He Betrayed Me, So I Married My Childhood Sweetheart

When Colton Parkhouse sided with his wifes adopted sister once again, Kenzie didnt argue with him like she used to. She simply turned around and went straight into a law firm.

Atty. Larsson, I need you to draft a divorce agreement. I want a divorce.

Hearing that, the lawyer looked caught off guard. Mrs. Parkerhouse are you sure about this? Its the second time youve come to file. If you withdraw again, the county clerks office wont accept another application from either of you this year.

Kenzies eyes looked red-rimmed as she smiled bitterly.

Dont worry. This time, the divorce will definitely happen. I wont change my mind again.

The first time she filed for a divorce was when she found Coltons diary in their bedroom. Every page recorded everything about Kinsey: what she liked to eat most, steak; what she liked to drink most, apple juice; even the exact timing of her monthly period.

That discovery led to a huge fight because the woman he loved wasnt anyone else. It was Kinsey, his wifes younger sister!

After that, Kenzie brought up divorce. Coincidentally, on the very last day of the mandatory cooling-off period, she got into a car accident.

While she was hospitalized, Colton stayed by her side day and night, barely sleeping. He even donated eight hundred milliliters of blood for her.

When she woke up, he knelt on the floor beside her bed, promising, Honey, I admit I did love Kinsey once. But the woman I love now? Its you. I promise Ill cut off everything connected to her. Just give me one more chance, please?

Seeing his pale face from staying up to take care of her, Kenzie softened.

After all, who hasnt loved someone else when they were young? She was no exception.

That was why she gave him one more chance.

But the peace only lasted one year. Today was the second time she asked for a divorce.

A week earlier, she was supposed to give birth. Her husband, who shouldve been by her side, left her behind. The reason? Kinsey had gotten lost at an amusement park.

On the operating table, Kenzie suffered massive bleeding and fell into critical condition. With no one there to sign the surgery consent forms, her baby didnt survive. And because treatment was delayed, she permanently lost the ability to become pregnant.

When she woke up, her phone was filled with messages from Kinsey, each one deliberately provocative.

Photos of the ninety-nine condoms she and Colton had used that week. Photos of meals he had personally cooked for her. And even a photo of the once untouchable young heir kneeling on the floor, giving another woman a foot spa.

Seeing all that triggered a breakdown in Kenzie.

While she had been fighting for her life on the operating table, while she was losing her baby, her husband had been with someone else.

The ache in her chest grew heavier and tighter. That was why this time, she wouldnt give in.

The lawyers voice pulled her back to the present as he placed the divorce agreement into her hands. I wish you the best, Mrs. Parkhouse.

Kenzie lowered her gaze.

In the newly drafted agreement, Colton would be leaving with nothing!

Kenzie took a cab straight to Coltons company.

The second she got out, a massive poster by the entrance caught her eye. Kinseys face was plastered across it.

Recently, the company had signed on several fashion brands and needed a spokesperson.

Since it was a maternity line, Kenzie had volunteered for two reasons.

First, to help Colton.

Two, to prove to him that she still was useful.

But at the time, he shut her down outright, his words full of disgust.

Kenzie, look at yourself now. Youre fat and ugly! Just forget it.

Im not letting people see that poster and say the CEO of Parkhouse Group married an ugly woman.

Ugly. That one word sent her straight to hell, tearing her down piece by piece and planting the rot of self-hate deep in her chest.

After that, she stared at herself in the mirror every single day, questioning herself over and over.

She had taken care of herself during pregnancy. She was just a little heavier.

So why the hell did Colton call her ugly?

Now she finally got it. It was never about her looks.

That role had always been reserved for Kinsey.

From beginning to end, the only person in Coltons heart had ever been Kinsey.

Kenzie forced her shaking body to hold together and sucked in a breath.

Whatever. Who he loved, who he protected? None of that shit mattered anymore.

She was divorcing that jerk anyway.

Upstairs, she had just reached the CEOs office and hadnt even touched the door when a familiar voice drifted out.

Hey, you stayed with me while my sister was in surgery, and you still havent gone to the hospital to see her. Arent you scared shell flip out and make a scene?

Through the crack in the door, Kenzie saw Kinsey sprawled on Coltons lap, leaning into his arms seductively.

A mocking laugh came out of his mouth.

Make a scene? What right does she have to make a scene? Shes just a housewife now with a kid weighing her down. Even if she finds out about us, shell swallow it for the kids sake.

