On her wedding day, Adelaide Pierce found a sex video of her husband, Garrett Barnard, and her sister, Amanda Pierce.

She sat on the sofa, calling Garrett while staring at the laptop screen with her bloodshot eyes.

The video showed Garrett on top of Amanda.

Adelaide's mind went blank. She didn't know how to react if Garrett answered the call.

But Garrett glanced at the caller ID, paused for a moment, and then, driven by his urges, he ignored the call without a second thought.

Adelaide's last bit of hope was crushed.

With hands that were almost stiff, she slammed the laptop shut.

Amanda had won.

She had successfully seduced Adelaide's husband.

Adelaide wiped her eyes dry. She moved everything back the way she had brought it over that day.

The trace of the dinner was also cleaned up as if she had never been there at all.

When Adelaide got back to her apartment, she felt like she had been drained of all her energy and curled up in bed.

Suddenly, Adelaide's phone rang.

She thought Garrett was calling back, but it was Amanda, gloating about her win.

"Adelaide, I told you, I'd take away everything you care about," Amanda said, sounding smug.

As Adelaide clutched her phone, her fingers turned so pale, but she managed to keep her cool. "You did it. Congrats."

Flush with satisfaction, Amanda kept pushing, asking, "Do you think he'll fall for me?"

Whether Garrett had fallen for Amanda didn't matter to Adelaide anymore.

For her, this love was dead and gone.

After forcing herself to accept the truth, Adelaide sneered, "Sure, why not? If you're that confident, give it your all and see if he'll divorce me for you."

Then Adelaide hung up the phone.

Deep down, she knew Amanda didn't like Garrett. Amanda was just trying to take away the few things she still cared about, bit by bit.

But why should she be the one to suffer?

It was the Pierce family's enemies who switched them at birth, and Amanda's adoptive parents who drove her into depression.

When Adelaide found out eight years ago that she wasn't a Pierce, she offered to leave, but the Pierce family wouldn't let her. Six years ago, when Amanda was found again, she tried to leave once more, but they reminded her that they raised her and promised to help her find her biological parents. They were the ones who kept Adelaide there against her will.

Over the years, Adelaide had tried her best to lie low in the Pierce family. Her identity, brother, and parents never truly belonged to her. She gave them all back to Amanda, without ever trying to take even a little bit for herself.

But the Pierce family didn't keep their promises. Instead, they made her the scapegoat for Amanda.

When Adelaide thought marrying Garrett would finally get her out of the Pierce family, Amanda had to go that far and mess that up.

The only person she trusted had stabbed her in the back.

Adelaide buried her face in the quilt, crying until she was gasping for air. As she was about to drift off, someone suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist. The moment she felt kisses on the back of her neck, she froze. It was Garrett.

"Honey," Garrett called her softly. "Didn't we say we'd move into the new place today? Why didn't you go?"

"My period came early, and my stomach hurts," Adelaide replied in a weak voice, making her excuse sound more believable and effectively putting Garrett off from doing anything else.

"Isn't your period usually very regular? Why did it come two weeks early this time?"

"Maybe it's because I caught a chill a few days ago."

Garrett playfully poked Adelaide's nose. "You better not dress so lightly in the future. Wait here, I'll bring you some cocoa."

Adelaide didn't respond. She watched his back as he hurried out, her arm hanging over her forehead, feeling like her heart was being ripped apart.

To her, Garrett had always been so sweet and thoughtful. He knew all her little quirks, like when her period was due, and he always had cocoa and a heating pad ready for her. From their school days to when they started working, he always had her emergency allergy meds and throat lozenges on him or in his car.

Everyone thought Adelaide was lucky to have a guy who was all about her.

It was true that the stress from the Pierce family had gotten to Adelaide, but being with Garrett had helped her heal. Because of Garrett, she compromised and stayed with the Pierce family.

Soon, Garrett came back in with a cup of cocoa in one hand and a heating pad in the other. "Here, drink this, and I'll rub your tummy for you," he said.

Adelaide indeed looked pretty down in the dumps.

She took the cup and took a couple of sips.

Seeing this, Garrett tried to coax her gently, "Come on, finish it up."

