Chapter 1

At the new product launch, Liam stripped off my dress in front of everyone.

Within hours, photos of me desperately trying to cover myself were trending across Ins.

He held up his phone, a smug grin plastered across his face:

"You're just a pathetic stand-in, a replacement. And you actually think you can have it all? A family and a career?"

"You're wearing my mom's eyes, so act like it! Stay home and be nothing more than my personal maid!"

The vile comments online were hard to swallow.

But they didn't cut me as deep as Alexander's cold, hateful gaze. That chilled me to the bone.

Twenty years ago, I was kidnapped. I had no choice.

Twelve years ago, when my birth parents found me, I had no choice.

Eight years ago, when I was married off to Alexander as a stand-in for my adoptive sister, I had no choice.

Now.

I want to make my own choice.

From this day forward, I'm done walking this path with you all.

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I scrambled to wrap myself in a tablecloth, fumbling to end the live stream. Liam laughed, triumphant.

"Serves you right! You killed my mom, this is your karma!"

"I let you live, I didn't demand blood for blood. That's mercy!"

He was only eight years old. Words like that, he had clearly learned from someone else. I frowned, trying to explain.

"Your mom's death had nothing to do with me."

My adoptive sister, Brooke, had died in a drunk driving accident back then. I wasn't even there.

A flicker of guilt crossed Liam's young face. He kicked the table violently, then stomped off, seething.

A few years ago, I would have chased after him, held him close, and patiently explained everything.

But now, I walked back to my room without a word.

I didn't expect what I found when I opened the door.

All the clothes I'd prepared for the launch were slashed and torn, scattered across the floor.

Especially the custom-made silk gown, made from that exclusive Xiangyunsha fabric, which the client had pre-ordered. It was completely ruined.

That fabric was out of stock, and there was no way to get a new dress made in time.

Liam's delighted laughter echoed from behind me.

He held a pair of scissors, his face contorted in a sneer.

"Scarlett, you stole my mom's eyes."

"Now I'm going to make you feel what it's like to lose something, too."

He plunged the scissors viciously into a fabric doll on the table, his eyes pure venom.

I stood amidst the wreckage, watching him walk away, utterly speechless.

Years ago, when I finally came home after being kidnapped for over a decade.

I discovered that Brooke had already claimed my family's entire affection.

The home I'd dreamed of, longed for, wasn't warm or welcoming at all.

After she died, my mom sent me to Alexander's house.

His only demand was that I conceive and carry his child with Brooke.

I'd lived thirty years and never once known genuine family love.

The child I carried for nine months, the one I raised for eight years, now saw me as his enemy.

My eyes burned, dry and aching. My heart felt like a block of ice.

I knelt, starting to clean up the mess.

A pair of feet stopped in front of me.

I looked up to see Alexander, his gaze soft as he sighed.

His eyes held a gentle warmth, but his voice was chillingly detached.

"Scarlett, you handled this situation badly."

He extended a hand to me, like offering charity.

"Liam is only eight. He needs your undivided attention."

As I stood, more torn fabric fluttered to the floor.

Alexander's gaze softened a little, perhaps pitying my futile struggle.

"You should cherish Brooke's eyes. I've seen you pull all-nighters on your design drafts a few times. What if you damage *her* eyes?"

"This is a good opportunity to close your online shop. I'll cover the compensation costs for you."

His hand traced my cheek, his gaze fixed on my eyes, lost in thought.

"Just listen to me. You know why I keep you around."

I understood, of course.

Because of Brooke's eyes.

It was insane, the depth of his obsession with another woman.

Every time we were intimate, he wouldn't let me close my eyes.

He looked through me, seeing only her.

I had dedicated eight years to serving them, yet I never managed to warm their hearts.

He pulled me into his embrace, his hot breath on my neck.

"Scarlett, if you're truly lonely..."

"I can allow you to have a child with me."

His lips were warm and soft, brushing my cheek and the corner of my mouth.

His embrace was scalding, but I felt like I was plunging into an ice cave.

Back then, Alexander hadn't wanted me at first.

But Mom told him that Brooke had frozen her eggs beforehand, and I could be the 'vessel' for their love child.

Only then did Alexander relent.

Later, when he was drunk and pinned me down, the first thing he said upon waking was:

"Don't ever dream of having my child. You're not worthy."

He watched, ensuring I took my birth control, time and time again.

Now, eight years later, facing his rare 'generosity'...

I didn't feel a flicker of gratitude. Instead, I turned my head, avoiding his kiss.

"My time is up."

"Alexander, I'm leaving."

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