Chapter 1
The day Marcus returned victorious from war, he brought back an orphan girl who bore a striking resemblance to me.
The deputy general said, "Mrs. Eden, that's the general's order. You'll just have to bear with it."
My mother-in-law said, "If you could have given him a child, he wouldn't have had to seek comfort elsewhere."
I looked at that picture-perfect pair and turned to the butler. "Will my funeral costs be reimbursed?"
The butler stood there, dumbfounded.
I pulled out a dagger and held it to my heart.
"Since she means everything to him, I'll just return what's left of my life to him," I said.
As everyone in the mansion screamed, I plunged the knife into my chest.
At that moment, I heard the system's delayed prompt.
[Congratulations, player. The fake death mission is now complete.]
*****
I'd waited three years for Marcus Eden, only to have him return with another woman.
Her name was Leila Edie, and she wore a simple white dress. Every line of her face was a reflection of mine.
She stood timidly by Marcus's side, like a frightened little flower.
Webster Shaw, Marcus's deputy, blocked my way like a wall.
"Mrs. Eden, the general was badly wounded on the battlefield. Leila was the one who saved him," he said.
He paused, his tone heavy.
"She means everything to the general. You'll just have to bear with it," he added.
I stayed silent, my gaze fixated on Marcus, unwavering.
But he didn't look at me.
Every bit of his attention was on Leila, his hand carefully guarding her waist.
That hand had once held mine as we rode together, had brushed my brows and colored my lips; now, it was shielding another woman.
My mother-in-law hurried down from the main seat and took Leila's hand, her face showing deep affection.
"Oh my, so this is Leila?" she exclaimed.
"Come, let me take a look at you. What a wonderful girl."
But when she turned to glare at me, all that motherly affection disappeared without a trace.
"Joyce, why are you just standing there?" she barked.
"Didn't you notice the general and Leila are worn out from the trip? Hurry up and get some hot water and food ready!"
Her voice was so shrill, it felt like needles piercing straight through my ears.
I looked at the three of them, so happy together, and suddenly felt like a joke, an outsider at their cozy family feast.
Three years of marriage, managing the entire Eden family estate, being a dutiful daughter-in-law, treating the servants kindly, and this was what I got for all that.
The last bit of warmth in my heart finally turned to ice.
I gave a small smile and turned to the butler, who stood there looking helpless.
"Will my funeral expenses be covered, John?" I asked.
John stood there, dumbfounded.
"Mrs. Eden, what... what did you just say?" he stammered.
That finally made Marcus bother to give me a fleeting glance.
His brows were drawn tight, his eyes flashing with that same old irritation I knew so well.
"Joyce, cut it out. Don't embarrass yourself in front of everyone," Marcus said, his voice icy.
As soon as Marcus finished speaking, Leila instantly grabbed his sleeve, her voice so delicate it sounded like she could cry at any moment.
She said, "General, it's all my fault.
"If Joyce don't want me here, I'll leave."
As she spoke, her eyes turned red, and she looked like she might burst into tears any second.
Marcus immediately turned back to her, his voice softer than I'd ever heard before.
"It's not your fault. She's just making a fuss," he said.
My mother-in-law jumped at the opportunity, jabbing her finger right in my face as she started yelling.
"You jealous woman! The Eden family never had someone as nasty as you.
"If you couldn't give Marcus a kid after three years, how else do you think things would turn out?"
I watched them, saw how they all took Leila's side and dumped every bit of blame on me.
It was fine.
This just made it easier for me to walk away for good.
I slipped the elegant dagger from my sleeve.
Dad gave it to me on my wedding day, telling me to use it to protect myself.
I never imagined the first time I'd use it, it'd be against myself.
The cold blade pressed against my heart.
I looked at Marcus and said, "She's your whole world.
"I'll give back the half of my life that only existed for you.
"From now on, we're even."
Marcus's face finally changed. For the first time ever, panic broke through his always calm and stoic expression.
"Don't you dare, Joyce!" Marcus snapped, his voice trembling with shock.
Leila shrieked.
My mother-in-law and Webster came running, yelling in alarm.
But it was already too late.
With everyone in the mansion screaming, I stabbed myself without hesitation.
Warm blood gushed out, soaking my wedding dress in crimson.
As I collapsed, I saw Marcus's face contorted with fear.