We Had Three Babies, He Killed Them for My Sister

Rylees POV

The day I was discharged from the hospital after my miscarriage happened to be Vlad Armstrongs birthday. I kept it a secret from everyone and brought gifts home, wanting to surprise him.

I bought his favorite flowers and a watch, then rushed back excitedly. Before I could even push the door open, deafening music and laughter crashed into me, stabbing at my eardrums.

The living room was brightly lit, with streamers and balloons covering the ceiling.

Friends gathered together, chatting and laughing.

Madeline was wearing a dazzling silk gown, her cheeks flushed.

Vlad had one arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close as he kissed her.

My hand froze on the door handle. My entire body went rigid, a loud buzzing filling my ears as overwhelming nausea and helplessness swallowed me whole.

The man I had loved for so many years was actually involved with my own younger sister.

The people around them laughed and egged them on.

To keep Ryleethat walking blood bankby his side, Vlad went all out acting like a hero saving a damsel. He made her fall in love step by step, then trapped her completely.

What a pity. Once Maddies illness is cured, Rylee wont be useful anymore. Vlad will definitely throw her out like a dog.

Madeline leaned shyly into Vlads arms. Her voice was soft and sweet, yet laced with smugness and cruelty.

Of course, Im the one Vlad has always loved. But honestly, my sister really is stupid.

The first time, we lied and said her prenatal checkup failed, and she had her six?month?old baby induced.

The second time, we told her the baby was stillborn, and she believed it.

The third time, we gave her some pills, set her up to fall when she went out, and she even blamed herself for failing to protect her child.

Vlad lowered his head lovingly and gently rubbed her hair.

She and those two children existed only to cure your illness. I just want you healthy. I will only ever have children with you.

In that instant, my mind went completely blank. I couldnt breathe. It felt like the world spun violently around me.

So my three children hadnt died by accident at all They were murderedby their own biological father!

That day, I had begged Vlad to go see a stage play with me. After much pestering, he finally agreed.

But when it ended and we were walking down the steps, I slipped and fell, tumbling down.

My forehead was smashed open, blood everywhere. I was hemorrhaging badly below.

I was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The doctors issued a critical notice and needed a family member to sign.

But Vlads phone could never be reached.

Enduring excruciating pain with every movement, I desperately begged the doctors to save my baby.

This was a child I had risked half my life to conceivea child Vlad and I had longed for.

When I woke up again, Vlad was standing by my bed, his brows furrowed, his eyes full of pain and guilt.

He bent down and kissed my lips, then gently stroked my eyes, apologizing over and over.

Im sorry. This is all my fault. If Id been with you, the accident wouldnt have happened. If I had picked up your call, our baby could have been saved.

I stared at him emptily as tears streamed down uncontrollably.

I blamed myself again and again. Why did I insist on going out?

Did I trip on my dress?

Were my shoes not slip?resistant?

Why didnt I hold the railing properly on the stairs?

During that time, I hated myself countless times.

I had already lost two children. How could I still fail to protect this one?

Vlad stayed by my side every day, comforting me.

Dont blame yourself. Well still have children.

The more I thought about it, the more it felt like my head was about to explode.

All three waves of pain crashed down on me at once.

I had to grab the wall just to steady myself.

A metallic taste surged up my throat.

The loving man before my eyes overlapped with the man in my memories.

All those moments of love replayed before me.

At twenty, he charged alone into an abandoned building to save me after I was kidnapped. The kidnappers knife missed his heart by barely a centimeter.

Yet he covered my eyes and said softly, Rylee, dont be afraid.

At twenty?two, when my parents forced me to be Madelines blood donor and I argued with them until my heart condition relapsed, he willingly lost billions and cut off a major partnership with my familys company just to stand up for me.

At twenty?four, when he learned I was pregnant, he was ecstatic. He gave me the best of everything in the world.

He picked names for our baby, decorated the nursery with me, and dreamed of our future together.

But it was all fake!

Risking his life to save me was a setup.

Marrying me was to trap me by his side.

Looking forward to each child was for drawing blood.

He never loved me. He was only using me and my unborn children to save Madelines life!

And the man she claimed to have loved for years was not someone else at all.

It was Vald, my very husband!

