Chapter 1
Chapter 1 At dawn , Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes , the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint .
For a m a moment , she stared blankly , her mind groggy , before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall .
A bitter smile rugged at her lips She was back Back to this godforsaken day the day her life had been ripped apart .
The day she was sold into a marriage from hell , betrayed by the very people she had called family , and ultimately killed Hatred boiled in her veins , rising like a tide that threatened to drown her .
But just as quickly , she forced it down , letting icy calm take its place .
Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her .
Not this time .
This time , she wasnt that naive , helpless girl .
She was alive .
And she was here to make them pay , every single one of them .
The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts .
A sharp knock rattled the door , followed by louder, more impatient banging Before Odalys could even move , the door burst open with a deafening crash .
A tall figure stormed in , grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her Odalys Stone , are you fucking dead ! Henry Bennett barked , his grip bruising , his expression one of pure rage .
Her face turned glacial , her lips curling into a sneer Without hesitation , she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble .
As he regained his balance , blinking in stunned disbelief .
Odalys calmly reached for her phone , pressing the record button without missing a beat .
Henry gawked at her , his jaw slack .
This wasnt the meek , obedient sister he knew the one who flinched at his every word .
She wasnt cowering or apologizing .
She had fought back .
What the hells gotten into you ? he spat , pointing an accusatory finger at her .
Do you think this is some kind of joke ? The Stewarts are coming today , and youre still lying in bed ? Do you want them to take Sophia instead ? Is that it ? Odalyss gaze hardened , her voice cutting through his trade like a knife .
Why , Henry ? Isnt she the one engaged to him ? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place ? Youre scared shell end up a widow , but me ? Im just expendable , right ? His mouth opened and closed , his face turning an ugly shade of red .
Sophia is different , he muttered , his eyes darting away .
If people find out shes been married before , her life will be ruined .
A biner laugh escaped her lips , sharp and cold .
Oh , I see .
Her reputation is sacred , but mine ? Thats disposable ! How fucking convenient .
Henrys fists clenched at his sides , his face twisting with anger .
Before he could lash out , a frail figure appeared at the doorway .
Henry , stop , Sophia Bennett said , her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks , She looked heartbreakingly pitiful , her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow .
Tll do it .
Ill marry him , okay ? If he dies , then … then I Her voice broke into sobs , her frail body shaking as though she might collapse .
Enough ! Hannah Benneus voice sliced through the room like a whip .
Odalys turned her gaze to her mother , who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers , Caspian and Atlas Bennett .
Their faces were riched with fury , their contempt for her palpable .
Odalys , Caspian snapped , his fists tightening , how can you be so heartless ! Sophia is your sister .
Are you really going to let her face this alone ? Atlas crossed his arms , his tone dripping with disgust .
not asking you to die .
Just marry him for a while .
Once hes gone , you ll come back safe and sound .
Whats the big deal ! Their audacity was almost laughable .
Were Before her time travel , this might have broken her .
She might have screamed , begged them to see reason , only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty She had been drugged , stripped of her dignity , and forced into that cursed marriage .
And when it became too much , she had ended it all in despair .
But not this time.
Tine she said coolly , her tone so strady it was almost unnerving .
I never said I wouldnt marry him 2:42 PM Chapter 1 Taking a deep breath , Odalys straightened her shoulders , her lips curling into a calm , almost serene smile .
Without a word , she walked to her desk , picking up a pen and paper .
Her phone , still recording , caught every calculated move .
The room fell silent .
They exchanged confused glances , trying to figure out what game she was playing .
A moment later , she turned back to them , holding out a document shed just written .
Heres the deal youre all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me .
I want it airtight , legally binding , and notarized .
No bullshit , no loopholes .
Once thats done , Ill marry the guy .
Simple as that .
Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage .
Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer , his voice dripping with mockery .
Your Cut ties with us ? Who the hell do you think you are ? Spit it our- how much do you want ? Henry didnt even hesitate .
He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a call , detached expression .
Thirty thousand dollars .
Take it and get out .
Stop playing the victim its just a goddamn wedding .
Youre acting like were sending you to the gallows Sophias eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement , but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears .
No , no , dont do this , sister Her voice cracked as she shook her head , her tone full of exaggerated despair .
Til go .
Ell marry him if thats what it takes .
Please , dont fight with Mom and the boys because of me .
Its my fault I shouldve left the house the moment you came back if Id known you felt this way .
She spun around dramatically , her frail frame trembling with grief , and collapsed conveniently into Henrys arms .
Sophia .
Henry murmured , holding her close like she was made of porcelain .
He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom .
Is this what you wanted ? To tear this family apart ? Odalys met his fury with icy detachment .
Tim not tearing anything apart .
Just sign the damn agreement , get it notarized , and Ill go play your sacrificial lamb .
Their angry , incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people ? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldnt piss on me if I were on fire ? Once , shed been their discarded daughter , tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their replacement a shiny new girl theyd adopted to fill her spot .
Meanwhile , Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets , barely surviving .
If not for her mentor , shed have been dead long ago And yet , despite all that , shed come back , hoping to earn their love , only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable .
But this time ! This time , she wasnt here to beg .
Youll regret this ! Hannahs shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip .
She turned to the nearest servant and barked , Get the lawyer .
Now ! Her desperation was almost laughable she wasnt worried about principle , only about Odalys backing out .
The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent , too afraid to challenge their mother .
Uh… yes , maam the servant stammered before scurrying off Henry stood frozen , his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening .
Mom , youre not seriously doing this , are you ? he asked , his voice Linged with disbelief .
But before he could get an answer , Sophias soft sobs stole the spotlight Mom , lets not take it this far , Caspian chimed in , playing the concerned brother .
Shes still family .
Hannahs lips curled into a sneer , her eyes flashing with pure disdain.
This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away ! Fine .
Let her try .
Without the Bennett name , lets see how far she gets in this world .
The lawyer arrived moments later , looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever , Hannah showed the document at him without hesitation , watching as it was officially notarized .
Odalys took the signed agreement , her face calin and unreadable .
She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag .
Without a word , she turned and walked toward the door , her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor .
Move , she said coolly , her voice like a blade .
Youre in my way Hannals stood frozen , her fury simmering beneath the surface .
Finally , she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalyss retreating figure .
You selfish little bach ! Are you trying to kill me ?! 22:02 PM Chapter 1 But Odalys didnt even fl even flinch .
Her voice floated up the staircase , steady and sharp .
Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family ! Yes , maam , a servant replied hesitantly Everyone froze , their confusion quickly morphing into curiouty as they followed her downstairs .
There , Odalys stood in the entryway , surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door .
She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant .
Go to the bank , Open a safety deposit box and store everything there .
The servant blinked , visibly stunned .
Pardon me , maam ? Odalys arched a brow , her lips curving into a smirk Whats the problem ? Arent these gifts for me ! Y yes , maam , he stammered , nodding quickly .
At her command , a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks .
The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders .
What the hell do you think youre doing ?! Hannah screamed , her voice hoarse with rage SIND GIFT