Five years after his proposal, Edward Murray and Rachel Atkinson had yet to officially register their marriage.

He always said he was too busy with work, that whether they registered or not made no difference. Rachel believed him.

But today, she saw him walking out of City Hall. By his side was her sister, Emilia Atkinson, who had vanished five years ago, holding a freshly issued marriage license.

In tears, Emilia threw herself into Edward's arms, clutching the marriage license.

"Eddie, I shouldn't have abandoned our wedding five years ago..." she sobbed. "I know you only agreed to marry me now because I have cancer, but I have to ask: are you over me now? Have you really fallen in love with Rae?"

Edward stayed silent for a long moment.

Rachel dug her nails into her palm until they drew blood as she waited for his answer.

"No," he finally said, his voice low and steady. "Never."

Emilia immediately broke into a smile through her tears. She tiptoed and kissed Edward on the lips. His hand hovered for a moment before settling on her waist as he deepened the kiss.

Not far away, Rachel felt as if the world had just collapsed around her.

If he had never forgotten Emilia, what did that make her?

The harsh horn pulled her back to reality. Trembling, she turned her head just as three black Maybachs glided to a stop at the roadside. Her brothers, Thomas Atkinson, Zachary Atkinson, and Joseph Atkinson, stepped out, dressed impeccably in suits.

"Are you done with the marriage registration? We've already booked a restaurant to celebrate."

Rachel shivered all over.

These were her brothers who had personally made her breakfast this morning...

"Tom! Zack! Joe!" Emilia sobbed as she threw herself into their arms. "I thought you would never acknowledge me again..."

Thomas, Zachary, and Joseph exchanged complicated glances. Eventually, Joseph ruffled her hair and said, "Silly girl, we've been cleaning up your messes since we were children."

Emilia chuckled, looping her arms around her brothers as she had done when she was a child.

The four of them got into the car, all smiles. No one noticed Rachel standing across the street, her face pale.

She only staggered to a tree for support after they disappeared. The rough bark tore her skin, but the pain in her chest was far worse.

All her life, Emilia had been the center of attention.

Emilia and Rachel were twins, but their brothers only ever had eyes for Emilia.

When Rachel was sick with a high fever, they were at the amusement park with Emilia.

On her birthday, she waited alone until late at night, while they celebrated Emilia's.

Rachel had secretly loved Edward for ten years, only to watch him propose to Emilia.

She had once thought no one loved her, and that this was her fate.

But five years ago, on her wedding day, Emilia abandoned Edward at the altar and ran away with a thug, still clad in her expensive gown.

Both the Atkinson and Murray families were humiliated. Her brothers, furious, announced that Rachel would be their only sister from then on.

That night, a drunken Edward stumbled into Rachel's room.

He pinned her against the wall, fingers tracing her cheek. With drunken, hazy eyes, he murmured, "You and she look so much alike."

Then, he slid the wedding ring meant for Emilia onto her ring finger.

"Since she ran away, will you marry me?"

Rachel knew she shouldn't say yes, but she loved him too much to refuse.

For five years, Edward loved and pampered her, making her the most enviable woman in the city.

He spent fortunes at auctions just to make her smile. He reserved a Manhattan rooftop restaurant and organized a private fireworks show for her. And whenever she had nightmares, he'd pause crucial meetings to hold and comfort her.

Even her brothers changed.

Thomas showed up at her office every day, rain or shine. Zachary carefully checked seasonings because she was allergic to seafood. Joseph stayed up late helping revise her designs, smiling as he said, "Rae, you come first in our family."

She naïvely believed she was finally loved.

But everything changed when Emilia returned today.

All the love vanished in an instant.

Rachel watched the cars disappear and then laughed.

It started quietly, then louder, until she bent over. Tears fell in heavy drops. Passersby stared, unaware of why such a beautiful girl cried so bitterly.

All these years, she had been a thief.

She had stolen the love that belonged to Emilia, and now that the rightful owner had returned, it was time for her to step aside!

"Since you all only love her..." Rachel took a deep breath, her chest constricting with pain so sharp it took her breath away. "I don't want any of you!"

She hailed a taxi. "Take me to International Private Island Brokerage."

Half an hour later, she pushed open the heavy glass doors and told the receptionist, "Hello, I'd like to buy a private island."

The receptionist was stunned for a moment, then called the manager, Gilbert Wiggins.

In his 40s, Gilbert was impeccably dressed, his gaze sharp.

"Ms. Atkinson, the island you've chosen is special. The scenery is beautiful, but there's no signal, no regular flights, and the next supply ship won't arrive for three months."

