Planned Betrayal: My Fiancé and Best Friend Ruined Me

#Levy's Pov

A week before my wedding, my world shattered.

My home was robbed. My body was mercilessly beaten to the brink of death. When I opened my eyes in the hospital, pain gripped every inch of me. But the wounds weren’t the worst part.

The doctor stood beside my bed, his face filled with sympathy.

“We did our best,” he said softly. “But… your legs are paralyzed, and we had to remove your uterus due to severe injuries.”

My blood ran cold. My breath hitched. I stared blankly at the ceiling as his words echoed in my head like daggers stabbing my heart repeatedly.

I would never walk again.

I would never have children.

Carlos sat beside my bed, his face filled with concern. He held my hand tightly.

“I’ll make sure they face the harshest punishment,” his voice trembled.

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to think he truly cared. But before I could say anything, the anesthesia slowly pulled me back into unconsciousness.

Between light and darkness, I heard something.

“Levy is paralyzed. After this, she’ll lose her career as a doctor. Can you reconsider not removing her uterus?”

My heart sank.

“No.” Carlos’s voice was firm. “Make sure the surgery proceeds. I don’t want to have children with her. My only heir is Renata’s child.”

My hands trembled beneath the blanket.

“If you love Renata, why did you destroy Levy’s life? She’s a good woman. You’ve been together for years.”

Carlos chuckled, his tone laced with mockery. “Renata can’t be part of my family as long as Levy is around. She’s too outstanding. The only way is to utterly destroy her.”

My breathing became shallower.

“The robbery at Levy’s house… was that part of your plan too?”

Carlos didn’t answer immediately. But a second later, he let out a low, chilling laugh.

“Do you think it was just a coincidence? They got in easily because they already knew the layout of the house. I orchestrated everything. I made sure they didn’t take much, just enough to make it look like an ordinary burglary. But their main target wasn’t her wealth…”

He paused, then continued in a low voice, filled with pride.

“They were after Levy.”

It felt like the world was collapsing around me.

“What if she asks about the burglars and investigates?”

“I’ve already sent them abroad. Levy trusts me completely. I just have to tell her they’ve been arrested.”

“And how will you bring Renata and your child into your family?”

Carlos smirked. “Levy already considers Renata’s child as her own. If we adopt him, it’ll ease her heart. She trusts me and Renata so much that she won’t suspect… that the child is actually mine.”

Pain. An unbearable pain.

My fiancé was cheating on me with my best friend. And they even had a child together. I never thought the two people I trusted most would destroy me so completely.

They were the ones I relied on after my parents passed away. And yet, they were the very blades that tore my life apart.

Carlos—the man I had loved, the one who always looked at me with affection—was nothing but a traitor. Five years with him had been nothing more than a carefully crafted lie.

I wanted to scream, to cry, to fight back. But my body was too weak, and the anesthesia kept my voice locked inside me.

The doctor’s voice was faint. “You took advantage of Levy’s pure heart. You’re both monsters.”

Carlos merely chuckled. “Don’t make this complicated. Follow my orders, and you’ll get what you want.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. My sobs broke free.

“Levy?”

Carlos suddenly sounded panicked. I felt his hand on my head, but my body instinctively recoiled from his touch.

“Baby, are you awake?”

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. I could only cry with my eyes shut tightly.

“Did she hear us?” Carlos whispered, anxious.

“She shouldn’t have. This is a normal reaction to pain in her subconscious state,” the doctor replied.

Carlos let out a relieved sigh. “Thank God…”

And then, I lost consciousness completely.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in the hospital ward. Which meant… my surgery was over.

The first person I saw was him.

Carlos.

“You’re finally awake, baby.”

He held my hand and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, as if he were a loving man.

I wanted to slap him. I wanted to wipe that fake expression off his face. But I had to endure. I couldn’t be reckless.

Carlos gazed at me with a sorrowful expression—one that was obviously staged. “Levy, there’s something you need to know…”

I held my breath.

“It’ll be hard for my family to accept you now that you’ve lost your ability to bear children. But don’t worry, I already have a solution.”

My lips parted, but no words came out.

Carlos gently stroked my hair. I almost gagged.

