On My Fifth Wedding Anniversary, Bestie Almost Killed Me

On our very fifth wedding anniversary, when I was five months pregnant, I got into a car accident.

The doctors called Gavin Armantrading over thirty times. By the time he finally showed up, my condition had already turned critical.

I clutched his hand with all my strength, my voice hoarse as I begged, Gavin, you need to put the person who did this in prison!

But instead of reassuring me, he stood coldly in front of the operating room doors, blocking the doctors from wheeling me inside.

Izzy, she didnt mean to hit you, he said flatly. Just sign the letter of forgiveness now, and Ill let them take you into surgery.

I stared at him in disbelief. Gavin Im carrying our child!

But the look on his face remained cold.

In the end, I had no choice but to endure the pain and sign the goddamn forgiveness letter.

Later, I regained my consciousness, and I hadnt even opened my eyes yet when I heard him talking to Frankie.

Gavin, this is already the second forgiveness letter youve gotten for me. I really appreciate it. If Izzy ever finds out that I was the one who hit her this timeand that you even gave up your baby shed definitely take revenge on me.

Her soft, fragile voice rang out, and it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

Dont worry, Gavin reassured her. I wont let her find out the truth. As for that child we were just never meant to have it.

Oh, Gavin, if it werent for you, I wouldve gone to prison long ago for hitting her parents. To repay you, I bought that lingerie you mentioned earlier. Tonight come to my place.

The sound of sticky, intimate kisses followed. Then, the door slammed shut.

In the next instant, unstoppable tears spilled from my eyes.

So my best friend... She's the reason my parents were in a coma three years ago?!

And my husband... hed already been having an affair with her. After destroying my parents, the two of them went on to kill our child together!

This marriage, from beginning to end, had been nothing but a fucking lie

Finally, I snapped my eyes open, picked up my phone, and dialed Gavins sworn enemy.

Ill join your company, I said straightforwardly. But I want you to help me sue Gavin. In half a month, I want the Armantrading Group completely bankrupt!

Izzys POV

After hanging up the phone, I hadnt even stood up yet when Frankie Crane called me.

The word [Bestie] flashing on my screen felt painfully ironic now that I knew the truth.

I swallowed the rage in my chest and answered. Her breathy panting came through the line instantly.

Izzy, I heard you got into a car accident on your anniversary and even lost your baby? I told you before, anyone from your family shouldnt be driving. Look at what happenedyour parents were in a car accident, and now you got into one, too.

If this were the past, I wouldve thought she was just bad with words.

But now, I could hear the sarcasm in every single syllable.

She was the one who ran my parents over and left them in a coma

My baby was gone because of her

I was covered in injuries, lying here broken, while my husband was tangled up in bed with her.

And that still wasnt enough for her!

She actually had the nerve to call me!

Grief and fury made my teeth clamp together.

I wanted to scream at her, to demandwhy?!

Were more than ten years of our friendship all fake?!

Before I could say anything, she spoke again.

Izzy? Why arent you saying anything? Are you mad I didnt come visit you? I heard Gavin forced you to sign a settlement agreement, so I went to find him. Im punishing him pretty hard right now. Want to listen?

She said it in that sticky, intimate tone. My scream got trapped in my throat.

From the other end of the phone came a mans low, suppressed groan.

Izzy Frankies already punished me. I really know I messed up. I just didnt expect the baby to be so short-lived. Dont Dont be too sad.

Gavins words came out broken and uneven, with wet, obscene sounds cutting in between.

I couldnt take it anymore. I slammed the phone down.

Rage and the fire of revenge flooded my vision as I sent another messageto Gavins sworn enemy.

[Move the Armantrading Group bankruptcy plan up by one week. I want them to repent for everything theyve done.]

The reply came almost instantlyan affirmative answer.

The next day, I ignored the doctors objections and insisted on being discharged.

Enduring the pain in my body, I contacted a lawyer and had both the divorce agreement and my resignation papers drafted. I planned to make Gavin sign them.

But when I got home, the villa was empty. He wasnt there.

The next second, my phone rang.

Izzy, Gavin said gently, Im working overtime today. Stay in the hospital and rest. Ill come see you tomorrow.

