In a marriage of convenience, Nathan, after a night of drinking, has an affair with Ava, leading to her ectopic pregnancy. Before the surgery, Ava calls Nathan, who is preoccupied with his mistress and neglects Ava, even going as far as to accuse her of having an affair and carrying another man's child after the surgery... As their one-year contractual marriage comes to an end, Nathan realizes his feelings for Ava. But Ava is not willing to play along anymore! Excerpt: "I am Nathan Ford's girlfriend, loved by him, as everyone knows. And you... you're just a title holder, soon to be thrown out. By then, you'll lose all your dignity... no, you've already lost it. I bet your deceased mother would turn in her grave if she knew what you've become." Hearing Iris Hart's sharp and biting words, Ava Sterling initially didn't want to stoop to her level. However, the mention of her late mother crossed a line. A crisp slap echoed before Iris Hart could even react, leaving five bright red marks on her face. "Ah—Ava Sterling—you lowlife, how dare you hit me..." Iris Hart realized she had been slapped and reached out to retaliate, but Ava Sterling was prepared and caught her hand easily. "Listen, Iris Hart, if I'm the joke, what does that make you? You're also a joke. At least I'm Nathan Ford's wife by law! You! Iris Hart, are nothing but a mistress scorned by everyone. Every wealthy man may stray, but a hotel is just a hotel, and home is home. There can be many dishes, but there's only one bowl of rice."
Nathan looked at Patrick with impatience, trying to pull his hand away, but Patrick held on too tightly, making it impossible to break free.
"No way, what if you run off!" Patrick's tone was innocent, and he looked at Nathan as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Nathan rubbed his forehead, hiding his exasperation. How had he never noticed before that Patrick was such a shameless person?
"I'll go out with you, just let go!"
Seeing that Nathan was truly getting angry, Patrick sensibly released his grip and followed Nathan, hands in his pockets, returning to his usual laid-back demeanor.
On the other side, after Ava went abroad, away from the people and things that troubled her, her mind slowly calmed down. She knew that as long as she left, Nathan would stop targeting Alex, and Ryan would be well cared for by Nathan, with Zoe handling the studio.