Meanwhile, Chloe was tied to a chair in a dimly lit, damp underground area of an abandoned warehouse on the Southside of Chicago.
- “Tell me,” a cold voice said. “How many scars would these three cigarettes leave on your face? Would your face be riddled with holes?”
- “We have no grudge! Why are you doing this?!” Chloe pleaded.
- “No grudge? How can you say that? Look closely! Who am I?!”
Chloe, struggling, squinted at the woman’s face.
- “Jessica…”
Jessica’s eyes blazed.
- “You stole everything from me! You took what mattered most to me! Don’t you deserve to die?!” She raised a heavy stick. “Chloe! I’ll destroy you right now!”
Michael burst into the room.
- “I never meant to hurt you!” He ran towards Chloe, shielding her as Jessica brought the stick down.
- “I’m fine,” Chloe said, pushing him away. “Let me see. It doesn’t hurt.” But a trickle of blood ran down Michael’s forehead.
- “Why is there so much blood?!” Chloe cried, horrified.
Jessica laughed, a crazed sound.
- “Michael Thompson! What a useless man! You can’t even protect the one you love!”
Michael crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
- “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?! Do I have a terminal illness?!” Chloe cried, thinking he was dying.
Later, in a hospital room, a doctor spoke to Chloe.
- “Doctor, how is she?” Michael asked, a bandage on his head.
- “The abdominal trauma from the impact caused an accidental miscarriage,” the doctor explained gently.
- “A miscarriage?!” Michael gasped. “Are you saying… she was pregnant?!”
- “You didn’t know,” the doctor said, a hint of accusation in his voice. “She was almost two months along. As the father-to-be, you should have been more careful. A miscarriage causes both physical and psychological trauma.”
Michael looked at Chloe, tears welling in his eyes.
- “This is my fault.”
- “Doctor,” Chloe said, regaining consciousness. “She didn’t know about the pregnancy! Can we keep this from her?”
- “Don’t talk nonsense,” the doctor said, looking at Michael. “The doctor said you have food poisoning. You’ll need months of proper rest.”
Chloe, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief.
- “You scared me to death! I thought I was dying!”
Michael, trying to keep up the charade, said,
- “I’m sorry. I failed to protect you.”
- “You silly man,” Chloe said, touching his face. “You did your best. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. See? I’m perfectly fine.” She paused. “By the way. Have they found Jessica? Jessica. She’s the one who kidnapped you. She’s the one who hit me with that stick.”
Michael’s face hardened.
- “Jessica. I need to handle something. Get some rest first. I’ll be right back.”
- “Mr. Thompson,” Alex said, entering the room. “How is assistant Chloe?”
- “Nothing serious,” Michael replied. “Did they catch the culprit?”
- “They almost had the suspect,” Alex reported. “When some thugs barged in and blocked the police. They told the police that Jessica is the killer.”
- “Jessica?!” Michael exclaimed. “How could it be her?!”
- “I’ll offer 30 million to help capture Jessica,” Michael declared. “Anyone who provides any leads will be rewarded.”
- “Understood,” Alex replied.
Michael looked out the window.
- “Good. Jessica, you hurt my family. You will pay for this.”
Later, Chloe was in her hospital room when Jessica walked in, carrying a plastic bag.
- “I told you not to buy anything! I can’t finish all of this food!” Chloe said, annoyed.
- “What are you doing here?” Chloe asked, seeing Jessica.
- “I heard you were hospitalized. I came to check on you,” Jessica said, pulling out some bruised fruit. “These fruits. You can just throw them away if you can’t eat them.” She placed them on Chloe’s bedside table. “I just picked them up from the trash. I thought they matched your vibe.”
- “You’re not welcome here,” Chloe said, pushing the fruit away. “Take your trash and get out!”
Jessica smiled, a cruel glint in her eyes.
- “I really envy you. You lost your child. And yet, you’re still so carefree.”
Chloe froze.
- “What child?”
Just then, Grandma walked in, carrying a thermos.
- “This time it’s lotus root and pork rib soup! Grandma taught me how to make it! You’ll love it! Call grandma after you finish eating! Don’t make her worry.”
Chloe looked at Jessica, then at Michael, who had just entered.
- “Are you hiding something from me? How could that be? What’s wrong? Our baby? Where is our child? Did we lose our baby?! Say something! Say something!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.
Michael, unable to keep the secret any longer, pulled her into a hug.
- “It’s my fault for not protecting him! It’s all my fault! I failed to protect him! I should have protected him!”
- “It’s okay,” Chloe sobbed, clinging to him. “This is my fault. We can have another child.”
Olivia Bennett, who had been listening at the door, smirked.
- “Olivia Bennett claimed that you didn’t want the baby. You told the doctor to terminate it.”
