Chapter 2 Chapter 2 ( 75 ) 65 vouchers Connor let out a long sigh , almost like a weight had lifted . " And really , Xylia not being able to dance isn't the worst thing . That way no one's in Tessa's way . Being the lead was her dream . " You have no idea how much I've done just to make sure she gets to be happy . I even stepped right into the mess myself to make it happen . " Xylia just froze , a thin layer of despair spreading in her chest . Eight years back , when Tessa showed up , Xylia'd found out she wasn't even the real daughter of the Schultz family . Xylia's fiancé dumped her right there in front of everyone , and swore he'd kick her out of Jupiton . Then , he married Tessa . Overnight , Xylia became the punchline of every joke in their circle . Friends and family all treated her like she'd stolen what wasn't hers . People whispered that she must've been after the Schultzes ' money if she held on to that title for so long . Only Connor had come to Xylia when she was falling apart . He'd told her , " Xylia , I'll marry you . From now on , I'll be the one standing behind you ." Xylia had been touched , overwhelmed even , and chose to marry him . She'd believed he was her soulmate . For him , she even turned down an offer from a world - famous dancer . Later , when Xylia heard Tessa had become that dancer's last student and ended up the country's top dancer , she didn't think much of it . Looking back now , Xylia could see Connor's hand in all of it . No wonder , even after they got married and he treated her well , she always felt like she couldn't reach his heart . It had all been a setup . Every step . Just to make sure Tessa's dream came true . Xylia let out a soundless laugh , tears spilling anyway . She thought , ' So that's what " stepped right into the mess myself " means . ' Who else but me would be this much of a fool ? Eight years of running in circles , letting the same man play me like this ? ' Eight years , and I gave up everything . I gave up dancing to be a doctor because Sonny's health was fragile . I bent over backwards to please Connor when I couldn't reach him . And all this time , I thought it was me .' Xylia's tears soaked into the pillow . She tried to lift her hand to wipe them , but her hand just flopped right back down , useless . The tendons had been cut by an inmate when she was locked up , punishment for not obeying . 11:41 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 2 55 vouchers She would never hold a scalpel again . She had worked her way up to chief surgeon with these hands , and now it was all gone because Connor and Sonny delayed her surgery . The glass cup on the table clattered to the floor , the sharp sound slicing through the air . The voices outside cut off , and Connor rushed in . For a split second , panic flashed in his eyes before he scooped Xylia into his arms . " Xylia , you're awake ? The surgery went really well . What seems to be the problem ? " Connor's brow was tight , his face full of worry . If she hadn't heard what he'd said earlier , Xylia might've actually believed that concern . Sonny scrambled to her bedside , his voice breaking . " Mom , are you thirsty ? I'll get you some water . " Before , Xylia would've thought her life was perfect . A husband who treated her like treasure ; a son who doted on her . But now , all she felt was disgust at how fake it was . She , the one they fooled , looked nothing but pathetic . Xylia's nose burned , pain flooding through every bone in her body . She forced her tears back down , lowered her head , and managed a pale smile . Seeing her like that , Connor nearly shook with worry . He lowered his head , then looked up again , his eyes rimmed red . " Xylia , does it hurt somewhere ? I'll call the doctor back in . Don't worry , I'll track down whoever gave false testimony . I won't let you suffer for nothing ." A tear slid down Xylia's face . Her eyes kept drifting , her whole body cold . She thought , " They really put on a hell of a show . I let myself be fooled all these years , used up till there was nothing left , and I only saw the truth now . ' Xylia's expression went flat . For the first time , she cut sharp with her words . " It's been three months . You still haven't found who gave false testimony ? Are my hand and legs even salvageable ? " In her mind , she added , ' And ... do you even feel the slightest bit of pity for me anymore ? ' Xylia's voice cut through the quiet room . Connor blinked , dazed , before he spoke . " Xylia , I'll do everything I can to get justice for you . And your hand , I'll make sure the best people treat it . " Sonny leaned against Xylia's bed , holding her hand tight . " Mom , please don't be sad . The doctors here just aren't that good , but Dad already brought in the best team from overseas . " ' Not because the doctors here were bad ,' Xylia argued silently , ' but because you two dragged it 11:41 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 2 out until it was too late . 56 vouchers She suddenly felt bone - deep exhaustion . She had held herself up in prison for three months , just so she could get out and see them . And now , the two people who meant the most to her handed her this kind of " surprise . " " Forget it , " Xylia said , pulling at the corner of her mouth . She locked eyes on Connor , watching every flicker in his face . " All I want is to find the driver who ran from that crash , the one who faked the testimony , and clear my name . " For a second , Connor's perfect mask cracked . Xylia , you never used to nitpick like this . " His brow drew in , his voice turning cool . " I'll try my best to avenge you , but I don't want you drowning in hate . Wouldn't it be better if we just lived our lives in peace ? " Bitterness shot through Xylia . Her whole body ached until it was numb . She screamed inside , You two destroyed every last hope I had . How the hell was I supposed to just " live in peace " ? ' " Mom , even if your hand never heals , me and Dad would never look down on you for being disabled . Please , let the hate go ." Sonny's words came out soft , but on his young face sat a look that cut cruelly . Xylia couldn't take that kind of guilt - wrapped pity . She opened her mouth to say more , but Connor's phone rang . His cold face instantly melted soft . Xylia stared at Connor in silence , the taste in her chest bitter . Married all these years , he had treated her well , but his face was always distant , cold . She used to think maybe he just didn't know how to smile . Turned out he only saved that smile for someone else . After he hung up , Connor looked a bit apologetic , brows pulled tight . " Xylia , something came up at Sonny's school . I need to take him there ." Xylia's head dropped . Connor forgot she always had sharp hearing . Even when the voice on the other end was quiet , she heard that woman's carefree laugh , " Connor , my show just wrapped up . Come pick me up . I'll treat you to dinner . " That voice , Xylia knew all too well . Tessa Schultz , the real daughter of the family . Bright , bubbly , loved wherever she went . Xylia's chest went cold , the exhaustion heavier than ever . She looked at Connor and said in a calm tone , " But today's Saturday ." Connor frowned , cutting Sonny a look . The boy caught on instantly . " We had a performance 11:41 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 2 at school , Mom . I need practice . When you get better , you'll come see me on stage . " ร 0 75 55 vauchers The lie was paper - thin , and Connor's impatience showed all over his face . Inside , she gave a bitter smile . So now that I'm crippled and can't climb back up , they don't even bother pretending anymore , is that it ? ' Xylia's chest stung , but her face kept its pale smile . " Go on . " That edge of impatience finally faded from Connor . He poured her a glass of milk and set it down . " You always loved milk . Drink it up and wait here for me ." Then he strode out with Sonny , moving faster than he needed to , almost like he couldn't wait to leave . Xylia stared at the glass of milk and smiled faintly . She was lactose intolerant . The one who loved milk had never been her . 宙 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!