Chapter 3

My wrist burned where he held it. I met his gaze and calmly rose.

“As you can see, this wild dog is hard to tame. I’ll be taking my leave.”

Dorian Blackwood chuckled softly, naturally putting an arm around my shoulders and leading me out.

I knew a burning gaze was fixed on my back, but I didn’t turn around.

Just as we reached the door, Dorian Blackwood suddenly leaned in, his lips almost brushing mine.

Marcus Thorne spoke, his voice cold:

“Audrey.”

I pressed my palm against Dorian Blackwood’s chest and turned to face him:

“Commander Thorne, do you need something?”

He clenched his jaw, his eyes blazing with fury.

But before he could speak, Serena grabbed his arm and said timidly:

“My birthday is after midnight. Marcus promised to celebrate with me. Dr. Audrey, would you like to stay and join us?”

I glanced at Marcus Thorne. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he remained silent.

“No need. I have other plans.”

Raising my hand, I gripped Dorian Blackwood’s collar, straightened my back, and left, ignoring Marcus Thorne’s sharp gaze.

I sighed with relief as I sat in the passenger seat and looked at the man beside me:

“Dorian, what brings you here?”

Dorian Blackwood dropped his flirtatious demeanor, returning to his usual laid-back, casual self:

“Making Commander Thorne uncomfortable is always a pleasure for me.”

I pursed my lips, saying nothing more. He suddenly leaned closer:

“How about a little demonstration of my moves? I promise you won’t regret it.”

I raised an eyebrow, pushing him back half an arm’s length:

“No need. Just take me home.”

As we reached my door, Dorian Blackwood called out to me:

“Dr. Audrey, remember, you owe me one.”

I turned back, meeting his searching gaze.

He curved his lips into a smile:

“Perhaps someday, I’ll need your help, Dr. Audrey.”

I wasn’t in the mood to guess his intentions and simply pushed open the door to my house.

This house rarely had visitors. A photo of Marcus and me was still displayed in the living room.

Marcus faced immense pressure in the fleet; his only peaceful sleep happened here.

He said that I and this home were like his sanctuary, a place where his weary soul could finally find peace.

But it had been a long time since he’d been back.

The alcohol went to my head, and I drifted into a hazy sleep, only to be woken by a call from my assistant, Harper.

“Dr. Audrey, Commander Thorne went public with Serena last night!”

“Commander Thorne used celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday as an excuse to send her a ten-tier birthday cake!”

My limbs suddenly felt cold, and I involuntarily tightened my grip on my phone.

Marcus Thorne and I had known each other for five years and been married for three. I had longed for this public acknowledgment day and night.

He had given it so casually to another woman.

Harper gritted her teeth in anger on the other end of the line:

“It was clearly you, Dr. Audrey, who was always by Commander Thorne’s side. How could he…?”

“They’re saying you were obsessed with Commander Thorne, and he had no choice but to announce his relationship with Serena to make you give up!”

“Those two shameless dogs!”

I thought I could face it calmly after being reborn.

But when reality was cruelly laid bare, my tears still betrayed me and fell.

After a long silence, I cut her off:

“Have you prepared everything I asked for?”

Harper paused, then reluctantly asked:

“Dr. Audrey, are you really leaving?”

I tossed the framed photo on the table into the trash.

Ten years ago, I gave up reuniting with my biological parents for Marcus Thorne.

Now, I wouldn’t sacrifice my life for anyone again.