After My Sacrifice, My Fiance Returned Reborn

For ten years, I risked my life for Jaxon Aldridge.

And the moment he regained control of the Aldridge family, he threw me into prison, making me take the fall for him without a second thought.

I had once trudged through snowstorms to heal his shattered legs, carried him through a storm of bullets, and stayed up countless nights, nursing him through every fever and wound.

After I was released, he held the woman he truly loved in his arms and looked at me with cold detachment.

"Didn’t you always say you’d do anything for me?"

"Then marry a man in a coma for Arabelle’s sake."

Everyone mocked me for wasting a decade of my life on him.

But none of them knew. My ten years of silent endurance were never for him.

They were for the one I truly loved, my fiancé, the one I was determined to bring back from the brink of death.

Outside a quiet chapel, I knelt in the cold, pleading with God for one last miracle.

I vowed to repay the world with a hundred good deeds if only He would give me one thing: his life.

Once I have signed that final contract, I will fulfill the last task.

I would leave without hesitation and never look back.

1

“Prisoner 9527, you’re free to go.”

The prison gates creaked open, and the blinding sunlight pierced my eyes like a blade. For a moment, I felt like a ghost stumbling back into the land of the living.

Right then, a message popped up on my phone.

My former fiancé, Callum Drayton, was beginning to regain consciousness.

The moment I read those words, my vision blurred. Tears streamed down my face before I could stop them.

I hadn’t shed a single tear during the false charges, the beatings, or the suffocating solitude behind bars.

But that message cracked me open.

This was the moment I had waited for, for what felt like an eternity.

Ten years ago, Callum had been in a tragic car crash the night before our wedding. He had slipped into a coma, and the man I loved became a silent shell.

In desperation, I had knelt in a chapel for ninetynine days straight. The priest, moved by my devotion, told me God had sent a message.

Complete one hundred acts of penance with the right people, and your lover will return.

That became my miracle, my one purpose: to bring Callum back to life.

For ten years, I gave everything to Jaxon. No pride. No limits. I did everything he asked without question.

Three years ago, in his ruthless quest to become the Aldridge heir, he used corporate espionage to destroy his competitor.

And like every man with power, he already had a scapegoat in mind.

That night, he texted me. My stomach hurts.

Worried, I hurried to the estate with warm soup in hand.

But the moment I stepped inside, the lights went out, and a pair of hands shoved me hard to the ground.

“So it’s you! What are you doing here in the middle of the night?!”

When the lights flickered back on, the room was packed with police, prosecutors, company executives, and Jaxon. He stood across from me, his expression cold and void of anything human.

“It was her. She stole our company’s secrets.”

A policeman stepped forward. “Liora Whitmore, we have concrete evidence. Do you confess?”

This was my 98th deed, only two steps away from the end.

I smiled and answered clearly, “I confess.”

I was sentenced to three years. No one came. Not a single visit. The guards and staff treated me like trash, like something rotting behind bars.

“They say she’s the reason the Aldridge family lost millions.”

“She even dragged Jaxon’s name through the mud. Disgusting woman.”

To the world, I was nothing but a criminal. I walked out bitterly, no one waiting, no taxi in sight. So I walked, legs trembling, dragging my weary soul toward the Aldridge estate.

After a long journey, I arrived. The entrance was covered in white roses. A red carpet stretched down the path like something out of a dream.

Luxury cars gleamed under the sun.

A grand banner fluttered in the wind: [Welcome back, Miss!]

For a brief, foolish second, I thought it was for me.

But then a voice, cold as frost, cut through the illusion.

“Liora, did you forget your place? These flowers aren’t for your filthy hands.”

Jaxon stood behind me, distant, untouchable.

And just then, a delicate girl ran into his arms.

Clad in an elegant gown, it was Arabelle. The heroine of this story. Jaxon’s socalled first love.

She had left him for a wealthier man. But the moment he rose to power, she came back.

So, this whole event wasn’t for me; it was for her return.

Inside the estate, I instantly felt how wrong I looked, wrapped in tattered prison clothes that didn’t belong in a world of luxury.

Hunger gnawed at me; I hadn’t had a proper meal in years.

I reached for a slice of cake, but someone smacked it out of my hand and crushed it beneath their heel.

A group of rich brats burst into laughter.

One of them shoved my head to the floor. “This is where you belong; lick it clean.”

I struggled against them. The noise caught Jaxon’s attention.

Arabelle spotted me and spoke sweetly, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. “This is the friend who just got out of prison?”

All eyes turned toward me, humiliation burning my skin as I remained pinned to the floor.

Then Arabelle knelt and pulled me up, gently wiping the cream from my cheek.

“Be grateful, okay? Jaxon, let you come back.”

Jaxon handed me a document. “Sign this. Marry someone in Arabelle’s place. Repay your debt.”

It was a marriage contract to wed a man in a coma.

Sneers echoed around me.

“They’ll probably substitute a rooster for the groom.”

“She’s marrying into the Montgomery family. Every bride there ends up dead.”

Jaxon looked torn. “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to…”

“I’ll do it.”

I cut him off, just as calm as I had been when I fell for him all those years ago.

He stared at me, stunned. “You’re willing?”

I met his gaze without flinching. “This is what you wanted, right? Is this the final thing I need to do for you?”

Sensing his hesitation, Arabelle leaned into him.

“Jaxon, are you going soft?”

That snapped him out of it. He pulled her into a tight embrace.

“I’d never let Arabelle marry someone like that.”

