I Gave Him My Heart. He Earned My Revenge

Because of Dr. Lilith Lockhart and her reckless arrogance, my father nearly died. She once boasted to her peers that she could repair a ruptured brain aneurysm with just one hand. One hand. But when the moment came, she failed. She claimed a sudden headache, dropped the scalpel in the middle of surgery, and ran out like a coward.

And my father my poor father never woke up again. He lies there, trapped in that hospital bed, machines screaming alarms around him, and all I can do is bang the call button over and over. No one comes. No one helps.

My brother Tristan tried to fight back. He filed a lawsuit, pouring every ounce of energy into proving justice still existed. But in just two days, his law license was stripped, he was thrown into prison, and they accused him of bribery, perjury, defamation. Lies. Every accusation was a lie. Ten years they gave him, as if his life were meaningless. His name, his reputation, his entire world was exposed to shame. Even his colleagues and friends turned against him.

And behind it all?

Thorne Simpson. My husband. The man Ive been married to for five years. The man who controls this city. The man who swore he would protect me.

That day, as I pounded the bell like a lunatic with no one answering, Thorne strolled in. Perfectly tailored suit, gleaming shoes, calm as a stormless sea. He handed me my phone like it was a gift and said, The case has been dropped. Make a video. Apologize. Publicly. Do it, and your father gets surgery. He survives or dies. Your choice.

My hands trembled uncontrollably. My body shook. Tears streamed down, and I whispered, W-why? Why him? Why would you protect Lilith over your own father?

For the second time in my life, I cried in front of Thorne. The first was at our weddingtears of happiness. Now, tears of betrayal.

Stop crying, Aria His voice was soft, almost human, and for a fraction of a second, it seemed like he cared. He lifted a hand, as if to wipe my tears, then hesitated. He recoiled, as though my suffering disgusted him.

Aria, he said slowly, Lilith and I grew up together. That surgery it was an accident. Maybe your father wouldnt have survived, even if she hadnt lost control. The medias tearing her apart. You need to be reasonable. Record the video. Explain it clearly. Then this ends. The doctors are waiting, and afterward, Ill free your brother.

He spoke as if it were optional, but his eyes said otherwise.

Could I refuse? Could I risk saying no? If I did would I end up in prison like Tristan? Or worse like my father?

My heart felt like it shattered. I had trusted Thorne. For five years, he had given me everything. Every gift, every indulgence, every luxuryhe made them mine. He never raised his voice, never scolded. I thought he was my safe place.

But since my fathers failed surgery, every plea for help was met with hesitation. And now I knew: he had never been my sanctuary. He was the blade.

At first, he acted indifferent. Inconvenient, he said, pretending it wasnt his concern. But the moment Liliths name came up, his whole demeanor shifted.

If you refuse, he said, your father dies today. Your brother stays in prison. Dont blame me for cruelty, Aria. Lilith saved my life once, from that car accident. I promised I would protect her forever. Even if its you standing in the way, you wont stop me.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than my father convulsed in his bed. Alarms screamed. Doctors rushed in and wheeled him away without even looking at me.

Dad! I screamed. I tried to run after him, but Thorne grabbed my arm.

Record the video, and he can have surgery, he said.

I stared at him like he was a stranger. Thorne are you even human?

He shoved my hand aside, looming over me like a wall I couldnt breach. Thirty seconds. Thats it, he said.

In that moment, a chill ran through me. For the first time, I was truly terrified of him. Those years of lovemaybe they were never real.

I had been his secretary once. I remembered how he pursued me relentlessly: 199 letters, 999 bouquets, everything to make me smile. After two years of dating, he did everything to keep me.

He shielded me from the rich heiresses who mocked me for being poor. He defended me at auctions, made public declarations, abandoned billion-dollar projects just to stand by me. He flew thousands of miles to care for me when I was sick.

The Simpson family hated me. They wanted him to marry Liliththe perfect daughter from their elite circle. But he fought. He endured imprisonment, exile, even gave up his status as heir, just to marry me.

Finally, after all the struggle, they relented. We married. I thought that was the end of our battles. I thought we were untouchable. I thought we would grow old together.