Gavin, I need to talk to you about something

But before I could finish, he hung up.

I stared at my phone, my chest tightening with waves of pain.

Gavin was lying.

He wasnt working overtime at all.

I had clearly heard Frankies voice in the background just now.

Suddenly, something clicked.

I opened my phone.

Before the accidentwhile preparing an anniversary surpriseI had secretly linked his phone to a location tracker.

As expected, he wasnt at the Armantrading Group headquarters.

He was at the largest bar in the entire city.

Clutching the two agreements, I followed the location.

When I reached the private room, before I even went inside, I heard the voices of Gavins buddies.

Izzys POV

Bro, are you really planning to never touch Izzy again? Youve been with her for five years, and shes gorgeous, too. You really believe you can hold back?

Gavins buddies teasing voices drifted through the door that hadnt been shut properly. The moment I heard them, my hand froze around the divorce papers.

Gavin replied casually, I promised Frankie. As long as she doesnt agree, I wont touch Izzy.

That voiceso familiarsent a chill straight through me.

Five years of marriage, and hed barely touched me. So this was why. Every time he did, he had to report it to Frankie.

Frankie let out a soft laugh, her hand sliding along Gavins arm, her face full of smug arrogance.

Gavin, look at themthey dont even believe you. Why dont you just find some people to take care of Izzy for you? You dont even like her anyway. Let someone else enjoy her. Who knowsmaybe Izzy would love that.

As she spoke, she gently brushed his cheek and giggled. You wouldnt feel bad about it, right, Gavin?

For a moment, he fell silent.

My heart leapt into my throat. I gripped the divorce papers even tighter.

Seeing he didnt answer, Frankie tugged at his sleeve coquettishly. Hey, didnt you say you only like me? Its just letting someone satisfy Izzy. Are you really going to embarrass me in front of your friends?

The next second, Gavin sighed helplessly.

Fine. Whatever you want.

My breathing stopped. And then, tears burst from my eyes.

Meanwhile, the private room exploded with laughter. Frankie kissed Gavin, smug and pleased.

Then let it be that group in the middle of the bar. Might as wellIzzy should feel lucky.

That group in the middle of the bar was clearly a bunch of thugs.

I couldnt take it anymore. I rushed toward the door.

Before I even made it home, Gavin called. It was eerily quiet on his endonly his usual gentle voice.

Izzy, arent you still in the hospital? I sent my men to take care of you, but the hospital said you already checked out. Where are you now?

I dug my nails into my palm.

He actually sent those fucking thugs to the hospital!

He really listened to Frankie. He really wanted to destroy me completely!

I bit down on my lower lip. The taste of blood forced me to calm down.

Ive been discharged. Im out right now. I dont need anyone taking care of me. If you have nothing else to say, Im hanging up.

I rushed to end the call.

But I heard him chuckle. Izzy, the villa security said they saw you. Dont worry. Ill have someone pick you up. Theyll take very good care of you.

With that, he hung up.

My eyes widened in terror, and I sprinted toward the villa.

Panic made me careless. Just before reaching the entrance, I tripped over a stone and slammed hard onto the ground.

The next second, several shadows appeared behind me.

Terrified, I didnt even dare turn around. I crawled desperately toward the villa.

But in the end, my legs were yanked back violently.

The thugs disgusting laughter rang out behind me.

Hey, beautiful If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being out so late.

I clawed at the ground with all ten fingers and screamed, How much did they pay you? Ill give you double!

But no one answered.

I fought with everything I had, but it only made them rougher.

Beating. Tearing. My clothes were ripped apart and scattered on the ground.

Countless dirty hands roamed over my body.

My terrified cries and helpless sobs were completely smothered by a large hand clamped over my mouth.

Not far away, the lights of the villa suddenly went out. I heard the housekeepers sigh.

Maam Please dont blame me. Sir Gavin told me not to save you

At that moment, my tears poured out uncontrollably.

And the very last trace of love I had for Gavin vanished completely.

Izzys POV

I thought I wasnt going to make it out.

But then, very quickly, I heard the police shouting behind me. The thugs panicked and scattered in all directions.

Someone helped me up. The torn pieces of clothing on the ground were draped back over me again, as if nothing had ever happened.