She smiled victorious.

I picked up the pen and signed my name.

When I didn’t even hesitate, he tried to soften the blow.

“I’ll treat you well this week. If you want, you can sleep in my bed.”

Then came the knife beneath the sugar.

“But we won’t have kids. I’ll never father a child that isn’t Arabelle’s.”

I didn’t respond. A strange calm settled over me.

After this last task, in seven days, I would finally be free.

After signing the paper, I stood up, only to be hit by a sudden wave of dizziness. Years of malnutrition in prison had left me with severe hypoglycemia. My body gave way, collapsing forward uncontrollably.

Then, a pair of arms caught me. I was lifted gently, cradled horizontally, and placed on the sofa. Moments later, the sweet taste of honey water touched the corner of my lips.

With each spoonful, the haze slowly lifted. My vision steadied. The face before me blurred and shimmered through my tears.

Once upon a time, Callum had cared for me just like this.

Ten long years. So many grievances were swallowed, and so much pain endured. Through it all, the one belief that had kept me going was seeing him again.

If bringing Callum back meant throwing myself into the fire, I would do it without hesitation.

Still drifting in memory, I barely realized when I woke again, only to feel a hard shove. Jaxon had pushed me away.

Caught off guard, I hit the floor, the back of my head slamming hard. Pain pulsed through my skull as I clutched it.

His cold voice rang out above me.

“Don’t flatter yourself. This was just compensation.”

Murmurs rippled through the guests nearby.

“Give her a drop of kindness, and she wants to drown in it. Bootlickers are all the same.”

“Young Master Jaxon is too soft. She’s already clinging to his leg like a leech. Disgusting.”

“Young Master Jaxon, don’t bother with someone like her. She’s marrying into the Montgomery family, right? Just let them take her already.”

I struggled to my feet, breath shallow and hands shaking. Just as I braced myself, Arabelle sauntered over.

In a swift, hidden move, when no one was looking, her stiletto heel crushed down on my hand.

A sharp cry escaped me as pain ripped through my fingers. I jerked my hand back, blood already pooling beneath my palm.

But before I could react further, Arabelle suddenly stumbled backward in a dramatic arc right into the towering stack of wine glasses.

The crash was deafening.

Glass shattered. Red wine splashed everywhere. The entire hall seemed to freeze.

“Arabelle!” Jaxon’s voice rang out in panic as he rushed to her side, lifting her from the jagged mess of broken crystal.

Her white gown was drenched in red, the stains vivid and jarring, like blood blooming through silk.

“Arabelle! Are you alright? Say something!” Jaxon’s hands trembled as he brushed the tears from her face. “Someone, call an ambulance! Now!”

But Arabelle didn’t speak to him. Her tearbrimmed eyes were locked on me.

My hand throbbed, bleeding from where her heel had torn skin. But over the noise and chaos, I heard her soft, trembling voice.

“Liora, why did you push me? Didn’t you already agree to marry into the Montgomery family?”

Her voice cracked, perfectly timed, as a tear rolled down her cheek. “You must still hate me. You smiled and acted generously, but deep down, you still wanted revenge.”

The room went still. A suffocating silence swallowed the air.

Arabelle’s best friend was the first to charge over and slap me hard across the face.

“I knew you had bad intentions! You faked fainting just to win pity, didn’t you? So Jaxon wouldn’t send you to the Montgomery family?”

Suddenly, the entire banquet hall turned into a storm of righteous fury. People grabbed whatever they could reach, pastries, glasses, scraps, and hurled them at me without mercy.

Cream and cake splattered across my body. I crouched in shame, trembling, clutching my injuries as laughter and scorn rained down like knives.

Then, a pair of leather shoes came into view, cold, polished, and unforgiving. They stopped in front of me.

Jaxon stepped forward and lifted his foot, then slammed it down on my head.

His sole ground into my scalp, forcing my head low until my cheek smeared against the sticky cream on the floor. The humiliation was bonedeep, unbearable.

“You actually dared to hurt Arabelle? You’ve got some nerve. Did you think gaining my sympathy meant you could stay? Dream on. Get out. From this day on, there’s nothing between us!”

He pulled his foot away. I gritted my teeth against the pain and slowly stood, staring him down. My voice was steady, each word sharp and final. “Fine, as you wish. From now on, we are completely done.”

As long as I could marry that vegetative man and bring Callum back, I could vanish from this cruel world. I no longer needed to trail behind Jaxon, scraping for scraps. I was finally free, and I could walk away whenever I pleased.

Jaxon looked stunned as if he couldn’t believe I had the nerve to talk back. Then he sneered coldly. “I’d like to see how long that stubborn mouth of yours lasts. Don’t come crying to me later, begging me to take you back!”

“Don’t worry. I’ve promised to marry into the Montgomery family. I won’t go back on my word. I won’t pester you again.”

Without another glance, I turned on my heel and pushed open the Aldridge family’s doors under the weight of countless gazes.

I walked out, head held high, not once looking back.

Mocking voices rang behind me like sharp thorns:

“Leave her! Let her go! She dared to hurt Sister Arabelle; breaking her legs would be doing her a favor.”

“Young Master Jaxon, don’t worry. She’ll be back, crying within three days.”

But as I stepped into the sunlight, the world ahead seemed to shimmer. I thought of Callum’s warm smile, and for the first time in a long while, my eyes filled with hope.

This time, I didn’t need to look back.

Callum, once I finished this final task, we’d meet again.

