The Crippled Bride, Husband's Dark Secret

I had been married to Liam Jennings for three years.

The tabloids about him and his secret obsession, Serena, never left the trending page.

I saved your life, and I didn't care that you became a cripple. You'd better turn a blind eye to my business with Serena, he once told me.

I endured it for three long years.

But then, I accidentally overheard him talking to his assistant.

"Don't let her stand up. A cripple is much easier to control."

Eventually, he was the one paralyzed in bed.

He grabbed my hand, begging me not to leave him.

I let out a cold laugh. "Three years of me being a cripple in exchange for you being paralyzed for life? It was worth it."

"Ms. Avery, your legs are almost fully recovered. With a week of physical therapy, you'll be walking like a normal person again."

The doctor shared the news with a smile.

I rushed home, desperate to tell Liam the good news.

I couldn't find him on the first floor.

With the help of my crutches, I struggled up to the second floor and heard voices coming from the study.

"Mr. Jennings, the imported medication from overseas arrived two days ago. Should we start the mistressDI mean, the Mrs. on it?"

"No need," Liam's voice was icy. "A cripple is easier to control."

My heart skipped a beat. I froze in place.

"Also, the two men who took the fall and went to prison for Ms. Serena three years ago have been released. How should we handle them?"

"Pay them off. Make sure they don't cause trouble for Serena."

"And what about your wife?"

"Serena didn't mean to hit her and paralyze her back then. Marrying Avery was already her compensation."

"Once Serena retires from the spotlight, I'll naturally send Avery away."

My legs gave out, and I slumped to the floor.

I always knew Liam loved Serena Vance.

But to protect her image as a top star, Serena had always refused to go public.

Three years ago, when their relationship was almost exposed, Liam married me to distract the paparazzi.

For three years, we lived in a polite, hollow shell of a marriage.

Now, the truth hit me. My supposed savior wasn't my salvation.

He was the demon who dragged me into hell.

I tried not to make a sound as I used my crutches to limp back to my room.

At lunch, Liam acted as attentive as ever, placing food on my plate.

"Avery, you went for your check-up today, right? What did the doctor say?"

He looked concerned on the surface, but I didn't miss the sharp glint in his eyes.

This time, I didn't tell the truth.

"The doctor said there's still no hope for a recovery."

Liam looked visibly relieved, then comforted me with a gentle tone.

"It's okay. I'll take care of you no matter how long it takes. Don't rush it."

I used to be moved by words like that. Now, they only made my skin crawl.

Of course he wasn't in a rush. He wasn't the one who couldn't walk.

"I'm full," I said.

I put down my fork and let the maid wheel me back to my room.

Liam blinked, stunned.

He noticed I was acting differently, but he didn't have time to investigate.

Serena's new show was about to premiere, and his heart was already with her.

I dialed a number. On the other end, a man's voice sounded thick with forced calm.

"Avery, you finally decided to call me. Where are you..."

I cut him off.

"In three days, come take me away."

"...Okay."

At dinner, Liam brought Serena to the table.

"I told him I didn't want to come, but Liam insisted," Serena said.

She leaned against him like a snake with no bones.

"Oh, I forgot the Mrs. was here. Don't get me wrong, I'm just really dependent on Liam."

Her eyes were full of provocation.

Liam's voice was doting. "Avery is big-hearted. She won't misunderstand."

Of course I wouldn't.

You two deserve each other.

I kept my head down and ate quietly. Serena suddenly giggled and poked Liam's chest.

"I'm happy today. I want a drink. Liam, stay with me, okay?"

Her voice was cloyingly sweet.

Liam instinctively looked at me.

"Does Avery want a drink too?"

I shook my head.

Liam followed her off, his footsteps fading toward the wine cellar.

Serena's red lips curled into a smirk as she looked at me sideways.

"You don't actually think he married you because he likes you, do you?"

Her nails tapped against an empty glass. "Listen up, little cripple."

"Let's try a little experiment."

With a sharp crash, Serena smashed the glass. A jagged shard sliced right across my arm.

Blood began to snake down my wrist.

