Chapter 4

Just past seven in the morning, I was violently dragged from bed.

"Vivian wants you to have breakfast with her at eight. Ms. Mitchell, don't make this difficult for us."

Two maids dragged me along without explanation.

I wore only pajamas. Cold seeped from my feet straight into my bones.

All the way, I was shoved into the main dining room.

The central air was turned up high. Vivian reclined on the sofa without even lifting her eyelids.

"Well, Serena finally decided to show up."

She sipped her coffee.

"Breakfast at eight, and it's already fifteen minutes past. Is Serena deliberately trying to embarrass me?"

I stood there, trembling all over---whether from cold or hatred, I couldn't tell.

"Claire, are you worthy?"

I stared at her.

"My mother was the original wife of the company founder. Mitchell blood runs in my veins."

"You're just a daughter brought by a stepmother. You think you can make me follow your rules?"

Her expression changed.

"That makes no sense, Serena."

She approached and suddenly slapped me across the face.

"I'm Ethan's fiancée. If you don't come, you're disrespecting Ethan!"

In that instant, humiliation mixed with hatred surged up.

I raised my hand and slapped her back.

But I was shoved hard from behind and nearly fell.

Ethan had appeared, his face full of anger.

"What are you doing!"

Vivian threw herself into his arms, tears in her eyes.

"Ethan, Serena came late today. I only said a few words."

"She cursed at me and hit me..."

Ethan sighed, suppressing his anger.

"Serena, I told you yesterday to be polite to Vivian."

"You came late and raised your hand. You should accept punishment."

I laughed softly.

"Ethan, dream on!"

His expression darkened.

"Guards, take her to the courtyard. Make her stand for two full hours."

Two security men stepped forward, dragging me out.

I used my eyes to stop Ms. Smith from rushing out.

I saw her slip out the side door when no one was looking.

She understood what I meant.

The December wind cut like knives. The stone courtyard was bone-chillingly cold.

I stood there. My vision began to darken.

When I woke again, I was lying on the cold bed.

Voices drifted from outside the window.

"Vivian," it was Ethan's voice, somewhat helpless.

"You went too far today. Besides, at the wedding, I only asked you to arrange for her to make some mistakes."

"So I could naturally establish our relationship. But you brought in the kidnappers---how do we deal with that?"

My fingers clenched tight.

So that was it.

From the beginning, he never intended to marry me.

"I didn't arrange for that kidnapper! Serena had an affair with him. I only found out later!"

"Ethan, think about it," Vivian's voice was pitifully aggrieved.

"I'm just a stepdaughter. How would I dare do such a thing? It was Serena herself who was improper, but she's blaming me..."

Ethan was silent for a moment, then his voice softened.

"Fine, don't cry. I believe you."

"Ethan..." Vivian sobbed.

"You know I only have you. If even you don't believe me, I might as well die..."

"What nonsense?" Ethan coaxed her in a low voice.

"While I'm here, no one can bully you."

The footsteps gradually faded.

I lay in the darkness, motionless.

So from the very beginning, Ethan wanted to be with her.

And he---the man who said he'd never betray me---didn't even ask before believing her.

Slandering my reputation, killing my child.

Hatred burned from my chest, making my whole body tremble.

In the dark room, I told myself over and over.

Serena, you have to survive.

Survive and walk out this door.

Make them return everything they owe me, piece by piece.