The pain from the wounds on my forehead and hand flared up with each step as I left the Aldridge estate. I gritted my teeth, the blood staining my skin, but I didn’t stop. I had to go to the hospital.

The nurse took one look at me, bruised and battered, and then glanced toward a distant, luxurious ward, shaking her head.

“Comparisons will kill you,” she muttered.

Following her gaze, I saw Arabelle had also arrived. The doctor was removing glass shards from her skin. She had gone all out to frame me, willing to sacrifice her own flesh to see me suffer.

Each time the doctor touched her, Arabelle’s soft cries filled the air, and she clung to Jaxon as if they were the only two people in the world. Their affection for each other was sickening to watch.

The nurse pressed alcohol onto my wounds, the sting sharp enough to make me flinch. My hand, where Arabelle’s heel had stomped, was raw; a deep gash and ugly purple bruises marked the spot, a clear sign of her intent to destroy me.

Once my wounds were bandaged, I grabbed the bill and turned to leave. But as I rounded the corner, I ran straight into Arabelle.

Jaxon wasn’t around. Arabelle immediately dropped the act, crossing her arms and eyeing me with a mocking smile.

“How does it feel to be kicked out of the Aldridge family? Doesn’t feel so great, does it?”

Her words were hollow, like an echo that meant nothing to me. The truth was, the only two real consequences of leaving the Aldridge family were the lack of food and nowhere to sleep. She still thought I cared about Jaxon and still believed I was clinging to him.

I ignored her, trying to walk past, but she stepped forward, blocking my way. I frowned, meeting her gaze.

“Miss Kingsley, since I’m no longer part of the Aldridge family if you keep this up, things might get ugly.”

Arabelle sneered.

“Stop pretending. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re really up to. You’re acting like you’re leaving just so Jaxon will come after you, right? You think playing hard to get will get you back in his bed?”

I knew full well that Arabelle had the power to cancel the arranged marriage with the Montgomery family. To ensure the marriage went through and I could complete my final task, I didn’t dare provoke her. All I could do was grit my teeth and bear it patiently.

“So, what exactly do you want?”

“What do I want? I want you completely out of Jaxon’s life.”

“He only loves you. Besides, I’ve already agreed to marry into the Montgomery family. I won’t interfere with you.”

“That’s not enough…”

Arabelle’s eyes gleamed as she pulled out an invitation. She handed it to me, and I saw it was an invitation to her and Jaxon’s engagement party.

“Jaxon and I are getting engaged soon. I want you to come to our engagement banquet. I want you to see it with your own eyes. I want you to give up completely.”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to go. I’ve got other things to do.”

Clearly expecting my refusal, Arabelle wasn’t surprised. She asked, “So you don’t want your diamond pendant either?”

I froze. “My diamond pendant is with you?”

A smug smile crossed her face. “Of course. Jaxon saw I liked it and gave it to me while you were serving your sentence.”

My vision blurred, and my heart sank. That diamond pendant had been handcrafted for me by Callum. It wasn’t worth much, but it held his heartfelt intentions.

Before leaving, Arabelle’s voice was cold, almost a warning. “If you don’t come, I won’t give you the pendant.”

I sighed. It seemed I had no choice but to attend the engagement party.

On the day of the engagement, the banquet was filled with the city’s elite, a grand and bustling event. I arrived late, hoping to slip in unnoticed, but Arabelle spotted me right away and called out my name loudly.

Countless eyes turned toward me, all eager for the spectacle. I knew I was the one who shouldn’t be there.

Jaxon walked through the crowd toward me, his face cold as ice.

“What happened to your pride? Weren’t you all tough and proud yesterday? Regretting it now?”

“I knew you couldn’t live without me. What dirty tricks are you playing this time? I’m warning you, I won’t let you ruin my engagement!”

Arabelle, dressed elegantly in her noble engagement gown, walked gracefully over and stood close to Jaxon.

“Liora, you came too? Could it be you still can’t forget Jaxon?”

It seemed Arabelle hadn’t told Jaxon why I was there. Before I could say anything, she teared up.

“Jaxon, it looks like Liora really does love you. Maybe I should give you up to her.”

She reached for the necklace around her neck. Only then did I see the diamond pendant Callum had given me.

“Arabelle!” Jaxon shouted, his voice filled with panic. “I only love you. To me, she’s not even worth a dog.”

“Get lost!”

“But my diamond pendant…”

I tried to explain, but the guests quickly surrounded Arabelle to shield her.

“The parasite’s back? Didn’t she push Arabelle last time? What’s she up to now?”

“Just go die already, you disgusting trash. Can’t you stop ruining things for them?”

Amid the crowd’s harsh words, Arabelle looked at me smugly. It hit me: I had fallen into her trap once more. She never intended to return the diamond pendant. Her real plan was to invite me here to humiliate me.

I looked at the diamond pendant hanging from her neck. I couldn’t let Callum’s gift fall into someone else’s hands.

I pulled a gift box from my bag, looking at Jaxon sincerely.

“I’m not here to ruin your wedding. This is premium ginseng; I wish you both a long and happy life.”

“And I hope you can return the diamond pendant to me. Let me keep it as a memento.”

Jaxon stared at me, taken aback. He hadn’t expected that, even after he’d discarded me like trash, I still cared about his health at his engagement to another woman.

After a long silence and under the stunned eyes of the crowd, he accepted the gift box. His gaze flicked to the pendant on Arabelle’s chest, then he nodded.

“Fine. I’ll agree.”