Then Lilith returned. Spoiled, arrogant and he treated her as if she were his responsibility. Her work, her failures, her surgerieshe handled them all. He chauffeured her, tended to her, cared for her more than me. One day, without even asking, he brought her into our home, put her in a guest room

That day I realized the truth. I was no longer his choice. I was just his wife on paper. Lilith Lilith had been his choice all along.

When the phone was pressed into my hands, they shook so violently I could barely hold it. Thorne, without a word, reached out and wiped my tears away, then opened the recording app and even pressed the button for me, making the video himself.

Thirty seconds. That was all I had. I stammered through my lines, declaring I wouldnt hold anyone accountable, that everything was merely an accident. When I handed the phone back, my voice was weak as I asked, Can we finally operate on my father now?

He looked at me for a long moment before nodding. Go ahead he said.

But before I could even process the word, a scream pierced the air from the operating room. Ah! My head I feel so dizzy! Lilith collapsed, utterly helpless.

Thornes composure shattered instantly. He dashed toward her, lifting her into his arms as if the world depended on her alone. The doctors followed, leaving my father unmoved on the bed, alarms wailing around him. I screamed, No! Save my dad! Please, Thorne, you promised!

I tried to block him, but he didnt even glance at me. His eyes were locked on Lilith. He shoved past me, running toward her bed with the doctors at his heels. Their frantic steps echoed in my chest, but the weight of my fear stole the words from my throat.

I was too late.

I clutched at his legs, begging him to turn back, but he shoved me aside with such force I stumbled and hit the wall. My vision caught my father lying helpless, and it felt as though my heart had been ripped from my chest.

Dad! Dad! I cried. But Thornes voice cut through everything.

Dont worry, Lilith. Im right here Ive got you, he said, panic lacing every syllablebut it wasnt for me.

He only glanced back because of the sound of my body hitting the wall. Then he waved two interns toward my fathers room. Your father will survive. Ill honor that promise, he said, icy and detached. But nothing will stop me from saving Lilith.

The world spun black.

Before unconsciousness took me, one thought echoed: I had to escape. I had to vanish from his life forever.

---

When I woke, a card sat on my bedside table, a note tucked beneath it. Your fathers surgery will have to wait a little longer. That single line spoke volumes. For Lilith, Thorne could pause the world. For me and my father, we were always secondary.

My chest ached so fiercely I could barely inhale. Then laughter eruptedbitter, broken, the kind that emerges when your heart is in pieces. Clutching my chest, I grabbed my phone and called Thornes grandfather, the one who had always wanted me gone.

Ill do it, I said. Ill divorce him. But I need your help. Help me fake my death. I want my father and brother with me. I want us gone. Forever.

Two days later, after discharge, the divorce papers were ready. My lawyer had everything in order.

When I returned to the villa, Thorne was just leaving to fetch Lilith. He froze when he saw me. Youre back? You look pale, he said, a flicker of concern crossing his face.

Pale? Of course I was pale. My father lay in a hospital bed like a vegetable, my brother was in prison, and he thought I could look vibrant? I didnt answer.

I handed him the papers flatly. Sign this.

He blinked. What? he began, but his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, frowned, then, without hesitation, scribbled his signature and shoved the papers back at me.

Liliths waiting. If its another work document, leave it in my study next time, he said, already striding toward the door.

I stared at the signature, at how easily he let me go. He ended our marriage as if I were nothing. Pathetic.

I tucked the papers under my arm and walked straight to the courthouse.

---

By evening, I returned home. Thorne was in the living room with Lilith, his arm draped possessively around her. Shes being followed by some obsessive patients family, he said casually. Shell stay in our master bedroom. You can take one of the guest rooms. Thanks to your brothers mess. Dont worry, once its safe, shell move to my new penthouse.

Do what you want, I replied. The divorce was done. This house wasnt mine anymore. I had no fight left.

He looked startled at my calmness, as if expecting tears or screams. His frown deepened, but before he could speak, Lilith spoke.

Aria, I just got off a night shift and havent eaten. Can you cook for me? Her smile was sweet, but her eyes were sharp, daring. Thorne says your cooking is the best, but Ive never tasted it.

Ask the maid, I said, turning to leave.

