Ch. 2261..2270

The Divor-ced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2261-"Mr. Salvador?!"

Justin snapped out of his daze, slowly turning his gaze. He looked at Steven indifferently, his voice low and hoarse, like someone who had not drank water in a long time. "How is Ms. Thompson?"

Steven stared at the man in front of him, suddenly overwhelmed by complex emotions. His throat felt constricted. "Ms. Bella… She's sick. Seriously sick. You should see her. She'll be happy to see you. Maybe she'll even get better."

He hurriedly opened the door for Justin.

Justin's lips pressed into a thin line. His long, slender fingers clenched, and he slowly stepped into the room.

His appearance stirred a wave of emotion in Asher and Ralph, but they managed to keep their expressions under control and found an excuse to leave the room.

Soon, only Bella and Justin remained in the room.

Once, they had been sweet, intimate, and blissfully happy lovers. Now, as their eyes met, there were no words exchanged between the couple. A heavy silence filled the room with indescribable loneliness, desolation, and sorrow.

"I heard that you coughed up blood." Justin stood by the bed like a wooden stake, not even bothering to sit down, distant as if he were a guest. "I remember you had stomach issues, but it hasn't flared up in a long time. What caused it this time?"

Bella felt a sting in her nose, but she held back the feeling, forcing a faint, bitter smile.

She had a stomach condition, and it wasn't mild. In fact, it used to flare up often, but it hadn't in a long time because she had lived with him.

Justin had taken great care of her every day, putting in the effort to learn how to make nutritional meals to supplement her health. He tirelessly prepared nourishing dishes that suited her taste. He watched over her like a child, making sure she did not sneak cold drinks or indulge in anything harmful. That was why she had not had a flare-up in years.

But since he left, her heart had been in chaos, and so had her life.

He had spoiled her.

Her mental and life skills had regressed, turning her into a girl who could no longer take care of herself.

But she knew no one could stay a child forever.

She had to grow up again.

"How did you find out I was sick?" Bella's long lashes trembled slightly as she gently asked.

Justin answered frankly, "Dr. Larson told me."

"Oh, Arnold." She forced a smile. "I'm fine now, much better."

"That's good."

Then, another long silence followed.

"Mr. Salvador…"

"Ms. Thompson."

As if in sync, they spoke at the same time.

Bella chuckled awkwardly. "You go first."

"Ms. Thompson, if this was just a sudden stomach illness, I wish you good health in the future. Take better care of yourself. But if you've ended up like this because of me, I hope you'll stop this foolish, self-destructive behavior."

Justin's cold, sharp eyes flickered with a trace of unfathomable emotion. "Let's be clear. Whatever you do, it won't change anything between us. Even if you are pursuing someone, using such an extreme method will only backfire and make me feel repulsed."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2262-Bella stared blankly at him. His cold, stern face was like an expressionless mask.

Even though she stood right in front of him, it felt like there was the greatest distance in the world between them.

He knew she loved him, but he had erected an impenetrable wall, blocking her passionate, overwhelming love for him.

Justin had returned to the man he was three years ago, perhaps even more so.

Maybe he was showing concern for her. But he could no longer be the gentle, caring man who pampered her with every word and thought of her well-being.

Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of despair washed over her, leaving her soaked in defeat, utterly exposed, and painfully clear-headed.

"My stomach condition has always been there. You know that."

Bella met his deep, unlit eyes and smiled in resignation. "Don't worry. Starting today, I'll take care of myself. But I think this will be the last time I'll feel heartbroken over you. I won't do something this foolish again."

'The last time…' Her voice choked slightly as it reached his ears, causing his heart to tremble. "That's good." Justin's throat tightened, and an inexplicable emptiness spread across his chest.

It felt as though his organs were being ripped out, only to be replaced with sharp-edged stones that were tearing him apart from the inside out. The strange emotion trapped inside made him unbearably uncomfortable.

"My villa still has some of your things. When you have time, please ask Wilma to pack them for you," Bella said softly, trying to conceal the deep sorrow and reluctance in her voice.

She had avoided going back, afraid that seeing those things would remind her of him.

The entire house was filled with traces of their love, from the little moments of intimacy to the shared household items they had bought together during grocery runs. Everything came in pairs.

Now, it had all been torn apart.

How could she face it? She couldn't. She could only flee.

Justin's voice remained cool. "No need. Just throw them away."

He was not a wasteful person. Even if he didn't want to deal with it himself, Wilma could sort it out, and Ian could collect it.

It seemed that, in some way, he too was avoiding something he could not quite explain.

