“Miss Skylar, as the heiress of the Su Corporation, are you really going to marry someone with absolutely no standing?” I nodded firmly, completely unfazed by the matchmaker’s bewildered stare, as if I’d lost my mind. “It’s the only way the Su Corporation won’t go bankrupt.” The matchmaker sighed regretfully, unable to comprehend why I was throwing myself into such ruin. “Before, every elite daughter in this city envied you. You were showered with love from the moment you were born.” “Who would’ve thought that now, the Su family would marry you off to an outcast, all for the sake of a driver’s daughter?” I remained silent, simply signing my name on the marriage contract. By the time I returned to the Su family home, dusk had already fallen. I wanted to tell everyone that the Su Corporation’s problems had been resolved. But before I could utter a single word, my brother, Liam, slapped me across the face. “Skylar, how dare you show your face here again!” “You actually forced Chloe to marry an outcast, just so *you* could continue to enjoy a life of luxury and comfort!” “And what’s this about the ‘head of the Outcasts’? This isn’t some old-school gangster flick!” “You’re truly heartless, literally throwing Chloe to the wolves!” My ears buzzed from the blow, and my heart ached fiercely. Ever since Dad died in the car accident, the Su Corporation had been targeted by malicious rivals, plunging us into crisis. Dax, the head of the Outcasts, was not to be underestimated; only he could save the Su Corporation now. But when I went to him for help, Dax’s expression was utterly unreadable. “You want me to save the Su Corporation? Only if one of you—you or Chloe—marries me and becomes mine to do with as I please.” I knew he was intentionally trying to mess with our family. And I knew Liam and my fiancé, Noah, couldn’t stand to see Chloe suffer such humiliation. So, without consulting anyone, I took matters into my own hands and agreed to Dax’s terms. I was about to explain, but Chloe, who had been sobbing quietly, suddenly knelt before me. “Sister, I know you hate me, but I’ve done everything you asked. Please, don’t hit me anymore.” With that, she pulled up her sleeves, revealing angry red marks on her arms for everyone to see. She continued to sob, tears streaming from her large, innocent eyes. Liam gazed at Chloe with aching tenderness, and Noah stepped forward, pulling her into his arms to comfort her softly. Before I could explain, Liam had the bodyguards drag me to the gloomy basement. “Skylar, you’ve always been spoiled and bossy. I used to turn a blind eye when you bullied Chloe, but now you’ve become truly malicious.” “As the eldest, I’m practically your father now. I’ll punish you, my ungrateful daughter, in Dad’s stead!” He then grabbed a wooden paddle from a nearby table and mercilessly struck me. I struggled, desperate to explain, but they wouldn’t give me a chance to speak. Gradually, my vision blurred, and the pain in my body faded into a dull throb. In a haze, I remembered a time when I hated learning the violin as a child, and Mom would hit my legs with a ruler. But back then, Liam and Noah would watch my injuries, their eyes welling up with tears. “Skylar, you don’t need to learn these things. You were born to a life of luxury.” “Before marriage, you’re the Su Corporation’s heiress; after marriage, you’ll be the lady of the Chengs. Trust us, you’ll never suffer a day in your life.” Yet now, the very two people who once promised I’d never suffer were the ones causing me the deepest pain. They only stopped when I was on the verge of being beaten to death. I gasped for air on the floor, forcing myself to endure the pain. They, meanwhile, crowded around Chloe, as if afraid she’d been hurt. Noah gently held Chloe, his voice filled with tenderness. “Chloe, I know all about your feelings for me.” “Don’t worry. Once this storm passes, I’ll convince my father to break off my engagement with Skylar, and then I’ll marry you openly and honestly.” Liam chimed in, “Exactly. All the dowry Father prepared for Skylar? It’s all yours.” Watching the three of them, so deeply in love and united, I swallowed my bitterness. There was no point in saying anything now. My clothes were in tatters, and the house staff, seeing my state, whispered and pointed. Noah noticed their gazes on me and realized I was barely covered. He quickly took off his jacket and started walking towards me. But before he could offer it, Chloe’s soft sigh reached his ears. He didn’t hesitate, immediately placing the jacket over Chloe’s shoulders. “Chloe, go back to your room and rest.” “Mrs. Davis, please make Chloe a cup of ginger tea to help her calm down. She must be shaken by all this.” A wave of bitterness washed over me. *That ‘someone else,’ was that me?