Love Costs A Lot Free Preview

Skye Crawford felt as if she had lost half of her life when the man left.

At that moment, a cold wind blew in through the window, causing her to shiver as she lay on the bed and struggled to breathe.

Skye trembled as she reached out and pulled the silk quilt over herself. Then, she sat up and looked at Warren Whitley, who was fastening his belt with his back turned to her. She tried to speak, but before she could, a layer of mist had already clouded her vision.

After a year of marriage, he finally agreed to be intimate with her.

However, it was rough and merciless. There was no tenderness and affection in such intimacy between them. It was merely an outlet for his frustration.

Ten years of unrequited love, a year of sharing the same bed, and yet she couldn't even earn a shred of his affection!

People said that the heart was the strongest organ in the human body, but at that moment, her heart felt like it was breaking apart piece by piece.

Warren put on his shirt, picked up the divorce agreement that had long been prepared on the end of the bed, and threw it at her before saying coldly, "You've got what you wanted, so sign it!"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she raised her chin while holding her breath and swallowing all the bitterness.

She refused to cry in front of him as she wanted to preserve the last bit of pride she had as the young lady of the Crawfords.

She looked at Warren's sharp eyebrows, and she finally found her voice after a long pause. "I will sign it, but you have to promise me to spare my younger brother!"

Warren narrowed his eyes and said angrily, "Don't push your luck with me!"

Just three hours ago, she had said that as long as he slept with her, she would divorce him. And now, she was making conditions shamelessly!

"Push my luck? Warren, you need to understand that I am your wife, and it is your duty as a husband to sleep with me. Otherwise, do you want me to spread rumors in the future that you have a hidden illness and can't even satisfy your legally wedded wife?"

Veins popped on Warren's forehead as he gritted his teeth and said, "Skye! I have seriously underestimated your shamelessness. Let me tell you. The debts must be repaid, and a life for a life. Your brother intentionally ran someone over with his car, so he must bear the legal consequences. Do you know that Matilda was in several critical conditions while she was being treated in the hospital? The doctors said she would become permanently disabled. Do you know that?"

The man's gaze pierced her like a knife.

Skye felt like her chest had been torn open and left with a gaping hole after being scrutinized by the person she loved the most.

She turned her head away and bit her lower lip hard to calm herself down before looking back at the man. "Scott said he didn't hit anyone. It was Matilda who got to the car on her own—"

"Shut up!" Warren interrupted her as his face darkened. "You and your brother knew that there’s no surveillance camera along the street, and since Matilda is unconscious, you can frame her and tarnish her reputation, right? Let me tell you. As long as I'm here, none of you can bully her or make her suffer!"

Skye felt like crying for a moment, but then she smiled. "Yes... Everyone in the Qrok knows that I, as the legitimate wife, am just a joke, and Matilda is the apple of your eye! Who dares to bully her or make her suffer? Everyone in our circle would only bow and scrape to her. They even wished they could address her as Mrs. Whitley!"

She, Warren, and Matilda Clarke grew up together.

However, she was the daughter of the prestigious Crawfords in Qrok, while Matilda was just the daughter of a servant in the Whitleys.

She and Matilda were good friends in high school until that incident happened, and they fell out. But because of Warren, they had to maintain a superficial relationship whenever they met.

She didn't understand.

She was more beautiful than Matilda, better than Matilda in academics, and had a more likable personality than someone as unimpressive as Matilda. Why did Warren love Matilda and look down on her when they appeared together at the same time?

Was it...

Was it because Matilda was more fragile and needed more protection?

Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...

The sound of her phone vibrating broke the tense atmosphere.

"Skye, you have no right to negotiate with me! If you don't sign this agreement now, I don't mind having a legal battle with the Crawfords!"

After saying this, Warren took out his phone and answered it. "Hello!"

Skye finally couldn't help but shed her tears silently. They dripped onto her collarbone, which was covered in bite marks, and onto the divorce agreement, where they glistened like crystal droplets in a place the man couldn't see.

When it came to matters involving Matilda, he always stood by Matilda's side unconditionally. Skye's explanations would always be regarded as sophistry and malicious slander.

She should have known that his heart was biased toward Matilda. Why did she only realize it today?

It hurt.

Every organ and every inch of her body hurt.

Skye hunched over, and her frail back trembled helplessly under her silent sobs.

Her throat was sore as if she had swallowed sulfuric acid, which rendered her completely speechless.

That was how it was.

The Crawfords couldn't withstand the pressure brought by two lawsuits, and she was tired, too!

If he wanted a divorce...

Fine.

He would get a divorce.

She agreed to it!

Skye pulled out the pen from the document and was about to sign her name on the last page when Warren's sleek phone suddenly smashed against her hand!

Her hand went numb, and it caused her entire arm to lose sensation temporarily.

She looked up in astonishment.

She was truly frightened by Warren's sinister and murderous gaze.

In all the years she had known him, she had never seen him so angry.

"Uh! Ah!"

The man's slender, jade-like fingers gripped her throat and was suffocating her. The momentary blankness in her brain made her realize for the first time how close death was to her.

And this feeling was brought to her by the man she loved the most!

"Wa... Warren..."

