Vanishing Love: His Redemption Free Preview

“What's really going on between you and that woman? The media is now speculating about your relationship with her.”

Inside the living room, an old man's roar echoed. He threw the phone at a young man. At that moment, the screen of the phone displayed a news headline that read: Famous actress Elsa Larson spotted on a late-night date. The mysterious man is likely her fiancé.

The man said indifferently, “Nothing, but the media is right. Elsa is the one I love and my wife.”

Francesca Beckman, who was about to step out of the kitchen, carrying a glass of milk, abruptly halted, her gentle face turning deathly pale.

Phillip Zeller's eyes widened in anger. “You b*stard! What nonsense are you spouting!”

The man took a deep breath, seemingly holding back his anger. “You know very well whether I'm spouting nonsense or not.”

“You br*t!” Phillip snapped irritably, hurling a cup at the man's feet. Afterward, the living room fell into an eerie silence.

Upon hearing the escalating argument between the grandfather and grandson in the living room, Francesca hastily retreated to the kitchen. In her frantic state, she accidentally collided with the corner of the table.

A sharp pain spread from her body to her heart, and her eyes brimmed with tears from the agony.

A few days ago, she had received a pregnancy notification on her phone. It was sent by Elsa Larson, her husband Colton Zeller's first crush.

Along with it came Elsa's mocking text that read: Francesca, it's time for you to step down. You shamelessly took my place back then. It's about time you returned it. Back then, you and your family committed such despicable acts. If I were in your shoes, I would have been so ashamed and outraged that I would have rather died than marry Colton!

Only after marrying did Francesca discover that there was a woman whom Colton had always deeply cherished in his heart.

On the night of their wedding, she had seen news of her husband, Colton, and the popular actress, Elsa, entering and exiting a hotel.

Back then, she had still nurtured the hope of living in harmony with him, and with a sense of guilt toward him, she became his wife.

However, things were not as she had expected three years later.

Only when Phillip and Colton talked about something else did she finally leave the kitchen.

After seeing Phillip off, Francesca, who had been forcefully holding back her emotions, finally retreated to the bathroom. Just as she did, the door was abruptly pushed open, causing her to stagger back a few steps.

Through her tear-blurred vision, she saw the stern man who walked in—her husband, Colton.

His expression was icy, and his black suit only accentuated his cold demeanor. As soon as he entered, he gripped her chin. “Did you coax Grandpa into pressuring me to have a child with you? Francesca, you've gotten better at this over the years, huh?”

Before Francesca could say anything, his gaze turned even more icy as he added, “Three years ago, you climbed into my bed to become Mrs. Zeller, and now you want to use a child as an excuse to cling to the Zeller family forever?”

Francesca's expression shifted abruptly, and she bit her lips. “I didn't!”

“You didn't?” Mockery filled Colton's eyes. “Francesca, no one knows better than you how the Beckman family plotted against me. You're unworthy of bearing my child.”

The harsh words caused Francesca to clench her fists tightly, her nails digging deeply into her palms.

She had always known that Colton did not love her. Yet, when he uttered the word “unworthy,” she still felt as though a thousand arrows had pierced her heart.

For three years, she had faithfully fulfilled her role as Mrs. Zeller. Even when her original family had constantly demanded money from the Zellers, she would refuse whenever she could.

She had thought that she could gradually thaw Colton's heart. But now, she realized that his heart was like an age-old glacier. No matter how much she gave, it remained frozen.

Back then, the Beckman family had schemed against him. He, a figure who had always commanded respect in the business world, had been outmaneuvered by a minor family clan.

Naturally, he harbored a deep resentment toward the Beckmans.

“Over these past three years, have you... have you ever felt even a little... a tiny bit of affection for me?”

She spoke in a hushed tone, her body barely managing to contain its intense trembling, as if she had exhausted all her strength and courage.

Colton gave a cool, detached smile. “What do you think?”

The mockery and disdain in his eyes made Francesca realize that since the scheme against him three years ago, her family and she herself were nothing more than clowns.

Francesca's heart ached so intensely it was almost numb. I must be crazy to think that Colton likes me...

If I found myself in such a situation, where manipulation prevented me from marrying the person I once loved, I would probably harbor a profound resentment toward the manipulator for the rest of my life as well.

How could he possibly fall for me? He must wish nothing more than for me to be out of his life.

It's been three years. Do I really want to be Mrs. Zeller for the rest of my life? Am I truly ready to stake my lifetime of happiness on this?

Looking at the indifferent man before her, Francesca felt a heartache so intense that she could barely breathe.

“I...” Francesca tried to speak, but she found her throat dry and sore. The immense pain made it impossible for her to utter a complete, simple sentence. “I... understand.”

