Chapter 1The Doctor's Perfect Creation

Days before the Victoria's Secret final casting.

My husband, a celebrity plastic surgeon who swore he adored me, told me I had a flaw.

He personally operated on my face to "fix" it.

When the anesthesia wore off, I went to find him.

I overheard him whispering sweet nothings to my runway rival.

"The surgery on my wife is done. Your only competition is gone. Happy now?"

The woman giggled, her voice sickly sweet.

"Why didn't you just disfigure her completely? Then I'd feel safe forever."

Ethan's veins popped on his forehead.

"Don't push it. She's the woman I love. Don't you dare touch her!"

"Okay, okay, I was just joking. Gentle..."

The sounds of their heavy breathing filled the room.

I felt like I had fallen into an ice cave.

Since he changed my face without my consent, I decided to change my identity too.

To the ends of the earth, he will never find me again.

* * *

I lay on the cold hospital bed, waiting for the nurse to remove the bandages.

They chattered non-stop.

"Dr. Sterling is taking his wife out for her birthday tonight. I heard he bought out the city's fireworks display. So romantic!"

"That's nothing. Mrs. Sterling is a supermodel. Dr. Sterling designs her skincare routine personally. It takes so much effort."

They didn't recognize that the patient in front of them was the envied "Mrs. Sterling."

To become a Victoria's Secret Angel, I endured hardships Ethan knew better than anyone.

Yet, to help Chloe, he changed my face!

The nurse handed me a mirror.

The face reflecting back was strange. It disgusted me.

I never imagined the husband who treated me like a treasure would be cruel enough to slice open my face.

I remembered when Ethan knelt on one knee, crying like a child.

He said he would spoil me forever and send me to the international stage.

He said my wish was his wish.

Now it seems it was all just a painful lie.

My knuckles turned white gripping the mirror, my eyes red.

Hot tears streamed down my scarred face.

I didn't know which hurt more, the wounds or my heart.

Just then, Ethan rushed into the room, scolding the nurses.

"My wife is delicate! Why isn't she in the VIP suite for the unveiling? If there's any infection, you're all fired!"

The nurses finally realized who I was.

They looked awkward and panicked.

I dug my nails into my palm, tears falling uncontrollably.

"Ethan, why did you touch my face?"

He knelt quickly, coaxing me in a low voice.

"I just wanted you to be even more beautiful, so your career would be smooth sailing."

He held the mirror up again. "Look, isn't it great?"

He was clearly proud of his work.

But my original face was favored by international brands. It was crucial for my casting.

Now, with this "youthful" face, my career was over.

Ethan, who dealt with models daily, knew this perfectly well.

He wiped my tears and kissed my forehead.

"Alright, baby, don't cry. You're breaking my heart."

He didn't even notice Chloe's lipstick still on his lips.

Sticky and disgusting.

Or maybe it was just because this man was rotten to the core.

I pushed him away gently.

A nurse poked her head in.

"Dr. Sterling, Miss Chloe's facial treatment is due. Should we..."

Ethan snapped his head back, annoyed.

"Can't you see I'm comforting my wife? Tell her to come another day!"

I almost laughed.

"Go. Work is important."

Ethan didn't hesitate. He winked at me.

"Okay, wifey. I'll take you home when I'm done."

He didn't notice how hurried his steps were.

But I couldn't wait any longer.

"Sarah, are you sure you want to come to Milan as a mentor?"

I touched my stinging face.

"I can't walk the runway anymore, so I'll help others. But..."

"I need you to help me erase my identity. I want to live with a brand new face."

The betrayed suffer so much.

How can the betrayer sleep soundly?

From now on, even if I stand right in front of Ethan, we are strangers.