Bella's eyes grew hot, but she forced herself to suppress the crumbling pain within, staring into his dark, turbulent eyes. "I've accepted that you don't love me anymore. As long as you stay healthy and live well, that's enough."

Justin's long lashes trembled slightly, but his face remained expressionless. "You too."

"I'm tired. I need to rest." Bella's tearful eyes lingered on the man's deep, cold features. Then she slowly curled her frail body back into the covers, turning her back to him, resembling a pale, fragile cocoon.

"I won't see you out." Her throat burned, her voice choked by the sourness and bitterness rising from her chest, making it painful to speak.

Justin's thin lips parted slightly. His pale lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Just as he was about to take a step and leave, Bella's weak voice sounded behind him. " Justin."

He stopped abruptly, his broad back tensed.

"Goodbye…" The soft, tearful voice, fragile and fleeting, disappeared in an instant.

Justin's breath hitched, his clenched fists showing bulging veins as he quickly left the room.

After leaving the VIP ward, Ian followed closely behind Justin.

His gaze was deep, confused, and empty. Every step felt heavy, as if his feet were weighed down with lead.

"Mr. Salvador, is Young Madam alright?" Ian couldn't help but ask, his heart filled with worry.

But Justin kept walking forward, acting as if he hadn't heard Ian.

Frustrated, Ian knew that no one could interfere with matters of the heart.

Now, Justin seemed to be acting like he had some sort of mental block, like he had a heart of stone.

This was an emotional defect. Even the truest heart could not move a stubborn rock.

As for Bella, winning him over seemed like a hellish challenge.

Justin walked on, dazed, his mind filled with the sight of her lying weakly in bed. Her final, heartbroken farewell echoed in his ears.

'Justin, goodbye…' His empty heart trembled violently. Suddenly, he lost his balance, tipping forward.

"Mr. Salvador, watch out!" Ian shouted in alarm, reaching out to catch him, but it was too late.

Distracted and off-guard, Justin missed a step.

He tumbled down three steps, landing hard on his left shoulder-the one that had just recently healed from a gunshot wound. A grunt of pain escaped him, and cold sweat instantly soaked through his suit.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2263-Two days passed in a blur. It was Asher's birthday.

Last night, Savrow had its first snowfall of the winter. The trees outside were lightly dusted with white, like pear blossoms in early bloom. It was a romantic and enchantingly beautiful scene.

"Dr. Larson, your white roses have arrived."

Arnold was deeply engrossed in studying Justin's medical records and scans when the nurse appeared, holding a large bouquet of white roses. It was only then that he realized it was already the end of his shift.

"Thank you. Just set them on the coffee table."

He curved his fox-like eyes into a smile, his bright and radiant expression even more striking than the snowy landscape outside.

"Dr. Larson, the roses you bought are so beautiful. Who are they for?" The young nurse blushed as she looked at him; her curiosity piqued.

Arnold stretched lazily, his clear eyes sparkling, and a happy flush appeared on his refined face.

"They're for my love. It's his birthday today."

The nurse's face lit up with excitement. "Is it for Mr. Thompson?!"

"Who else could it be?" Arnold's smile was sweet, without any attempt to hide it.

His man was the most handsome in the world. Asher was his treasure, his heart. If it were up to him, he would hang Asher on his belt and show him off wherever he went.

How could he keep their relationship low-key? He had finally found the love of his life, his perfect match. There was no keeping that secret.

"Wow… That's so romantic!"

The nurse held her round face in both hands, nearly bursting with joy. "Dr. Larson, you and Mr. Thompson must stay happy forever!"

Arnold opened his drawer and took out the birthday gift he had prepared—a luxury watch engraved with both of their initials. His fingers lightly brushed the finely packaged box, and his eyes were filled with warmth.

"Thank you. We definitely will."

Carrying the gift and holding the roses close to his chest, Arnold hurried to the underground parking lot, heading toward his sports car.

Suddenly, a deafening roar of an engine echoed through the cold air.

In an instant, a blinding white light shone on him, forcing him to shield his eyes with his arm.

In the blink of an eye, a black car sped toward him with terrifying speed.

Arnold's face drained of color, his body frozen in shock. He wanted to dodge, but it was too late.

The white roses slipped from his hands, the delicate petals scattering across the ground. Screech-!

The sharp sound of brakes pierced the air as the car came to a sudden stop just a meter away from him.

His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. Cold sweat dotted his forehead as he slowly opened his eyes.

The door of the black car swung open.

A man stepped out, dressed in black, with sharp features and an air of dominance. His every step carried an overwhelming pressure as he approached.

