Oops! The CEO's Ex Is A Secret Genius Free Preview

“What did you give me?” Briella choked, clutching her throat.

She knew something was wrong. Her fingers twitched around the cup, her stomach twisting.

Then the world tilted.

She reached for the edge of the marble table, but her hands were numb, sluggish, like they were sinking through water.

Across from her, Penny Sawyer smiled—too sweetly.

“You should lie down,” Penny said, standing gracefully. “You look pale.”

There was no concern in her voice. Only amusement.

Briella’s knees buckled before she could speak. The cup shattered as it slipped from her hand. She collapsed onto the cold floor, breath caught in her throat as her vision swam.

The last thing she saw was Paige—standing in the doorway with her arms crossed, lips curved in cruel satisfaction.

Darkness closed in.

...

Clang! Clang!

She didn’t know how long it had been.

When Briella opened her eyes, the air was stale. Damp. Cold.

Chains rattled as she tried to move.

Her wrists were shackled—actual iron chains, biting into her skin. She panicked, instinctively pulling, only to cry out from the burning pain tearing through her wrists and ankles.

Red marks. Bruised skin. Blood.

She was trapped.

In a cage.

She scrambled backward, pressing herself against the bars, heart pounding like a war drum.

Then she heard the voice.

“Well, well…”

It was Paige.

Smug. Unbothered. Dressed in silk and cruelty.

She knelt just outside the bars, resting her chin in her palm, as if admiring a painting.

“I must say, chains really do suit you, Briella. They highlight your helplessness beautifully.”

Briella glared at her, teeth clenched despite the pain radiating from her wrists. “You… Paige, let me out!”

But Paige only smiled.

“Oh, I don't think you’re in any position to make demands.” She stood slowly, brushing invisible dust from her sleeve. “Let me be clear—this isn’t just about you anymore.”

Her voice dropped, colder than iron.

“Marry Diego Elsher.” The words sliced through the air like a knife.

She continued, her tone mocking. “You’ve heard of him, haven’t you?”

Briella blinked, unsure she’d heard correctly.

Paige’s eyes sparkled with sadistic delight. “Yes. You’re going to be his lovely, obedient wife.”

“You’re insane,” Briella rasped. “Why would he ever—?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Paige cut in. “We’ve already made sure you match his taste.”

Her smile widened.

“You’ve changed quite a bit since that tea, haven’t you?”

Briella’s blood ran cold.

Her hands trembled, not from the chains—but from the dawning horror.

“What… did you do to me?”

Paige leaned closer to the bars, voice dropping to a whisper.

“Gave you a face someone powerful won’t be able to resist.”

Then her tone sharpened like a dagger.

“But if you don’t play along, well… accidents happen.”

She pulled out a photograph.

It was grainy. Slightly blurred.

But the boy in it—tied to a chair, bruised and bloodied—was unmistakable.

Kai.

Briella’s little brother.

Her world.

“No…” Her voice cracked. “No, no—why me—?”

Paige shrugged, tucking the photo back into her coat.

“Because you were just a foster child in our family. Poor. Powerless. And most importantly—he doesn’t know you.” She smiled coldly. “I’d gladly take your place as his wife, believe me. But… he won’t let me.”

She scoffed, brushing her hair behind one ear.

“Diego would recognize my ambition from a mile away. I’m too visible. Too known in Avenlith’s society. And he doesn’t want powerful, scheming women.”

“He wants someone quiet. Submissive. Unassuming… someone like you, Briella.”

Briella collapsed to her knees, her whole body shaking.

And Paige’s twisted logic played out like poison:

If she couldn’t have Diego…

She’d control him.

Through the woman in his bed.

And the Sawyer family would rise beyond challenge.

Paige straightened, smoothing her silk coat.

“Make your choice, Briella. Become Diego Elsher’s perfect little bride… or mourn the last family you have.”

And with that, she turned and walked away.

Chains clinked softly in the silence that followed.

...

Briella sat quietly in front of the mirror, dressed in white.

The wedding gown was flawless—its silk layers draped elegantly over her frame, embroidered with tiny, shimmering pearls. But all she could see was the stranger staring back at her.

