Chapter 1

A week before my wedding, on my way to pick up my diamond ring, I was abducted and tortured by thugs for a whole day and night.

When they finally found me, I was unrecognizable, lying in a pool of blood.

My father and brother canceled a billion-dollar merger and flew back overnight just to be by my side.

In the middle of the night, I overheard Brandon whispering to Arthur outside my hospital room:

"Even if we wanted Amber to marry Logan, we didn't have to hire people to hurt Chloe this badly. She’s a girl, Arthur. They ruined her face and her innocence. How is she supposed to live with herself?"

Arthur’s face flickered with a brief moment of pain, but his voice remained firm. "Amber has never asked me for anything. Logan is the only thing she wants. With Chloe around, the Carters would never accept a daughter born out of wedlock."

"As for Chloe, I’ll fulfill her mother’s dying wish and make her the sole heir to the company. That will at least guarantee she’s set for life."

Only then did I realize that this entire nightmare was orchestrated by them—just to force me to step aside for Amber.

Their so-called love was nothing but a sickening illusion.

If that was what they wanted, I would let them have it.

Hearing them talk outside the door felt like being plunged into an abyss of ice.

Brandon seemed to have a trace of guilt left as he continued, "But when Chloe finds out, she’ll be completely devastated."

Arthur frowned, his attitude remaining rock-solid.

"Amber is your sister too. When your mother was alive, I couldn’t bring her into the family, forcing her to live as an outcast for so long. I owe her."

"Amber is sweet and sensible. She hasn’t asked for a single thing in over ten years. She just wants to pursue her love. Are we really going to deny her this one small wish?"

Conflict flashed across Brandon’s face, but he asked in a defeated tone:

"But the Carters are deeply tied to us financially. If we swap brides at the last minute and make Logan marry Amber, will they actually agree?"

Arthur thought for a long moment. "The Carters will see the news reports tomorrow..."

As if realizing something, Brandon quickly pulled out his phone. "I’ll notify the media. No matter how much it costs, we have to suppress this story. We can’t let a single detail of what happened to Chloe leak out."

Arthur reached out and stopped him. "No. Not only should you not stop it, but we also need to publicize it. The more people who know, the better!"

"If we offer Amber to marry him instead, the Carters, bound by our family alliance, will think we are saving them from embarrassment. They’ll treat Amber even better and won't blame her for any of this."

Brandon paused, then actually nodded. "You're right, Arthur. Amber isn't like Chloe. Chloe was born with everything, while Amber has nothing. I can only be at peace if Amber marries into the Carter family and lives a good life."

"Besides, Chloe has always been spoiled. Maybe she needs to go through some hardship to grow up."

Arthur’s phone rang.

The worry on his face vanished instantly, replaced by sheer joy as he spoke into the receiver.

"Amber, don't worry. I promise you will marry Logan tomorrow. Just focus on preparing yourself to be the happiest bride!"

I didn't know what Amber said on the other end, but both Arthur and Brandon laughed happily.

I closed my eyes in absolute despair.

My own father didn't hesitate to have me brutally attacked just to pave the way for Amber.

The brother I thought adored me, the father I thought loved me—they were willing to trample on my dignity and reputation just to give Amber a perfect life.

My body lost all strength, and I collapsed onto the floor.

Hearing the noise, Arthur and Brandon rushed in.

Arthur scooped me into his arms, gently touching my forehead with mock tenderness.

"Chloe, you're so badly hurt. Why aren't you resting? Walking out barefoot... do you want to break your father's heart?"

Brandon quickly brought over a wheelchair and grabbed a towel to wipe my feet.

They acted as if I were still Arthur’s beloved daughter, and Brandon's only sister.

Arthur’s eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night, yet he sat by my bedside, watching me fall asleep.

"You'll be fine when you wake up, Chloe. It's all in the past. I will always be here for you."

They acted so convincingly, as if they truly loved me.

I turned my back to them, letting my tears flow silently until they ran dry.

When the doctor came in, he said, "The damage to her face is severe. If we don’t perform reconstructive surgery soon, it might leave permanent scars."

Brandon said anxiously, "That can't happen! Chloe cares about her looks more than anything. She used to throw a tantrum over a single pimple."

But Arthur just waved his hand, signaling the doctor to leave.

Thinking I was fast asleep, he didn't bother to hide his thoughts and whispered, "Chloe has always been beautiful, a star since she was a kid. With her around, everyone ignored Amber. Now that Chloe’s face is ruined, Amber won't have to envy her anymore."

I bit my lip so hard it bled, forcing myself not to make a sound.

I remembered when my mother had just passed away.

I was only six years old, crying every day until my eyes were swollen like walnuts.

Arthur had held me tightly and said, "As long as I’m alive, I will make sure you are the happiest girl in the world, Chloe."

Brandon had also promised that I would always be his only little sister.

How quickly they forgot their vows.

After a sleepless night, the doctor came to examine my body. Even he looked like he couldn't bear to see it.

I was covered in deep bruises, and my face was wrapped in thick bandages.

He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Everyone says the Mitchells love their daughter Chloe like life itself. So how can they leave her like this and spend the whole morning taking the illegitimate daughter out shopping?"