"Ah!" I cried out. Serena leaned close to my ear and laughed.

"Scream. Scream louder. Otherwise, I'd think you were a block of wood that never feels pain."

"I wonder... will Liam actually care about you this time?"

When Liam rushed upstairs, his pupils drifted.

I was clutching my bleeding arm, while Serena was holding her face and sobbing.

"Ms. Avery broke the glass herself. I was just trying to help her pick it up, but she hit me..."

She really was an actress. The tears came right on cue.

Seeing Serena looking so pitiful, Liam's heart broke for her.

He grabbed my arm, his voice as cold as ice.

"Apologize to Serena!"

I looked at the victorious glint in Serena's eyes and suddenly laughed.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Vance."

How many times had I apologized now?

I had lost count.

Liam picked Serena up in his arms and walked away. I vaguely remembered him carrying me through the rain like that three years ago.

Later that night, I couldn't sleep. I got up to get some water.

Rustling sounds came from the second floor.

I crept up the stairs. The noise was coming from the guest room.

A man's voice was thick with repressed lust.

"Serena, can't you just retire and marry me? I'm going crazy missing you..."

"But you already have a wife. With a beauty in your arms, how could you have time for me?"

The woman giggled.

"Don't mention her. Sleeping with that cripple makes me feel disgusted. I only have feelings for your body..."

The door wasn't fully closed. Through the crack, I saw their bodies entangled under the dim light.

It was sickening. Every second I watched felt like a slow execution.

Just as I was about to leave, Serena let out a sharp scream.

"Ah! It hurts, Liam!"

"Serena, what's wrong?"

The lights flickered on. I gripped the doorframe with my weak legs.

Liam rushed out, carrying Serena. His arm slammed hard into my chest.

I fell heavily to the ground.

"What are you doing here?"

He was shocked at first, then furious.

"You saw everything?"

His gaze drifted down to my legs, his eyes sharp.

"Your legs... get in the car. We're going to the hospital!"

At the hospital, the doctor scolded Liam while looking at a report.

"Intercourse is not recommended during the early stages of pregnancy."

"Serena is pregnant?" Liam's voice was full of joy.

"Yes, almost two months. But there are signs of a threatened loss. She needs to stay for observation."

"As for Ms. Avery..." the doctor hesitated.

"Are her legs okay?" Liam's voice turned to ice the moment my name was mentioned.

"Regardless of the legs, Ms. Avery is also pregnant."

The doctor's words were like a lightning bolt. Not only was Liam shocked, but I was frozen outside the door.

I touched my still-flat stomach and decided I had to leave immediately.

I didn't call the maid. I left the wheelchair behind and leaned against the wall to reach the exit.

But Liam's bodyguards caught me and dragged me back.

Locked in a hospital room, Liam tore off his mask of gentleness.

"Clear the path. We aren't keeping the baby."

I couldn't believe it. "Why?"

"Serena is pregnant. Her child cannot be born into a scandal. I'll send you both abroad. You'll raise Serena's child as your own."

"The procedure would hurt Serena's body too much, so you'll be the one to do it. It's decided."

"I'll compensate you."

His tone was full of hollow charity.

I turned my head away. "I don't need it. I don't agree."

Liam stared at me, shocked that I would fight back. Then, he grew angry.

"You don't have a choice."

Looking at my recovered legs, Liam called the guards.

Ignoring my screams, they handcuffed me to the bed rail.

When Liam heard I was on a hunger strike, he came to the hospital.

I hadn't eaten or slept for two days. I had no strength left.

I drifted in and out of consciousness.

When I woke up, Liam was telling a nurse to give me an IV drip.

"The procedure is tomorrow. Don't let her faint on the table."

He saw my eyes open. He paused, his eyes narrowing.

"Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"

I didn't say a word.

"I had someone buy you some warm broth and snacks. Eat when you're ready."

Seeing I wasn't going to talk, Liam felt a bit stifled.

He walked out and called his assistant.

"Go to the mall. Order two designer bags and two diamond necklaces. Bring them to the hospital."