“We can adopt a child…”

My hands clenched under the blanket. I knew exactly what he meant. He wanted to adopt Renata’s child. His own child.

He couldn’t wait to set his plan in motion.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared at the ceiling. No, I wouldn’t end up like this.

Carlos wanted to play dirty?

Fine. I would make him regret it for the rest of his life.

Levy’s POV

I returned home after my recovery period.The moment I crossed the threshold,Renata was already standing there with her son.They welcomed me with smiles that felt like daggers.

I forced myself to hide my grim expression.I wanted to act as if everything was fine.But inside,my heart was in turmoil.Renata pulled me into a tight embrace,as if I were the most important person in her life.

"I'm so sorry for what you've been through,"she said softly.

In the past,I would have returned her hug enthusiastically.I would have poured out all my emotions,holding nothing back.Renata had been my best friend since university—the only person I had ever trusted completely.

But now,after knowing the truth…After discovering that my own best friend had betrayed me with my fiancé,I was utterly shattered.

I wanted to scream,to demand answers.Why did they do this to me?Why did they make me feel like the villain,like someone who needed to be erased?

Carlos,who stood beside Renata,seemed to notice the shift in my demeanor.So did Renata.They exchanged glances,as if silently panicking.

"Are you okay?"Carlos asked,his voice slightly stiff.

I looked at him blankly."I'm tired.I want to rest."

Renata immediately stepped forward,taking control of my wheelchair."I'll take you to your room,"she said,her voice full of feigned concern.

On the surface,nothing had changed.Renata still appeared to be the caring friend.She prepared everything for my comfort—the blanket,the pillows,even a glass of warm water on the bedside table.I watched her every move with sharp eyes.

"Why?"

My heart was breaking.All this attention was just an act.For years,I had been deceived by her false kindness.

"What's wrong?"Renata finally noticed my gaze.

I swallowed hard,trying to suppress the storm of emotions raging inside me."Why did you do this to me,Renata?"

My empty stare met her face,which pretended not to understand.I wanted to believe that this was all just a nightmare.That the betrayal had never happened.

But my last shred of hope was crushed when the door opened and a man walked into the room.

Carlos smiled."This is my friend.He's a notary.He's here to process Paul's adoption papers."

I froze.

Carlos continued,ignoring my shock."After this,Paul will officially be our adopted son."

I hadn’t even asked.There was no point.I just stared blankly as the documents were placed in front of me.

"Just sign it,"Carlos said,as if this were a mere formality.

My hands trembled as I reached for the pen.My body felt cold.The pen slipped from my fingers before I could sign my name.

"You're not fully recovered yet,Levy.No need to strain yourself.A thumbprint will suffice."

Before I could protest,my hand was guided to the ink pad and pressed onto the paper.My fingerprint remained there—a forced agreement.

I stared at the mark I had left,my vision hazy.Meanwhile,Carlos and Renata beamed with joy.For a moment,they nearly embraced but quickly held back.

"Daddy,does this mean I can call you Daddy now?"Paul cheered.

Carlos laughed,lifting the boy high into the air.They looked like the perfect family.

I gave a bitter smile.My lover and my best friend were celebrating their happiness right in front of me—without a hint of guilt.

"Thank you,Levy.Finally,we’ll be a family forever,"Carlos said.

A family?No.You built a family on the ruins of my life.I was merely the sacrifice for your happiness.

"Levy,Renata is grateful to you.Why are you so quiet?You’ve been so cold to her.Be nicer—she's sharing her child with you,"Carlos said.

I wanted to laugh.She wasn’t sharing.I was the one giving everything.She was the one taking.

I remembered the past.I had once sacrificed my grades for Renata—doing her assignments,letting her copy my work,even taking the punishment in her place.I had willingly accepted the professor’s reprimand just to protect her reputation.I thought she was my true friend—someone who would stand by me through thick and thin.

But in the end,I was a fool.I had shared everything with her,and without realizing it,she had taken everything from me—including my fiancé.

And now Carlos had the audacity to tell me to be kind to her?

I took a deep breath,pushing down the nausea rising in my chest.I couldn’t take it anymore.

"I want to rest.Can you all leave me alone?"

Carlos shrugged."Fine.If you need anything,call me."He looked annoyed but tried to act concerned.

