Gilded Lies

That night, the yacht was filled with screams. My body still carried the trauma, haunting me in nightmares every night. He was the one who stayed by my side. Whenever I jolted awake from a nightmare, he would gently stroke my back and comfort me. He told me he couldn't control Jasper, but his brother owed me and he would repay me tenfold.

To give me a grand wedding, he didn't hesitate to sever ties with the Griffins and establish himself independently. He announced his love for me to the world, but five years of happiness eventually turned out to be nothing but an illusion. The man who pulled me out of the abyss was the same one who pushed me into hell. I stumbled back into the private room.

Jordan saw my pale face and his eyes turned red with anxiety. He pulled me into his arms, patting my back gently, just like before. "What's wrong, Willa? Did something trigger your memory again? Don't be afraid, I'm here with you this time and those people won't show up again. I asked the doctor to bring you your medicine before we came up. Drink it when the water cools down."

Looking at his deliberately gentle expression, I spoke softly. "Jordan, I don't want to take the medicine anymore. I'm already cured. I want to go home."

The warmth in his eyes slightly dimmed. He reached out and playfully tapped my nose. "Be good, Willa. Psychological illnesses tend to relapse easily. You need to take your medicine to recover faster. Once you take it, you won't have nightmares anymore."

Before I could refuse, he had already placed the pill in my mouth. Warm water slid down my throat, but my entire body felt ice-cold. It was as if he was certain I would soon lose consciousness after taking it. Jordan didn't stay with me. He turned and quickly left the private room.

I knew where he was going, to find those people from five years ago. Like shattered nightmares, the memories surged back. Cold sweat broke out all over my body. I collapsed onto the floor, writhing in agony. As my consciousness blurred, a warm pair of lips pressed against my forehead. "Shh, be good, Willa. It'll be over soon. I'll be waiting for you."

Then came the tearing pain. Blood continued to flow from below and the sensation was all too familiar. A wave of dread washed over me as countless rough hands grazed my skin. I don't know how long it was before I heard Jordan's voice again. "Miscarriage?"

"Yes, but Mr. Griffin, they couldn't stop in time, it seems they went a bit too far. Miss Schmidt probably won't be able to get pregnant again."

"Good job. Your payment is doubled. Go collect it before you leave the ship."

When I opened my eyes again, five hours had passed. Jordan was clutching my hand tightly, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Willa. I failed to protect you. Those people from five years ago found out you were here and came for revenge. I couldn't save our child. The doctor said you may have trouble conceiving again in the future, but don't worry. I've taken care of them. They won't appear ever again. Please don't cry. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. Losing the baby doesn't matter. I only want you."

I stared blankly at the wooden deck. I was so numb that I couldn't even feel the pain anymore. I was the one who had suffered the humiliation and lost my child. Yet, he was crying harder than me. His acting was flawless, but I didn't even have the energy to expose him. After a long silence, when his sobs finally quieted down, I spoke softly. "Avenge me. That must have been exhausting, right? Jordan, get some rest. I'm fine."

Seeing that I wasn't making a scene, he breathed a sigh of relief. He closed his eyes beside me, his breathing gradually evening out. Silently, I reached for his phone. In our five years of marriage, this was the first time I had ever unlocked his screen.