She didn't want to drink it, so she changed the subject. "Why didn't you pick up when I called earlier?"

Garrett's eyes flickered for a second, but she caught it.

Adelaide was waiting to see what kind of explanation he would give her.

The next moment, Garrett stroked her hair and calmly replied, "You know my dad just gave me some real power. I have to seize the opportunity to make some impressive achievements and gain his full recognition. Honey, I'm sorry. I was in a meeting at that time, so my phone was on silent and I didn't notice the call."

Seeing Garrett lie without even a hint of guilt, Adelaide gave a bitter smile.

He had once solemnly promised her that he would be honest with her for the rest of his life and that he would never betray or deceive her.

"Why didn't you send me a message afterward?"

Garrett looked sorry. "I did want to, but I got so busy that I forgot. Look, as soon as I finished, I came back to you. Honey, this is my first mistake. Can't you be tolerant and forgive me?"

"The first mistake? Is this a mistake that you can just brush off and forgive just like that?" Adelaide thought.

He did the deed, and he even made excuses to cover it up. When it came to cheating, it was either never happening or happening over and over again.

As Garrett's face got closer, Adelaide frowned, feeling a wave of nausea in her chest. She turned her face away and weakly said, "Go get me the painkillers. It hurts like hell."

Garrett put down the heating pad and hurried out to find the medicine.

The apartment was small and quiet, so Adelaide could hear Garrett searching through the drawers. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it right away and quickly stepped out to the balcony.

Just from the sounds, Adelaide could tell how nervous and guilty he was, like he was scared she would find something out.

Helpless, she closed her eyes. It was pretty obvious the call was from Amanda.

Garrett hung up really fast. He got the painkillers and came straight back to the bedroom.

"Here, take these painkillers. If you still don't feel good, we'll go to the hospital. Don't scare the living daylights out of me again like you did last time." Garrett said, all concerned and caring, which felt ironic to Adelaide.

She took the painkillers and casually asked, "Who called you so late at this hour?"

Garrett froze, and then he said, "It was my assistant, checking tomorrow's schedule."

Adelaide dropped her eyelashes, masking the sadness in her eyes. In less than ten minutes, he had lied to her twice.

She suddenly realized that maybe she never really knew the man she had been with for 22 years.

Just then, Adelaide's phone rang. It was her brother Spencer Pierce. "Why are you calling me out of the blue?"

Spencer's voice was deep and serious. "What did you do? Mandy tried to kill herself by cutting her wrists."

When they got to the Pierce's place, Garrett dashed in ahead of Adelaide, leaving her behind as he hurried upstairs, his heart pounding with anxiety.

Watching his hasty back, Adelaide felt like her feet were heavy, making her steps stiff. On the way here, she could tell that he was anxious and eager, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.

It wasn't out of guilt or nervousness, because she had seen that exact look when she had been rushed to the emergency room due to severe menstrual cramps.

Her husband ignored her and worried about another girl.

At that moment, everyone was in Amanda's room. Adelaide stopped at the doorway, and what she saw dealt her another fatal blow!

Amanda was lying in Garrett's arms, bawling her eyes out. Garrett was soothing her with all the patience and care he used to save just for Adelaide.

As for the others, they didn't seem to find anything wrong with the situation at all.

Just then, a tall figure stepped in front of Adelaide. "Come with me."

She was grabbed by the wrist by Spencer and pulled into the study.

As soon as the door shut, Spencer began, "The doctor said Mandy's depression is back."

Adelaide stayed cool. "What set it off?"

"You."

Adelaide's lips twitched. She knew better than anyone if Amanda really had a relapse this time. "Are you saying Mandy flipped out because Garrett and I got married today?"

Spencer's stern face turned serious. "You saw it yourself. She had got it bad for Garrett."

Looking at her brother, who had loved her for over twenty years, Adelaide felt a strange distance. Her eyes were bloodshot as she sneered, "So, you want me to give up Garrett?"

"No, that's not what I meant."

"So, what are you trying to say?" Adelaide paused, then said, "Oh, I get it. You mean whenever Amanda needs my husband, I should hand him over. I'm the one who messed her up, so I'm supposed to take the fall, right?"

