Chapter 1: In Seven Days... Take Me Away

Vivian’s POV: 

I had loved that man for five years, until I overheard the words that destroyed my life for the second time.

“The car accident that left Vivian crippled? Of course, I was the one who arranged it.”

“Otherwise, how could Vivian have disappeared from the ballet stage? Lilian would never have had the chance to shine the way she does now.”

My hand froze on the doorknob, and my heart clenched painfully.

The man who had just spoken was the person I loved most, also my fiancé.

Alexander Drake.

“You really ruined Vivian's life for your half-sister, Lilian? How cruel are you, Alexander..."

One of his friends let out a mocking laugh. Then I heard Alexander burst into laughter.

“Ruined her? I think Vivian should thank me instead.”

“Without me, Vivian would have spent her entire life trapped in some shabby rehearsal studio. But now, she gets to enjoy a life of luxury."

"Better yet, she can become a mother by serving as the surrogate for Lilian and me.”

“Besides, with this arrangement, all three of us are happy. Isn't that the perfect ending?”

My fingers gripped the wheelchair so tightly that my nails split open, drawing blood.

Yet I felt no pain.

The laughter inside the private room echoed wildly, sounding like voices rising straight from hell.

“Then why are you still marrying Vivian?” someone asked.

Alexander's smile deepened.

“Because the wedding will have the best part.”

“Right before we exchange our vows, I'll play an AI-generated video of Vivian sleeping with multiple men in front of everyone. It'll look real enough for everyone to believe she's nothing more than a filthy slut.”

“That way, I can keep Vivian by my side for the rest of her life. Even if she discovers the truth one day, she'll have no choice but to obey me like a loyal dog.”

Through the frosted glass, I saw Lilian, the woman they had been talking about, lean forward and press her lips against Alexander's as everyone around them broke into applause.

Honestly, if I weren't the victim, I might have applauded Alexander's brilliant plan myself.

The corners of my lips curled into a smile. I smiled until tears streamed down my face, until my heart tightened with unbearable pain.

Memories from five years ago came rushing back like a raging fire.

Back then, I was Blink, the national ballet champion and the youngest dancer ever offered a place in The Swan Ballet Company.

Then, a single car accident took everything from me.

The thick scent of blood filled the air, mixed with my mother's agonizing screams.

She had thrown herself in front of me to protect me, and now she still lay unconscious in the ICU, with no one knowing when, if ever, she would wake up.

As for me, I would never stand on my own feet again, forced to face a future more terrifying than death itself.

I had thought it was fate.

It turned out to be a scheme orchestrated by the man I loved most.

I didn't know how I had stumbled out into the pouring rain that night.

By the time I made it home, I was drenched from head to toe, my body so cold it felt as though I had fallen into an ice cellar. But the rain woke me up.

For the first time in years, my mind had never been clearer.

Since Alexander had treated my love as nothing more than a joke, personally destroying my career, my family, and my dignity, then he shouldn't blame me for being ruthless.

Wiped away my tears, I took a deep breath, and immediately contacted a lawyer to prepare the divorce papers.

Then, I scheduled an abortion for one week later.

Finally.

Taking my phone from my pocket, I slowly dialed a number.

"Vivian?"

The call had barely connected when a deep, familiar voice came through.

Julian Cross, the CEO of Cross Entertainment, the most prestigious entertainment company in the country.

He was also the man who had loved me in silence for years, the only person capable of helping me turn the tables.

"I accept your offer, Julian."

I drew in a deep breath and spoke without the slightest hesitation.

"I'll debut as the first ballet dancer under Cross Entertainment. My legs will make a full recovery in seven days."

The very day of my wedding.

It was the one thing Alexander didn't know, also the trump card that would allow me to turn the entire game around.

Staring at the cold rain outside the window, I added hoarsely,

"In return, in seven days... help me rescue my mom from Hospital X, take me away."

"And help me destroy Alexander. Send this recording to the police, and ask them to reopen the investigation into the car accident from five years ago."