My voice turned hoarse. "You'll really let him die?" He leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes reflecting my pale, desperate face. "Try me." My whole body shook violently. Tears fell onto the table. I didn't understand how things had come to this. Landon Blackwood—he had loved me so fiercely once. Back then, I was just an ordinary girl from a middle-class family in Connecticut. Landon was the heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties—the Blackwood family. He had been born into privilege, arrogant and untouchable, bowing to no one. And yet, he claimed it was love at first sight. The way he pursued me shook all of Manhattan. Ninety-nine public confessions. Each one made headlines. He once had helicopters scatter thousands of red roses over Central Park. He rented out every LED screen in Times Square just to broadcast his confession. On my birthday, he staged a private fireworks show that lit up the entire New York skyline. I was moved. My parents were not. They knew exactly what families like his were like—respectable wives at home, countless mistresses outside. Men like him didn't believe in fairytales. They wanted me to marry someone stable, someone from a similar background. But Landon drove his Aston Martin to my parents' home in Greenwich and stood on the lawn for a full day and night, abandoning all pride just to ask for permission to marry me. In the end, my parents relented. After the wedding, he spoiled me endlessly. When I had cramps during my period, he would leave a business meeting in London overnight just to come back and bring me a hot water bottle and cook me soup. When I casually mentioned craving a cronut from a trendy bakery in SoHo, he drove across half the city to get it. I thought I had married for love. Until I heard the name Ava Monroe for the first time. It came up casually, mentioned by his assistant. A girl from NYU had deliberately staged a fall during one of Landon's public speeches to get his attention. A cliché move. I laughed it off. There were always women trying to get close to him. And he had always seemed above that. But the second time I heard her name, it was in our bed. He was on top of me, lost in the moment, and he whispered her name. "Ava." In that instant, it felt like I had been dropped into an ice pit. I confronted him. He held me tightly and explained that yes, he had considered keeping Ava, but she was just someone on the side. Nothing serious. "Everyone in our circle does it, Eleanor. You're the one I love. That will never change." But after that, he stopped hiding it. He bought Ava Cartier jewelry. Sent her to a Hamptons mansion. Took her to private parties. The rumors spread across the entire social circle, turning me into a quiet joke. I cried. I fought. But he no longer comforted me the way he used to. He simply said coldly, "Stop being unreasonable." In the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I used my own resources to send Ava abroad. What I never expected was how far he would go in response. He used my father's life as leverage—just to force me to tell him where she was. "She's in Switzerland," I said finally, my voice shaking. "Gstaad. In the private chalet under my name." He watched me for a few seconds, judging whether I was telling the truth. Then he picked up his phone and made a call. After confirming the information, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. "My father's medication!" I lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "You promised—you said you'd restore it if I told you!" He turned back to look at me, his expression distant, like a stranger. "Someone will contact the hospital tomorrow. And Eleanor—this is the last time you test my limits." I stumbled out of the mansion, got into my car, and drove like I was losing my mind. By the time I reached the hospital, my father lay weak in bed. My mother sat beside him, eyes swollen from crying. The doctor told me that after the sudden interruption of his medication, he had suffered severe complications and had just been stabilized. "I'm sorry... I chose the wrong man..." I fell to my knees beside the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. My mother lifted a trembling hand and gently stroked my hair. "Silly girl. Life is long. You can start over." I shook my head, tears streaming. "He won't let me go." When I first learned about Ava, I had considered divorce. Every time I prepared the paperwork, Landon tore it up right in front of me. He said Ava was just temporary. That he would discard her when he was bored. That I was his true love—and he would never let me leave. At that moment, my father took my hand, his voice weak. "No, Eleanor. There's something you don't know. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a clause in the prenuptial agreement." I froze. "If he cheats," my father said softly, "you have the right to initiate a fast-track divorce. And you will receive substantial compensation. Enough for our family... to start over." I sat there in stunned silence, tears falling uncontrollably. My parents had already prepared a way out for me all along. Chapter 2 The next day, I did two things. First, I took the signed prenuptial agreement to my lawyer. After reviewing it, he nodded with certainty. "The terms are clear and enforceable. The evidence of infidelity is solid, and the medical coercion can be used as supporting evidence. We can initiate divorce proceedings immediately. Under New York law and your prenup, the process should take about three weeks to a month." Second, my family activated identity protection procedures. With the help of specialized legal counsel, we applied for legal name changes and began preparing to relocate overseas. Once everything was finalized, we would sever all ties to the past and start over completely. And Landon Blackwood would never find us again. Since the process would take about two weeks, my parents and I decided I had to return to the Blackwood residence. For those two weeks, I needed to stay by Landon's side and act normal. If he sensed anything, with his power, none of us would leave safely. Back in the penthouse duplex on Park Avenue, I began quietly packing. The photos I once treasured, the love letters Landon had written to me, the souvenirs we had collected from traveling the world together... I tore them all apart and threw them in the trash. The paper shredded in my hands, like a ridiculous dream being destroyed piece by piece. The next day, I went to our estate on Long Island. In the backyard stood an entire grove of oak trees he had planted for me himself. He once said oak trees symbolized strength and eternity—just like his love for me. I picked up an axe and started chopping them down, one by one. The staff stood in the distance, too afraid to approach, too afraid to stop me. The heavy, splintering sound of trunks cracking echoed through the empty grounds. On the third day, I drove alone to the overlook in the Hudson Valley. That was where we had once placed a love lock, engraved with our names. Back then, Landon had held me close and thrown the key off the cliff, saying we would be locked together forever. Now, I took a pair of heavy bolt cutters and snapped the lock cleanly in half. It fell to the ground with a sharp, metallic sound. I turned and left without looking back. When I returned to the apartment, there were two people in the living room. Landon sat on the sofa, and Ava Monroe was leaning weakly against him, her pale face making her look as if a breeze could knock her over. I walked past them expressionlessly, heading upstairs. "Stop." Landon's cold voice came from behind me. I stopped but didn't turn around. "Do you know why I brought her back?" he asked. "I don't care." "Ava couldn't adjust after you sent her abroad. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat." His tone carried open blame. "Eleanor, apologize to her." I finally turned and looked at them coldly. Ava clutched his sleeve timidly, but deep in her eyes was a flicker of smug satisfaction. "And if I don't?" I asked calmly. "It's fine, Landon..." Ava said softly. "I can endure a little hardship. After all... Eleanor is still Mrs. Blackwood." Landon immediately pulled her closer. "Didn't I tell you not to be so understanding?" He kissed the top of her head gently. "With me here, you can do whatever you want." I let out a faint, humorless laugh. The scene was beyond ridiculous. A maid brought over a cup of hot tea prepared especially for Ava. At that moment, Landon's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Ava, "You always get headaches when I talk business. I'll take this outside. Be good and drink your tea." He walked out to the balcony. I stood there, my heart feeling like it had been struck by an axe. He had never discussed business matters at home before, not even in front of me. And now, for Ava, he was willing to break that long-standing rule. The living room was left with just the two of us. The fragile expression vanished from Ava's face instantly. She looked straight at me, lips curling into a smug smile. "See?" she said lightly. "So what if you're Mrs. Blackwood? You sent me away, but his body and his heart are with me." I looked at her calmly. "If you want him, take him." She froze for a moment, then her expression twisted in anger. "I don't need your charity! He'll be mine eventually—and your position will be too!" When I didn't react, she grew more agitated. At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Landon was coming back. A flash of cruelty crossed Ava's eyes. She suddenly picked up the cup of scalding tea and poured it over herself without hesitation. "Ah!" she screamed, tears instantly spilling down her face. When Landon rushed in, this was what he saw: Ava drenched, the hot tea dripping from her clothes, her body trembling as she cried helplessly. "Eleanor!" His voice was filled with rage. "Refusing to apologize is one thing—how dare you do this to her?!" "I didn't do it," I said calmly. "Check the surveillance." "Fine. We'll check," he said coldly. Ava immediately grabbed his arm, choking back sobs. "Landon, don't blame Eleanor... it's my fault... I shouldn't have wanted to stay by your side... I'll leave now..." She had barely taken a step before he pulled her back. "I just got you back, and you're leaving again? Do you want me dead?" He held her tightly, like a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever. Then he looked at me, his gaze terrifyingly cold. "I'll make sure she gets justice." The bodyguards