She touched her face.

It felt smooth. Unchanged beneath her fingertips.

But the reflection…

That wasn’t her.

The woman in the mirror had sharper features. Larger eyes. A more defined nose. Her lips curved in a way Briella didn’t recognize.

Her breath caught.

She had become someone else.

Someone Diego Elsher would want.

She’d heard the stories. A man who operated from the shadows, who held more power than the government itself. Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable. And yet—obsessed with a woman who vanished long ago.

And the Sawyers?

They’d found a sketch. A photograph. Something. And they used it like a blueprint.

They turned her into a ghost.

Her fists clenched in her lap.

Knock! Knock!

The door creaked open on its own.

And then he stepped inside.

Diego Elsher.

Tall. Composed. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence sucked the air from the room. Power clung to him like a second skin—clean-cut jawline, dark eyes sharp enough to slice through steel. His black hair was swept back, not a strand out of place.

But it was his gaze that pinned her in place.

Unblinking. Controlled.

He moved slowly, each step measured, stopping just behind her as she sat frozen in front of the mirror. The scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air—clean, cold, masculine.

His eyes met hers in the reflection.

He lifted a hand and brushed her hair aside gently, baring her neck. Her skin tingled under his touch, heat crawling up her spine.

“You look beautiful,” he said, voice deep and low.

Her chest tightened.

Her hands gripped the vanity’s edge, knuckles white.

Then his lips brushed her ear. “Stand up.”

She did.

Her body obeyed before her mind could catch up.

Her brother was still in the Sawyers’ hands.

They said they’d let him go—if she did what they wanted.

Diego turned her to face him.

“I’ve waited a long time,” he murmured. “Too long.”

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

He didn’t let her speak.

His lips pressed to hers—firm, commanding. And she hated herself for not pulling away.

Because some part of her—the one that had been isolated, broken, starved for touch—responded.

His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her against him. He was solid. Warm. Dangerous.

She wanted to scream.

But her body betrayed her.

He lifted her easily, carried her to the bed without hesitation. Her veil slid to the floor like snow. Pearls scattered.

The sheets were cool.

His mouth was fire.

The room was filled with wet sounds and heavy breathing.

Skin slapped against skin.

Her moans slipped out with every hard thrust.

Diego held her tightly, moving deep, fast, like he couldn’t get enough of her.

She gripped the sheets, trying to stay quiet—but her body gave her away.

It was too much. Too good.

His touch made her dizzy.

She didn’t even realize it—her hips moved with his.

Soft gasps left her lips. One after another.

Diego grabbed her chin, kissed her again, deeper this time.

“You feel good,” he growled.

***

It had been a while since the wedding.

That morning, after Diego left for a meeting, Briella stood by the window of the master bedroom, sunlight spilling over her bare shoulders. Her legs still ached from the night before—Diego hadn’t let her sleep until well past dawn.

She finally reached for the old, hidden phone Penny had given her.

Her fingers hovered over the screen.

Then she dialed.

It rang once.

Twice.

“Briella?” Penny answered, too sweet. Too fake. “How are you? Settling in well?”

“I want to see my brother,” Briella said flatly. “Now.”

Silence.

Then a light laugh.

“Oh. That…” Penny’s tone shifted. “That’s not really necessary anymore, is it? You’re married now. Everything’s fine.”

Briella’s jaw clenched. “What do you mean?”

“You’re overthinking things,” Penny said smoothly. “Just enjoy your new life. Don’t ask about things that don’t matter anymore.”

Briella’s grip on the phone tightened.

“Where. Is. He.”

“Briella,” Penny sighed, voice colder now. “Don’t ruin a good thing. You’ve done your part. Let it go.”

Click.

The line went dead.

Briella stared at the screen, her chest tightening.

Something was wrong.

...

“I need something,” she said quietly. “May I ask you?”

Butler Warren turned, surprised. “Madam?”

“My brother. Kai McKenna.” Her voice was steady, but her hands were cold. “Can you find out where he is? I’ve been married into this house for a while now, and I haven’t heard anything from the Sawyers. He’s still just a child…”

Butler Warren hesitated.