After all, once she divorces me, shes just second-hand goods. She doesnt have the guts to make a scene.

He said it was a fact.

Outside the door, Kenzie shook from head to toe as his filthy words crawled over her skin.

She had given birth to his child and nearly died doing it. And yet in his mouth, she was still nothing but trash!

Clearly, hed forgotten who the hell she used to be.

She had once been a top-tier lawyer, undefeated in every case she took.

It was that jerk himself who had pushed her again and again to quit her career, to go home, to throw away her bright future.

And now, coming from him, she was reduced to a useless housewife and second-hand goods.

Inside, Kinsey let out a chuckle.

Youre that confident? You almost divorced a year ago.

Colton snorted.

And didnt it still not happen in the end? She was just putting on a show. She cant divorce me.

If Mom and Dad hadnt hated you and forced me to marry that woman, promising theyd stay out of my business as long as I did, I wouldnt have married her in the first place.

Kinsey turned her head away, playing offended. Really? Then why did you still have a child with her? Youre telling me you never had real feelings for her?

When it came to their child, Coltons words came out even more vicious.

That kid was just something I gave my parents to shut them the fuck up. Once she had a kid, shed be stuck. Tied down. Too busy to give a shit about what I was doing on the side anymore.

Kinsey, he went on, my hearts always been with you. I know you called me on purpose that day while she was in surgery. And because youre the one I love, I didnt hesitate to leave her in the OR. Isnt that enough to prove how sincere I am?

Kinsey was clearly pleased, the smile on her lips growing deeper.

Love isnt about what you say, she purred. Its about what you do.

Just like that, he flipped her over and pinned her beneath him.

Outside the door, Kenzie felt like her heart had been ripped to shreds. Even breathing felt lethal.

She had always believed Colton loved her.

Now, she realized it had all been fake. Every so-called moment of love had been an act.

From the day they were born, Kenzie and Kinsey had been switched.

She should have grown up as a rich heiress. Instead, she spent fifteen years scraping by in hardship.

Meanwhile, Kinsey lived fifteen years of luxury on Kenzies life.

When the truth finally came out, the Lundbergs took Kenzie back. But Kinsey refused to return to her poor birth family.

The Lunbergs caved. They argued that people werent made of stone. They had raised Kinsey for so many years, so how could they just throw her away?

To spare Kinseys feelings, they never made Kenzies identity public.

Kenzie, they told her, if we announce who you really are, Kinsey will be put in an awkward position. Youll just have to suffer a little.

Kenzie thought that going back to her real family would mean more people loving and protecting her.

But heck, that was bullshit.

The Lundbergs had only ever loved one daughter, and that was Kinsey.

It didnt matter that it was Kenzie who was the real victim. It didnt matter that she was the biological daughter.

Whenever Kinsey got sick, their mother, Kaitlin, suspected Kenzie had something to do with it.

If Kinsey was bullied at school, Kaitlin blamed Kenzie for not protecting her younger sister.

Any time Kinsey had the slightest problem, the one at fault was always Kenzie.

Any time Kinsey had the slightest problem, Kenzie was the one at fault.

That was when Kenzie realized a home like this wasnt worth going back to.

With that, she packed her bags and planned to return to her foster mother, only to be kidnapped on the roadside.

Colton was taken with her.

They were locked in a basement for an entire week.

The whole time, he took care of her, stayed by her side, kept whispering reassurance.

Kenzie, dont be scared. Im here. I wont let them hurt you.

Back then, he was the only light in her darkness.

She buried that love deep inside her until the day he showed up to propose.

Finally, she thought, everything had turned around.

But reality smashed her over the head.

It was all fake!

Turns out, even deep love can be performed!

Before she could recover from the blow, she caught sight of her two brothers approaching out of the corner of her eye.

They had never liked her. She reacted on instinct, hid in the conference room next door, and overheard what they really thought of her.

I heard Kenzie almost bled to death during childbirth, Kendrick, the oldest, said. Should we find some time to go see her?

The younger brother, Kobe, didnt bother hiding his disgust.

Nope. Not going. Kinseys the only sister I have. If it werent for Kenzie, Kinsey wouldve married Colton a long time ago. She bled that much and still lived? Guess shes lucky.

When she finally dies, he added coldly, Ill give her a grand funeral. Until then, I dont want to see her. Just looking at her kills my mood.

After that, Kenzie couldnt make out anything else.

