No matter what I did, I couldn't touch them. Despair and helplessness washed over me as I slumped to the ground.

Isaac took Mandy to the hospital for a checkup. While they waited, Liam cautiously approached Isaac. "Mr. Thornton, now that Miss Robinson is safe, please release Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac's sharp gaze fell on Liam. "Liam, aren't you interfering too much? Or do you have feelings for Nicole, making you plead for her?"

Liam avoided Isaac's gaze. "Mr. Thornton, I'm just worried about Mrs. Thornton. A woman alone at the bottom of the ocean is dangerous."

Isaac scoffed. "You may not know, but she's an excellent swimmer. She's even gone deep-sea diving with friends." But Isaac, you locked me in an iron cage! What good was my swimming skill then?

Liam started to leave, but Isaac called him back. Liam stopped, hopeful.

"Call the guards. Tell Nicole that if she agrees to donate a kidney to Mandy, I'll let her go." Liam immediately called.

Was it finally happening? I thought bitterly. Would Isaac cry if he found out I was dead?

The guard replied, "Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton said that even if you kept her locked up for life, she wouldn't donate a kidney to Miss Robinson. She wants Miss Robinson dead."

Isaac roared, "That venomous bitch! Keep her locked up until she agrees!"

I was stunned. I was dead; why would the guard say that?

Liam spoke up, "Mr. Thornton, knowing Mrs. Thornton, she'd never wish Miss Robinson dead. There must be a misunderstanding. Let me go check."

Isaac grabbed Liam's collar. "How well do you know her?"

"She's a cruel, heartless woman!" I stared at him, numb. That's how he saw me.

But you once said, "Nicole, I love your gentleness, your kindness. You're the best woman for me." Was it all a lie?

Rage consumed me. Isaac, why did you lock me up? Why did you decide my fate? The slow suffocation in the endless ocean—did you know how terrified and painful it was?

Mandy, in a hospital gown, approached weakly. "Isaac, what's wrong? Is Nicole upset again?" Tears welled in her eyes. "It's my fault. If I hadn't come back..."

Isaac gently embraced her. "Mandy, if you hadn't come back, I would have made Nicole pay the price."

Mandy shook her head. "No, don't hurt Nicole. She's my sister, your wife, the rightful Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac wiped away her tears. "Mandy, you're too kind. If she hadn't schemed to send you abroad, I never would have married her. The position of Mrs. Thornton was always meant for you."

"Once she agrees to donate a kidney, I'll divorce her and marry you openly."

My already shattered heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face. What was the point of all my years of devotion?

On the eve of our families' arranged marriage, the Thorntons were framed and went bankrupt. Mandy, unwilling to endure hardship, eloped with her mother's help.

After I married Isaac in her place, I helped him rebuild his empire, taking his business to even greater heights. His eyes gradually turned to me, but then Mandy returned.

Her return meant my defeat, a complete and utter loss. No matter what I did, he only saw jealousy and malice in me. Ultimately, he never loved me.

That night, they lay in the same hospital bed, Isaac holding Mandy, both sleeping soundly. I could only watch, unable to leave, sitting by their bed until dawn.

The next day, Isaac was woken by a phone call. "Mr. Thornton, Liam said you ordered him to release Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac instantly woke up. "I didn't. Stop him. I'm coming."

After Isaac left, Mandy opened her eyes. "Nicole, a dead woman. Let's see how you'll compete with me!"

How did she know I was dead? Was the guard...?

Before I could think, a powerful force pulled me out, forcing me to follow Isaac into his car. We arrived at the beach.

Liam was restrained, unable to move. He shouted, "Mr. Thornton, please release Mrs. Thornton! It's been two days and nights; she'll die!"

Isaac approached Liam, a mocking smile on his lips. "Liam, why are you so concerned about Nicole, even disobeying my orders?"

Liam said, "Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton worked alongside you, lived at the company, even drank herself to a stomach ulcer for your orders. Have you forgotten?"

Liam's words triggered memories. Those days were hard, but I was hopeful. I loved Isaac, since high school—from the time he threw his jacket over me in school, shielding me from a period stain. I was hopelessly in love.

When I learned I was to marry him in Mandy's place, I felt like I'd won the lottery. I was willing to endure hardship with him; every moment with him felt like happiness. But this man I loved most took my life.

"Enough!" Isaac roared. "She wronged me first! You defend her so much—were you also her lover?"