After three years of dating, Breanna Hilton—born with a congenital uterus defect—finally got pregnant after ninety-nine rounds of IVF.

But on the very day she learned she was pregnant, she saw—right there in the obstetrics department—her boyfriend Todd Lannister standing beside her best friend Darlean… while accompanying her for an ultrasound.

Her heart lurched so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.

“Babe, look! Doesn’t our child look just like you?”

Darlean’s voice was all soft and sweet.

Todd bent down and gently kissed her full, rounded belly. “She’s only five months along,” he said softly. “How can you tell anything already?”

Breanna’s mind went completely blank. It was like a loud buzzing swallowed everything.

Everyone knew that Todd cherished her like his own life.

She was the one who stuck with him through his three hardest years. His first love. He had sworn to the heavens that he would marry no one but her.

But the Lannisters said she could only marry into the family after giving birth to a child.

For her, Todd had clashed with his family again and again. He had endured family punishments, begging for forgiveness three days and nights in the pouring rain…

He once told her, “Even if you can’t have kids, I’ll still marry you.”

Because of that promise, Breanna willingly went through ninety-nine IVF attempts, her abdomen covered in dark bruised scars—just to give him a child that belonged to the two of them.

Todd was the one who saved her from her bullies.

Darlean Hewey was the best friend she rescued from a gambling-addict father.

And now… the two of them were together, betraying her.

A tight, crushing pain hit her chest. While tears welled up, threatening to spill, she dialed a number with shaking fingers.

“Hello… I’m ready to accept your offer. I’ll be your partner on the case. I agree to cancel my identity and head overseas.”

Six months ago, after completing her mission, the organization awarded her their highest honor and promised she could return anytime she wanted.

Fifteen days later, the name Breanna no longer existed in this world.

And before that happened, Todd has no right to know.

——

1

Breanna stood in the shadows, a sharp, twisting pain churning in her stomach.

She rushed into the nearest restroom stall, throat burning with bitterness, but nothing would come out.

Just then, her phone lit up. It was a message from Todd.

[Babe, I just bought an emerald bracelet for you at the auction. You’ll love it.]

A swarm of dark spots exploded across her vision, and she finally couldn’t hold it back; she doubled over and vomited.

Staring at the sweet couple photo of them on her screen, her fingers dug deep into her palms.

She was just about to push open the door when she suddenly heard his low voice outside.

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

Darlean’s soft, fragile voice followed.

“Todd, the baby keeps kicking me lately… I haven’t slept well in days.”

Todd let out a low chuckle.

“I know it’s been hard for you. So, what do you want as compensation?”

Darlean’s voice turned overly sweet.

“I want that emerald bracelet you just bought… or… do you think Breanna is more important than me?”

A sharp pulse throbbed in Breanna’s temples, her chest tightening.

A few seconds later, Todd finally spoke.

“Of course not. If you like it, it’s yours.”

Darlean laughed in satisfaction. Their footsteps faded as they finally walked away.

Inside the stall, Breanna tasted iron on her tongue; it felt like she’d swallowed her own blood.

Apparently, in Todd’s heart, she ranked beneath Darlean now.

Breanna slowly slid down to the floor, her mind drifting back to everything they’d been through.

At sixteen, she had stepped in to pull him out of the nightmare of school bullying. The day he grabbed a knife and tried to hurt himself, she’d yanked it from his hand and cut her own arm instead, smiling as she said, “Todd, can you really stand to see me like this?”

At eighteen, on his birthday, she’d baked him a cake herself, found him drenched in the rain by the roadside, just to tell him, “Happy birthday.”

His eyes had gone red as he tugged on her sleeve and whispered, “You’ll never leave me, right?”

A year ago, on the day his family publicly announced him as the next heir, she received a call from the police—her father, a narcotics officer, had been shot dead by traffickers.

She swore to carry on his legacy. After failing to reach Todd multiple times, she eventually found out why.

On his way to see her, he’d gotten into a severe car accident. His kidney ruptured, and he was dying.

Without hesitation, she donated her own kidney to save him, left him a letter, and quietly left the country.

She believed their love could withstand time.

But when she finished her mission and returned to the Lannisters’ place, she saw Todd and Darlean kissing.

