Sophia Lee had been the apple of the Lee family's eye for twenty years—until the real daughter showed up at their door with a DNA report.

Only then did she realize she was nothing but a switched impostor.

Overwhelmed by humiliation, she packed her bags to leave. But that very night, Alexander Lee pulled her into his car.

The brother who'd always been cold and distant pinned her against the leather seat, making her cry three times over.

Her voice grew hoarse from sobbing, but he gripped her waist, whispering repeatedly in her ear: "I've wanted this for a long time."

In that moment, she finally understood:

his years of aloofness had been deliberate restraint.

Soon after, he announced their engagement, deaf to all protests.

When their parents objected, he stripped their power, becoming the sole authority of the Lee family.

When the biological daughter threw tantrums, he cut off all her credit cards and threatened to send her back if she didn't stop.

Sophia couldn't accept being with the brother she grew up alongside. She fled countless times, only to be dragged back every single time.

Trapped in an escape-proof net, she found no refuge.

Until half a month ago, he'd driven out at midnight to buy the cake she'd been craving and got into a car accident

When he woke up, he'd forgotten everything.

The Lee family rejoiced. When introducing Sophia, they called her the housekeeper—not the woman he'd loved obsessively.

And now, they planned to send her away while Alexander remained amnesiac.

"Here's ten million dollars."

Robert Lee and Mary Lee hastily slid the check toward Sophia. "While Alexander's forgotten you, take this and leave. We raised you for years. We're begging you, never appear in front of him again, and never let him find you."

After a long silence, Sophia finally spoke.

"Fine. I'll complete emigration paperwork within two weeks and never return."

She took the weightless check, feeling like this entire year had been an absurd dream.

They wanted to send her away, and she desperately wished to leave.

True, Alexander had doted on her utterly this past year. But but this coercive love was something she couldn't bear..

Now that he had amnesia, this was her only chance to escape.

"What's happening here?"

The front door swung open. Alexander stood framed in the entrance, Olivia Lee following behind him.

Dressed in an impeccable suit, he was strikingly handsome, and the air of authority in power radiated from him, even the air seemed to be thicken with tension.

Robert and Mary's expressions changed instantly, forcing smiles. "Nothing important. We were just telling the maid something matters."

Mary nudged Robert, adding stiffly, "We will go upstairs for a nap now."

Before leaving, she shot Sophia a dagger-sharp glare, the warning in her eyes unmistakable.

Sophia lowered her gaze, clutching the hundred-million check. She turned toward the maids' quarters...

"Stop."

Alexander's voice was as cold as ice.

She froze in her tracks, head still bowed, her pulse nearly stuttering.

Leather shoes clicked across the floorboards. Suddenly, her chin was roughly lifted, forcing her to meet his dark, piercing eyes.

Her breath trembled, and unbidden memories flashed through her mind: him pinning her against the floor-to-ceiling window, pressing her into the bed, even holding her down on a table in the kitchen…

His fingers brushed against her chin, and his gaze was icy. “What perfume are you wearing?"

When Sophia was about to answer, he cut her off.

"Stop wearing it from now on."

He released her, voice dripping with disgust, "A maid should act like maid, don't try to seduce anyone."

Her fingertips curled inward.

In the past, he'd always bury his face in her neck, chuckling low, "What perfume are you wearing?

It smells so fragrant."

She'd shake her head, "Nothing at all."

He'd nipped at her earlobe, chuckling hoarsely against her skin, "Your natural scent is this alluring?

Sophia, every part of you was truly made for me. Don't even think of leaving me. Wherever you run, I'll hunt you down. Understand?"

She'd once thought escape was impossible. But this time, fate had given her a chance…

Sophia offered no explanation or argument, simply nodding, "Aright, I got it."

As he turned toward the study, she exhaled in relief. But just as she was about to head back to pack her things, Olivia charged forward and slapped her viciously!

"Sophia, how can you be so shameless?!"

Olivia shrieked, "You seduced my brother before, and now that he has amnesia, you still want to hook him?!"

"I'll have you know—my brother already has a fiancée!"

Her laugh turned triumphant, "The news of their arranged marriage will be announced soon. My future sister-in-law outshines you in every aspect!"

Sophia trembled faintly.

A fiancée?

