I agree to marry that man instead of Adeline. But on one condition. I want one billion and a letter of you announcing us breaking off as family.
As I stood inside the family study room, I tossed the agreement onto the table.
The moment I finished speaking, my father slammed his wine glass onto the floor in rage.
“One billion? Do you want to drain the Wyatt Family dry?”
The glass shattered, letting its sharp shards slicing into my ankle. However, I didn’t feel anything. Instead, I just let out a smile while looking up at my biological parents.
“What? Is Adeline’s life not worth that much?”
My father froze for a few seconds, staring at me with suspicion.
“Why are you suddenly agreeing to this? Don’t you love Brian the most?”
I let out a bitter laugh, which caused my ribs throbbing due to it.
Two weeks ago, it was my 25th birthday. Unfortunately, I had been kidnapped. The kidnapping was arranged by my so-called sister, Adeline Wyatt.
Those kidnappers broke three of my ribs and whipped my back until it was raw and bleeding. I had always suffered from claustrophobia, so they locked me in a small, dark room for a full twenty-four hours. Just when I was losing hope, Brian Herbert and his men found me.
His eyes were filled with tears as he looked at my bloodied body.
“Lilian, please don’t close your eyes. We’re almost at the hospital. Just hold on a little longer.”
I clung to his scent, comforting myself with it until we reached the emergency room. The moment I was on the hospital bed, I fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up, my entire body trembled with pain as if my bones were being broken apart and pieced back together again.
As I was about to call for help, I overheard Brian speaking with his assistant just outside the door.
“The kidnappers who originally took Miss Wyatt have been caught,” the assistant reported.
“They confessed. It really was Miss Wyatt who hired them to stage the whole thing.”
Brian’s face went grim. He then sneered with his voice dripping with mockery as he said, “Adeline was right then.”
His assistant hesitated, then continued carefully, “But why did you hire someone to keep her locked up for another twenty-four hours? Miss Wyatt looked seriously injured when we found her.”
Brian’s eyes narrowed as he spoke with tone as cold as ice, “She loves playing the victim so much. That’s why I give her a real lesson. The kidnappers called Adeline for ransom money. She was so scared she came down with a fever.”
“I already told those men to just rough her up a little, nothing serious. She’s just too fragile.”
Lying in my hospital bed, my scalp prickled and a chill swept through my entire body. So this was the truth. Adeline had already blamed everything on me, calling it my own scheme and Brian believed her completely.
When I was eighteen years old, the Wyatt Family finally brought me back home. That was when I learned about the arranged marriage between the Herbert and Wyatt families. Everyone in London said Brian and Adeline were childhood sweethearts and that he would definitely choose her.
Surprisingly, Brian fell madly in love with me instead. He pursued me relentlessly, while Adeline accused me of stealing everything that should have been hers. Yet, Brian responded by looking at her coldly with a grim face.
“I only care about your sister. You’re the one who has been enjoying everything all along. Lilian has suffered for years outside without saying a word, so why are you making such a fuss?”
Back then, he stood firmly by my side and gave me a sense of safety and love. Unfortunately, that love had now vanished. It had expired like a lie.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed away my thoughts and asked calmly to my parents, “Have you decided yet?”
Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt exchanged looks. They were thinking of the rumors about the ruthless Lloyd family. After a long pause, they finally nodded before signing the agreement and pressed their fingerprints on it.
“Fine. In seven days, you’ll receive the money to make the wedding happen. But you must not reveal anything about this marriage exchange.”
I just grabbed the agreement before turning to leave. However, my chest was aching as though my heart was being torn apart. Only then did I fully realize that they had never loved me.
The only person my parents cared about was Adeline, their adopted daughter who wasn’t even related to them by blood. Since that was the truth, I no longer wanted a family or love. I would give them exactly what they wanted.
After that, I pulled out my phone and called a friend.
“Find all the security footage that proves Adeline’s involvement in my kidnapping.”
After a brief pause, I added, “Also, spread the news about the new project. Get Brian to invest, then cut off access to the critical technologies for both the Herbert and Wyatt companies.”
Within seven days, I would give them a gift that they would never forget. Once I ended the call, I gathered every photo of me and Brian. One by one, I tossed them onto the floor and set them on fire.
Watching the flames rise, I whispered coldly, “This time, we’ll never meet again.”
I packed all my things in my room before stepping out the moment I saw Adeline leaning casually against the second-floor railing. She held the engagement ring Brian had given me while she showed off a smug smile on her face.
