After five years of being with the love of her life, Briella Jacquin had tasted the pinnacle of pleasure. Sheldon Gifford was passionate about intimacy, so much so that he had an entire villa decorated extravagantly for indulgence.

In the broad daylight, Briella had just stepped off the swaying waterbed when he grabbed her soft waist and pressed her against the door. His warm breath brushed against her skin as his thin lips trailed down the back of her neck, leaving a trail of crimson love bites. Briella's fingers curled slightly against the doorframe, her voice trembling. "No … enough … That's enough."

Sheldon paused for a moment before lightly biting her earlobe, his voice dripping with seduction. "Already giving in, sweetheart? The night is still young."

That simple endearment made Briella's mind go blank, leaving her unable to refuse. The waterbed swayed again, only coming to a halt when the evening light spilled through the window. Sheldon bit down on her collarbone, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. Briella, utterly exhausted, nestled into his embrace. The sound of his steady heartbeat filled her with overwhelming happiness.

After a while, Sheldon got up to take a shower. He dressed at a leisurely pace, returning to his usual relaxed demeanor. "I have a meeting at the office. Be good and have your dinner. I'll be back tonight to keep you company, alright?"

Briella's voice was hoarse as she murmured, "Alright."

Sheldon had been gone for some time before Briella finally returned to her senses. As she was about to leave bed, her work group chat suddenly became lively. She picked up her phone and opened the hidden chat system. Her screen instantly flooded with comments filled with excitement and admiration. She typed, [What video has you all this excited?]

As a content moderator, she reviewed countless explicit videos daily, clips that most people could only dream of getting their hands on. Whenever a particularly stunning video surfaced, the group would go wild. After sending her a message, she opened the latest video.

The moment she saw it, she froze in place. A woman was arching her back on the screen, her soft gasps carrying an unmistakable allure. Alas, that woman was her. Although their faces weren't visible, the red mole on her lower back was undeniable and she couldn't mistake her own voice. Still, she had never filmed anything like this!

A mix of shock and disbelief surged through her. She immediately contacted the group admin, traced the video's source and added the uploader using a fake account. Pretending to be a guy, she casually asked if there were more videos. The uploader, without hesitation, added her to a private group.

The chat was buzzing with conversation. [Sheldon is something else. If that waterbed weren't custom-made, it would've collapsed ages ago.]

[Gotta admit, Briella really deserves her title as Jorbridge's former top socialite. That body, that voice ... damn, I'm tingling all over. When Sheldon gets tired of her, maybe he'll pass her to us?]

[Dream on. Don't forget that Briella was the one who got Sheldon's childhood sweetheart killed. He bought her to get revenge. Once he's done, she's as good as dead.]

[Now that you mention it, it's been five years already. Sheldon must have a whole stash of videos. It's about time to destroy her reputation and push her to the brink of suicide, don't you think?]

They chatted excitedly, oblivious to the new account that had joined the group. Briella's ears were ringing, her mind a blank. The voices in the chat felt distant, yet each sentence cut into her like a blade, forcing her to grasp the cruel truth.

[Sheldon, why so quiet? Still busy? Or have you played with her so long that you actually caught feelings and can't stand us trash-talking her?]

Sheldon finally responded, his tone laced with mockery and disdain. [Feelings? For an enemy? I was thinking. Let's release all the videos on the 7th of next month. I bet her reaction will be priceless.]

The 7th of next month was the date of Briella's award ceremony for her winning art submission. The chat exploded with malicious anticipation. Briella felt like she had been struck by lightning. Her fingers clenched tighter and tighter around her phone, almost crushing it. At that moment, the person who had added her to the group finally remembered her presence. They told her that Sheldon had even juicier gossip and that she should go ask him for it.

Briella snapped back to reality. She replied with trembling hands, [I'm busy today. I'll check it out another time.] As soon as she sent the message, she fled from the group chat and deleted the contact. The temperature-controlled mattress beneath her was soft and comforting. Yet, she felt like she had fallen into an icy abyss. Cold seeped through her bones. So, it had all been a lie.