Her weak hand reached up to his hand as her face and lips turned pale.

"Did you ask Matilda to meet you at Soledo? What did you say to her before your brother hit her? Did you boast about your prestigious status, insult her with a check, and force her to leave Qrok? Skye, I used to think you were just a bit stubborn, but now I know that you're not stubborn. You're wicked!" Warren mocked her. "You said you would agree to a divorce if I slept with you, but in reality, you wanted to keep me tied down so that the coffee shop owner you bribed could delete the surveillance footage and erase the evidence, right? Unfortunately, your plan backfired. The surveillance footage was only damaged in terms of audio quality, but the process of you giving Matilda the check and pressuring her was captured. The coffee shop owner also confessed that neither you nor your brother could escape. I will send both of you to prison!"

A realization struck Skye.

She understood everything.

All of this was orchestrated by Matilda!

Matilda had bribed the coffee shop owner first, and the audio quality of the surveillance footage wasn't damaged but rather tampered with long ago.

Because if there was audio, others would know that it was Matilda who first asked her for the check!

Scott also told Skye that he wasn't driving fast at the time, and Matilda deliberately rushed over to fake the accident.

I am wicked?

Hahaha...

Skye gave up struggling and put down her hand. Then, she looked at Warren while laughing and crying like a madwoman.

"How dare you laugh?!"

Warren was furious. He wished he could strangle this ignorant woman right then and there.

"You used to gather others to fight and play pranks on Matilda. I turned a blind eye to it. I didn't expect my tolerance toward you to escalate to the point where you disregarded the law and attempted murder! You're really something!"

Skye's laughter abruptly stopped.

Gathering others to fight?

Play pranks on Matilda?

When did she ever do these things...

Warren pushed her away as if she were a dirty object, picked up his phone from the bed, and took two steps back. His handsome face was filled with gloom as he said, "Leave my place and wait for the court summons at the Crawfords' Residence!"

"Cough. Cough. Cough." Skye lay on the bed and was too preoccupied with her discomfort to fix the fallen blanket. She covered her neck and coughed painfully.

She was so vulnerable and defenseless as she was exposed in front of him unexpectedly.

They had just been intimate, and Warren was still in a sensitive state. He couldn't help but feel his blood stirred up at this provocative scene.

He clenched his fists and tried to calm down the resurfacing instinctive impulse.

Skye's appearance and figure were widely recognized as rare beauties in their circle, and Warren had never denied her beauty.

Unfortunately, she was a venomous beauty.

No matter how good the exterior, it couldn't hide her inner ugliness!

"Don't play dead here. Get lost!"

"I want to see Matilda," Skye said in a hoarse voice, her eyes red. "She called me and asked me to meet her at the cafe in Soledo. She wanted to show off and provoke me by saying that you only have her in your heart. She said that if I was willing to give her 1 million, she would be willing to leave. She even asked me for a check, and I gave it to her, but then she changed her mind. She framed me. She framed Scott... I want to confront her face-to-face! I want..."

Her agitated voice gradually became softer under Warren's calm and indifferent gaze. "I want to see her."

Warren sneered. "Miss Crawford, you are really clever. You can twist any words to fit your narrative. You want to see her? Who do you think you are? Don't even think about it! I won't give you another chance to hurt her. From this moment on, you and your brother better pray day and night for Matilda's safety. Otherwise, it won't be as simple as going to jail. I want you two to pay with your lives!"

"Warren, we've known each other since childhood. Can't you trust me this one time?"

He glared at her with disgust and walked away.

Then, he ordered without mercy. "Take this woman and throw her out!"

Skye pleaded anxiously. "Is there no love or friendship between us? Why won't you even give me a chance to confront her face-to-face?"

Warren remained quiet.

"My parents watched you grow up, but this isn't the first time you've turned against the Crawfords for Matilda. We've lost over a dozen major projects because of you. Isn't that enough? You still want to destroy the Crawfords, all for Matilda... Warren, do you have a heart at all?"

Upon seeing the man's figure disappear from her sight, Skye moved forward and gripped the bedsheet tightly. She closed her eyes and shouted, "Fine! I admit it was me."

In the corridor.

Upon listening to the woman's voice that was no longer struggling and confessing, Warren stopped in his tracks. It wasn't as satisfying as he had imagined; instead, it felt dull and painful.

Skye knew he hadn't left when the sound of the footsteps disappeared outside. She choked back her tears, closed her eyes tighter, and tried to stop the flood of emotions. She said in a defeated tone, "It... It was Matilda who refused to take the money and leave. That's why I went to extremes. It was all my idea. I will take responsibility for my actions. Tomorrow..." Skye buried her head in the blanket while sobbing uncontrollably. "I will turn myself in."

The success of the Crawfords today was all thanks to the hard work of their ancestors. She had enjoyed the benefits since birth, but she hadn't been able to repay anything to her family. She couldn't let the Crawfords suffer because of her, especially when her family couldn't withstand any more trouble. And there was Scott... He was the most innocent one! He loved the wrong person and fell into a trap. She would bear all the consequences herself!

...

Ten days later.

Matilda was transferred from the ICU to a regular ward. Aside from needing rest for her injuries, her health was stable.