“Lilian, was that kidnapping game fun last time?”
“You still haven’t learned your lesson, have you? No one will believe you. They’ll only believe me. You’re nothing but a liar.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you! The men who beat you were sent by Brian himself. It was his punishment for making me sick with your little self-made drama!”
After that, Adeline laughed loudly as she rubbed her fingertips against the smooth ring. Then, all of a sudden, her grip loosened. The ring then slipped from her hand, clattering down the stairs with a sharp sound.
“What did you just do?”
Without realizing it, I shouted as I rushed forward to catch the bracelet. But as I passed her, Adeline suddenly leaned forward to block my path. Her lips curled into a cold smile. She grabbed my hand and deliberately placed it on her shoulder.
With a piercing scream, Adeline then threw herself backward and tumbled down the stairs. By the time I realized it, Adeline was already on the ground. She was half-kneeling, tears streaming down her face.
She wailed pitifully, “Ah! It hurts!”
Footsteps thundered up the stairs. Brian and my parents appeared in a rush. From where they stood, they saw me at the top of the staircase while Adeline curled on the floor below, sobbing.
Brian stormed up the last few steps, grabbed my arm and shouted, “Lilian! How could you push Adeline?”
“I didn’t push her!”
I glared at him, forcing each word out through gritted teeth as I said, “She fell on her own!”
My father’s face turned red with anger as he shouted, “Are you still lying? You know Adeline’s health isn’t good. How could you be so cruel?”
My mother’s expression was icy as she stepped forward and shoved me hard. My lower back slammed into the railing. A sharp pain shot through me, making me gasp.
On the floor, Adeline sat up slightly and clung to Brian’s clothes with tears glistening in her eyes.
“Brian, don’t blame Lilian. Maybe I accidentally bumped into her and made her angry. Just … pretend I fell on my own. Don’t make things difficult for my parents.”
Adeline’s pitiful act only made Brian’s expression grow darker and darker. He snatched the engagement ring from my hand and hurled it to the floor. It shattered instantly, fragments scattering everywhere.
Then, Brian turned to me as he looked at me with eyes burning with fury.
“Why do you always hurt and put the blame on Adeline? Do you know that intentionally harming someone can land you in prison for years?”
I stared at the broken ring. My heart couldn’t help but twist painfully. The man I loved most stood firmly by Adeline’s side once again. He was defending her without question.
Slowly, a bitter smile spread across my face.
“You want to send me to the police because of this? Fine by me. Let them check the CCTV footage and see who staged this little performance!”
I shoved Brian away, raised my hand and slapped Adeline across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the hall.
“See that? This time, I really hit you. I won’t let him falsely accuse me without proof.”
Adeline froze. Her hand was covering her cheek. For a moment, she forgot to even cry.
Brian snapped out of his shock and raised his hand. His palm struck my face with full force. His eyes looked at me coldly.
“I haven’t even dealt with what happened last time. You’ve barely left the hospital and you’re already targeting Adeline again. I’ll send you to prison. You can stay there until you’ve reflected on your actions. When you finally understand what you’ve done, I’ll come to get you.”
Before I could respond, his bodyguards grabbed me and dragged me toward the door. Brian didn’t even glance at me. Instead, he turned and gathered Adeline into his arms, his eyes full of heartache as he comforted her.
The moment I had come at the police station, he followed shortly after. He then threw a confession document onto the table in front of me.
“Put your signature on it,” he ordered coldly.
I got the pen on my hand. However, I ripped the paper to pieces instead of signing. Looking up, I met his gaze and let out a low, mocking laugh.
“Brian, why should I sign something when I’ve done nothing wrong? If you really want to put me in jail, don’t hide behind excuses. I want to see just how far you’ll go for Adeline.”
Brian looked as if he was choked. His expression shifted several times before he turned away sharply.
“Lock her up for now. Release her tonight. Let her reflect on herself,” he coldly ordered the police.
Without looking back at me, he walked out. I watched his retreating figure while my eyes were swollen with unshed tears. My heart felt like it was being stabbed over and over again.
Between Adeline and me, he had never once hesitated. Even when I was innocent, he would always choose her. He kept pushing me deeper and deeper into the abyss.
As soon as Brian left, my parents arrived. Their faces were full of disappointment as they looked at me. Their voices cold and sharp, without a trace of sympathy as they said, “Lilian, admit your mistakes. Only then Brian will let you go.”
