Chapter 1

The day after Avery Sterling was falsely accused of running over Britney Walker, her husband, Calvin Grant, and their two sons suspended her younger brother over a giant vat of boiling oil, threatening to drop him in alive.

Avery panicked and rushed to save him, but the bodyguards blocked her path and held her back.

"Do you admit what you did?" Calvin stood nearby, sharply dressed in a tailored suit, his voice cold and steely. "Will you ever dare to hurt Britney again?"

"I didn't hit her!" Avery sobbed as she struggled against the bodyguards holding her back. "Calvin, please, let Henry go! He's only 18 years old. He just got into Westbridge University!"

Noah Grant, who was just five years old, folded his arms with a blank expression. "The evidence is clear. Why are you still lying?"

Simon Grant, who was four years old, nodded as he spoke with innocent-sounding malice. "Mom, if you're so scared Uncle Henry will die, then you shouldn't have tried to hurt Britney. She's our favorite."

Avery felt her heart clench painfully.

So, Britney was their favorite. Then what was she? What did she count for?

She turned to Calvin, hoping he might show some mercy for the years they'd been married and spare Henry.

However, Calvin just stared at her coldly, as if she were a stranger.

She let out a bitter laugh, tears streaming down her face.

All these years, Calvin had only ever loved Britney.

The memories stabbed at her heart like knives.

Avery, Calvin, and Britney had grown up together. Avery had always loved Calvin, but he only ever had eyes for Britney. Even so, Avery had silently wished them well, even helping Calvin plan his confession.

But the night before Calvin was going to confess, Britney's plane crashed. There were no remains.

After that, Calvin drank himself into oblivion every day, sinking deeper into despair.

Avery stayed with him, took care of him, nursed him through his drunken nights, and watched over him when his stomach bled from all the alcohol.

One night, Calvin was completely wasted, clutching her wrist and whispering Britney's name as he pulled her beneath him.

She could've pushed him away, but she loved him too much. So, she didn't resist, letting him mistake her for Britney.

When he woke up and saw the blood on the sheets, he stared for a long time before finally saying, "I'll take responsibility. Let's get married."

So, they did.

After the wedding, Avery did everything she could for Calvin. She cooked for his bad stomach every morning, helped with his paperwork when he was busy, and stayed up with him all night through his nightmares.

Gradually, the way Calvin looked at her changed. He seemed to be falling for her. He started to remember her favorite foods, made her hot chocolate when she had cramps, and kissed her gently on the forehead while she slept.

Eventually, they had Noah and Simon.

The boys clung to her, and Calvin always held her in his arms, smiling as he said, "Thank you for everything, honey."

Those five years were the happiest of her life.

Until the day Britney suddenly "came back from the dead" and appeared before Calvin again.

At that moment, Avery saw the light spark in Calvin's eyes. Even worse, both Noah and Simon instantly took to Britney as well.

"Britney is so much nicer than Mom!"

"Britney plays games with us. Mom just bosses us around!"

"Dad, can we make Britney our mom instead?"

Every time they said things like that, Calvin would glance at Avery, ruffle the boys' hair, and gently say, "Don't say that."

But he never defended her.

She felt like an outsider, watching the happiness she'd stolen for five years shatter the instant Britney returned.

And now, they were using this cruel stunt to force her to confess to a crime she never committed.

"It wasn't me!" Avery broke out of her memories, her voice trembling. "Calvin, please, let Henry go!"

Calvin's eyes were like ice. "If you refuse to admit it, you'll learn what it feels like to lose someone you love forever."

He lifted his hand, and a bodyguard immediately cut the rope.

"No!"

Avery watched in horror as the rope snapped and Henry plummeted straight toward the boiling oil.

She threw herself forward, but the bodyguards held her back, leaving her to scream in absolute despair, "Calvin! You killed Henry! You killed him!"

Her agony was unbearable, and she coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Noah rolled his eyes with an impatient scoff. "Come on. That wasn't even Uncle Henry up there. It was just a dummy. Why are you freaking out?"

Simon snorted. "Yeah, it was just to scare you. You shouldn't have hurt Britney."

Avery collapsed to the ground, her heart nearly stopping.

