Grace was not my parents' biological child.

Yet in our home, I felt more like the outsider.

Simply because I was switched at birth, Grace had lived the life of a privileged daughter for twenty years, while I suffered under abusive, alcoholic parents for the same duration.

By the time my real family found me, it was too late.

Grace, their raised daughter for twenty years, was naturally closer to them than I, the returned outsider.

Even though my parents tried to compensate me materially, I could clearly feel the distance between us.

When I first entered this family, unable to adapt to everything, I met Edward.

He and Grace were childhood sweethearts, and everyone assumed they would marry, but he fell in love with me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly.

I was afraid Grace would be unhappy, so I didn't accept him.

However, Grace approached me later, saying she had no romantic feelings for Edward, which eased my concerns, and I finally agreed to be with Edward.

Edward was very good to me, and took care of me in every way.

I thought I had found true love.

Little did I know, this was the beginning of my nightmare.

Edward and Grace grew up together; he said she was like a sister to him, I accepted it.

But later, we had to include Grace in our dates, he bought gifts for her too, and even on our wedding day, he left me in the middle of the night to accompany her to watch the sunrise.

Yet everyone, including my parents, thought this was normal.

I had to endure it all, telling myself she was just a sister.

Because Edward disliked trouble, I was made to like the same clothes as Grace, the same food, making it easier for him when he shopped.

We had been married for five years, and I had grown accustomed to this selfless life.

Until today, when I suddenly realized that those who don't care about me will never care, no matter how well I do.

"What are you saying? You want to divorce? What happened?" A delicate voice came from the door, sickly sweet to the ear.

I looked up to see Grace in a white dress, her hand still on the doorknob, her eyes full of concern.

"None of your business," I replied coldly.

If my feeling for Edward was hatred, then for Grace, it was disgust.

When I first returned to my parents' home, to spare her feelings, I dared not be too affectionate with my own parents.

Even after marriage, I tolerated her calling him "Edward" and preparing a share of every good thing for her.

But how did she repay me?

By crying to our parents behind my back, accusing me of taking her things, and intruding on Edward and my world countless times.

I had seen through her facade long ago.

Now she stood at the door, pale, holding a lunchbox, appearing to be a frail girl concerned for her sister.

Edward saw her, rushed to take the lunchbox, and said,"Let the housekeeper deliver this. Why trouble yourself to come personally?"

He looked at Grace, his brows furrowed, his eyes filled with compassion and care.

It felt like a needle piercing my heart.

When Edward and I went out, I always carried my own luggage. He told me he didn't want me to be a woman who depended on others for everything.

Yet with Grace, he was overly protective, unwilling to let her exert herself in the slightest.

Grace smiled, shook her head, and grasped Edward's hand worriedly.

"Is it because of me? If so, I'll leave right now. Edward, she has always had a bad temper, and mom and dad and I have been very tolerant of her."

Bad temper? Tolerant?

I wanted to give her an award for her acting.

But unfortunately, even the worst acting can find believers.

Edward freed a hand, indulgently tapped her forehead, and held her delicate hand, blowing on it gently.

"Of course, it's not because of you. It's between us. Don't always take things upon yourself, silly. The lunchbox is so heavy; your hand must hurt."

"It doesn't hurt! Edward is so kind!"

Grace happily jumped, like an innocent and lively child, and threw her arms around Edward's neck, acting coquettish.

I felt disgusted and couldn't help but cough to remind them of my presence.

They seemed to remember I was there and quickly separated.

Edward brought the lunchbox to me, carefully opened it, and presented it.

"Honey, no matter what, you must take care of your health. Once you're discharged, I'll accompany you wherever you want to go."

Looking at the man I had been married to for five years, I only felt nauseous.

"Great! The three of us together!"

Grace suddenly popped up, innocently asking.

I smirked, my bloodless lips uttering two words:

"Hell."

"What?" Grace was taken aback and instinctively asked again.

"I said, I'll take you both with me, to hell."

The hospital at night was eerily quiet.

I took my phone, activated the video recording function, and stepped out of my room.

For the past five years, I had lived almost entirely for Edward, with no friends, and those so-called family members wouldn't help me. If I wanted revenge, I would have to rely on myself.