Before I could even catch my breath, my parents came downstairs, smiling brightly.

Madeline ran over happily and kissed them on the cheeks.

Suddenly, Moms expression darkened, as if shed thought of something unpleasant.

If Rylee had agreed to the blood transfusion earlier, you wouldnt have had to wait for those two children and suffer for so long. Shes really bad luck.

If she werent still useful, I wouldve kicked her out of the family long ago, she continued. The position of Mrs. Armstrong should have been yours.

Madeline tugged at Moms hand, putting on an obedient act.

Its okay, Mom. Todays a happy day. Lets not talk about unpleasant things.

Everyone in the room chimed in, offering their congratulations to Madeline and Vlad.

So my parents knew, too.

I leaned against the ice?cold doorframe.

That metallic taste surged up my throat again, and I swallowed it down forcefully.

All that remained in my heart was raging fury, despair, and bone?deep pain.

I turned and ran away as fast as I could. My mind was filled with their voices, their faces.

Only when I reached a street corner did I finally stop, gasping for air.

As I stood there, lost and shaken, a mans name suddenly surfaced in my mind.

I wiped away my tears, took out my phone, and dialed a number.

He answered instantly, sounding surprised.

Miss Winters?

I forced down my sobs and spoke. This is Rylee. I want to make a deal with you. Or call it a partnership.

He paused, then laughed.

Did Vlad send you? Trying to ruin me again like five years ago?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

No. Back then, he drove you into bankruptcy, and your mother unalived herself. Now, hes deceived me, betrayed me, and killed my children.

I believe the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Ill help you find evidence to bring Vlad down. In return, help me take over Winters Corporation, and get me out of New York.

The man on the other end chuckled softly.

Deal. I look forward to working with you, Miss Winters. See you in one month.

After hanging up, I sent my lawyer a message.

[Please draft a divorce agreement for me.]

Then I turned off my phone and walked back toward home.

This time, I will live for myself.

And I will make them atone for the children I lost. I will make them pay the price for everything theyve done!

Rylee's POV

After hanging up, I crouched on the roadside, crying until I was utterly exhausted, until I was completely exhausted. Only then did I stagger forward.

I hadnt taken more than a few steps when dizziness hit me, sudden and overwhelming, and I fainted without warning.

When I woke up, I was lying in bed. My face still bore the wounds from hitting the curb when I collapsed.

Vlad sat at the bedside, worry etched on his face. Rylee, does anything hurt?

I stared at him, feeling disoriented. Was the man I saw earlier really him, or just a hallucination?

I raised my hand, wanting to touch his face as I usually did. But before my fingers could reach him, he recoiled instinctively.

The next moment, Madeline approached me, a faintly mocking smile tugging at her lips.

Rylee, your bodys way too weak. Just one miscarriage and youre fainting every day. How are you still going to carry on Vlads family line?

Her words pierced me like needles.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, forcing down the rising anger. My voice came out cold and sharp.

If I cant do it, maybe you should try.

You

Her face suddenly went pale. She opened her mouth to snap back but suddenly clutched her chest, gasping violently.

Her brows knitted tightly, her body trembling as if she were about to faint.

Vlads expression darkened instantly when he saw her like that. He jumped up and rushed to support her.

His eyes were full of concern as he steadied her. Then, he glared at me with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

Rylee, you know Maddies health is delicate. She cant handle stress, so why did you have to provoke her like that?

Watching him defend Madeline without a second thought, I felt absurd and bitter, a taste of humiliation rising in my throat.

Me? Provoke her? Vlad, get it straightIm the one lying here! Im the one who lost my baby!

The moment my words fell, my parents came rushing in. Seeing Madelines frail state, they immediately pointed at me and yelled.

Rylee! Whats gotten into you? You couldnt keep your own child, and now, youre taking it out on your sister? How did we raise someone so cruel?!

I looked at the three people I was closest to, seeing nothing but their defense of Madeline. In their eyes, I was a monster.

A rush of hurt and injustice swept over me.

I laughed bitterly, though tears welled up uncontrollably.

When we were children, Madeline was always sickly. My parents would say, Youre the older one; you must give way to your sister.

So I gave her my toys, my favorite treats, even my room and my hobbies. If she liked it, it was hers, no questions asked.

