Chapter 1

I woke up with no memories after an accident—just pain, a stranger claiming to be my husband… and a concern loving sister.

For weeks, I believed Thomas. Believed his lies. I thought I was happy—until the night I overheard everything.

“So, are you going to keep pretending to be her husband? What if her memories return?”

Thomas spoke, “They won’t. She’s been taking the pills. She trusts me. I made sure she wouldn’t remember. If she does… she might do something to harm Amber and stop her wedding. Even if Amber didn’t choose me… even if she married someone else… I still can’t let anyone destroy her happiness, so if I have to lie my life with her, I’ll do it for her sister Amber.”

Now I remember. The betrayal. The accident. The truth. They all thought I’d stay broken. Obedient. Silent. But I’m done playing their perfect little pawn.

This time, I’ll take back everything they stole.

Even if I have to burn them all to the ground.

--

The car accident had stolen half a month of my life. When I woke up in a hospital bed, there were no memories—only pain and confusion. But Thomas was there. He told me he was my husband, that he had stayed by my side through everything. And I believed him.

For weeks, I thought I was happy. But it was all a lie.

Tonight, I had gone to his office, my heart racing with excitement. I had taken the test that morning, staring in shock at the two lines that changed everything. A baby. Our baby.

I couldn’t wait to tell him.

I pushed open the door to his office, stepping inside—then froze at the sound of voices.

“So, are you going to keep pretending to be her husband?”

The voice wasn’t Thomas'. It was his friend’s.

My breath hitched.

“What if her memories return?”

A pause. Then Thomas spoke, his voice calm, collected. “They won’t. She’s been drinking the pills. She trusts me.”

The world shifted beneath my feet.

“I made sure she wouldn’t remember,” he continued. “She can’t. If she does… she might do something to harm Amber and stop her wedding.”

Amber. My sister. What is he saying? Why would I stop her wedding? My head was spinning, wanting to remember everything.

“She doesn’t need to know the truth,” Thomas sighed. “Even if Amber didn’t choose me… even if she married someone else… I still can’t let anyone destroy her happiness, so if I have to lie my life with her, I’ll do it for Amber.”

Betrayal surged through me, leaving me cold. I wanted to scream, to burst into that room and demand the truth. But I had nothing. No proof. No memories. If I confronted him now, he would have an explanation. He would smile, touch my face, and tell me I was imagining things.

So I turned and walked away.

That night, I didn’t take the pills. For the first time in weeks, I let my mind be my own.

And the memories didn’t come all at once. They came in fragments, slipping through the cracks every time I skipped a pill, every time I stared at Thomas and felt that something wasn’t right. A familiar scent, a stray word, a flash of something in my mind that left me breathless.

I played the role of the perfect wife, pretending nothing had changed. But Thomas noticed.

He watched me more closely, his touches lingering a little longer, his gaze sharp whenever I hesitated before taking the pill.

Then, one night, he said it.

“We’re going to your parents’ house tomorrow,” he told me, sliding an arm around my body. “Amber wants you to be there for her gown fitting. Your parents will be there too.”

The words knocked the air from my lungs.

My house. My parents.

I was going back. I forced myself to smile, nodding like a good wife should. But inside, I was drowning.

The next morning, as I sat in the car beside Thomas, the memories became clearer. Not forced, not sudden—but they were there, like a puzzle assembling itself in my mind.

Amber. She had always taken from me. As children, she wanted my toys. My clothes. My friends. And as we grew older, she wanted Scott. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as more pieces fell into place.

Scott and I had been together for four years. Four years of love, of promises, of planning a future together. I had trusted him, believed him. And yet, all along, he had been sneaking behind my back—with my own sister.

I had confronted them. I remembered the way Scott had tried to deny it, how Amber had worn that same sickeningly sweet smile she always did when she got what she wanted.

And I had been a fool. A fool for thinking that my parents would stand by me. That they would condemn Amber for what she did.

But they didn’t.

They let her have him. They let her take everything from me.

The betrayal burned through my veins like poison, and suddenly, I was back in that moment—the night of the accident.

Amber was in the car with me. We were fighting. I had just found out about Scott. The truth had shattered everything I knew, and I had been furious—screaming, crying, demanding answers.

And then…

The sharp turn. The blinding lights. The impact.

It wasn’t just an accident. Amber had been there. Amber had caused it. Now, she was pretending. Pretending nothing had happened. Pretending she was my sister, my family.

The realization clawed at my chest, but I kept my face blank. I let Thomas hold my hand as he led me into my parents’ house.