"Who are you?" Arnold stared at him, feeling a vague sense of familiarity.

The man's foot landed on the scattered rose petals, causing him to pause for a moment. He bent down and picked up the card that had fallen from the bouquet.

His eyes lowered coldly as he read the clean, elegant handwriting.

[The world may hold countless jewels, but you are the most precious.

I will love you like eternal light, never dying, never ending.

Happy Birthday, Ash!] "How pathetic and laughable." The man sneered, his mocking tone uncomfortable to hear. "Give it back!" Arnold's cheeks flushed red with anger as he reached to snatch the card back, but the man easily avoided him. "Asher… Is he really worth it? Do you love him that much?" "None of your business! Who the hell are you?!" Arnold gritted his teeth, his fury rising. The man smirked. "We crossed paths in Botvia. Surely, you remember?" Arnold's heart sank, alarm bells ringing in his head as the memory hit him. "Who are you? Have you been following me to Savrow?!" "If you really want to know who I am, it's simple. Come with me, and I'll tell you everything." The man gazed deeply at Arnold's beautiful but familiar face, then added, " Don't worry. I swear I won't hurt you." "No way. Tonight is my man's birthday. I'm spending it with him, and nothing can change that." Arnold bent down to pick up the roses, carefully blowing off the dust on the petals. He turned to leave. "I know everything about Asher. You'll never find out what I know if you don't come with me." The man tilted his head, a devilish grin spreading across his lips. "Dr. Larson, aren't you the least bit curious?"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2264-Asher? Was there something about him that Arnold would not know?

Each word felt like a blooming poppy, dangerous and alluring, drawing Arnold in with an irresistible temptation.

It was because he loved him deeply.

Love, after all, was the one weakness people could easily exploit.

"How long will it take? I need to get back soon to celebrate my man's birthday." Arnold finally gave in, his voice steady but filled with hesitation.

"Not long." The man narrowed his cold eyes, shifted slightly to the side, and, with one hand in his pocket, gestured for Arnold to follow. "We'll take my car. Let's go."

The black car sped through the winter night, cloaked in darkness, as neon lights flickered past in a blur.

In the passenger seat, Arnold held onto the bouquet of white roses, his eyes filled with unease as he stared out the window.

Meanwhile, the man driving cast occasional sidelong glances at his passenger, whose face, unnervingly attractive for a man, drew attention effortlessly.

"What's your name?" Arnold pressed again, still trying to uncover his identity.

The uncertainty surrounding this man left him with no sense of security.

The man's enigmatic gaze shifted away from Arnold's face as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel and responded, "My name is Elio Valen."

Arnold repeated the name silently to himself, then continued questioning, "You know Asher? How do you know him? Are you enemies?"

Elio did not look at him again and offered no further answers.

Over an hour later, the black car pulled into a desolate courtyard and came to a stop in front of an abandoned villa.

Despite the neglect and dilapidation, Arnold could see that with proper care, this house would have a unique charm.

It had a vintage European style, and the moment Arnold laid eyes on it, he felt a strange fondness for the place.

Elio stepped out first and politely opened the door for Arnold.

By now, Arnold regretted his decision a little, but it was too late to turn back.

Elio walked ahead, while Arnold followed closely behind, curiosity getting the better of him. "What is this place?" Arnold asked.

Elio halted his steps briefly and glanced back coldly. "What? Asher never told you he has a house here?"

Arnold's eyes widened in shock. "You're saying that this house belongs to Asher? Why would he let it fall into ruin?"

Elio clenched his jaw as he pushed open the heavy doors of the villa. "Because something happened here. After that, this place no longer held any meaning to him."

Inside the villa, all the furniture was draped in white cloth. The air was cold, carrying the musty scent of dust, and the air was heavy, almost suffocating.

Arnold, though particular about cleanliness as a doctor, did not feel disgusted by the state of the place.

On the contrary, he felt a deep sadness, as if time had frozen here, leaving behind a desolate, unspoken sorrow.

Elio led him upstairs to a room that turned out to be a private cinema.

Arnold knew Asher had a passion for movies.

In their home in Meridan, they had a similar private cinema. Countless nights had been spent there, lounging together on the soft sofa bed. Arnold would nestle happily in Asher's arms as they watched old films with tender, heartbreaking lines. They would kiss deeply, sharing moments of intimacy and closeness.

This room looked almost identical to the one in their villa in Meridan.

"What exactly are you trying to tell me?" Arnold demanded, growing increasingly uneasy.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2265-Arnold's patience was wearing thin. He glanced at his watch, frowning. "If you've got something to say, spit it out. I don't have time to waste here with you."

