His Fake Death Lures the Runaway Lover

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Five years after I married the unhinged billionaire heir, news suddenly broke of my reserved guardian, Kate Browns death.

The transatlantic call from his assistant came at five in the morning, London time:

Ms. Fiona, Mr. Kate Brown has passed away. The Brown family is in chaos, and only you can return to take charge

It had been so long since Id heard that name. I froze for a moment.

As the adopted daughter of a powerful family, Id only done two rebellious things in my adolescence.

One was coaxing Kate into a reckless night with me when he was drunk.

The second was boarding a plane for an arranged marriage abroad, escaping before he sobered up.

From then on, the eighteen years Kate and I had spent relying on each other since the orphanage were cut all ties.

I never imagined I would return home five years later, only to attend the funeral of the man I once so obsessively loved.

At the funeral, a little boy in a black suit broke free from the people around him and threw himself into my arms.

When I picked him up, he wiped his tear-streaked face, sobbing uncontrollably:

Mommy, youre finally home!

Theyre all mean. They only want Daddys inheritance and keep bullying me!

Looking at the boys face, which was an eight-point resemblance to Kates, I remembered my first meeting with his father.

For as long as I could remember, I had no parents.

I raised myself through petty thievery and pickpocketing around tourist attractions.

Until I was seven, when I snatched a Rolex watch from a wealthy heirs wrist,

Only to be caught red-handed by the owner himself.

The man, dressed in an exorbitantly expensive custom suit, didnt hit or scold me, nor did he call the police.

Instead, he crouched down, magically placed a piece of candy in my palm, and smiled warmly.

Fiona, Im sorry, Im late.

My name is Kate. I was an old acquaintance of your parents.

From now on, I will be your guardian, your uncle, and take care of you for the rest of your life.

He kept his word. He attended my parent-teacher conferences, protected me from drunk troublemakers,

Taught me how to use forks and knives, taught me to play the piano,

Transforming that prickly little beggar into a proper lady, little by little.

But I was too greedy, not content with just being his niece, wishing to forever monopolize all of Kates kindness.

I planned to confess that one reckless night we shared, on his birthday.

I even decided that if he didnt agree, Id throw a tantrum, just like when I was little and wanted candy,

Crying and making a scene until he finally said yes.

But before I could even open my mouth,

I heard him publicly announce his strategic engagement to Audrey Benjamin at a family dinner.

Everyone in the family nervously stared at me, afraid Id overturn the dining table on the spot.

But this time, I merely presented a velvet box.

The box opened to reveal a pair of natural pink diamonds, perfectly cut and dazzling under the lights.

My adoptive mother, Sarah, paused, about to say something:

Fiona, these diamonds are worth two hundred million. Werent you planning to make them into a wedding ring?

I smiled gracefully, my tone sincere.

They were always meant for Kate. Theyll make a perfect engagement gift.

At my words, Kate suddenly felt an inexplicable awkwardness. His tone was half warning, half coaxing.

Fiona, when you were younger, I indulged you when you made a fuss.

But from now on, if you cause any more trouble, I wont go easy on you.

I secretly clenched my fists, raising a smile.

Youre right. Ill make sure not to disappoint your expectations.

Kate frowned, feeling like something was off, but then his phone rang.

It was Audrey Benjamin, urging him to go watch the fireworks with her.

He grabbed his coat, ready to leave, but hesitated, turning back to look at me.

Fiona, do you want to come along?

I paused, then shook my head, my voice light as I urged him on:

You should go, Kate. Have fun.

Kate stared at me for two seconds, then finally said nothing.

The door closed, and the smile on my face finally dropped.

Sarah looked at me, a flicker of pity in her eyes.

Fiona, if youre hurting, just cry it out.

But instead, I suddenly knelt before her.

Sarah gasped, quickly helping me up: What are you doing, child?

My expression was solemn.

The Brown family raised me for twenty years. I remember your kindness and dare not ask for more.

I heard the family has always wanted to partner with the Williamson family in London but couldnt find a way in. Im willing to marry their youngest son.

Sarahs face went pale. She gripped my wrist tightly.

Fiona, you want to marry Jason?!

Do you know what kind of person he is?

Rumor has it hes a dark, cruel maniac. Arent you just throwing yourself into a fire pit?

I didnt pull my hand away, gently soothing Sarah.

Mom, those are just rumors. Besides, dont people also think Im crazy?

Crazy enough to disregard all morals, selfish and domineering, always trying to chase away every woman near Kate.

The Williamson family has always been low-key. A marriage alliance is the only way to get close to them.

You and Dad have spoiled me so much; I want to contribute to the family too.

I analyzed the pros and cons of the marriage alliance, my gaze growing steadier with each word.

Sarahs eyes reddened. She looked at me for a long time, then reached out and stroked my hair.

Alright, since your mind is made up. The Williamson family will send someone to pick you up. Youll be married in London in half a month.

Hearing the timeline, I sighed inwardly at the coincidence.

My wedding, of all things, would be on the same day as Kates engagement party.

At this, Sarah suddenly remembered something and began to fuss:

But I havent had time to prepare your dowry. I need to have Robert transfer some company shares to you first

I quickly interrupted her, Mom, I dont need anything.

Also, please help me keep the marriage alliance a secret from Kate for now.

I dont want him to feel like Im forcing his hand or trying to stop his engagement with Audrey.