I couldn’t help but give them a bitter smile.
Since the day they brought me home, I had been forced to admit fault for everything. If I scored higher than Adeline on a test, that was my fault. If I won a prize in a competition, that was my fault. If I didn’t act like Adeline and play the spoiled child, that was my fault too.
But now, I no longer wanted to bow my head or admit to anything.
Swallowing the bitterness in my heart, I asked them calmly, “What’s the point of admitting anything? Should I admit that I didn’t push Adeline hard enough?”
The words had barely left my mouth when my father’s hand struck my face with a loud smack. Pain stung my cheek, but I held back my tears. I lifted my chin stubbornly and let out a cold snort.
“I was kidnapped, but you only worried about Adeline. Now, she stages a fake fall. But you force me to confess again. Am I just some piece of trash you picked up off the street?”
My parents didn’t even flinch. They just stared at me as if I were a vicious enemy threatening their beloved daughter.
“Lilian, you’re being ungrateful. Just stay here then!” they shouted at me.
Without another glance after they said, they turned and left. Meanwhile, the guards ignored my protests and shoved me into a small cell. The room was pitch black with only a thin beam of light slipping through a narrow window.
My body trembled uncontrollably as my breathing turned shallow and ragged. My claustrophobia surged, choking me with terror. Instinctively, I called Brian name. Yet, there was no answer. Only endless darkness pressed down on me.
I had no idea how much time passed before the cell door swung open. A group of tall, rough-looking women stepped inside with their eyes gleaming with malice.
“Is that her? Miss Wyatt said to teach her a lesson.”
As one of them spoke, a short-haired woman cracked her knuckles and stepped toward me. My heart dropped. I backed away, but another grabbed my hair and slammed me to the ground before I could escape. Fists and kicks rained down on me. Each blow sent sharp waves of pain through my body.
I tried to fight back, but my old injuries hadn’t healed yet. I was too weak to defend myself. All I could do was curl up and endure it silently as they vented their anger on me.
They didn’t stop until a guard’s voice shouted from outside the bars, “Enough! Stop right now!”
Finally, the women backed away.
I was lying motionless on the cold floor. My body was covered in blood and bruises. Slowly, I lost my consciousness. My back was torn open again, old wounds mingling with fresh ones. Every move felt like my bones were shattering from the inside.
After a long while, the cell door creaked open. After that, I was dragged out. Their laughter echoed in my ears as they mocked me openly. But I didn’t even have the strength to respond.
A full day and night passed before they finally threw me out of the police station. Sunlight hit my face, blinding me. I raised a trembling hand to shield my eyes, then staggered to my feet and limped toward the hospital.
After my wounds were bandaged, I turned to leave only to see Brian and Adeline walking toward me. He froze when he saw me. His eyes widened in shock. For a while, he stuck on his place.
“How … how did you end up like this?” he asked, frowning deeply as he looked at me with a flicker of heartache.
Brian tried to reach out almost as if to help me. However, I stepped back to avoid his touch. Before I could speak, Adeline hurried to his side, clutching his arm like a devoted lover. She looked at me with fake worry in her eyes.
“Lilian, Brian released you yesterday. Why didn’t you come home last night? And how did you get yourself into such a state?”
Then she turned to Brian and added, “Don’t blame her, Brian. Lilian probably just wants attention. Look at how badly she’s hurt. Let’s get her treated first, okay?”
Her gentle words worked like poison. The pain in Brian’s eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by cold fury. He glared at me coldly as he angrily accused me, “You’re doing this again! Lilian, your lies are so obvious now. No one believes you anymore!”
This time, I didn’t answer. Instead, I just stared at him as I silently memorized the face I had once loved so deeply. His eyes were still beautiful, but now, they no longer held even a trace of love for me.
Brian the turned to Adeline, gently holding her hand as he spoke while he was looking at me, “If you have the strength to hurt yourself, then you have the strength to walk home.”
“Watch her closely. Don’t let her take a single shortcut.”
After that, both Brian and Adeline walked away. Step by step, I forced myself to walk home. Every painful step burned the same words into my mind.
‘I would make them pay for this. All of them.’
When I finally reached home and pushed the door open, the sound of Adeline’s sobs filled the living room. She sat on the sofa, trembling as she cried in Brian’s arms.
“Brian, I don’t want to go through with the arranged marriage. I don’t want to marry that lunatic. He’s cruel and brutal. The women from previous arranged marriages … they all died! Why does it have to be me and not Lilian?”
