18 Hours of Surgery Couldn't Save Our Marriage

When I woke up again, my head was wrapped in thick bandages, and the severe pain made me dizzy and disoriented.

A young, professional-looking woman sat beside my bed, watching me intently.

Just then, Mom pushed open the door. The moment she saw the woman, she charged forward like she had encountered her worst enemy.

"You're the homewrecker! How dare you show up here after wrecking someone's marriage?" Mom screamed, reaching out to grab Victoria Jones' hair.

Victoria frowned and dodged away.

"Mom, she's my assistant."

"Ma'am, I'm Mr. Hudson's assistant."

We both spoke at the same time.

Just then, Grace and Ryan entered the ward. Upon seeing Victoria, Grace's face instantly turned pale, and her body swayed.

Ryan immediately steadied her, glaring at me with hostile eyes.

"Derek, you've gone too far! Dr. Reed has lost so much weight worrying about you, and you actually brought your mistress to the hospital ward!"

Witnessing this scene, Grace burst into tears. The last time I had seen Grace cry like this was over ten years ago, during our innocent college days.

Back then, Grace was in love with Harry Thompson, my roommate and close friend. They were the perfect golden couple.

Though I secretly loved Grace, I was genuinely happy for them despite the bitterness in my heart. If it had been like a fairy tale where the prince and princess lived happily ever after, there would have been no place for me.

Yet, fate played a cruel joke. During our junior year, Harry jumped from a building. Later, they found his medical records confirming severe depression.

I lost my best friend, and Grace lost the person she loved most. I stayed by Grace's side through those darkest days.

She would not eat or drink, locking herself in her room to cry all night long. I never left her side. I cooked for her, chatted with her, and coaxed her to sleep like she was a child.

Eventually, we got together. I knew Harry still lived in her heart, but I believed my love could heal her.

When we got married, Grace suggested we remain childfree, and I agreed. Those days were peaceful and happy. I thought we would continue like that forever.

I was lost in thought for a long moment, remembering the more alluring version of her. However, my feelings had completely changed.

Just then, Victoria handed me a tablet and some documents. She whispered instructions in my ear.

Grace sobbed softly. "What secrets are you two hiding from me?"

I laughed coldly as I played the video on the tablet. "That's rich coming from you. If anyone has secrets, isn't it you two?"

I turned to Grace, holding the tablet in front of her.

"Take a look, my dear wife."

After watching the video, Grace's face turned deathly pale.