Chapter 1 Betrayal "Bianca, it's just a temporary solution. Once you marry my brother, you'll secure an investment from the Cole Group for your family's company. After he dies, I will propose to you, and my mother will definitely approve of it, I promise." In a café, a handsome man held Bianca Roffe's hand, his face full of affection. "Trust me, Bianca. I'm doing this for our future," he added, his tone firm. If Bianca hadn't witnessed his betrayal, she might have believed him. She pulled her hand back, staring blankly out the window. Reflected in the window was her beautiful face, bright eyes, and rosy lips—all seemed so attractive. She was just 20, an age when girls like her dreamed of finding their soul mates. Yet here she was, faced with marrying a man who had been in a vegetative state for a year. Despite him being Oswald Cole, the top tycoon of Ashwood, it couldn't change the fact that he was on the verge of death. Bianca didn't want to marry Oswald. But her father knelt before her, crying about the lifetime of effort he and her mother had put into starting the company and supporting this family. He even threatened to jump off a building if she refused to help. In despair, Bianca went to her boyfriend, Rolf Cole, only to witness a heartbreaking scene—he cheated on her with her stepsister, Verda. "Bianca?" Rolf's concerned and anxious voice snapped Bianca back to reality. Looking at her once caring boyfriend, she felt a wave of nausea. "You mean, your and Verda's future, perhaps?" Rolf's face went pale, disbelief written all over it. "You—" Bianca grabbed the cup of coffee and splashed it toward him, her eyes filled with resolve. "We're done, you disgusting jerk!""Hey! Bianca!" Rolf, frustrated and trying not to draw more attention, could only watch helplessly as she stormed out of the café. Bianca strode down the street, fighting back her tears. She didn't feel the need to cry, for seeing their true colors was far better than being fooled by their lies. 'So be it,' she thought, making up her mind to marry Oswald. She would save the Roffe Group with the shares her mother left her, repaying her father Randall Roffe for his so-called "twenty years of care." After this, she'd have nothing to do with the Roffe family ever again. Those who had mistreated her would one day get their just desserts. **** Three days later, Bianca, dressed in a wedding gown and holding a bouquet, was taken to the Cole mansion. There was no wedding ceremony, but the Cole family members were all present in the living room. The moment Bianca saw them, she caught sight of the masked smiles on their faces. She realized that after she cut ties with the Roffe family and left the lion's den, she entered the Cole family's world of fame and fortune. Unsure if her choice was right, she knew no one would dare humiliate her again. She was determined to live a totally different life here. After greeting Frederick and Melinda, Oswald's grandparents, Bianca was taken to her bedroom. The faint medicinal scent greeted her as she entered, and her gaze was involuntarily drawn to the bed. There lay her husband, Oswald. His striking features seemed to be the masterpiece of the Creator, making it hard for her to take her eyes off his face. She could feel her heart pounding wildly as she slowly walked over to him. His eyes were tightly shut, his pale face softening his intimidating aura. However, Bianca knew well how terrifying his gaze was. She had seen him once at a party. Back then, he stood at the center of the room with a glass of wine, surrounded by people flattering him. Yet, he remained aloof, exuding an aura that kept people at bay. At that party, Bianca saw a man kneeling before Oswald, crying and begging desperately. Oswald ignored him, casually sipping his wine as the security dragged the man away. The man's eyes, filled with hatred and despair as he glared at Oswald, sent shivers down her spine whenever she thought of them. Little did Bianca expect to become Oswald's wife one day, albeit in such a disgraceful manner. The ringing of her phone broke the silence. Glancing at the caller ID, Bianca pursed her lips. It was her father, Randall. "Hey, Bianca!" The voice on the other end sounded joyful yet greedy. "I've received the funds from the Cole family. Our company is saved! Make sure the Cole family likes you so we can get a good share of the inheritance when Oswald dies. That way, our family will be set for life!" Bianca couldn't help but sneer. "Even if I get more inheritance, what does it have to do with you?" Randall paused. "What?" "Are you happy spending money gained through ruining your daughter's life? Does Verda find it exciting to seduce my boyfriend? Does it make you feel accomplished to deceive me along with Rolf?" Bianca's words left Randall stunned. He always found her gentle and polite, never expecting her to say such harsh words. Anxious, he stammered, trying to calm her down, "Bianca, don't get me wrong. I'm doing this for your own good..." Bianca cut him off. "I've done all I could. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Roffe family. Take care of yourselves." Without waiting for a response, she ended the call and turned off her phone. The room fell silent again. Bianca stared at the man lying on the bed, who was oblivious to everything around him. In the past, he could easily silence everyone with just a frown. Now, however, even his bride's family wished him dead, not to mention the powerful Cole family. There were probably very few in the world who genuinely cared for him. In a strange way, they both shared a similar fate. A sense of irony washed over Bianca, but as she sneered, tears streamed down her face. She had known since she was a child that she was the unwanted one in her family. Her father remarried after her mother died in childbirth. Since then, Verda had been doted on by her father and stepmother, leaving Bianca to grow up in neglect and indifference. Yet, even so, Bianca hadn't expected her father to force her to marry into the Cole family for the sake of the company. Could she really regain her freedom after Oswald's death, or was she doomed to be trapped in the Cole mansion for the rest of her life? Bianca started crying, her wails of sorrow shattering the silence in the room. Suddenly, she felt something warm in her palm. Startled, she looked down and saw Oswald's fingers move. Chapter 2 Oswald Woke Up The slight itch in Bianca's palm assured her she wasn't hallucinating. He held her finger, appearing to be in a very weak state. Bianca's heart skipped a beat, her mind going blank. Looking up, she met his eyes. She couldn't tell exactly what he was thinking about right now, yet she still felt intimidated by his sharp gaze. 'Is he awake?' she couldn't help but ask herself. Half an hour later, the doctor stood up, smiling, and said to Frederick and Melinda, "Congratulations, Mr. Cole has indeed woken up, but he has lay in bed for so long. His body needs gradual recovery." Melinda cried tears of joy, tightly holding Bianca's hand. "That's good! God bless him!" Her grandson had been in a vegetative state for a year, and everyone in this family thought he would die. She was at her wit's end. Only after consulting an astrologer did she decide to find a well-matched wife for Oswald in hopes of a miracle. Her plan seemed to work. Just minutes after Bianca entered Oswald's room, he woke up. Exiting the bedroom, Melinda patted Bianca's hand, smiling kindly. "Bianca, from now on, you'll take care of Oswald." Bianca frowned. How was she supposed to take care of him? Oswald woke up too suddenly, leaving her at a loss for what to do next. She nervously suggested, "Melinda, should we discuss my marriage with Oswald now that he's awake?" Melinda's eyes narrowed. "There's no need for that. You are his wife, chosen by our family." Before Bianca could say more, Melinda pushed her into the bedroom. "Alright! Keep Oswald company and get some rest." The next moment, the door was locked as if sealing them in. Upon hearing the click, Oswald stared straight ahead—his narrowed eyes akin to a black hole, exuding a chilling aura that sent a shiver down Bianca's spine. Startled, she took two steps back, her back hitting the door with a thud. Oswald had regained his senses but remained motionless and speechless, his eyes displaying clear rejection and indifference. Attempting to turn the doorknob, Bianca soon found it wouldn't bulge. Forcing a smile, she remarked, "Well, the door is locked..." Oswald's expression grew colder, leaving Bianca unsure of what to do. She couldn't possibly kick the door down, could she? Furrowing his brow, Oswald closed his eyes, ignoring her. The room fell silent. Exhausted from the day, Bianca unpacked her suitcase, entered the bathroom to remove her makeup, took a shower, and changed into her pajamas. After blow-drying her hair, she found Oswald still lying with his eyes shut, seemingly asleep. Moving quietly to the bed, she lifted the blanket. Suddenly, Oswald's eyes snapped open, locking onto Bianca. Bianca's hand froze as she hastily explained, "There are no extra blankets." With a hint of anger in his eyes, Oswald glanced at the floor, indicating she should sleep there. Without even a blanket, the cold, hard floor seemed unbearable. Bianca refused to sleep there. After a moment of hesitation, Bianca, pretending not to understand Oswald's gaze, mustered her courage, lifted the blanket, and crawled in. Oswald was taken aback as he glared at Bianca as if trying to tear her to pieces. Bianca lay on her side, ignoring his wrath. Her heart was pounding wildly. Now that Oswald was awake, she needed an exit plan. If she got kicked out of the Cole family, she would return to school, graduate, and apply for a professional certificate. Bianca initially thought she wouldn't be able to fall asleep next to such a cold-faced man, but she drifted into sleep soon. The room fell silent again. In the darkness, Oswald opened his eyes. Frustrated by his lack of sensation, he furrowed his brow. Annoyed, he suddenly heard a sweet, steady breath with a faint shampoo scent, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity toward the bold woman next to him. However, listening to her breathing, Oswald felt more at ease. *** The next morning, Bianca woke up in a daze. Then, she saw Oswald's handsome face. His eyes were closed, softening his icy demeanor. Looking at him, she had to admit that he was the sexiest man she had ever seen. The next moment, however, his eyes opened, his gaze sharp with annoyance. Bianca realized she had unknowingly approached him, her face near his neck, their breaths intermingling. Startled, Bianca blushed and quickly got off the bed, accidentally pulling the blanket with her. Oswald breathed heavily, glaring at Bianca. "I'm sorry." She quickly covered him with the blanket and dashed into the bathroom. After freshening up, she carried a basin of water and a towel out. Oswald's face showed no emotion, his eyes remaining cold. He seemed to be struggling to raise his hand, sweating profusely. Bianca approached him with a towel, offering to wipe his face, feeling obligated to do so as his nominal wife. As Bianca carefully dried his face, a drop of sweat trickled down his neck and flowed into his collar, making her blush. "Do