Love Faded, World Countdown Started

After successfully completing my mission, I chose to stay for Adam Lannister. Perhaps because I didn't belong to this world, in our fifth year of marriage, I still hadn't conceived. Just as everyone was secretly mocking me for failing to produce an heir for the wealthy Lannister family. Adam returned with a test report, which showed that he was the one who couldn't have children. The Lannister family, who had always been cold and sarcastic towards me, immediately changed their tune. For my sake, Adam took all the blame upon himself. He said he loved me, that he didn't want to divorce me, even if I couldn't conceive, even if we never had our own biological children, he didn't want to leave. Later, he took it upon himself to arrange for us to adopt a child, and our lives became calm and happy. Until today, when I suddenly received an email. The email stated that the child Adam and I had adopted, the precious baby I had cherished for ten years, was Adam's illegitimate son. 1. Today marks my wedding anniversary with Adam Lannister. Under the envious gazes of onlookers, Adam and our son, like a prince and his knight, came before me, presenting me with an anniversary gift. It was a star named after me. “Jenny, you are truly blessed. Your husband loves you, and your son is so thoughtful,” my friend said. Indeed, to outsiders, I was undeniably a winner in life. I arrived in this world at eighteen, married Adam Lannister at twenty-two. Now, our son, Leo, is eight years old, intelligent and adorable. My life has been smooth sailing, full of happiness and contentment. The only bump in the road, perhaps, was the fact that in the five years after marrying Adam, I hadn't conceived. Everyone assumed it was my problem; even I believed it. Because I didn't truly belong to this world. But as the only son of the Lannister family, an heir was crucial. Facing constant criticism and pressure from the Lannister family, Adam was caught in the middle, torn between loyalties. Until one day, Adam brought back a medical report. It showed that he was the one who couldn't have children. From that moment on, no one dared to utter the words “childbearing” in front of Adam and me. To be with me, he was willing to endure all the gossip and criticism. “I don’t want you to be sad, or to blame yourself, or to feel burdened. All the pressure, I can bear it alone.” He said. With such a husband, what more could a wife ask for? Recalling the past, a flood of emotions overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my face. “Such a grown woman, still so prone to crying,” Adam said, gently wiping away my tears as he comforted me. I stared into his loving eyes, shaking with sobs. His love for me really didn't seem fake. But he could also love me, while simultaneously bringing his illegitimate son home as an adopted child, keeping me completely in the dark. For five whole years. He had played me for a fool for five years. 2. Outside, the night was deep and dark, with only a dim bedside lamp illuminating the room. I lay with my back to Adam Lannister, pretending to be asleep. Adam sensed my low spirits and asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Still worried about Leo’s birthday?” Yes, Leo’s birthday was just a week away. I had been so busy planning the perfect birthday for Leo these past few days, but now, I no longer had the heart for it. The content of the email was like a thorn, deeply embedded in my heart, leaving me no peace. Adam suddenly got out of bed, opened the nightstand drawer, and pulled out an exquisite wooden box. “Oh, almost forgot. Look at this,” he said, opening the box. Inside was a diamond necklace, sparkling brilliantly under the light. “Isn’t it beautiful? I had it specially custom-made for you. Do you like it?” he asked gently, picking up the necklace. Looking at Adam, my eyes stung. He was always so thoughtful; throughout our marriage, I had received countless little surprises. But what were these surprises compared to the package I received this morning? I closed my eyes, the contents of that package still vivid in my memory. It was a paternity test report, along with several intimate photos of Adam and a woman. I recognized the woman in the photos: Maya Thorne, the housekeeper’s daughter, who had gone abroad years ago and recently returned. And the paternity test report clearly stated: Adam Lannister and Leo, a paternal relationship is supported. Leo was already ten years old. This meant that as early as our third year of marriage, Adam had already been unfaithful. 