On the same day, the court held a hearing.

"The defendant, Skye Crawford, charged with intentional injury, is sentenced to two years in prison. Miss Crawford, do you have anything else to say?"

"No."

...

The case was successfully closed.

Skye was handcuffed and taken away by law enforcement officers.

"Skye! Skye!"

Scott Crawford couldn't help but chase after her, but the officers stopped him.

He had a hot temper and was about to throw a punch, but Matthew Crawford and Faith Miller quickly pulled his hand down to prevent further trouble.

Matthew said in a deep voice, "Go home first!"

Faith wiped her tears and dragged Scott out of the courthouse.

"The prison environment is so harsh. Skye has never experienced any hardships before. She won't be able to handle it."

"Mom, Dad, please think of a way. Two years is really too long..."

Matilda didn't suffer any serious injuries. She only had minor injuries. A few months later, she would be back to her lively self. Why did Skye have to serve two years in prison?

Besides, this whole thing was clearly a setup!

"Warren, don't go to the hospital later. Let's find a cafe and talk about the project at Pinnacletechs..." Finn Morales said, but before he could finish, a gust of wind blew toward them. He instinctively reached out and caught Scott's fist, which was aimed at Warren, who was beside him. He frowned and said, "Mr. Crawford, this is the courthouse entrance. Do you want to accompany your sister after seeing her go in?"

"D*mn it!" Scott cursed under his breath and kicked Finn before sending him flying half a meter away. "You're talking nonsense! My sister was framed by Matilda!"

Finn was helped up by the bodyguards as he clutched his abdomen in pain. He was unable to voice his objections.

Scott was a notorious troublemaker in Qrok!

And he cared very much about his sister.

Previously, someone had said a few bad things about Skye behind his back, and he smashed a wine bottle on their head, resulting in over twenty stitches.

Although the Crawfords no longer enjoy their former glory, they were still wealthy and reputable. Warren could completely disregard the Crawfords, but Finn could not.

Warren said coldly, "Scott, your sister has already confessed. Please watch your words."

"She confessed? It's ridiculous! My sister did it to protect me and to avoid implicating the Crawfords... Besides, did you give her a chance to not confess?"

Scott's eyes turned red. "Matilda is your beloved. My sister has sacrificed so much for you, but it's all worthless! Warren, do you think my sister married you because no one else wanted her? Before marrying you, Joshua Read from Laburg came to my house to propose with a dowry of 2 billion! And Zaid Delaney from Vrury knew my sister liked jewelry, so he wanted to give her a diamond mine! What about you? What did you give her?"

Warren listened in shock.

He knew that Skye had many suitors, but he didn't expect them to offer her such generous conditions.

"On our wedding day, you left my sister halfway to meet Matilda, making her a laughingstock in the circle. My sister is your wife, but Matilda's reputation outside is even more important than my sister's! If you couldn't let go of Matilda, why did you compromise with your family and marry into mine? If you had the courage, you should have eloped with Matilda and not given my sister any hope of a possible relationship after marriage!"

Scott grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, and he wanted to attack Warren. The two bodyguards did not manage to intervene, but another two bodyguards came and restrained Scott by holding his shoulders.

Finn was afraid of Scott's ferocity. He limped over to open the car door and said, "Warren, let's go. Don't pay attention to this mad dog."

Warren ignored Finn and got into his own car.

Outside the car, Scott shouted at the top of his lungs, "Warren! When my sister comes out, I will find a man for her who is a thousand times better than you! You are not deserving of her! You will regret it one day. You will definitely regret what you have done. B*stard! Screw you!"

The unbearable curses seeped through the crack in the car window.

Warren sat in the back seat as his expression darkened.

The driver's scalp tightened, and he quickly started the car engine.

After driving a long distance, the surroundings became quiet, and only then did he glance at the rearview mirror cautiously. "Mr. Whitley, should we still go to the hospital to visit Miss Clarke?"

Warren loosened his collar, pursed his thin lips, and after a while, he said, "Let's go back to the company."

After speaking, he turned his head to look out the window.

Amid a vibrant and lush street during the peak of summer, Warren's heart felt desolate despite the abundance of greenery.

Scott's words lingered in his mind...

Regret?

Skye had intentionally harmed Matilda, and there was undeniable evidence of it.

Sending her to prison and making her face legal consequences were all part of the proper procedure.

Otherwise, if he let her off this time, who knows what trouble she might cause next with her arrogant personality!

There was nothing to regret.

Warren told himself this in his heart, but his jawline tightened, and his trembling hand clenched into a fist.

...

One week later.

Warren's lawyer, who was accompanied by a marriage registry official, came to finalize the divorce proceedings with Skye.

She was dressed in a loose blue prison uniform. Her chestnut-colored long curls were straightened, dyed black, and cut into a short bob that fell just above her ears. She signed her name calmly on the papers that were handed to her by the opposing lawyer.

The lawyer who came had also been involved in the process of Skye and Warren's marriage a year ago.

At this moment, he looked at Skye's gaunt cheeks, heavy dark circles under her eyes, and roughened hands. It was truly difficult for him to reconcile her with the vibrant and radiant woman he remembered. Her eyes sparkled even when she wasn't smiling.

