Chapter 2

The doctor’s warning was grim.

“Ms. Vance, your last shattered rib fracture was already life-threatening. Now, your rib cage has been crushed again.”

“If you don’t rest properly, even the slightest mistake could lead to a massive hemorrhage. You could bleed out and die instantly!”

I listened, then spoke with extreme calm.

“Understood.”

The doctor shook his head and left. The system’s voice chimed in.

“Mission failed. All memories, including yours, will be forcibly erased.”

“Or do you want to try again, take on a different identity to save him?”

I refused. “Erase them.”

“Erasure protocol initiating. Everyone’s memories of you will be retained for a final 48 hours.”

In my previous life, I was in a vegetative state until I died of old age. After transmigrating, I cherished my family, friends, and lover even more, becoming the irreplaceable good daughter, best friend, and wife in their hearts.

And I loved Caleb Thorne without reservation.

But all those beautiful memories were about to vanish, all because the mission failed.

On a whim, I opened Seraphina Hayes’ social media account and found a video she’d uploaded.

The house in the video was the one Caleb bought for our wedding.

On screen, Seraphina was making a special lunch in her custom-made, exquisite kitchen. Her pale neck bore several soft pink adhesive bandages, and a sparkling diamond ring on her finger flashed frequently on camera.

She patiently and meticulously explained the cooking steps, her voice so gentle it seemed to embrace everything.

“My boyfriend proposed last night! This diamond ring is from him, and the bandages are to cover…”

“He’s very possessive, and pretty intense in… *that* department.”

Seraphina flashed a blissful smile.

“I didn’t realize he’d waited for me for so long.”

A tall, imposing silhouette of a man appeared in the video. He ripped off the bandages from Seraphina’s neck, revealing the intimate marks beneath for all to see.

“I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

The video abruptly cut off.

The comment section exploded with screams: [This official announcement video is too explicit!]

[Our goddess has been chasing this mysterious guy for ages, so glad they’re finally together today! Goddess, update more about mysterious bro in the future.]

Seraphina picked out comments mentioning Caleb Thorne to reply: “My fiancé’s job is special, so he can’t show his face. Knowing he loves me is enough.”

A moment later, Seraphina uploaded another video.

In it, Seraphina got splashed with oil while cooking. The man leaned his arrogant head down and sucked her wound.

“I can’t stand to see you hurt. From now on, let the maids do all this.”

“Okay, I’ll do whatever you say.”

The camera didn't show either of their faces, but the gasps and heavy breathing still gave away their actions.

[These two are just too sweet!]

But then someone questioned: [How come that voice sounds like Caleb Thorne, the underworld prince from that infamous Dark Web list a while ago?]

That comment only appeared for a second before it was forcibly deleted.

My head spun, and before I could think much, I fell into a deep sleep.

In my dream, I remembered finding a pile of used pink adhesive bandages in the study. I thought they were trash, so I threw them into the bin.

But Caleb Thorne was furious, ordering me to pick up all 99 bandages from the trash, not missing a single one.

I only found 96, so he confined me for three days.

I developed claustrophobia after being held captive by his associate. In the dark room, I pounded on the walls relentlessly, only to hear his gentle voice on the phone.

“Seraphina, don’t be angry. I’ll have all 100 soon. As for Elara Vance, I’ll teach her a good lesson.”

Caleb’s chillingly cold voice startled me awake.

I opened my eyes, blinded by the reflection of a diamond ring.

I turned to see Seraphina Hayes, dressed in a pristine white dress, chugging down a bowl of nourishing broth.

The maid stammered, “Ms. Vance, Ms. Hayes said she’s been feeling a bit weak lately and needed some blood nourishment, so she took the broth.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, big sister. I’ve been using up too much energy in bed lately, so I accidentally finished it all.”

Though Seraphina’s words were apologetic, her face was clearly smug.

“You won’t blame me, will you, big sister?”

Seraphina deliberately scraped her ring hard against my skin. I cried out in pain and slapped her hand away.

Caleb Thorne walked in just as Seraphina stumbled to the floor, meekly apologizing to me.

“Elara Vance, you’re lying in bed and still can’t keep the peace? Seraphina went out of her way to visit you!”

The maid started to say something, but Seraphina was quicker, collapsing into Caleb’s arms.

“Caleb, it’s all my fault. I felt dizzy walking into the room and saw the nourishing broth, so I drank a bit too much. I didn’t mean to finish it… big sister just got a little upset with me, don’t be angry…”

Her eyes reddened with remorse, and Caleb’s heart ached.

“How many good things has Seraphina given you? It’s just a bowl of broth, why are you being so petty?”

Good things? Caleb meant the dirty, ruined hand-me-downs Seraphina had tossed aside for me?

Caleb turned and instructed the maid: “Seraphina’s been feeling weak lately, always saying she has no energy. Since your broth suits her taste, you’ll come to the villa specifically to make broth for Seraphina from now on. As for Elara…”

“She needs to watch what she eats!”