Evelyn’s POV

I had been with Alexander Watson for five years. We had a wedding, but never made it official.

Then, that day, on my way home from a pregnancy check-up, I found out he had gotten a marriage license… with Charlotte Brooks, my twin sister who had disappeared five years ago.

I stood outside City Hall, heart racing. The door swung open. Alexander had his arm around Charlotte, who was waving their marriage license like a golden ticket.

The sun blazed down, but all I felt was a chill running through my body.

Charlotte’s voice trembled. “I can’t thank you enough for marrying me, knowing how little time I have left,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m so sorry for leaving you at the altar five years ago, Alex... I was diagnosed with cancer then and didn’t want to be a burden.”

Alexander spoke. “Don’t think about that now. Just focus on getting better.”

“I know you’re with Evelyn now,” Charlotte said, her voice soft but earnest. “But I still need to ask...is your heart still mine？Or have you fallen for her”

Alexander frowned and fell silent for a moment. Then, his expression hardened. “No, I only started dating her because she reminded me of you.”

My heart broke as I watched them smile and kiss.

I thought about the two lines on the pregnancy test that I never had a chance to show him and let out a bitter laugh. If Alexander had never truly let go of Charlotte, what was I—and my child—to him?

Honk—

A limo pulled up to the door. My three brothers stepped out.

“Are you two crazy kids married yet?” James, my oldest brother, asked, grinning as soon as he saw Charlotte.

“Yes! We’re married!” Charlotte said, smiling brightly. “I’m so happy. I thought I’d never see you again, and now here I am, married to Alexander. Let’s celebrate!”

A look of deep concern crossed Ryan's face. “Sweetheart, are you sure you're up for celebrating right now? I’d never want to deny you anything, but I’m worried about you.”

“Yeah, you’ve finally come back. We can’t lose you again.” Daniel, my third brother agreed.

“I’m feeling amazing,” my twin sister said as she hugged each of them.

I hid behind a pillar and watched them drive away. A Just Married sign was on the back of the limo.

Betrayal surged through me as I clutched the pillar, fighting to keep myself from collapsing.

Growing up, Charlotte was always the center of attention because of her frailty. I, on the other hand, was always told to forgive, because I was the stronger twin.

When Charlotte was sick, my brothers fawned over her, but when I fell ill, I was left to go to the hospital alone.

Though we shared the same birthday, only Charlotte received cake and gifts; I could only watch from the corner as they celebrated.

I secretly crushed on Alexander in high school, but he was always hers—until five years ago, when she ran off with another man and left him at the altar.

The guests were stunned, and both families’ reputations were at risk. My brothers, furious, made a bold decision: I would replace Charlotte and go through with the wedding.

And so, I wore Charlotte’s wedding dress, put on her wedding ring, and became Alexander’s bride.

In the following five years, Alexander treated me well—he’d bring me gifts when he came back from business trips, spend every Valentine’s Day with me, and would comfort me after nightmares.

Even my three brothers, who had always ignored me, began checking in on me and taking care of me in every way.

For the first time in my life, I was envied. Even though everyone saw me as a replacement for my twin sister, I was alright with it since I finally had their attention.

But after today, I’ve realized the role I played—Charlotte’s understudy. Now that she was back, I was useless.

My fingers brushed over my belly. A tiny life was growing inside me—one I refused to let rot in the same poison that raised me.

If they had never loved me, then I was done seeking it.

I took a deep breath, exhaled, and made the call.

“Hello,” I said when the person on the other end of the line answered. “I’ve decided I want to buy the private island.”

The line was silent as the person registered what I had said.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Ms. Brooks?” they finally asked. “The island you want has no signal. There aren’t any planes that have access to it, and you will only be able to get supplies once every three months.”

I hesitated for a moment.

“You can pay half the deposit first,” they continued. “You’ll have two weeks to reconsider. If you change your mind, we’ll refund it in full. If you still want the island after two weeks, you can pay the rest and we’ll arrange transportation.”

“Sounds good.”

After finalizing the details, I hung up.

Two weeks.

That was all I needed to see everything clear. If they couldn’t give me the love and respect I deserved, I would walk away. Alone. With my child.

Evelyn’s POV

I signed the contract, paid the half deposit. The agent reminded me once again to make a final decision as soon as possible.

I replied an “OK” and ended the chat.

Putting down my phone, I felt lost. Before I knew it, I was driving aimlessly through the streets.

Alexander called twice, but I ignored them.

As the sun sank, my stomach growled, and I finally realized it was time to head home.