Bang!

The marriage registry official stamped the divorce certificate and handed one copy to Skye and the other to the lawyer.

Skye felt a sense of powerlessness as she stared at the divorce certificate in her hand.

She had once believed that marrying Warren would make her the happiest woman.

Now, she realized that marriage was not an eternal guarantee.

She realized it was futile to do everything for someone who didn't love her.

The lawyer held onto his briefcase and asked softly, "Miss Crawford, is there anything you would like me to convey to Mr. Whitley on your behalf?"

Skye lowered her gaze. Her eyelashes were trembling in the faint light, and her voice was devoid of any fluctuations as she said, "Please ask him to stop suppressing the Crawfords' business."

"All right. Take care of yourself, Miss Crawford."

The prison allowed family members to visit once a month, so Matthew, Faith, and Scott took turns visiting her during that one hour.

Matthew usually talked to her about topics she was interested in, such as jewelry and clothing, before mentioning that her teacher had written her a letter inviting her to study abroad when she was released. Skye nodded and smiled, knowing very well that her teacher had been rejected by her multiple times before, so it was impossible for him to write another letter doing so. She had given up the opportunity to enter the Parovine Opera House Ballet for Warren, which was truly foolish.

Meanwhile, Faith talked about trivial matters, gossiping about their relatives and whoever had gotten divorced or married, plus someone who had made headlines in the entertainment news for having an affair and being chased by his wife with a kitchen knife. Skye was often amused by these tales and laughed so hard that she would lie on the table, secretly wiping away her tears when her mother was not paying attention.

Everyone else can fight back against homewreckers while she can only endure it. Why have I married a capable man whom I can't afford to provoke? I deserve it.

Compared to Matthew and Faith, who only reported good news and avoided discussing anything related to Warren, Scott was less bothered about it and told her that Warren had been punished by his grandfather and was whipped with a cane over thirty times.

Scott angrily remarked, "That old man didn't know how to hit him properly. If it were me, I would hit his butt so hard that his skin splits so he cannot sit!"

Skye asked, "Like a hotdog?"

Scott was amused by her comment and burst into laughter, but his laughter was soon replaced by tears. "Skye, what happened to your forehead? Fighting isn't allowed in school, but no one cares about prison bullying."

Skye lived in a dormitory with ten people, all of whom had been involved in gambling and child trafficking and had actually taken lives. All of them were over thirty-five years old and not very attractive, so Skye stood out from their midst. Inevitably, she became a target because she was different from the others and would get beaten almost every day; however, she had a proud temperament and a strong backbone, so she would fight back each time since it was impossible for her to be their lackey and ordered around. The coin-shaped scar on her forehead had been caused by a cigarette butt, which was deep and would leave a permanent scar.

"Is it ugly?" Skye touched the uneven scar.

Scott shook her head and stuttered through his tears, "No, it's not ugly at all. Skye, you are never ugly, no matter what!"

Skye chuckled, "You have such a flattering temperament. It seems like you've been flirting a lot with girls at nightclubs."

His face had turned red from crying, and he gasped for breath. "I won't go to nightclubs anymore. Never again. I plan to join the company and learn how to manage our business. I have sold my gaming equipment, sports car, and collectible sneakers. Skye, I will definitely succeed in my endeavor, so you don't have to do anything when you are freed. I'll take care of you!"

...

Two years later, her sentence was over. It had been summer when she was imprisoned, and still the same the day she was released.

The prison guard returned her phone, which had been taken away when she was locked up. "Behave yourself, and don't break the law again."

Skye looked around the intersection in silence, her eyes filled with anticipation for her family. She waited from morning until noon and from noon until evening as the sound of cicadas echoed in the background.

She sat on the roadside, fear causing her to tighten her arms and curl up into a ball. Since she was imprisoned, her parents and Scott would come to visit her every month, rain or shine, but they hadn't come once in the last three months. She had told herself that they were busy with their business and didn't have time; however, this was the day of her release, and they should have sent a driver even if they couldn't come in person, yet there was no one. There was a high possibility that something happened to the Crawfords!

Meanwhile, a driver peeked around the corner at the intersection, observing Skye for a long time. Turning and walking to the back door of a black Maybach, he spoke in a low voice through the car window. "Mr. Whitley, Miss Crawford is still waiting and has no intention of leaving."

Due to the tinted windows, anyone outside couldn't see anything inside. The driver scratched his head in confusion, not understanding what the boss wanted. They had come at 5 a.m. and parked here, waiting since then. Miss Crawford had come out after 8 a.m., yet his boss hadn't gone down to greet her. He was just hiding there while wasting time until the sky was already dark.

In the dimly lit car, the man's phone, which was next to him, emitted a cold light, displaying a news report from three months ago.

"A Rolls-Royce had collided with a runaway truck and overturned on the river bridge, reportedly involving the three Crawfords."

Under the lengthy title was a brief explanation, with keywords including 'The Crawford Group chairman and his wife died on the spot'; 'The Crawford heir suffered a serious head injury, and his current condition is unknown'; 'The Whitleys intends to acquire the Crawford Group.'

