The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 396

The old Ferris had no weaknesses. He was the rational, flawless scalpel of Neurosurgery, an aloof and untouchable god.

But now, even a god had a weakness.

Ferris had fallen in love.

He loved Zoey. His love made him anxious, made him fearful.

Because he was terrified of hurting her, my threat actually worked.

I achieved my goal—he stepped aside, letting me go.

Yet, I felt no triumph. Only a suffocating, indescribable sorrow.

Love was so incredibly unfair.

I had loved Ferris for eight years—five years in secret, three years in marriage. I had poured every ounce of my soul into him, desperately hoping for a crumb of affection, only to receive absolutely nothing.

But Zoey? She had known him for a mere few months and effortlessly captured his heart. She didn't even have to try. All she had to do was stand there, and he willingly stepped off his pedestal, paving her way, elevating her, and dedicating his every thought to her happiness.

I was just as capable, just as worthy, yet I couldn't beg for the devotion she was handed so freely.

Love wasn't about effort. It was about fate.

And I was simply unlucky.

I lowered my eyes, masking the hot sting of tears, and moved to slip past him. But then, his low, haunting voice echoed in the dark. "Fine. Go find her right now. Tell her you're the one who bit my shoulder."

What?

I froze, whipping my head back to meet his deep, unfathomable gaze.

The raw fury had vanished from his dark eyes, replaced by a mocking glint of amusement. "Do you dare, Dr. Hayes? Do you dare announce to everyone that we are legally married?"

Drained of every ounce of fight, I fled the room like a defeated soldier, swiping my key card and practically falling into my own room.

The violent emotional whiplash made my stomach churn fiercely. I collapsed in front of the toilet, throwing up until I was entirely hollow.

I think I was truly sick. Physical sickness induced by heartbreak was a precursor to severe depression.

I needed to sever this toxic marriage immediately and focus on healing. If I didn't have love, fine, but I still had my life to live.

After a quick shower, an overwhelming exhaustion pulled me under, and I collapsed onto the bed in a deep sleep.

A sharp knock on the door eventually woke me.

When I opened my eyes, the sky outside was dark. I had slept much longer than intended—it was already evening.

Amber was at the door, coming back to change her clothes. "Dr. Yates announced a BBQ tonight! But guess what? The hotel only provides the grills and ingredients. We have to cook it ourselves!"