Brian stroked her back gently. His voice was soothing and tender as he said, “Don’t worry. With me here, no one will dare force you. It doesn’t matter who has to go through with the arranged marriage. It won’t be you.”
My parents immediately chimed in, their voices full of reassurance as they said, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We would never agree to let you go. We’ll protect you.”
I stood silently at the doorway. No one turned to look at me. Without a word, I walked straight to my room. The moment the door clicked shut, memories flooded my mind like a relentless tide.
I remembered the time I casually mentioned wanting to see the sunrise. That very night, Brian chartered a private jet to fly me to a remote island. He even built a special observation deck so I could watch the sunrise in comfort.
Just to make me smile, he spent hundreds of millions creating a paradise for me. He took me skiing in the Alps, chased the aurora by my side, cooked my favorite dishes again and again and traveled with me to the farthest corners of the world.
Brian documented every moment we spent together, as if each memory was a treasure. Back then, I truly believed he was my one and only. But now I understood that he barely loved me. It was because I was just a passing novelty, a distraction.
I quickly wiped my tears away while I pulled a small recorder from my pocket and took out the memory card. I placed it, along with the prison’s CCTV footage, into an envelope and sent it to my friend.
As I stared at the files on the screen, a bitter taste rose in my throat. At first, I’d only planned to record Adeline pretending to be pitiful in front of Brian and my parents. But in the end, I had also captured proof of her ordering the prisoners to beat me.
The moment the files were successfully sent, I heard familiar footsteps outside my door.
My heart tightened. The door opened quietly. Brian’s tall figure appeared in the doorway. Before I could react, he crossed the room in a few strides and pulled me tightly into his arms. The scent of cedar still clung to him, but it only made me feel suffocated now.
Brian looked at me as if he was heartbroken. He then rested his chin gently on top of my head before he weakly whispered, “Forgive me, Lilian.”
I couldn’t help but be stunned in his embrace. My lips pressed together, unable to speak. But Brian didn’t seem to mind my silence.
He continued speaking softly, as though nothing had happened, “Don’t be so hard on Adeline anymore. She’s different from you. You’re the Wyatt Family’s biological daughter. You already have everything. Besides, I’ll marry you one day.”
“But Adeline … she has nothing. It’s normal for her to be sensitive. You should try to understand her, to be more patient with her.”
“I have everything … ”
I muttered those words that tasted bitter, which made me want to vomit.
So, this was his apology. He didn’t come here to truly say sorry. Instead, he came to make excuses for Adeline and to demand that I keep indulging her.
Brian thought that a hug and a few soft words would be enough to erase everything. That no matter how deeply he hurt me, I would forgive him like always. Even if just yesterday, he had sent me home bruised, broken and covered in blood.
It seemed that Brian believed he could slap me ninety-nine times … and then hand me a single piece of bones to make me wag my tail and come crawling back.
I lifted my head and looked at his face. My heart ached so fiercely it felt as if it might shatter into pieces. Sadly, he was wrong.
The next morning, I was awakened by loud noises coming from outside.
Still groggy and confused, I sat up just as a servant knocked on my door.
“Miss, Mr. Herbert has invited a circus to perform. He asked me to tell you to come downstairs and watch.”
I straightened my clothes, feeling a wave of disbelief. Did he really think a circus performance could make up for everything that had happened? Besides, I had never liked circuses. It was always Adeline who loved these kinds of spectacles, not me.
I opened my mouth to refuse, but the door swung open again before I could speak. Adeline entered, her arm wrapped intimately around Brian’s. A sweet, fake smile bloomed on her face. She hurried over to me, grasping my hand as if we were the closest of sisters.
Her voice turned soft and coaxing as she said, “Lilian, come on, just go. Brian’s been planning this for a long time to make you happy. If you don’t go, he’ll be sad.”
Brian stood behind her, watching me closely with a faint glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
“Let’s just go take a look, alright?”
The two of them were perfectly in sync, like they were performing a well-rehearsed duet. I felt as if a heavy stone was pressing down on my chest, suffocating me. But with Adeline tugging at me and Brian’s eyes fixed on me, I had no choice but to follow. I was dragged downstairs like a prisoner.
In the yard, a makeshift stage had been set up. A fire-breather was performing, sending blazing orange-red flames shooting high into the air. The heat was so intense that it burned my face from where I stood.
