After my younger sister went abroad, I married the mafia Don in her place.

Five years after we married, we became each other’s greatest enemies. He hated me for driving my sister away and scheming my way into becoming his wife. I hated him for always treating me as a stand-in, never once acknowledging me in front of the world.

My lack of status brought humiliation to my vain parents, and from that moment on, their love for me turned into hatred.

In the end, he and my parents left me behind on a snowy mountain while celebrating Christmas with my sister. In the bitter cold, I died together with the child I never got to meet.

Meanwhile, my sister basked in everyone’s love and had the happiest Christmas of her life.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day my sister returned from abroad. This time, I would not beg Gideon or my parents to love me ever again.

“Ms. Quinn, congratulations. You’re three months pregnant.”

As I sat across from the family doctor, not a flicker of emotion crossed my face—not even a hint of joy.

The doctor, who was clearly excited, reached for the phone to call Gideon Wade, but I took it straight from his hand.

“There’s no need to do so.”

The nurses exchanged confused looks, not understanding what I meant.

With my status as the Don's wife, this child would be the family’s glory. They did not understand why I wanted to keep my pregnancy hidden.

They had no idea that if anyone found out, this child would die with me, just like in my past life.

In my previous life, Gideon and my parents took my younger sister, who had just returned from abroad, to the mountains to celebrate Christmas. I followed behind them quietly, watching them laugh and enjoy the holiday.

When the weather turned bad, Gideon called a helicopter to take everyone home. However, even after it landed, not one of them remembered that I was still up there.

I froze to death on that mountain, together with the unborn child in my belly.

Fortunately, I was reborn and returned to the very day I found out I was pregnant, which was also the very day my sister came back home.

The sister my family adored and the woman my husband preferred had returned.

I walked past the nurses' and the doctor's stunned faces and headed home.

As usual, I typed in the passcode to the front gate, but no matter how many times I tried, it was incorrect. All at once, it hit me. This was the very same scene that had played out on this day in my previous life.

After my younger sister came back, everything in this house changed to suit her. Even the passcode was changed to her birthday.

I thought for a moment, then entered 0-6-0-4.

The door opened smoothly.

I gave a bitter smile and was about to step inside when a thick stack of papers hit me right in the face.

“Sign the divorce papers.” My mother’s voice was ice-cold.

I calmly wiped the blood from my forehead, then held out my hand. “Give me a pen.”

That was all it took to silence the room.

My sister was the first to respond. She sneered, “That was fast. Evelyn, don’t you dare try anything sneaky.”

My father let out a cold laugh. “Well, she knows what she’s doing. If Bella hadn’t gone abroad, do you really think she would’ve become the Don's wife? The moment Gideon heard Bella was coming back, he sent a private jet and a dozen bodyguards to bring her home.

"Evelyn is being cooperative because she’s probably just trying to save herself some dignity. After all, choosing to leave is better than getting thrown out.”

Bella let out a little gasp, covering her mouth as though something had just dawned on her. Then, she clung to our father’s arm.

“Dad, you’re so smart! I didn’t even think of that.”

My parents laughed. They doted on her, brushing her nose as their eyes filled with affection.

I stood aside like an outsider in my own home.

Bella shot me a smug look, but I ignored her. Instead, I picked up the papers from the floor and signed my name without hesitation.

Her smile faltered for a second. She snatched the papers from my hands. “You really are decisive, huh?”

Of course. I would not make the same mistake again.

Without another word, I turned to head upstairs. However, Bella blocked my path and pointed at the blank space on the documents.

“Get Gideon’s signature for me. I’m not going to bring it up myself. Wouldn’t want him to think I’m scheming or desperate. You have three days to finalize the divorce. Then, get out of this house and out of Gideon’s life.”

She stared at my face, searching for a crack in my composure.

Yet, I only smiled and replied, “Sure. That’s what I want too.”

I longed to leave this loveless family and the man who made my life a living hell.

I took the papers and went upstairs.

Behind me, my parents were already helping Bella get ready. After all, the party meant to welcome her home was about to begin. It was a party organized entirely by Gideon.

Even after being reborn, I could not forget how seriously he had taken it in my past life. He had personally chosen every detail, down to the flowers in the vases. That powerful man actually went to such lengths for a woman.

It was from that event that everyone in the family finally understood why he had never acknowledged me as his wife. It was because the woman he truly loved was someone else.

Now, she had returned. The real lady of the house had returned.

When I went upstairs to pack, I found that half of my belongings were already gone.

A faint, bitter smile crossed my face as I dragged the empty suitcase behind me and walked toward the door.

The moment I pushed open the door, I ran right into Gideon. He wore a black fedora and a finely tailored purple suit. It was clear he had dressed with care.

