Chapter 3

Valerie had actually used deepfake technology to put her and Terrell's faces into porn videos, using them to indulge her deepest desires.

In that moment, everything Daniel believed in came crashing down.

Valerie wasn't some cold, untouchable ice queen who didn't care about anyone or anything. She wasn't even someone who didn't like men. The truth was, she'd only ever loved Terrell.

To hide her obsession, she'd put on an act of being pure and devoted to her faith, trying to cleanse her soul.

Daniel stared at Valerie with cold indifference.

"This won't happen again," he said.

Valerie was taken aback.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I'll never be this foolish again," Daniel replied.

His voice was soft, but his eyes were cold as ice.

Valerie met Daniel's gaze, and for some reason, a chill ran down her spine.

Seven days after leaving the hospital, Daniel went straight to the embassy and started his immigration process.

Back when he secretly married Valerie behind his family's back, his parents were furious, disappointed that he was so eager to marry into her family as a live-in son-in-law.

Now, he finally saw things clearly. He'd be gone soon.

"The process will take about ten business days," the embassy staff told him.

Daniel took the receipt from the staff and was about to head out when a familiar voice rang out behind him.

"Daniel, did you seriously come here just because Valerie's taking me abroad and you wanted to tag along for a visa? Why do you cling to us like some kind of leech?" Terrell scoffed.

Daniel turned and saw Terrell lounging in the waiting area, shooting him a look of utter disgust.

Valerie was walking over with two passports in hand, and when she spotted Daniel, her expression soured for a moment.

Valerie shot him a glare. "What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?"

Daniel let out a cold laugh.

"Can't I just come here to handle my own stuff? Does the whole world have to revolve around you?" he shot back.

Valerie noticed the hospital bracelet still on Daniel's wrist and suddenly remembered he'd just been discharged today. Her expression softened a little.

"Terrell's birthday is in about ten days. He's always wanted to see Jorland, and I promised him I'd take him," she said.

"Valerie's taking me alone! No dead weight allowed," Terrell added, grinning smugly.

He stood up and hooked his arm through Valerie's, looking all proud of himself.

"Oh!" Daniel stuffed the receipt into his bag, about to walk away, but Terrell suddenly grabbed his hand.

"Show me your receipt. Did you get a Jorland visa too? Are you trying to sneak along and mess up my trip with Valerie?" Terrell taunted.

As he spoke, Terrell tried to snatch Daniel's bag.

Daniel shot him a cold glare.

"Let go. I couldn't care less where you two are headed. If you keep this up, don't blame me if I stop playing nice," Daniel said, voice cold.

But Terrell just latched onto Daniel's bag and wouldn't let go.

"You were so desperate to marry Valerie you practically begged her, and now you're acting like you're above it all? If you hadn't gotten between me and Valerie, things would be way different now..." Terrell said.

Before he could finish, Valerie cut him off, sounding panicked.

"Terrell, Daniel is my husband now. You shouldn't speak to him that way. It's disrespectful," she said.

Terrell froze, tears brimming in his eyes, his voice trembling with tears.

"Valerie, are you really taking his side over me? You promised you'd always put me first, that I'd be the only one you'd ever care about. Is it all because of him?" he choked out.

Valerie's expression changed, her emotions barely held back as she gazed at Terrell with a gentle, almost loving look.

"Terrell, it's really not what you think. I married him because..." Valerie began.

She couldn't go on. Valerie dropped her head, fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white.

Daniel could read between the lines. He knew exactly what she meant.

He was nothing but a convenient cover for Valerie, just someone to keep the gossip at bay.

The truth was, the only person she ever loved was Terrell, her adopted little brother. She was scared she'd lose control if she ever let herself be alone with him.

That was why she kept a secret folder full of deepfake clips starring her and Terrell in her meditation room. Whenever her feelings got too much to handle, she'd use those videos to get it out of her system.

Daniel glanced at Valerie and Terrell, looking all tragic and lovey-dovey like some doomed couple. He shook his head, a bitter smirk tugging at his lips.

Just as Daniel was about to step out the door, Terrell totally snapped and came barreling after him.

"I'm not finished yet! Who said you could walk away? This is all your fault, you worthless loser! Why don't you just drop dead? If you were gone, nobody would ever get between Valerie and me again!" Terrell yelled.

With that, Terrell shoved Daniel, and he went flying down the long staircase.

"Ah!" Daniel screamed.

Pandemonium broke out, with people shrieking and gasping everywhere.