The sound of laughter and clinking glasses hit me before I even stepped inside.

I pushed open the door, and the warm yellow light poured in. I saw them.

Charlotte, Alexander, and my three brothers were gathered around the table, enjoying dinner. James was toasting to Charlotte’s return, Ryan was carefully cutting her steak, and Daniel was refilling her glass.

My throat went dry as I saw their smiles freeze, as if I were an intruder, disturbing their reunion.

Then Alexander stood up, voice soft.

“Eve, you’re finally back. I tried calling you earlier. You didn’t answer so we started without you. You must be hungry. Sit down and join us.”

He acted like the perfect boyfriend, as if he hadn’t married Charlotte or told her that I was just a substitute.

I didn’t answer. I looked straight at Charlotte who was sitting in my chair.

“Charlotte’s staying with us,” Alexander explained. “She left five years ago because of cancer. Now, with little time left, she wants to spend her final days with us. She’s your sister and we can’t turn our backs on family when they need us most, right, Eve?”

“Family?” I stared at him. “Is it 'family' or 'first love'?”

He froze, speechless.

James cut in. “Eve, Char she doesn’t have much time left. We should try to fulfill her wishes.”

Ryan added. “Exactly. She's been through so much. It’s just a small request. I’m sure it won’t cause you any trouble.”

“Yeah,” Daniel chimed in. “Don't be so difficult about all this, Eve, Char is our little sister.”

Disappointment washed over me. I wanted to yell at them. What about me? I'm your sister too.

But I knew that my resistance wouldn't make any difference.

“Okay, that's fine,” I said, trying to tone steady.

Everyone seemed to sigh with relief.

Then Charlotte turned to me, smiling. "Can we talk?"

I was on guard instantly. She'd always pulled little tricks on me since we were young.

But James piped up. "You two talk it out. We’ll go help Charlotte with her room."

The rest of them quickly agreed, and within seconds, I was left alone with Charlotte.

Her smile vanished instantly. Her eyes turned cold too.

“You know, Alexander and I actually got married today. We’re celebrating,” she said.

“Don’t think that just because you’ve been by Alexander’s side for five years, you can replace me.”

I didn’t want to argue with her, so I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm.

“Don’t run away so fast, little Miss Mistress. Let’s see who they really care about.”

Before I could even react, she shoved me—hard. My body slammed into the sharp corner of the wooden table with a sickening crack.

Pain exploded in my head, and for a moment, the world tilted. Everything spinning like I was drowning in darkness.

I heard the guys’ footsteps rushing down. Charlotte, sitting on the floor, instantly put on a pained expression.

“What’s going on, Char?” Alexander rushed over to her, barely glancing at me.

“I was about to apologize to Evelyn,” Charlotte said, her voice shaky with tears. “But she got so mad, called me a mistress, and shoved me to the ground… Ugh, my back’s killing me.”

Our brothers swarmed around Charlotte too.

“Evelyn, how could you push Charlotte? She’s your sister and she’s sick!” James snapped, his voice sharp with fury.

“She’s just jealous,” Ryan scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Char’s been getting all the attention.”

“And calling Charlotte a mistress?” Daniel’s voice was icy, dripping with judgment. “Everyone knows Alex wouldn’t even date her if Char didn’t leave.”

“No, I… She…” I tried to defend myself, but the dizziness hit me. I couldn’t get the words out.

Alexander lifted Charlotte in his arms. “We’re going to the hospital first. No time to waste.”

They all followed him out, leaving me there.

My head was spinning. When I reached back, my fingers came away wet—blood.

I called the emergency line, but the doctor said.

“I'm sorry, I can’t send anyone. The Brooks and Watson families have pulled every doctor to treat Ms. Charlotte.”

I hung up. With no one else left, I called Alexander.

“Alex… my head… hurts. C-Could you please send a doctor?” My voice was weak, barely a whisper.

His voice was cold, impatient. “You still don’t get it, do you? Charlotte’s condition comes first. Stop pretending, Evelyn. If anything happens to her, you’ll regret it.”

The line went dead.

Something in me broke then. Tears spilled down my cheeks.

The room spun; the walls blurred.

Just before everything went dark, I thought I heard footsteps, someone shouting, “No! Don’t close your eyes! Stay with me!”

But the pain was too much. I let go.

And the world went silent.

Evelyn’s POV

I woke up in a hospital bed the next morning, my head pounding like someone had dropped a hammer on it.

Martha, the housemaid, had found me and brought me here. The doctor said I had a concussion and blood loss —if I had been brought in any later, the baby might not have survived.

