She loved him desperately—but only because his heart had once belonged to the man she truly loved. After losing her boyfriend in a tragic accident, she devoted herself to the recipient of his donated heart, pouring all her grief and longing into this stranger. She endured his coldness, his indifference, loving him with painful devotion—until the hospital revealed a terrible mistake. His heart was never her lover’s. The moment she learned the truth, she walked away without looking back, determined to find the real man carrying her beloved’s heartbeat. Meanwhile, the man she left behind—who had grown used to her relentless love—finally understood its worth only when it was gone. But by then, it was too late. In the end, she chose to let go of the past, realizing that some goodbyes are permanent, and some loves… were never hers to keep.

Chapter 1"Miss Delmont, there’s been a mistake. Your boyfriend’s heart wasn't transplanted to Mr. Balfour, the CEO of Balfour Enterprises. It went to someone else currently at Cresthaven."The voice on the other end of the line was filled with regret. Vivian Delmont remained silent for a long moment, the uncertainty echoing in her racing heart before she finally spoke up."I understand."As she ended the call, the door burst open, and Sebastian Balfour stormed in, his face a mask of urgency. Without a word of explanation, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside."Come with me, now!"His grip was firm as he led her to the car. They sped through the city, running countless red lights, the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind the only sounds in her ears.Sebastian’s fingers tapped incessantly on the steering wheel, a telltale sign of his agitation.Vivian sat in a daze, memories of their past swirling in her mind. She had pursued Sebastian with relentless determination, eventually wearing him down into marriage. Yet, from their wedding photos to exchanging rings, even on their first night together, he was distant and indifferent, never showing this kind of emotional turmoil.The only person who could provoke such a reaction from him had to be that one special someone.A few minutes later, the car screeched to a halt outside a hospital. It was then Vivian learned that Vanessa, Sebastian’s childhood sweetheart, had been in a car accident and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Coincidentally, Vivian was a match.The nurse, just as frantic, took Vivian’s arm, ready to lead her to the donation room. Vivian, however, paused and turned to Sebastian."Sebastian, I'll donate the blood, but I need you to answer one question."Impatience edged his voice as he assumed her question would be about Vanessa. "I'll explain everything about Vanessa later."But Vivian shook her head. "That’s not what I want to know."She didn’t care about his relationship with Vanessa. After all, her heart belonged to someone else entirely.The only person she ever loved had died in a tragic car accident, saving her. His heart had been donated according to his wishes. To remain close to him, she had tracked down the recipient, who she believed was the head of Balfour Enterprises, Sebastian.With that belief, she had pursued him obsessively, becoming known as someone utterly devoted in their social circle, yet he remained unmoved.Only after some digging did she learn about Vanessa, the apple of his eye, whose casual remark kept him from confessing his feelings. Despite her international travels and numerous relationships, he waited for her, rejecting everyone else, including Vivian.It wasn’t until Vanessa posted a picture with her boyfriend that he, out of spite, accepted Vivian's confession and married her."I only have one question. Four years ago, you had a heart transplant. What was the donor's name?"Sebastian frowned at her unexpected question, puzzled but too anxious about Vanessa to hesitate in his answer."I only know his last name was Harrington."Harrington. A name completely different from Lucian Winslow.So it was a mistake after all."Thank you," she said, nodding, and followed the nurse into the donation room.Yet as she walked away, Sebastian felt an inexplicable sense of dread.Just as she was about to step fully into the room, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why do you want to know?"Her expression remained unchanged, as if it was the most ordinary question in the world."Just confirming something."Confirming that I no longer need you.As the needle pierced her vein and her blood flowed into the bag, Vivian used her free hand to send a message to her lawyer."Please draft a divorce agreement for me. I'm getting a divorce."After having her blood drawn, Vivian felt a bit dizzy and leaned against the wall for support as she walked out. She saw Sebastian standing beside Vanessa, who had just been wheeled out of the operating room.He held Vanessa's hand tightly, whispering softly to her, his expression gentle and tender. Not once did he think to ask about his wife's condition or if she felt unwell. Naturally, he didn't notice when Vivian quietly returned home alone.Back at the villa, Vivian headed to the kitchen. Her anemia was exacerbated by the excessive blood loss, leaving her pale and weak. She intended to make a bowl of hot soup to regain some