3. Leo’s birthday party was lavishly arranged; almost half the city’s elite were present. I stood beside Adam, elegantly playing the role of hostess. The banquet proceeded smoothly, with guests clinking glasses, chatting and laughing, a scene of joyful revelry. “Mrs. Lannister looks so young and beautiful, one would never guess she’s the mother of a ten-year-old,” a socialite said, holding a glass of champagne and complimenting me with a smile. “Indeed, Mr. Lannister is truly fortunate,” another echoed. I looked at Leo, diligently eating cake in the distance, and smiled modestly, a hint of bitterness in my heart. Leo was indeed well-behaved and thoughtful. For years, I had treated him as my own son, but after learning the truth, I truly didn’t know how to face him. The accident happened suddenly. As soon as Leo finished his cake, red rashes suddenly appeared on his face, as if he was having an allergic reaction. “Leo, what’s wrong?” Even though I knew Leo’s true identity, the child was innocent. I quickly put down my champagne and rushed over to check on him. “Mom, I’m itchy…” Leo scratched at his face in discomfort, his small face scrunched up. “Quick, call a doctor!” Adam was also flustered. Seeing Leo’s distress, I fumbled in my bag for tissues, wanting to wipe the sweat from his face, but my mother-in-law shoved me aside. “How could there be mango in the cake? Don’t you know the child is allergic to it?!” “What kind of mother are you?!” My mother-in-law glared at me furiously. “Just because he wasn’t born from your belly, you don’t feel any affection for him, do you?!” Hearing those words, I froze. My mother-in-law’s words exploded in my ears like thunder. Adam’s mother had always disliked me. In the past, I would have just thought she was indirectly criticizing me for not being able to have children. But her attitude towards Leo was clearly that of a doting grandmother! Connecting all the dots, I uncovered a shocking truth. This entire Lannister family—was I the only one kept in the dark? My mother-in-law was still nagging me, but Adam stepped forward, shielding me, his tone stern: “Mom, I arranged this birthday party, and the cake was also my choice. It has nothing to do with Jenny; please don’t blame her.” My mother-in-law still wanted to say something, but seeing Adam’s gaze, she eventually closed her mouth. The family doctor arrived quickly, examined Leo, and confirmed it was a mango allergy. I looked at Leo’s red and swollen face with a pang of heartache, gently holding his hand, wanting to offer some comfort. But Leo forcefully pulled his hand away, saying tearfully, “I don’t want Mom, I want Dad!” Seeing the child’s strong resistance towards me, the guests at the party looked on with strange expressions. Helpless, I could only get up and go to the room to get Leo a change of clothes. When I returned, I overheard Adam softly asking Leo. “There was no mango in the cake. You secretly ate it yourself, didn’t you?” Leo’s small face turned even paler, his eyes darting away, not daring to look at Adam. “Speak up!” Adam’s voice hardened. Leo’s tears welled up in his eyes. “I ate it myself.” “Why would you do that?” Adam’s voice turned cold. Leo bit his lip, hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “I wanted Grandma to think that Mom doesn’t like me. That way, Maya-Mommy could come pick me up…” Adam’s face instantly changed. He grabbed Leo’s shoulders, his tone stern: “Who told you these things?!” Leo was startled by Adam, and his tears finally streamed down. He sobbed, “Maya-Mommy told me… I miss her. If I want to see her every day, I have to do this.” Adam took a deep breath. He released Leo’s shoulders, speaking in a serious tone: “Leo, listen to me clearly. If you still want to be my son, don’t ever do such a foolish thing again.” “But I just miss Maya-Mommy…” Leo tried to say something else, but Adam cut him off. “Don’t mention her again!” Adam said. “As long as you’re in this house, don’t mention her.” “Okay,” Leo pouted. Adam watched Leo agree, and his tone gradually softened. He said gently, “Leo, I know you like her, but if you listen to Dad, you’ll have two mothers, and you’ll be the most loved child by all three of us.” Leo looked up, his eyes misty with tears, and softly asked, “Really?” “Of course, it’s true,” Adam smiled and nodded. “When has Dad ever lied to you?” “Then I want to see Maya-Mommy, can I?” Leo asked. Adam hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded. And watching this scene of doting father and son, I only felt absurdity. 4. I remembered when Leo first came to the Lannister household, he was already five years old, which was really not an ideal age to be adopted. But Adam liked him. He said they had a special connection. I held his hand, gently telling him, “Leo, this will be your home from now on.” I had the staff prepare the best room in the house for him as his bedroom. The room was filled with all sorts of toys, all carefully chosen by me. In the evenings, I would tell him bedtime stories and lull him to sleep. He was very dependent on me, always wanting to cling to me. Under everyone’s care, Leo gradually grew into a sunny, cheerful, lively, and adorable boy. He loved to cuddle, always hugging my legs and sweetly calling me “Mom.” Every time he did, my heart would melt. Somehow, two years ago, Leo asked me. “Mom, will you love me forever?” I smiled, pulling him into my embrace, gently patting his back as tenderly as if rocking a baby to sleep: “Of course, Mom will always love you.” “What if one day, I do something wrong and make you angry?” he asked, seemingly still unsure. “No matter what happens, will Mom still love me?” “Even if I’m not Mom’s child, will Mom still love me?” My heart tightened then. I thought someone had told him something, making him believe adopted children weren't truly loved. So I playfully tweaked his small nose, my voice doting: “No matter what happens, Mom will still love you just the same, because you’re Mom’s most precious child.” But later, Leo became more and more distant from me. I would ask him how school was, how his studies were, and if he had encountered any difficulties. He always acted distant, giving only perfunctory answers like “It’s fine,” “Okay,” “No.” I felt very disheartened and sad about this. I even wondered if I had done something wrong to displease him. I told Adam about these things. But he merely said, casually, “Children grow up and have their own little secrets; it’s normal. Don’t overthink it.” Now that I think about it, two years ago was when Maya Thorne returned to the country. They had already reconnected. 