He glanced down at my plain dress and the suitcase in my hand. His voice was cold as ice. “Where are you going?”

Before I could answer, Bella hurried down the stairs and clutched my arm.

“Evelyn, why can’t you just accept me? I just want to visit Mom and Dad. Do you really have to throw a tantrum and try to run away?”

“Run away?” Gideon’s cold laugh cut through the air. “Evelyn, I didn’t know you had such a temper.”

With just one look from him, his men swiftly snatched my suitcase and tossed it aside. His cold command followed right after.

“It’s Bella’s party today. As her sister, you’re not going anywhere. Go get changed. Don’t embarrass Bella with this pathetic look.”

I stood still, my fingers digging into my palms.

Before my sister came back, Gideon had never been warm, but he was at least respectful.

Sometimes, when people mocked me for being his unacknowledged wife, he would hold me close in his arms, calling my name and comforting me.

“Evelyn, don’t be upset. It doesn’t matter what others think. You have my love. That’s enough.”

Love?

That man who claimed to love me forgot me the moment my sister returned.

Noticing I had not moved, Bella immediately added, “Gideon, don’t be so harsh with her. She’s still your wife…”

He paused for a second, then looked at me. When he saw my expressionless face, his face hardened again. “What are you waiting for? Do you want me to help you change?”

I lowered my head. All my words were stuck in my throat. Then, I took out the papers and handed them to him.

Bella’s expression shifted instantly. She clearly did not expect me to bring them out now.

Before she could say anything, I said, “The hospital bill from today. I need your signature.”

Gideon frowned. “Are you sick?”

I replied in a calm voice, “Just a routine checkup.”

He nodded and signed without even glancing at the papers.

I slipped the signed divorce papers into my bag and walked upstairs without looking back.

Behind me, Bella deliberately raised her voice. “Gideon, why are you so cold to her? She’s still your wife.”

His voice came quieter, but it pierced through the silence of the house.

He replied, “She’s not worthy.”

Those three words made me stop in my tracks. My whole body suddenly felt drained of strength.

I had asked him so many times before why he refused to announce our marriage.

He used to say things like, “I don’t want you to get hurt. You know how many people out there want me dead. Being my wife is like living with a gun pointed at your head every day.”

I believed him then. I was even grateful. I never thought it would come to this, him calling me unworthy.

My heart felt crushed underfoot, and every breath was like a needle piercing my chest. I wiped away my tears, glanced at the small swell of my belly, and smiled.

If I was not worthy, then I would not bother him anymore.

After all, this would be the last time we ever saw each other.

After changing my clothes, I walked downstairs to find the guests already surrounding Bella. She was wearing a limited-edition white dress, looking every bit the innocent woman among these mafia men.

Gideon stood by the window, swirling a glass of red wine as he gazed at her with a tender look.

I did not pay them any mind. I simply stayed in the corner, tasting the food.

“Hi, may I ask who you are?” A man approached me. “You’re way too pretty to be standing here alone. Would you honor me with a dance?”

Before I could respond, Bella quickly cut in, “She’s my elder sister, Evelyn.”

The man nodded politely and extended his hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Zerrick.”

The moment he said his name, Bella’s smile disappeared.

Zerrick Shane was a man of high status. His name carried as much weight as Gideon’s.

A hint of jealousy flashed across Bella’s eyes before she deliberately turned toward Gideon. “Wow, Evelyn, I guess some people really do have all the luck. You barely got here and already charmed such a great guy. I’m really jealous.”

Gideon’s gaze shifted to me, his brows slightly furrowed. His voice was cold like ice. “This is Bella’s party, not a place for you to toy with men.”

Toy with men?

The absurdity of it almost made me laugh. I had not done anything, yet with just one sentence from Bella, I was branded guilty.

Zerrick frowned. “Mr. Wade, don’t you think that’s a bit too much? This lady hasn’t done anything.”

The moment those words fell, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Everyone fell silent without realizing it, waiting to watch the showdown between the two great families.

Gideon’s lips curved into a faint smile. He reached into his suit and drew a gun. In the next second, the muzzle was pressed to Zerrick’s forehead.

Everyone gasped in shock.

They all knew of Gideon’s reputation. He had clawed his way up from the bottom. He was ruthless and unrelenting.

“It’s been a long time since anyone dared to talk to me like that.”

Zerrick’s eyes held not a flicker of fear. He simply met Gideon's gaze with icy calm.

I felt a flash of anger at Gideon's outrageous behavior. I stepped forward and grabbed his arm. “Gideon, stop it…”

Before I could finish, the icy barrel of the gun shifted until it was pointed squarely at my forehead.

Bella’s panicked voice cut through the air. “Gideon, please don't! She’s my sister!”

Her words might have sounded like she was defending me, but her tone was full of excitement and laced with ridicule. It felt like she was mocking me, for the man who had slept beside me for five years was now aiming a gun at my head.

