Chapter 1

I'm a professional bridesmaid. At a wedding, the bride asked me to share a love story.

I immediately said: "My husband and I got married after knowing each other for only six months. Besides my parents, he's the person who loves and cherishes me most in this world."

"He makes all my birthday wishes come true. He cooks me breakfast every day. When it rains, he always tilts the umbrella toward me."

Amid envious blessings, a girl suddenly stood up from the audience, looked at me with a smile and said: "Really? But Jace told me he loves me the most. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself."

Gripping the microphone tightly, I recognized the girl immediately.

She was my husband's phone wallpaper.

His niece from abroad, no blood relation.

I suppressed my emotions, forcing a smile as I tried to lead her away.

But she shook off my hand, looked me up and down, her disgust and disdain unconcealed.

"Six months ago, if I hadn't made Jace angry and left the country, how could I have left him behind?"

"Why else would he settle for a woman like you?"

"You're only with Jace for money, aren't you? It's absolutely disgusting."

Vivian's tone and manner were exactly like a wronged wife confronting a mistress.

Yet I held the marriage certificate with Jace, but felt like discount merchandise, despised by her from head to toe.

I'd always known that Jace's brother had adopted the daughter of a fallen comrade.

Jace doted on her to the bone.

But I never imagined they had this kind of relationship.

My nails dug into my palms as I forced myself to stay calm, holding back from slapping Vivian at a client's wedding.

Guests were already pointing at us and gossiping.

"What's going on? This woman's husband is involved with his niece?"

"And the niece is openly competing for him right in front of her? What kind of family is this!"

"Just now this bridesmaid was saying how much her husband cherishes her. Sigh, looks like she's just another foolish woman."

The bride was already displeased, signaling me with her eyes to control the situation.

I pinched my palm hard, forcing a smile.

"What are you saying, Viv? If you've had too much to drink, go home. Jace is waiting for us."

Vivian laughed mockingly and without hesitation raised her hand and slapped me.

"You're not worthy of mentioning Jace in front of me. Jace loves me most. If you don't believe it, ask him yourself."

My struck ear was still ringing when I numbly turned my head.

I saw Vivian's feet give way as she fell sideways.

And Jace appeared just in time, catching Vivian in his arms.

Vivian buried herself in his embrace.

"Jace, I missed you so much."

Jace stroked her head, responding indulgently.

"Mm, I know."

In that instant, my heart felt like it had been completely carved out, leaving me frozen in place, unable to move.

Eight years. I'd pursued Jace for eight whole years.

Later, when Mom was diagnosed with cancer, I was busy earning money and lost contact with him.

Until six months ago, when Jace suddenly found me and proposed.

I thought he'd finally seen my worth, or had grown accustomed to my devotion.

Whatever the reason, as long as it was him, I was willing.

After marriage, Jace did the laundry and cooking, showing favoritism in every aspect of life.

I became even more certain he truly loved me.

But now I was being told all of this was just because Vivian had left the country in a fit of anger, and Jace was settling out of spite?

"Sorry, my kid is a bit willful. I'll take her away. Compensation will be transferred to your account shortly."

Jace carried Vivian princess-style and left. The Maybach's exhaust quickly disappeared.

I couldn't help but laugh, tears streaming down simultaneously.

To pay for Mom's treatment, I worked desperately to earn money.

Professional bridesmaid, pet funeral director, dog walker, hourly worker...

Wherever people were needed, I went, working almost 24 hours without rest.

How ridiculous that only now did I discover my pillow partner who earned three thousand a month and occasionally needed my financial support actually drove luxury cars and wore custom clothes.

The most laughable part wasn't even that.

It was what Jace whispered as he brushed past me.

"Say one wrong word, and you'll be collecting your mother's corpse."