"Daddy,let’s play!"Paul whined.

Carlos smiled and immediately picked him up."Let’s go to the playground!"

I watched them with vacant eyes.

"Mommy,come on!"Paul called out to Renata.

Renata looked at me for a moment before saying,"I'm leaving now,Levy.I hope you don’t misunderstand.We just want to have fun for Paul's happiness."

I forced a thin smile and nodded."Go ahead."

But inside,I cursed them.Wasn’t this what they had always done behind my back?

When the door closed,I stared blankly at the ceiling.

How long had their relationship been going on?If Paul was three years old,that meant their affair had lasted much longer...or perhaps even before I was with Carlos.

My mind spun wildly.I tried to recall moments when the three of us were together.I reached for the drawer and pulled out an old photo album.Page after page,I examined every picture—until the truth hit me.

In every photo,Carlos was always by Renata’s side.He always looked at her with a different smile.

Memories flooded back.Carlos had been the most anxious person when Renata was about to give birth.He had waited for her at the hospital and was even the first to hold her baby.I had been there,too.

I had thought it was normal.Renata had no family to support her,so Carlos and I were the ones by her side.She had told me that her boyfriend refused to take responsibility for the baby.He had abandoned her.I had felt sorry for her,which was why I never questioned Carlos’s involvement in helping raise Renata’s child.

He bought clothes,toys,and Paul’s favorite food.He even set up a fund for the boy’s future.I had been proud of Carlos.I had thought I was lucky to have a man who was so responsible.If he was this caring toward his best friend’s child,he would surely be an amazing father to our future children.

But in reality,it wasn’t just a sense of responsibility.It was because Paul was his biological son.

And I,like a fool,had failed to see it—even when it had been right in front of me all along.

I gasped for air,my breath ragged.Then my eyes landed on my phone.I opened social media.

A new post on Renata’s account showed the three of them at the playground.The comments below made my blood boil.

"Such a perfect family!Paul looks so much like Carlos!"

I used to think so too.But Renata had always denied it,saying Paul resembled his absent father.

And once again?I had believed her without question.

My chest tightened.I let out a scream,releasing the unbearable pain burning inside me.Then,I grabbed my phone and dialed a number.

"Help me plan a car accident.I will fake my death so that he will never see me again!"

Levy’s POV

I remained still in my wheelchair. My hands clenched into fists on my lap, struggling to suppress the trembling. In front of me, Carlos’s mother stood with a piercing gaze, as if my very existence was a disgrace that needed to be erased from her life.

"You are not worthy of being my son's wife."

Her piercing voice stabbed through my ears. Every word that escaped her lips was a dagger aimed straight at my dignity.

"A crippled woman like you will only be a burden! I will never allow this marriage to happen!"

I lowered my head, not out of fear—but out of sheer disgust. I had anticipated this. I just hadn’t expected the humiliation to come this soon.

"Mother, stop."

Carlos stepped in between us, his voice firm and unwavering.

"I will only marry Levy. No one else. I love her, and I accept her just as she is."

I let out a silent, bitter laugh. I knew him. I knew every movement he made. I knew just how well he could fake it.

Carlos’s mother scoffed.

"She will only burden you for the rest of your life. Are you truly willing to bring this weight into our family?"

The door suddenly swung open, and Renata and Paul entered cheerfully. Carlos’s mother's expression changed in an instant.

"Renata! Paul!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "Oh, how lucky we are to have you in our family!"

Renata smiled and walked toward her.

"Paul will be the main heir of the Luwis family," Carlos’s mother continued proudly. "And Renata, you will be my daughter. You have saved this family by giving us your son."

I bit my lip, holding back something that threatened to burst from my chest.

"And you, what do you have to offer?" Her gaze bore into me. "You will only be a burden to my son. You are a curse to this family."

My heart clenched. In the past, I might have cried. But not this time. My tears had run dry.

"Enough, Mother!" Carlos snapped, pretending to be angry. "You’ve gone too far! Apologize to Levy!"

I knew this was just part of his act.

Carlos’s mother scoffed. "Come, Paul and Renata, let's go shopping. You can buy whatever you want."

