Chapter 1

My sister was the unattainable love of my husband.

He was willing to be her secret lover.

Even when I was drugged and locked in a room with him, he just tossed me into a cold bath and stood by, indifferent.

People praised his deep devotion, while I lay feverish that night. Though I survived, I was left mentally impaired.

Later, he wept and begged for my forgiveness, while his Uncle shielded me.

"Griffin, I'm your Aunt, please show some respect!" I imitated his Uncle's tone, stumbling over the words.

By the time they frantically searched for me, I had already run away with their money.

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Today marks the third anniversary of my marriage to Griffin, and it's also the last day of the three-year agreement with my Father.

The divorce papers waited silently on the nightstand. Once Griffin signed them, I could finally escape this place for good.

"Isn't today your wedding anniversary? Are you waiting for your sister to personally invite you over?"

Father called just as I arrived at the Johnsons.

Cora Johnson was leaning against Griffin, teasing him with something that made her cheeks blush.

On my anniversary, my sister and husband were entangled like they were the real couple.

A three-person marriage, how absurd.

"Nora Johnson, come here!" Father shouted at me with a stern face.

We went to the study, where a document lay on the table.

"Three years and you can't even have a child to secure Griffin. Raising you has been a waste!"

"Sign this, and you'll get one percent of the shares. Tomorrow, go for IVF, and make sure you..."

"Father, I'm divorcing Griffin." I couldn't listen anymore and interrupted him.

"Are you trying to kill me?!" Father hurled a table ornament at me in anger.

I instinctively blocked it, leaving a noticeable bruise on my arm.

"Father, you promised that if I took the blame for drugging Griffin and married him for five years, my debt would be repaid."

Father had schemed for me to marry Griffin, and shortly after, Griffin discovered Cora was his long-lost ideal love. I had taken her place to marry him.

I tried to explain, but Father covered his tracks well. I had nothing but my untrustworthy word, and no one believed me.

So I took the fall, becoming the malicious adopted daughter who would stop at nothing to rise.

"If I hadn't let you marry him, could you have snagged such a good man?!"

"Father, I won't be your tool anymore."

Our conversation ended badly. When I returned to the dining table, Griffin was still flirting with Cora.

"Sister!"

Cora saw me but didn't move away from Griffin.

"How did you get hurt?"

Griffin noticed the bruise on my arm, sounding displeased.

"I accidentally fell, it's nothing." I awkwardly twisted my wrist.

"Sister, how could you be so careless?! Let me help you with some medicine after dinner."

Cora snuggled in Griffin's arms, pretending to care.

"No need, I can manage."

"Nora, how can you speak to your sister like that!" Father started scolding me again.

"When will you be as sensible as your sister?! Apologize!"

"Oh Dad, don't be mad. Sister's just afraid I'd hurt her with my clumsiness. If she doesn't need my help, then forget it."

Cora spoke pitifully, making me seem ungrateful.

I ignored their conversation.

I knew that any rebuttal would only bring insults and slaps.

It's not the first time, but it will be the last.

The maid bringing the food was a new girl, someone I hadn't seen before.

"Hey, Mary, does the ring fit well?"

Cora suddenly spoke.

I instinctively glanced at Mary's hand—it was a gift I bought for Cora with the first money I earned from a part-time job.

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