Chapter 2

• Jasper hung up the phone and walked to the edge of the bed, looking down at Audrey. "You're coming with me to the company dinner tomorrow."
• She wrapped the thin blanket tighter around herself, the pain in her stomach not subsiding just yet. It also didn't help that even the mere thought of going with him to such a social gathering made her feel nauseous.
• "I don't want to go. I'm not feeling well."
• "Not feeling well?" He bent down, gripping Audrey’s chin with so much force that it hurt. "When you were talking to other men on the phone, you didn't seem unwell. This dinner is important, Audrey. You're Mrs. Goldland, so you have to be there."
• Audrey knew his idea of "important" was just to show her off like an exhibit, to flaunt his "perfect marriage" to everyone, and maybe even to take a jab at Vanessa using her status as his legitimate wife.
• But he forgot one thing: Audrey was not a doll he could manipulate at will but a human being with flesh and blood.
• "I'm not going." But even when Audrey said those words in a firm tone, she still ended up turning her face away and avoiding his gaze.
• In response, his fingers on her chin tightened, sending a sharp pain that made Audrey frown.
• "Audrey, don't push your luck. If you dare not to go, you won't be able to bear the consequences," he said with a threatening voice that promised nothing good.
• Suddenly, Audrey found it all so ridiculous.
• She brought her eyes to meet his penetrating gaze and took a deep and even breath, suppressing the bitterness and anger in her heart. She then said slowly, "Fine, I'll go. But I have a condition: you're not allowed to interfere with my freedom during the dinner."
• He snorted coldly, releasing Audrey’s chin, and said as if he was granting her a big favor, "Fine, as long as you don't cause trouble for me."
• With that, he turned and headed to the bathroom, leaving Audrey alone in the darkness, staring blankly at the ceiling.
• The next afternoon, Vanessa brought Audrey an expensive evening gown and a set of jewelry. But as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, donning the gorgeous dress, Audrey saw how her pale face and frail figure would make it nearly impossible for her to pull off the elegance of the outfit.
• But she forced herself to perk up, put on some light makeup, and hid the fatigue on her face.
• At the dinner, Jasper skillfully greeted the guests and occasionally pulled Audrey closer, putting on a show of a loving couple.
• But it didn't take long for Vanessa to make an appearance and approach them.
• She was wearing a red dress that matched her flawless makeup and sweet smile. As she stood next to Jasper, she casually adjusted his tie and said affectionately, "Jasper, you look really handsome today. Audrey, you look beautiful, too."
• Mixed emotions surged in Audrey’s stomach as she watched her. But even then, she still forced out a stiff smile and said, "Thank you."
• Meanwhile, Jasper seemed to enjoy being surrounded by two women. He shot a smile at Vanessa and said, "You've worked hard tonight. There's an important client later that you need to help entertain."
• "No problem, Jasper," Vanessa replied with a nod, but her eyes glanced at Audrey with a hint of provocation.
• Throughout the evening, Vanessa stayed by Jasper's side, helping him with drinks and whispering to him intimately, behaving like they were a real couple.
• The other guests seemed to notice that something was off. They kept casting pitying looks at Audrey, their gazes like needles piercing into her. Such unwanted attention embarrassed her immensely.
• Unable to bear the humiliation, she made an excuse to go to the restroom and left the banquet hall.
• In the restroom, she looked at her pale face in the mirror as her tears streamed down uncontrollably.
• She then took out her phone and called Simon. When he picked up, she immediately said with a trembling voice, "Simon, I want to confirm the donation process.”
• "Audrey, don't worry. I've already arranged the process for you. But have you really thought this through? After the donation, your body..."
• Simon’s concern was palpable in his voice, but she interrupted him firmly, "I've already thought about it, Simon. I also want you to sign a confidentiality agreement. Don't let the recipients and their families know my information."
• "Okay, I will." Simon paused for a moment before continuing, "Take care of yourself. If you feel unwell, make sure to tell me."
• After hanging up, Audrey wiped away her tears and took a deep breath.
• She couldn't let this go. She wouldn’t let this humiliation from Jasper and Vanessa slide. She had to get back at them.
• With that in mind, Audrey went back to the banquet hall and immediately saw Vanessa holding onto Jasper's arm. She walked over to them and casually said to Jasper, "Honey, I'm not feeling well. I want to go home."
• Jasper frowned, clearly not wanting her to leave. But after noticing the paleness of her face, he nodded. "Okay, I'll have the driver take you home."
• As Audrey walked towards the door, she deliberately slowed down.
• That was why she managed to hear Vanessa asking Jasper, "Is Audrey upset?"
• "Don't worry about her. She's just being sensitive," Jasper replied, his voice sounding impatient.
• It was then that Audrey promised that one day, they would pay for what they had done to her.