He used to whisper these same words to me years ago.

At our wedding, on our anniversaries, even between the sheets.

That was, until the rumors of his latest fling shattered the bubble I’d wrapped myself in. It was always so easy for him to fall for someone new.

At first, I’d been the "ignorant" wife.

Young and arrogant, I’d carved out a reputation in high society by tearing apart his mistresses. Everyone knew Diego’s wife was a total spitfire.

But eventually, I realized I’d overestimated my own influence and severely underestimated him.

So, I started repeating a mantra to myself: *Don't believe a single word out of his mouth.*

Hearing him now, it’s just laughable.

"Diego, I truly admire you," I said, a thin smile on my lips. "You make your lies sound so convincing every single time."

"You don't need to exhaust yourself playing the saint on my behalf," I added. "Your performance is tiresome, and frankly, so is mine."

The moment the words left my lips, Diego began to pace, agitation radiating off him.

"Kya, I’m telling you the truth!"

"I don't love Aliza Cook! I only wanted to get a rise out of you. I liked watching you get jealous, I liked watching you lose your composure—you completely misunderstood me."

He pulled out his phone. "Don't worry. I’ll make sure Aliza donates her bone marrow to you."

Before I could protest, he ignored me and placed the call.

"Get to the clinic. Now."

A short while later, Aliza arrived, beaming. Her excitement evaporated the second her eyes landed on me.

"Kya Medina, you’re still not dead?"

Diego moved in a heartbeat, his looming frame pinning her into a chair.

"Aliza," he said, his voice cold. "I’m giving you one chance to atone for your interference. You will donate your bone marrow to her."

Aliza exploded.

"Mr. Cox, why should I? I don't want to save this woman!"

She gestured wildly at my arm, her eyes frantic. "I want her to suffer. I want her dead!"

She turned her venom on me. "You’re so manipulative, aren't you? Getting him to force my hand? You're dreaming."

"Let me tell you something—you are the person I hate most in this world. I hope you die so I can finally be with him!"

Diego didn't let her finish. He slammed his hand against the wall beside her head, a low, dangerous growl vibrating in his chest.

His jaw was clenched, his hand trembling with suppressed rage.

"Aliza, you’re the one who’s delusional."

"This is your chance at redemption. You have two days to consider your future, or I will ruin you."

She glared at me, seething, before storming out.

Diego turned back to me, pacing the length of the room, his hands raking through his hair.

"Kya, do you believe me now? My heart has always belonged to you. She was just—"

"A plaything, right?" I stared straight into his eyes.

The girls before—myself included—weren't we all just his toys?

I used to warn them that Diego was unreliable, yet I’d been trapped in the same delusion, stupidly believing he could change.

Now, I finally saw the truth.

A drop of blood hit my lip. Then another.

Diego scrambled for a handkerchief, his face pale. "Kya..."

I nimbly avoided his touch, steering my wheelchair past him.

Behind me, his voice echoed through the room, desperate and hollow.

"Kya Medina, I will make sure you survive!"