strength, but as soon as she poured it into a bowl, her hands gave way, and it crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.In that instant, for the first time, Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears, breaking the stoic facade she had maintained despite years of ridicule and humiliation.She murmured to herself, "Luc... without you, I truly can't do anything right."The spilled soup reached her feet, and as she looked at the dark stain, memories from the past flooded back.There was a time when she had the most wonderful partner. A time when her beloved Luc was still alive.She often suffered from coldness and severe cramps during her cycle, and Luc would always take care of her, preparing a steaming bowl of soup, cooling it to the perfect temperature before feeding it to her.Sometimes, she'd indulge in a bit of childish pouting, and he'd pull her into his arms, warming her stomach with his large hands, saying it would ease her pain.When she was in a foul mood and everything irritated her, he would sit quietly beside her, allowing her to hit or scold him, only to tenderly blow on her hand afterward, asking if she hurt herself.As Vivian crouched to pick up the shattered pieces, a sharp pain pierced her fingertip. She realized she'd cut herself, a thin line of blood appearing. Whether it was from the physical pain or something deeper, tears began to fall in heavy drops onto the floor."How could I not see it? You loved me so deeply, yet Sebastian's heart never beat passionately for me," she thought.She collected the last of the broken shards and threw them into the trash, then smiled faintly to herself, "But it's alright, we'll see each other soon."The next day, Sebastian still hadn't returned. After freshening up, Vivian headed out to meet with a lawyer. As she sat across the table, a drafted divorce agreement lay in front of her."Miss Delmont, once both parties sign this divorce agreement and complete the one-month waiting period, the divorce will be finalized," the lawyer explained.Thinking of Sebastian, who hadn't even bothered to come home, she asked, "Can I sign on his behalf?""Miss Delmont, that's absolutely not allowed!" the lawyer replied firmly.Seeing his resolute refusal, she quickly added, "My husband wants the divorce too, he's just too busy to come. I can call him if you need proof."She pulled out her phone, scrolling to Sebastian's number, and dialed.After a long pause filled with the droning dial tone, the call connected. Without any pleasantries, Vivian spoke, "I need to discuss something with you..."Before she could finish, Sebastian interrupted, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, "I’m busy. Just handle it, no need to discuss."Then Vivian heard a woman's voice in the background—Vanessa, sounding petulant, "Sebastian, the medicine is so bitter... Can I skip it?"As the call ended, she faintly heard Sebastian’s gentle response, "No, you need to take it to get better soon."Vivian turned to the lawyer. Understanding Sebastian's indifference, the lawyer finally relented, nodding to allow a proxy signature.With relief, Vivian exhaled softly and proceeded to sign Sebastian’s name on the divorce papers.After leaving the law office, she booked a flight to Cresthaven for a month later.It was a week before Sebastian returned home.He arrived late at night, weary from travel, bringing a chill into the room. Vivian, half-asleep, barely reacted to his presence.It wasn’t until the mattress dipped beside her and she felt his arm wrap around her naturally, that she fully woke and instinctively moved away, gently pushing him back.Sebastian, experiencing rejection for the first time, looked momentarily stunned before frowning, "You always said you needed my heartbeat to fall asleep."In three years of marriage, Vivian had seldom asked Sebastian for anything, but he had agreed to this one request. It was right after their wedding, and aside from a marriage certificate, he had given her nothing.Yet she didn’t mind, simply leaning against him afterward, pressing her ear to his chest.He had asked why she liked resting against him like that.Under the moonlight, her eyes had sparkled with love and tenderness as she replied, "Because I love listening to your heartbeat. Can I always fall asleep like this?"Perhaps it was the overwhelming affection in her gaze that had compelled him to agree. This ritual had continued ever since; whenever he was home, she would naturally nestle into his arms, her head nestled close to his heart.But now, after a pause, she shook her head and said, "No need."She turned over, facing the other direction, while Sebastian watched her shadow curl up under the moonlight. A strange feeling crept into his heart.It was the first time he wasn't being clung to by Vivian with her usual intensity. He didn't even like her, so he should be glad she wasn't hanging onto him anymore. Yet, he felt a peculiar emptiness inside.He comforted himself, thinking he had just grown accustomed to her leaning on him, entirely dependent on him.The next morning, Vivian woke up late. After getting ready, she went downstairs, surprised to find Sebastian still there. Her surprise was evident as she blurted out, "Aren't you going to the hospital to see Miss Vandenberg today?"On