When Briella woke again, her limbs were heavy.

Chains clinked softly as she stirred.

She was bound to the bed.

Across the room, Diego sat on the couch, eyes closed. But the moment he heard the metal rattle, he opened them and looked straight at her.

Her voice was hoarse with fury.

"Do you even know how much I hate you, Diego Elsher? I loathe you. I truly, deeply hate you! What am I to you? A pet canary? A toy? You fuck me every night. You keep me in the dark like I'm nothing but your personal doll. What exactly do you think I am?!"

The unshakable Diego Elsher looked strained. His patience was cracking.

He stared at her with a cold, exhausted glint.

"I don't know what happened between your brother and the Sawyers," he said. "But whatever it is... I don't care. As long as you stay by my side."

Briella curled up against the headboard, clutching her chest. Her tears spilled freely now, eyes empty and lost.

Blood and tears blended into the sheets-a grotesque, heartbreaking sight.

"Heh... You're insane, Diego. Completely insane!"

He dropped to one knee and grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were wild. Almost manic.

"Yes, I am insane. And you drove me to it. Hatred is better than silence. If pain is all you want-then pain it is." His voice dropped, threatening. "But next time... it won't just be chains."

Tears blurred her vision, falling silently into his palm.

As if burned, Diego pulled his hand back and turned away.

Briella watched him go.

And for the first time, she felt nothing.

No fear.

No sadness.

Just cold satisfaction.

Then the dam inside her finally burst.

She collapsed into sobs, her body shaking.

Her hands clenched around the golden chains. Blood seeped where the cuffs bit into her skin-but she didn't care.

Everyone said she wasn't good enough for him.

But she never doubted him.

Until now.

From this moment on, she swore she would never trust him again.

You've succeeded, Diego.

You've broken me.

You've made me regret everything.

How could I stay here any longer?

I'm leaving.

And I'll make every last one of you pay the price.

...

"Sir! She's gone!"

Diego shot to his feet, rage flashing in his eyes. "Gone?! That's impossible! The chains-she couldn't have broken them! What were all of you doing?!"

His assistant, Abel, stepped forward, flustered. "Sir, please calm down. I'll dispatch a search team immediately!"

"Find her! Bring her back! Lock down all highways, airports, train stations-everything!"

Diego leaned over the desk, hands trembling as he braced himself. Blood seeped through his freshly bandaged hand, veins bulging across his knuckles.

Nash bit his lip, eyes red-rimmed with worry, but didn't dare speak further. He turned and ran out to carry out the order.

Diego stood there, breathing heavily.

"Briella, where could you go? You can only exist by my side."

With a loud crash, everything on his desk was swept to the floor.

In Avenlith, the capital of Solandra and its beating political heart, panic rippled through the corridors of power. Government officials surged in and out of Rosemere Palace.

For the first time in decades, the ancient capital went into full lockdown. All outbound transportation was halted.

Three days later.

"Sir," Nash reported respectfully, "Every exit route out of Avenlith is blocked. We've searched the entire city. But..."

Diego stood silently at the window, bathed in moonlight, his shadow stretched long and cold across the floor.

He turned slightly, his face unreadable. His voice cut through the silence.

"I heard you. Forget the president-if he keeps whining, tell him he can step down. Keep searching. If we can't find her in Avenlith, then search the whole country. I don't believe a living person can just vanish."

Nash swallowed hard.

It wasn't Diego's rage that frightened him-it was his lifelessness. The man before him was hollow.

He nodded and quietly stepped out.

Outside the door, Abel and Butler Warren rushed over.

"How is it?"

"We have to find Madam soon," Nash said grimly. "I don't know what he'll become if this drags on."

Butler Warren looked like he'd aged ten years overnight. "It shouldn't have come to this... It was never supposed to be like this. How did it all go so wrong?"

He looked up at the moon.

If only he didn't put the file on Diego's desk...

Ten days later.

"Sir, there's still no sign of her."

One month later.

"Sir... we've found the body. It's Madam."

Three months later.

Avenlith returned to its former prosperity, as if the entire lockdown had never happened.

And Diego vanished too-like he had never existed in Avenlith at all.

The streets buzzed once more with cars and chatter. Life went on.

***

Cordavia Country.

Five Years Later.

"Hey! Briella, do you even have a conscience? I'm the godmother of your two kids, remember!"

Briella lounged on the sofa, her dark eyes as quiet and deep as a midnight sea, fringed with a hazy elegance.

Long hair flowed down her shoulders, smooth and lustrous in natural waves.

Every glance from her seemed like ripples across still water-gentle, captivating, impossible to look away from.

Even Audrey, who saw her every day, couldn't help but admire her again in silence.

"Exactly," Briella said with a nod, "That's why you need to take even better care of them."

Audrey was holding one child in each arm, her head nearly bursting with exasperation.

"Okay, okay! I brought you a car full of gifts this time-go open them!"

Two soft, squishy bundles cheered in unison, "Thank you, Godmom!"

They bolted outside in excitement to tear into the presents.

Only then did Audrey let out a long sigh and plop down next to Briella, glaring at her.

