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Fun Novel

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PERSON_PROFILE

An accident led her to marry the man she secretly loved. When he woke from his coma, he used her as a blood supply for his first love, even sending her to prison on false accusations, keeping her from seeing her grandmother one last time. Heartbroken, she demanded a divorce.
=====
"It's been ages since we've had a moment like this..." Shane Brooks' l*ps brushed lightly against Yvonne Burton's ear.
"Shane, I need to go to the hospital now..." Yvonne turned her head away, avoiding the ki*s Shane tried to steal.
"Just this once!" Shane insisted.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly.
It wasn't until Yvonne felt the world around her spinning, faintness threatening to take over, that Shane finally let her go.

"Did I hurt you?" His voice, rich and deep, carried a blend of concern and teasing. "How about I make it up to you with the latest designer bag?"

Yvonne's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze locking onto him.

The man before her was breathtakingly handsome, with features so refined they could have been sculpted by an artist. His usual cool and distant demeanor was still there, though now tinged with a faint, lingering pa*sion--proof of their recent intimacy.

After three years of marriage, Yvonne had come to recognize this look. It was his tell, a sign that he was satisfied.

That was why he was being so generous to her.

Yvonne's lips curved into a bitter smile. "Did you forget? I haven't completed my sentence."

"Then you can use the bag when you're out," Shane replied casually as if discussing the weather.

Yvonne's chest tightened painfully.

Shane had said it so nonchalantly, as though serving time was just a mundane inconvenience.

"You will be released from prison soon, right?" His fingers trailed along her cheek with practiced ease. "I told you before, one year would fly by in the blink of an eye."

Yvonne swallowed the lump in her throat, her hand clutching his as desperation seeped into her voice. "The hospital called me... They said my grandmother wasn't doing well. Could you come with me to the hospital to visit her?"

Since she was still serving her sentence, she couldn't leave here freely.

But she had earned a day of temporary release due to her good behavior in prison.

Initially, her plan had been to go straight to the hospital. Yet, she had hesitated, worried her frail grandmother, Maggie Thomas, might be unsettled by her disheveled appearance.

Returning home to freshen up had seemed like the right choice, but unexpectedly, she had run into Shane at home, who had just gotten back from a business trip overseas.

She had really wanted to rush to the hospital, yet Shane had stopped her. He had been adamant, demanding his needs be met first, leaving her spending the entire morning here.

Still, she thought, maybe this was good. If Shane accompanied her to the hospital, it would make her grandmother happy.

But the next second, Shane pulled his hand away.

Yvonne's heart sank like a stone tossed into deep water.

"I've got something to do this afternoon. You can go on your own." Shane's words came out without hesitation. Standing up, he retrieved a card from the bedside drawer and held it out. "Use this to buy something nice for your grandmother."

This wasn't unexpected for Yvonne--she had seen this play out before. Shane's preferred method of problem-solving always involved money.

But she knew Maggie didn't need fancy gifts. What Maggie needed, what she longed for, was to see Shane and her being happy together as a family.

Shane showered, got dressed, and left without so much as a goodbye.

Yvonne rose slowly.

She then busied herself with packing some homemade food to bring to the hospital--something Maggie would appreciate more than any store-bought gift.

When she entered Maggie's hospital room, the sight before her made her bl**d run cold. The bag with the food slipped from her fingers, hitting the floor as she cried out, "Grandma!"

Though Maggie had endured numerous hospital stays throughout her illness, she had never needed to use a ventilator. This really shocked Yvonne.

Yvonne rushed to Maggie's bedside, her voice quavering with worry. "Grandma, I'm here! Open your eyes and look at me, Grandma!"

Maggie's weathered eyelids fluttered open, a dim spark of recognition lighting her aged eyes. "Yvonne, you're here..."

"Grandma, what happened?" Yvonne's words tumbled out in a panic. "The nurse said you were just feeling a bit unwell and missed me. Why does your condition look so severe?"

"I asked the nurse not to worry you too much. Yvonne, I think I don't have much time left," Maggie replied.

"No! That's not true!" Yvonne's trembling hand flew to Maggie's face. She then assessed Maggie's condition.

Soon, her fears were confirmed--Maggie indeed had not much time left.