* To think that the two men who once treasured me like gold now feared I might upset another woman. Seeing their disregard for me, none of the Su family staff paid me any mind. I forced a wry smile, my steps faltering as I made my way back to my room. I don’t know how much time passed before Noah came to my room, carrying a cup of ginger tea that had long gone cold. “Skylar, we’ve been betrothed since childhood, but your character is no longer fit to be a Cheng. “I remember our past affections. As long as you promise not to cause trouble for Chloe, I’ll still provide for you.” I looked at Noah, suddenly realizing I’d never truly seen him. Our past affection now felt like a cruel joke. I was the eldest daughter of the Su family, and he was suggesting I become his mistress, hidden from sight. Before my father passed, Noah was just an executive in the company. What made him think I’d agree to such a degrading proposal? Was it based on the last vestiges of our relationship, which had long withered away? I suppressed the anger bubbling within me. “Get out!” Noah remained motionless, but then Chloe gracefully walked in. “Sister, are you still angry?” She cooed delicately. “Both my brothers just couldn’t stand what you did to me, so they’re standing up for me.” “We’re family, why are you being so petty?” I looked away, ignoring her. “Sister, to apologize, let me feed you this ginger tea.” Chloe took the tea from Noah’s hand and, ignoring my protests, brought it to my lips. I struggled to pull away, and a few drops of the tea spilled onto Chloe’s hand. Her eyes immediately welled up. “Sister, do you dislike me that much?” “I know my father was just a driver, and I don’t deserve to be called your sister, an heiress.” “But I’m about to marry for the Su family’s sake, so I won’t be any threat to you. “Even then, you still can’t stand the sight of me?” With that, her tears streamed down her face. “Skylar, that’s enough! Chloe is already so pathetic, why do you have to be so cruel?” Noah, heedless of my injuries, violently pushed me. I stumbled and fell, shards of the bowl digging deep into my flesh. Blood welled uncontrollably from my hands. As I looked up, my mother stood in the doorway, a storm in her eyes.
The long-suppressed bitterness overwhelmed me the moment I saw my mother. I sobbed, shouting, “Mom…” “Shut up! I wish I never had a daughter like you!” My mother entered my room, her face cold, her eyes frightening. She picked up the ice water from my bedside table and splashed it directly on my face, her voice a harsh warning. “Chloe has always been so careful and timid, already pitiful enough, yet you still bully her like this.” “If outsiders knew about your disgraceful behavior, where would the Su family put its face?” “Did my teachings mean nothing to you?” My blood dripped onto the floor, each drop eroding the last shred of hope I had for the Su family. I stared at Dad’s portrait on the wall, lost in thought. Back then, everyone envied me. My brother cherished me since childhood, and my childhood sweetheart adored me. The only hardship I’d ever known was a severe illness at the age of twelve. At that time, Liam and Noah, hoping for my swift recovery, went to a secluded monastery in the mountains to pray for me. They kneeled at every single step, each bow a prayer for the illness to leave me. When they returned, Noah placed a blessed amulet around my neck. “I never believed in superstitions, but if it means you’ll recover, I’ll make an exception.” “You must wear this amulet from now on, as if we’re always by your side.” “We prayed before the Buddha that all your pain would be ours to bear, and you would only know happiness.” But such promises ceased on the day Dad died in his car accident. Chloe’s father, trying to protect my father, was severely injured. In the intensive care unit, he entrusted Chloe to the Su family. But my father still passed away. Without his support, the Su Corporation was on the verge of collapse. Chloe, with her innocent facade, won everyone’s sympathy. They all pitied Chloe, and the downfall of the Su Corporation. But no one pitied me. “Skylar, why aren’t you apologizing to Chloe?” Liam and Noah looked at me with expressions full of blame. When they saw the pool of blood on the floor, they froze. Noah frowned deeply. “Skylar, why are you bleeding so much?” “You’re hurt, why didn’t you say anything? Let me see!” He stepped forward to take my hand. I hid my hand behind my back, avoiding his touch. “No need.” Noah hadn’t expected me to be so cold. He furrowed his brows, looking at me with displeasure. “You’re still so stubborn at your age! The Su Corporation is facing a major crisis right now, we don’t have time to coddle you!” “Fine, I’ll go buy you some caramels. Eat them, and don’t cause any more trouble.” Ever since I was little, whenever I got angry, he would buy me caramels. Because I loved him, I would stop being angry with him. Now, everything had changed. I glanced at the caramels in Chloe’s hand and shook my head. I returned to my room and quietly packed my luggage. The magnificent ivory gown in the closet was particularly eye-catching. This was Mom’s coming-of-age gift to me. She had commissioned dozens of artisans, painstakingly crafted over three sleepless nights. The pearls on the tiara were rare South Sea gems, personally sourced by my father and Liam at great expense. The earrings beside it were specially brought back from abroad by Noah. Back then, all the society girls in the city marveled at my bridal gown. “Miss Skylar is truly so blessed.” But now, the gown remained, yet the hearts had changed.
