Crushed by the weight of her emotions, she begged Adrian to take her abroad for one final ski trip, a silent goodbye to the world.

Upon returning to China, she retreated into the bathroom and with trembling hands and a broken heart, she slit her wrists. The silence that followed was her final act an end written in blood and sorrow.

Seeing my long silence, Adrian narrowed his eyes in displeasure.

“Angelica, aren’t you going to apologize to Sabrina?”

I calmly countered, “Why should I?”

He couldn't bear society’s judgment and had proposed to me on his own. So why should I be the one to pay the price?

Adrian’s gaze turned sharp. He grabbed a steak knife from the table and slashed the engagement cake in two.

Leaning close to my ear, he whispered coldly, “Think about your parents’ company. Don’t bring trouble on yourself.”

The splattered cream stained my dress, ruining my poise and dignity.

But I couldn’t get angry.

I knew all too well what it meant to cross Adrian, his methods were ruthless.

In the end, I had to clench my fists and force out an apology through gritted teeth.

A glint of smugness flickered across Sabrina’s eyes. She spoke sweetly, “It’s my fault. I rely too much on uncle Adrian. I got emotional and worried everyone.”

“But now that I know how much he cares about me, I won’t do anything silly again.”

Adrian patted her head affectionately, then shot me a cold warning, “Angelica, I hate people who play petty tricks behind others’ backs.”

“As punishment for provoking Sabrina, the engagement is canceled. The wedding is postponed indefinitely.”

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. So, he still wanted me to be his nominal wife?

I was just about to reject the engagement outright,  

But Adrian turned and walked away with Sabrina without giving me a second glance.

My father’s face was livid with rage, too furious to speak.

I took a deep breath and made a decision.

“Mom, Dad, right now we need this marriage alliance to stabilize our company. The wedding will go on as planned.”

My mother looked at me in disbelief.

“Sweetheart, do you really love Adrian that much?”

I shook my head. Another name surfaced in my mind.

In my past life, after I died, only one person came to my funeral.

But his tears were more genuine than anyone’s.

I dialed a familiar international number.

“Hey, I’m getting married in two weeks. I need a groom. Want to help me out?”

The man’s breathing suddenly quickened, but he still tried to sound casual.

“Angelica, today isn’t April Fools’ Day, you know.”

I didn’t say a word.

Sure enough, within seconds, as if afraid I’d hang up, he quickly agreed.

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

In order to make up for past regrets, Adrian now showered Sabrina with everything.

He bought her a pink diamond necklace worth ten million dollars.

On her birthday, he rented out an entire amusement park and lit up the sky with fireworks.

Everyone said that Sabrina was his most precious darling.

So, this was what it looked like when the ever-composed and mature Adrian truly loved someone. Just like a foolish young man eager to show her off to the world.

But I didn’t have time to care.

To pay off the debts, I sold my paintings under the pseudonym “X.”

Within a few days, the gallery director called and said a wealthy patron had taken an interest in my work.

I never expected that person to be Adrian.

Sabrina had attended an art event and casually praised one of my pieces. Adrian wanted to buy them all on the spot.

He was a neat freak.

In my past life, whenever he saw paint stains on my clothes, he’d instinctively pinch his nose and keep his distance.

Eventually, I gave up painting for good.

Now, he only smiled as Sabrina messed around.

Even when she smeared his expensive suit with paint, he didn’t mind.

I hesitated but agreed, desperate for money.

Soon after, Sabrina posted one of my paintings on social media.

A fan asked, “Sabrina, are you the genius anonymous painter “X”?

Sabrina replied with a winking emoji, oh she didn’t deny it.

The comment section instantly exploded. Countless fans praised her as a talented and humble artist. The tag “beautiful mystery painter” shot up to the trending searches.

Soon after, the luxury brand I was in talks with for a collaboration contacted me, “Miss Angelica, there’s a copyright dispute regarding your artwork. We must suspend our partnership.”

“If you can’t clarify the situation in time, you’ll be responsible for the production costs we’ve already invested, ten million dollars.”

I felt like I’d fallen into an ice pit. I rushed to explain:

“I’m the real ‘X’!”

The representative sighed with hesitation. “The internet believes ‘X’ is someone else. We can’t risk a legal dispute.”

With my original drafts in hand, I headed to a law firm, determined to sue Sabrina.

But on the way, a group of people forcibly took me to the Langston Corporation headquarters.

When Adrian saw me, a flicker of surprise and panic flashed in his eyes.

“Those paintings are yours?”

I looked at him, my heart sinking, voice trembling, “So what now? To make Sabrina successful, are you planning to silence me?”

His firm expression faltered.

But he quickly returned to his cold demeanor.

“It’s been Sabrina’s dream since she was a child to be a painter. As her uncle, of course I’ll support her.”

A bitter ache rose in my chest. Still, I couldn’t help but ask, “Do you even realize that your selfish decision could completely destroy me?”

Ten million in damages, I had no way out except death.

Adrian impatiently interrupted, “Angelica, you nearly caused Sabrina’s death. This is what you owe her.”

“I’ll make you a deal. As long as you publicly admit that Sabrina is ‘X’ and don’t smear her name, I’ll consider marrying you soon.”

