Veronica's face contorted into something truly repulsive. She laughed, a shrill, fake laugh, a far cry from the graceful image she always projected in public.

"Stole? Come on, look at your condition! Look in the mirror! Are you even worthy of being the face of that brand?" Her eyes were red with anger, and she roughly pushed me, my head hitting the wall. I was in pain, but my heart ached even more.

Outside, Julius pounded on the door. "Darling, are you done? Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Veronica whispered, "Oh, you heard that? Do you know what your fiancé is really like?"

"So what? You want to destroy him? Don't you love him so much?" I whispered back, my eyes narrowed with meaning. Veronica flinched, her hand raised to slap me. I easily blocked her before she could touch me. Suddenly, the door burst open.

Julius appeared, panicked. "Darling, what's going on?!" He saw me, then was startled when he saw Veronica grimace, her hand clutching her cheek. Instantly, anger blazed in his eyes.

"What did you do to her?!" His voice boomed, pulling Veronica into his embrace. He glared at me, filled with hatred.

A charade. That's what I thought. Just now, Veronica was acting like a superhero, now she's transformed into a weak, abused girl. I held back a smile, enjoying her performance.

"Are you okay, Veronica?" Julius asked, his voice soft, but his eyes still fiery. His touch on Veronica was full of concern, I could feel it because that touch used to be for me.

Veronica sobbed, "I just wanted to help her, Julius. But she accused me of stealing her modeling contract and tried to slap me!" She showed her hand. "Look, she grabbed my wrist so hard it hurts!"

I almost burst out laughing. She was a true drama queen.

Julius looked at me with a murderous glare. "You're so strange, Lizzy. Don't blame others for your own failures!" His tone was cold, full of contempt. I knew this was all a trap Veronica set for me.

“I'm sorry, Lizzy, it's all in the past, three years ago, the bad fate that befell you wasn't my fault.” He continued his drama, making me sick.

The guests gathered around, observing the scene with curious gazes, drawing their own false conclusions. They praised Julius's feigned patience and Veronica's fake kindness, while I became the scapegoat for all the chaos.

Then, Julius's mother appeared, embracing and comforting Veronica with excessive, sickening affection. "She's crazy, depressed. Don't take her harsh behavior to heart," she said, her voice filled with hatred.

Veronica, in Mrs. Velden's arms, smiled sinisterly at me. Then, she pretended to protest, "No, Mrs. Velden. I'm sorry, it's my fault the party is disrupted."

Mrs. Velden smiled coldly. "Oh, no, Veronica darling. It's not your fault. And you," her gaze returned to me, sharp and piercing, "you're not burdening my son enough. Now you even dare to embarrass my party! If you're crazy, go to a psychiatrist, don't bother other people!"

Veronica snorted softly, her little laugh was cold and piercing. I stared back at her coldly, she was the woman who had destroyed my career and now was trying to destroy my mental state.

Then, I looked at Mrs. Velden. When I was successful, she was always friendly and affectionate, she also often urged me to become her daughter-in-law soon. Now, after I was paralyzed, her cruel and hypocritical nature was revealed.

"Please, Lizzy, can you stop clinging to my son? I beg you, I will worship you if I have to," Mrs. Velden said, pretending to plead while bowing excessively, a disgusting charade. Julius, with a feigned angry expression, pulled his mother away and slapped my face hard.

All the guests were shocked, Julius's face tensed. He looked at his own hand, the hand that had reflexively hurt me.

I couldn't avoid this humiliation and slap. I wiped the fresh blood flowing from the corner of my lip. "I didn't say anything. You've been begging and insulting me all this time, so why did you slap me?" I asked, my voice high with anger.

"Slap me again if you're not satisfied!" I challenged, with a cold, calculating smile.

"I'm sorry," he replied softly, full of fake regret.

I snorted, my gaze piercing Veronica and Julius. "What are you going to do?" Julius asked, panicked.

With a quick and brutal movement, I slammed my head against the corner of the sink, repeatedly, very hard. Not just a light bump, but a full-fledged blow of anger that made the world spin. It felt like my skull was cracking.

