Chapter 3 Three

As Nica approached the half-open hospital room door, she was about to step inside when she suddenly froze.

What she saw made her stomach turn.

Ella was kissing Chris shamelessly.

Chris held her tightly, pressing her against the wall as they continued kissing without care. Ella's fingers ran through his hair while she laughed softly, completely comfortable in his arms.

Nica's chest tightened painfully.

She could not believe they would behave like that in a hospital room, especially after everything that had happened.

Unable to bear the sight, she quietly stepped back, intending to leave before they noticed her.

Then Chris spoke.

"You know I love you so much," he said smoothly. "Especially because of that portrait you drew during the contest. It was valuable, meaningful, and full of life. I admire talented women."

Nica's eyes widened.

That portrait?

She was the one who had painted it.

Ella had only stood beside her during the competition, yet somehow she had stolen all the credit.

And the truth was worse.

Ella could barely draw a straight line.

Chris kissed Ella's forehead lovingly.

"I'll be right back," he murmured before walking toward the bathroom.

The moment he disappeared, Nica pushed the door open and entered the room.

Ella jumped in shock.

For a second, fear flashed across her face.

Had Nica heard everything?

But Ella quickly recovered and folded her arms.

"You really are pathetic," Ella said mockingly. "Chris has never loved you. He only kept you around because you were useful."

She stepped closer with a cruel smile.

"He can barely stand to look at you. All he wants is me."

Nica's pain slowly turned into anger.

"What if I tell Chris the truth?" she said calmly. "That you never painted the portrait. That you don't even know how to properly hold a pencil."

Ella's face went pale.

So she had heard everything.

Panic rose inside her.

If Chris found out the truth, he would never forgive her.

Just then, Chris walked back into the room.

In an instant, Ella threw herself backward and pretended to faint.

"Ella!" Chris rushed forward and caught her.

Then he turned sharply toward Nica.

"What did you do to her?" he shouted. "What have you done?"

Nica stared at him in disbelief.

He had not asked a single question.

He had not even given her a chance to speak.

He simply chose Ella.

Again.

Chris stormed over and grabbed Nica's wrist roughly.

"I'm talking to you!"

Before he could say another word, the door opened.

Jordan Avila walked in.

His expression darkened the moment he saw Chris holding Nica.

Without hesitation, Jordan grabbed Chris's arm and forced him to release her.

Then he delivered a hard punch across Chris's face.

Chris stumbled backward in shock.

Jordan stood tall between them, his voice cold and dangerous.

"Touch her again, and you will regret it."

The room fell silent.

Even Ella, still pretending to be weak, looked terrified.

Jordan turned to Nica.

"Come with me."

Still shaken, Nica followed him out of the room.

Once they were alone in the hallway, she exhaled deeply.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For helping me."

Jordan looked at her for a moment.

Then she remembered something.

"You said earlier that you had an offer for me," she said. "What did you mean?"

Jordan's gaze sharpened.

"I want you to become my contract wife for six months."

Nica's breath caught.

"In return," he continued, "I will give you status, power, and protection."

The hallway suddenly felt too small.

Her heart was already broken.

Her trust was shattered.

And now the ruthless uncle of the man who betrayed her was asking her to marry him.

Nica could not answer immediately.

Jordan held her hands and said whatever you decide just let me know.

Should she accept the offer...

Or walk away from every thing?