“I really can’t understand it,” Martha said, her voice rising with anger. “How can Mr. Watson be so heartless? You’re carrying his child, in critical condition, and yet he’s busy taking care of another woman who had left him at the altar?”

“And your brothers？You’ve been so good to them. You sold your own jewelry to help them when their company was in crisis, and this is how they repay you? When I told them you were in surgery, do you know what they said? They thought you were faking illness to get attention. They even accused me of helping you deceive them!”

“They don’t know I’m pregnant. Don’t tell them, please,” I said to her.

Martha fell silent for a moment before agreeing. “I never liked Charlotte. She was cruel to you and the staff. I just don’t understand why they still defend her.”

I couldn’t answer. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.

The only comfort left was knowing that I had the chance to escape all of this. It seemed I needed to make the final payment for the island as soon as possible.

Two days later, I signed my discharge papers and left the hospital by myself. There was no one waiting for me — Martha had already been called back home by Alexander to help prepare for Charlotte’s birthday party.

No one even remembered it was my birthday, too.

At home, the house was buzzing with laughter and chatter for Charlotte’s party. She was radiant in her pink gown, nothing like a patient, while I stood, pale and unnoticed.

Alexander and my three brothers hovered around her like guards.

I was about to slip upstairs when Charlotte called my name —and everyone turned to look at me.

My brothers glared at me.

“Not only are you faking illness, now you’re playing runaway too?” James scoffed, his voice dripping with venom. “What’s next, faking your own funeral?”

“How childish,” Ryan shot back. “Making up stories like that just to get attention?”

“Evelyn, you’ve always been the obedient one,” Daniel said. “But this? Turning on your own sister like that? You’re sick.”

My stomach churned.

Alexander stepped forward, his tone calm and almost patronizing. “Evelyn, I know you mind that I was with Charlotte before, but you're my fiancée now, the lady of this house. Please, stop making this harder.”

“Fiancée?” I repeated, almost laughing. I had stood by him through his lowest points, and now he cast me aside for Charlotte.

Alexander frowned, about to speak, but Charlotte interrupted, pulling him away. “It’s time to make wishes!”

The lights dimmed, and the candles flickered. Just as Charlotte leaned in to blow them out, the screen flashed.

A shocking image appeared on the TV.

It was a picture of Charlotte, naked in bed with a strange man. The words “How do you like this birthday present, my dear, Char?” flashed beneath it.

For a split second, there was silence — then everything exploded.

James was the first to react. He leaped out of his chair. “Not a single picture! This stays in this room!”

Ryan and Daniel were already at the TV, yanking the wires.

Charlotte gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Evelyn, I know you’ve never liked me, but why go this far? You already have our brothers' and Alexander's love—why do you have to Photoshop these pictures to ruin me?”

She staggered back, her hand pressed to her heart like she was about to collapse.

Before she could even hit the floor, Alexander was already there, catching her effortlessly.

Turning to me, his face twisted with disgust. “You’re pathetic, Evelyn. Resorting to dirty tricks to slander your own sister?” He sneered. “You’re nothing but a vile, bitter woman. I will never marry you.”

The words cut deeper than any slap.

“It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it!” I cried out, my voice cracking with the weight of my pain.

Alexander didn’t even glance at me.

My brothers rushed to help him, their eyes only on Charlotte, and their concern for her drowning out everything else.

Before leaving, James glanced at me, his voice cold as ice. “Take Evelyn to the dungeon. She’s not coming out until she admits her mistake.”

“I didn’t release the photos.”

"The evidence is right there, and you’re still lying? Take her down. No food, no water—she doesn’t get anything until she confesses." Daniel said.

I watched their backs as they walked away, feeling a deep chill in my heart.

It was always like this — Charlotte cried, and I became the villain.

When she ruined my new dress, I was told to forgive her. She stole my diary and mocked my crush on her boyfriend, yet I was scolded. She locked me outside in winter, and our brothers just said she was "kidding."

I closed my eyes, the pressure in my chest unbearable. None of it mattered.

I would go to the island with my baby and left all this mess behind.

Evelyn’s POV

The bouncers grabbed arms and dragged me across the hallway floor like I was some criminal.

My head was still sore from the concussion, and every bump against the wall felt like it shook my skull.

Martha followed behind us in a panic.

“She didn’t do it! Miss Evelyn didn’t do it!” She kept saying over and over.

“Please, the dungeon is dirty and cold. She just came out of emergency care. She won’t survive it!”