Her head felt like it was splitting open. Her chest burned, like it was being eaten alive from the inside. The pain was beyond words.

She cried until there were no tears left.

She used to think her brothers just werent used to her being around.

She never imagined they were actually waiting for her to die!

What she couldnt understand was that she was their real sister. She was bound to them by blood.

But her husband didnt love her.

And her family didnt want her.

Now, she couldnt even tell whether the tears on her face were grief or bitter mockery.

If none of them loved her, then shed go find the people who truly did.

Colton didnt know this, but when she was younger, Kenzie had a childhood sweetheart. He was now worth over a hundred billion and the youngest billionaire on the Forbes list!

Just a week earlier, he had reached out to her.

Kenzie, Ive been waiting all these years. If you turn back, Ill be right here, he promised.

She had hesitated then.

This time, she didnt.

She picked up her phone and called him directly.

Hey, Clarkson. Once I get the divorce certificate, Im coming to London to find you.

Kenzies voice wavered. She tried to cover it, but Clarkson heard it anyway.

Kenzie, he said gently, did someone hurt you?

Aside from her foster mother, no one had ever asked her that before.

The moment he did, something in her chest finally loosened.

She wiped her eyes and forced a small smile. Im fine, she said. I just figured some things out. About people. About life.

After a brief pause, she added quietly, Clarkson maybe I shouldve gone with you back then.

Before the Lundbergs found her, shed grown up in the countryside. Clarkson had been there through all of it.

Calling them childhood sweethearts wouldnt be wrong.

Hed liked her for as long as he could remember.

Back then, Kenzie was still young. Her world was school and simple routines. Then, at fifteen, she was taken back to the Lundbergs, and just like that, they lost each other.

Later, Colton filled every corner of her heart.

On her wedding day, Clarkson had pushed his way backstage, his eyes red when he looked at her.

Kenzie, he asked softly, are you sure youll be happy marrying him?

She answered honestly.

I dont know if Ill be happy forever. But right now, I love him.

The word love made his eyes burn even redder.

He left without causing a scene. But before he did, he gave her a way out.

Kenzie, I like you, he said. But liking someone doesnt mean keeping them. So Ill let you go.

If one day you realize you dont love Colton anymore, or if he treats you badly, come find me. Ill take you away.

She never imagined those words would come back to her years later.

Clarkson was sharp. He could hear the unfairness in what she wasnt saying.

Kenzie, he said firmly, wait for me. Ill come to New York. Ill take you away.

The Kenzie who used to smile like so brightly shouldnt be living this way.

She smiled, and this time it didnt hurt.

Okay, she said. Ill wait.

After the call ended, she stayed in the conference room for a long time before finally stepping out.

And just her luck, she ran straight into Colton and Kinsey.

When Colton saw her swollen, reddened eyes, concern never crossed his face. His first reaction was suspicion.

You followed me here? he said coldly. Kenzie, this clingy act of yours is getting disgusting.

The words landed hard.

When she was giving birth, hed walked away from the operating room. And in the week after, he never showed up once.

If he had cared enough to actually look at her, he wouldve noticed there was no love left in her eyes.

But she didnt love him anymore. And once that was gone, she stopped caring, too.

Including how much her words might hurt.

Kenzie straightened her back and pointed straight at Kinsey.

What about her? she asked flatly.

Even after being caught, there wasnt a trace of guilt on his face. If anything, he looked self-righteous.

Since youve already seen it, I wont bother hiding it. Just like you see, were together now. Me and Kinsey.

Kenzie let out a short, humorless laugh.

This was the first time shed ever seen someone talk about cheating like it was something to be proud of.

Colton, she said calmly, arent you afraid Ill divorce you?

He shot her a look full of disdain.

Oh, Kenzie. Dont threaten me with divorce.

We have a child, he snapped back. Do you really want the baby growing up in a broken family?

You had a miserable childhood yourself, he added coldly. You really want to make our kid live through that, too?

He was certain she wouldnt dare leave him. To him, this was just empty talk.

Kenzie stared at him. The light in her eyes dimmed, little by little.

That idiot had no idea. Their child was already gone.

The moment he chose to abandon her in the operating room, the baby died because no one was there to sign the damn consent form in time.

Across from them, Kobe cut in, his voice sharp and scolding.

Kenzie, can you stop being so dramatic? In relationships, the one who isnt loved is the third wheel. Colton already gave you the title of Mrs. Parkhouse, didnt he? Do you really think you deserve his heart, too?

