Chapter 1
Everyone knew Bud Burgess was madly in love with Veronica Burgess.
Even after Veronica had a child with autism, Bud did everything he could to track down the world's top psychologist for the kid's treatment.
Just when Veronica thought her world would always stay perfect, Bud suddenly became utterly infatuated with the psychologist.
He showered her with gifts and cash, and even put his own life on the line for her when chaos erupted at the hospital.
Overnight, Veronica dropped from her place at the top and became the object of laughter among Smooria's elite.
Veronica stood beside the hospital bed, trembling uncontrollably, like she was losing her mind. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she demanded, "Why did you fall in love with my daughter's psychologist?"
Bud replied coldly, "She's not like you at all. She's interesting. Any kid she has would probably turn out normal, not like ours."
It was as if Veronica had just been struck by lightning. Her legs buckled and she collapsed to the floor, face ghostly pale, lips shaking as she tried to speak.
"Bud, do you have any idea what you're saying?" Veronica whispered.
Desperately, she wished that Bud was joking, that all of this was nothing but a terrible nightmare.
Bud said, "I know I've done you wrong, but don't worry. You're still my wife, and you can keep all the perks that come with being Mrs. Burgess.
"Just don't give Eugenia a hard time. She's already given up the official title for you, and she's willing to stay by my side with nothing to show for it except me. That's a huge sacrifice on her part.
"People should not be greedy. Don't you think so, Veronica?"
Veronica looked at Bud, her ears buzzing. She couldn't help but think, 'He's seriously lost his mind.'
Veronica said, "Bud, if Annie isn't good enough for you, then just let me take care of her.
"Even if she never recovers, I'll always look after her and love her. I don't need you—"
Before she could finish, Bud interrupted her with a scowl.
Bud shot back, "She's my daughter too. How could I ever let her stay like that for her whole life?
"Eugenia is the best shrink in the world. If she says she can help Annie, then she absolutely can."
As he talked, admiration and pride just radiated from his face. Veronica couldn't believe it. In all their years together, she had never seen him look at anyone like that.
For a split second, Veronica felt a wild, hysterical urge to scream at Bud and demand why he could break the promise to love her for a lifetime so easily.
But when the words reached her lips, she forced herself to swallow them down, even letting Bud trample all over her dignity.
She kept comforting herself that Bud was just lost for the moment, that once he snapped out of it, things would go back to how they used to be.
But the more Veronica waited, the more ruthless and brazen Bud's humiliation and degradation of her became.
Not only did Bud bring Eugenia to the house, but he also forced Veronica to move out of the master bedroom.
Bud said, "Eugenia's afraid of the dark. She only feels safe sleeping next to me.
"You are simply moving to a different bedroom. Don't be childish."
Veronica's face went ghostly pale, and she let out a bitter, hollow laugh.
She asked, "I can give up the master bedroom, but what about you, Bud?
"Am I supposed to hand you over to that shameless mistress who barged right into our home?
Before Veronica could even proceed, a crisp slap slammed through the hallway.
Bud struck her hard, all his rage and desperation unleashed. Veronica's head whipped to the side, and her cheek immediately began to swell.
Bud shouted, "Veronica, that's enough.
"What do you even mean by calling her a shameless mistress?
"I humbled myself and begged Eugenia to move in. If she doesn't stay here, how can she give Annie the one-on-one therapy she needs?
"How did I never realize you were such a petty, jealous woman in the past?"
Veronica found his words ridiculous.
In the past, Bud had been the one who felt her pain deeper than anyone. He'd shed tears even before she could, just from hearing about the scars left by her family.
When Veronica's stepfather came charging with a stick, Bud threw himself in front of her without hesitation and ended up with three broken ribs.
The first thing Bud did when he saw Veronica in his hospital room was fall to his knees and swear in front of everyone that he'd protect her for the rest of his life.