any other day, he might have been a little impatient with that question, but today, he felt a quiet sense of relief.So, she was jealous of Vanessa yesterday."Vanessa is just a friend. She got into an accident shortly after returning home, so I took extra care of her. But she's been discharged now," he explained patiently, a rarity for him. After a pause, he added, "You wanted me to take you to see the sunset, right? I haven't spent much time with you lately, so how about I make it up to you today?""No need."Realizing she had mistaken him for someone else and with the divorce looming, Vivian had no intention of doing anything so meaningless. Instinctively, she refused. But Sebastian, convinced of the plan's reasonableness, had already arranged for the car to be brought around.Once in the car, she didn't persist in arguing, quietly resigning herself to the journey.The car headed towards the countryside, and soon they reached their destination. But just as they arrived at the hilltop, Sebastian's phone rang.He picked it up, and she caught a glimpse of the name "Vanessa" flashing across the screen.Whatever was said on the other end, it only took him a moment of hesitation before he got back into the car. Before leaving, he left her with a brief promise, "I'll be back to pick you up soon."Despite his words, Vivian waited for a long time. As the sun dipped lower and finally vanished, he still hadn't returned.There were no taxis to be found on the hill, and she didn't bother calling Sebastian to ask if he was coming back. Instead, she quietly began the long walk down.The hill was high, and the path steep. Even though it wasn't a muddy trail, by the time Vivian reached the bottom, her feet were blistered. She had just pulled out her phone to call a cab back to the villa when she received a message from one of Sebastian's friends."Urgent. Come to Nocturne Lounge."Most of Sebastian's friends looked down on her. They saw her as the woman who shamelessly pursued him for two years before finally marrying him, so they rarely contacted her. Seeing the message, she didn't hesitate and hailed a cab straight to Nocturne Lounge.It wasn't out of concern for Sebastian, but rather a fear that anything happening to him might affect the divorce.Upon arriving at the address they had sent, she pushed open the door to the private room, only to trip over a rope she hadn't noticed. She fell heavily, her head striking a nearby stool.The pain made her dizzy, and when she touched her head, her hand came away sticky.The group in the room watched her in her disarray, yet showed no intention of letting her off. The next moment, the door closed, and a bucket of water was upended over her."Whoosh!"As the water splashed down, drenching her completely, laughter erupted in the room, filled with mockery and disdain."Look at her, doesn't she look like a wet dog?" one of them jeered."Quinn, I have to admit, that's a fitting description," another chimed in.Despite the harsh air conditioning, the cold, wet clothes clinging to her skin, and the chill that made her shiver, Vivian's expression remained unchanged. She wiped her face with a calmness that belied the situation.Seeing her lack of reaction, some found it boring, while others thought it wasn't exciting enough and pulled out a phone to show her a video."Hey, you desperate fool, we called you here to let you know that Sebastian's true love is back."She looked up just as the screen displayed a scene of Sebastian in another room, crouched down gently massaging Vanessa's ankle, his expression filled with tenderness."See that? Sebastian left you today because he was throwing a welcome-back party for Vanessa. She just twisted her ankle, and he immediately whisked her away. Have you ever received that kind of treatment? You should just step aside gracefully, otherwise being thrown out would be embarrassing."The taunting continued, but Vivian stood up, struggling against the pain in her feet. Her eyes were deep and calm as she surveyed the room, her voice steady."Don't worry, I'll step aside. Because, truthfully, I don't like him either."Chapter 2"Miss Delmont, there’s been a mistake. Your boyfriend’s heart wasn't transplanted to Mr. Balfour, the CEO of Balfour Enterprises. It went to someone else currently at Cresthaven."The voice on the other end of the line was filled with regret. Vivian Delmont remained silent for a long moment, the uncertainty echoing in her racing heart before she finally spoke up."I understand."As she ended the call, the door burst open, and Sebastian Balfour stormed in, his face a mask of urgency. Without a word of explanation, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside."Come with me, now!"His grip was firm as he led her to the car. They sped through the city, running countless red lights, the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind the only sounds in her ears.Sebastian’s fingers tapped incessantly on the steering wheel, a telltale sign of his agitation.Vivian sat in a daze, memories of their past swirling in her mind. She had pursued Sebastian with relentless determination, eventually wearing him down into marriage. Yet, from their wedding photos to exchanging rings, even on their first night together, he was distant and indifferent, never