Levy’s POV

I returned home after my recovery period.The moment I crossed the threshold,Renata was already standing there with her son.They welcomed me with smiles that felt like daggers.

I forced myself to hide my grim expression.I wanted to act as if everything was fine.But inside,my heart was in turmoil.Renata pulled me into a tight embrace,as if I were the most important person in her life.

"I'm so sorry for what you've been through,"she said softly.

In the past,I would have returned her hug enthusiastically.I would have poured out all my emotions,holding nothing back.Renata had been my best friend since university—the only person I had ever trusted completely.

But now,after knowing the truth…After discovering that my own best friend had betrayed me with my fiancé,I was utterly shattered.

I wanted to scream,to demand answers.Why did they do this to me?Why did they make me feel like the villain,like someone who needed to be erased?

Carlos,who stood beside Renata,seemed to notice the shift in my demeanor.So did Renata.They exchanged glances,as if silently panicking.

"Are you okay?"Carlos asked,his voice slightly stiff.

I looked at him blankly."I'm tired.I want to rest."

Renata immediately stepped forward,taking control of my wheelchair."I'll take you to your room,"she said,her voice full of feigned concern.

On the surface,nothing had changed.Renata still appeared to be the caring friend.She prepared everything for my comfort—the blanket,the pillows,even a glass of warm water on the bedside table.I watched her every move with sharp eyes.

"Why?"

My heart was breaking.All this attention was just an act.For years,I had been deceived by her false kindness.

"What's wrong?"Renata finally noticed my gaze.

I swallowed hard,trying to suppress the storm of emotions raging inside me."Why did you do this to me,Renata?"

My empty stare met her face,which pretended not to understand.I wanted to believe that this was all just a nightmare.That the betrayal had never happened.

But my last shred of hope was crushed when the door opened and a man walked into the room.

Carlos smiled."This is my friend.He's a notary.He's here to process Paul's adoption papers."

I froze.

Carlos continued,ignoring my shock."After this,Paul will officially be our adopted son."

I hadn’t even asked.There was no point.I just stared blankly as the documents were placed in front of me.

"Just sign it,"Carlos said,as if this were a mere formality.

My hands trembled as I reached for the pen.My body felt cold.The pen slipped from my fingers before I could sign my name.

"You're not fully recovered yet,Levy.No need to strain yourself.A thumbprint will suffice."

Before I could protest,my hand was guided to the ink pad and pressed onto the paper.My fingerprint remained there—a forced agreement.

I stared at the mark I had left,my vision hazy.Meanwhile,Carlos and Renata beamed with joy.For a moment,they nearly embraced but quickly held back.

"Daddy,does this mean I can call you Daddy now?"Paul cheered.

Carlos laughed,lifting the boy high into the air.They looked like the perfect family.

I gave a bitter smile.My lover and my best friend were celebrating their happiness right in front of me—without a hint of guilt.

"Thank you,Levy.Finally,we’ll be a family forever,"Carlos said.

A family?No.You built a family on the ruins of my life.I was merely the sacrifice for your happiness.

"Levy,Renata is grateful to you.Why are you so quiet?You’ve been so cold to her.Be nicer—she's sharing her child with you,"Carlos said.

I wanted to laugh.She wasn’t sharing.I was the one giving everything.She was the one taking.

I remembered the past.I had once sacrificed my grades for Renata—doing her assignments,letting her copy my work,even taking the punishment in her place.I had willingly accepted the professor’s reprimand just to protect her reputation.I thought she was my true friend—someone who would stand by me through thick and thin.

But in the end,I was a fool.I had shared everything with her,and without realizing it,she had taken everything from me—including my fiancé.

And now Carlos had the audacity to tell me to be kind to her?

I took a deep breath,pushing down the nausea rising in my chest.I couldn’t take it anymore.

"I want to rest.Can you all leave me alone?"

Carlos shrugged."Fine.If you need anything,call me."He looked annoyed but tried to act concerned.

"Daddy,let’s play!"Paul whined.

Carlos smiled and immediately picked him up."Let’s go to the playground!"

I watched them with vacant eyes.

"Mommy,come on!"Paul called out to Renata.

Renata looked at me for a moment before saying,"I'm leaving now,Levy.I hope you don’t misunderstand.We just want to have fun for Paul's happiness."

I forced a thin smile and nodded."Go ahead."

But inside,I cursed them.Wasn’t this what they had always done behind my back?

When the door closed,I stared blankly at the ceiling.

How long had their relationship been going on?If Paul was three years old,that meant their affair had lasted much longer...or perhaps even before I was with Carlos.

My mind spun wildly.I tried to recall moments when the three of us were together.I reached for the drawer and pulled out an old photo album.Page after page,I examined every picture—until the truth hit me.

In every photo,Carlos was always by Renata’s side.He always looked at her with a different smile.

Memories flooded back.Carlos had been the most anxious person when Renata was about to give birth.He had waited for her at the hospital and was even the first to hold her baby.I had been there,too.