Tears carved burning paths down Yvonne's cheeks as sadness threatened to tear her heart asunder.

"Yvonne, life and death walk hand in hand. Don't cry." Maggie's papery fingers brushed Yvonne's wet cheek. "Having such a great granddaughter, I am satisfied with my life. I am just concerned about how you will live your life after I am gone."

"Grandma, please stay with me!" Yvonne hastily scrubbed away her tears, forcing brightness into her voice. "I'll be out of prison in a month. Then I'll never leave your side. Remember how you longed to return to our hometown? Once you recover, we'll go back together."

"That would be lovely." Maggie's gaze held infinite tenderness. "Bring Shane along, too."

Though her heart knew otherwise, Yvonne nodded fervently. "Of course. Shane wanted to be here today, but urgent business matters demanded his attention."

"Work always comes first." Maggie withdrew a half-moon pendant from beneath her pi*low, pressing it into Yvonne's palm.

The pendant was made of high-quality jade and was carved with a bird.

"Yvonne, keep this safe. It's your--" The door's sudden opening cut short Maggie's words.

Shane's commanding presence filled the doorway, his dark suit emphasizing his statuesque frame. He looked elegant with every move.

Joy illuminated Yvonne's tear-stained face. "Grandma, look! Shane came to see you!"

But as Shane approached, there was something amiss about his expression.

His customary mask of cool detachment had cracked; he looked uncharacteristically anxious and worried. "Yvonne, Jayde needs an immediate bl**d transfusion."

The words stabbed through Yvonne's momentary happiness. She had thought Shane was looking worried because of her grandmother, but it turned out he was just concerned for Jayde Davis.

Of course. In Shane's world, no one could eclipse his childhood sweetheart, his eternal flame, Jayde. All others paled in comparison.

Yvonne fought to suppress the familiar ache in her chest. "My grandmother lies here, critically ill. I must stay by her side. Can't Jayde use bl**d bank supplies?" she said.

"The rare bl**d type isn't available here, and the nearest bank is an hour away. Jayde can't wait that long." Shane's fingers closed around Yvonne's wrist like steel bands. "Yvonne, her life hangs in the balance. You need to come with me now."

"I won't leave my grandmother! Let go of me!" Yvonne's struggles proved futile against Shane's strength.

"Yvonne..." Maggie's frail voice called out, her hand reaching toward her granddaughter. "I never told you about your parents. The truth is, you..."

"Grandma!" Yvonne cried out, but Shane had already dragged her out of the room before she could hear the rest of her grandmother's words.

Though protocol limited bl**d donations to 400 milliliters, Shane demanded double that amount from Yvonne.

This left Yvonne ghost-white and trembling after the donation.

Despite her weakness, she forced herself upright, using the wall for support as she stumbled back to Maggie's hospital room. The sight that greeted her sent her world spinning--the silent ventilator, Maggie's still form covered by a white cloth...

Yvonne's legs betrayed her, sending her collapsing to the floor.

Grief had stolen even her tears. She crawled forward on trembling limbs until she reached the bedside.

"No... Grandma... Don't leave me..." She clutched Maggie's lifeless hand, drowning in waves of desolation.

"My condolences, Yvonne." Shane's deep voice cut through her anguish with detachment. "Jayde is stable now. Thank you for your help... By the way, the prison requires your immediate return."

Chapter 2 Let's Get A Divorce
Yvonne's chest constricted with unbearable pain as she desperately grasped Shane's leg.

"Shane, please," she said through trembling lips, "help me appeal to the prison authorities. My grandmother has passed away, and I need to handle her funeral arrangements. I can't go back now."

Shane's features hardened into a disapproving frown. "Prison regulations aren't something you can simply circumvent with money. Your grief is understandable, but you need to think rationally before you speak."

"Think rationally?" Yvonne gazed up at him, her voice quavering with emotion. "For eleven months, I've been imprisoned, and four times you've arranged my temporary release to donate bl**d for Jayde--all by using your financial influence. Why is this time different?"

"The circumstances aren't comparable," Shane replied coldly.

"How can you say that?" Raw anguish seeped through Yvonne's voice as she continued her plea.

"I understand Jayde holds the highest place in your heart, but my grandmother just passed away. She raised me, yet I couldn't be there in her final moments. I must accompany her on this last journey--I can't bear the thought of her spirit departing alone. Shane, I am begging you; just do this one thing for me."

