Sebastian had always been crazy about Jasmine—Aria’s younger sister and the one their parents only acknowledged as their true daughter.

Twenty-six years ago, Aria was kidnapped from the hospital just hours after she was born. Believing she was gone forever, her parents adopted Jasmine—another baby born that same night.

Years later, Aria was found. The woman who kidnapped her had raised her in a small coastal town.

A DNA test confirmed the truth.

Aria was the daughter of the Hartwells. The real heiress. But by then, Jasmine had already taken her place—in their home, their hearts, and Sebastian's life.

The Hartwells welcomed Aria back with smiles, but they never let go of Jasmine.

Selene, Aria's mother had said, “She may not have come from me, but she is mine in every other way. We raised her, Aria. I can't turn my back on her now.”

Aria was made to believe that people would judge Jasmine if they found out that she was adopted.

So to everyone, Jasmine was known as the true heiress of the Hartwells, while they knew Aria as the one whom the family had adopted out of some goodwill.

Sebastian and Jasmine had been each other's sweethearts since kindergarten. But just a month before their wedding, Jasmine met a young political prodigy in Dubai and decided to follow her “dreams” there.

Since the Hartwells had already promised the Kingsleys Jasmine's hand in marriage, they had no choice but to request Aria to take her place.

Without a flicker of emotion, Sebastian had agreed.

But, just two months ago, Jasmine appeared from nowhere—And Sebastian ran back to her, turning his back on Aria.

To make Aria give up on bearing his family name, he had even posted a photo on his story, hinting that Jasmine was pregnant with his child.

Aria had also seen videos of them talking.

Sebastian had said, “Aria has been a good wife. Both our families will question me if I suddenly ask for a divorce. We need to drag her through the mud, so her parents would only blame her.”

“You have both been married for five years. Did you ever consider her as the woman you love?” Jasmine had asked,

“No. Never. She was only meant to take your place for a while. I only agreed to marry her because I knew you would come back to me.”

Aria had always thought that if she showed Sebastian enough love and support, he would feel the same for her.

But, she had expected too much from him.

She wiped a tear from her eyes as she pulled out her diary from her handbag.

It was on their fourth anniversary that Aria set a rule for herself—If Sebastian ignored her even once more, she would no longer remind him that she existed.

He had made her bleed and cry today…all because of jasmine. That was enough.

That night, she placed three envelopes in her diary, sealed it, and then hid it in the last drawer by Sebastian's nightstand—A place he barely opened.

That was her final anniversary gift to him.

Everything in there happened because of him. He would definitely love to be reminded of them.

With all set and done, Aria searched for her old phone and called a number she had previously blocked six years ago.

“Dante. Do you still want me?”

She didn't get a response for a minute and thought it wasn't connected.

But his deep, velvet voice echoed out a second later, “Aria. I've been waiting for you. It's been six years since you left me and went with that Sebastian guy. I've been in the same place waiting for you all these years. How come you suddenly remember me?”

His name was Dante Wolfe. Two years younger than her and crazy about her since they were little.

They grew up in the same small coastal town and he was her protector. Not until her biological parents came and took her away.

Then she foolishly fell head over heels for Sebastian and forgot about him.

Aria inhaled sharply, “You know what? This was a mistake. Forget that I called. I won't do it ever again.” She was about to hang up but Dante's sudden grunt made her freeze.

“Don't disappear on me again. I won't be able to survive it for the second time. Remember you called me first, don't complain or back out later…because I'm about to give my all to you.”

“Time is running out. I can only wait two weeks for you to finish things off with that scumbag. If you don't, then I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.” He hinted darkly.

Dante hung up almost immediately, not even giving her a space to oppose. And that was what she had always liked about him.

“He still likes being in control.” She chuckled softly.

Not surprisingly, Sebastian didn't come home for two nights.

Good for Aria. She had enough time to start moving some of her things out without him noticing.

She was in their home library, clearing out all the old business books she had read to help Sebastian run his company when he walked in.

“What are you doing?”

Aria gasped slightly at his sudden presence. But she quickly recovered, forcing a tiny smile on her face.

“Since we're launching a new product line. I thought it would be a good move to donate these books to underprivileged students—In your name, of course. It'll reflect well on the company…and on you.”

A subtle grin appeared on Sebastian's face. Hearing it was all for his benefit was exactly what he needed. “You always do what you want anyway.”

Aria was relaxed, seeing how he didn't care to ask any more. Of course, he wouldn't. He never liked talking to her that much.

Aria flinched when an unexpected sound echoed through the library.

She turned to see Jasmine with a big fake smile on her face, standing before a broken frame, “Ohh…My bad. I was just admiring it, but it suddenly fell.”

Sebastian didn't even wait a second before he rushed to her side, wrapping her in his arms, “Don’t apologize. It's not your fault. I should have thrown that stupid, old frame away. I'm just glad you are okay.”

But Jasmine wasn't satisfied with how calm Aria was. “You don't have a problem with it, right?” She asked, still wrapped in Sebastian's arms.

Aria’s eyes dropped to the shattered frame on the floor.

It was the only photo she had ever taken with Sebastian before they got married. And the only time she had truly felt happy.