Calvin looked down at her, completely indifferent. "Remember this feeling. I lost Britney once. I can't lose her again."

He paused, then his tone softened a little. "I know what you're worried about. I've already married you, so I'll take responsibility as a husband and a father. I won't divorce you. So, stop trying to get Britney out of our lives."

Avery lifted her head, trembling all over. But in her heart, she had already decided she would divorce him. She didn't want a husband or sons who chose Britney over her.

Just as she opened her mouth, Calvin's phone rang.

"Britney?" His voice softened immediately as he picked up the call. "You're hurting again? I'll be right there."

Without a second glance at Avery, Calvin took Noah and Simon and hurried out.

The factory fell silent, leaving Avery alone, kneeling on the cold floor with her tears soaking into the dust.

She wiped her face and tried to stand, but her phone buzzed. A message from Britney lit up the screen.

"Avery, I switched out the dummy. The person in the oil now is actually your brother."

Avery's blood ran cold. She stumbled to the oil vat, the scorching heat burning her eyes.

Inside the oil vat, Henry's body was already blistered and burned, his skin charred, and his limbs grotesquely twisted. Only his eyes remained open, staring straight at her.

"Henry... Henry!" Avery reached for him in desperation, and the scalding oil seared her hand, instantly raising blisters.

Shaking in pain, she still tried to grab his hand, but Henry couldn't make a sound. His lips barely moved, as if he were trying to call her name one last time.

She had to save him, no matter what.

Shaking violently, Avery dialed 911, then scooped Henry into her arms and ran from the Grant residence like a madwoman.

Her whole body trembled, tears blurring her vision, but she held Henry tightly, stumbling out to flag down a cab.

"Take us to the hospital! Please, hurry!" Her voice was hoarse, almost collapsing.

The driver, shocked by the blood, floored it straight to the hospital.

In the hospital corridor, Avery rushed Henry into the emergency room. But the nurse only looked at her awkwardly. "Ms. Sterling, Mr. Grant just ordered that all doctors focus on Ms. Walker. There's no one available to operate on your brother right now."

Avery was shaking uncontrollably as she called Calvin. "Calvin! Please! I'm begging you! Send a doctor for Henry! He fell into the oil vat! He's dying!"

On the other end, Calvin said indifferently, "Avery, it was just a dummy. How long are you going to keep making a scene?"

In the background, she could hear Noah and Simon grumbling.

"Mom's always so dramatic."

"Dad, just ignore her. Britney's waiting for you."

Calvin hung up without a word.

Avery fell to her knees, begging everyone in sight for help, but everyone avoided her.

By the time she finally found a doctor willing to help, Henry's body had already gone cold.

"Henry... Henry!" Avery clung to Henry's burned corpse, sobbing her heart out, but the young man in her arms would never respond again.

He was gone—killed by the very people she loved the most.

...

Three days later, Avery stood before Henry's grave, her face as pale as a ghost.

For three days, she'd been like a zombie, getting the death certificate, arranging the cremation, and finally laying Henry to rest herself.

Not once in those three days did Calvin or her sons show up.

She opened Britney's social media. The latest post was a photo of Calvin feeding her soup, captioned, "He insists on taking care of me personally. I just can't say no."

Beneath were comments from Noah and Simon.

"Britney, get well soon! We want to go to the amusement park with you!"

"Britney is way nicer than Mom. We love you the most!"

Avery closed the app, her eyes cold as ice.

She left the cemetery and did only two things.

First, she went to a law firm and drafted divorce papers.

Second, she walked into the police station and said to the officer at the desk, "Hi. I'd like to report Britney Walker for attempted murder."

Chapter 2

After filing her police report, Avery had just returned to the house and started packing when the bedroom door was suddenly kicked open.

Calvin stood in the doorway, his face dark and stormy. Behind him, Noah and Simon glared at her like she was some kind of villain.

"So, it was you who called the cops and accused Britney of murder?" Calvin asked coldly. "Who the hell did she kill? When are you going to stop with this nonsense?"

Before Avery could respond, Noah rushed forward and shoved her. "Bad mom! Will you only be happy if you get Britney killed?"

Simon barreled in too, his little fists pummeling her legs. "You're so mean! Britney's so nice. Why would you make up lies about her?"