Of course. Now that he had amnesia, the Lee family's status, suitors for a marriage alliance would swarm like moths to flame.

But none of that mattered to her anymore.

Olivia's not about to let her off the hook. She snapped. "Guards! Seize her!

Toss her into the cold storage room!

Let her learn the consequences of seducing my brother!"

The bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances, frozen.

Everyone knew how doting Alexander had been on Sophia once.

Once, a business partner had brushed against her. By the next day, that man's hand was cut off.

Olivia trembled with rage, "My brother has amnesia now!

She's not princess, and not the one he likes!

What exactly terrifies you?!"

She jabbed a finger at the guards, "If you refuse, all of you will be fired!"

The bodyguards still hesitated.

Just then,

the study door slammed open.

Alexander frowned, "What's all the racket?"

Olivia instantly donned a sycophantic smile, "Alexander, Sophia neglected her duties. I ordered bodyguards to punish her by sending her to the cold storage, but they defy me!"

He shot the bodyguards a cold glance, his voice icy, "What did she bribe you with?

How dare you disobey your master's orders!"

He turned to Sophia, eyes full of disgust, "Drag her out of my sight. Now."

With that, he slammed the door shut.

Alexander's verdict broke their hesitation.

Sophia closed her eyes as them dragged her away.

She'd always been afraid of the cold since childhood, so Alexander had kept the villa warm all year round.

On frosty nights, he'd even condescended to warm her icy feet against his chest.

Now? He'd condemned her to this punishment personally.

Arctic air stabbed through her. Sophia curled in the corner, her consciousness fading.

It's okay, Just endure a little longer.

Freedom neared.

Soon... she'd reclaim being Sophia—not Alexander's possession.

Just as she passed out, a desperate cry pierced the cold:

"Sophia!!"

A figure rushed into the cold storage, trembling as he picked her up.

When she woke again, the blinding white of the hospital filled her vision.

"Sophia, how are you?

Anywhere else uncomfortable?"

A familiar voice reached her ears, followed by a face as gentle as jade coming into view.

Gerald Miller sat by the hospital bed, eyes bloodshot. It was clear he'd been keeping vigil over her for a long time.

"Gerald?"

Memories of before she fainted slowly came back to her. She struggled to sit up. “Did you save me?"

Gerald nodded, his voice shaky with lingering fear: "I couldn't reach you by phone. When I rushed to the Lee family, I only found out you'd been locked in the cold storage room..."

He trailed off, because the TV in the ward suddenly cut to a news broadcast—

"The Lee Group and Davis Group officially announced their their alliance through marriage. Mr. Alexander Lee and Ms Lee Emily Davis will hold their wedding next month..."

On screen, Alexander stood stiffly in his tailored suit, expression icy, while Emily beamed radiantly with her arm hooked through his.

What a perfect match! He is a dashing gentleman, and she is a radiant lady.

Gerald instantly snatched the remote and turned the TV off.

Brief silence blanketed the ward.

After moments, he took a deep breath and turned to Sophia. "Sophia, I know everything that's happened."

"You couldn't escape before. But now... Alexander has amnesia."

His voice was soft, but steady. "Let me take you away. Please?"

Sophia lowered her gaze. "Thank you, Gerald. I'm already handling emigration paperwork."

"The Lees have served in politics for three generations. He can't leave the country."

She paused. "Once I'm abroad, he'll never find me."

A flicker of joy crossed Gerald's face. He instinctively seized her hand. "That's wonderful!

I'll help with the paperwork!"

She stiffened slightly, then pulled her hand back subtly.

Only then did he realize he'd overstepped. He hurried to apologize. "I'm sorry—I was just... too excited."

He paused, his gaze earnest and gentle. “But I want you to understand how I feel."

"After all this time, you must've noticed. Right?"

Sophia stayed silent, offering no reply.

Of course she knew.

From the day Alexander forcibly claimed her, Gerald had secretly aided her.

He'd even offered to help her escape once, but she knew Alexander's ruthlessness better than anyone.

She'd fled over ten times, and not once had she succeeded. The longest she'd stayed free was barely ten minutes before she was caught and brought back.

Once, a man merely chatted her up at a bar. Next day, he vanished from the city.