He noticed Breanna. He pulled her into his arms, refusing to let go.

“Babe, you’re finally back… I was just drunk…” he reasoned. “She smiles too much like you… I messed up…”

He waited outside her building for seven days and seven nights. When he finally collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, Breanna saw the countless fresh self-inflicted wounds on his wrists and learned that after she left, his depression had relapsed. He’d been hospitalized repeatedly and nearly died.

That was when her heart softened.

She forgave him and Darlean.

Breanna never imagined that her forgiveness would turn her into the biggest joke of all.

Betrayal pierced her like a blade. With her eyes burning red, she ran out of the hospital and headed straight home.

Before stepping inside, she wiped her tears and forced herself to calm down.

Then she heard voices from the living room.

Todd and his mother were talking.

“Todd, these baby items were specially picked. Don’t forget to bring them to Darlean.”

Complicated emotions flickered in Todd’s eyes. He replied quietly, “Don’t bring these things here anymore. Breanna still can’t get pregnant… Seeing them will only upset her.”

“If she weren’t infertile, I wouldn’t have supported you being with that Hewey girl,” his mother said. Each word stabbed into Breanna’s chest like needles. “But are you really using Darlean only to have a child? You’ve got no feelings for her at all?”

Todd paused, his voice low and steady.

“Of course not.

“Breanna is the air I breathe. I can’t live without her.

“But Darlean… She gives me this sense of conquest. She’s irresistible.

“Once she gives birth, I’ll find an excuse to adopt the baby. Breanna can finally have a child, and she won’t have to suffer through IVF anymore. As for the family’s future, let Darlean’s child inherit. Think of it as compensation for her.”

His mother sighed. “What if Breanna finds out? That girl is stubborn…”

Todd’s expression instantly turned cold.

“She never will.”

Pain ripped through Breanna’s chest. Her throat burned; even breathing hurt.

Her stomach heaved violently, but she forced down the nausea, pulled out her phone, and made a call.

“Hi. I accept your offer. I’ll be your partner on the case. I agree to cancel my identity and leave the country.”

Six months ago, after completing her mission, she’d been awarded a first-class merit and was told she could return anytime she wished.

Fifteen days later, she ceased to exist.

And before that happens, Todd has no right to know.

2

Suddenly, a pair of strong hands came from behind and pulled her into an embrace. Todd’s voice was full of concern.

“Why are you standing out here and not coming in? Your hands are freezing…”

He circled around to face her, then scooped her up and carried her into the house.

“Your face is so pale. Is it your period? Are you feeling sick?”

He scrambled around looking for a heating pad, carefully sticking it onto her lower belly, then wrapped a thick blanket around her.

Breanna sat stiffly on the couch, staring at him in a daze, and didn’t deny anything.

His palm gently brushed her cheek, his gaze steady. “I’ll make you some chamomile tea.”

Under the warm yellow light, his long fingers held the ladle as he prepared to brew. The way he looked at her was filled with unshakable warmth.

Her eyes began to blur, pain quietly spreading through her chest.

She had always suffered from severe menstrual cramps, and every time they flared up, Todd stayed with her.

He was a big-shot businessman, yet to cure her dysmenorrhea, he took a three-month leave and traveled all over the country visiting renowned doctors.

When he finally brought back a prescription, he’d lost a ton of weight, his beard was messy, but he was smiling like a kid.

He used to love her that much.

“Babe, if it wasn’t for the pregnancy prep, you wouldn’t have had to stop your meds, which made your cramps worse. We don’t have to have a child. I just need you to be healthy. As for marriage, I’ll find a way to make my family accept it.”

His words yanked her back to reality.

He crouched down, holding the steaming cup of tea, speaking with genuine sincerity.

If Breanna hadn’t discovered the truth, she really might’ve been fooled.

She lowered her gaze, hiding the surge of emotions in her eyes. “Actually, I’m pre—”

Suddenly, his phone rang.

She clearly saw Darlean’s name on the screen.

Todd’s eyes darkened. He set the cup aside and stepped away to answer the call.

Barely a few seconds passed before his expression turned cold. He grabbed his coat and headed for the door, leaving only, “Something urgent came up at the company. Stay home and wait for me.”

