Chapter 1

I had just completed a batch of top-secret supplies when my grandmother told me the wedding was ready—everything set, waiting only for me to arrive.She said the groom was the heir of a century-old aristocratic family: impeccable in both character and appearance, and, most importantly, he had promised that I alone would decide when to have children. In all matters, he would respect my wishes.When my superior heard the news, he gifted me a ten-carat pink diamond rough he had long treasured, instructing me to have it made into my wedding ring.After discussing it with my fiancé, Owen, he eagerly offered to take the stone himself, claiming he wanted to surprise me.But on the wedding day, as I prepared to slip the ring onto my finger, I froze. Before me was a Hello Kitty ring, gaudy and childish, its band so loose it dangled even over my thin gloves. I couldn't wear it at all.I instinctively thought Owen must have rushed the arrangements and gotten it wrong. With the ceremony only

Chapter 2

I grabbed a tablecloth and wiped the wine from my eyes—only to see a man in a white suit, a crimson rose tucked into his breast pocket.Tall, refined, and elegant, he stood at the center of attention. The crowd around him seemed to orbit his presence, as if he were the very sun and they, a galaxy of stars.My grandmother knew me well—this man was practically crafted to my taste.Yet the warmth I expected vanished the moment he turned, his brow knitting tightly as he looked at Seraphine."Seraphine, what are you doing? It's my wedding day, and I've been running myself ragged. Must I chase after you too? Can't you spare me even a little trouble?"Seraphine's face crumpled into practiced grievance. "I only wanted to settle the ring matter before leaving, but that wretch wouldn't stop making a scene. Not only did she steal your family's diamond, she even demanded a twenty-carat ring as compensation."The sheer audacity left me reeling.I straightened, ready to defend myself, but Owe

Chapter 3

I had a hunch that Seraphine must have slandered me.Sure enough, Owen spoke, confirming my suspicion."What you sent over was nothing but a piece of pink glass. That padparadscha sapphire? Seraphine bought it herself to cover for you. Instead of being grateful, you have the audacity to brag about some fifty -million pink diamond rough?"Impossible. When I shipped that diamond, I entrusted it to a specialized escort agency. Delivery would only be valid if Owen signed for it in person."That stone was transported by dedicated guards and vehicle. Since you signed for it, there's no way you could mistake it. It was a pink diamond rough."But Owen only frowned in irritation."I don't have time to fuss over some worthless rock you mailed. As soon as it arrived, I gave it to Seraphine to handle. If she says it's a piece of glass, then that's exactly what it is."Seraphine seized the chance to press harder."If I hadn't switched the glass, do you know how much humiliation Owen would'v

Chapter 4

People outside the hotel tried to snap photos.But the trained security team instantly activated signal jammers. Within seconds, no one—inside or out—could use any communication device.Even the clock on the wall stopped ticking. The eerie stillness shocked everyone into silence.Seraphine gulped and trembled."Owen… are these your relatives? Did they come to attend the wedding?"Owen hurried forward in excitement."My grandpa always said our family's jewels were co-marketed with national institutions. You must be Mr. Bowie. Grandpa has spoken of you many times!"But before he could get close, the guards blocked him five meters away."Stand back."The man Owen could not approach—Caleb Bowie—strode straight past him, his steps quick with urgency, until he stopped before me."Rachel… who did this to you?"Every gaze in the grand hall fixed on me. None of them could believe that someone they dismissed as a country nobody could summon a man whom Owen himself couldn't even addres

Chapter 5

Even those who now stood on my side could not escape retribution. For years, they had sheltered under the Buckley family's shadow, bullying others with borrowed power. Now, they would pay the price.Owen panicked, his face ashen as he pleaded desperately, "Rachel, we're husband and wife! If I go to prison, how will you ever face the world? Please, talk to them for me. I didn't mean it!"A cold laugh escaped me."Owen, I've already given you countless chances. Today was supposed to be our wedding, and I should have been your bride. But you chose to destroy everything."I should thank you, really. You saved me from marrying a scoundrel. Better to see you for what you are now than deal with the misery of divorce later."No matter how loudly he shouted, no one could save him. I was just about to step into the car to leave when several more vehicles pulled up, blocking the road.From them emerged an elderly man, hair completely white, each step accompanied by labored breaths."Caleb,

Chapter 6

But Nick refused to let us go. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as his body stiffened, then toppled backward.Even as the light faded from his eyes, he stared at me, clinging to his last breath." Rachel… Owen is still young. That wretched woman deceived him. That's the only reason he lost his way. He's always been an upstanding young man. That bastard in her belly could never belong to the Buckley family."At that very moment, blood streamed from beneath Seraphine.A flicker of satisfaction crossed the old man's eyes, but he pressed on, rasping between violent coughs."I'm dying… my only wish is to see you marry Owen. If only… cough… cough—""Grandpa!" Owen's eyes reddened as he rushed forward, clutching the old man's hand. "Don't speak! We'll get you to the hospital. You'll live, you must live!"Nick shook his head, murky tears welling at the corners of his eyes."Owen, your parents left too soon. I raised you alone. I know I was harsh, but—""I know, Grandpa, I k