"Katherine, your twenty-second birthday is coming soon."

Her mother's voice on the other end couldn't hide her anticipation, "Have you decided which of the five fiancé candidates you'll choose?"

Katherine stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, fingertips absently tracing the frame. Sunlight poured through the glass onto her, yet couldn't melt the ice in her eyes.

"I've decided."

She said softly.

"I knew it!"

Her mother laughed, "You've chased after Eric since childhood—of course you chose him?"

"No."

Katherine's voice remained calm, "I won't choose him."

The line went silent for several seconds.

"Then..." her mother hesitated, "are you picking among Walter, Stephen, or Ralph? They all adore you."

"I won't choose them either."

Her mother gasped: "That only leaves Gary.

But he's your sworn enemy!

You wouldn't possibly..."

"I choose him."

Katherine cut her off, voice impossibly firm, "Mom, I'm marrying Gary."

"What?

!""

Her mother's pitch sharpened abruptly, "Katherine, you and Gary have clashed since you were toddlers! At five you pushed him into the pool, at ten you slipped chili powder into his birthday cake, at fifteen you tossed his limited-edition sneakers into the fountain..."

As her mother recounted their "glorious history," Katherine's lips curved into an involuntary smile.

"Just last year you said seeing him made you sick," her mother pressed, "and drove him overseas. Why marry him now?"

Katherine lowered her gaze, fingers tightening slightly.

Because in this second life, she finally understood—among those five fiancés, only he truly loved her, yet she'd been blind to it.

In her past life, she'd stood right here, overflowing with joy as she told her mother she'd marry Eric.

But how could she have known then? That aloof heir of the Robinsons would fake his death for another woman, abandoning her to twenty years of agony.

Born into the wealthy Moore family of Metropolis, her mother shared lifelong bonds with the matriarchs of the Robinson, Sanchez, Mitchell, Adams, and Thomas clans. When all six women conceived simultaneously, the other five bore sons—only the Moores welcomed a daughter.

On her birth day, the five ladies jostled to cradle the porcelain-skinned infant, nearly coming to blows over who'd become her future mother-in-law.

Her mother relented, promising Katherine would choose one fiancé from the five families at twenty-two.

Last life, she'd picked Eric without hesitation.

The man she'd chased through her youth—she'd believed happiness awaited.

Yet on their wedding eve, his plane vanished without a trace.

She scoured oceans for his remains, refusing to quit for two decades.

Walter, Stephen, and Ralph stayed by her side—gentle, attentive, whispering love, hoping to lift her from despair.

She cherished their devotion, but Eric remained unforgotten.

Until that rain-lashed night—

On a London street, she witnessed the "dead" Eric pinning Emma against a wall, kissing her fiercely.

The scholarship student Katherine had funded now lay cradled in her fiancé's arms.

Walter, Stephen, and Ralph stood nearby, waiting until they finished kissing before immediately draping a coat over Emma Miller's shoulders and handing her fruit, their eyes filled with concern: "Kissing that long made your lips all swollen, poor thing."

"Emma, don’t worry. Just stay abroad and fly away together with Eric." They spoke gently to Emma Miller. "We’ll keep Katherine occupied. She’ll never find you both."

That’s when she realized Eric Robinson had long been in love with Emma. He’d even staged a fake death and elopement just for her.

The other three men actually loved Emma too. Pretending to care for Katherine was merely a ploy to stop her from ruining their beloved’s happiness.

After uncovering the truth, Katherine fled in panic but tragically got into a car accident. Those four men stood coldly across the street, watching her die.

Finally, it was Gary Thomas—

Her childhood rival whom she’d always despised, the man she’d once hurled insults at—who collected her remains and stood before her grave with red-rimmed eyes.

"Katherine?" Angela Moore’s voice pulled her back to reality. "Are you still there?"

Katherine took a deep breath, fingertips trembling slightly. "Mom, I’ve decided. At my twenty-second birthday gala, I’ll announce my engagement to Gary."

"Please inform him to return immediately." She paused, her voice soft yet firm. "It’s best... if you and Dad go personally. Otherwise, he likely won’t believe it."

Though confused, Angela indulged her daughter with a sigh. "Alright, since you insist. We’ll fly to Switzerland tomorrow!"

After hanging up, Katherine exhaled in relief and headed upstairs.

She opened a hidden compartment in her walk-in closet. Inside lay four exquisite gift boxes: a diamond necklace from Eric, a limited-edition watch from Walter, an auction-grade painting from Stephen, and bespoke perfume from Ralph.