Her little protest followed me, and Thornes voice cut through, low and commanding. Aria. That was all. No explanation needed. I already knew. When Lilith wanted something, I was expected to serve.

I didnt have the strength to argue anymore. I forced a smile that felt sharp and painful, like blades pressing against my gums, and dragged my exhausted body toward the kitchen.

The pot was already bubbling when I scooped the soup out and placed it on the dining table. My arm trembled from the weight, my wrist aching as I set the bowl down.

She barely glanced at it before curling her lip in disgust. This is it? she sneered. This is what you call food? It looks revolting. Do you even know how to cook?

Something inside me cracked. I ground my teeth and muttered, Then dont eat it.

Her eyes flashed with something dark and vicious. Before I could react, she seized my wrist and slammed my hand straight into the boiling soup.

Agony exploded up my arm, white?hot and unbearable, like fire tearing through my veins. I screamed and struggled, but she shoved harder, forcing my hand down as the bowl rattled wildly. It tipped, smashed against the floor, and shattered. Scalding liquid splashed everywhere.

When I finally tore free, I clutched my wrist, gasping. The skin was already swelling, blistering, red and raw. My hand didnt even feel like part of my body anymore.

Footsteps thundered in as the crash echoed through the room. Before I could even speak, Lilith raised her hand and burst into fake tears. Thorne! She threw the soup at me! She lost her temper and did it on purpose! My hand hurts so much

Thorne didnt hesitate. His expression darkened instantly as he grabbed my injured wrist with brutal force.

Aria! What is wrong with you? he snapped. Apologize to Lilith right now!

Pain shot through me and I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. I yanked my hand away and shoved it toward his face. My palm was blistered, swollen, burned raw.

You want me to apologize? I said hoarsely. Look at this. Look properly. Tell me who got burned. Tell me who really did what.

For a split second, he froze. His gaze flickered between my ruined hand and her pale, trembling figure. Doubt crossed his facejust briefly.

Then she suddenly doubled over, clutching her stomach and crying out, Thorne my stomach hurts so bad. There were peanuts in the soup. You know Im allergic to peanuts! She gasped dramatically. I only asked her one thing, and she exploded.

She clung to him, sobbing louder. If you dont believe me, check the cameras. I would never lie to you, Thorne!

Ah it hurts it really hurts

I stared at her in disbelief. I didnt put peanuts in anything, I said. Whoevers lying, the cameras will prove it.

But Thornes hesitation vanished as if it had never existed. His face hardened, his eyes turning icy.

I told you shes allergic, he said sharply. How could you be so careless?

She buried her face against his chest, her voice weak and pitiful. Please dont be angry at her. I know she hates me. I dont blame her she just wants me gone. Maybe I really should leave.

No, he said immediately, tightening his arm around her. Youre not going anywhere.

Then he turned on me. Aria. Apologize. Now.

Thorne, I swear Im telling the tru

Thats enough, he cut me off coldly. He lifted her into his arms like I wasnt even there. I dont want to hear another word from you.

Then he looked at the butler. Take her to the basement. Lock her in. Shes not coming out until I say so.

My knees nearly gave out. The basement. That damp, foul place where he kept those snakes for her. I backed away, shaking uncontrollably.

No please. Not there. Dont do this to me.

I fought as they dragged me away, but it was useless. The door slammed shut behind me, and darkness crushed down on my chest.

The silence was broken by soft, terrifying hissing. My skin crawled. Something brushed against my ankle. I screamed and slapped at the floor, panic exploding inside me.

Open the door! Please! Let me out! I pounded until my fists burned and split. No one answered.

The air grew thick and suffocating. My skin erupted in rashes, itching and burning until I clawed at myself without realizing it. Hours passed. My throat went raw from screaming, and eventually I slid into the corner, shaking and gasping for breath.

When the door finally opened, I thought I was saved.

Light flooded in. I pushed myself upright, barely standing. Thorne stood there, backlit by the hallway. For one fragile heartbeat, I thought he might pull me out.

Then his voice cut through me, colder than anything Id ever heard.

Hold her down.

Before I could react, two bodyguards rushed me. My arms were pinned, my jaw forced open. A bitter liquid was poured down my throat. I choked, coughing violently until blood splattered onto my clothes.