you want me to clean your body?" she asked. Instantly, Oswald's expression turned icy, his gaze sharp with rejection and disgust. Bianca felt a chill and paled, unsure of what had upset him. Just then, the bedroom door swung open. Melinda entered cheerfully. Noticing Bianca with the towel, she approvingly remarked on Bianca's thoughtfulness. "Oh, how considerate you are. Bianca! Keep it up. I couldn't wait to see my great-grandchild!" Chapter 3 I Can Do The Massages Great-grandchild?' Bianca's heart raced. She hadn't planned for this. She glanced at Oswald, his face dark and seemingly averse to the idea. She was sure Oswald couldn't accept her as his wife. Even if she was willing to have a child, she couldn't force the issue while he lay unable to move in bed. Bianca forced a smile and remained silent. Noticing the shy look on Bianca's face, Melinda couldn't help but smile. An hour later, the bedroom was bustling with the Cole family members, all smiling as they visited Oswald. Bianca found herself slowly pushed out onto the balcony, relieved to gaze at the distant scenery. Oswald had been bedridden for a year, and many in the Cole family had already schemed to seize his fortune, thinking he might never wake up. Now, with his recovery imminent, the visitors' smiles didn't necessarily reflect their true feelings. Bianca felt weary witnessing their conflicting emotions. "Bianca!" The balcony door closed, and Bianca turned to see Rolf's faux affectionate expression. Feeling nauseated, she turned to leave. Rolf quickly stopped her, pleading, "Bianca, let me explain!" Bianca stepped back, looking coldly at him. "We've already broken up," she stated firmly. Rolf looked heartbroken, insisting, "I never agreed to the breakup, Bianca. You're the only one I love." "Rolf, are you out of your mind?" Bianca asked in disbelief. "I'm your brother's wife. How dare you say something like that?" The mention of his "brother's wife" darkened Rolf's face. He then forced a smile. "Bianca, I know I was wrong. Verda confessed her feelings for me, and seeing her cry, I agreed." Bianca sneered. They underestimated her knowledge, treating her like a fool. It was clear that Rolf and Verda had schemed behind her back, manipulating her to marry into the Cole family so that Rolf would become the heir after Oswald died. This way, the Cole family would fall into Rolf's hands, allowing him to be with Verda forever. Feeling furious, Bianca sneered as she softly said, "Well, it's a good thing we broke up. After marrying Oswald, I realized he's the right person for me. Now that he's awake, I believe he'll soon regain control of the Cole Group. And I can enjoy a lifetime of wealth and respect." Rolf was dumbfounded, his face dark with rage. However, he quickly composed himself, saying, "Bianca, I know you're upset. You're never a greedy woman. Besides, although he has woken up, the doctors say his legs may never fully recover from the accident. Are you really willing to spend your life with a disabled man?" 'Never fully recover?' Bianca was shocked. She had no idea about this. Rolf sensed Bianca's shock and, encouraged, leaned in with a soft, persuasive voice. "Bianca, if you help me take over the Cole Group, once you and my brother divorce, I'll send him abroad. Then, we can be together forever!" Bianca raised an eyebrow. "What should I do?" Rolf's heart leaped with joy. "Grandma said that if you have a child with Oswald, part of his shares could be transferred to the child. Of course, if anything unfortunate happened to him, the inheritance would belong to you and your child." His implication was clear. Bianca looked at him, sneering. Oswald, with all his cunning, was leagues beyond Rolf even if he was disabled. With Oswald around, Rolf would never make it to the top. And even if things went as Rolf planned, why would she, wealthy and single, bother with Rolf, a man who had cheated on her? "Rolf, are you out of your goddamn mind?" Bianca scrutinized him, her gaze filled with disdain. "You're from the same family as Oswald, yet you're so far behind. He is the president of the Cole Group even though he is disabled, while you're still trying to scheme against him through a woman's help. It's hilarious. Why would I choose to be with you in the first place? I'm a fool!" Rolf fell silent, his face a picture of embarrassment. He stared at her in disbelief, knowing his facade of affection had shattered. Bianca laughed scornfully. "Don't come looking for me again. I'm Oswald's wife now, and it would be embarrassing if you kept pestering me like this. Well, it's quite embarrassing to let others know I was ever involved with someone like you, actually." With that, Bianca walked away, leaving Rolf standing there frozen. After the Cole family members left, the doctor came to examine Oswald. Melinda stood by anxiously, holding Bianca's hand. During the leg examination, Melinda suddenly squeezed Bianca's hand tightly, causing her pain. Bianca thought of Rolf's words and sighed inwardly, fearing Oswald's legs might indeed be in trouble. After the examination, the doctor stood up and said, "Mr. Cole's physical condition is good. Following the planned physical training should suffice. However, due to prolonged bed rest, more massages could help speed up his recovery." Melinda, teary-eyed, agreed, "Okay, I'll have caregivers arranged immediately." Bianca hesitated, offering, "Melinda, I can do the massages." Surprised, Melinda asked, "Really?" Bianca smiled. "I've learned it before. Let me try once and see if it works." "Alright." Melinda nodded. She was happy. It would be best if Bianca could do the massages; Oswald hated