My body trembled uncontrollably. Gideon gave a cold, disdainful laugh before lowering the gun and tucking it back at his waist. He took a few steps closer. His voice was low and venomous. “We’ll settle this later when we get home.”

Then, he turned around and walked back into the crowd with Bella’s hand nestled perfectly in his. The party came alive again as though nothing had happened.

Everyone’s eyes lingered on their clasped hands. They were curious about what was going on between them.

“Bella, what’s your relationship with the Don? He seems to adore you.”

“So, the rumors are true. The Don never took an interest in women before because he already has one.”

“Looks like she’s the future Mrs. Wade. We’d better stay on her good side.”

My parents stood proudly in the center of the crowd, beaming with pride at their younger daughter.

They used to brag about me being the Don's wife until Gideon publicly warned them to keep their mouths shut. After that humiliation, they started resenting me more and more.

Gideon was smiling, seemingly enjoying every bit of the gossip and whispers.

I watched them, bathing in starlight and adoration, just as a sharp pain shot through my abdomen. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the side.

The fork in my hand clattered to the floor, but before I could fall, Zerrick caught me.

“Are you alright?”

I was clutching my stomach in pain as sweat came pouring down. I reached for his hand. “I’m sorry… Could you please get me to a hospital?”

I thought the cramps were faint, but the moment I got into the car, darkness swallowed me whole.

When I woke up again, the only person by my side was Zerrick, the man I had just met.

My phone lit up. There was a string of messages from Gideon.

[Who told you to leave?]

[Do you have any idea how worried Bella is about you? Evelyn, you’re being ridiculous.]

[Be back in one hour. If you’re not, I’ll have someone bring you back. You know what I’m capable of.]

As the screen dimmed, another wave of pain rippled through my stomach.

Zerrick noticed me frown and reached for the call button. I stopped him immediately.

I pulled back the blanket and forced myself to stand. “Thank you for tonight. I should go.”

He caught my arm.“No. The doctor said you need to rest.”

“I don’t need to…”

“Evelyn!”

Gideon’s furious voice thundered down the corridor. His eyes were bloodshot when he appeared. His hand clamped around my chin with bruising force as he said in a cold voice, “Who said you could leave? If anything happens to Bella, you’re dead!”

“What are you talking about?” I met his gaze. “Bella? What happened to her?”

Zerrick tried to step forward, but Gideon’s men blocked him instantly.

Zerrick barked impatiently, “She just experienced massive blood loss. You can’t treat her like this!”

“Massive blood loss?” Gideon froze for a moment. His gaze shifted to Zerrick, then he let out a cold, bitter laugh. “Looks to me you were on a little date!”

He squeezed harder, and pain shot through my jaw. I thought it might shatter.

Zerrick lunged toward us, but he was outnumbered.

I struggled against Gideon’s grip, but he slammed me down, the weight of him crushing my chest. Agony tore through my abdomen. I could barely breathe.

“Doctor… Get me a doctor…”

I could barely steady myself against Gideon when, out of nowhere, my parents came rushing toward us.

My father yelled, “You monster! Bella told us everything! She said you called her from the hospital and said you were in trouble. She left her party to come find you, and now… she’s been in a car crash…”

My mother sobbed behind him, pointing a trembling finger at me and Zerrick. “Bella is such a kind girl, and this is how you repay her? You were just sneaking around with your lover! How dare you claim to be ill!”

I stood frozen, staring at them in disbelief. “What… What did you just say?”

“What am I saying?” My mother wiped her tears and looked at me with contempt. “Isn’t it obvious? You're jealous of how well Gideon treats Bella, so you deliberately set out to get revenge. But did you ever stop to think that she’s your biological sister?”

My father went along with her. “How could we have a daughter like you? You’re downright vicious!”

Gideon suddenly released his grip. “Lock her in the dungeon. Keep her there until Bella wakes up so she can reflect on her sins.”

“I didn’t. I’m really sick… I didn't sneak out with anyone…” My voice shook.

“Of course, I know you didn't.” Gideon looked down with authority. “Evelyn, you're the woman who would die for me. How could you ever cheat?”

He turned to Zerrick, scorn blazing in his eyes. “You only got close to him to spite me. You can play your games, but how dare you… deceive Bella.”

My parents cried even louder when they heard that. It was as though their younger daughter were dying right then and there.

Gideon’s fists tightened. He turned to look at his men. “What are you waiting for? Lock her up!”

His men moved toward me at once. The Underboss, Randel Lane, began to speak up, “Boss, the car accident wasn't planned, and our checks show that Mrs. Wade did experience heavy bleeding…”

A bullet zipped past the man's ear and buried itself in the opposite wall.

