From Asylum to Queen: Her Revenge on Her Husband Free Preview

"Ewan... Ivy..."

Inside a stifling psychiatric ward, a gaunt woman sat motionless in a wheelchair. Her eyes were hollow and sunken, and though she was only in her mid-thirties, her hair had turned completely white.

The television blared news of the Mercer Group CEO marrying his first love. Chase Mercer was giving Katrina Sawyer the grandest wedding imaginable.

At the sight, the woman shot up from her wheelchair, screaming wildly, "Give me back my children! Chase! Give them back!"

Slap!

A fat female nurse struck Nina Tann hard across the face. "Behave yourself!"

Nina clutched her cheek but lifted her head defiantly. "I'm Chase's legal wife! The Tann family's daughter! Let me out—I need to find my children!"

At that, the nurse spat in her face. "Spare me! Look at yourself—how dare you call yourself Mrs. Mercer? Stay quiet, or I'll put you in solitary!"

Bang!

The nurse locked the ward door.

On the live broadcast, Chase gazed at Katrina with unmistakable affection. Time had barely touched his face; at forty, he only looked colder and more mature.

Reporters narrated the touching tale of their campus romance and tragic separation. After 20 years apart, they'd finally reunited, bringing tears to friends and family alike.

Watching those familiar faces on screen, Nina let out a bitter, hollow laugh from her wheelchair.

No one remembered her. No one remembered the loyal wife who'd helped Chase rise to the top.

Nina could still vividly recall that night three years prior. Chase had thrown the divorce papers in her face, his voice dripping with contempt. "I've always loved Katrina! If it weren't for you, I never would've lost her all those years!"

They'd been childhood sweethearts, engaged since they were young. She'd spent her family fortune for him, borne his children, and abandoned the academic career she'd once been so proud of.

Chase had climbed to success on her back—only to turn around and hold Katrina in his arms.

What had she gotten in return? Locked away in this psychiatric hospital for three whole years. Her son and daughter had died in a car crash; before their funeral was even over, Chase had rushed to marry Katrina.

"Nina, don't you know? To marry me, Chase killed your two children with his own hands.

"Your daughter was crying for Mommy when she died. They never knew you'd been locked up here for three years.

"The title of Mrs. Mercer was always mine. You stole it from me. Now it's time you gave it back."

Katrina's words from three days earlier echoed in her ears.

Nina felt a sweet, metallic taste rise in her throat. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, where Chase and Katrina shared a loving smile.

If she could live her life again, she would never make the same mistakes.

"Nina? Nina?"

A deep teenage voice sounded beside her.

In a haze, Nina felt as if she were drowning, her chest crushed by pressure. Then something soft pressed against her lips, and a warm flow rushed down her throat. Nina's eyes flew open.

Cough—cough!

"Nina, are you okay? How did you fall into the pool out of nowhere?"

A girl's concerned voice drifted in her ears.

Nina was utterly confused.

Pool?

What pool?

She looked down at her hands. They were not the aged, bloated hands of a middle-aged woman—they were soft, fair, youthful hands.

This was... her high school self?

In an instant, realization hit. She immediately looked around, and sure enough, this was the swimming hall of Linholt High School!

She'd been reborn!

"Why else would she fall in? She was probably spying on Chase while he swam!"

Several nearby girls laughed loudly, not bothering to hide their disdain for Nina.

Not far away, Chase wore nothing but swim trunks. At only seventeen, his body was already well-developed, with defined muscles and a faint v-line. His sharp, handsome face drew stares from everyone around him.

At the sight of Chase, Nina's face paled.

Chase!

He was just as he'd always been—the center of attention wherever he went.

Who could have guessed that this golden boy was nothing but a hypocritical, selfish monster beneath it all?

Thinking of her children, killed by him in her past life, Nina clenched her fists so hard they shook.

Fine then, Chase. This time, I'm going to ruin you.

Chase clearly overheard the girls' comments. He frowned in annoyance and turned away.

"Don't say that. Nina isn't like that," Katrina said, looking upset.

