My mom tried to stick up for me once. "I saw it wasn't Cecilia who did it," she said.

But my stepfather just shoved her down, yelling that she was spoiling me. After that, she never defended me again. And she never left him, either.

That time I spent trapped in the giant barrel felt like forever. I thrashed around, trying to flip it, but I was way too weak.

Just when I thought I was going to drown, Drake showed up with a bunch of kids. They helped tip the barrel over and saved me.

He was just a broke kid back then, but he was so good to me. Whenever my stepfather beat me or yelled at me, Drake and his crew would rally to protect me.

He knew damn well how scared I was of water. And yet, today, he was the one who threw me into the ocean.

"Cecilia! I raised you all these years, and you're just marrying into this family? Have you no shame?" my stepfather boomed at me.

I casually picked at my nails. "Cut the crap. Want to talk dowry? Stay. Otherwise, bounce."

Between my mom's nagging and my icy attitude, the dowry was settled at eighty-eight thousand, and I'd handle my own wedding trousseau.

On the wedding day, a few colleagues I actually liked showed up. They dropped hints about Drake's recent moves.

Some snickered, calling me "damaged goods" that Julien had picked up.

After all, in the eyes of the office, I was just the mistress Drake had been keeping for ages.

Ten minutes before the ceremony, I was outside the main doors, ready for my grand entrance.

Drake materialized behind me, his new girlfriend clinging to his arm.

He leaned in, hands shoved in his pockets, and sneered, "Such a pathetic wedding, Cecilia. You really aren't picky."

My eyes were glued to the doors, waiting to swing open. I didn't give him the satisfaction of a response.

Seeing my silence, his tone turned venomous. "Think about it. It's not too late to bail."

I took a deep breath. "Mr. Alexander, you can offer me a lot, that's true. But you can't offer me a wedding."

He yanked a crumpled report from his jacket and practically threw it in my face. "You're already knocked up with his brat, and you still have the nerve to play the high and mighty card?"

I glanced down at the report on the floor. It was my positive pregnancy test. I'd totally forgotten I left it on the yacht.

I looked away, catching the cue from inside: "Please welcome the bride."

I couldn't be bothered to explain myself anymore. In a matter of seconds, all the Drake drama would be over.

As the doors slowly creaked open,

I gathered my gown and glided into the banquet hall, ignoring the low, commanding voice from behind: "Cecilia, get back here."

It was the first time I'd ever defied him.

Following the spotlight, I walked, step by step, to Julien's side.

Seeing the tears welling up in Julien's eyes, I felt something stir within me for the first time.

Choosing someone who loves you is a good path too. I figured I'd learn to love him soon enough.

After we exchanged rings, I turned to face the sea of guests. In that instant, my eyes locked onto Drake, who was watching me with icy detachment from the crowd. I was finally free.

On my wedding night, I knew I had to face my second man.

A slightly tipsy Julien stumbled into the room and gently cupped my face.

Even though I'd braced myself to give myself to my husband, I instinctively flinched.

Seeing my reaction, Julien didn't get mad. Instead, he offered a soft smile and stroked my hair. "Don't be scared. I'll give you time to get used to it."

With that, he grabbed a pillow and headed for the study. Watching the door click shut behind him, I let out a shaky sigh of relief, even though it felt totally unfair to him.

The next morning, my new in-laws had breakfast laid out, watching me with beaming smiles.

They'd clearly heard all the wedding gossip, but they seemed unfazed today.

Just when I thought a genuinely happy family life was within reach, the news blaring from the TV shattered my illusion.

["The longtime mistress of Alexander Group's heir, Drake Alexander, was married last night. The woman, surnamed Reed..."]

My head snapped up towards the screen.

The report laid bare my past with Drake, splashing blurred intimate photos everywhere.

It spun a vicious lie about me carrying a "bastard" by his subordinate. To make matters worse, my stepfather was on screen, spewing venom about my supposed faults.

With Drake's clout, no one would dare air this without his blessing. And he was the only one who had those photos.

The TV clicked off. Julien knelt before me, his voice gentle. "Honey, don't watch this."

My in-laws chimed in with their own reassurances, clearly worried about upsetting me.

Looking at this family who genuinely cared for me, I made my decision. I was going to confront Drake. After all, I wasn't alone anymore.

My phone buzzed incessantly with news alerts echoing the same hateful slander.

"Agh..."

A searing pain shot through my lower abdomen. He was the one who had wronged me. What right did he have to tarnish my name like this now?

We'd grown up together, from kids to adults. Even if I were just a stray dog, he should have some shred of decency left.

Ignoring my in-laws' protests, I bolted for Drake's company.