When I grew older, I thought Vlad would be my salvation.

He loved me, protected me, made me his one and only, and planned a future for me.

I thought I had finally found my happiness. But in the end, it was all a lie.

The one he loved was not me but Madeline.

My heart felt ripped apart, the pain so sharp I could barely breathe.

I took a deep breath, wiped the tears from my face, and watched them leave.

The next day, I checked myself out of the hospital. The divorce papers from my lawyer had also arrived.

I took my stuff and returned to the home Vlad and I had shared.

Opening the door, the living room scene froze me in place.

Madeline sat on the couch, frowning slightly every day while Vlad carefully fed her medicine.

Then he offered her a piece of fruit candy, speaking to her with tender affection.

See? Not bitter anymore.

The sight stabbed at me, almost blinding me with its intensity. I had never experienced such care and love.

When I was sick and complained the medicine tasted bitter, he would frown and coldly say, Good medicine tastes bitter.

He always told me I was grown-up.

But now, he pampered Madeline like she was a child.

I wanted to rush forward and drag them to hell. But I forced myself to breathe deeply, stay calm, and gripped the divorce papers tightly.

Someone who didnt know might think you two are married! I said.

Hearing my voice, Vlad froze, a flicker of panic crossing his face before he quickly suppressed it.

Maddie is your younger sister. I also treat her like my sister. Dont think like that, okay?

I scoffed, walked up to him, and handed him the papers, pretending to be casual.

Relax, Im just joking. I know I shouldnt have provoked Maddie yesterday. This is a gift I was planning to buy her. The amount is a bit large, so I need your signature.

Vlad eyed me suspiciously but took the papers to look them over.

Suddenly, Madeline began coughing violently, her face pale, the sound heart-wrenching.

Just like that, Vlad rushed to her side. Maddie, are you feeling unwell again? Come, lets go to the hospital.

He tried to take her with him. I quickly intervened.

Vlad, just sign. Itll only take a second.

He signed hastily and, cradling Madeline, rushed out the door without so much as a glance at me.

I stared at the sloppy signature on the divorce papers, a chill running through me.

The marriage he had begged for thousands of times was now over in a single instant.

Rylees POV

The day after that, Vlad didnt come back.

In the photo Madeline posted on her Facebook, Vlad was sitting gently by her hospital bed, his gaze filled with an affection so deep it seemed impossible to melt away.

The next day was my twenty-fifth birthday.

My parentswho had never once thrown me a birthday partyhad surprisingly arranged a celebration early that morning.

All because Madelines make-up celebration just happened to fall on the same day.

That morning, I stood quietly in a plain white dress in the corner, watching Madeline surrounded by guests at the center of the room.

My parents were busy greeting people, but Vlad and Madeline were nowhere to be seen.

A strange tightness seized my chest. I wanted to go to the bathroom, splash some water on my face, and calm myself down.

I had just reached the door when obscene panting and hushed whispers drifted out from inside.

Madelines voice was soft and coquettish.

Vlad youre so bad!

Vlad was breathing heavily, his voice low and seductive.

Maddie, wait a little longer. Once youre completely better, well get married. Ill give you a grand wedding.

Then came a long, suppressed groan.

My stomach churned violently. Nausea surged up as I clapped a hand over my mouth and stumbled into the garden.

I dont know how much time passed before Madelines voice sounded behind me.

Her cheeks were still flushed. Holding a glass of champagne, she walked over and leaned close to my ear, letting out a soft laugh.

Rylee, did you like the sound of Vlad and me being so loving? Why did you run off so fast?

I took a sharp breath, clenching my fists so hard my nails dug into my flesh.

She smiled and continued mocking me.

Vlad said youve miscarried three times. That youre all loose and saggy now. It disgusts him.

Every time after he sleeps with you, he washes himself for a long time. He even kneels in front of me, begging me not to be angry.

Oh, but you should thank me. If I didnt need your blood, you wouldnt even qualify to be Mrs. Armstrong. You should be grateful that youand your childrenstill had some use.

Every single word stabbed into my heart like a sharp blade.

Scenes from the past flooded my mind.