"You still have an uncle, don't you? I'll help and ensure your grandmother receives an honorable funeral," Shane said.

"That's not what this is about." Tears coursed down Yvonne's cheeks unchecked. "My grandmother is already gone. A lavish funeral means nothing now. I just want to bid her farewell in person. If you grant me this, I swear I'll donate bl**d for Jayde whenever necessary."

Shane's gaze turned glacial as he looked down at her. "Are you treating bl**d donation as some kind of bargaining tool? This is your obligation to Jayde. If not for your actions, she wouldn't be confined to a wheelchair."

Yvonne squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel Shane's words piercing her heart.

Jayde's incident had happened a year ago. She had tumbled down the stairs, suffering spinal injuries that had left her paralyzed below the waist. She had accused Yvonne of pushing her down the stairs.

The Brooks family unanimously condemned Yvonne. Without surveillance footage or witnesses to clear her name, Yvonne stood defenseless against the accusations.

Shane, her husband, had delivered the ultimatum: "Yvonne, Jayde's suffering is immeasurable. Legal consequences are necessary considering what you have done to her. Such an assault typically carries three to ten years, but Jayde's compa*sion moves her to request only one."

The irony of it all had left Yvonne feeling bitter.

She had initially refused to go to prison, demanding police intervention.

But Jayde had produced damning evidence--a video showing Yvonne pushing her down the stairs.

The collective revulsion in the Brooks family members' eyes as they watched that video still haunted Yvonne.

It was as if they felt even breathing the same air as her was repulsive.

***

Shane's bodyguards eventually escorted Yvonne back to her prison cell.

The combination of severe bl**d loss and overwhelming grief left Yvonne bedridden for two days, her body too weak to rise.

On the third day, fate dealt another cruel blow. In the prison's recreation room, the television broadcasted Jayde's extravagant birthday celebration.

The media were saying that the Brooks Group's CEO Shane had spared no expense in celebrating Jayde's birthday.

The screen captured Jayde in her wheelchair, her natural beauty undimmed by her condition.

Shane hovered attentively at her side, his expression radiating tenderness and devotion.

Together, they looked really good together, like a match made in heaven.

Fresh tears carved silent paths down Yvonne's cheeks as the reality struck her.

While her grandmother Maggie was being laid to rest today, Shane--who had promised to assist with the funeral arrangements--was instead orchestrating an elaborate celebration for Jayde.

In that moment of crushing clarity, Yvonne finally grasped the bitter truth: Shane's heart held no love for her. No sacrifice she made would ever be enough to change that.

Yvonne had a secret, one she had guarded for a decade--her unwavering love for Shane.

Shane had once only existed in a realm far beyond her reach, while she remained just another face in the crowd, their paths never meant to intersect.

Fate had intervened three years ago through a devastating car accident that had left Shane comatose.

The Brooks family had exhausted every medical resource, consulting countless renowned physicians without success.

It was Shane's grandmother, Lydia Brooks, who turned to superstitious beliefs. She suggested that marriage might bring the fortune needed to restore Shane's health.

Fate had taken another unexpected turn when Jayde, Shane's betrothed, had suddenly been kidnapped.

With the wedding date looming, Lydia had desperately searched for another bride with a compatible horoscope. She had then discovered Yvonne, who had been working part-time as a caregiver for the Brooks family at that time.

Marrying Shane came with a precious opportunity for Yvonne--Yvonne's ailing grandmother Maggie would receive treatment at the hospital under the Brooks Group.

The hospital was one of the top hospitals in Zlamsas. Ordinary people couldn't afford to get treatment there.

Yvonne had agreed to the marriage without hesitation, though her heart held a deeper truth.

For seven years, she had harbored an unspoken love for Shane, willing to tend to him even if he would never emerge from his coma.

A month after the marriage, Shane had miraculously awakened.

His fury when he had learned of the marriage for fortune's sake had led to immediate demands for divorce.

Yet, these demands had ceased abruptly when he had discovered Yvonne shared Jayde's bl**d type.

From that moment forward, Yvonne had become nothing more than Jayde's living bl**d bank.

Determined to make Shane happy, Yvonne had shouldered this burden silently.