The moment she saw that it was Katrina, Nina's mind flashed with images from her previous life.

Back in high school, she'd gained weight and grown insecure and timid. People at school looked at her strangely, and only Katrina had seemed friendly, always defending her in public.

With her pure, delicate features, Katrina was extremely popular—everyone wanted to be close to her.

At the time, Nina had truly believed Katrina was kind. She'd had no idea it was all just a scheme to get closer to Chase.

And the reason Katrina had targeted her? Simple—she was Chase's childhood sweetheart.

In her past life, Katrina had built herself up at school as gentle and kind, and Nina had been nothing but a prop Katrina used to sell that image.

Now Katrina was using the same trick again. She gently placed her hand on Nina's. "Nina, did you come to the pool to lose weight?"

As expected, the crowd burst into laughter at Katrina's "kind" defense.

"Look how fat she is! Even if she swims nonstop, Chase still won't spare her a second glance!"

Katrina's face flushed with fake frustration. She pulled Nina up in mock defiance. "Nina, ignore them. I'll teach you to swim. You'll be beautiful when you lose weight, and Chase will definitely like you!"

Hearing that, Nina quietly pulled her hand away. Katrina's smile froze instantly.

Nina hadn't forgotten—this was exactly how Katrina had humiliated her in front of everyone in her past life.

"No thanks," Nina said coldly.

Katrina refused to back down, grabbing Nina's arm and speaking in a wounded tone, "Nina, what's wrong? Did I say something to upset you?"

"Nina, Katrina's being nice to you. How can you be so ungrateful?"

"Katrina took such good care of you before and always spoke up for you. Honestly, you deserve to stay fat forever!"

"Come on, Katrina, let's leave her. She can swim if she wants, or not."

Several girls stepped forward to pull Katrina away.

Nina watched coldly as they fawned over her. Katrina's popularity at school wasn't just because of her looks, personality, or good grades—it was also her family name.

This was Linholt's most exclusive private high school, attended only by the children of wealthy families. Katrina's last name was Sawyer, so everyone assumed she was the daughter of the Sawyer family, Linholt's biggest real estate tycoon.

But none of them knew that Katrina was no wealthy heiress. She was just the daughter of the Sawyer family's chauffeur. Just a coincidence that they happened to share the same last name.

Nina had only found out in her past life that the real Sawyer heiress was someone else. Katrina had used her good grades and connections to the Sawyer family to take her place at school.

The real Sawyer heiress had been studying abroad for years. Nina remembered her name: Katherine Sawyer.

In the next second, Nina suddenly stepped forward and took Katrina's hand, pretending to be apologetic. "Kitty, I was being moody just now. I'm really sorry."

The second Katrina heard the name "Kitty," her face froze completely.

The others nearby exchanged confused glances. "Kitty? She only goes by Trina. Nina, are you high or something?"

Katrina's heart leaped into her throat.

Nina watched Katrina's panicked expression and said deliberately, "But I heard that's what the Sawyer family calls their heiress. Don't you like it, Katrina?"

Relief washed over Katrina when she realized Nina didn't know she was an impostor.

She replied, "...I just prefer Trina. Kitty is... for home."

She'd only gotten into Linholt High School because her father, who'd worked as the Sawyer family's chauffeur for decades, had begged Katherine's father for a spot. Since Katherine was studying abroad, the extra place had fallen to her.

From her first day at Linholt High, everyone had mistaken her for the wealthy Sawyer heiress. Now a sophomore, no one had ever found out the truth.

A flicker of doubt crossed Katrina's eyes. How on earth does Nina know that “Kitty” is what the Sawyer family calls their heiress? But then again… she doesn’t seem to know anything about Katherine. If she exposes me right now, I’m completely screwed. God, this is honestly a little creepy.

Katrina spoke in her usual soft, gentle voice, "Nina, I know you were upset earlier. I don't blame you."

Nina looked at her with a pitiful expression. "Will you still teach me to swim?"

"Of course I will."

Katrina acted as if they'd made up completely.

Nina smirked inwardly.

