Rain and Unspoken Vows

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On our wedding anniversary, what I received wasn't a gift. It was a settlement agreement thrust at me by Peyton.

Sign it, and I'll release your brother.

My eyes reddened as I asked him, Peyton, my mother had six organs harvested by your mistress, and you want me to forgive her?!

He handed me a photo without expression.

My brother was bound to a chair, covered in wounds, with someone holding a knife to his throat.

Peyton asked coldly, "Will you sign or not?"

Through tears, I signed my name, then turned and dialed another number.

"Felix, that condition you offered back then... does it still stand?"

Later, Peyton knelt in the rain begging me to come back. He didn't know-

I was already carrying someone else's child.

Jenna Frost POV

On our third wedding anniversary, what I received from Peyton wasn't a gift, but a settlement agreement.

"Sign this, and I'll have your brother released."

I looked at the man's sharply defined face through the cigarette smoke, feeling for the first time like I couldn't see him clearly.

"Peyton, my mother is dead. You want me to let Carmen go?"

Peyton took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly.

"Jenna, she's a professional medical assessor. It was her job, not intentional."

"Not intentional?"

I shot to my feet, speaking through clenched teeth.

"Six. Six whole organs! Peyton, you're actually saying she removed six organs from my mother, ultimately causing her death, and it wasn't intentional?"

Thinking of my mother's pallid face before her death, waves of pain crashed through my heart.

It had been simple gastritis, but Carmen insisted she was in mortal danger and needed emergency surgery. My brother Wade was so frightened and confused that he signed form after form.

But in the end, what we received was a death notice. My mother had died after having six organs removed.

Later, Wade found out that Carmen had no surgical skills and had only wanted to experience holding a scalpel. Enraged, he stormed into her office. But the next second, Peyton's men grabbed him.

I immediately took Carmen to court.

But I never imagined Peyton would show up with a settlement agreement for me to sign.

"What if I don't sign?"

I reached out and tore the agreement before me into shreds.

Peyton said nothing, only threw a stack of photos in front of me.

"Don't be rash. Look first, then decide."

The moment I saw the photos, my pupils trembled.

In the pictures, my brother was bound to a chair, his head lolling to one side, his body covered in bruises, with electric shock devices placed nearby.

"You..."

I choked up instantly, unable to hold back my shout.

"Peyton, you bastard! That's my brother!"

Peyton stood and walked over to me, bending down to pick up the torn settlement agreement, tapping his fingers on it twice.

"Before court tomorrow, I need to see a signed agreement. I'm sorry, but Carmen can't go to prison. This is the only way."

"What about my mother? She just deserves to die at Carmen's hands?!"

I gripped the table, my veins bulging in anger.

But Peyton pressed me back down into the chair, his hands braced on either side of my armrests, his voice low.

"Your mother is already dead, but your brother is still alive. Jenna, think it through carefully."

"Being alive is always more meaningful than being dead, isn't it?"

I took a deep breath. The scent of cedar mixed with tobacco flooded my nostrils.

This fragrance that once made me feel so secure now made me feel sick.

"Sign the papers, and Wade comes home tonight. Don't sign..."

Peyton's fingertips gently traced my earlobe, the gesture intimate, but his voice ghostly.

"Next time, it won't be photos I send."

With that, he pulled out a fountain pen, methodically unscrewed the cap, and handed it to me.

His long, clean fingers rested on the pen's end-these hands had once caressed my face with such tenderness countless times.

But now, the moment I touched his fingertips, I felt only endless cold spreading through my entire body.

I signed my name stroke by stroke, each one feeling like cutting into my own flesh.

Peyton collected the agreement with satisfaction, then turned and glanced at me.

"Tomorrow when the reporters ask, you know what to say."

Even after the door closed, I remained in the position of holding the pen, though tears dripped onto the table without making a sound.

The phone rang abruptly, and only then did I hazily come back to myself and answer.

"You called me? Sorry, I was in a meeting."

A slightly cold voice came through.

Only then did I realize I'd accidentally touched the screen.

I was about to hang up, but as the words formed, I suddenly had another idea.

"That condition from before... does it still stand?"

I gripped the phone tightly, my breathing quickening with the silence on the other end.

Finally, when I heard him respond with a simple "Mm," I let out a breath of relief.

"Good. A phone call isn't convenient. Let's meet in person."