After finishing her words, she turned and left the bathroom.

Her silhouette appeared both fragile and forlorn. As Colton observed her receding figure, his brow creased in thought. In that instant, he found himself questioning his actions. Was I too harsh with my words tonight? Perhaps she was also a victim three years ago.

However, soon after, Colton's gaze turned serious. Francesca is part of the Beckmans, so how could she possibly be a victim? She must have some knowledge about what happened in the past.

Even if she was unaware, she should have stepped forward to reject the proposal when the Beckman family suggested a marriage alliance with my family years ago. If she was truly brave and kind, she should have admitted to the media the underhanded tactics of her family, rather than allowing the happiness of three individuals to be compromised.

Upon returning to the mansion, Francesca found herself staring at its emptiness. She couldn't help but ridicule the ludicrous and terrifying thoughts that had haunted her for the past three years.

She fancied that Colton would fall in love with her after their marriage, imagining they could grow old together like any other ordinary couple.

She was tired.

Francesca dialed Colton's number, aware that after dinner, he would always head over to Elsa's place.

“Hello.” A gentle female voice rang out. Francesca recognized it as Elsa's voice.

“Put Colton on the phone,” Francesca said, not interested in exchanging pleasantries with Elsa. She didn't like Elsa, and obviously, the feeling was mutual.

In a way, the two of them were romantic rivals.

“He's in the shower. He doesn't have time for you right now.” Upon hearing these words, Francesca clenched her fists, her nails digging painfully into her flesh.

Yet, she no longer felt any pain. Her heart had been shattered for the past three years.

“If he doesn't show up at the mansion within the next fifteen minutes, you can forget about us getting a divorce.” Francesca seemed certain of something as she spoke to Elsa with unprecedented firmness. “You, the renowned actress, will forever be a mistress.”

After she finished speaking, she promptly hung up the phone, not leaving any room for Elsa to utter another word.

Ten minutes later, the sound of a car engine came from the courtyard.

Francesca gave a bitter smile. Whenever the matter concerned Elsa, Colton would show up in an instant. He could somehow reduce a journey that should have taken fifteen minutes to just ten.

Colton walked into the living room, the subtle fragrance wafting through the space significantly diffused his mounting anger.

“Francesca, how dare you threaten Elsa?” Colton looked at Francesca seated at the dining table. He strode toward her, noticing a document on the table, along with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

“So what if I threatened her?” She lifted her gaze to meet Colton's, her eyes no longer filled with the fear and admiration of the past. “Three years ago, I even dared to scheme against you, didn't I?”

Upon hearing her bring up the matter from three years ago, Colton immediately lost his patience. Annoyed, he pulled back a chair, the sound of it scraping against the floor grating on the ears.

He sat across from Francesca with his legs crossed and eyes locked tightly on her. He was curious to see what trick Francesca was trying to pull by calling him over so late at night.

Observing Colton's impatient demeanor, Francesca clenched her fists tightly. With a resolute and intense look directed at Colton, she declared, “Let's get a divorce.”

Francesca's eyes were deep black, and Colton always felt as if she was looking through him at someone else, but upon closer inspection, he thought it didn't quite seem that way.

This realization made Colton inexplicably anxious. With a hint of sarcasm, he asked, “So, you've learned to play hard to get now? Tell me, how much do you want?”

Francesca silently slid the document across the table. On her slender arm, a scar of about two centimeters in length stood out.

Her expression was frighteningly calm.

Colton casually flipped through the document. “Let me guess what kind of game your family is playing this time...”

The words “Divorce Agreement” caught his eye, causing a slight contraction of his pupils. With a cold laugh, he tossed the agreement onto the table.

He lit a cigarette, peering through the smoky haze at Francesca's blurred face. “Divorce?” he asked, “Are your parents planning to have you split my wealth? Or perhaps take a substantial alimony...”

The mockery in the man's eyes was undisguised. He didn't believe that Francesca, who had gone to great lengths to marry him, would abandon everything she had now.

The content of the divorce agreement was ludicrously absurd. Besides demanding the termination of the marital relationship, she asked for nothing else.

They are a greedy bunch, and now they're talking about divorce without wanting anything?

Francesca looked straight into Colton's eyes, her words clear as she said, “I have no hidden agenda. Colton, if you must know what I want, it's for you to sign this, and then join me in quietly finishing this bottle of wine.”

There was no more emotion in those eyes. Colton seemed to read the unspoken words, “I don't want to love you anymore,” in their depths.

A wave of inexplicable irritation caused Colton's eyes to darken. Indeed, for the past three years, they hadn't had the chance to sit face-to-face and talk in such tranquility.

