In a marriage of convenience, Nathan, after a night of drinking, has an affair with Ava, leading to her ectopic pregnancy. Before the surgery, Ava calls Nathan, who is preoccupied with his mistress and neglects Ava, even going as far as to accuse her of having an affair and carrying another man's child after the surgery... As their one-year contractual marriage comes to an end, Nathan realizes his feelings for Ava. But Ava is not willing to play along anymore! Excerpt: "I am Nathan Ford's girlfriend, loved by him, as everyone knows. And you... you're just a title holder, soon to be thrown out. By then, you'll lose all your dignity... no, you've already lost it. I bet your deceased mother would turn in her grave if she knew what you've become." Hearing Iris Hart's sharp and biting words, Ava Sterling initially didn't want to stoop to her level. However, the mention of her late mother crossed a line. A crisp slap echoed before Iris Hart could even react, leaving five bright red marks on her face. "Ah—Ava Sterling—you lowlife, how dare you hit me..." Iris Hart realized she had been slapped and reached out to retaliate, but Ava Sterling was prepared and caught her hand easily. "Listen, Iris Hart, if I'm the joke, what does that make you? You're also a joke. At least I'm Nathan Ford's wife by law! You! Iris Hart, are nothing but a mistress scorned by everyone. Every wealthy man may stray, but a hotel is just a hotel, and home is home. There can be many dishes, but there's only one bowl of rice."
Iris's laughter grew louder, but there was a crazed edge to it that twisted her once sweet and innocent face.
"What are you laughing at?" the queen growled, her voice icy as she glared at Iris. She knew Iris had come to kick her while she was down.
Iris stopped laughing and fixed her gaze on the queen, her voice soft yet piercing. "Facing death and still so arrogant? This is my first gift to you since I got out. Do you like it?"
The queen's eyes widened in shock. She realized that Iris was behind her death sentence. As memories of the torment she inflicted on Iris flooded back, the queen's body trembled, and cold sweat broke out on her back.
"It was you... Guards! This woman framed me!" Panic seized her as she banged on the table, trying to attract the attention of the guards. But no one came.