Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband Free Preview

Lily’s POV:

I am Lily Miller, the eldest daughter of the Miller family, but only a few people know of my existence: my parents, my younger sister Rose, my best friend Riley, and my fiancé Ryan. The outside world believes the Miller family only has one daughter, which is my sister.

My parents made me live in the basement since I was little. Until I grew up, I moved from the basement. However, even then, I still wasn’t allowed to live in the Miller family’s luxurious mansion. Instead, they made me stay in a small, secluded apartment on the estate.My parents always said that I was so pretty and eye-catching that they started to get threats. We are one of the richest families, and my father was afraid someone would kidnap me to take advantage of our family’s wealth.

They made sure my name never got out, and nobody knew that the Miller had another daughter.

I had always trusted my parents. Their love and approval were all I needed, so I never questioned their decisions or the rules they set for me. As the eldest child, I shouldered many responsibilities, while my younger siblings were showered with affection and indulgence.

Despite the unequal treatment, I never let resentment take root in my heart. I did everything asked of me, believing it was my duty as the eldest daughter. My intelligence and knack for business were undeniable, and I used my skills to support my father in transforming Miller Corporations into one of the top five companies in the industry.

Finally, everything has come to light. Today, I’m getting married. My parents told me that after my wedding, I can be revealed to the public as the eldest daughter of the Miller family.

They finally led me into the room that was meant to be mine in the Miller family’s mansion. It was my first time setting foot here. A warm smile spread across my lips as I gently brushed my hand over the soft fabric of the white princess wedding gown in front of me. It was everything I had ever imagined.

This dress wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was my masterpiece, a culmination of my passion and talent. I had poured my heart and soul into every stitch, and now, it was ready for the most significant day of my life.

Today, I was marrying Ryan, the man I had loved for over four years. My heart fluttered at the thought. This was the day I had dreamt of for so long—my fairy tale coming to life. Not only was I about to become his wife, but I would also step into the spotlight as the eldest daughter of the Miller Family and the renowned fashion designer known as LX. The world, which had been blind to my true identity, would finally recognize me for who I am.

“Hey! I brought champagne!” The door opened to reveal my sister Rose walking in, holding a bottle of champagne and wearing a smile on her face.

Rose’s arrival shocked me. I didn’t know she’d find time away from her busy schedule of partying and attending red carpet events. But seeing her really lifted my spirits. “You came?” I couldn’t believe she was here, along with my best friend Riley, who was a singer and enjoying her fame these days.

“It’s stunning,” Rose said with an approving nod as she approached the dress. “The most exquisite one I’ve ever seen. Don’t you agree, Riley?”

Riley sighed dramatically, feigning envy. “Absolutely! It’s a masterpiece. I can’t help but feel a little jealous. I want a wedding dress like this for myself someday.”

laughed at my friend’s theatrics. “Oh, don’t be jealous! When the time comes, I’ll design your dresses, and I promise they’ll be even more beautiful than this one.”

Rose chuckled softly, running her fingers along the hem of the dress. “Lily, you don’t need to trouble yourself. You’ve already designed my wedding dress.”

I frowned in confusion. “What? When did I do that?”

Rose and Riley exchanged a sly glance before Riley placed a hand on my shoulder. “Lily, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten,” she teased.

“Forgotten what? What are you two talking about?” I asked, my brow furrowing.

With an exaggerated pout, Rose pointed at the dress. “This is my wedding dress. Today is my wedding day.”

I blinked, stunned by my sister’s words. Then, realizing they were joking, I let out a small laugh. “Alright, enough. You two are terrible at making jokes.”

But Riley’s tone turned serious. “We’re not joking, Lily. Today is Rose’s wedding, and that dress is hers.”

I rolled her eyes. “Oh, I see. Let me guess—Rose’s groom is Ryan?” I quipped, humoring them.

“Exactly!” Riley said with a smirk.

“Elder Sister, I’m marrying Ryan today. Didn’t you get the wedding invitation?” Rose asked, her tone dripping with mock innocence.

“Stop it, you two,” I said, my smile fading. “This joke has gone far enough. I need to get ready.”

But instead of backing off, Rose’s expression turned cold. She clapped her hands, and the door burst open. Four burly guards stepped inside, their presence filling the room with tension.

“Rose, what is this? What are you doing?” I demanded, alarmed.

Rose’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “You’ll understand soon enough,” she said icily. “Guards, take her.”

