Chapter 1

On my wedding day, explicit photos of me with multiple unknown women suddenly surface.

My fiancee, Mildred Gibson, takes my stepbrother Oliver Shaw by the hand and announces that he will be taking my place as the groom.

But Mildred's aunt, Daphne Gibson, arrives with millions of dollars, determined to marry me—the man everyone condemns as a cheater.

Daphne's unwavering pursuit eventually wins me over, and I marry her.

Then, a car accident shatters my spine, leaving me at risk of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

The doctors ask my family to sign the surgical consent forms. But my wife, Daphne, places a transfer agreement in front of me.

She demands that I sign over my company to Oliver.

"Sign this, and I'll sign the consent forms. If you want to make it out of the operating room alive, you'll do exactly as I say," Daphne threatens.

She uses the possibility of me spending the rest of my life paralyzed as leverage. I have no choice but to sign the agreement, my hand trembling.

Only then do I realize that Daphne's relentless pursuit and the love she shows me throughout our marriage are nothing but lies from the very beginning.

Yet, when she sees me again, she breaks down completely. She falls to her knees and strikes herself over and over.

"Didn't you say you'd love me forever? Then why did you have a child with someone else?"

Chapter 1

Kendrick's POV

When I finally came to, my wife, Daphne Gibson, was gently dabbing my parched lips with a damp cotton swab.

I turned away, but she only leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"Darling, I wasn't trying to pressure you into signing. But Oliver is the stepson," Daphne explained gently. "Without something to his name, he'll never be able to earn his place in the Gibson family.

"He called me earlier and said Mildred's mom tore into him again. I panicked and pushed you to sign because I wanted to help him. Once he has the company, he'll finally have some respect in the family."

The tenderness in her eyes had always been enough to make me lose myself in her. But this time, all I felt was disgust.

The unbearable pain coursing through my body kept dragging me back to everything that had happened in the operating room.

I'd been hit by a drunk driver. By the time I reached the hospital, doctors warned that my spinal injuries were severe. Without immediate surgery, I would be permanently paralyzed.

After more than ten hours of fighting to save me, the doctors had to use a new procedure to implant an advanced artificial spine.

But Daphne, the person who should have been signing off on my surgery, hadn't shown even a trace of fear or concern. Instead, she'd pressured me into signing away my company.

Just like that, everything my mother had devoted her life to building had fallen into the hands of Oliver Shaw, my stepbrother.

Even now, thinking about how close I'd come to dying still left me shaken. The woman who had spent years protecting and loving me had been willing to gamble away my future for another man.

At that moment, Daphne gently tucked the blanket around me. It was as if she weren't the same person who had just threatened me into signing away my company for Oliver.

My chest tightened, and a wave of bitterness welled up inside me.

Daphne sighed when she saw my expression. Then, she said, "Kendrick, you've just had surgery. Getting worked up isn't good for your recovery.

"The company doesn't really do anything for you. It only drains your time and energy. But it's something Oliver can rely on. You're his younger brother, so you should be the bigger person.

"Everything I make goes to you anyway. What more could you possibly want?"

She sounded as though she had my best interests at heart. Yet, every word only made me feel more distant from her.

I lowered my gaze and asked quietly, "What did the police say? Have they found the person who did this?"

Daphne reached up and touched her ear, clearly uncomfortable.

"Not yet. But don't worry, Ken. I'll make sure whoever did this pays dearly," she said without the slightest hint of remorse.

But earlier, in my haze, I'd heard her talking to Oliver on the phone.

"Oli, are you saying the person who hit Kendrick is your friend?" she had asked. "He's hurt this badly. There's no way I can just let this slide."

However, after Oliver pleaded with her for a while, Daphne eventually gave in. "Don't worry about Kendrick. He's so in love with me. He'll do whatever I ask."

Chapter 2

Kendrick's POV

Daphne continued, "I can just make up some excuse and smooth things over with him. Besides, he's fine now. The surgery was a success. What's there for him to make a fuss about?"

She dismissed everything I'd been through and refused to hold the driver accountable, all because he was Oliver's best friend.

A cold, numbing ache spread from my chest through the rest of my body, making me shiver.

My eyes stung with unshed tears as I wheeled myself down the hallway to ask the doctor about my condition.

…

When I returned to my room, Daphne was standing by the window and talking on the phone.

"Don't worry, Millie. No one in our family will ever look down on Oliver again," she reassured her niece, Mildred Gibson.