He paused. "If you go through with this, you'll be completely isolated from the world. Are you sure you want to buy it?"

"I'm sure."

Gilbert saw her reddened eyes and didn't press further.

He quickly organized the paperwork and said respectfully, "We'll process everything as quickly as possible and notify you immediately when it's time to go to the island."

Rachel signed quickly, slid a black card from her wallet, and swiped it without a hint of hesitation.

By the time she returned home, it was already dark.

When she pushed the door open, the warm golden light from the living room spilled out, illuminating a cozy, picture-perfect scene on the couch.

Edward was peeling an apple for Emilia, his long fingers holding the knife with the precision of an artist sculpting a masterpiece. Her brothers sat nearby. Zachary held some pills and coaxed gently, "Emmy, time for your medicine."

"It's so bitter..." Emilia scrunched her nose, pouting. "I want candy."

Joseph immediately pulled a candy from his pocket. "This was your favorite when you were little. I've always kept some for you."

Rachel stood frozen at the entrance, her fingers digging into her palm.

"Rae?" Edward was the first to notice her. He set down the knife and walked over. "Why aren't you home? Where have you been today?"

His voice was calm and gentle, as if he hadn't just kissed Emilia passionately at the City Hall that afternoon.

Rachel didn't answer, her gaze sliding past him to Emilia.

Following her line of sight, Edward explained naturally, "Emmy returned home after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Her last wish was for us to accompany her through this final stage."

He paused. "Though it was wrong of her to run from her wedding back then, she is still your sister. For your sake..."

"For my sake?" Rachel laughed suddenly. "Is it for my sake, or have you never stopped thinking about her?"

Edward's brow furrowed. "Rae..."

"Rae!" Thomas walked over. Out of habit, he reached to ruffle her hair, but his hand froze midair. Instead, he patted her shoulder and said, "Emmy doesn't have much time left. One more place at the table won't matter to our family."

"Exactly," Zachary added. "She may have been mischievous as a child, but she's suffered enough outside and knows her mistakes. We're still family."

Joseph stepped closer, pressing the point. "Rae, you've always been the sensible one, haven't you?"

As Rachel listened to them talk, she felt her heart ache until it was almost numb.

Finally, she nodded slightly. "Fine."

The men exhaled in relief, their faces softening with a sense of satisfaction.

"Stay here with Emmy for now," Edward said gently. "We'll go get her room ready."

Once their footsteps faded up the stairs, Emilia moved toward her slowly.

Her face was pale, but her eyes shone with triumph. "Rae, it's been five years. I brought you a gift."

Rachel instinctively stepped back.

Ever since they were kids, Emilia's so-called "gifts" had either been dolls with needles hidden inside or cakes laced with laxatives.

"Don't worry," Emilia said, smiling innocently. "I won't hurt you like five years ago."

With that, she shoved the gift box into Rachel's arms and "helpfully" opened the lid.

"Ah!"

A jet-black venomous snake shot out, sinking its fangs into Rachel's wrist.

Agonizing pain shot up her arm. She instinctively flung the box away, and it landed squarely on Emilia's shoulder.

Emilia collapsed backward, screaming in agony. "It hurts so much..."

"What's happening?"

The men rushed down to see Emilia on the floor, crying, while Rachel clutched her bleeding wrist, her face as pale as death.

Edward was the first to rush over. He shoved Rachel aside and snapped, "What the hell are you doing?"

She stumbled, crashing into the coffee table as pain tore through her lower back.

"Emmy was just trying to give you a gift." Thomas scowled as he helped Emilia up. "And this is how you repay her?"

"It's a snake..." Rachel gasped, cold sweat dripping. "She let a venomous snake bite me..."

"Nonsense!" Joseph snapped. "Emmy can barely walk now. How could she have the time or strength to get a snake to hurt you?"

Emilia cried, her face streaked with tears. "Eddie, Tom, Zack, Joe, I just wanted to give Rae a gift and make peace. I didn't expect her to bear a grudge and accuse me like this."

Rachel hadn't expected that Emilia's acting would be so convincing even after five years. Fighting against the pain, she tried to retrieve the gift box. "I'm not lying! You can see for yourselves—"

"Enough!" Edward grabbed her wrist. Blood gushed from the snake-bitten wound. "She's your sister, and she's sick. How can you be so cruel?"

Zachary scooped up Emilia. "Let's go to the hospital first. She can't take any more stress."

The four of them hurried out without even glancing back at Rachel.