Michael looked at Olivia, his eyes blazing.
- “Olivia Bennett is lying! I know! Jessica caused our baby’s death! It was Jessica! She’s already wanted by the police. She will face justice.”
He then turned to Chloe, offering her a spoonful of soup.
- “Open up for another one.”
Alex Davis, looking nervous, entered the room.
- “Mr. Thompson, I found something. Uh, maybe I should leave first.”
- “This had better be important,” Michael said, his voice grim.
- “It’s crucial! It concerns Olivia Bennett!” Alex blurted out.
- “Since when is Olivia Bennett so important?” Chloe scoffed.
- “I swear! I have no feelings for Olivia Bennett! We’re completely unrelated!” Michael declared.
Alex, taking a deep breath, said,
- “Mr. Thompson, you and Olivia Bennett were never married! My investigation shows that her marital status is listed as unmarried. There was a mistake in the paperwork years ago. You and Olivia Bennett were never legally married. Your legal wife is someone else.”
Chloe gasped.
- “What?! Mr. Thompson is truly something else! He can’t even recognize his own wife! You even fell into someone else’s trap!” She looked at Michael. “This is pretty common, right? You don’t even know who your own husband is!”
- “I’m not like you!” Michael retorted. “I definitely know who my husband is!”
- “Grandma told me you’re clueless!” Chloe shot back.
- “Why does she tell you everything?!” Michael exclaimed.
- “I can’t help it! Grandma simply adores me!” Chloe replied, a playful glint in her eyes. “Your top priority right now isn’t finding your real wife and getting a divorce.” She then smiled mischievously. “Let’s make a bet! Whoever gets divorced first loses and has to move in with the winner! If you lose, you’ll be moving into my place!”
- “Okay!” Michael said, rising to the challenge. “As the CEO of Thompson Enterprises, finding someone will be a breeze!”
- “Oh, really?” Chloe scoffed. “I have my mystery husband’s number! One call will prove it!” She pulled out her new phone and dialed. It rang and rang, then went straight to voicemail. “What’s going on? Assistant Chloe, your situation usually means that you’ve been blocked.” Alex said.
- “Why would he block me?!” Chloe exclaimed.
- “Actually,” Michael said, a smug look on his face, “I gave her a black card. By checking the bank records, we’ll be able to locate her instantly. Don’t cry when you lose. Pack Mrs. Thompson’s belongings.”
- “Right away, Mr. Thompson!” Alex replied, heading out.
Chloe, furious, tried again.
- “How dare he block me! Make a call for me! Alright!”
- “What’s the number?” Michael asked, taking her phone.
- “56583!” Chloe rattled off.
- “Say that again?” Michael asked.
- “1565836!”
Michael looked at the number, then at Chloe.
- “Is this really your husband’s number? This is Mr. Thompson’s number.”
- “No way!” Chloe exclaimed. “I know this isn’t his phone number!”
- “This is Mr. Thompson’s private number,” Alex said, returning. “Only a handful of people have access to it.”
- “Then check this card for me!” Chloe demanded, thrusting her black card at him.
Alex looked at the card.
- “This card also belongs to Mr. Thompson.”
Chloe’s jaw dropped.
- “So… Michael Thompson is my husband! I’m that mysterious wife!”
Alex, looking terrified, stammered,
- “That seems to be the case! Oh my god! I won’t get fired for knowing too much, will I? I’ll go and inform Mr. Thompson right now!”
- “Wait a second!” Chloe said, grabbing her phone as it rang. “I need to take this call. Hello? Tomorrow morning? A divorce. Fine.” She hung up. “Michael Thompson wants me at 10 a.m. tomorrow. I need to wear the rosemary and finalize the divorce.”
It must be Mr. Thompson, Alex thought.
- “Should I go and notify him now?”
- “There’s no need,” Chloe said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’ll surprise him myself.”
- “Understood,” Alex replied, still reeling.
The next morning, at the County Clerk’s Office, Michael was waiting.
- “Mr. Thompson, you’re on your own now,” Alex said.
- “Waiting for someone?” Michael muttered. Then he saw Chloe. “Chloe! Why aren’t you resting at the hospital? What brings you here? Are you feeling better?”
- “You’re here to get a divorce,” Chloe said, a small smile on her face.
- “Exactly,” Michael replied. “I’m finalizing this divorce today. You’re my wife. The stingy boss you mentioned is actually me. The clumsy subordinate you mentioned? That’s me too. Let’s go and get this divorce.”
Chloe, tears welling in her eyes, said,
- “It’s a good thing it’s you. So, are we still getting a divorce?”
Michael pulled her into a hug.
- “I’m not getting a divorce.”
Suddenly, Alex rushed in, looking frantic.
