Chapter 3
Cyril would subtly hint to Crystal to take her medicine, and he strictly managed every aspect of her daily schedule.
But the happiness was so short-lived, gone in just three years.
Every memory from the past became a blade, tormenting her with a thousand cuts, slicing away at her heart and soul bit by bit.
Had Cyril ever loved her?
She was about to ask, when suddenly, the grip on her hand slackened.
As she fell, Crystal's pupils contracted in shock. She caught a glimpse of Cyril holding Judith tightly in his arms.
Judith was so close to him, so important to him.
Her body crashed hard into the rescue air cushion, and through the haze, a chorus of voices buzzed in her ears.
She didn't love Cyril anymore.
She couldn't afford to. She never knew that loving someone would hurt so much.
*****
When Crystal woke up in the hospital, Cyril held her hand, his face pale with panic. "Crystal, I swear I didn't mean for this to happen. Trying to save both of you at the same time was just too much."
Crystal pressed her lips together, swallowing the surge of emotions rising inside her.
She gazed quietly at his hands, as if she was back in that moment three years ago.
She could never forget how Cyril held her close in the darkness three years ago.
But now, those same hands had let her slip away.
She couldn't wrap her head around it. Even if everything was a lie, shouldn't there have been at least a shred of real feeling in it?
Did those three years really mean nothing at all?
"You've always been into extreme sports, but Judith's not like you. She's naturally quiet, and heights really freak her out," Cyril said, carefully listing every detail, his voice full of concern. "Judith..."
"I get it," Crystal cut in, quietly withdrawing her hand, feeling a cold emptiness spread through her.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Cyril's mom, Ingrid stormed in, her brows knitted in fury. "What are you scheming now, Crystal? Haven't you ruined my son enough over the years?
"My son broke his legs more than once messing around with you, you bitch. He nearly lost his life for your games. If it weren't for that kidnapping you plotted, someone like you wouldn't even dream of marrying into the Moore family."
All these years, whenever Ingrid hurled accusations at her, Crystal never said a word. She just endured in silence.
And every time, Cyril would quietly stand behind her, gently take her hand, and softly mouth, "I'm here."
It was those words that carried Crystal through three years of darkness, helping her brave all the rumors and slander during their marriage.
Crystal turned her gaze aside, her mouth opening as if to speak, but before she could get a word out, a delicate voice suddenly chimed in.
"Mrs. Moore, please don't be angry. Maybe it's a misunderstanding," Judith said softly.
Judith slipped her arm around Ingrid's, her expression gentle. "These days, young people are all about extreme sports. It's pretty normal. I get scared easily, but every time I see someone doing it, I can't help but admire them."
"Judith, you're really something else," Ingrid let out a heavy sigh. "If only I'd known..."
Ingrid left the rest unsaid, but Crystal knew exactly what she was getting at.
If only Ingrid had let Judith be together with Cyril from the start.
Sure enough, Cyril and Judith exchanged glances, the smugness in their eyes impossible to miss.
Ingrid glared at Crystal furiously. "Crystal, why can't you be more like Judith? She's got both brains and class. Why can't you pick up something good for once?"
"I'm really not all that great," Judith replied with a bashful smile. "I just got lucky and happened to get into a decent school."
Crystal smiled bitterly to herself.
At ten years old, Crystal went abroad alone, earned a full scholarship, and fought her way through tough classes, always coming out on top.
Even after all these years, people still talked about what she'd accomplished.
Crystal felt utterly exhausted, as if all her strength had been drained away. She didn't have the energy left to defend herself.
*****
After she was discharged from the hospital, Crystal returned to the Moore family's home.
Cyril casually said, "Crystal, there's something I want to discuss. Our newly renovated wedding house has been sitting empty for a while. Since it's just gathering dust, why not let Judith stay there?"
Crystal's gaze was lifeless.
This was the wedding house they'd picked out together, and it had taken two whole years, from choosing it to renovating it.
Crystal had almost forgotten that this house had carried all her love.
Her smile reached her eyes. "Okay."
Cyril paused, stunned. He hadn't expected her to agree so easily.
"Crystal, don't get the wrong idea. Judith was my junior back in college. She just got back to the country, and I'm trying to be a good host," Cyril said.
An awkward silence hung in the air. Crystal lowered her eyes. "Yeah, I get it. I really do."
She turned and went to her bedroom, took out her suitcase, and quietly began packing her belongings.
Her phone dinged. It was a message from the elite personal assistant her family had hired for her.