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."
"If he truly cared for you, Ms. Sterling, you wouldn't be seeing me now," Matthew Garcia said, stirring his coffee methodically. The soft clinking of the spoon against the cup punctuated his words.
"Everything you see is just a facade. If you dig deeper, you'll find that those around you are deceiving and using you. People are inherently selfish. Once you're no longer useful to someone, they'll gradually disappear from your life. Think back on your experiences. If you still hold the same view, come and see me again."
Ava nodded absentmindedly, her mind in turmoil. As she walked away, Matthew watched her go, his hands clammy with cold sweat. His face betrayed his inner conflict, but he said nothing and eventually left.
Upon arriving home, he found Iris waiting for him in the living room. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a white dress that made her look soft and innocent. She approached him with a smile.