Avery stumbled backward, hitting the wardrobe hard enough that pain shot through her back. Her eyes were red as she looked at her family, her voice trembling. "She swapped the dummy with my brother. Henry died because of her. Why shouldn't I report it to the police?"

All three of them froze.

Calvin let out a cold laugh. "What are you talking about? Britney would never do something like that!"

Avery started to laugh, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Go ahead, call my brother. See if he picks up."

Calvin frowned, then pulled out his phone and dialed Henry's number.

Ring after ring echoed through the room.

Finally, the call disconnected. No one answered.

Calvin's face darkened. Just as he was about to say something, the bedroom door creaked open.

Britney stepped inside, pale and fragile as she leaned against the frame. "I heard... Henry went on a graduation trip. Maybe he just doesn't have service and missed the call."

Noah and Simon rushed over to support her, one on each side. "Britney, why are you out of the hospital? Didn't the doctor say you needed to rest?"

Britney gave a faint smile. "I heard Avery reported me for murder. How could I not show up to clear things up?"

She looked at Avery with eyes full of gentle sorrow. "Avery, I understand what you're worried about. Calvin and I were in love, but that's all in the past. You two are married now, and I would never try to come between you. You don't need to accuse me of murder. That's a very serious accusation."

Noah immediately looked up at Britney with admiration. "Just look at Britney! She's so mature. Mom, you should learn from her!"

Simon pouted, "Noah's right. Mom, all you do is lie and hurt people!"

Avery's whole body shook as she dug her nails into her palms. "When the police finish their investigation, you'll all see who's telling the truth."

"An investigation?" Calvin scoffed. "There's nothing to investigate. You lied about Britney. That's the truth!"

He stared down at her, making it clear he wouldn't hear another word. "I've already made some calls and had the case dropped. No one in Westbridge is going to take your case."

Avery stared at him in disbelief. Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang. It was the police.

"Ms. Sterling, I'm sorry, but your case has been dropped. Mr. Grant spoke with us himself. There's nothing we can do. You... You have my condolences, but no one in Westbridge will take this case."

With that, the call ended.

Avery stood there, freezing cold, while grief, despair, and fury all crashed over her at once. It felt as if someone had carved a piece out of her heart. For a moment, she could barely see straight from the pain.

And then, finally, she laughed.

Looking at her husband and sons, she laughed so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks.

For some reason, Calvin's chest tightened.

He tried to soften his tone. "Let's just be done with all this. Maybe I went a little too far this time and scared you, so I'm sorry."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Whatever compensation you want, I'll make it up to you."

But as Avery's tears kept falling, her eyes turned colder. She wiped her cheeks, then turned and walked slowly to the dresser, moving like someone saying goodbye to the life she'd known.

When she finally pulled out the divorce papers, her hands trembled—not from anger or sadness, but from the calm relief of finally letting go.

Chapter 3

"Sign it." Avery flipped the paperwork to the last page, covering the beginning as she handed it over, her voice barely above a whisper.

Calvin barely glanced at it, assuming it was just another list of the jewelry or property she always asked for. He only wanted to end this farce as quickly as possible, so he signed his name without a second thought.

When he was done, he looked up at her and said, "Britney's not feeling well. There's no one to look after her, so she'll be staying here for a few days."

Avery nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want."

She picked up the documents and walked out without looking back.

At the law office, the attorney carefully examined the divorce agreement, then nodded. "Everything's in order, Ms. Sterling. Once the one-month cooling-off period ends, your marriage to Mr. Grant will be officially dissolved."

Avery clutched the file tightly, her knuckles turning white. Finally, it was almost over.

That night, when Avery returned to the house, laughter and voices drifted from the living room.

Britney was sitting on the couch, Noah and Simon nestled on either side of her as she read them a story.

"... In the end, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after," Britney said, gently patting both boys on the head.

Noah gazed up at her, beaming. "Britney, you're so much kinder than Mom."

Simon nodded. "I wish you were our mom..."

Standing in the doorway, Avery felt as if a knife had twisted in her chest.

She climbed the stairs without a word and disappeared into the guest bathroom to take a shower.

The warm water washed over her skin, but it couldn't thaw the chill in her heart. She closed her eyes and thought to herself, "Don't worry. Your wish is just about to come true."