She added, "Don't thank me. We're both doing what was best for Oliver. He chose you, so I settled for watching from the sidelines.

"Make sure no one ever finds out you got Kendrink drunk, and I hired someone to stage those photos of him in bed. As long as I'm around, Kendrick won't be causing any problems."

I drew a slow breath, closed my eyes, and slumped back in my wheelchair. But the chill seeped into my bones, forcing me back to reality.

Mom had left the company to me before she died. Less than three months after her passing, Oliver and his mother moved into our house.

Over the years, Dad had tried more than once to take the company for himself. But he was nothing more than a live-in son-in-law, so every attempt failed.

Daphne knew better than anyone how much that company meant to me. Even so, she'd heartlessly taken it from me and handed it over to Oliver.

I was such a fool. I'd fallen right into the Gibson family's trap and nearly gotten myself killed.

The scandal had ruined my reputation, and everyone saw me as a lying, cheating jerk. Daphne was the only one who accepted me and stood by me.

Even during the two years I struggled with depression, she'd never stopped pursuing me. But the person I thought had saved me had only been tightening her chains around me.

That had been her plan all along—to take my company and keep her under her thumb so I'd never get in the way of Oliver's life.

As it turned out, the happiness I'd believed in was nothing more than a fantasy built on lies.

Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and sent a text to the number Mom had left me before she died. I wrote, "Uncle Samuel, please come get me. I want to leave for Evonia."

Eric Stone, the doctor who came to change my dressing, found me sitting outside my room, staring into space.

He looked at me in surprise and said, "Mr. Shaw, you're still very weak. It's cold out here in the hallway. Let's get you back into bed."

The door swung open, and Daphne froze for a beat. A flicker of panic crossed her features before she forced herself to smile.

"Kendrick, when did you get back? Why didn't you call me? I would've come to get you."

I mustered a smile and let her help me back into bed. "Babe, it's not like wheeling myself around is exhausting. I ran into the doctor as soon as I got back. He said I'll need physical therapy."

…

As Dr. Stone changed my dressing, a sheen of cold sweat broke out across my forehead. I couldn't stop trembling from the pain.

Seeing that, Daphne held her arm out in front of me. "Kendrick, bite down on my arm if it hurts. Don't try to bear it on your own."

She looked every bit the loving wife. If I hadn't already seen her for who she really was, I probably would've been touched by the gesture.

At this point, I couldn't even be bothered to argue with her. I ignored her outstretched arm and bit down on the edge of the blanket instead.

Daphne stared at me in surprise. Just as she was about to say something, her phone rang.

"Don't worry, Oli. I'll bring it over right now. I can handle this."

Daphne hung up and pressed her lips into a thin line. "Kendrick, something urgent came up. I'll come back as soon as I'm done.

"Listen to the doctor, okay? I'll bring you some seafood chowder when I get back."

With that, she hurried out of the room. She hadn't paid enough attention to realize the doctor had just told me to avoid rich foods and seafood.

Now, every show of concern from Daphne made me sick.

Chapter 3

Kendrick's POV

The irony was that I'd mistaken every one of Daphne's lies for love. A woman whose phone passcode was my birthday had fooled me for eight straight years.

Just then, a nurse rushed into the room. "Mr. Shaw, Dr. Stone managed to secure the best artificial spinal implant available. I need you to sign the consent forms."

My eyes widened. The quality of the artificial spine could determine whether I'd ever regain full control of my lower body. It was the best news I'd heard since the accident.

I hurried over to sign the paperwork, but after checking my chart, the charge nurse looked up in surprise. "Mr. Shaw, your wife already authorized transferring the artificial spine to another patient."

The moment she finished speaking, my blood ran cold.

I fumbled for my phone to call Daphne, but my fingers shook so badly I couldn't even tap the screen.

Seeing that, the nurse gave me a sympathetic look before placing the call for me.

Daphne answered almost immediately. "Darling, did you miss me—"

But I had no patience left for her performance.

"Where's my artificial spine?" I demanded, the words tumbling out in a rush.

She paused for a beat before quickly recovering. "Darling, one of Oliver's college friends has been paralyzed for years. She wants to walk again too."

"Dr. Stone fought to get that artificial spine for me. Do you really want me to spend the rest of my life like this? Bring it back," I ordered, my voice hoarse with rage.

Daphne, however, let out a sigh. Impatience crept into her voice as she said, "Kendrick, you're usually such a kind person. What's gotten into you today?