What what did you give me? I croaked as fire spread through my chest.

Then it hit me.

My skin flushed red in blotches. My throat tightened, every breath slicing like knives. I knew this pain. I was allergic to seafood.

Thornes voice came calmly through my panic.

You put peanuts in Liliths food. Shes in the hospital now. I warned you not to touch her, but you never listen. This is what she felt.

He just stood there watching me writhe on the floor. No anger. No regret. Just cold indifference.

I didnt I tried to speak, but the words fell apart as pain ripped through me. No one cared. No one listened.

The last thing I saw was his facecalm, distantas darkness swallowed me whole.

---

Aria. Wake up.

His voice pulled me back from the dark. My eyelids felt impossibly heavy, but when I finally opened them, Thorne was standing beside the bed. He exhaled deeply when he saw me conscious and reached out to brush my hair away.

I turned my head without thinking.

He froze. Then he pulled his hand back, as if I were the one who burned him.

Aria, I know youre angry, he said, his voice clipped and icy. But this time, you crossed the line. I cant keep indulging your behavior.

A laugh escaped medry, bitter, almost painful. Indulging me? I shot back. Thorne, did you even bother to find out what actually happened?

He clearly hadnt expected resistance. His expression darkened at once. You know exactly what you did, he said coldly. Im not here to argue. Im here to tell you how this will be handled. Because of your outburst, Liliths reputation has been destroyed. When youre discharged, youll host a formal banquet and publicly apologize to her. Youll admit that the rumors were caused by your misunderstanding and clear her name. As for your fatherhis condition will be explained as a standard surgical risk associated with brain aneurysms.

For a second, I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. Then I saw his face. He was serious.

Have you lost your mind? My voice trembled. My father is lying like that because of her mistake, and you want me to protect her reputation?

His gaze turned steely. Enough. This isnt a discussion. This is what will happen. And dont forgetyour father is still barely holding on, and your brother is wasting away in prison.

My blood ran cold. It was always the same. Whenever I tried to resist, he tightened the chains around my neck. My father. My brother. I had nowhere to run. I swallowed the anger burning my throat and closed my eyes.

Fine, I said quietly. Ill do it. But you release my brother first.

He paused, only briefly, then nodded. One month, he said. Thats all the time you have.

I agreed.

---

When the day arrived, his driver came for me. At the venue, Thorne entered with Lilith hooked on his arm, his hand never leaving hers. He didnt need to say a wordone look from his eyes was enough to remind me of my place.

I curled my fingers into fists and stepped onto the stage, forcing my expression into something calm.

Im here today to apologize to Dr. Lilith Lockhart, I said steadily. The statements I previously made online were based on a misunderstanding. I regret the harm they caused.

The hall erupted instantly.

How shamelesssmearing a doctor like that.

So it was all fake? I knew she was just seeking attention.

Poor Dr. Lockhart, enduring such malicious rumors.

Imagine humiliating yourself like this just to beg forgiveness.

No wonder Thorne replaced her.

Voices sliced into me from every direction. Accusations. Judgment. Contempt. I didnt explain. I couldnt. I just wanted it finished.

But as I stepped down from the stage, Liliths syrupy voice trailed after me.

Aria, I forgot something in the car. Could you get it for me?

No, I replied flatly. Ask one of the staff.

She pouted, clinging tighter to Thornes arm. But I trust Aria the most. I feel safer when she handles my things.

Thorne gently patted her hand, then looked at me with that familiar commanding gaze. I understood immediately. Refuse now, and Id pay later.

So I turned around and walked out.

---

Outside, the night air felt suffocating. I hadnt even reached the car when the roar of an engine shattered the quiet. A vehicle screeched to a halt in front of me, blocking my path. The door flew open before I could react.

A man dressed in black lunged toward me, hatred burning in his eyes. My heart dropped. I tried to run, but he grabbed my hair and yanked so hard my knees buckled. His palm struck my face, snapping my head sideways as pain exploded.

Who are you?! I cried, blood filling my mouth. There are cameras everywhereare you insane?!

He sneered, his gaze empty and cruel. Im here to teach you a lesson. You offended Miss Lockhart. Touching you is already mercy. You deserve worse.

