Chapter 2

I furiously transferred the money to the kidnapper. Two seconds later, I heard Blake's phone ping.

"Surprise! Did you like the surprise I sent you?"

I gasped, utterly disbelieving. "Blake?"

"Liam, you're not mad, are you? I just wanted to play a prank on you."

I said, my voice heavy. "Do you think this is funny?"

"Liam, don't throw a fit here. It was just a prank, wasn't it?"

Chloe had come over at some point, instantly jumping to Blake's defense.

I gasped for air, the scene before me blurring. Finally, I felt my body give out and passed out.

When I woke up again, I was in a hospital.

I slowly sat up and saw a familiar figure slumped asleep by the bed.

"Mia?"

Mia looked up. Seeing I was awake, tears of joy streamed down her face.

"Liam, you're finally awake! You've been asleep for a whole day."

Mia's tears wouldn't stop.

My heart aching, I pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Mia. I've caused you so much trouble."

"What are you talking about? I'm just glad you're okay. I... I called Chloe, and she... she told me not to put on an act for her..."

Mia stuttered, afraid her words would damage my relationship with Chloe.

I looked at Mia, my heart full of tenderness.

"I'll handle it."

Ever since our parents passed away, Mia and I had depended on each other.

For Chloe's sake, I had neglected Mia, pouring all my efforts into Chloe.

I even gave her ownership of all my novels, accumulated over decades, fearing she wouldn't have financial security.

Now, it had become her leverage to do whatever she pleased.

I quickly checked out of the hospital and went home.

I opened my laptop and revised the final chapter, which was scheduled for a timely update.

It was late into the night when I finally clicked "submit," having completely derailed the protagonist's character and the story's logic.

This novel, because of its incredible data and ever-increasing online readership, had attracted the attention of numerous directors.

Even before it was finished, many had privately messaged me, inquiring about the film adaptation rights.

Eventually, it was signed by a nationally renowned director.

He had only one requirement: there must be no major collapse of character design or plot.

The penalty for breach of contract was double the signing fee.

It wouldn't have been an issue unless done intentionally.

I had just finished packing my bags when I heard a commotion in the living room.

"Liam is still in the hospital, aren't you going to check on him?"

I recognized Blake's voice.

Chloe scoffed. "Who knows if he's faking it? Just some little trick to make me feel guilty."

Chloe, my nominal wife, even thought my illness was an act.

Before long, suggestive sounds drifted from outside.

Suppressing my nausea, I opened the door.

The two were caught in a passionate kiss, their hands exploring each other's bodies.

Hearing the door open, they stopped their movements and instinctively turned.

Seeing it was me, Chloe hastily pushed Blake away.

Instead of fear at being caught cheating, she was enraged. "Why didn't you say you were coming back? Who are you trying to scare here?"

I looked at her coldly. "Is that your reaction to being caught cheating?"

Chloe put on a righteous face. "I was just discussing work with Blake. Your mind is dirty, so everything you think is dirty."

I couldn't be bothered to argue with her any further. I stated calmly, "Tomorrow, we're filing for divorce."

"Divorce? You want me to care about you? Just write your novels for me, and that's enough. Otherwise, when you regret it and beg me to get back together, I won't agree."

"If you don't agree to the divorce, then I'll have to pursue legal action."

I didn't bother listening to her response. I grabbed my suitcase and left that foul-smelling place, heading alone to a convenience store.

I only had the ten dollars Chloe had transferred me, barely enough for a meager meal.

Mia was at college and didn't have much money either.

Now, I didn't even have enough money for my next meal.

Thinking of myself, toiling away at my computer every day, I found it utterly pathetic.

To make her happy, I'd developed a host of health problems from sitting for long hours.

In the end, all my efforts yielded no reward.