She had barely lain down in bed when the mattress dipped beside her.

Calvin, fresh from his shower, slid in next to her.

Avery kept her back to him, refusing to move.

Suddenly, Calvin moved closer, wrapping his arm around her waist, his lips brushing the nape of her neck.

Avery went rigid and shoved him away.

Calvin frowned. "I gave you what you wanted. Your brother's fine. How long are you going to keep this up?"

Avery was just about to say something when someone knocked on the door.

Noah's little head popped in the doorway. "Dad! The weather forecast says there's a thunderstorm tonight. Didn't you say Britney's scared of thunder?"

Simon squeezed in behind him. "Dad, come stay with Britney! She's scared!"

Calvin glanced out at the darkening sky, then got up without hesitation.

As he left, he said, "You'll be sleeping alone tonight."

He didn't even close the door, and the laughter from the next room drifted in.

"You're here, Calvin?" Britney asked softly.

"Dad! Britney tells the best stories!" Noah cheered.

Simon chimed in, "Dad, can Britney live with us forever?"

Calvin chuckled. "Sure."

Lying alone, Avery listened to their laughter and slowly closed her eyes.

The next morning, as Avery came downstairs, laughter echoed from the kitchen.

Calvin stood at the stove in an apron, making breakfast. Britney stood beside him, leaning in to take a sniff, a cheerful smile on her face.

Noah and Simon circled their legs, chattering excitedly.

"Calvin, I can't believe you still remember all my favorite foods after all these years," Britney said softly, clearly touched.

Calvin glanced at her, his eyes gentle in a way Avery had never seen. "Not a day's gone by that I've forgotten."

He plated up a sunny-side-up egg and slid it to Britney. "Try it. Tell me if it tastes any different."

Britney took a bite, her face lighting up. "Even better than I remember."

Noah piped up, "Britney, when Dad's busy, I'll cook for you!"

Simon bounced excitedly, "Me too! I'll learn, and mine'll be even better than Dad's!"

Britney laughed, ruffling their hair, while Calvin watched them all, the harshness in his eyes softened with a rare smile.

Standing at the bottom of the stairs, Avery forced a wry smile.

Since Calvin was born into wealth and her sons were used to getting everything they wanted, Avery had spent years doing everything she could to keep the house running and make everyone happy.

But now, she realized that a man like Calvin, who had never lifted a finger at home, could still cook for the woman he truly loved.

Her spoiled sons could become so considerate, as long as it was for Britney.

To them, Avery didn't matter. She was treated like she was nothing, while they would do anything for Britney.

The one who cared always lost.

Chapter 4

When Calvin turned around with breakfast in his hands, he finally saw Avery standing there.

"You're up?" he asked casually. "We're heading out soon. I didn't have time to make you anything, so you'll have to figure out breakfast yourself."

Avery didn't say a word. She knew Calvin wasn't in a rush. He just wanted to put all his attention into cooking breakfast for Britney and no one else.

The smell of their breakfast filled the kitchen, making Avery's stomach twist in knots, but she kept quiet and simply made herself a bowl of plain oatmeal.

After breakfast, Calvin and Britney got ready to take Noah and Simon to the amusement park.

Suddenly, Noah tugged at them. "Wait! We have something for you!"

He and Simon ran upstairs. A moment later, they came back down, their arms loaded with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set.

Britney looked awkward. "I... I'm not sure this is a good idea."

Noah looked up at her and said firmly, "But to us, you're our mom."

Calvin ruffled Noah's hair, glancing at Britney. "Let the kids have their way just this once."

Britney's cheeks flushed as she nodded.

The four of them put on the family shirts together.

Calvin and Britney wore navy blue T-shirts, while Noah and Simon had smaller versions of the same design. Each shirt had a cartoon image and the words "Mom and Dad Love Us" printed on the front.

Then, Britney suddenly turned to Avery. "Avery, why don't you come with us?"

Avery shook her head. "No, it's alright."

"But you're their mom. It wouldn't feel right if you stayed home," Britney said, walking over and taking her hand. "Come on, families stick together."

Britney pulled Avery along and got her into the car.