- “Mr. Thompson, Mr. Thompson! Our company’s funds have been embezzled by Olivia Bennett!”
- “What?!” Michael exclaimed. “How did she get the authorization?”
- “The old man approved her!” Alex replied.
- “How could I have forgotten about that?!” Michael groaned. “Did you call the police?”
- “We’ve already called the police! They’re already on their way to arrest her!”
- “Understood,” Michael said, his face grim. “Mr. Thompson, the police have intercepted Olivia Bennett at the airport. They want us to be there immediately.”
- “Alright, let’s, uh, let’s head over there now,” Michael said, taking Chloe’s hand.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Grandpa.
- “Hello? Your secretary said you’re sick! Which hospital room are you in?”
- “Grandpa, I’m not sick!” Michael exclaimed. “Who said I was hospitalized?”
- “Your secretary, Jessica, told me!” Grandpa insisted.
- “Jessica?!” Michael’s eyes widened. “Grandpa, she’s a wanted criminal now, don’t you…” The line went dead. “Hello? Hello? Hello? What’s wrong?!”
Alex, panicked, said,
- “Grandpa is with Jessica!”
Michael turned to Alex.
- “Taylor Green, take Chloe to the police station. I’ll send you the location later.”
Chloe, seeing his concern, said,
- “I’m coming with you.”
- “Okay, let’s go together then,” Michael replied.
Meanwhile, Jessica was with Grandpa, who looked unwell.
- “Michael, why aren’t you here yet?! I’ve been waiting forever! If you don’t come soon, this old man is going to kick the bucket!”
- “What did you do to my grandpa?!” Michael demanded, arriving on the scene with Chloe and Alex.
Jessica laughed.
- “I didn’t do anything! He got sick on his own! Where the hell are you?! You really don’t get me! I love you so much! It’s obviously 520!”
- “I love you too! Just come already!” Michael pleaded, trying to keep her calm.
- “I’m waiting for you!” Jessica shrieked.
- “You’re insane!” Chloe whispered.
Grandpa, looking at Jessica, said,
- “Grandpa! Do you believe it? I’ll make this old man bleed out right here!”
Michael stepped forward.
- “Jessica, take your grudge out on me! Don’t hurt my grandpa!”
Jessica looked at Michael, a twisted smile on her face.
- “How could I bear to treat you like that? I adore you too much for that! What do you really want? I want you, Zaram!”
- “Okay, I’ll trade places for grandpa!” Michael said, stepping forward.
- “Michael, let’s swap then!” Chloe said, trying to help. “It’ll be fine.”
Jessica chuckled.
- “Well played, Michael Thompson! Guess who I really am, and I’ll let you switch.”
- “What’s there to guess? You’re Jessica! Can we trade now?” Michael said, exasperated.
- “Wrong guess!” Jessica shrieked. “You don’t remember me at all! But I’m hopelessly in love! Come closer. It’s time to make the trade. Naturally. By the way, a friendly reminder. If that old man doesn’t get treated soon, he’ll die.”
- “Chloe, take grandpa to the hospital first!” Michael commanded.
- “Okay, wait for me! I’ll come back to save you!” Chloe said, helping Grandpa away. “Let’s go, grandpa!”
Jessica smiled, a triumphant glint in her eyes.
- “The nuisances are gone. Now it’s just the two of us. You know what I want, don’t you? You want us to die together.”
- “You guessed right!” Michael said, looking at her, a strange sadness in his eyes. “You really do understand me the best. Since I can’t have you in life, I’ll claim you in death. In death? You’ll finally be mine!” She pushed him towards the edge of the abandoned building. “Go over there!”
Suddenly, Michael woke up in a hospital bed.
- “Whoa, Michael. You’re awake!” Chloe said, sitting beside him, her eyes red.
- “Are you feeling any pain?” she asked.
- “My head hurts,” Michael mumbled.
- “The doctor said you have a mild concussion,” Chloe explained. “Some rest should help. It’s a good thing I alerted Taylor Green and the police. That was the fifth floor. You just jumped off like that? If anything had happened to you, I wouldn’t want to live either!”
- “Don’t talk such nonsense!” Michael said, trying to sit up. “Even if I die, you must keep on living well!”
- “Ugh, are you trying to make me angry again?” Chloe said, a small smile touching her lips. “Fine, I’ll stop talking.” She then remembered. “Where’s grandpa?”
- “Grandpa is fine. He’s in the next room,” Michael replied. “Oh, right. Jessica has been sent to a mental institution.”
- “A mental institution?!” Chloe exclaimed. “The police investigation has revealed that the real Jessica lives abroad. The Jessica we knew is actually named Ava. She’s a psychiatric patient who escaped after being abused at the institution. Then she stole Jessica’s identity to join Thompson Enterprises.”