showing this kind of emotional turmoil.The only person who could provoke such a reaction from him had to be that one special someone.A few minutes later, the car screeched to a halt outside a hospital. It was then Vivian learned that Vanessa, Sebastian’s childhood sweetheart, had been in a car accident and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Coincidentally, Vivian was a match.The nurse, just as frantic, took Vivian’s arm, ready to lead her to the donation room. Vivian, however, paused and turned to Sebastian."Sebastian, I'll donate the blood, but I need you to answer one question."Impatience edged his voice as he assumed her question would be about Vanessa. "I'll explain everything about Vanessa later."But Vivian shook her head. "That’s not what I want to know."She didn’t care about his relationship with Vanessa. After all, her heart belonged to someone else entirely.The only person she ever loved had died in a tragic car accident, saving her. His heart had been donated according to his wishes. To remain close to him, she had tracked down the recipient, who she believed was the head of Balfour Enterprises, Sebastian.With that belief, she had pursued him obsessively, becoming known as someone utterly devoted in their social circle, yet he remained unmoved.Only after some digging did she learn about Vanessa, the apple of his eye, whose casual remark kept him from confessing his feelings. Despite her international travels and numerous relationships, he waited for her, rejecting everyone else, including Vivian.It wasn’t until Vanessa posted a picture with her boyfriend that he, out of spite, accepted Vivian's confession and married her."I only have one question. Four years ago, you had a heart transplant. What was the donor's name?"Sebastian frowned at her unexpected question, puzzled but too anxious about Vanessa to hesitate in his answer."I only know his last name was Harrington."Harrington. A name completely different from Lucian Winslow.So it was a mistake after all."Thank you," she said, nodding, and followed the nurse into the donation room.Yet as she walked away, Sebastian felt an inexplicable sense of dread.Just as she was about to step fully into the room, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why do you want to know?"Her expression remained unchanged, as if it was the most ordinary question in the world."Just confirming something."Confirming that I no longer need you.As the needle pierced her vein and her blood flowed into the bag, Vivian used her free hand to send a message to her lawyer."Please draft a divorce agreement for me. I'm getting a divorce."After having her blood drawn, Vivian felt a bit dizzy and leaned against the wall for support as she walked out. She saw Sebastian standing beside Vanessa, who had just been wheeled out of the operating room.He held Vanessa's hand tightly, whispering softly to her, his expression gentle and tender. Not once did he think to ask about his wife's condition or if she felt unwell. Naturally, he didn't notice when Vivian quietly returned home alone.Back at the villa, Vivian headed to the kitchen. Her anemia was exacerbated by the excessive blood loss, leaving her pale and weak. She intended to make a bowl of hot soup to regain some strength, but as soon as she poured it into a bowl, her hands gave way, and it crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.In that instant, for the first time, Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears, breaking the stoic facade she had maintained despite years of ridicule and humiliation.She murmured to herself, "Luc... without you, I truly can't do anything right."The spilled soup reached her feet, and as she looked at the dark stain, memories from the past flooded back.There was a time when she had the most wonderful partner. A time when her beloved Luc was still alive.She often suffered from coldness and severe cramps during her cycle, and Luc would always take care of her, preparing a steaming bowl of soup, cooling it to the perfect temperature before feeding it to her.Sometimes, she'd indulge in a bit of childish pouting, and he'd pull her into his arms, warming her stomach with his large hands, saying it would ease her pain.When she was in a foul mood and everything irritated her, he would sit quietly beside her, allowing her to hit or scold him, only to tenderly blow on her hand afterward, asking if she hurt herself.As Vivian crouched to pick up the shattered pieces, a sharp pain pierced her fingertip. She realized she'd cut herself, a thin line of blood appearing. Whether it was from the physical pain or something deeper, tears began to fall in heavy drops onto the floor."How could I not see it? You loved me so deeply, yet Sebastian's heart never beat passionately for me," she thought.She collected the last of the broken shards and threw them into the trash, then smiled faintly to herself, "But it's alright, we'll see each other soon."The next day, Sebastian still hadn't returned. After freshening up, Vivian headed out to meet with a lawyer. As she sat across the table, a drafted divorce agreement lay in front of her."Miss Delmont, once both parties sign this divorce agreement and complete the one-month waiting period, the divorce will be finalized," the lawyer