For two years, she had devoted herself to caring for Shane and his family, striving to embody the perfect wife--until Jayde's false accusation had led to her imprisonment.

Ten years--she had loved Shane for ten years.

She had given Shane her purest love and most selfless devotion, but what did she get in return?

Shane only had eyes for Jayde, his heart perpetually closed to her.

Perhaps she had been naive to hope Shane might one day even care about her a little bit.

***

Rain poured from leaden skies the day of Yvonne's release from prison.

No one had come to pick her up. After a lengthy journey on multiple buses, she arrived at Serenity Villa, Shane's residence, her clothes clinging to her because of the rain.

The fingerprint lock granted her entry, and she found Shane descending the staircase when she entered, his appearance impeccable in stark contrast to her disheveled state.

Surprise flickered across Shane's features when he saw her. "Why are you back?" he asked.

Yvonne's fingers trembled as she replied, "I was released today."

"Ah, I forgot." Shane paused briefly before her. "Get some rest. I'm heading out now."

"Shane," Yvonne suddenly called out. "I need to talk to you about something."

Shane glanced impatiently at his watch. "We can talk when I return."

As Shane moved past Yvonne, Yvonne grasped his sleeve to stop him. "It won't take long."

Shane halted reluctantly, irritation evident in his expression. "Make it quick."

Yvonne studied his perfect profile, a slight smile on her face. "Shane, let's get a divorce," she said, her tone resolute.

Shane's confusion was palpable as he turned to face her. "You want a divorce because I didn't pick you up from prison?"

"This isn't about today." Yvonne's smile didn't waver. "I genuinely want a divorce. We can handle the paperwork when you're free."

"Yvonne, I don't have time for your antics right now." Shane's expression darkened as he shook off her hand. "You should take a shower and clear your head. You are not thinking straight."

After Shane's departure, Yvonne stood motionless, lost in thought.

Shane thought she was not thinking straight.

But that was not true. In fact, her mind had never been clearer.

***

Upstairs, Yvonne drew a bath and powered on her fully charged phone.

A month's worth of WhatsApp messages awaited her--none from Shane.

As she absently scrolled through her feed, she suddenly froze upon seeing something.

Jayde had just posted something. "True love is shown through enduring companionship."

The accompanying photo showed her beaming at the camera while Shane peeled an apple beside her, the perfect picture of devotion.

Chapter 3 I Want You
Yvonne blinked. So that was why Shane had been in a rush to leave, not even wanting to talk about the divorce with her. He had been eager to go and spend time with Jayde.

A familiar ache seized Yvonne's heart, spreading numbness through her chest.

Throughout her two-year marriage with Shane, Yvonne had watched as Jayde paraded Shane's affections across social media.

Each post had torn at her heart, yet something had kept drawing her back to look at the posts.

Now, finally, she had resolved to end this cycle of torment.

Her fingers moved swiftly as she deleted both Shane and Jayde from her WhatsApp contacts.

After her shower, Yvonne just finished getting dressed when her phone rang.

Shane's name blazed across the screen.

Wasn't Shane supposed to be spending time with Jayde now? Why was he calling her?

Yvonne hesitated for a moment but eventually picked up the call. "Shane?"

"Did you delete Jayde on WhatsApp?" Shane asked.

"Yes. What's wrong?" Yvonne replied.

"You have the nerve to ask that?" Venom dripped from Shane's words.

"Jayde wanted to congratulate you on your release but then discovered you had deleted her. She thought you still resented her. She broke down remembering when you had pushed her down the stairs. Yvonne, when will you stop causing trouble?"

His sharp words pierced Yvonne's heart, but she maintained her composure. "Shane, deleting her was my freedom," she said.

"You are still talking about your freedom?" Shane's voice grew colder. "She's a patient, Yvonne! She is already stuck in a wheelchair because of you. She is now emotionally fragile. The least you could do is show some compa*sion!"

Yvonne's lips curled into a bitter smile as she closed her eyes, forcing her tears back. "If she's as fragile as you say, then it's all the more reason for me to keep my distance. God forbid something happens, and I get blamed again."

"Yvonne, don't--"

Yvonne didn't let Shane finish. The call ended with a sharp click, and she wasted no time blocking his number.

