She Was Hope, Then She Became My Greatest Regret

My parents were brutally murdered in our home, and the family business teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.

In desperation, I begged my fiancée for help—but she turned away and, without hesitation, held a grand, century-style wedding with Karl Emerson

At their wedding, I was burying my parents.

Just when I thought I had lost everything, her older sister—an officer of the law—knelt beside me at the funeral.

“I’ll be your lifelong support,” Caroline Baker said. “I’ll help you uncover the truth.”

I didn’t hesitate. I said yes.

But the investigation ended in silence—no report, no closure.

Still, Caroline stayed. She handled my parents’ funeral arrangements personally, brought me back to the Baker Family, and stood by my side.

We married.

For five years, I believed she was my salvation.

Until one night, I overheard her talking to a colleague—

“Caroline, the Crow Family murder had only one suspect: Karl. Why did you stop the investigation? Do you think you’re worthy of your badge? Victor has been living under the same roof as the killer. What will you do if he finds out?”

“Karl is innocent,” she replied softly. “He was just... there. It had nothing to do with him. I trust him.”

“I may regret wearing this uniform,” she added, “but I don't regret following my heart. Even if he never chose me... if he’s happy, I can endure anything.”

The gift I had been holding slipped from my hand.

All this time—the one who killed my parents had been right beside me.

And the woman I had come to love… had kept that truth from me for five long years.

Our marriage—suddenly felt like a cage.

——

From behind the door, her voice trembled with quiet sorrow as she looked at an old photo hanging on the wall:

“Since Karl didn’t choose me, I’ll clear every obstacle for him. I’ll make sure he never has to look back.

As for Victor... I’ll watch him closely. I’ll never let him learn the truth.”

Even her colleague couldn’t hide the disappointment in their voice.

"You’ve been on this case for eight years. You’ve won countless medals and commendations. Why throw it all away for Karl?"

The voice was sharp, almost pleading.

"He doesn’t love you, Caroline! His appearance at the Crow Residence wasn’t a coincidence—you know that!"

"You could lose your badge, your career. Your name will be destroyed, maybe even prison. Are you insane?"

Caroline let out a soft chuckle, light and detached.

"Crazy? Maybe I am. But love doesn’t need to make sense. This case is over. Don’t bring it up again."

"What about Victor?" her colleague pressed. "You brought him back and let him live under the same roof as the man who killed his parents. He trusts you. He loves you—"

Before the sentence could finish, Caroline’s eyes turned cold.

"Enough," she said sharply. "I have already told you—Karl is not the murderer."

"And if someone must be held accountable, then I’ll take the fall. I’ll pay with my life if I have to."

A beat of silence. Then a sigh.

"I don’t get you at all. There’s evidence. Motive. But you just—"

The voice trailed off in defeat.

"Forget it. Do what you want."

Their footsteps faded down the hallway.

I stumbled back into my room, heart pounding, hands shaking.

The blood-soaked memory of my parents’ death five years ago surged forward—raw and merciless.

Our company crumbled in the aftermath.

Back then, it was Caroline who reached out to me, the one person who didn't turn away.

She cleared my debts. She brought me into the Baker Family.

I thought I had found salvation. A second chance in life. Maybe even love.

But now I know the truth:

It was all a lie.

She didn’t bring me back out of love.

She brought me back to keep me close—

To watch me. To protect him.

Everything—our marriage, our smiles, her warmth—

It was guilt wrapped in charity.

And like a fool, I took it. I embraced it. I even showed it off like it was something to be proud of.

How laughable.

The door clicked shut. Her colleague was gone.

A moment later, Caroline entered the room.

Her steps were unsteady. Her eyes… unreadable.

She knelt beside me, cupped my face gently and pressed a kiss on my forehead.