Katrina always loved playing the kind heroine in front of others. Nina had known she would agree to teach her.

In her past life, Katrina had tricked her. Once in the water, Nina had panicked because she couldn't swim, making a fool of herself in front of everyone.

Katrina had then purposely pushed her under the water, before pretending to save her but getting a cramp herself—letting Chase play the hero. That incident had made Chase and Katrina grow much closer.

This time, Nina wasn't going to let Katrina get her way so easily.

Soon, Katrina patiently showed Nina how to warm up, and then they both got into the pool.

Looking at the pool in front of her, Nina loosened up her limbs a little and pretended she didn't know how to swim. Katrina stood beside her, teaching her to hold her breath and float.

Everything was just like her past life—until Katrina tried to push her under. Nina suddenly grabbed Katrina's hand instead.

They were both in the deep water, and no one by the pool was paying attention. Nina gave a sharp tug, and Katrina let out a scream before falling clumsily back into the pool.

"Katrina! I'll save you!"

Nina pretended to panic and dove after her, but soon started flailing around on the surface, acting like she couldn't swim. Katrina had been about to float to safety when Nina kicked her back under.

"Help! Something's wrong! Nina and Katrina fell in!"

People around them shouted, and a figure immediately jumped into the pool.

Chase moved through the water like a fish. Without thinking, he swam straight toward Katrina and quickly carried her to the edge.

Cough—cough!

Katrina choked on water and spit out two big mouthfuls, her light makeup smudged and her appearance completely ruined.

Chase frowned deeply and asked in a low voice, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine..."

Katrina was about to say more when someone shouted, "Chase! Nina's still in the water!"

Chase snapped back to his senses.

When he saw that Nina, who couldn't swim, was still drowning, he frowned and prepared to jump in—until another figure suddenly dove into the pool.

Although Nina was only pretending, her body was overweight, and the flailing had almost exhausted her.

Suddenly, she felt strong arms lift her up.

Nina froze. She turned her head and saw a perfect jawline, soft pink lips, a straight nose, and narrow eyes with long, curled lashes. His cold, brooding face looked like a masterpiece.

Jensen Mercer?

Why was he saving her?

In her past life, she'd barely spoken to Jensen. He and Chase had always been bitter enemies.

She remembered that right now, Jensen was still the Mercer family's shameful illegitimate son, while Chase was the official heir. Because of that, Jensen was heavily bullied at school.

But who could have guessed that this quiet, gloomy teenager would later be revealed as the eldest son of the Grey family—the most powerful business tycoons in Halmont?

After recovering from her shock, Nina was gently set down on the poolside by Jensen.

Chase immediately snapped at her without hesitation, "Nina, if you can't swim, don't show off!"

"Chase, it's okay..." Katrina said, her face full of fake hurt.

Nina saw that Katrina was about to blame her for the fall, just like in her past life. She rushed forward and hugged Katrina tightly. "Katrina, thank god you're okay! You scared me to death!"

"I-I'm fine..."

Katrina was caught off guard by the sudden hug, and the excuses she'd prepared died on her lips.

Very soon, Nina let her go and said in a wounded voice, "I don't know how to swim at all. I accidentally pulled you and made you lose your balance. I feel terrible. But Katrina, please don't suddenly push my waist under the water next time. It scares me."

Katrina's smile vanished completely.

For a beginner, having someone suddenly push your waist underwater was practically attempted murder.

Everyone immediately turned to look at Katrina with strange expressions. Even Chase frowned slightly.

Katrina quickly said, "It's my fault, I wasn't careful... I'm so sorry, Nina. I almost got you hurt."

Chase's heart melted completely when he saw the beautiful Katrina tearful and remorseful.

He didn't even stop to wonder if she'd done it on purpose.

"Don't apologize to her. She brought this on herself." Chase pulled Katrina to his side and said coldly to Nina, "If you can't swim, don't bother other people."

"Chase..."

"I'll take you to the infirmary."

Chase protected Katrina like she was something precious.

Nina smiled bitterly at the scene.

They'd been childhood sweethearts, yet Chase always took Katrina's side without question—even though he'd only known her for a year.

