Chapter 1

Three years in a coma, I woke up to a video clip of my husband announcing my death.

"To let my late wife rest in peace, I must embrace a new life."

There was my husband, Liam, arm wrapped around my best friend Chloe, holding a photo of me while sobbing for the cameras.

The internet was eating it up. They called him a devoted husband. He'd gained a million followers and even planned a lavish funeral for me..

But I was very, very alive!

I left the hospital and went home to confront Liam.

The moment I stepped through the door, Liam's son shoved me away.

"You evil woman! Get out of my house!"

I didn't budge. Instead, I smiled and clapped my hands. A swarm of reporters flooded in, cameras flashing.

"Everyone, come see! A devoted husband is holding a funeral for his living wife!"

Liam grabbed my hand, his eyes flashing with guilt and panic, but no surprise.

"Scarlett, you... you’re really awake?"

"Disappointed?" I snorted, pulling my hand from Liam's grasp.

"How could I be? For the past three years, I've prayed for this every day. I'm so happy you're finally awake." Liam said, pushing a little boy in front of me.

"Leo, this is Scarlett, the lady I told you about!"

"Scarlett isn't dead? She is a liar!" Leo scrambled to hide behind Liam, shooting me a glare.

"A child of impeccable manners, I see." I snapped.

Hearing my words, Liam immediately shielded him. "He’s my son. And Chloe’s. Watch your tone!"

It was then I noticed the kid's eyes and brows were a mix of Liam's and Chloe's, my best friend from college.

I'd only been in a coma for three years, but this child was clearly older than three.

This meant Liam had been cheating on me with Chloe for more than three years behind my back. My heart sank.

Seeing me stare blankly, Liam continued.

"Don't worry, now that you're awake, you're still my wife. You and Chloe were good friends; you'll surely get along. I'm sure she'll accept you too!"

Suddenly, I felt like I'd never truly known Liam.

We'd been married for ten years. When he couldn't find a job right after college, I worked three jobs a day to support us both.

Later, I thought things were finally getting better. We finally moved out of the basement apartment and had our own small place, but then I had to help his family pay off debts.

Now, after three years as a comatose patient, I finally woke up to find he'd issued a death certificate for me. And he'd been cheating on me for ages, even having a child with my best friend.

"Liam, doesn't your conscience bother you?" I asked him, my eyes red. "This is my home! Get out, and take that bastard child with you!"

Liam sighed, shielding Leo tightly behind him, as if afraid I'd hurt the boy.

"The child is innocent, don't yell at him. I know you can't accept this right away, but what I'm saying is true. I love you deeply. But Chloe has sacrificed so much for me these past few years; I can't let her down either!"

He hugged me so tightly, his tears dripping onto my neck, as if he genuinely couldn't bear to let me go.

"Please, let's not fight. I really missed you. But I have to be responsible for Chloe, and for Leo."

He took my hand and pressed it against his chest.

"Listen, my heart is beating faster for you. Can you just be magnanimous for me this once? From now on, we'll all be a family and live a good life."

A family?

I laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. But he was completely immersed in his role as the devoted husband.

"Scarlett, I have money now. I can give you a good life. Here."

He handed me a bank card.

"There's ten thousand dollars on the card. You've been through too much hardship with me. Trust me, I'll make you happy from now on. You can swipe this card whenever you want."

Ten thousand?!

He thought ten thousand dollars would make me forgive his betrayal? Ten thousand dollars could buy back ten years of my unpaid dedication?

"Liam Hayes, I'm not that cheap!"