But hearing the name, and the quiet strain in her voice, his expression softened. She was the lady of the house now. A request like this—shouldn’t be difficult.

“All right, Madam,” he said. “I’ll look into it and report back when I find something.”

But days passed, and there was still no word.

Finally, Briella couldn’t wait any longer. She found Butler Warren again and cornered him in the hallway.

He looked troubled. She could see it in his eyes.

“Madam…” he began. Then stopped.

Briella stepped closer. “You found something. Didn’t you?”

He hesitated again, then gave a slight bow. “Perhaps you should speak directly with Mr. Elsher. I wasn’t able to find anything myself.”

She stared at him. “You? Couldn't find anything?”

Warren was no ordinary servant. If he said he couldn’t find something, it meant one of two things: it didn’t exist… or someone didn’t want her to know.

And she didn’t believe for a second it was the first.

Still, she didn’t push.

Not yet.

She just nodded, lips pressed into a tight line. “Very well.”

She’d wait.

Until Diego came home.

And then… she’d ask him herself.

...

The clock struck ten, but Diego still hadn’t returned.

Briella sat alone in the bedroom, staring blankly at the silent phone in her hand.

She couldn’t sleep. Not without answers.

To distract herself, she picked up her sketchbook—but her pen was missing.

With a sigh, she stood and pulled a shawl over her shoulders. Maybe Diego had some pens in his study.

Her bare feet moved quietly across the marble floor as she stepped into the hallway.

Down the corridor, the door to Diego’s study stood slightly open.

She paused.

Then pushed it open and slipped inside.

The room smelled of old books and expensive cologne. Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined the walls, filled with everything from politics to economics to obscure military texts.

Her eyes drifted to the large wooden desk at the center.

And then she saw it.

A folder.

Left carelessly on top of a stack of documents.

Her name was printed on the cover.

And just below it… Kai McKenna.

Her breath caught.

She stepped closer, hands trembling as she picked it up.

The folder felt heavier than it should.

With a deep breath, she opened it—

CONFIDENTIAL

Subject: Kai McKenna

Age: 12

Affiliation: Unregistered dependent (Sawyer-affiliated)

Date of Termination: Two weeks prior to the Elsher-Sawyer marriage

Method: Experimental compound L-47

Dosage: 5mg orally administered

Result: Induced cardiac failure within 3–5 minutes of ingestion

Disposition: Classified. Body disposed per standard internal protocol.

A second page followed—a blurred surveillance photo.

Kai.

Strapped to a chair. His head slumped forward. Blood staining his lips and shirt.

She covered her mouth, but the sob ripped free anyway.

Her knees gave out, the folder slipping from her hands and scattering across the floor.

Kai.

Dead.

Before she even stepped into Diego’s mansion.

Before she said yes.

Before she let him touch her.

They had lied. Used her. And killed the one person she swore to protect.

And Diego…

This was his house.

His desk.

His file.

Her eyes burned with rage.

A scream built in her throat—but it never came out. She swallowed it down.

Tears rolled silently down her cheeks as she gathered the documents back into the folder, clutching it to her chest like it might bring Kai back.

Her heart shattered, piece by piece.

...

“…Does this face really look like hers?”

She reached out, gently touching her pale cheek. Her eyes were dull and lifeless, her voice hoarse and empty.

Then suddenly, she let out a low, broken laugh.

She pulled open a drawer and took out a knife. The cold blade gleamed under the light as she turned it slowly in her hand.

She brought it closer to her face.

The metal kissed her bloodless skin.

She shut her eyes.

And slashed.

“Ah!”

Just before the blade could cut, a hand grabbed it—tight enough to bleed.

“Briella McKenna, what the hell are you doing?!”

For the first time, Diego’s always-calm demeanor shattered as he stormed into the room. He hadn’t expected to come home this late and find his wife trying to hurt herself.

Briella stared at the blood dripping from his palm, then collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.

The knife clattered beside her, its blade smeared red. Blood pooled on the floor—bright and brutal.

She looked up at him and scoffed. “What? Scared I’ll ruin this face?”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm, her body limp and defeated.

Diego said nothing. Ignoring his bleeding hand, he knelt down and reached to lift her—

She slapped him away without hesitation.

