Chapter 1

On the operating table, I was covered in my own blood.

Ten minutes after the anesthesia wore off, the cold scalpel was carving its third incision across my lower abdomen.

My body seized with agony, tears blurring my vision as I desperately strained to look at him through the observation window.

He was cradling my stepsister, Serena, a chilling smile on his face as he instructed the doctor, "Take the uterus and kidney together. No scars. They're for Serena later."

I tried to scream, but a nurse clamped a hand over my mouth. "Ms. Hayes, don't struggle. Mrs. Knight said your life was salvaged from that car accident five years ago because you shielded her daughter. Now it's time to return what's rightfully hers."

So, that 'accident' five years ago wasn't him risking his life to save me.

It was him who shoved me out of the car, hoping *I* would die in Serena's place.

So, these five years of marriage were nothing but a twisted game of cultivating my organs.

The operating lights swam before my eyes, and my stepsister's sickly sweet voice drifted into my ears: "Thank you for dying for me, sis. Next life, remember to stay far away from what's mine."

I choked down my last breath.

When I opened my eyes again, it was that rainy night five years ago – he was smiling, extending a hand to me: "Need a ride? I can drop you off."

This time, I simply raised my hand and slapped him.