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."
Ava shook her head, her gaze hollow as she looked at Zoe.
"I've been hit by a pie from the sky."
"What? Did someone shock you into stupidity?" Zoe sighed, patting Ava's face gently.
Ava handed over the studio's deed to Zoe, who took it with a puzzled look. After examining it, her face registered shock, and she stammered,
"Is this real, Ava?"
She then pinched her thigh hard enough to grimace in pain, before scrutinizing the document again as if she could bore holes through it with her gaze.
"Damn! It really is real. Did Nathan give this to you? That's too good... No, wait, he's not that generous!"
Zoe looked at Ava, horror-stricken.
"Ava, you didn't sign some unfair deal with him for this studio, did you? We're young, there's no need to sell yourself for a property... Ouch, why did you hit me?"
Ava, expressionless, put away the deed.