Chapter 6

A pair of high heels stopped in front of her, and Coralie looked up to meet Perla's disdainful face.

"Coralie, do you really think that just because you look a bit like me, Kellan will love you? You heard it earlier, didn't you? I'm expecting twins, and Kellan is overjoyed. He hasn't kicked you out yet because he's just a nostalgic person."

Coralie smiled, realizing that Perla, whom she used to think must be a wonderful woman to have stayed in Kellan's heart for so long, was not much better than herself. At least, she considered herself to be kinder.

"Perla, you don't need to provoke me over and over. I said I would leave, and I won't look back. As for Kellan, he's no longer worth my love."

Coralie never felt inferior to Perla, even if she was just a stand-in. Though Kellan had deceived her, the happiness they shared was real. At least she had moved past her obsessions. She could love fiercely and let go easily.

Perla's attempt to provoke Coralie and expose her true colors to Kellan ultimately led to him sending her away.

But now, seeing Coralie looking completely unconcerned, she decided to resort to more cunning tactics.

Perla glanced at the hospital entrance, noting that Kellan had been sent to retrieve some medical records and should be returning soon. She suddenly crouched down and grabbed Coralie's hand.

"Coralie, I'm begging you. Kellan and I truly love each other. For the children's future, could you let him go?"

Coralie was bewildered by Perla's sudden tears, transforming from a wicked face to one of tears like a weeping willow in an instant.

"Perla, I don't know what game you're playing, but I've got things to do, so I'm leaving."

As Coralie stood up, Perla suddenly fell back to the floor, clutching her stomach in pain.

"Coralie, I just wanted to see where you were hurt. I meant no harm. How could you push me?"

Kellan saw Coralie stand and then Perla fall. He rushed over, panicked, to help Perla up.

"Perla, how did you fall? Coralie, what did you do to her?"

Perla clung to Kellan's hand, shaking her head as she sobbed as if her heart would break.

"Kellan, Coralie is hurt. I only wanted to ask how she was, but she thinks I stole you from her..."

Her sobs cut her off, and Coralie realized this was all a performance for Kellan.

She met Kellan's angry eyes.

"Kellan, I didn't push her. Believe it or not."

She turned to leave, limping, but Kellan grabbed her wrist firmly.

"Coralie, have I been too indulgent with you? Kneel and apologize to Perla!"

Without waiting for her response, he kicked her knees, forcing her to kneel. Her uninjured leg was now bleeding profusely too.

"Kellan, I said I didn't do it. Why should I apologize?"

She looked up sharply, her eyes blazing with red fury at Kellan.

He hesitated, never having seen Coralie like this, but she shouldn't have hurt Perla.

With a loud slap, Coralie received a stinging blow. Kellan pointed at her, filled with rage.

"Coralie, this is what you owe Perla. Behave yourself from now on."

He turned to help Perla, not seeing Coralie rose with effort despite the pain behind him. She strode over to Kellan and returned the slap.

Both Kellan and Perla were stunned. Kellan never expected the usually gentle Coralie to hit him.

"Kellan, that slap was for you because I owe you nothing."

Coralie looked at Perla with despair in her eyes.

"You got what you wanted. I wish you both happiness."

Turning away, her tears finally fell.

Coralie wiped her tears, telling herself it was the last time she would cry for Kellan. From tomorrow, she would not shed another tear.

Coralie went home, packed her bags, and checked into a hotel near the airport. By morning, she would be gone.

She thought to herself, "Kellan, I wish we would never meet again in this lifetime."