At the amusement park, the four of them, all in their matching shirts, turned heads everywhere they went.

Young women blushed and shyly asked for photos, and for once, Calvin didn't refuse.

"Your wife is so beautiful!" a woman said, eyeing Britney with envy. "And your boys are just the cutest!"

Calvin didn't correct her. Britney lowered her head shyly, and Noah and Simon puffed out their chests with pride.

Avery followed behind, invisible to everyone else, watching as they were surrounded by attention and compliments. She saw Calvin's hand rest naturally on Britney's waist and heard the boys call Britney "Mom" over and over.

Her heart hurt so much it felt numb, like the pain had sunk too deep to even feel anymore.

As the sun set, they walked over to the Ferris wheel.

The operator smiled at Calvin and Britney. "You two make such a perfect couple! You know, they say if you kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, you'll stay together forever."

Hearing this, Noah and Simon exchanged mischievous glances.

As their gondola slowly rose, city lights spilling beneath them, the Ferris wheel finally reached the very top.

Suddenly, both boys darted behind Calvin and Britney and gave them a hard shove.

"Ah!" Britney yelped, stumbling right into Calvin's arms.

Their lips met for a split second, leaving both of them stunned.

Britney tried to pull away, but Calvin almost instinctively pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

Noah and Simon covered their mouths, grinning as they flashed each other a secret victory sign.

Chapter 5

Avery watched Calvin kiss Britney, her heart breaking into pieces.

The two sons she had poured her whole life into were now pushing Calvin toward another woman right in front of her.

Calvin kissed Britney for a long time before finally pulling away, their lips parting slowly with a lingering trace of intimacy.

Britney's cheeks flushed bright red as she looked down in embarrassment.

"Sorry," Calvin said hoarsely, "I just lost my balance for a second."

Then, he turned, putting on a stern face as he glared at Noah and Simon. "What's wrong with you two?"

His tone sounded stern, but Avery knew him too well—he was happier about that kiss than anyone else.

Calvin looked at Avery and explained, "It was just an accident. The kids were just being playful. Don't take it to heart."

Avery calmly shook her head. "I don't mind."

She really didn't mind because she was done with all three of them.

After getting off the Ferris wheel, they went to watch the parade. The night was filled with laughter and music as colorful parade floats slowly rolled by.

Suddenly, the horses pulling one of the floats were startled and bolted straight toward the crowd.

"Watch out!"

In the chaos, Avery saw Calvin and the boys rush to protect Britney, throwing themselves over her to shield her.

Avery was left standing alone, shoved aside by the frantic crowd and thrown to the ground.

"Ah!"

Pain exploded through her as the horse's hooves crushed her ribs, and the float's wheels ran over her legs. She heard the sickening snap of her own bones breaking.

Then, everything went black.

...

When Avery woke again, the hospital room was eerily quiet.

Avery struggled to sit up, cold sweat pouring down her back from the pain in her ribs and legs.

She reached for her phone, wanting to check the time.

The screen lit up. On the lock screen, a notification appeared for a new post from Britney.

The photo showed Calvin and the two boys gathered around Britney's hospital bed. Calvin gently tucked in her blanket while Noah held a glass of water, and Simon offered her some medicine.

The caption read, "It feels so good to be loved."

Avery forced a crooked smile and set her phone down.

Just then, a doctor came in, flipping through her chart. "Ms. Sterling, you've broken three ribs and fractured your left tibia. You'll need to stay under observation for a few days."

He glanced around the room. "Where are your family members? We need a signature from your next of kin."

Avery answered quietly, "I don't have any family."

For days after, no one came to visit her room.

The nurses looked at her with pity and sometimes secretly slipped her extra painkillers.

It wasn't until the day she was discharged that Calvin finally showed up.

"Britney's still shaken up, so she needed someone with her," he said casually. "How's your recovery? Do you need to stay longer? I can bring the kids by to help look after you."

Avery shook her head. "No, you don't need to trouble yourselves."

Calvin frowned. He remembered how Avery used to be happy for days, even if he spent just an hour with her. And now, she was turning him away?

But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he directed the driver to head to the upscale boutique downtown.

Inside the boutique, under the bright lights, Calvin picked out dress after dress, holding each one up to her to check the fit.