After that, she made herself a simple plate of spaghetti and ate quietly, her thoughts heavy. Then, umbrella in hand, she headed to the cemetery.

The rain fell in a quiet drizzle, soaking the earth. Yvonne stood before Maggie's tombstone for what felt like an eternity, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her chest.

When she returned to Serenity Villa, it was already evening. Just as she entered, she saw Shane sitting on the living room sofa.

Yvonne froze for a moment, caught off guard by his presence. Normally, when Shane was with Jayde, he wouldn't come home until late at night, after Jayde was asleep.

Not wanting to delve into Shane's unusual behavior, Yvonne ignored him and headed upstairs.

"Stop right there." Shane's voice cut through the quiet like a knife.

Yvonne halted but didn't turn around.

Shane rose from the sofa and walked to stand before Yvonne, his gaze locking onto hers. "You've grown bold, haven't you? Hanging up on me and even blocking my number?"

Yvonne said nothing, her body tense as she tried to walk past him. But Shane grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. "I'm talking to you. What's the matter--did prison leave you deaf?"

The words stung Yvonne hard, but she met his gaze, her voice trembling with restrained emotion. "Yes, Shane, I've been to prison. My life is already in ruins because of it. Isn't that punishment enough for you?"

Shane's brows furrowed as his eyes searched her face. He noticed the puffiness around her eyes, the faint redness. "Have you been crying? Did you go to visit your grandmother's grave?"

Yvonne tried hard to hold back her tears. "I wasn't there for her when she needed me the most. Do I need your permission to visit her now?"

Shane's expression darkened when he heard that. "Yvonne, the reason I pushed for you to return to prison that day was because I didn't want you to dwell in your grief. It was for your own good."

"For my own good?" Yvonne let out a hollow laugh, her bitterness spi*ling over. "Are you even listening to yourself? You can't even lie convincingly anymore, Shane."

With a sharp tug, she pulled her wrist free. Her voice was steady now, cold and final. "I'm tired, Shane. Let's just end this. Let's get a divorce."

***

Yvonne went to the master bedroom's walk-in closet, dragging out an old suitcase to pack her belongings.

She wanted to leave behind everything the Brooks family had given her after the wedding, which left little to take.

"Yvonne, stop with your antics!" Shane's exasperated voice cut through the silence. "It was just a year in prison. I made sure you weren't mistreated there. What more do you want?"

Yvonne's hands stilled over her clothes as she turned her head to face him. "You certainly ensured I was treated differently. Every meal there was packed with spinach and liver to replenish my bl**d, keeping me ready for the next bl**d transfusion for Jayde."

Shane's brow furrowed. "So this circles back to Jayde again. The transfusions saved her life. You work in medicine--you should have some compassion. And I've compensated you generously."

"Compassion?" A hollow laugh escaped Yvonne's lips. "Show me one doctor who has bl*d themselves dry for a patient."

She gestured toward the wall of luxury handbags--a collection worth hundreds of millions, coveted by countless women.

"Is this your idea of compensation? One bag per transfusion. I always get the ones Jayde rejected."

Each bag was Jayde's selection, and Shane paid for it.

Jayde would claim the ones she preferred, leaving Yvonne with the ostentatious pieces--expensive but impractical for daily use.

Yvonne had never requested bags, yet both Shane and Jayde believed exchanging bl**d for luxury bags was a good deal for her.

"I won't take a single bag," Yvonne said with a slight smile. "I never agreed to sell my bl**d."

Shane massaged his temples.

Throughout their marriage, Yvonne had remained compliant--occasionally sulking but never defiant, never speaking to him like this.

Shane gripped Yvonne's shoulders, his tone gentling. "I know you're upset after staying in prison for so long. Let's not fight, okay? I asked Zoey to prepare your favorite dishes. Let's go and have a meal together."

Yvonne shrugged off his hands, grabbed her suitcase, and moved toward the door.

The next second, in one fluid motion, Shane swept Yvonne into his arms.

Before Yvonne could resist, she was placed on the soft b*d by Shane.

He trapped her hands above her head, his scent surrounding her as he whispered in her ear, "Yvonne, stop being angry, alright? Tonight, I will m*ke l*ve to you until you're satisfied."

Yvonne's heart thundered in her chest.