With my goal accomplished, I quietly retreated into the shadows. My gaze fixed on Jaxon as he pulled Arabelle close and kissed her tenderly.

As the engagement came to an end, I made my way toward the exit, intent on slipping away unnoticed, when suddenly Arabelle called out from the stage.

“My diamond ring is missing.”

A ripple of panic spread through the crowd. I didn’t want to stir up any more trouble, so I headed for the door, but a security guard suddenly stepped in front of me.

“Miss, may I check your bag?”

Before I could respond, the guard yanked my bag open, and a diamond ring slipped out, clinking onto the floor.

The appearance of the diamond ring felt like a death sentence, sealing my fate.

The banquet hall erupted in chaos, like boiling oil splashed by a drop of water. Guests rushed toward me, hurling wine and food in my direction.

“She’s a thief!”

“Don’t let her escape!”

“I knew she came with bad intentions; how dare she steal the diamond ring!”

Security guards swarmed and pinned me to the ground. My face was pressed harshly against the floor, like a fish caught on a chopping board, helpless and at their mercy.

Somehow, Arabelle’s engagement ring ended up in my bag. I looked up and caught sight of a waiter quickly slipping away. It dawned on me that he had bumped into my bag earlier. That must have been when the ring was planted.

Through the noise and confusion, Jaxon pushed through the crowd, snatched the ring from the floor, and looked at me with cold disdain.

“I thought you had truly repented. Turns out I was wrong to go soft on you.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words stuck in my throat. With the evidence so clear, any explanation would be pointless.

Jaxon grabbed my hand so tightly that red marks quickly bloomed across my skin.

"Looks like you won’t learn your lesson unless you’re taught one."

Arabelle clung to Jaxon’s arm, her voice dripping with feigned kindness as she pleaded, "Let it go, Jaxon. Maybe Liora was just jealous of me. It's fine, I don’t mind..."

"Arabelle, you’re too kind. People like her don’t deserve sympathy."

With a snap of his fingers, an assistant quickly handed over a dagger.

"You’ve always wanted to take what belongs to Arabelle, right? Without these hands, how will you take anything?"

The words echoed in my ears, but strangely, fear didn’t grip me as expected. My only thought was, how could I still marry into the Montgomery family if I lost my hands?

A bodyguard held my hands down as Jaxon slowly approached, the knife glinting ominously. Cold sweat poured down my face. I knelt, my voice trembling as I begged, "Please, don’t do this to me. Even if I haven’t done anything good, I’ve suffered enough for you. Have you forgotten what happened at the forest lodge?"

Jaxon paused, his expression faltering. In that storm at the forest lodge, I took care of his injuries for three months.

Back then, the Aldridge family was embroiled in a fierce battle for the heir position. As the youngest son, Jaxon had far less power and fewer shares than his older brother, who had already secured the Vice President role. In a carefully planned car crash, Jaxon was trapped inside the vehicle. I risked everything to pull him out. The explosion sent us flying, throwing us dozens of meters away. Jaxon hit a rock, and all feeling in his legs was lost.

To keep the incident under wraps, I carried him through the snowladen night to a secluded villa in the forest. The roads were blocked, and there was no chance of reaching a hospital. Jaxon held his numb legs with a look of despair. In my past life, I had been a herbalist, so I decided to treat his legs myself. At dawn, I climbed the mountains to gather fresh herbs, boiled medicine through the night, and performed massages three times a day. After three months, his legs finally began to heal.

When he could walk again, Jaxon’s face lit up with hope. He promised me that once he secured his position, he would never let me down.

But instead of gratitude, I received three years in prison.

I later discovered that Arabelle had sent him a pack of medicine at that time. She, too, was involved in the medical field, and Jaxon always believed it was her medicine that had healed his legs. But I had seen that medicine was nothing more than a basic treatment for superficial wounds.

I never explained. I saved him out of pure instinct as a doctor and out of love for my fiancé. Holding onto the hope that I’d one day see Callum again, I endured each lonely night.

Jaxon clearly remembered. His hand, still gripping the knife, slowly dropped. After a long silence, he spoke, "Forget it. It's a happy day. We shouldn't shed blood."

Arabelle’s face tightened slightly, and she let out a sob. Hearing this, Jaxon added, "But for Arabelle’s sake, I can’t let you go so easily either."

"Since you tried to come between us, why don’t you kneel right here and let Arabelle and me walk over you into our happiness?"

Tears silently traced down my cheeks. Just hold on a little longer. As long as I can see Callum, I can bear any humiliation.

I nodded and whispered, "Okay."

As long as I could still marry into the Montgomery family, I would endure anything.

I knelt before Jaxon and Arabelle, bowing so low that my posture resembled that of a dog. The sight of me, humiliated beyond measure, caused the guests to burst into laughter. The shame was so overwhelming that even though my arms remained unbroken, the crowd no longer cared.

Flashes from cameras flickered relentlessly, each one capturing my degradation.

"Look at her, she’s just like a dog."

Jaxon took Arabelle’s hand, raised his foot, and stepped over me.

"From now on, don’t show your face in front of me again. Get lost."

I quietly dusted off my knees and walked out, my head heavy with humiliation.

The next day, the front page of every newspaper displayed a photo of me kneeling at the engagement banquet, with the headline:

"Aldridge Family Criminal Kneels Like a Dog at Engagement Banquet; Why?"

As I glanced at the newspaper, I was already on my way to the Montgomery estate.

Only four days remained. In those four days, I had to awaken the man in the coma and marry him.