On the day of the procedure, Liam texted me saying he was busy. He said he'd pick me up when I was discharged.

I stared at the screen as memories flooded back.

Three years ago, I was in a hit-and-run on my way home.

It was a pitch-black night.

I lay on the ground, broken and terrified.

Liam was the one who picked me up and rushed me to the ER.

When I first found out I was paralyzed, I had a horrible temper. Even when I threw things and told him to leave, he never complained. He stayed by my side.

Looking back, maybe it was just the last shred of his guilt.

The procedure was over quickly.

In a daze, I heard the doctor's voice full of pity.

"The fetus was developing so well. Such a waste..."

Hot tears rolled down my face.

My heart felt like it was being shredded.

"Mrs. Jennings, your legs have recovered so well. Mr. Jennings will be thrilled."

The maid looked at me using my crutches with a relieved smile.

Her words felt like acid.

The baby was gone. Liam would be thrilled, indeed.

I passed by the next room.

Liam and Serena were both inside.

My heart twinged with pain.

So, Liam wasn't too busy. He just didn't want to be with me.

Serena saw me at the door and waved me in.

"Oh, is the Mrs. in the hospital too? Liam, why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm just pregnant, and Liam is making such a big deal out of it. Honestly."

"Are you feeling unwell, Avery? Why isn't Liam with you?"

Serena rubbed her belly, laughing triumphantly.

Liam just looked at her with doting eyes.

I touched my empty stomach and didn't answer.

Liam frowned. "Serena is just looking out for you. What's with the attitude?"

"Don't be so mean, Liam," Serena chirped. "Has Avery eaten? I have half a bowl of oatmeal left. Want some?"

Her red-tipped fingers held the white porcelain bowl like a witch offering poison.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What are you laughing at?" Serena's smile faded when she didn't see me get angry.

Liam also felt uneasy.

"Nothing."

I smiled at them both.

"I just wanted to wish you two a long life together with your precious child."

As soon as I left the room, Liam chased after me.

"It was just one child!"

He grabbed my crutch.

I shook him off.

"Don't touch me."

Liam snatched the crutch and threw it on the floor.

"You think because you can walk now, you're something special? I'm telling you, I always get what I want."

"A private jet will pick you up in two days. You'd better behave."

Liam signaled a bodyguard and pointed at the crutch.

"Throw that away."

He pulled me into a forced embrace, stroking my back.

"Avery, we'll have our own children later."

He didn't know that for us, there was no "later."

That evening, Liam brought me home.

He wanted to stay and take care of me. He even bought a chicken to make soup.

But Serena's call came in first.

"Liam, the doctor says I need blood work today. I'm so scared..."

That damsel-in-distress voice hooked Liam immediately.

I sent the maid away and went into Liam's study.

It wasn't locked. I opened his laptop.

It asked for a password.

I tried Serena's birthday. It opened instantly.

There weren't many files on the desktop. I searched for a while until I found an unnamed folder.

There were two videos inside.

I took a deep breath and opened the first one.

It was footage of the crash three years ago.

A high-def camera had captured Serena in the driver's seat and Liam in the passenger seat.

They were sharing a passionate kiss.

The steering wheel slipped.

The car sped up.

And there I was, lying on the ground.

It all happened in a split second.

The second video was from the dashcam.

"What do I do? I hit someone!" Serena's voice was panicked.

Liam comforted her. "Don't worry. I'll find someone to handle it."

Liam called his assistant. Using his "wealthy man powers," he quickly found two scapegoats to take the fall.

But because they waited so long to report it, I missed the window for emergency treatment. I was paralyzed for three years.

My hands shook as I copied the files to my USB drive. Suddenly, I heard a noise downstairs.

I pulled the drive out, deleted the history, and shut the laptop just as Liam burst in.

"What are you doing in my study!"

Liam's face was dark, his voice a cold roar.

"I was bored. I wanted to play a game on your computer, but I couldn't get past the password."

I pointed at the screen.

Liam seemed to relax slightly, but his tone remained harsh.

"Don't come in here again without my permission!"

