Once, I had told Dillon not to push himself so hard to learn sign language. It was late at night and the warm glow of the lamp cast soft shadows across his face as he practiced, his brows furrowed in concentration.

"You don't need to do this," I had said, placing a hand over his. "I can adjust—I'm used to it."

But he only smiled, a gentle curve of his lips that softened the intensity of his expression. "All these years, you couldn't hear. You suffered so much pain and exclusion, yet you endured it all alone with no one to confide in. I don't want you to live like that. It hurts me. I want to be the first person who can truly communicate with you."

Those words had struck something deep within me, breaking the dam of emotions I had held back for years. Tears had streamed down my face as I realized he was the first person willing to make such an effort for me. Even Gabriel, whose life I had saved, had never bothered to learn sign language. My parents, for whom I was simply a shadow to Alyssa, hadn't even considered it.

But now, as I watched Dillon skillfully sign, I felt no warmth. Only a deep, stinging irony. His hands, which once brought me comfort, now mocked me with their fluid, graceful movements. He used the gentlest gestures to show his care for me, yet took advantage of my deafness to bare his heart to another woman—right in front of me, knowing I couldn't hear a thing.

He signed again, his face calm and attentive. "Honey, Alyssa's birthday banquet is about to begin. We should head out now. If we're late, people will start gossiping."

His eyes sparkled—not with love for me, but with anticipation, as if the thought of seeing Alyssa gave him renewed energy.

A dull ache spread through my chest, tightening with every second. I forced a small smile and pulled my hand back. "Then wait for me a moment. I'll go change my clothes," I said, keeping my voice steady, though my throat burned with suppressed tears.

I turned and hurried upstairs, each step heavier than the last. The moment I shut the bedroom door behind me, the composure I had clung to crumbled. My shoulders shook as tears spilled over, silent yet overwhelming.

When I finally managed to calm myself, I changed into a modest yet elegant gown and smoothed my hair. I didn't want to give Alyssa or anyone else another reason to look down on me. On my way downstairs, something caught my attention—a faint crack of light spilling from Dillon's study.

The door was slightly ajar, just enough to tempt me. In five years of marriage, I had never once entered his study. Dillon had made it clear that he wanted a private space and I had respected that boundary, believing it was his way of separating work from home life.

But today, something compelled me to push the door open.

The moment I stepped inside, my heart plummeted.

The walls were nearly covered in photos of Alyssa, an entire timeline of her life displayed with obsessive precision. From her childhood innocence to her poised adulthood, her every expression—smiling, crying, laughing—was captured and framed. The warmth that should have filled a study was replaced by the cold sterility of a shrine.

Not a single photo of me was there.

I stumbled forward, my legs shaky as I approached the desk. On its surface was a neatly arranged stack of love letters. My hands trembled as I picked up the topmost one. [To Alyssa, my 99th love letter.]

Every word on the page dripped with devotion, declarations of a love so deep it left no room for anyone else. Beside the letters lay a document—a transfer contract for Knight Holdings.

Knight Holdings was the crown jewel of the Knight family, a legacy Dillon had poured himself into preserving. Yet, here he was, ready to hand it over to Alyssa, casting aside generations of effort for her sake.

It struck me that while Dillon spent countless hours in this study, it wasn't work that consumed him. It was her. The realization left me hollow, as though my very being had been erased, my existence reduced to a pawn in his plans for another woman.

By the time we arrived at the Coles' manor, I felt like a shadow of myself. The grand estate glowed under the golden lights of the chandeliers, the air filled with soft music and polite laughter.

The birthday girl, Alyssa, stood at the center of attention, radiant in her custom-designed gown. The shimmering fabric hugged her figure perfectly and her makeup enhanced her already striking features. She looked like a princess, every inch the beloved daughter of the Coles.

My parents hovered around her, their faces glowing with pride and affection. Their hands brushed against hers often, as though they couldn't bear to lose her again. They had once treated me the same way, lavishing me with love and attention.

That was before. Before Alyssa had returned.

Ten years ago, when she was found after being missing for so long, I thought we could finally rebuild our family. But her first words to me shattered that hope.

"Sis, what did I do wrong? Why did you let them kidnap me?"

With just one sentence, Alyssa had turned my world upside down.

Those words echoed through the room like a gunshot, shattering any trust my family had in me. Suddenly, I was no longer their daughter or sister but a villain, blamed for Alyssa's abduction. My parents looked at me with eyes full of disgust, as if I were a curse they regretted ever bringing into the world. The warmth of their love disappeared overnight, replaced by cold indifference that seeped into every corner of my life.