explained.Thinking of Sebastian, who hadn't even bothered to come home, she asked, "Can I sign on his behalf?""Miss Delmont, that's absolutely not allowed!" the lawyer replied firmly.Seeing his resolute refusal, she quickly added, "My husband wants the divorce too, he's just too busy to come. I can call him if you need proof."She pulled out her phone, scrolling to Sebastian's number, and dialed.After a long pause filled with the droning dial tone, the call connected. Without any pleasantries, Vivian spoke, "I need to discuss something with you..."Before she could finish, Sebastian interrupted, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, "I’m busy. Just handle it, no need to discuss."Then Vivian heard a woman's voice in the background—Vanessa, sounding petulant, "Sebastian, the medicine is so bitter... Can I skip it?"As the call ended, she faintly heard Sebastian’s gentle response, "No, you need to take it to get better soon."Vivian turned to the lawyer. Understanding Sebastian's indifference, the lawyer finally relented, nodding to allow a proxy signature.With relief, Vivian exhaled softly and proceeded to sign Sebastian’s name on the divorce papers.After leaving the law office, she booked a flight to Cresthaven for a month later.It was a week before Sebastian returned home.He arrived late at night, weary from travel, bringing a chill into the room. Vivian, half-asleep, barely reacted to his presence.It wasn’t until the mattress dipped beside her and she felt his arm wrap around her naturally, that she fully woke and instinctively moved away, gently pushing him back.Sebastian, experiencing rejection for the first time, looked momentarily stunned before frowning, "You always said you needed my heartbeat to fall asleep."In three years of marriage, Vivian had seldom asked Sebastian for anything, but he had agreed to this one request. It was right after their wedding, and aside from a marriage certificate, he had given her nothing.Yet she didn’t mind, simply leaning against him afterward, pressing her ear to his chest.He had asked why she liked resting against him like that.Under the moonlight, her eyes had sparkled with love and tenderness as she replied, "Because I love listening to your heartbeat. Can I always fall asleep like this?"Perhaps it was the overwhelming affection in her gaze that had compelled him to agree. This ritual had continued ever since; whenever he was home, she would naturally nestle into his arms, her head nestled close to his heart.But now, after a pause, she shook her head and said, "No need."She turned over, facing the other direction, while Sebastian watched her shadow curl up under the moonlight. A strange feeling crept into his heart.It was the first time he wasn't being clung to by Vivian with her usual intensity. He didn't even like her, so he should be glad she wasn't hanging onto him anymore. Yet, he felt a peculiar emptiness inside.He comforted himself, thinking he had just grown accustomed to her leaning on him, entirely dependent on him.The next morning, Vivian woke up late. After getting ready, she went downstairs, surprised to find Sebastian still there. Her surprise was evident as she blurted out, "Aren't you going to the hospital to see Miss Vandenberg today?"On any other day, he might have been a little impatient with that question, but today, he felt a quiet sense of relief.So, she was jealous of Vanessa yesterday."Vanessa is just a friend. She got into an accident shortly after returning home, so I took extra care of her. But she's been discharged now," he explained patiently, a rarity for him. After a pause, he added, "You wanted me to take you to see the sunset, right? I haven't spent much time with you lately, so how about I make it up to you today?""No need."Realizing she had mistaken him for someone else and with the divorce looming, Vivian had no intention of doing anything so meaningless. Instinctively, she refused. But Sebastian, convinced of the plan's reasonableness, had already arranged for the car to be brought around.Once in the car, she didn't persist in arguing, quietly resigning herself to the journey.The car headed towards the countryside, and soon they reached their destination. But just as they arrived at the hilltop, Sebastian's phone rang.He picked it up, and she caught a glimpse of the name "Vanessa" flashing across the screen.Whatever was said on the other end, it only took him a moment of hesitation before he got back into the car. Before leaving, he left her with a brief promise, "I'll be back to pick you up soon."Despite his words, Vivian waited for a long time. As the sun dipped lower and finally vanished, he still hadn't returned.There were no taxis to be found on the hill, and she didn't bother calling Sebastian to ask if he was coming back. Instead, she quietly began the long walk down.The hill was high, and the path steep. Even though it wasn't a muddy trail, by the time Vivian reached the bottom, her feet were blistered. She had just pulled out her phone to call a cab back to the villa when she received a message from one of Sebastian's friends."Urgent. Come to Nocturne Lounge."Most of Sebastian's friends looked down on her. They saw her as the woman who shamelessly pursued him for two years before finally marrying