Is it just for a divorce? I want to see what tricks Francesca is planning to play.

Grandpa adores and values her so much. There's no way she and the Beckman family behind her will consider divorce.

She's just playing hard to get, trying to capture my attention.

He scoffed and swiftly penned his signature. “As you wish.” He then popped open the bottle of wine on the table and quickly downed a glass.

Watching his swift movements, Francesca felt a wave of bitterness surge within her. A faint smile played on her lips, yet her eyes held no mirth.

He drank too quickly, the potent alcohol clouding his mind in an instant. He fumbled in his wallet, pulling out a card and tossing it onto Francesca. “Take this money. After the divorce, you Beckmans should never cross paths with me and—”

Before Colton could finish his sentence, his thoughts began to blur. He noticed his mouth was extremely dry and subconsciously poured himself another glass of wine to drink.

As he gradually became aware of the familiar warmth spreading through his own body, he fixed his eyes on Francesca, who was seated across from him. Francesca rose from her seat, and a subtle, enchanting fragrance wafted toward Colton.

In just these few fleeting seconds, he became aroused.

“Francesca! How dare you!” Colton was so enraged that he was gritting his teeth.

Dressed in a white dress, Francesca slowly approached him. With each step she took toward him, Colton felt his sanity crumble a bit more.

His rational mind was screaming at him, telling him that he should leave the mansion right away.

Three years ago, the Beckman family secured a matrimonial alliance with the Zeller family through surreptitious means. Now, three years later, are they planning the same trickery to ensure Francesca becomes pregnant with my child?

“Let's just say I did all this. I'll take the blame,” Francesca said, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. To him, I'm nothing but a manipulative woman. Why should I keep denying it again and again?

Francesca wrapped her arms around the man's waist, rising on her tiptoes. She kissed Colton with an intensity and desperation reminiscent of a moth attracted to a flame.

In the end, she still committed such a despicable act, but she knew this was her final bout of madness.

“Colton, you've never laid a finger on me these past three years... Now I'm proposing a divorce. I'll let you be with Elsa. After tonight, you two can do as you please! Now, consider this as compensation for all the years of my feelings for you, okay?”

Tears welled up in Francesca's eyes, and her kisses grew more frantic. Her inexperienced hands clumsily explored the man's body.

For the last time, all she desired was to truly be his wife just once.

Colton could no longer contain his anger.

Alas, the situation at hand was no longer under his control.

In no time at all, an instinctual response was triggered within him. As his body temperature rose, his last shred of rationality was completely swept away.

Before he completely lost his cool, he was once again infuriated with himself for falling for the same trick by the same woman.

The following day, as dawn was just breaking, Francesca awoke from the large couch in the living room.

Battling discomfort, she carefully rose from Colton's side to dress herself. She then signed her name on the divorce agreement on the dining table. Finally, she cast a long, deep look at the man sleeping soundly on the couch.

“Colton, we're both free now...”

Francesca withdrew her gaze and turned to leave.

As she stepped out of the mansion, her heart was filled with bitterness and sorrow.

It had been three years. Even if Phillip had stood by her side, urging Colton to return to the mansion more often to live with her, to foster their relationship, there was no love.

A person filled with resentment toward her would only grow to despise her more as time passed.

She had been living in a dream for three years until the pregnancy notification from Elsa completely woke her from her reverie.

All of this was nothing more than a dream of hers.

The man's heart was something she could never attain no matter how she exhausted her entire life trying.

He belonged to another woman.

Francesca had completely given up.

When Colton woke up, it was already ten in the morning.

He endured the aching pain throughout his body and got up. His first thought was that he was determined to confront Francesca this time.

How can a woman stoop so low? She drugged me three years ago, and now, she has done it again.

She really played her cards well with the Beckman family, didn't she? Is she hoping to get pregnant by slipping something in my drink?

He let out a cold chuckle, picking up his phone to call his assistant. “Go buy a contraceptive pill for Francesca. Make sure she takes it.”

Upon hearing Colton's request over the phone, the assistant was momentarily stunned. Francesca? Contraceptive pill?

He realized he had heard some earth-shattering gossip.

Due to him sleeping in the living room, the butler had been waiting at the front door since morning, following Francesca's instructions.

When Colton had put on his clothes, he carried an aura of menace as he stepped out the door. He asked the butler waiting at the entrance, “Have you seen Francesca?”

The butler looked at Colton whose face was extremely pale. Feeling a sense of fear, he quickly responded, “Mr. Zeller, Mrs. Zeller left before dawn, and she took her luggage with her...”

Colton was completely taken aback.