Each priceless. Each carrying the weight of past lies.

Gathering the gifts, she walked out without looking back.

Just as she reached the garden, a familiar voice drifted over—

"Eric..." Emma’s eyes were red, voice choked. "Miss Katherine’s twenty-second birthday is coming. She adores you—she’ll surely choose you. You’ll soon be a married man. We can’t be together anymore. She funded my education... It’s wrong to enjoy your affection behind her back."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You’re the heir to the Robinson empire. I’m just a scholarship student... Please forget our time together..."

Katherine froze mid-step.

Not far away, four men encircled Emma.

Eric’s expression darkened as he seized Emma’s wrist. "Who said you could leave? Even if she picks me, you’re the only one I want."

"Relax. I’ve arranged everything. If she chooses me, I’ll fake a plane crash before the wedding. We’ll abandon it all and start fresh."

"Emma, no need to fret." Walter Sanchez offered a handkerchief gently. "Once you elope, the three of us will keep Katherine too busy to track you down."

Stephen Mitchell added with a lighthearted chuckle, "Exactly. Just focus on flying off into the sunset with Eric."

"With us here, you’ve got nothing to fear." Ralph Adams murmured affectionately.

"But..." Emma bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes, "Miss Katherine will be heartbroken if she finds out."

Four men spoke in unison: "We only care about you. Katherine's life or death means nothing to us!"

Katherine stood behind the tree, feeling as if an invisible hand had clenched her heart.

Yes, her fate meant nothing to them.

In her past life, they'd proven exactly that.

Expressionless, she clutched the gift box and walked forward, stilettos clicking sharply on the cobblestones.

"Miss?!" Emma's face paled as she rushed over. "You... why are you here..."

Katherine didn't spare her a glance. "Taking out the trash."

"Let me help!" Emma reached for the box. "The Moores funded my education. I swore I'd work my fingers to the bone to repay you!"

"No need."

"Please don't be polite, Miss..."

During their struggle, Emma suddenly stumbled.

"Ah!"

She shrieked, grabbing Katherine's arm as both tumbled into the adjacent pool.

Icy water swallowed them whole.

Katherine thrashed desperately, gasping at the surface: "Help—"

Four men dove in simultaneously from the bank.

Not for her.

She watched them race toward Emma while she sank deeper.

As water flooded her nostrils, she glimpsed Eric carrying Emma ashore, Walter draping his coat over her, Stephen performing chest compressions, Ralph calling emergency services...

Finally, Eric gripped Emma's chin and crushed his lips against hers.

Katherine stared numbly at Eric's "rescue breaths," icy droplets trailing her hair—yet colder still was the frost spreading through her veins.

In her past life, Eric recoiled from her touch, scrubbing his hands raw. She'd believed him fastidious, assumed him indifferent to women, dreamed she could thaw his heart.

Now she knew: he simply loved another.

She'd never existed in his eyes.

Katherine clawed her way onto the bank, nails gouging the earth.

She couldn't die.

She still had to marry Gary.

Nearby, Eric finally ended the prolonged "rescue." Emma coughed weakly, eyelids fluttering open.

"Emma!" Eric exhaled in relief, sweeping her into his arms. "To the hospital."

He strode away without glancing at Katherine's drenched form.

Meanwhile, the other three noticed Katherine hauling herself ashore alone.

"Katherine!"

Walter reached her first. His navy suit remained impeccably elegant despite the chaos. Stephen and Ralph followed close behind—a trio resembling a staged magazine spread.

"Katherine, are you hurt?" Walter extended a hand. "It was chaotic, we..."

"Mistook Emma for you," Stephen blurted.

Ralph offered a towel: "The water was murky. We misjudged."

Katherine accepted the towel, fingertips icy.

How ridiculous.

The pool was crystalline. Emma wore white; she wore crimson. How could anyone confuse them?

"Go get checked at the hospital." Walter's voice was gentle. "We'll go with you."

Katherine looked up and saw the barely concealed urgency in the three men's eyes.

Did they really want to accompany her?

They just wanted an excuse to see Emma.

"No need." She threw the towel back. "I'm fine."

"That won't do!" Stephen frowned. "You're soaked through, what if you catch a cold..."

"If you want to go to the hospital," Katherine cut him off, "go by yourselves."

The three men exchanged glances.

"We're not injured, why go to the hospital?" Ralph spoke again. "Don't be mad, okay? We really mistook you for someone else. We won't go to the company these next few days, we'll stay with you as compensation for the mistake."