"You-you're always slacking! Can't you take more responsibility for the company? And what about your new designs? You said they're launching next month!"

Briella dramatically collapsed onto Audrey's shoulder. "Ugh, don't push me! I've been busy with Jules's new drug research and Steven's tech testing. My head's killing me! And now you want to drain me dry too?"

Audrey: "..."

'Does she really think I still fall for this crap? How many times has she pulled this act over the years?'

"Don't try that nonsense with me. I'm not buying it!"

She pushed Briella's head away without a shred of mercy, her whole posture screaming, No manuscript, no escape.

"Fine, fine! I'll send it to you tonight!" Briella glared, her stunning eyes sparkling with mischief.

Audrey instantly dropped the act and looped her arm around Briella's pale one with a bright smile.

"I knew you'd come through for me, Briella!"

Briella sighed and rubbed her temples. "Can you change your face any faster?"

"When the boss commands, how could this humble employee dare disobey?" Audrey raised a brow playfully.

"..."

Briella stood and pulled a document from the drawer, handing it to her.

"I'm heading back to Avenlith. You'll need to handle things here like always."

Audrey sat up straight, face tense, not even reaching for the papers.

"You're not joking, are you? Isn't Avenlith your emotional landmine? For all these years, even hearing the name changes your face."

Briella lowered her eyes, hiding the cold glint that briefly flickered there. Her lips curled into a faint, devastating smile.

"I told you before-I'm going back to settle the score."

"...Alright then. I'll have Preston get things ready in Avenlith. Handle your business and come back soon."

Audrey took the folder and placed it on the table, then clasped Briella's hand tightly.

June.

At 11 a.m., a private jet touched down smoothly at Avenlith International Airport.

"Mommy, this place is kinda nice."

"Yeah! I like it just as much as my brother does!"

Briella pushed a white suitcase with one hand, holding the hand of a stoic little boy with the other. Her more cheerful twin was perched on top of the suitcase, beaming.

"Alright, when Mommy's free, we'll go sightseeing together."

People passing by couldn't help but stare in awe. That family was just too good-looking.

"Miss McKenna!"

Briella looked up and smiled when she saw Preston approaching in a tailored suit.

"It's been a while, Preston."

"Hi, Uncle Preston!"

"Hello, Uncle Preston."

Preston pinched the smiling child on the suitcase. "Still the happy one, huh?"

Then he glanced at the other one. "Still the cold one, I see."

Behind his sunglasses, a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes.

"Alright, let's go," Briella said, her tone calm.

Preston nodded, took the suitcase from her, and scooped up the little one into the car.

People nearby couldn't stop murmuring in amazement. That's gotta be a stretch limo, right? So rich!

...

The corridor in the hotel gleamed with chandeliers and marble floors.

"Miss McKenna, you'll be staying in the presidential suite at the Avenlith Grand Hotel for now," Preston said respectfully.

Briella took off her sunglasses and waved him off. "Don't bother looking for a place. This is fine. Also, stop calling me Miss McKenna. It's inconvenient."

Preston blinked, but nodded. "Got it. Skye... if you need anything, just call."

"Will do. Thanks."

After watching him leave via the elevator, Briella wheeled the suitcase into the room.

"Mommy, I'm hungry!"

She squatted down and pulled both kids into her arms. "Alright, I'll call room service. You two be good and unpack, okay?"

She got up and placed the order.

As she watched the twins run around the suitcase, her phone buzzed. She walked to the window and answered.

"You get there safely?"

"All good, don't worry."

A sharp voice came from the other end. "Tch, you're even more out of control overseas. Listen to how you talk to me now!"

Briella chuckled, "Audrey... how old are you again?"

"Hmph! Whatever! I've got another meeting. Take care of er.yourself and the kids!"

"Yeah, yeah, go work."

She shook her head and ended the call.

Soft daylight bathed her face, her lashes casting shadows on skin as smooth and pale as polished jade.

"Mommy! Someone's at the door! It must be the food!"

"All you think about is eating, huh?"

Briella walked over and flicked the little one's forehead. "And what kind of tone was that with your sister?"

The boy drooped his head. "I was wrong..."

After unpacking, the two little ones were clearly struggling with jet lag. They barely made it to bedtime before crashing right into bed after their bath.

Briella sat at the edge of the bed, her damp hair still clinging to her shoulders. She leaned down and gently kissed each of their foreheads.

"Goodnight, Moa. Goodnight, Koa."

***

The next morning, Briella stood by the window, phone in hand.

"Preston, swing by later and take Moa and Koa out for a bit. Let them have some fun," she said softly. "They're still sleeping, so no rush."

She paused, her voice turning slightly colder. "Send a driver for me. I'm heading to the Sawyer family today-it's their special day, after all."

Then, she hung up, and her lips curling slightly.

Five years.

She wondered if they still remembered the person they'd wronged.

In the mirror stood a stunning woman in a scarlet off-shoulder gown, light as feathers, sparkling like ruby under the morning sun.

On the table lay an invitation-the bright ivory card practically glowing.

