Chapter 3

In the past, whenever I faced these rumors, she would always stand in front of me,

scolding the gossipers, then turn, lean down, cup my face, and console me:

“Ethan, when I got together with you, I knew you were the one. I don't care about your background; your talent is all I value.”

Her constant reassurances made me fall for her again and again.

But after three years in prison, I finally understood that rumors don't just appear out of nowhere.

It was Christina herself who repeatedly humiliated me and turned me into Ashworth's biggest joke, slowly eroding all the passion I had for this relationship.

The crowd finally dispersed, but the excitement in Christina’s eyes hadn’t completely faded.

When her gaze landed on me, it dimmed considerably.

“Are you angry about earlier? All the flowers in my garden died that year, and I still haven't gotten over it. Come back and explain it to me properly.”

She said, feigning shyness, her hands casually resting on my shoulders.

This was her usual way of flirting. I felt no stirring.

In fact, she reminded me.

I also wanted to uncover the truth behind my innocent three-year imprisonment, especially since those flowers withering overnight had absolutely nothing to do with me.

Back at the mansion, all the staff seemed to have received special instructions.

Their attitude towards me was no longer disdainful like three years ago, but overly solicitous and attentive.

Massages, fresh clothes, a lavish dinner—everything was arranged for me.

“Well? Ethan, are you satisfied? Those three years weren't just hard for you; waiting for you was tough for me too~”

Christina looked at me eagerly, wearing a skimpy swimsuit.

“If you thought I’d have a tough time, why did you send me to prison?” I took the opportunity to ask, genuinely confused.

“The day after we argued, all the flowers in my garden died. You know how much I loved those flowers. How could I not doubt your sincerity after you did something like that?”

“I told you many times, I didn’t do it!”

“You still won't admit it. Raphael was right; you were only with me for the money! That's why you weren't sincere with me!”

As she said this, the anger and contempt in Christina's eyes were almost overflowing.

I knew that look all too well. In her mind, she would never believe my words.

But she'd believe every word Raphael said, no matter how absurd, but never mine.

“Since you're still unrepentant, then our engagement will be postponed indefinitely. The assessment continues!”

Christina indignantly wrapped a towel around herself, one corner sweeping sharply across my face.

With the stinging pain on my cheek, I stood frozen, like I’d swallowed a fishbone.

My throat felt raw and bloody, my every breath tasted of iron.

I opened my mouth but couldn’t manage a single word.

I wanted to tell Christina that our engagement should have been called off long ago, that I no longer wanted to marry her.

I’d find the truth, then I’d leave.

After staring blankly by the pool for several hours, I dragged my tired body back to my room, only to find the master bedroom locked.

I asked Brenda, the housekeeper, but she just gave me a cold stare.

“Ms. Christina said you can’t sleep in the master bedroom tonight. Your things have been moved to the storage room.”

Brenda gestured towards a tiny storage room, barely big enough to turn around in, then turned and gave me a sneering, contemptuous look.

She seemed to be waiting to see my reaction to her humiliation.

I curved my lips, letting out a self-deprecating laugh.

“Serving Christina must feel great, huh? You even get to play with me, her 'dog,' now and then!”

Brenda quickly feigned a look of fear and made a hollow excuse, “Oh, no, sir, I wouldn’t dare.”