"Dr. Larson, do you like movies?" Elio ignored his frustration, flashing a wicked smile. "I know Asher loves films. I've got a special one here, something I think he'd really enjoy."

As his words fell, the massive screen lit up, casting an eerie glow over Arnold's pale, bewildered face.

The surround sound filled the room with intimate, playful laughter. Arnold recognized one of the voices immediately it was Asher's. The other voice, unfamiliar but smooth and clear, carried a soft warmth.

"Ash, do you love me?" The man asked with a chuckle.

"I love you." Asher's voice was low, raspy, and trembling with emotion. "I love you, forever and always."

Asher had always been composed, reserved, and disciplined. This level of intensity and raw passion was nothing that would come from the man Arnold knew.

"And what if… One day, I die?" The man's voice held a hidden sorrow, subtle but unmistakable.

Asher's breathing was heavy, labored with emotion. "Don't say things like that! If you die, I'll follow you!"

"No, Ash, I don't want anything to happen to you. I want you to live well. But if that day does come, I hope you'll remember me… Forever."

Arnold felt the blood in his veins pool in his chest, his heart pounding against his ribs like waves crashing through his organs.

Each beat left his heart more fractured and his soul more scarred.

His trembling hand gripped the sofa for support, barely able to hold onto the bouquet of white roses in his arms.

On the screen, Asher appeared alongside another handsome man, their faces pressed close to each other. The intimacy between them was unmistakable.

Arnold's eyes reddened as he stared blankly at the screen. The man looked strikingly similar to him, sharing many of the same features. Yet, no matter how alike they seemed, Arnold knew with painful clarity that the man receiving Asher's kisses and tender affection was not him.

With a quiet rustle, the white roses fell to the floor, petals scattering haphazardly around his feet.

In the video, the two men moved like lovers, undeniably in love.

Arnold was merely a bystander to their happiness.

The video was filmed by Asher himself, probably as a personal vlog. The scenes unfolded inside this very villa.

They cooked together, laughed while cleaning the yard, and clinked glasses on the balcony, enjoying the wind and each other's company. Every frame was filled with warmth, with love -and in every moment, the other man was Asher's sole focus.

Arnold and Asher had done all these things together once, too.

The memories that had once been so sweet now felt like knives, each one twisting deeper into his heart. The entire room had become a living hell, where every second tore him apart.

"Dr. Larson, he looks a lot like you, doesn't he?" Elio's voice broke the silence, his eyes gleaming with a mix of blood and hatred as he stared at the man on the screen. "Allow me to introduce him to you. His name was Kairos, my younger brother and Asher's first love."

"Lover… First love…" Arnold's voice cracked, his eyes wide with disbelief as tears rolled down his cheeks. His body trembled uncontrollably.

"We weren't blood-related," Elio continued, his voice laced with bitterness. "We met in an orphanage and grew up together. I took the last name Valen, but back then, Kairos did not even know his own last name. So he called me his brother and took my last name."

Elio's expression tightened as he struggled to control his emotions. His gaze shifted back to Arnold, who stood frozen, his face drained of all color.

"My brother endured immense pressure from society to be with Asher. In the end, to protect Asher, my brother died by Asher's hand, taking the bullet that was meant to spare him pain."

Elio's smile twisted into something cruel as he spoke, his eyes gleaming with spite. "And now, just a few short years after my brother's body has turned cold, Asher's already replaced him with someone new. The man who once vowed eternal love to Kairos has thrown him aside without a second thought!"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2266-"What's more ridiculous is that Asher found a ridiculous substitute like you." Elio sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Does he think he's being deeply devoted? That his feelings for my brother are so unforgettable, so eternal, that he found a substitute to take his place just to ease his longing?"

'Substitute!' The word echoed in Arnold's mind like sharp, bloodied daggers, stabbing viciously at his suffocating heart. He never asked for Asher to only love him. He only cared about being the last one. He did not care about Asher's past.

But what he absolutely could not tolerate was the idea that Asher had fallen for him and loved him because of his face-a face that resembled his former lover.

"Haha… If I ever get the chance, I'd love to ask Asher in person. Does he think it's fair to Kairos to replace him with someone else? Is it fair to you, Dr. Larson, to be nothing but a substitute for my brother?"

Elio's laughter was maniacal and mocking. He even shed tears. "But I bet Asher doesn't think he's done anything wrong. That man is arrogant, crazed, and ruthless. He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants."

His gaze locked onto Arnold's, eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Dr. Larson, our dear Asher has been plotting this for a long time."

