No Ransom for My Husband

My name is Viola Lincoln, just an ordinary office worker—yet who could have imagined that overnight, with demolition compensation suddenly in my hands, I became a nouveau riche. I thought better days were just around the corner, but before I could even embrace this sudden fortune, my husband Morgan Carter was kidnapped. The kidnapper called with a voice as harsh as if he wanted to swallow me whole, demanding a ransom of 3.5 million, and threatening to execute the hostage if we didn't pay. I gripped the cell phone, silent for a moment—not out of doubt, but because I had long sensed something was wrong. What's hidden behind this runs far deeper than 3.5 million can ever settle. So I refused him without hesitation. Word spread quickly. Morgan's parents, James Carter and Linda Lewis, arrived at my house immediately, pointing fingers and shouting insults, accusing me of being cold and heartless—for caring more about money than my husband's life. My parents had rushed over as well. Seeing the tightness on my face, they were both sympathetic and worried. They urged me not to be stubborn, to pay the ransom and bring Morgan Carter back safely. But I shook my head and once again firmly refused everyone's pleas. A few days later, the kidnappers—having failed to secure the ransom—surprisingly released Morgan Carter. But the Morgan who returned was no longer the man I once knew. His body was battered, bruises in shades of purple covering his limbs, bleeding from below the waist. His gaze was vacant, and he seemed utterly deranged. The moment he saw me, he charged like a furious beast, roaring as he bit into my arm. The hatred in his eyes was as if I were the man who killed his father and ruined his life. Ignoring the sharp pain in my shoulder, I stared at this stranger and said calmly, without a hint of emotion, "Our marriage ends here. I'm divorcing you." "Smack!" The sharp slap rang out in the living room as Linda Lewis raised her hand and struck me hard across the face. Her eyes were bloodshot with rage as she stared at me relentlessly, her voice sharp enough to cut through the air: "You heartless beast!" The living room was packed with relatives from both sides. The Carter Family looked at me with disbelief and fury, as if I were an unforgivable criminal. I stood there expressionless, enduring their stares without the slightest sign of retreat. In their eyes, Morgan Carter had been tortured like this, and I not only failed to show any pity but even mentioned divorce—completely cold and unfathomable. Even a few distant relatives on my side couldn't help but frown. Facing the increasingly fierce glares from the Carter Family relatives, I remained calm, showing no emotional reaction. I just said to Morgan Carter, who was still growling, "I'll have the lawyer handle the divorce. Your family can coordinate the paperwork directly with them." "Ah—!" Morgan suddenly let out a sharp, piercing scream, as if my words had pushed him over the edge. Like a man possessed, he reached out and swept the teacup and fruit plate off the coffee table. Shards and juice spilled across the floor. Then, staggering, he rushed into the bedroom, tore down the wedding photo hanging on the wall, and smashed it onto the floor. He grabbed the watch and pen I had given him before and smashed them one by one into pieces. I stood at the bedroom door, watching his madness calmly, my eyes showing not a flicker of emotion. "My poor son!" Linda Lewis cried as she rushed forward, trying to hold Morgan Carter in her arms to comfort him. Tears streamed down like beads breaking from a string, her voice full of heartache and anguish. But Morgan Carter didn't accept it; he struggled fiercely to push her away. His face twisted with madness, his bloodshot eyes glaring fiercely—he looked utterly terrifying. Linda Lewis tried to stop him, but Morgan Carter's strength was incredible—he shoved her to the ground with a single push. Even more terrifying, he spun around, grabbed a wooden chair nearby, raised it high, and was about to slam it down on Linda. Everyone present was shocked and rushed over to restrain him—some grabbed his arms, others snatched the chair from his hands. The living room descended into chaos.