"I know you've never liked Oliver, and you've always had it out for him. But don't take your anger out on someone else. She deserves a chance to recover."

She hung up before I could say another word.

After I called dozens more times, she switched her phone off.

My chest tightened until I could barely breathe, and I slumped helplessly onto the floor.

All it took was one request from Oliver, and my recovery stopped mattering to Daphne. She'd rather save a stranger than keep the one thing that might have given me my life back.

Her love really was something else. Too bad it was meant for Oliver, while I was the one who suffered.

Dr. Stone removed his surgical mask, looked into my bloodshot eyes, and said, "Mr. Shaw, in all my years as a surgeon, you're one of the toughest patients I've ever treated.

"Your spine was practically shattered, but you never stopped fighting to survive. The best artificial spinal implants are incredibly difficult to secure, but I'll do everything I can."

I let out a shaky breath. As I clasped Dr. Stone's hand in gratitude, I realized blood had mixed with the tears running down my face.

Every ounce of my grief, resentment, and pain finally spilled out. I no longer wanted a wife who could be so heartless.

Since Daphne loved Oliver enough to throw our marriage away, I'd step aside and let them have their perfect love story.

…

I spent nearly two weeks in the hospital. Every day, Daphne came to the hospital to keep me company. She brought me magazines to help pass the time and massaged my numb legs.

She acted as though she hadn't been the one who'd forgiven the man responsible for my injuries, or the one who'd taken away my artificial spine.

Even now, remembering the despair I'd felt when Daphne ignored my calls threatened to overwhelm me. But every time I looked at her and her feigned concern, I couldn't be bothered to call her out.

During that time, my uncle, Samuel Fletcher, used his connections to have my legal records erased.

Before sending someone to pick me up, he called one last time to make sure. "Kendrick, are you sure about moving to Evonia?"

"I've made up my mind," I replied firmly. "I'm coming."

The moment I hung up, I turned around and found Daphne standing behind me.

She looked puzzled. "Darling, where are you going?"

Chapter 4

Kendrick's POV

I forced a smile before replying, "Didn't we promise we'd visit Idmark to see the Northern Lights someday? I already contacted a guide I knew."

Daphne let out a relieved sigh. Then, she kissed my forehead.

"Wherever you want to go, I'll be right there with you."

Her affection always left me wondering what was real. But once, I unlocked her phone while she was asleep.

Daphne had an entire note dedicated to Oliver. One entry read, "Took Oli skydiving in Nassland today. He had so much fun."

"Oli got into a fight with Mildred, so I bought him a private island to cheer him up. He loved it."

In another, she wrote, "Oliver came over today, and Kendrick's dog scared him. That mutt clearly isn't loyal. It has to go."

There was an entry for nearly every day, and each one left me reeling.

Daphne remembered every detail about Oliver—his moods, his preferences, and the things that made him happy.

But when I asked her to ride a Ferris wheel with me, she always refused, claiming she was afraid of heights.

When I was burning with fever and barely conscious, she'd been shopping abroad with Oliver.

When my dog of three years was poisoned, I cried until I couldn't catch my breath. Daphne had comforted me then, but the truth was, she'd been the one behind it.

Despite knowing it would only hurt, I forced myself to keep reading. She'd carefully note down Oliver's shoe size and every brand he liked.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. It must have been agonizing for Daphne to pretend she cared about me when her heart belonged to Oliver.

…

The day I was discharged from the hospital was also Dad's birthday. I didn't feel like going to the party, but Daphne said, "Kendrick, your mother's ashes are still kept in the chapel on the estate. How long has it been since you last visited?"

She had a point, so I agreed to go.

Daphne rested her face against my chest and murmured, "Kendrick, I knew you'd always be the reasonable one.

"We can also announce that the company is being handed over to Oliver at the dinner and introduce him to the shareholders. It'll make things easier for him going forward.

"You've always thrown everything into work, darling. From now on, take it easy. I've got your back."

Her words sounded sweet, but all she was really thinking about was how to pave the way for Oliver to join the company.

…

The Shaw residence was no longer my home. My nightmare had begun the day Dad brought Oliver and my stepmother home.

Their schemes and attempts to compete for Dad's attention had never stopped, even though he was very much still alive.

Every time Dad looked at me, all I saw in his gaze was disgust and contempt. When Mom died, she took away the father who used to carry me on his shoulders and play with me.

I no longer expected anything from him.

But when Dad saw me in the wheelchair, his usually stern expression gradually softened.

