He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

The next morning, the hospital ward felt a little brighter than usual. An elderly man walked in with Franklin, his arms loaded with gifts: a woven basket overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, a stack of books and magazines, sleek new headphones, and a sealed container whose delicious aroma immediately filled the room. My mother had left early to handle some errands and wouldn't be back until later, so the nurse assigned to me hovered quietly in the corner, keeping watch.


"Good morning, Octavia. How have you been?" the elderly man asked. His face looked faintly familiar, like a half-remembered dream, but I couldn't place him.


"Good morning, sir. I'm doing well," I replied politely.


"Hey, Octavia," Franklin said softly as he stepped closer, a gentle smile curving his lips.


"Hey," I answered, returning the smile.


"It's so good to see you awake," the older man continued. "Last time I was here, you were unconscious and very pa—"


Chapter 118 - ~ 118