Chapter 1

I carefully preserved the recorded evidence of the conversation between West Graham and Nina Avery. Once everything was secured, I quickly left West’s study.

Unexpectedly, the moment I opened the door, I ran straight into him.

His brows furrowed almost instantly. “What were you doing in my study?”

In our four years of marriage, he had spoiled me endlessly. He even allowed me to work within the Graham family’s corporate group. Yet, there were only two places he never permitted me to get close to—his private study at home and his personal office at the company.

Before he could finish speaking, I panicked and threw myself into his arms, my voice breaking as I cried.

“West, I just had another nightmare,” I sobbed. “I dreamed about my sister again, about how she left, covered in blood. I was so scared. I couldn’t find you anywhere, not even in the study…”

The coldness around him vanished instantly. He wrapped an arm around my waist, his other hand patting my back gently in comfort.

“Hey, I’m here,” he murmured. “Don’t be afraid. I know Iris’s death has been hard on you, but now the culprit has been caught. We need to let go of the past and live in the present.”

I trembled in his embrace, but inside, there was nothing left but surging hatred.

West had no idea that I had long since discovered the truth. My sister’s death had everything to do with him, even if, on the surface, Nina was the only one held responsible. I also knew that his decision to marry me was nothing more than an act to deceive me and help the woman he truly loved—his stepsister, Nina—escape the full weight of the law.

At that thought, I swallowed the nausea rising in my throat and cried even harder in his arms. Out of guilt, West set aside all his work and patiently comforted me for a long time.

After I finally calmed down, he hesitated before speaking again. “Honey, there’s something I need to tell you. Nina has been released. She’ll be coming back tomorrow.”

Seeing me freeze, he quickly added, “I know I shouldn’t be telling you this now, but you know… she’s still family. No matter how serious her crimes were, she has to come home. I’m just afraid that you–”

This man, who was usually decisive and commanding, lowered his voice as he spoke, his tone cautious and probing. Asking the victim’s family to accept the return of the perpetrator was cruel enough, and I wasn’t just the victim’s sister—I was his wife.

Yet, I simply wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and smiled gently, without even frowning.

“I understand your concerns,” I said. “I’m fine.”

I lifted my hand and smoothed his brow. “You’ve done so much for me. You even chose righteousness over family. It’s time for me to let go, too.”

At my words, the hand on my back tightened abruptly. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“Erin, I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”

I let out a light laugh and pushed him playfully. “Alright, alright. We’ve been married for years now. Why are you still so clingy?”

Then, I added casually, “Since Nina is coming back, we should hold a welcome party to clear away the bad luck. I’ll handle the arrangements.”

West finally let out a sigh of relief and pulled me into a tight embrace. However, the guilt in his eyes only deepened.

“Erin… my good Erin. You’re so kind. I’ll never let you go.”

I leaned against his shoulder, a mocking smile on my face.

Was that so? In that case, I’d show you just how “kind” I could be.