He slammed my head into the car window.

I screamed.

Glass shattered. Warm blood streamed down my face as he smashed my head again and again, until the window was streaked red. My vision blurred. My body went limp. I was too weak to fight him.

Help please someone My voice dissolved into sobs. The world was silent except for my crying. Blood burned my eyes. Just when I thought I was about to die, he finally released me.

I collapsed onto the ground like discarded trash.

The headlights flared. The engine revved.

Panic crushed my chestthey were going to run me over.

Stop!

Someone rushed toward me, but before I could see who it was, darkness swallowed everything.

---

When I opened my eyes again, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled my nose. Bandages wrapped tightly around my head, and every breath stabbed my chest with pain.

Aria youre awake.

Thorne stood beside the bed. He looked exhausted, dark shadows beneath his eyes. He exhaled deeply when he saw me conscious.

Its over now, he said gently. I investigated everything. It was a medical misunderstandingthey mistook you for Lilith. Ive already had them arrested. Youre safe.

His tenderness made my stomach twist.

Does your head still hurt? he asked softly. Try moving a bit. Tell me if anything feels wrong.

His phone rang. I recognized the ringtone immediatelyit was her. For once, he ignored it and instead clasped my hand tightly, as if I were precious.

I tried to pull away. He wouldnt let go.

Thorne, I whispered, if I told you I heard that man say he was acting on Liliths orders would you believe me?

He stiffened. His brow furrowed. Slowly, he released my hand. His tone turned cold again.

Enough, Aria. Youre imagining things. Lilith is a victim too. If not for you, she would be the one lying here right now. How could she possibly be behind something like this?

A bitter laugh escaped me. My lashes trembled as I turned my face away. I didnt even have the strength to argue anymore. What was the point? He never believed me.

I closed my eyes, utterly exhausted.

I know youre upset with her, Thorne murmured. His hand brushed through my hair in a soothing motion. Once things calm down, Ill reduce contact with her. Just trust me.

He stayed by my side all night, whispering gentle words like he used to, as if that could erase everything. I stared back at him with hollow eyes.

My heart felt numb.

Because I knew he was lying. He would never let Lilith go.

And outside the door, unknown to me, she was already on her way to find him.

---

Hours later

I was ripped from sleep when the door slammed open. Hands dragged me violently out of bed. My body was weak, my head spinning.

Where is Lilith? Thorne roared, fury burning in his voice.

What did you do to her?!

I blinked hard, my head still foggy, my thoughts lagging behind the moment. W?What are you even saying?

Something flew straight at my face. Pain snapped against my cheek. I gasped and looked down.

A necklace.

My necklace.

The one I thought Id lost the night the man in black attacked me.

Aria! Thorne snarled, jaw locked so tight I could hear his teeth grind. Start talking. Now.

My hands trembled as I picked it up, the chain cold against my fingers. This this belongs to me. But I dont know how

She messaged me last night, he cut in sharply. Just two words. Help me. When I rushed to the hospital, her bed was empty. This was all that was left. His eyes burned into me, sharp and accusing, like hed already decided my guilt.

My mouth went dry. This has nothing to do with me.

In a blink, he surged forward. His fingers clamped around my throat, crushing the air from my lungs. His face twisted, rage spilling out unchecked. You told me yesterday that Lilith hurt you. And now shes vanished. You expect me to believe this isnt revenge?

I clawed at his wrist, choking, but forced myself to meet his eyes. I dont know where she is, I rasped. I swear. I didnt do anything.

But Thorne never believed my words. Not once.

Instead, he gestured coldly.

Tristan was dragged forward like he weighed nothing, his arms bound behind him in that humiliating, exaggerated way meant to make a spectacle of him. They dumped him onto the asphalt directly in front of a car.

Tristan! My heart dropped so fast it hurt.

The headlights flared, blinding. I barely had time to inhale before the engine revved.

The car rolled forward.

There was a sickening crack.

AHHH! Tristan screamed, his body jerking violently. Aria! My legmy leg!

My entire body shook. Brother! I screamed until my throat burned. Thorne, stop! What are you doing to him? Are you insane?!