'Plotting for a long time.' The words echoed through Arnold's mind like a death knell.

His vision swam, red and black flickering before his eyes, and with a weak stagger, his legs gave out beneath him, sending him crashing to the floor.

Time ticked by slowly, minute by minute. It was already past 8:00 p.m.

To make Arnold's life in Savrow more comfortable, Asher had bought a four-story villa in a quiet, private area near the city center as a small gift to the man he loved. It was their shared home.

That night, Asher had gone shopping, returning with bags of ingredients and selecting a fine bottle of red wine. He was preparing dinner himself.

Even though it was his birthday, the dishes he made were all Arnold's favorites.

Asher never considered his own preferences. In his heart, in his eyes, there was only his little fox.

The table was filled with beautifully prepared dishes, and Asher, despite being covered in sweat, was filled with contentment.

But no matter how long he waited, Arnold still had not returned.

He knew Arnold was a workaholic, often losing track of time when he got busy. But tonight was special. Arnold had promised not to work late.

Worry gnawed at Asher. He pulled out his phone, just about to call his lover, when the doorbell rang.

He quickly walked to the entrance and opened the door. Standing there were Bella and Steven, holding a cake and gifts.

"Happy birthday, Ash!" Bella's thin face lit up with a warm smile. She looked healthier than before, at least outwardly.

Steven also smiled as he said, "Happy birthday, Mr. Thompson."

"Thank you. Come in and sit." Asher's heart softened at their gesture, though a flicker of concern remained. "Bella, are you sure you should be out of the hospital so soon? Are you okay?"

"I've been fine for a while now! I'm a steel warrior!" Bella grinned, glancing inside with a playful glint in her eyes. "Where's Arnold? He's inside, right? Don't worry, Ash, we're just here to drop off gifts. We'll leave right after. No third-wheeling, I promise!"

"Arnold isn't back yet."

"Not back yet? It's so late already!"

"I was just about to call him. I'm not sure if something came up at the hospital."

Just as he was about to dial, Asher's phone rang.

He glanced down at the unfamiliar number, his brows knitting together in concern. For some reason a tightness formed in his chest.

Pressing the answer button, he brought the phone to his ear, his voice deep and cautious." Hello, who is this?"

"Happy birthday, Mr. Thompson." The voice on the other end was cold and mocking, sending a chill down Asher's spine.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2267-At that moment, a bitter, biting wind swept across Asher's face, as if slicing through the night.

"Matrix." The long-forgotten title echoed like a ghostly whisper from distant memories shrouded in blood and storms. Yet the mere sound of it sent shockwaves through Asher's chest, reverberating through every fiber of his being.

The voice had something familiar about it, but he could not place it.

"Who are you? A former subordinate from Overcast?" Asher turned his back to the others, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.

"Ash…" Bella, noticing the sudden shift in his expression, felt her heart clench with worry.

"Oh, Matrix, so quick to forget," Elio's voice slithered through the phone, cold and venomous, each word a stab to Asher's already frayed nerves. "It seems no one else matters to you except Kairos, right?"

"You're… Elio?!" Asher's mind raced, sharp pain clawing at his chest. The darkness outside pressed in like jagged walls, closing in from all directions, suffocating him.

Kairos was Asher's hidden love, the scar that had never fully healed. He had buried that pain deep-too deep to touch, too raw to confront.

But now, panic welled up inside him for a different reason. The sudden call and Arnold's absence stirred an overwhelming sense of dread in Asher that spread like wildfire.

Elio's cold laugh echoed through the line. "I'm sorry, Matrix. Did I interrupt your cozy little love nest?"

"You're with Arnold? What are you planning to do?" Asher's hand clenched into a fist, veins bulging as his heart raced in fear.

"I want Dr. Larson to see the real you." Elio's voice dripped with venomous delight, each word filled with icy malice. "Kairos died because of you, and he will never rest in peace. I won't let someone as pure as Dr. Larson fall for your disgusting lies. Every time I look at his face, I see my brother's tragic death, and I can't help but want to pull him out of the hell you've trapped him in."

Asher's vision blurred with rage, his mind on the verge of snapping. "Elio! I know… I know how much you've hated me all these years. If you have a grudge, come after me, but don't hurt Arnold!"

"Ha! To you, Dr. Larson is just a substitute. Don't you find it laughable to pretend like you're so deeply in love with him in front of me?"

Asher could not bear hearing the cruel truth, and his voice cracked as he roared, "No! He's not a substitute! He's not!"