The Montgomery family was an old, prestigious lineage.

Once one of the top families in Greenville, their power had faded when their only son became paralyzed ten years ago. Yet, their legacy and influence still lingered.

Their business still thrived, and even Jaxon seemed to flinch at the mention of the Montgomery name.

In the misty rain of Roseville, I pried open the heavy iron gate of the Montgomery Residence. The door swung open, and I smiled, hoping for a warm reception. But the moment the butler saw me, he slammed it shut.

"Disgusting. Where did this dog come from?"

Through the crack, I caught sight of the newspaper tucked under his arm. I quickly pounded on the door.

"I’m here to save your young master!"

The door creaked open again. The butler eyed me skeptically.

"You?"

Before I could answer, a familiar voice called out from inside.

"Butler Dayne, who is it?"

Five years ago, while collecting herbs for Jaxon, I had accidentally saved a woman. I kept it from him, quietly tending to her wounds until, one day, she vanished without a trace. I never saw her again.

That voice sounded like hers.

Butler Dayne seemed to leave to report something, and after a long wait, the door opened again, inviting me in.

The Montgomery estate sprawled out before me, its classical elegance filling the courtyard. I was led to a spacious tea room to wait. Not long after, I heard footsteps, the sharp click of high heels growing louder as a maid ushered someone in. As I looked up, I came facetoface with Arabelle.

She froze, clearly startled to see me. Jaxon, too, halted in his tracks when he saw me. His expression darkened, a scowl overtaking his features as though his face had become the color of storm clouds.

"You followed me? Didn’t I say you’re not allowed to show up in front of me again?"

I quickly explained, "I’m here to see Rigel, the young master of the Montgomery family."

His expression softened slightly, though suspicion still lingered in his eyes. "Why are you looking for him?"

"I’m here to treat—"

"You came early just to beg the Montgomery family to take you in, didn’t you?" Arabelle interrupted. "But Liora, you’re just a pawn to marry into the Montgomery family in my place for luck. Do you really think they’ll treat you kindly?"

"I’m only thinking of your wellbeing. I’m afraid you’ll be mistreated. You should leave quickly. If you anger Mrs. Montgomery, it won’t end well."

Her voice was sickly sweet, as though she were trying to protect me out of kindness. Jaxon glanced at her with appreciation, his gaze softening.

"Arabelle, you’re so considerate."

I blinked, confused; what was Arabelle doing here?

"And what’s your reason for being here?"

The maid at Arabelle's side spoke up, "Miss Arabelle just returned from studying abroad. She’s highly skilled in medicine, so we invited her to treat our young master."

Jaxon nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know Arabelle’s abilities. It was her medicine that helped me recover back then."

I turned my gaze to Arabelle, who lifted her chin, a smug glint in her eyes as she met my stare.

Arabelle clung to Jaxon’s arm like a pampered child. "Jaxon, I’m worried Liora’s presence might interfere with my treatment."

"She’s just a housewife, she doesn’t know anything."

With a wave of his hand, two bodyguards at the door stepped forward, grabbing me roughly and dragging me out.

"What are you doing? Let go of me!"

"You’d better leave. Don’t get in Arabelle’s way."

The maid sneered. "Someone like her has no right to step foot in our Montgomery estate. She’s a disgrace!"

"Stop! Let go!"

But just then, Butler Dayne burst into the tea room, panting. "Stop immediately! She’s an honored guest!"

Arabelle smiled sweetly and stepped forward. "Butler Dayne, you’re here. Please, take us inside."

But to everyone’s surprise, Butler Dayne walked right past her and came directly to me.

"Let go. All of you, let her go!"

The bodyguards released me at once. Butler Dayne bowed respectfully.

"Miss Liora, please come with me. Mrs. Montgomery wishes to see you."

The entire room fell into stunned silence.

Jaxon quickly pulled Arabelle aside and questioned, "Are you sure you’re not mistaken? This is Arabelle."

The maid hurried to add, "Yes, yes! Butler Dayne, maybe you got the names confused?"

Butler Dayne cast her a cold glance. "You’re fired. You don’t even know who the true honored guest of the Montgomery family is." Without sparing them another look, he turned and led me away.

I felt dazed. It was the first time in this world someone had shown me such dignity.

"This, how could this be possible? She’s just a housewife…" Arabelle’s stunned murmur echoed behind me.

Right in front of Jaxon and Arabelle, I followed Butler Dayne and walked out first.

We passed through a quiet covered walkway, and at its end stood a redwood door. The moment it opened, a slender figure appeared behind a gauzy curtain.

My eyes widened as I froze in place. "It’s really you?"

She smiled softly. "Miss Liora, it’s been a long time."

She stepped forward and gently took my hand. Just as I was about to respond, she suddenly dropped to her knees with a heavy thud.

"Please save my son!"

Behind us, Jaxon and Arabelle stood frozen in shock, having followed and witnessed the entire scene.

Before I could say a word, Arabelle shoved me aside and stepped forward to help.

"Aunt Tessa, what are you doing? You’re actually kneeling to someone like her?"

Tessa brushed her hand away without hesitation and turned back, resolutely kneeling at my feet.

"Please, I know you can do it."

Jaxon stared at me with confusion in his eyes, as if unable to understand what kind of strength a quiet woman like me, someone only known for taking care of others, could possibly possess.

I gently helped Tessa to her feet and said, "Since I’ve agreed to marry him, he is my fiancé, and I’ll take responsibility for him."