Diego froze, withdrawing his hand. He didn’t know what had come over her, but his expression hardened. His voice turned cold.

“Where did you get the knife? I took away everything sharp from this room.”

“So you’re afraid I’ll kill you now that I know about my brother’s death?” Her laugh was bitter. “You’re disgusting.”

Diego flinched. Brother’s… death?

Then it hit him.

Earlier that afternoon, Butler Warren had brought him a report—something about the madam’s request to look into her brother.

He hadn’t opened it.

He’d left it on the desk.

She must have found it.

And misunderstood.

Diego’s silence only made things worse. Briella snapped.

She lunged—reaching for the knife again, ready to strike him before he could say a word.

She was unhinged, wild—if she couldn’t hurt him, she would hurt herself.

Diego had no choice.

He moved fast, knocking the blade away, and struck the side of her neck just hard enough to render her unconscious.

When Briella woke again, her limbs were heavy.

Chains clinked softly as she stirred.

She was bound to the bed.

Across the room, Diego sat on the couch, eyes closed. But the moment he heard the metal rattle, he opened them and looked straight at her.

Her voice was hoarse with fury.

“Do you even know how much I hate you, Diego Elsher? I loathe you. I truly, deeply hate you! What am I to you? A pet canary? A toy? You fuck me every night. You keep me in the dark like I’m nothing but your personal doll. What exactly do you think I am?!”

The unshakable Diego Elsher looked strained. His patience was cracking.

He stared at her with a cold, exhausted glint.

“I don’t know what happened between your brother and the Sawyers,” he said. “But whatever it is… I don’t care. As long as you stay by my side.”

Briella curled up against the headboard, clutching her chest. Her tears spilled freely now, eyes empty and lost.

Blood and tears blended into the sheets—a grotesque, heartbreaking sight.

“You’re insane, Diego. Completely insane!”

He dropped to one knee and grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were wild. Almost manic.

“Yes, I am insane. And you drove me to it. Hatred is better than silence. If pain is all you want—then pain it is.” His voice dropped, threatening. “But next time... it won’t just be chains.”

Tears blurred her vision, falling silently into his palm.

As if burned, Diego pulled his hand back and turned away.

Briella watched him go.

And for the first time, she felt nothing.

No fear.

No sadness.

Just cold satisfaction.

Then the dam inside her finally burst.

She collapsed into sobs, her body shaking.

Her hands clenched around the golden chains. Blood seeped where the cuffs bit into her skin—but she didn’t care.

Everyone said she wasn’t good enough for him.

But she never doubted him.

Until now.

From this moment on, she swore she would never trust him again.

You’ve succeeded, Diego.

You’ve broken me.

You’ve made me regret everything.

How could I stay here any longer?

I’m leaving.

And I’ll make every last one of you pay the price.

...

“Sir! She’s gone!”

Diego shot to his feet, rage flashing in his eyes. “Gone?! That’s impossible! The chains—she couldn’t have broken them! What were all of you doing?!”

His assistant, Abel, stepped forward, flustered. “Sir, please calm down. I’ll dispatch a search team immediately!”

“Find her! Bring her back! Lock down all highways, airports, train stations—everything!”

Diego leaned over the desk, hands trembling as he braced himself. Blood seeped through his freshly bandaged hand, veins bulging across his knuckles.

Nash bit his lip, eyes red-rimmed with worry, but didn’t dare speak further. He turned and ran out to carry out the order.

Diego stood there, breathing heavily.

“Briella, where could you go? You can only exist by my side.”

With a loud crash, everything on his desk was swept to the floor.

In Avenlith, the capital of Solandra and its beating political heart, panic rippled through the corridors of power. Government officials surged in and out of Rosemere Palace.

For the first time in decades, the ancient capital went into full lockdown. All outbound transportation was halted.

Three days later.

“Sir,” Nash reported respectfully, “Every exit route out of Avenlith is blocked. We’ve searched the entire city. But…”

Diego stood silently at the window, bathed in moonlight, his shadow stretched long and cold across the floor.

He turned slightly, his face unreadable. His voice cut through the silence.