I shrugged and walked out.

Maybe he felt he went too far, because he suddenly said, "I'll have a new laptop sent to your room later."

Before dinner, a brand-new MacBook appeared on my desk.

For three years, nothing new had been added to my room except basic necessities.

If I hadn't seen his true face, I would have been moved to tears.

Now, I didn't even want to unwrap it. It would fetch a better price as a resale.

I packed my bags and called a law firm to draft divorce papers.

Just as I hung up, Liam entered.

"Accompany me to the family estate for a gala tomorrow."

I didn't want to cause trouble before I left, so I agreed.

Tomorrow was Liam's mother's birthday. Usually, I'd go days early to help.

Not this year. This year, I was sending a special gift.

I wished her a very memorable birthday.

The next day, Liam went to the estate ahead of me.

Since I was acting submissive again, he didn't leave guards.

"The gown is in your room. Since your legs are fine, dress up. Don't embarrass me."

I smiled and nodded.

As Liam drove off, my smile kept flashing in his mind, making him feel strangely anxious.

At the Jennings estate.

The moment Liam walked in, Serena greeted him.

"Liam, you're finally here! We've been waiting."

Liam's mother sat on the sofa, looking displeased.

"Where is Avery? Does she not know what day it is? She has no sense of duty as a daughter-in-law. No manners at all!"

"Don't be angry, Mrs. Jennings. Avery just had a medical procedure and isn't feeling well. She'll be late."

"Wait, Avery had a loss?"

Usually, Liam found Serena's talkativeness sweet. Today, it was just irritating.

"I told you to keep that quiet! Why did you tell my mother?"

Liam rarely snapped at her. Serena's eyes began to well up with tears.

Liam immediately softened.

"Don't cry, Serena. Today is a celebration. Let's not talk about unlucky things."

He pulled her into his arms and looked at his mother.

"The party is starting. We'll talk later."

The divorce papers had arrived that morning. I signed them and left them on the coffee table.

I packed my suitcase and called a courier to take it away.

Just as I was about to step out of the house, Liam called.

I didn't pick up.

Three minutes later, a text came:

"The gala is starting. Get over here. I prepared the gift for Mom, it's on the table. Bring it."

The velvet box held a blue diamond necklace. It looked incredibly expensive.

I tossed it back on the table.

A necklace couldn't compare to the gift I had planned.

Liam, Serena... enjoy the show.

I blocked Liam's number and took a cab away from the house.

After sending the text, Liam felt more and more uneasy.

He kept checking his phone for a reply.

The gala began. He had to put his anxiety aside.

Suddenly, the giant screen in the ballroom flickered on.

"Hello, everyone."

A familiar voice echoed. Liam looked up sharply.

"Today is Mrs. Jennings' birthday. I've prepared a massive surprise for her."

"Please, enjoy the videoD."

The screen showed the footage of Serena hitting me three years ago.

It showed the clips of them kissing in the car...

It showed Liam paying off the witnesses...

The high-def footage left nothing to the imagination.

Then, a medical report appeared.

"The headline for tomorrow: Kissing too hard? Famous actress hits a pedestrian and flees while pregnant. Billionaire heir uses cash to cover it up!"

"Congratulations to this trashy couple. You really deserve each other."

"Stay together forever!"

"I'm done playing with you. Bye!"

The room erupted into chaos.

Guests pulled out their phones to record. Some even started live-streaming.

Serena turned ghost-white and started screaming.

"Turn it off! Stop filming!"

The gala was a total wreck.

Liam's face was as black as coal as he ordered the screen to be shut down.

After the guests were forced out, Liam's mother slammed the table.

"The Jennings family has never been this humiliated!"

"Is Avery insane?"

Serena was sobbing, but Liam didn't have the energy to comfort her.

What did "Bye" mean? Was she really leaving?

Liam didn't want to believe it.

Just then, the maid rushed in.

"Mr. Jennings! The Mrs. is gone. Her luggage is gone. She left this on the table!"

Divorce papers.

The words felt like a hot iron searing Liam's eyes.

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