In my eighth year as a Holt, my husband brought home his first love—his ‘one that got away.’ Michelle was the picture of innocence, yet bold and sharp. Despite being buried in debt, her gentle, kind nature won over the entire Holt family. My husband, Harrison, began courting her again, treating her with a tenderness I had never seen. Even my own two children decided this kind ‘Auntie Michelle’ would make a better mother than I ever did. But I wasn't sad. In fact, I was thrilled. It meant my part in this novel was finally over. 1. So, when my daughter, Annie, stood before me with a look of disgust, demanding I apologize to her precious, kind Auntie Michelle, I didn't even glance at her. I just calmly snipped an errant branch from the flowers in the vase. “Mom, if you don’t apologize, Leo and I won’t call you our mother anymore!” “Fine,” I said, my voice flat. “Then don’t.” I no longer cared about this daughter whose loyalty had shifted so easily. I remembered how I nearly died giving birth to her. I remembered humbling myself, begging the most famous art masters in the country to teach her piano, ballet, and art history, just so she would have skills to stand on her own. I’d pleaded with Harrison for months to allow her to receive the same heir training as our son. I had given her everything. But ever since Michelle arrived, it all changed. Michelle said children shouldn’t be crushed by tutoring, encouraging Annie to go out and play with her friends. And just like that, Annie stopped going to her lessons, spending her days shopping for clothes with Michelle instead. Since she had chosen that path, I wouldn’t stand in her way. After all, I was just the villainous side character in this book. My storyline was complete, and the System, pleased with my performance, had gone to collect my bonus. In two weeks, at most, it would take me back to my own world. I set down the shears and finally glanced at her, my expression a placid mask. Annie’s small face crumpled in discomfort, a flash of panic in her eyes. It was likely the first time in her life I had ever flatly refused her. But she recovered quickly. She lifted her chin, smugly showing off the makeup and pretty dress Michelle had bought for her. She even spun in a circle, making sure I got a good look. “Auntie Michelle gave me all of this. Isn’t it beautiful?” “You never let me touch this stuff before. You said I was too young, that it would rot my mind. You forced me to study and take lessons, and you’d smack my hands if I didn’t listen. You were always pushing me to perform on stage. You just treated me like a product, you never gave me any dignity!” Her accusations were so absurd, I almost laughed. Michelle must have fed her those lines. I had been terrified that, as a girl, she would be overlooked by the Holt family and married off without a thought. That’s why I brought her to every gala, gave her every opportunity to shine on stage, and taught her how to navigate high society. And now, after two cheap gifts from Michelle, she had devalued all my efforts to nothing. Did she have any idea how much of myself I had poured into her? Seeing my silence, Annie’s cheeks puffed out in anger. “You don’t really love me!” “Auntie Michelle is the one who’s truly good to me! She doesn’t wake me up at dawn to memorize texts and do practice exams. She buys me new clothes, tells me bedtime stories, and takes me to amusement parks! She’s a thousand times better than you!” “And Dad already said it! He’s going to marry Auntie Michelle and divorce you soon!” With a final, furious shout, Annie swept the vase off the table, sending it shattering to the floor before storming out. Even though I had resolved to let go of everything here, her words still left a bitter ache in my throat. I couldn't help but wonder: was the heroine’s halo really so powerful that it could erase years of my devotion in an instant? Or was it because I was the villain, and everything I did was destined to be wrong? When Harrison first brought Michelle home, I hadn’t paid it much mind. It was only when they started their secret affair that I understood. In his heart, I had always been nothing more than Michelle’s substitute. And Michelle, armed with her protagonist’s luck, had charmed the entire Holt family in record time. My children, already resentful of my strict discipline, were easily swayed by her timely encouragement to rebel. As for Harrison, he’d shown me a sliver of respect at first. But then Michelle was mysteriously given laxatives. Soon after, she was pushed into the swimming pool and nearly drowned. She even had an allergic reaction at dinner. All signs pointed to me, and Harrison nearly tore my room apart, threatening divorce if I didn’t apologize. Furious, I’d snapped and called Michelle a homewrecker. Harrison slapped me so hard I stumbled back, knocking over a vase myself. Shards of porcelain sliced deep into my legs. The wounds were bandaged, but the pain kept me awake all night. This morning, I had finally forced myself out of bed, hoping some simple flower arranging would lift my spirits. That’s when Annie had burst in. I had been gritting my teeth through the pain the whole time she was here; now, it was unbearable. The System was unreachable. I had already used up all the advanced medicine I’d bought from its store on Harrison and the kids. The nanny who had cared for me for years had been fired by Harrison, and he’d forbidden anyone from taking me to a hospital. The only person allowed in my room now was Michelle’s personal maid, Brenda, and I wouldn’t dare touch the medicine she brought. I was a forgotten woman. The morning passed, and no one even brought me a meal. I dug out a tarnished old ring from the bottom of a chest and sighed at it. Around noon, a servant finally