1

"What a jerk! Instead of caring for his wife after her accident, he’s off having a good time with another woman!"

I offered a sad smile at my best friend’s outburst, but it was the truth. Far from looking after me at the hospital, he wouldn't even answer my calls.

My name is Isla Grace, when I was eighteen, my father sent me to marry Leonard Ashford because he couldn't pay off his debts.

At the time, Leonard didn't reject me, but he also didn't allow me to reveal our marital status. Only Aria and my family knew that I was Leonard Asford's wife.

For five years, I’ve tried to be a good wife and daughter-in-law, yet I’ve never received any recognition. Leonard only looks me in the eye and speaks to me when we’re in bed together.

Once his lust is satisfied, I’m treated like a stranger.

"Damn it, it makes me so angry. If I were you, I wouldn't stand for being treated this way. The more patient you are, the more they’ll take you for granted!" Aria fumed, glaring at me.

"What else can I do? My father still relies on the Ashford family's resources for his business. Besides, Leonard and Serra are just friends, Leonard used up all his love on that ex-girlfriend of his who passed away," I replied softly.

"It doesn't matter what kind of relationship Serra has with Leonard. But after all the sacrifices you've made, what do you have to show for it? Your parents knew you were in the hospital, yet they chose to celebrate your younger sibling's birthday abroad without you. Wake up, Isla! They’re just using you," Aria snapped, her voice full of intensity.

Tears instantly welled up and spilled over, causing Aria’s expression to soften into one of sadness.

"I’m sorry, Isla. I didn’t mean to blame you. But I don’t want to keep living in misery. You deserve happiness, you don’t deserve to be treated this way!" she urged, her tone turning gentle.

"I’m crying because I realize just how foolish I’ve been these past five years. I wasted my time on something pointless. I even lost sight of who I am," I replied, finally voicing the feelings I had kept bottled up for so long.

"It’s good that you’re starting to realize this. Come on, pick yourself up—be the Isla I used to know. The Isla who was always cheerful, confident, and radiant!" Aria said, smiling brightly.

Perhaps because I had grown so accustomed to always yielding to others, I no longer knew what my purpose in life was.

"If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I’m only a high school graduate, after all," I asked in despair.

Thinking about it made me sad all over again, I used to be a top student with a brilliant record. But my parents had married me off instead, leaving my life the way it was now—devoid of self-confidence.

Aria immediately grasped my shoulders, her eyes gazing at me with affection.

"Humans are born with both flaws and strengths. You’ve been gifted a beautiful voice and a stunning face. Your destiny isn't to be an ordinary employee, but a famous singer!"

"Can I really do it? Isn't it too late for me to start chasing my dream?" I asked, full of self-doubt.

"You're only twenty-three, we have a long road ahead of us. Have you forgotten that I work for an entertainment company? I know my boss well—he’s the younger brother of a close friend of my father's. I can ask for his help, and I’ll be your manager. Trust me, Isla!" Aria urged, looking at me earnestly.

I was tired of living without any self-respect, so I immediately nodded.

"Oh, Isla! I’m so happy!"

Aria squealed, hugging me tightly. Fortunately, my accident hadn't been too severe—just a mild concussion.

After two days in the hospital, I was finally discharged.

"Once you're feeling better, don't forget to call me. I’ll introduce you to my boss!" Aria said as we arrived at my husband's house.

"Yes, thank you so much, Aria."

"We’re best friends, back when I was struggling, you were always there to help me. And remember, don't let yourself be pushed around anymore. Fight back!" Aria exclaimed.

I nodded with a smile, deeply touched, I was lucky to have a best friend as wonderful as Aria.

After Aria’s car drove away, I went straight inside. My husband’s family was gathered in the living room—Leonard included.

"You only went to visit your parents for a day, i thought you weren't coming back to this house at all," my mother-in-law said sarcastically.

"Stop scolding Isla. It’s almost dinnertime. Let Isla cook first," interjected Anna, the wife of Leonard’s older brother."

"I can't cook, I’ve just been discharged from the hospital," I replied calmly.

"What? You're coming from the hospital?" they exclaimed in shock—except for my husband, who didn't react at all.

"Yes, I was hit by a car right after getting off the bus. I ended up not going to my parents' place," I answered truthfully.

"How are you? Why didn't you tell us?" my father-in-law interjected with concern.

"A mild concussion, but otherwise I'm fine," I replied.

"I only had Leonard's number, and when I called, he didn't pick up," I added, trying to explain.

Everyone fell silent. In this house, only my father-in-law still possessed a sense of humanity—or at least regarded me as part of the family.

"If you're fine, you can still cook, right? I want to have beef rib soup," my mother-in-law chimed in. I winced it was truly pathetic. But I remembered Aria's words—to be brave enough to stand up for myself when being mistreated like this.

" I’m not the only daughter-in-law in this house. For five years, I was the one who cooked and waited on you, from now on, it’s Anna’s turn!" I retorted firmly.

"What, me? I can't do that!" Anna refused flatly.

"When I first came here, I was only eighteen—I didn't know how to do anything back then, either. But Mother-in-Law taught me. So tomorrow, she can teach you!" I replied, fixing a sharp gaze on Anna

. "We have servants in this house, why make such a fuss?" Dante interjected.

I simply sighed, feeling a pang of envy toward Anna, who was always shielded by her husband. If only Leonard were like his older brother, I wouldn't be constantly oppressed in this house.

"I want to rest," I said, hurrying away immediately.

Once in my room, I took a shower right away, it felt uncomfortable having gone two days without washing my hair.

After showering and drying my hair, I lay down on the bed. I had barely closed my eyes for a few minutes when I felt a kiss on my lips.

My eyes snapped open to find Leonard hovering over me. I instinctively pushed him away.

"Leonard, I'm still sick!"

Leonard looked startled, it was the first time I had dared to refuse him—or even raise my voice at him.

"Why are you acting so strangely today?" Leonard protested.

"I just realized something, I’ve been such a fool for the past five years."

"What do you mean?"

"For five years, whenever I needed you, you were never there. Never mind—none of that matters anymore. I want to sleep." I turned over, lying with my back to him.

Leonard remained silent, as usual, he showed no regard for my feelings.