But only I knewsomething inside me had completely died.

The police spoke to me with concern, but their voices sounded distant, like there was a layer of glass between us.

Those disgusting men were arrested soon after. After all the procedures were finished, I returned to the villa in a daze.

The moment I stepped inside, I heard laughter coming from the living room.

Frankie was sitting in Gavins arms, holding a wine glass, acting as if nothing had happened at all.

While they were enjoying a candlelight dinner, I had been assaulted not far from this very villa.

And the real culprit was now brazenly occupying my home.

The instant they saw me, their expressions changed.

Gavin frowned reflexively.

Why are you back so late? And why do you look like such a mess?

How could he pretend so naturallylike none of this had anything to do with him?

I clenched my teeth hard, forcing the hatred in my eyes back down.

Before I could say anything, Frankie stood up and walked toward me with a bright smile.

Izzy, she said softly, malice hidden in her eyes. Im sorry. I was busy punishing Gavin, so I didnt go to the hospital to see you. Werent you discharged already? Why are you only coming back now? And what happened to you?

She reached out to touch me, but I immediately stepped back.

Her smile stiffened for a moment, then she spoke with deliberate cruelty.

Youre in such a mess. Dont tell me you were assaulted by a group of men?

After saying that, she covered her mouth, looking shocked.

Oh, Izzy, Im sorry, I didnt mean it like that. I was just joking. You dont mind, right?

She reached out again, trying to grab me.

This time, I slapped her hand away.

Dont touch me!

She stumbled back a couple of steps. Gavin immediately stood up and caught her, then shouted at me angrily, Izzy! Are you crazy? Frankie was just joking! Or whatwere you actually assaulted?

What if I was, huh?! My sharp voice echoed through the villa as I stared straight at him.

His body stiffened for a split second. Then he put on an angry act.

Who dared to lay a hand on you? Ill make sure they pay for it! Izzy, dont worry. Even if you were assaulted, youre still my wife. I wont let this get out.

He looked at me with nothing but tenderness. Anyone else wouldve been deeply moved by his words.

But the one who actually arranged for me to be assaulted was him.

I looked at him with something like a smile, but my eyes were frighteningly red.

No need. Ive already sent those people to prison. I believe it wont be long before the monster who sent them is caught, too.

With that, the smile on his face froze instantly.

He pulled out his phone.

They actually dared to hurt my wife. Ill make sure they rot in prison. Izzy, dont worry. Ill find the mastermind behind this right now.

With that, he hurried out.

Once he was gone, the smile on Frankies face completely faded. She tilted her head lazily and looked at me.

Izzy, you know, I used to really envy you. You had such a good husband. But slowly, I stopped envying you. After all, my lover would never make me sign a forgiveness letter for the real culprit.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

A fake, pitying smile appeared in her eyes.

Hey, I cant drink chowder soup lately. I might be pregnant. Your child had such a short life You couldnt even give birth to it. So this bowl of soup should go to you instead.

But dont worry, she added. My child will be your child. Ill make sure it takes good care of you.

At that point, I couldnt hold it in anymore. I grabbed the bowl of soup from the table and dumped it straight over that bitch.

The next second, hurried footsteps sounded from outside.

Gavin took in the scene before him and let out a furious roar.

Izzy!

Izzys POV

Gavin, I only said I couldnt drink soup. And then Izzy just

Frankie immediately turned to Gavin, crying as she complained.

The look in his eyes when he turned to me went ice-cold.

Izzy! What exactly are you trying to do? he demanded, frowning hard.

Frankie clutched his arm and spoke timidly. Maybe its because she was assaulted before, so shes more sensitive. I really didnt mean anything by it.

Gavins brows knitted tightly. That was just your bad luck. How can you blame Frankie for that? Izzy, when did you become this vicious?

He stepped forward and grabbed my arm tightly. Apologize to her.

I yanked my arm free. I wont apologize. Thats not what she said at all. She mocked me for having a miscarriage

But he didnt even look at me before cutting me off. His voice was firm and cold.

Apologize to Frankie. Dont make me say it a third time.

I stood there, silent, refusing to speak.