Breanna hesitated only a moment before deciding to follow him.

The second she got out of the car, she saw it—at the entrance of an old apartment complex, Darlean was surrounded by a group of thuggish-looking men.

Her lower belly was slightly rounded, her face ghost-white, and she was begging nonstop.

In the next heartbeat, Todd appeared out of nowhere, kicking one of the men straight in the chest.

Then he moved fast and brutally, and the men fell one after another, pleading for mercy.

“I told you—her dad’s debt, I’ll pay it!”

The leader spat back, “He crossed the young heir of the Bottchers in Nashville. This won’t be solved that easily!”

A murderous chill flashed through Todd’s eyes, his voice as cold as ice. “The Bottchers have been eyeing that plot of land in Nashville. I’ll give it to him. Just make sure you never come after Darlean again.”

Standing from afar, Breanna felt her fingertips shake.

That plot of land in Nashville—Todd had spent five hundred million to secure it. He told her it was his wedding gift to her. After their baby was born, he wanted to build a playground there, a place to share their love story with everyone.

But now, to protect Darlean, he gave it away like it was nothing—like he had never made her any promises at all.

Breanna quietly watched Todd standing protectively in front of Darlean. And she remembered—back then, when he’d been bullied to the point of self-harm, she’d risked everything to protect him. When she was almost pushed off the rooftop, his eyes had been red and trembling.

He had said he would never betray her.

Breanna wanted to laugh, but her cheeks were already wet with tears.

Right now, Todd was holding Darlean tightly. “Are you okay?”

Darlean’s voice trembled. “I… I got scared. My heart feels a little off.”

Todd gently patted her back. “I’m here. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Breanna’s eyes dimmed, and a bitter smile tugged at her lips.

Before Todd returned to the dangerous Lannister’s place for her sake, he had told her, “As long as I’m here, no one will ever bully you.”

She couldn’t help but sneer.

A metallic taste rose in her throat as she let out a cold, broken laugh.

How could he say the exact same words to both her and Darlean?

And how could one heart be split into two?

She picked up her phone and called her doctor. “I don’t want to keep the baby anymore. Please schedule the termination of pregnancy surgery for tomorrow.”

The doctor sounded shocked. “Ma’am, you went through so much for this baby. It took countless hardships to finally succeed. If you abort it this time, you may never be able to get pregnant again. Are you sure?”

3

Breanna’s eyes landed on the two people standing not far away. The way Todd looked at Darlean—like she was something precious—felt like a burn straight to her eyes.

Her mother had died of illness; her father had died in the line of duty.

In this world, Todd was the only “family” she had left.

She had been trying with everything she had to carry a child that belonged to her and the man she loved—a little life carrying both of their blood.

But at that moment, she finally understood. Todd’s love had already rotted away. The boy she once loved, pure and sincere, was long gone.

The eighteen-year-old Todd from her memories… had died a long time ago.

She opened her mouth, fingers clutching the corner of her clothes. “I’m sure.”

She didn’t love Todd anymore.

And she didn’t want their child anymore either.

Before she could recover, Todd suddenly pulled a safety charm out of his pocket and handed it to Darlean.

“If anything happens from now on, don’t hesitate to call me. This charm will protect the baby. It’s for you. Make sure you give birth safely to our child.”

Darlean’s eyes turned red. “This is the last lucky charm George left before he passed away. When you were begging for one for Breanna, I was so jealous. If you give it to me… what about her?”

Todd’s voice was flat. “She can’t get pregnant anyway. Keeping it would just be a waste.”

It felt like Breanna fell into a bottomless black pit. Her vision went dark; even breathing slipped her mind.

Because of the Lannisters’s rules, she couldn’t marry into the family unless she got pregnant. She had been depressed ever since.

Todd had knelt outside George’s secluded mountain home in the pouring rain for a full day and night just to beg for this charm.

He’d had a raging fever that day, but he still held onto the charm like it was life itself.

“Baby, your wish will come true.

“Even if we never have a child, I’ll love you for the rest of my life. I just don’t want you to be this sad…

“Will you smile for me?”

Since then, she had kept that charm under her pillow every single day.

But now, he had personally handed it to Darlean.

Fine.

