Chapter 3

"She killed my father and left me disabled. For someone like that to visit my home, it's a wonder I haven't killed her. And as for you, why do you keep defending her?"

Garrett's expression stiffened when he heard this and tried to cover it up.

"Alisha, I've already told you. Your father's death was an accident. The person who hit you wasn't Harlow; you mistook them for someone else. I'm your husband. How could I ever hurt you? Apologize to Harlow right now, and let this go."

The situation was exactly what Harlow wanted, and she immediately began to cry and complain.

"Garrett, I was wrong. I couldn't save Alisha's father, and she must resent me, thinking I've dragged her down again and again. She's already suffered enough, don't blame her."

Seeing how considerate Harlow was made Garrett feel even more protective. He held her in his arms and sheltered her.

He said, "Harlow, I know who you are. You needn't plead for her."

After speaking, he gently bandaged Harlow's wound and tried to stop the bleeding, fearing he would hurt her.

I gave a bitter smile. Finally, I'd torn away all pretenses with these two. No need to keep up the false politeness.

With things so tense, I thought Garrett would spend the night outside with Harlow.

But to my surprise, he actually returned home late at night.

He knelt on one knee by the bed, holding my hand, looking at me with exhaustion in his eyes.

"Alisha, can you stop causing trouble?

"What happened that year was an accident, and the person who disabled you wasn't Harlow. You're really being unreasonable today."

I stared at him in shock. how could a man sink so low?

Then he sighed again.

"Harlow went abroad because of your father's accident. Now she's back, and I need to help you compensate her."

The corners of my mouth curled into a sneer.

"What do you mean?"

Garrett was silent for a moment before speaking.

"You dislike socializing, and with your legs, it's inconvenient. I often need a partner for business dinners. If I take someone else, you'll grow suspicious. Isn't it better to let Harlow come with me? That way, I compensate her, and you can rest easy."

What a disgusting excuse. Garrett really thought he could fool me.

"Of course you can. If you go out together, you're the perfect match."

Garrett pressed my hand against his face and spoke with absolute sincerity.

"Alisha, trust me. Everything I do is for your own good; I'm helping you atone for your mistakes."

These clumsy words disgusted me. I pushed her hand away and left home.

Garrett watched as I walked away, silent for a long time.

Harlow said smugly, "Garrett, aren't you going to stop her? Her leg isn't good. What if something happens when she's out?"

Garrett turned his gaze away. "Just let her go. She has no parents now and nobody to rely on. She'll come back to me soon."

The next day, Garrett took Harlow to attend a social event outside.

Harlow was impeccably dressed, her makeup flawless, adorned with sparkling jewelry. She truly saw herself as Garrett's rightful wife.

People around came over to toast Garrett and her, and they naturally acted as husband and wife.

"We finally get to meet the mysterious Mrs. Pate today. Mr. Pate is truly fortunate. Your wife looks like she brings great luck to the family."

"Mrs. Pate is so beautiful and elegant, no wonder Mr. Pate kept her hidden for all these years."

Garrett responded politely with a smile, "My wife has been busy with her own career and only now had the chance to meet everyone."

Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter and complimented Garrett on how much he adored his wife.

At that moment, the secretary approached Garrett with a troubled look and whispered, "Mr. Pate, Ms. Brown is here and insists on coming in."

Garrett's previously cheerful expression instantly turned stern.

Before he could refuse, I was already pushing the wheelchair inside.

Garrett walked over to me, looking uneasy, and spoke.

"There are too many people here for a private conversation. If you want to talk to me, let's go outside."

I gripped the brakes on my wheelchair and deliberately raised my voice.

"I want to speak right here. Besides, I'm here to deliver something to you today."

The guests nearby were drawn by the volume of my voice and turned their attention toward me.

"Who is that?"

"I heard that Mr. Pate sponsored an orphan girl a few years ago, and then she kept pestering him. That must be her."

"Mr. Pate already has a wife, yet she's still shamelessly coming after him without knowing her place."

The mocking voices reached my ears.

Harlow rushed over to confront me.

"Alisha, haven't you caused enough trouble? You've been bothering my husband all these years, trying to become his mistress. If you weren't disabled, I would have dealt with you long ago!"

I glanced at Garrett. He just frowned and stayed silent.

This meant he condoned Harlow's twisting of the facts.

I calmly took out the summons from the court.