Ryan stopped, turned slowly, and pointed directly at Martha. “One more word, and I’ll lock you in there with her.”

Martha froze. She pressed her lips together and lowered her head.

The bouncers hauled me down to the dungeon and flung me onto the stone floor. I instinctively protected my belly, but that only caused me to lose my balance further. My head cracked against the ground. Fresh blood seeped through the stitches; my wounds tore open again. The impact left me reeling, too dizzy to even push myself up.

I lay there on the icy ground, every breath stinging. The air was wet, freezing, reeking of rot and rat shit. My consciousness blurred, then everything went black.

Who knows how long I was out, I woke up half-frozen. From the bouncers' conversation, I knew that it was already the next day.

One of them said, “Mr. Watson really dotes on Ms. Charlotte, huh? Personally feeding her candy to get her to take her meds.”

The other sneered. “Yeah, well, look at the one in there. No food, no water, a full day and night. Same face, but such a different fate.”

I couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. I thought I was numb, but the pain still cut deep.

Hours later, they yanked me out and dumped me in the dining room.

The table was filled with laughter and cheer as the guys celebrated Charlotte waking up.

The men paused at my ghost-white face. There was a tiny flicker of something in their eyes, but it soon shifted away.

Charlotte leaned into Alexander’s shoulder, glowing like a saint.

“Evelyn,” she chirped, “we’re going to see dolphins today. Come with us!”

Alexander looked at me and added, “It’s Charlotte’s wish. You should join. It’s also good for you to have some outdoor activities.”

I responded quietly, “I’m not feeling well.”

Charlotte immediately burst into tears. "Are you mad they locked you in the dungeon? But that was your fault! I’ve already forgiven you for slandering me. All I want is to see dolphins together—why make it so hard?"

James stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Why do you always have to hate on Charlotte like this? After everything that happened yesterday… don’t spoil the mood now."

“Exactly,” Ryan nodded. “You should be grateful that Charlotte already forgave you. Don’t make this harder on everyone.”

Daniel crossed his arms and stared at me coldly. “Look at Charlotte, Evelyn. That’s grace. That’s kindness. That’s the sister we’re proud of. And you? Same blood, same face… and somehow just a cheap knock-off we got stuck with."

I looked at the four of them, standing there as if Charlotte was the only one worth protecting. They had once been so good to me, but now, looking at them, I felt a sharp sense of disconnection.

In the end, I was forcibly taken to the seaside.

—

The ocean stretched endlessly, its surface gentle and steady like glass. Charlotte pointed toward the horizon and clapped like a child.

“I want grilled fish!” Charlotte chirped, all innocent sparkle.

James opened his mouth. “Char, seafood’s bad for your condi—”

Charlotte pouted. “My time is running out. Is one last wish really too much to ask?”

Immediately, my brothers rushed to comfort her.

“Whatever you want, baby. Having seafood rarely like this should not affect your health,” Ryan said.

“Yes. We have the best medical team in the world. You’ll definitely live a long and healthy life,” Daniel added.

So the servants prepared grills on deck.

Everyone was excited. They fed Charlotte by hand. They cut fish for her. They tasted the fish first “to make sure it’s perfect.”

And I stood there quietly, staring at the waves.

Alexander noticed I wasn’t touching anything.

“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked, handing me a piece of grilled fish.

“I’m allergic to seafood,” I said flatly.

He froze. The others stopped talking too.

Before he could respond, a violent gust slammed across the deck, almost knocking me off balance. The yacht jolted hard, the sea crashing louder against its sides.

“It’s blowing up! Protect Charlotte—get her below deck now!” James shouted.

Then all three of my brothers and Alexander rushed toward Charlotte at once, surrounding her like human shields, as if one wrong move from the storm would take her away again.

I grabbed the handrail tightly to stop myself from falling.

Crash—

A sound snapped behind me. The grill tipped over, and burning hot coals spilled onto the deck.

“Help!!” I cried out, voice shaking. “Someone! Alex! Help me!”

But there were no footsteps. No shouts. No turning heads.

All of them were too busy protecting Charlotte.

Evelyn’s POV

Heat wrapped around my thighs and crawled up my back like sharp teeth. I rolled on the deck, trying to smother it, but it only made the fire bite deeper.

Somewhere inside that burning panic, I actually wondered if dying here would be easier.

Then—white foam exploded over me. One of the crew had grabbed a fire extinguisher and put me out. The flames died, but everything afterwards was only pain. My skin stung even at the slightest brush, and blood soaked into the torn fabric of my dress.