Avery thought maybe he was trying to make it up to her, so she said softly, "It's alright. I don't really like any of these..."

"It doesn't matter whether you like it or not," Calvin cut her off. "Britney's birthday is coming up. I want a perfect custom gown made for her."

He gave Avery a quick once-over. "You and Britney are about the same size, so I brought you to try things on."

Avery let out a bitter laugh. She laughed at her own wishful thinking and at how Calvin always knew exactly how to hurt her the most.

For the next three hours, she let herself be treated like a mannequin, changing into dress after dress for him.

Finally, he settled on a mermaid gown covered in sparkling crystals. "This is the one."

Back home, Calvin tossed her a paper bag. "Picked this up for you while I was at it."

Avery glanced inside. It was the complimentary gift that came with Britney's designer dress—a plain black dress with a "Gift with Purchase" tag still attached.

She took it and just said, "Thanks."

Back in her room, Avery threw it straight into the trash.

Chapter 6

For the next few days, Avery stayed in her room most of the time, only coming out to eat.

She kept counting down the days until the divorce was final and paid no attention to Calvin or the boys as they tried to please Britney.

Soon, Britney's birthday arrived.

Calvin had wanted to throw a lavish party, but Britney softly refused, "Let's just celebrate at home. I don't really like big crowds."

Noah jumped in right away. "I agree! I don't like a bunch of strangers fawning all over us anyway. It's so much better with just our family together!"

On the big day, the house was decorated in a lavish yet cozy style. The maids bustled about, and Calvin gently placed a birthday hat on Britney's head.

"Make a wish," he said, his eyes filled with warmth.

Britney pressed her hands together and closed her eyes in the candlelight.

After she blew out the candles, Calvin and the boys brought out their gifts. Calvin gave her a set of antique jewelry, Noah handed over keys to a limited-edition sports car, and Simon presented her with the deed to a private island.

Britney's eyes grew misty with emotion. "Thank you..."

Suddenly, she turned to Avery, who had been silent the whole time, and smiled sweetly. "Avery, what did you get me?"

Everyone turned to look.

Avery met Britney's expectant gaze and answered calmly, "I didn't get you anything."

She didn't want to. Honestly, she didn't think Britney deserved anything from her.

Noah's expression instantly darkened. "Mom! How could you? You knew today was Britney's birthday!"

Simon pouted, "That's just rude!"

The boys exchanged a look, and suddenly, Noah's eyes lit up. "Hey, Mom has all kinds of nice stuff in her room from Dad. Let's pick something out and give it to Britney!"

Simon nodded eagerly, "Yeah!"

Before Avery could react, the two boys thundered up the stairs and made a beeline for her bedroom.

"Wait!" Avery's face went pale. Forgetting all about her leg injury, she stumbled after them.

She burst into her room to find the boys tearing through her drawers. Jewelry boxes had been dumped on the floor, and her things were scattered everywhere.

"Found it!" Noah shouted, holding up a silver necklace with a tiny moon pendant. "This one's pretty!"

Avery's eyes went wide in panic. That was the last gift Henry had given her before he died.

"No!" She lunged for the necklace. "That was a gift from your uncle! He left it for me!"

Noah dodged away easily. "It's just a necklace. Can't he buy you another one next time?"

Avery's voice trembled as she said, "He's dead!"

Simon rolled his eyes in annoyance. "There you go lying again! Last time it was just a dummy. Uncle Henry is on a trip! He said he'd bring me something back!"

He leaned over the banister and shouted downstairs, "Britney! We found the perfect present from Mom! You're going to love it!"

Avery tried to grab the necklace, but Noah shoved her hard. "Why are you being so stingy?"

"Ah!"

Her foot slipped and she tumbled down the stairs.

The back of her head smacked hard against the steps, and blood instantly streamed down her forehead.

Lying in a pool of blood, her vision blurred, and a ringing filled her ears.

"Mom!" Noah and Simon, terrified, rushed down the stairs.

Noah stammered, "I... I didn't mean to... It's your fault for trying to take it..."

Simon broke down in tears. "Mom, you're bleeding!"

Hearing the commotion, Calvin hurried over. The moment he saw what happened, his face changed completely. "What's going on here?"