Nina, you were so blind in your past life. You wasted your entire life on a man like him.

Thankfully, heaven has given me a second chance to make things right.

Chase, this life, I don't want your engagement anymore.

By evening, school was over. Nina slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked outside.

Katrina waved at her from a distance, surrounded by several girls from their class.

Nina wanted to ignore her, but Katrina ran straight up and asked, "Nina, are you waiting for a ride home too?"

"Nina, don't you usually walk home?"

"Yeah, Nina, why do you have someone picking you up today? Is it a moped or a scooter?"

The mocking voices cut through the air.

At this school, everyone was ranked by social status.

In her past life, Nina had grown insecure after sudden weight gain. She'd walked to and from school every day, yet never lost weight.

The other students had assumed she came from a poor background. A rumor had spread that she was a distant, poor relative of the Mercers, only attending Linholt High School through their connections.

Because of that, no one at school had known until graduation that she was actually the heiress of Tann Group.

"Don't be so hard on her. Nina's family might not be well-off, but that's no reason to make fun of her," Katrina said, taking Nina's hand affectionately.

"Nina, ride home with us later. I'll have my driver drop you off."

Nina frowned and pulled her hand away. "No thanks. My family has a car."

She knew exactly what Katrina was doing—trying to find out where she lived and showing off her family's fancy car in front of everyone.

"Nina, quit lying. If your family had a car, why would you walk every day?"

"Exactly! Katrina's family has a Porsche. You could never afford that in your life. Don't be ungrateful."

The other girls looked at her with pure contempt.

Just then, a luxury car pulled up to the school gate. The nearby students froze, their jaws dropping.

"That's a limited-edition Rolls-Royce! You can't even buy one with money!"

"Who does that belong to? That's insane—does someone at our school really have that?"

As everyone stared in shock, the driver got out, walked over to Nina, and said respectfully, "Miss Tann, Mr. Tann sent me to pick you up."

Nina nodded. "Okay."

When they realized the car was for Nina, the girls were stunned.

"Nina? It's actually Nina..."

"Who is she? How can her family afford a car like that?"

"Katrina, you're close to her—do you know about her family?"

Katrina felt her face burn as if she'd been slapped hard.

A limited-edition Rolls-Royce... How much could that possibly cost?

Katrina clenched her fists tightly.

Wasn't Nina supposed to be Chase's poor country relative?

By then, Nina had gotten into the car. In the rearview mirror, she saw Katrina's father pulling up in the Sawyer family's Porsche.

But compared to her Rolls-Royce, the Porsche looked completely ordinary.

The driver noticed Nina's change in attitude and asked, "Miss Tann, didn't you used to hate being this noticeable?"

"I changed my mind. Starting today, I want a car to pick me up and drop me off every day—the more attention, the better. I want a different car each day if possible."

Hearing Nina's request, the driver grinned happily, "Miss Tann, you should have done this ages ago!"

Nina was the precious jewel of the Tann family, spoiled endlessly by everyone.

She should have studied abroad, but she'd come to Linholt High School instead to build a relationship with the Mercer heir because of their engagement.

In truth, her parents had never approved of her marrying Chase. The Mercer family was clearly declining—they were far beneath the Tanns.

Nina asked, "Is there a dinner tonight?"

"Yes, about your engagement to Mr. Mercer."

"Good."

Nina remembered clearly that at this dinner in her past life, her parents had wanted to break off the engagement. But Chase's mother had been desperate for her to marry into the Mercer family. Chase had been unwilling, but he couldn't go against his mother.

After all, the Mercer family was on the verge of collapse. Without the Tanns' help, they would go bankrupt within six months.

In her past life, she'd been soft-hearted and couldn't bear to see her childhood crush's family fall apart, so she'd agreed to marry Chase after graduation.

But this life, she wouldn't be that stupid.

Soon, the car stopped outside the Four Seasons Hotel. Nina got out and immediately spotted Chase at the entrance.

He was wearing the same school uniform, but they looked nothing alike.