Kendrick stood beside him and added calmly, Kenzie, Colton doesnt love you. Youve known that for a long time. Since you knew, why are you making such a big deal out of it now?

She was the one whod been hurt. She was the one who lost her child.

And yet everyone acted like she had no right to be upset. No right to feel wronged.

At that moment, she finally understood that family love, romantic love All of it was bullshit.

Kenzie took a slow breath. Then she reached into her bag and pulled out the divorce papers.

Fine, she said evenly. I wont make a fuss. I wont be dramatic anymore.

All I need you to do.... she continued, holding out the papers, is sign this agreement.

Colton took the papers, his brows creasing.

What agreement is this?

Before he could even scan the first line, Kobe yanked the papers out of his hands, flipped straight to the last page, and shoved them back at him.

Whats there to read? he snapped. Just sign the damn thing.

Who knows what shes trying to squeeze out of you this time? Another storefront? Another piece of land? Hah. Has there ever been a year she didnt ask for something?

Kenzie dropped her gaze and let out a quiet, bitter laugh.

It turned out, in her brothers eyes, she had always been the one who kept asking.

But that was only because she had never been given a damn thing!

Every time she managed to hold onto something or anything, Kinsey would swoop in and take it from her.

At first, Kenzie had fought back. Shed argued. Shed complained.

And every single time, shed been shut down with the same bullshit.

Kenzie, youre the older sister. Whats wrong with letting your younger sister have it?

Can you stop being so selfish for once?

If you hadnt come back, those things wouldve belonged to Kinsey anyway.

Shed heard those lines so many times they might as well have been engraved into her skull.

What they all conveniently forgot was that if Kinsey hadnt been switched at birth, Kenzie wouldve been the Lundbergs real daughter.

Those things shouldve been hers from the very beginning.

She was just trying to take back what was already hers!

Yet in everyone elses eyes, she was stealing from Kinsey.

Kendricks voice dragged her back to reality.

Dude, its just a contract, he said impatiently. Hurry up and sign it. We still have to take Kinsey out for her birthday.

Colton didnt hesitate this time. He picked up the pen and signed his name at the bottom of the last page just like that.

Kinsey was immediately ushered away like royalty, surrounded on all sides, fussed over like a precious little princess.

For more than ten years, they had remembered only one thing. Today was Kinseys birthday.

They had completely forgotten something else. It was Kenzies birthday, too.

She knew it wasnt that they didnt remember. They simply didnt care enough to celebrate her.

She used to wait anyway.

Now, she didnt.

Some people get love. Others get money.

This time, she chose the money.

With her mind made up, she went down to the underground garage to get her car and go home to pack her things up.

Before she could even reach her parking spot, a car suddenly jerked forward and slammed into her, knocking her flat onto the concrete.

She had just given birth. Her body was already weak. The impact tore her stitches open, and blood spread fast across her clothes.

Kenzie clutched her abdomen as pain ripped through her, her body shaking uncontrollably before she collapsed onto the cold ground.

C-Colton! she gasped, struggling to breathe. My wound It tore open. It hurts Please take me to the hospital.

Inside the car, Colton didnt even bother getting out.

He rolled the window down halfway, irritation etched across his face.

Oh, come on, Kenzie. What are you pretending this time?

My car barely touched you, he scoffed. And youre acting like you cant even stand up?

Todays Kinseys birthday, he snapped. Just because you dont want us celebrating with her, youll make up any bullshit now?

Hah. Im not falling for it this time.

From the passenger seat, Kinsey chimed in impatiently. Colton, its the weekend. There are people everywhere. If we keep wasting time here, we wont even get a table.

Without another glance, he rolled the window back up and turned the wheel.

Panic and despair hit Kenzie all at once, tears blurring her vision.

Colton! she cried out. Im telling the truth! Please! Save me

But he didnt hesitate for even a second.

The only thing he left behind was the cold blast of exhaust as the car sped away.

Kenzie curled in on herself on the concrete, her body folding inward as pain tore through her.

Warm blood kept flooding from her wound, no matter how hard she tried to stop it.

She knew then that if this kept going, she wasn't making it out alive.

As her consciousness began to slip, memories flooded in; it was the promises Colton had once sworn to her.

Kenzie, marry me. Ill protect you for the rest of your life.

Kenzie, I like you. Just trust me one more time.

Kenzie, lets have a child. Well be a happy family of three.