dragged me down to a cold storage room in the basement. I struggled desperately as they shoved me inside. "Landon! Check the cameras! I didn't do it!" He didn't even look at me. "I don't need to check. I trust her." The heavy door slammed shut behind me. Darkness and freezing air swallowed me whole. I curled up in the corner, trembling violently. But my heart felt colder than the room itself. This was the man who once claimed to love me most. Tears slipped down uncontrollably. I had always been sensitive to cold. After we got married, Landon had spent a fortune installing top-tier climate systems in all our properties. Even the outdoor gardens felt like spring year-round. In winter, he would hold my icy hands and feet against his warm body and smile. "For the rest of your life, I'll keep you warm like this." Now, looking back... Some promises may be real when they're spoken—but time changes everything. Chapter 3 The next day, when I was nearly numb from the cold, the door to the freezer finally opened. A bodyguard stood at the entrance, expressionless. "Mr. Blackwood says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be this light." I braced myself against the wall and staggered out, trembling like a leaf in the wind. Even my teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, I would make sure he was completely gone from my life. That evening, Landon's assistant delivered a gown and matching jewelry, saying there was a charity auction gala I needed to attend as the hostess. I went. And at the entrance to the ballroom, I saw Ava. She wore a custom couture dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck—the very one Landon had bought at Sotheby's last month for eight figures. I stopped and looked at him. "She's here too. Why do you still need me?" His expression was indifferent. "I wasn't planning to bring her, but she's never been to an event like this. She wanted to see it, so I brought her." He paused, his tone casual, like he was talking about the weather. "Don't be petty." My body trembled slightly. I wasn't being petty. He simply hadn't considered how humiliating it would be for his wife and his mistress to appear together in public—how I would become the subject of ridicule. Landon walked straight inside with Ava, her arm looped around his, smiling sweetly like a princess. Whispers rose immediately around us. "Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood look so perfect together." "You've got the wrong person. That's Mrs. Blackwood over there. The one beside him... that's just his latest mistress." The speaker glanced at me awkwardly and fell silent. "Oh... but he treats that one so well. She's in couture, while the wife is in ready-to-wear... no wonder people get confused." I clenched my fingers, my nails digging deep into my palm. When the auction began, I raised my paddle and bid casually on a few items. But no matter what I bid on, Ava would raise the price by just one hundred dollars. Muted laughter rippled through the room. "The wife getting bullied by the mistress... now that's a first." I remained expressionless and made a gesture to the auctioneer. In the auction world, it meant I would take the item at any cost—no upper limit. Ava's face turned pale. She tugged on Landon's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Landon, I really like that one..." Landon frowned and looked at me. "Let her have it." "No." "She doesn't have the right to bid without limits, but I do. Because I'm your wife. Legally, marital assets are shared." I turned to Ava, my gaze sharp with mockery. "No matter how much he gives you, you'll never be on my level." Ava's eyes instantly filled with tears. She shot to her feet. "You—" The next second, she covered her face and burst into tears. "That's right... you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who can't be seen in the light. I shouldn't have dreamed of anything more... Landon... we should break up." She turned and ran out. Landon's expression changed instantly. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so tight it felt like my bones would crack. "I told you I'd get bored of her eventually. Did you have to push her away?!" I looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or stays has nothing to do with me." His eyes darkened. He let go of me and strode after her. I stood there alone, surrounded by gazes filled with mockery, pity, and schadenfreude. But I didn't care. I would be leaving soon anyway. But the next morning, a news alert on my phone jolted me awake. "Breaking: Blackwood Group Chairman Renames Charity Foundation After Mistress, Replacing Legal Wife" The accompanying photo was from last night's auction. Ava, wearing the diamond necklace, leaned against Landon. The report detailed how Landon had announced that the children's heart disease charity foundation—originally named after me, Eleanor—would officially be renamed the Ava Hope Foundation. That foundation... I had created it with him after my father was diagnosed with heart failure. It carried my prayers and hopes for my father. It was meant to help others like him suffering from heart disease. It had also been one of the symbols of our love. In that instant, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. Chapter 4 My hands