Only by marrying him could I bring Callum back. So, I would pour everything I had into waking him, even if it meant exhausting all of my medical skills.

As my words sank in, Jaxon’s expression shifted. Then, he snapped irritably, "Stop boasting. What do you even know about saving people? Arabelle is the real doctor!"

He dragged Arabelle forward and placed her in front of Tessa.

"Mrs. Montgomery, Arabelle just returned from studying abroad. She’ll definitely be able to save Rigel.”

“She’s the one who cured my legs!"

Tessa let out a cold scoff. "She cured your legs? I don’t trust someone who turned her back on my son."

Arabelle’s face turned pale.

Jaxon quickly explained to her, "Arabelle and I have been engaged for years. We were childhood sweethearts. The engagement with Rigel was something our parents forced on us."

Tessa let out a cold laugh. "Seems like you really don’t know people at all. Whatever. It’s a good thing I have Liora now. The two of you can leave."

Still trying to defend herself, Arabelle protested, "Aunt Tessa, don’t be fooled by her. How could someone like her possibly know medicine? She’s probably bluffing. Leaving Rigel in her hands would only make things worse!"

"I know breaking off the engagement was wrong, but I’m willing to make it up by doing my best to treat him!"

But Tessa acted as if she hadn’t heard a single word and turned to the butler. "See them out."

And just like that, Jaxon and Arabelle were thrown out of the Montgomery household.

Humiliated for the first time, Arabelle exploded in fury at the gate. "What kind of shitty Montgomery family is this? They don’t even know what’s good for them!"

Jaxon stared at her as if seeing someone he no longer recognized. She used to be gentle and kind.

Realizing she’d crossed a line, Arabelle quickly clung to his arm, her voice turning sweet and pitiful.

"Jaxon, I was only worried the Montgomerys might be fooled by Liora. Don’t forget, she’s always tried to ruin what we have. Maybe she’s lying again, just to get your attention."

Jaxon seemed to consider it for a moment. "If she’s really lying, the Montgomery family will find out sooner or later. You healed my legs; I trust you, naturally."

Arabelle clung to his arm, but behind his back, her expression slowly turned cold.

Liora, you bitch. Just wait.

Not long after Jaxon returned to the villa with Arabelle, the housekeeper came rushing over.

"Young master, the madam’s illness has flared up again..."

Ella, his mother, had long suffered from pulmonary blebs. The condition often left her writhing in pain and robbed her of sleep. Hearing that his mother was in agony once more, Jaxon grabbed Arabelle and hurried upstairs.

As soon as they pushed open the door, they found Ella curled up in bed, groaning in pain.

"Mom, Arabelle’s here! Her medical skills are topnotch. She’ll help ease your pain!"

But Ella cried out in distress, "Where’s Liora? Why isn’t that girl here?"

"Mom, she’s already gone to the Montgomerys."

"That damn girl! After everything our family did for her! Good riddance! I’ve got Arabelle now, and I don’t need her to take care of me!"

Arabelle glanced at the medical record and felt a pang of guilt. Pulmonary blebs? She had never even heard of it. Still, she forced a calm smile and said, “Don’t worry, Aunt Ella. I’ll get you some medicine.”

She hurried downstairs, rummaged through her bag, and pulled out two ibuprofen tablets. Handing them to the maid, she said, “This is special medication I brought back from abroad. Give these to Aunt Ella. I have something to take care of, so I’ll leave first.”

Upstairs, Jaxon watched with relief as his mother finally drifted into sleep after taking the pills. His heart settled. Thankfully, they had Arabelle now; Liora was nothing worth remembering.

A woman who couldn’t even compare to a maid had no place standing beside someone like Arabelle.

What they didn’t realize was that Ella was allergic to ibuprofen.

On the other side, I followed Tessa into a secluded courtyard. The air was still, the surroundings calm, and it was an ideal place for recovery.

As we pushed open the door, a slender figure came into view. Medical equipment surrounded him, and several private nurses moved quietly around the room.

Rigel’s skin was so pale that the blue of his veins peeked through, undoubtedly from years spent away from sunlight. His features were striking and sharp, like a sculpture chiseled in silence. With his eyes closed, the sharpness of his brows and the intensity of his gaze had softened into peace.

At an age when he should have been vibrant and alive, he had instead spent years trapped in a silent slumber.

“I’ve searched for every renowned doctor I could find, but nothing worked. He still hasn’t woken up,” Tessa said, her voice thick with sorrow. She clutched my hand, desperation in her grip. “Liora, you once saved me. I believe in you.”

I stepped closer to examine Rigel’s condition. I had already reviewed his case; ten years ago, he had slipped into a coma after a high fever. The doctors concluded it was nerve damage caused by the fever, leading to brain trauma.

Ten years ago, the very year Callum had that car accident and “died.”

I shook my head. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. My task wasn’t finished; there was no way the system would hand over the reward so soon.

I pulled out my traditional medicine kit and began examining Rigel.

Meanwhile, back at the villa, Ella’s condition only eased for a short while after taking the pills Arabelle gave her. By midnight, the pain returned, and she woke crying out for Jaxon.

Jaxon had just wrapped up work, drained from endless company troubles. Hearing his mother’s cries, he immediately sent someone to find Arabelle, but she didn’t answer.

The housekeeper approached, holding the empty pill bottle, her expression heavy with worry.

“Before, it was always Miss Liora who personally prepared the medicine for Madam. The relapse maybe because she’s run out. Ever since Miss Liora left, there hasn’t been any more.”