Alexander's web stretched everywhere. Escape was impossible. Dragging Gerald down? Unthinkable.

So she'd never acknowledged his feelings.

She shut her eyes, fingertips trembling. "Gerald, I..."

He seemed to anticipate her words, and quickly cut her off: "I'm not demanding an answer now!"

"I just want you to know..." He drew a steadying breath, tone gentle but firm. "Once you leave here, you'll lead a life as you wish."

"You can pursue the work you love, travel the places you like, and... fall in love with someone properly."

He smiled, faint bitterness in his eyes. "Even if it's not me, I'll rejoice for you."

"I only want you free from this past year's shadows."

Sophia froze, eyes stinging with sudden warmth.

Sophia whispered after a long pause, "Thank you."

"Once I leave here, I'll reclaim my peaceful life."

She gazed at the bright sunshine outside, her voice barely audible. "Traveling, working... and falling in love."

Gerald finally relaxed, his features softening. "Then I'll accompany you for the paperwork."

That afternoon, Gerald helped her finish the expedited paperwork.

"Your visa should be ready within two weeks."

The clerk returned her ID card. "Have a pleasant journey."

Stepping out of the embassy, Sophia exhaled deeply. Sunlight warmed her face, bringing unfamiliar lightness.

During the drive home, Gerald chatted breezily about overseas plans. He'd transfer through his family's business once her visa cleared.

"Sophia, don't feel pressured."

He hastened to add, "My family is just looking to expand into overseas markets anyway—it's not specifically for you."

As the car stopped at the villa, Gerald called out, "Wait."

His fingers gently smoothed her wind-tousled hair—as if handling fragile treasure.

Sophia looked up instinctively, then froze.

On the steps ahead, an icy gaze pinned her in place.

Alexander stood there. His suit sharply was pressed, and eyes was cold and imposing. An unseen pressure radiated from him.

Her fingers trembled as she quickly said to Gerald, "You should go now."

Gerald didn't pick up on anything unusual and continued, "Once the paperwork comes through, you—"

"Please leave!"

Her voice tightened, pleading as she looked at him.

He paused, then nodded. "Alright. Be careful."

Only after his car disappeared did she dare turn, climbing the steps one by one.

Alexander remained, watching her with an unreadable darkness in his gaze.

She shivered, her own frantic heartbeat pounding in her ears.

Would he be furious?

Would he break someone's wrist again, like when others had touched her before?

But instead, his voice came, detached and cool:

"We have guests. Go make a cup of coffee."

He turned and walked away, footsteps fading.

Sophia stood frozen, finally lifting her head after a long moment.

He... showed no reaction.

It seemed true—he'd really lost his memory.

Relief washed over her as she headed to the kitchen.

But when she carried the coffee into the living room, an extra person sat there.

She recognized her instantly: Emily, the woman from the news engaged to Alexander.

Robert, Mary, and Olivia now surrounded Emily, all smiles as they discussed wedding plans.

Alexander sat apart, silent and listening.

Sophia kept her head down, offering the coffee softly. "Your coffee, Miss Davis."

Emily glanced up, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

She reached for the cup—then "accidentally" tipped it.

Scalding coffee splashed across Emily's clothes.

Before Sophia could react, Olivia's palm cracked across her face!

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?!"

Sophia's lips parted, a broken defense forming—

"It wasn't me..."

But Olivia cut her off shrilly, whirling toward Alexander:

"Alexander! I've been meaning to tell you—this maid has impure intentions toward you!"

She jabbed a finger at Sophia with a look of disgust. "She hoards your things! she's clearly up to no good! Now she's jealous you're engaged to Emily, so she's been driven mad by jealousy and deliberately scalded her!"

Chill crept over Sophia at the blatant lie.

"I didn't..." Her voice shook, but Emily spoke over her, turning tear-bright eyes to Alexander.

"Alexander," she murmured, delicate and wounded, "Given your status, there will be many people trying to curry favor with you. If she isn't punished sternly... others might follow her example."

Robert and Mary chimed in instantly: "Exactly! She must be severely punished!"

Sophia froze. Suddenly, she understood—

it was all a show.

A trap they'd set together.

And Alexander despised those who chased after him.

Sure enough, his icy command came the next second:

"Take her away and lash out at her."