Five years ago, the Jacquins went bankrupt. Briella's parents died and she fell from being a beloved heiress to nothing more than a commodity on an auction block. Inside the iron cage, she was barely clothed. Outside, countless greedy eyes locked onto her, like wolves ready to tear her apart and swallow her whole. That was the darkest moment of her life.

The bidding escalated, one voice topping the next. Briella bit down on her tongue, the taste of blood spreading through her mouth. She closed her eyes in despair, waiting for death to claim her. Then, a clear voice cut through the chaos, "One hundred million. She's mine."

Briella's eyes snapped open. She saw Sheldon standing there, like a god descending from the heavens. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating in her final moments. After all, she had chased after Sheldon for two years in high school, yet he had never spared her a glance. So why would he be here now? But then, his hand reached through the iron bars. Firm yet gentle, he pried open her tightly clenched jaw, his eyes filled with compassion. "I'm sorry I was late."

Back then, he had just established his company. That hundred million was all of his liquid assets. Yet, without hesitation, he spent every cent to pull Briella out of hell. People mocked him, saying he had lost his mind over a woman. Still, he replied that Briella's father had once been his benefactor. Now that he had made a name for himself, he would never allow his benefactor's daughter to suffer. It all made sense, helping the daughter of the man who had once helped him.

For five whole years, they had been inseparable, the closest of lovers. She loved him with all her heart. She even rejected her grandfather's offer to take her abroad to stay by Sheldon's side. She thought they had long since become soulmates, but in the end, it was just her own delusion.

From the very beginning, Sheldon had never loved her. What Briella saw as salvation was nothing more than a meticulously planned deception. She felt as if her heart had been ripped open, icy winds howling through the cracks. She clutched at her chest, tears streaming down her face until she sobbed herself unconscious. She was woken up by the ringing of her phone. The caller ID read "Grandpa." Suppressing the searing pain in her chest, Briella pressed the answer button.

Her grandfather's voice was as warm and gentle as ever. "Ella, have you prepared your enrollment documents? The dorms aren't great, so I bought you an apartment nearby. The neighbor is the grandson of an old friend of mine. He's a good young man. If you're willing, you can get to know him. I know you don't want to stay abroad permanently, but at least make yourself comfortable while you study."

Every word was filled with love and care. Briella couldn't hold back her tears. She ran to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face and forced her voice to sound normal. "Grandpa, help me apply for permanent residency."

The old man had been trying for years to convince his granddaughter to move overseas, but she always refused. So, when he suddenly heard her say otherwise, he was taken completely by surprise. "Ella, what did you say?! Are you really willing to come live with us? I'll have your uncle buy an even bigger villa right away! When will you come? Is tomorrow's flight too soon? Maybe I should have your uncle pick you up."

Briella felt a bitter taste on her tongue. "No need, Grandpa. I'll come on the seventh of next month by myself."

The old man was so overjoyed that he said "good" several times in a row. Then, as if realizing something, he asked worriedly, "Why the sudden decision? Did someone bully you over there?"

Briella thought about the messages in the group chat and a sharp pain pierced her heart. She could picture Sheldon's expression, that casual mockery and smugness. However, none of that mattered anymore. She had loved fiercely and even if she had misplaced that love, she could afford to lose. She would sort out her feelings and everything that came with them."

Her grandfather was already old. There was no need to add to his worries. Forcing a smile, Briella reassured him, "No, I just miss you all."

The older man, comforted by her words, happily chatted with her for a while longer before finally hanging up. Briella got out of bed, took a shower and sat in the living room, planning her next steps. The video was clearly recorded by a surveillance camera. The top priority now was to find its location. She had to delete the footage to prevent anything unexpected from happening at the awards ceremony. Then, there was what they had mentioned about Sheldon's childhood friend's death.

Briella was leaving, but she would leave with her name clear. She refused to take the blame for something she never did. With that thought, Briella picked up her phone and made a call. She was grateful that when she first learned about the profession of content reviewer, she had decisively taken it up as a side job to save money.