Katherine didn't say another word and turned to leave.

The soaked clothes clung to her body, each step felt incredibly heavy, but she kept her back straight and didn't look back.

Over the next few days, the three men tried every way to please Katherine.

Walter sent over the latest haute couture gown from Paris Fashion Week, Stephen air-shipped a rare pink diamond necklace, and Ralph directly gifted a limited edition sports car.

"Katherine, there's an auction tonight." Walter gently handed her an invitation. "Go with you to take your mind off things?"

Katherine looked at their eager expressions and sneered inwardly.

The auction venue was resplendent, the dazzling crystal chandeliers lighting up the entire hall as bright as day.

Katherine walked in slowly in her stilettos, the champagne-colored gown outlining her graceful figure, but the next second she froze in place—

In the VIP area, Eric was carefully helping Emma take her seat.

The man wore a well-tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, straight figure. Those phoenix eyes that once fascinated her were now filled with tenderness for the person beside him.

When Eric saw her, his brows furrowed slightly, and he actually walked over.

His voice was as cold as if discussing a business deal: "Did your mother mention choosing a fiancé to you?"

Katherine looked up and met his distant gaze.

"I know you like me." He spoke mercilessly. "But I don't like you, so don't choose me."

After saying that, he left without looking back, carefully shielding Emma by his side, as if protecting a treasure.

"Katherine, don't be sad." Walter quickly walked over and gently placed his long fingers on her shoulder. "Eric has no taste, that doesn't mean no one appreciates you."

Stephen pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his peach blossom eyes behind the lenses filled with a gentle smile: "Yes, all three of us like you and will always be on your side."

Ralph, looking full of concern, took a champagne flute from a waiter and offered it to Katherine: "Princess, have a drink, don't think about those unhappy things."

Katherine looked at these three men whose eyes were filled with "love," and she gave a self-mocking tug at her lips. She took the champagne, her fingertips icy cold.

"I'm fine." She said softly, her voice calm without a ripple.

"But seriously." Walter leaned in close, his warm breath brushing her ear. "Katherine, back then you drove Gary out of the country. Now you only have four fiancés left. The four of us, who exactly do you plan to choose? We're all very curious."

Katherine opened her mouth to declare, "I want none of you," but the words twisted into: "You'll find out soon enough."

That single sentence instantly set everyone on edge.

Katherine merely curved her lips. She’d endured twenty years of torment in her past life—what were a few days of suffering to them?

As the auction commenced, the three men repeatedly asked Katherine what she fancied, only to be met with silent refusal.

Meanwhile, Eric secured every item Emma desired.

Diamond necklaces, antique pocket watches, jade bracelets...

Katherine swept her gaze over them, no longer feeling the heart-wrenching pain from her previous life.

Her expression remained impassive as she stared straight ahead.

Then the final lot arrived. When the auctioneer lifted the wedding decorations, Katherine’s pupils contracted sharply—

It was her late mentor’s final masterpiece, Mountain Mist Spring Painting!

The familiar brushstrokes instantly recalled her teacher’s frail hands on his deathbed.

Memories flooded back: his gentle pat on her head as he’d murmur, "Katherine, this painting embodies my life’s work..."

Now his widow wept daily. Acquiring this piece would offer her solace.

"Five million."

Katherine raised her paddle without hesitation.

"Eric..." Emma suddenly tugged his sleeve. "This painting is exquisite."

Eric immediately countered: "Ten million."

Katherine gritted her teeth. "Twenty million."

"Thirty million."

Bidding soared while the auction hall fell silent. Katherine’s peripheral vision caught Walter, Stephen, and Ralph lowering their padders—Emma was gazing longingly at the artwork.

How ironic.

Ten minutes earlier, they’d vowed: "We’ll buy anything you want, Katherine."

Her nails dug into her palms as she raised the paddle again. "Fifty million."

"Eighty million."

"One hundred million."

Ultimately, Eric won the auction.

He strode past the crimson carpet to swipe his card, not sparing a glance at Katherine’s ashen face.

"Don’t be upset, Katherine," Walter rushed to console her. "If you love it that much, I’ll check backstage for similar pieces—"

"I’ll join you!" Stephen chimed in.

"Me too!" Ralph followed.

Their retreating figures blurred in Katherine’s vision. She drew a deep breath, quelling the rising bitterness, and walked straight toward Emma—now surrounded by admirers.

"Name your price for this painting," Katherine’s voice was terrifyingly calm. "Fivefold, tenfold, twentyfold—all acceptable."