Just then, Oliver walked over with Mildred on his arm. "Ken, you finally decided to come home. You have no idea how happy Dad is.

"Back then, when he called you shameless, he was only worried about you. He was afraid you'd end up with an STD.

"I heard about your accident. What happened? Did some woman you slept with come back looking for revenge?"

Oliver covered his mouth in exaggerated shock, and the act made my stomach turn.

I stared at him and replied calmly, "I'm perfectly fine. You don't need to worry about me. You might want to worry about yourself, though. Showing up to a birthday party with a hickey on your neck and not even bothering to hide it?"

Oliver pressed his lips together. Then, he adjusted his collar, trying to hide the mark on his neck.

Mildred shot him a skeptical look, and he hurriedly explained, "Don't listen to him. It's just a mosquito bite. He's always trying to make me look bad."

At that, Mildred turned away and started chatting with the other guests, wine glass in hand.

As she walked away, Oliver leaned closer and chuckled into my ear. "Oh, Ken. Do you know how many times Daphne begged for me while I was trying on this suit today?

"You can barely even stand now. There's a good chance you'll never be able to perform again. I doubt you'll ever satisfy her."

Chapter 5

Kendrick's POV

I looked down, refusing to let anyone see the bitterness in my gaze.

So, that was it. Instead of buying me new clothes, Daphne had been fooling around with Oliver. She'd claimed she'd only watch from the sidelines, but in the end, she couldn't stay away from him.

Refusing to give Oliver the reaction he wanted, I wheeled toward the restroom.

When I came back out, I froze. Oliver had my mother's urn in his hands. Worse still, he was casually tossing it from hand to hand.

Rage burned through me as I charged at him in my wheelchair.

"Are you out of your mind? Put my mother's urn down!" I barked. "I knew you were cruel, Oliver, but I'd never thought you'd stoop this low."

I shoved Oliver aside. He lost his balance, and his drink splashed all over his pants.

Then, he leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper as he said, "Kendrick, your whore of a mother gave birth to a bastard like you. Dead or alive, she was nothing but something for people to use.

"What? That got under your skin? I even pissed in her urn."

Hearing him insult Mom was the last straw. I raised my hand and slapped him.

But almost immediately, someone shoved me hard. I lay sprawled on the floor, my legs pinned beneath the wheelchair as pain shot through them.

"Kendrick Shaw! How dare you lay a hand on your brother!" Daphne yelled. "No wonder everyone says you bully Oliver. You really need someone to teach you a lesson!"

She looked nothing like the woman who had once adored me. Her face contorted with rage, a vein pulsing at her temple. Hitting Oliver had clearly infuriated her.

Oliver's eyes reddened as he buried his face against Daphne's shoulder. "Kendrick didn't mean it. Please don't blame him. He's just jealous that I can still walk. It's my fault. I shouldn't have upset him."

Faced with his blatant lies, I gritted my teeth and shot back, "You liar! You were the one trying to smash my mother's urn! Oliver, I've put up with all the lies and humiliation. But don't you dare insult my mother!"

At that moment, Dad strode toward me, his brow furrowed. For a moment, I thought he'd finally come to stand up for Mom and me.

Instead, he drove his foot into my chest. "You have your mother's looks and her talent for causing trouble! You just had to make a scene at my birthday party, didn't you?

"What the hell are you trying to pull? If Daphne hadn't begged me to let you back here, I wouldn't even want to look at a worthless piece of trash like you!"

He was my own father, yet he hurled the cruelest insults at me.

Every guest in the room looked at me with mockery, while Oliver's eyes gleamed with triumph and contempt.

At last, Daphne helped me back into my wheelchair and stepped in to smooth things over. "Sorry, everyone. It's just a family matter. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening."

Then, she gripped the wheelchair handles and wheeled me into a corner.

"Kendrick, you were out of line today. I'll announce the company transfer in a minute. When I do, apologize to Oliver," said Daphne.

"He's your brother. Don't make things uglier than they already are. You'll do this for me, won't you?"

She gently touched my cheek, but there wasn't a hint of affection in her eyes.

…

Later, Daphne led Oliver onto the stage, ready to announce that my company was being transferred to him.

I looked at her one last time, overwhelmed with sorrow.

Then, I let the foreign bodyguards who had come for me wheel me out of the main hall. I didn't even glance back.

"Daphne, enjoy my parting gift. After today, our paths will never cross again," I said inwardly.