Chapter 4

In just half a month, everything had changed.

Returning to the marital home Sophia and I shared, I was surrounded by memories of past happiness and sweetness, now all tinged with mockery.

Two years ago, I had gained internet fame through a dance competition show, but with my ordinary looks, I hadn't attracted much attention.

Every day, apart from dancing in competitions, I would guest star in various productions.

News of my amputation was leaked online by someone, immediately drawing a wave of sympathy.

[So tragic, I still remember his performance of "Endless Longing" - it was otherworldly!]

[Don't be too sad, little brother... We'll continue to support you.]

The trending topic, which should have been quickly forgotten, was pushed further by someone behind the scenes. Using the hook of a talented dancer's fall from grace, they directed traffic towards the recently shot commercial.

With trembling fingers, I clicked on the video. The raging ice and snow engulfed me like a ravenous beast.

The pain of that moment made my whole body shake.

Sophia snatched my phone away, "This is too much! I'm going to confront him about this!"

She stormed into the bedroom with an indignant face, "What Adam's doing is nothing but profiting from someone else's misfortune!"

I desperately held back the nausea rising inside me and quietly maneuvered my wheelchair to the doorway.

Sophia was coyly chatting with Adam, "Are you home yet? Ugh, that cripple can't leave my side. I finally found a chance to call you."

Adam laughed and asked, "Does that cripple have any more misfortunes? Tell me quickly so I can post it online for more attention."

Sophia gleefully shared the darkest moments of my past suffering.

"He was apparently assaulted by school bullies before. I saw his pants being pulled down outside, and they took so many private photos. The picture of him tied up with ribbons went viral on our school forum. It was hilarious."

"If it weren't for his mom leaving all her inheritance to him, would I need to stick by his side?"

I forced myself to stay calm, but my fingertips gripping the wheelchair had turned white.

They talked on the phone for half an hour.

I waited silently by the window.

Sophia put on her fake expression again and came over to hold my hand, "That Adam is too much. I told him to take down the trending topic, but he refused."

I looked into her eyes and smiled bitterly, "But you two seemed to be having a good time chatting."

Sophia's face instantly turned wooden, "You eavesdropped on our conversation?!"

In the ten years we'd been together, I had never lied to her, and this time was no exception.

Sophia, however, showed no nervousness. Instead, she laughed lightly.

"This is good too. You would have found out sooner or later." She gently caressed my cheek, her eyes filled with both love and hatred, "But Noah, you can only stay by my side for the rest of your life."

She lifted the blanket covering my body, looking scornfully at my disability.

"Besides me, who else would be willing to waste their time on a cripple like you!"

The woman before me seemed to have split into two faces.

Each face was a stranger to me.

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