He had pulled up the news from three months ago, intending to show it to Skye, yet he found that he didn't even dare to get out of the car and see her when he arrived.

"One day, you will regret it. You will regret what you have done!"

Scott's words outside the courthouse two years ago echoed in his ears.

Warren clasped his hands together and rested them on his lower abdomen, leaning his upper body against the back of the chair. He closed his eyes, his long eyelashes casting shadows on his prominent nose. He looked peaceful, as if he were asleep; however, if one were to look closely, one would notice a hint of moist redness at the corners of his eyes. Faint blue veins were visible under his thin eyelids, which were as delicate as cicada wings, and his eyes trembled slightly.

"My parents have watched you grow up, but you have betrayed our family multiple times for Matilda. We have lost more than a dozen major projects. Isn't that enough? Do you still want to destroy us all for her sake? Warren, do you have any decency at all?"

When Warren recalled Skye's words, he suddenly opened his eyes without warning. His heartbeat echoed like a drum in the cramped space, growing heavier with each beat.

Taking a deep breath, he picked up the still-lit phone from beside him and slightly rolled down the car window before coldly instructing the driver, who was still observing Skye. "Ignore her! Let's return to Azure Bay!"

If you don't love her, don't give her false hope.

Scott was right. If he had been firm back then and not married Skye, Matilda wouldn't have been hurt. As for Matthew and Faith's deaths, he had a clear conscience, so if she wanted to hate him, just let her do so. He had nothing more to say to that.

The next day at noon, Skye returned to the Crawford Family villa with swollen eyes and a tired body. She had been waiting for someone to answer the phone yesterday and already had a bad feeling, so she had finally mustered the courage to search online for keywords related to the Crawfords in the middle of the night. Her parents were dead, and her brother's condition was unknown, so she had nowhere else to go besides coming here to take a look.

It was a luxurious villa, so she didn't have an access card to enter the main gate. However, she had lived here for over ten years and knew of a small path, so she took a detour to get in. Standing outside her own front gate, or rather, what used to be her front gate, Skye deeply felt what it felt to remain the same while everything had changed.

Swoosh!

A frisbee flew out from the courtyard, narrowly missing Skye, and she stumbled backward and fell to the ground due to an injury on her leg.

At that moment, the villa door opened, and a man came out, holding a dog leash. He raised his eyebrows in surprise when he saw her.

"Oh! Isn't this Miss Crawford? I almost didn't recognize you!"

Finn kicked the 'dog' beside him. "Come on, bark for Miss Crawford!"

Skye's pupils dilated, her head buzzing as she looked at Scott, who was wearing a dog collar and kneeling at Finn's feet. Their eyes met, but he didn't show any recognition, as if he didn't know her, as he foolishly barked at her twice.

Smack!

Unsatisfied, Finn swung the leash and hit Scott's back. "D*mn it! Didn't I just feed you? Bark louder for me!"

Scott cowered, looking timid, but his voice was several times louder than before: "Woof! Woof woof!"

Finn tightened the leash, lifting Scott's head, and gloatingly boasted, "Look, I've trained this dog pretty well, haven't I?"

B*stard! A cold sense of vengeance flashed in Skye's eyes. In the next second, she swiftly tackled Finn, pinning him down with her hands around his neck. She had spent two years as a laborer in prison, her hands calloused from hard work, so she had enough strength to lift six bricks with one hand.

Finn hadn't expected her to be this strong, struggling with gritted teeth until he turned purple and gasped for breath, his eyes rolling back.

She wanted to kill him. She would kill him even if it meant going back to prison!

Driven by the rush of adrenaline, Skye had lost her sanity. As Finn was on the verge of losing consciousness, her grip tightened and tightened again.

"Woof! Woof woof!"

Scott's crying brought Skye back to her senses. Turning her head, she saw Scott crouching by the wall, hugging his legs while looking at her with wet eyes full of fear.

She suddenly lost all her strength, her hands slowly releasing Finn's neck as she choked out, "Scott, don't be afraid. I'm back. Come here."

Scott stared anxiously at Skye, who was frozen in fear but refused to move forward. She stumbled over and squatted in front of him, and he cried out and instinctively hugged his head.

It was evident that Finn had been bullying him when their family was in difficult times. She had believed that her heart would no longer ache once she stopped loving Warren and that the Crawfords would regain their stability in Qrok, but she was mistaken. She should never have provoked Warren in the first place since Warren belonged to Matilda. Skye shouldn't have deceived herself!

So, can the heavens bring back my parents and my healthy, lively younger brother?

Skye held a frightened Scott tightly, refusing to let go no matter how he struggled and bit her. One of her hands caressed the back of his head while the other stroked his back, her voice gentle and soothing.

"Don't be afraid, it's me, Skye. I'm here to protect you, Scott. Don't be afraid. It's alright. With me here, no one will bully you, and no one will hurt you again. Be good, Scott."

The pain in his shoulder gradually subsided, and he slowly loosened his grip, his eyelashes fluttering as he stared at her for a few seconds before finally in confusion. "Skye?"