Her wish was never going to come true anyway.

By the time Breanna got home, she was shaking from the cold.

When she finally recovered enough to move, she dialed a private investigator.

“Hello. As long as you can get evidence of Todd and Darlean cheating, money is not an issue.”

Even if she walked away, she wanted those who wronged her to pay the price.

At one in the morning, Todd sent her a message.

[Got an emergency meeting for an overseas project. I can’t come home tonight. Don’t wait up.]

She didn’t reply. She knew exactly where he was—sitting beside Darlean.

She lit a small charcoal brazier, then tossed in the ring Todd had handcrafted for her.

Next went their photos, their exchanged gifts, every proof that they had ever loved each other…

One by one, they burned to ash, just like their relationship.

Last, she placed her prenatal test report into a delicate little box.

“Todd, this is the last gift I’ll ever give you.”

At dawn, Todd pushed the door open. “Babe, I bought your favorite ravioli.”

He set the bag down and walked over to her, coaxing softly, “Why are your eyes swollen? Didn’t sleep well last night?”

Breanna turned her head away from his hand, her face blank. “I watched a show. The male lead cheated. It ruined my mood…”

Something flickered in Todd’s calm eyes—panic—but it disappeared quickly. A smile tugged at his lips.

“You really are adorable, babe,” he said. “Oh right, there’s a company party later. I need you to come with me. It’ll be good for you to get out if you’re in a bad mood.”

Before she could refuse, a group of stylists came flooding in to get her ready.

By noon, she and Todd arrived at the party.

Halfway through, he suddenly took out a sapphire and diamond necklace in front of everyone and gently fastened it around her neck.

“Babe, I accidentally broke the emerald bracelet I promised you last time. I bought this for a hundred million from the British princess. It suits you.”

Around them, guests murmured with envy.

“The CEO really dotes on his wife. Buying a necklace from a British princess just to make her smile?”

“Oh, everyone in the capital knows—annoying President Lannister isn’t that big of a deal but annoying his girlfriend? That’s a death wish!”

Breanna’s chest tightened. She slipped through the crowd and went to the garden for air.

Her fingers brushed the necklace. A coldness spread through her heart.

The next second, she ripped it off and tossed it into the pond beside her.

She didn’t want love mixed with lies and hypocrisy.

When she turned around, she ran straight into Darlean.

Darlean’s lips curled into a nasty smile.

“Wow, Breanna, you really can pretend. You know Todd has been in my bed, and you know I’m carrying his baby, yet you still won’t break up?”

“A mistress barking at me?” Breanna said flatly. “You must feel insecure. Can’t blame you. You’ll always be a cheap nobody who can’t be seen in public.”

She remembered the past—Darlean at barely fifteen, wearing torn clothes, her face bruised by her gambling addict father.

The girl had cried that her father wanted to sell her to a red-light district for men to use. She had begged Breanna to save her.

Breanna had asked her father for help, paid seven thousand to settle the man’s debt, and saved her.

Darlean had cried while apologizing and knocking her head against the floor, swearing she’d repay the kindness.

So this was her “gratitude”—stealing Breanna’s lover and stabbing her heart clean through.

Darlean deliberately showed off the emerald bracelet on her wrist, pride written all over her face. She sneered and stepped closer.

“Once I give birth, he’ll dump you sooner or later.

“I really pity you. When he was broke and pathetic like a stray dog, you stayed by his side. You went through so much with him.

“But too bad… now, he’s fallen for me. He can’t bear to leave me. You know what he told me when I asked why?”

A soft laugh escaped her. Her eyes glowed with satisfaction.

“He said he’s not a loser anymore. He doesn’t need anyone protecting him. He even said that dark time was humiliating. Seeing you reminds him of it.

“Now, he only wants to protect me. As for you, you’re just a ‘lifesaver’ from the past—someone he feels too guilty to ditch.”

Breanna’s fingertips trembled. Her fists clenched so tight her nails pierced her palms. She wanted nothing more than to strangle this treacherous woman.

Darlean’s smile widened. “Don’t believe me? How about we make a bet? Let’s see who Todd chooses.”

Breanna’s patience snapped. “Why would I waste my time betting with you?”

