Chapter 1

Because I slapped Isaac Stewart's assistant, he left me penniless, stranded alone on a foreign street.

For three years, I roamed the streets, starving, getting beaten, and being picked on.

Three years later, Isaac finally remembered me.

The moment he laid eyes on me, I saw nothing but disgust in his gaze.

I looked at myself in the mirror, who was sallow, gaunt, and skinny.

He asked, "Have three years abroad taught you any sense?"

I nodded blankly, too afraid he'd send me abroad again.

I stopped clinging to him and took the initiative to cancel our engagement.

Isaac, however, was displeased. His eyes reddened as he demanded, "Didn't you say you'd always like me? Emily, is your promise really that cheap?"

I bit his hand hard. "Who are you? I don't know you."

*****

After being abandoned overseas for three years, Isaac Stewart finally remembered me. He sent someone to pick me up.

The plane touched down in Lioarand at seven in the evening.

When I saw the familiar airport, my anxious, fearful heart finally started to calm down.

The night wind was fierce, and my eyes tingled with sadness.

I lifted my rough hand and quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes.

Derek came up to me. "Ms. Lewis, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you outside."

Soon, he brought me right to Isaac.

The back door of the car popped open, and Isaac's cold, steely expression greeted me.

His cold eyes scanned me, pausing for a moment.

He furrowed his brows, then shot a questioning look at Derek. "Derek, are you absolutely sure this is Emily?"

Derek answered with utmost respect, "Mr. Stewart, it's definitely Ms. Lewis. No doubt about it."

A bitter feeling welled up inside me. This was the boy I'd grown up with, my childhood sweetheart, also my fiancé. He didn't even recognize me.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the car window. It was a waxy, pale, and skinny woman.

I blinked in confusion, needing a moment before I realized the person staring back was actually me.

My face used to be plump and full of collagen.

Now, it was sallow and gaunt, my skin rough, and even tiny wrinkles had started to show.

I looked like I'd aged a whole decade.

I was in a much worse state than I was back then.

No wonder Isaac couldn't even recognize me.

Isaac looked me over again, his eyes full of scrutiny.

Isaac could hardly believe it as he said, "You're Emily?"

I was stunned for a moment, then replied, "Yes, I'm Emily."

Once he heard my confirmation, Isaac's face flashed with shock, but it quickly morphed into disdain. "I only had you stay overseas for three years, so how did you turn into such a mess?"

His offhand remark resulted in three years of hell for me.

He went on to ask if I'd finally learned to behave after those years abroad.

Remembering everything I went through overseas, I gripped the washed-out hem of my shirt, my body shaking despite myself.

I didn't dare say another word. I kept my head down and nodded blankly.

Isaac seemed satisfied with how I was acting. "Since you've finally behaved yourself, let's go."

I didn't hesitate, afraid he might take it all back the next second.

I'd barely taken a few steps when Isaac's icy voice cut through the air. "Get in the car, Emily."

I stopped in my tracks and glanced at him cautiously.

"You're my fiancée. How could you sit with the bodyguards?" Isaac said coldly.

He was right. I was still his fiancée, and Isaac was always so possessive. He'd never let me ride with the bodyguards.

When he saw me stand there frozen, Isaac's face grew cold. "Looks like those three years overseas still didn't teach you enough."

Scared that he would send me away again, I didn't dare hesitate any longer and climbed into the car.

The cramped space made it feel like the air was closing in on me, and even breathing became a struggle.

Isaac suddenly spoke, his tone icy. "Even if you don't like Aria, she never stopped worrying about you. She was the one who pleaded with me to bring you back.

"When we get home, you need to get along with Aria."

Back then, I would have argued with Isaac and stood my ground, but now, I stayed quiet.

I curled my fingers on my knees and said softly, "I know."

*****

The car pulled up in front of a luxurious villa.

This opulent, brightly lit villa had been my home for more than ten years. I should know every corner by heart.

But right now, it all felt strangely unfamiliar.

"Hi, Isaac." As I stood there, lost in thought, a girl dressed to the nines came over.

She slipped her arm through Isaac's like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Isaac, where's Emily? Why are you back by yourself?"

I stood there awkwardly, feeling out of place.

She quickly spotted me standing behind Isaac and shot me a look of disgust. "Isaac, where did you pick up this maid? She's dressed so tackily and cheaply. She totally doesn't belong with the Stewart family."

I looked down at myself. My hands, which used to be delicate, were now rough and calloused.

Everything I had on probably wasn't even worth 30 bucks altogether.

Meanwhile, Aria was dressed head to toe in designer brands, her skin so delicate it looked like porcelain.

"Aria, enough." Isaac stopped her.

He looked me up and down. "Are you trying to make it look like the Stewart family is mistreating you by dressing like this?"

I gripped the edge of my clothes, saying nothing.

Aria glanced at Isaac, then at me, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "Are you Emily? Sorry, Emily, I didn't mean to hurt you with what I just said."

Aria's delicate hand wrapped around my own, which was tanned and rough, her gaze lingering on all those scars, some deep, some faint, etched across my skin.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Emily, you've really suffered these past three years."

I couldn't tell if she was being sincere or putting on an act, so I quietly pulled my hand away.

Aria pretended to be upset, wiping away fake tears from the corners of her eyes. "I'm to blame. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have suffered like this."