His voice was barely audible, like a whisper, but she heard it clearly. Tears streamed down her face as she smiled at him, suppressing her sobs as she nodded firmly. "Yes! It's me. I'm back."

At that moment, a group of people rushed out of the villa.

"Mr. Morales, what happened to you?"

"D*mn! It's Skye Crawford!"

"What? Skye? She's out of prison?"

"Move aside, let me see the most beautiful woman in Qrok!" A frivolous man approached and grabbed Skye's hair, forcing her to lift her head and expose her face for him to admire.

Noticing the hideous burn scar on her forehead, the man exclaimed in disappointment, "What happened? Such a waste of her beauty!"

He had originally intended to have some fun with her in the future, but now that he had seen her once stunning face now ruined, her complexion now dull like a roadside vendor, and her once curvaceous and alluring figure resembling a bag of bones, he had lost all interest.

Skye brushed off the man's hand and, swallowing her pride, helped Scott to his feet. There were too many people against them, and if they stayed any longer, they might not be able to leave!

It was Finn's birthday, and everyone was there to celebrate with him. Warren would also bring Matilda later, so everyone thought that it would be better for Skye and Scott to leave so as not to upset Matilda. If she was annoyed, Warren would definitely be too. Warren had sent Skye to prison for two years because of a minor injury Matilda sustained because of Skye, so it was clear how much he cared about Matilda!

Finn, who had been at death's door, covered his neck, stuck out his tongue, and breathed heavily. After feeling himself recover, he looked up to find Skye and settle the score with her. Seeing her trying to slip away, he wanted to shout but couldn't make a loud sound. In frustration, he pushed the person next to him.

"Bring that woman to me. Hurry!"

How dare she strangle him! Did she still think she was the formerly influential Crawford heiress?

"Warren and Matilda are coming soon. It won't be good if they see this, right?" said Finn. "Make her kneel and apologize to Matilda later. If Matilda is happy, Warren won't have anything to complain about that!"

That's right!

Everyone rushed forward without restraint. Since Skye had an injury on her leg, she couldn't walk fast, and a hand grabbed her hair from behind. Knowing that she couldn't escape, she pushed Scott forward.

"Run! Run away! Scott, don't look back—ah!"

Skye was tackled to the ground, and twisting her body, she bit the person's wrist.

"You—!" The man angrily slapped her. Not satisfied, he slapped her again.

Her cheeks felt like they were on fire, and the pain made it hard for her to open her eyes.

"Stop hitting her. Woof woof! I won't run anymore, woof woof! Woof woof!"

Scott was cornered by two people who punched and kicked him, and he instinctively barked like a dog because that was the only way to please these people. If they were happy, they wouldn't continue beating him.

Hearing Scott's voice, Skye gritted her teeth and struggled to get up, pushing her attacker aside and protecting Scott with her body. Fists and kicks rained down on her; she thought she had become accustomed to this level of beating, but it still hurt. It hurt so much.

"Enough! Separate them first. You, go get a dog leash and put it on Miss Crawford. Look at her temper! It hasn't been tamed, even in prison. Let's teach her some manners again!"

Despite the immense force pulling her from behind, Skye still held onto Scott and refused to let go. With a ripping sound, her thin T-shirt was torn in half, exposing her skin to the air and causing her hair to stand on end. She instinctively wanted to cover her chest, but the men wouldn't allow it and dragged her back a long way, whistling and mocking her.

"I didn't expect it! Even though she's so thin, her figure is still so attractive!"

"She's truly well-endowed! Hahaha!"

"Tsk tsk, I must capture this moment and share it with everyone in the group so they can witness something they've never seen before!"

Ignoring the pain, Skye forcefully pulled back one hand to cover the neckline of her sports vest, biting her lip in humiliation and twisting her body to avoid the camera.

How has it come to this?

She thought that when she came out, she would be able to reunite happily with her family and start a new life, but in reality, Crawford Corporation was acquired, her parents had died, and her brother had become mentally disabled. The group of spoiled individuals who used to bow and scrape before her were now daring enough to humiliate her like this.

"Why are you hiding? Who told you to hide yourself?" A man forcefully pushed her head against the wall, using his phone to record a video of her face. "Aren't you arrogant? Didn't you enjoy bullying Matilda in the past? You even made your brother drive and hit someone with a car. Today, both of you will face the consequences of your actions! Do you understand?"

"D*mn it, what's with that expression? Do you have a problem with it? Come on, smile for the camera. I'll make you smile!"

With a loud bang, her forehead collided with the cold, hard cement wall. She became dazed, and a sense of desolation filled her heart. Matilda was truly remarkable since she was loved unconditionally by Warren and protected by these spoiled individuals. However, Skye had already been in prison to repent for her crimes, accepting the guilt and the punishment she shouldn't have gotten. Wasn't that enough?

"Mikey, why do you keep taking pictures of her disgusting face? You should know that her most impressive features are her legs!"

"You're right!" Michael Yale was inspired by this and stopped insisting on making Skye smile, starting to pull at her pants.

"No! Don't!" Skye screamed in terror. Even though she had endured severe mistreatment inside, she had never begged for mercy, but now, she lowered her voice.

