Chapter 3

On the day I was discharged from the hospital, Avril appeared before me, full of life and energy.

Zack didn't even bother to hide the joy on his face and explained, "The hospital developed a new, highly effective treatment for leukemia. Avril is completely cured now."

I sneered inwardly but said nothing in response.

While Zack was away handling the discharge paperwork, Avril took the opportunity to provoke me. She tossed her phone into my hands.

When I looked at the screen, I saw hundreds of TikTok-style videos of a couple showing off their intimate relationship. The man in the videos was someone I knew very well.

It was none other than Zack, my husband.

The account had over a hundred thousand followers, and the comments beneath each video were filled with fans gushing over them.

"What a perfect match! I'm totally shipping this couple."

"I really hope my favorite internet couple stays together forever!"

"You've made me believe in love again."

Besides that, there were thousands of intimate photos in the phone gallery. They'd even recorded sex videos of themselves.

"Zack, why don't we record some videos? I'm dying anyway, and I just want to leave behind some beautiful memories to keep you company."

"Avril Holden! Don't ever say things like that again!" Zack chided her. "You aren't going to die. I'll find a way to save you. Just wait a little longer."

Visibly upset, he silenced her with a kiss. Suddenly, the video was filled with Avril's soft moans and Zack's low, guttural growls as their bodies became entwined with each other.

"Please, Zackie, won't you go easy on me today?"

His husky yet tender voice replied, "You're so beautiful, Avril."

My stomach churned violently. I flung her phone aside and bit down hard on my lower lip until I tasted blood.

My heart felt as if it were bleeding.

So every time Zack claimed he was working late, every night he didn't come home, it was all to be with Avril.

He had once promised he would love only me for the rest of his life, and that his wife would always be me. But looking back on it now, it all seemed so ridiculous to me.

Avril curled the corners of her lips and arched an eyebrow at me, saying, "Zack was always so completely, uninhibitedly satisfied in all the countless days and nights he spent with me.

"As for you—you aren't even fit to stand by his side."

My fingernails dug deep into my palms as I stared at her, unblinking.

"Have you no shame, Avril Holden? Seducing your own brother-in-law? Do Mom and Dad know you're playing the homewrecker?"

Avril shrugged and said, "Who's the homewrecker here when the both of you aren't even married anyway? So why are you calling him my brother-in-law?"

Her eyes brimmed with mockery as she cast a cold, derisive glance my way.

However, she was right.

Zack and I had been together for three years, yet we had never officially registered our marriage. He kept putting it off, promising he would hold a grand wedding for me only after I gave birth to his baby.

But now I realized he never intended to marry me from the very beginning.

Heartbroken and disillusioned, I booked a flight to Trevallia for three days later.

From this moment on, we would never see each other again.

Seeing Zack return, Avril immediately stepped forward to link her arm through his, cooing in a sugary, coquettish tone. "Zackie, haven't you told Ashley about the wedding yet?"

His smile turned stiff as he hurriedly explained, "Uh, Ashley, actually, there's something I need to tell you. The wedding I promised you—it's happening in three days.

"But your leg is injured, and it wouldn't look very good at the ceremony. Since Avril looks just like you, being your own sister and all, we've decided she'll take your place as the bride. Our parents have all agreed to it."

Avril giggled. "You should come and watch the wedding, Ashley. Otherwise, people might just say that I stole your spot!"

She still maintained her facade of kindness and gentleness, but I was the only one who knew the truth.

She simply intended to use the wedding day to declare her victory and assert her position as the winner, ensuring I could never hold my head high in public again.