Without another word, he swept Emily into his arms and headed upstairs. "I'll call the private doctor."

Sophia didn't even get a chance to defend herself before two bodyguards seized her arms and dragged her out roughly.

Outside the villa, the night hung heavy and dark.

Olivia gripped the barbed cane, her face alight with unconcealed excitement and malice.

"Sophia, I finally have you in my grasp.."

She raised the cane and brought it down viciously!

Thwack!

The first lash split skin and flesh.

"Take this for stealing my identity!"

Thwack!

The second strike turned flesh into a bloody pulp.

"This is for seducing my brother!"

Thwack!

"And this for your utter ingratitude!"

...

"Ha! Why aren't you screaming now? My brother won't save you this time!"

Sophia bit her lip hard, refusing to cry out.

But the cane's barbs hooked into her flesh, each blow threatening to tear her apart.

Blood dripped from her back, her arms, her legs... each drop hitting the ground like a hammer.

Ninety-nine lashes.

Olivia poured years of pent-up rage into every strike, growing more brutal until Sophia's consciousness faded.

Only Olivia's shrill curses and the sickening thud of cane meeting flesh remained.

When the final blow landed, Sophia collapsed into the pool of blood.

Sophia woke again to find herself locked in a storage room.

A thin scab had formed over the wound on her back, tearing with searing pain at the slightest movement. She forced herself up and knocked.

A bodyguard's icy voice came through the door: "Miss Olivia says you still haven't learned your lesson. Three more days without food or water."

He paused, then added, "Mr Alexander agreed."

Sophia slid down against the door and suddenly laughed.

Olivia hated her—she knew that better than anyone.

Years ago, a twist of fate had let Sophia take Olivia's place as the Lee heiress, leaving Olivia to suffer alone outside.

Even after Olivia finally reunited with her family, Alexander refused to let his "fake heiress" leave, spoiling her beyond reason. Olivia couldn't even drive her out.

Now, Alexander had lost his memory. He didn't remember her, nor his own obsessive love for her.

Olivia finally had her chance for revenge.

Leaning against the cold wall, Sophia didn't struggle or knock again.

After all… in a few days, she'd be gone for good.

No point causing more trouble now.

So be it.

Without windows, the storage room lost track of day and night.

Huddled in a corner, Sophia's wounds kept her awake. She counted breaths to pass time.

Each day, Olivia had someone toss in photos.

Every shot showed Alexander and Emily in intimate moments—

His arm around her waist at a gala, whispering in her ear;

Kneeling to adjust her gown, gentle and chivalrous;

Slipping a diamond ring onto Emily's finger before kissing her in front of everyone.

On every photo's back, Olivia scrawled taunts in red ink—

"This is the fiancée my brother deserves."

"Who do you think you are?"

"Stop dreaming. He'll never remember you."

Three days later, the door finally opened.

Blinking against the light, Sophia saw Olivia looming above her.

"My brother went all out for Miss Emily's birthday bash," she said with malicious delight. "Quit dawdling! Go serve guests at the venue!"

Pushing off the wall, Sophia's legs trembled—but refusal wasn't an option.

After hastily applying ointment, gulping water, and forcing down food, she was shoved toward the banquet hall.

True to Olivia's word, Alexander had orchestrated pure opulence.

The ballroom transformed into a starry cosmos, crystal chandeliers scattering light, champagne towers towering over guests.

But all eyes fixated on Alexander's gift to Emily:

A blue diamond necklace worth millions.

He clasped it around her neck himself. Thunderous applause followed.

Still, whispers slithered through the crowd—

"Did Alexander really lose his memory?

He used to be crazy for Sophia—"

"Shh!

Keep your voice down!"

The Lee family was bold, arranging a fiancée for him while he had amnesia. Who knows if he'd tear down the Lee family when his memory returned…

“They say his amnesia is permanent. The doctors confirmed it…”

Sophia kept her head down, silently attending to her tasks as if the whispers didn't concern her.

Until—

A pair of heels stopped before her.

She looked up into Emily's smiling eyes.

“Sophia.”

Emily swirled her champagne, crimson lips curling. “Did you enjoy my welcoming gift?”

Sophia met her gaze. “This wasn't necessary.”

Her voice softened. “Alexander has no memory of me now. I won't interfere with you two.”