“Skylar, quickly move out of your bedroom and let Chloe have it.” “She’s about to get married, so in her last few days at the Su family home, she deserves the best treatment.” Liam’s voice pulled me back from my memories. Before I could speak, the maids began clearing out my belongings. Chloe stared intently at my bridal gown. “This gown is so beautiful. It’s a shame I’m not a Su family daughter, so I don’t deserve to wear it…” Her words trailed off, and Chloe began to sob. Her eyes misty, she looked at Noah, her expression full of grievance. “Noah, can you let me have a wedding ceremony with my beloved before I get married?” Hearing Chloe’s words, Liam immediately handed her the gown. “Chloe, quickly, try on this gown.” “No!” I cried out, stopping them. “You can have anything else you want, but not this gown!” I looked at them with pleading eyes, clutching the gown’s sleeve tightly. I refused to let go, refusing to release the last bit of my attachment to the past. “Skylar, it’s just a dress. What’s the harm in letting Chloe try it on?” “Why are you so petty? Chloe is sacrificing her entire life’s happiness just so you don’t have to suffer.” Liam and Noah shielded Chloe, as if I might devour her. Meeting their eyes, blazing with hatred, my last shred of hope dissolved. I pushed past their obstruction, snatched the gown, and took scissors, slashing a huge gash in it. Fine, then I don’t need it! “Skylar, what are you doing! Do you know how expensive these things are?” Liam roared furiously. But then he saw me pick up a photo album nearby and immediately snatched it away, his expression panicked. “Never mind, if it’s ruined, it’s ruined. I’ll buy you new ones later, but this album can’t be destroyed.” Liam treasured the album like gold, carefully wiping it before placing it back in my hands. This album documented every single moment of Liam, Noah, and my childhood together. Only the photos of Noah and me getting married were missing to fill it completely. But fate had other plans; ultimately, we walked down opposing paths. After they all left, I shredded every single photo in the album. Our past affection, like the album, was shattered beyond repair. The next day, as I went to buy a gift to curry favor with Dax, I overheard people discussing Dax’s impending marriage. “The Su family, a century-old dynasty, is actually marrying off their daughter to an outcast.” “I hear Dax is known for his cruel ways of tormenting people. That Miss Su is probably in for a hard life.” Hearing these words, a ripple of emotion stirred within me. *Could it be harder than now?* It was merely jumping from one hellhole to another. The Su family had long since stopped having room for me. The day came for my scheduled meeting with Dax. As I was about to leave, I saw the three people I least wanted to see. Chloe was sobbing in Noah’s arms. “Noah, I don’t care what happens to me, but I can’t drag the Su family down.” “But I already have someone I love in my heart. After I help the Su family through this crisis, I’ll take this love with me to the grave.” Liam and Noah huddled around her, comforting her softly. One declared his eternal love for her, the other cursed Dax as a beast. I remained silent, organizing the ties I had bought a few days ago. I had stayed up all night embroidering Dax’s name on a discreet part of one tie, hoping he would see it and feel a flicker of affection for me. I was no longer the once carefree Miss Su who could act on impulse. Naturally, I had to learn how to curry favor. Noah turned around and finally noticed me. He frowned, glaring at me disapprovingly. “Skylar, how can you still be in the mood to buy ties!” “Don’t you know what people are saying about the Su family?” “Chloe values her reputation above all else. How can she endure such insult?” *Yes, Chloe values her reputation above all else.* The Su and Cheng families were intertwined by interests, sharing prosperity and downfall. Only I was insignificant. Seeing that I remained silent, Liam snatched the tie from my hand. The tie’s pin tore open the scab on my palm’s old wound. Instantly, crimson blood stained the tie. Watching my carefully chosen tie get soiled, and my overnight embroidery ruined, tears of grievance flowed uncontrollably. I looked up at them. “If I were the one marrying the outcast, would you two be so heartbroken?”
“Skylar, what time is it now, and you’re still trying to compete with Chloe!” “Do you think buying a tie as a gift will win us over?” “We’ll never forgive you for everything you’ve done to Chloe…” Their words stopped abruptly. They had clearly seen the name embroidered on the tie: Dax. Their faces instantly lost all color. “Skylar, what do you mean by this? Just because you’re jealous of Chloe, you’re trying to seduce the outcast too?” They were the first to parade me around. And now they were the ones calling me a disgrace. It was their mismanagement that led the Su and Cheng families to the brink of bankruptcy. Yet now, they insisted on pinning the blame on me. If that’s how it is, then I’ll leave. And never come back. As soon as I walked out of the mansion, Chloe chased after me. She looked at me with a smug grin. “Skylar, what if you’re the Su family heiress? You still couldn’t beat me.” “Everything you owned is about to be mine!” With that, she let out a sudden scream and stumbled, falling into the rose garden nearby. Liam and Noah, hearing Chloe’s cry, rushed out. Chloe cried in their arms. “It’s all my fault, it has nothing to do with Sister Skylar.” “Please, don’t blame her. It really has nothing to do with her.” Anyone would suspect me after Chloe’s thinly veiled accusation. Sure enough, Liam and Noah stared at me, their faces filled with shock. “Skylar, Chloe is sacrificing her happiness for you, what more do you want!” “Are you only happy if she dies?”
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