As her consciousness started to slip away, every promise Colton had ever made came rushing back into her mind.

Marry me, Kenzie. Ill protect you for the rest of your life.

I like you, Kenzie. Just trust me one more time.

Lets have a child, Kenzie. Well be a happy family of three.

They flashed through her head, slipping away before she could hold onto any of them.

At that moment, she regretted ever loving Colton.

She regretted giving him chance after chance to hurt her.

Colton, she thought bitterly, if I survive this, then between us, this wont end until one of us is destroyed!

When Kenzie regained her consciousness, it was already noon the next day.

In the end, it was a security guard on patrol who spotted her half-dead in the underground garage and rushed her to the hospital.

The second she was conscious, she grabbed her phone and called her lawyer.

Colton already signed the divorce papers, she said flatly. But Im not sitting through some bullshit one-month cooling-off period. I want this divorce done within a week.

Kenzie was a lawyer. She knew damn well it could be done.

On the other end of the line, Attorney Larsson went quiet for a moment.

Alright, he said finally. Ill make it happen.

Hearing that, she hung up. Almost immediately, her phone buzzed again.

It was a message from Clarkson.

[Hey, I called you so many times last night. You didnt pick up. Did something happen?]

[Kenzie, Im worried sick. Please answer once you see this.]

There were dozens of messages like that.

And yet, not a single one from Colton or from her so-called brothers.

If Kinsey had so much as stubbed her toe, they sure would have shut the entire New York down looking for her.

So this is the difference between being loved and being hated, Kenzie thought bitterly.

She typed back.

[I went to bed early. Im fine. Dont worry.]

A lie. But she wasnt about to let the only person who cared lose sleep over her.

Clarkson replied almost instantly, as if hed been staring at his phone the whole time.

[As long as youre okay. The weathers bad right now and all flights are grounded. Once it clears up, Ill be in New York to get you.]

She sent back one word.

[Okay.]

Just after sending it, a nurse walked in.

Maam, youll need to contact a family member.

Hearing the word family, Kenzie answered flatly, Family? Im an orphan. I dont have one.

The nurse hesitated, clearly recognizing her.

Arent you Mrs. Parkhouse? Your husband is upstairs with your sister. You could ask him to come down and take care of the hospital bills.

Kenzie froze. Why the hell are they here?

Oh, the nurse said casually, your sister bit her lip while eating. Mr. Parkhouse and your brothers completely panicked. They even called in multiple specialists.

The nurses face darkened as she looked back at Kenzie, clearly pissed on her behalf.

Youre family, too, arent you? she snapped. It was barely a scratch, yet they acted like the world was ending. You almost bled to death last night, and not a single one of them came to check on you.

Fuming, the nurse turned and stormed upstairs to call them down.

Kenzie didnt even have time to react.

Moments later, the three men were already standing at the foot of her bed.

She looked pale. Fragile. Weak enough that even Colton couldnt ignore it.

For the first time, guilt flickered across his face.

You werent feeling well and ended up hospitalized, he said stiffly. Why didnt you contact us?

Kenzie glanced at him just once then curled her lips into a cold, mocking smile.

She didnt answer.

That silence unsettled him.

In his memory, she had always been dependent on him. A tiny cut from cooking would have her eyes red and watery, clinging to him.

On the way down, the nurse had told him her wound had been stitched again: more than twenty stitches.

Hed expected her to cry the second she saw him. Instead, she wouldnt even bother speaking.

For once, he lowered his head.

Im sorry about last night, he said. I thought you were faking it. If Id known it was real, I wouldnt have left.

Bullshit.

Hed said the same thing countless times before.

And every single time, when forced to choose between her and Kinsey, Kenzie was the one left behind.

On their wedding day, when the crystal chandelier came crashing down, the person he shielded wasnt his bride. It was Kinsey.

Once, when both sisters had severe allergic reactions and there was only one dose of medication left, he gave it to Kinsey without hesitation.

This time, Kenzie had been bleeding out on the concrete, and because it was Kinseys birthday, shed been abandoned all over again.

From start to finish, Colton had never chosen her.

Whatever. A man whod already made his choice wasnt worth clinging to.

Kenzie was done listening. She closed her eyes, cutting them all off at once. Im exhausted. I want to rest. You can all leave. Its not like this is the first time anyway.

Whenever she needed them, they didnt give a damn.

Now that she was done with them, they could stop pretending they ever cared.

