Chapter 1
After spending three years as a widow in the Carter family, I was finally found by my father and granted the title of Grand Princess.
On the day I received the secret letter, I instructed the palace staff to move my wedding gift back to the imperial residence.
Unexpectedly, as I was leaving the mansion, I came face to face with my husband, who had supposedly been dead for three years.
"Serena, I only played dead for three years, and you couldn't wait to find another man? Are you really that thirsty?
"If you get on your knees and beg me now, it's not too late. Maybe I'll let you be my prized mistress," Adrian Carter taunted.
I said coolly, "No need."
Back then, he faked his death for a brothel girl, leaving me, the Grand Princess, a widow for three years.
In his fury, my father ordered the execution of everyone in the Carter Mansion.
The execution was set for today.
Adrian's eyes were glued to the dozen big rosewood chests behind me.
Standing behind him was Amelia Yerkes, the woman he'd risked everything for, even faking his own death.
Amelia nestled in his arms, looking at me timidly.
"Serena, please don't blame Adrian. We just couldn't control our feelings..." Amelia whispered.
I cut Amelia off, my tone icy.
"Step aside. You're in my way," I said.
Adrian looked at me as if he'd just heard the funniest thing ever, crossing his arms with a cold sneer.
"Serena, you're really unbelievable.
"The Carter family fed you, clothed you, and kept you for three years. Now that I'm back, you're just going to run off with some random guy and try to take our family's fortune with you?
"Leave those chests here, and get yourself to the ancestral hall to kneel for three days and nights. Maybe then I'll think about letting you stay," he said, his tone full of mockery.
The palace staff behind me were about to step forward and rebuke Adrian.
I raised my hand, stopping them before they could say a word.
My father's carriage wouldn't arrive for another half hour. If I revealed my true identity now, it would ruin the drama.
I looked at Adrian with absolute composure, completely unbothered.
"Adrian, these are my wedding gifts. They came with me when I married into your family, and now I'm taking them with me as I leave. It's only fair," I said, my tone unwavering.
"Your wedding gifts?" Adrian snorted.
He walked up and kicked the nearest chest hard.
"You married into the Carter family. You're one of us in life and in death.
"Your money is my money. Your wedding gifts belongs to the Carter family now.
"Now that I'm back under my cousin's name, I need cash to grease some palms in the bureaucracy.
"As my wife, you should be offering up everything you have to support me," Adrian declared.
He spoke with such conviction, as if taking his wife's wedding gifts was some glorious achievement to brag about.
I let out a bitter laugh, so angry I could only laugh in disbelief.
"Adrian, you faked your death for three years, turned your back on your parents, and left your wife to suffer alone.
"Now you show up with your side chick and still want to take my wedding gifts?
"Aren't you afraid of getting struck by lightning for all this?" I sneered.
Adrian's face darkened, clearly stung by my words.
But he quickly put on a condescending air, acting like he was doing me a favor.
"Serena, I know you're upset.
"But I'm doing this for your own good.
"As a woman, having that much money will only attract unwanted attention. It's better if I keep it safe for you.
"Once I hit it big, you won't ever go hungry," he said, acting like he was doing me a huge favor.
Amelia jumped in right on cue.
Seriously, her tone was enough to turn anyone's stomach.
"That's right, Serena. Adrian's only thinking about what's best for the family.
"How can you be so selfish, just worrying about yourself?
"And... and I'm pregnant now. It's exactly when we need the money most..." Amelia chimed in.
She caressed her slightly rounded belly and threw me a provocative glance.
I stared at this shameless couple, and whatever patience I had left was officially gone.
"Since you two clearly refuse to listen, don't blame me for what happens next," I said, my voice icy.
I looked over my shoulder at the palace staff and gave a crisp order.
"Move."
"If anyone dares to get in your way, break their legs."
"Yes!"
The dozen palace attendants responded as one, their voices booming and the atmosphere instantly electrified.
Adrian flinched, then his face darkened with fury.
"You've crossed the line! This is outrageous!
"Serena, you really dare to order your people to rough up your own husband?
"Guards! Shut the gates!
"No one's getting out of here today!" Adrian barked.
At his command, the Carter Mansion's house guards swarmed in from every direction.
They wielded clubs, forming a tight circle around us.
Adrian stood at the top of the steps, looking down at me with a cruel, twisted smile.
"Serena, this is your last chance.
"Kneel, serve Amelia tea, and admit you broke your widow's vows and tried to run off with another man.
"If you don't, I'll carry out the family punishment myself and beat you to death right here, you shameless slut!" he snarled.
I looked at him, my gaze steady and unwavering, and slowly uttered two words.
"In your dreams."