being touched by strangers, but perhaps it would help improve their relationship. Plus, his wife would definitely be more considerate than any caregiver. Oswald's sharp and impatient gaze landed on Bianca's face. He frowned, looking reluctant and displeased. Bianca ignored his expression and began massaging him earnestly. After half an hour, Bianca stood up, sweating profusely. The doctor nodded. "You have very professional massage skills, Mrs. Cole." Melinda immediately assigned the task to Bianca. Later that evening, after Bianca finished washing up, she walked out of the bathroom to find Oswald lying in bed, gritting his teeth and trying to lift his hand. He exerted too much force, veins bulging on his forehead and neck, looking fierce. After a while, he was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, his eyes filled with frustration and anger. Bianca looked at him, mixed feelings creeping into her heart. Chapter 4 Miracle Oswald was unaware of his inability to stand. Previously powerful and confident, he now faced the reality of a lifetime in a wheelchair, a blow to his pride. Silently, Bianca brought warm water and a towel, ready to wipe his sweat. The next moment, however, her eyes widened as the basin slipped from her hands and clattered to the floor. On the bed, Oswald gritted his teeth, his arm trembling as he tried to lift it slowly. But soon, he lost all his strength, and his hand slammed uncontrollably back down. Instinctively, Bianca rushed forward, tightly holding his arm. "You did it! Oswald, you lifted your arm!" She was excited, her eyes shining with surprise and joy. The light cascaded down from above, highlighting Bianca's hair as she beamed with happiness, making Oswald's heart flutter. He could feel the warmth of her touch on his hand, surprisingly not provoking his usual sense of rejection and irritability. Raising his arm improved Oswald's mood slightly, but his expression remained cold and indifferent. Meeting Bianca's gaze, he narrowed his eyes again. Bianca came back to her senses. Realizing she was holding Oswald's hand, she blushed, quickly tucking his arm under the blanket. After cleaning up the spilled water on the floor, she prepared another basin of water and a towel to wipe Oswald's sweat. This time, Oswald kept his eyes closed and made no objections as Bianca attended to him. Before going to bed, Bianca hesitated for a long time before whispering, "Congratulations. Things will only get better from here." In the darkness, Oswald slowly opened his eyes, his emotions inscrutable. Time flew by quickly. Following the doctor's instructions, Bianca massaged Oswald twice a day. Due to her petite frame, she would be drenched in sweat every time. Oswald's upper body gradually regained sensation, allowing him to sit in a wheelchair and perform some daily activities. Even the doctor marveled at his rapid recovery, calling it a miracle. Only Bianca knew that a large part of this miracle was due to Oswald's superhuman willpower and effort. After massaging Oswald in the morning, Bianca headed out. Since marrying into the Cole family, she rarely went out, but this time she was meeting an old classmate. As she entered the café, the wind chimes on the door tinkled. Gerald Macy sat by the window, his brow furrowed as he flipped through some documents. He exuded an aura of sophistication in his white shirt and gray vest, attracting the attention of many female patrons. Approaching Gerald quickly, Bianca couldn't help but smile. "Long time no see, Mr. Macy!" Gerald looked up, a smile gracing his handsome face. "Long time no see." As Bianca sat down, Gerald gestured to the cup of coffee in front of her. "It's too cold these days. I changed your iced Americano to a hot one, still with milk and no sugar. It's at a drinkable temperature now." Bianca took a sip of the coffee, feeling its warmth and aroma seep into her stomach, causing her to squint in comfort. "You're always so thoughtful, Mr. Macy," she remarked. Gerald handed her the documents he had been reading. "These are the stock transfer agreement and power of attorney." After carefully reviewing the documents, Bianca signed the power of attorney and said, "Good. Please handle the negotiations with Roffe Group." Gerald came from a prominent family and ran a law firm. He would only take on such a small case due to their relationship. Therefore, Bianca trusted his preparations. Curious, Gerald inquired, "Why are you selling the Roffe Group's shares? The recent investment from the Cole Group has boosted Roffe Group's stock price, and your father has initiated numerous projects. It seems like a profitable time to hold onto the shares." Upon hearing the mention of her father, Bianca frowned. Gerald quickly clarified that he was just offering friendly advice, not trying to dissuade her. Bianca sighed, unsure of how to answer his question. Her father's decision to force her to marry into the Cole family after the Roffe Group encountered trouble was a sore point. With Oswald awake and the uncertainty of their marriage's future, cutting financial ties with the Roffe family seemed like the best choice. Few knew about Bianca's marriage to Oswald, so she had no intention of elaborating. She decided to be straightforward, saying, "I don't have faith in Roffe Group's future. With my strained relationship with my family and their dilution of my shares during the recent funding round, I'd rather make a profit now than risk being kicked out later." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "Besides, I've passed the bar exam and plan to start a law firm after graduation. It's the right time to earn some money." Having seen many unusual family dynamics as a lawyer, Gerald wasn't surprised. He joked, "Are you trying to compete with me, Bianca?" Bianca chuckled. "I can't compete with you, but I just don't want to rely on others for a living. Once my firm is established, I'll need your help with referrals." "Rest assured. I'll help you," Gerald assured. After her conversation with Gerald, Bianca felt relieved. She took a taxi back to the Cole family's residence. Upon entering, she sensed a strange atmosphere. The doctor and servants were standing in the living room, silent. Tension and fear filled the air. The butler, Frank Woods, was visibly relieved at Bianca's return, yet his expression held a hint of sympathy. "Mrs. Cole, Mr. Cole is in the study. He asked to see you immediately upon your return." Bianca's heart raced at the news. 'What could have happened?' she wondered. Bianca knocked at the study door, her heart pounding with fear. After a few seconds, a deep, hoarse voice came from inside, indifferent yet commanding. "Come in." For some reason, hearing that voice made Bianca's heart skip a beat. She composed herself and opened the door. The scene that met her eyes sent a shiver down her spine. The study now resembled an execution ground. Rolf was being held down on his knees by two bodyguards, tears and snot streaming down his face, panic and fear written all over him. Chapter 5 The Divorce Agreement Upon seeing Bianca, Rolf blurted out as if seeing a savior, "Oswald, there's nothing between Bianca and me! You can ask her; we've already broken up!" Oswald, sitting coldly, lifted his eyes, his tone utterly indifferent as he asked, "Really?" Bianca paused. 'He can talk?' she wondered. Surprised only for a moment, she regained her composure and explained softly, "I broke up with him when I decided to marry you." "I see," Oswald said, his voice and expression cold, leaving it unclear whether he believed her or not. Rolf, trembling violently, insisted, "Of course, Oswald! I've wanted to break up with her for a long time! The one I love is her sister, Verda. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to ask the Roffe family; they all know it!" He was so scared that he spilled everything. Bianca bit her lip, furious and disgusted. If it weren't for Oswald's presence, she would have slapped him. However, she wanted to end this incident quickly, so she remained silent. A dreadful silence fell over the study. Oswald lowered his eyes, fiddling with a pearl pendant in his hand. The sound of the pendant clinking was unnerving. Finally, Oswald said lightly, "Last month, you two met on the balcony." Bianca froze, feeling a chill in her heart. She could tell from his tone that he was certain about the matter. Rolf's eyes widened, his face turning pale. 'Does Oswald know what I said on the balcony?' he wondered. In a panic, he shouted, "She seduced me! Oswald, Bianca doesn't want to marry a vegetable. She seduced me to get your inheritance! I was deceived by her!" Bianca's mind went blank. She stared at Rolf, trembling with anger. "Rolf! You despicable asshole! It was you who wanted to take over the Cole Group. And I rejected you!" "You're full of shit! You thought my brother could never walk again. You don't want to marry a cripple..." Smack! Bianca mustered all her strength and slapped Rolf's face hard. Her voice was cold as she scolded, "You are a shameless jerk!" Rolf's face stung as he wanted to say more, but meeting Oswald's stern gaze, he shivered like crazy. After all, Melinda had ordered not to reveal Oswald's condition of being unable to stand up. Oswald's face darkened, his eyes piercing with icy coldness. Clenching his fist, he almost crushed the pearl pendant in his hand. His killing intent made the whole study thick with tension. Rolf dared not even breathe. Unable to bear it any longer, he begged for mercy. "Oswald, I was speaking nonsense! I shouldn't have..." "Shut up." Two cold, indifferent words silenced Rolf's pleas immediately. Oswald raised a cold gaze. The next moment, the guards holding Rolf released him, catching him off guard with a swift kick. Crack! Came the sound of bones shattering. The next moment, Rolf clutched his leg, rolling on the floor in agony. Oswald frowned. "Too noisy." The guards promptly dragged Rolf out, his cries fading gradually. Seeing this, Bianca stood there, her face turning pale. It felt like all the blood in her body had frozen, fear engulfing her. Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she held onto her icy cold hands, feeling her teeth chatter. The study fell into silence once more. Oswald's expression remained unreadable, making it hard for her to know what he was thinking about. Bianca felt like she was standing in front of a beast, her heart pounding like crazy. Taking a deep breath, she said in a trembling voice, "Oswald, nothing Rolf said is true. Melinda made me sign a prenup, and I never wanted the Cole family's money. He's slandering me." A thud echoed as Oswald tossed aside the pearl pendant. His gaze, now filled with hostility and disgust, fixed on Bianca. Finally, he uttered, "Get out." *** Back in her room, Bianca paced. Unsure if Oswald would believe her, she pondered what he would do to her if he didn't believe her. Memories of the man dragged away at the party and the painful cries of Rolf after his leg broke resurfaced, quickening her heartbeat. After a while, a knock on the door broke the silence. Anxiously, Bianca opened it to find Frank standing at the door. Frank said, "Mrs. Cole, Mr. Cole wants you to bring your passport downstairs." 