"It really... is a venomous snake..."

Rachel collapsed to her knees, the venom spreading through her veins as her vision dimmed.

She saw a maid rushing over in a panic and heard the maid's terrified cries, but her consciousness was already slipping away.

"Mrs. Murray! Mrs. Murray!" Barbara Munoz knelt beside Rachel, shaking her gently. "Wake up!"

The ambulance wailed as it rushed her to the hospital, but just as she was wheeled into the ER, the doctor was urgently called away.

"I'm sorry, all the doctors have been assigned to the VIP ward," a nurse explained apologetically. "Ms. Emilia's condition worsened suddenly. We've been given strict orders that every doctor must attend to her today. You'd better try another hospital."

Barbara's voice choked with panic. "No! Mrs. Murray can't survive a transfer. She'll die for sure!"

Rachel lay on the hospital bed, her consciousness flickering. Pain drenched her in cold sweat, but the sharper ache came from her heart.

She fumbled for her phone and, summoning all her strength, dialed Edward's number.

The line rang long before he picked up.

"Eddie..." she whispered, barely audible. "I've been bitten by a venomous snake... Can... you... send a doctor..."

"Rachel!" Edward's voice was ice-cold. "Emmy's condition worsened because of you! She has cancer. How can you be so cruel? How can you still pretend at a time like this?"

"I'm not... I really..."

The call was cut off mercilessly.

Tears fell silently as Rachel curled into a ball, pain consuming her. Her consciousness slipped further.

"Mrs. Murray! Mrs. Murray!" Barbara shouted, shaking her. "Don't sleep! Don't close your eyes!"

But Rachel could no longer hold on. Pain and exhaustion overwhelmed her.

Slowly, she closed her eyes.

When Rachel woke again, it was already the next day.

She opened her eyes slowly, the sharp scent of disinfectant filling her nose.

"Mrs. Murray! You're finally awake!" Barbara, her eyes swollen from crying, rushed to the bedside. Her rough hands clutched tightly around her cold fingers. "You scared me half to death!"

"How..." Rachel's voice was hoarse. "How... did I survive?"

Tears welled up in Barbara's eyes again. "A kind doctor couldn't just stand by. He secretly gave you the antivenom. He said if it had been ten minutes later, you wouldn't have made it."

Her voice broke further. "I begged Mr. Thomas to come see you and told him you had really been bitten by a venomous snake, but he said you were faking. Mr. Zachary wouldn't even see me, and Mr. Joseph... He said that you deserved it."

Barbara wiped her tears, her voice shaking with emotion. "Mr. Murray was the worst. I knelt and begged him to check on you, but he said that you were just being unreasonable and that I was helping you deceive him.

"Mrs. Murray..." Barbara suddenly clutched her hand, the warmth of her rough palm seeping through. "You've been so good to them! Last winter, when Mr. Thomas came home drunk at 3:00 a.m., it was you who stood in the kitchen in thin clothes, making hangover soup. You even ended up catching a cold.

"When Mr. Zachary's company ran into a broken capital chain, you quietly sold the emerald bracelet your grandmother left you.

"And when Mr. Joseph burned with fever that wouldn't go down, you stayed awake for three days and nights until you collapsed from exhaustion."

Barbara grew more agitated as she spoke. "And then there's Mr. Murray! You remembered every tie he liked and every coffee flavor he preferred, things even his mother couldn't recall.

"And now, they all revolve around Ms. Emilia, who once abandoned Mr. Murray, ran from marriage, and bullied you since childhood. Yet she's the one who has everyone's love. How can the world be so unfair..."

Rachel listened quietly, her chest constricted as if gripped by an invisible hand.

Tears slipped silently from her eyes, soaking the pristine pillow.

The ache in her heart was a thousand times sharper than the snakebite.

But it didn't matter. Soon, it would all be over.

She would be going to the private island—a place with no pretense, no games, and no them.

After two days of rest in the hospital, Rachel returned home.

The moment she opened the door, the cheerful strains of a birthday song and laughter hit her.

The living room was a swirl of perfume, laughter, and clinking glasses.

Under the crystal chandelier, high-society guests raised their glasses, while Edward and her brothers hovered around Emilia, celebrating her birthday. Dressed in an exquisite gown, she wore a sweet smile, showing no trace whatsoever of being a patient.

The smiles on the men's faces froze when they saw Rachel.

"Weren't you supposed to be on your deathbed?" Thomas said coldly, his sharp gaze cutting like a knife from behind his gold-rimmed glasses. "You seem perfectly fine."