Ever since childhood, whenever Madeline got sick, my parents would force me to go to the hospital to give blood, calling it preparing a blood reserve for her.

And Vlad Only now did I realize that he had long been involved with the sister I hated most.

Marrying me was nothing more than a way to keep me close, so my blood would always be available for Madeline.

My entire body trembled. The rage inside me finally broke free. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

The sound was so loud that people inside the living room all turned to look at us.

Madeline covered her face, staring at me in disbelief.

She never expected me to actually hit her. From when we were young to now, I had always been the one who swallowed everything.

Her eyes reddened instantly, tears falling like beads from a broken string.

Y-You actually dared to hit me?!

As soon as the words left her mouth, a flash of viciousness crossed her eyes.

She turned and somehow pulled out a fruit knife, plunging it into her own arm without hesitation.

Blood instantly soaked her long dress as she screamed in terror.

Before I could even react, she shoved the knife into my hand.

Vlad rushed over at the sound, catching Madeline just as she was about to faint and pulling her into his arms.

She cried hysterically.

Vlad! It hurts so much... Rylee She she tried to kill me!

Vlad completely panicked. He tore open his shirt and pressed it against her bleeding arm.

My parents rushed over, too. When Mom saw the wound on Madelines arm, she let out a shrill scream and pointed at my nose, cursing wildly.

Rylee?! You heartless lunatic! Maddie kindly threw you a birthday party, and you actually tried to kill her!

Dads face was livid, his eyes blazing with fury. He stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face.

The force sent me crashing straight to the ground. Blood seeped from the corner of my mouth.

Vlad looked down at me from above, his face twisted with rage.

Apologize!

I wiped the blood from my lips, lifted my head, and met his eyes. My voice was icy.

I didnt do it! Why should I apologize?

He exploded instantly, reaching out and ripping the necklace from my neck.

My eyes immediately went wide open, completely forgetting the pain as my skin was scratched raw.

That necklace was made from the ashes of my deceased child. It was my birthday gift to myself.

It was the only thing I planned to take with me when I left this place.

I stood up and lunged to grab it, but he shoved me away.

Holding the necklace, he lowered it slowly toward the bonfire.

Rylee, Ill give you one last chance. Apologize.

The flames began to lick at the necklace bit by bit. I screamed hoarsely.

Dont! Vlad! That was your child, too!

But he didnt hesitate, continuing what he was doing.

Like a madwoman, I turned toward Madeline.

Im sorry, Madeline. Im sorry. Please forgive me.

The moment the words left my mouth, I ran toward the fire.

Just as I was about to catch the necklace, Madeline collapsed behind me.

Seeing this, Vlad immediately threw the necklace aside and sprinted toward her.

Rylees POV

No!

I screamed, thrusting my hand into the fire but still couldnt grab it.

The necklace vanished into the flames.

Guests turned their heads toward me at the sound of my scream.

They watched in disbelief as I, like a madwoman, risked burns and pain to reach into the fire.

Dad immediately barked orders to the bodyguards beside him.

Pull her up! Shes screaming like a lunaticso embarrassing!

The bodyguards immediately obliged and yanked me to my feet.

Dad gave me a disdainful glance.

Throw her in the basement!

With that, I was dragged away.

When Vlad carried Madeline past me, he didnt even spare me a glance.

I struggled and screamed, but it was useless. I felt like a broken doll being tossed around at someone elses whim.

I watched the bonfire blaze, and the last flicker of hope in my heart shattered completely.

Raging anger surged through my chest, and I coughed up a mouthful of blood.

They threw me into the dark, damp basement, the air thick with the smell of mold.

I curled up in a corner, shivering, my heartache intensifying until it felt like I couldnt breathe.

Im afraid of the dark; I have claustrophobia. And Vlad knows this better than anyone.

My consciousness started to blur, and uncontrollable memories flooded my mind.

I remembered the time I was trapped in the attic for a full day and night, just as dark and damp.

I was so scared that my whole body shook, crying until I lost my voice.

It was Vlad who, like a man possessed, found me and held me, whispering gently.

Dont be afraid. Dont be afraid. Im here.

After that, he installed lights in every corner of the villa.

During storms and heavy rain, no matter where he was, he would rush home and hold me, telling me not to be afraid.