He clutched his ear as blood sprayed before he collapsed to the floor. The tile darkened with bright red.

Gideon’s gaze turned ice-cold as he lowered his gun. “Mr. Lane, remember who your master is. You’d better not be on her side. And now, you’ve joined her in lying to me. Heavy bleeding? Do you think I’m a fool?

“That bullet is a warning. If it happens again, the next one will hit your heart.”

He straightened and snapped his fingers. A couple of men stepped forward.

They grabbed me and threw me into the car like trash.

...

When I woke up again, it was pitch-black. It was so dark that I could not see my own hand.

My abdomen still ached faintly.

I put my hand over my belly and forced a bitter smile, unsure whether my baby's heart was still beating.

After a long, unknown stretch of time, voices drifted outside. It was Bella.

She asked in a crying tone, “Gideon, how could you lock Evelyn up? It’s my fault for running that light. That’s why I got hit. I’m okay…”

“It’s not your fault.” Gideon’s voice was almost unbelievably gentle. “She lied to you.”

“Evelyn just panicked. She thinks I'm a threat to her position.” Bella sniffed, sounding more aggrieved by the second. “But I wouldn’t do that. She’s my sister. Why would I ever try to steal her man? Even if the man… is the best man in the world…”

Her voice trailed off, and suddenly, the hallway fell silent.

Through the crack in the cell door, I watched Gideon hold her in his arms as he patted the top of her head.

He smiled faintly and murmured, “Don’t say that. I've never forgotten you. If you hadn’t left, I never would have married her. The only reason she got all that she did is because she reminds me a little of you.”

My fingers dug deep into my palm. Even though I had learned of Gideon’s true feelings in my previous life, hearing it so plainly now made my eyes burn.

Gideon had not always been the fearsome Don. Once, he had been a shy boy. He was always dropping by our house, playing with me and my sister.

Back then, I could see that he liked my sister, but my sister had no interest in him. She used to whisper that he had no money, no status, and could not give her the life she wanted.

When she grew up, she left to study abroad, determined to meet richer people.

After she left, Gideon was despondent for a while, but he kept having dinner with me as before. I thought he had forgotten her. I thought his heart finally belonged to me.

Hence, when my parents pushed me to find a way to marry Gideon once he became the most powerful Don, I was overjoyed.

It all happened more easily than I expected. He pursued me, and we married.

I believed we would have a happy future. Yet, all that awaited me was five years of a concealed, loveless marriage. Memories of humiliation surged through me. I covered my face and sobbed.

Perhaps Gideon heard me. He was about to loosen his grip when Bella threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Gideon froze for a moment, then held her tightly.

The kiss was unbearably tender.

After a long while, he slowly let her go.

She leaned into him, her tone carrying a hidden implication. “Gideon, when she wakes, how will you tell her about us? Maybe you should… just get a divorce.”

Gideon was stunned for a moment. He was silent for a beat, then pushed Bella away gently.

“No rush. Evelyn loves me. If I bring up a divorce now, she might go crazy.”

"What if she accepts it? Aren’t you the one who doesn’t like—” Bella responded on instinct.

Gideon cut her off, “Enough. I will decide on this. She’s your sister. You don’t want her to have a breakdown and cause trouble, do you?”

Before Bella could argue, one of his subordinates hurried over and whispered in Gideon’s ear.

Gideon muttered in a low voice, “What a mess,” and left in a hurry.

As Bella watched him leave from behind, the smile vanished from her face, replaced by thick, cold hatred.

The moment Gideon slipped away, she kicked my cell door hard. “Don’t play dumb. I know you’re awake! Damn it! I overdid it. Now, Gideon actually thinks I’m worried about you!”

She stormed into the cell and saw my expressionless face.

“Feeling proud yet? I’ll tell you something. You’re not married to him anymore. I have ways to make him ditch you!”

My parents emerged from the shadows. “Don’t worry, Bella. We’ll play along. Your sister has always wanted to hurt you. It's only natural that we favor you!”

My mother looked down at me with disdain. “We were wrong to pin our hopes on this useless girl for all those years. She’s brought us nothing but shame.”

She slid an arm through Bella’s and cooed, “Bella, you’ve got to keep it up. When you become the Don's wife, no one would dare to cross us!”

Their laughter only grew, and my parents crowded Bella into the center as they moved farther down the corridor.

In the end, a heavy and suffocating silence reclaimed the hallway.

I pulled my phone from my pocket with trembling hands, right as a friend request popped up from an unfamiliar account.

[I’ve investigated everything. I'll help you.]

It was Zerrick.

I let out a long breath. I was not the type to bother others. However, the only person who could possibly stand up to Gideon’s power was Zerrick.

I accepted the request and typed with shaking fingers.

[I need a private jet. Destination: Denomia.]