Emily laughed, her smile sharpening into a sneer.

“How generous.

I've loved him for years. When our families finally agreed to the marriage alliance, do you know how thrilled I was?”

Her nails dug into Sophia's arm, eyes burning with twisted hatred.

“And then?

He declared he only wanted you!

I loved him so desperately I offered him my billion-dollar empire as dowry. He threw me out without blinking…”

Her voice trembled. “That downpour… I still went to him. And there he was—coaxing you into bed. I saw it myself. Pinning you against the floor-to-ceiling window, so tender, so full of deep affection… He said he'd choose you over the whole world…”

“Do you know how shattered I was that day?

And now your ‘won't interfere' erases everything?!”

She stepped back, smoothing her gown with saccharine malice.

“Remember this, Sophia: I'll make your life a living hell.”

As Emily strode away, icy dread prickled down Sophia's spine.

She set down her tray to leave when Emily's panicked cry pierced the ballroom—

“My necklace is gone!”

Gasps erupted.

“The blue diamond necklace Alexander just gifted her!”

“Who'd dare steal it?”

Amid the chaos, Emily pointed directly at Sophia, tears welling. “She's the only one I spoke to…”

Every eye locked onto Sophia.

Alexander's gaze cut coldest—like ice-cold daggers.

Before Sophia could react, Olivia had already charged over with bodyguards.

"Search her!"

She snapped.

Sophia struggled backward: "I didn't steal..."

But bodyguards roughly pinned her down, stripping her clothes publicly.

"Found it!"

Olivia lifted the blue diamond necklace, declaring triumphantly.

She backhanded another slap, blood trickling from Sophia's mouth.

"Hadn't learned your lesson last time?"

She shrieked.

Sophia's vision darkened, but she insisted: "I didn't steal... There is security cameras here. You can check the foot..."

"Slap!"

Another slap cut her off.

Olivia turned to Alexander, voice venomous: "Alexander, seems she still clings to you.

Last time she scalded Emily on purpose, now stealing Emily's necklace. We have to make her really know her place!"

She flashed a cruel grin: "Saw a beggar outside. Let him have her tonight?"

Sophia's blood froze.

Next second, Alexander murmured "Hmm," eyes filled with utter disgust.

Lightning struck her soul.

She lunged, grabbing his sleeve: "I didn't steal it!

I feel nothing for you!

Alexander, check the cameras, I..."

Olivia paled, snarling: "Drag her!"

Bodyguards yanked Sophia's hair.

Sophia clung to Alexander's sleeve, knuckles whitening.

He pried her fingers off one by one.

Coldness spread from fingertips to heart.

As the last finger released, his voice cut through:

"Filth."

She bit down hard, tears cascading.

Memories flooded—days he cradled her like treasure, times he fretted over her slightest scratch...

A year ago, when she'd had a fever of 39 degrees Celsius, he'd flown back from abroad overnight and kept vigil for three days.

Half a year ago, when a wealthy heir had hit on her at a banquet, the man's family business had declared bankruptcy the next day.

Three months ago, when she'd craved cake at midnight, he'd driven there himself to buy it—only to get into a car accident.

Over the past year, he'd taken her countless times, day and night, as if he were addicted to her.

Now he stood under banquet hall chandeliers, handing her to a filthy beggar.

He even wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, as if touching something vile.

Bodyguards threw her into a dim guest room, deadbolting the door.

She curled in the corner, back wounds burning.

Soon the door creaked open. A sour-stenched man shuffled in—

ragged clothes, matted hair, yellow-toothed grin, eyes glinting obscenely.

"Pretty thing..." He rubbed his hands, lunging.

Sophia screamed, dodged, hurled a lamp. He cursed, slapped her face.

"Bitch, dare to disobey again? Sophia said tonight I can do whatever I want..."

He pinned Sophia on the bed, filthy hands ripping open her collar.

She screamed and kicked desperately, nails clawing bloody streaks on his face until he bound her wrists with his belt.

Just as he was about to succeed, Sophia groped for the vase on the nightstand.

"Crash!"

The vase shattered over his skull. He groaned and collapsed.

She broke free, stumbling out the door.

The hallway stood empty. Barefoot, she fled for her life, terrified the beggar might chase her.