That job gave Briella not only a stable way to earn income from home by drawing but also access to all kinds of people. After the call ended, the door swung open. Sheldon stepped inside, wrapped in the night, his eyes filled with familiar affection. "Checking up on me already? Good thing I made it back in time," he teased.

Briella instinctively tightened her grip on her phone, lowering her gaze to hide the redness in her eyes. She couldn't understand. How could someone be this good at acting? He had faked his love for five whole years. She asked calmly, "Why are you back so early?"

"I missed you." Sheldon walked over and pulled her into his lap. With a gentle tug, the belt of her robe came loose. Briella pressed down on his hand. "We already did it multiple times today."

Sheldon chuckled. "Can't handle it? What should I do then? Every time I see my baby, I just can't control myself. I wish I could spend a lifetime tangled up with you."

A lifetime? What a cruel joke. Briella turned her face away, avoiding his lips as they came closer. "I'm exhausted today. I want to sleep."

Seeing the weariness between her brows, Sheldon didn't push. Briella soon drifted off, but her dreams were filled with memories of their past. The next morning, when she woke up, Sheldon was already gone. By the bedside, he had left a note. Off to make money for my baby. Eat well and wait for me.

In the past, seeing those little notes would make Briella happy for the whole day. Now, they only made her sick. Every word on them felt like a cruel joke, mocking her misery. Briella tore the notes to shreds and threw them in the trash. After a quick breakfast, she began searching the villa for hidden cameras. However, after a whole morning of searching, she found nothing. Briella grew increasingly agitated and made a bold decision.

When Sheldon returned, he saw her taking a painting down from the wall. The backyard was already piled high with things. Their first photo together, the matching couple items they had bought, the collectible ornaments he had gifted her, stuffed animals from every room and the portrait she had breathlessly painted for him during one of their most passionate nights in the studio. Sheldon paused for a moment, surprised. "Baby, what are you doing?"

Briella tossed the painting aside like garbage. "Burning it." If she couldn't find the cameras, she would burn everything to the ground.

Sheldon frowned, clearly confused. "These are our memories. Weren't they your most treasured things?"

Briella didn't answer. Without a word, she lit the pile on fire. The flames devoured the past, the orange glow flickering against her face. A strange feeling rose in Sheldon's heart. Like something was slipping away, burning along with those things. He pulled her into his arms. "If you want to burn them, then burn them. They're just old things. We have plenty of time to make new memories."

There is no future, Sheldon. From the moment you set this trap, we were doomed.

"But I really like that portrait. How about painting another one for me?" His fingers teasingly traced her waist, clearly reminiscing about that night. Briella dodged him. "I won't be painting again until after the 7th of next month."

Sheldon frowned. "Why?"

She stared at the roaring flames, exhaustion seeping into her bones. "I'm tired. I need a break."

Sheldon didn't doubt his girlfriend. "That's fine. The 7th is a big day for you. Get some rest so people don't say the rising star of the art world looks worn out."

Briella let out a soft, unreadable smile. "Will you be there that day?"

Sheldon was silent for a few seconds before smiling. "Of course. How could I miss your most important moment? I've even prepared a big surprise for you."

Her breath caught. Her fingers curled, nails digging into her palms. "Good. I have a gift for you too."

Sheldon chuckled. "I'll be looking forward to it."

I hope you really are. Briella turned and walked back inside. Just then, Sheldon's phone rang. She glanced at the screen out of habit. She could only see Lia's part on the screen. He stepped away to answer, his voice low and intimate. A while later, he came back and kissed Briella's forehead. "Something urgent came up at the company. I have to go. I'll be back later."

Briella nodded obediently, but his "later" turned into the whole night. He sent a message explaining that work had been complicated. She didn't reply. Instead, she packed a bag and headed to the immigration office. Her grandfather had already arranged everything, but some documents had to be submitted in person. The process would take a month, but Briella couldn't wait that long. She begged and pleaded, trying to get it expedited. As she stepped out of the building, her footsteps suddenly halted.

