My Husband Chose Her, I Took My Own Path

Chapter 3

But just as we reached the entrance, Olivia suddenly tugged gently on William Smith's sleeve, her voice soft.

"William, I've really been craving seafood lately. This French restaurant is too bland, and I don't really have an appetite for it."

Without a second thought, William stopped in his tracks.

"Then let's go somewhere else."

My heart sank instantly, and I spoke up instinctively.

"I'm allergic to seafood."

"Sophie, from a clinical psychology standpoint, satisfying one's appetite is a crucial part of trauma intervention."

His brow furrowed slightly as he spouted his theories, using his professional status to justify his words.

"Olivia's emotions are unstable right now. Appetite is one of the few therapeutic ways to soothe her internal trauma. A good meal is equivalent to a therapy session for her at this point."

I stared at him blankly, finding it utterly absurd that my safety was being sacrificed for someone else's psychological therapy.

"So my body has to accommodate hers?" My fingers trembled slightly. "William, my allergy causes anaphylactic shock."

"You don't have to eat the seafood." His tone was flat, his logic self-serving. "There will be other dishes on the table. Just avoid those."

How casual.

My life and safety were worthless compared to his professional theories and Olivia's temporary cravings.

William completely ignored my silence, gently and patiently accommodating Olivia beside him.

"This classic seafood restaurant has the best reputation. The steamed lobster and drunken crab you like are very fresh."

His voice softened with tenderness.

"Order whatever you want today. It's all up to you. Just relax and enjoy yourself."

Olivia smiled, leaning against him with feigned shyness as she murmured.

"Thank you, William."

Right then, the phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated.

The unfamiliar international number sounded incredibly clear on the quiet street.

William and Olivia were chatting happily, neither of them looking back at me.

I lowered my gaze, using my only hand to swipe and answer.

"Hello, is this Ms. Sophia Clark? We are calling from the International Broken Wings Charity Organization. The application you submitted for the overseas volunteer program for the disabled has passed the final review."

The voice on the other end continued.

"The benefits include a fully funded, custom-made top-tier imported smart prosthetic limb, along with an invitation for you to participate in a one-year charity support and advanced rehabilitation program in Novia, all expenses paid."

I had waited three long years for that top-tier prosthetic. William gave it away without a second thought, telling me I didn't deserve priority. But in the end, I secured it on my own.

The gentle voice on the other end asked.

"Ms. Clark, do you accept this spot and the overseas assignment? Please confirm within ten minutes for it to take effect immediately; otherwise, it will be forfeited."

Up ahead, William was still softly coaxing Olivia.

"The lobster there is fresh. Since you like it, I'll have the chef steam it separately for you so you don't have to wait."

From beginning to end, they had no idea I had just grasped my own salvation.

"I accept."

"Participation confirmed. It takes effect immediately."

The moment I hung up, I let out a long breath.

Sitting in the private seafood dining room, the smell of fresh seafood rushed at me. I deliberately stayed away from the dishes, quietly eating only soup and salad.

Taking advantage of the moment William looked down to pour tea, Olivia quickly picked up a piece of scallop and quietly dropped it into my bowl.

By the time I noticed, the seafood juices had already soaked into my soup.

Within moments, a familiar burning sensation swept through my body. Red rashes rapidly covered my face and neck; my throat tightened and itched, and my breathing grew increasingly difficult.

But before I could make a sound, Olivia suddenly clutched her chest, her body swaying slightly. Tears instantly filled her eyes as her voice broke out in a tremble.

"It's all my fault! How could I do this? I clearly remembered you were allergic..." Her shoulders shook violently, looking entirely consumed by guilt. It was as if she was the one suffering, her mind on the verge of a breakdown.

Hearing this, William turned immediately, his gaze landing instantly on the trembling Olivia.

Only then did his eyes sweep over my rash-covered face and weak breathing.

He saw my distress clearly, but within a single second, he made his choice.

"Stay here and don't move." He hurriedly pulled out his phone to call an ambulance for me. "The ambulance will be here soon. Just wait."

He then picked Olivia up and vanished from my sight.