At that moment, she weighed 180 pounds, and the uniform hung awkwardly on her heavy frame. Though her facial features were still nice, no one would connect her to the tall, sharp-looking Chase.

Outside the hotel, Chase deliberately waited for her. When she approached, he said coldly, "Nina, I'm warning you—I don't like you, and I will never marry you."

"Same here," Nina replied.

Chase frowned at her response.

He'd always known about her crush on him. Anyone could see it. She'd never said anything, so he'd never bothered to bring it up.

He had no interest in her whatsoever.

But now Nina was saying she didn't like him and didn't want to marry him?

Chase scoffed, assuming she was just hurt and putting on a brave act.

Inside the VIP private room, Nina's parents, Marvin Tann and Esther Tann, were already seated. Since Chase's father had passed away years ago, only his mother, Cecilia Mercer, represented the Mercer family.

As soon as Chase and Nina walked in, Cecilia stepped forward and took Nina's hand warmly. "Nina, look at you—you've lost weight since I last saw you! You look more beautiful than ever!"

Cecilia was dressed like a typical wealthy socialite, covered in so many jewels that she looked tacky.

Nina remembered how calculating she was. When she'd married into the Mercer family, Cecilia had schemed for her property and planned to take control of their marital assets even before the wedding.

Later, she'd lived comfortably off the money Nina had brought into the family, and she'd even attended Chase and Katrina's wedding in all her finery.

Looking at Cecilia's greedy expression, Nina pulled her hand away. "Mrs. Mercer, I've actually gained ten pounds since last time. Let's just get down to business tonight."

Cecilia was caught off guard by Nina's cold attitude.

Chase snapped from the side, "Nina, how dare you speak to my mom like that?"

"I'm only telling the truth, Chase. Why are you getting so defensive?"

At Nina's response, Chase scoffed, "Nina, drop the spoiled rich-girl act. I know you look down on my family—we're clearly beneath you. If you don't want to marry me, just say it!"

"Chase! What on earth are you talking about?"

Cecilia slapped his arm in anger.

Their family was on the decline. Without the Tanns, how could she and Chase ever rebuild the Mercer legacy?

If the company went bankrupt, they'd have nothing left.

"Mom, don't stop me. I'm telling the truth!"

Chase didn't bother hiding his frustration.

Just as expected, Marvin and Esther's expressions darkened.

They'd maintained polite smiles earlier, but now they could barely force one.

So that was how Chase saw their daughter all along.

Nina had always been gentle, never throwing tantrums like a spoiled rich girl. She'd devoted herself to Chase and the Mercer family, willing to marry down without ever looking down on them.

Yet Chase had insulted her right in front of them.

Marvin said coldly, "Since your son has no interest in marrying my daughter, I think we should call off this engagement."

"Marvin, please don't be upset—Chase doesn't know what he's saying. I'll make him apologize to Nina. Besides... Nina has always cared for Chase, right? The two of you must have just had a fight. Nina, isn't that right?"

Cecilia looked at Nina desperately, but Nina only spoke calmly.

"Mrs. Mercer, you're wrong. Chase and I were just childhood friends. Outside the hotel just now, Chase told me he doesn't like me and will never marry me. I feel the same way. That's why I'm here to make it clear—I want to end the engagement with Chase."

"What?"

Cecilia froze in shock. Chase stood completely dumbfounded.

Nina had always had a crush on him, going out of her way to talk to him. He'd known that for years. How could she suddenly want to break off the engagement?

Marvin and Esther were also stunned.

Their daughter had always been stubborn. They'd begged her not to marry into the Mercer family, but she'd refused to listen. Why had she changed her mind now?

"Mrs. Mercer, we won't stay for dinner. Our families should keep our distance from now on."

With that, Nina stood up and walked to her parents. "Mom, Dad, let's go."

Looking at her parents sitting across from her, Nina's eyes stung.

In her past life, her stubbornness to marry Chase had led the Tann family to ruin at his hands.

Chase was nothing but an ungrateful traitor. Her parents had done so much for the Mercer family, but once Chase gained power, he destroyed Tann Group first.