The second the call ended, Peyton sent me a message reminding me to attend court on time tomorrow.

I pulled at my lips, tossed aside my phone, and left.

Jenna Frost POV

The next day in court.

I stood in the witness box, reading the script Peyton had prepared for me.

"I admit, there was a misunderstanding in my previous accusations against Dr. Carmen. My mother's physical condition was complex, and the surgery itself carried extremely high risks..."

I held back the burning in my eyes. Each word felt like biting my own tongue.

Carmen was released in court.

Outside the courthouse, I watched the reporters surge forward, and tears immediately welled up. I sobbed in front of the cameras.

"I just wanted to save lives. I never imagined I'd be so misunderstood. It's all my fault. I've already decided to resign."

At these words, all the microphones turned toward me.

"Miss Frost, why would you falsely accuse a dedicated doctor trying to save lives?"

"Because of your false accusations, the already tense doctor-patient relationship has gotten even worse. Don't you feel any guilt?"

The interrogating voices drowned me like a tide. I opened my mouth to say something, but was hit in the face by an egg thrown from somewhere in the crowd, forcing me to close my mouth.

The sticky egg white sealed my eyelashes.

Then water bottles, rotten vegetables, even fists-all came raining down on me like hail.

I instinctively looked toward Peyton, but only saw him carefully shielding Carmen in his arms as he led her away.

I instantly lost all strength, letting myself lose consciousness amid the barrage of punches and kicks.

When I woke again, I was in a hospital room reeking of disinfectant.

I moved slightly. My entire body hurt like it might fall apart. My forehead had been stitched up, and my vision was blurred.

A familiar figure stood by the bed, his voice devoid of warmth.

"You're awake? Should I get a doctor?"

I had no strength. I shook my head slightly.

Peyton looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"I'll handle the reporters. I'm sorry, I didn't expect this to happen."

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see him.

He paused, reaching out as if to touch my bandaged forehead.

But I instinctively turned my head away.

Finally, he tucked in my blanket, his voice lowering.

"Carmen is timid. She was frightened this time. Don't... hold it against her."

I snapped my eyes open and stared hard at him.

He used my brother's life to force me to settle, trampled my dignity and my mother's life to protect another woman, and now he was telling me not to hold it against her?

My heart felt like it had been violently torn open, with cold wind rushing endlessly inside.

I suddenly felt it was all so meaningless.

After much deliberation, I slowly lowered my gaze and finally said those words.

"Peyton, let's divorce."

At this, Peyton's hand paused as he poured water, his eyes complex as he looked at me on the bed.

I closed my eyes, not wanting him to see the tears in them.

"Throwing a tantrum again? Jenna, I thought after yesterday, you would've learned."

For the first time, I felt I'd never truly known Peyton.

The Peyton of the past would fly back from abroad just because I'd cut my finger.

But now, when I was physically and mentally exhausted, he only said I was "throwing a tantrum."

I swallowed the sob in my throat.

"Fine. I won't mention divorce."

Peyton's expression eased slightly, and I continued.

"But I want to see Wade. At least let me know he's safe."

"You can, but not now."

He stood and adjusted his cuffs.

"Once this matter completely blows over and the media stops targeting Carmen, I'll naturally let you see him."

"Oh, and Carmen was frightened. I'm not comfortable with her living alone, so starting today, she'll be moving into the villa."

"No! I..."

I refused, but before I could finish, Peyton cut me off.

"I'm just informing you. If you dare leave, don't blame me for breaking your brother's legs!"

With that, he turned and left the hospital room without looking back.

I lay powerlessly on the cold hospital bed, sudden sharp pain radiating from my forehead.

I couldn't hold back anymore and curled up, sobbing.

For the first time, I regretted saving him years ago.

Jenna Frost POV

Eight years ago, when I accompanied my father on a business trip, I encountered Peyton on the street, barely clinging to life.

I didn't want to get involved, but Peyton grabbed my foot desperately.

He was filthy and disheveled, but his eyes shone with startling brightness.

I was moved by his will to survive and begged my father to save him.

When he woke, I stood by his hospital bed and asked.

"Will you be my bodyguard and protect me for life?"

"I will."

Peyton answered without hesitation.

From then on, wherever I was, Peyton would be there.

Over eight years, he took two bullets for me, broke three ribs, fractured part of his skull, and nearly died several times.

