Sacrifice in Shadows

During an ambush, I risked everything to save Matthew, but in doing so, I lost the ability to stand—my legs were permanently damaged.

Matthew was devastated. Holding me close, he swore he would love me forever and never betray me.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I agreed to marry him.

In secret, I sought medical treatment, and after a long, gruelling journey, the day finally came when the doctor told me I could walk again. Overjoyed, I rushed home, eager to share the incredible news with him.

However, the moment I pushed open the door, my world collapsed. Matthew was fooling around with his female assistant—right there in our home.

On our bed.

Wrapped in each other's arms, they kissed passionately, completely lost in the moment.

As things heated up, the woman gazed at him and murmured, "Matt, why don't you just leave that cripple? She can't satisfy you at all."

"Don't you love the thrill of sneaking around? It wouldn't be nearly as exciting if I left her."

A wave of icy rage surged through me.

So that was what our marriage meant to him—nothing more than a twisted game, a joke between him and his mistress.

Drained and heartbroken, I turned and walked out. That night, I booked a flight back to my hometown.

I was done with this city.

Let Matthew live with his regret.

After I nailed down the flight details, I figured that would be the end of their ridiculous charade.

However, as I pushed myself up from my wheelchair and made my way to the foot of the stairs, I found that Matthew Larson had sneaked off to the study upstairs with his assistant.

The place was trashed, and the two of them were making a scene that was way out of line.

Matthew gave his assistant that cheeky look while she egged him on.

"Matt, why so uptight? Is it because Wendy's back? She's got no way of getting up here with her condition, so how's she gonna know what we're up to?" she murmured into Matthew's ear, dripping with scorn for me.

Matthew gave her a pinch and hissed, "Shh... She might hear us."

"That's what makes it so exciting!

"We left the toys downstairs, though." She peeked over the banister at me below, then shot Matthew a suggestive look. "Should we get her to bring them up?"

Matthew wavered for a second before caving in. "Wendy, I need a favor. Can you bring that box on the coffee table to the stairs? It's for work."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, but I kept my cool, barely. I forced a smile and eyed the box on the table.

Work stuff? Yeah, right. It was obviously a disgusting toy. Matthew wanted me to fetch their plaything.

I played the part of the helpless cripple, wheeled over to grab the box, and made my way back to the stairs.

"Working late?" I called out to Matthew as he descended the stairs, trying