Once they left, I let out a long breath. I wheeled myself forward, wanting to get away from there. But Carlos swiftly stopped me. He knelt before me, his eyes filled with what seemed like pain.

"Don't listen to my mother," he said softly. "I love you, Levy. Nothing has changed between us."

I stared at him for a long time. My eyes stripped away the lies on his face.

"Your mother is right, Carlos. I will only be a burden to you for the rest of your life."

Carlos looked shocked. But I wasn’t finished.

"Tell me, Carlos… is this really all because of love? Or is there another reason?"

Carlos fell silent. But there was something in his eyes—something he couldn’t hide from me.

"Renata is far more desirable than I am, isn’t she?" I asked again.

Carlos let out a deep breath. "Renata is just your best friend and Paul’s mother. Nothing more."

I gave him a small, knowing smile, pretending to accept his answer. Carlos seemed relieved. But that relief didn’t last long.

My phone vibrated. A message had come in.

Carlos accidentally caught a glimpse of it.

"Document cancellation? What did you cancel?"

I quickly locked my screen. "It’s nothing important. Just some work matters that needed to be postponed."

Carlos eyed me with suspicion but eventually nodded. "Alright."

The door suddenly opened. Renata was back, holding something in her hands.

"Levy, I remember you love this soup, so I brought it for you," she said with a warm smile.

I looked at her sharply. "Weren’t you leaving?"

"I was, but I remembered this dish. I’ll go after making sure you eat this soup."

What game was she playing now?

Carlos moved to grab a plate while Renata opened the lid of the soup and brought it closer to me.

The strong aroma of spices filled my nose.

I frowned. "Are you sure this is my favorite soup, Renata?" I asked coldly.

"Of course!" she answered quickly. "Come on, I’ll feed you."

I raised my hand, politely refusing. But Renata insisted.

And suddenly—the soup spilled. Right onto her lap.

"Aaaah!" Renata screamed in pain.

Carlos immediately rushed to her, without hesitation tearing the lower part of her dress where the hot soup had spilled, then carrying her to the bathroom.

I could only watch the scene unfold without expression.

I knew one thing. I hadn’t knocked over that soup. Renata had spilled it herself.

Yet Carlos didn’t care.

"Levy, I know you're unwell and need attention, but don't take it out on Renata by hurting her!" he snapped. "Look at her skin—it’s burned because of you!"

Renata quickly shook her head. "Carlos, don’t be mad. It’s my fault. Maybe Levy is just jealous of me…"

"Evil woman!" Paul’s voice suddenly echoed from the doorway. The child ran to Renata and glared at me with hatred.

"You truly are unfortunate!" Carlos’s mother spat. "Carlos, take Renata to the doctor immediately!"

Carlos nodded and left, carrying Renata in his arms.

I remained silent. There were no more tears. My heart had gone numb.

Without a word, I wheeled myself away and shut the door firmly behind me. Then, I picked up my phone and made a call.

"Are you sure about what you're planning? This is quite risky," the voice on the other end asked.

I smiled faintly. "I'm sure."

"Alright. As for the data you wanted, I’ve found it. There was indeed a large withdrawal from that account."

I narrowed my eyes and spoke in a colder tone. "Send me the data. And one last thing—"

"Make a death certificate."

# Levy’s POV

Before today, I was a respected surgeon. I had a bright future, was admired, and was surrounded by people I considered family. Now, I’m nothing but a former doctor—crippled, replaced, betrayed, and discarded just like that.

"Thank you for your cooperation over the past year, Dr. Levy."

I gave a small nod and forced a smile as I accepted my resignation letter. The paper felt heavier than it should, as if all my struggles and sacrifices were embedded within it.

I pushed down the storm of emotions in my chest and wheeled myself toward the doctors’ lounge to say my goodbyes. But as I approached, the sound of laughter from inside stopped me in my tracks.

"Congratulations, Dr. Renata! You have been chosen as the new lead surgeon to replace Dr. Levy!"

My blood froze. My hands clenched into fists, and something inside me shattered into pieces.

"Thank you..." Renata’s voice was bright, filled with pride.

Then, another voice followed—one that cut deeper than a blade.

"You truly are the best, Renata! What did I say? You were bound to get what you wanted!"

Carlos.

