Chapter 4

I stared blankly at the man who had been "dead" for three years. Julian Vance.

Memories flooded my mind.

Julian and I were high school sweethearts. Getting married was supposed to be a natural step.

But after Vivian entered our lives as my stepsister, everything changed.

Once, Vivian pretended to be close to me in front of Julian. But the second he walked away, she whispered:

"I don't care if he’s your fiancé. If I want him, I’ll take him."

Furious, I slapped her.

Vivian screamed hysterically. Julian ran back and saw me hitting her.

He immediately pulled me off her and yelled,

"Chloe! What is wrong with you? Why are you hurting Vivian?"

Julian demanded that I get down on my knees and beg Vivian for forgiveness. When I refused, he threatened to call off the wedding.

Seeing him protect her, I lost my mind. I looked him dead in the eye and said:

"Julian, I’ll ask you once. Her or me? If you choose her, we are done."

Julian’s face was rigid, but he didn't stop me from walking away.

Instead, he helped Vivian up and muttered, "I’m sorry, Vivian. I’ve spoiled her too much. I’ll make sure she learns her lesson."

I didn't believe he would actually punish me for Vivian. But I was wrong. Deadly wrong.

Three days later, Julian covered himself in fake blood and ran to my apartment, claiming he was being hunted by dangerous cartel members.

I begged him to flee the country, but he refused.

He said if he left, they would kill me. He said the only way to keep me safe was for him to commit suicide.

And then, he looked at me and said: "This is my punishment for you, Chloe. Learn to be obedient. Stop bullying Vivian."

I screamed as he "shot" himself and collapsed in my arms.

"No! I don't accept this punishment! I was wrong! Please don't leave me!"

After that day, my father publicly disowned me to "protect the family reputation." He announced to the media:

"The Miller family only has one daughter, and her name is Vivian!"

I became a homeless orphan.

I had nothing. No fiancé, no family. All I had left was the baby in my womb.

Seeing me standing there like a statue, Vivian used Julian’s blind spot to pinch my arm violently.

The sharp pain brought me back to reality.

I gasped, shoved her away, and lunged at Julian.

I grabbed his expensive collar, screaming at the top of my lungs:

"Julian! You’re alive! Why did you fake your death?! Why did you lie to me?!"

My voice cracked with pure agony.

"Do you have any idea how I lived these past three years?! I thought you were dead!"

Before Julian could speak, Vivian shoved me away and shielded him.

"Chloe, have you lost your mind? Julian just paid for your daughter's surgery! How can you be so ungrateful?"

My rage boiled over.

"She is his daughter! Paying for her is his damn job!"

"And who the hell are you to talk to me?!"

I grabbed Vivian by the neck and slapped her hard across the face.

As I raised my hand to strike again, Julian grabbed my wrist.

He squeezed so hard I felt my bones crushing. He stared down at me with cold, detached eyes. Tears streamed down my face, but I refused to look away.

Seeing my tears, he finally let go. His tone was filled with arrogant pity.

"Now that you know the truth, pack your things and come back with me. You don't have to live in this dump anymore. I’ll make it up to you."

I ignored him, turned around, and slapped Vivian again.

Without a second thought, Julian raised his hand and slapped me back.

"Chloe! Have you not had enough?"

"Did three years of misery still not teach you how to behave?"