Emma chuckled, triumph flickering in her eyes. "So the rich heiress can beg?"

Tilting her head, she batted her eyes with feigned innocence. "But money isn’t everything. I’m not selling now. Though... if you truly want it, get on your knees and beg me."

Katherine’s breath hitched.

This face—always playing fragile before men, yet unbearably arrogant toward her—was why she’d loathed Emma across lifetimes.

To this day, she couldn’t fathom why those four had ever fallen for her.

Katherine clenched her fists: "I said money isn't an issue."

"But I want to see you kneel."

Emma smiled deceptively sweet. "Otherwise—"

Katherine's gaze fell upon the painting carelessly held in Emma's hands.

It was her late mentor's final masterpiece, the very artwork his widow cried her eyes out for. The thought of the grieving elderly woman made Katherine's heart feel crushed by an invisible fist.

"Fine, I'll kneel!"

Finally, she slowly bent her knees, kneeling before the entire crowd.

The icy marble floor pierced through her thin fabric with bone-chilling cold, yet it paled against the freezing desolation in her heart.

Rising, Katherine's voice sounded terrifyingly calm: "May I have it now?"

But Emma suddenly laughed, her smile dripping with malice.

Right before Katherine's eyes, she gripped both ends of the frame—

Riiiip!

The canvas tearing echoed piercingly through the silent auction hall.

"You!"

Rage surged through Katherine as she slapped Emma across the face.

"Katherine!"

Eric’s voice exploded like thunder the next instant. "What are you doing?"

"Eric..." Emma covered her face, tears instantly welling up. "Don’t blame Katherine. It’s my fault... I shouldn’t have come to the auction with you..."

Her slender fingers clutched Eric’s sleeve, her voice trembling with perfect fragility. "Katherine loves you. She’s upset seeing you buy me all these things. That’s only natural."

"I know my presence complicates everything..." Emma suddenly pushed Eric away, staggering backward. "If that’s how it is... let me disappear forever!"

She spun toward the floor-to-ceiling window with startling speed.

"Emma!"

Eric’s roar echoed through the auction hall, but it was too late—

"Crash!"

The shattering glass and sickening thud of impact amplified endlessly in Katherine’s ears.

She lunged to the window. Emma lay motionless in a spreading pool of blood like a broken-winged butterfly, yet her lips curved into a chilling, triumphant smile.

Eric snapped.

Eyes bloodshot, he scooped Emma from the crimson pool, his voice a ragged growl. "Get her to the hospital! Now!"

His piercing glare locked onto Katherine, venom dripping from every word. "Katherine, pray. Pray hard. If Emma dies... you’ll pay with your life."

Under the sterile hospital corridor lights, time froze.

A doctor rushed over, panic lacing his voice. "Massive hemorrhaging! She needs blood immediately. But she’s Rh-negative—our blood bank’s depleted..."

Eric whirled around, his gaze like daggers toward Katherine, restrained by bodyguards. "You’re Rh-negative too."

"No..." Emma’s weak voice fluttered from the hospital bed. "This is all my fault... Katherine’s anemic... don’t let her donate..."

"How can you be so kind, worrying about her now?" Eric clasped her hand, his tone impossibly tender, soothing a frightened child. Yet when his eyes shifted to Katherine, they turned arctic. "Tie her down!"

"Eric, don’t you dare!"

"Watch me!"

Katherine was slammed onto the cold metal operating table. She fought wildly, her legs kicking over an instrument stand. Surgical tools clattered across the floor.

"Hold her down!" Eric barked.

Three bodyguards pinned her limbs. Katherine’s hair tangled, her gown tearing to reveal a pale shoulder.

"Eric!" she screamed, raw desperation cracking her voice. "You’ll regret this..."

"You’re the one who’ll regret everything." Eric sneered, plunging the needle into her vein himself.

Blood flowed through the tube. Katherine’s consciousness blurred.

In the haze, she was back on that rainy night from her past—

Blinding headlights. Screeching brakes.

And across the wet street, Eric and his three friends watching with icy indifference.

Only Gary—her childhood rival she’d always despised—stumbled through the downpour, trembling as he gathered her broken body.

Katherine Moore's tears blended with blood, blooming into ghastly flowers on the operating table. "Gary Thomas..." she whispered, "when will you come back... I miss you so much..."

Her voice faded until it vanished into the frigid air.

When Katherine opened her eyes, blinding white light made her instinctively raise a hand. The arm dotted with needle marks reminded her of the forced blood draw.

"Katherine!