“What are you doing?” I screamed in panic, unable to get out of her grasp because of how fragile I had been lately. They had cut my meals. Mom said I needed to lose a lot of weight for the wedding, even though I didn’t really need to lose any. But it made me underweight.

“You need to be in check for the next part,” Rose finally put the dress down so she could come and hold my face in her hands. “Ryan isn’t marrying you. He’s going to be my groom tonight, sister!” The mockery in her tone and the determination hit me. I realized it wasn’t a joke anymore.

“I love Ryan! And he is mine. As for you, you are nothing. I will be the one introduced as the elder daughter of Miller tonight—as Ryan’s bride and—” She took a dramatic pause before finishing, “as LX!”

Lily’s POV

"You've lost your mind! Ryan loves me, we are getting married today!" I yelled again, tears streaming down my face as I tried to break free from Rose’s grip.

"Huh? Bitch, you say his name one more time," Rose raised her hand and slapped me so hard my lip split open. But the taste of blood wasn’t worse than the taste of betrayal. I was in shock. My little sister struck me?

The one I had done so much for?

I wanted to be an actress, but my parents said that would get too much attention on me and cause me safety concerns. By the time I was fifteen, I was already working wonders in multiple areas.

But my sister was encouraged to pursue her acting career. So, when she landed a role in an adventure romance movie, she turned to me for help. Her character would wear a mask, have a sexy body, and wear tight latex pants and a top, fighting the bad people. Her love interest was played by a very well-known actor.

But she couldn’t keep her body to the standards they wanted. That’s when I stepped in. I would wear her clothes, come out of her RV, play the role perfectly, and even do the fight scenes well since I was being trained in the basement for that. Then she would do the rest of the scenes using her own face. It helped her career skyrocket, and I was truly happy for her.

But today, she wasn’t happy for me.

"You—you hit me?" I couldn't believe it. It has to be a nightmare or some big prank.

"Yeah, so what? That’s what you deserve. Have you not realized I’m the bride today? You are nothing, just a rat who lives in our basement," she spat in my face, causing my heart to miss a beat after another.

My legs felt weak as the truth hit me like a wave. My lips trembled, but no words came out.

Rose, growing impatient, snapped at the guards. “What are you waiting for? Drag her out of here!”

“Yes, Young Miss!” the guards replied in unison, tightening their grip on my arms.

“Let me go! Please, you’re making a mistake!” I cried, my voice breaking as I struggled against them. Pain shot through my body as they dragged me forcefully toward the door.I finally managed to escape from that cold, damp basement. I can't go back! There must be some mistake.

“Rose! Riley! Stop this! Please!” she screamed. “Mother! Father! Help me!”

My desperate cries echoed through the halls, but no one came to my aid. My strength was no match for the guards, and they dragged me through the grand corridors like a lifeless doll.

When we reached the large, opulent hall downstairs, my frantic sobbing slowed for a moment. My gaze landed on three familiar figures standing at the base of the staircase: my parents and Ryan. Relief surged through me like a beacon of hope in the darkness.

“Mother! Father! Ryan!” I called out, my voice filled with desperation.

But the moment their faces came into view, my hope shattered. They stood there, their expressions cold and indifferent. My mother looked away as if ashamed, my father’s jaw was set in grim silence, and Ryan’s face was a blank mask.

My knees buckled. My voice trembled as I sobbed, “Why? I’m your daughter… why are you doing this to me?”

“Don’t look at us like that. You can’t even do that much for your little sister? Let her be happy,” Dad said with a shrug, causing my jaw to drop.

“Your dad is right. We let you have the pleasure of learning all the skills and work. Just make a small sacrifice, consider it a way to repay us for raising you. Your sister deserves this gown and the wedding,” Mom sounded so oblivious in that moment that it hurt.

“I should be grateful that you caged me in the basement and made me work to build others' careers?” I asked her just to make sure I was hearing her right.

As a child, I had accepted their decisions without resentment, believing their reasons were valid. But now, the truth became painfully clear. My exclusion hadn’t been for my protection—it was to erase my existence.

Now, my dreams were shattered in the cruelest way. The very people I had trusted with my life—my family, my best friend, and the man I loved—were the ones who turned against me. They didn’t just betray me; they stripped me of everything I held dear.

My pleas were met with silence, their response cutting deeper than any words could. The people I had loved and trusted the most had abandoned me.

Rose cast a victorious glance and snapped her fingers, signaling the Ryan. Ryan rushed at me and slapped my cheek. Before I could even gather what he had just done, he was dragging me out of the room and towards the basement.

