Chapter 1

My fiancé was drugged. As he burned up, completely out of his mind, clinging to Seraphina, I didn't stop him.

It was only because, in my past life, I was his 'cure.' And we were caught in a compromising position, entwined together. Against our will, our engagement was rushed.

But after we married, Julian's childhood sweetheart left the country, and he grew increasingly cold towards me.

After using my family's resources to climb the social ladder, he locked me in a basement, letting people torment me day and night.

"Elara, you love to seduce men, don't you? Well, I'll let you have your fill!"

I was brutalized in that lightless basement. After I got pregnant, he beat me until I miscarried, then bled to death.

This time, I chose to watch, cold and detached.

I turned and walked away, leaving the room behind me a scene of absolute debauchery.

Stumbling, I reached my parents, tears welling in my eyes. "Mom, I don't feel well. I want to go home, fast!"

Seeing my state, Mrs. Sterling asked worriedly, "Elara, what's wrong? Where's Julian? Where did he go?"

"Please don't ask, just take me home quickly. I never want to see him again!"

My voice was choked with sobs, a mix of sorrow and resentment. My distressed appearance drew the attention of everyone around us.

"Oh, look, the young couple's having a spat!"

"It's the Harringtons' birthday gala today, you can't cause a scene here!"

"That's right, Elara, Julian's usually so good to you. Don't be so dramatic!"

Those who usually crossed me were now desperate to pin the blame on me for ruining Mrs. Harrington’s birthday gala.

I couldn't help but sneer, "He's getting hot and heavy with another woman. Is that me being 'dramatic' too?"

The crowd gasped in shock!

My parents were furious. "Elara, what are you saying!"

"That Julian dared to betray you? Where is he?!"

I didn't speak, just stared up at the second floor. My mom, agitated, immediately grabbed my hand. "Come on, take me up there!"

"Mom, forget it. Let's just go home!"

"Absolutely not! Julian practically begged us for your hand. How long has it been, and he's already with another woman? Where does that leave our family’s reputation?"

Without another word, she dragged me forward. We ran into Mrs. Harrington, who saw red, absolutely furious that someone would be so brazenly intimate at her family's birthday gala.

She marched upstairs with her bodyguards.

I protested out loud, but inside, I was practically cackling with glee.

If Mrs. Harrington knew that the woman Julian was messing around with was her beloved niece, Seraphina, I wondered how utterly enraged she'd be!

By then, a crowd was following. I kept pulling on Mrs. Harrington's arm. "Mrs. Harrington, please, let's just drop it. Julian's family can apologize later. Let's not go up!"

Before Mrs. Harrington could speak, my mom tightened her grip on my hand and snapped, "Elara, what have I taught you? Are you always going to be so soft-hearted?"

"It's just Julian! There are plenty of other men. Our family doesn't need trash like him!"

Mrs. Harrington scoffed. "Mrs. Sterling is right. Miss Sterling, your taste in men is truly dreadful!"

At her words, I had no choice but to shut up.

Mrs. Harrington, I truly hope you can maintain that high-and-mighty attitude for a little while longer.

Just as we reached the second floor, we heard loud, piercing screams from a woman echoing down the hallway.

Everyone around us instantly flushed crimson.

"Tsk, tsk, how shameless! Who is that tramp?"

"Young blood, eh? Julian’s really something, isn’t he?"

Mrs. Harrington’s face was dark with fury. "Go, kick that door open!"

At her command, the bodyguards brutally kicked the door wide!

The people inside hadn't even reacted. The woman was still violently writhing on top of the man, and torn clothes were scattered all over the floor.

Seeing this, Mrs. Harrington pointed at them. "Drag them out for me!"

"Let me see which shameless hussy this is!"

A bodyguard stepped forward and grabbed the woman's hair, yanking her off the man.

But she just shrieked, clutching Julian's hand, refusing to let go.

"No!"

"I want more! You guys should join us too!"

Her coquettish wails made everyone sick to their stomachs and even made the bodyguard pause.

I stood to the side, clearly seeing the look of horror on the bodyguard’s face.

Yes, horror. He clearly recognized who the woman was.

"Utterly shameless!"

"Still clinging on like that? Utterly depraved!"

Mrs. Harrington was even more enraged. "What are you all standing around for? Go on, drag her off!"