Chapter 1

My husband came from a family renowned for its groundbreaking work in natural healing and herbal medicine.

Before I met him, his adoptive sister, a prodigy in herbal remedies herself, had always been by his side.

Their bond was incredibly deep; they’d spent every day together for over a decade.

Until my husband rescued me from the brink of death and fell in love with me at first sight.

For years, under the care of his adopted sister and my husband, my health had steadily worsened.

I knew it all stemmed from Bella.

Just as my husband was writing a new prescription for me, Bella called him away. He didn't even notice that a crucial ingredient was missing from the new blend.

A cold electronic voice chimed in my head at that very moment.

"Congratulations, Host. You are about to achieve the death ending. Mission nearing completion."

Listening to the electronic voice in my mind, I couldn’t help but let out a relieved smile.

This day, I had finally waited for it.

Martha, the housekeeper responsible for my care, took the prescription and quietly asked,

"Ma'am, would you like to brew the medicine now, or wait for Mr. Mason to return and supervise it himself?"

"Preparing the herbal blend is especially crucial. Perhaps we should wait for Mr. Mason."

I looked at Martha, her eyes full of concern, and smiled.

"No need to wait."

This blend wasn't about the brewing; it was poison from the start.

Martha started to say something else, but I had already closed my eyes, feigning rest.

I don't know how much time passed before my door was pushed open again.

When I opened my eyes, I met Liam Mason's gaze directly.

His expression was one of doting affection, but to me, it was just another mask.

He smiled, scooped up a spoonful of the brew, and spoke gently.

"Bella and I came up with this blend together. It's the only one that can do your body any good right now."

"That girl, Bella, she really cares about you, Alice."

My expression remained unchanged.

Oh, she cares about me alright. *Deeply* cares about how to send me to an early grave.

I didn't want to waste any more breath on Liam. I took the bowl from his hand and drained it in one gulp.

The brew was searing hot; it made my eyes water.

Seeing my tears, Liam's eyes filled with concern. He reached out, trying to pull me into his embrace.

Just then, the bedroom door swung open, and Bella's voice rang out.

"Sister Alice, I just accidentally twisted my ankle, that's why I called Liam away. You're not mad, are you?"

The moment her voice hit, Liam flinched, snatching his hand back as if he'd been burned.

I saw his subtle movement and found it utterly pathetic.

Bella saw my tears and exaggerated her expression.

"No way, Sister Alice, you're actually crying? You're just way too sensitive. No wonder your health isn't great."

Liam turned back, gently scolding her.

"Don't talk nonsense. Alice was just scalded, that's why she cried."

Bella heard him and naturally leaned against Liam, smiling sweetly.

"Oh, I was overthinking it. But before, Sister Alice never wanted you and me to be together. I thought she was getting a little jealous."

"Sister Alice, please don't worry. Liam and I have a purely platonic sibling bond."

Hearing Bella's words, Liam's face fell a little.

I pretended not to notice, speaking calmly.

"My health has been getting worse lately. I'd like to go to the hospital for a check-up."