Suddenly, I snapped back to the present. My heart was pounding wildly, sweat soaking my body.

Darkness enveloped me, only fear pressing in from all sides.

I dont know how much time passed before the basement door finally opened. The blinding light made me squint instinctively.

I stumbled, leaning on the wall, and slowly made my way out.

My parents stood there, their faces still dark despite the backlight.

Rylee, will you admit your mistake now?

I looked at them, a faint smile tugging at my lips, and shook my head.

I did nothing wrong.

Without another glance at their expressions, I turned and went back to my room.

The warm water from the shower thawed my freezing body, but it couldnt wash away the pain and hatred embedded in my bones.

No sooner had I finished than my bedroom door was kicked open.

My parents stormed in, faces twisted in rage, impatience written all over them.

What are you dawdling for? Maddie is crying in pain at the hospital! You better go apologize to her!

Dad grabbed my wrist and yanked me toward the door with enough force to feel like he might crush my bones.

Stop pretending! Hurry! Luckily, Maddies fine. If anything happened to her, Id skin you alive!

I had no strength to resist. They shoved me into the car, speeding toward the hospital.

The entire way, they muttered over and over, worried about Madelines condition, without a single word about my injuries or whether Id been fed in the basement.

When we arrived at the VIP ward on the top floor, a nurse suddenly rushed out of Madelines room in a panic.

Miss Madeline has a sudden drop in clotting function. We urgently need Rh-negative blood, or it could be dangerous!

Through the half-open door, I saw Vlad anxiously holding Madeline.

At that, Mom panicked, pushing me toward the doctor with urgency.

Doctor, take her blood! It can be used!

Dad chimed in, Yes, take as much as you need!

I stood frozen, my blood seeming to congeal in my veins.

I looked at my biological parents, and all I saw in their eyes was concern for Madelinenot a trace of care for me.

Even though I knew they were always like this, hearing it firsthand still hurt.

The doctor frowned, examining my pale face, then sighed.

Lets run some tests first.

I was pushed into the examination room and assessed.

Once the doctor learned I had recently had a miscarriage, his expression turned grave, and he moved to refuse my parents request.

She just had a miscarriage. Shes too weak. Drawing her blood now could be life-threatening.

But my parents didnt care, cutting him off.

Impossible! Shes tough!

Rylees POV

Hearing their words, I suddenly laughed.

Tough? Madeline is your daughter. Am I not? If I refuse, what exactly are you going to do to me?

The moment the words left my mouth, Dad flew into a rage and raised his hand, slapping me hard across the face.

My head rang violently from the blow. I couldnt even keep my footing, stumbling backward as my forehead slammed straight into the tiled corner of the wall.

Pain exploded instantly. Warm blood streamed down along my brow bone, a glaring, shocking red.

A weightless sensation overtook me. Just as I thought I was about to collapse onto the cold floor

I saw Vlad push the door open and instinctively run toward me, catching me steadily in his arms.

I lifted my head in a daze and caught a fleeting trace of pain flashing through his eyes. But it disappeared in an instant, forcibly suppressed.

Frowning, he snapped, Rylee, can you stop being so selfish? If you hadnt hurt Maddie, how could her old illness relapse? You must donate blood today.

His words were like a dull blade, sawing back and forth across my already shattered heart.

Before I could say anything, a nurse rushed out of the ward in panic.

Sir, Miss Madeline has lost consciousness!

Vlads body jolted. Without a second thought, he let go of me and charged into the room.

I was thrown to the ground, my back slamming hard against the marble floor, pain ripping the breath from my lungs.

He roared at the doctor, Draw her blood immediately! If anything goes wrong, Ill take responsibility. But if anything happens to Maddie, Ill make sure you regret it!

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to stand. Blood blurred my vision.

Watching his retreating figure, I suddenly laughed out loudlaughing so hard tears streamed down my face.

The next second, several nurses rushed over and pinned me down on the bed without explanation.

The cold needle quickly pierced my arm.

Bag after bag of bright red blood was drawn out. I could clearly feel my strength draining away with it.

Darkness began to creep into my vision. My face and body turned deathly pale.

Through the transparent glass, I could see Vlad holding Madeline in his arms, calling her name over and over again.