As the performance continued, Adeline clung tightly to Brian’s arm. She was whispering to him and laughing softly. Meanwhile, Brian gently wiped sweat from her forehead and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Their affectionate gestures were so natural, like a real couple deeply in love.
I stood off to the side, completely forgotten. Just a silent observer. Suddenly, Brian’s phone rang. He leaned close to Adeline, murmured something to her and then walked toward a corner to take the call.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but stare at the raging flames. There was an uneasy feeling creeping over me. My instincts screamed that something terrible was about to happen.
And then I met Adeline’s gaze. The sweet, sisterly smile she had worn moments ago had vanished. In its place was a strange, twisted smirk that sent chills racing down my spine.
Before I could react, she lunged forward, grabbed my arm with a grip like iron and shoved me toward the flames behind the safety line.
“Ah!” I screamed as I struggled desperately to pull free, but her strength was terrifying.
The searing heat rushed against my skin as the flames leapt closer, scorching me. Then, Adeline let go of me in a single motion. And with a loud, pitiful cry, she flung herself even closer to the fire.
“Help me! Brian!” she screamed.
Brian’s head snapped up the instant he heard her voice. He dropped his phone without hesitation and charged through the cordon like a madman. In one swift move, he scooped Adeline into his arms and stumbled back to safety.
After Brian managed to keep his balance, his face turned grim. He then turned to me as he looked at me with his eyes blazing with fury. Without warning, his hand struck my cheek with a sharp crack.
He shouted at me, gritting his teeth, “Why did you push Adeline? Do you want to kill her?”
My ears rang, my whole body stunned. I stared at him, utterly bewildered, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Brian didn’t wait for an answer. His expression twisted with fury as he shoved me hard.
I lost my balance and fell backward, hitting the ground. My shoulder brushed against the edge of the spreading flames. Immediately, I shouted.
The sound made Brian freeze. He looked down at me lying on the ground. For a brief second, a flicker of heartache flashed in his cold eyes.
However, Adeline clutched his chest as she weakly said, “Brian, Lilian … she looks more seriously hurt than I am. Take her to the hospital first…”
Without further ado, Brian glanced at me with visible disgust. He then looked back at the fragile woman in his arms. His voice was cold, commanding as he ordered his bodyguards, “Take her too. We’re going to the hospital!”
Then, he carried Adeline to the car like she was the most precious thing in the world without even glancing back at me.
Meanwhile, I was lying on the ground. The pain in my shoulder became more unbearable. My vision blurred slowly. Just as the bodyguards rushed to lift me, everything went black.
Thanks to my constant injuries, I developed a high fever that wouldn’t go away. I was unconscious for three whole days. During that time, I had a long, vivid dream.
The dream was filled with warm light.
In it, I wasn’t lost. My parents never adopted Adeline. They loved only me, their precious daughter. Brian was still the same boy who used to crouch outside my door every morning, waiting to walk me to school.
Later, he confessed his love and told me he wanted to marry me in a beautiful garden full of roses. At our wedding, he held my hand and promised me forever. After we married, we had a sweet, lovely child. The three of us were a happy, perfect family.
But in the next moment, everything changed.
The warm light suddenly went out. My parents’ smiles turned cold. Brian’s hand that was once so warm became icy and distant.
The three of them stood at the edge of a cliff, laughing cruelly as they pushed me down into the darkness below. I woke up with a sharp gasp, my chest heaving. My eyes flew open to an empty hospital room.
My body felt weak and heavy. My shoulder throbbed with pain as I slowly pushed myself up, my arm numb and trembling. With great effort, I pulled out the IV needle and slid out of bed. As I stepped into the hallway, I heard hushed voices coming from the nurses’ station.
“Look at those two young ladies from the Wyatt Family. Their lives couldn’t be more different.”
“I know, right? Adeline only had a few minor injuries, but her parents stayed by her side every day and Mr. Herbert never left her for a second. Meanwhile, Lilian was seriously hurt and no one even came to visit her these past three days … ”
Their whispers were crystal clear, cutting into my heart like a blade.
My knees went weak for a moment, but I steadied myself against the wall. It made me not to hesitate. After that, I walked slowly to the nurses’ station while holding on to the wall for support before I signed my own discharge papers.
When I returned to the Wyatt mansion, it was eerily quiet. I went straight to my room and began packing. There wasn’t much. It was just one small suitcase. That was all I had left.