Previously, when anger took hold of her, she would always melt under Shane's b*droom tactics, quick to forgive.

Shane had found amusement in this pattern. His dominance had always overwhelmed her, pushing her limits until she broke into tears, begging for mercy and agreeing to his every demand.

Yvonne shuddered, her body taut as she grasped at her crumbling resolve. Though she struggled against him, Shane seemed determined to draw her into the moment, refusing to release her.

Shane muttered, "Yvonne, I want you..."

Chapter 4 She Is Pregnant
Yvonne fought against the magnetic pull of Shane's touch, forcing herself to bite down hard on her lower lip.

The sharp sting anchored her thoughts,she couldn't afford to lose herself in this facade of intimacy anymore, not in a marriage devoid of genuine love.

Just then, the shrill ring of a phone pierced the intimate moment.

Shane showed no intention of stopping, but the persistent sound quickly disrupted his mood.

His eyes darted to the screen, and he let go of Yvonne.

The name "Jayde" illuminated the screen, and Yvonne also saw it.

History had taught Yvonne the pattern well. Other calls during such moments would be silenced by Shane without hesitation, but Jayde's calls were the exception. Whenever Jayde called Shane, Shane would answer immediately.

Shane's voice turned gentle as he answered the call. "I'm at home... She didn't mean anything against you; don't overthink it... Alright, I'll go to see you later..."

Yvonne sat up, adjusting her clothes. Her hands trembled as she buttoned her shirt.

Shane ended his call and turned to her with an amused smile playing on his lips. "Such haste to dress yourself--are you afraid of what I might do?"

Yvonne didn't say anything.

"If you want them to stay fastened, join me for dinner downstairs now."

Recalling what had just happened, Yvonne acquiesced. Resistance, she had learned, was futile.

***

In the dining room, the maid, Zoey Rowe, had already prepared a feast of culinary excellence.

"Mrs. Brooks, you have lost so much weight. You need to eat more," Zoey said.

Shane's gaze traveled across the table, studying the woman eating before him.

Zoey's observation struck a chord--Yvonne's natural slenderness had indeed become more pronounced since her release from prison, her features carrying a new sharpness.

Though her beauty remained unchanged, Shane couldn't help but feel like Yvonne had changed somehow.

As Zoey transferred a portion of braised beef to Yvonne's plate, the rich aroma triggered an unexpected wave of nausea in Yvonne. She couldn't help but gag.

"Mrs. Brooks!" Zoey rushed to pour a glass of water for Yvonne, concern etching her features. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine." Yvonne regained her composure and rose from her chair. "I'm full now."

Shane's appetite vanished as he watched Yvonne leave.

Abandoning his meal, he stood up and prepared to leave the house.

"Mr. Brooks, you've barely touched your food," Zoey said.

"I need to step out." Shane shrugged into his coat, pausing to instruct, "The food in prison is bland--Yvonne's body needs time to readjust. Prepare lighter meals for now."

Zoey nodded and replied, "Yes, Mr. Brooks."

***

Upstairs, Yvonne had just reached her room when she heard the sound of a car engine from outside.

A bitter smile twisted her lips as she contemplated how quickly Shane had abandoned dinner to fulfill his promise to Jayde. It was clear Shane really loved Jayde.

Standing beside the floor-to-ceiling window, Yvonne watched Shane's car disappear into the distance.

As she closed her weary eyes, a startling realization jolted them open again--she realized she might be carrying a child.

The timing left little room for doubt. That day a month ago, Shane had refused to use protection.

Shane had always disliked using protection, so she always took medication afterward.

She had planned to purchase preventive medication after visiting Maggie in the hospital that day, but grief had consumed her when Maggie passed away unexpectedly. The pi*ls had slipped from her mind entirely.

Thoughts whirled through Yvonne's head like autumn leaves in a storm until clarity finally emerged.

She hurried out to purchase a pregnancy test, her heart thundering against her ribs.

The two clear lines that appeared finally confirmed her suspicions with stark finality.

She just hadn't taken the pi*ls one time. She had not expected to get pr*gnant so easily like this.

Yvonne's hand drifted to her lower abdomen, her emotions churning like a turbulent sea.

The cruel irony of fate struck her like a physical blow--just as she had steeled herself to end her marriage with Shane, she discovered she was carrying his child.