I swallowed hard and turned my wheelchair slightly to peek inside the room. My stomach twisted at the sight before me.

Carlos stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers, his eyes glowing with pride as he embraced Renata. They looked… perfect. Like a couple who supported each other and fought for their dreams together.

"It’s all thanks to you, Carlos." Renata beamed, then, without hesitation, kissed his cheek in front of everyone.

The other doctors chuckled, teasing them. But me? I laughed bitterly.

So this was the reason.

Carlos hadn’t just taken away my ability to walk. He had made sure I was completely erased so Renata could take my place.

I took a deep breath, but my lungs felt constricted. My vision blurred with boiling rage.

And then, Carlos' voice stopped everything.

"Levy..."

His voice silenced all conversations. In an instant, every pair of eyes turned to me.

The doctors who had just been laughing began to look away. Some offered awkward smiles, while others pretended to be busy with the files in their hands. One by one, they slowly exited the room, avoiding my gaze.

I laughed bitterly in my mind. How easily they had forgotten me.

Now, only Carlos, Renata, and I remained in the room.

"Darling, are you done with the hospital director? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have picked you up," Carlos said, his face full of concern, as if he hadn’t just been celebrating Renata’s victory.

I ignored him. My eyes locked onto Renata.

"Levy, I’m replacing you now."

Her tone was sweet, but I caught the subtle mockery underneath. Had I ever truly known her smile?

"Someone must have recommended you, huh?"

Renata’s smile widened, arrogance flashing in her eyes.

"Yes. Someone who has loved me since university. He’s given me so much… a home, a car, even something that once seemed impossible for me."

Her gaze flickered toward Carlos. From the corner of my eye, I saw him smirk proudly.

So, they weren’t even hiding it anymore?

I suppressed the surge of emotions rising within me. Their hypocrisy was blinding.

I smirked. "Well then, why don’t you two just get married?"

Their expressions tensed instantly.

"Paul would be thrilled to have a stepfather who loves his mother," I added lightly, savoring the way their faces paled.

"No!"

"Don't!"

Their voices clashed, filled with panic.

I leaned back in my wheelchair, pretending to ponder. "Hmm… I was just joking. I know Carlos loves Paul dearly. Sometimes, I even wonder if he’s his biological father…"

Carlos flinched. "Levy, you’re talking nonsense."

"Enough. Let me take you home," he said quickly, eager to end the conversation. He reached to push my wheelchair, but I stopped him with one hand.

"Wait."

I stared directly at Renata.

"If a man truly loves you, ask for proof. Don’t let him use you for a fleeting thrill. I don’t want you to end up like before—left behind just like that."

The air between us grew heavy.

Renata stiffened. Her eyes blinked rapidly, as if searching for a defense. But I knew I had struck a nerve.

"Levy, you’ve crossed the line!" Carlos glared at me.

I smiled in satisfaction.

If they thought I would leave with my head down and a broken heart, they were dead wrong.

This was just the beginning.

#Levy’s Pov

I sat in the living room, my fists clenched on my lap, while Carlos paced back and forth in front of me. His eyes burned with anger, his lips curling into a snarl like a wild beast ready to pounce.

"You’re absolutely shameless, Levy!" he finally snapped. "Why did you have to hurt Renata’s feelings? Can’t you control yourself?"

I remained silent, letting his words slam into my chest like a sledgehammer.

"Renata has done so much for you. Without her, you would have never even experienced what it’s like to be a mother! Do you even realize who stayed by your side when you were paralyzed and pathetic?!"

A bitter laugh almost slipped from my lips. So, that’s what he thought? That without Renata, I was nothing?

Carlos took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. "I want you to change your attitude. From now on, you need to treat Renata better. If she ever struggles with a patient, you have to help her."

He crouched down in front of me, staring deep into my eyes as if he were imparting some great wisdom. "There’s no better friend for you in this world than Renata."

Five years. And only now did I realize—I was nothing more than a stepping stone to them. Just a tool, a pawn to be used and discarded.

Carlos stood, straightening his suit. His expression softened, but I knew it was just a mask. "I won’t see you again until our wedding day. I’m busy preparing everything. Please, don’t cause trouble or draw attention to yourself. I want you to take care of yourself."