So, I planned to take advantage of the night when the medical staff were inattentive, to scout the surroundings of my ward, to better understand the terrain.

After surveying this floor, I was about to head downstairs when I heard a familiar voice from the adjacent room.

"Edward, don't blame her, she didn't mean those words."

Hearing this signature manipulative tone, I stopped in front of the door, intending to listen to how outrageous their conversation would become.

"Don't be sad, Grace, I know you've been wronged. But she is injured and it's normal for her to feel upset. Once she's a bit better, how about I take you out alone?"

"But... how do we explain it to her? Won't her recovery take a long time?"

"It won't take long. We'll leave once she's in a better mood and let the nanny take care of her. I'll just tell her I'm on a business trip, like before."

Business trip?

I sneered inwardly. No wonder Edward had to travel for business so often over the years. I had wondered how his small company could be so busy.

Turned out, he was busy accompanying his darling.

Shaking my head, I felt no emotional stir, about to turn away when Grace's next words rooted me to the spot.

"Then, does she know that I was the one who hired the kidnapper?"

What?!

I felt as if struck by lightning.

Edward's response further shattered my perception of him.

"She won't find out. I've signed the letter of forgiveness, and that family has been sent far away. This will be our forever secret."

"Thank you, Edward, you're so kind."

Grace cooed, "It's just that you haven't come to play with me lately. I just thought you didn't care about me anymore."

"How could I not care about you? I've just been busy. No more, okay? You scared me half to death."

"And Delia, she got so badly injured because of this."

Grace fell silent for a moment, then retorted petulantly, "It's not my fault. She struggled too much, or she wouldn't have been beaten."

Standing at the door, my heart grew colder with each passing second, until it became numb.

No wonder.

No wonder Edward signed the letter of forgiveness while I was unconscious.

No wonder the kidnapper singled me out for abuse while Grace remained unscathed.

Everything had been orchestrated!

I gasped for air, the pain from my torn left arm nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

Clinging to my last shred of sanity, I hid my phone in my pocket, then I turned and returned to my room.

I had planned to cause a disturbance in this hospital, but now I had a plan better suited for them, a punishment that fit their deeds.

The next morning, Grace arrived, bouncing with energy.

"How was your rest last night?"

Looking at her rosy cheeks, it seemed Edward had comforted her well.

"It's just us, you don't need to pretend."

I didn't lift my head, speaking coldly.

Grace wasn't expecting this from me and was momentarily speechless. She wanted to say something but saw that I wouldn't even spare her a glance.

She simply plopped down by my bedside.

She seemingly casually caressed her left wrist, the sunlight catching on it and glaring into my eyes.

I turned to look at that bracelet, finding it oddly familiar.

"Where did you get that?"

Grace, as if not wanting me to see the bracelet, quickly hid her hand.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to show it off. I just mentioned it was pretty, and I didn't expect Edward to buy it for me."

I watched Grace, immersed in her own performance, feeling utterly unmoved.

I had an identical bracelet. When Edward gave it to me, he said it was a designer's personal piece, unique in the world.

Judging by Grace's reaction, whose was the true limited edition was obvious.

Coincidentally, Edward arrived right on time.

"Honey, you're awake? Perfect, I didn't go to the office today and personally made Pasta for you at home."

I looked at the Pasta he offered, expressionlessly lowering my head, not engaging with him.

Over time, Edward's hands, holding the bowl, began to tremble slightly.

And Grace, who had looked unhappy since his statement, could no longer stay seated.

She snatched the bowl from Edward.

Her tone carried a hint of sorrow.

"How can you not cherish Edward's intentions? I've never even had the chance to taste the Pasta he made with his own hands."

Sensing the jealousy in her words, I sneered.

"With his own hands? I bet he just supervised the nanny in making it. Besides, no matter what, he is my husband."

Hearing my words, Grace took an incredulous step back, put down the Pasta, and ran out crying.

"How could you speak to Grace like that and hurt her!"

Edward, probably not expecting this from me, looked at me with disbelief.

He was about to chase after Grace.

"Stay there, don't move."