Colton looked like he wanted to say something, his lips parting slightly, when Kobe let out a cold, mocking snort.

Oh, cut the act, he sneered. If you really didnt want to see us, why have the nurse drag us down here? We showed up, didnt we? Learn when to stop pushing your luck. If you piss us off and we walk out, youll be the one crying later.

Even now, they were convinced she couldnt survive without them.

Their arrogance earned a soft, humorless laugh from Kenzie, but she said nothing.

That silence made something twist uncomfortably in Coltons chest.

Kenzie, he asked, frowning, you werent with our son last night. Whos taking care of him?

Before she could respond, a nurse suddenly rushed in from upstairs.

Mr. Parkhouse! Maam Kinsey is very upset upstairs. Please go check on her!

Tension snapped across all three mens faces at once.

Kobe grabbed Colton by the arm. Kinsey needs us. What the hell are you waiting for? Move.

Colton hesitated just for a heartbeat. But then, like always, he chose Kinsey.

Kinsey needs me, he said to Kenzie. Ill go check on her first. Once things calm down, Ill come back.

Just like that, all three of them turned and walked out without looking back.

Kenzie watched their backs disappear, the bitter curve of her smile deepening.

Hah. Coltons words were dead in under a minute.

Colton, she thought coldly, our son has been gone for a long time now. And whatever future we had died with him.

After Colton went upstairs, he never came back down.

At the doctors insistence, Kenzie was stuck in the hospital for four long, shitty days before they finally discharged her.

The day she left, Clarkson texted her.

[Flight booked. Ill be there the day after tomorrow.]

She checked the date.

Perfect. Same day shed be getting the divorce certificate.

Once that piece of paper was in her hands, shed be gone for good.

When Kenzie returned to the villa, the second she stepped inside, she saw servants hauling her things out of the bedroom, one item after another.

Before she could ask what the hell was going on, Colton showed up.

Kinseys been diagnosed with cancer, he said solemnly. Late stage.

All she wants is to spend whatever time she has left living peacefully with me. Your room gets the best sunlight. Itll be better for her condition. Youll need to move out for now.

Kenzie looked at Kinsey.

Pink cheeks, clear skin, bright eyes. She looked healthier than Kenzie did.

Late-stage cancer? Sure. Only a dumbass like Colton would buy that shit.

When Kenzie didnt agree fast enough, Colton assumed she was about to make a scene. He was already gearing up to lecture her.

Instead, she cut him off.

Fine. Ill move. Put my stuff in the downstairs guest room.

Itd be easier to leave that way anyway.

Her lack of drama threw him off.

For years, every time Kinsey was involved, Kenzie had been the problem, too sensitive, too much.

Now, she didnt fight back, and somehow, something felt off.

Kenzie walked right past them, packed her things neatly, and moved everything downstairs.

Colton couldnt explain it, but watching her leave made his chest feel strangely tight.

It felt like what separated them now wasnt distance but something already broken beyond repair.

Still, he brushed it off.

Kenzie loved him too much. She was just forcing herself to swallow her jealousy again.

Besides, Kinsey didnt have long to live. Once everything was over, he could sit down and talk things out with Kenzie properly.

That reasoning eased the discomfort he was feeling.

That night, Kenzie went to the kitchen for some water, but Kinsey stepped directly into her path.

Not in the mood for games, Kenzie turned to leave, only to have Kinsey block her again.

Finally, her patience ran out.

She lifted her eyes, cold and sharp.

Arent you scared, she said, that Ill tell Colton your cancer is fake as fuck?

Kinsey smiled with open contempt. She leaned in close to her sisters ear.

Go ahead, she whispered. Lets see whether he believes you or me.

Kenzies fingers clenched tightly at her side.

Kinsey was right.

Even if Kenzie said something, Colton would still believe Kinsey like every damn time.

After all, you cant wake someone whos pretending to sleep.

Move, Kenzie said flatly. A decent dog knows better than to block the road.

She didnt want to waste another word on her.

But Kinsey wouldnt back off. She stepped in and grabbed Kenzies wrist, her smile stretching wider, uglier.

Wow, Kinsey sneered. Still playing tough bitch at a time like this? Ill give you credit. Youre lucky. Most people dont cheat death this many times.

Suddenly, Kenzie looked her dead in the eye. What the hell are you talking about?

Kinsey laughed softly. Oh? Curious now? Sure. Ill spell it out for you. Every ugly detail.

