I spent the whole day just trying to push through the pain. By the time I showed up at Claudia’s birthday party, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck and then asked to smile through it.

She, on the other hand, looked like she’d stepped off a red carpet, dripping in diamonds, wrapped in a custom designer gown that shimmered under every light. She had that effortless glow, like someone who’d never had to fight for anything.

Me? I walked in wearing a plain white dress. No lace. No sparkle. Nothing that turned heads.

The moment I stepped through the door, the whispers started.

“Is that Nadine James? The one who pretended to be Claudia for over twenty years?” a middle-aged woman said, eyeing me openly. “She looks awful. Doesn’t carry herself like a lady at all.”

The woman next to her nodded. “Yeah, the fake heiress. What kind of class could she really have? The Jameses are just being polite, not kicking her out.”

“I heard she refused to leave,” the first one added with a scoff. “They even made her their goddaughter. Honestly, it’s pathetic.”

The other one shrugged. “Still… I don’t know. She has that soft, quiet thing going on. Some people are into that.”

They didn’t even lower their voices. Like I wasn’t standing right there. Like I didn’t exist.

Then, they laughed, insulting me openly without any consideration. It made me feel sick, but I didn’t flinch. Not this time.

At that moment, Claudia entered as if she were the star of the show—graceful, skilled, flawless. She glided over to me, beaming, and intertwined her arm with mine as if we were close friends.

“Wow, sis, you look stunning tonight,” she said, voice sweet as sugar.

I forced a smile. “I remember that gown. It was Sir Andrei Monet’s final masterpiece.”

She lit up, twirling like a kid showing off a new toy. “Yes! Russell got it for me specially. Isn’t it beautiful?”

I felt a cold little flicker spark behind my eyes.

“It is,” I said, slowly and carefully. “But Sir Andrei’s last piece was bought by the British royal family. The Princess wore it just a few days ago. And yet, this one of yours...”

I let it hang there. Didn’t need to finish the sentence. Everyone in the room understood what I meant.

Fake.

Claudia’s face flushed, then went pale. That flawless composure cracked for a second.

For the first time in a long time, I felt a little of myself coming back. Not the version they’d beaten down.

The real me—the one with a spine.

But then, Russell’s voice cut through everything. “I personally flew to the UK to borrow it for Claudia. Got a problem with that?”

I turned to face him. His stare was blank, unreadable.

Then, Claudia clung to his arm with that same smug little smile.

“That’s right, Nadine,” she said. “Don’t speak on things you don’t understand. Like Russell would ever let me wear a fake.”

And just like that, the attention snapped right back to me.

People stared, eyes glinting, and the murmurs flared up again:

“Aren’t they claiming she’s an art student? She can't even differentiate between fake and genuine. How embarrassing!”

“She’s just out here chasing attention. But wow, Russell really did go to the UK?”

“Her degree’s probably fake too. Planning some art exhibit? Who’s even gonna go?”

Amid the murmurs, I stayed quiet.

'So Russell could treat someone that well, even over a dress?' I let out a dry laugh and started to turn away.

Then a calm voice called out behind me. “Excuse me, but didn’t the British Princess wear a light blue dress? Why is Miss Claudia’s dress white, though?”

Heads turned toward the voice. A man with gold-rimmed glasses stepped forward, a soft smile playing on his face as he came to stand beside me like he belonged there.

“I wasn’t aware Sir Andrei’s final design came in his least favorite color—white," Jacob retorted.

Claudia’s face went sheet-white. She grabbed Russell’s arm like she was drowning.

“Russell, what’s going on? Say something!”

Russell's face darkened, and after a beat, he said under his breath, “Claudia, I’ll explain later.”

She stomped her foot and rushed out of the room, humiliated.

I raised an eyebrow at Russell. “Your Claudia just stormed out. Not going after her?”

He didn’t say a word. He quickly took my arm and pulled me away from Jacob’s side, acting as if he were worried.

“That son-of-a-bitch's a trouble, Nadine. Don’t forget, you’re still a married woman. Stay away from him," Russell warned me.

Then he turned and ran after Claudia. Not even a glance back.

The crowd started to thin out. The noise dulled.

My smile faded, replaced by something colder.

I watched him go, my chest going tight and frozen. Now he remembers I’m married.

Has it ever crossed his mind that he’s married, too?

He’s telling me to steer clear of Jacob, but he’s sneaking off with Claudia into gardens like I don’t even exist.

While I was standing there thinking that, Jacob spoke again casually, “Since Russell took over Fraizer Group, it’s been one financial crisis after another. Even without my help, the company won’t last. But if you say the word, I can take them down tonight.”

