Chapter 1

One week before the wedding, I found that damned note.

"Ryan, thank you for always protecting me, just like back in college. —Stella"

My hands were trembling as the note slipped from Ryan's suit pocket, exploding like a bomb in my chest.

Just like back in college? I've only known Ryan for two years, and Stella is my best friend—I've been taking care of her ever since Nathan died. When did Ryan start "protecting" her?

More importantly, this message was identical to what Ryan said when he proposed to me: "I'll be your family, and I'll protect you forever."

Turns out his "forever protection" was never meant for me.

I took a deep breath and placed the note back where I found it. The sound of Ryan humming drifted from the bathroom as he showered, completely oblivious to the fact that his secret had been exposed.

I stared at myself in the mirror—a woman about to become a bride, only to discover she might just be a substitute.

No, I needed more evidence.

I grabbed Ryan's phone and entered his birthday—0923. The phone unlocked. My heart pounded as my fingers trembled across the screen. WeChat, text messages, call logs...

Then I saw it.

Chat records with Stella, endless conversations dating back six months.

"Baby, I'll always protect you."

"You're the most important person in my heart."

"No matter what happens, I'll be by your side."

These words... these damned words were identical to what he'd said to me! The same sweet lies, the same promises, the same fake devotion!

I covered my mouth to stifle a scream.

The latest message was from last night:

Ryan: Are you asleep? I miss you.

Stella: Not yet, I'm feeling down.

Ryan: What's wrong? I'll come see you tomorrow.

Stella: Don't you have to try on wedding dresses with Scarlett tomorrow?

Ryan: She can wait. You're more important.

She can wait. You're more important.

Me, his fiancée, could wait. While Stella, my best friend, was more important.

I let out a cold laugh and kept scrolling. These chat records were like a diary of betrayal, documenting my boyfriend's deep affection for another woman.

And I, like a complete fool, had believed I was the one being loved.

"Scarlett, are you still in the living room?" Ryan's voice called from the bathroom.

"Yes, honey." I quickly deleted the browsing history and put his phone back, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm organizing tomorrow's schedule."

"You're so on top of things," he said. "Just give me a few more minutes."

My baby. That's what he called Stella too.

I walked to the balcony, needing fresh air, needing to think clearly. The street below was still bustling, while my world had just collapsed. The night breeze was cold, helping me regain my composure—crying wouldn't help. I needed evidence.

I couldn't confront him now. I needed to know more. What exactly was their relationship? When did it start? Why was Ryan using me to get close to Stella?

More importantly, I was going to make them pay.

I pulled out my phone and texted Lucas, my colleague from the gallery: [Hi, sorry to bother you so late. Could you help me research something? About college records.]

Almost immediately, Lucas replied: [Of course, what do you need me to look up?]

I hesitated, then typed: [Everything about Ryan Miller and Stella Brooks from their college years.]

Send.

I deleted the chat history and took a deep breath. The game was just beginning.

"Baby, what are you doing on the balcony?" Ryan emerged from the bathroom, walking toward me in his bathrobe. His hair was still dripping, and he wore that gentle smile.

This man, this man I thought I knew, this man I thought loved me, now seemed like a complete stranger.

"Just feeling a bit nervous," I turned to face him, forcing a sweet smile. "After all, I'll be marrying you in a week."

He came over and pulled me into his arms. "My little princess, you never have to worry about anything. I'll take care of you forever."

Take care of me for life? Just like you're "taking care" of Stella?

"Ryan," I whispered in his embrace, "do you love me?"

"Of course, baby. You're my whole world," he kissed my forehead.

Whole world? Then what is Stella? Your universe?

"I love you too," I said, but my heart had turned to ice.

We returned to the bedroom, and Ryan fell asleep quickly. He slept soundly with a satisfied smile, completely unaware that his world was about to be turned upside down.

I lay in the darkness with my eyes open, constantly replaying those chat messages in my mind. Each message cut through my heart like a knife. But beyond the pain, there was anger, and the intoxicating rush of revenge.

I thought about Stella. My good friend, my brother Nathan's widow. After Nathan died, I'd been taking care of her, treating her like family. And her? She'd been flirting with my boyfriend behind my back?

Then there was Ryan. This man I thought I'd spend my life with had been using me all along. But for what? Just to get close to Stella?

My phone vibrated. Lucas had replied:

[Scarlett, it's so late—did something happen? If you need help, you can always reach out to me.]

Looking at this message, I suddenly felt a wave of warmth. Lucas, my gallery colleague who'd joined six months after Nathan's death. He always helped me quietly, never asking for anything in return. Compared to Ryan, he was like a ray of light.

I replied: [Thank you, Lucas. I just want to understand some things from the past.]

[Alright, I'll start looking tomorrow. Get some rest.]

I turned off my phone and looked at Ryan sleeping beside me. His face looked so innocent, so handsome in the moonlight. But now I knew it was just a mask.

Tomorrow, I would begin my investigation. I would uncover all their secrets, then give them an unforgettable surprise at the wedding.

I imagined Ryan kneeling at the church altar, imagined his shocked expression when he realized I'd discovered everything, imagined the contemptuous looks from all the guests.

This thought excited me so much I couldn't sleep.

But first, I needed more evidence. I needed to know their past, needed to understand the full scope of this deception.

I closed my eyes, a cold smile playing at my lips.

Ryan Miller, you think you're playing me? You're wrong. The game is just beginning, and I will be the ultimate winner.

The wedding in one week will be the most unforgettable day of your life. I guarantee it.

In the darkness, I listened to Ryan's steady breathing, my mind already plotting my revenge. They thought I was a sheep, but they would soon discover they'd messed with the wrong person.

I, Scarlett Brooks, Nathan's sister, was about to become Ryan Miller's biggest nightmare.

And it all started with that damned note.