Even now, years later, their resentment lingered in every glance, every word, every silence.

At the birthday banquet, Alyssa noticed Dillon and me entering the grand hall and immediately walked over. Her gown, a cascade of glittering gold and silk, shimmered under the crystal chandeliers, making her the undeniable star of the evening.

Her bright smile was as dazzling as ever. "Sis, Dillon, you're finally here! I thought you weren't going to come."

Then, as though struck by a sudden realization, she placed a manicured hand over her lips and added, "Oh, I'm sorry, sis. I forgot you're deaf. I should be using sign language, but I don't know how... You wouldn't blame me for that, would you?"

Her words carried a saccharine sweetness, but her wide, innocent eyes betrayed a flicker of malice.

My mother, who had been standing close behind, crossed her arms and let out a harsh, derisive snort. "If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have been kidnapped in the first place. How could she possibly blame you? If anyone's to blame, it's her—for being deaf and bringing shame to the Coles."

Her voice was sharp, slicing through me like a whip. My father didn't say anything, but his gaze bore into me with disdain so tangible I could feel it.

I lowered my eyes, my breath catching for a moment. It wasn't the first time they'd treated me like this. It wouldn't be the last. But the familiarity didn't dull the pain—it only made it worse.

Before I could muster a response, Dillon stepped forward, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. He placed a steadying hand on Alyssa's shoulder and said warmly, "Mia isn't that petty. There's no need to apologize to her."

He then handed Alyssa a small velvet box, his movements unhurried and deliberate, as though presenting a priceless treasure. "Alyssa, this is for you."

Alyssa's face lit up with a radiant smile as she accepted the gift. "Thank you, Dillon. You're always so thoughtful."

As she tilted her wrist to adjust the box, a flash of silver caught my eye. My heart stopped.

The bracelet.

Knight Holdings' heirloom bracelet—a symbol of the family legacy and love. The one that Dillon had told me was lost years ago.

I had once asked him why he never gave it to me, back when we were newlyweds and I still believed in his affection. His expression had faltered for just a moment before he dismissed it. "It's just an old trinket. It doesn't mean anything. What matters is that my heart belongs to you."

Now, the truth stared back at me, glinting under the ballroom lights. The bracelet wasn't lost. It had never been meant for me. It was always hers.

A sharp, searing pain spread through my chest, like a blade carving through my heart. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay composed. I couldn't let them see how much it hurt.

"I need some air," I muttered and quickly stepped away, weaving through the crowd toward the backyard.

The garden outside was dimly lit, with the pool at its center shimmering under the moonlight. The cold night air prickled against my skin, but it was a relief compared to the suffocating tension inside.

I leaned against the railing by the pool, trying to steady my breathing. My reflection on the water's surface seemed like a stranger's—haunted, broken and utterly alone.

I didn't expect Alyssa to follow me.

When she appeared, her expression was no longer sweet or apologetic. The facade she wore so well in public vanished, replaced by a sneer that twisted her delicate features.

"I really don't know how you have the audacity to come here," she hissed, her voice low but dripping with venom. "Can't you see that no one wants you here? Your thick skin is truly impressive."

The words stung, but I didn't respond. I kept my gaze fixed on the rippling water, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me react.

Her tone grew sharper. "You deaf freak, did you actually think Dillon married you because he loved you? He only did it to keep you from ruining my marriage with Gabriel. The night of the wedding, he came to me and explained everything—he told me the one he truly loves is me."

She stepped closer, her perfume wafting in the air, cloying and suffocating. "Accept it. No one loves you. If I were you, I'd just kill myself already."

Every word was like a dagger, plunging deeper and deeper until it felt like my very soul was bleeding. My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fought the tears threatening to spill.

Seeing my silence, Alyssa let out a cold laugh. "Still unwilling to let go of Dillon? Then let me help you out."

Before I could react, she flung herself into the pool, the sudden splash breaking the stillness of the night.

"Help!" she screamed, thrashing wildly in the water. "Someone help me!"

The echoes of her cries pierced the air while I stood frozen, not knowing what to do.

Alyssa's screams pierced through the garden, shattering the evening calm and drawing a crowd of startled guests to the poolside. The hum of chatter turned to gasps as they took in the scene.