The first time you found Coltons diary? Kinsey said lazily. I let you. It was on purpose. I was waiting for you to demand a divorce, and you didnt disappoint me.

But then that fossil of a mother of his told him if he divorced you, hed walk away with nothing. Kinsey clicked her tongue. So I improvised.

I figured, why divorce him when I could just make him a widower?

Last day of the cooling-off period, Kinsey continued casually. I had someone stage that car accident. But damn, youre such a pain in the ass to kill.

If youd died back then, she went on, no matter how much Alisha adored you, she wouldve accepted it. She wouldnt have had a choice.

You stole my spot as Coltons wife. You stole my identity as the Lundbergss real daughter. So, Kenzie, tell me. How the fuck could I not hate you?

Every vile thing had been done by Kinsey. And yet she stood there, wearing the face of a wronged innocent.

Kenzie felt the blood surge to her head. Her hands shook. Her teeth rattled.

She couldnt hold back anymore. She raised her hand.

The slap hadnt even fully landed before Kinsey, that psycho, threw herself backward.

She tumbled down the stairs, second floor to bottom, her body rolling hard.

Just before everything went dark, Kinsey looked up at Kenzie and flashed a provoking, triumphant smile.

The next second, Colton burst out like some knight in shining armor. He scooped Kinsey into his arms and spun toward Kenzie.

His eyes were filled with pure, murderous rage.

Kenzies heart dropped straight to her gut.

Was it because she hit Kinsey, or was this the moment Colton finally decided he wanted Kenzie dead?

Disappointment was plastered all over Coltons face.

Goodness, Kenzie! I really thought youd finally learned how to act like a rational adult! Guess I overestimated you.

Kinsey has cancer, and youre still attacking her. Jesus Christ. Shes your sister. Do you seriously hate her that much?

Kenzies face was drained of color. Then a thin, bitter smile pulled at her lips.

Wow, she said with a scoff. Colton, you really are this stupid.

From when we were kids until right now, Ive been the one getting hurt over and over!

That bitch doesnt have cancer! she snapped. Shes fucking lying to your face! And youre eating it up like always!

And that car accident back then. Do you even know what really

Thats enough! he cut her off sharply. What now? Another made-up story to smear Kinsey?

I shouldve seen this coming, he said coldly. You really are a cruel person. I dont care what it takes. Youre apologizing to Kinsey today.

Kenzie met his gaze without flinching.

No. I didnt do anything wrong, she said slowly. You did. You cant tell right from wrong.

Tucked in his arms, Kinsey spoke up, her voice gentle and careful.

Colton, please, she murmured. Let it go. My sisters never liked me. She thinks I stole everything from her. Youre married. I shouldnt have come. From now on, dont worry about me. Ill just disappear.

She started to stand, but Colton immediately stopped her.

No, he said. Youre staying.

Then he turned back to Kenzie.

I gave you a chance. Since you refuse to admit your mistake, youre not going anywhere. Think it over.

He left with Kinsey, ordering the bodyguards to lock Kenzie in the basement.

Kenzie had once told him how terrified she was of the dark. She had trusted all her vulnerabilities with him.

But now, he was using them against her.

When someone knows you inside out, they know exactly where to cut.

In the basement, time collapsed. No food. No water. No light. She had no idea how many days passed.

She lay there staring into the darkness, anger slowly rotting into exhaustion, then into something worse.

Regret. She regretted everything.

If she were given another chance, she wouldnt just leave Colton. She would never have married him.

When dehydration finally dragged her under, the basement door creaked open.

Light poured in like fire; it stabbed straight into her eyes. Through the blur, she saw silhouettes of Colton and her brothers standing above her like judges.

Youre only getting out this time because someone paid the price for you, he said. Dont let it happen again.

Her head rang.

Paid the price?

She didnt have the strength to ask what that meant. Darkness closed in again.

When she woke up, her phone was ringing nonstop. White walls. The sharp smell of disinfectant. A hospital room.

She fumbled for the phone and answered, barely conscious.

Hello, is this Kenzie? a woman asked professionally. Were calling from the funeral home. Maam, your mother, Miss Beth, passed away two days ago. We need to confirm cremation arrangements.

Her fingers went numb. The phone nearly slipped in her grip.

W-What? she whispered. T-Thats impossible. My mom was fine.

The woman explained, She suffered a cerebral infarction caused by severe blood loss after donating blood. Weve been trying to contact you.