Spencer grabbed her shoulders and said in a patient tone, "Mandy is really upset now. The doc said she's thinking about killing herself, and it's gonna happen again and again. We just got her back. Can you bear to see Mom and Dad go through the pain of losing their daughter once more?"

He was trying to guilt-trip her again.

It wasn't her fault, so why did she have to feel guilty?

She was wrong. She shouldn't have hesitated the second time she decided to leave the Pierce family.

Adelaide removed Spencer's hands from her shoulders. "I don't have the final say. You should ask Garrett himself."

Spencer's eyes lit up, and his gaze softened. "If you're okay, I'll persuade Garrett."

Just then, the door was flung open.

Garrett stormed in, his face full of anger. "I don't agree!"

His rejection stunned Adelaide.

He strode over and said indignantly, "I'm your husband, and you're trying to push me away to someone else!"

Adelaide's mind went blank. She had no idea why he was acting so high and mighty and condemning her like that right now.

After all, he had rushed over to comfort Amanda just now.

Before Adelaide could get a word in, Garrett grabbed her hand and said furiously to Spencer, "You're Adele's brother, so I treat you like one. But come on, be reasonable! Don't use Amanda's situation to pressure Adele. Seriously, don't you think this is really wrong?

"We just got married today, and you want Amanda to stand between us? As her brother, you're actually helping her be the other woman!"

Spencer's face turned ashen. "Garrett, watch your mouth!"

Garrett's eyes got sharp. "I will if you respect Adele. It's late. I should take her home. Goodbye."

After making his point, Garrett took Adelaide away, ignoring Amanda's hysterical screams in the room.

Adelaide sat in the passenger seat. Garrett buckled her seatbelt and gently patted her face. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

His words carried a lot of weight and made her feel safe. He was still protecting her just like before, like nothing had changed. She felt confused because she couldn't connect the Garrett in the video with the one in front of her now.

While she was torn inside, Garrett suddenly pulled over. "Honey, there's something I need to tell you."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she tried to stay calm. "What is it?"

"Sorry, but the call tonight was actually from Amanda. She had a crush on me, but I turned her down many times. Tonight, she threatened me, saying she'd kill herself if I didn't go out with her. I thought she was just bluffing, but she really did it," Garrett said, looking sorry.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. I thought once we got married, she'd finally let go. But..."

Garrett stopped, hugged Adelaide, and buried his head in her neck. "This time she cut her wrist. Who knows what she might do next? This could mess up our life together."

Adelaide wrapped her arms around him and started to calm down.

She seemed to have figured out what to do about the struggle she was having.

Amanda had tried so hard to get Garrett because she wanted to see Adelaide embarrassed and heartbroken.

Garrett hadn't changed. Adelaide thought she shouldn't fall into Amanda's trap.

So, she decided to forgive him this time and pretend nothing had happened.

Thinking this through, she said, "But she does have depression."

"Let's go on our honeymoon tomorrow and be gone for three or four months. When we get back, I bet she'll have given up and her depression will be under control. What do you think?"

Adelaide thought it was a pretty good idea.

"Okay, let's do it your way."

***

Night was deep and dead silence reigned everywhere.

Adelaide was woken up by her phone buzzing-it was Spencer calling. She was about to pick it up and go outside to talk when she realized Garrett wasn't there anymore.

She felt around under the covers where he had been sleeping, but it was already cold.

Confused, she answered the call. Before she could say anything, Spencer's cold voice came through. "Do you know where Garrett is right now?"

This made her heart pound. She quickly got out of bed, barefoot, and checked the front hall.

Garrett's shoes were gone.

Then she heard Spencer laughing in a mean way over the phone. "He's in Mandy's bed, hugging her just like he hugs you. Remember how he cursed me in front of you? He said I let my own sister be the other woman! Huh, Adele, this is the guy you wanted to marry so badly. Are you sure you know everything about him?"

Adelaide stood there, feeling her blood run cold.

Spencer's words hit her like a slap in the face.

Garrett had put her to sleep and then went to charm Amanda.

She had decided to forgive him. How could he do this?!