“What’s wrong, Breanna? You scared?” Darlean taunted.

A wave of calm washed over Breanna. She suddenly loosened her hand and slapped Darlean hard across the face.

“My biggest regret was saving you. Trash like you should’ve rotted where you were.”

A flash passed through Darlean’s eyes. Then she purposely stumbled back, falling into the pond behind her with a splash.

“Todd! Help me!”

Hearing the commotion, Todd rushed over. He shoved Breanna aside and scooped Darlean into his arms.

Seeing the red handprint on Darlean’s cheek, anger flared in his eyes.

“Breanna! What the hell is wrong with you?!”

4

Breanna fell hard onto the floor, a sharp pain shooting up her ankle. She let out a cold laugh. “She’s the one who came running up to me acting cheap.”

“That’s enough.” Todd pulled Darlean tightly into his arms and turned to leave.

A bodyguard nearby tried to help Breanna up, but Todd stopped him with a cold voice. “Don’t bother with her.”

It took everything Breanna had to get to her feet. Limping, she made her way out of the hotel—only to see Todd taking off his suit jacket to wrap it around Darlean, his eyes full of worry and tenderness.

Even though she’d already expected it, her heart still sank.

Darlean’s eyes were red as she choked out, “Breanna’s hurt. Aren’t you going to check on her?”

“Don’t worry about her.” Todd’s voice was low. “You’re the one who’s pregnant and just fell into the water. I’m more worried about you.”

“It’s all my fault… If I hadn’t missed you so much and rushed over, she wouldn’t have targeted me.” Darlean’s voice softened pitifully. “I’m the one causing you trouble… What if she overthinks it? I always mess things up…”

“What nonsense?” Todd scolded, but his tone was gentle. “She hit you and pushed you into the pond. How can you still be this kind? You’re carrying my baby. Of course, you matter more to me.”

Breanna stood frozen, watching him shield Darlean and lead her out the back door.

It was as if he had completely forgotten she even existed.

In a daze, she stumbled out into the pouring rain.

And in the next second, a speeding car slammed straight into her.

She hit the ground hard with a loud thud. Pain twisted through her abdomen as blood streamed down her legs.

The driver didn’t even look back. He just sped away.

Lying in the mud, Breanna struggled to pull out her phone. On instinct, she dialed Todd.

“The number you are calling is currently busy.”

Once. Twice. Three times…

Her vision blurred. In the haze, she suddenly saw the eighteen-year-old Todd—right after blowing out his birthday candles, making a promise.

“No matter where Breanna is, as long as she needs me, I’ll be there. I’ll protect her.”

But now, he was with another woman.

He lied to her. He lied completely.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when doctors and nurses rushed into view.

Someone had brought her to the hospital. Amid the ringing in her ears, she faintly heard Darlean’s voice nearby.

“She’s bleeding so much… I’m scared…”

Breanna forced her head to the side with what little strength she had left.

She saw Todd lower his gaze, gently covering Darlean’s eyes, so tender it made Breanna’s heart twist.

“Don’t look. I don’t want our baby to get scared.”

5

Todd had just finished accompanying Darlean for her check-up when he saw a group of medical staff rushing past with a stretcher.

The woman on it looked badly injured, blood dripping along the hallway.

For a split second, he almost thought it was Breanna.

He grabbed a passing doctor. “What happened?”

“A pregnant woman got hit by a car. Poor thing.”

He immediately let out a breath.

It definitely wasn’t Breanna.

But something in his chest twisted—like something important was being ripped out from inside him…

Darlean tugged gently on his sleeve. “Todd, what’s wrong?”

Todd’s eyes flickered. “Nothing. I’ll take you home first, then go pick up Breanna.”

When Breanna woke up, the doctor beside her told her the baby was gone.

A wave of emptiness, despair, and unwillingness washed through her…

Then all of it slowly turned into relief.

At least, she wouldn’t have to get rid of the baby herself.

She wiped away the tear at the corner of her eye, unlocked her phone, and saw more than a hundred missed calls from Todd. The corner of her lips curled into a mocking smile.

She didn’t call him back. She just silently counted the days in her head.

Seven more days.

She didn’t understand why, since he’d already fallen out of love, he still insisted on putting on such a convincing show, as if he still cared about her.