5. I lay awake all night, my eyes dry, yet I couldn't sleep. Adam Lannister and Leo were already dressed and ready to go out, both in casual clothes, seemingly in good spirits. “Jenny, Leo and I are going out. We won’t be back for lunch.” I nodded, saying nothing. “I’ll be going then,” Adam said, taking Leo’s hand and turning to leave. “Wait a moment.” I called out to him. Adam turned back, looking at me with confusion. I walked up to them, crouched down, straightened Leo’s collar, tied his shoelaces, and then discreetly slipped the wiretap I had prepared into his pocket. “Would you… like me to go with you?” I finally ventured. Adam and Leo both paused simultaneously, then shook their heads in unison. “No need, we’ll be fine on our own,” Adam said. “That’s right, Mom, you stay home and rest,” Leo added. I had already become the superfluous one between father and son. Watching their receding backs, I picked up my phone and called the private detective: “Please investigate Maya Thorne’s whereabouts. I need to know where she is now.” In less than ten minutes, the private detective sent Maya Thorne’s location: the city’s largest amusement park. I changed into clothes suitable for movement, put on sunglasses and a mask, and drove straight to the amusement park. Soon, I found Adam Lannister and Leo. Maya Thorne was also with them. Upon seeing Maya Thorne, Leo immediately rushed excitedly into her arms. Maya Thorne affectionately hugged Leo, kissing him on the cheek. “Leo, do you miss Maya-Mommy?” Maya Thorne asked gently. Leo nodded happily, “Yes!” Hidden in the shadows, I listened to the conversation between the three of them through the wiretap, my heart aching. “Leo, tell Mommy, do you like Maya-Mommy, or do you like your current mom?” Maya Thorne asked Leo while Adam went to buy ice cream. I was also very curious about the answer to that question. Leo hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “I like Maya-Mommy…” My heart plunged. “Maya-Mommy, I’m going to tell you a secret, don’t tell Dad.” Maya Thorne paused, then nodded, “Okay, I won’t tell her.” Leo leaned in close to Maya Thorne’s ear and whispered, “Actually… I kinda hate my current mom.” “Why?” “Because my current mom is so mean. She always forces me to study, and won’t let me eat candy, or play games… She’s like the old witch in the comics, so annoying, so annoying.” So that’s the image I had in Leo’s mind. Maya Thorne stroked his head, saying softly, “That’s because your current mom doesn’t love you. Only Maya-Mommy loves you the most.” “Really?” Leo looked up and asked. “Of course, it’s true,” Maya Thorne affirmed with a nod. “Maya-Mommy will buy you lots and lots of candy, and play lots and lots of games with you, and won’t force you to learn things you don’t like.” But if she truly loved the child, why would she use the child’s health to gain status? That kind of maternal love was too shallow. 6. Adam returned, and Maya Thorne, smiling sweetly, took two steps closer, reaching out to link her arm through Adam’s, but he subtly dodged her. “Adam, are you still angry with me?” Maya Thorne wasn’t annoyed; instead, she pressed even closer, almost clinging to Adam. Adam subtly retreated, maintaining his distance: “Maya, I hope you understand that Leo is now Jenny’s and my child. I don’t want him to be fed incorrect ideas, nor do I want you to mistakenly believe you can replace Jenny as my wife.” “I know, I know.” Maya Thorne agreed with her mouth, but her hand restlessly caressed Adam’s chest, her voice seductive. “But, he is my child after all…” Adam caught her wandering hand, his eyes cold: “Maya, don’t forget you abandoned him at the orphanage. If my mother hadn’t found him, he’d be suffering somewhere right now.” “Who told you not to acknowledge us back then? Did you expect a twenty-year-old unmarried woman to run around with a child? What would people think of me?” “That was your own doing! If you hadn’t snuck into my room during the chaos, things wouldn’t have turned out this way!” Maya Thorne cooed, “I know I was wrong, Adam, don’t be angry.” As she spoke, she pressed herself against him, her hot lips against his earlobe, her breath like a delicate orchid: “Your old hen at home can’t lay eggs. If it weren’t for me, you might not even have your own biological child now.” “Are you truly willing to give the vast Lannister fortune to an outsider with no blood ties?” “Hmm? And do you really hate me that much? Your body is more honest than you are, Adam…” Adam’s body visibly stiffened, his breathing becoming ragged. “Which hotel are we going to next?” I didn’t want to hear the rest. I stumbled back to the car, my hands trembling as I tossed the wiretap aside. Disgusting, utterly disgusting. I had finally understood. It turned out that in our third year of marriage, Maya Thorne had taken advantage of Adam’s drunken state and climbed into