Jaxon’s patience frayed. “Just because she’s gone doesn’t mean no one else can take care of my mom.”

“But Miss Liora truly looked after her very well…”

He rubbed his temples, frustrated, and told them to call a private doctor. After a flurry of panic, the villa finally settled down. He looked up, it was already 3 a.m. Loosening his tie, he called out on instinct.

“Liora, make me a latenight snack.”

No one answered. Only then did Jaxon realize the woman who had always been there was gone.

He hadn’t even touched the last bowl of soup she made before going to prison. He had only watched as she was dragged into the police car.

He used to believe she did everything willingly for him. But now, she had broken free… and walked straight into the Montgomery family’s world.

Jaxon frowned, a dull ache blooming in his stomach.

It had been years since that pain returned, thanks to Liora’s careful care. Whenever he was exhausted, she would bring soup she had simmered for hours. He often complained about the bitter herbal taste, yet the pain never once came back.

Thinking about those ten years with Liora, everything in his life had been seamless. His mother had never once suffered.

Now that she was gone, why did everything feel like it was unraveling?

He glanced at his phone. Arabelle hadn’t replied since 9 p.m. A flicker of frustration rose in him. Still, Arabelle had healed his legs. He couldn’t forget that. As for Liora, he could only try to make up for what he had done.

Last time, she stole Arabelle’s ring. He hadn’t broken her hand, wasn’t that enough mercy?

And she didn’t even return to say thank you. Had she really grown that bold?

At some point, Jaxon dozed off on the sofa. He didn’t know how long had passed, but he vaguely heard a whisper. When he opened his eyes, someone was covering him with a blanket. Instinctively, he grabbed the hand.

“Liora!”

But Arabelle’s voice cut through the silence. “Jaxon, who are you calling?”

Seeing Arabelle’s stunned face, Jaxon realized he had let his guard down; he had just dreamed of that damned woman, Liora.

He hurried to explain. “Sorry, Arabelle. She was by my side for so many years. It’s just a habit.”

Tears shimmered in Arabelle’s eyes. “You called out Liora’s name. Have you fallen for her now?”

“No. I haven’t. I only love you. You know that.”

Noticing the trace of impatience flash across Jaxon’s face, Arabelle quickly changed the subject.

“Alright, I understand. I must’ve fallen asleep last night and missed your calls. That’s why I came early today.”

Jaxon nodded slightly, then turned and headed to his room to rest.

Arabelle followed close behind; her fists clenched tightly. Deep down, a storm of jealousy brewed. Jaxon’s heart was starting to shift toward that woman. She had to act fast.

She thought of the dinner from the night before, how the head of the Montgomery family had assured her father they would drive Liora out completely. That memory finally calmed her racing thoughts.

“Liora, you filthy bitch. I’ll ruin you soon.”

While boiling the medicine, I glanced at the calendar.

Three days left until the wedding.

During these few days of treatment, Rigel’s complexion had gained some color. Tessa treated me like an honored guest, pleased by the progress.

But I had stumbled upon an unexpected and unfortunate truth.

Rigel’s coma didn’t seem to be caused by any illness. My diagnosis revealed that his physical condition had already recovered.

The problem lay within his heart; there was an emptiness, something that no medicine could heal. What he lacked was fate.

I pondered deeply, as though something divine was guiding my thoughts.

As I fell into this reflection, several servants rushed in and knocked over my medicine chest. Bottles, tools, and herbs were scattered across the floor.

When I tried to stop them, two bodyguards pinned me to the ground.

“Let go of me! Are you crazy? That’s medicine for Young Master Rigel! It’s lifesaving!”

“Lifesaving or a scam, you know best yourself.”

A familiar voice echoed from the doorway. The clack of high heels grew louder, walking toward me with arrogant steps. I looked up and saw Arabelle’s smug face looming above me. Behind her stood Jaxon, Tessa, and an unfamiliar elderly man.

Tessa looked at me, her face tense as she anxiously spoke to the elderly man.

“This is the doctor I invited to treat Rigel. Her medical skills are outstanding; she even once—”

“Mrs. Montgomery! Don’t be fooled by this woman! She’s nothing but a liar! Didn’t you hear? She just got out of prison! And you trust her?” Arabelle cut in sharply.

Tessa’s eyes glared at Arabelle, but she was silenced when the elderly man raised his hand.

“That’s enough. I’ve heard enough.”

He turned to me and spoke slowly, “Out of respect for your connection to Jaxon, I’ll overlook how you managed to worm your way into the Montgomery family. Pack your things and leave. The engagement is canceled. I won’t pursue this further.”

When I heard the words "engagement is canceled," panic surged through me. Without it, how was I going to save Callum?

I looked at Jaxon. This marriage had been his idea. For the sake of his interests, shouldn’t he step in?

But to my shock, Jaxon nodded in agreement.

“You’d better leave. Using cheap tricks to get close to me will only make people look down on you. Now that you've been exposed, you won’t have a place left in this entire city.”

I was stunned. Wasn’t it he who had pushed me toward the Montgomery family? Now, he was regretting it?

Arabelle’s fake concern lingered in the air.

“Yes, little sister, don’t try to take on a job you can’t handle. I studied medicine abroad, and you’re nothing. How dare you pretend to be a doctor?”

I ignored them. Waking Rigel was all that mattered; it directly involved my fiancé’s life. I couldn’t retreat now.

