After the loss of my parents, I found myself defenseless; Harrison's grandfather harbored resentment towards me and refused to assume responsibility.

Subsequently, the Noah family welcomed me into their home.

I came to know the sensation of residing under another's roof, feeling both inferior and insecure.

In the presence of my childhood companions, I instinctively bowed my head, regardless of the circumstances.

They held me dear, promising I would never endure hardship.

As time progressed, Matthew and I developed mutual affection.

Initially, Lucas was furious but eventually came to terms with it.

Nevertheless, circumstances shifted. Following 's parents' separation, I became an unwelcome presence, relegated to obscurity.

The nuptials I had eagerly anticipated became a subject of ridicule.

Attendees murmured, deriding me.

"Cast aside this fortune hunter, show her what she truly is!"

My childhood friends stood tall, anticipating my submission, their eyes devoid of warmth.

I scoffed: "May the three of you grow old together and bear children soon."

A hush fell over the room. Lucas, incensed, seized my arm.

His grip was so forceful, it felt as though he intended to shatter my bones.

"Layla, what are you implying? Why slander Sophia? I never realized you were so malicious!"

Yet they all understood. This was my wedding, into which I had poured my heart and soul.

Why harbor hostility towards me for another's sake?

What prompted this change?

Why forsake me once more?

I was in agony, tears welling up, as I gazed at him, and he suddenly became motionless.

I seized the opportunity to break free, hastily departing.

Lucas instinctively attempted to halt me, but Matthew's composed voice stopped him.

"Allow her to leave! She's an orphan with nothing to her name without the Noah family!"

Lucas hesitated, shouting after me.

"Providing for you was worse than raising a canine!"

I silently shed a tear, his invectives fading as I left the commotion of the banquet.

Examining my phone, I noticed a new message.

"I'm waiting at the banquet entrance to collect you. Call if you can't locate the vehicle."

I approached the roadside car, where Nathan sat.

Before he could greet me, I spoke.

"Let's formalize our marriage."

He widened his eyes in astonishment: "Now?"

I nodded.

Holding the marriage certificate felt surreal.

Who would have anticipated I'd wed a man I barely knew?

I encountered Nathan during a business excursion for a project. Later, I discovered he also hailed from Northern City.

Given our marital status, I'll dedicate this week to severing ties with my past.

I began packing at home, calculating the sum the Noah family had invested in my upbringing.

However, the debt exceeded what I could manage alone.

Anxiously, I contacted Nathan, and without hesitation, he transferred the funds.

I felt uneasy, wishing to express my gratitude.

"Design the most extraordinary and opulent wedding attire in existence for us! I recently acquired some sapphires for you to utilize. Return home soon."

Home... do I now possess one?

Nathan's laughter was heartfelt and joyous, evoking an indescribable emotion within me.

Since our initial meeting, he had consistently praised my abilities.

Following our union, he provided resources, connecting me with premier clients and opportunities.

I couldn't shake the unease and wanted to convey my appreciation.

"Then create the most exceptional and luxurious wedding attire in the world for us! I recently purchased some sapphires, all for your use. I'll be awaiting your return home."

Home... Do I truly have a home?

Harrison Taylor's laughter was hearty and jubilant, filling my heart with an inexplicable warmth.

From our first encounter, he has consistently lauded my capabilities.

After our arranged marriage, he spared no effort in providing me with prospects, enabling me to access superior resources and high-profile clientele.

I could sense his desire to offer me the best, hoping to witness my ascent to the pinnacle.

Meanwhile, the Noah family bestowed all the finest upon Sophia Parker, leaving me with mere remnants.

They even attributed my designs to Sophia.

Reflecting on this, my smile gradually faded.

Lucas was correct; at one time, I couldn't leave them.

But now, everything has changed.

Genuine love isn't about constraining someone; it's about granting them freedom and support.

Upon arriving home, I realized that what Harrison casually mentioned purchasing were actually premium gems from an auction.

Each was worth a fortune.

I couldn't help but marvel at them.

Two days later, late at night, I faintly detected a subtle sound outside the door.

"I told you she couldn't abandon us. She spoke boldly, but look, she's returned obediently."

I struggled to rise, only to find Lucas had snatched the sketch from beneath my hand.

"Our wedding is imminent. What purpose does this serve now?"