“I heard you. Forget the president—if he keeps whining, tell him he can step down. Keep searching. If we can’t find her in Avenlith, then search the whole country. I don’t believe a living person can just vanish.”

Nash swallowed hard.

It wasn’t Diego’s rage that frightened him—it was his lifelessness. The man before him was hollow.

He nodded and quietly stepped out.

Outside the door, Abel and Butler Warren rushed over.

“How is it?”

“We have to find Madam soon,” Nash said grimly. “I don’t know what he’ll become if this drags on.”

Butler Warren looked like he’d aged ten years overnight. “It shouldn’t have come to this… It was never supposed to be like this. How did it all go so wrong?”

He looked up at the moon.

If only he didn’t put the file on Diego’s desk...

Ten days later.

“Sir, there’s still no sign of her.”

One month later.

“Sir… we’ve found the body. It’s Madam.”

Three months later.

Avenlith returned to its former prosperity, as if the entire lockdown had never happened.

And Diego vanished too—like he had never existed in Avenlith at all.

The streets buzzed once more with cars and chatter. Life went on.

***

Cordavia Country.

Five Years Later.

“Hey! Briella, do you even have a conscience? I’m the godmother of your two kids, remember!”

Briella lounged on the sofa, her dark eyes as quiet and deep as a midnight sea, fringed with a hazy elegance.

Long hair flowed down her shoulders, smooth and lustrous in natural waves.

Every glance from her seemed like ripples across still water—gentle, captivating, impossible to look away from.

Even Audrey, who saw her every day, couldn’t help but admire her again in silence.

“Exactly,” Briella said with a nod, “That’s why you need to take even better care of them.”

Audrey was holding one child in each arm, her head nearly bursting with exasperation.

“Okay, okay! I brought you a car full of gifts this time—go open them!”

Two soft, squishy bundles cheered in unison, “Thank you, Godmom!”

They bolted outside in excitement to tear into the presents.

Only then did Audrey let out a long sigh and plop down next to Briella, glaring at her.

“You—you’re always slacking! Can’t you take more responsibility for the company? And what about your new designs? You said they’re launching next month!”

Briella dramatically collapsed onto Audrey’s shoulder. “Ugh, don’t push me! I’ve been busy with Jules’s new drug research and Steven’s tech testing. My head’s killing me! And now you want to drain me dry too?”

Audrey: “...”

‘Does she really think I still fall for this crap? How many times has she pulled this act over the years?’

“Don’t try that nonsense with me. I’m not buying it!”

She pushed Briella’s head away without a shred of mercy, her whole posture screaming, No manuscript, no escape.

“Fine, fine! I’ll send it to you tonight!” Briella glared, her stunning eyes sparkling with mischief.

Audrey instantly dropped the act and looped her arm around Briella’s pale one with a bright smile.

“I knew you’d come through for me, Briella!”

Briella sighed and rubbed her temples. “Can you change your face any faster?”

“When the boss commands, how could this humble employee dare disobey?” Audrey raised a brow playfully.

“…”

Briella stood and pulled a document from the drawer, handing it to her.

“I’m heading back to Avenlith. You’ll need to handle things here like always.”

Audrey sat up straight, face tense, not even reaching for the papers.

“You’re not joking, are you? Isn’t Avenlith your emotional landmine? For all these years, even hearing the name changes your face.”

Briella lowered her eyes, hiding the cold glint that briefly flickered there. Her lips curled into a faint, devastating smile.

“I told you before—I’m going back to settle the score.”

“…Alright then. I’ll have Preston get things ready in Avenlith. Handle your business and come back soon.”

Audrey took the folder and placed it on the table, then clasped Briella’s hand tightly.

June.

At 11 a.m., a private jet touched down smoothly at Avenlith International Airport.

“Mommy, this place is kinda nice.”

“Yeah! I like it just as much as my brother does!”

Briella pushed a white suitcase with one hand, holding the hand of a stoic little boy with the other. Her more cheerful twin was perched on top of the suitcase, beaming.

“Alright, when Mommy’s free, we’ll go sightseeing together.”

People passing by couldn’t help but stare in awe. That family was just too good-looking.

