Chapter 1 Waking Up at the Wrong Time

Emily Thompson woke up in her hospital bed, feeling a bit dazed. She never thought she'd wake up after being in a coma for so long.

When that big truck lost control making a left turn and came barreling towards her and Ethan Grant's car, she didn't even think. Her body just moved on its own to shield Ethan, and she ended up seriously hurt and in a coma.

Even now, Emily's mind was on Ethan. She'd used her body to shield him, so he shouldn't be too badly hurt. Was he okay now? Just then, she heard a noise from outside the door.

"Ethan, Emily's still in a coma in the hospital room. I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said to me today." It was a calm female voice.

Who was she talking to? Did she say Ethan? Emily frowned. Her Ethan? It seemed like he was okay, which was a relief. But what did he say? While she was out, had Ethan been by her side, taking care of her? Ethan was used to being taken care of; it must've been tough for him to look after her all this time. Thinking about it, Emily smiled softly.

Her Ethan always put her first. Whenever she felt a bit off, Ethan would get super worried. Seeing her lying there in a coma, how heartbroken he must've been. Emily smiled, quietly listening to the conversation outside. She wanted to surprise Ethan. After she was in a coma for so long, he must've been worried sick. Would he be so happy to see her awake that he might faint?

They had just gotten married when the accident happened. All those beautiful plans they had for the future hadn't even started. But now, Emily was awake, and she felt fine. They could be happy together again. And they would be together for many years, just like Ethan had said. Emily remembered how Ethan looked when he said that and smiled again.

Amy said, "Ethan, Emily's been lying here for two whole years. Even though you have memory loss, everyone knows and has told you that Emily is your wife, the person you once loved the most. Even if you've forgotten your time together, you shouldn't have gone two years without visiting her even once!"

Hearing this, Emily was stunned. What? Memory loss? Ethan didn't remember her? Not even one visit? No way! Emily frowned in disbelief.

Ethan said coldly, "Amy, if it weren't for you asking me to come, I wouldn't have come to see her at all. Emily has nothing to do with me. She's just my wife in name. I have no feelings for her whatsoever. My heart and eyes are only for you, Amy."

Hearing this, Emily couldn't help but tear up. She closed her eyes in disbelief. The way he called out for Amy sounded so intimate. What was the relationship between these two? Could it be that Ethan had betrayed her and was with another woman? Emily thought she must be having a nightmare; this couldn't be Ethan.

She lay back down on the bed and closed her eyes again. Emily thought, 'Go back to sleep! When I wake up, nothing will have happened.'

Ethan would still be the Ethan who loved her deeply. The one who had made a solemn wish in front of her and many friends on his 22nd birthday, hoping to register their marriage immediately. His second wish was to celebrate his 26th birthday with their child, and his third wish was to grow old with Emily.

Then Ethan had really dragged Emily to register their marriage. As soon as they left the courthouse, Ethan shouted that he wanted to burn the marriage certificate. Emily quickly stopped his crazy act. Ethan hugged her and solemnly said, "Emily, you're finally mine. Don't worry; nothing but death can do us apart. "

What was Emily thinking now? She thought that after all the hardships, suffering, and inhuman torment she had endured since childhood, God was compensating her with an Ethan who loved her so much. An Ethan who loved her so much, now had quickly fallen for someone else? Then what was the point of risking her life to shield him from the car accident? A joke?

The conversation outside continued. Amy said, "Ethan, I'm sorry, but I can't accept your feelings right now. Although I've only ever liked you since childhood, I don't want you to regret it if we get together. Once you regain your memories about Emily, and are completely certain that she no longer holds any place in your heart, then we can truly be together. Is that alright? For now, don't make me the other woman, okay, Ethan?"The calm female voice was laced with hidden pain and grievance, making anyone want to hug her, comfort her, and never let her feel sad again.

Did Ethan even realize what he was doing? He was standing outside his newlywed wife's hospital room, begging for another woman's sympathy? How ironic was that? What had Emily done to deserve such harsh punishment from God? Why was her life so unforgiving?

Inside the hospital room, Emily's heart twisted painfully, feeling like her organs were shifting from the pain. Large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, and the machines beside her started beeping rapidly in alarm.

Hearing the commotion, the medical staff in the hallway rushed over. Through her blurred vision, Emily saw the doctors and nurses entering the room, along with Ethan and his Amy, both with complex expressions.

Amy Wright was the little junior who used to follow them around back in the day.

Emily thought, she really woke up at the wrong time.

In the suddenly chaotic hospital room, Ethan met Emily's gaze and quickly looked away. The attending doctor and nurses conducted a full-body examination on Emily and announced that her body was fully ready for discharge. After another 48 hours of observation, if no abnormalities occurred, she could be discharged.

After the medical staff left, Emily searched for Ethan with her eyes but couldn't find him. He had slipped away in the chaos. He was avoiding her like the plague. Did he think she was a monster? But she had so much to say to him.

