Chapter 1
After I gave Arthur Hastings, the man who raised me for twelve years, the antidote, he started avoiding me like the plague.
When I finally decided to tell him I was pregnant, I found him at home with Grace Fairfax, a famous actress signed to his
company.
Seeing me, Grace smirked. “So this is the delicate beauty Mr. Hastings keeps hidden away in his golden cage? The rumors were true.”
He wrapped his arms around Grace and headed toward the bedroom without even looking back.
Don’t mind her, he said dismissively. “She’s just the kid I raised for someone else.”
I gave a bitter laugh, went to the hospital to get rid of the baby, and left Claudia that very night.
I was like a pampered flower blooming in a wealthy estate, showered with affection since childhood.
But after the pillars of my family passed away one by one, my beauty became my curse, with every man in the estate wanting to taste the forbidden fruit.
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If it weren’t for Arthur, I would have been devoured by their hungry wolves long ago.
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He was my father’s close friend and the head of the Claudia elite family, always looking out for me.
If he couldn’t reach me for two hours, he would turn the entire Claudia estate upside down to find me.
But all this protection was withdrawn a month ago.
That night, he was drugged by his enemies.
I took off my red dress and embraced him on my own accord.
After he woke up, he avoided me like the plague. I thought he was just shy, struggling to accept our changed relationship.
But yesterday, he brought a woman home and spent the entire night with her in the study next to my bedroom.
Like a masochist, I pressed my ear against the wall all night until dawn broke.
My tears had all dried up.
Finally, I realized the truth. He had never loved me.
The maid, Kelly Thornton, knocked on my door.
“Ms. Birch, today’s ingredients are ready.”
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At six o’clock, it was time for me to prepare Arthur’s daily meals.
Ever since I moved into Hastings Manor, I hadn’t missed a single day.
Even though I knew perfectly well that Arthur had his nutritionist and didn’t need my help, I still carefully packed all
the meals.
I’d even sneak in a heart–shaped decoration.
He’d brush it off, saying, “Don’t bring any more next time,” but his plate would always end up empty.
I’d smile sweetly and promise it was the last time, yet the next day would be no different.
I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Love made me both presumptuous and contentedly humble.
But now, I found myself saying, “No need, Kelly. I won’t be making them anymore.”
Whether he ate not or adequately was no longer my concern.
I packed up my belongings.
It was time to leave Hastings Manor.
Better to leave on my terms than wait for Arthur to show me the
door.
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At least I could keep my dignity.
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That evening, when Arthur returned, he handed his coat to the
servant and strode toward me.
“Aria, where’s today’s lunch?”
I kept my eyes down, took a sip of water, and replied casually, “What lunch?”
I focused on my packing checklist, making sure everything would be easy to pack.
When I finally looked up after a while, I noticed he’d been staring at me with furrowed brows.
I feigned surprise, “What’s wrong?”
He stood there as usual, but I couldn’t help noticing a hint of hurt in his eyes.
“Why didn’t you bring me lunch today?”
I curved my eyes into a smile and chuckled softly, “Weren’t your against me seeing you off? It works better, anyway. Less stress. for both of us. Is something wrong?”
Arthur clenched his jaw at my puzzled expression.
“Nothing.”
Chapter 1
He coldly said and turned away.
He was angry, but I no longer cared.
I used to love him too much, always anxious and desperate to guess his thoughts, terrified of making him unhappy.
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I spent twelve years loving him cautiously, creating an unbearable burden for us both. It was finally time to wake up.
After packing several boxes of belongings, I went to bed early.
Tomorrow morning, I had an appointment to terminate the
pregnancy.
The following day, Grace, the glamorous actress, all dolled up in heavy makeup, sashayed around in her silk pajamas, bossing Kelly around like a queen.
She glanced at me, her eyes filled with mockery and amusement.
“Hey, little canary!”
I fidgeted with my hands, refusing to acknowledge the label.
Everyone seemed to think I was just some delicate flower clinging to Arthur for dear life.
Unfazed by my silent protest, she shoved a black card into my
hand.
“Mr. Hastings is something else, you know? It was rough with
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me all night, but he still remembers to give you your allowance for next month. Here you go.”
I smiled faintly and pushed the card back.
“No, thank you.”
“Throwing a tantrum, are we?”
“There’s no need to give me an allowance anymore. Thank you for everything, Mr. Hastings.”
Grace didn’t say a word, but suddenly, a hand clamped down on my wrist, the grip like iron.
I turned to see Arthur, his face pale, his hawk–like eyes bland
into me.
“Aria,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “What do you mean by that?”
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