Chapter 2

The first time I saw the woman in Gabriel's phone was on my birthday.

I went to the hospital as usual to pick up my pain medication. My illness was terminal, with no cure available.

Only strong painkillers could help me live more comfortably.

Suddenly, a message popped up on my phone: "Is this you? You look so ugly! How could my darling Gabriel ever fall for someone like you?"

Then a selfie of me was sent over.

In the photo, I looked pale and sickly, with dry, lifeless hair and dull eyes. I was as thin and frail as a withered blade of grass.

I frowned and looked around, wondering who would stoop so low as to secretly photograph me in the hospital.

But after scanning the area, I couldn't spot anyone suspicious.

"Who are you?" I typed back.

"I'm Tessa! Look, you're sick enough to be in the hospital, but Gabriel doesn't even care about you. Isn't it strange that you married someone who doesn't care about you?"

"If I were in the hospital, Gabriel would probably be worried sick!"

The stranger sent another message, and I could sense the jealousy dripping from her words.

"Oh, but no matter what you say, I'm the one whose name is on Gabriel's marriage name is on Gabriel's marriage certificate. You can talk all you want, but you're nothing more than a mistress who can't see the light of day," I replied coldly.

My response was met with silence for a moment.

Then she sent over another photo.

The woman in the picture wore a purple dress and had delicate features like a doll. At first glance, she looked about 80% similar to me.

Except for a hint of spite in her eyes, she was practically my doppelganger.

"What mistress?! The one who isn't loved is the real mistress!"

"Look, I'm younger and prettier than you! I'm better than you in every way! You're already over the hill!"

"Gabriel will dump you sooner or later!"

I could feel her jealousy radiating through the screen. I smiled faintly.

"So he found you based on my appearance... You're even more pitiful, just being my replacement."

"You... just you wait!"

She was clearly provoked by my words and stopped messaging me.

I stared at the photo of me she had sent, lost in thought.

The angle of that selfie was clearly taken from my own phone. When on earth did she use my phone to take a picture?