Chapter 1Silence Is My Last Defense

A year after I was confirmed to be the fake heiress.

My friends all said I’d changed.

I was no longer arrogant or extravagant, no longer desperately chasing after a moment of genuine attention from my mom and dad, nor was I trying to win Barry’s love.

The harsh reality of my financial struggles wore me out, and it taught me that love was the most useless thing in the world.

I became what they wanted—passive and no longer battling for anything.

When Barry brought the real heiress home again later,

I just quietly went to the guest room, quietly waiting to surrender everything to the real heiress.

But everyone who wanted me to be compliant was furious, asking why I wasn't making a scene anymore.

It was dawn when Barry brought the real heiress home again.

I didn't make a scene.

I just forced myself out of bed, exhausted, and quietly went to the guest room.

As I walked past Scarlett, she sweetly tugged on my hand.

"Aria, you've misunderstood me."

"I just came to get the necklace I left behind last time; I'm not trying to steal Barry from you..."

Barry frowned, about to scold me for being dramatic and possessive, just like he used to.

But I cut him off, speaking calmly.

"I know. I only married him because I took your place. He... was always meant for you."

Honestly, I’d come to terms with it long ago.

Arranged marriages among the elite were never about personal feelings, but about family background.

When my identity as a fake heiress was exposed, Barry had immediately suggested divorce.

I’d cried and screamed, starved myself and threatened to end it all, just to cling to the title of Mrs. Miller.

But what was the point?

My mom and dad had already taken back everything they'd given me, and the Miller family wasn't going to give me a dime either.

I held a fancy title but was financially ruined, utterly destitute.

Scarlett probably hadn't expected me to say that; she blinked, stunned for two seconds before replying.

"Oh, good, I'm glad. I was worried you'd be upset about me starting as Barry's personal assistant at his company."

She knew my sensitive spot.

She knew I hated her getting close to him the most.

I clearly caught the triumphant glint in her eyes, but I just nodded calmly.

"That's perfectly fine. Once you've gotten some experience, you can take over the whole group."

"Mr. Hayes... your dad will be thrilled."

I brushed her hand away.

"Sorry, I'm a bit tired after delivering food all day."

"I'm going to lie down for a bit. You two carry on."

The guest room door slowly closed, and I wearily shut my eyes.

A cold, hollow ache settled in my chest, like a draft from a broken window in winter, slowly freezing me from the inside.

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I suddenly heard the guest room door violently kicked open.

Barry stood by my bed, his face dark.

He asked me,

"What game are you playing now?"