Zachary frowned, the red wine in his hand reflecting a chilling light. "Emmy doesn't have much time left. Can't you be more sensible?"

Joseph toyed with his watch impatiently. "Could you lie a little less in the future?"

Edward stepped forward, his tone gentle but firm. "Emmy doesn't have much time left. Don't pick fights with her anymore."

He paused, then added, "I know you care about my past with her, but you're my wife now."

His words struck Rachel's heart like a knife.

Wife?

She had been by his side all these years, helping him through his lows and enduring everything he demanded, yet when Emilia returned, he immediately married Emilia.

How could he stand there, expressionless, and call her his wife?

Her eyes filled with tears, yet a faint smile tugged at her lips. It was so bittersweet that it made her heart ache. Edward had never seen her like this and felt an unexpected pang in his chest.

He was about to speak when suddenly, Emilia's sweet voice came from behind. "Eddie, Tom, Zack, Joe, come help me cut the cake!"

The living room's big screen lit up, and the birthday videos were played.

The first half was heartfelt blessings from guests.

But halfway through, the screen suddenly switched to explicit photos of Emilia with a thug in bed.

It ended with a line of blood-red text flashing on the screen.

"This is the birthday gift I specially prepared for you. Emmy, I hope you like it."

Chaos erupted instantly.

"Turn it off! Now!" Thomas shouted furiously, and the crystal chandelier trembled from the force of his shout.

Zachary yanked the power cord while Joseph ran to the guests, warning them individually. "Everyone, check your phones. Anyone who leaks this will be held accountable!"

Emilia trembled all over, her carefully styled hair falling into disarray.

Her face was pale, and tears streamed down in heavy drops. "Rae, you've taken Eddie away, taken the love of our brothers. I'm almost dying, so why are you still doing this to me?"

She staggered back two steps and collapsed.

"Emmy!" Edward leapt forward, catching her in his arms.

For the first time, panic flitted across his usually composed face. "Call a doctor! Now! Immediately!"

Before following the medical team, he shot Rachel a cold, piercing look that made her flinch in pain.

Her brothers rushed forward instantly.

"Rachel!" Thomas grabbed her wrist so hard she felt her bones might shatter. "Look at what you've done to Emmy! We told you she didn't have much time left. Why are you still doing this to her?"

"It's not me!" Rachel shook her head violently, her voice trembling. "I didn't release those photos!"

"Evidence proves otherwise, and you still deny it?" Zachary sneered. "In our family, those who make mistakes must be punished."

Those who made mistakes must be punished?

Those words pierced her heart like a blunt blade.

She remembered when she was 12, Emilia pushed her down the stairs, and her brothers said, "She didn't mean it."

She remembered her 18th birthday, when Emilia threw her cake in the trash, and they said, "She's just playing."

She also remembered that winter, when Emilia locked her on the balcony overnight, and they said, "Emmy's in a bad mood lately."

And now, they wanted to punish her?

"Kneel." Joseph's voice was cold and commanding.

The bodyguards immediately stepped forward, roughly pressing her shoulders down as if she were a criminal. She struggled, but they forced her onto the icy marble floor. Her knees crashed onto the marble, the pain blurring her vision.

Thomas picked up the whip they had prepared, swung it through the air with a sharp hiss, and then lashed her back hard.

Pain exploded like a thousand needles stabbing through her flesh. Rachel bit her lip so hard that blood filled her mouth, but she refused to make a sound.

"Do you admit your mistake?" Thomas asked coldly.

"I... I didn't do anything wrong..." she gasped out.

This strike was stronger. Blood immediately seeped through her thin dress, blooming into a shocking red pattern across her back.

"Do you admit your mistake?"

"I... didn't..."

Whip after whip struck her, each one ripping at her soul. Blood soaked her white dress, pooling in a glaring red puddle on the floor.

"Stop... Please, stop..." Barbara cried, kneeling beside Rachel. "Mrs. Murray will die... She'll really die..."

But her brothers ignored her, continuing the punishment.

Rachel's consciousness began to blur. In a haze, she heard Joseph sneer. "If she won't admit her mistakes, we'll keep going until she does."

The final lash hit, and she could no longer endure it. Her vision went black, and she passed out completely.

Before slipping into darkness, the last thing she saw was the glaring pool of blood on the floor, and the cold, unfeeling gazes of her brothers.

Rachel lay abandoned in the room for three long days.

She lay in bed, able to hear clearly the laughter and chatter from the next room.