Sleep proved elusive that night, Yvonne's thoughts churning until exhaustion finally claimed her. When she woke up, the sky outside was bright. Shane had not come home the entire night, his side of the bed untouched.

After Yvonne made her way down for breakfast, Zoey burst into the dining room, barely containing her excitement beneath a veneer of hesitation.

"What has made you so excited?" Yvonne asked, studying Zoey's expression. "Did you win the lottery or something?"

"Mrs. Brooks, it's you who has made me excited!" Zoey produced a pregnancy test, her eyes sparkling. "I found this while cleaning. You are pr*gnant! This is wonderful news! Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"

Yvonne's silence spoke volumes.

"Mrs. Brooks?" Zoey's enthusiasm dimmed. "Aren't you happy about this?"

Yvonne stirred her oatmeal slowly. "Zoey, I've already told Shane that I want a divorce."

The revelation struck Zoey like lightning.

"You want to divorce Mr. Brooks? How could you consider such a thing?" she said.

"Why can't I do that?" Yvonne's voice remained steady, masking her inner turmoil.

"Haven't you noticed how great Shane and Jayde look together? They are the real loving couple here. I disrupted their relationship, claiming a title that wasn't rightfully mine and forcing them apart."

Her lips curved in self-mockery at her foolish dream that Shane might grow to love her one day.

Tears welled in Zoey's eyes. "Mrs. Brooks, I know this past year in prison brought you immense suffering. But that chapter has ended. You and Mr. Brooks can build something new together now. Eventually, Mr. Brooks will recognize your worth. Now, with you being pr*gnant, everything could change. Your child deserves a complete family--you can't proceed with the divorce."

Yvonne's movements stilled as memories of her own childhood surfaced. Orphaned young, she had been raised by her grandparents.

Though her grandparents had given her all the love they could, she had always envied other children who had both their parents.

She understood profoundly the importance of giving a child a complete family.

"Having children often changes a man's priorities," Zoey said gently. "Fatherhood has a way of grounding men, redirecting their focus to family. For your child's sake, shouldn't Mr. Brooks have a chance to prove himself?"

Yvonne nodded slightly.

Perhaps Zoey was right--her child deserved a chance at a complete family.

If Shane could maintain distance from Jayde, she would bury the past and make her marriage with Shane work.

After breakfast, Yvonne took a taxi to the Brooks Group.

Few employees knew of her marriage to Shane, so she called Shane's assistant, asking him to escort her to Shane's office.

She found Shane engaged in a phone call in his office, his lack of surprise at her appearance suggesting he had grown accustomed to her anger dissipating overnight.

The assistant provided Yvonne with a glass of water and then departed.

Shane ended his call and looked at Yvonne. "Why didn't you sleep in?"

"I've had sufficient sleep." Yvonne pointed at the thermos she had brought. "Zoey asked me to bring the soup to you."

"I'll have it later," Shane replied.

"Where were you last night, Shane?" Yvonne asked.

Shane's response came without hesitation. "Jayde wasn't feeling well and was admitted to the hospital. I stayed with her there."

Yvonne's fingers trembled when she heard that. After gathering her courage, she said, "If we had a child, would you spend more time at home?"

Shane's brow furrowed. "You want a child now?"

"Don't you want a child?" Yvonne asked.

Shane lit a cigarette, taking a drag before responding in measured tones, "Yvonne, now is not the right time for us to have a child."

Yvonne paused for a moment. "Why?"

Shane replied, "Jayde's health has been declining. If you became pr*gnant, you wouldn't be able to donate your bl**d to her."

Chapter 5 Leaving With Nothing
A glacial chill crept through Yvonne's body, starting at her feet and spreading gradually until numbness claimed every inch of her being.

She realized she had been too naive.

She had clung to desperate hopes--that she could start a new family with Shane, that Shane might embrace fatherhood as Zoey had suggested, that their unborn child could bridge the growing chasm between Shane and her.

But reality had shattered those illusions, revealing a harsh truth: even their child ranked beneath Jayde in Shane's eyes.

Yvonne closed her eyes as tears traced silent paths down her cheeks.

"I know you don't like Jayde." Shane's patronizing tone cut through the silence. "But her health is genuinely fragile now. Surely you can show some understanding of that."