Seeing how pale I was, he sighed, as if he was about to step closer and take my hand.

But in the next second, Frankie suddenly clutched her stomach and cried out in pain.

Ugh! My stomach hurts so much, Gavin I think Izzy scared me. Can you take me to the hospital first? Its okay if she doesnt apologize.

Hearing that, Gavin looked at me with disappointment.

He picked her up and walked out. As he passed me, he didnt even notice when I was knocked to the floor.

I fell hard, a dull pain spreading through my abdomen.

I stayed silent, watching him walk away without ever looking back.

He didnt care about my injuries.

He didnt care about my explanation.

In his eyes, I was practically invisible.

Bone-deep exhaustion swallowed me whole. I wanted to scream, to tear apart every fake mask they were wearing.

But in the end, all I did was slowly and painfully walk back to the bedroom.

The moment I pushed the door open, my breathing stopped.

Everything that belonged to me was gone.

My clothes. Our wedding photos. The intimate pictures by the bed. The gifts he gave me every anniversary.

Everythinggone.

In their place were Frankies clothes and her makeup.

In just one day, her perfume had completely taken over the room.

The sheets on the bed were wrinkled and messy.

They had actually slept together in my bed.

My hands shook violently. I wanted to rip everything to shreds.

Just then, my phone rang. Another message from my fake best friend popped up.

[Sorry, Izzy. I punished Gavin a little too late last night, so I ended up sleeping in your room. You dont mind, right? As for your stuff, the housekeeper probably put them in the storage room. You can look for them yourself.]

Attached was a photo of Gavin gently feeding her chicken soup.

I could almost see the smug look in her eyes.

I had the urge to expose everything, to tear off her fake, innocent mask so she could never pretend again.

But in the end, I held myself back.

After retrieving my clothes from the storage room, I threw all the keepsakes and wedding photos into the fireplace.

The flames quickly devoured everything.

It wasnt until after midnight that Gavin and Frankie returned to the villa.

Maybe they thought I was already asleep because they became completely uninhibited.

Frankies moans woke me up.

I got out of bed and looked toward what used to be my bedroom.

Her eyes were seductive, her arm draped over Gavin as her nails dragged deep scratches down his back.

Gavin, do you like me more, or Izzy? she asked softly. Can she ignite your passion more than I can?

Gavin let out a low laugh, full of mockery.

Dont mention her at a time like this. Izzy isnt even clean anymore. How could she possibly compare to you? he said. Even before, she was like a dead fish in bed. Youre the only one Ive ever truly liked.

He kissed her deeply, and the two of them fell back into another wave of frenzy.

I knew he wasnt the same man he used to be.

But hearing him say those words still made my chest ache unbearably.

Just as I turned my gaze away, my eyes met Frankies.

The look in those eyes was full of provocation.

Clearly, she had known all along that I was standing there.

I bit down hard on my lip until the taste of blood filled my mouth.

Izzys POV

Gavins expression was dazed. When I saw him staring at the wedding ring on his finger, my mind went blank for a moment.

I had always believed he loved me.

After all, we had been married for five years, and hed always treated me with care and consideration.

No matter what I wanted, he would make sure it was placed in my hands as soon as possible.

Even though, during those five years, he was rarely intimate with me unless I took the initiative myself.

But I had only thought that was just the way he was by nature.

I never imagined that he had simply been following my so-called best friends orders, saving himself for her.

At that thought, I glanced at Frankie with open mockery in my eyes. Without hesitation, I took off my wedding ring and tossed it into the sewer outside.

When I returned to the room, I prepared both the divorce agreement and the resignation letter. As long as Gavin signed them, I would have nothing to do with him ever again.

The next morning, when I went downstairs, both Gavin and Frankie were already gone.

I took the divorce papers and resignation letter and went straight to the Armantrading Group.

Before I could even reach Gavins office, I was stopped by a woman I didnt recognize.

She looked at me arrogantly, disgust written all over her face.

How can the security guards just let anyone in? A woman like you is obviously here to seduce the CEO. Im not letting you go in. If you know whats good for you, get lost. Now.

I frowned. Id only been away from the Armantrading Group for a few days, yet the people around Gavin had already been replaced by someone like her.