After I finished, I went downstairs to get some water. Just as I reached the living room, I heard the sound of laughter outside. They were back.
My parents entered first, carefully supporting Adeline as she limped inside. Brian followed close behind. His eyes were full of tenderness as he looked at her. The four of them chatted happily as if nothing had happened.
When they saw me, Brian’s steps faltered. For a brief second, I caught a flash of heartache in his eyes as he noticed my pale face.
But before he could speak, Mum rushed to me, her voice sharp and full of blame as she confronted me, “Lilian, what’s wrong with you? Why didn’t you tell us you were being discharged? Do you know how worried we were about you?”
Dad immediately added, “Adeline already explained what happened. She said she lost her balance that day and accidentally dragged you into the fire. Out of guilt, she pushed you away to save you. She didn’t mean it!”
“And you … you’re being ungrateful, leaving the hospital on your own and throwing a tantrum?”
Adeline lowered her head, her expression pitiful and weak. But at the corners of her lips, there was a subtle, triumphant smile. It was a smile meant only for me to see.
She looked at me like a victor claiming her prize.
I stared at them all and suddenly laughed bitterly.
“Worried about me? So worried that during my three-day coma, you only cared about Adeline and never once came to see me?”
My eyes shifted to Adeline as I coldly said, “Adeline, this time you’re claiming you ‘lost your balance’ again? You really do change your excuses quickly.”
This time, I looked at them coldly. I was no longer the obedient girl they used to know.
I coldly warned them, “Watch your precious daughter carefully. If she dares to lay a hand on me again, I won’t hold back. If I’m not happy, I won’t let her be happy either.”
After that, I turned and walked up the stairs. I didn’t even look back at their shocked and furious faces.
This house. These people. They were no longer worth a single moment of my time.
I had already explained everything, getting ready to leave. Just as I finished packing, the door slammed open. Adeline walked in parrogantly in high heels. She looked at me with eyes full of defiance.
She strode up to me and spoke arrogantly, “Lilian, do you really think you’re so special just because you’re our parents’ biological daughter? They love me now!”
“I’ve known all along. You’re going to marry that lunatic for me. Isn’t the bride price just one billion? After I marry Brian, there will be far more money. Plenty more.”
Her tone dripped with arrogance as she continued, “Brian’s project will soon make more money than I could spend in ten lifetimes. The Wyatt and Herbert families are far ahead in technology. With us together, we’ll be unstoppable.”
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a vicious whisper, “And you … you’re just trading one hell for another. The Lloyd Family is cruel beyond words. Once you marry into their family, you might not even survive three days.”
“If you manage to live, you’ll get the money. If you die … you’ll leave it all behind, untouched.”
Her cruel words echoed in my ears. The anger I’d been holding back for so long finally exploded. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face. The sharp sound rang through the room like a gunshot.
A cold smile spread across my lips as I glared at her.
“Really? Then I hope you get exactly what you deserve!”
Adeline couldn’t help but cover her cheek as she looked at me with disbelief.
“You … you dare hit me? Lilian, how dare you hit me!”
I didn’t waste a single breath on her. Again, I slapped her. In fact, it was even harder than before. This time, blood instantly welled at the corner of her mouth. A thin crimson line slid down her chin.
At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside. The door burst open. Brian stormed in. The second he saw Adeline’s bloody mouth, his eyes filled with rage so intense it was almost murderous.
“Lilian! Have you gone mad? Who gave you the right to hit her?”
Immediately, Brian rushed to Adeline. He pulled her into his arms as he carefully wiped the blood from her lips. Before I could speak, his palm struck my face with a loud crack. Pain exploded across my cheek. My head jerked to the side as my mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood.
I swallowed it down and slowly lifted my head to look at him. Instead of anger, I smiled coldly.
“Brian, I hope you won’t regret this.”
My parents arrived right after him. They immediately rushed to my side. Not to protect me, but to scold me like I was a stranger.
“Lilian, you ungrateful wretch! How could you hurt Adeline like this? What has she ever done to you?”
Adeline clung to Brian, crying pitifully, yet her trembling voice was laced with false kindness as she spoke, “Brian, Mum, Dad … please don’t scold Lilian anymore. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have upset her.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow. I won’t trouble this family again. I just don’t want her to keep being unhappy because of me … ”
Her performance only added fuel to the fire. Brian’s face became even more grim. His rage was nearly uncontrollable.
Brian then shouted toward the doorway and two black-clad bodyguards immediately entered.
