Chapter 1

My mother was fading away in her hospital bed. Her final wish was to see me married to Rhodes Sterling.

She had no idea that Rhodes and I were already a hollow shell of a couple.

Looking at her gaunt face and the flickering hope in her eyes, I couldn't say no. I begged Rhodes to play along for just one day.

But on our wedding day, in front of everyone, he took another woman's hand and walked out.

The shock was too much for my mother's heart. She stopped breathing right there.

My wedding turned into a funeral. I held her cold body, feeling my world shatter into pieces.

Later, I fell ill.

Rhodes came crawling back, clutching my hand. "Give me a chance to make it right, Shae. Please."

But the moment his skin touched mine, my body revolted.

He watched in horror as red hives erupted across my arms. Seeing my physical repulsion, Rhodes finally lost his mind.

1. I stripped off the heavy lace of my wedding gown and slumped into the corner, feeling utterly drained.

My mother died with a heart full of regret.

I was a failure of a daughter. I couldn't even grant her one last wish.

My heart twisted as I remembered what Rhodes said when he walked away with Lila Vance.

"Shae Lennox, you'd even curse your own mother just to trap me in a marriage. You're truly a heartless woman."

He didn't know that my mother's radiant glow that morning was a lie.

It was all carefully applied makeup and a high-quality wig.

A month ago, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. There was no hope for a cure.

I had cried until my eyes were swollen shut.

"Don't cry, Shae," she whispered. "I've lived a good life. My only worry is leaving you alone."

My parents divorced when I was in middle school.

My father was a deadbeat, and despite the protests from our relatives, my mother fought for full custody.

She spent her whole life sacrificing for me.

She was once the town beauty, but years of back-breaking work had carved deep lines into her face.

She gripped my hand tightly. "Shae, I want to see you in that white dress. I want to know Rhodes will take care of you. I want you to be happy."

She thought Rhodes and I were still the golden couple we used to be. She didn't realize we were strangers sharing a bed.

Ever since Lila Vance appeared, I had become an invisible ghost in my own relationship.

"Can you do that for me, Shae?"

I looked at her pleading eyes and choked back my sobs, nodding firmly.

With eyes as red as cherries, I went to Rhodes's office.

"Rhodes, can you please just play a part for me? One day."

He let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Still trying to win me back with these elaborate schemes? What is it this time?"

I knew he didn't trust me, but I didn't realize I was so wretched in his eyes.

"My mother is dying. She wants to see us get married before she goes. Can you just―"

He cut me off with an impatient wave.

"No."

I fought back the tears. "We were together for five years, Rhodes. Does that mean nothing? Why?"

He looked me dead in the eye. "Because Lila would be upset."

I felt like a pathetic clown.

Lila would be upset...

That was all it took to erase five years of history.

As I turned to leave, he spoke again. "However, if you apologize to Lila personally, I might consider it."

Apologize to Lila...

It felt like a cold hand was squeezing the life out of my heart.

"Fine," I whispered. "I'll apologize."

Lila arrived shortly after, a sweet, triumphant smile on her lips. She walked past me as if I were a piece of furniture and went straight to Rhodes.

"Rhodes, babe, what's going on? I'm so busy getting ready for the design competition."

Rhodes's voice softened instantly. "You were hurt when Shae accused you of theft, right? Well, she's going to apologize to you now."

Lila finally looked at me, her eyes glinting with malice and provocation.

I stared back at her, my throat bone-dry. "Miss Vance, about that design... I lied. It was yours, and I copied it. I'm sorry."

It felt like my bones were being crushed. I was forced to bow my head for a crime she committed.

Lila gave a dainty shrug. "It happened so long ago, I've almost forgotten. But since Rhodes asked, I guess I can forgive you."

The thief was the one offering forgiveness.

I looked at Rhodes, my voice hollow. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Fine," he said. "I'll play my part. But after this is over, I never want to see your face again."