I met his eyes, grateful, and gave him a small smile. I could already see the look on Russell and Claudia’s faces when the walls started caving in.

Then Jacob handed me a stack of papers.

With a soft laugh and eyes that sparkled, he said, “Didn’t you say you wanted a divorce? Have him sign these tomorrow, and I’ll make sure Fraizer Group collapses by sunset.”

...

I didn’t go home. I went back to the hotel.

When I opened my phone, there it was.

Claudia’s latest post:

[You're the only one who can calm me down and make me feel safe in this world.]

The image featured two clasped hands, with her finger glimmering from a large diamond ring.

While scrolling through the comments, I noticed Russell's remark:

[As long as you’re happy, I’ll do anything for you.]

I scoffed, shut my phone, and then closed my eyes.

...

By the time I opened them again, morning had already come.

The first thing I did was find Russell to sign the divorce papers. While I was at it, I threw out everything that was mine.

Without a moment's hesitation, I threw all my favorite dresses in garbage bags.

Russell took notice. He looked surprised, knowing how much I used to care about those dresses. After all, he had given them to me himself, back when they still meant something.

He asked, his voice low and cautious, “Why are you throwing those out? Don’t like them anymore? I can get you new ones—”

“No need,” I said quietly, offering a small smile. “I don’t need useless things anymore.”

He stood there frozen. His fingers curled slightly, like he didn’t know what to do with himself.

Just as I tossed the last dress into a bag, Russell spoke up again. “Still upset about yesterday? Like I said, Claudia was only mad at Jacob for humiliating her in front of everyone. We were just backing her up as family. But you? You sided with the outsiders and made things worse. I can’t believe you. And do you genuinely believe it's right to side with that jerk instead of your own sister?”

I let out a dry breath and narrowed my eyes. 'Here we go again. Always making me the bad one. Always comparing me to her.'

So I reached for the divorce papers and handed them to him.

Russell didn’t even glance at them and just snatched them from my hand. “What now? Nadine, you’re not a child. You don’t know business. You don’t understand investments. What’s the point of this little show?”

Still, he grabbed a pen and scribbled his name down without looking. Then he flung the papers back at me.

The corner of one sheet caught my cheek—a sharp sting, followed by blood.

His eyes narrowed. He reached into his pocket, probably for something to help. But all he found was the handkerchief Claudia gave him.

Russell paused for a beat, then shoved it back like it didn’t matter. “You brought this on yourself. Let this be a warning. After this, I’ll give you money, and you stay the hell away from Claudia. Got it?”

Still, I stayed quiet.

Right then, he probably realized he sounded pretty harsh because his tone softened right away. “You’re Claudia’s big sister. You should step aside for her. Even if you’re not the real James' daughter, don’t bring your country ways into this house.”

The air turned to stone. It stretched on in silence, long enough to press into my bones.

Then I glanced up at him and offered a small smile. “Okay.”

That one word meant I wouldn’t chase after Claudia anymore.

I was done. I was leaving.

After hearing his curt reply, he turned on his heel and walked away. No second glance, no hesitation.

The smile that had been teasing my lips disappeared. I looked down at the silver necklace he had given me on our wedding day. Back then, I was naive enough to treasure that simple little chain, like it actually meant something, just a tiny symbol of care, however small.

Now? He could walk away without blinking and spoil Claudia with diamonds worth a hundred million.

I picked up the necklace and tossed it into the trash bag along with everything else I used to feel for him.

Holding the divorce papers in my hand, I smiled.

This time, it wasn’t for show. It was real.

From here on out, I wouldn’t have to see either of them again.

I stepped out of the villa, that place that never once felt like mine.

As I pulled out my phone to call a cab, one came into view in the distance. I waved it down.

The engine started roaring louder.

Then my eyes went wide.

The car wasn’t stopping. It was speeding right at me.

My body flew through the air like a ragdoll, slamming into the pavement right at the villa’s entrance. Blood soaked my clothes. Everything hurt—burning, stabbing, screaming pain in every inch of me.

I tried to lift my head through the haze.

Behind the glass, I saw Russell’s silhouette.

I wanted to scream. I tried to call out and beg for help.

But no sound came out. Just tears, hot and bitter, rolling down my face.

Then I saw her. Claudia walked over, slipped her arms around him, and kissed him like she had all the time in the world.

She turned him away from me.

Russell’s breathing got heavier. His hands started pulling at her clothes, right there, up against the window.

Before I passed out, I caught one last thing.

Claudia looked at me. Smiled.

“My dear sweet sister, rest well,” she mouthed.

...

When I woke up, I couldn’t move. It felt like I’d been hit by a freight train.

