Chapter 1 Betrayal

Aviah Lynch's POV

The night before my wedding to August Westerfield, in a hotel room.

I opened my blurry eyes after drinking too much, only to notice something strange on the ceiling—a screen displaying content that made my stomach drop.

"August, I've wanted you for so long. Finally, you're mine. Tell me, who do you prefer—me or Aviah?" The familiar voice made my blood run cold.

"You, of course, sweetheart."

They embraced and kissed passionately. As I watched their intimacy, rage surged through me.

I tried to move, to confront them, but my body wouldn't respond. And then I realized something even more horrifying—through the screen, I could see Scarlett Chambers watching me.

It wasn't my imagination. She was actually observing me through the screen.

I recalled how before my wedding to August, Scarlett had begged my father to let her handle all the wedding arrangements. Including tonight's party—she had organized it all.

That strange-tasting champagne she'd personally handed me. No wonder I felt so terrible afterward. The drink was drugged!

This was all her doing.

She wanted me to witness her stealing my fiancé.

That wretched bitch!

I wanted to kill her, but I couldn't move a muscle. Only my consciousness remained clear.

As my anger peaked, I heard the door open.

A figure entered. The room was dark, and I couldn't make out his face, but I heard his heavy breathing. A terrible realization dawned on me.

Without hesitation, the man lunged at me. I could only watch in horror.

His hair was long, covering half his face. I could barely make out his thin lips.

He moved like a relentless bull, repeatedly crashing into my body, into my soul.

I turned my gaze away, looking at the screen where my beloved fiancé and my cousin were. They were making love in front of me, while I was being violated by a stranger.

Grief and betrayal tortured me. Their conversation made it clear that August wasn't being coerced.

Perhaps the sorrow was too intense—I began losing consciousness. Before blackness took me, I vaguely noticed a long scar across the man's chest.

It nearly spanned his entire torso.

I fell into a dream.

In my dream, August and I married. We had children together. Life was peaceful, harmonious, and beautiful.

Until the chaotic noise outside the door jolted me awake. I opened my eyes to my naked body and the messy bedsheets—a clear reminder of last night's wildness.

I realized it wasn't a dream. It had all happened.

"Darling, are you awake? We should start our long-awaited wedding ceremony."

August's voice came from outside the door, now grating to my ears. I remembered clearly what he'd done last night.

I wanted to fling open the door and slap him, exposing everything he'd done, humiliating him completely.

But I couldn't. Because last night, I had also been with another man.

Though not by choice, the fact remained.

Whatever happened, I would get through today first. I would deal with the rest later.

The wedding of Aviah, daughter of Lakeview's wealthiest man, couldn't be ruined. I couldn't face such humiliation.

Suppressing my fury, I responded as calmly as possible, "Just a moment. I'll be right there."

Soon, the ceremony began. Under the officiant's guidance, we exchanged wedding rings.

I clutched August's arm, forcing a smile, entertaining relatives, friends, and high society figures.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen. The most beautiful woman in Lakeview is now my wife. Forgive me for stealing the dream girl you've all been pining for."

"Is that so? Aviah has always been wonderful to me. In my heart, she's an angel, and I'll spend my life protecting her."

"Rest assured, I'll love only Aviah for the rest of my life. I won't even look at another woman."

Even as August praised me, and his eyes were filled with love, all I felt was irony.

I desperately wanted to confront him about last night.

But now it wasn't the time.

As I was lost in thought, I heard gasps from the guests.

Curious, I turned to see what caused the commotion. On the large screen, which should have displayed our wedding photos, was footage of a bedroom. Two naked figures engaged in humanity's most primal act.

Though the video didn't show faces, everyone knew the woman was me!

My head buzzed. I froze in disbelief. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Last night had been recorded and was now playing for everyone to see.

The admiring voices around me vanished. I saw confusion on their faces, curiosity in their eyes.

I knew then—I was ruined.

Two angry voices rose, accompanied by a woman's.

Scarlett said, "Uncle Alexander, please don't blame Aviah. She didn't mean for this to happen. Perhaps things aren't what they seem."

"Alexander, I considered you my best friend. Is this how you repay me? On my son's wedding day, something like this happens—are you trying to destroy the Westerfield name?"

Alexander Lynch remained silent. I looked at my father, humiliated.

"Dad, let me explain."

I noticed Scarlett smirking behind my father's back. I immediately pointed at her. "It was her! She set me up!"

"Silence! After everything, you show no remorse and blame Scarlett! I've raised you for over twenty years, and you... you've disappointed me beyond words!"

Scarlett quickly interjected, "Aviah, I know you've looked down on me since I moved into your home. If blaming me makes you feel better, I don't mind. Don't worry, I know this isn't your fault. I'll make sure Uncle Alexander and everyone forgives you."

I felt sick as I watched Scarlett fake concern and listened to her act like she cared.

Only today did I truly see her for who she was.

"Shut up, you bitch! You set me up, you—"

A slap echoed through the room.