trembled as I dialed his number. My voice came out hoarse and broken. "The foundation... you decided to rename it?" On the other end, Landon let out a cold laugh. "Didn't you enjoy showing off at the auction?" "If you don't want all of New York to know you couldn't even protect your own father's blessing..." His tone was cruel to the extreme. "Then get over here now and personally hand the foundation plaque to Ava at today's renaming ceremony." In the background, Ava's soft, delicate voice drifted through the call. "Landon... is that Eleanor? I... maybe I should just leave. I shouldn't stay by your side..." "Don't be ridiculous." His voice softened instantly. A moment later, the sound of intimate kissing came through the line. "I've already stood up for you. Try leaving, and see what happens." The call ended at some point. I felt like I had fallen into an icy abyss. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the ceremony—a grand ballroom in a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The moment I pushed open the doors, my entire body trembled. The room was filled with reporters and elite guests. At the center of the stage stood the familiar bronze plaque: "Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation." Under the spotlight, Ava stood beside Landon in an elegant gown, unable to hide the smug satisfaction on her face. "Mrs. Eleanor is here!" someone called out. All cameras turned toward me instantly. Their gazes felt like needles stabbing into my skin. Whispered conversations buzzed around me. "How pitiful—she couldn't even keep the foundation named after herself..." "I heard it was meant as a blessing for her father. Mr. Blackwood really went too far this time." "What can you do? The new one smiles, the old one cries. I hear the new girlfriend is very... capable." Each word sliced into my heart like a blade. I suddenly remembered how carefully Landon had treated this foundation when it was first established. Back then, he held my hand and made a solemn promise in front of the media. "This foundation honors Eleanor's father and his fight against illness. It's here to help families suffering from heart disease like his. It represents Eleanor's kindness—and my everlasting love and support for her." And now, for another woman, he had turned my father's blessing into a gift for his mistress. Under countless watching eyes, I walked onto the stage. Landon handed me the heavy plaque, his gaze cold. "Give it to Ava." I took it. The icy metal numbed my fingers. I stared at the name "Eleanor" engraved on it, my heart torn to pieces. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my humiliation. I extended the plaque toward Ava. She reached out—but the moment she took it, she "accidentally" let go. Bang. The plaque hit the ground with a dull crash, the edge denting on impact. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Eleanor, I didn't mean to..." Ava covered her mouth, though a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. The room erupted in murmurs. Landon frowned slightly, but in the end, he only wrapped an arm around her shoulders and murmured, "It's fine. It's just a plaque. I'll have a new one made for you." Then he turned to the media and calmly announced, "Starting today, the 'Eleanor Children's Heart Foundation' will officially be renamed the 'Ava Hope Foundation.' We hope this goodwill continues under its new name." Flashes exploded across the room, capturing my pale face—and Ava's victorious smile. After the ceremony, I practically fled the hotel. The moment I got into my car, my phone rang. "So? Did you enjoy showing off in front of the media?" Landon's voice dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my phone, my nails digging into my palm. "Aren't you afraid I'll divorce you after this?" His tone was calm, like he was speaking to a stubborn child. "You can't divorce me, Eleanor. As long as I don't agree, this marriage will never end." I said nothing. Of course he had forgotten—I held a prenup he had already signed. When I didn't respond, his tone softened slightly. "Today was just a lesson." He paused, then added, "I told you, as long as you stop targeting Ava, I'll come back to the family eventually." "Your birthday is in a few days. I'll throw you a party to make it up to you." I was about to say "No need," but he had already hung up. Over the next few days, Ava's posts flooded my Instagram feed. The latest showed Landon holding her on a yacht, captioned: "I said I wanted to see the ocean, so he bought me an island." Scrolling down— "He's allergic to cat fur, but he got me the cutest Ragdoll cat anyway~" "My entire face fills his photo album." If I had seen this before, it would have hurt so much I couldn't breathe. Now, I felt nothing. Landon had been staying with Ava lately. Occasionally, he came back home, but only to grab a few clothes. He hadn't even noticed how many of my belongings were gone. I realized... even if I disappeared one day, he probably wouldn't notice at all. Chapter 5 On the day of my birthday party, Landon came to pick me up himself. He was alone in the car. "Not bringing your Ava today?" I asked calmly. He frowned slightly. "From now on, I'll try to keep you two from crossing paths. That way you won't always get