My parents stood by her bedside, their eyes filled with anguish as they prayed.

No one turned back to look at me. No one asked if I was in pain. No one cared whether I was about to collapse.

I didnt know how much time passed before it finally stopped.

I struggled to sit up; every movement felt like stepping on the edge of a blade.

Slowly, I walked out of the blood-draw room and pulled a document I had long prepared from my bag, blocking my parents as they were about to send Madeline into the operating room.

They glared at me, about to explode with curses, when I handed the agreement over.

Dad flipped through a few pages, his expression growing darker by the second.

I crossed my arms, my voice ice-cold.

Sign it. I want five hundred million.

He slammed the agreement onto the floor.

Have you lost your mind? he snapped. Rylee, you bloodsucking leech, you ungrateful wretch! We raised you all these years, and now, you want five hundred million just because you give your sister some blood?

I let out a cold laugh and crouched down to pick up the agreement.

Extortion? Five hundred million to buy your precious daughters life. Isnt that worth it? I shot back.

Pay me, I demanded, and maybe Ill willingly give blood. Dont pay me, and the blood you forcibly drew just now already constitutes intentional harm. Does that count as a crime?

Dads face turned ashen. He raised his hand again, about to strike me again.

I sidestepped to avoid it, holding the contract and turning to leave.

Fine if you dont sign. Then let your precious daughter fend for herself from now on.

I hadnt taken more than a few steps when Mom hurriedly called out behind me.

Hold on!

She shot Dad a look and lowered her voice.

Maddie still needs her blood. We cant let her go. Give it to her. It doesnt matter. In the end, itll all come back to us anyway.

Dad clenched his teeth, fury blazing in his eyes. He strode forward, snatched the agreement from my hand, signed his name, and flung it straight at my face.

The sharp edge of the paper sliced my cheek, but I felt no pain at all.

Enduring the agony and dizziness, I didnt spare them another glance as I walked toward the elevator.

I raised my hand and wiped the blood from my face. My eyes burned with hatred.

Everything they didI would remember it all.

And I would make them pay the price.

Rylees POV

I passed out the moment I stepped out of the elevator.

When I woke up, it was already the next day.

The door was open, and nurses were coming and going, chatting eagerly.

And Miss Winters Who wouldve thoughtone is a rich lady, the other a maid.

You shouldve seen how worried Mr. Armstrong was yesterday. For four whole hours, he didnt drink a drop of water. He just stayed by the other Winters daughters side, kissing her hand over and over, praying shed wake up.

Every word from outside stabbed at my heart, but I forced myself not to listen.

For the next week, no one came to see me.

Vlad and my parents were always at Madelines side.

Finally, I couldnt take it anymore and went home by myself.

The villa felt enormous, filled with memories of Vlad and me.

The furniture, rugs, chandeliers, paintings, decorationsevery item carried her heart and soul.

Once, I had dreamed of having a beautiful home. Now, I loathed it.

I packed everything piece by piece, throwing all traces of Vlad into a box.

I only kept a few personal items and clothes for myself in my suitcase.

A few more days, once I got the divorce papers, and I would leave for good.

With my packing done, I was about to say goodbye to my friends.

Just as I turned the corner, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I turned and saw Madeline walking toward me, her face glowing with smug satisfaction.

Rylee, you just got out of the hospital and already in such a rush? Where are you going?

I bit back my anger and ignored her, ready to leave.

But she stubbornly followed, her damn eyes shining with provocation.

You actually dared to threaten Mom and Dad for five hundred million. So what if you got it? Once you leave Vlad and this family, youre nothing.

I let out a cold laugh and shot her a glance.

Ah, so its the five hundred million that got under her skin!

Sure, Im nothing, but at least I have money! Not like you, a sickly brat who only thinks about scheming every day.

Unlike usual, she didnt fly into a rage. She just stood there in the backlight, smiling.

Before I could react, several masked men charged at us.

In the chaos, I felt a stick slam into my back.

Then, we were both dragged into a car.

I lost track of time, but eventually, we were thrown into an abandoned warehouse.

Madeline curled up in a corner, crying so hard she could barely catch her breath.

The kidnappers took out a phone, recorded a video of us being kidnapped, and sent it to Vlad.