And then Amber appeared.

“Jasmine!”

Amber’s voice rang out, overly sweet, as she strode toward me, her heels clicking against the floor. Her perfectly styled hair bounced with every step, and her smile stretched wide—too wide. “Come here, I want you to meet someone.”

I already knew. Still, I played along, letting her take my hand and drag me forward.

“This is Scott,” Amber said, practically glowing with pride as she clung to his arm. “My fiancé.”

I felt the breath leave my lungs.

Scott.

His eyes met mine, dark and unreadable, but there was something there—hesitation, discomfort. A flicker of something I couldn’t quite place. But just as quickly, it was gone, and he extended his hand toward me, his expression unreadable.

“Nice to meet you.”

Like I was a stranger. The world tilted. My fingers tingled. And before I even knew what I was doing, I moved—like something had taken over my body. I reached out, but instead of shaking his hand, I stepped closer—too close.

And then my lips brushed his. Scott stiffened.

Amber let out a sharp burst. “What are you doing, kissing my fiance?” Then, she pushed me.

Chapter 2

“Sorry,” I said, awkwardly. “I didn’t mean it. But, I don’t know, I felt like I’ve known you forever…and the kiss felt like a muscle memory.”

I paused, looking at Scott with a forced smile, trying to mask how unsettled I felt. It was crazy, right? Pretending that I didn’t know the truth, that I hadn’t seen it all coming.

Before Scott could answer, Amber, of course, spoke up, cutting through the tension. “Sis,” she said, raising an eyebrow, “you’re being indifferent. Are you trying to steal my fiancé?”

Everyone laughed, even my parents, who didn't seem to notice how much that stung. I could feel my heart drop into my stomach as Amber's words hit me, but then, of course, she added with a sarcastic grin, “Just kidding, anyway. Let’s not let this happen again, sister, or we might have to fight.”

My parents chimed in, too, their voices laced with laughter. “Stop being so flirty, Jasmine,” Dad said, shaking his head, while Mom just shot me a smile that barely masked her disapproval. No one even bothered to defend me—not even Scott.

“You’re embarrassing me,” Thomas even whispered to me. “What was that? I’m your husband.”

“Really? Are you?” I stared at him. “Is that the truth?”

“What are you saying, Jasmine?” He asked, but I ignored him. I was done with all the lies.

The rest of the day went by in a blur, all smiles and false excitement, with Amber fussing over how I looked in the gown. I played along, letting them pretend everything was fine, but the truth was, I couldn’t focus on anything but the gnawing feeling that had been building inside me. They were all so happy, so carefree, and I—well, I was about to lose everything.

When I finally excused myself to head back to my room, I did it with the excuse of needing to check for my things.

But, deep down, I knew. I knew I had to go. I wasn’t just going to stay here and pretend anymore.

But when I got to my room and started to look around, everything was gone. The boxes I had packed—everything—was gone, like they knew I was going to come looking for it.

Still, I searched. I had to know.

And then, I found it.

It was hidden inside a shelf. A book, wedged between other things, and there it was—a photo of Scott and me. We were kissing, all tangled up with each other. It wasn’t just a photo. It was a bookmark, carefully tucked inside the pages, like some twisted keepsake. This is proof. I need this… to ruin their wedding.

The next day, I went to the doctor to terminate the pregnancy. There was no way I’d let this baby be born in a world full of lies.

Afterward, I stepped out of the clinic, and then remembered my best friend Alice, so I called her.

“Jasmine?” The voice on the other end was surprised, but it was the same voice I hadn’t heard in years. “You remember me now? Oh, god. They didn’t want you near me so I had no way to tell the truth to you.”

“Alice,” I said, my voice soft. “Please don’t tell anyone that I remember now. But can you help me? I need to leave. I want to take that project you were talking about before. I’m ready now.”

There was a pause, but Alice didn’t hesitate. “Of course. You’ll leave in three days.”

Chapter 3

Three days. That’s all I had to fake it.

I played my part, smiled when I had to, laughed when expected—but Amber made it unbearable. She clung to Scott, kissing him, whispering things in his ear as if I wasn’t standing right there. It should’ve hurt. It didn’t. I felt nothing.

The only thing I wanted was to leave.

Thomas noticed. He pulled me aside, his grip firm on my wrist.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” I said flatly.

His jaw clenched. “Is this because of Scott?”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

He scoffed. “Don’t play dumb. You like him, don’t you?” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I’m your husband, Jasmine.”