I studied the elderly man carefully. Judging by Tessa’s and Jaxon’s respectful attitude toward him and recalling what I’d overheard at the banquet, this must be James, patriarch of the Montgomery family, the most powerful figure in Greenville.

I hadn’t expected Arabelle to go so far as to bring him here just to rid herself of me.

The guards holding me were about to drag me out, but I flicked my wrist, sending two silver needles flying from my sleeve. They struck acupoints in their arms, and they instantly let go, waving their arms in pain.

Upon seeing me fight back, Arabelle’s anger flared.

“Liora! How dare you act so arrogantly in front of Mr. Montgomery!”

I turned to face the old man’s fierce gaze. He sneered.

“You’ve got some tricks, little girl.”

He clapped his hands, and over ten strong bodyguards surrounded me.

“Break this girl’s legs and throw her out of the Montgomery household!”

The burly men moved toward me, closing in menacingly.

“Wait!” I shouted. “Who said I’m a fraud? I am a real doctor!”

I rushed to Rigel’s bedside and immediately inserted silver needles into several key acupoints.

The next moment, Rigel’s body twitched, and a faint murmur slipped from his lips.

Seeing this, Tessa rushed over, tears flooding her eyes.

“Rigel!”

Everyone stood in stunned silence. For ten years, Rigel had shown no signs of life, and even the most renowned doctors had failed. Yet, this seemingly powerless woman had stirred a reaction in him.

James’s shock was evident. He had long believed his only grandson had no hope of recovery.

His eyes brightened as he turned to me.

“You… How did you do that?”

I carefully put away the needles and sighed.

“I told you. I’m a doctor. Healing is in my blood.”

I ignored Jaxon’s disbelieving stare, my gaze flicking to the scattered medicine. I then looked meaningfully at Arabelle.

“If you hadn’t barged in and interrupted me, perhaps Rigel would be even closer to waking up now.”

Understanding the mockery in my words, Arabelle screamed in fury.

“You must have used black magic! Mr. Montgomery, don’t trust her!”

But James only looked at me with growing admiration.

“I don’t care whether it’s orthodox or not. If it works, it’s the right way. I’ve brought in countless doctors, and none of them made my grandson move a single inch. You’re the only one who has. If she’s not the hope of our Montgomery family, then who is?”

He then turned to Arabelle with disdain.

“If I hadn’t watched you grow up and owed your father a favor, I would never have agreed to your withdrawal of the engagement. You left as soon as my grandson went into a coma state. If not for that, I wouldn’t let you off so easily!”

He flicked his sleeve. “Men, escort Jaxon and Arabelle out! I need to properly entertain Liora! She is the true guest of honor!”

Without hesitation, the bodyguards turned and marched toward Jaxon and Arabelle.

“Mr. Aldridge, Miss Kingsley, please leave!”

Arabelle wanted to protest but was swiftly pulled away by Jaxon.

I bent down to pick up my medicine box, but James hurried over, blocking my way with a smile that was more flattering than sincere.

“The moment I saw Liora, I knew you weren’t ordinary. My judgment was poor earlier; please, don’t take offense!”

I turned to him, voice steady, asking the question that mattered most to me. “Then, can the wedding between Rigel and me still happen?”

“Of course! Absolutely! If Liora doesn’t mind my grandson being in a coma, once he recovers, our family will treat you with the utmost respect. A proper wedding, no broken promises!”

Relief washed over me as I nodded, finally at ease.

To my surprise, word of my skills spread quickly. Tessa and James announced my success, and overnight, Greenville buzzed with the news that I had brought Rigel back to life.

Everyone was shocked. Wasn’t I the same useless girl who had once trailed behind Jaxon?

The next morning, Jaxon’s phone exploded with calls from his best friends. When he checked, his screen was flooded with unread messages.

One of his closest friends caught his eye. It had a bold headline. [Greenville’s Miracle Doctor! Rigel Revived! Wedding in Three Days! The Entire City Sends Blessings!]

The glaring word wedding struck his eyes like a bolt of lightning. In a fit of rage, he smashed his phone onto the floor, the screen shattering into pieces.

"Good job, Liora! You really grew some guts!"

Trying to win him back with this trick? Not happening.

What divine doctor? It was all a lie!

His gaze fell to his own legs, memories flooding back of the three months at the forest lodge. How did Liora care for him day and night? Could it be possible that his legs had actually healed because of her?

His mind spun in chaos. One moment, he remembered her devotion; the next, he recalled all the sacrifices she had made for him.

How long was she going to keep up this game?

She’d run away before. He remembered how she had smashed a bowl and stormed out after he’d thrown away her carefully brewed medicine for seven days straight. But she always came back to coax him in the end.

It had always been this way. But this time, it had been four whole days. She still hadn’t returned to beg him.

Was she really planning to leave him?

The thought twisted in his chest, a suffocating ache rising as he imagined the possibility.

How could he care about a woman as useless as Liora?

As he looked at the messages from his friends, urging him to call her and check, Jaxon began to hesitate.

Forget it. It had been ten years. Lowering his pride once wouldn’t hurt. He'd give her a small reward, and she’d know how to serve him properly next time instead of constantly irritating him.

He asked the housekeeper for a backup phone, opened the contacts, and dialed the number, but no name was saved.

After a pause, a mechanical voice echoed in his ear.

"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please try again later..."

He tried again. Same result.

What did that mean?

Confused, he opened their message thread and sent her a text.

A second later, the chat window blinked with an exclamation mark and a prompt: You have been blocked.