Someone yelled for a stretcher. The deck tilted as they lifted me and carried me away.

As they passed the hallway, I heard Charlotte's soft, spoiled whine through her door.

“I’m totally fine, guys. Not a single scratch. You can breathe now,” she said. “But that wind was terrifying… thank God I have all of you.”

James’s warm chuckle. “Of course we'll protect you. You're our baby girl.”

The others laughed with him, relief thick in the air. Like the real miracle was that she was untouched.

I lay on the stretcher, skin still smoking, and listened to them celebrate the wrong survival.

I waited for my heart to break at this scene. But I was brought back to my room, a sense of calm settled over me.

The crew members placed me on the bed and left.

Suddenly, my cell phone rang.

“Hello, Ms. Brooks. It’s been four days. Have you made your decision? Would you like to pay the remaining deposit, or would you prefer a refund?” the agent said.

“I’ll pay right away. No refund,” I replied, my voice tinged with excitement. The island was within reach—just a few more steps and I’d be free.

I hung up, ready to open my banking app to transfer the money, but before I could take another breath, a shadow loomed at my door.

Alexander.

I froze.

“Who were you calling?” he stepped closer.

I slid the phone under the pillow. “Doesn’t matter. Just a friend.”

Alexander furrowed. His eyes dropped to the raw, blistered skin on my arms and legs.

“What happened, Evelyn?” His expression shifted. “Why didn’t you call for me when you got hurt?”

I looked him straight in the eyes.

“I did. I screamed for help on that deck,” I said flatly. “Go take care of Charlotte. I already called the doctor myself. He’ll come after he finishes checking on her.”

“No, I'm going to stay with you,” he said, sitting on the edge of my bed. “You shouldn’t be alone like this.”

His fingers brushed my cheek.

Once, this kind of gesture would’ve melted me. But now all I felt was emptiness.

The moment that he married Charlotte, any chance for us to be a couple disappeared.

Eventually, the doctor came. As he bandaged my wounds, I broke out into a cold sweat and gritted my teeth. The pain was like being burned all over again.

“Does it hurt?” Alexander asked softly.

I shook my head, not wanting his sympathy. The physical pain I felt was nothing compared to the pain he caused me.

The bandaging was finished in silence.

Suddenly Charlotte’s voice rang through the hall.

“Alex! Come quick! There are dolphins jumping outside!” she said excitedly.

Alexander hesitated, glancing back at me. Then he helped me stand carefully.

“You should come out too,” he said. “The sunset is beautiful.”

—

The sky was drenched in orange and gold. A pod of dolphins leapt in arcs across the water, their bodies cutting clean through light.

“Everyone make a wish!” Charlotte called to the crowd, shutting her eyes and putting her hands together.

Four grown men obeyed instantly. Everyone looked sincere.

I didn’t need to ask to know every single one of their wishes had Charlotte’s name somewhere inside it.

I leaned back into the recliner and closed my eyes, not wanting to watch the absurd scene.

I put my hand on my belly, wondering if my child was still there after everything that happened today.

Charlotte suddenly peeked at me, voice sugary sweet.

“What about you, Evelyn? What’s your wish?”

The guys also looked at me.

I opened my eyes and looked straight at her, then at Alexander, then at each of my brothers.

“My wish,” I said calmly, “is that after this moment… I never see Alexander Watson, James Brooks, Ryan Brooks, Daniel Brooks, or Charlotte Brooks again for the rest of my life.”

Evelyn’s POV

The exact second the last syllable left my mouth, a dolphin suddenly shot out of the water, jumped high in a big arc, and crashed back down. The water sprayed right into my face, and the huge noise completely drowned out my voice.

“What did you say?” Alexander frowned, leaning closer.

Before I could answer, Charlotte pressed a hand to her temple. “Oh… my head. I feel faint.”

Four bodies moved at once. They circled her, guiding her inside.

No one asked again what I had wished for.

The dolphins disappear into the darkening blue.

I wiped the salt water from my cheeks and smiled.

Maybe the god wants me to leave their world quietly like this.

Three days of silence followed.

My brothers flew to Europe to bid on rare diamonds “for Charlotte’s recovery.”

I holed up in my room, healed slowly.

All I wanted was to spend the last days here in peace and quiet.

But Charlotte wouldn’t leave me alone.

On the fourth evening, Alexander was out, signing a contract worth hundreds of millions. She pushed my door open.

“There’s a charity ball, Eve. Let’s go together. I haven’t been to anything like this in five years. I might embarrass myself,” she said pitifully.

