Forged My Marriage, Stole My Baby—Now I’m the Judge You Kneel To - Chapter 69: Chapter 69

"Clink—"
The ring slipped off Aveline's finger.
Sebastian was so focused on Serena that he didn't even notice he'd put the wrong ring on her. He'd taken the one with the chip—the women's ring—while leaving Aveline with the men's ring that was supposed to monitor her.
After a moment's hesitation, Aveline pressed the switch on the ring.
"I'm sorry, honey. I don't want to be depressed, but I've been locked up here for three years and I'm losing my mind."
Serena's crying voice came through.
"Don't worry about me. Today's your fifth anniversary with Miss Hart. Go be with her. I'll try to cope. I've made it through three years already..."
"Don't talk nonsense."
Sebastian's deep, commanding voice cut through.
"I'm your husband. How can I ignore you when you're sick? Come on, let's go out and clear your head."
"Really?" Serena sounded thrilled. "I'm not dreaming, am I? I can actually leave this place?"
"When have I ever lied to you? Let's go right now."
The familiar sound of helicopter rotors filled the air. Aveline knew they were taking off.
She remembered three years ago, when she'd just lost her right hand and was consumed with grief. Sebastian had done everything to cheer her up.
He'd bought that helicopter and taken her up into the clouds, saying tenderly: "Look, Aveline. Even the biggest buildings look so small from up here. Life's like that—there's no obstacle you can't overcome. No matter how hard it gets, I'll be there with you."
Back then, Aveline had believed him.
But it turned out he was the one who'd created the obstacle in the first place.
When the helicopter reappeared in the sky, Aveline thought she was seeing things.
Finally, it landed at the estate next door.
Sebastian's voice came through the ring: "Serena, you haven't been able to leave the villa before, but I've had your anniversary gift ready for ages. This is your manor. I'll spend the day here with you."
As Serena laughed with pure joy, Aveline received a text from Sebastian.
**Sebastian: Babe, I have to discuss a project with a client. I'll be back tomorrow night. Enjoy yourself, and let me know if you need anything. Love you.**
Aveline gripped her phone tightly as a tear fell, blurring the word "me" on the screen.
He could buy identical estates and give them to two different women.
But he could only be one person's husband.
Just one wall away, he was with his real wife.
Making Aveline feel like some dirty mistress.
Fortunately, these days would be over soon.
Aveline wiped her tears. She didn't stay at the manor but went home to continue practicing her designs.
She'd only passed the preliminaries. If she wanted to go further with her left hand, she'd have to work harder than everyone else.
Maybe the sudden upheaval had sparked her creativity—she quickly developed new ideas.
After finishing her rough draft, Aveline set down her pen and studied it carefully. Her hand accidentally brushed against the ring on the table.
The switch activated, and Serena's tearful voice came through.
"One day isn't enough. Now I have to go back to hiding in the villa, don't I? I know Miss Hart can't see me, but I really want to be like her—to be by your side in front of everyone."
Suddenly, there was silence on the other end. Aveline's breathing stopped.
Her arms shook uncontrollably. The agony of having her hand chopped off came flooding back.
The pain was unbearable.
Her whole body trembled.
Sebastian knew how much she hurt, how much she hated Serena. That's why he only dared keep Serena hidden away.
No matter what, he would never let that woman appear in public...
But after a long silence, Sebastian spoke.
"Okay."
He'd actually agreed to Serena's request.
Aveline clutched her chest, feeling something tear open inside her heart.