Sarah couldnt argue with me. She sighed and pulled me into her embrace.

By the time I returned to my bedroom, it was almost dawn.

After booking an expedited visa application, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling groggy.

But I hadnt slept long before I vaguely sensed someone sitting by my bed.

It was Kate.

He was staring down at the floor, his expression heavy with something I couldnt quite make out.

Id never seen him like this before.

In all my memories, Kate always maintained his composed demeanor.

Unflappable, with a steady voice.

Even when a catastrophe struck the family, he stood there like an unbending pillar.

But now, there was a deeply hidden trace of panic on his face.

Just as I was about to speak, he spoke first.

Fiona, Im asking you.

His voice was very low, but his words were sharply articulated.

Audrey had dirt leaked about her online. Was this your doing?

I said nothing.

He stood up, looking down at me, his eyes full of a certainty that already held a conclusion.

Youve always disliked her. Youve given her a hard time ever since she entered the Brown family.

Now that our wedding is set, you cant sit still.

Playing dirty tricks behind peoples backs is the most despicable thing.

He paused, lowering his voice a notch, as if giving me one last chance.

Tell me honestly, how involved were you in this?

I leaned against the headboard, looking at him.

Wind outside ruffled the curtains, then let them fall.

I waited for him to finish before I spoke.

No.

Fiona.

I said no, it was not me.

My voice was very calm, so calm that he frowned.

Kate probably didnt expect this reaction from me.

Usually, I would either cry or make a fuss, but I would never speak to him in such a calm tone.

He looked at me again, then pushed his phone screen in front of me.

The comments are over ten thousand. The time the posts went out perfectly matches when you returned to your room after dinner.

You were alone in your room; no one saw you, no one knew what you were doing.

I glanced down at the screen, then pushed his hand away.

A matched time doesnt mean it was me.

Then who was it?

His voice turned cold.

Who would be targeting Audrey and post at exactly that time?

I didnt answer.

Because no matter how I answered that question, he already had his own answer.

Silence stretched for a few seconds. I sat up from the bed and folded the blankets neatly.

Kate.

Call me Kate. He immediately interrupted, his voice harsh.

I paused, then spoke again.

Kate, are you done?

His eyes subtly changed, his frown deepening.

Fiona, what is with your attitude?

I dont have an attitude.

I stood up, pushing his hand away. I just find it a bit odd,

You come into my bedroom in the middle of the night just to ask me this?

Kate was silent for a moment.

That silence stung more than any words.

I looked in the mirror and saw him standing behind me,

His expression shifting through several emotions like a revolving lantern, finally settling into a complex look I couldnt decipher.

He quickly averted his gaze.

Audrey is very upset. You should go on a trip to another city for now, and come back after the wedding.

But before he finished, the door was abruptly pushed open.

Audrey rushed in, trembling, her voice shaking.

Fiona, you just dont want me to be with Kate, do you?

Fine, I wont get engaged! Will you just leave me alone?

Kate quickly pulled her into his arms, murmuring comforting words.

Then, he looked at me, his eyes full of pleading.

Fiona, go post a clarification, admit that you slandered Audrey.

Once the fuss dies down, no one will remember it.

I thought of my own terrible experience with cyberbullying in the past, and my face instantly turned pale:

I wont admit to something I didnt do.

Then, before Kate could react, I dragged out the large suitcase I had packed last night.

I reopened it. On top was the first photo of Kate and me after I joined the Brown family.

My voice was soft, but every word was clear:

If I prove that I no longer like you, would that prove it wasnt me?

As soon as the words left my lips, I picked up that photo and tore it into pieces.

Kates face changed.

I didnt look at him. I picked up the next itema custom-made dress, his eighteenth birthday gift to me.

The scissors fell, and the sound of silk tearing was particularly grating.

One item after another.

Photos, gifts, souvenirs. Each one was etched with my former obsessive, fervent love.

I had once treasured them, but now I destroyed them all without batting an eye.

A surge of inexplicable irritation welled up in Kates heart. He stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.

Fiona, thats enough.

I looked up at him, my eyes calm and devoid of emotion.

In the stalemate, Audreys eyes darkened. She forced a smile:

Fiona, why are you doing this? It makes it seem like Im being pushy.

She tugged at Kates sleeve again, her voice as soft as water:

Its alright, Kate, dont pressure her.

Even if it really was her, what is there for me not to forgive?

I couldnt stand her fake sympathy and manipulative tone. My voice stiff, I asked them to leave.

Kate, is there anything else? If not, Id like to rest a bit more.

Kate looked at me, wanting to say something, but Audrey pulled his sleeve.

Kate, lets go. Let Fiona get some rest.

He finally nodded, turning to walk out.

Just as I was about to close the door, a man holding a fruit knife suddenly charged straight at us.

Audrey, you caused my sister to drop out of school and commit suicide! Today, Ill make you pay!

Kate reacted instantly, wrapping an arm around Audreys waist, shielding her as they dodged aside.

But I, standing behind him, couldnt react quickly enough. His protective turn even pulled me, sending me straight into the path of the knife.

Thwack!

The blade plunged into my chest then was pulled out. Large gushes of blood sprayed forth.

My legs gave out. I slid down, leaning against the doorframe.

Through my blood-blurred vision, I saw Kates lips move, as if calling my name.