Emilia's coquettish voice, the gentle coaxing of her brothers, and Edward's deep laugh were like knives, endlessly tormenting her already shattered heart.

"Emmy, take your medicine."

"No! It's so bitter!"

"Be good. Finish it, and I'll give you candy."

"Eddie, feed me..."

Rachel buried her face in the pillow, her nails biting into her palms.

She thought she had become numb to the pain, but each breath still sent sharp stabs through her chest.

On the fourth morning, she managed to get out of bed. Supporting herself against the wall, she shuffled toward the staircase, overhearing excited voices from downstairs.

"I heard there's a pod of dolphins in this area recently," Edward said with rare happiness in his tone. "Emmy's always wanted to see them."

"Let's go today then!" Her brothers agreed. "It'll be good for Emmy to get some fresh air."

Rachel froze at the staircase corner, her fingers trembling on the railing.

The whip scars on her back hadn't healed; each step felt like fire scorching her skin.

"Rae?" Emilia suddenly looked up, calling out joyfully. "You can finally get out of bed!"

The men turned, their gazes complex as they landed on Rachel.

She had grown extremely thin, her loose nightgown hanging emptily, and bruises still marked her exposed wrists.

"We're going to see the dolphins," Emilia said, trotting up the stairs and looping her arm around Rachel's. "Come with us, won't you?"

She instinctively pulled back, and Emilia's eyes immediately filled with tears.

"Rae, I've already forgiven you," Emilia's voice quivered. "Even though you ruined my reputation, I don't have much time left, so I don't want to hold grudges anymore..."

"Rachel!" Edward strode over, placing Emilia protectively behind him. "Emmy is reaching out to make peace, and this is how you respond?"

Joseph sneered. "Exactly. Look at Emmy, and then look at you. The difference is obvious."

Rachel bit her lower lip until she tasted blood.

Looking at the men who had once been closest to her, she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of estrangement.

Ultimately, to cheer Emilia up, she was forcibly taken onto the yacht.

The vast blue sea stretched endlessly, and the sunlight on the deck was so bright it made them squint.

Emilia eagerly suggested a barbecue, but the men frowned in immediate opposition.

"I'm about to die..." Emilia murmured, her voice as light as a feather. "Can't I do what I want?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Zachary quickly covered her mouth. "We've already contacted the best specialists abroad. You'll be fine."

Rachel sat quietly in a corner, watching them fuss over the barbecue preparations.

No one remembered her seafood allergy, just as no one remembered the wounds still marking her back.

"Why aren't you eating?" Edward finally noticed.

"I'm allergic to seafood," Rachel said softly.

The atmosphere immediately turned awkward.

Edward frowned and was about to ask the chef to prepare something else when a sudden gust of wind whipped across the ocean.

The yacht lurched violently, toppling the barbecue grill and scattering glowing embers across the deck.

"Watch out!"

Rachel saw the men instinctively dive toward Emilia, forming a human shield around her.

As for her...

"Ah!"

A cluster of burning embers landed on her gown, flames igniting instantly.

She writhed on the deck in agony, screaming, but not a single person looked back at her.

The men were still anxiously checking if Emilia was hurt when they noticed a small burn on her arm.

"Emmy! Are you okay?"

"Let me see!"

"It's just a little burn. Go get some medicine!"

In the end, a passing crewman spotted Rachel and rushed over in panic, quickly using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames on her body.

"Miss! Hang in there!" the crewman shouted.

Through the haze of pain, Rachel saw them rush Emilia toward the cabin without sparing her a glance.

By the time she was helped back to her room, she was too injured to speak.

Patches of her skin were burned raw, bleeding with the slightest movement. The crewman hurried off to fetch a doctor, leaving her alone.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

"Ms. Atkinson, we still need some documents for the private island you purchased."

"I'll send them now..." Rachel's voice was hoarse, strained with pain. "Please process it quickly... I need to get to the island..."

Before she could finish, a cold voice cut through from behind.

Edward asked, "Who are you talking to?"

"No one," Rachel said, hanging up and tucking the phone under the blanket.

Edward stood in the doorway, sensing something off. His brow furrowed, about to question her, when his gaze fell on the shocking burns across her body.

"What happened to you?" He rushed to her side, his voice laced with uncharacteristic panic. "Why didn't you call me?"

Rachel lowered her eyes, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

How dare he ask that!

She had been writhing on the deck moments ago, screaming in pain as flames singed her hair, and he hadn't even glanced back. What good would it have done to call him?

"I'm fine," she whispered. "The doctor's on the way. Go check on Emilia. She needs you more."