Panicked, she pushed open an ajar door and slipped inside.

Darkness swallowed the room. She held her breath, curled in the corner.

Safe at last...

Just as she started to relax, the bathroom door swung open—

"Who's there?"

Alexander's low voice slurred through the darkness, thick with alcohol.

Her blood turned to ice.

In the darkness, Alexander's footsteps drew closer. Sophia instinctively moved toward the door, only to hear his voice again:

"Emily?"

His voice was low, "Why are you in my room?

Didn't I say we shouldn't rush things? Intimate things... we'll wait till after marriage."

Only then did she realize he hadn't turned on the lights and had mistaken her for someone else.

She bit her lip hard, forcing calm, mimicking Emily's voice: "I-I'll leave now..."

As she turned, he suddenly grabbed her wrist from behind: "Wait."

The next instant, he yanked her into his arms.

His chest pressed against her back, hot breath hitting her ear: "What perfume is that today?

Smells incredible... hmm?"

Her throat tightened, speechless. Then he turned her face and kissed her.

The kiss was fierce but lingering, laced with alcohol and that familiar predatory edge.

Just like before...

Dazed, she found herself swept off her feet and thrown onto the bed.

"Didn't you say... after marriage?"

Sophia's voice trembled.

He urgently kissed her collarbone, mumbling: "I changed my mind."

Realizing he meant it, she struggled and shoved him away.

He frowned, seeming to sense something off, reaching for the light switch—

No!

If he saw her face, if he recognized her, if it jolted his memory fully...

She grabbed his hand, "Don't, don't turn on the light."

That simple touch made him groan. He abandoned the switch, instead seizing her hand to kiss her harder.

His kiss deepened, palms roaming every inch of her skin like he was verifying something.

"Emily, you once said I adored you before amnesia," he murmured against her earlobe, "I didn't believe it."

His touch suddenly gentled, carrying a rediscovered reverence, "Now... I do."

All night, she clenched her teeth, eyes shut, letting him take her again and again.

His kisses burned, breath ragged, as if trying to fuse her into his bones.

The next day, dawn broke.

Sophia felt shattered and reassembled, her back aching too much to straighten.

Alexander still slept soundly, breathing steady, expression peaceful as if last night's frenzy were a dream.

She dressed silently, terrified of waking him.

But just as she prepared to leave, the door burst open—

"Alexander, time to rise. Weren't you taking me for breakfast?"

Emily's voice cut off abruptly.

She froze in the doorway, smile vanishing, pupils contracting. Then she lunged forward and slapped Sophia hard!

Slap!

The sharp crack echoed piercingly in the room.

"Shouldn't you be with that beggar?!"

Her voice shook with fury, "How are you here?! How dare you seduce him?!"

Sophia's cheek burned. She opened her mouth to explain—

"Shut up!"

Emily clamped a hand over her mouth, shooting a panicked glance at Alexander stirring in bed.

Then she quickly turned to the bodyguard at the door and snapped: "Take her back to the Lee family immediately!"

Two bodyguards rushed in immediately, grabbing Sophia by the arms and roughly dragging her out.

Sophia struggled a bit, but that only resulted in a tighter grip.

At the moment she was dragged out the door, she took one last look back,

Emily had already taken off her coat, wearing only a thin nightgown as she nestled into Alexander's arms.

And he, still asleep, unconsciously reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Sophia was dragged back to the Lee family by the bodyguards, too weak to stand straight.

Before she could step through the gate, Olivia sneered and blocked her way.

"Emily said you tried to seduce my brother again last night?"

Olivia gripped her chin tightly, "You're lucky. I drugged that beggar, and you still escaped him."

Sophia wearily lifted her eyes, "You know I've taken the money and will leave the Lee family soon... Why keep targeting me?"

"Why?"

She suddenly laughed, as if hearing something ridiculous, "To get back at you for all the humiliation before you leave!"

She yanked Sophia's hair, "You think you can just walk away easily?

Dream on!

Before you get kicked out of the Lee family, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

She signaled the bodyguards, "Hold her down."

The next second, Sophia's arms were roughly twisted behind her back, and Olivia raised her hand, slapping her hard across the face.

"Slap!"

A heavy slap landed on her face.

"Slap!

Slap!