his bed. She had intended to seize the opportunity to move up in status, but even after she became pregnant, Adam refused to acknowledge her, offering her money to terminate the pregnancy. But Maya Thorne, unexpectedly, didn’t. After giving birth to Leo and abandoning him at an orphanage, she went abroad to enjoy herself. Later, when I couldn’t conceive, Adam’s mother, in her anxiety, somehow found Leo. To prevent his biological son from suffering outside, Adam brought Leo home as an adopted child. And two years ago, when Maya Thorne returned to the country, Adam had another family. This was a fact known to everyone in the Lannister family; I was the only one who didn't know. They truly played me for a fool! Just as I was on the verge of breaking down, I heard the long-absent system voice. “Beep—” A mechanical female voice, cold and devoid of emotion: “Detecting host’s emotions nearing collapse. Does host wish to leave current world?” After the mission was successfully completed, the system asked if I wanted to leave this world, and I refused. I hadn't expected her to still be here after all these years. I looked up blankly, seeing the familiar light screen, displaying Adam Lannister's name, and below it, a vivid red "90." That was Adam Lannister's favorability rating for me. Even now, his favorability towards me was still so high. It turned out he could truly love me while simultaneously indulging in affairs with other women. I gave a bitter smile, wiping away a tear, my voice hoarse: “Yes, I want to leave here.” 7. “Host, are you sure you want to leave? Upon leaving, the host will lose all memories of this world.” I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Yes, I’m sure.” I no longer wanted to remember these painful memories. I only wanted to return to my own world and start anew. This time, I wouldn’t hesitate. “Alright, Host. Memory erasure sequence initiated. Within two months, your bodily organs will slowly decline, leading to complete death.” Only two months until I die. In that moment, I suddenly wondered what expressions Adam Lannister and Leo would wear if I died. But I quickly dismissed the thought. I found that all the heartbreaking emotions I had previously felt—the urge to confront Adam about why he did this to me, why he let another woman bear his child, why he kept me in the dark for so many years—were completely gone. I asked the system, “Why don’t I feel any pain anymore?” The system’s cold voice echoed in my mind: “The process of bodily decay will be extremely painful. Out of humanitarian consideration, I will suppress your pain sensation as well.” I was very grateful for this system mechanism. Because of it, when I learned that Adam Lannister and Leo had been in a car accident, I didn't waste any emotion on them. When I arrived at the hospital, Adam Lannister was in emergency surgery. The doctor said that in the final moments, Adam had shielded Leo with his body, suffering severe injuries himself. Leo’s small body was curled in Maya Thorne’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, tears and snot smearing his face, looking utterly pitiful. Adam’s mother rushed to the emergency room door and saw this very scene. She walked forward with a pang of heartache, gently stroking Leo’s hair, asking with concern, “Is Leo alright?” Maya Thorne shook her head, her voice choked: “Madam, Leo is fine, but the doctor just ran some tests on me, and said…” Adam’s mother’s heart jumped into her throat, and she asked nervously, “Tests? What tests? What did the doctor say?” Maya Thorne bit her lip, as if gathering courage, then slowly said, “The doctor said… I’m pregnant.” Adam’s mother froze, and it took her a while to react, asking incredulously, “You… what did you say?” A shy blush spread across Maya Thorne’s face, and she nodded gently: “It’s true, Madam, I’m pregnant. It’s… it’s Leo’s little brother or sister.” Adam’s mother’s face instantly lit up with joy, and she clasped Maya Thorne’s hand, exclaiming excitedly, “Good, good, good! This is truly wonderful! This is absolutely wonderful!” “Our Lannister family finally has a new addition!” She was giddy with happiness, but her smile froze when she saw my emotionless eyes. I quietly watched them, my heart completely undisturbed, as if they were performing a play that had nothing to do with me. The system was right; I felt no pain now, not even heartache. I just found it laughable, incredibly laughable. When Adam Lannister woke up, it was half a month later. During this time, Maya Thorne had effortlessly moved into the Lannister family home. Including me, everyone in the Lannister family accepted it calmly. A wealthy family, keeping a mistress was quite normal. And I couldn't have children, so what right did I have to cause a scene? Only Adam Lannister was not calm. I sat by his bed, idly peeling an apple. Adam hesitated for a moment, then cautiously took my hand. After a long silence, he spoke with difficulty, “Jenny, even though Maya is truly pregnant.” “But it’s okay. I’ll make her abort the child.” “Leo’s birth was an accident, but I won’t let accidents happen again. You have to believe me, I’ve always only loved you.” “Leo’s mother will also only be you.” Adam Lannister’s mouth moved, opening and closing. I looked at him, and he just seemed like a stranger. “It’s fine,” I said. Adam Lannister froze.