Fresh blood spurted, painting my face with a horrifying, bright red color. I wiped the flowing blood with the back of my hand, my expression remained cold, emotionless. All eyes widened in shock, surprised by my sudden "madness."

"Enough, darling. I'm sorry," Julius yelled, panicked, trying to stop my "madness" which I actually did on purpose so that my heart wouldn't hurt and be so depressed. Right now, I want to die. Desperate.

I looked at him, grinning, letting them imagine my mental instability. Mrs. Velden and Veronica left immediately, avoiding the scandal that would happen if the reporters found out about this.

Mrs. Velden was always known as someone who didn't like our relationship. Imagine if I walked out of her house covered in blood? It would be a sensational headline.

The wound on my forehead was deep enough and needed medical attention. While he went to look for the first aid kit, I quietly left, deliberately passing the journalists waiting outside. They took pictures of my blood-stained face, evidence that would destroy the Velden family's reputation.

In the moments after news of the Velden family's cruel treatment of me went viral, my life changed dramatically. I was no longer just a forgotten disabled woman, but the leading star in a gripping life drama.

My past as a renowned model resurfaced, the accident that robbed me of my mobility was brought to light, and every detail was linked to Mrs. Velden's cruel behavior. The media bombarded me with questions, and she, quickly, was crowned "the worst mother-in-law in the world." The sensation was overwhelming, like a tsunami wiping away everything in its path.

His betrayal made me lose my mind.

Julius arrived, his face pale. He apologized for the slap he had given me, then—ridiculously!—he proposed. "Darling, we've been together for seven years. It's time to get married," he said, his voice trembling, not with love, but with panic.

I stared at him coldly. "You're the one who wasted those seven years, Julius," I said, my voice sharp as a knife.

"Who would marry you in your current condition?" he asked, veiled insults in his words.

I smiled cynically. "Oh, what if I decide not to get married? I'm sure your mother loves Veronica, doesn't she? Just marry her."

His face flushed. "No," he said, his voice strained, "I'll ask my mother to apologize and propose to you." Seeing his attitude now, my heart wavered. A glimmer of hope remained.

He left, saying he had to meet producer Andrew—a flimsy excuse to cover his meeting with Veronica or his mother.

Ironically, amidst this storm, my collection of designed clothing won a prestigious award. I was asked to showcase ten of my designs at the biggest fashion show in history, with the freedom to choose models through auditions that I could conduct at my leisure.

News about Julius's mother quickly dropped in ranking, replaced by news about: a mysterious fashion designer seeking ten models for a monumental fashion show. Emails flooded my inbox, famous models begging to be chosen. Even Veronica, with all her arrogance, sent an email pleading and threatening.

My plan began. I sent photos of Julius and Veronica to Julius through a disposable phone.

"Who are you? Why are you sending me these photos?" he asked, panic evident in every word he typed.

"Do you like it? I have many more," I typed, my reply subtle but full of threat.

"What do you want?"

"One million dollars per photo," I replied, without hesitation.

Silence. Then, a message notification appeared: "You're crazy! No way!"

"Then other media outlets will pay more," I threatened. His fear became more apparent as he replied hastily. "Have you shown these photos to anyone else?"

The tension reached its peak. The next chapter had just begun.

I typed again. "No, friend, you're the first."

"Okay, I'll get the money first." Julius replied. A triumphant smile spread across my lips.

"You have 24 hours," I wrote. "I'll contact you if time runs out." I removed the disposable phone's SIM card, leaving it adrift in anxiety.

That night, Julius returned, his face drawn. "Darling, would you move to the Velden family home? My mother asked," he pleaded. I thought he was running out of options.

My eyebrows shot up. "What about this house?" I asked.

"We'll sell it," he replied hesitantly.

"Sell it? This house is mine. I won't sell it, ever," I said firmly.

"Wait, are you struggling?" I asked, feigning concern. He nodded dejectedly. "I'm behind on my work contract," he admitted, his lie unconcealed.