The basement!

No! This can’t happen. I cannot go back there.

Lily’s POV

“Don’t take me back there, Ryan. How could you—you are the reason I stayed in this hellhole and you’re sending me back here.” I couldn’t believe he would play me so dirty. In fact, I never imagined I got played even when there were clear signs all over the place.

“I will not let you play me, I will not anymore. I will tell everyone who you are and how you’ve been using me. I am no longer your slave—and you!” I grunted at Ryan, “I will tell everyone what a scoundrel you are—” I understood it all now. They were all in on this game.

Who even makes their daughter work for others and not get recognized? Who even puts their daughter in a basement and makes her work like she is nothing but a slave?

There was briefly a moment when I decided I couldn’t stay in the manor apartment any longer. I felt worthy of so much, so I started to complain and put up a fight. Then suddenly, one day, when I told my parents I would move out no matter what, this handsome gentleman showed up at our mansion.

My life took a turn during a family dinner when I met Ryan for the first time. The Carter and Miller families were close, so the gathering was nothing out of the ordinary. What was unexpected, however, was the spark I felt when I saw him. Handsome and confident, Ryan exuded charm and sophistication. As the sole heir of the Carter family, he carried himself with a magnetic allure that drew people to him effortlessly.

I fell for him instantly, but I kept my feelings hidden, choosing to admire him from a distance. I never expected him to notice me, let alone return my feelings. When he eventually confessed his interest in me, it felt like a dream come true.

He introduced himself and said it was a shame that I was leaving when he had decided to come stay with my parents for a while. I changed my mind at that moment. Perhaps staying in the mansion wasn’t too bad when Ryan would come to the small apartment to spend time with me and watch me work. I grew new courage and excitement for work.

Hence, our friendship turned into something more powerful—love. He proposed to me and promised to take me away and introduce me as the eldest daughter of the Miller, as the person behind LX, and also his wife.

“Stop!” I screamed as he pushed me downstairs, my body hurting with every bump it hit and getting injured.

I landed face down, probably with a broken leg too. I began to crawl away, soaked in my own blood.

“She is fighting hard,” I heard my sister complain from the top of the stairs. The footsteps coming downstairs scared me into trying to rush and crawl away. But where would I go? The only entrance was blocked by them.

A hand pulled my head up. Ryan kneeled down while gripping my hair, "I never wanted you. But when I heard you were being selfish and leaving when my baby still needed your service, I had to step in and block your way. And you got fooled successfully. Now be a good girl, stay here, and don't ruin our big day," he hissed, slamming my head down and hitting my forehead against the floor.

Rose cast a victorious glance and snapped her fingers, signaling the guards. Before I could react, a sharp pain shot through my arm. My head whipped around to see a guard withdrawing a syringe from my skin. “What… what are you doing?” I mumbled, my voice weak as dizziness clouded my senses.I began to lose consciousness at that point.

It was all dark and silent for me. Even my dreams were too afraid to show up. Before long, I began to wake up to the noise from the TV.

I didn't even realize they had left the TV on for me.

“I do!” It was my sister holding hands with Ryan, smiling as they had just exchanged vows.

“No!” I whimpered and cried, shuddering miserably.

Right before my eyes, they got married and shared a kiss.

“Today is a big day for Mr. Carter and the eldest daughter of the Miller. How do you feel about your extravagant wedding today?”

A reporter asked the newlywed couple. Tears streamed down my face as I coughed up blood, trying to get up, but my broken bones wouldn’t let me. My whole life flashed before my eyes, and I felt like nothing.

They had used me—my own parents. I just didn’t understand what I had done to deserve all this.

I closed my eyes while still face down, trying to get up by pushing my hands on the ground.

“Are you wearing LX?” one of the reporters asked, and my eyes darted up again. They had left me in this dark basement. Not even an animal would be treated this unfairly by a family. I could see my mother on the TV in the crowd, and she looked happy. Not a frown on her face for her injured daughter back home.

“Ah!” I whimpered, taking steady breaths, but shaking from injuries and blood loss.

Rose smiled and turned to Ryan, who was now her husband. "Let me tell you a secret," he pulled her closer, and she giggled against his chest.

“This amazing woman in my arms, she is a superwoman. You all have known her for her character, The Perfect Goddess, but she really lives up to her name. She is the mystery behind LX,” he announced proudly, and she hid in his chest like a fragile little bride too shy to face the crowd, who gasped in admiration for her work.