I stared up at the white hospital ceiling, barely able to breathe, but somehow just glad to still be alive.

A nurse caught sight of me and nearly dropped her clipboard. She rushed out to grab the doctor.

When he came in, I found out I’d been unconscious for a week. They said I’d been in critical condition when they brought me in. Bruises everywhere. Several broken bones.

And in all that time, not a single message.

Not one from the man I was still married to.

I didn’t say much. Just asked, “Where’s my divorce agreement?”

The nurse hesitated, then handed over a copy.

It was stained with blood.

I ran my fingers along the dark bloodstains on it.

That was all the proof I needed for my dead, numb heart.

After the doctor gave me his rundown and was about to say more, shouting broke out in the hallway.

“If you don’t admit Claudia, I’ll make sure this hospital goes bankrupt!!” a voice thundered.

My body tensed. I leaned on the crutches beside my bed and peeked out.

There he was. Russell. Holding Claudia like she was made of glass.

She looked fine. Flushed and glowing, not a scratch on her.

The doctor sounded nervous. “Sir, she only has a minor burn on her hand. It’ll heal fast. She doesn't need to be hospitalized.”

Russell shot him a look that shut him right up.

Then, suddenly, he looked up and locked eyes with me.

His brow furrowed. “What are you doing here? You’re injured?”

He looked like he might come closer, but then he remembered Claudia was in his arms.

Instead of letting her go, he walked straight over.

Still holding her, he said, “Give your bed to Claudia. Name your price.”

He didn’t even ask how I felt, and didn’t suggest. Russell just picked her up and laid her down in my hospital bed like I didn’t exist.

Still pretending to care, Claudia whispered, “Russell, my sister appears to be more injured than I am."

Russell just patted her head like she was a child. “She’s faking. Ignore her. You’re the one who matters most to me.”

In bitter pain, I laughed, even though my ribs screamed in protest.

'What was my pathetic marriage worth, really?' I couldn't help but ask myself.

Right then, I hated myself for marrying him at all.

I turned and limped out of the room—blank expression, heart hollow.

“No need. I’ll give you the bed,” I told the nurse.

Let Claudia have it. She could take the bed, the pity, the man.

She already had all of it, anyway.

...

My phone was loaded with missed calls from Jacob, but I let them sit.

When I finally called him back, he picked up right away.

“I’ve been abroad. What’s happening on your side? Did you get the divorce yet?”

I knew what he meant. Once the divorce was final, he’d move in on Russell without mercy.

But I stayed calm. “No rush. Let the bullets fly for a while.”

I wanted to handle this my way. Pay back what I owe on my terms.

I rested quietly, relieved that I hadn’t injured my fingers. Otherwise, I’d never be able to paint again.

Then one day, Russell finally took me off his blacklist and messaged me. “Claudia’s trying on wedding dresses. As her elder sister, don’t you feel responsible? Get here now.”

My leg wasn’t fully healed yet. I could barely get around with a wheelchair, and crutches weren’t much better.

I wanted to say no. Really did.

But before I could type a single word, he hung up.

When I tried calling Russell back, I found out he blocked me again.

I let out a short laugh.

Fine. They want me there?

Since they want me to show up so badly, I’m gonna make them regret ever asking.

When I showed up at the bridal shop, a crowd had already formed around Claudia, all fussing over her dress. She looked stunning, wrapped in a custom designer gown covered in diamonds that caught every bit of light, sparkling like she was born to be the center of attention.

And just like that, memories of my wedding day came crashing in. I’d gone alone to try on dresses. No family, no friends, just silence.

The one I picked? Cheapest one in the shop. Barely a hundred bucks.

Russell didn’t even blink and just told me, “It’s just one wedding. Rent a dress. You’re never gonna wear it again anyway.”

Now here I was, standing in the same room as Russell and Claudia. He was beside her in a sharp groom’s suit, and she was glowing, radiant in that glittering gown.

'What a perfect couple!' I scoffed inwardly

Right then, the shop assistant gushed, “Madam, this dress fits you perfectly. When Mr. Fraizer sees you, he’ll be speechless."

Claudia slipped her arm through Russell’s like it was second nature. “Russell, I really want this dress. Can you buy it for me?”

“Sure,” he said, tapping her nose with a smile.

The assistant nodded. “This dress is $5 million. Please swipe your card here.”

Without hesitation, Russell swiped like it was $5 and not $5 million.

I’d already accepted he didn’t love me, but watching that hit like a punch in the chest. The difference between how he treated her and how he treated me was like night and day.

Every second hurt. Every second felt like I was splitting apart.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Claudia lit up when she saw me. “Sis, over here!”

I sneered to myself at how well she played the role of the sweet sister.

