Crippled by Deception, Now They Drown in Regret

He was willing to sacrifice our marriage, to pretend to love me, all just to issue a letter of forgiveness for her.

He even had a son with her.

During dinner, my mother suddenly teared up, her gaze lingering on the dishes before her. She wiped at her eyes, her expression heavy with sorrow.

Elijah immediately put down his spoon and fork, his face filled with concern as he asked what was wrong.

My father let out a long sigh, gently patting her back.

"She must be thinking about Scarlett’s favorite dishes and starting to miss her."

"That child, she made a mistake, but we raised her for over ten years. She didn’t deserve to die."

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

She didn’t deserve to die?

Then what about me?

Did I deserve to be sacrificed for her? Was I just supposed to accept it?

"Darling, it’s been five years already," Elijah said softly. "Scarlett was only twenty back then. She might have acted impulsively and made a mistake."

"I grew up with her. Her personality was a little extreme. She thought you were trying to take everything from her."

"Five days from now is her death anniversary. I know you don’t want to go, so I’ll go with Mom and Dad to visit her grave, okay?"

Elijah’s gaze wavered as if afraid I would suddenly lose my temper.

"Hmm. You should go. After all, she lived in this house longer than I have. It’s only natural that you still have feelings for her."

Elijah let out a quiet sigh of relief, his voice turning even gentler.

"I knew you were kind-hearted. You’ve never been the type to hold a grudge against your late sister."

My mother dabbed at her eyes, sniffling softly.

"My dear daughter, a child of our own blood will always be the most understanding…"

I lowered my head, my tears slipping silently into my bowl.

So, they did know I was their real daughter.

A sharp pain twisted in my stomach. The moment I felt it tighten, I pushed back my chair and murmured that I wasn’t feeling well before retreating to my room.

A while later, Elijah came in, carrying my stomach medicine. His eyes were full of concern, his voice unbearably soft.

Seeing that I had no intention of speaking, he said nothing. Instead, he silently fetched warm water and, with practiced care, wiped my face himself.

For ten years after I was brought home, I was the only one he saw.

Even when Scarlett confessed her feelings for him, she had been met with nothing but his cold rejection.

Now, I finally understood.

He never loved me. He only wanted the title of the future heir of the Harrison Group.

His love and his marriage had always been two separate things.

Late at night, after Elijah drifted into sleep, I reached for the phone on his bedside table.

The password was my birthday.

His pinned contact was me, followed by my parents.

I scrolled through his messages, but there was nothing unusual until I switched accounts.

That was when I found an alternate account.

Only one name appeared in his chat list. Scarlett.

[Elijah, it’s been five years. How much longer do I have to keep hiding?]

[She has no proof I hit her and she’s a cripple now. She’s no threat at all.]

[Our son keeps crying for his daddy. Can you really bear this?]

Elijah’s response was full of reassurance.

[My parents and I are already discussing a plan. Just be patient.]

So, they had already brought Scarlett back. Changed her name. Built an entire life for her.

Just a few days ago.

They even registered a real estate company in her name.

In five days, the grand opening would take place.

My hands trembled as I opened Elijah’s social media feed.

I scrolled. My heart turned ice-cold.

For five years, Scarlett had been living in luxury abroad, funded by my family.

She dressed in designer brands under the Harrison Group. The villa she lived in? One of the company’s overseas properties.

And Elijah? He had been by her side all along, using “business trips” as an excuse to fly over.

Even my own parents were in the photos, smiling as if they belonged there.

At that moment, I understood.

They were the real family.

Swallowing back the stinging tears, I took screenshots of the evidence and switched back to his main account.