Chapter 3

3.

Gideon was my brother, the biological son of my adoptive parents.

I was the swapped fake heiress of the ultra-wealthy Mercer family, locked in a bitter feud with their real daughter after she returned.

Exhausted by the endless corporate warfare and society games, I chose to step down and marry an ordinary guy, Austin.

Gideon was fiercely opposed to the marriage, believing Austin was too weak and spineless to protect me.

Before the wedding, Gideon made me promise one condition: never reveal my true background to the Clark family.

Austin stepped into the bedroom, looking annoyed.

"Fallon, the sink is overflowing with dishes. Are you waiting for my mom to wash them? You were too lazy last time, making her cook, and that's why we lost our baby!"

My eyes widened, putting on the most innocent, pitiful expression I could muster.

"I'm sorry, honey. Please don't be mad at me."

I stood up, pretending to be frail, and slumped sideways.

Austin caught me instantly, his scowl softening with a hint of guilt.

"Forget it. You haven't fully recovered yet. I'll do them this time."

Ha. After surviving years of elite high-society mind games, playing the helpless damsel was child's play to me.