“Then stay home,” I said. “I’m still recovering. I’m not going.”

She slammed the door on her way out.

Minutes later my phone rang. It was my brothers.

“Get dressed and go with Charlotte,” they said, voice ice-cold, “or we’ll drag you there in whatever you’re wearing. Your choice.”

A swarm of servants barged into my room, wrestled me into a gown, and shoved me straight into the car.

—

The ballroom blazed with light and noise, all crystal and silk.

Charlotte clamped my arm, nails digging into the burn scar hidden under my sleeve.

“How can we come to a gala and not drink?” she said sweetly, handing me a glass.

I instinctively pulled back, alarm bells ringing. “I can’t. I’m on medication.”

Her eyes went wide, innocent. “Oh. Then I’ll just have to tell the guys you refused to toast the cancer survivor.”

I knew there was no good ending for me.

I gave in.

I don’t know how many glasses I drank.

The room softened at the edges; light streaked longer than it should. My head buzzed and my knees unsteady.

Charlotte propped me up like a caring sister.

“Evelyn can’t hold her liquor,” she told the ladies around us. “I’ll take her to rest.”

I tried to pull away, but my body didn’t listen.

The corridor swayed gently. Charlotte’s hand pushed, guided, insisted.

A hotel room door clicked open.

There was a man inside. Middle-aged. Greasy smile.

“Take care of my sister,” Charlotte said to him. “I paid you a fortune, so don’t disappoint me.”

The man’s lips split into a wet grin. “Don’t worry, Miss Charlotte. Satisfaction guaranteed.”

My gaze landed on a small black camera, the red light blinking steady, recording. The fear surged in my chest.

“Charlotte,” I rasped, throat raw. “What the hell is this?”

Her smile sharpened. “Enjoy yourself, big sis. After tonight, let’s see if Alexander still wants you.”

The door clicked shut.

The man lunged.

I stepped back, but he grabbed my wrist and pushed me toward the bed. His breath brushed against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

At the moment, Alexander’s voice cut through the door.

“Charlotte, the event’s ending. I come to get you home. Where’s Evelyn?”

“She’s in the bathroom,” Charlotte answered smoothly from the hall.

I gathered my breath and shouted, “I’m here! Alex—”

“Are you sure? It sounded like her voice came from the room behind you,” he said suspiously.

“Of course I’m sure. Would I lie to you? If you don’t believe me, we can open the door and check… but I’m due for my meds right now. We need to hurry.”

Silence. My heart crawled into my throat.

Then Alexander’s voice, lower. “Never mind. I’ll leave the driver here for Evelyn. Let’s get you home first so you can take your medicine.”

Their steps moved away. I began to be desperate.

The man crawled onto me, tearing at my clothes.

I took a deep breath, grabbed the camera, and slammed it into his temple with all the strength I had left.

He grunted and collapsed, stunned.

I stumbled past him, yanked the door open, and ran.

People were gone. The hallway was empty.

My feet slipped out of the heels and I left them behind. I ran down the stairs and out to the street where the rain had started, fat drops darkening the pavement.

My hair clung to my face; my dress soaked through and stuck to the bandages under it. I scanned the road blindly, heart punching at my ribs.

Then I saw it, Alexander’s car parked by the curb, waiting with the engine on.

Relief rushed through me so hard I almost fell. I waved my arms and ran toward it barefoot.

Right then the engine roared. The bumper slammed into me.

My body lifted, then slammed onto the ground with a force.

“Alex! Alex—it looks like we hit someone!” Charlotte’s voice burst out in a panic.

Alexander peeked out just enough to look. His expression didn’t move. He called his assistant to take care of the accident.

Then he punched the gas. “Hurry. You’ll miss your meds.”

The black Maybach tore past, splashing me with dirty water.

Blood pooled beneath me, slowly swept away by the rain toward the gutter. The last of my strength faded, and everything went black.

Evelyn’s POV

When I woke again, I was in a hospital. The sound of sterilized water dripping and metal instruments clinking told me I wasn’t dead.

A nurse came to check my IV line. "You're awake. You've been unconscious for two days. You almost didn’t make it… and I’m sorry, we couldn’t save the baby," she told me.

I touched my lower belly — a place where a tiny life had once existed. Now there was nothing. The tears came without sound, sliding into my ears.

The nurse saw me crying, comforted me briefly, and handed me my phone. “Where’s your family? You’ve been gone so long, they must be worried. You should call them and let them know you’re alright.”

Family.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Do I really have any family now?

I thanked her and took my phone.