I had thought it was normal.Renata had no family to support her,so Carlos and I were the ones by her side.She had told me that her boyfriend refused to take responsibility for the baby.He had abandoned her.I had felt sorry for her,which was why I never questioned Carlos’s involvement in helping raise Renata’s child.

He bought clothes,toys,and Paul’s favorite food.He even set up a fund for the boy’s future.I had been proud of Carlos.I had thought I was lucky to have a man who was so responsible.If he was this caring toward his best friend’s child,he would surely be an amazing father to our future children.

But in reality,it wasn’t just a sense of responsibility.It was because Paul was his biological son.

And I,like a fool,had failed to see it—even when it had been right in front of me all along.

I gasped for air,my breath ragged.Then my eyes landed on my phone.I opened social media.

A new post on Renata’s account showed the three of them at the playground.The comments below made my blood boil.

"Such a perfect family!Paul looks so much like Carlos!"

I used to think so too.But Renata had always denied it,saying Paul resembled his absent father.

And once again?I had believed her without question.

My chest tightened.I let out a scream,releasing the unbearable pain burning inside me.Then,I grabbed my phone and dialed a number.

"Help me plan a car accident.I will fake my death so that he will never see me again!"

Levy’s POV

I remained still in my wheelchair. My hands clenched into fists on my lap, struggling to suppress the trembling. In front of me, Carlos’s mother stood with a piercing gaze, as if my very existence was a disgrace that needed to be erased from her life.

"You are not worthy of being my son's wife."

Her piercing voice stabbed through my ears. Every word that escaped her lips was a dagger aimed straight at my dignity.

"A crippled woman like you will only be a burden! I will never allow this marriage to happen!"

I lowered my head, not out of fear—but out of sheer disgust. I had anticipated this. I just hadn’t expected the humiliation to come this soon.

"Mother, stop."

Carlos stepped in between us, his voice firm and unwavering.

"I will only marry Levy. No one else. I love her, and I accept her just as she is."

I let out a silent, bitter laugh. I knew him. I knew every movement he made. I knew just how well he could fake it.

Carlos’s mother scoffed.

"She will only burden you for the rest of your life. Are you truly willing to bring this weight into our family?"

The door suddenly swung open, and Renata and Paul entered cheerfully. Carlos’s mother's expression changed in an instant.

"Renata! Paul!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "Oh, how lucky we are to have you in our family!"

Renata smiled and walked toward her.

"Paul will be the main heir of the Luwis family," Carlos’s mother continued proudly. "And Renata, you will be my daughter. You have saved this family by giving us your son."

I bit my lip, holding back something that threatened to burst from my chest.

"And you, what do you have to offer?" Her gaze bore into me. "You will only be a burden to my son. You are a curse to this family."

My heart clenched. In the past, I might have cried. But not this time. My tears had run dry.

"Enough, Mother!" Carlos snapped, pretending to be angry. "You’ve gone too far! Apologize to Levy!"

I knew this was just part of his act.

Carlos’s mother scoffed. "Come, Paul and Renata, let's go shopping. You can buy whatever you want."

Once they left, I let out a long breath. I wheeled myself forward, wanting to get away from there. But Carlos swiftly stopped me. He knelt before me, his eyes filled with what seemed like pain.

"Don't listen to my mother," he said softly. "I love you, Levy. Nothing has changed between us."

I stared at him for a long time. My eyes stripped away the lies on his face.

"Your mother is right, Carlos. I will only be a burden to you for the rest of your life."

Carlos looked shocked. But I wasn’t finished.

"Tell me, Carlos… is this really all because of love? Or is there another reason?"

Carlos fell silent. But there was something in his eyes—something he couldn’t hide from me.

"Renata is far more desirable than I am, isn’t she?" I asked again.

Carlos let out a deep breath. "Renata is just your best friend and Paul’s mother. Nothing more."

I gave him a small, knowing smile, pretending to accept his answer. Carlos seemed relieved. But that relief didn’t last long.

My phone vibrated. A message had come in.

Carlos accidentally caught a glimpse of it.

"Document cancellation? What did you cancel?"

I quickly locked my screen. "It’s nothing important. Just some work matters that needed to be postponed."

Carlos eyed me with suspicion but eventually nodded. "Alright."

The door suddenly opened. Renata was back, holding something in her hands.

"Levy, I remember you love this soup, so I brought it for you," she said with a warm smile.

I looked at her sharply. "Weren’t you leaving?"

"I was, but I remembered this dish. I’ll go after making sure you eat this soup."

What game was she playing now?

Carlos moved to grab a plate while Renata opened the lid of the soup and brought it closer to me.

The strong aroma of spices filled my nose.

I frowned. "Are you sure this is my favorite soup, Renata?" I asked coldly.

"Of course!" she answered quickly. "Come on, I’ll feed you."

I raised my hand, politely refusing. But Renata insisted.

And suddenly—the soup spilled. Right onto her lap.

"Aaaah!" Renata screamed in pain.

Carlos immediately rushed to her, without hesitation tearing the lower part of her dress where the hot soup had spilled, then carrying her to the bathroom.

I could only watch the scene unfold without expression.

