According to the rules, the unchosen candidates were to pack their bags and leave the estate.

This wasn't a punishment; it was part of the agreement made when the family first sponsored us.

My heart hammered with excitement as I returned to my room and began to pack my few belongings.

In all my years with the Novak family, I had accumulated almost no personal items—just a few changes of clothes and some art supplies.

When I dragged my small suitcase to the main gate, two of the family’s men blocked my path.

Sterling stood under the portico, his voice cold as ice. "Stay on the estate until after my wedding."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Sterling, what is the meaning of this? You already chose Scarlett."

Sterling sauntered toward me, a cold sneer on his lips. "You're not going anywhere. Who knows what kind of stunt you'll pull to ruin my wedding."

My heart plummeted.

"Let me go. I have no intention of ruining your wedding. I don't even want to marry you."

Sterling scoffed.

"You're back too, aren't you? In our past life, you killed Scarlett to take her place as my wife and even tried to pass off some bastard as the family heir."

"A vicious woman like you? I don't trust you one bit."

He actually believed Scarlett’s death was my doing.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"And I have never killed anyone."

"Still playing innocent?"

Sterling stepped closer, his eyes seething with loathing.

"The last text message Scarlett ever sent blamed you for her death!"

"I could overlook how you always bullied her! But you wouldn't even leave her alone after you married me!"

My chest heaved with fury. The absurdity was staggering.

Both Scarlett and I had come from the same rundown orphanage.

She was the stronger one, the one who always led a pack of followers to torment me.

How could I have possibly bullied her?

And after she died, I only learned from the family members who handled the aftermath that she had overdosed at a wild party.

To protect Scarlett’s memory as a former ward and preserve the Novak name, Cassandra had simply announced to the public that she died by suicide after a battle with depression.

I couldn't believe Sterling knew nothing of this.

And based on a few of Scarlett's lies, he had been so monstrous to me and our son.

A cold laugh escaped me. "So, whatever she says is the truth?"

"I had no motive for any of it! And now, I have no interest in you. Let me leave."

But Sterling was unmoved.

"Of course you have a motive! You put on that pitiful, obedient act."

"Wasn't it all just to get the family's approval and marry me?"

"And as for being my 'antidote,' Scarlett told me you used some drug to fake the signs of my recovery!"

The woman was a pathological liar, and Sterling swallowed every word without question.

"That's a lie! I don't believe in that 'fated one' nonsense, let alone controlling you with drugs!"

Sterling's face darkened instantly.

"Shut up! I won't have you slander her! She is pure!"

"And a woman like you, who would do anything to claw her way to the top—I won't believe a single word you say!"

"You will stay in your room in the side wing. Don't even think about setting foot outside it before the wedding."

With that, he turned and left without another word.

The two men stepped forward, blocking the doorway like twin walls of muscle.

I watched his retreating back, an icy dread coiling in my stomach.

He was completely blinded by Scarlett, his hatred for me carved deep into his bones.

He trusted a liar more than his own eyes.

I was trapped on this estate, just as surely as I had been imprisoned in that safe house in my past life.

"What new trick is this?"

Sterling pushed the door open, a dark silhouette against the light.

He looked terrible, his hand pressed unconsciously against the small of his back.

I had been on a hunger strike for days. Since he didn't want me dead just yet, he had no choice but to come himself.

I forced myself to sit up, a cramp in my stomach making me break out in a cold sweat.

"Let me out. I don't want to be here."

He frowned, his face a mask of impatience.

"I warned you, don't even think about disrupting my wedding. Threatening to kill yourself is useless!"

A self-deprecating smile touched my lips.

"You think too highly of yourself, Sterling. I cherish my life—far more than you seem to cherish yours."

He seemed surprised by my answer, freezing for a second before scoffing.

"At worst, once I marry Scarlett, I can set you up as my mistress."

"Just behave yourself and don't cause any trouble."

"But you are not to be seen by Scarlett, and you will not say a single word to upset her."

He wanted to humiliate me like this?

How could I have been so blind? To think I ever fell for such scum.

Every word from his mouth now made me sick.

The little boy from my memory, who would secretly give me candy and defend me from bullies, was gone, replaced by this monster.

Now, he was as disgusting as a worm writhing in the gutter.

I didn't have the energy to argue. I just wanted out, not to waste my breath on him.

"I don't need anything from you."

"But if you insist on keeping me trapped here, you could at least give me decent food."

"Stop sending me this spoiled, rotten garbage!"

Sterling's brow furrowed even deeper.

"What are you talking about? Scarlett herself gave the kitchen instructions for your meals."

"She specifically told me she was worried you weren't eating well, that every meal should be nutritionally balanced!"

That woman… she could lie without even blinking.

I took a deep breath and pointed to the tray on the floor.

"Have one of your men lift that cover. See for yourself."

My voice was weak, but laced with sarcasm. "See what your so-called 'nutritious meal' really looks like."