him, so they rarely contacted her. Seeing the message, she didn't hesitate and hailed a cab straight to Nocturne Lounge.It wasn't out of concern for Sebastian, but rather a fear that anything happening to him might affect the divorce.Upon arriving at the address they had sent, she pushed open the door to the private room, only to trip over a rope she hadn't noticed. She fell heavily, her head striking a nearby stool.The pain made her dizzy, and when she touched her head, her hand came away sticky.The group in the room watched her in her disarray, yet showed no intention of letting her off. The next moment, the door closed, and a bucket of water was upended over her."Whoosh!"As the water splashed down, drenching her completely, laughter erupted in the room, filled with mockery and disdain."Look at her, doesn't she look like a wet dog?" one of them jeered."Quinn, I have to admit, that's a fitting description," another chimed in.Despite the harsh air conditioning, the cold, wet clothes clinging to her skin, and the chill that made her shiver, Vivian's expression remained unchanged. She wiped her face with a calmness that belied the situation.Seeing her lack of reaction, some found it boring, while others thought it wasn't exciting enough and pulled out a phone to show her a video."Hey, you desperate fool, we called you here to let you know that Sebastian's true love is back."She looked up just as the screen displayed a scene of Sebastian in another room, crouched down gently massaging Vanessa's ankle, his expression filled with tenderness."See that? Sebastian left you today because he was throwing a welcome-back party for Vanessa. She just twisted her ankle, and he immediately whisked her away. Have you ever received that kind of treatment? You should just step aside gracefully, otherwise being thrown out would be embarrassing."The taunting continued, but Vivian stood up, struggling against the pain in her feet. Her eyes were deep and calm as she surveyed the room, her voice steady."Don't worry, I'll step aside. Because, truthfully, I don't like him either."Chapter 3"Miss Delmont, there’s been a mistake. Your boyfriend’s heart wasn't transplanted to Mr. Balfour, the CEO of Balfour Enterprises. It went to someone else currently at Cresthaven."The voice on the other end of the line was filled with regret. Vivian Delmont remained silent for a long moment, the uncertainty echoing in her racing heart before she finally spoke up."I understand."As she ended the call, the door burst open, and Sebastian Balfour stormed in, his face a mask of urgency. Without a word of explanation, he grabbed her hand and pulled her outside."Come with me, now!"His grip was firm as he led her to the car. They sped through the city, running countless red lights, the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind the only sounds in her ears.Sebastian’s fingers tapped incessantly on the steering wheel, a telltale sign of his agitation.Vivian sat in a daze, memories of their past swirling in her mind. She had pursued Sebastian with relentless determination, eventually wearing him down into marriage. Yet, from their wedding photos to exchanging rings, even on their first night together, he was distant and indifferent, never showing this kind of emotional turmoil.The only person who could provoke such a reaction from him had to be that one special someone.A few minutes later, the car screeched to a halt outside a hospital. It was then Vivian learned that Vanessa, Sebastian’s childhood sweetheart, had been in a car accident and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Coincidentally, Vivian was a match.The nurse, just as frantic, took Vivian’s arm, ready to lead her to the donation room. Vivian, however, paused and turned to Sebastian."Sebastian, I'll donate the blood, but I need you to answer one question."Impatience edged his voice as he assumed her question would be about Vanessa. "I'll explain everything about Vanessa later."But Vivian shook her head. "That’s not what I want to know."She didn’t care about his relationship with Vanessa. After all, her heart belonged to someone else entirely.The only person she ever loved had died in a tragic car accident, saving her. His heart had been donated according to his wishes. To remain close to him, she had tracked down the recipient, who she believed was the head of Balfour Enterprises, Sebastian.With that belief, she had pursued him obsessively, becoming known as someone utterly devoted in their social circle, yet he remained unmoved.Only after some digging did she learn about Vanessa, the apple of his eye, whose casual remark kept him from confessing his feelings. Despite her international travels and numerous relationships, he waited for her, rejecting everyone else, including Vivian.It wasn’t until Vanessa posted a picture with her boyfriend that he, out of spite, accepted Vivian's confession and married her."I only have one question. Four years ago, you had a heart transplant. What was the donor's name?"Sebastian frowned at her unexpected question, puzzled but too anxious about Vanessa to hesitate in his answer."I only know his last name was Harrington."Harrington. A name completely different from Lucian Winslow.So it was a mistake after all."Thank you," she