I blinked, then let out a breathy laugh. “You’re being ridiculous.”

His eyes darkened, but before he could say more, I let my expression crumble, forcing a few tears to slip down my cheek. “I’m just… confused,” I whispered. “My memories are still blurry. Everything feels so strange.”

Thomas' anger wavered. His hands cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my skin in an attempt to comfort me. I almost gagged.

Later, I stood on the balcony, the cold night air doing nothing to cool the simmering rage inside me. Below, the guests laughed and drank, celebrating Amber and Scott’s upcoming wedding like it was the grandest love story ever told. A lie. A sickening, cruel lie.

I heard the footsteps before I saw him. Scott.

I turned, my lips curling into something almost sweet.

He leaned against the railing, eyes studying me. “Didn’t think I’d find you out here.”

I tilted my head, pretending to search for something in his face. “It’s strange,” I murmured. “Every time I see you, I feel like… I know you.”

Scott stiffened.

I took a slow step forward, letting my fingers lightly graze the railing. “It’s like there’s something I should remember…”

My gaze flicked up to meet his. “But I can’t.”

His throat bobbed. “Jasmine…”

I bit my lip, lowering my lashes. “You know, I’ve been trying to figure out why everyone acts so carefully around me.”

Another step. Closer. “Like there’s something they don’t want me to remember.”

Scott’s fingers twitched. His eyes roamed over my face, and I knew that look. He was tempted.

I reached up, fingers lightly brushing over his tie. “You always seem to be watching me.” I let my voice drop into a whisper. “Why is that?”

Scott’s breath hitched. “I—”

I tilted my head, my lips just inches from his ear. “You want me to remember, don’t you?”

He was trapped.

I placed a hand on his chest, pressing just lightly. “Maybe you can help me,” I murmured.

Scott swallowed hard, his hands gripping my body before he could even think.

Gotcha.

His lips crashed onto mine, desperate, hungry. I let him.

Just enough to ruin him.

The door burst open.

Amber.

A shriek filled the air, piercing, furious.

“You’re insane!”

Her hands yanked at my hair, pulling hard enough to sting.

“What on earth is wrong with you?!” she screamed, shaking me.

I stumbled back, wrenching myself free. “Scott was the one who kissed me!”

Scott barely hesitated before throwing me under the bus.

“She was seducing me.” His tone was smooth, effortless in its betrayal.

Slap.

My mother’s hand struck my cheek before I could react.

“You’re disgusting,” she spat. “Flirting with another woman’s fiancé. With your sister’s fiancé.”

I laughed. A sharp, hollow sound. “My sister’s fiancé?” I repeated, touching my burning cheek. “Isn’t that funny?”

Thomas was there now, watching, saying nothing.

I turned to him. “Well?” I challenged. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

He exhaled sharply. “You need to stop this, Jasmine.”

“Stop what?” I shot back. “Defending myself? Fighting back? Amber ruined my life, but somehow I’m the villain?”

Thomas' eyes flickered with something unreadable.

On my way out, his voice followed me. “Where are you going?”

I whirled around, my patience snapping. “Why do you care?”

“Because you’re ruining Amber’s wedding!” he shouted.

I laughed bitterly. “Why do you care so much about her?”

“She’s your sister,” he said.

That was it. That was all he had.

I shook my head. “You’re all the same.”

A loud commotion from inside made us both turn. A panicked voice called out.

“Help! Amber fainted!”

My mother came rushing out, her face twisted with fury, while Thomas ran to her, ignoring me.

Then my mother slapped me.

I barely felt it this time.

“If something happens to Amber’s baby, it’s your fault!” she shrieked. “We don’t want to see you at the wedding ever again! Get lost!”

The words didn’t hurt. Nothing did anymore.

I turned and walked away.

Chapter 4

I changed my mind.

Leaving without a fight was nonsense.

After everything they had done to me, they expected me to vanish quietly, to accept my fate while Amber basked in the life that should have been mine. The thought of it was almost laughable.

I refused to be the girl they discarded.

I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms as I stared at the document in my hands. A marriage license—one that should have bound me to Thomas forever. But the truth was far more sinister. The paper I held was nothing more than an illusion. A fraud.

I was never legally his wife. A slow smile crept onto my lips. If I was never married to Thomas, then I was free. And if I was free, then I had every opportunity to destroy everything they had built.

Amber had stolen my life. Now, I would ruin hers.

The only way to do that was to strike where it hurt the most—her wedding. I picked up my phone, my fingers steady as I dialed Alice.

