I always thought my love with Alexander Allen was natural and inevitable—until the day an explosion rocked my neighborhood.

In the chaos, someone captured a video of Alexander holding my sister, Laura Harold, tightly in his arms, kissing her passionately in the flames.

The video went viral, viewed over hundreds of millions of times. The internet crowned them the "Firestorm Couple."

That was when I realized—Alexander was never meant to marry me. The "LH" tattoo over his heart wasn't for me. The person he loved had always been her.

After the whole thing came to light, my parents turned on me for Laura. They forced me to divorce Alexander, made me move out of the house with him, and pushed me deeper into despair, over and over again.

Eventually, I gave up. I walked away—into another man's estate. For three years, I vanished from their world.

Then one day, Alexander and my parents suddenly remembered I existed. They called, ordering me to come home.

The man beside me, woken by the noise, was furious. "Tell them to get lost!" he snapped. "My wife is home. Where the hell else would she go?"

***

"I won't divorce him!" I said, my nails digging into my palm, voice shaking.

My parents' faces darkened.

"Lynette, can't you just be reasonable for once?" my mom scolded, her finger nearly jabbing my forehead.

"You stole Laura's marriage, tore them apart for years.

"The whole world's seen that video! You and Alexander were married in secret—no one even knew! Just divorce him, so your sister can finally be happy."

My dad cleared his throat and looked at me with a stern gaze.

Then he said, "Your sister's been through domestic abuse. And she's got a heart condition. Can't you show her a little compassion?

"Be good. Sign the divorce papers. Don't stand in their way."

I stared blankly at my parents—and at Alexander, still holding Laura in his arms.

It felt like someone had reached into my chest and crushed my heart in their fist. I could hardly breathe.

And Laura, nestled against him, looked at me with a faint, triumphant smile.

My parents knew she'd once dressed like me and copied my style—that was what made Alexander fall for her at first sight.

But they kept it from him—let him believe all along that the girl he loved was Laura.

We were both their daughters. But they only ever chose her.

Finally, Alexander spoke. "Lynette, I married you because I couldn't have Laura. But after the fire, everything became clear.

"I'm sorry for wasting five years of your life. I'll give you most of my assets—make sure you're taken care of.

"And even if I marry your sister, we'll still be family. Nothing really changes."

Sorry? Still family? Was that supposed to comfort me? None of them ever treated me like family.

As they began to grow impatient, I took a deep breath and signed my name.

The second I set the pen down, my mom snatched the divorce papers and excitedly handed them to Laura.

"Laura, you and Alexander should go register your marriage now! Once you get the certificate, we'll start planning the wedding!"

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on her, soft and loving.

"Oh, right!" My mom turned back to me. "Laura really likes this place. Since you've signed the papers, go ahead and move out. You can rent somewhere else."

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. Their attention was already back on Laura. No one even looked at me—not once.

***

With a hollow ache, I returned to the house to pack my things.

But the moment I opened the door, I saw Laura and Alexander wrapped around each other on the couch, kissing passionately.

When they heard me, Laura pulled away with a coy smile.

"Sorry, Lynn," she said. "That day, when the explosion happened, I thought I was going to die, so I...

"But the fire made me realize I still love Alex. You're not mad, are you?"

Though her words sounded apologetic, her face showed no sign of remorse.

"How about this? I'll cover your rent, okay?"

Before I could even respond, Alexander cut in, "Why would she be mad? You're her sister. What's there to apologize for?"

Laura gave him a bashful glance, then looked at me again, this time her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction.

"Lynn, I just wanted to ask... what was it like, being with Alex, you know, in bed? Could you teach me?

"I never did it with my ex-husband..."

Fury surged through me. I stared at her in disbelief.

Alexander looked at me with a crooked, mocking smile. "Come on, Lynette. You were good at that. Teach your sister."

I froze.

The next moment, he hugged Laura and kissed her fiercely again—right there on the couch. Moans and gasps filled the living room.