Breanna closed her eyes, sinking back into grogginess.

Suddenly, the hospital door was shoved open. Todd rushed in, drenched from head to toe, his eyes bloodshot.

“Breanna, why didn’t you answer my calls? What happened?”

His hands gripped her shoulders tightly, anxiety written all over his face.

Breanna opened her eyes and stared straight at him. “Nothing. It was raining, and the ground was slippery. I fell.”

Todd loosened his grip, his brows furrowing even deeper. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He called in the hospital director, arranged a VIP suite on the top floor, and summoned multiple specialists to examine her.

One doctor began, “She just had a mis—”

Breanna casually knocked over a glass of water and shot him a “shut up” gesture.

Todd’s voice was hoarse. “What is it?”

Realizing the situation, the doctor quickly backed off. “The patient is weak and needs proper rest.”

During the next few days in the hospital, Todd practically did everything himself.

He made soup and fed it to her spoon by spoon.

He even stood in line for three hours on the east side of the city to buy her a trendy cake she’d once mentioned in passing…

If not for the occasional bright flash in his eyes whenever his phone rang, Breanna could almost have believed his heart hadn’t drifted away already.

When she was discharged and returned home, the first thing she saw in the living room were shattered picture frames and a torn-up photo album.

Her heart instantly dropped.

She rushed over, pushing away the dog making a mess, and confirmed that the ruined album was hers.

It contained all the memories of her and her parents.

Now, not a single photo remained intact.

Then Darlean walked down the stairs, looking every bit like she owned the place. “The dog got a little naughty. I went upstairs to get some documents and didn’t watch him. Sorry.”

Breanna felt her blood run backward. Her hands shook as she picked up the final surviving photo of her and her father.

Her father’s smiling face was full of holes; she could even see smudges of dog treats rubbed into it.

Clenching her jaw, she forced down the urge to tear Darlean apart. “Don’t think I don’t know you did this on purpose.”

Darlean smirked. “So what if I did? Your parents were short-lived anyway. Dead is dead. Their leftovers make great chew toys for Zoe. At least, they’re useful!”

Before Breanna could react, Darlean lifted the photo like she was about to tear it.

“Give it back!” Breanna’s chest tightened. She lunged for the photo, but Darlean dodged her hand.

With a sly grin, Darlean tore the photo into pieces and tossed them into the air.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, waiting for Breanna to break.

Breanna’s mind buzzed, her body trembling uncontrollably. Tears streamed from her widened eyes, turning crimson at the edges.

After her father died, she didn’t have any photos or videos left—just this one.

And now, even that was gone.

Her heart throbbed painfully, vision blurring, and for the first time she couldn’t hold back the fury and hatred choking her.

“You cheap woman! Why don’t you just die?!” she snapped. “I treated you like family all these years, and you stole my boyfriend and destroyed my dad’s last photo?!”

She suddenly raised her hand and slapped Darlean hard across the face.

Before the woman could react, Breanna’s fingers closed tightly around her neck.

Grinding her teeth, she choked out, “If I weren’t a cop, I swear I’d kill you right here!”

But Darlean didn’t fight back; she only laughed harder. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “So what? Let me tell you the truth. It was my dad who exposed your father’s identity.”

Her laugh sounded like a death knell from hell, cracking Breanna’s heart open bit by bit.

“My gambling-addict dad wanted to sell me off, and guess what? I sold him first! In Chicago, he ran into your dad—recognized he was a cop and slipped up. Your dad got caught, beaten to a pulp, thrown into a water dungeon. Every bone in his body was smashed. My dad’s still alive, and well, he even calls me sometimes to talk about it!”

Breanna slammed Darlean’s head against the floor over and over.

“Breanna!”

Todd rushed in just in time to see the scene.

He grabbed Breanna from behind to pull her away, but she violently shoved him off.

“Get away from me!

“Why is she in this house?! She killed my dad! And her dog destroyed the last photo I had of him!

“That was my dad…”

She sobbed uncontrollably, her grip tightening again.

Darlean’s face turned red as she gasped out, “I-I just came to get documents for the company… I didn’t watch the dog… I didn’t do it on purpose…”

“You’re lying!”