Ava, Michael thought, the name triggering a distant memory. He remembered a cold day in a back alley in downtown Los Angeles, years ago. A young woman, clearly homeless, was huddled, shivering.
- “Where did this beggar come from? How dare she steal my food?” a group of bullies sneered. “This beggar is kind of pretty. Do you want some? Take off your clothes if you want it. I’ll buy you some more.” They laughed.
Michael, a young man then, had stepped forward.
- “Are you enjoying the food, okay? Hey. Mind your own business, you punk! I suggest you scram right now or I’ll call the cops!” He had offered the girl some food. “A young lady like you should stay away from drunkards. Do you understand? You’re hungry. Do you want some food? Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
He remembered telling her to go to the police station nearby.
- “Okay, grandpa. I understand. I’ll be back soon. Go that way. There’s a police station 500 meters ahead. Ask the police for help there. Do you understand? I’m Ava. What’s your name? Michael Thompson.”
Michael. Ava. Now I remember. So it was her. So that’s how it is. No wonder she kept making you say her name.
Grandma entered the hospital room, carrying a bag.
- “Grandma! What brings you here?” Chloe asked.
- “I brought you some homemade snacks! I made them myself! They’re healthy and hygienic!” Grandma beamed.
- “Grandma! Your cooking is simply amazing!” Chloe gushed. “It’s even better than restaurant food!”
Grandma chuckled.
- “Look at this kid. She always knows how to sweet-talk. Really? I heard you fell from the building. You were trying to save grandpa. Such a filial child. Unlike Chloe’s husband. He never comes home all year. I’m sure he has… a mistress on the side. What a scoundrel.”
Chloe looked at Michael, mortified.
- “Grandma? What affair? That’s nonsense. It’s non-existent.”
- “Who told you that?” Michael asked.
- “The son-in-law who lives next door,” Grandma said. “From Aunt Guo’s family. He never comes home all year. And out of nowhere, they say he’s having an affair. Her daughter cries every day. She’s heartbroken.”
- “Grandma?” Chloe said, trying to change the subject. “I believe… that Chloe’s husband… wouldn’t do such a thing.”
- “What do you know? He’s nothing like you!” Grandma retorted. “By the way, aren’t you two planning… to be together after the divorce? You’d better hurry up! I want some great-grandkids!”
- “Grandma!” Chloe exclaimed, a deep blush spreading across her face. “Actually… He’s the one who never comes home. He… He’s your husband of one year.”
Grandma looked at them, then blinked.
- “I must be… getting senile. I need some more sleep. I’ll sleep properly when I get home. I need to reset my sleep. Sleep again? Grandma is still confused. Let me explain.”
The next morning, Grandma called out,
- “Grandma? Is Chloe awake?”
- “Grandma? What is it? Is Chloe up yet?” Michael asked.
- “She’s still asleep, probably,” Grandma replied.
- “Grandma? Breakfast is ready! You should eat first. I’ll go and wake her.” Michael walked into their bedroom. “Get up! Just five more minutes! Wake up! Today is Ethan and Lucas’s kindergarten sports day! We can’t be late!”
- “Grandma will go on my behalf!” Chloe mumbled, still half-asleep.
- “I’m not going! I’m meeting Grandpa Thompson for Tai Chi! I’m leaving now!” Grandma called out.
Michael leaned over Chloe.
- “Chloe Miller, if you don’t get up… I’ll have to use extreme measures. Rise and shine!”
Chloe, finally opening her eyes, saw Michael’s face close to hers.
- “Michael Thompson! I can’t take this anymore! I want a divorce!” she declared playfully.
Michael chuckled, pulling her closer.
- “Chloe Miller, are you looking for a spanking?”
- “You… You are…” Chloe stammered, then smiled. “I was just kidding with you. I’m mad at you, Michael Thompson.”
- “Don’t be angry, okay?” Michael said, kissing her forehead.
- “I’m not angry. Then I’ll ask you two questions. If you answer them right, I’ll forgive you.”
- “Go ahead,” Michael said.
- “First one. When did we first meet? The month and the date?”
Michael paused, thinking hard.
- “May 21st.”
- “When did you start liking me?” Chloe asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
- “I… You can’t answer, can you? Now I’m really angry!” Chloe teased.
Michael pulled her closer, his voice soft.
- “I’m not angry anymore. From the moment I first saw you, I already liked you. Blame your ridiculously handsome face. I was totally smitten by your looks. Mr. Handsome. Mr. Perfect. You’re forgiven.”
Chloe smiled, snuggling into his embrace.
- “Let’s get some breakfast. Let’s go.”
Five years later, in a mental institution, Ava looked at a picture of Michael.
- “Five years. Ava has missed you so much. I know. You don’t like this face of mine. So this time… I’ll become the person you love. And I’ll come back to you.”