"Then ask your family for help," I replied. "The house deed is at the bank, I don't have the money to redeem it." Feeling he couldn't rely on me, he left in a panic, and I enjoyed his desperation.

An email from Veronica appeared in my inbox. She begged desperately, offering herself as a model. I suspected Julius was struggling to hide the mysterious threat, and they needed money to cover the scandal.

"I can do anything," Veronica wrote, "pick me, and I'm ready to be your servant."

I replied, "Alright, Miss Veronica, it seems you really need this job. But, if I choose you, are you sure there won't be any problems that will cause a scandal?"

"I promise, no scandal. I'm a model who always follows the rules," she replied enthusiastically. Full of confidence.

"Alright, I'll attach the contract." I wrote, without mincing words.

…

24 hours had passed. My heart raced as I contacted Julius again. "Mr. Julius, your time is up. Your decision?" My message was read. I could feel his anxiety.

"I only have $500,000, can that be a down payment?" he replied.

"Sorry, Mr. Julius, our agreement is one million dollars. If not, the photos will be spread." My threat was sharp.

"Okay, shall we meet in person?" This was a trap, I suspected. But I would play his game.

"No face-to-face. Win Hotel, five o'clock. Bring cash, or the photos will be spread." I turned off my phone, removed the SIM card, and threw it away.

At the Win Hotel, Felix and I sat across from Julius, Veronica, and a few of their bodyguards.

"Look at those thugs. You're right, they'll set you up," Felix whispered. My breath hitched.

Veronica seemed agitated. "Calm down, darling. If this plan fails, you'll get your money back soon.”

"Did you get a big contract?" Julius asked, his eyes gleaming, his face beaming.

Veronica tossed her hair, full of confidence. "I'm going to be the model for that famous designer," Veronica replied with a flirtatious wink. A disgusting lie. I held back a laugh. Felix joined in. They looked at us suspiciously, and we pretended to be a happy couple.

Julius's eyes sparkled. "Did you contact him? L2, the mysterious designer?"

Veronica glared, "Since when does Veronica Hoffman contact first. He begged me to be his model." Her lies were getting worse. It made me sick.

"You're amazing, Veronica," Julius praised.

Veronica pouted. "Please, just give me the money. I've signed the contract. If there's a scandal, I'll be fined five times the amount!"

Felix looked at me. "Lady Luck is on your side. The designer appeared and made your plan easier?"

"Quickly, contact them!" Felix urged.

I activated another phone. I contacted Julius. They whispered to each other.

"What did he say?" Veronica pressed. Julius remained silent. Veronica snatched his phone and read the message.

"Because you brought thugs to set me up, the deal has changed. One million dollars here, another million tonight at eight!" My message. Then, I sent them a video of them leaving the hotel room.

Veronica screamed, "How did he know we were going to set him up?”

"Shh! Focus, Veronica, everyone's looking at you," Julius said.

Veronica went hysterical again. "Look at this!" She shoved the phone towards Julius, her eyes wide. "He's serious! How can I be calm, Julius? This could destroy us!"

Felix and I just smirked. Veronica, Julius, and his bodyguards left in a huff, leaving behind a bag containing a million dollars—the price of their crime. Felix immediately signaled his men to take the bag. One million dollars. Ours now.

That night, Julius came home heavily drunk, frustrated, desperate. I stared at him with burning hatred. The victory felt bitter as the lipstick stain on his expensive shirt made the situation worse.

The next day was important for me. The party to choose the ten best models for the fashion show abroad. My designs. My pride.

"You're dressed up too? Where are you going?" Julius blocked my way. "I'm not dressing like this to take you, okay? Don't get the wrong idea," he continued, his tone sarcastic. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked, looking at me strangely.

"Where are you going? Are you afraid I'll go with you? Still ashamed that I'm in a wheelchair?" I retorted sharply.

Julius straightened his tie, nervously. "It's not like that, darling, I have a meeting with producer Andrew tonight." His lie sounded very fabricated.