brought lunch. It was meager, but I wasn't picky. I took one bite and immediately spat it out. Lavender. Everyone in the Holt household knew I was severely allergic to lavender. Michelle was doing this on purpose. Just as I was about to have the servant take it away, Harrison kicked the door open and stormed in. He was seething, and with another kick, he sent the small table flying. He glared at me, his brow furrowed in fury. “You almost killed Michelle, and I told you to apologize. Not only do you put on this pathetic act, but you spit out the food she made for you in the kitchen herself? How can a person be as venomous as you!” I lay on the bed, looking up at him with an unnerving calm. This only enraged him further. He lunged forward, his hand closing around my throat. “What? Is it so hard for you to just listen to me?” For eight years in this world, I had dutifully played my part, pouring my entire being into Harrison and our two children. If they had just accepted me, truly accepted me, I could have stayed with them forever. Before the heroine appeared, I had tried so hard to be a good mother and a loving wife, to win them over with genuine affection. But now… I shook my head and gave a bitter smile, looking at the man who was once my husband. “Harrison, I’ve told you a dozen times. I didn’t harm her. It was all her own little drama.” He stared back, his eyes cold and full of disbelief. Looking at his face, I took a deep breath and suddenly lost the energy to explain. “I know you have cameras all over this mansion. If you really wanted to know the truth, you could have found it. You’re just tired of me.” “Since you’ve already decided I’m guilty, what difference does an apology make?” Harrison froze, his expression faltering. For a moment, he looked pained, and his grip on my neck loosened. But then, as if remembering something, the pity in his eyes vanished, replaced by rage. “I thought you genuinely loved me, that you were willing to sacrifice for me. I never imagined you were this jealous, this malicious!” “Michelle is so kind. How could you bring yourself to hurt her?” “From now on,” he snarled, turning to the door, “no one is to bring the missus any medicine. And she is not to take one step out of this room. Not until the pain is too much for her to bear and she agrees to apologize to Michelle!” He waited, expecting to see regret or fear on my face. But I remained perfectly still. Harrison left. The air in the room was heavy. Brenda walked in and, seeing the overturned food, feigned surprise. “Oh, Madam, why did you spit out your porridge? How will you get better if you don’t eat?” “If the food wasn’t to your liking, you should have said something. I’ll have the kitchen make you a new batch right away.” She glanced at me, a smirk playing on her lips. Her voice was laced with sarcasm as she slowly cleaned up, deliberately bringing up my son, Leo. “You’ve been cooped up in here, so you probably don’t know. Master Leo was playing in the yard yesterday and called Miss Michelle ‘Mommy.’” “And to think of all your hard work over the years. Both your children refuse to acknowledge you. What a failure of a mother you are…” Her eyes shifted mockingly to my knees. “I heard your bones were broken. Without that special medicine, you’ll probably never stand up again, will you?” I let out a cold laugh. “I am the wife of the CEO of Holt Industries and the daughter of the chairman of Vance Corporation. What rotten vegetable are you to dare gossip about me?” I pretended not to see the flash of hatred in Brenda’s eyes and focused on straightening my legs. She shot me a venomous glare and then, as if remembering something, she strutted out of the room. In my current state, I started to wonder if I would even live long enough for the System to return. If Harrison tortured me to death before it got back, would I still be able to go home? A week passed. The food they sent became more and more careless. Sometimes it was just a bowl of thin gruel; other times, it was spoiled leftovers. I didn’t dare touch any of it. I secretly sent a note to a young maid, Wendy, whom I had helped before, giving her money to sneak me some instant noodles and bottled water. A few more days went by. Just as the System was about to transport me home, Michelle’s arrival interrupted the process. She entered with a retinue of servants, her chin high, her eyes full of arrogance. “Eleanor, dear. Such a pity about my leg injury. I can’t take care of you myself.” Suddenly, she wrinkled her nose as if smelling something foul. “How are these servants taking care of Mrs. Holt? There’s a strange smell in this room. If Harrison finds out…” She trailed off, a sly smile on her lips. “Then again, what if he does? He won’t even let you go to the hospital. Why would he care about a little mess? Right, Eleanor?” I looked past her and saw Annie and Leo standing behind her. They were clutching her clothes affectionately, their expressions a mixture of disgust and confusion as they looked at me. Annie stepped forward, her voice sharp. “Mother, all Auntie Michelle wants is a sincere apology. Who are you putting on this stubborn act for? No matter how much you deny it, you can’t hide the fact that you hurt her!” Leo’s round face was scrunched up in a frown. He couldn't even be bothered to look at me. “Mom, you’re so evil!” Evil? I almost choked on a laugh. Leo had been a mischievous child. I had spent a fortune on the best tutors to teach him how to be a decent human being, to instill in him a basic moral compass. I glanced at the servants' sons standing near him, boys who had grown up as his companions. They used to get along so well. Now, their arms were covered in angry red scratches from a ballpoint pen. Michelle noticed my gaze and giggled. “Leo is just a bit naughty. He loves playing a game with his friends called ‘You scratch me, I scratch you.’ But all little boys are like that. You’re far too strict, Eleanor.” Leo nodded vigorously, his chubby cheeks bunching up as he grinned. He had poor self-control, so I had always managed his diet to prevent health problems from obesity. Michelle, however, plied him with chips, cakes, and other junk food, and let him skip his meals. Now, Leo was short for his age but as wide as a tank. I didn't even want to acknowledge he was my son. I looked at Michelle. “Did you come here just to show off how popular you are?” Though my heart ached, I knew you couldn’t force a bond. I had given them my all, and they had still chosen to be ruined by her. What could I do but respect their fate? “I never knew you were so heartless, Eleanor. Your own children have disowned you, and you don’t even care.” I shook my head and looked at my two children. “I can honestly say that from the moment you were born, I have cared for your every need. From your daily life to your education, I gave you nothing but the best.” I sighed. “Since you don’t want it, I won’t force it on you. If you want to call Michelle your mother, then so be it. I won’t fight your father for custody. She can be your mother in name.” As I finished speaking, Leo and Annie’s eyes went wide with disbelief. They probably never imagined I could be so resolute. Annie’s lip began to tremble, and she looked ready to cry. Michelle shot a look at a nearby maid, who quickly bent down and whispered to the children. “What mother would ever abandon her own children? She’s just testing you, trying to get you to admit you were wrong.” “Don’t worry. Just give her the cold shoulder for a few more days, and she’ll be begging you to come back. Do you really want to go back to doing homework and lessons every day?” At that, Leo let out a dismissive “Hmph,” convinced I was acting. “Stop pretending, Mom! You’re just like Dad said, always acting like you’re so nice. If you’re so tough, then ignore us forever!” Leo made a face at me, grabbed Annie’s hand, and ran off. “Are you happy now?” I asked Michelle. “Happy?” Michelle sat on the edge of my bed and leaned in, whispering in my ear. “This isn’t nearly enough to get you kicked out of the Holt family.” Before she could finish, she let out a piercing scream and threw herself backward, landing perfectly in the arms of Harrison, who had just rushed into the room. Such exquisite acting. A real shame she wasn't pursuing a career in Hollywood. But, of course, some people are blind. Seeing this, Harrison didn't hesitate, his hand flying up to strike me. If I hadn’t dodged, I’m sure the blow would have deafened me. Seeing me scramble away on the bed, Harrison seemed to snap out of it. He stared at his hand for a moment, then frowned. “The missus is malicious and has attempted to take a life. Lock her in the attic. She will kneel for a day and a night. Without my permission, no one is to bring her food. Anyone who disobeys can get out of the Holt family.” He paused, a flicker of conflict on his face. After a few seconds, he added, “If you agree to apologize to Michelle, I can be lenient…” Before he could finish, I cut him off. “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Holt. But I won’t admit to something I didn’t do. It’s just kneeling, isn’t it? I’ll go.” The System would be back in a day anyway. There was no need to keep up the charade with this man. Harrison’s face became a kaleidoscope of colors, shifting from green to white. “Don’t you regret this!” he threatened. I met his gaze calmly, a cold smirk on my lips. “I won’t.” He stared at my expression, momentarily dazed. But his attention was quickly drawn back to Michelle, who was sobbing in his arms. “Someone, take Mrs. Holt to the attic.” With that, he swept Michelle into his arms and walked out, never looking back. Brenda couldn’t stop smiling. “You heard Mr. Holt. Madam, you’d better get to the attic. It’s drafty on all four sides, and it’s winter now. I do hope you survive the night.” I pulled a down jacket from the closet and put it on. I paused, staring at the ring on my dresser, and after a moment’s thought, I slipped it on my finger. The attic was colder than I imagined. It had snowed a few days ago, and even bundled up, the wind cut through me, making me shiver uncontrollably. I don't know how long I knelt there, enduring the bone-deep ache, when I heard whispers at the small door. “Madam? Madam, can you hear us?” “Did she freeze? Oh no, if she stays in the attic any longer, she’ll…” It was Wendy and her younger sister, Lily. I massaged my numb legs and pushed myself up, leaning against the wall to get to the door. “What are you crying for? I’m not dead yet. Now go, before Michelle’s people find you.” Wendy had been with me since I first married into the family. Hearing my voice, she almost broke down completely. “Madam, just wait. I’ll find a way to save you.” “I brought bread and hot water. Please, eat something.” Lily passed the food through the crack in the door. I devoured it ravenously, the food finally soothing the gnawing emptiness in my stomach. “Don’t come back here again. There are a few gold bracelets in my nightstand. Take them and split them.” Wendy’s sobs grew louder. Afraid Michelle’s spies would discover them, I told a lie. “Don’t worry about me. They can’t do anything to me. I’ve already sent a letter to my parents. I’m going to divorce Harrison as soon as I leave this house.” Seeing that I had a plan, Wendy and Lily finally left, still crying. I was so cold I started to drift in and out of consciousness. Just when I thought I couldn’t hold on any longer, the System finally returned.
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