Chapter 1

1

The nineteenth time my husband abandoned me for his childhood sweetheart, the system issued my final punishment.

It erased every ounce of love I had for him.

Silas thought I was just acting. To force me to apologize, he brought Ria in front of me and kissed her deeply.

He posted sweet photos on his feed that only I could see. When I stayed silent, he threw the divorce papers at my feet.

He was certain I would cave.

But he didn't know that I simply didn't love him anymore.

When I finally signed those papers, Silas panicked. He knelt in the dirt, sobbing, begging me to love him just one more time.

......

The dark room was lit only by a few flickering candles. On the table, the cream on my birthday cake had already begun to collapse.

The system's cold, mechanical voice echoed in my mind.

"Host, this is your last chance. If you cannot get Silas Thorne to come back, you will be punished."

I gave a faint reply. I said, "Okay."

But my heart was still filled with a dull, throbbing ache.

This was the nineteenth time Silas had ditched me for Ria. It was my birthday, and Silas had left me halfway to the restaurant because Ria called him.

I didn't know what the punishment would be. But based on my past experiences, it wouldn't be easy to swallow.

The first time Silas left me for Ria, the punishment felt like a high-voltage current running through my body. I couldn't get out of bed for three days.

The punishments got worse every time. By the ninth time, I was coughing up blood.

I was truly terrified now. I took out my phone and dialed Silas's number.

The first call went unanswered. So did the second.

It wasn't until the eighth attempt that someone finally picked up.

Silas's impatient voice snapped through the speaker.

"Silas, please... just wish me a happy birthday..."

My throat felt tight. I was practically begging him.

If he just said those four words, I could avoid the punishment. At least, I wouldn't lose so miserably.

But Silas only let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"Yara, aren't you tired of this? Ria is sick, and I'm here taking care of her. Who are you trying to play the victim for? Don't make me despise you more than I already do."

I let out a self-deprecating smile. My voice was suddenly calmer than it had ever been.

Every time Ria called him away, he accused me of being dramatic and making a scene when I asked him to return. I was exhausted from explaining myself.

"What if I told you... that I might die tonight?"

I wasn't sure what would happen to me. Maybe I would die. Maybe I would be wiped from this world entirely. Isn't that how it usually goes for failed hosts?

I was genuinely scared.

I thought that if Silas heard I was dying, he might at least sound worried. Even a single word of concern would have made these years of sacrifice feel worth it.

Instead, his voice was filled with pure disgust.

"Always threatening me with life and death. It's just a stupid birthday. Can't you have one next year? If you really want to die, go do it somewhere far away. Maybe then I'll actually respect you!"

Before I could speak, a woman's voice drifted from the other end of the line.

"Silas, I'm finished with my shower. Your turn."

The call disconnected immediately. I stared into the darkness, listening to the busy tone.

Silas never showered at other people's houses. I knew Ria said that on purpose just to hurt me.

But I couldn't deny the truth. To Silas, Ria was always the exception to every rule.

"Host, time is up. The punishment begins now."