"Do you know what he told Mandy?" Spencer kept pushing, wanting her to see the real Garrett. He held nothing back as he continued, "He said he loves her the most and would treat her like a princess forever. When Mandy asked him to divorce you, he didn't know what to do.

"Adele, I'm not trying to break you two up on purpose, but his heart has been stolen by Mandy!"

Adelaide's fist was so tight her nails nearly broke the skin, but she kept her voice steady. "Thanks for telling me, Spencer."

He caught the tension and softened his tone. "Adele, don't blame me. We grew up together. I just want you with someone decent, not some two-timing jerk."

His words rang hollow.

He was helping Amanda pull Garrett away but still acting like the perfect big brother.

Adelaide shut her eyes, took a slow breath, and made up her mind.

The Pierce family and Garrett were scum.

She wasn't staying.

"Adele?" Spencer said softly.

"I'm going to bed. We'll talk tomorrow." With that, she hung up.

He called again. She ignored it.

She sat down on the couch for a bit to clear her head before pulling up a contact-Reginald Thorton.

She sent him a text, "Mr. Thorton, does that deal we made three years ago still stand?"

It was two in the morning. She didn't expect an immediate reply.

Adelaide got up to head back to her room. Her phone buzzed.

Her heart jumped when she saw his name on the screen.

"Hello, Mr. Thorton."

"Pretty sure you and Garrett just got hitched today," he said, his voice lazy and a little rough.

A flush spread over her face at his teasing.

In the Pierce family, she wasn't expected to build a career. She just needed to be a well-mannered, polished lady.

Since childhood, she had trained in many things. Architecture design, niche language translation, and vocals were her strengths.

After learning she wasn't part of the Pierce bloodline, she secretly started planning her way out. That was why she took a job as a vocal coach without telling her family. She met Reginald by chance at a student's home.

The Thorton family was the most powerful in Evercrest, so Reginald was born an alpha.

Adelaide had kept her distance. Yet somehow, he kept turning up.

She felt something, but before it could go anywhere, she shut him down.

Reginald hadn't felt offended. He just laughed and bet that she wouldn't last with Garrett.

Pissed off, she accepted his terms: if their relationship didn't make it past three years, she would join Reginald's architecture team.

Earlier that day, she posted a photo of her marriage certificate. Reginald was the first to like it.

Now, just a few hours later, she found out Garrett was cheating.

Adelaide had no choice.

If she wanted to cut ties with the Pierce family for good, she needed someone solid to help her get a footing in the city.

"I can get a divorce," she said.

Reginald gave a small laugh. "Adelaide, that's a hell of a price."

She didn't answer.

"Rosecliff Manor. Come now," he said.

"Now?" she asked, stunned.

"Yeah. This is a one-time offer, and the clock's ticking."

She pressed her lips together, thinking. "Okay. I'm on my way."

An hour later, Adelaide pulled up to Rosecliff Manor-Reginald's private estate, worth 100 million dollars.

The lights were on, and the warmth hit her as soon as she stepped inside.

In the living room, Reginald lounged in the center of the sofa, silk pajamas loose on him. He had the face of a heartthrob, his sharp jawline giving him a wicked charm.

The staff cleared out.

Reginald lifted his chin. "Sit."

"Thanks." Adelaide slid into the armchair, eyeing the contract on the table.

"Before you sign, Ms. Pierce, shouldn't you at least say sorry for those reckless words three years ago?" His smiling eyes held the quiet danger of a predator watching from the dark.

"Before I apologize, can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Did you ever look into Garrett back then?"

"Does that even matter now?"

"It does," she answered firmly.

"Yeah, I did. Why? You're gonna call me out for not telling you sooner? I thought about it, but honestly, back then you didn't trust me at all. Even if I'd shoved the proof in your face, you'd have just thought I was making it up," Reginald said honestly.

He was right about her.

And he had all the contacts to do whatever he wanted.

After a long pause, she said earnestly, "Sorry."

He smiled a little like he was pleased. "When can you start?"

"The day after tomorrow."

***

Adelaide signed the contract, went home, and crashed.

By morning, the smell of food woke her. She sat up, her temples throbbing from a rough night.

Dragging herself out of bed, she walked into the kitchen. Garrett stood there in an apron, making breakfast like always.