I leaned against the wall, sweat running down my back from the pain. I gritted my teeth and addressed the kidnappers.

How much do you want? I can pay.

But they just burst out laughing.

The lead kidnapper stepped toward me with a knife. I struggled backward, but someone pressed me down and covered my mouth.

The knife cut through my clothes, and a cold shiver ran through me. I widened my eyes and shook my head frantically.

Harsh laughter and rough hands restrained me, their greedy eyes roaming over me.

I desperately looked at Madeline, but her gaze was merciless, cold, and unfeeling.

In that instant, it felt as if I had fallen into an ice abyss.

The humiliation I had feared never came. Instead, I was clothed again, blindfolded, and Madelines voice disappeared.

Minutes later, the warehouse door opened.

I heard Vlads anxious voice but he was calling Madeline.

Through a gap in the sack over my head, I saw him cradling her collapsed form, his voice trembling.

Maddie! Dont be afraid Im here.

Madeline buried herself in his arms, crying and gasping.

I thought Id never see you again

Seeing so many people arrive, the kidnappers tried to flee.

But suddenly, one of them shouted in my direction.

Miss Rylee! Were leaving now! Take care of yourself!

The moment he spoke, Vlad lunged forward, yanking the sack off my head and grabbing my shoulders.

His gaze was icy, cutting right through me, his teeth gritted as he spat, Rylee! You were in on this? You planned the kidnapping?!

He happened to grab the wound on my back. The pain was so sharp I couldnt even say a word.

Rylees POV

At that moment, Madeline fainted.

Vlad immediately shoved me aside in a panic and scooped Madeline into his arms as he hurried away.

I was taken home by the bodyguards. No one cared whether I lived or died, and Vlad didnt come back.

Seizing the moment when no one was around, I quietly slipped into his study.

I approached his desk and used the password I had secretly memorized to unlock his computer.

Inside, as I had expected, I found exactly what I was looking for.

Years ago, he had sabotaged Zanders company through malicious competition, even planting corporate spies, fabricating evidence, and driving him to bankruptcy.

I quickly copied the files to a flash drive, then deleted all traces from the computer.

After finishing, I received a call from the county clerks office, instructing me to pick up the divorce certificate.

But as I turned the corner of the street, a sudden sharp pain struck the back of my neck. My vision went black, and I lost consciousness completely.

When I woke, I found myself inside a sack, my hands and feet bound, my mouth gagged.

Through the muffled fabric, I faintly heard Madelines weak voice.

Vlad, forget it. After all, theyre my sisters people. Just have her apologize, and thatll be enough.

Vlad snorted coldly and dialed my phone, but no one answered.

Through the gap in the sack, I could see the expression on his face darkening by the second.

Madeline lowered her head, her eyes red.

Did she deliberately refuse to pick up the phone because she doesnt want to apologize to me?

At that, Vlad let out a mocking laugh and turned to his men with a cold command.

Deliberately? I have plenty of ways to make her come. He scoffed. Go to the western suburb cemetery, dig up the grave, and bring the urns to me.

My heart constricted violently. A suffocating pain spread through me.

He actually intended to dig up the childs graveto use it as leverage to force me to comply!

Hearing this, Madeline feigned protest.

Vlad, thats still her children This is too cruel

Cruel? Vlads voice was icy. What she did to you was a hundred times crueler. Today, Ill make her taste what it feels like to lose the thing she cares about most.

I lost track of time. Footsteps echoed again, accompanied by the sound of heavy objects hitting the floor.

I heard the notification of a video recording starting on his phone. His voice came through the screen, cutting straight to the bone.

Rylee, Im giving you ten minutes. Appear before me immediately and apologize to Maddie. If youre even a minute late, Ill take urns, mix it with meat, and feed it to the dogs.

Ten minutes, he repeated. If youre not here by then, all three urns will be fed to the dogs.

With a loud bang, my mind went completely blank. Tears surged out instantly, mixing with the dust on the sack and smearing all over my face.

I struggled desperately, kicking with all my strength, but the rope only tightened, cutting deep into my flesh, burning with pain.

I wanted to shout. I wanted to tell him I was right here. I wanted to beg him to spare my child. But the rag stuffed in my mouth blocked me completely. I could only let out desperate muffled sobs.