Everyone said I was the person on Peyton's heart-touch her and die.

From that moment on, I gave him everything I had, including my family's company.

Until Carmen appeared, and Peyton became like a different person.

He forgot his promises and became Carmen's protector. Whatever Carmen wanted, Peyton would provide.

I told myself again and again that he was just after novelty, and once the novelty wore off, he'd come back.

But only now did I understand-there was never any such thing as novelty. He simply didn't love me anymore.

Since Peyton's heart had changed, I didn't want this version of him either.

Three days later, I was discharged and went home.

Most traces of me in the living room had been erased. My usual books were replaced with manga, my favorite aromatherapy scent was changed, my beloved flowers swapped for red roses.

Even my bedroom decor had been changed to the pink Carmen preferred.

When Peyton came through the door pulling Carmen by the hand, carrying shopping bags, their interlaced fingers stabbed at my eyes.

"Jenna, don't misunderstand."

Sensing my gaze, Carmen hastily pulled her hand free.

"It's not what you think. Peyton said my body hasn't recovered yet and I need quiet rest, so he insisted I stay in this sunny room."

She approached, trying to take my hand, but I stepped aside to avoid her.

Carmen's hand froze in mid-air, her expression even more pitiable.

"Jenna, are you still angry at me about your mother? I'm sorry. I thought missing a few organs wouldn't matter."

Watching her pretense and thinking of my mother's tragic state, I couldn't help wanting to kill her.

"Get away from me!"

I growled.

At this, Carmen's legs gave way and she actually knelt before me.

"Jenna, why don't you hit me? As long as it makes you feel better, even if you beat me to death, I'm willing."

Without hesitation, I stepped forward and slapped her face askew.

"You think I wouldn't dare?"

The words had barely left my mouth when Peyton grabbed my hand before I could pull it back, the pain making me gasp.

"Jenna Frost!"

He called me by my full name, his voice cold as ice.

"Haven't you caused enough trouble? Do I need to lock you up too before you learn to behave?"

Carmen stood behind him, covering her face and sobbing softly.

"Peyton, don't blame Jenna..."

Peyton said coldly, "Carmen, hit her back!"

Carmen didn't react immediately, frozen in place covering her face, timidly shaking her head.

"Peyton, it's not necessary. I'm really fine..."

"I said hit her back!"

Peyton stared at me and repeated.

"No one gets to hit my people without consequences."

He gripped my wrist tightly, ignoring the shock in my eyes.

Encouraged by his gaze, Carmen raised her hand and slapped me back.

"Again!"

I didn't expect Peyton to say this. A gleam of delight flashed in Carmen's eyes as she gave me over a dozen slaps in succession.

My face swelled instantly red, my mouth filling with the taste of blood.

Peyton released my hand, turned to take Carmen's hand and blew gently on it.

"Now we're even. Remember, don't let there be a next time."

I stood there, the burning pain on my face not even one ten-thousandth of what I felt in my heart.

My heart finally died in that moment.

Jenna Frost POV

After they left, I went upstairs alone. The cold room caused me to develop a high fever that very night.

When Peyton entered with a medical kit, I was curled up in bed, trembling continuously.

Peyton reached out to touch my forehead-it was burning hot.

"Get the car!"

His brows furrowed sharply as he immediately lifted me in his arms and shouted downstairs.

On the way to the hospital, I leaned against him in a daze, my consciousness blurred.

I didn't know if it was my imagination, but I thought I saw a trace of unfamiliar panic on Peyton's face.

Looking at his expression, I suddenly remembered our wedding day.

When my father placed my hand in Peyton's and lifted my veil, the usually calm Peyton was suddenly so nervous he couldn't speak, his eyes as flustered as they were now.

Back then he looked so young, always earnestly taking care of everything for me, never letting me suffer the slightest grievance.

But now, I hadn't seen him look this way in so long.

For a brief moment, I thought it would be nice if time could just stop at this moment.

Unfortunately, it was all just my fantasy.

Carmen's call came when Peyton was in the hospital corridor.

"The house is so dark. I'm scared. Can you come keep me company?"

"Carmen, Jenna has a fever. I..."

"I'm wearing that outfit you like today. Don't you want to see?"

Carmen interrupted him, her voice coquettish.

Peyton's footsteps stopped. He glanced at me sleeping in his arms, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Wait for me."