“She indeed is a Perfect Goddess,” one of the reporters claimed.

“She is, isn’t she?” Ryan had nothing but adoration in his eyes as my sister giggled at the beautiful comments for her.

I began to cough up blood again, pushing my body to get on my feet and escape. I should have left that day. Why the heck did I change my mind for a man?

I had been so stupid.

Demons, they are all demons. The reason they hid me wasn’t out of love or protection—they were just using me to pave the way for Rose.

“How… how could they do this to me?”

I must escape, or these demons will do even more vicious things to me.

But before I could even struggle to get up from the floor, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Lily

The door creaked open suddenly, and my heart sank as two shadows emerged. The room was dim until one of them flicked the switch, flooding the space with light. Standing before me were two figures I recognized all too well. I panicked, stepped back, and landed on my butt again. Ryan rushed down happily with a bride behind him.

“Oh look! The useless, nasty slut is awake.” Hearing those words from Ryan was terrifying. He had disguised his disgust for me so well that it left me in shock.

“Hmm! She’s all messed up, but strange, she didn’t die,” Rose rolled her eyes.

“Don’t—don’t come any closer,” I pointed at them, shaking in fear. My begging didn’t stop Ryan, and he lunged at me to grab my arm and pull me up on my feet to face my sister.

His grasp around my arm was so painful.

“Um, we don’t really need you. See! My character of ‘Perfect Goddess’ doesn’t need the costume anymore. We’re continuing with season 2, where I will be fighting less and having more of a romantic storyline, and they are revealing my face, so—no more masked, musty, crusty Lily needed. As for Riley, come on, she got your diary. The diary that you’ve been writing songs in? Huh! She’s good for at least ten years,” the more she spoke and counted out the reasons why they didn’t need me, the more I began to believe I was never getting out of here.

“Did you not wonder how parents could do something like that to their children?” She squeezed her eyes until they were little, cocking her face and reading my expressions.

“That’s because you were never our sister, you dumb, stupid bitch,” she finished, slapping my face, but her husband didn’t let me fall.

“I’m not?” I gasped, my hand over my cheek.

“Of course not. I’m the eldest one, but we had to keep you with us for some good fortune. You see, Dad had stolen you—from a wealthy couple. They were at the top of the game, and Dad needed them to lose something to lose their sense for a while,” she continued to shock me with how brutally they had planned all of this.

Their game plan started when I was born.

“And now—your rich parents are looking for you. Now—we cannot let them find you, can we?” she clicked her tongue, pouting.

I’ve been living with strangers all these years?

My breath caught. My real parents... They’re looking for me? A glimmer of hope sparked in my chest. “Rose, who are they? Please tell me! I’m begging you!” I cried, my voice breaking.

Rose smirked coldly. “Knowing who your parents are has only made things more complicated. I can’t let you live now, Lily. You’ll have to die today. ”

Ryan’s eyes were cold and filled with disgust. “Lily, looking at your face makes me sick. You’re nothing but an eyesore. If Rose wants you dead, then so be it.” A cruel smile spread across his lips. “You’ve always done what I asked, haven’t you? Then do it one last time—be a good girl and die.”

Rose laughed and wrapped her arms around Ryan, kissing him on the lips. “I love you so much,” she purred.

He smiled down at her, stroking her forehead lovingly. “Let’s finish this quickly. I can’t wait anymore.”

Blushing, Rose turned to me, her expression a twisted mix of joy and malice. “Well, Lily, It’s time to say goodbye.” She gestured to Riley, who began pouring kerosene across the room and onto Lily.

“No! Please, Rose, don’t do this! I’m begging you!” I cried, struggling against the ropes binding her.

Rose smirked, holding Ryan’s arm as they stepped back. “Why should I tell you anything? You’re about to die. What’s the point in knowing? Goodbye, Lily. Have a happy death.”

Their laughter echoed cruelly as Rose flicked open a lighter and tossed it into the room. Flames erupted instantly, casting an eerie glow as they closed the door, sealing my fate.

The room quickly became an inferno as the fire spread relentlessly, consuming everything in its path. Flames danced across the walls, and the thick smoke filled the air, making it hard to breathe. I struggled desperately against the ropes binding me, my heart pounding with fear and determination. I shouted for help, my voice hoarse and strained, hoping against hope that someone might hear my cries.