upset." I curled my lips faintly, a cold laugh echoing inside. He wasn't worried about me being upset. He was afraid I would "bully" his precious Ava again. In his eyes, I had already become the villain. The party was extravagant. Landon held my hand the entire time, gifting me expensive jewelry, rare paintings. He even leaned close and murmured, almost coaxing, "This should make you happy now, right?" I looked at him and suddenly thought of the past. Whenever he upset me, he used to lower himself just like this to appease me. And I had always softened easily, forgiving him without hesitation. But this time... it was different. He had used my father's life as leverage. He had crushed my dignity and publicly desecrated everything I had prayed for. Even if he laid the entire world at my feet, it would never make up for it. I was about to speak when the doors to the ballroom were suddenly pushed open— Ava walked in, dressed in a pure white gown, standing timidly at the entrance. Landon's expression changed instantly. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the villa?" Her eyes reddened, looking fragile and pitiful. "I... I just wanted to come wish Eleanor a happy birthday. I even brought a gift..." "I don't want to see you," I said coldly. But Landon had already gestured for a server to arrange a seat for her. Then he leaned close to me and said quietly, "She came with good intentions. Let's just forget what happened before." At my own birthday party, his attention was entirely on Ava. When the band started playing, he had already taken my hand. But the moment he caught sight of Ava's teary eyes, he let go and walked toward her. I stood alone in the corner, watching them embrace and dance at the center of the floor. My heart felt completely numb. After the dance, Ava complained that her heels were hurting. Landon immediately went downstairs himself to fetch her backup flats from the car. Taking advantage of the moment, she walked up to me and waved her phone with a smug smile. "Eleanor, you probably don't know this, but all those birthday gifts Landon gave you? I picked them first and rejected them." "To even attend your party, he has to keep reporting to me. He texts me every few minutes..." She showed me their chat. "Look—'Baby, just hang on a bit longer. I'll come back to you soon.'" My heart was already dead. "What exactly do you want?" "I want you to give up your position as Mrs. Blackwood." "Soon," I said calmly, meeting her gaze. "I'll give it to you completely." Ava narrowed her eyes, studying me. Just when I thought she believed me, the next second—She suddenly grabbed my hand and used it to slap herself hard across the face. Smack. The sharp sound echoed across the entire room. When Landon rushed over, he saw Ava clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face. "Eleanor!" he roared in fury. "You bullied her again?!" "I didn't." "I saw it with my own eyes!" He grabbed my wrist, his grip nearly crushing it. "Wasn't the last lesson enough? I told you—whatever you do to Ava, I'll make you pay back tenfold!" Ava sobbed and shook her head. "Forget it... it's okay..." "With me here, what are you afraid of?" Landon wiped her tears tenderly. "I told you, you can do whatever you want. Even if you tear the sky apart, it doesn't matter." "Stop being so timid. That's why people bully you." Then he ordered the bodyguards to hold me down and turned to Ava. "However she hit you just now, hit her back ten times." Ava pretended to hesitate. "I... I can't..." "I'll show you." He took her hand and swung it hard across my face. Smack. "This one is to teach you how to fight back." Smack. "This one is to teach you not to be so weak." Smack. The third, the fourth... Pain exploded in my head. My vision blurred. I tasted blood at the corner of my lips. My ears rang violently, but I clenched my teeth and made no sound. Only after the tenth slap did Landon finally stop. Whispers spread through the crowd. "Mrs. Blackwood is so pitiful... it's her birthday today..." "She deserves it. She started it." Landon gently held Ava's hand, blowing on it with concern. "Does it hurt? I'll take you to get it treated." Then he lifted her into his arms and walked away without looking back. The bodyguards released me. I collapsed onto the floor, my cheeks burning with pain. But my heart hurt even more. Landon Blackwood... I regret it. I regret ever loving you. I truly... regret it. Chapter 6 I staggered out of the ballroom, my cheeks burning, the dried blood at the corner of my lips pulling tight against my skin. I didn't call a driver. I drove myself straight to Mount Sinai Hospital. While the ER doctor treated my wounds, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Half my face was swollen and red. My lip was split. My eyes were bloodshot. A complete failure. I tried to smile, but it pulled at the wound, and I hissed in pain. After the treatment, I got back in my car, ready to return to the apartment—but in the hospital parking lot, two people blocked my way. Ava's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. They stood on either side of my car door, their voices almost pleading. "Ms. Vance, please... stop holding on to the title of Mrs. Blackwood. Just have some pity on us—give that position to our