His eyes flickered over Yvonne's tear-stained features as he added, "We can discuss having children once Jayde's health condition improves. There's no need to rush."

A bitter smile twisted Yvonne's lips.

She knew that if she told Shane now that she was pr*gnant, he would probably drag her to the hospital immediately to terminate the pregnancy.

This child represented one of her last remaining familial bonds, and she would never sacrifice it for Jayde's sake.

"Of course, I understand that," Yvonne said, brushing away her tears and summoning a weak smile. "Don't let me keep you from your work. I won't bother you any further."

She fled Shane's office before he could respond, retreating to Serenity Villa where she hastily packed her belongings, gave Zoey some instructions, and left.

Though she had initially planned to seek refuge in a hotel, her uncle's timely call redirected her path to his doorstep.

The clock struck ten when Shane returned to Serenity Villa, only to find the master bedroom empty. Yvonne was not there.

His attempt to reach Yvonne by phone proved futile, prompting him to go downstairs and summon Zoey.

"Where's Yvonne?" he asked Zoey.

"Mrs. Brooks has moved out," Zoey replied.

"What?" A deep frown etched across Shane's features. "When?"

"This morning." Zoey hesitated, the weight of Yvonne's words pressing down on her. Yvonne had told her not to mention anything about her pregnancy to Shane. Otherwise, the baby would be harmed.

After a moment, Zoey presented Shane with a document. "Mrs. Brooks left this divorce agreement for you."

Shane's eyes swept over the pages, a cold laugh escaping his lips. "Leaving with nothing--she's really something!"

"Mr. Brooks appears quite resolute about the decision to divorce," Zoey said.

"That's not her choice to make!" Shane yanked at his tie in frustration. "Where has she gone?"

"Mrs. Brooks didn't tell me that," Zoey replied.

Shane stormed out, barking orders for the driver to ready the car.

***

Fresh from her shower in the guest room, Yvonne was about to go to sleep when her phone's ringing pierced the silence.

An unknown number flashed across the screen.

Yvonne answered the call. "Hello?"

"Come downstairs." Shane's familiar, cold voice echoed on the other end of the line.

Yvonne's grip on the phone froze for a moment. "I am already in bed."

"I will give you ten minutes, Yvonne. If you don't come down in ten minutes, I'll ensure this entire neighborhood gets no sleep tonight," Shane said.

The call then disconnected, leaving Yvonne staring at her phone. After a moment's hesitation, she changed and descended the stairs.

A black Rolls-Royce was parked outside, with Shane's imposing figure beside it.

Maintaining a careful distance, Yvonne spoke with forced composure. "It's late. What do you want?"

"You're asking me that? Did you interpret last night's conversation as some kind of joke? You had the audacity to draft divorce papers and vanish?" Shane said. "Get in the car. Come home. We'll forget this ever happened."

"Home..." Yvonne let out a bitter laugh. "That place is not my home. If it is, why would my husband spend his nights elsewhere with another woman?"

"Back to Jayde again. Can't you stop being so petty?" Shane said.

"You think I am being petty? Should I smile while watching your displays of affection? Continue offering my bl**d? Perhaps serve another prison sentence?" Yvonne looked at Shane. "Shane, our marriage was business, but I'm a person--not Jayde's personal bl**d bank."

Shane let out a cold chuckle. "You knew the marriage was transactional. You married me for your grandmother's treatment. Now that she's gone, you're eager to leave me. Burning bridges already?"

Yvonne replied, "Fine. I'll repay every cent of my grandmother's hospital bills. I won't owe you anything after that."

Fury blazed in Shane's eyes. "What did you say?"

Yvonne met his rage with a calm expression. "Calculate the total. I'll provide an IOU and repay it in installments. You can decide on the interest."

Just as she finished speaking, Shane quickly approached Yvonne.

Yvonne barely had time to react before finding herself engulfed in his embrace.

His hand gripped her waist as the world tilted, her back meeting the car's cold metal surface.

"What are you--"

Shane's lips silenced Yvonne's protest, claiming dominance in a breathtaking ki*s that left her gasping.

"Unless you want me to have s*x with you right here, get in the car."

......

What happens next? Can Yvonne divorce as she wishes?

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