"You're up. Go freshen up. Breakfast is almost ready. Made all your favorites," he said.

Watching him playing the perfect husband, Adelaide felt nothing but contempt.

She saw him clearly now-a smooth liar juggling two women.

After freshening up, Adelaide sat at the table, expressionless. Garrett spread jam on her toast and poured milk.

"Honey, I want to run something by you," he asked.

She looked up, barely touching her food. Guilt was written all over his face. "What is it?"

"There's a lot going on at work right now. I gotta take on some urgent projects, so I might need to push back the honeymoon. But I wanna know what you think. If you say no, I can have my assistant set it up so I can work remotely while we're there. Or..."

"You just took on real responsibilities. A honeymoon wouldn't be ideal right now," she said, knowing full well he was making excuses. But they were divorcing anyway. A honeymoon was pointless.

Garrett held her hand affectionately. "I knew you'd understand. And about Amanda, don't stress. I'll handle it. I'm having my guys move your stuff to the new place today."

Adelaide pulled her hand back in disgust and picked up her fork. "No need, I can do it myself. But this afternoon, I-"

Before she could finish, Garrett's phone buzzed.

He grabbed it right away, but she had already seen the caller ID: Mandy.

"It's my assistant. Honey, enjoy your breakfast. I gotta run." His words were rushed, his eyes avoiding hers. He grabbed his suit jacket and bolted out.

The moment the door closed, Adelaide set down her fork.

She picked up her phone. Right then, it buzzed. It was a picture of Amanda sitting on the hood of Garrett's Porsche Cayenne.

Then Amanda's message popped up. "Adelaide, you really cool sharing your man with me?"

This made Adelaide sick.

She didn't reply. Instead, she texted Garrett, "Come back at noon."

He texted back right away, "Okay, honey."

Adelaide got out of the chat and, with a straight face, packed up all the food. She took it downstairs to the stray dogs she had been feeding.

As she turned to leave, a man not too far away gave her a little nod. "Ms. Pierce."

She was caught off guard. She didn't expect to see Reginald's special assistant, Nathan Hurst, here.

"Mr. Hurst," she said politely.

Nathan handed her an envelope. "Mr. Thorton sent me to give you the apartment keys. Also, he said he hopes you can handle your move today and get yourself sorted so it won't mess up your start tomorrow."

Adelaide took it without a fuss. "Alright, got it."

In the contract she signed last night, she officially joined the architectural design team that Reginald was in charge of. The contract had a catch: she had to do whatever he said.

Moving out was the first thing he told her to do before she left last night.

But honestly, even if he hadn't said anything, she would have moved out anyway.

The apartment was supposed to be a gift from the Pierce family to show everyone that they treated her like family, even if she wasn't really related to them. But the truth was, it was Spencer's idea, and his parents gave it to her kind of like they were paying her back for something.

The place was filled with memories of Garrett, and the Pierce family could come and go as they pleased, which made her feel uncomfortable living there.

When she got back to the apartment, Adelaide opened the envelope and saw the Sterling Estates, the fancy apartment complex down by Rosecliff Manor.

If she remembered right, it was one of the real estate projects that Reginald had.

Just then, the sudden knock on the door startled Adelaide.

She quickly hid the envelope in the bedroom, then looked through the peephole. When she saw who it was, her eyes got cold.

She opened the door.

There stood Spencer, looking sharp in his camel coat.

"Adele," he said with that same old affectionate smile, like nothing had changed. For a second, Adelaide almost thought everything from last night was just a dream.

But her look at him got even colder. She casually rested her hand on the lock beside the door, making it clear she wasn't about to let him in. "What's up that you're here so early?"

Spencer knew she was mad, but he didn't care. He lifted the paper bag in his hand, eyes all warm and smiling. "I got you your favorite mango mille-feuille."

"I don't like mangoes anymore."

When he heard that, Spencer paused for a second, but he kept smiling. "It's freezing out here. Let me come in and warm up a bit, okay?"

"If there's nothing else..." Adelaide didn't get to finish her sentence because Spencer suddenly grabbed her right hand.

"We grew up together as siblings. Siblings don't stay mad at each other overnight, and we shouldn't let some guy come between us."