"Lynette," he said, looking up at me, eyes glinting with mockery. "Not gonna help? What's the next step?"

I knew he'd always resented how experienced I'd seemed on our wedding night.

Laura had dropped hints too—calling me "well-practiced," saying I must've had plenty of experience.

But the truth was, I'd only studied in advance. Yet, he believed Laura and thought I'd been with others.

I never imagined he'd humiliate me like this.

I couldn't take it anymore. I ran out, without grabbing my suitcase, crying uncontrollably.

I stumbled through the days, barely aware of anything. After renting a place, I meant to go out and pick up some essentials, but my vision went black, and I collapsed.

When I came to, I was already in the hospital.

"Congratulations, miss. You're three months pregnant!"

My hand instinctively went to my belly, but all I felt was a hollow, aching dread.

Two months ago, Alexander—half drunk—had pushed me into bed and been intimate with me. Just that once.

We never touched again.

Not long after, that video surfaced—him kissing Laura in the fire.

And that's when I realized... That night, he thought I was her.

I stared at the clip on my phone, the way he held her like she was everything. My eyes burned.

Since we were kids, I'd always been the sacrifice.

The hand-me-downs. The leftover toys, jewelry, bedrooms, love—even men. None of it was ever mine.

Right then, my phone rang. It was Mom.

The second I picked up, her panicked voice came through.

"Lynette! Come to the hospital! Hurry!"

I took a cab and rushed over. As soon as I stepped into the room, she grabbed my arm.

"Lynette, Laura's having a heart episode—go sign the blood donation form!"

I stopped her.

"Direct relatives can't donate blood. Mom, calm down—"

"You're not even our biological daughter, why the hell couldn't you?!"

Her voice ripped through the air. Then she froze. She hadn't meant to say it.

But it was too late. The words crashed into me, loud and unforgiving. I stood there, stunned, as everything around me went silent.

Dad's voice came low and strained. "You... you were abandoned at a hospital. We adopted you when no one else would."

"Laura has a heart condition, and your blood type matches hers. We just thought..."

Of course. It all made sense now—why they'd treated me so coldly all these years.

I forced myself to look up at them, my voice steady despite the tremble in my chest.

"I refuse. I'm pregnant."

Silence dropped like a hammer.

"You what?!" Dad was the first to react, shouting in disbelief.

"You're pregnant? What about Laura?! She needs that blood!"

Alexander frowned, eyes darkening as he looked at me.

"So I mistook you for Laura that night—fine. But you could've taken a pill. Were you planning this? What kind of game are you playing?"

I trembled.

"And when you used me as a walking blood bank, none of you stopped to ask who was really playing games!

"Why should I always be the one to sacrifice for Laura?!"

Mom grabbed my arm, her grip bruising. "Because we raised you all these years! You owe Laura!" she snapped, eyes wild.

"You'll get an abortion today. You're divorced—ending this pregnancy means you can donate the blood, and without the baby in the way, Laura and Alexander's life together will finally be secure!"

Rage and grief surged through me. I struggled against her, shaking all over—but the next second, she shoved me. Hard.

I slipped and fell from the stairs. The world spun. And then I hit the ground.

Pain exploded in my abdomen as my belly slammed against the floor.

A burning heat spread beneath me.

Terrified, I looked up at them. "Dad, Mom, Alexander—please! Save me! Save my baby!"

Dad pointed at the doctor without blinking.

"She's miscarrying! If the baby's gone, she can donate blood. Get it done—I'll take responsibility!"

Alexander met my gaze for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Then he turned away and walked off without a word.

Blood soaked through my pants.

My heart shattered.

I didn't fight when the doctors lifted me onto the gurney. They looked down with pity, but I felt nothing.

When I woke up, I reached for my belly—it still ached.

But there was nothing there. No heartbeat. No life.

I broke. Sobs tore from me, echoing off the sterile hospital walls.