“Drag her outside. Hang her upside down from the tree in the yard,” he ordered.
He paused before he continued with his tone cutting me like a knife, “Let the sun warm her dark, filthy heart. The Herbert Family does not tolerate women as vile as her.”
The bodyguards moved without hesitation, seizing me by the arms.
“Brian! Let me go! You can’t do this to me!”
But no one listened. They dragged me out into the yard. My struggles were meaningless against their strength.
The rough rope bit into my ankles as they tied me up. With a hard yank, they then hoisted me upside down from the tall tree. Blood rushed to my head, making me dizzy and nauseous.
The scorching midday sun beat down mercilessly on my body. My skin burned, my chest tightened and my breath came in ragged gasps. Through the haze of heat and pain, I tilted my head and caught sight of the living room window.
Inside, Brian was tenderly applying medicine to Adeline’s wounds. My parents sat beside her, speaking softly, comforting her. The three of them looked like a warm, happy family while I was left to suffer alone.
Tears streamed from my eyes, falling to the ground below. The hot sun dried them instantly, leaving no trace. I clenched my teeth and swore silently to myself.
Just one day. I only have to endure this for one day. When I got free, I would make every single one of them pay for what they had done to me.
Meanwhile, the sunlight grew hotter and hotter. My vision blurred. The world spun wildly around me.
Finally, everything went black.
Once I regained my consciousness, I was lying in my room where I was wrapped in a soft quilt. Fresh bandages covered the wound on my shoulder, while the gauze was clean and neatly tied. I heard movement near the door, followed by the servant’s voice.
“Miss, you’re awake? Mr. Herbert was very distressed after bringing you down from the tree yesterday. He told me to take special care of you.”
As she said, the servant pointed toward a large box beside the bed.
“Mr. Herbert also had someone deliver this this morning. It’s a wedding dress. He said it’s been altered and wanted you to try it on. Your wedding is the day after tomorrow.”
I turned my head to look. The wedding dress I had once eagerly awaited now lay before me, yet my heart felt completely cold. Without saying much, I threw off the quilt and climbed out of bed. I didn’t even spare the dress another glance as I walked straight toward the door.
As I stepped into the hallway, Adeline appeared, walking toward me. The moment she saw me, she froze. Her eyes were flashing with disdain and mockery.
“Well, well, Lilian. You really are something! You were hanging from a tree yesterday, but now you’ve somehow made Brian feel sorry for you? What’s your plan now? Seduce him in a wedding dress and ruin our marriage? I-”
I cut her off as I flatly said, “I don’t care about the wedding dress. I’ll give it to you. I have no interest in fighting you for Brian. You’ll be the one marrying him, not me.”
Adeline was frozen by my words, completely caught off guard.
Ignoring her, I continued past her without a backward glance. My body was still weak, but I forced myself down the stairs step by step and pushed open the mansion’s front door. A cool breeze brushed against my face, clearing my head.
Brian’s empty gestures and fake concern meant nothing to me now. What I needed wasn’t to stay in this suffocating house. It was to prepare to leave in two days.
And to make sure that everyone who had hurt me paid the price.
I pulled out my phone and sent a message to my trusted friends.
[In two days, release all the evidence to every major media outlet. Immediately block the Wyatt and Herbert families’ critical technology.]
I made a promise to myself, ‘To the Wyatt Family and the Herbert Family, I will make you pay!’
Before I could put my phone back into my pocket, a hand suddenly clamped over my mouth and nose from behind. A strong, pungent smell filled my nostrils. My vision spun and went black.
When I woke again, I was tied to a cold iron chair in a dark, damp room. In the corner, Adeline was tied up as well as she softly sobbed. Before I could even process what was happening, a tall man with a scar across his face walked toward us.
He casually picked up a phone, dialed a number and turned on the speaker.
“Mr. Herbert, come now if you want to save your woman.”
Ten minutes later, Brian burst into the room. Panic flashed in his eyes as he looked at Adeline and me. And then the scar-faced man toyed with a dagger as he showed a cruel smile on his face.
“I heard one of them is your fiancée. Here’s a game for you. Choose one.”
Brian froze, his mouth opening but no words coming out. His hesitation filled the air like poison.
“I … ” he stammered.
“Stop wasting time!” the kidnapper barked impatiently.
The man grabbed both Adeline and me by the neck, cutting off our air. Our breathing turned frantic and shallow.