At the Sawyers villa.

Luxury cars lined the street. Nearly every prominent name in Avenlith was in attendance.

Today was the engagement party for Penny Sawyer, the Sawyer family's eldest daughter, and the Ledger family's young master.

The Sawyer family wasn't particularly powerful-but the Ledger family? They were on another level.

Word had it that the Ledger heir had loved Penny for over a decade and had insisted on hosting the engagement party at her family's home.

Briella's cold gaze landed on the Sawyers gates, overlapping with memories she'd buried deep.

Her fingers traced the air as she murmured, "Time for the show to begin."

In the Sawyer villa's back garden, guests milled about in expensive gowns and polished suits, laughter and pleasantries filling the air.

"Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate my daughter's engagement to the Ledger family's young master," Emmet Sawyer said warmly, raising his glass. "Please enjoy yourselves-don't be shy!"

As he stepped off the stage, he tugged at his wife's sleeve. "Go check on Penny. The ceremony's about to start."

Mrs. Sawyer, all smiles, set her drink down. "Don't worry! Our future son-in-law just told me personally he's going to bring her down himself. You can stop fretting."

Emmet beamed. "We raised a wonderful daughter! Once Penny's married off, we won't need to worry about Paige's future either! Hahaha!"

In her room, Penny was glowing with happiness, surrounded by flattery and compliments.

"Penny, you look absolutely stunning today!"

"Of course she does! She's the star of the show!"

"Exactly! Gorgeous!"

Penny lowered her gaze shyly, playing modest. "You're all too kind."

The girls giggled behind delicate hands. "Oh my, she's blushing!"

"Alright, alright, the ceremony's about to start-we should head down."

"We'll wait for you and the young master to make your grand entrance!"

Penny's cheeks turned bright red as she gently scolded them, "Get going, you troublemakers!"

They all knew Connor would come up soon to escort her. Teasing her one last time, the girls left in a flurry of giggles, leaving her alone.

Penny carefully touched up her makeup, checking her reflection again and again.

When she heard someone behind her, she smiled, not even turning around.

"Connor, do I look pretty?"

But as she looked into the mirror, her smile froze.

"Who... who are you? I don't know you!" she gasped, brows knitting in annoyance.

This woman was too beautiful. So beautiful it made her feel sick with jealousy.

The woman in red-Briella-stood with poise, holding an invitation. Her eyes were dark as ink, glimmering with dangerous light.

"Don't recognize me, Sister?" Briella smiled faintly. "Today's your big day. I came all the way here to offer my congratulations. Aren't you happy to see your little sister?"

Penny's mind went blank.

That voice... those eyes... too familiar.

Her ears rang, her body trembling as she backed up against the vanity. The jeweled tassels in her hair jingled with every shake of her head.

"No... no, you're a ghost! You're a ghost! I-I'm sorry, okay? I was wrong to hit you, to yell at you... please, I'll get on my knees and apologize! Just don't come for me!"

With a thud, she dropped to her knees in front of Briella, her whole body shaking, face deathly pale.

Briella stepped closer, kneeling gracefully to meet her eye to eye.

"You don't seem too happy to see me," she said softly. "But for the past five years, I've thought about you every single day. And you? Did you ever think about me?"

Penny stammered, "Y-You... you and that bastard brother of yours are dead! Why are you haunting me?! You filthy little wretch! We're not family-you never were! You don't belong here!"

Her fear turned into a shrill rage.

Briella's eyes glinted, her voice low and ice-cold.

"You disgust me. Every one of you. Even the way you speak."

Without another word, she grabbed Penny's jaw and forcefully shoved the ivory invitation into her mouth.

"This is my gift," she whispered. "My brother's gift will arrive right on time too."

To Penny, it was like a demon had spoken straight into her ear.

The taste of paper made her gag. She tried to spit it out, but collapsed to the floor, her eyes fluttering shut.

...

"I now declare the engagement ceremony officially begin!"

Emmet strode onto the stage, voice booming.

Suddenly-

"Ghost! She's back! She's back for us!"

Penny stumbled onto the red carpet, a terrifying sight.

Her ornate hairpiece was falling apart, her designer dress twisted and torn. Her makeup had melted into a ghostly mask. She looked possessed.

The crowd froze in shock. No one dared step forward.

Wasn't she supposed to be the bride today?

Confused whispers spread like wildfire.

Emmet rushed down, grabbing her. "What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!"

Mrs. Sawyer and Paige rushed forward too.

"Penny, what's wrong?!"

Penny only flailed and cackled hysterically. "She's back! She's back..."

Connor's face darkened as he arrived at the scene, followed closely by his parents-both furious.

"Mr. Ledger, I believe there's been a huge misunderstanding," Mr. Sawyer said with forced calm.

But Mrs. Ledger cut in coldly, "Misunderstanding? Mr. Sawyer, we haven't even signed the marriage papers yet. Clearly, your daughter isn't ready for marriage-or stability. Let's call this off. We don't wish to be 'in-laws' with a family like yours. Connor, let's go. There's nothing more to see here."

***