Kenzies mind went completely blank.

Beth wasnt just her foster mother; she was her only mother.

Kenzie dropped the phone, tore the IV from her arm, and ran barefoot out of the room.

She needed answers.

The moment she staggered into the hallway, she slammed straight into Colton.

Kinsey was still cradled in his arms.

That was when something inside Kenzie finally broke.

What did you do to my mother?! Her voice ripped through the corridor. Colton! What the fuck did you do to her?!

Coltons face contorted, his eyes openly full of contempt.

Take a good look at yourself, Kenzie, he said coldly. In this condition, how are you any different from a lunatic?

You pushed Kinsey down the stairs. She hemorrhaged. The hospital ran out of blood, he continued flatly. So your foster mother went and donated hers, trading her blood to clean up your mess.

If you hadnt been so vicious, so hell-bent on hurting Kinsey, would your foster mother have needed to pay the price for you? he snapped. Dont stare at me like that. This is on you. Every bit of it.

Kenzies eyes were bloodshot. She lunged forward without warning and slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing down the hall.

Ive said it already! she screamed, her voice breaking. I never framed her. I never touched her. I never hurt that woman! Youve been fooled by her again and again, and now, youve even killed my mom because of it!

Colton froze for half a second, then his face twisted with irritation. He shoved her away roughly, fury flashing in his eyes.

What the hell are you losing your mind for? he barked. I only had your mother donate some blood to make up for what you did. I even had people escort her back to her hometown and buy her plenty of supplements. Dont push your luck, woman!

Seems to me youve completely lost your mind, he added. If you keep making a scene like this, theres no point in keeping this marriage.

With that warning, he continued in his tracks with Kinsey in his arms.

As they passed Kenzie, Kinsey gave her a provocative smile and silently mouthed, I told you. You cant beat me, loser.

They were gone, and Kenzie stood there, looking exactly like the crazy woman theyd painted her to be while everyone around her watched like it was a show.

She couldnt help it; she broke down in tears.

Yeah. She really had become a joke.

But she swore, this would be the last time.

From this moment on, she would never let anyone trample her again. Every single person who had hurt her would pay!

That same day, she signed the discharge papers and went straight to the funeral home in her hometown.

Since Beth had only Kenzie left as family, the funeral was kept simple.

Kneeling in front of her mothers grave, Kenzie pressed her forehead to the cold stone and whispered hoarsely, Mom dont worry. Ill make them pay.

She apologized again and again. That same day, she left her hometown and returned to the city, heading straight to the law firm.

The lawyer handed her two documents: the divorce certificate, and her former attorneys license.

Congratulations, Ms. Lundberg, he said. Youve regained your freedom. All of Mr. Parkhouses assets have already been transferred to your name. You are now the largest shareholder of the McMillan Group. And more than that, I look forward to the return of the former top lawyer.

Kenzie lowered her gaze to the documents in her hands.

I will, she said quietly. From now on, Ill protect myself with the law.

That night, she went back home to retrieve her ID and passport.

When Colton saw her, he called out casually, like nothing had ever happened.

Kenzie. Mom wants us to bring our son back tomorrow for dinner. Go to the hospital and bring him home.

Then, impatiently, he added, I dont care what kind of fit youve been throwing. Tomorrow, you have to come.

She looked up. It was the same face, but everything felt different now.

From this moment on, she felt no love for him at all. Only hatred remained.

Alright, she replied evenly. Tomorrow, Ill bring the baby.

Colton paused, surprised she didnt argue. Then he said nothing more and left, once again with Kinsey at his side.

Kenzie proceeded to get her ID and passport. Then she packed the divorce certificate, Coltons copy, the childs death certificate, and every piece of evidence shed gathered over the years exposing Kinseys crimes. She sealed the envelope and handed it to the courier.

Tomorrows family dinner wouldnt be a reunion. It would be a reckoning.

She would seek justice for herself, for the child she lost, and for her foster mother!

After packing the last of her belongings, Kenzie pulled her suitcase toward the door and deleted her fingerprint from the smart lock.

She was done with this hell completely.

Outside, Clarkson was already waiting by the car, holding the roses she loved most.

Kenzie he said softly. Im here to take you home. Lets go?

Alright.

She got into the car and glanced back as the villa shrank in the distance.

Colton. Kinsey, she murmured. Ive prepared a gift for you tomorrow. Hope you enjoy it.

Well settle our accounts, she added. Slowly.