Amy, however, hadn't left with him. This tall girl with slightly curly long hair and big eyes stood cautiously by Emily's bedside. "Emily, hi, I'm Amy. Ethan has some things to take care of; he didn't mean to avoid you."

Emily looked up at her. She was so beautiful. Compared to her own haggard appearance on the hospital bed, Amy looked like a movie star.

Emily was set to be discharged the next day. Mia helped her with the discharge paperwork and told her that Ethan had been paying for her hospital bills all along. Emily felt a small glimmer of hope. Ethan wasn't that heartless, was he?

Emily returned to Horizon Peak University to continue her unfinished studies. She had lain in the hospital for two years, wasting two years of her life. She needed to make up for that lost time. She needed to reclaim everything she had lost, both her studies and love. Academically, Emily had always been at ease, so she didn't need to worry too much. As for Ethan, she had to do everything she could to win him back. Didn't Amy say that Ethan had amnesia from the accident? He had just temporarily forgotten her and their past. He had forgotten how deeply they had loved each other, so much so that they would do anything for each other. So, when Ethan regained his memory and remembered everything, he would surely come back to her.

Emily was never one to give up easily. Quitting halfway was not her style. Emily absolutely couldn't give up on Ethan. What if, when Ethan remembered everything and came back to find her, he discovered she had already left? How heartbroken would Ethan be? Just like how Emily had been in a coma for two years, only to wake up and find that her soulmate had completely forgotten her. That kind of pain, Emily could bear alone. Ethan needed to live in the light.

Every day, Emily waited for Ethan outside his classroom after his classes. Every morning, she stood outside his dorm building with breakfast. She smiled and called out to him, "Ethan." Every time Ethan saw her, the disgust in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Emily, when will you stop?"

Emily said, "Ethan, just eat the breakfast, and I'll leave."

Ethan said, "Take your breakfast and get lost."

Emily smiled at him, even though her heart was aching terribly.

But as soon as Ethan saw Amy downstairs, his expression changed. He smiled and walked towards her. "Amy, it's so cold out. Why didn't you wait for me to pick you up?"

Amy glanced awkwardly at Emily standing to the side. "Emily, you're here too. Ethan, since she needs to talk to you, I'll come back another day." Amy turned and left.

Ethan called out anxiously behind her. "Amy."

Amy, with her long legs, was already running and soon disappeared from sight.

Ethan turned back, glaring at Emily in rage. "Emily, are you doing this on purpose? Are you deliberately trying to ruin my relationship with Amy? Let me tell you, even though we are legally married, you are just my wife in name. Who knows what despicable means you used two years ago to trick me. I advise you to be sensible and and sign the divorce papers quickly, then I can overlook your past mistakes."

Emily looked at Ethan, her eyes filled with pain. "Ethan, I heard you lost your memory?"

Ethan's face twisted with anger. "Stay out of my business! You have no right to interfere in my life!" With that, he stormed off, leaving Emily standing there, stunned.

Hubert walked over and gently called her name, "Emily."

She turned to see Hubert Diaz, Ethan's childhood friend and their mutual buddy.

"Emily, want to grab breakfast?" Hubert asked, concern in his eyes. He had overheard Ethan's harsh words and knew Emily must be hurting.

"Thanks, Hubert, but I've already eaten. I'm heading to class," Emily replied, turning to leave.

Hubert quickly stepped forward and grabbed her arm. "Emily, it's my birthday next Saturday. I've booked a private room at the club. Will you come?" Seeing her hesitate, Hubert added, "There will be a few other friends too."

Knowing Ethan would be there, Emily finally said, "I'll be there."

Years later, after countless upheavals and seeing the people she cared about leave one by one, Emily would regret that decision. If only she hadn't gone that day, how different things might have been. But there are no ifs in life.

On Saturday evening, Emily dressed up carefully, applying light makeup in front of the mirror. She was already stunning, but with a little effort, she could turn heads.

She slipped on a pair of thin high heels and pushed open the door to the private room at the club. The first person she saw was Ethan, with Amy beside him, and many other familiar faces.

As soon as Liam saw Emily walk in, he downed his drink, slammed the glass on the table, and strode over to her. His small eyes squinted as he sneered, "What kind of place is this, letting just anyone in?"

Emily stepped aside, feeling uncomfortable around him.

Hubert quickly came over. "Emily, I'm glad you're here."

Emily forced a smile. "Happy birthday, Hubert!"

The words she had prepared to speak to Ethan vanished the moment she saw Amy. The room was filled with Ethan's friends, who used to be her friends too. But in the two years she was gone, Amy had taken her place, and those friends had become Amy's friends. Except for Liam, of course.

Sick with depression, Emily grabbed a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp. Someone in the corner gasped.

Emily fixed her gaze on Ethan.

Amy stood up. "I'm leaving now. I have something to do in the morning."

Liam called out, "Amy, wait! You're not the one who should leave!"

Ethan was about to follow her, but Emily grabbed his arm. Fueled by the alcohol, she pulled him out of the private room.

Ethan, who had also been drinking, glared at Emily with red eyes as she pinned him against the wall.