Ahead of her, she saw Sheldon walking side by side with another woman. The woman was holding his arm, her head resting on his shoulder, looking petite and dependent. Sheldon was talking to her, his expression gentle and familiar, yet also strange. He seemed to have looked at her that way before, yet it felt different. Perhaps this was the person he truly loved.

Suddenly, Sheldon looked up. Briella hurriedly looked away, but it was too late. Their eyes met and Sheldon instinctively pushed the woman's hand away and strode toward her. Seeing the sign for the immigration office, he frowned slightly. "Briella, what are you doing here? Are you immigrating?"

Briella's heart tightened and she lied, "No, I'm just picking something up for a friend."

Sheldon seemed to relax. The woman followed closely behind. As she got closer, Briella realized the woman's face was almost identical to Sheldon's childhood sweetheart. But his childhood sweetheart had died. Back then, the news had caused quite a stir at their college.

"Briella, what a coincidence! Fancy running into you here. I'm Celia Law." Oh, so this is the "Lia" in Sheldon's contacts. Celia and Briella's were almost similar, but they were worlds apart in his heart. One was his beloved, the other his enemy.

A bitter taste filled Briella's mouth, but her expression remained indifferent as she shook the woman's hand. Celia naturally leaned into Sheldon again. "We were just on our way to an art exhibition. Why don't you come with us, Briella? You could even be our guide."

Briella didn't want to go. Although she had decided to let go of Sheldon, it would take time to erase someone she had loved for so many years from her heart. However, before she could refuse, Celia mouthed something to her. "The video." Briella's body stiffened and she gripped her handbag tightly.

The art gallery was only a twenty-minute drive from the immigration office. Briella didn't have a ticket, so Celia went to negotiate with the event organizers. Sheldon quickly explained, "She's the daughter of a business partner. We just happened to run into each other, don't overthink it."

He smelled like Celia's perfume, so strong that there was no way it hadn't lingered on him all night. Briella couldn't be bothered to expose his lie. She responded with a calm "Mm."

Sheldon reached out and ruffled her hair indulgently. "I knew my good girl would be the most understanding."

Not far away, Celia, who had just returned from negotiating, saw this scene. A flicker of something dark flashed in her eyes. She handed Briella the ticket she had just obtained and gave her a long, meaningful look.

Once inside the gallery, Sheldon's phone kept ringing non-stop. He had no choice but to step away to answer. The moment he was gone, Celia dropped the act. "I know what's going on between you and Sheldon. Let me tell you, he was at my place last night to discuss our engagement. We'll be announcing it soon. If you know what's good for you, you'll walk away on your own."

Briella had suspected from the look on Celia's face that Sheldon's relationship with that woman was more than simply casual. Still, she had no idea they were on the verge of marriage. However, it was none of her concern. Ever since overhearing their conversation, she had completely given up on Sheldon. Whatever lies or secrets he had, they no longer surprised her. Briella was only concerned about one thing. "What did you mean by 'the video'?"

Celia laughed mockingly. "Wow, just the word 'video' is enough to make you panic? Sheldon was right, you really are brainless."

Briella immediately realized the truth. "You don't even have a video. You were messing with me." She didn't want to waste another second and turned to leave, but Celia grabbed her wrist. At that exact moment, a cracking noise came from the ceiling."

Briella's heart sank. Before she could break free, Celia took advantage of the moment and shoved her forward. Right then, a massive chandelier crashed down from the ceiling, striking Briella from the head down to her back. Warm blood gushed out, soaking her shirt. Chunks of plaster rained down and the room erupted into panicked screams. Amidst the chaos, Sheldon came rushing over. He lifted Briella up, his normally sharp and composed face filled with panic and fear. "Baby, are you okay? Does it hurt? Why is there so much blood?"

Briella's vision blurred from the blood dripping into her eyes. The pain was so intense she couldn't even speak. Meanwhile, Celia let out a dramatic cry and collapsed onto the floor, clutching her ankle with tears streaming down her face. "Sheldon, I twisted my ankle. It hurts so bad! Can you take me to the hospital?"