Slap!"

Slaps rained down like drops, Sophia's cheeks quickly swelling and bleeding at the corners.

Just as her vision darkened and she was about to faint, a car engine sounded in the distance.

Alexander walked in with his arm around Emily's waist.

"What's going on here?"

He asked coldly.

Olivia froze instantly, her face turning pale.

She opened her mouth, not sure how to explain, when Emily clung to Alexander's arm and cooed.

"She must have done something wrong and is being punished~ Alexander, you... hurt me yesterday, didn't you promise to help me with the ointment?"

The usually stern Alexander now showed a doting expression.

He kissed Emily's forehead softly, "I'll be gentler next time."

Then, glancing at the disheveled Sophia, he said coldly, "If you're going to hit her, take her away. Emily needs her nap soon, she likes quiet, don't disturb her."

Olivia, as if pardoned, beamed, "Okay!"

Soon, Sophia was dragged to the farthest corner of the garden.

The bodyguards held her shoulders, and Olivia slapped her face repeatedly, like rain.

"Slap!

Slap!

Slap!"

The sound of slaps continued in the quiet corner.

Sophia lost count of how many she took, finally sinking into darkness.

The next day, a basin of ice water poured over her head, jolting Sophia awake.

"Sleep, sleep, sleep! How long are you going to sleep? Thought you were my brother's precious darling? Emily wants to see you, get up now!"

Olivia's shrill voice pierced her ears.

Sophia, exhausted, was pulled up roughly, every movement aggravating her injuries.

Entering the living room, she saw Emily nestled in Alexander's arms, the man flipping through financial reports with one hand, feeding her a grape with the other.

Just like he used to do with her.

Sophia's eyelashes trembled slightly.

If before Alexander had been somewhat distant with Emily, now he completely dropped his guard, giving all his tenderness to her.

It seemed that the night of misunderstandings had truly convinced him.

Convinced him that the woman in his arms was the one he loved.

"You're here?"

Emily looked up with a smile. "Our wedding was originally scheduled for next month, but Alexander insisted on moving it up."

"I haven't picked out the wedding dress or jewelry but. I need someone to go with me and give me some advice. I was going to ask Olivia, but she's going on a trip. So since that's the case, you'll keep me company these next few days."

Before Sophia could speak, Alexander chimed in without looking up, "You'll keep Emily company these next few days."

He paused, his voice turning icy. "If anything goes wrong, you know what will happen."

With that, he closed the file and wrapped an arm around Emily's waist. "Sure you don't need me?"

"No need~" Emily cooed. "You usually treat work as more important than life itself. Why so clingy all of a sudden?"

The corner of Alexander's mouth quirked up. He suddenly pulled her into his arms and whispered something.

Emily's face instantly flushed to the roots of her ears. She lightly thumped his chest. "Alright, off to the office!"

After seeing Alexander off, she shot Sophia a smug look. "We should get going too."

For the next three days, Sophia lived in hell.

She knew Emily only kept her around to torment her better.

Under the scorching sun, Emily made her run between dozens of dessert shops.

At jewelry stores, Emily forced her to hold heavy display cases for hours until her arms trembled uncontrollably.

The worst came when Emily "accidentally" spilled hot coffee on her unhealed back, soaking the bandages with fresh blood...

Sophia endured it all silently.

Just a little longer, and she'd be free.

Then came the bridal boutique.

"My legs are so sore from all this trying on," Emily complained, suddenly pointing at Sophia. "You—come massage them."

As Sophia approached, Emily kicked her to the floor and stomped on her hand—

"Ah!"

The pain shot straight to her core. Emily's stiletto heel ground over each knuckle, making Sophia's vision blur with sweat-drenched agony.

Emily smiled sweetly. "Does it hurt?

I feel satisfying."

Just as Sophia neared unconsciousness, the shop door swung open.

"Emily."

Alexander stood at the entrance, having witnessed everything.

Emily paled and flung herself into his arms. "Alexander!

Don't misunderstand—she put thumbtacks in my shoes! I just lost my temper—"

"No need."

Alexander cut her off, his gaze icy as it swept over Sophia's bleeding hand. "She's just a maid. You'll be mistress of the Lee family. Handle her as you wish."

He kissed Emily's forehead. "Only your feelings matter."

