( 0 ) Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Elizabeth looked at Alexander in confusion . She hadnt heard about Alexander being married . Sterling , weve been living abroad for many years , and were not aware of the news in the United States . Whats the connection between my daughter and you ? Alexanders expression remained indifferent as he spoke , Even if there was a connection , its in the past . Im currently processing a divorce . Aveline hadnt expected that the sincere feelings she had held for years would end up as mere words on his lips . Was she angry ? Of course , she was . But more than anger , she felt a chilling sense of realization that she had chosen a monster to cherish . Aveline took out a ring box and forcefully threw it at Alexander . To hell with you , you scumbag ! The biggest regret of my life is being associated with you . Well meet at the Civil Affairs Bureau at nine oclock tomorrow , and anyone who doesnt show up is a coward ! The box hit his forehead , making it red , and the ring scattered at his feet . This time , Aveline didnt even spare a glance at the ring . She stepped on it and stormed out , slamming the door behind her . In these last few years , Avelines life had been filled with too many hardships . This incident was like the final straw on a camels back . She didnt get far before fainting by the roadside . She gazed at the continuous drizzle from the sky , feeling as though the world was being hostile to her . She thought that maybe dying like this wouldnt be so bad . In this calculating world , there wasnt much left for her to hold onto . When she woke up again , she found herself in an unfamiliar room . Warm yellow light banished the darkness , and the rooms heating felt like spring . Youre awake . Aveline opened her eyes and saw Ryans gentle eyes . Ryan , did you save me ? I found you collapsed by the roadside when I returned home from work . So , I brought you here . Since your clothes were soaked , I had my maid get you some dry ones . Chapter 15 The man had clear and clean eyes , and there was no hint of indecency . Thank you , Ryan . Ive made some oxtail soup ; you should have some warm water . Aveline lifted the blanket and got out of bed . You dont have to bother , Ryan . I wont trouble you this late . She was weak , and her feet barely touched the ground before she fell . Ryan swiftly caught her , and the scent of the laundry detergent he used surrounded her . It smelled the same as the laundry detergent her family used , the same one Alexander had used . Just the thought of Alexander was agonizing . Youre too weak right now . If you want to live a little longer , dont overexert yourself , Ryan gently advised . Do it for your fathers sake . Aveline , with a glimmer of hope in her eyes , replied , In that case , please help me . Watching the man bustling around in the kitchen , she realized that she hadnt had much contact with Ryan . At most , he had been a senior who gave her an award when she was named an outstanding student in her freshman year . He had already started his internship at a famous hospital when she was in her first year , so their time together had been minimal . They only interacted more when they met at the hospital later on . Their relationship hadnt been significant enough to justify her troubling Ryan . After having dinner and taking some medicine for her stomach , she started to feel a little better . Ryan brought up the topic of chemotherapy again . Medicine has advanced a lot these days . Youre in the late stage , and many cancer patients in a similar stage have survived . You have to believe in yourself . Chemotherapy is an effective treatment . Aveline looked down . Ive studied medicine , and I know the benefits and side effects of chemotherapy . Ryan continued to persuade her , Chemotherapy followed by surgery has a high chance of curing it Although the side effects are strong , if you endure them , you can- Aveline slowly raised her head , her eyes filled with tears . She fought to keep her tears from falling and spoke with trembling lips , But I cant endure it anymore . Chapter 15 Ryans comforting words got stuck in his throat . He looked into her tearful eyes , feeling somewhat choked up . After a while , he asked , Clear your mind . Is there no one in this world you care about ? She hesitated for a moment and replied , Only my father . In that case , you should stay alive for your fathers sake . Aveline smiled bitterly . Thank you , Ryan . I feel much better now . I wont trouble you any longer . Ryan noticed that she had lost her wedding ring , but he decided not to mention it . Where are you going ? I can drive you . No need , Ive already called a car . Itll be here soon . She politely refused , and Ryan reluctantly agreed . However , he was concerned that , after Avelines emotional outburst , she might be tempted to harm herself . So , he discreetly followed her car . When they arrived at the riverside , Aveline was lost in thought , gazing at the river . Although the rain had stopped , the air was cold . Ryan wanted to approach her and offer comfort , but a black luxury car pulled up next to her . The car door opened , and a distinguished man who often graced the cover of financial magazines appeared beneath the streetlight . Ryan was taken aback . Could it be that Avelines husband was him ? The wind rustled through Avelines hair , making her look even more disheveled . Alexander raised his hand to help tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear , but he quickly restrained himself from doing so . Do you have something to say ? Aveline stared at him coldly , as if she was trying to figure out his true nature . Is the Blackwood familys bankruptcy related to you ? Yes , She asked her second question , Is the child yours ? She stared at him without blinking . She wanted to believe that she was just overthinking things , but Alexander had no intention of denying it . He replied calmly , Yes . Chapter 15 Aveline took a couple of steps forward , and then she slapped him hard across the face . Alexander , youre a heartless man ! The man effortlessly caught her wrist , and his hand gently brushed away her tears . Does it hurt ? You scoundrel , why did you do this to me ? What did my family ever do to you ? Alexanders dark pupils were devoid of any emotions , and his voice was icy . Aveline , you want answers ? Why dont you ask your dear father what he did ? She choked up and asked , Alexander , did you ever love me ? His eyes were as ruthless as ever , and he answered coldly , No. From the very beginning , you were just a pawn in my hands . Avelines tears fell like a flood , dripping onto his hand , and as the cold wind blew , the warmth vanished . Do you hate me ? I do . This is what the Blackwood family owes me , Aveline . Your being the daughter of Anthony means I want you to live in constant fear for the rest of your life , experiencing the pain my sister endured . I wont the truth ; I want you to forever be enveloped in fear , suffering the torment she went through . tell you Didnt she go missing a long time ago ? What does she have to do with Blackwood family ? He looked at her with contempt , as if he was a god from above passing judgment . Aveline , while you were enjoying the love and affection of everyone , she was suffering inhuman torture . Take your time to guess , I wont tell you the truth . I want you to live in perpetual fear , experiencing the same pain she went through ! Alexander coldly stepped into the car , leaving with these last words , Tomorrow , nine oclock , Ill be waiting for you at the Civil Affairs Bureau . Aveline hastily rushed up to the car and banged on the door relentlessly . Explain it clearly . What happened to her ? The car accelerated and quickly left . Aveline , who had lost her support , fell heavily to the ground . Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...