I knew one thing. I hadn’t knocked over that soup. Renata had spilled it herself.

Yet Carlos didn’t care.

"Levy, I know you're unwell and need attention, but don't take it out on Renata by hurting her!" he snapped. "Look at her skin—it’s burned because of you!"

Renata quickly shook her head. "Carlos, don’t be mad. It’s my fault. Maybe Levy is just jealous of me…"

"Evil woman!" Paul’s voice suddenly echoed from the doorway. The child ran to Renata and glared at me with hatred.

"You truly are unfortunate!" Carlos’s mother spat. "Carlos, take Renata to the doctor immediately!"

Carlos nodded and left, carrying Renata in his arms.

I remained silent. There were no more tears. My heart had gone numb.

Without a word, I wheeled myself away and shut the door firmly behind me. Then, I picked up my phone and made a call.

"Are you sure about what you're planning? This is quite risky," the voice on the other end asked.

I smiled faintly. "I'm sure."

"Alright. As for the data you wanted, I’ve found it. There was indeed a large withdrawal from that account."

I narrowed my eyes and spoke in a colder tone. "Send me the data. And one last thing—"

"Make a death certificate."

# Levy’s POV

Before today, I was a respected surgeon. I had a bright future, was admired, and was surrounded by people I considered family. Now, I’m nothing but a former doctor—crippled, replaced, betrayed, and discarded just like that.

"Thank you for your cooperation over the past year, Dr. Levy."

I gave a small nod and forced a smile as I accepted my resignation letter. The paper felt heavier than it should, as if all my struggles and sacrifices were embedded within it.

I pushed down the storm of emotions in my chest and wheeled myself toward the doctors’ lounge to say my goodbyes. But as I approached, the sound of laughter from inside stopped me in my tracks.

"Congratulations, Dr. Renata! You have been chosen as the new lead surgeon to replace Dr. Levy!"

My blood froze. My hands clenched into fists, and something inside me shattered into pieces.

"Thank you..." Renata’s voice was bright, filled with pride.

Then, another voice followed—one that cut deeper than a blade.

"You truly are the best, Renata! What did I say? You were bound to get what you wanted!"

Carlos.

I swallowed hard and turned my wheelchair slightly to peek inside the room. My stomach twisted at the sight before me.

Carlos stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers, his eyes glowing with pride as he embraced Renata. They looked… perfect. Like a couple who supported each other and fought for their dreams together.

"It’s all thanks to you, Carlos." Renata beamed, then, without hesitation, kissed his cheek in front of everyone.

The other doctors chuckled, teasing them. But me? I laughed bitterly.

So this was the reason.

Carlos hadn’t just taken away my ability to walk. He had made sure I was completely erased so Renata could take my place.

I took a deep breath, but my lungs felt constricted. My vision blurred with boiling rage.

And then, Carlos' voice stopped everything.

"Levy..."

His voice silenced all conversations. In an instant, every pair of eyes turned to me.

The doctors who had just been laughing began to look away. Some offered awkward smiles, while others pretended to be busy with the files in their hands. One by one, they slowly exited the room, avoiding my gaze.

I laughed bitterly in my mind. How easily they had forgotten me.

Now, only Carlos, Renata, and I remained in the room.

"Darling, are you done with the hospital director? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have picked you up," Carlos said, his face full of concern, as if he hadn’t just been celebrating Renata’s victory.

I ignored him. My eyes locked onto Renata.

"Levy, I’m replacing you now."

Her tone was sweet, but I caught the subtle mockery underneath. Had I ever truly known her smile?

"Someone must have recommended you, huh?"

Renata’s smile widened, arrogance flashing in her eyes.

"Yes. Someone who has loved me since university. He’s given me so much… a home, a car, even something that once seemed impossible for me."

Her gaze flickered toward Carlos. From the corner of my eye, I saw him smirk proudly.

So, they weren’t even hiding it anymore?

I suppressed the surge of emotions rising within me. Their hypocrisy was blinding.

I smirked. "Well then, why don’t you two just get married?"

Their expressions tensed instantly.

"Paul would be thrilled to have a stepfather who loves his mother," I added lightly, savoring the way their faces paled.

"No!"

"Don't!"

Their voices clashed, filled with panic.

I leaned back in my wheelchair, pretending to ponder. "Hmm… I was just joking. I know Carlos loves Paul dearly. Sometimes, I even wonder if he’s his biological father…"

Carlos flinched. "Levy, you’re talking nonsense."

"Enough. Let me take you home," he said quickly, eager to end the conversation. He reached to push my wheelchair, but I stopped him with one hand.

"Wait."

I stared directly at Renata.

"If a man truly loves you, ask for proof. Don’t let him use you for a fleeting thrill. I don’t want you to end up like before—left behind just like that."

The air between us grew heavy.

Renata stiffened. Her eyes blinked rapidly, as if searching for a defense. But I knew I had struck a nerve.

"Levy, you’ve crossed the line!" Carlos glared at me.

I smiled in satisfaction.

If they thought I would leave with my head down and a broken heart, they were dead wrong.

This was just the beginning.