Without waiting for my response, he turned and left.

A few hours after Carlos left, someone knocked on my door. A man in a sharp suit handed me an envelope.

"This is Paul’s adoption cancellation letter, Miss Levy. As of today, you have no rights or responsibilities over him."

My blood ran cold.

With trembling hands, I opened another envelope he had given me. Inside was a bank statement—an account I had entrusted to Carlos, the inheritance from my parents meant to secure our future.

The numbers printed on the paper shattered any lingering doubts I had. A massive amount had been withdrawn without my consent. The recipient account showed transactions for a car, a house, and luxury goods.

Under Renata’s name.

I slammed the paper onto the table. My heart dropped, my hands shaking violently.

Carlos and Renata… They had stolen everything from me.

I immediately called the bank. My voice trembled as I ordered them to freeze the account and transfer all remaining funds into my new one.

I wouldn’t let them take anything more from me.

Then, I retrieved a flash drive from my desk drawer, my eyes locked onto it with determination. This was my insurance.

I plugged it into my laptop, ensuring that all the evidence was intact. Every conversation, every transaction—it was all here.

This wasn’t over.

The night before the wedding, I called Carlos.

His voice was relaxed, even slightly bored. "Levy, I’m busy. Let’s just meet at the altar tomorrow."

I paused for a moment before speaking softly, "I have a gift for you tomorrow."

Carlos was silent for a second, then chuckled. "Really? Wow, I can’t wait. Thanks, sweetheart."

I smiled faintly. "Hmm... Alright, I’m hanging up. Goodbye."

No response. But the call was still connected.

Then, faintly, I heard Renata’s voice.

"What does she want now? Ugh, that pathetic woman! I’m so tired of pretending, Carlos!"

My heart stopped.

"Patience. Just a little longer. We’ve come this far—don’t ruin it by being impatient."

"I’ve been patient enough, Carlos. Or… could it be that you actually love Levy?"

Carlos let out a small laugh. "Don’t be ridiculous, Renata. How could I ever love a cripple like her?"

A sledgehammer to my chest.

"I want proof."

"Hmm... I know what you want. I’ve already taken care of it."

There was the sound of papers rustling.

"You… You transferred half of your assets to me and the other half to Paul?! Carlos, you’re amazing! I love you!"

The sound of a heated kiss echoed through the phone.

I went numb.

"And what about you?" Renata asked.

"I still have Levy’s fortune. Once she dies, everything she owns will be mine."

"And what’s yours… is mine," Renata added, laughing victoriously.

Then, the sound of something falling echoed. Ragged breaths. Whispers. Whimpers. They were utterly disgusting.

I pressed a hand over my mouth, stifling the sobs that threatened to spill out. My chest tightened, my whole body trembling. Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable.

That morning, I sat in my wheelchair, dressed in a pure white gown. My face was pale, but my eyes were full of determination. In my hands, I clutched a bouquet of white tulips.

An assistant approached. "Are you sure, Miss?"

I nodded slowly. "Absolutely."

They wheeled me out of the room and into the car that had been prepared.

As the car moved, my mind drifted to the past. Carlos’s smile, Renata’s laughter, Paul’s embrace… They had all felt like a beautiful dream—one that had turned into a nightmare.

My phone rang.

"Where are you?" Carlos’s voice came through.

"On my way," I replied flatly.

"Alright, be careful, sweetheart. I’m waiting for you at the altar."

"Okay…"

Suddenly, a loud impact.

Glass shattered. The deafening crash of metal colliding filled my ears.

The world spun. Screams. Screeching brakes. And then—horrifying silence.

From the stillconnected phone, Carlos’s voice turned frantic.

"Levy! What’s happening?! Levy!!! Answer me! What’s going on over there?! LEVY!!!"

Only the wailing sirens of an ambulance echoed in the distance.

#Carlos’s POV

The sound of the violin that once accompanied our steps to the altar had now been replaced by echoing sobs that filled the entire hall. The happiness we had just celebrated instantly turned into deep sorrow. Guests who had been smiling, toasting, and dancing now stood in silence, their faces filled with shock and grief.

At the center of our grand wedding stage, a man in a black suit stood with a somber expression. In his hand, there was an envelope, which he now passed to me.