“I need your help,” I said the moment she answered.

“What do you need?”

“A husband.”

There was silence on the other end before she burst into laughter. “Oh, now this is interesting. You sure know how to entertain me.”

“I’m serious.”

Alice hummed in thought. “Well, aren’t you lucky? The most eligible bachelor in the country just happens to be looking for a wife.”

My breath caught. “Who?”

“Rozen Blackwood.”

I stilled. The name alone sent a thrill through my spine. Rozen Blackwood—ruthless, powerful, and most importantly, Thomas' greatest rival, and so is Scott.

It was perfect.

“Where is he?” I asked.

Alice didn’t even hesitate. “Whiskey Bar. Downtown.”

The dim glow of the bar cast shadows across the room as I made my way to the VIP section. My heels clicked against the floor, each step echoing with purpose.

Rozen Blackwood sat at the center, a whiskey glass in his hand, his dark blue eyes watching me with mild amusement as I approached.

He didn’t speak as I slid into the seat across from him.

I met his gaze. “Do you want to marry me?”

His lips curled at the corners, more intrigued than shocked. “Aren’t you married to my enemy?”

I leaned back, my expression unreadable. “Not legally.”

Something flickered in his eyes. He rested his elbow on the table, tilting his head. “Wait. You remember now?”

I narrowed my gaze. “Interesting that you knew I lost my memories.”

He chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink. “I keep track of my enemies.”

Enemies. The weight of his words settled between us, a silent understanding passing through.

“What’s your plan?” he asked.

I traced the rim of my glass before meeting his gaze. “A deal. I get revenge. You get a wife to shut your family up.”

Rozen was silent for a moment, considering my words.

Then, to my surprise, he smirked.

“I like it.”

The day of the wedding arrived. Not a single call. Not a single message. They didn’t check on me. They didn’t care.

To them, I didn’t exist. But they would regret that.

I arrived at the venue, stepping out of the limousine dressed in white. The silk of my gown trailed behind me, pristine and elegant, a stark contrast to the chaos I was about to unleash.

Murmurs filled the air as I walked into the grand hall, my presence sending a ripple of unease through the crowd.

Amber’s face twisted in rage the moment she saw me.

“What the heck are you doing here?” she hissed, her voice trembling with fury.

Mother turned next, her eyes widening in horror. “Why are you here? I told you, after what you did, we don’t want you anywhere near this family!”

Thomas stepped forward, his expression dark and unreadable. “And why are you wearing a wedding dress?”

I met his glare without hesitation, tilting my chin up. “Because I’m getting married.”

A stunned silence followed.

Then Thomas scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. “You’re ridiculous. Do you even hear yourself?” His eyes scanned me as if searching for any sign of hesitation. “Who would marry you when we’re already married? I told you not to ruin Amber’s wedding!”

Amber let out a shrill laugh, folding her arms. “Exactly! No one wants a liar like you. And don’t you dare tell me this is some pathetic act of revenge because you seduced my fiancé and got caught!”

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “Still clinging to your lies?” My voice was calm, but the weight of my words silenced them. I met each of their gazes, one by one.

“There’s no need to pretend anymore. I remember everything.”

Thomas stiffened.

Amber’s smirk faltered. “You’re lying—”

I cut her off, stepping closer. “Am I? You lied about me seducing Scott. You lied about my marriage to Thomas being real. And you lied to my face every single time you acted like you cared.” My lips curled into a smirk as I watched the color drain from her face. “But guess what? I know the truth now.”

Amber took a step back, her composure slipping. “You—you’re insane! You just want to ruin my wedding because you can’t stand seeing me happy.” She turned sharply to the venue staff. “Throw her out!”

They hesitated.

A staff member stepped forward, clearing his throat. “She’s scheduled to wed here.”

Amber’s eyes went wide. “No! That’s impossible! This is my wedding!”

The staff exchanged uneasy glances before one of them spoke again. “There was a change in the schedule. She’s the one getting married today.”

Chaos erupted.

Mother stormed toward me, fury burning in her eyes. “Who is your husband?” she demanded, voice laced with disbelief. “Who in their right mind would marry you?”

Amber’s breath hitched, her face crumpling. “This isn’t happening. This isn’t—”

And then she lost it.

She lunged at me, her nails digging into my scalp as she yanked my hair.

“You witch! You’re ruining everything!”

Before I could react, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her mid-swing.

A voice, deep and cold, sent a shiver through the air.

“Who are you to lay a hand on my wife?”