Im here to see Gavin. Im his wife. Go inform him first. Otherwise

Before I could finish, the woman burst out laughing.

The whole company knows the CEOs beloved is my sister. Frankie. Who do you think you are? Where did you crawl out from? You must have a death wishbeing a mistress and still daring to show up so openly.

Im calling security right now to throw you out!

As soon as she said that, she pulled out her phone and called the guards.

I tried to walk past her and go inside, but she grabbed my arm tightly. Her long nails raked across my skin, leaving bloody scratches.

I couldnt take it anymore and shoved her away.

The woman screamed. When she saw the guards arrive, she shouted sharply.

Security! Call the police right now! Send this psycho to jail! Shes insane! Ill have my brother-in-law kill her!

Hearing that, the guard looked at me with a troubled expression.

He clearly wanted to say something, but under the womans threat, he still walked toward me.

M-Maam Im sorry. The CEO told us to follow Miss Cranes instructions.

As he spoke, he reached out to grab me.

I was furious and deeply, painfully sad.

I was Gavins wife. Yet in just a few days, he had already allowed Frankie to replace my position.

He had even brought her younger sister in as his secretary.

The guard clearly knew who I was and still dared to lay hands on me. That alone showed how much Gavin valued Frankie.

So much so that, in the eyes of outsiders, I was already worth less than Frankieless even than her younger sister.

I lowered my gaze and was about to call Gavin.

At that moment, he walked out of his office.

Seeing what was happening, he frowned and barked, What are you doing?

The guard immediately pulled his hand back and replied respectfully, Sir it was the secretary who told me to drive Maam Izzy out.

His body trembled violently. When Frankies sister heard that, her face instantly turned pale.

Obviously, she had never imagined that I really was Gavins wife.

Seeing this, she forced out a tear, looking pitiful and fragileexactly like her sister.

Gavin, I didnt mean to do it. I just didnt recognize her. She tried to go straight inside, so I stopped her. Then she pushed me. I thought someone was causing trouble, so I called security

Gavins face darkened instantly.

Izzy is my wife. When your sister sent you here, didnt she tell you that? Go back immediately!

As he spoke, he pulled Frankies sister behind him protectively.

With just one scolding sentence, all the humiliation and injustice I suffered was brushed aside.

Even though I had long known he wouldnt do anything to her, seeing him protect Frankies sister without a second thought, I still let out a cold laugh.

He stiffened, then looked at me gently.

Izzy, shes young. For Frankies sakeand minejust forgive her.

The woman, seeing Gavin protect her, immediately looked smug.

She shot me a mocking glance, then turned and walked back into the office.

I stood there in silence, then I handed the two documents to Gavin.

Sign them.

He frowned slightly, subconsciously took the papers, and was about to open them.

Izzys POV

Before I could even reach out to stop him, a sharp scream suddenly came from inside the office.

Gavin! Something happened to my sister!

The moment he heard that, Gavins expression changed drastically. He turned and was about to rush inside.

I grabbed his arm tightly. Sign it first. Then go.

He stared at me coldly, his eyes cold.

Izzy, when did you become like this?

Seeing that I absolutely wouldnt let go, Frankies sister started shouting even more urgently.

Gavins face darkened.

Without even looking, he signed both documents, then turned and headed straight for the office.

I looked down at the divorce and resignation papers in my hands and finally let out a breath Id been holding.

When I went through the resignation process, the HR staff kept looking at me like she wanted to say something but couldnt.

As I turned to leave, she finally couldnt hold it in anymore.

Maam, Sir Gavin is just temporarily confused by that woman. At a time like this, you should stay with the company.

I tugged at the corner of my lips in a faint, bitter smile.

Temporarily confused?

Gavin wasnt fucking confused at all. His entire heart already belonged to Frankie.

For her, hed killed my parents.

For her, hed killed our baby.

But in the end, I still didnt say a single word. I turned and left.

As soon as I reached the first floor, the elevator beside me suddenly opened. Gavins bodyguards surrounded me in an instant.

The man in front said expressionlessly, Maam, Sir Gavin wants to see you.

My heart dropped.

I turned and ran.

The next second, they pinned my arms, ignoring my struggle, and dragged me back to the office without mercy.