Irritation washed over him once again. A previously docile and obedient woman had suddenly lost control.

He cast a cold glance at the butler. “You don't need to come from tomorrow onward.” If Francesca's disappearance went unnoticed, there was no point in him staying.

Stepping out of the mansion, Colton settled into his car and lit a cigarette. The smoke spread in the air, and a cold smirk played on his lips.

Does Francesca really think she can just join and leave the Zeller family as she pleases?

Pulling out the spare phone from the car, he dialed a number and said, “Find Francesca's whereabouts and bring her back.”

Ever since the incident with his parents, Colton was forced to mature quickly. It had been a long time since he last experienced the feeling of being consumed by anger.

At that time, he was oblivious to the fact that despite his constant desire for Francesca to divorce him quickly, making room for Elsa, his first reaction when he heard that Francesca had left the mansion with her suitcase was surprisingly to bring her back.

He wouldn't allow Francesca to toy with him like this.

Just as he was consumed by an overwhelming sense of irritation, his phone rang once again. When he saw that familiar name, his eyes darkened.

It was Elsa.

He recalled the intimate encounter he had with Francesca the previous night. Despite being drugged, he was still able to remember some of the details.

The soft, kitten-like sobs and occasional ambiguous sighs of Francesca were etched into his mind, making everything seem incredibly clear at that moment.

No! Stop!

Colton took a deep breath before answering Elsa's call. He noticed that she had called him over a dozen times the night before, her messages all asking what he was up to.

He furrowed his brows in impatience.

That night, Phillip had come to know about Francesca leaving early in the morning with her luggage.

He sat in his study, glaring at his grandson with a mixture of anger and disappointment.

“How dare you! How did the Zeller family end up with a scoundrel like you? You actually drove your own wife out of the house. Have you ever thought about how she would survive on her own out there?”

Colton frowned, feeling a wave of discontent surge within him upon hearing his grandfather's baseless accusations. Doubts began to creep in, making him question who the true grandchild of the family really was.

Colton sneered, “Who dares to drive her away? Everyone knows that Francesca has your support in the Zeller family.”

Phillip's fury was instantly ignited by Colton, and he hurled the cup that was within his reach at him.

Colton dodged effortlessly, and the cup shattered into pieces on the ground.

He looked at the scattered fragments on the ground, and his eyes darkened. Does Grandpa truly not understand what Elsa means to me?

“You think I don't know what you're thinking?” Phillip's voice pulled him back to reality.

“Then you should know very well what Elsa means to me!” Colton stood his ground, fighting for his own happiness. At the very least, he hoped that his grandfather could come to accept Elsa during his lifetime.

“You know, Elsa saved my life back then.” Colton took a deep breath, speaking calmly about something Phillip was already aware of.

Twenty years ago, Colton and a young girl had been kidnapped together.

The two of them had clung to each other for dear life in that terrifying, dimly lit room, offering each other solace. It had been the young girl who had softly sung lullabies in the darkness to comfort him, assuring his younger self that someone would surely come to rescue them, and that they must strive to stay alive.

The young girl's optimism and self-confidence had made him increasingly strong. When the optimistic and strong girl had found a way to escape, she had given him the chance to do so, firmly believing that he would surely return with adults to rescue her.

However, when he returned with help, the young girl had vanished without a trace, and even the kidnapper had disappeared.

The only thing he could recall was the distinct birthmark on the young girl's arm. Yet, as the years passed, his memory of that birthmark had become increasingly hazy.

After being coerced into marrying Francesca, he stumbled upon Elsa, who was singing at a bar. With the help of a somewhat hazy memory, he concluded that Elsa, with her distinctive birthmark, was the same little girl from years ago.

The time when they had relied on each other was the only redemption during those dark years. It was only natural for Colton to draw closer to her, and he had used his resources to boost her fame.

However, because of Francesca, he couldn't give her a proper title.

The thought of Francesca made Colton's face darken once again.

“You fool, how many years have passed since then? You can't even remember what that girl looks like!” Phillip gritted his teeth as he glared at Colton, baffled as to why his usually clever grandson could be so foolish concerning this matter. “Why are you so certain that Elsa is the same little girl from years ago? Just because of a birthmark on her arm? That seems rather arbitrary to me. How did the Zeller family produce such a fool like you? A little investigation into your past would reveal what happened back then.”

“Grandpa!” Colton looked at the old man with a firm gaze, not a shred of doubt in his heart. “It was me who unexpectedly ran into Elsa, and it was also me who secretly approached her. Elsa knows nothing,” he stated firmly, not backing down at all. He didn't care that Phillip had sought him out because of Francesca's situation. “I must marry her.”