Chapter 1

I was focused on studying a nutritional recipe when a sudden knock at the door startled me.

It was probably the grocery delivery I had ordered half an hour ago.

"Just leave it by the door," I called out, opening the door and turning back inside without a second thought.

The door slammed shut behind me.

"Are you Irene Vingate?" A woman's voice, filled with fury, erupted behind me.

Confused, I turned around to see a woman dressed in a delivery uniform, her eyes blazing with hatred.

"Who are you?" I asked, realizing she had nothing in her hands and was not the delivery driver I had expected.

As I noticed the closed door, a wave of fear washed over me.

I spun around and rushed toward the kitchen, intending to grab my phone and call my husband, Harrison Maddox, for help.

Before I could reach it, a strong hand yanked my hair, sending pain shooting across my scalp as I was thrown to the floor. She climbed on top of me and slapped my face so hard that stars burst in my vision.

"You spoiled witch! Don't think your privileged upbringing will let you have it all forever," she snarled. "Your good days are over!"

Dazed, I tried to comprehend what was happening, but she slapped me repeatedly, each strike ringing in my ears.

"So, you're the little princess of the Vingate family, huh? Listen well. The one Harrison really loves is me. You're nothing but a nuisance. When I'm done with you, he'll marry me!" she threatened.

Growing up, I had always been sheltered and cherished by my parents. I had never even argued with anyone, let alone fought.

Now, pinned down by this furious stranger, I couldn't muster an ounce of strength to fight back.

But the slaps weren't enough for her. She grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the wall.

"Harry only told me to get rid of you. He didn't say how," she hissed. "I hate people like you, born with everything handed to them. Let's see if you can feel pain—if you'll scream like an animal!"

Her round, doll-like face twisted into a mask of rage, eyes glinting darkly.

The throbbing pain at the back of my head made my vision blur, and I was on the verge of blacking out.

Yet, clinging to the last shreds of consciousness, I managed to stammer, "W-Who are you? Why do you say my husband wants me dead?"

She scoffed as if she had heard something hilariously absurd.

"Husband? You stole my Harry, and now you have the nerve to call him that? Don't think that being married makes you anything but the other woman! My name is Giselle Tanner, and I was with him first," she spat.

Through her enraged rants, I pieced together the story.

Her name was Giselle Tanner, someone Harrison had met during college while working part-time. She had confessed her love, and they had been together for years. Even when Harrison married me, they had not broken up.

"Harry said you forced him into it! You wretch! You shameless woman! Using your money to tear us apart!" she shrieked.

I could not believe her story. Taking advantage of her rant, I reached desperately for my phone and dialed Harrison's number.

When she noticed, panic flashed across her face, and she lunged for the phone.

But seeing that I had not called the police, only my husband, she burst into mocking laughter, clutching her stomach as she did.

"Harry was right. You really are stupid. I told you he sent me, and you still don't believe it?" she said, grabbing my phone and dialing him repeatedly.

"Let's see if your so-called husband will come to your rescue," she said, eyes glistening with sadistic glee.

Five calls—no answer.

Hope drained from me, leaving only a hollow ache.

Giselle watched my face with satisfaction. "Idiot. Since you're going to die, I'll let you in on something. Why do you think the Vingate estate, usually bustling with staff, is empty today? How did I know today was the perfect day to get in without any trouble?"

Memories of the previous night flooded back…

For the first time in ages, Harrison gave me a gift.

"I'm sorry I missed your birthday, honey. I hope you like this," he said, offering me a diamond necklace.

His uncharacteristic tenderness made my heart flutter as I accepted the gift.

He mentioned how the house staff had been making us feel distant and suggested I give them a holiday so we could spend some quality time alone.

I was thrilled, so I handed out generous bonuses and sent everyone home for the week. Then, I meticulously selected ingredients online, researching recipes he liked.

In the kitchen, I even blushed at the thought of him approaching me with that rare affection.

-

But now, it all clicked. It had been a trap.

My mind raced, trying to pinpoint where I had gone wrong. But there was no time to dwell.

Giselle, now fully recovered, grabbed my hair again and dragged me into the kitchen, shoving my head into a sink full of water and vegetables.