"Please, I beg you, let me go. I will take my brother far away. I promise never to appear in front of you again to bother you. Please, I beg you, give my little brother and me a way out. I truly know that I was wrong."

No one listened since they were engrossed in watching the spectacle.

While trying to dodge, Skye accidentally kicked Michael in the groin, and laughter erupted around them. Furious at her for embarrassing him, he grabbed her hair, but before he could make another move, he was kicked to the ground, and he fell on his back like a flipped turtle.

Skye quickly crawled towards the corner of the wall, not fully comprehending what had just happened. Then, she saw a pair of shiny black leather shoes stepping on his face, grinding into it mercilessly as if it were a cigarette butt. It wasn't until the boots were stained with fresh blood that Warren finally withdrew his foot.

The scene before Skye made her widen her eyes, and she covered her mouth with force, afraid to even breathe. The stuffy air became thin and cold as Michael curled up in pain and rolled on the ground, his hands covering his disfigured face. Her teeth chattered from her fear, and when Warren turned and looked at her, her heart jumped to her throat.

Her pitiful and disheveled appearance made Warren's heart ache.

It has only been two years; how has she ended up like this?

He swallowed and lowered his gaze, taking off his suit jacket before leaning down to put it on her. However, she hastily avoided him like a frightened wild cat. His hand hung in the air as he watched her crawl toward Scott while trembling.

"Scott, don't be afraid, it's your sister. Come, get up."

Scott was still traumatized by the violence and hadn't snapped out of it, murmuring continuously and begging not to be hit as he pushed her away, refusing to let her touch him.

Skye was anxious and did not know what to do. She gently touched Scott's head to calm his emotions and then tugged at the collar around his neck, trying to undo it. Unfortunately, the collar had a lock that required a key and was made of a hard material, so she couldn't pull it open even after cutting her palm.

She really didn't want to stay here anymore since every passing minute second made her feel suffocated. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Skye took a deep breath, forcefully pulling Scott's arm and making him stand up.

Warren turned to Finn and held out his hand, his expression as cold as frost. "Give it to me!"

Finn uncomfortably fumbled with his pockets and placed a long silver key into Warren's palm. "Warren, it's not, I mean, I—"

Warren didn't listen to his nonsense and quickly caught up with Skye, blocking her way. She instinctively pushed Scott behind her and nervously looked at the tall, dignified man in front of her.

Once upon a time, she had been completely infatuated with him and never gave up any chance to get close to him, but now, she only felt terrified by him and wanted to stay far away from him, preferably never seeing him again.

"What do you want, Mr. Whitley?"

"What did you call me?"

There was a hint of danger in the man's tone, and she took a few steps back with an intimidated yet distant gaze. "M-Mr. Whitley—"

Warren's jaw tightened as he felt anger that he couldn't quite put his finger on burning inside his chest.

Somehow, Skye's current obedient and submissive demeanor irritated him more than her old arrogant and domineering self that he used to remember.

She called, "Mr. Whitley?"

Clenching the key, he took a deep breath before handing it to her.

She wasn't expecting this at first. Then, she bowed and reached out both hands to receive it with a wary look on her face.

He narrowed his eyes. If his memory served, she had slender and fair fingers. She often wore colorful nail polish and decorated her nails with rhinestones and sequins, but now, her hands were covered in calluses.

She didn't dare to touch him with her bloodied hands. Therefore, she only grabbed the other side of the key and pulled it out of his hand cautiously. Once it was done, she thanked him, turned around, and tried to flee the scene with Scott in tow.

"Not so fast."

His words startled her. Her body went rigid before she tilted her head to him and asked, "Anything else?"

"Let's talk somewhere else."

She was confused for a moment. Is that a joke?

Two years ago, she had tried countless times to have a proper conversation regarding their marriage with him. And how did he respond to my request every time?

He would lose patience soon after she said something before he started to find excuses, such as he was late to work or was meeting Matilda.

He used to avoid me as if I were the plague. What could he possibly want now after all these years?

"If you have something to tell me, just say it here."

"I'm not asking for your opinion." He strode toward her and draped his coat over her shoulders without any explanation.

Skye raised her hand to refuse Warren's gesture, but he grabbed her wrist forcefully.

"Where do you think you're going half-naked? Aren't you embarrassed about that?"

His words angered her, and all those emotions she worked hard to keep at bay finally took over. "If I'm to be embarrassed about that, it's my own image that I'm ruining. What does it have to do with you? At best, you're just my ex-husband. What right do you have to interfere? Come on! Let me go already!"

He refused to let go, even as she struggled or struck him. He even raised her wrist higher and sneered. "Now you've stopped pretending? Weren't you pretty good at that just a moment ago?"

His harsh words pained her, and tears welled up in her eyes. Furious, she didn't care if her words stepped on his toes. "F*ck you!"

His expression turned cold. "Come again?"

"I said, f*ck you!" She didn't care if she worsened the situation. "I'm always an uncouth woman to you. Now, you've gotten what you wanted, so why are you complaining?"

"You—"

"Warren!" Matilda got out of the car timely and grabbed his arm. Her voice was soft and her tone gentle. "It's natural for Skye to throw a tantrum, considering she's just been released, only to find out about the accident that happened to her family. Please don't make things difficult for her for my sake."