Emily beamed. "Wait here—I'll model the gown for you~"

Moments after she entered the fitting room, Sophia struggled to rise when—

BANG!

A crash echoed nearby.

"Emergency!" screamed a clerk. "Miss Emily fell down the stairs!"

Alexander's face drained of color. He dashed over, carrying Emily's bloodied form out.

He didn't even glance at Sophia as he passed.

Watching his retreating figure, Sophia remembered the past—

Once, he'd tenderly bandaged her finger over a papercut.

Now, her hands were mangled ruins beneath stilettos, and he looked through her.

Her heart felt torn open, but too numb to ache.

Her phone rang.

Using blood-smeared fingers, she answered shakily.

"Ms Lee, your emigration documents are ready for pickup."

Tears welled in her eyes.

Finally... freedom is coming.

She hailed a taxi immediately, ignoring her wounds.

Everything would end once she left.

Meanwhile, at the hospital—

A doctor rushed out. "Mr. Lee! Miss Emily has a coagulation disorder with a rare blood type! We've exhausted our reserves!"

Alexander's expression darkened. He snapped at his assistant: "Find every matching donor in the city. Whatever their demands—get them here to donate blood!"

Assistant immediately arranged a citywide search. Soon they found the person, but his expression looked uneasy: "We've identified them. The only match in the entire city is..."

He hesitated.

"Who is it?"

Alexander demanded coldly.

The assistant lowered his head: "It's... Sophia!"

Sophia had just finished packing, ready to leave the Lee family.

But before she could step through the main gate, bodyguards suddenly rushed in and grabbed her shoulders.

These were Alexander's personal guards?

Why would he send them to detain her?

Her heart leaped to her throat—

Could it be... he remembered everything?

Before she could process anything, they dragged her to the hospital the next second.

Alexander stood in the corridor, his face stormy. "Emily needs a blood transfusion. Only your blood type matches."

Sophia's heart gave a faint jolt. She stayed silent.

"I can pay you at any cost as long as you donate blood." He finished coldly, scribbling a check and slapping it against her.

She didn't move.

He wrote another, larger sum, flinging it at her face. "Enough?"

Still, she said nothing.

Irritated, he kept raising the stakes, checks slapping against her like snowflakes.

"I don't want money," Sophia finally spoke, her voice barely audible. "I just want you to promise me one thing."

He frowned. "What?"

"I want to leave the Lee family." Sophia lifted her head, meeting his eyes directly. "After I leave... I hope you never come looking for me."

He let out a scornful laugh. "Leave whenever you want. Why would I look for you?"

"Just a maid. the Lee family has plenty."

Sophia exhaled in relief. "Fine. I'll donate."

"You're honor-bound, Mr Alexander. Remember what you said today."

...

As the nurse examined Sophia, her frown deepened. "Ms Lee, you're far too weak. You have numerous injuries. Blood donation isn't advised."

"Forcing it carries a thirty percent risk of shock."

Alexander stood nearby, his gaze icy. "I don't care about the risk. I just need Emily safe."

He finished, seemingly expecting her to back out, and ordered the bodyguards directly: "Hold her down. Don't let her run."

Sophia lay on the hospital bed, watching crimson blood slowly drain from her body.

1000cc.

The absolute limit a human body could endure.

After the blood draw, darkness pulsed before her eyes. She lacked even the strength to stand.

But Alexander never once glanced her way, from start to finish.

He stood guard outside the emergency room, his eyes filled only with worry for Emily.

Leaning against the wall, she struggled to walk out.

When she passed him, she paused. She looked at him one last time.

"Alexander. Goodbye."

He didn't look at her. Didn't even turn his head. As if she were air, dust, and an insignificant passerby.

His entire heart was tethered to Emily in that operating room.

Sophia smiled faintly. She turned and left.

This time, she didn't even take her luggage. She went straight to the airport.

She was finally free.

As the plane lifted off, she slowly closed her eyes. Suddenly, she remembered long ago, when he'd pressed her against his chest, biting her earlobe as he whispered:

"Sophia, you can't escape."

"This lifetime. The next. You're mine."

Back then, his palms were burning hot. It truly felt like he could trap her for a lifetime.

And now—

she had escaped.

She was no longer his.