The Man They Blame

His final decision.

“Are you awake?” Fae entered the room where Derek was being treated.

The room hardly resembled a hospital; it looked more like a luxury suite in a grand mansion. Thanks to the West family’s wealth, Derek could enjoy such comforts without having to ask; luxury, control, and convenience had now become standard for him.

Derek glanced toward the door to welcome her. “I believe I’ve been asleep for quite a while.” He didn't remember exactly what had happened the previous night, at least not until he heard the explanation from Victor and the attending physician while Fae was away.

From Victor, he heard that Fae had been frantic, shouting loudly and demanding that Derek be rushed to the hospital for serious care. Fae had waited by his side all night and only returned home that morning to change, promising to come back to check on him.

Hearing that, Derek felt touched and found himself unconsciously longing to see her again.

Brett might have lied about the true severity of Derek’s condition, but Derek was indeed hospitalized. He had returned to the hospital because his forest fire injuries hadn’t fully healed, and the accumulated exhaustion had led to severe blood loss.

With access to the West family’s top-tier medical resources, Derek recovered quickly. During his recovery, he also began reading finance textbooks, market reports, and investment materials again.

“What are you reading?” Fae, who had pulled up a chair to sit near his bed, flipped the book over to look at the cover. Her face lit up with a smile and raised eyebrows as her eyes caught the title. “Oh, it seems you’re already recovered.”

She assumed so because Derek was reading something that required significant brainpower.

Derek laughed. “I want to reorganize my life.” He realised that he had suppressed his own talents for Erin’s sake, simply because he wanted to stay by her side.

Fae nodded in agreement. “So, what you talked about yesterday—are you going to do it once you’re discharged?”

Derek nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m going to establish a financial firm.”

Fae smiled again. She seemed busy opening a box of pastries she had brought, placing one on a plate, and then, without any awkwardness, offered a small bite to Derek. “Before that, let’s make sure you have fully recovered.”

Spending so much time together had brought them closer than ever. They began to chat and act casually, throwing jokes around without hesitation and laughing together.

“You’d be surprised if you saw this,” Fae said, busy telling a story and showing her friend’s silly pictures on her phone.

They shared moments without hesitation and opened up to each other about many things. They continued to dive deeper into conversations that made them feel comfortable spending time together, so much so that they didn't realize someone had entered and was watching them with a fierce gaze.

Seeing the laughter between them, Erin walked in and stood silently for a moment before approaching. “Derek.” She called his name, pulling all of their attention toward her.

Fae, seeing her, felt a sense of familiarity but didn't immediately recognize her. She looked at the woman calmly. “Who are you?”

Derek looked straight at Erin and then answered Fae’s question. “She is Erin.”

Hearing that, Fae immediately remembered the person she had seen in photos. Realizing the tension between them, Fae stood up from her seat. “In that case, I’ll wait outside. Perhaps you two need to talk.” She gave Derek privacy by withdrawing from the room.

Derek nodded.

Fae’s departure prompted Erin to approach him immediately. “Derek, you need to apologize to me.” The woman demanded it without hesitation or a hint of guilt.

Derek stared at her silently, still leaning against the pillows. He refused to comply with her demand so easily. “Why should I?”

“Because you disappeared and didn't try to contact me! You ignored me and made me suffer because of it!” she raised her voice.

Derek was stunned; he hadn't expected his absence to bother Erin. Faint, hopeful feelings for her began to surface.

He stared at her intently, trying to understand. “You’re the one who owes me an explanation.” Now, he turned the tables.

There was one thing still gnawing at his heart that needed clarification. “Why did you prepare a candlelight dinner for Dick?” He had never received such special treatment during their marriage. “And why were you in the same hotel room?”

Erin gasped, looking confused, but then she replied, “It’s not what you think. I did it for my career. You wouldn't understand the sacrifices I’ve made for my job—you know how hard I’ve worked for my current position, and I did it because Dick promised to help me. I know the man is using me, but I couldn't refuse him.”

The answer sounded like the Erin he knew, but that didn't mean Derek could accept it.

“I did it for the company, Derek,” she added quickly, seeing the doubt in his eyes. “For our life.”

Derek swallowed the bitterness once more. “Then why did you sign a false statement and give it to Christian?”

The woman grew even more panicked, scooting closer to Derek on the bed. “I was forced to. I did it out of fear. I had no choice, Derek, you have to understand. I was worried about what you might tell people, and it would have ruined my reputation. I was just trying to protect myself.”

Derek felt a pang of pain in his heart, because even after three years together, Erin couldn't believe that he wouldn't hurt her, even if they were separated.

She reached out and took Derek’s hand, gripping it. “Derek, please give me a chance. I will fix this.” She brought Derek’s hand to her lips and kissed it gently.

Derek, who had never received such treatment from her, stared at her in silence for a long time. “I will do so, if you delete Dick’s contact and stop dealing with him.”

Erin hesitated, and her patience vanished quickly when faced with Derek’s continued demands. “Derek, you’re being childish!” She pointed toward the door. “Look at yourself, look at what you’re doing! You’re even having an affair with that woman.”

Fae hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but Derek and Erin were speaking too loudly not to be heard. Initially, Fae felt deeply disappointed to learn that Erin was Derek’s wife.

Hearing Erin’s accusation, Derek lost the last trace of hope he held for their marriage. Now, he truly expected nothing more from her. “Erin, I want us to get a divorce.”

However, as she heard Derek’s final words, Fae couldn't deny that she felt relieved and happy. But she immediately caught herself. “I’m truly crazy.” She hadn't expected to feel happy over someone else’s downfall, and she quickly walked away.