Unexpectedly, he sat down beside her. "There's someone taking care of her. I'll stay until your wounds are treated."

His long fingers gently brushed the loose strands from her forehead, his touch as tender as it once had been. But Rachel only looked at him calmly, her eyes stripped of the joy and trembling affection they used to hold.

He had married someone else.

Who would love a married man?

The moment he registered the marriage with Emilia, any possibility between them had ended.

"Does it hurt?" he asked softly, brow furrowed.

Rachel shook her head lightly without saying anything.

Of course, it hurt. But compared to the ache in her heart, the burns were nothing.

The doctor arrived shortly and carefully treated her burns. Each touch made her break out in a cold sweat, but she bit her lip and said nothing.

"Eddie!" Emilia's sweet voice called from outside. "Come see the dolphins! They're beautiful!"

Edward hesitated, then helped Rachel to her feet. "Let's go see them together."

On deck, the sunset turned the sea a golden hue. Dolphins leapt gracefully from the water, drawing elegant arcs.

"Make a wish! They say wishes to dolphins always come true!" Emilia clasped her hands and closed her eyes.

Rachel sank into a lounge chair, watching the absurd scene unfold. The men—usually so composed and austere—now sat with their eyes closed, humoring Emilia with the reverence of parishioners in prayer.

She knew without a doubt that every wish they made was tied to Emilia.

Slowly, she closed her own eyes.

"Rae, what did you wish for?" Emilia asked curiously, leaning closer.

The men glanced over as well.

Rachel looked at each of them, her words deliberate and steady, "I wish that from now on, I will never meet Edward Murray, Thomas Atkinson, Zachary Atkinson, Joseph Atkinson, or Emilia Atkinson again in this lifetime."

At that moment, a sudden gale whipped up towering waves, sending the yacht lurching violently. Rachel's voice was drowned out by the roar of the sea and the cries of panic around her.

Edward frowned. "What did you just say? I couldn't hear you over the wind."

She was about to speak when Emilia cooed in a scared voice, "It's too dangerous out here! I'm so scared! Let's go back inside."

They rushed to shield her and hurried inside, leaving Rachel trailing behind.

She glanced back at the dolphins disappearing into the distance and suddenly smiled.

Maybe this was fate.

They would never know that the wish she had made was never to see them again.

Just as they had never cherished her heart, they would never realize she was about to step out of their world for good.

***

The day Emilia received her invitation to a high-society ball, the men were all unavailable.

"Tom, Zack, and Joe are flying to Paris to bid on that pink diamond for me," Emilia said, brandishing the invitation with a sweet smile. "Eddie has a multi-billion dollar contract to sign... Rae, will you come with me?"

She batted her eyes, looking helpless. "I haven't been to a ball in five years. I might embarrass myself."

"No," Rachel said flatly.

But the men didn't give her a chance to refuse.

"Emmy isn't well. You need to accompany her," Thomas commanded coldly.

"You know these events best. Don't let her make a fool of herself," Zachary added, pushing up his glasses.

Joseph shoved her into the car. "Take care of Emmy. Don't cause trouble."

The car door slammed shut, leaving Rachel staring at the worried expressions of the men outside. A bitter laugh escaped her.

They would always worry about Emilia, but never about her.

***

At the ball, Emilia wore a dazzling red gown.

"Here, drink this for me," she said sweetly, pressing a glass of champagne into Rachel's hand. "What do you think they'll do if I get drunk and stumble back?"

Rachel's knuckles whitened as she tightened her grip on the glass.

She knew Emilia was doing it on purpose, but she had no choice. If anything happened to Emilia, those men would never spare her.

Glass after glass, Rachel's vision began to blur.

"Oh, are you drunk?" Emilia feigned surprise. "Let me help you to rest."

Rachel struggled, but Emilia's strength overpowered her.

She was half-dragged, half-carried down the long corridor and finally pushed into a strange hotel room.

"Enjoy yourself," Emilia whispered with a teasing laugh before closing the door.

Rachel collapsed to the floor, barely able to focus as a stranger approached. The man loosened his tie, a disgusting smile curling his lips.

"Ms. Emilia paid me handsomely to serve you..." He sneered, reaching for her dress. "You're such a rare prize."

Rachel fought with all her might, but her alcohol-numbed body refused to obey. The man's grip clamped down on her wrist like an iron shackle, his hot breath spilling against her neck, sickening and foul.

Just as he leaned over her, a voice rang out from the door. "Eddie? What are you doing here? Didn't you say you had an important contract to attend to?"