Gavin sat behind his desk, staring at me coldly. The veins on the back of his hand bulged violently.

Izzy, I know youre unhappy with Frankie. But you shouldnt have hired people to kidnap herlet alone arrange for her to be assaulted

And then, he added, Tell me where Frankie is right now, and I can still forgive you.

He grabbed my chin hard, his presence terrifyingly cold.

My whole body trembled. My throat felt completely blocked; I couldnt get a word out.

I didnt do it! I forced out hoarsely.

His face darkened to something frightening. Then he suddenly let out a soft laugh.

Youre still being stubborn, Izzy. Frankies sister is panicking right now. You and Frankie used to be so close. If you just say it now, she wont blame you. You were just confused for a moment. Now, be good. Tell me the truth.

His grip tightened even more. My jaw felt like it was about to crack.

I told you I didnt do it! Believe me or not, I didnt! This was all staged by Frankie herself! You

Enough!

Before I knew it, he had slapped me hard across the face, the sound startling me.

I stared at him in disbelief.

He pushed his phone in front of me and said calmly, Izzy, if I pull the plug on your parents ventilators, then youll understand how it feels, right?

Ill give you three seconds, he warned. If you dont tell me where Frankie is when the countdown ends, the hospital staff will unplug your parents life support.

Seeing my parents on the screen, I shouted hysterically, Gavin! Are you insane?! Those are my parents! How could you

How couldnt I?! he roared. You went after Frankie, so I go after your parents. Thats only fair!

I stared at him, suddenly finding the whole thing absurd.

Gavin Do you even remember that I am your wife?

He froze for a moment, then expressionlessly began counting down.

Three.

I told you I dont know! I grabbed his arm, trying to stop him.

Two.

Gavin My voice was so hoarse it barely sounded human. Im begging you... Please go investigate it first... It really wasnt me.

With my parents lives hanging in the balance, I finally lowered my head and begged him.

He leaned forward slightly, looking at my pale face, his lips moving without a trace of mercy.

One. Do it.

The countdown ended. On the other end of the call, the bodyguard received the order and immediately pulled the plug.

No! I screamed, my eyes widening in horror.

I lunged forward, trying to stop it, but Gavin shoved me violently aside.

On the screen, my parents convulsed a few times. The machines beside them began to beep in mournful alarms!

Tears streamed down my face in panic.

At that moment, Gavins phone rang. His expression instantly lit up with joy.

You found her? Im on my way right now!

Just like that, he grabbed his coat and rushed out to look for Frankie.

My tears. My desperation. My parents lives. None of it mattered to himnot compared to a single word from Frankie.

Thinking of my parents, who could stop breathing at any second, I no longer had the strength to stop him.

After he left, I staggered to my feet, ready to rush to the hospital.

But before I could step out of the office, his assistant blocked my path.

With a look full of pity, he said, Maam, Im so sorry. Sir Gavin ordered me not to let you leave.

Get out of my way! I shouted. My parents are still in the hospital! Move!

My cries were raw with grief, but I was still blocked, helpless, until I collapsed to my knees.

Frankies sister stood nearby, watching me smugly.

So you dared to kidnap my sister. Look how that turned out. My sisters fine, but your parents paid with their lives instead. If you want to blame someone, blame the fact that Gavin doesnt love you. Your parents were just unlucky!

Watching her laugh like a maniac, I couldnt hold it in anymore.

My eyes red with tears, I charged at her.

The next second, Gavins assistant knocked me unconscious.

The last thing I saw before everything went dark was the blurry image of my parents walking farther and farther away...

Izzys POV

When I woke up again, I was tied up in an office.

Gavin was sitting in front of me, holding Frankie in his arms.

She was crying her eyes out. When she saw that I was awake, she shrank back into his chest like she was scared of me.

Gavin, I really dont know what to do anymore, she sobbed. Even though you saved me this time, what those monsters did to me Ill never be able to forget it. Never.

She cried uncontrollably, her tears falling nonstop.

He lifted his hand and gently wiped away her tears, his eyes filled with pain and pity.

Stop crying. Ill get justice for you. This time, Izzy was the one who did wrong. You can decide how you want her to apologize.