Chase was arrogant and narrow-minded. He'd always believed her parents had married her to him out of pity, humiliating him and his family.

The moment he gained power, he'd erased the Tanns to wash away what he called his shame.

A man like him didn't deserve the Tanns' help at all.

As Nina left the private room with her parents, Cecilia slapped Chase across the face.

"What are you waiting for? Go after them! If Nina doesn't marry you, we'll be living on the streets!"

Chase finally snapped back to his senses. He rushed out of the room and called after Nina.

"Nina!"

He reached for her arm, but Marvin snapped, "Chase! You're the one who didn't want her! What do you want with my daughter now?"

Chase was filled with anger, but he forced himself to calm down.

"Mr. Tann, I just need to speak to Nina for a minute."

Seeing her father's anger, Nina said, "Dad, it's okay. I'll talk to him. Wait for me in the car."

Marvin and Esther stared at Nina, worried she'd soften her heart.

Nina gave them a reassuring look, and they finally got back into the car.

Nina turned to Chase and asked, "What do you want to say?"

The hotel lobby was crowded, so Chase awkwardly pulled her toward a corner.

"About the engagement—was that just you being angry, or are you serious?"

"I'm completely serious."

Nina looked at him directly, no trace of affection or longing in her eyes.

Chase frowned and said, "Is it because of what I said today? Or because I saved Katrina instead of you at the pool?"

Nina grew tired of his persistence. She said, "I don't love you, and I don't want to marry you. Is that clear enough?"

The moment he heard that, Chase suddenly snapped, "Nina, what the hell is with that attitude?"

"Chase, you're the one who said you wouldn't marry me. Now you're chasing after me. Is it because you know the Mercer family will go bankrupt without me?

"You keep saying I look down on the Mercers, but the one who's truly ashamed of your family is you! You said you want to end the engagement, but you still need the Tanns to survive. You love the attention and help, but you act like you hate it.

"Chase, you're such a hypocrite!"

"You!"

Nina's cold disdain cut through him like a knife, seeing straight into his darkest thoughts.

Chase's face turned red with rage. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Fine, Nina! You said it yourself—don't you dare regret it!"

He turned to leave in anger, then suddenly paused and glanced back.

"Look at you. Even if you threw yourself at me, I still wouldn't want you."

Nina frowned at his insult.

"Stop right there!"

Chase stopped and turned, sneering, "What? Regretting it already?"

Nina sneered back and threw her drink directly into his face.

"Ugh! You b*stard!"

Chase froze. Nina didn't even spare him a second glance before walking out of the lobby.

Watching her retreating back, Chase ground his teeth so hard he thought they'd break.

"Nina Tann!"

Outside the hotel, Marvin and Esther had waited by the car instead of going inside. They relaxed when they saw their daughter returning safely.

Esther asked, "Nina, you don't regret it, do you?"

Nina shook her head and looked at her father. "Dad, are you still financially supporting the Mercer family?"

Marvin fell silent at his daughter's question.

Seeing her husband's awkward, guilty expression, Esther frowned and said, "Honey, are you still supporting the Mercers?"

"I've known Chase's father for years. I just... helped them out privately."

"Marvin! How can you still care about them? If Chase's father hadn't lied and cheated you behind your back, we wouldn't have lost so much money. There's no good person in that family. When will you learn?"

Nina's eyes darkened as she listened.

It was just like her past life.

Back then, her father had secretly kept funding Mercer Group because of his old friendship with Chase's father. The company should have collapsed, but it survived another half-year because of him.

Cecilia had counted on her father's soft heart—that was why she'd been so determined to marry Nina into the Mercer family.

In the end, the Mercers had drained the Tanns dry. Once they were no longer useful, they'd thrown the Tanns away like trash.

That was the Mercer family. That was Chase.

"Dad, we need to cut off their funding immediately. I heard the Mercers are failing fast and have a lot of debt. If their creditors find out we've been supporting them, they might come after us."

Marvin's face paled at the mention of creditors. In their line of work, he knew how ruthless creditors could be.