Then, my phone buzzed. Two new messages.

"Have you thought it through? My parents always adored you. My promise still stands."

I stared at the screen. Then typed back, slowly and carefully, "Yes. Pick me up in three days."

All those years of chasing love and family—what a joke.

But the dream was over now.

What I didn't realize was just how far Alexander and my parents would go to protect Laura.

Even if it meant pushing me to death's edge—again.

Because I donated too much blood, I was still dizzy when I was discharged.

I stumbled back to my rental and slept for two straight days.

Before I knew it, it was the day I was supposed to leave. I packed my bags and contacted the landlord to end the lease.

That's when Alexander called. The moment I answered, his voice came through, fast and urgent. "You need to come to the hospital. We have something important to tell you."

The call ended just as quickly. I hesitated, then went anyway.

When I arrived, the hospital room was all smiles and harmony. Reporters were interviewing Alexander and Laura.

My parents were there too, beaming proudly as they watched the cameras.

After the reporters left, Alexander cleared his throat and turned to me. "So, here's the thing. Laura and I are married now. She's already had her heart surgery and just needs time to recover.

"But you know her—she can't sit still for long. She wants to start a business, something she can run from home while she heals."

That sinking feeling in my chest hit rock bottom.

Before I could say anything, Mom jumped in, sharp and direct. "That's why we asked you to come. Just give her a bit of money—not much, just 130,000 dollars."

I felt something inside me break, but I still forced out a cold laugh.

"If Laura wants money, she can earn it herself. And if that's too hard, she's got Alexander now. Why should I pay?

"Besides, you've all said it yourselves. I'm not even your biological daughter."

Laura looked at me with a face full of guilt.

"I'm sorry, Lynette. I know Alex is my husband now, but I want to be independent. I don't want to rely on a man.

"If you're not willing, that's okay. I'll try to think of something else."

She sat up, reached for my hand—her expression guilty, but the smugness in her eyes said everything.

"I know you've always hated me—"

"Why are you wasting words on her, Laura?"

Mom cut her off, her voice hard.

"Your dad, Alexander, and I looked into it. One kidney goes for 50 grand. But Alexander's got a connection. We can get 130 grand for it.

"You can live just fine with one. Go get the surgery done and send the money to Laura's account!"

I just stared at her, stunned by how casually she said it.

This was the family I used to love so much—now they felt like strangers.

Was this what I meant to them? Just a spare part? All because I wasn't their real daughter?

"Lynette."

Alexander spoke up again, "Even if you're not the Harold family's biological daughter, they've always treated you like family. Otherwise, they wouldn't have come to you for help.

"Can't you think a little more about Laura? If her business takes off, you'll benefit too."

Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous...

A wave of exhaustion—deep and final—washed over me. But oddly, I felt at peace.

I looked at them calmly. "Fine. I'll do it."

In an instant, Mom, Dad, and Alexander lit up with joy, crowding around Laura, showering her with praise.

I didn't look back. I walked out of the hospital and booked the surgery.

The anesthesia wasn't enough.

I clenched my teeth and endured every cut, every brutal slice of the scalpel inside me, and the sound of my kidney being removed.

I gripped the bedsheet so tightly that it tore beneath my fingers. I nearly blacked out from the pain—only then did it finally end.

I watched, expressionless, as the doctor held my bloodied kidney in his hand.

A single tear slipped from the corner of my eye onto the pillow.

One kidney in exchange for a lifetime of clarity. Worth it.

When I woke up, I transferred the money to Laura's account.

The phone rang almost immediately. I answered calmly. Laura's smug voice came through.

"So, Lynette—how's it feel to be short one kidney?

"You've always been the golden girl, so what? You still lost to me!

"As long as Mom, Dad, and Alex love me, I could ask for your death, and they'd say yes!

"Give it up, Lynette. You're not even their real daughter. Just accept the suffering you were born for."