Naturally, it wasn't intended for me and him.

Without a word, I reclaimed the sketch.

He frowned slightly, altering his tone.

"Sophia did it for your benefit too. She crafted a new wedding gown to apologize to you. You should express gratitude. In any case, we're officially marrying next week. Don't be upset, alright?"

It's always like this.

Be it our wedding anniversary or my special day, they invariably brought Sophia along, transforming my celebration into her showcase, making her the star of the event.

Even now, they've abandoned me for two days to be with Sophia, without so much as a single message.

Exhausted beyond caring, I gave a half-hearted response without even raising my head.

Only then did Lucas ease up, and a reluctant Noah entered through the doorway.

"Layla, we messed up earlier. You're always welcome in the Carter household."

I gave a slight nod, and Lucas finally presented a gift box, sighing with relief.

As the box's lid was slowly raised, it revealed a tattered wedding gown with mud stains on it.

They held the package as if it were scalding, suddenly at a loss for words.

I chuckled, my eyes filled with mockery.

Noah stammered, "Perhaps there was a mix-up, and the boxes looked alike, I made an error."

Lucas chimed in, "Some guests can be quite careless, you know..."

The "guest" they referred to was, without doubt, Sophia.

Since her arrival, the front seat became exclusively hers, and every trace of my presence was erased.

But now, my feelings had shifted, and their explanations evoked no response from me.

Noah and Lucas seemed slightly uneasy. "Layla, have you calmed down now?"

I was about to speak when they hurriedly added: "If there's a problem, take it out on us, don't bother Sophia."

"It's fine, I won't trouble you anymore."

They exchanged glances, taken aback by my unusual compliance.

Just then, my phone rang, and they used it as an excuse to leave.

"Aren't you going to give me the gift?" I asked quietly.

They awkwardly left the gift box behind and hastily departed: "You can open it yourself, there's medicine in the first aid kit!"

The door shut, and midnight struck. I knew it was another birthday spent in solitude.

"You forgot, today is my birthday," I whispered to myself.

I reserved a flight for two days later and went to the cemetery alone.

My parents' death anniversary coincides with my birthday, and each time I recall it, it feels like a knife twisting in my heart.

On that birthday, I had insisted on a hike, but we encountered a landslide, and my parents sacrificed themselves to push me to safety.

Harrison always reassured me, "They gave their lives to save you because they loved you more than anything. The best way to honor them is to show them you're happy."

It was the first time I heard such words; previously, everyone only blamed me.

Outside the cemetery, I was shocked to find Noah and Lucas digging at my parents' graves!

I rushed forward in disbelief, "What are you doing!"

They paused briefly, then said self-righteously, "Sophia's rabbit died, and this spot has good feng shui. We wanted to find another location."

"This is my parents' final resting place!" I yelled in fury.

Sophia appeared, "You lunatic! I won't let you harm them!"

She attempted to shove me, but I blocked her.

She tumbled to the ground.

I clutched the urn tightly, tears streaming down my face.

They had been favored by my parents, yet now, for a pet, they wanted to disturb my parents' graves!

Seeing my tears, Noah seemed momentarily stunned.

Lucas knelt down first, attempting to console me, "The dead can't return, Layla..."

I raised my hand, ready to strike him.

But Sophia suddenly lunged, taking the blow, and fell to the ground.

"It's alright, Lucas, as long as you're okay. I just hope Layla can forgive me..."

She knelt before me, feigning a tearful apology.

But I knew I had restrained myself, barely grazing her cheek!

The next moment, their sympathy for me turned to rage.

Noah gripped my head, forcing it into the muddy earth.

Lucas also pinned my knees, compelling me to kneel before the overturned urn.

"You caused your parents' death, and now you want to kill Sophia? You're so wicked, your parents died because of you!"

I struggled futilely, their words cutting deep like knives.

Behind them, Sophia smirked victoriously at me.

Then, she picked up the urn and smashed it violently on the ground!

Lucas hesitated, then gritted his teeth, "I'll have someone clean up your parents' ashes. What's important now is fixing your attitude!"

I screamed, trying to break free, but their guards held me firmly.

In my moment of despair, Harrison suddenly appeared at the other end of the exit.

Hope flickered in my eyes, and I cried out for help.