Charlotte’s messages were already waiting.

[Why aren’t you coming home? Lost your purity and feeling too ashamed to show your face?]

[It’s been great without you. Everyone’s been doting on me — and guess what? It’s been two days, and not a single person has mentioned you.]

I ignored her and opened my missed calls. Alexander had called several times. My brothers? Zero.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and told the nurse quietly, “I have don’t have a family.”

I stayed three more days alone. The doctor wanted to extend my admission for monitoring, but I refused.

I only had one day left before I left for the island.

The agent had called and sent me the location. He said the boat would be ready tomorrow morning. I just needed to pack.

I signed my discharge papers and took a taxi home.

When I entered the villa, laughter echoed down the hallway.

Charlotte was curled on the couch in silk pajamas, my brothers around her peeling fruits and preparing her water and pills. Alexander sat beside her, leaning in close as she whispered something that made him laugh.

Their lives remained perfectly warm without me.

Alexander turned to me. “Where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried everyone’s been? You’re an adult, yet you run away like this?”

I ignored him. I just walked past them quietly.

“Running away to throw another tantrum? There’s a limit to childishness, Evelyn,” Ryan mocked.

I didn’t stop. I went upstairs, closed my bedroom door, and leaned back against it. The numbness in my chest felt heavier than the cast on my arm.

I slowly began packing my suitcase.

Later that night, my phone buzzed again, Charlotte’s name flashing across the screen.

[Ha, you actually dare come back? Bitch. Let’s see who wins in the end.]

I turned my phone off completely and shoved it in the drawer.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind was a tangle of emotions—resentment, anger, anticipation, and a hint of fear of the unknown. My thoughts kept circling and twisting until my eyes became heavy with sleep.

But dawn didn’t wake me.

Alexander did.

He kicked open my door, stormed inside, grabbed me by the collar of my nightdress, and dragged me upright.

“Where is Charlotte?” he shouted.

Before I could process anything, my three brothers rushed into the room behind him. Their eyes were red with rage.

Daniel waved a piece of paper in front of my face. “She left a note. She said if you won’t accept her as family, she might as well die! What did you do to her?!”

James stepped closer, jaw clenched tight. “No matter what, you’re telling us where Charlotte is today.”

“I didn't know where she is,” I said quietly.

The answer set James off. His hand swung fast and sharp across my face. The slap rang in my ears. My cheek burned instantly.

“You wicked liar!” he roared. “Charlotte is terminally ill, Evelyn! How could you push her to this point?”

I covered my cheek and let out a small bitter laugh.

Charlotte didn’t have weight loss. No real symptoms. No treatment side effects. Even the “best medical teams” they mentioned couldn’t diagnose what she had.

If she truly had cancer, it would have shown somewhere.

And these four grown men, who were considered the elites in our household, still clung to it like gospel.

My silence only poured more gasoline into their anger.

Before I could even stand properly, Ryan and Daniel grabbed my arms and dragged me toward the door.

Downstairs, one of the maids rushed toward us breathlessly.

“Mr. Brooks! Someone just called in—Miss Charlotte is at the cliffs!”

The room went even colder.

James’s face twisted. He grabbed my wrist hard enough to bruise.

“If anything happens to Charlotte, Evelyn, I’ll make sure you don’t survive this life.”

They shoved me into the car.

The engine roared to life.

And we rushed toward the cliffs, where Charlotte was supposedly waiting to die.

Evelyn’s POV

The wind was stronger here. Charlotte was standing up on the stone ledge, her hair whipping around her face, arms slightly spread like she was already letting the wind take her.

“Char! Get down!” The four man shouted, voice cracking with fear.

Charlotte turned her head just slightly, tears spilling down her cheeks as if she were the tragic heroine of a movie.

“Guys, my days are numbered anyway,” she whispered. “And since Evelyn can’t tolerate me… maybe I should just leave early, so I don’t disturb your life.”

I sneered.

If she truly didn’t want to disturb anyone, she wouldn’t have married Alexander in the first place.

But that thought existed only inside my head. Out loud, I said nothing.

The men grabbed my shoulders and shoved me forward.

“Talk her down, Evelyn,” Alexander demanded. “Quick, apologize!”

I didn’t move or say anything. And they apparently get angrier.

Ryan shoved me. “Are you mute? If anything happens to Charlotte today, I swear I won’t let you off.”

But they didn’t have time to yell at me anymore, because Charlotte suddenly lifted one foot and stepped forward.

“Goodbye, everyone!” she screamed dramatically, preparing to let herself drop.

