Chapter 1

After cleaning my mother-in-law Ruth's body, I scrolled across a post titled "What's the Ultimate Way to Spoil Your Wife?"

"Of course it's finding an old woman to keep at home to serve your parents~ My husband does exactly that. He married that woman, and now she has to stay home wiping my mother-in-law's ass and piss, serving his half-paralyzed father-in-law, and he doesn't even have to pay her. He gives me $50,000 a month, and all I need to do is stay beautiful~"

Many people questioned whether she was just a kept mistress.

But the blogger posted a wedding photo:

"That woman is the mistress! I'm the legal wife!"

Looking at that photo, my heart clenched violently.

Wasn't that my husband Ferdinand?

The blogger continued showing off:

"My husband threw that woman a fake wedding that only cost six thousand dollars—the same price as our dog. What a bargain!"

My hands trembling, I called my brother, whom I hadn't contacted in ages:

"I regret it."

"What are you dawdling for! Hurry up and make dinner!"

Ruth sipped her tea while impatiently giving orders.

But this time, I didn't submit meekly. Instead, I turned and went back to my room.

Ruth froze for a few seconds, then cursed furiously, spittle nearly hitting my face.

"Doria, are you deaf! Didn't you hear me!"

"Your father-in-law ate too much and shit the bed again. Get over there and change his clothes! What are you doing messing around in here!"

She kicked over my suitcase.

I didn't even look up.

"It's New Year's. I'm going to bring Ferdinand some things and surprise him."

Panic flashed through Ruth's eyes as she stuttered a rebuttal.

"Wh... what surprise! You just stay home obediently and take good care of us for Ferdinand's sake. That's more important than anything!"

A voice came from the next room—my father-in-law.

"Exactly! At New Year's, Ferdinand's company must be swamped. Why are you causing trouble for no reason?"

My hands paused. I raised my head and met Ruth's panicked gaze.

So they all knew. They knew Ferdinand had another wife he treasured outside.

The whole family had conspired together, letting those two live freely outside while using moral obligation to bind me, making me waste my entire life at home, day after day cooking, washing clothes, and dealing with their shit and piss.

I clenched my fists and said nothing, then headed to City Hall.

The clerk took the marriage certificate and frowned slightly.

"This certificate is fake. The system also shows you as unmarried."

My mind exploded with a buzzing sound, leaving only a sharp ringing in my ears.

Ten years ago, Ferdinand and I were tied for first place in our university's finance program.

During college, we won countless awards and secured investment from top financial firms.

After graduation, when his parents had back-to-back accidents, I willingly stepped back to support him, letting him pursue his entrepreneurial dreams without worry.

The day he proposed, he cried like a child, his voice trembling.

"Doria, I will make you the happiest person in the world."

I believed him. But where did it all go wrong?

I stumbled out of City Hall, whispers following behind me.

"Young women these days are so gullible, getting used for nothing."

"Maybe she's the mistress on the side!"

I couldn't wait any longer. The next morning, at the crack of dawn, I left without telling Ferdinand's parents.

No matter what, I needed an explanation from Ferdinand.

But as soon as I arrived at the company, security stopped me.

"Who are you? Do you have ID?"

I said expressionlessly, "I'm Ferdinand's wife."

The moment the words left my mouth, harsh laughter erupted around me.

"You? Ferdinand's wife? Why don't you piss and look at yourself in the reflection!"

"Everyone in Las Vegas knows Ferdinand's wife is our company's director. The two of them are lovey-dovey all day long, even planning for a third kid!"

The guard held a cigarette in one hand while pointing inside with the other.

"See that? That's the real Mrs. Ferdinand, head to toe in designer brands! One necklace alone is worth $200,000!"

"Looking like a beggar and trying to scam us? Get lost!"

I said nothing, just stared at the woman's back.

The moment she turned around, my heart was viciously wrenched.

It was her. Christiana.