Breanna screamed at the top of her lungs.

Suddenly, a huge force slammed into her. She fell hard, her lower back hitting the sharp corner of the table, pain exploding through her body.

Todd shielded Darlean with his body, his eyes dark.

“Breanna, stop it! They’re just photos! She’s pregnant! How could you hurt her like this?!”

6

Breanna quietly stared at Todd and at Darlean standing behind him.

All the memories from the past tangled in Breanna’s chest.

Before her father died, he taught her—by example—that she should be a good person and do good things.

But why… why did doing good only ever lead her to betrayal?

She suddenly remembered bringing Todd home for dinner back in high school.

Back then, he was just the Lannisters’s illegitimate child—alone and unwanted.

Her father had said, “From now on, this will be his home.”

After her father passed, she finished his mission and ended up with severe PTSD.

She couldn’t sleep, so Todd stayed up with her all night.

She couldn’t eat, so he learned how to cook just to coax her into smiling…

He told her, “From today onward, I’ll be your home.”

A single tear of despair slid from the corner of her eye.

He never—never—was her home.

All the injustice and bitterness clogged her throat until she couldn’t force out a single word.

She tilted her head back with a broken laugh, her voice hoarse.

“How could you hurt me this much?”

Todd lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of guilt in his eyes. Then he turned to Darlean.

“You go first.”

He crouched down and gently tried to soothe Breanna.

“She didn’t mean it. I know these photos mean a lot to you. I’ll find someone to restore them for you.

“And besides, with how advanced technology is now, I’m sure your family has digital copies…”

Breanna slowly shook her head.

Her and her father’s identities had always been classified.

Afraid of dragging Todd and his family into danger, she never told him.

Her father was an undercover narcotics officer; he lived in the shadows and never dared keep photos of his family on his phone.

That torn photo… was the last existing proof of his face in this world.

Todd wiped her tears. “Don’t cry.”

His voice was rough, carrying a hint of a pain he tried to hide.

The next second, Darlean—who had just stepped outside—let out a soft cry.

“Todd… my belly… It hurts…”

Her legs buckled, and she was about to fall.

Todd didn’t hesitate for even a second. He spun around, caught her in his arms, and lifted her up. Then, he strode away without looking back.

Breanna’s vision blurred.

She drifted into a long dream.

In the dream, eighteen-year-old Todd had returned to the dangerous Lannister’s place just for her. He held her hand, his smile sincere and unwavering.

“From now on, let me protect you.”

When his uncles deliberately caused a car accident, he shielded her with his body and ended up in the ICU for three days and nights.

After he got out, he acted like a storm, dragging his uncles in front of her and forcing them to apologize.

Back then, he told her, “Anyone who hurts you deserves to die... including me.”

In her dream, Breanna broke down crying and threw herself into his arms.

Then the scene suddenly shifted to reality.

Todd shielding Darlean.

“Stop acting crazy.”

She struggled awake, the sting of disinfectant filling her nose.

It was late at night.

Todd pushed the door open and yanked her up from her hospital bed, his whole expression cold.

“Where did your people take Darlean?”

Before she could speak, he tapped his phone.

Darlean’s trembling, tear-soaked voice played through the speaker:

“I’m sorry, Breanna… Please, I’m begging you, let me go! Ahh! Help—”

Her scream cut off abruptly.

Breanna’s heart clenched.

“You’re doubting me because of that recording?”

Impatience, suspicion, and anger flickered in Todd’s eyes.

“If it wasn’t you, then who was it? If I hadn’t stopped you earlier, you might’ve killed her!”

“Yes. I do want her dead.” Breanna rasped. “But I didn’t order anyone to kidnap her! So whatever she says, you just take it as truth, huh?”

Todd stared at her, growing more agitated.

Seconds ticked by.

Finally, he lost his patience and grabbed her wrist hard—painfully hard.

“Why can’t you tolerate her? She was your best friend. How could you become so vicious, ruining her reputation by hiring someone to set her up?”

Breanna’s face went pale. She let out a cold laugh.

“My best friend? You mean your lover? I already told you it wasn’t me! You can investigate all you want!”

Todd’s gaze turned razor-sharp.

“I’m not in that kind of relationship with her.”