"I was worried about you." Edward's voice came through the door, cool and composed as always. "I came to take you home."

He paused, then asked, "Where's Rae?"

"In the restroom," Emilia replied smoothly, without a trace of hesitation.

With what little strength she had left, Rachel threw herself against the door. "Edward! Help me!"

A beat of silence followed.

"You're sure she's in the restroom?" His tone sharpened, laced with suspicion.

"Of course," Emilia said, her voice soft with grievance. "If you don't believe me, we can check right now... Though it's almost time for my medicine, that's fine. I can wait."

Rachel's stomach dropped.

She knew he would choose to take Emilia home first, just as he always had.

After a suffocating silence, Edward finally spoke. "No. I'll take you back for your medicine first."

As his footsteps faded into the distance, it felt as if a piece of Rachel's heart had been carved out, leaving her in agony so sharp it nearly stole her breath.

Inside the room, the stranger's hand ripped open her collar.

In blind desperation, she found a heavy crystal ashtray on the nightstand and swung it with all her strength.

The man groaned and collapsed.

She staggered to her feet and stumbled out the door.

The corridor was empty. She ran for her life, losing her heels somewhere behind her. Her bare feet slapped against the cold floor, but she felt nothing.

In the pouring rain, she stumbled onto the road, only to be blinded by a pair of glaring headlights.

With a deafening crash, Rachel's body was flung into the air and came down hard on the pavement several meters away.

"Eddie, I think we hit someone!" Emilia's panicked voice trembled inside the car. "Shouldn't we check?"

Through the rain-smeared windshield, Edward frowned, giving the scene only a glance. "It's fine. I'll have my assistant take care of it."

Without hesitation, he pressed harder on the accelerator. "Your medicine comes first."

The car shot forward, spraying a mix of mud and blood onto Rachel's pale face.

She lay in a pool of blood, the rain washing it away in thin streams that trickled into the roadside drain.

When Rachel opened her eyes, she found herself back in a ward. The sharp smell of disinfectant stung her nose, and the heart monitor chirped a steady "beep, beep."

"You're awake?" a nurse said as she pushed the door open. "You were badly hurt—three ribs are broken. You'll need family to care for you. Call them now."

The nurse handed over a phone. Rachel accepted it with trembling hands.

The screen was full of unread messages—dozens of them, all from Emilia.

"The apple Eddie peeled for me is so sweet."

"Tom bought me a new dress. He says I look best in white."

"Zack and Joe spent the whole day with me for tests. They're so worried about me."

"It's been two days since I said I was dizzy, and yet they're all hovering around me. Nobody asks where you went. Once a thief, always a thief. Stolen love always comes at a price. Rachel, you're pathetic. No one truly loves you. If it were me, I'd be dead already."

Rachel stared at the messages, her fingers tightening until her knuckles went white.

"I don't have a family." She handed the phone back to the nurse, her voice barely a breath. "I only have myself."

The nurse wanted to say something, but sighed and left.

Outside the window, maple leaves blanketed the ground. Rachel watched the IV drip, each drop echoing the years of love that had been wasted on her.

Five days later, she discharged herself and went home alone.

When she pushed open the villa door, laughter and conversation washed over her.

In the living room, Edward was peeling an orange for Emilia while her brothers stood around, deep in discussion. Their smiles froze when they saw her.

"Where have you been?" Thomas asked, frowning. "Why didn't you come home?"

Rachel walked straight upstairs. From behind her came Joseph's sneer. "Having another tantrum, I see."

The moment her bedroom door shut, she collapsed to the floor.

Her ribs ached faintly, but the tear in her chest hurt far worse.

The maid brought her dinner, but she didn't touch a bite.

Late that night, her phone lit up again.

"You relentless wretch! I'll make you see who they truly care about!"

She powered the phone off and tossed it into a drawer.

The next morning, the bedroom door was kicked open.

"Rachel!" Edward grabbed her from the bed. "Where's Emmy?"

Before she could answer, Zachary seized her collar. "She left a note that said, 'Since Rae won't accept me, I'll leave.' What did you say to her? Did you force her to leave?"

"I don't know." Rachel's voice was hoarse.

"Why are you still lying at this point?" Joseph slammed the vanity in fury. "Do you know she has a terminal illness? If anything happens to her, I won't forgive you!"

"I'm not lying. I really don't know."

Tension tightened the room until the assistant burst in, out of breath. "We've found Ms. Emilia! She's at the cliff!"

The men's faces went dark at once.

