Chapter 1

I discovered that my husband had secretly bought an apartment for his childhood sweetheart right above our home. He was literally cheating on me under my nose.

Later, a fire broke out in our building due to faulty equipment. As we were fleeing for our lives, I stumbled upon their dirty secret. They joined forces and pushed me into the raging flames.

As my soul left my body, I watched from above as the true colors of these evil people, hidden beneath their human facades, were revealed.

Perhaps due to the weight of my grievances, heaven granted me a second chance. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself at my wedding with Jack.

The wedding hall was packed with guests.

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

But I hesitated, the bouquet slipping from my hands and falling to the ground.

Just a moment ago, I had been floating above my own funeral, watching as my husband and his mistress, who had murdered me with their own hands, plotted to seize my family's assets. They were even discussing using a jade pendant to suppress my soul.

Unable to contain my rage, I had lunged at them, seeking revenge, only to be sucked into the jade pendant.

And now, I had opened my eyes to find myself back at my wedding to Jack.

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

In the next second, a sharp crack rang out, silencing the entire hall.

Against the backdrop of sweet background music, Jack's face was turned to one side by the force of my slap.

Only when I felt the stinging pain in my palm did I dare to believe that heaven had truly given me a second chance.

From great sorrow to great joy, I suddenly burst out laughing like a madwoman.

Jack, his face slightly swollen from the slap, showed no anger. Instead, he came over to check on me, concern evident in his voice. "Lily, what's wrong?"

My parents rushed up from their seats, examining me anxiously.

Seeing my parents again, my heart softened. I hugged them tearfully, choking out an apology. "Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry."

Not understanding the situation, they embraced me unconditionally, trying to comfort me.

"Sweetie, if you're unhappy, we can call off the wedding," they offered.

I almost agreed, but then my eyes met Jack's. His face was half white, half red, as he stood rigidly to one side.

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

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

For 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, reassured by my words.

I took the microphone from the officiant. Taking advantage of the tears still in my eyes, I forced a choked voice and explained to Jack.

"I was just overwhelmed with emotion. I love you so much that I was afraid this wedding might be a dream. I'm sorry, Jack."

My declaration made Jack relax his tense posture. He wiped away my tears and spoke with gentle magnanimity. "Lily, this isn't a dream. We'll be happy together."

I nodded emotionally and said the words he was waiting to hear: "I do."

Jack hugged me excitedly, as if clutching a precious treasure.

But now, I knew clearly that I wasn't his treasure. I was just a stepping stone, a ladder for Jack to climb higher.

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