But now, the only memory that didn’t sting—was broken too.

Aria had no reaction to give. No anger, and no fight. She was fed up enough already.

Now she just looked up at Jasmine with a small, tired smile and said, “It's alright. Sebastian was right…I should have thrown that old, stupid frame away.”

Jasmine had to quickly wipe off the displeased look on her face, “That’s so sweet of you.”

She abruptly turned to face Sebastian, “See, I told you my sister is not that bad. I'm sure she would be willing to accept whatever I ask too.”

Sebastian kept smiling at her even as he asked Aria, “Jasie will be staying in the city for a while, and I don't want her to be alone or far from me.”

“She also has trouble sleeping alone, so… I want her to stay here with me in our room. You can take the guest room, just for the time being.”

He paused.

“You know what…Jasie isn't comfortable with other people around, so what if you just move to the guest house for a while? I'll let you know when it's time to move back in.”

Aria was calm. She knew Sebastian must have prepared a lot to convince her, but she didn't have the strength for any of that.

“I understand.” She agreed with a smile, noticing the shocked look on Sebastian and Jasmine's faces.

They probably didn't expect her to give in so easily.

“I'll move my things to the guest house before the day ends,” Aria added.

Sebastian stepped forward, like he had something else to say, “No, you don't—”

But Jasmine shut him off before he could finish, “You are the best sis ever.”

Aria forced out a tiny nod at her. She looked away, picking up the stack of old books from the floor.

She turned and made her way toward the stairs. The books were heavy, but she held them close.

Halfway down, she missed a step on the stairs, making her lose her balance. She fell hard, the books flying out of her hands and landing everywhere.

Her elbow hit the floor. But the loud crash didn’t get their attention.

Jasmine didn’t move. Sebastian didn’t even turn his head.

She had him wrapped in his arms, as if purposely stopping him from noticing her.

Aria lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Her chest rose and fell with shaky breaths.

If it were Jasmine, Sebastian would never have allowed her to carry the stack of heavy books herself.

He had always been that way. Even at the Hartwells, he always stopped her from doing any sort of house chores and would work in her place instead.

“My Jasie shouldn't be made to do hardcore chores like this. She is too soft for that. I don't even want a scar or a stain on her body.” He would often say with so much love in his voice for her.

But when it was Aria's turn for the house chores, no one ever offered to help. Instead, she would often get criticized for not doing a proper job.

Even after she got married to Sebastian, and thought that he would start to treat her well too—He never did.

While Jasmine got all the love and care. She was expected to quietly do things without complaining. No matter how hard they were.

Aria didn't even bother to question it anymore.

It was evening when she was done moving a few bags to the guest house while most of her things were loaded into a truck.

“You know you don't have to do all these. You'll be moving back into the main house soon anyway.” Sebastian said, staring at the truck as it drove away.

“They are the other things I'm giving out, with the books. It's all for you.” She feigned,

“Yes. But the truck had most of the things you are very attached to. How can you be giving them out so easily?” He asked,

Yes. She was usually the type who found it hard to let things go. Including people.

But that had obviously never worked for her. So why bother keeping them?

'And why even bother being with you any longer?' She thought to herself.

Aria forced out a small smile. “It's okay. They are going to places where they will be very much appreciated. And besides, you've always complained about me having too much stuff. So this is good for you.”

“Okay. Whatever works for you then.” Sebastian didn't bother anymore. Hearing it was for his good was enough again.

“Oh, there is a charity gala happening tonight,” Sebastian said. “I want to go with just Jasie. But I guess you would have to come too, in case of any business talk with partners. Okay?”

Aria shook her head, “No. I don't think I can—”

“You can't refuse, Aria.” Sebastian cut her off immediately. “You are my Executive Assistant. You are in charge of all my company's affairs. You’ve got to be there.”

Aria looked at him with deep silence. She had a reason to be there. Understood. But what did Jasmine have to contribute? Nothing. Yet he wanted her to be there.

“Sure.” She simply nodded. This was going to be the last time anyway.

Night came quickly.

The car pulled up in front of the hotel where the charity gala was being held.

Sebastian stepped out first and helped Jasmine out of the car. Cameras started flashing right away. She smiled brightly, enjoying the attention.

Then Aria stepped out from the other side of the car. No one noticed her. She kept her head down as she followed behind them.

“Oh, welcome Mr. Kingsley,” the host smiled as he walked over. “I heard you’d be attending with your wife tonight. The organizers would love to get a few official photos of you both.”

An obvious frown crowned Sebastian's face. He wondered how the host knew about his marriage. Something he had done so much to keep a secret.

Aria paused for a second, thinking maybe—for once—Sebastian was going to choose her over Jasmine.

But, she had dreamt too big once again.

“I don't have a wife. Do not believe such lies.” He stated firmly.

The host was visibly confused. His eyes were fixed on the two women. “Who are you going to be taking the exclusive photos with then?”

Sebastian didn't waste a second. He gently grabbed Jasmine's hand, “This is Jasmine Hartwell. The only true daughter of the Hartwells. And the heiress to Hartwell & Co. Holdings.”

