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."
"No, it's not like that, Nathan. This whole situation was orchestrated by my assistant without my knowledge. I was powerless to stop it, and I never expected my name to be on the winning design draft. But I wanted to win so badly, and I didn't want to disappoint you. With all those authoritative figures present, I couldn't just rush forward and declare the design wasn't mine. You were the sponsor of the competition; I was afraid it would embarrass you. I really had no choice!" Iris Hart cried as she explained, but to Nathan Ford, her words sounded absurdly laughable.
"So, you're saying it's my fault the design draft was switched?"
"No, no, that's not what I mean at all. It was all my assistant's doing. I never intended to deceive you from the start. Nathan, I did it all for you! Please, can't you forgive me just this once, please?" Iris Hart's makeup was ruined by tears, her carefully maintained image now the last of her concerns.