"Just go then, I'll be going with Felix anyway," I replied with an indifferent expression. His face flushed.

"What does Felix have to do besides clinging to you?" his voice rose. I just raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah, whose new car is that? Do we have a new neighbor?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the bright red Ferrari in front of the house—a car I had recently bought, a reward for my success when I could walk again.

"My car," I replied flatly, full of victory.

Julius laughed mockingly. "You? There's no way we could buy a car that expensive. Don't dream, darling." He insulted me.

I swallowed, holding back my anger. His insult to my feelings for him became bland.

Julius left in a hurry. I knew where he was going. Tonight, could I say goodbye to him?

The party at the luxurious hotel was filled with important guests. I arrived accompanied by Felix, his hand pushing my wheelchair.

The guests whispered, curious about the mysterious designer L2.

I sat right behind Julius and Veronica, watching their love drama that felt too excessive. Their shadows hugging each other, the faint whispers of sweet nothings, and the unbearable gaze of love in their eyes—it all felt sickening.

Veronica's hair clip fell, her eyes accidentally met mine. Her pupils widened, trapped in a real shock. I returned it with a thin, sarcastic smile, which felt piercing to her.

Julius left Veronica. He hadn't realized my presence. Veronica turned around, her face full of anger. "Are you crazy? What is a cripple like you doing here?" she shouted. The guests were disturbed, too late for Veronica to fix the situation. Everyone was looking at us.

My lips lifted. "A homewrecker like you can be here, why can't I?" I challenged, my voice full of confidence.

"You—"

"What? You think I'm blind, Veronica?" I whispered, my voice cold, hoping to pierce her heart. My smile widened, sweet and threatening.

Veronica's eyes widened, panic clearly visible. Julius, who had just arrived, was stunned. The guests whispered, they knew who Julius, I, and Veronica were.

"Andrew? Meeting here?" I asked, my voice whispering, full of sarcasm.

Julius stammered, "He... asked me to represent him," his voice trembled. "You? What are you doing here?”

"Oh yeah?" I scoffed, "I've been here for a while, behind you, watching your sweet moments."

Tension choked the room. The guests' stares, sharp and curious, pierced me like daggers. Julius, with a fake face, acted as if he was the victim. "Get her out! She doesn't belong here!" his voice, loud and full of command, but a tremor of fear was evident behind it. Felix and I exchanged glances, his hypocrisy felt like a hard slap.

Veronica, with a manipulative smile, chimed in, "Get her out quickly! Imagine, if the main sponsor sees this!" Her words, seemingly innocent, were full of poison. I could only shake my head, running out of words to face their falseness.

Felix, anger blazing on his face, shouted, "You're sullying this event with your disgusting affair!" However, his voice drowned in the growing roar of jeers.

"Affair!", "They're having an affair!" Those shouts were like a fierce wave ready to crush me.

Felix held my hand, "You're so patient," he whispered, feeling my trembling hand.

Julius, cunningly, turned the situation around, "She's the one having an affair!" He pointed at me and Felix, "Look, they're holding hands! I'm with Veronica because she betrayed me first!" The lie was so real, but some of the guests still believed it.

Veronica, with a mocking triumphant smile, shouted again, "Get her out! She's ruining our moment!"

"Veronica was right! Get her out!", "Cheap woman!", "Even a cripple is cheap, let alone if she's not?", those shouts intensified, the guests, instigated, began to push me, showering me with unbearable insults and abuse.

I remained silent, letting them judge for themselves, while pain and humiliation gnawed at my soul. Veronica, with a face full of satisfaction, watched my suffering.

The event began. We were forced to calm down. The host introduced the L2 collection. Then, the main sponsor, a wealthy tycoon, appeared on stage, the sound of cheers filled the room. "Let's call the designer!"

Silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome, designer L2, Lizzy Larson..."

All eyes were on me. Julius and Veronica's faces turned pale, their shock was evident as I stood up, strode confidently towards the podium.

Then, the room erupted in cheers, this time, for me.