I couldn’t believe that was the end of me. Even being a good person didn’t do anything for me. And then, I could no longer breathe, and my eyes closed.

How absurd! Everything that I had was ultimately belongs to my sister. My fiancé was meant for her, my designs were meant for her, and my so-called parents were actually her biological parents, not mine, and I—after losing all my value—was burned alive by my parents, my lover, and my best friend.

"If I get another chance, I will make everyone pay!" I swore to myself. There was nothing more intense than the blazing fire in the room—it was my hatred.

Lily:

"NO... No... Hot... No!"

I jolted awake with a sharp gasp, my lungs greedily pulling in air. My entire body trembled as my eyes darted around, struggling to make sense of my surroundings. The room felt unfamiliar at first, but as my mind cleared, recognition settled in.

"Where am I? Who saved me?" I whispered, my voice shaking.

Blinking rapidly, I forced myself to focus. I was in my own apartment. But that didn't make sense. I threw off the duvet and rushed to the mirror, my heart pounding. My hands shook as I traced my reflection, expecting to see burn marks, scars—anything to remind me of the fire. But there was nothing. My skin was smooth, unblemished, my face... younger than I remembered.

"What is going on?" I murmured, confusion twisting in my chest.

My gaze landed on the calendar hanging beside the mirror. The moment I saw the date, my breath hitched.

"Three years ago..." I breathed, a wave of disbelief crashing over me. My fingers trembled as I pinched my arm, wincing at the sharp sting. This was real. Somehow, impossibly, I had been reborn.

A mixture of relief and fierce determination flooded through me. I stared at my reflection, the corners of my lips curling into a slow, incredulous smile. "The heavens have given me a second chance," I whispered. "This time, things will be different. The Miller family, Rose, Riley, Ryan... you’ll all pay for what you did."

My mind raced, piecing together the timeline. Right now, I was still in a relationship with Ryan, blindly supporting Rose and Riley’s careers while preparing to launch my own design studio. And in two days, the Miller family would throw their grand business celebration—the event that changed everything.

"This time, I'll play my cards differently," I vowed. "No more being a pawn in their games. I'll follow my dreams and find my real parents."

For a brief moment, my expression softened as memories of my parents surfaced, filling me with longing. But the sharp ringing of my phone dragged me back to the present.

I glanced at the screen.

Rose is calling…

Bitterness curled in my chest. I remembered too well how she had manipulated me, convincing me to take an audition while I was sick—an audition that she later stole, launching her career at my expense.

I sneered. Not this time.

“Hello Rose,” I didn't immediately start smiling like I used to whenever I would receive her call. And I am sure she noticed.

I cleared my throat, making sure to sound as weak as possible. “Rose, is that you?” My voice came out hoarse, just as I intended.

“Elder sister, are you okay? You sound unwell.” Her voice dripped with concern, but I wasn’t fooled. I could practically picture the fake sweetness in her expression.

“Yes, I’m feeling terrible,” I replied, adding a weak cough for effect.

“Oh no, elder sister! Do you need me to come take care of you?” she offered, her tone sickeningly sweet.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I’ll manage. Why did you call?”

“Well…” Rose hesitated, and I could almost hear the gears turning in her head. “There’s an audition for a movie I really want to be in, but… My ankle is sprained, and I can’t go. I was hoping you could go for me, but since you’re unwell…”

I felt a smirk tug at my lips. “I’d love to help, Rose, but I can’t even leave my bed right now.” My voice was dripping with false regret.

“Oh… it’s okay, elder sister. I’ll figure something out. Take care,” she said, trying to mask her disappointment.

As the call ended, I lay back against my pillows, my mind already brimming with plans. That audition had been a crucial stepping stone in Rose’s rise to fame, but without my help, it would be so much harder for her to succeed.

‘Let’s see how you manage this time,’ I thought, a satisfied smile curling on my lips.

I had made up my mind—this time, I wouldn’t be a tool for others to manipulate. I wouldn’t let Rose climb to stardom on my back. Without my help, let’s see how she plans to secure that coveted role.

I had no idea what Rose might be doing after I had denied helping her. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of the future. Leaning against my bed frame, I felt a steely determination settle in my eyes. I wouldn’t let anyone take advantage of my kindness and naivety ever again.

I knew what would come next. Rose would either complain to her parents or the man that I thought was mine. I was waiting to find out what their next moves would be.

‘This is my second chance,’ I thought, my jaw tightening. ‘This time, I’ll carve my own path—and no one will stand in my way.’