Chapter 1

Before the wedding, Julian's adopted sister, Sera, burst into the venue, her clothes disheveled and torn.

She claimed my half-paralyzed father had assaulted her.

Julian insisted we finish the wedding, promising to uncover the truth.

But six months into our marriage, my father was castrated.

My six-month-old baby, during a routine prenatal check-up, was tragically lost due to what they called an intern's misdiagnosis.

I was heartbroken, utterly devastated, and wanted to end my life.

But Julian stayed by my side, encouraging me to pick myself up.

I thought he genuinely loved me and I started to recover.

Until I got pregnant again, and accidentally overheard his conversation with a doctor.

"You knew your father-in-law was innocent, yet you still wanted revenge? And you forced your wife to miscarry twice?"

His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse.

"But Audrey is already suffering from trauma-induced depression. If I don't keep her happy, she'll kill herself!"

In that moment, my face went utterly ashen.

All my suffering, all my torment, had been nothing but a cruel charade to appease Sera.