“My goodness. Jasmine Hartwell.” The host bowed slightly.

Then, Sebastian shot a side eye at Aria before he forced a few words out. “That one is my Executive Assistant. Nothing more.”

Aria didn't blink. And she didn't even look surprised. She knew Sebastian long enough to know what he was going to say about her in public.

But, even though…that didn't stop her heart from aching a little bit.

She still stood proudly. Even if it was all fake, it was better than showing how much hurt she felt.

Jasmine giggled, leaning on Sebastian's shoulder as they stepped in front of the cameras together.

The photographers lit up. They were calling her name, praising her dress, and asking them to pose as a couple.

While Aria stood quietly at the side.

Maybe it was the crowd. The heat surrounding her. Or the loud music thudding in her ears.

But Aria suddenly couldn't breathe. She clutched her chest, struggling to stay calm.

Not wanting to grab any attention, she immediately made her way to the rooftop terrace.

She just needed a bit of air. Just a few minutes to breathe.

A few minutes passed before she decided to head back in. She reached for the door handle…but it wouldn't budge. She twisted it again. Nothing.

It had been locked from the outside.

Suddenly, Jasmine's cold, mocking voice echoed from behind the door, “Hey, gold-digging leech! How do you feel being with a man who only treats you like a disposable tool?”

“You better don't try anything stupid. Sebastian is mine and mine alone. You should leave on your own before I kick you out myself.”

“I can't believe you had the guts to tag along tonight. You were trying so hard to steal my place. Sebastian did a good job shoving you in the corner, jealous hag!”

Aria stepped back, clutching her chest. It was getting worse. She was struggling to catch a single breath at this point.

“Sebastian is all yours, Jasmine. I was never going to take him away from you.” She fought the words out. Still struggling.

“Shut up. Don't try to pretend!” Jasmine yelled at her with a dismissive scoff. Not believing her.

“You tried to take my parents away from me. Now you are trying to do the same to the man that was meant for me. Never!”

“You know what? You should be punished for being such a two-faced devil. I'm going to make sure you freeze out here in the cold. And no one will know you are here.”

Without wasting time, she snapped the padlock in place, sealing the door like it was never meant to be opened again.

Since the charity event featured high-profile guests and valuable displays, guests had been asked to check in all personal belongings—phones, bags, even smartwatches—before entering the main hall and walking down the red carpet.

How would she call for help?

And no one but Jasmine knew she had stepped out.

Aria began to struggle again. She tried to breathe, but she couldn't. Her chest tightened, and she slowly sank to the floor.

“No.” She whispered desperately as she stretched her hands to the door and began to bang on it weakly.

“Please…I don't want to die here. Anyone there…please, let me out of here.”

But anyone seeing the door was locked with a padlock would keep out without thinking twice. No one would be coming to her rescue.

Her arms were already beginning to tremble with cold. Seconds later, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her body gave out, and everything went dark.

A few hours passed, and the charity gala ended…but Aria was still yet to be back. Sebastian couldn't hide his face scrunched up with worry.

“Sebby, could she have walked out just because you took the photos with me, and not with her?” Jasmine asked sweetly, acting like she didn't know anything.

“I should have just stayed back home. I don't want her to be mad at me or anything.”

Sebastian turned to her, his brows etched together. “Jasie, you are the only heiress of Hartwell & Co. Holdings. Never would I let an ordinary employee sit in your place. That's out of order.”

“Don't worry about it. Aria has been moody and overly dramatic these days. If she can't handle the sight of me with someone more worthy, that's on her. She probably left on purpose to ruin the night. So, let's not let her bother us. We can head right home without her.”

Sebastian led the way. Jasmine followed him, secretly grinning. “I'm going to deal with you, Aria. I'll make sure you have no one by your side—not my parents. Not my sweetheart.” She whispered to herself.

Aria didn't make it home that night, but Sebastian stayed unbothered.

The next morning, at the hotel's rooftop terrace, a security guard came up to the rooftop to do a security check. He unlocked the huge padlock and stepped onto the terrace.

There in the open was Aria. She was lying on the cold concrete. Her skin had turned pale, and her lips were slightly parted, like she was still struggling to breathe.

The security guard hurried over to her. “Lady, can you hear me? How did you end up here? Hold on, I can carry you down to our emergency unit.”

But Aria suddenly grabbed his arm, “I'm okay. I'll leave on my own.” She breathed heavily.

She had hoped Sebastian would come searching for her.

But, of course. She had dreamt too big once again.

There was a time Jasmine had gone out without informing anyone, Sebastian had wasted no time filing a missing person report.

But now, Aria hadn't returned home the entire night and he didn't even bother to seek her whereabouts.

It hit her then, ‘So, this is the gap between being cherished and being tolerated.”

With the little strength she had left, Aria pushed herself up. She made her way out of the hotel and got on the first bus at the nearest bus stop, heading home.

She stared at her phone in silence. There was not a single message or missed call from Sebastian. But there were about twenty from Dante.

[I don't think I can do this any longer, Aria. One week. I will be there in one week to crash whatever life you've got with him and take you away for good. You should be ready.]