He handed me to a nurse who had rushed over, but as he turned to leave, I grabbed his wrist tightly.

"Peyton, please... let me see Wade, just once... please."

After a few seconds of silence, Peyton softened his tone.

"Tomorrow. I'll take you to see him tomorrow."

Only then did my fingers go limp and release him, letting myself pass out with relief as the nurse wheeled me into the hospital room.

Peyton stood in place for a moment, then turned and left quickly.

Early morning.

Fireworks suddenly burst into bloom outside the window, illuminating the dark night.

I was startled awake and instinctively grabbed my phone. The screen lit up-the first item was a post Carmen had just made.

In the photo, Carmen held a snow-white dog, smiling with crescent eyes.

Peyton stood beside her, tall and upright, looking exactly like a loving couple.

The caption read: "Thank you to someone for watching fireworks with me. Even the little one got a birthday present!"

My gaze fixed on the dog's neck.

Around it was tied a dark blue knitted scarf, with fine stitching, but it had been crudely cut short and fashioned into a dog collar.

I suddenly remembered that three years ago, I'd stayed up for three nights to knit Peyton a scarf.

When Peyton saw the dense needle marks on my hands, he flew back from abroad that very night and stood in the snow, kissing my fingertips with heartache.

"Frost, I don't want you to suffer even the slightest harm because of me. It hurts my heart."

Those words still echoed in my ears, but now-how ironic. All my harm came from him.

Even that scarf I'd made had now been given to Carmen's dog.

Fireworks continued exploding outside the window. I turned off my phone and lay down, letting tears continuously soak the pillow.

Peyton, this is the last time I'll cry for you.

Jenna Frost POV

I don't know when I fell asleep. When I woke, Peyton was leaning against the hospital room door, his eyes gazing out the window.

"Get up when you're awake."

His tone was still cold.

I frowned, collected myself, got out of bed, and followed in his footsteps.

I don't like car air fresheners-they make me carsick.

In the past, before I got in the car, Peyton would always have someone remove all the interior accessories to ensure the car was completely scent-free.

But now, this familiar Bentley was filled with a sickeningly sweet fragrance. Even the cross I'd sought from afar for him had been replaced with cartoon toys.

Everything in the car had been replaced, including me.

I couldn't hold back-my nose stung. I quickly turned my head, directing my gaze out the window so Peyton wouldn't notice.

The car entered a private villa courtyard. Before it had fully stopped, I heard piercing screams from inside.

"Let go of me! You psycho! Help!"

It was Carmen's voice.

Peyton's expression changed. He shoved the car door open and rushed inside. I followed close behind.

Inside, Wade's eyes were red as he pinned Carmen to the ground, his hands around her throat.

Carmen's lips were turning purple, her feet kicking wildly.

"Wade!"

I cried out.

Almost simultaneously, Peyton strode forward and kicked Wade hard in the waist.

Wade let out a muffled groan and collapsed to the side, unconscious.

Carmen immediately threw herself into Peyton's arms, sobbing hysterically.

"He tried to kill me. I was so scared..."

Peyton held her, barking orders.

"Someone, tie him up and teach him a lesson!"

At this, two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, grabbing Wade by the feet to drag him away.

"No!"

I rushed over trying to stop them, but Peyton grabbed me with one hand.

Seeing Wade about to be dragged away, my eyes caught sight of a fruit knife on the table. I broke free from Peyton and grabbed it, pressing it to my own throat.

"Let him go!"

I gripped the knife tightly, my voice trembling.

"Peyton, have your people release him, or today you'll be collecting my corpse!"

"Stop!"

He shouted.

"Jenna Frost."

Peyton's voice tightened involuntarily, carrying a trace of panic.

"Think carefully. You really want to threaten me with yourself?"

I glanced at my unconscious brother, then met Peyton's gaze.

"I'll say it one more time, Peyton. Let my brother go."

Peyton's eyes grew increasingly cold.

"Jenna Frost, I told you. I hate most when people threaten me using you."

Before I could react, Peyton suddenly stepped forward and kicked, breaking Wade's leg.

Wade's agonized screams echoed throughout the living room. Cold sweat poured down my body, tears flooding from my eyes.

"I'll say it one more time. Put down that knife. Every second you delay, I'll break another of his legs. And if you dare die, I'll make him wish he were dead!"