Whats going on in there?

Hearing the movement, Vlad glanced over.

Sir, maybe the kidnappers didnt tie her properly; she started moving, someone reported.

Without hesitation, Vlad ordered, Keep hitting her! Dont stop until Rylee comes.

In the next instant, a thick wooden stick slammed down onto the sack, pounding my back and stomach. Each strike tore through me with agonizing pain.

I curled up, trying to protect my head.

But the blows kept coming. My body convulsed with every hit, and blood seeped from the corner of my mouth, soaking the gag.

I could clearly hear the sound of time passing. Every second felt like being cut alive.

I twisted my body, hoping to attract his attention, but the only response was more relentless beating.

Finally, ten minutes passed.

Vlads voice was terrifyingly calm, yet icy to the bone.

Shes still not here.

Madeline squeezed out a few tears, choking on her words.

Forget it Consider it even for the time she donated blood for me.

Vlads voice shot up sharply.

Forget it? Impossible.

At that moment, I saw ashes being scattered into meat and thrown into a dog cage.

I tried with all my strength to whimper, hoping to make him stop.

But it was completely useless.

My whole body went cold, the intense pain almost making me lose consciousness. Tears mixed with blood slide continuously down my cheeks.

That was our child. Even if he never loved them, they still carried his blood.

And he fed them to the dogs.

Rylees POV

Then came the second urn and the third.

Each time the sound of an urn opening rang out, it felt like a knife slicing through my heart.

I bit down hard on the torn cloth until I tasted blood, my body shaking violently from the sheer pain and rage.

It seemed that Vlad had finally vented his fury. He turned off the camera and sent me a message, his tone icy.

Rylee, this is all your own doing.

The footsteps gradually faded while Madelines voice lingered nearby.

Vlad, dont be mad.

Only after they had turned and walked away did the bodyguards tear open the sack.

With the last of my strength, I freed myself from the ropes.

Before me lay empty, scattered urns while a few dogs gnawed nearby. The scene was unbearable to look at.

Blood and tears smeared across my face, every bone in my body aching as if it had come apart.

I collapsed onto the cold floor, trembling.

From around the corner, Madeline suddenly turned, smiling at me.

I stared at their retreating backs, my fingernails digging into my flesh, hatred boiling in my chest.

I swearI would also make them taste what it felt like to be abandoned by everyone!

I dont know how long passed before I managed to stand, gathering the urns.

After a quick hospital visit to tend to my injuries, I returned home.

I took a shower, changed clothes, and, pulling my suitcase, resolutely opened the door.

Turning for one last look at the home I had once cherished, I poured gasoline over it without hesitation and dropped a lighter.

Flames erupted instantly, swallowing the villa.

In the blaze, I slipped divorce papers into the mailbox, then turned and left, heading straight for the airport.

On the way, a massive street screen showed Vlad throwing a birthday party for Madeline.

Thats when I rememberedtoday was her birthday.

On the screen, Vlad had covered the beach in roses, and Madeline stood in the middle of the flowers, smiling radiantly.

My parents stood proudly nearby.

The irony was that Vlad still wore our wedding ring, yet here he was, leaning down to place a necklace on Madeline, his expression brimming with genuine love.

I watched the four of them, a bitter laugh escaping me.

Approaching the airport, I immediately spotted the man in the trench coat.

Tall, with thin lips pressed into a line and deep, unreadable eyes, he looked at me with a smile that didnt fade.

He walked toward me slowly, hand extended, smiling warmly.

Miss Rylee, long time no see.

Long time no see, I replied with a smile, shaking his hand.

Today is my little sisters birthday. As her older sister, I want to give her a gift.

I handed him the flash drive I held.

He understood immediately and passed it to his assistant.

The plane lifted off, and I used the last of my strength.

In a daze, I felt a strong hand supporting my head.

Then, I fell into a deep sleep.

At that very moment, Madeline checked her phone at the birthday party, screamed, and fainted.

The celebration instantly fell into chaos.

Vlad carried Madeline toward the hospital, shouting, Go to the villa and get Rylee to the hospital for a blood test!

Before he could finish, his assistant came rushing in.

Sir! Its on fire!