He released her and said coldly, “You better pray she’s safe. If anything happens to her…”

He strode out, already dialing someone.

“Search the entire city if you have to. Find Darlean.”

‘If not… what?’

A mocking smile tugged at Breanna’s lips.

But as she smiled, tears fell anyway.

Todd was now threatening her for another woman.

So this was “forever”—just ten years.

7

At three in the morning, half-asleep and dazed, Breanna suddenly felt someone approach and jab a syringe into her.

She barely had time to struggle before everything went black.

When she woke again, she was stuffed inside a burlap sack, completely weak, unable to move or even speak.

She was at a dock by the sea. Through the tiny gaps in the sack, she saw Todd holding Darlean tightly in his arms, his voice cold and heavy.

“Hit her. Don’t stop until Darlean’s satisfied.”

The moment he finished speaking, clubs rained down on Breanna like a torrential storm.

She struggled desperately, wanting to call out his name, but only faint whimpers escaped her throat.

It felt like every bone in her body was being shattered. She didn’t know how long the beating lasted before it finally stopped.

Using every ounce of her strength, she forced out one word. “Todd…”

The next second, someone kicked her straight into the sea.

Ice-cold water flooded her lungs; she had no chance to brace for it.

Right as she was about to black out, someone hauled the sack back up, only to hurl her into the ocean again.

Once.

Twice.

Three times…

The suffocating pressure tightened around her neck like a noose. Her consciousness faded in and out.

Before losing awareness, she heard Todd’s voice, cold and emotionless.

“Let her experience what it feels like to live wishing she were dead.”

“Todd, that’s enough, okay? I suddenly feel a bit cold. Can you get me my jacket from the car?”

After he walked off, Darlean crouched down beside the sack, her voice dripping with smugness.

“CHEAP WOMAN， did you see that? He only has room for me in his heart.”

Breanna trembled violently from the cold. The sack was ripped open, and Darlean yanked off the safety charm around her neck. Her voice turned vicious.

“Your dad’s ashes are here, too, right? I’ll send you both to sea together!”

Right in front of her, she tossed the charm into the sea.

Before Todd returned, she tied the sack back up and kicked Breanna into the water again.

Just before sinking into the depths, she heard Darlean put on a pitiful, overly sweet tone.

“Todd, she cursed at me… I got scared and pushed her...”

“Don’t worry,” Todd said. “I’ll take care of it.”

The drug finally started wearing off. Breanna screamed his name, her voice raw, “Todd!”

Up on the dock, Todd suddenly clutched his chest, about to turn around.

But Darlean collapsed into his arms, and he panicked instantly.

“Hurry up! Take her to the hospital!”

When Breanna woke again, she was on a fishing boat.

The fishermen who were out at sea had accidentally rescued her. She grabbed her phone; thankfully, it still worked.

There were three messages.

The first was from the private investigator.

[Ma’am, I’ve sent the evidence of Todd’s affair to your email. I also added a little bonus for you.]

She opened the email and saw Todd’s medical report along with details about Darlean’s past. A faint smile tugged at her lips.

She scheduled the files to be sent to major media outlets the next day. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

The second message was from her organization.

[Breanna, send us your location. We’ll dispatch someone to retrieve you.]

After confirming where the fishing boat would dock, she shared her location.

She could finally leave.

The third message was from Todd.

[Babe, tomorrow’s my birthday and our anniversary. How do you want to celebrate it?]

At that moment, she understood—everything was probably orchestrated by Darlean.

Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before typing.

[I prepared a surprise for you. It’s in the master bedroom closet.]

After getting off the boat, she removed the button from her clothes—where her recording device was—and transferred all the evidence onto a flash drive.

When she was done, she booked a courier to deliver it to the Lannisters’ estate at noon the next day.

Then, she called the police.

“Hello, I want to report a crime. Darlean Hewey intentionally assaulted someone. The evidence is solid.”

Just then, a black car pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing an unbelievably handsome man behind the wheel.

“Get in. Your old identity has been erased.”

After she got in, the man handed her a passport and new identification.

“This is your new identity—Dixie Adler, the youngest daughter of the biggest company in America. I’m your partner… and your fiancé. Nice to meet you, Breanna.”