I didn't dare move. I knew Peyton meant what he said.

After a long standoff, I released the knife and fell to my knees, grabbing Peyton's pant leg in supplication.

"Peyton, please, spare my brother. Please."

Only then did Peyton raise his hand, signaling the bodyguards to release their hold. Wade went limp on the floor, temporarily safe.

"Jenna, wouldn't it have been better to do this from the start?"

Peyton crouched down, reaching out to grip my chin, forcing me to look up.

"I told you, once this period passes, I'll release him. Why do you insist on opposing me?"

"Apologize to Carmen. Now."

I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.

Peyton abruptly released my chin and turned away.

I looked at my brother's condition, froze for a moment, then stood and bowed deeply to Carmen.

"I'm sorry."

Jenna Frost POV

I kept saying I'm sorry, each repetition louder than the last, but Carmen showed no sign of forgiveness.

"Jenna, he nearly strangled me to death. A simple apology won't cut it."

I looked up.

"What do you want?"

"How about..."

Carmen's eyes shifted as she brought over a chair and sat in front of me.

"How about you kneel and apologize to me? How's that?"

My hands clenched into fists. When I released them, my face showed no more struggle.

In my heart, compared to Wade, dignity meant nothing.

Just as my knees were about to touch the ground, Peyton suddenly reached out and grabbed my arm.

Before either person present could react, Peyton lifted me in his arms and headed upstairs without a word.

I didn't understand what madness had seized him. I struggled continuously, but he threw me onto the bed.

His tall figure blocked all the light before my eyes.

Peyton pressed down on me without question, roughly tearing at my clothes, his breathing harsh.

I fought back with all my strength, my nails scratching bloody marks on his arm.

"Peyton! You bastard! Let go of me!"

But the more I resisted, the angrier he became, his restraining force growing stronger.

He reached out to touch the red mark on my neck, his eyes gradually turning bloodshot.

I let out a muffled groan as his sudden bite hurt me, but that sound seemed to act as an aphrodisiac, making Peyton even more heated.

His hand moved downward, but as he lifted slightly, I drove my knee hard into him.

He instinctively rolled away, but in the next second, saw me running toward the window ledge.

"Don't! Jenna!"

Peyton's roar came from the window, carrying unprecedented panic.

When I woke again, I was in the same hospital as before.

I moved slightly. Intense pain immediately shot through my entire body, making me gasp.

Peyton kept watch nearby, dark circles under his eyes.

Seeing me wake, he immediately grabbed my hand, his voice hoarse.

"You're awake? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see him.

Peyton was about to say something when his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at it, his brow furrowing as he stood and left the room to take the call.

The next second, Carmen pushed through the door.

Looking at my miserable state, she laughed softly.

"You didn't even die falling from the fourth floor. You're really lucky."

I opened my eyes, looking at her and smiling back.

"Carmen, do you know why Peyton won't divorce me?"

Carmen rolled her eyes at me.

"Isn't it because you're clinging to him like a ghost who won't let go?"

"You're wrong."

I shook my head.

"It's because as long as he doesn't divorce me, he gets the forty percent stake I hold. So as long as I'm alive, you'll never be able to take my position."

"Yesterday he could have let me die, but he still saved me. Why do you think that is?"

Carmen frowned, a flash of doubt crossing her eyes.

I propped myself up into a sitting position.

"Because he owes me his life-I saved him. If I die, he can't explain it. As long as he doesn't sign the divorce papers, I'll forever be his legal wife. And you're just a mistress."

Carmen's face gradually turned ashen. Seeing this, I continued dangling the bait.

"Help me get the divorce agreement, and I'll transfer my shares to you. I'll take my brother and leave forever. With those shares, not only can you marry Peyton immediately, you can become a company director. How about it?"

Carmen's eyes flickered, clearly tempted, but she wasn't stupid.

"Why should I trust you?"

"You don't have to."

I wasn't anxious at all, closing my eyes.

"We'll just keep dragging this out. You can gamble on whether he'll give up my shares to marry you first, or lose interest in you and come back to his family first."

Carmen fell silent.

"Fine."

Carmen lowered her voice.

"I'll find a way to get my hands on the divorce agreement."

"I hope you keep your promise, or I'll make you wish you were dead!"

I opened my eyes, looking at her extended hand and grasping it.

"Happy cooperation."