Chapter 1

My husband secretly bought an apartment upstairs for his childhood female friend. He was cheating on me right under my nose.

Later, a fire broke out in our building due to equipment failure. As we were escaping, I caught them in the act, and they pushed me into the flames.

As my soul left my body, I watched from above as the true nature of these evil people was revealed.

Perhaps due to my intense resentment, heaven gave me a second chance. When I opened my eyes again, it was my wedding day with my husband.

The wedding venue was packed with guests.

Zack, standing opposite me, said "I do" with deep emotion.

I hesitated for a moment, and the bouquet slipped from my hands.

Just a second ago, I had been floating above my own funeral, watching my husband and his mistress scheme over my family's assets, discussing how to use a jade pendant to suppress my soul.

Unable to contain my anger, I had rushed towards them seeking revenge, only to be sucked into the jade pendant.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back at my wedding with Zack.

The overwhelming sense of unreality made me uneasy. I needed to do something to prove this wasn't a dream.

In the next moment, a sharp sound rang out, and the entire venue fell silent.

Against the backdrop of sweet background music, Zack's face was turned to one side by a slap.

Feeling the stinging sensation in my palm, I finally believed that heaven had truly given me a second chance.

From great sorrow to great joy, I suddenly burst into laughter, like a madwoman.

Zack, who had just been slapped, showed no signs of anger. With a slightly swollen face, he came over to check on me.

"Mia, what's wrong?"

My parents also rushed up from below, examining me from head to toe.

Seeing my parents again, I felt a pang in my heart. I hugged them with tears in my eyes and apologized.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry."

Not understanding the situation, my parents unconditionally embraced and comforted me.

"Sweetie, are you unhappy? If you're not happy, we don't have to go through with this wedding."

I almost agreed, but then my eyes met Zack's. His face was half white and half red as he stood there stiffly.

Averting my gaze, I saw my mother-in-law sitting in the family section, looking equally nervous.

In the fire, I had sworn that if given the chance, I would make them suffer a thousand times more than I did.

Now, I needed to let the wedding continue.

I explained to my parents, "It's nothing. I just realized how immature I've been and how much trouble I've caused you."

My parents believed me and returned to their seats after I reassured them.

I took the officiant's microphone and, taking advantage of the tears still in my eyes, forced out a choked voice to explain to Zack.

"I was just too emotional, too in love with you. I was afraid this wedding was a dream, that's why I acted that way. I'm sorry, Zack."

My declaration made Zack's tense body relax. He wiped away my tears and spoke gently and magnanimously.

"Mia, this isn't a dream. We'll be happy together."

I nodded emotionally and said that crucial phrase: "I do."

Zack excitedly hugged me, as if embracing a precious treasure.

But now, I was acutely aware that I wasn't a treasure, but a stepping stone—a ladder for Zack to climb higher.

I would make him trip over this stepping stone, let him climb the ladder, only to fall hard from the top!