Without hesitation, Dillon tore off his suit jacket and leapt into the pool, the loud splash sending ripples across the water. He swam swiftly toward Alyssa, his movements decisive and frantic.

When he reached her, he scooped her into his arms, cradling her protectively as he brought her to the edge of the pool. Water streamed from her soaking gown, pooling around them as she trembled against his chest.

"Alyssa! Alyssa, are you okay?" Dillon's voice was thick with concern, his hands gripping her shoulders as if to anchor her. His eyes darted over her face, searching for any sign of injury.

Alyssa clung to him, shivering dramatically, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She cast a fleeting glance at me and the hurt in her gaze was unmistakable.

"Sis, if I did something to upset you, you could have just told me," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why did you push me into the pool? You know I'm terrified of water..."

The crowd murmured in shocked disbelief and before I could open my mouth to defend myself, my mother stormed forward. Her face twisted in fury, her voice laced with venom.

"Mia, how dare you push Alyssa into the pool!"

Her sudden shove caught me off guard. My feet slipped on the wet tiles and I stumbled backward.

The moment I hit the water, the icy cold enveloped me, stealing the breath from my lungs. Panic gripped me as I sank beneath the surface, water rushing into my mouth and nose. I kicked and flailed, but my movements were erratic, each one draining more of my energy.

I can't swim.

My chest burned as I struggled for air, the heavy weight of the water pressing down on me. Above the surface, muffled voices and laughter filtered through, but no one jumped in after me.

Through the ripples, I glimpsed my mother standing at the pool's edge, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

"Stop pretending, Mia," she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "No one's going to fall for your act. You've been nothing but a curse on this family. Letting Alyssa be kidnapped wasn't enough for you—now you're trying to hurt her again? I should never have brought you into this world!"

Each word felt like another weight pulling me further underwater.

My father stood beside her, his lips pressed into a tight line. He didn't bother to speak; his cold, condemning glare said it all.

I surfaced briefly, gasping and coughing, but the effort sapped what little strength I had left.

Through the blur of water and tears, my gaze landed on Dillon. My last shred of hope clung to him. Surely, he wouldn't let me drown. 'He knows I can't swim. He might not love me, but he isn't cruel enough to let me die... right?'

But Dillon didn't move.

He sat on the pool's edge with Alyssa still in his arms, his expression hardening as he looked at me.

"Did you know Alyssa is pregnant?" he spat, his voice filled with anger. "How could you do this to her? You could have killed her—and the baby!"

The accusation struck me like a slap. My throat tightened and I tried to plead, but the words were lost in my gasps for air.

Dillon's face darkened further. "Stay in the water tonight and think about what you've done."

With that, he stood and carried Alyssa away, her damp hair clinging to his shoulder. She rested her head against him, casting me a final triumphant glance before they disappeared into the house.

The crowd slowly dispersed, their whispers carrying a mix of scorn and amusement. My parents turned and followed without so much as a backward glance.

One by one, they all left.

As the cold seeped into my bones, an overwhelming sense of despair settled over me. My arms felt heavy, my legs weaker with every kick. 'I can't... I can't keep this up.'

The water closed over me again and this time I didn't have the strength to resurface. My lungs burned, my vision blurred and my thoughts grew hazy.

Just as darkness began to consume me, a sudden splash broke through the silence. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me upward with desperate urgency.

Who... was he?

***

When I opened my eyes, the stark white ceiling of a hospital room greeted me. My body felt heavy, every breath a laborious effort.

I turned my head and was startled to see Dillon sitting beside the bed. His hair was disheveled and his shirt was wrinkled, as if he hadn't slept.

The moment our eyes met, his face lit up with relief.

He immediately began signing, his movements quick and full of emotion. "Honey, you're finally awake! I didn't mean to leave you behind last night. Gabriel is away on a business trip and couldn't take care of Alyssa. She's pregnant—I had to take her to the hospital first... Please don't be mad, okay?"

His hands stilled briefly, his expression softening as he continued. "You know how important heirs are to the Knight family. If something happened to Alyssa's baby, they'd blame you. Even your parents wouldn't forgive you. I was only trying to protect you..."

He looked at me with such sincerity, as if expecting me to believe every word.

But I knew better now.

The ache in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay composed. I refused to let him see how deeply his words cut me.

I said nothing.

Dillon's smile faltered, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. He hesitated, then reached for my hand.

I didn't pull away, but I didn't respond either. Instead, I turned my gaze to the window, letting the silence stretch between us.