“Miss McKenna!”

Briella looked up and smiled when she saw Preston approaching in a tailored suit.

“It’s been a while, Preston.”

“Hi, Uncle Preston!”

“Hello, Uncle Preston.”

Preston pinched the smiling child on the suitcase. “Still the happy one, huh?”

Then he glanced at the other one. “Still the cold one, I see.”

Behind his sunglasses, a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes.

“Alright, let’s go,” Briella said, her tone calm.

Preston nodded, took the suitcase from her, and scooped up the little one into the car.

People nearby couldn’t stop murmuring in amazement. That’s gotta be a stretch limo, right? So rich!

...

The corridor in the hotel gleamed with chandeliers and marble floors.

“Miss McKenna, you’ll be staying in the presidential suite at the Avenlith Grand Hotel for now,” Preston said respectfully.

Briella took off her sunglasses and waved him off. “Don’t bother looking for a place. This is fine. Also, stop calling me Miss McKenna. It’s inconvenient.”

Preston blinked, but nodded. “Got it. Skye… if you need anything, just call.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

After watching him leave via the elevator, Briella wheeled the suitcase into the room.

“Mommy, I’m hungry!”

She squatted down and pulled both kids into her arms. “Alright, I’ll call room service. You two be good and unpack, okay?”

She got up and placed the order.

As she watched the twins run around the suitcase, her phone buzzed. She walked to the window and answered.

“You get there safely?”

“All good, don’t worry.”

A sharp voice came from the other end. “Tch, you’re even more out of control overseas. Listen to how you talk to me now!”

Briella chuckled, “Audrey… how old are you again?”

“Hmph! Whatever! I’ve got another meeting. Take care of er.yourself and the kids!”

“Yeah, yeah, go work.”

She shook her head and ended the call.

Soft daylight bathed her face, her lashes casting shadows on skin as smooth and pale as polished jade.

“Mommy! Someone’s at the door! It must be the food!”

“All you think about is eating, huh?”

Briella walked over and flicked the little one’s forehead. “And what kind of tone was that with your sister?”

The boy drooped his head. “I was wrong…”

After unpacking, the two little ones were clearly struggling with jet lag. They barely made it to bedtime before crashing right into bed after their bath.

Briella sat at the edge of the bed, her damp hair still clinging to her shoulders. She leaned down and gently kissed each of their foreheads.

“Goodnight, Moa. Goodnight, Koa.”

***

The next morning, Briella stood by the window, phone in hand.

“Preston, swing by later and take Moa and Koa out for a bit. Let them have some fun,” she said softly. “They’re still sleeping, so no rush.”

She paused, her voice turning slightly colder. “Send a driver for me. I’m heading to the Sawyer family today—it’s their special day, after all.”

Then, she hung up, and her lips curling slightly.

Five years.

She wondered if they still remembered the person they’d wronged.

In the mirror stood a stunning woman in a scarlet off-shoulder gown, light as feathers, sparkling like ruby under the morning sun.

On the table lay an invitation—the bright ivory card practically glowing.

At the Sawyers villa.

Luxury cars lined the street. Nearly every prominent name in Avenlith was in attendance.

Today was the engagement party for Penny Sawyer, the Sawyer family’s eldest daughter, and the Ledger family’s young master.

The Sawyer family wasn’t particularly powerful—but the Ledger family? They were on another level.

Word had it that the Ledger heir had loved Penny for over a decade and had insisted on hosting the engagement party at her family’s home.

Briella’s cold gaze landed on the Sawyers gates, overlapping with memories she’d buried deep.

Her fingers traced the air as she murmured, “Time for the show to begin.”

In the Sawyer villa’s back garden, guests milled about in expensive gowns and polished suits, laughter and pleasantries filling the air.

“Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate my daughter’s engagement to the Ledger family’s young master,” Emmet Sawyer said warmly, raising his glass. “Please enjoy yourselves—don’t be shy!”

As he stepped off the stage, he tugged at his wife’s sleeve. “Go check on Penny. The ceremony’s about to start.”

Mrs. Sawyer, all smiles, set her drink down. “Don’t worry! Our future son-in-law just told me personally he’s going to bring her down himself. You can stop fretting.”