His voice was calm. Too calm. I warned you. From now on, the car moves every minute. Well start with his limbs. His gaze locked onto mine. If you dont tell me where Lilith is within three minutes, the next stop will be his head.

Pleaseno! Tears streamed down my face, blurring everything. I dont know anything! Why cant you believe me? Just onceplease believe me!

I had never felt so helpless in my life.

Tristan writhed on the ground, his face ashen, sweat soaking through his clothes. Aria he gasped. Dont listen to him save yourself

Thorne scoffed. One minute gone.

He lifted his hand.

The car jerked forward again.

This time, it crushed Tristans hand.

The scream that tore from him ripped straight through my chest. My hand! AriaI cant feel my hand!

Nostop! Please stop! I collapsed to my knees in front of Thorne, grabbing at his coat. Im begging you. Dont hurt him anymore. If you think I did this, punish me instead. Kill me if you want. Justpleasedont touch my brother. Please believe me.

There was no mercy on his face. Only irritation.

He raised his hand again.

The headlights flared brighter.

I shook my head wildly. Nopleasedont

The engine roared.

The car surged forward.

I didnt think. I didnt hesitate.

I tore myself free from the guards and ran.

Aria, dont! Tristan screamed, his voice already breaking.

I threw myself over him, covering his body with mine.

I heard Thorne shout my name, panic cracking his voicebut it was already too late.

Everything exploded into white.

Pain slammed into my waist. Something snapped inside me. Hot blood flooded my mouth, metallic and choking. The world tilted, blurred, fell apart.

Aria! Thornes voice sounded distant as hands grabbed me. His fingers brushed the corner of my mouth, wiping away blood as if that could undo anything. Im sorry Im sorry he kept repeating, like the words alone could save me.

Then the secretary burst in, breathless, all urgency and performance. Sir, we found her, she said brightly. Shes in the suburbs. Injured and terrified. No one can get close, but she keeps calling your name.

Thorne froze.

Like someone had flipped a switch.

They rushed Tristan and me into an ambulance, sirens screaming as we sped toward the hospital. But halfway there, chaos exploded at the ER entrance. Shouting. Stretchers crashing. Alarms shrieking like a countdown.

Lilith needs immediate attention, the secretary whispered urgently, eyes glossy with just the right amount of concern. Shes in painshe says her hand might be ruined. One ER doctor is already with Mr. Gus son, and the other She paused, watching Thorne closely. We can send someone, but itll take at least thirty minutes.

I saw it then.

That moment where he weighed me.

My broken, bleeding body.

Against her hands.

My lips almost curved into a laugh. I was dying, and he was deciding the fate of fingers. I tried to smile, but blood spilled faster, warmth draining from me as the ceiling swam.

Then Liliths voice cut through the noise, fragile and practiced. W?Thorne please. Im a surgeon. My hands are everything. If theyre damaged, Im finished. Im so sorry I should have died today. I was just lucky to escape.

She cried perfectly.

That was enough.

Thorne turned without hesitation. Save her first, he ordered. She cant lose her hands. Then, like an afterthought, Aria, hold on a little longer.

Like my life was an appointment that could be delayed.

I tried to speak. I didnt do anything. The words dissolved into slurred sounds. The room spun. His eyes flicked to mine for half a secondpity, calculation, maybe boththen he walked away, following the stretcher carrying Lilith.

They wheeled me somewhere else, but I heard his footsteps fade in the opposite direction.

The ceiling tiles blurred above me, and I thought, How can someones conscience be bought so easily by tears and timing?

I had nothing left to fight with. Time crawled. Every breath felt borrowed. I truly believed I would die on that tableuntil stubborn instinct dragged me back from the edge.

Six hours later, I woke up in a ward I knew far too well.

My throat burned. Pain screamed through my body. But I was alive.

The phone beside my bed vibrated.

When I answered, Thornes grandfathers voice came throughsteady, heavy, final. Aria. Everything is prepared. This is the last step. You wont regret it.

I swallowed, forcing my voice to steady. No. Im ready to leave. Book three tickets. Once its done, I want to disappear immediately.

I was about to ask him to confirm the details

When the door slammed open.

My blood turned to ice.

Aria, Thorne said quietly, leaning against the doorway, eyes locked onto me. Where do you think youre going?