Ava..." I looked at them coldly. "Move." "Ava truly loves Mr. Blackwood. Please, just let them be together..." "I'll say it one more time. Move." I didn't want to waste another second on them. I pushed past and got into my car. But the moment I stepped on the gas, Mr. Monroe suddenly lunged toward the front of my car— Bang. A dull impact echoed. I hadn't even processed what happened when I saw him already on the ground, clutching his leg and wailing in pain. Mrs. Monroe screamed and rushed over. "Oh my God!" I froze, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. He had thrown himself at the car. It was deliberate. But there was no time to think. I rushed out and brought him back into the ER. In the hospital hallway, Ava hurried over. The moment she saw me, she raised her hand and slapped me without a word. Smack. My head snapped to the side, a sharp ringing filling my ears. "Eleanor!" Ava cried, tears streaming down her face. "You can do whatever you want to me, but why would you hurt my parents like this?!" The freshly treated wound on my cheek split open again, blood slowly seeping out. Yet I felt no pain at all. "Your father ran into my car himself," I said coldly. "That's a lie!" Landon's voice cut in sharply behind me. "Why would Mr. Monroe throw himself at your car?" "Eleanor, when did you become this vicious?" I looked at him, my heart already torn beyond repair. Now, he didn't even bother to investigate. He had already decided I was guilty. It was as if he had completely forgotten how deeply he once loved me. A doctor rushed out of the ER. "The patient has lost too much blood and needs a transfusion immediately. He's type A. We're preparing blood from the bank, but if there are family members or willing donors, it will speed things up." Ava sobbed and shook her head. "I'm family, but... I have severe anemia. The doctor said I can't donate..." Landon's gaze shifted to me, cold and commanding. "She's type A. Let her donate." I looked up sharply. "I won't." "You caused this. You're responsible," he said darkly. "If anything happens to him, I won't let you off." Cold spread through my body. My voice trembled uncontrollably. "Are you going to threaten me with my father's life again?" His pupils contracted slightly, as if my words struck something inside him. But the next second, he hardened again and ordered the bodyguards behind him, "Take her. Draw her blood." I was forced down into the donor chair. After a quick blood type and health check, the needle pierced my vein. Pain shot through me, making my fingers tremble. The blood bag slowly filled. My consciousness faded with it. I remembered how, in the past, I had mild anemia. Landon had once panicked over a tiny paper cut on my finger. And now, he was having me held down, draining my blood to save a man who had staged an accident. Darkness crept into my vision. I couldn't hold on any longer. I passed out. Chapter 7 When I woke up again, it was already dark outside. I pushed myself out of bed, my body weak, determined to leave this suffocating place. As I passed a hospital room, I heard Ava's sickly sweet voice from inside. "Dad, Mom, this is Landon—my boyfriend." My steps froze. Through the half-open door, I saw Landon with his arm around her waist, speaking gently to the Monroes. "Don't worry. From now on, I won't let Ava suffer even the slightest grievance." Mrs. Monroe beamed with delight. "Good, good. Our Ava is so lucky to have found someone like you..." I stood outside the door, and suddenly, memories from years ago came rushing back. Back then, Landon had stood just like this, his arm around my waist, and said to my parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Vance, please don't worry. I will never let Eleanor suffer even the slightest grievance." The same words. The same solemn promise. And now, he repeated them—word for word—to another woman. Landon Blackwood... so this was how short-lived your promises were. I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood, then turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, I checked the date. Only three days remained until my identity transfer and divorce would be finalized. Three days later, my parents and I would be able to leave this place for good. No matter how powerful Landon Blackwood was, once we changed our names and left the United States, finding us again would be nearly impossible. Back at the apartment, I immediately began packing the last few things I would take—some clothes, identification, my passport... Everything else that belonged to this place, I wanted nothing to do with. The door suddenly swung open just as I was slipping my passport into my bag. Landon stood in the doorway. Behind him was Ava, her face tear-streaked. "Dad is out of danger, but he's old. This time really took a toll on him..." Ava sobbed, her tears falling endlessly. Landon gently wiped her tears, his voice soft. "Don't cry. I'm handling this for you." He paused, then asked her, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree." Ava glanced at me timidly. "I... I want her to see a therapist. So she understands how harmful her behavior is. If the court thinks it's necessary, she could also be required to undergo mandatory counseling." Landon frowned immediately. "Ava, that's