Standing at the doorway, Bella and Steven heard everything clearly. Steven did not fully understand the conversation, but Bella, knowing her brother's past all too well, felt a chilling horror creep through her body. Elio's laughter stopped abruptly, his voice now seething with fury. "He's not a substitute? Then what was Kairos? You promised that you'd die with him! But now, you've got a new lover and just tossed Kairos aside like he never meant anything! Your so-called 'love' is nothing but worthless garbage! The biggest mistake my brother ever made was loving you!"

"Enough!" Asher's body shook uncontrollably, the fury inside him rising like a caged beast desperate to break free. Years of pent-up guilt and rage boiled over, transforming him into something primal, something savage." If you say 'substitute' one more time to insult Arnold… I swear, I'll kill you!"

"Go ahead and try." Elio's voice hissed with cold disdain. "Ever since Kairos's death, every day of my life has been meaningless anyway."

There was a pause, the air crackling with tension. Elio's voice sounded again, low and chilling. "Your precious Dr. Larson is in the villa where you once lived with Kairos. You better hurry.*

He let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding with an almost mocking tone, 'T'm sure this birthday of yours will be unforgettable."

The line went dead.

Outside, the temperature had plummeted, and snow had begun to fall, blanketing the ground in a thin layer of white. But Asher did not even stop to grab a coat. Without a second thought, he bolted from the villa, leaping into his black sports car, and within seconds, the roaring engine cut through the night as he sped off, disappearing into the darkness.

"Mr. Thompson!" Steven shouted after him, his voice laced with panic.

Bella felt a sinking dread. "Something's happened to Amold! We have to follow him!"

The black sports car tore through the streets, running every red light, the engine's roar slicing through the still night. It was as if the car was flying, blurring through the city at breakneck speed.

Asher's grip on the steering wheel was so tight his knuckles turned white, his left hand trembling while his right hand was repeatedly dialing Arnold's number.

At first, the call went through.

By the third attempt, Arnold's phone was turned off.

"Arnold… Arnold, don't do this to me…" Asher's face was drenched in cold sweat, his breathing labored, and every muscle in his body was on the verge of collapse.

His mind was flooded with brutal images, each one more horrifying than the last, each one a nightmare he could not bear to face.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2268-Asher could not bear to imagine what his world would be like without Arnold. If he lost Arnold, it would be as if the sky collapsed, leaving nothing but a desolate wasteland behind.

Gasping for breath, Asher rushed into the villa, his heart pounding. The place was cold, dark, and eerily silent.

Immediately, the buried memories he had long suppressed surged back with overwhelming force. Gripping his chest, he tried in vain to suppress the crushing pain.

Since Kairos's death, he had not set foot in this villa-not even once. His lover had died at the height of their affection. The gut-wrenching guilt and sorrow of that moment were emotions only someone who had lived through such devastation could understand.

But now was not the time for sadness.

Desperation took over as Asher called out for Arnold and frantically searched room by room.

When he reached the second floor and saw the light on in the private cinema, his heart raced. He rushed inside.

"Arnold!"

The room was empty, save for Arnold, who sat motionless on the sofa, his eyes vacant. White roses lay scattered at his feet, their petals strewn across the floor.

On the screen, the intimate video of Asher and Kairos continued to play on a loop, though the sound had been turned off.

Arnold stared at it blankly, his pale lips curling into a small, bitter smile.

He was laughing at himself.

"Arnold… Stop watching! Don't look at it anymore!" Asher had no way to turn off the screen, so he positioned himself between Arnold and the video, trying to block his view. "Elio is targeting me! Don't let him get to you. Don't believe what he says!"

"Even if 99% of his words are lies, this one is true."

Arnold slowly raised his swollen eyelids, his tear-filled gaze locking onto Asher's sweat-soaked face. His smile was broken, his words hollow. "Your one true love… Was him, not me."

Asher's heart clenched painfully. "That's not true…"

"The truth is, your heart left with him a long time ago…" Amold's voice was drawn-out and heavy, like someone who had walked a long, exhausting journey only to reach the end utterly drained. "He was your one true love, the person you were willing to give your life for. I'm just a painkiller, a temporary relief for your grief, and a substitute."

His voice wavered with pain as he continued, "Those nights when you kissed me, when you held me… You were thinking of him, weren't you? You were just grateful you found someone who looked so much like him, who just happened to love you so desperately."

"But no matter what… No matter how similar we are… It's all a lie-a lie you can never truly convince yourself of."

Tears welled up in Asher's eyes as he shook his head, unable to deny the truth Arnold was tearing himself apart with.