“Brian! I’m scared! It hurts so much! Please, save me!”
Adeline’s screams were high-pitched and desperate, echoing in the cold room. Brian’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes darted between us, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
Finally, he spoke with a trembling voice, “I choose to save Adeline!”
After Brian chose Adline, the scarred man yanked me forward by my hair and shoved me into a deep pool nearby. The icy water swallowed me whole. My lungs screamed for air. It suffocated me, making me tremble.
Once. Twice. I was dragged up only to be shoved back under until my consciousness began to fade. Finally, they pulled me out and dumped me onto the cold, wet floor. I gasped desperately, coughing and choking, trying to breathe.
The man laughed cruelly as he said, “Mr. Herbert, you really are decisive.”
Before I could recover, the kidnappers dragged both Adeline and me to two large sealed iron cages.
“Mr. Herbert, it’s time to choose again. Who should we pick this time?” the scar-faced man lazily asked.
Brian’s eyes flicked to Adeline. Her face was pale, but her eyes fixed on him that were full of hope.
“I choose Adeline!” he shouted firmly.
The kidnapper smirked, unlocked one of the cages and shoved me inside instead. The iron door slammed shut with a loud clang. The dark, cramped space closed in around me, making it hard to breathe.
I curled up in the corner, my whole body shaking.
My voice cracked as I called out softly, “Brian … ”
But outside, there was only Adeline’s sobbing and Brian’s gentle words as he comforted her. Only after a long time did he remember me. His voice turned impatient as he spoke, “Name your price. Don’t hurt Lilian again.”
The scar-faced man laughed mockingly before he responded, “Wonderful! One hundred million. That’s enough to buy one life. So, Mr. Herbert … who do you want to save?”
Brian’s answer was sharp and quick.
“Don’t touch her. Redeem Adeline.”
He practically shouted the words.
Meanwhile, I leaned weakly against the cold bars as Adeline was untied. She threw herself into his arms as she cried dramatically while I was too exhausted even to curse. Brian then lifted her carefully and looked at me with a complicated expression.
“Lilian, your sister is fragile. I’ll take her first. Wait here. I’ll transfer the money and come back for you.”
He didn’t wait for me to reply. Without another glance, he left carrying Adeline. The scar-faced man crouched in front of my cage and kicked my leg casually.
“Your fiancé is really devoted to her, huh?”
I realized that I was coughing blood, but I forced myself to sit up straighter as I looked at the man coldly.
My voice was steady as I asked him, “How much would it cost to save my life? I’ll pay you double whatever Adeline gave.”
The man froze for a moment, then his lips curled into a grin. As I suspected, these men were indeed people ordered by Adeline. He quickly stopped with his act, boldly saying, “Your sister wants you dead. But we only care about the money.”
My hands shook as I pulled out my cracked phone. I called a trusted friend and wired two hundred million on the spot. The kidnappers checked the transfer, then cut the ropes around my wrists.
I walked out without looking back, hailed the first taxi I saw and headed straight to the airport.
Right before boarding, my phone buzzed. One billion appeared in my account. A message from my friend followed.
[Brian was fooled. Two days later, their stocks would crash and they would lose their critical technologies.]
I stared at my phone screen. A faint smile tugged at my lips. It began.
Meanwhile, Brian had rushed back to find me after sending Adeline to the hospital. But Adeline clung to his arm to stop him.
“Mum and Dad just called. They said they already rescued my sister and took her home. If you leave now, I’ll be all alone.”
Brian couldn’t help but feel irritated with the crying Adeline. He kept recalling my last cold, distant look. It left behind a strange unease in his chest.
However, Adeline kept talking, “Mum said Lilian’s resting. And you’re marrying her tomorrow, remember? It’s bad luck to see the bride the day before the wedding. You’ll see her tomorrow. Don’t worry.”
It was only after Adeline told Brian that I was safe and sound that he exhaled slowly. He told himself that he would make everything up to me tomorrow and for the rest of our lives.
The next day, the wedding was everywhere in the news. Everyone was talking about the grand union between the Wyatt and Herbert families, calling it the wedding of the century.
Brian stood at the altar, excitement lighting up his face as he saw the bride walking toward him in a sea of flowers. He rushed forward and pulled “me” into his arms.
“Lilian, I missed you so much!” he said warmly.
But then the bride turned around. Brian’s entire body froze. With a shocked expression, Brian angrily asked, “Adeline, why are you here? Where’s Lilian?”
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