I’d Rather Not Have a Fake Love

When I arrived at the dance studio where my daughter had died, I saw Sophia holding her daughter, Noa. She was chatting and laughing with my mother-in-law, Dorothy Zafron, as if nothing had happened.

Dorothy took out the bracelet that was passed down only to the Zafron family’s daughters-in-law and happily placed it on Sophia’s wrist.

Sophia noticed me and immediately put on a false show of modesty. She pushed the bracelet away. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept this. Nina’s here. Let her have it instead.”

Dorothy rolled her eyes at me, shoved the bracelet back onto Sophia’s wrist, and sneered, “How is she supposed to wear something this valuable with that broken arm? She doesn’t even bother to cover the blood that’s oozing out. It’s disgusting. Look at how radiant you look in that bright red dress!

“Why do you still look so pale? Isn’t it just one bad seed that died? Of all the people, why was Ella the one a madman killed? She must’ve done plenty of bad things. The wicked always get what’s coming.”

Dorothy had always believed I seduced William into a shotgun wedding. She never treated me kindly, even going as far as calling me a loose woman. When Ella defended me, Dorothy cursed both of us. She called Ella a cursed child as well.

William used to at least speak up for Ella and me. But ever since he set his sights only on Sophia and their child, he had completely ignored me. He started behaving as if I did not exist.

Sophia leaned against William’s shoulder and smiled. “Hello, Nina. This is my daughter, Noa. Noa and your Ella both love dancing. Noa, come say hello.”

Noa hid behind Sophia. “No! She reeks of blood and medicine. She’s filthy and disgusting.”

William gently patted Noa’s back. “Be good. Just endure it a little longer. The funeral is almost over. If you’re bored, why not do a little dance to cheer everyone up?”

He instructed his assistant to bring out an outfit crafted by a top-tier fashion designer. It was woven with countless strands of gold thread and adorned with pink gemstones. Every detail showcased exquisite craftsmanship.

Everyone gasped in awe.

Sophia could not help but throw her arms around William and kiss him. “It’s stunning! Do I get one too?”

He kissed her back. “You raised Noa well. Of course, you deserve a reward. Come with me.”

Just as he was about to take her hand and leave, he suddenly remembered me. He hesitated before offering an explanation. “She and I have something to discuss. We won’t take long.”

Without waiting for my response, he left with Sophia. He was holding her hand.

Noa casually complained that decorations were unlucky and refused to dance. In response, the remaining guests tore down all the funeral decorations and threw Ella’s offerings into the trash.

I desperately tried to stop them. I did not want my daughter to witness such a scene, even after her death.

Noa shoved me to the floor. “Don’t fight over someone else’s husband again. Otherwise, no matter how many daughters you have, they will all be cursed to die.”

My severed arm hit the hard floor. The piercing pain shot straight to my heart.

I could only clutch Ella’s memorial photo and urn tightly. I endured the pain as I left.

On my way downstairs, I passed a room. Through the open door, I saw that Sophia was undressed and entwined with William.

“William, why don’t we spread Ella’s ashes downstairs? That road hasn’t been paved yet anyway.”

William hesitated. “But… that doesn’t seem right. We should just buy a burial plot and lay Ella to rest properly.”

Sophia’s hand slid downward as she teased him. “Pretty please? It’s cheaper and eco-friendly. What, don’t you love me anymore? You never listen to me. Boohoo…”

“Alright, alright.”

William’s voice was hoarse as he lost control and lunged at her.

My stomach churned in disgust, and I gagged. I turned away and left with Ella.

William was a monster!