said, nodding, and followed the nurse into the donation room.Yet as she walked away, Sebastian felt an inexplicable sense of dread.Just as she was about to step fully into the room, he couldn’t help but ask, "Why do you want to know?"Her expression remained unchanged, as if it was the most ordinary question in the world."Just confirming something."Confirming that I no longer need you.As the needle pierced her vein and her blood flowed into the bag, Vivian used her free hand to send a message to her lawyer."Please draft a divorce agreement for me. I'm getting a divorce."After having her blood drawn, Vivian felt a bit dizzy and leaned against the wall for support as she walked out. She saw Sebastian standing beside Vanessa, who had just been wheeled out of the operating room.He held Vanessa's hand tightly, whispering softly to her, his expression gentle and tender. Not once did he think to ask about his wife's condition or if she felt unwell. Naturally, he didn't notice when Vivian quietly returned home alone.Back at the villa, Vivian headed to the kitchen. Her anemia was exacerbated by the excessive blood loss, leaving her pale and weak. She intended to make a bowl of hot soup to regain some strength, but as soon as she poured it into a bowl, her hands gave way, and it crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.In that instant, for the first time, Vivian's eyes brimmed with tears, breaking the stoic facade she had maintained despite years of ridicule and humiliation.She murmured to herself, "Luc... without you, I truly can't do anything right."The spilled soup reached her feet, and as she looked at the dark stain, memories from the past flooded back.There was a time when she had the most wonderful partner. A time when her beloved Luc was still alive.She often suffered from coldness and severe cramps during her cycle, and Luc would always take care of her, preparing a steaming bowl of soup, cooling it to the perfect temperature before feeding it to her.Sometimes, she'd indulge in a bit of childish pouting, and he'd pull her into his arms, warming her stomach with his large hands, saying it would ease her pain.When she was in a foul mood and everything irritated her, he would sit quietly beside her, allowing her to hit or scold him, only to tenderly blow on her hand afterward, asking if she hurt herself.As Vivian crouched to pick up the shattered pieces, a sharp pain pierced her fingertip. She realized she'd cut herself, a thin line of blood appearing. Whether it was from the physical pain or something deeper, tears began to fall in heavy drops onto the floor."How could I not see it? You loved me so deeply, yet Sebastian's heart never beat passionately for me," she thought.She collected the last of the broken shards and threw them into the trash, then smiled faintly to herself, "But it's alright, we'll see each other soon."The next day, Sebastian still hadn't returned. After freshening up, Vivian headed out to meet with a lawyer. As she sat across the table, a drafted divorce agreement lay in front of her."Miss Delmont, once both parties sign this divorce agreement and complete the one-month waiting period, the divorce will be finalized," the lawyer explained.Thinking of Sebastian, who hadn't even bothered to come home, she asked, "Can I sign on his behalf?""Miss Delmont, that's absolutely not allowed!" the lawyer replied firmly.Seeing his resolute refusal, she quickly added, "My husband wants the divorce too, he's just too busy to come. I can call him if you need proof."She pulled out her phone, scrolling to Sebastian's number, and dialed.After a long pause filled with the droning dial tone, the call connected. Without any pleasantries, Vivian spoke, "I need to discuss something with you..."Before she could finish, Sebastian interrupted, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, "I’m busy. Just handle it, no need to discuss."Then Vivian heard a woman's voice in the background—Vanessa, sounding petulant, "Sebastian, the medicine is so bitter... Can I skip it?"As the call ended, she faintly heard Sebastian’s gentle response, "No, you need to take it to get better soon."Vivian turned to the lawyer. Understanding Sebastian's indifference, the lawyer finally relented, nodding to allow a proxy signature.With relief, Vivian exhaled softly and proceeded to sign Sebastian’s name on the divorce papers.After leaving the law office, she booked a flight to Cresthaven for a month later.It was a week before Sebastian returned home.He arrived late at night, weary from travel, bringing a chill into the room. Vivian, half-asleep, barely reacted to his presence.It wasn’t until the mattress dipped beside her and she felt his arm wrap around her naturally, that she fully woke and instinctively moved away, gently pushing him back.Sebastian, experiencing rejection for the first time, looked momentarily stunned before frowning, "You always said you needed my heartbeat to fall asleep."In three years of marriage, Vivian had seldom asked Sebastian for anything, but he had agreed to this one request. It was right after their wedding, and aside from a marriage certificate, he had given her nothing.Yet she didn’t mind, simply leaning against him afterward, pressing her ear to his chest.He had asked why she liked