"Rachel!" Thomas grabbed her throat so hard she could barely breathe. "When did you become so vicious? Emmy has a terminal illness, and her days are already numbered. Why won't you leave her alone?"

Forced to look up, Rachel struggled for air but managed a bitter smile.

How absurd.

They had brought in the world's top medical teams and the most expensive treatments. If Emilia truly had a terminal illness, those resources should have been able to fix it.

It was just an excuse that let them forgive Emilia for running off years ago.

Her silence only fueled their fury.

"Put her in the car!" Edward ordered coldly. "No matter what, she has to bring Emmy back today!"

They shoved Rachel into the car and sped toward the cliff.

The wild wind howled as Emilia stood at the edge of the cliff in a white dress, teetering on the brink. The sea breeze lifted her skirt, making her look as fragile as paper.

"Emmy!" Thomas, Zachary, and Joseph shouted anxiously, "Come back!"

Emilia turned her tear-streaked face back: "Tom, Zack, Joe, Eddie, I can't bear to leave you... but Rae can't tolerate me... I'm dying anyway... I might as well end it now, so I won't be an eyesore to Rae anymore..."

The four men immediately turned to glare angrily at Rachel.

"Rachel!" Edward shoved her forward, "Say something! Talk her out of it!"

Rachel watched the farce quietly, saying nothing.

"Will you only be satisfied if you drive her to death?" Thomas roared.

Seeing Rachel remain silent, Emilia cried even harder. Suddenly, she turned around and resolutely leapt toward the cliff!

"Emmy!!!"

All four men lunged forward at once, grabbing her wrist at the very last second.

After pulling her back up, Emilia collapsed into their arms, sobbing her heart out.

"It's okay, it's okay..." Edward held Emilia tightly in his arms, his voice unbelievably gentle. "We're here."

"Don't be afraid," Thomas, Zachary, and Joseph patted her back softly. "We won't let anything happen to you."

Emilia sobbed in Edward's arms, but after a moment she suddenly struggled again: "No, let me go! Let me die! Rae... she can't stand me at all..."

As she spoke, she tried to rush toward the edge of the cliff again, but the four men hurriedly stopped her.

"Enough!" Joseph turned to glare at Rachel, his eyes blazing with anger. "Look at what you've driven her to!"

Zachary hugged Emilia's trembling shoulders with concern, his voice gentle: "Don't be afraid. With us here, no one can force you to leave."

Rachel watched the scene quietly, a cold smile curling at the corner of her lips.

She knew Emilia too well. It was always like this—using suicide to win sympathy, and they would always fall for it.

"Someone, hang Ms. Rachel over the cliff for reflection!" Thomas ordered coldly. "Let her think about what she's done wrong."

Out of sight of the others, Emilia flashed a victorious smile at Rachel.

Her gaze was blatant, as if to say: "Rachel, you'll never beat me."

The bodyguards immediately stepped forward, tying Rachel up with rough hemp rope and hanging her over the edge of the cliff. The rope bit deeply into her flesh, but she didn't even frown.

As Edward was leaving, he glanced back. Rachel's unusually calm eyes made his heart tremble inexplicably, but just then Emilia "fainted" at the perfect moment. He panicked, scooped her up in his arms, and left without looking back.

Only Rachel was left on the cliff.

The sea wind howled, the rope swayed in the wind, rubbing against her already bloody wrists. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, but she was tied so tightly she couldn't check it.

She began twisting her wrists with all her strength, loosening the rope bit by bit. Blood trickled down the rope, but she seemed to feel no pain.

Finally, when the rope was loose enough, she suddenly flipped herself over, using all her strength to grab onto a protruding rock at the edge of the cliff, and slowly climbed up.

By the time she finally made it up, her hands were a bloody mess.

With trembling hands, she pulled out her phone. A message appeared on the screen:

"Ms. Atkinson, the handover procedures for your private island have been completed. You may move in at any time."

Looking at the rope swaying in the wind at the edge of the cliff, Rachel suddenly smiled.

Since she was leaving, she might as well let them think she was dead.

She could never win against Emilia, but there was one thing Emilia hadn't considered—

The living can never outcompete the dead!

With that thought, she hung her coat on a branch at the edge of the cliff, cut the rope and threw it into the abyss. The coat fluttered in the wind, looking just like the last trace left by someone who had fallen.

"Goodbye."

She said softly, but it wasn't a farewell to anyone else—it was to the version of herself who had foolishly loved them in the past.

She hailed a taxi and left without looking back.

This time, she would give all her love to herself.