Frankie shot me a smug look, then pretended to be innocent as she said, I want her to kneel down and apologize to me a hundred times.

Gavin glanced at me and frowned slightly.

Frankie, apologizing is fine, but kneeling is unnecessary. And doing it a hundred times is too much.

Her eyes instantly turned red.

I knew ityou still care more about her. I almost got assaulted. When those men touched me, I wanted to die right there. I only asked her to kneel and apologize. Is that really worse than what I went through?

If youre going to take her side, she added, then we shouldnt see each other anymore. Otherwise, she might hurt me again.

With that, she stood up and acted like she was about to leave.

He immediately pulled her back into his arms, helplessness flashing in his eyes.

Alright, alright. Ill do whatever you want.

The bodyguards moved fast, forcing me down onto my knees. I stiffened my neck, refusing to bow my head, refusing to apologize no matter what.

Gavin only glanced at me coldly and said in a flat voice, Izzy, if youve done something wrong, you should apologize. For every apology you skip, your parents will suffer one more minute.

The moment I heard that, all the strength drained from my body. I let the bodyguards slam my head down hard against the floor.

Frankie gave the bodyguard a subtle look. He understood immediately and pressed down even harder on my head.

After only a few blows, my forehead split open, blood pouring down my face.

As I stared at Gavins indifferent expression, his past words suddenly echoed in my ears.

Baby, even the smallest injury to you breaks my heart. You have to protect yourself, and Ill protect you, too. No one is allowed to hurt you.

Those promises still rang clearly in my ears.

Yet the man who said them was now the one hurting me the most.

I lowered my head weakly, my ears ringing.

Blood covered my face. I had already lost count of how many times Id begged for forgiveness.

When the bodyguards finally let go, I couldnt hold on anymore and collapsed to the floor.

Just before the world went completely dark, I heard Gavins assistant shout in panic.

Sir! Somethings wrong! Maam Izzys parents Theyve stopped breathing!

Gavins eyes widened. His grip on Frankies hand tightened unconsciously.

She cried out in pain, but he didnt notice. His eyes were locked on the assistant.

Keep this quiet. Dont let Izzy find out. If anyone tells her, dont blame me for what happens next.

Frankie opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she immediately fell silent under Gavins dark, threatening stare.

I weakly reached out, trying to stay conscious.

But in the end, I was swallowed by endless darkness.

Izzys POV

When I woke up again, I went to the hospital without telling anyone.

The entire place had already been completely locked down by Gavin. Even though I was my parents biological child, I still wasnt allowed to see them.

But I knew the news I heard before I passed out couldnt possibly be fake.

And everything Gavin was doing now only proved it.

My parents smiling faces The birthday gifts they prepared for me every single year.

No matter what I did, they supported me without hesitation.

Scene after scene from the past flashed through my mind.

And yet now, I couldnt even properly take care of their final arrangements.

At that thought, my tears burst out uncontrollably.

After contacting Gavins sworn enemy, I secretly made my way into the hospital.

When I saw the two familiar, pale faces in front of me, I collapsed to my knees and cried until I lost consciousness.

When I woke up again, everything had already been reduced to ashes by the fire.

Holding my parents ashes, I swore that I would make Gavin and Frankie pay for what theyd done!

By the time I returned to the villa, it was already deep into the night.

The villa was still brightly lit as always. Only now, the silence was terrifying.

I didnt call Gavin like I used to, asking him where he was.

Just then, I heard the sound of a notification.

At the same time, my phone buzzed.

Frankie had sent me another taunting message.

[Gavin wont be going back anytime soon. Were traveling together. You take good care of the house. When I get back, Ill have Gavin toss you a bone to chew on. Hahaha!]

Below the message was a photo of the two of them embracing, basking under blue skies and white clouds.

Calmly, I blocked her, then deleted every single way to contact Gavin.

After that, I placed the divorce certificate, the cremation documents, and all the recordings that exposed the truth onto the coffee table in the villa.

Then I took my luggageand my parents ashesand left this place that used to be my home.

One week later, at the Armantrading Group project signing ceremony, Gavin would finally receive the punishment he deserved.

From this moment on, I swearhe would never see me again.