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."
"You'd rather bother someone else than bother me. Ava, have you forgotten that I'm your husband? The way you're acting, it feels like we're becoming strangers. Is it because of Alex?" Nathan's passive-aggressive tone was starting to get on Ava's nerves. She stepped forward, lowering her voice.
"Can we talk about this when I get home? I really have business with Alex today!"
"If it's really just work you're discussing with him, then why didn't you tell me it was Alex? Ava, I've always trusted you." Instead of directly responding to Ava's plea, Nathan threw another question at her.
"Nathan, enough! If you keep acting unreasonable like this, I'm really going to get mad!" Ava frowned, glaring at Nathan. He curled his lips into a mocking smile and shot a glance at Alex, who stood not far away.