'So practiced. So fake.'

My eyes drifted to Russell, standing tall in his tux. He stared at me without the slightest guilt, as if nothing was wrong.

“Claudia's fiancé’s not here, so I’m trying this on for him. Is there a problem?” he said flatly.

I laughed and shook my head. “No problem."

We were already divorced, after all.

Russell frowned.

Back in the day, I would’ve lost it if I saw another woman clinging to him. That used to annoy him. But now, I didn’t react. And that annoyed him even more.

But now? I was numb. I didn't care.

Seeing my reaction, his lips pressed into a tight line. His stare locked on me like a silent dare.

“Russell, since Nadine doesn’t mind, you can be my one-day groom,” Claudia chirped, twirling around him like a spoiled kid.

“Alright, whatever you say,” he said, looking at her with eyes I’d never seen turned on me.

She leaned in, pouting. “By the way, Russell, let’s go to the French bistro later. I haven’t had it in forever. Nadine, you should come too.”

Russell didn’t hesitate as he flatly said, "Okay."

I furrowed my brow, about to decline, but he cut in first. “Nadine, it’s rare for you two sisters to spend time together. What is one meal going to kill you?”

I gave a bitter smile and said nothing.

...

At the restaurant, Russell ordered every tangy dish Claudia liked. All of them. Not a single thought about me.

He forgot—or maybe didn’t care—that I couldn’t eat anything tangy because of my gastritis.

So I nibbled on some veggies but winced in pain and spat them out.

“This has peanut sauce?” I asked, stunned.

“You only ate two bites. It won’t kill you. Quit the drama,” Russell snapped. “What are you faking for? You were fine last time.”

My stomach dropped. That 'last time' he was talking about? That was the first time he ever cooked for me.

I knew it had peanuts, but I ate it anyway. And it nearly killed me by having an anaphylactic shock.

Staring at his cold, indifferent face now, I couldn’t even speak.

My throat locked up.

Claudia giggled and leaned closer to Russell. “Russell, I forgot my bag in the car. Can you grab it for me?”

He jumped up immediately, like a trained dog.

As soon as he was gone, Claudia’s face twisted. Her sweetness melted away, replaced with that smug cruelty.

“Didn’t expect you to survive,” she hissed.

I took a sip of water, thankful I hadn’t eaten enough to trigger anything.

I raised an eyebrow and retorted, “I’m not like you. I don’t resort to such low, disgusting tricks. Heaven’s on my side.”

I pulled out my phone and tapped to open a video—Dashcam footage from the cab.

Jacob had helped me get it.

At that instant, Claudia’s face turned pale.

She lunged for my phone, but I stepped back and she missed.

Claudia stumbled and hit the floor.

"You bitch!" she snarled.

I crouched down, grabbed her chin, and met her burning glare with my own. “Next time you try something like this, be careful. There will be consequences.”

Her glare wavered. Then suddenly, she slapped herself hard and repeatedly.

Her cheek instantly swelled and turned red.

My heart thudded, knowing what she was about to do.

Sure enough, she forced out a few tears and wailed, “Nadine, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make Russell my one-day groom. But my fiancé wasn’t here, and I was so lonely. I was wrong. Just hit me, but don’t say anything about Russell.”

Before I could say a thing, I felt a sharp shove from behind.

A hand gripped my arm and twisted my shoulder around. Then a slap landed across my face.

My vision went blurry. My ears rang.

On the left side, everything went quiet.

But I still heard Russell's voice, loud and clear. “Nadine, I didn’t expect you to be this cruel. I can deal with Claudia’s tantrums, but you hit her? Didn’t you learn from last time?”

He turned away, barking, “Get them in here!”

The bodyguards didn’t even wait. They showed up like they’d been listening the whole time.

Russell shoved me toward them like I was nothing. “Take her to the basement.”

My eyes went wide. “Russell, are you insane?”

I remembered stories—the kind where people got taken to basements and didn’t come out the same. Fingers snapped one by one until you confessed to things you didn’t do.

My heart beat faster. I had to protect my hands. I’d told Russell once that I even got insurance on them.

He knew what they meant to me.

He didn’t care.

He turned to Claudia, gently brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.

“Nadine can lose her hands. Maybe then she’ll finally learn her lesson. You’re getting married, Claudia. No bruises on your face,” Russell said, like it was the most normal thing.

Then he looked at me, voice cold and sharp. “Breaking your hands is perfect. You’ll stay home and be a full-time wife.”

Without missing a beat, he barked to his bodyguards, “Take her away.”

I kicked and screamed and fought, but there were too many of them.

And no one came to help.

They shoved me into the car.

And at that moment, all I felt was despair.