"I will never be anyone's shadow. I'd rather die than live as a substitute." With those words, Amold pulled out a white rose from behind him. His cold, resolute gaze met Asher's as he raised the flower, revealing that its stem had been sharpened into a blade.

Before Asher could react, Arnold pressed the stem against his delicate cheek, dragging it across his skin with a swift, ruthless motion.

A thin, bloody line appeared where the rose had cut him-a stark, raw scar that marred his once flawless face.

"Ash, tell me… Do I still look like him?" Arnold asked, smiling through the pain.

"Arnold! No!"

Asher's eyes widened in horror. He reached out, but before he could stop him, Arnold slashed his face a second time.

The two red gashes stood out against his pale skin, like cracks in pristine porcelain-violent, painful, and unforgettable.

Arnold let out a broken laugh, tears mixing with the blood that streamed down his face. "Tell me… Do I still look like him? Do you still want me?"

"Please don't do this… Arnold, I'm begging you!"

Asher dropped to his knees before him, gripping Arnold's wrists tightly, his pride and arrogance shattered in the face of his lover's anguish. Tears streamed down his face as he pleaded, "You can hate me, hurt me, do anything you want to me… But please don't hurt yourself. Not like this."

He was willing to bear anything except watching Arnold destroy himself.

"Are you feeling sorry for me now?" Arnold let out a bitter laugh, the tears mingling with the blood staining his cheeks. "No. You're not feeling sorry for me. You're using me to save yourself, to fill the void left by the one you truly loved. You've been saved. But who will save me?"

His hand, still holding the white rose, fell limp to his side. His voice grew faint as he closed his eyes. "Asher… Let's end this."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2269-The white roses were now stained with crimson drops of blood.

"Let's end this." A few simple words, spoken so softly, shattered Asher's ironclad heart, leaving it in pieces too broken to even look at.

"Arnold… I won't let you leave me!" Asher trembled from head to toe. A storm unlike any other was raging in his usually composed eyes. "I know who I love! You were never anyone's substitute! Arnold. Don't leave me… I won't let you leave me!"

Asher was terrified, more than he had ever been.

Tears flowed as he begged, then he turned desperate, doing whatever he could to keep Arnold. He would try anything and accept anything, as long as the person he loved did not leave him again.

Asher had barely survived the first time. A second time would drive him to madness.

Asher's breath grew harsh, his reddened eyes filled with obsession. He opened his arms, desperate to embrace the man who was falling apart in front of him. As he leaned in, a sharp pain tore through his left eye. "Don't touch me!"

Arnold, overwhelmed and out of control, had grabbed another rose, its sharp stem slashing across Asher's left eye.

Luckily, Asher had closed his eyes just a second before, or the rose stem would have cut his eyeball, possibly even blinding him.

Arnold stared in shock at the deep cut running across Asher's eye. For a moment, the sight pulled him from his overwhelming pain.

His hands trembled violently, wanting to reach out and care for him. But he forced himself to hold back. With a hoarse voice, he said, "Asher, you need to go to the hospital…"

Asher did not care about himself. Blood trickled down his pale face, but he pulled Arnold close with an almost savage force.

"Promise me that you won't leave."

Arnold's voice was hollow as he allowed himself to be held. The warmth from Asher's embrace was now completely gone. "I admit it, I still love you. But I can't convince myself to stay with you anymore."

"Even if we forced this relationship to continue, I'd feel like I was playing the role of someone else every day by your side. Your love for me has lost the purity it once had. What I want is that simple, pure love."

Arnold smiled faintly, though his voice broke. "You and him… You were an enviable pair. It's because of him that I was able to experience such a deep, unforgettable love with you."

Asher's body stiffened.

"But it's enough, Asher. Let's end it here."

When Bella and Steven arrived, Arnold was already gone.

In the empty room, Asher's tall figure remained kneeling, his back hunched, casting a lonely shadow across the floor.

Bella's heart sank, and she took a step back, overwhelmed by the sight.

The man in front of her was still alive, but he looked like a ruin, left behind after a brutal war.

"Ms. Bella, what happened between Mr. Thompson and Dr. Larson?" Steven had asked her all the way there, but she had stayed silent, her anxiety growing.

Steven had worked alongside Asher for years and had never seen him completely devastated.

Taking a deep breath, Bella steadied herself. "Steve, wait outside. I need to talk to my brother alone."

Steven frowned but nodded, stepping outside to wait.

Bella slowly walked over to her brother, her eyes filling with tears. She kneeled beside him, gathering the scattered roses one by one. When she picked up a card, she saw the heartfelt confession written on it.

Her long lashes quivered as she broke down, her tears soaking up the beautiful words.