Alexander lunged immediately and caught her around the waist. The force nearly pulled him forward too, but he yanked her back to the ledge.

Charlotte threw her arms around him and sobbed violently. “Why didn’t anyone love me enough to stop me?! Why does Evelyn hate me so much?”

Alexander stroked her back gently. “Don’t say things like that. I’m here. We’re all here. You’re safe.”

Her three brothers surrounded her, patting her shoulders, whispering comfort like she was a fragile porcelain doll.

But within moments, Charlotte began thrashing again.

“I want to die!” she screamed. “Evelyn doesn’t want me alive! I should just jump and end it!”

She jerked forward again, pushing against Alexander’s chest.

I watched the guys panic and plead, watched her fake another performance she had rehearsed a thousand times in her mirror.

All I could think was how ridiculous and predictable this scene was.

Suddenly, Charlotte pointed at me and said in a trembling voice, “Look at Evelyn’s eyes… they’re cold. I’m scared.”

That one sentence was enough to ignite everything all over again.

James immediately turned toward the bodyguards. “Tie her up. Right there. Let her reflect on her mistakes. She doesn’t leave until she admits her wrongs.”

The guards had their orders. One grabbed my arms, the other wrapped rope around my wrists.

I struggled, but I was nothing against their strength.

They tied me to a tree on the cliff's edge, my feet hanging above the sea below. The rope cut into my wrists, the pain sharp as lightning racing up my bones. The sea wind slapped my face, salt stinging the raw wounds on my skin.

Charlotte walked by behind everyone’s backs and flashed the smallest, satisfied smirk.

I stared right back at her with a frost that came from years of being used as a shadow.

She blinked and quickly looked away.

Alexander looked at me a second longer than the others. He frowned like something in my stillness finally unsettled him. His lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something.

“Alex, I feel dizzy…” Charlotte murmured suddenly, leaning weakly against him.

In an instant he forgot I existed. He scooped her into his arms, turned his back to me, and walked away without another glance.

—

The wind screamed across the cliffside. I hung there, the rope shredding into my skin, pain digging deeper until it became dull and numb.

Today was supposed to be the day I freed myself forever.

They ruined everything.

But I refused to stay a victim another moment.

I twisted my wrist, forcing the rope against the rough bark. My legs clamped tight around the trunk to keep myself from falling.

The fibers tore slowly, digging into my already bleeding skin. Warm blood slid down my arm, dripping into my hair, down my cheek.

I clenched my teeth. Pain didn’t matter anymore. Not compared to this.

Minutes passed or hours, until finally the rope gave way, snapping loose with a sharp sting. I grabbed onto the trunk at once, steadying myself so I wouldn’t tumble off the cliff for real.

My hands were shaking. My fingers felt shredded. But I was free.

But I thought of my brothers’ influence. Of Alexander’s power. If I simply vanished, they might search for me. Drag me back from the island. Lock me in deeper hell.

So I made a choice.

I removed my coat and hung it on the branch like a proxy body. I left half of the frayed rope tangled around the tree. I tossed the rest into the sea. With my bloody wrist, I smeared a streak across a nearby rock—evidence of someone falling.

Let them think I was gone forever. Dead.

I whispered into the roaring wind, “Goodbye.”

Then I turned away from the cliffs, walked off the road, and called a taxi toward the rendezvous point I had memorized long ago.

This time, I would love myself.

—

On the other side, Alexander and the brothers arrived at the hospital with Charlotte. He was uneasy, unable to stop thinking about the resolute look in Evelyn's eyes from earlier.

A nurse saw them and greeted them. "Ms. Brooks, have you finally decided to come back for treatment? You've been hurt so badly, and with the baby issue, you really should stay in the hospital a bit longer."

Charlotte frowned and asked, "Who are you? I don’t know you. What are you talking about, 'hospital' and 'baby'?"

The nurse replied, "You don’t remember me? Evelyn, I’m the one who took care of you a few days ago."

Suddenly, Alexander grabbed the nurse’s hand. "You know Evelyn?"

"Yes, she came in after a car accident, pregnant. I told her to call her family, but she said she didn’t have any…She was so alone... and the baby... I’m not sure what happened after that."

Before anyone could even recover from the bombshell, the TV on the wall suddenly cut to a breaking report:

["Gravel Peak: Suspected Cliff Fall"]

The footage showed the exact spot where Evelyn had been tied up earlier, but now she was nowhere to be seen. All that remained were bloodstains on the rocks and a severed rope, fluttering wildly in the wind.