Love Fades in Time

I hid my identity as a wealthy heiress from the Capital City Umbragard and married Robert Bain.

The day before our wedding, I unfortunately got into a car accident. When I woke up, I was blind.

In the darkness, I overheard Robert talking to his assistant.

"Mr. Bain, everything has been taken care of. The driver responsible for the accident and the doctors—none of them will say a word. But… your fiancée loves painting more than anything. After donating her corneas, she’ll never be able to see again. What if she can’t accept it when she wakes up?"

"She’s strong. She’s not like Lex. Lex wouldn’t survive without her sight. And Adalyn has me. I’ll take care of her in this life and the next. I love her, but I can’t lose Lex."

Robert paused for a moment before speaking with low and hoarse voice.

"Oh, and have the doctor remove Adalyn’s uterus while they’re at it. If Lex finds out I had a child with her, she’ll lose her mind."

The assistant hesitated. "But Mr. Bain… isn’t this too cruel? Your fiancée has been with you since she was eighteen."

"Just do as I say. Don’t ask questions."

A cold chill spread through my body, and I couldn’t stop trembling. The man I had loved unconditionally had already given his heart to the poor girl I once sponsored.

And for her, he had destroyed everything I had.

If that’s the case… I’d make those who hurt me pay.

***

Footsteps echoed through the hospital room. I forced myself to stay calm, pretending to be unconscious.

"Mr. Bain, your fiancée just donated her corneas. Her body is already weak. If we remove her uterus now, she might not survive. It’s too risky—I strongly suggest we wait a little longer."

"I didn’t hire you to give me advice. This is an order, not a discussion. And if anything happens to Adalyn, you know the consequences."

The doctor hesitated before replying in a shaky voice, "Understood, Mr. Bain."

I felt the warmth of Robert’s fingers brush against my cheek. His voice was low, hoarse, almost tender.

"Adalyn, it’ll all be over soon. Don’t worry, I’ll always be here to protect you. I love you, Ada."

A tremor ran through me. Something wet slid down my cheek—his tear or mine, I wasn’t sure. Then I heard him shift, as if standing up.

Sensing that I was about to wake, his tone turned cold. "Where’s the doctor? Get everything ready. The surgery needs to be done before she wakes up."

Panic surged through me. My eyes flew open, but all I saw was darkness.

Tears fell uncontrollably as I reached out, hands grasping at nothing. "Why… why can’t I see?"

"Adalyn, don’t be scared. I’m here. I’ve always been here."

Robert pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. His warm hand stroked my hair, his deep voice filled with what sounded like tenderness and concern.

"You were in a car accident… The doctor said your blindness is only temporary. Don’t worry, Adalyn, I’ll take good care of you."

He paused for a moment, then continued, his tone soothing.

"Be good. Your body is still weak—you shouldn’t get too worked up. Let the doctor give you a nutrient shot, okay?"

If I hadn’t woken up early and overheard his conversation with the doctor, I would have believed every word. But now, I knew the so-called "nutrient shot" was just a sedative to put me under.

I clung desperately to his arm, shaking my head frantically, my voice breaking. "No… Robert, please, I don’t want it… Let’s go home, can we? Please, let’s just go home…"

Before I could finish, the cold sting of a needle pierced my skin.

As my consciousness faded, the last thing I heard was Robert’s usual gentle voice.