resting against him like that.Under the moonlight, her eyes had sparkled with love and tenderness as she replied, "Because I love listening to your heartbeat. Can I always fall asleep like this?"Perhaps it was the overwhelming affection in her gaze that had compelled him to agree. This ritual had continued ever since; whenever he was home, she would naturally nestle into his arms, her head nestled close to his heart.But now, after a pause, she shook her head and said, "No need."She turned over, facing the other direction, while Sebastian watched her shadow curl up under the moonlight. A strange feeling crept into his heart.It was the first time he wasn't being clung to by Vivian with her usual intensity. He didn't even like her, so he should be glad she wasn't hanging onto him anymore. Yet, he felt a peculiar emptiness inside.He comforted himself, thinking he had just grown accustomed to her leaning on him, entirely dependent on him.The next morning, Vivian woke up late. After getting ready, she went downstairs, surprised to find Sebastian still there. Her surprise was evident as she blurted out, "Aren't you going to the hospital to see Miss Vandenberg today?"On any other day, he might have been a little impatient with that question, but today, he felt a quiet sense of relief.So, she was jealous of Vanessa yesterday."Vanessa is just a friend. She got into an accident shortly after returning home, so I took extra care of her. But she's been discharged now," he explained patiently, a rarity for him. After a pause, he added, "You wanted me to take you to see the sunset, right? I haven't spent much time with you lately, so how about I make it up to you today?""No need."Realizing she had mistaken him for someone else and with the divorce looming, Vivian had no intention of doing anything so meaningless. Instinctively, she refused. But Sebastian, convinced of the plan's reasonableness, had already arranged for the car to be brought around.Once in the car, she didn't persist in arguing, quietly resigning herself to the journey.The car headed towards the countryside, and soon they reached their destination. But just as they arrived at the hilltop, Sebastian's phone rang.He picked it up, and she caught a glimpse of the name "Vanessa" flashing across the screen.Whatever was said on the other end, it only took him a moment of hesitation before he got back into the car. Before leaving, he left her with a brief promise, "I'll be back to pick you up soon."Despite his words, Vivian waited for a long time. As the sun dipped lower and finally vanished, he still hadn't returned.There were no taxis to be found on the hill, and she didn't bother calling Sebastian to ask if he was coming back. Instead, she quietly began the long walk down.The hill was high, and the path steep. Even though it wasn't a muddy trail, by the time Vivian reached the bottom, her feet were blistered. She had just pulled out her phone to call a cab back to the villa when she received a message from one of Sebastian's friends."Urgent. Come to Nocturne Lounge."Most of Sebastian's friends looked down on her. They saw her as the woman who shamelessly pursued him for two years before finally marrying him, so they rarely contacted her. Seeing the message, she didn't hesitate and hailed a cab straight to Nocturne Lounge.It wasn't out of concern for Sebastian, but rather a fear that anything happening to him might affect the divorce.Upon arriving at the address they had sent, she pushed open the door to the private room, only to trip over a rope she hadn't noticed. She fell heavily, her head striking a nearby stool.The pain made her dizzy, and when she touched her head, her hand came away sticky.The group in the room watched her in her disarray, yet showed no intention of letting her off. The next moment, the door closed, and a bucket of water was upended over her."Whoosh!"As the water splashed down, drenching her completely, laughter erupted in the room, filled with mockery and disdain."Look at her, doesn't she look like a wet dog?" one of them jeered."Quinn, I have to admit, that's a fitting description," another chimed in.Despite the harsh air conditioning, the cold, wet clothes clinging to her skin, and the chill that made her shiver, Vivian's expression remained unchanged. She wiped her face with a calmness that belied the situation.Seeing her lack of reaction, some found it boring, while others thought it wasn't exciting enough and pulled out a phone to show her a video."Hey, you desperate fool, we called you here to let you know that Sebastian's true love is back."She looked up just as the screen displayed a scene of Sebastian in another room, crouched down gently massaging Vanessa's ankle, his expression filled with tenderness."See that? Sebastian left you today because he was throwing a welcome-back party for Vanessa. She just twisted her ankle, and he immediately whisked her away. Have you ever received that kind of treatment? You should just step aside gracefully, otherwise being thrown out would be embarrassing."The taunting continued, but Vivian stood up, struggling against the pain in her feet. Her eyes were deep and calm as she surveyed the room, her voice steady."Don't worry, I'll step aside. Because, truthfully, I don't like him either."