However, Sheldon acted as if he didn't even hear her. Without a second glance in her direction, he scooped Briella into his arms and sprinted out of the gallery. The urgency in his movements made it seem as if she was truly the person he cared about the most.

Through the haze of pain and blood, Briella stared at his face, momentarily dazed. Was he still acting? Or was there the slightest bit of sincerity in his panic? Celia, behind them, screamed in frustration, "Sheldon! I'm your fiancée! Do you still want to work with my dad or not?"

Sheldon didn't even flinch, his steps never slowing. Briella's injuries were severe. By the time her wounds were treated, two hours had passed. The anesthesia hadn't fully worn off and in her groggy state, she overheard Sheldon talking on the phone. "I already told you, I have my own plan. The show isn't over yet, so why are you making a fuss?"

Celia's voice sounded aggrieved. "You carried her out without even looking at me. Sheldon, is this really just about getting revenge on her mom?"

Sheldon sounded irritated. "What else? If I don't keep saving her over and over again, how will she become completely devoted to me? If I don't act the part, how will she be devastated enough to kill herself when the truth comes out? Do you want me to be charged with murder?"

Celia quickly denied it. "No! Sheldon, do you really not like her?"

Sheldon was silent for a long time before finally speaking in a low voice. "Mm. I could never like her."

Briella struggled to open her eyes and saw him standing by the door, hanging up the phone. Through her blurred vision, even his features looked twisted and cruel. How ridiculous. This was just another one of his tricks. Playing with sincerity, playing with human nature.

A ripple spread through Briella's numb heart, drowning out the pain in her body. She didn't know how much time had passed before she fully regained consciousness. The first thing she saw was Sheldon's face, magnified before her. "Baby, you're finally awake! You scared me to death. Thank God you're okay!"

Briella was dazed, almost believing that the phone call had just been part of a dream. Sheldon lowered his head and kissed her cheek, his voice full of remorse. "I'm sorry, it's my fault for not protecting you. It won't happen again."

Still, Briella's heart had turned to ice. Her eyes were empty and she said nothing. "Baby, why aren't you talking? Are you still in pain?" asked Sheldon. That man called the doctor in to check on her again, running around making arrangements for her hospitalization.

He bought her favorite black rice porridge, coaxing her to take a few bites and gently wiping the corners of her mouth. At night, he prepared warm water at just the right temperature and even lowered himself to wash and massage her feet. The other patients in the ward couldn't help but envy her. "If I had a boyfriend like that, I'd wake up laughing from my dreams."

"Right? I'm curious which deity I should pray to for a man like him.

However, Briella's heart remained unmoved. Because she knew that beneath these seemingly meticulous acts of care lurked the poison urging her to die. If she showed even a hint of emotion, it would be an act of self-cruelty.

After three days in the hospital, she returned home, but her mood remained heavy. Sheldon put all his work on hold and stayed by her side at all times. Until his friend called. "Sheldon, how about a race on the mountain road tonight?"

Sheldon looked at Briella, sitting by the window in silence and shook his head. "No, Ella's not in a good mood. I'll stay with her."

His friend howled in disbelief. "Are you serious? Don't tell me you've actually fallen for her?"

Sheldon said nothing and another friend chimed in from the side. "No way, Sheldon wouldn't lose himself in his own act. He hasn't forgotten how Lilia died."

"If you're in a bad mood, the best way to let loose is to hit the road. A few rounds of racing, get that adrenaline pumping and you'll feel better in no time."

Sheldon hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded. He brought Briella along to the mountain road. As night fell, the mountaintop was packed with people. The roar of the engines and the sound of excited screams filled the air.

Sheldon's friends greeted them enthusiastically. "Briella!"

"Sheldon is so hard to invite out. If it weren't for you, he'd probably be glued to home. I've never seen a man this whipped before."

"Exactly. He's so into you that we're all jealous."

Whipped? In love? These people must be living in a dream. Briella didn't respond, but unease crept into her heart. Just then, a race car roared to a stop. The door opened and Celia stepped out. Briella's unease quickly spiked to its peak.