a bit much." "I know you feel bad for her." Ava tugged on his sleeve, her eyes red. "But my father was seriously injured. If she isn't taught a lesson, she'll only get worse and keep bullying us..." She bit her lip, lowering her voice. "It's just counseling... so she won't dare do this again. Landon, I know Eleanor is the one you truly love. I'm just a temporary distraction. If you really can't bear it, then... maybe we should break up." Landon fell silent for a few seconds. Then he sighed, pulling her into his arms. "Don't say that. I'll do whatever you want." And just like that, over a fabricated "vehicular assault," I was threatened by Landon's lawyer. Either I accepted a civil settlement and underwent mandatory psychological counseling—or I would face criminal charges and possible detention. Under legal pressure, and to avoid affecting my imminent divorce and departure plans, I chose to compromise temporarily. I signed the settlement agreement and agreed to a three-day "psychological evaluation." Before leaving, Landon didn't even spare me another glance. And Ava, after confirming he was gone, turned back to me with a cold, triumphant smile. She leaned closer and whispered, "Eleanor, enjoy these three days." Chapter 8 For the next three days, I was placed in a so-called "mental health center" for evaluation. On the surface, it was a private clinic. In reality, it felt more like a disguised detention facility. My phone was confiscated. My movements were restricted. Every day, I was forced to endure hours of so-called "psychological interviews." The so-called therapists kept hinting that I had violent tendencies and emotional instability. They tried to make me admit that I had "intentionally harmed" Mr. Monroe. I clenched my teeth and repeated the same sentence over and over. "He ran into my car himself. I did not intentionally hurt anyone." But no one believed me. I was forced to take "sedative medications." My food intake and sleep schedule were controlled. The drugs left me dizzy, trapped in a hazy state between waking and dreaming. Curled up in that cold room, I gritted my teeth and counted every passing second. Three days. After three days, I would be free. On the evening of the third day, the heavy door finally creaked open. Landon stood at the doorway, backlit. I couldn't see his expression clearly. Only when I walked closer did he seem startled by my appearance. "What happened to you?" My face was pale as paper. My eyes were hollow. I had lost noticeable weight. Because of the medication, my hands trembled slightly. Ava immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft. "Landon, she's obviously pretending to look like this to gain your sympathy." She curled her lips. "It's just a psychological evaluation. How bad could it be?" Landon stared at me for a few seconds. In the end, his face turned cold, his tone impatient. "Eleanor, how long are you going to keep playing this pity game?" I gave a faint smile. I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore. Back at the apartment, for once, Landon didn't leave immediately. He sat on the couch and announced his decision in a calm, unquestionable tone. "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. The rest of the time, I'll be with Ava." I stood at the top of the stairs, saying nothing. "Today's Wednesday. I'll go see her now." He stood up, picking up his coat. "For the next few days, don't disturb me." At the door, he turned back and added, "I'll be back next Monday." I looked at him and said calmly, "Alright. Goodbye." How ridiculous. He actually thought I would still be here waiting for him? Landon frowned, clearly surprised by my calmness, but said nothing more before leaving. The moment the apartment door closed, my phone suddenly vibrated. It was an encrypted message from my lawyer. "Ms. Vance, the divorce has been finalized. Your identity transfer documents are complete. You may depart at any time." I stared at the message, my eyes instantly filling with tears. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of my chest. I was free. Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had already packed and walked out of that gilded cage without looking back. JFK International Airport. My parents were already waiting at the gate. When my mother saw me, her eyes reddened, and she pulled me into a tight embrace. "My dear, it's all over." My own eyes burned as I nodded firmly. Yes. It was all over. Six years ago, on a snowy night, Landon Blackwood had stood on my parents' lawn and vowed to carve me into his life. And now, I had carved his name out of mine. As I prepared to board, I took out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it cleanly in half between my fingers. "Here is your boarding pass," the staff member said politely. I tossed the broken SIM card into a nearby trash bin, took the boarding pass, and held my parents' hands as we walked toward the gate. My back was straight. My steps never faltered. From this moment on, there would never again be a place in my world for Landon Blackwood. ------------------------------------------ Due to the word limit, please download PickNovel and search for 61756 in the app to continue reading more exciting content. Click the button below to get that immediately.