'Is Oswald asking for a divorce?' Bianca wondered. She nodded, her lips tightly pressed. "Okay, I'll go down now." She took her passport from the drawer, feeling surprisingly calm. Optimistically, she thought at least she didn't have to break her leg. Since Oswald woke up, she had mentally prepared for their divorce sooner or later. As Bianca descended the stairs, she saw Oswald in a wheelchair, a worried doctor and the lawyer who had handled their marriage behind him. Oswald's expression hinted at his awareness of his condition, a touch of anger in his gaze. Bianca quietly approached them. The lawyer handed them the divorce papers, saying, "Mr. Cole, Ms. Roffe, please sign the divorce agreement." Oswald took the pen with a cold face and signed it without hesitation. Bianca followed suit. The lawyer took Bianca's passport. "Mr. Cole, I'll bring the divorce certificate tomorrow." In less than two minutes, Bianca ended her brief marriage. Head hung low, she struggled to process it all. Suddenly, the door burst open, and a voice filled with anger sounded. "Who allowed you to get a divorce?" Oswald's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of resignation. The next moment, Melinda stormed in with a cane. "Are you out of your mind, Oswald? How dare you ask for a divorce without my consent? Are you doing this to express your discomfort?" Chapter 6 Divorce Oswald furrowed his brow. "Grandma." Melinda hesitated momentarily and then exclaimed, "Oswald, you can speak!" Oswald nodded expressionlessly, stating, "I was unaware of this marriage, so I don't acknowledge it." Melinda's joy faded. "No, you have to. Oswald, the day Bianca married you, you woke up. With her by your side, you'll recover soon." Oswald remained indifferent, "This is superstition." Melinda retorted, "Better to believe it than doubt it!" Before Bianca married into the family, Oswald was on the verge of death. His awakening was a miracle. With a hint of disdain, Oswald remarked, "Grandma, do you really think my legs will work just because of her?" Melinda's lips quivered in shock. "Oswald, when did you know it?" Oswald remained silent. After a moment, tears welled up in Melinda's eyes as she shook her head. "That's why I can't agree to your divorce. Oswald, Bianca is a good girl. I'm sure she will be a good wife." Melinda's tone was sincere, but Oswald's eyes turned icy as his face darkened. Just as he was about to speak, Melinda interjected, "Oswald, I'm old now. I just want to see you get married and have children." She closed her eyes, tears tracing down her wrinkles. "I still remember when your father brought you to me. You and your father were like two peas in a pod..." Melinda's face twisted in pain as she continued, "Oswald, I know what you're thinking. Over the years, you've never mentioned it, but you hate the Cole family. Otherwise, you wouldn't have delayed your marriage. I truly regret it..." Overwhelmed with sorrow, she held her head, struggling to catch her breath. Bianca instinctively steadied Melinda, while Oswald signaled the doctor to help her. "Grandma, you should take a rest." Melinda pushed the doctor away, gripping Bianca's hand tightly, pulling her forward. "Promise me you won't divorce Bianca." Oswald watched as Melinda's pained face turned pale, her gaze fixed on him, a hint of irritation in his expression. Marriage meant nothing to Oswald; he scoffed at the idea of love. He didn't need companionship and had no intention of being dragged down by anyone. In his eyes, Bianca was just a meaningless investment due to Melinda's superstition. Oswald suddenly he had overlooked Melinda's strong desire for him to start a family. He tightened his lips, looking at Bianca, who appeared genuinely concerned about Melinda's health. Her youthful and attractive face caught his eye. ***Later that evening, Bianca received a set of bedding from Frank. It seemed like Oswald's compromise, with him dropping the divorce topic and Melinda no longer insisting on him and Bianca sharing a bed. Frank whispered to Bianca, "Mrs. Cole, rest assured. With Mrs. Melinda around, you won't be forced to leave here." Bianca, composed, asked, "But Oswald really hates me now. Can I sleep in the guest room?" Frank awkwardly replied, "Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Melinda has taken away the keys to the guest room." "How about the living room? I'll sleep on the sofa." She didn't want to be in the same room as Oswald, fearing nightmares if she lay beside him. Frank chuckled. "Please don't put me in a tough spot, Mrs. Cole. If I do this, Mrs. Melinda will get angry with me." Bianca fell silent for a moment, then turned with the bedding in her arms. In the bedroom, Oswald leaned against the bed, engrossed in documents. As Bianca entered, their eyes met, his cold gaze sending shivers down her spine. She almost heard bones breaking again. She didn't blame Oswald for his harsh methods toward his enemies; what terrified her was his indifference to human life and family bonds. His callousness, where a mere glance could prompt his bodyguards to break someone's leg, unnerved her. Being a law student, she found it hard to accept it. Taking a deep breath to calm her panic, Bianca suggested, "Let's draft another divorce agreement. Once Melinda agrees, we can proceed with the divorce certificate." Oswald, noticing her feigned composure, set aside the documents. "Are you in such a hurry to divorce me?" Bianca was taken aback. 