Nina went on, "Besides, after how Chase acted tonight, he clearly doesn't want our help. So why should we bother?"

Esther nodded firmly. "Our daughter's right. Chase is ungrateful and hurts our girl. We shouldn't be kind to him."

Hearing that, Marvin finally agreed, "You're right, Nina. I'll have the funding stopped right away. I won't let those ungrateful Mercers drag us down with them."

Nina nodded.

Her words weren't empty. In her past life, she and Chase had gotten officially engaged after that dinner. Only days later, creditors had stormed their house, smashing everything. Her father had paid off the Mercers' debts to calm them down—but Chase had never thanked him. Instead, he'd hated the Tanns even more, thinking they were throwing money in his face to humiliate him.

Fine then. This time, Chase could pay his father's debts himself.

That evening, Nina returned home with her parents.

Looking at her soft princess bed and warm, spacious bedroom, Nina felt her throat tighten.

After her previous life, she finally understood what truly mattered.

The people she could never let down were the parents who loved her.

The one she must never abandon was herself.

Knock knock—

Esther knocked on the door and said, "Nina, you didn't eat at the restaurant, so I asked the cook to make your favorite food."

As she spoke, she set a plate of rich, glossy steak on Nina's desk.

Nina's mouth watered at the sight.

She hadn't eaten all day and was starving.

She stared at the juicy steak, then touched her round stomach.

She wanted it... but she couldn't eat it.

Nina kept her eyes fixed on the plate. "Mom, I'm not hungry."

"Silly girl, of course you're hungry. I know you love meat. You're still growing—you have to eat."

"Mom, I'm going on a diet."

Nina's voice held a determination she'd never had before.

Esther stared at her in surprise, then quickly nodded and picked up the steak. "Being too heavy isn't healthy. We won't eat this, then."

Before Nina could say anything, Esther hurried out with the steak.

Just as Nina thought her mother was upset, Esther returned half an hour later with another dish.

Nina blinked at the plate of boiled shrimp and steamed broccoli in front of her.

Esther smiled gently, "Even on a diet, you can't skip meals. From now on, I'll have the cook make you healthy low-cal meals."

Esther stroked Nina's hair, and Nina's eyes stung.

Her parents were still here... it was perfect.

After everything she'd been through, she finally understood how precious family was.

In her past life, she'd been insecure about her weight and completely ignored her parents' love, looking for warmth in the wrong places.

"Thanks, Mom."

Nina lowered her head, holding back tears as she ate the broccoli.

She made up her mind—she would lose weight in three months.

The next morning, Nina felt dizzy from hunger. When she stepped on the scale, she saw she'd already lost five pounds overnight.

She was thrilled, but she knew it was only water weight. Losing weight took persistence—she couldn't let her guard down.

At school, Nina arrived and left in a fancy car every day, making the other students green with envy.

In class, watching Nina run laps on the field during break, some students mocked her.

"Is Nina crazy? Break's only 15 minutes. Why is she pushing herself so hard? Isn't PE class enough?"

"She's probably trying to lose weight. She does look a little thinner these days."

"So what? Even if she loses weight, she's still ugly. Chase will never like her!"

After saying that, Tara Clay pulled Katrina's arm. "Katrina, right?"

Katrina looked uneasy, then forced a smile, keeping up her kind act. "Don't say that. Maybe she's just losing weight for the fitness test, not for Chase."

"Katrina, you're too nice. Everyone knows you knew Chase first. Nina's only using you to get close to him!"

Katrina forced a smile as she listened.

The truth was, she'd approached Nina on purpose after finding out Nina knew Chase.

But everyone thought she was the real Sawyer heiress and would naturally know someone like Chase. Add in Chase's kindness toward her, and people assumed they were close.

Still, she had no intention of correcting them.

As the girls talked, Nina appeared at the classroom door. She was overweight, so even a few minutes of running left her breathless. Climbing the stairs had made her sweat heavily.

Seeing this, Katrina walked over and held out a handkerchief.

"Nina, wipe your sweat," she said softly.