You're finally awake!"

Walter Sanchez rushed to her bedside first. Those ever-flirtatious peach blossom eyes now brimmed with "concern." As he reached to touch her face, Katherine instinctively turned away.

"Sorry we arrived too late,"

Stephen Mitchell's voice dripped with tenderness. "Eric went too far!

How could he force you to donate blood?"

Ralph Adams offered her a glass of water. "Rest now. We'll go settle this with Eric immediately."

Katherine watched their clumsy performance, her throat burning with dryness.

She knew this scene too well. In her previous life, whenever Eric Robinson neglected her, these three would appear with honeyed words to soothe her loneliness.

And then?

Then they'd find excuses to leave—always rushing off to comfort their true moonlight.

"No need,"

she rasped. "I need to be alone."

The three men exchanged uneasy glances. Walter stood up first: "Alright, get some rest.

We'll... be back soon."

They left in such a hurry that the door remained slightly ajar. Katherine stared at the sliver of light, catching hushed whispers from the hallway:

"Is Emma awake yet?"

"Eric won't let anyone see her..."

"Let's grab her favorite dessert first..."

As the door clicked shut, Katherine laughed until tears welled in her eyes.

She was exhausted—too drained to even expose their lies.

Over the following days, Katherine lay alone in the hospital bed.

Nurses would hesitate while changing her bandages, ultimately sighing.

"Miss Moore, your friends still haven’t come today?"

Katherine shook her head, her gaze fixed on the wilting lilies by her bedside.

Walter had brought them three days ago. Their yellowing, curled edges mirrored the men’s hollow concern.

Her phone buzzed with messages:

Stephen: [Katherine, urgent business overseas. Hired the best caregiver. Don’t worry.]

Ralph: [Princess, gifts await when we return!]

Walter: [Rest well. I’ll take you to that French place you love.]

Katherine tossed her phone aside.

Their absence didn’t sting—what grated were the clumsy caregivers they’d hired.

Scalding water spilled on her hand. IV lines bled unnoticed. Bandages tore at her wounds...

Instead of healing, fresh burns and bruises marred her skin.

"I’m discharging myself."

Against protests, Katherine signed the release forms.

Meanwhile, Walter, Stephen, and Ralph returned from their "business trip" to pick her up.

Passing a VIP room, they overheard a tender exchange through the cracked door:

"One more sip, hm?"

Eric’s voice was low, indulgent. "The doctor said you need nutrients."

Katherine froze, watching through the gap as Eric spoon-fed Emma soup, handling her like porcelain.

A nurse whispered nearby: "Mr. Robinson hasn’t left Miss Miller’s side for days. Canceled all meetings—how devoted."

Katherine’s knuckles whitened on her coat.

"Katherine..." Walter stepped forward, his handsome face etched with concern. "Don’t hurt. Eric’s blind, but we adore you."

Stephen added gently, "At your birthday, choose any of us."

Ralph leaned in: "We’ll treat you right."

Katherine smiled thinly, eyes glacial: "I choose none."

She lifted her gaze, each word deliberate: "I want none of you four."

The three men exchanged glances, lips curling in identical indulgent smiles—dismissing her refusal as a tantrum.

Ralph suddenly brightened: "Katherine, lovely weather today. How about the equestrian center to unwind?"

Katherine coldly shook her head: "I don't want to go."

"Don't be like this."

Stephen persuaded, "Kathy, some fresh air will help your wound."

Walter directly pulled her into the car: "Let's go."

Verdant grass stretched across the Royal Equestrian Center, fragrant breeze carrying scents of greenery, yet Katherine only felt bone-chilling cold.

"Kathy, pick a horse to ride first."

Stephen handed her a helmet, "We'll prepare refreshments for you."

Katherine numbly accepted it, randomly choosing a gentle mare.

Right now she just wanted escape from these suffocating people, even for momentary peace.

As the horse trotted along, wind brushing her cheeks, Katherine finally found temporary respite from her troubles.

But just as she relaxed her guard, sudden commotion erupted in the distance.

"Whinny——"

Hundreds of stallions charged madly toward her from nowhere.

Katherine desperately tugged the reins to turn, but it was too late.

Pulling desperately at the bridle, the panicked horse ignored all commands.

Amidst the chaos, she was thrown off the saddle, crashing heavily onto the ground.

"Ah!"

The first horse hoof landed on her calf, Katherine hearing the cracking sound of bone.

Then the second, the third...

Katherine curled on the grass, blood slowly staining the green beneath her. Before darkness swallowed her, she glimpsed three distant figures watching coldly.

