He Risked His Life for Me, Yet I Almost Lost Myself

Chapter 1

Rumors rife in Riverfront City claimed that Lucy Grant of the Grant family and Dany Hayes of the Hayes family were a match made in heaven.

As Riverfront City's most famous news anchor, Lucy was gentle, virtuous, self-disciplined, and polite—a proper lady from a distinguished family raised under three thousand house rules.

At the helm of the Hayes family stood General Hayes, a man of icy composure, strict self-restraint, and unwavering authority in the military.

Their powerful union was a perfect match, envied by countless onlookers.

Yet even this seemingly flawless marriage began to fray.

In the ninth year...

Headlines blazed across newspapers once more: General Hayes caught kissing a college student.

This time, Lucy did not threaten to break up the affair with tears, tantrums, or suicide, as she had the first time.

Instead, she neatly clipped the page showing their kiss, handed it to General Hayes's assistant, and said calmly,

"I will cover for him in front of the reporters and explain this 'misunderstanding.' As usual, I want the latest collection from Celestial Diamond at the State-owned Department Store counter..."

Before she finished speaking, the assistant immediately laid out a jewelry set between them.

It was exactly the design Lucy had requested.

Clearly, General Hayes knew this routine all too well.

And Lucy, in just half a year, had finally learned to secure the best possible deal for herself amid his infidelity.

Ever since Nina Allen, the college student, had appeared, scandalous headlines had never stopped.

[Love birds seen checking into a guesthouse]

[Obstetrics visit sparks pregnancy rumors]

[New home bought for a family of three]

Lucy's jewel box overflowed with pieces.

But Hayes was too wrapped up in his passionate affair with Nina, letting the gossip spiral across the city. He had completely forgotten the wife at home—the woman he had proposed to a hundred times and planted a garden full of roses to win.

Lucy paid no mind to the curious stares. Yet every time General Hayes hurt her, she plucked one rose from the garden.

Once a garden full of roses. Now only three lonely blooms remained.

The latest Celestial Diamond collection.

The diamonds were exceptionally large.

The driver relayed General Hayes's message,

"Lucy, I've reserved a table at Overseas Remittance Hotel, your favorite. Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. Let's have a nice dinner. Don't worry—pick any gift you like for the celebration."

Lucy should have refused. But when General Hayes softened his stance to appease her, she gave him an out.

The next day at Overseas Remittance Hotel.

Lucy arrived, only to freeze abruptly outside the private room door.

Inside, Hayes casually took off his coat and draped it gently over Nina, who was shivering, carefully adjusting her collar.

At the sight of Lucy, Nina stood up, pale.

Her eyes were disdainful, yet she put on a pitiful expression.

"Lucy, I love the food here so much I begged Dany to bring me. I won't disturb your anniversary celebration. You don't mind, do you?"

Lucy masked all emotion in an instant and said flatly, "Of course I mind. Could you leave immediately?"

The atmosphere turned icy.

Nina immediately looked like a frightened little rabbit, eyes glistening with tears as she turned to Hayes.

After a few seconds, Hayes scoffed and broke the silence.

"Lucy, that's enough. You don't want a repeat of what happened half a year ago, do you?"