I rejected him outright.

“No need.”

His voice turned sharp, “Think about your parents.”

Swallowing the sting in my eyes, I resigned myself and signed the non-disclosure agreement. Only then did Adrian soften slightly.

“I’ll settle your family’s debts.”

I ignored him and numbly turned to leave.

Rain began to fall from the sky. A pink sports car sped past me. A splash of muddy water drenched me from head to toe. Sabrina lowered the car window, staring at me with mocking eyes.

“A wife can be replaced, but I’ll always be the only adopted daughter.”

“Angelica, do you finally know your place?”

I wanted to sever ties once and for all, so I replied calmly, “I won’t be marrying Adrian. I wish you both happiness.”

Something about that line struck a nerve.

Sabrina’s face twisted with rage.

“Uncle was always mine! Who needs your fake generosity?!”

She slammed the gas pedal, aiming the car straight at me.

“Angelica, go to hell!”

Before I could react, the pink car shot toward me.

My body flew through the air and crashed hard onto the ground.

She tried to hit me again.

But the rain-slicked road caused the car to lose control and spin out, smashing into several parked vehicles.

Broken glass slashed Sabrina’s forehead. She passed out at the wheel.

People gathered around and began calling for an ambulance.

Adrian arrived in a hurry, his face tight with worry as he checked Sabrina’s injuries.

Then he turned to look at me, still lying motionless on the ground, his eyes full of hatred.

“Angelica, I’ve been too lenient with you. That’s why you still don’t know your place and keep upsetting Sabrina.”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t utter a word through the pain.

Adrian gently lifted Sabrina into the ambulance.

I reached out weakly.

“Help… me…”

Adrian sneered, “You’re not even bleeding. Stop pretending.”

Then he ordered the driver to leave.

I watched the ambulance drive away in despair.

No matter how much my body hurt, it couldn’t compare to the stabbing pain in my heart.

A kind passerby took me to the hospital.

When the nurse heard I’d been hit by a car, her face turned pale with shock.

“Patients with internal injuries and no visible trauma are the most dangerous! Don’t move. I’ll call the doctor right away.”

My consciousness began to fade.

Everything blurred.

Suddenly, a large hand grabbed my wrist.

Adrian barked an order.

“You and Sabrina both have rare Rh-negative blood. Go donate to her now.”

Before I could say anything, he dragged me forcefully toward the blood donation room.

The last thread of strength in my heart snapped.

Tears spilled from my eyes like broken pearls as I shook my head helplessly.

“Adrian, I have anemia… Please, don’t…”

He froze for a moment.

Then he gently stroked my face, his voice unexpectedly soft, “Angelica, just hang in there. I promise this will be the last time.”

“Once you’re better, we’ll get married and live a good life together.”

A doctor tried to persuade him tactfully.

“Miss Sabrina only suffered superficial wounds. There’s no immediate need for blood transfusion.”

But Adrian insisted coldly.

“Do it now! Sabrina’s body is fragile, it’s better to be safe.”

A slender needle pierced my arm.

As the blood quickly drained from me, I began to tremble uncontrollably. My face turned ghostly pale.

Everything went dark, I collapsed to the ground.

The nurse let out a panicked cry, “Who brought a car accident patient to donate blood?! Get the resuscitation team!”

“Preliminary diagnosis: three broken ribs, ruptured spleen and severe blood loss.”

They placed me on a stretcher and rushed me to the operating room.

In the blur, I heard Adrian’s frantic voice.

“She didn’t have any visible injuries, how did it get this bad?!”

“Call the best doctors in the city! She can’t die!”

When I opened my eyes again, A nurse stood at my bedside, visibly shaken.

“You’re finally awake! We were so worried you wouldn’t make it.”

She handed me a bowl of red date and goji berry porridge.

“Mr. Adrian specially bought this for you to replenish your blood. Drink it while it’s warm.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw all sorts of expensive supplements piled at the bedside.

I forced myself to sit up and chased after the departing nurse, wanting to return everything.

As I passed the neighboring ward, I saw Adrian spoon-feeding Sabrina.

The gentle smile on his face was crystal clear.

A few young nurses were whispering.

“Mr. Adrian really dotes on Miss Sabrina. The mighty CEO actually spent six hours in the kitchen making bone broth, just so she could drink it as soon as she woke up!”

My strength gave out.

The supplements in my hands scattered loudly across the floor.

Right then, I received a message from my dad.

[Sweetheart, the order you secured saved the company. The crisis is over. Rest well, we’re so proud of you.]

My eyes stung with tears. I slumped to the floor, overwhelmed with relief.

I tried to recall the so-called “order,” but no matter how hard I thought, I couldn’t remember a thing.

Just then, the luxury brand representative I used to work with also sent a message: [Miss Angelica, your payment has been settled. We look forward to working with you again.]

I looked up again at the hospital room where Adrian sat.

My heart, already numb, could no longer stir with emotion. Only quiet acceptance remained.

Adrian, from now on, we owe each other nothing.

It wasn’t until three days later, after being wrapped around Sabrina’s finger that Adrian finally remembered me.

He rushed to my hospital room, only to find an empty bed.

He quickly grabbed a passing nurse and asked, “Where’s the patient from Room 302?”