For Her Sake, He Married Me

Francis Rivera's voice was colder and more certain than Cecelia Moore had ever heard before. "Yeah. During the car crash, Cecelia's father shielded her but died instantly, while she suffered serious injuries."It was fortunate that I altered the evidence and lied in court, thereby protecting Melody. Otherwise, her future as a celebrity would have been ruined by the drunk driving charge. "The Moore family is down to just Cecelia. She's fully devoted to me. If I make her my wife and keep her under my nose, I can guarantee that she won't have her eyes on Melody anymore." Someone hailed him and said, "Smart! That's really smart! But aren't you worried Cecelia might find out?" Francis let out a low chuckle. "Her? She just needs to play her part as my wife and enjoy the easy life I give her. As for Melody… I can give her everything except the title of Mrs. Rivera. So, keep your mouth shut. Don't go running your mouth about this in front of Cecelia." Each word felt like barbed wire

When Cecelia finally dragged herself home, it was already dark.To her surprise, the lights were on in the living room. Francis was actually home.When he saw her come home, he set down his tablet and got up to greet her. He reached out naturally to take her bag. "You're back. Why do you look so pale?"She dodged his hand, her voice dry. "Where's Melody?"Francis froze for a second, then explained, "Oh, Melody just got back from overseas. She said she didn't have anyone to go with her to a dinner event, and I happened to be free, so I went to give her a hand. "Her new apartment still smells from the renovations, and staying in a hotel isn't convenient, so I let her stay at the villa in the countryside for a few days. You know, it's tough for her to be on her own, especially since she was a public figure…"He trailed off, watching Cecelia for her reaction before adding, "Don't worry, it's only for a few days. She'll be gone soon.""She's staying at the villa? In the countryside?

Through her studio's tall windows, Cecelia saw something absurd.A dozen bodyguards in matching black suits and white gloves lined up neatly outside her studio door, each of them carefully holding a dust-cloth-covered item in their hands, obviously valuable.The lead bodyguard knocked politely. Under Cecelia's cold gaze, he directed his team to place each item in the reception area. They lifted the cloths, revealing a collection of antiques from elite auction houses."Madam, Mr. Rivera asked us to bring these for you. He said he knows you didn't sleep well and have been in a bad mood, so he hopes these little trinkets will cheer you up," the bodyguard said, his tone stiff and formal.The commotion drew everyone working on the same floor to come and watch."Oh my god! Isn't that the record-breaking porcelain bowl from Sotheby's last month? Mr. Rivera is going all out!""He's really spoiling her! All of this just because his wife's upset? What a perfect man!""Cecelia is so lucky!

Cecelia rushed to the deck and by the railing. The icy sea breeze cut through her, chilling her to the bone. She didn't know how long she stood there."Isn't it lonely watching the sea by yourself, Celia?" Melody's vomit-inducing sweet voice sounded behind her, full of smug triumph.Cecelia didn't turn around.Melody walked over, deliberately pressing close, her voice low and laced with malice. "Don't be stupid. I'm the only one he ever truly loves. As for your short-lived old man…" She sneered, full of disdain. "He only has himself to blame. He didn't see my car coming. Doesn't he know how to get out of the way when such a beautiful car is coming his way? He deserved what he got, so he won't be in my way anymore!"Every word she spouted scorched the deepest wounds inside of Cecelia. She remembered the moment her father pushed her away in his final moment. The numbness shattered, replaced by overwhelming grief and hate."Melody!" Cecelia's eyes were bloodshot as she whipped

"Ah!" Cecelia lost her balance without warning as the wooden platform collapsed. Her pupils narrowed. In that split second, her only thought wasn't to protect herself, but to protect the painting.With the last of her strength, she threw her weight against the scaffolding, pushing it away from the ancient painting.Crash!The scaffolding shook violently, then crashed to the ground along with Cecelia from several feet up. A scaffold slammed into her chest and shoulder as she heard her bones crack. A wave of pain swept over her.Blood surged in her throat and spilled uncontrollably from the corner of her mouth. The loud crash brought people running, and darkness swallowed Cecelia completely.-It was the hospital again. It was the same blinding white lights, the same stinging smell from the disinfectant.Cecelia struggled to open her heavy eyelids, as if surfacing from the floor of an icy ocean. Every part of her body screamed with pain. Each breath caused her tearing agony.Sh