7

The baby in Josephine's womb survived. This three-month-old embryo proved stronger than she'd imagined, so she decided to keep it. But during her hospital stay to preserve the pregnancy, her online reputation underwent a dramatic reversal. It all started when someone filmed her hitting Winifred that day, and the video surfaced online. She was scolded for being arrogant and bullying newcomers. Also, she was slandered as a mistress. The whistleblower released over a dozen "smoking gun" photos, all of which were of her and Elijah. “I've been photographing Josephine for a year or two. During that time, I often saw her being intimate with a man. Only today can I confirm that man is Elijah. This Josephine really is deceiving—she seduces other people's boyfriends. What else could she be but a mistress?” Once this statement surfaced, the online “campaign” against Josephine became relentless. “I'm sick to my stomach. Never imagined the woman I've admired for years is secretly a mistress.” “I just bought her magazine. Speechless. I'm burning it right now. That is disgusting.”... A few remained skeptical, wondering if they were actually dating. But anyone defending her faced backlash too. “Defenders of mistresses should just die.” “Who doesn't know Elijah spoils Winifred rotten? And she's openly said they've known each other for years—why defend Josephine?” At the height of the online backlash, Winifred and Elijah interacted online. She posted a photo of their intertwined fingers, which Elijah clicked ‘like’. This was tantamount to a “response.” So everyone was even more convinced that Josephine was the "third party" who was trying to seduce Elijah and destroy their relationship. On the day Josephine was discharged from the hospital, she was surrounded and chased by reporters. Countless cameras were shoved in her face, demanding why she would be the one to ruin someone else's relationship. Josephine said only one sentence: “I am not the mistress.” But the next second, a rotten egg smashed into her forehead—thrown by her haters. They had finally found their chance to attack her from behind the crowd. Josephine was powerless to resist. She could only shield her stomach as filthy objects rained down on her. Soon, she was covered in filth and disarray. Just then, commotion erupted nearby—Elijah and Winifred had also just exited the hospital. The crowd in front of Josephine instantly dispersed by half. She finally caught her breath and seized the chance to flee. As she ran, she glanced back twice. Through the shifting crowd, she saw Elijah holding Winifred close like a precious treasure, shielding her from harm. Josephine's fingers curled over her belly. She let out an ambiguous laugh and turned away. Returning to pack her things, she realized she'd forgotten something left at Elijah's place. She had no choice but to go back. She assumed Elijah wouldn't be home, but the moment she opened the door, their eyes locked. Elijah sat on the sofa, frowning coldly. “Why didn't you reply to my messages? Where did you take all the things from the house?” Josephine replied flatly, “Those are my things.” “You don't want to live here anymore?” Elijah asked. Before Josephine could answer, he continued without waiting for her response, “Fine. It'll spare you from upsetting Winnie again. She's unwell now and needs careful recuperation. You can stay at the villa in the suburbs. I'll have it cleaned.” Josephine remained silent, turning to gather her things from the room. It was the trophy she’d received seven years ago when she first entered the industry—small, neither exquisite nor ornate, yet profoundly meaningful to her. As she packed her belongings, the bag slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor, a piece of paper sliding out. Elijah, standing in the doorway, picked it up. “A diagnosis?” He had barely read the first three words when Josephine snatched the paper back. Elijah stepped closer. “What illness do you have?” Only then did he notice how haggard Josephine looked. He stared at her face for four or five seconds before speaking slowly, “It's perfect timing. You won't need to work for a while. Why not rest properly? I'll send you living expenses every month.” " “No need.” Josephine lifted her eyes to meet his, her gaze serene. “I can support myself. I don't need your money.” With that, she pushed past him and walked out. Just as she brushed past him, Elijah snatched the diagnosis back from her hand. A rare seriousness flickered in his eyes. Just as he was about to read the contents, a shriek cut him off. The sound came from Winifred's room. She stumbled out barefoot, sniffling, “Elijah, I had a nightmare. It was so scary. Can you stay with me tonight?” This time, Elijah had no mind to read the paper. He proactively returned it to Josephine, hastily saying, “It probably isn't anything serious. Just take care of yourself.” Then he turned and hurried toward Winifred without pause. Josephine watched his retreating back. She clenched the paper in her hand, then turned and walked away. Her steps were firm, without a single glance back. Before the plane took off, she posted all the “evidence” online. She wasn't the mistress—she and Elijah had a legitimate romantic relationship. Winifred, Elijah's sister-in-law, was the one in the improper relationship. Additionally, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry. “The road is long. Just goodbey. Until we meet again.” After posting these messages, she removed her SIM card. She was heading toward a new life.