Blinding white light made her squint upon waking. Her bandage-swaddled body felt foreign; the slightest movement tore her apart.

Outside, Eric's icy voice drifted: "...You went too far."

Katherine held her breath.

"I only asked her to donate blood for Emma," Eric stated coolly. "But you bribed orderlies to torment her, then deliberately unleashed hundreds of horses. Now her bones are shattered. She almost didn't wake."

"Who told her to bully Emma?"

Ralph's flippant tone chilled the air. "Just a small lesson."

"Faking affection for her daily makes me sick."

Walter's words stabbed like a poisoned blade: "If not for Emma, who'd play this child's play with her?"

Katherine bit her lower lip until blood flooded her mouth.

Those "accidental" burns, the blood-filled syringes, even this orchestrated "accident"—all were revenge for Emma.

She couldn't understand.

They'd grown up together as childhood friends.

They'd patted her head calling "Katherine," kept vigil when she fell ill, crafted birthday surprises...

Yet for Emma, known mere months, they'd destroyed her.

She wanted to scream, to demand answers—but agony surged like tidewater, dragging her back into darkness.

When consciousness returned, the empty room held only her glowing phone displaying three unread messages:

[Katherine, we failed to protect you.

We've flown overseas overnight to buy gifts.]

[Rest well until we return.]

[Name anything. We'll bring it.]

She numbly set the phone down, too drained for pain.

She wanted neither their faces nor hollow concern—just solitude to heal.

Then the door burst open.

Emma strode in, heels clicking, makeup flawless and cheeks glowing—stark contrast to Katherine's mummified form.

"Heard you're badly hurt," her sweet voice laced with malice. "Eric hasn't left my side—feeding me, singing me to sleep..."

Tilting her head, she feigned innocence: "While you lie here alone. How pitiful."

Katherine turned away.

"Need help?"

Emma's hand slammed down on Katherine's shattered leg.

"Ah!"

Agony made Katherine shove her back.

Emma stumbled back a few steps before collapsing onto the floor. "How dare you push me?" she gasped, disbelief coloring her voice.

She rose, dusting off her skirt with sharp, angry motions. "Eric treasures me like a fragile jewel," she spat, her voice trembling with fury. "He holds me so carefully, terrified I might shatter... and you dare treat me like this?!"

"Fine. Just you wait." After shooting Katherine a venomous glare, she stormed out, slamming the door violently behind her.

A cold dread instantly seized Katherine's heart. Her premonition proved correct when, less than ten minutes later, Eric kicked the door open.

"Katherine!" His eyes burned crimson as he lunged forward, fingers closing like a vise around her throat. "Emma came here out of kindness, and you set thugs on her?!"

Katherine's pupils contracted in shock. "I didn't—"

"Still lying!" Eric roared, his grip tightening. "If I hadn't gotten there in time, she would've been—" He sucked in a harsh breath, his gaze turning glacial. "I know you're obsessed with me. I've told you countless times—I don't want you. If you ruin Emma, I won't just reject you. I'll hate you to the bone."

Katherine choked, coughing violently as tears blurred her vision. "I really... didn't..."

"Alright then," Eric suddenly laughed, a sound devoid of warmth. "Since you deny it, I'll return the favor." He clapped his hands sharply. Five hulking men filed into the room.

Katherine's eyes widened in terror. "Eric! What are you doing?!"

"What do you think?" Eric's voice was arctic. "You hurt Emma. Now you pay the price."

Katherine struggled to rise from the bed, but multiple fractures left her immobilized. "Have you lost your mind? Touch me, and you'll destroy the alliance between our families!"

"For Emma?" Eric scoffed, turning to leave. "I'd go against the Moore family without hesitation. Enjoy it."

"Eric!" Katherine's voice cracked with raw despair. "Are you truly this cruel?!"

He paused at the door, glancing back. "Since you're scared... I'll give you one chance. Promise you won't choose me as your fiancé at the birthday ceremony, and I'll spare you today."

"I was never going to choose you!" Katherine rasped, her throat raw. "I'd pick anyone but you!"

Eric's face darkened instantly. "Not choose me? You expect me to believe that?" A cold sneer twisted his lips. "You've trailed after me since we were children, obsessed for years. Since you're this stubborn to the bone... don't blame me for being merciless."

The door clicked shut. Five shadows closed in.

Katherine squeezed her eyes shut, surrendering to the suffocating wave of hopelessness. The sound of fabric tearing filled her ears...