I hung up. Then I glanced at the file the man had just sent to my phone.

Inside were two paternity test results—mine and Laura's. The results were opposite.

I was their real daughter. She wasn't.

"Results verified. The witness who originally swapped you and Laura is in prison now.

"Want me to get in touch with her for you?"

I smiled faintly and slowly typed back, "No need. Just come pick me up."

I got out of bed and walked out of the hospital. At the entrance, a sleek, black Pagani was already waiting.

I tossed the phone in the trash and got into the car without looking back.

Mom, Dad, Alexander, thank you for showing me who you really are.

From now on, let's never cross paths again.

In the hospital room, the Harold family and Alexander were gathered around Laura, beaming as they talked about the 130,000 dollars Lynette transferred.

"This is perfect! Now, Laura has her startup capital. Your dad and I can finally relax."

Laura turned to Alexander with a bright smile, eyes full of affection.

"Alexander, I'll become strong—strong enough to stand beside you as your equal."

Alexander patted her head fondly, but an unexpected unease stirred in his chest.

That money came from Lynette selling her kidney on the black market.

And the Harold family just handed it to Laura without so much as asking her once.

Was her wound hurting now?

Which hospital was she even in?

She just had a miscarriage—not long ago. How was she holding up?

The thoughts wouldn't leave him. While the others kept discussing business plans, Alexander quietly slipped out of the room and tried calling Lynette. No answer.

He frowned. Lynette never ignored his calls before.

She must really be angry.

Without overthinking it, he called his assistant to find out which clinic Lynette went to for the surgery.

A few minutes later, the assistant called back.

"Mr. Allen, the clinic did confirm she had a kidney removed. But she was discharged right after the operation."

"She was discharged?"

Alexander was stunned. She just had major surgery—how reckless could she be?

"There's something else. After being discharged, she left in a Pagani.

"I ran the plate, but the owner's identity is locked. Completely inaccessible."

Alexander froze. Lynette had been picked up. By someone in a Pagani.

Since when did she know someone that rich?

Had she started seeing someone new behind his back?

Rage flared in his chest. They'd barely divorced—how could she already have someone else lined up? What did she think he was, a joke?

Before Alexander could even tell his assistant to dig into the man's background, the assistant spoke first, "Mr. Allen, a folder just came through to your inbox. It's about Ms. Lynette. Should I forward it to you?"

Still irritated, Alexander didn't think much of it. "Yeah. Send it over."

He opened the file—inside were two DNA test reports. One for Laura. One for Lynette.

But in the next second, Alexander's eyes flew wide open. His breath hitched sharply.

The results were reversed.

Lynette was the real daughter. Laura wasn't!

But hadn't the Harold family always claimed Lynette was just a foster child?

Alexander refused to believe it.

He checked the name of the testing facility—it was the most authoritative, reputable institute in the States. There was no way it could be faked!

What the hell was going on?

"Who sent this email?!" Alexander barked.

"Mr. Allen, it was anonymous. The IP was hidden—we can't trace it."

Damn it!

Alexander turned and stormed back to the hospital.

Inside the room, Jimmy and Martha were still busy planning Laura's business.

Martha had just opened her mouth to speak when Alexander shoved the test results at them.

"Jimmy, Martha, are you absolutely sure Laura is your biological daughter?"

His voice was low and cold. Martha blinked in confusion.

"Of course. I carried Laura for ten months and gave birth to her myself."

She took the papers instinctively. As her eyes scanned the lines of text, her pupils contracted in shock.

"No... no, this can't be. There's no way Laura isn't ours!"

Laura stood frozen.

Alexander slowly turned to look at her. And only now did he notice—she didn't resemble either of her supposed parents. Not at all!

"No... this has to be fake. There's no way I'm not their daughter..."

She turned to Alexander for reassurance, but what she saw in his eyes made her blood run cold.

Why was he looking at her like that? With confusion. With dread. With the eyes of a man who no longer recognized her.