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.

#Levy’s Pov

I sat in the living room, my fists clenched on my lap, while Carlos paced back and forth in front of me. His eyes burned with anger, his lips curling into a snarl like a wild beast ready to pounce.

"You’re absolutely shameless, Levy!" he finally snapped. "Why did you have to hurt Renata’s feelings? Can’t you control yourself?"

I remained silent, letting his words slam into my chest like a sledgehammer.

"Renata has done so much for you. Without her, you would have never even experienced what it’s like to be a mother! Do you even realize who stayed by your side when you were paralyzed and pathetic?!"

A bitter laugh almost slipped from my lips. So, that’s what he thought? That without Renata, I was nothing?

Carlos took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. "I want you to change your attitude. From now on, you need to treat Renata better. If she ever struggles with a patient, you have to help her."

He crouched down in front of me, staring deep into my eyes as if he were imparting some great wisdom. "There’s no better friend for you in this world than Renata."

Five years. And only now did I realize—I was nothing more than a stepping stone to them. Just a tool, a pawn to be used and discarded.

Carlos stood, straightening his suit. His expression softened, but I knew it was just a mask. "I won’t see you again until our wedding day. I’m busy preparing everything. Please, don’t cause trouble or draw attention to yourself. I want you to take care of yourself."

Without waiting for my response, he turned and left.

---

A few hours after Carlos left, someone knocked on my door. A man in a sharp suit handed me an envelope.

"This is Paul’s adoption cancellation letter, Miss Levy. As of today, you have no rights or responsibilities over him."

My blood ran cold.

With trembling hands, I opened another envelope he had given me. Inside was a bank statement—an account I had entrusted to Carlos, the inheritance from my parents meant to secure our future.

The numbers printed on the paper shattered any lingering doubts I had. A massive amount had been withdrawn without my consent. The recipient account showed transactions for a car, a house, and luxury goods.

Under Renata’s name.

I slammed the paper onto the table. My heart dropped, my hands shaking violently.

Carlos and Renata… They had stolen everything from me.

I immediately called the bank. My voice trembled as I ordered them to freeze the account and transfer all remaining funds into my new one.

I wouldn’t let them take anything more from me.

Then, I retrieved a flash drive from my desk drawer, my eyes locked onto it with determination. This was my insurance.

I plugged it into my laptop, ensuring that all the evidence was intact. Every conversation, every transaction—it was all here.

This wasn’t over.

---

The night before the wedding, I called Carlos.

His voice was relaxed, even slightly bored. "Levy, I’m busy. Let’s just meet at the altar tomorrow."

I paused for a moment before speaking softly, "I have a gift for you tomorrow."

Carlos was silent for a second, then chuckled. "Really? Wow, I can’t wait. Thanks, sweetheart."

I smiled faintly. "Hmm... Alright, I’m hanging up. Goodbye."

No response. But the call was still connected.

Then, faintly, I heard Renata’s voice.

"What does she want now? Ugh, that pathetic woman! I’m so tired of pretending, Carlos!"

My heart stopped.

"Patience. Just a little longer. We’ve come this far—don’t ruin it by being impatient."

"I’ve been patient enough, Carlos. Or… could it be that you actually love Levy?"

Carlos let out a small laugh. "Don’t be ridiculous, Renata. How could I ever love a cripple like her?"

A sledgehammer to my chest.

"I want proof."

"Hmm... I know what you want. I’ve already taken care of it."

There was the sound of papers rustling.

"You… You transferred half of your assets to me and the other half to Paul?! Carlos, you’re amazing! I love you!"

The sound of a heated kiss echoed through the phone.

I went numb.

"And what about you?" Renata asked.

"I still have Levy’s fortune. Once she dies, everything she owns will be mine."

"And what’s yours… is mine," Renata added, laughing victoriously.

Then, the sound of something falling echoed. Ragged breaths. Whispers. Whimpers. They were utterly disgusting.

I pressed a hand over my mouth, stifling the sobs that threatened to spill out. My chest tightened, my whole body trembling. Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable.

---

That morning, I sat in my wheelchair, dressed in a pure white gown. My face was pale, but my eyes were full of determination. In my hands, I clutched a bouquet of white tulips.

An assistant approached. "Are you sure, Miss?"

I nodded slowly. "Absolutely."

They wheeled me out of the room and into the car that had been prepared.

As the car moved, my mind drifted to the past. Carlos’s smile, Renata’s laughter, Paul’s embrace… They had all felt like a beautiful dream—one that had turned into a nightmare.

My phone rang.

"Where are you?" Carlos’s voice came through.

"On my way," I replied flatly.

"Alright, be careful, sweetheart. I’m waiting for you at the altar."

"Okay…"

Suddenly, a loud impact.

Glass shattered. The deafening crash of metal colliding filled my ears.

The world spun. Screams. Screeching brakes. And then—horrifying silence.

From the still-connected phone, Carlos’s voice turned frantic.

"Levy! What’s happening?! Levy!!! Answer me! What’s going on over there?! LEVY!!!"

Only the wailing sirens of an ambulance echoed in the distance.