I stood frozen, my fingers clenching tightly. My eyes locked onto the letter, reading the name over and over again.

Levy Florence—died in a traffic accident.

My throat went dry. My breath caught. The paper slipped from my hand, only to be picked up and snatched away by one of the guests. And in an instant, everyone knew the tragic news.

Of course, many people deeply regretted this incident. Especially since they had just heard about Levy’s misfortune—how he had been paralyzed—and now, his death. They expressed their sympathy for his illfated life.

Beside me, Renata suddenly tightened her grip on my arm. I turned to her, and though her face showed sadness, I saw something else in her eyes.

A flicker of happiness. A barely visible smile.

A wave of nausea rose in my throat.

"Darling…" Renata whispered softly, her voice laced with pretense. "This is terrible… Was this part of your plan?"

AT LEVY'S HOUSE

The journey home felt long and silent. My mind was in chaos the entire way. I knew I had done many terrible things, but I had never wanted Levy’s death to come this soon.

As soon as we arrived at Levy’s house, Renata walked in first. The door shut behind us, and for the first time since the news broke, she took a deep breath—then let out a soft laugh.

"Finally…" she whispered. "Finally, everything that belonged to Levy is now ours!"

I stared at her blankly.

Renata turned to face me, her eyes gleaming with victory. "Carlos, we don’t have to pretend anymore. I no longer have to be your hidden lover. We can be happy together—with Paul!"

I didn’t answer right away. My gaze drifted toward the living room, now eerily quiet. Levy had once sat there. I could still picture his face, the wounded look in his eyes the last time we met.

This house—the home that had once belonged to Levy—was still filled with his presence. As if he had never truly left.

Footsteps echoed from the staircase.

I turned and saw my mother standing at the top of the stairs, her face filled with anger and disappointment.

"What did I just hear, Carlos?" Her voice trembled, her sharp eyes piercing through me.

I swallowed hard.

"You and Renata… have been having an affair all this time? You both betrayed Levy?"

I couldn’t answer. My affair with Renata had been a wellkept secret from my family—especially my mother.

Renata stepped forward confidently. "And why does that matter? Levy is dead. The past doesn’t need to be brought up again. Now, Carlos is with me, and we will raise Paul together."

My mother clicked her tongue. "Paul may be my grandson, but you, Renata… you are nothing."

Renata stiffened. "What do you mean? Didn’t you accept me yesterday?"

My mother slowly descended the stairs, each step firm with authority. "I can accept Paul because he is Carlos’s flesh and blood. But you? You are a woman with no background, no honor. I will never allow my son to marry you."

I watched Renata’s expression shift. The confidence in her eyes was now replaced with suppressed rage.

"I’ve been with Carlos for years!" she shouted. "I gave him a child! I sacrificed so much! Now, all of this belongs to us, and I have the right to be Carlos’s wife!"

My mother narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I will let my son fall into the hands of a woman who cannot even be trusted?"

I saw Renata’s fists clench. Her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling with emotion.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache creeping in.

"Enough," I said in a low but firm voice.

They both turned to look at me.

I took a deep breath. "Mother, Renata… we can’t argue right now. This is not the time."

Renata glared at me. "Carlos, you have to choose! Me or your mother!"

I fell silent.

I loved Renata, but something was gnawing at my mind.

Levy.

I pulled out my phone, my fingers quickly searching for a contact. I couldn’t rest until I confirmed something.

I stepped away from them, pressing the call button and waiting for the connection.

A voice answered on the other end.

"I need you to verify something," I said urgently. "The body… is it really Levy?"

There was silence. My heartbeat pounded in my chest.

"I need confirmation," I repeated, firmer this time. "Is he really dead?"

A breath could be heard on the other end before the person finally replied,

"I’m not sure."

I froze.

Not sure?

"What do you mean?" my voice tensed.

"The body was… unrecognizable due to the accident."

A chill ran down my spine.

If they weren’t sure… then there was a possibility—

I ended the call with trembling hands. My breathing quickened, my chest tightening.

Renata watched me with questioning eyes. "What’s wrong?"

I didn’t answer.

Because if Levy was still alive, then hell had just begun.