Then, a surge of fury rose within her, consuming her.

Bella could tolerate many things, but absolutely no one could hurt her family, especially not on a day like today.

It was unforgivable to stage such a dramatic scene and stab a knife so cruelly into Asher's heart on his birthday.

It was a direct attack on his deepest wound.

"Ash, I told you from the very beginning. If you love someone, you must give them absolute trust. You have to be completely honest with each other, not just with your bodies but with your hearts. There can't be any secrets, especially when it comes to love."

Bella kneeled beside Asher, her voice hoarse and heavy with emotion. "I believe you love Arnold deeply, but you have to admit it part of what drew you to him was his resemblance to the one you lost."

She sighed, struggling to keep her voice steady.

"You should've told him that from the start, but you didn't. You kept it from Arnold all this time, making him believe in you and trust you completely, only to suffer such a blow. How could he handle that? How could he possibly stay by your side after that? He's such a proud person…. He gave up everything to be with you, but from the very beginning… You lied to him."

"Arnold is nothing like Kairos… Aside from their faces, they're nothing alike…" Asher kept his head bowed, his voice thick with bitterness and exhaustion. "Arnold is not gentle. He's willful, spoiled, reckless… Sometimes, even more unreasonable than a little girl…"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2270-Asher said, "But I love him… I can't stop loving him."

Bella squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stop her tears. Arnold often seemed like a gender-reversed version of herself. Her brother's feelings for Arnold mirrored the intense affection she once had for Justin. If the love wasn't deeply ingrained, why would he be so indulgent and accepting?

"Bella… I was wrong, terribly wrong." Asher's broad shoulders shook violently as he spoke. "I was indeed attracted by Arnold's appearance, but what I love is his soul. But I feared that Arnold would leave me because of my past with Kairos… So I couldn't be honest with him. I was too ashamed to speak up. I wanted to give him the perfect love story. I was wrong… Had I known… Had I known…

His voice choked up, unable to continue. The rose he clutched had its thorns driven deep into his palm.

Bella collected herself and asked softly, "Ash, before you came here, you received a call. Who was it from?" "Elio… He was like a brother to Kairos when he was in the orphanage. They were as close as blood-related brothers, and both were my core subordinates when I led Overcast."

"Was this person secretly bothering you all along?"

Asher shook his head. "Since Kairos passed away, I disbanded Overcast. Elio hasn't appeared since." Bella's brow furrowed in concern. "Why now? Why wait until today? Was it just so you could have an ' unforgettable' birthday?"

The timing struck her as suspicious. Asher and Arnold's relationship had been publicly known and widely discussed, even trending online. Kairos must have known that Asher had found someone who looked remarkably like his brother. To stay silent for a year and then make such a dramatic appearance now seemed too coincidental. It could not just be for revenge.

"Ash, we'll discuss the details later. You're injured, and I need to get you to the hospital first." Bella stepped forward to support Asher, but having just recovered from an illness herself, she struggled to help his heavy frame.

"Bella… I need Arnold." Asher's eyes were filled with tears and blood, the pain in his left eye blinding him. "I don't love anyone else… I only love Arnold. I want him back…"

"Ash, we need to go to the hospital!" Bella looked at his scarred face with heartbreaking pain. "I'll talk to Arnold. He loves you too. He won't want to leave you."

Asher insisted on going with Bella to find Arnold, but she firmly stopped him. She was worried about his eye injury and knew that, given the current situation, it was best for both of them to calm down. Otherwise, things could only get worse.

Steven accompanied Asher to the hospital while Bella tried to reach Arnold without success. The city was vast, and even with all her resources, finding Arnold seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack. She feared he might do something drastic.

Desperate, she contacted Drew.

An hour later, Drew reported back, "Arnold is at the Savrow airport waiting area. He's booked the next flight to Meridan, and the flight is scheduled to take off in an hour!"

Bella could not afford to waste a second. She raced toward the airport, her car speeding through the night. Despite the headlights, visibility was poor, and the recently fallen snow made driving dangerous. But nothing would stop her.

She pushed her car to 180 km/h, her skills tested by the slippery roads. She had to reach the airport before the plane took off.

"Arnold, don't leave… Don't leave us!" She whispered urgently, her heart pounding and her eyes stinging with tears.

Suddenly, a blinding white light flickered in her rearview mirror.

Confused, she glanced back but saw nothing but the endless road behind her At that moment, a black car suddenly shot out from her right and rapidly closed in on her.

Bella's eyes widened in shock, and she swerved the wheel sharply.

Bang-!