Chapter 3

Once the stitching was done, Hadley was released. With that monstrous-looking face, she lunged at Derek—but he kicked her away without hesitation.

He looked at her disheveled figure with utter disgust, wiped his shoe on the ground, and said coldly, "Disgusting."

"So disgusting, Derek. Let's go. I'm tired," I sneered and chimed in.

I couldn't help but wonder what expression Derek would make when he eventually realized the one he had scorned was actually his beloved Hadley.

"Let's go. Leave the maids to clean up here. Wallace, you can go back too. We'll invite you again when Hadley has recovered in a few days," Derek said.

Wallace left, and I was led by Derek out of the courtyard.

The long-missed sunlight shone on me, and I squinted contentedly.

A few days passed. I successfully passed myself off as Hadley by imitating her.

After I died in my previous life, I followed them. Maybe it was because of my intense hatred that I remembered every move and that malicious look of Hadley clearly. It wasn't difficult to imitate her.

Then, one day, Derek looked at me with undisguised calculation in his eyes.

"The bandages can be removed, right? I'll have someone go fetch Wallace," he said.

"It should be fine now," I replied, touching the gauze on my cheeks and pretending not to notice the scheming in his gaze.

Wallace arrived quickly. As he prepared to remove the bandages, I turned to Derek and cooed, "Derek, wait outside, please?

"I'm afraid there might be something wrong with my face. I don't want you to see me if I look unpleasant, alright?"

"Alright. I'll go out. You're impossible to refuse." He sighed and got up to leave.

Wallace took off the gauze and said meaningfully, "Ms. Morgan has healed remarkably well. The skin looks completely natural—not a single scar.

"I wonder if Mr. Garrett knows that the one with the pigskin sewn on is the real Ms. Morgan."

I met his eyes and suddenly smiled. I never intended to keep it from Wallace, but I knew he was greedy for money.

"You're sharp, Wallace. But there's no turning back now. Do you think that if you expose me, Derek will spare you, the one who sewed pigskin on his sweetheart?" I said.

His expression tightened slightly, but he quickly regained composure. "I'm of course afraid. I won't expose you today, Ms. Myers, but…"

He trailed off, rubbing his fingers together, eyes full of greed.

I smiled, pulled off the remaining gauze, and said softly, "In three days, at Oakhorn Tavern, I will make it worth your while."

Seeing me agree, his eyes lit up, and he attentively wiped away the bloodstains on my forehead from days past.

"How is it? Can I come in?" Derek's voice approached from outside. Wallace and I exchanged an understanding smile.

"Come in, Derek. Wallace did an excellent job. He deserves a reward!" I resumed Hadley's haughty and spoiled tone.

"Let me take a look." Derek walked in, his eyes flashing with admiration.

After Wallace left, Derek took my hand. His fingers brushed my cheek, and his expression turned serious.

"Hadley, today I will take you to the Myers' estate. Be very careful. Cassia was gentle and reserved—avoid too much contact with her family. In five days, we will be married," he said.

"Derek, I understand. I'll be waiting for you," I leaned into his arms, my eyes filled with indifference.

I was still a bit dazed upon returning to the Myers' estate. Katelyn was waiting at the door. When she saw me, she smiled warmly and came forward.