"Emily, you made Amy leave again! Can't you stand to see me happy?" he spat.

Watching his mouth move, Emily suddenly felt the world spinning. She usually had a good tolerance for alcohol, but now she felt dizzy and lightheaded. Her whole body was hot, and she was desperately seeking a cool place. A desire she had never experienced before surged within her, making her feel both terrified and ashamed. Emily stood on her tiptoes, draped her arms over Ethan's shoulders, hooked her arms around his neck, and pressed her face against his.

Seeing her like this, Ethan, as if possessed by something or driven by drug, instinctively pushed open the ajar door behind him, pulled her in, and shoved her inside. Once in the room, Ethan pushed her onto the bed.

Emily's voice trembled. "Ethan, I'm hot."

Ethan took off his jacket and tossed it aside. "Emily, is this your new trick? Drugging me to get me into bed? You're really despicable! Since you have no shame, I'll play along!" He yanked off his tie and threw it aside.

As Ethan's heavy breathing came closer, Emily had already lost the ability to think. Emily's mouth was dry, and the fire inside her was burning fiercely, like it was going to consume her whole. Even though her mind was foggy, she knew she had been drugged. It was the kind of drug that made you lose your sanity and feel no shame. Judging by Ethan's condition, he had been drugged too. Simple alcohol wouldn't cause this. Besides, ever since the car accident, Ethan had avoided her like the plague and would never willingly touch her.

But now, his large, masculine body was pressing down on her petite frame. The difference in their strength was obvious. Emily felt a deep sense of despair and helplessness. Her brain felt like it was going to explode. Her whole body sweltered. Hot sweat soaked her hair and her underwear, but her high body temperature quickly dried them. Her body temperature was frighteningly high, but her heart felt like it was submerged in ice.

Facing Ethan's rough approach, she thought of that nightmare at Verdant Grove. She thought of that dark, damp basement. She thought of the dried, dark bloodstains on the walls. She thought of the sound of whips hitting flesh and the sound of chains dragging on the ground. She also thought of those moans, pleas, and curses.

Emily screamed. Although she liked Ethan, they had never been this intimate. In the past, even when things got heated, Ethan would always stop when she pushed him away. Later, Ethan would keep apologizing to her. "I'm sorry, Emily. I would never force you. I'll wait until you forget those horrible memories; I'll wait until you can fully accept me. Then at that time, let me truly belong to you."

Now, both she and Ethan were breathing heavily, their eyes red. The burning sensation in her lower abdomen was about to consume her. Her body was desperate to find an outlet for its desire. Because of Ethan's touch, Emily let out a moan that made her feel incredibly ashamed. This moan further stimulated her body's desire. In her mind, she wanted to escape this place as quickly as possible.

However, Ethan had already pressed down on her again. His eyes were filled with undeniable lust and contempt. "Emily, so this is what you wanted? You should have said so earlier. Why pretend to be reserved?"

His eyes were ruthless and merciless. He took off her white jacket.

"Ethan, it's not like that," Emily cried, grabbing his sleeve, trying to stop his next move. Ethan brushed her hands away and roughly tore off the buttons of her shirt, pulling it off. Emily hugged her exposed arms, crying and begging him. "Ethan, I didn't mean it, please don't do this."

Ethan sneered, "You say you don't? What do you mean? You act all prim and proper around me, making Amy ignore me, but in private, you're this wanton?"

He roughly lifted one of her legs and tore off her skirt. They used to be so in love, but now he could say such heartless things.

Ethan said, "Emily, I never knew you were this low. Only your rapist father could produce a wretch like you! You can't even compare to a single strand of Amy's hair! How do you have the nerve to show up in front of me every day, making Amy unhappy?"

The last piece of cloth on her upper body was torn off by Ethan. Emily didn't know how many tears she had shed. She used all her strength to push Ethan. But he thought she was playing hard to get. He pried her legs apart and kissed her hard. Emily pushed him with all her might.

"Ethan! You'll regret this!" Emily finally managed to push Ethan to the ground.

Ethan felt a splitting headache, and fragments of memories seemed to burst forth. In May, the roses bloomed, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Emily smiled and pushed him against the wall, kissing him gently.

Emily shouted hysterically, "Ethan."

He held his head. Who was calling him?

Emily's push had used all her strength. Before her mind went blank, she called out to Ethan, "Let me go."

Emily didn't know how much time had passed when suddenly there was a loud knocking on the door.

Liam had brought people. He shouted from outside, "Ethan! Are you in there? Ethan! Are you okay?"

Then a group of people broke in. Liam seemed prepared, raising his phone and snapping pictures of Emily.

Hubert was the first to react, quickly taking off his jacket to cover the bewildered Emily. He turned and slapped Liam's phone out of his hand, bellowing indignantly, "Liam! What are you doing? Delete those!"

Liam picked up his phone and gave Emily a sinister look. "Fine, I'll delete them."

Liam pulled Ethan off the ground, gave Emily a meaningful glance, and left.