Skye's gaze fell on their intertwined arms for a few seconds before looking away calmly without a word.

He was slightly calmer, with Matilda standing next to him. He had never treated Skye with such tenderness before.

After scolding Warren, Matilda turned to educate Skye. "Skye, even if you're angry, you shouldn't insult Warren. You must apologize to him."

Skye almost sneered at that. I haven't seen her in two years, but it seems like she has become better at putting on the nice and innocent girl act.

Deliberately ignoring Matilda, Skye twisted her wrist and firmly spoke, "Let me go, Mr. Whitley. Otherwise, I'll resort to violence."

He tightened his grasp as a sarcastic smile formed on his lips. "What can you possibly do in that state? Ouch! D*mn it, Skye!"

As she bit his hand, he shouted her name angrily and shoved her away in pain.

She stumbled backward. Then, she wiped the blood off the corner of her lips before she turned to leave.

Before she could make it far, she felt a hand wrapped around her waist, and the next moment, he was carrying her on his shoulder.

She was hanging on his shoulder upside down. Gripping the hem of his shirt, she cried up in fear, "What are you doing, Warren?"

He walked briskly toward the car. Ethan quickly opened the backdoor for him, and he threw her into the backseat, not caring if it would hurt her.

Skye's head hit the other door. Her phone flew out of her pocket and fell under the seat.

It was the most valuable item she possessed at the moment. Worried that it was damaged in the process, she immediately bent down to retrieve it.

"Warren." Matilda, who remained outside the car, didn't dare protest outright. She clenched her fists desperately, yet she put on a friendly face and said, "Stop picking on Skye. She's facing a difficult situation at the moment. Just let them go."

Warren was staring at the bite mark on his hand. He paid no attention to her words. She indeed isn't all bark and no bite. She could've bitten my hand off if I hadn't stopped her in time.

After picking up her phone, Skye fumbled for the door handle, but the car was locked. Since Warren was distracted, she held her breath and tried to sneak past him. However, as soon as her head poked out, he pushed her back to the seat with one hand.

Her eyes turned red with emotions, and she kicked her legs, hopping in the seat like a hare as she struggled to escape.

He grabbed her waist and got into the car with a frown. He put both arms around her waist to restrict her movement. He also put a hand on her mouth as he learned from the mistake he made a few moments ago.

Turning his head toward Matilda, he told her, "You can take a cab home."

Matilda suggested, "I'll go with you—"

"Ethan," he instructed the other man. "Bring Scott over."

She fell silent.

Ethan forcefully dragged Scott and pushed him into the passenger seat at Warren's command. He even closed the back door for Warren.

The Maybach was designed for five-seaters, yet it couldn't fit one more Matilda.

Before getting into the car, Ethan nodded at her politely and finally drove away. She stood there watching the car go, her face livid.

...

Goodwill Apartment.

Warren carried Skye under his arm and covered her mouth with another hand when he got out of the car. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the building.

His apartment unit was his private domain, or rather, the couple's nest that he shared with Matilda.

One specific memory was deeply ingrained in Skye's mind. It happened in the first year of their marriage. There was one time when Matilda purposefully showed off her amethyst bracelet to Skye when Skye already received the exact same thing from Warren before.

Enraged, she slapped Matilda, and Warren happened to witness that. As a result, he gave her the silent treatment for three months.

Back then, she loved him so much that she threw her dignity away. She couldn't bear his cold shoulder, so she prepared breakfast and came to his place to offer him the olive branch.

After knocking on the door a few times, Matilda finally answered it. She was dressed in a red lace nightgown, and her damp hair was draped over her shoulders. Her lips were red after being abused by kisses.

Warren, in his pajamas, turned up in the corridor with a cup of coffee, asking her who the visitor was.

It was a scene Skye would never forget.

Once she had calmed down, he finally released her, allowing her to land safely on the ground. He adjusted his sleeves before saying, "You and your brother can stay here for now. I'll—"

"I'm not staying here!"

Warren's patience bottomed out. "Stop being so obstinate, Skye."

He couldn't care less about her well-being if it wasn't for the fact that they were formerly married.

Matilda's perfume permeated the air. Every time Skye took a breath, she felt as though a dagger was piercing her lungs.

How could I be so blind? She always knew Warren and Matilda were deeply in love, yet she pretended to be oblivious to it and tried so hard to turn his head.

Regretful tears pricked her eyes as she announced, "Warren, I won't deny that my persistent pursuit in the past had caused you a lot of trouble. But now, we're divorced, and I no longer have those feelings for you. Just continue your life with Matilda and stay out of my business."

He stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking at her with a neutral expression. "Can you afford another place? Where will you stay if you don't stay here?"

"In the park or on the footbridge. Anywhere but here."

"Fine. As you wish." He was smiling. Yet, the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You sure got a backbone, Miss Crawford."

She looked down, hiding the hurtful expression that threatened to emerge. At last, she took Scott's hand, walked past Warren, and headed toward the exit.

"Skye!" Warren turned in their direction and warned sternly, "Once you leave the house, never come back to me for help."

She answered by slamming the door shut.