'Was would he think like that?' she wondered. She was merely trying to accommodate his wishes. Oswald eyed her with a hint of mockery. "My grandma spent millions of dollars on you, and now you're planning to leave? Do you think you're worth that price?" Bianca pressed her lips together. After a few seconds, she made up her mind. "You can have the Cole Group pull out their investment." Marrying a comatose patient is way different from living in constant fear with an unpredictable tyrant. She didn't want to be with him. Seeing her determined stance, Oswald coldly sneered. "Divorce is not up to you." With that, he picked up his documents, ignoring Bianca. Bianca watched his domineering behavior, feeling a wave of anger wash over her. In a modern society where marriage should be a choice, why couldn't she ask for a divorce? Bianca looked at the indifferent Oswald, unable to voice her anger. She spread the bedding on the floor, slowly forming a plan in her mind. It was a good opportunity to quickly handle the Roffe Group's shares during this time; getting the money was crucial. The failed divorce today was mainly due to Melinda's opposition. But one day, Melinda would give up. After all, with so many women willing to marry Oswald, someone would replace her sooner or later. Bianca made two decisions—persuading Melinda and finding someone to take her place. Chapter 7 You Have To Come From that day on, Bianca tried to avoid Oswald. Apart from the necessities of eating and sleeping, they barely saw each other, and when they did, they acted as if the other were invisible. However, since Oswald's legs required daily massages and Bianca had volunteered for this task in front of Melinda, she couldn't just abandon the job halfway through. Thus, every evening, Bianca had to physically interact with Oswald. Gradually, she got used to his cold demeanor. A few days later, Bianca received a call from Randall. His voice, filled with suppressed anger, sounded. "Bianca, are you selling your company shares?" "Yeah," Bianca responded indifferently. Randall insisted, "Come to my office now. We need to talk." Bianca didn't want to go. "I've already entrusted this matter to my lawyer. You can talk to him." "You have to come!" Randall raised his voice but then quickly subdued his impatience. "Even if you don't consider me, think about your mom. The Roffe Group is her life's work." Bianca scoffed. "How come you didn't consider Mom when you sold me to a comatose man?" Randall was at a loss for words. "Never mind. I'm hanging up," Bianca said. "Wait!" Randall hurriedly stopped her. "Besides the shares, your mom left something else for you. Come to the office, and I'll give it to you!" Seemingly afraid she would refuse, Randall quickly hung up. Bianca frowned. Her mother passed away early, leaving behind memories of a beautiful, gentle, and attractive woman who would play with Bianca during leisure time and was incredibly decisive at work. Although Bianca's time with her mother was brief and the memories were vague, the warmth of being loved and cared for was deep in Bianca's heart. Since her mother passed away, Bianca had no other family. Therefore, she couldn't ignore her father's words. *** After a phone call with Gerald, Bianca headed to the Roffe Group. She had previously agreed with Gerald to keep the share-selling confidential from Randall. However, only a small portion had been sold before it was discovered. The Roffe Building, located in the suburbs, had transformed into a bustling business center over the past twenty years. Bianca knew that the Roffe Group had been struggling in recent years, with the building already mortgaged to the bank. However, with investments from the Cole Group, the Roffe Group appeared revitalized. Bianca was ushered into the CEO's office. Randall had two cups of coffee prepared, showing no signs of anger, and greeted her warmly, "Bianca, why haven't you been answering my calls lately?" Bianca remained composed, stating, "I thought I made it clear. Once the shares are sold, I'll have nothing to do with the Roffe family." Randall's expression darkened. "How can you say that? I'm still your father. I used to hold you when you were a child..." "Let's not go there," Bianca interjected coldly, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes. "What did Mom leave for me?" Randall didn't answer her question. "Bianca, I know you're still angry with me, but the Cole family is wealthy. If you marry Oswald, you'll be rich. With Oswald's health condition back then, once he dies, you'll get a large sum of money. I was doing this for your future." Chapter 8 Nice To Meet You Bianca had heard these words at least three times, and each time, it made her wonder why there would be such a shameless person in the world. She looked Randall in the eye and asked, "Randall, am I really your biological daughter?" Randall hesitated. "Of course." Bianca shook her head in disappointment. "Keep those disgusting words to yourself. If marrying off your daughter to a comatose man is your expression of fatherly love, then sacrificing my father would make me the best child in the world, right?" Bianca cut to the chase. "You planned for me to marry Oswald. After his death, Rolf would inherit the Cole Group, Verda would become the CEO's wife, and I, a pathetic widow, would be kicked out of my family. You were indeed doing this for my future, arranging everything so perfectly, even finding a buyer for me after I become a widow." Bianca raised a brow, sneering. "Oh, the buyer was Jeremy Clay from Greenwood, a sixty-year-old widower with five deceased wives and a bunch of illegitimate children, huh?" Randall was speechless, wondering why she knew all this. Bianca sarcastically smirked. Recalling those words sent shivers down her spine. Standing up with her bag in hand, she looked down at Randall, declaring, "You're right about one thing—no matter what