Chapter 1
My husband, Joshua Jones, promised to take me on a honeymoon trip to make up for what we missed.
But because of a single complaint from his favorite woman, Sarah Stevens, he left me stranded in a war-torn transit country.
"If you have such a problem with Sarah, then just stay here by yourself," Joshua said coldly.
I looked around at the ruins, gunfire and explosions echoing in my ears, and begged him to return my passport.
Joshua just said coldly, "You've been living the life of a rich wife for too long. Stay here and see what real suffering is like."
The private jet roared away, kicking up a storm, while Sarah held onto his arm, her smile sweet and delicate.
On my way to the embassy, rebels dragged me into a slum, where I was brutally assaulted and tortured for three days before I finally died.
It wasn't until a month later that Joshua finally remembered me.
"Has she realized her mistake yet? Tell her if she's willing to accept Sarah's child, then I'll have someone bring her back," Joshua said.
So now he wanted me, a woman who died for nothing in a foreign country, to accept his mistress's child?
"It's been a week and Madelynn still hasn't called. She still won't apologize?" Joshua frowned, his tone icy.
"Guess I went too easy on her. She still dares to defy me?" he snapped.
Harvey shifted awkwardly, his words stumbling out.
"Mr. Jones, you took Mrs. Jones's phone and passport back with you. She doesn't have any way to contact you," Harvey said.
Joshua glanced at the news, his brows drawing together as images of bombings and chaos flashed across the screen.
He casually pushed up his glasses.
"Making a call isn't hard. She could've asked a random person or gone to the embassy. There's always a way. She's just stubborn, refusing to admit she's wrong. Let her rot there. Let's see how long she can hold out," Joshua said coldly.
Harvey Ellis spoke up, his tone cautious and testing the waters. "Mr. Jones, Elandria's in the middle of a civil war.
"The rebels are slaughtering innocent people. Mrs. Jones could be in serious danger. Should we have someone from our side look after her?" Harvey suggested.
Joshua gave Harvey a look as cold as ice.
"She's picked up some self-defense tricks. She's tough enough. She brought this on herself, so unless she apologizes, she's not getting off easy. Let her learn her lesson and remember who calls the shots in this family," Joshua replied, his voice icy.
Harvey wanted to say more, but Joshua's cold stare shut him up instantly.
Joshua's face twisted in distaste.
"Enough. When the time comes, I'll have someone pick her up. If she could accept Sarah's child and give a real apology, I'll let it slide this time," Joshua said.
"But Mr. Jones, the rebels have guns. I'm really worried..." Harvey said.
"Joshua!" Sarah called out.
With a graceful air, Sarah emerged from the master bedroom, one hand gently cradling her belly.
Joshua's annoyance melted away instantly, his gaze softening as he looked at Sarah's pregnant belly with deep affection.
"Sarah, you really should be resting and taking care of yourself. I've already taught Madelynn a lesson for being mean to you last time. Maybe this time she'll finally learn to behave," Joshua said.
He carefully helped steady Sarah, making sure she was comfortable.
"Joshua, you don't have to get into a fight with Madelynn over me. I feel guilty about it," Sarah said softly.
Even though she said she didn't need it, Sarah was already curling up in Joshua's arms, her actions speaking louder than words.
"It's because I got pregnant and acted so spoiled that your honeymoon with Madelynn got ruined. Do you think she'll hate me even more when she comes back?" Sarah asked, worry in her voice.
It was an affair they should be hiding in shame, yet here they were, shamelessly showing off their love for everyone to see.
I let out a bitter laugh from the sidelines. Such a peaceful, happy life.
Funny thing was that I was already nothing but a restless spirit, drifting above the ruins.
I was dead.
When the rebels left me broken and mangled, my soul slipped free from that filthy, shattered shell.
Looking down from above, I saw my own corpse, eyes wide open, filled with despair and bitter defiance.
The instant my soul broke away, explosions tore through the slum, rubble flying everywhere. Dust rained down, settling over the faces of those who'd already lost their lives.
It felt like nobody here ever got a peaceful end. Everyone was doomed from the start.
Explosions turned the night sky blood-red, flesh and bone flying everywhere, the sickening smell of blood hanging heavy in the air. Even as a ghost, I couldn't help but retch.
Meanwhile, Joshua was running his fingers through Sarah's hair, gazing at her with obvious affection.
"Stop worrying. Right now, your only job is to rest and take care of the baby. Just let the rest be," Joshua said softly.
Then he dotingly brushed the tip of Sarah's nose with his finger.
"Women like her bring trouble on themselves. She pretended to be scared of flying just to keep you from joining us, even tried to call off the whole trip. Let's see if she enjoys her solo adventure," Joshua sneered.
When I heard that, a chill ran through my soul.
Joshua and I had been married for ten years, but he never even realized I'd never flown in my life.
The private jet's propellers spun, engines thundering through the air.
To force me inside, Joshua had someone gag me and tie up my hands and feet.
As the plane slowly climbed, cold sweat drenched me and I trembled uncontrollably, but Joshua's eyes were icy, not a trace of concern for me.
He dumped me in Elandria halfway through the trip. I fell to my knees, pleading for him to take me with him.