Emmet beamed. “We raised a wonderful daughter! Once Penny’s married off, we won’t need to worry about Paige’s future either! Hahaha!”

In her room, Penny was glowing with happiness, surrounded by flattery and compliments.

“Penny, you look absolutely stunning today!”

“Of course she does! She’s the star of the show!”

“Exactly! Gorgeous!”

Penny lowered her gaze shyly, playing modest. “You’re all too kind.”

The girls giggled behind delicate hands. “Oh my, she’s blushing!”

“Alright, alright, the ceremony’s about to start—we should head down.”

“We’ll wait for you and the young master to make your grand entrance!”

Penny’s cheeks turned bright red as she gently scolded them, “Get going, you troublemakers!”

They all knew Connor would come up soon to escort her. Teasing her one last time, the girls left in a flurry of giggles, leaving her alone.

Penny carefully touched up her makeup, checking her reflection again and again.

When she heard someone behind her, she smiled, not even turning around.

“Connor, do I look pretty?”

But as she looked into the mirror, her smile froze.

“Who… who are you? I don’t know you!” she gasped, brows knitting in annoyance.

This woman was too beautiful. So beautiful it made her feel sick with jealousy.

The woman in red—Briella—stood with poise, holding an invitation. Her eyes were dark as ink, glimmering with dangerous light.

“Don’t recognize me, Sister?” Briella smiled faintly. “Today’s your big day. I came all the way here to offer my congratulations. Aren’t you happy to see your little sister?”

Penny’s mind went blank.

That voice… those eyes… too familiar.

Her ears rang, her body trembling as she backed up against the vanity. The jeweled tassels in her hair jingled with every shake of her head.

“No… no, you’re a ghost! You’re a ghost! I-I’m sorry, okay? I was wrong to hit you, to yell at you… please, I’ll get on my knees and apologize! Just don’t come for me!”

With a thud, she dropped to her knees in front of Briella, her whole body shaking, face deathly pale.

Briella stepped closer, kneeling gracefully to meet her eye to eye.

“You don’t seem too happy to see me,” she said softly. “But for the past five years, I’ve thought about you every single day. And you? Did you ever think about me?”

Penny stammered, “Y-You… you and that bastard brother of yours are dead! Why are you haunting me?! You filthy little wretch! We’re not family—you never were! You don’t belong here!”

Her fear turned into a shrill rage.

Briella’s eyes glinted, her voice low and ice-cold.

“You disgust me. Every one of you. Even the way you speak.”

Without another word, she grabbed Penny’s jaw and forcefully shoved the ivory invitation into her mouth.

“This is my gift,” she whispered. “My brother’s gift will arrive right on time too.”

To Penny, it was like a demon had spoken straight into her ear.

The taste of paper made her gag. She tried to spit it out, but collapsed to the floor, her eyes fluttering shut.

...

“I now declare the engagement ceremony officially begin!”

Emmet strode onto the stage, voice booming.

Suddenly—

“Ghost! She’s back! She’s back for us!”

Penny stumbled onto the red carpet, a terrifying sight.

Her ornate hairpiece was falling apart, her designer dress twisted and torn. Her makeup had melted into a ghostly mask. She looked possessed.

The crowd froze in shock. No one dared step forward.

Wasn’t she supposed to be the bride today?

Confused whispers spread like wildfire.

Emmet rushed down, grabbing her. “What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!”

Mrs. Sawyer and Paige rushed forward too.

“Penny, what’s wrong?!”

Penny only flailed and cackled hysterically. “She’s back! She’s back…”

Connor’s face darkened as he arrived at the scene, followed closely by his parents—both furious.

“Mr. Ledger, I believe there’s been a huge misunderstanding,” Mr. Sawyer said with forced calm.

But Mrs. Ledger cut in coldly, “Misunderstanding? Mr. Sawyer, we haven’t even signed the marriage papers yet. Clearly, your daughter isn’t ready for marriage—or stability. Let’s call this off. We don’t wish to be ‘in-laws’ with a family like yours. Connor, let’s go. There’s nothing more to see here.”

***