happens, you are my biological father. So, marrying Oswald will settle the tuition, living expenses, and rent I have to pay you for over a decade. And now, I owe you nothing." Her expression held sarcasm and indifference, but no trace of sadness. Randall was both surprised and embarrassed. As Bianca prepared to leave, he instinctively stopped her. "Wait!" He gritted his teeth as if making a difficult decision. "Your mother did leave something for you!" **** Back at the Cole family's residence, Bianca felt a bit lost. While changing her shoes, Frank greeted her, "Mrs. Cole, you're finally back!" Bianca nodded absentmindedly. Frank raised his voice, beaming. "Mrs. Cole, you must be tired. The kitchen has your favorite dishes ready!" Despite her inner turmoil, Bianca noticed Frank's unusual enthusiasm. He seemed overly friendly. Sensing her confusion, Frank approached her and whispered, "We have a guest." 'What does that have to do with me?' Bianca thought. Even if there were guests, they should be here for Oswald. Bianca changed her shoes and entered the living room. Seeing the woman on the sofa, she instantly understood Frank's odd behavior. The woman sat on the sofa, dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, her hair slightly curled, looked exceptionally cute. Bianca immediately recognized her—the famous actress, Megan Field. At that moment, Bianca's mind raced through various news stories, settling on one where Megan chose her career over her boyfriend. She also knew that back then, Megan's boyfriend was Oswald. Megan glanced at Bianca and asked, "You're Bianca?" Bianca could sense the hostility in Megan's eyes. She looked at Megan and suddenly smiled. "Yeah, nice to meet you." Chapter 9 Are You Mad At Me? Megan frowned, giving Bianca a critical once-over. Dismissing Bianca's smile, she remarked, "Can't understand why Melinda chose a woman like you for Oswald. Nothing special." Bianca, maintaining her composure, responded, "I wonder why she didn't pick someone like you instead." Megan, angered by Bianca's nonchalant reply, glared at Bianca and huffed, "Who the hell do you think you are? Melinda only chose you because she was deceived by that stupid astrologer. Now that Oswald has woken up, you should get the hell out of here!" Megan's tone and gaze were offensive, prompting Bianca to retort with a cold smile, "I don't need your reminders. If you're so capable, convince Oswald to divorce me and marry you. I'll thank you for that." Before Megan could retaliate, Oswald's stern voice interrupted, "What's going on?" Megan's anger dissipated when she saw Oswald in his wheelchair. Her eyes teared up with delight. "Oswald..." Oswald's expression remained indifferent. "Why are you here?" Megan approached him, half-kneeling by his wheelchair, and pleaded, "Why didn't you contact me once you woke up? I was truly worried about you." Despite her pitiful appearance, Oswald's gaze hinted at mockery. "I heard you've been filming abroad all year." Megan, taken aback, stammered, "I-I..." Struggling to explain, tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out, "Oswald, are you mad at me? My parents forced me to go abroad. I wanted to stay and take care of you..." Oswald remained indifferent to her tears. A year ago, doctors declared him a vegetable on the brink of death. Melinda had considered finding him a wife. Megan was the top choice, being a distant relative of the Coles and having a long-standing affection for Oswald. She publicly confessed her love for him multiple times. Before Melinda could tell Megan, Megan left under the guise of filming abroad, shedding tears in the media about her reluctance. However, it was clear she was avoiding Oswald and the Cole family. Speculation ran wild, assuming Oswald's imminent demise, even impacting the Cole Group's stock prices, prompting Frederick to step in despite his illness. Melinda, infuriated, dropped the marriage idea for a year. Now, with Oswald awake, Megan returned at once. Frank, sensing Oswald's impatience, intervened, "Ms. Field, Mr. Cole is busy. Please leave." Megan glared at him through teary eyes. Disdainful, Frank turned to Bianca, asking, "Mrs. Cole, dinner is ready. Would you and Mr. Cole dine now or later?"

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The coffee cup shattered against the wall, brown droplets spraying like blood. Rolf lunged forward, grabbing my wrist. "Bianca, wait! You don’t understand—"

I yanked free, heart pounding. "I understand perfectly. You’re marrying me off to your brother so you can inherit everything, then run off with Verda. Did you think I wouldn’t figure it out?"

His face twisted. "It’s not like that! I love you!"

"You love convenience," I spat. "And lies."

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Not for him. I turned and walked out, the café door chiming softly behind me—a sound too gentle for the storm inside.

Three days later, I stood in a wedding gown at the gates of the Cole mansion. No ceremony. No joy. Just a contract signed in desperation, trading my future for my father’s company.

Now, inside the dimly lit bedroom, I faced the man I’d married—a stranger frozen in time. Oswald lay motionless, pale and perfect, tubes snaking from his arms. The air smelled of antiseptic and silence.

I reached into my purse, pulling out the prenup Melinda had made me sign. "This changes nothing," I whispered. "I’ll fix your family’s mess, then disappear."

Then—his fingers moved.

My breath caught. His hand twitched again, brushing mine. Slowly, agonizingly, his eyelids fluttered open.

Cold, sharp gray eyes locked onto mine.

He was awake.

And he was furious.