Chapter 1

That morning, I, Caroline Bergling, had just gotten a marriage certificate with a scion of Heidorot's elite. But on that same afternoon, he took me straight to get a divorce. There I was, stiff and speechless with the marriage certificate in hand. Meanwhile, his friends laughed freely at my expense. "Seriously, Nathan? All it took was one word from Eveline for you to marry the heiress and dump her on the same day?" "Hah, look at her. She's as white as a sheet. Do you think she'll break down in tears?" However, Nathan Rodgers wrapped an arm around his adoptive sister, Eveline Garrix. "Now that both certificates are here, will you finally smile at me?" he gently said. Hearing that, Eveline let out a soft laugh. The cold, aloof look on her face bloomed into a smile. I wanted to step forward and confront them, but my three brothers wouldn't let me go. My eldest brother Martin, the CEO, frowned. "Nathan is the only one who brings Eveline joy. Do the right thing," he said. An A-list actor, my second brother Oscar, knocked me off my feet. "She's had it rough. You have a good background, so let this one go," he added. My third brother, Albus, a biology professor, saw his face turn grim as he sternly said, "Nathan should have married her years ago, so let this go." Then, they forced me into the car. They refused to let me ruin their beloved muse's happiness. At that moment, the dormant system finally rebooted. Its voice suddenly echoed clearly, "Host, mission accomplished! Initiate return sequence to the real world?" Seated in the back seat, I gaze out the window pensively, barely holding back a smirk. That's it. The tragic act required by the mission was over. I'm done with their soap opera for good! … "Congratulations, host! You've secured 95% favorability from the Berglings brothers and the male lead, Nathan. Mission objective of marrying the male lead has been achieved! "Exit protocols are as such. Host body expiration required. Your reward upon returning to the real world is 100 million dollars and complete bone cancer remission." Barely containing my excitement, I focused on one thing. That's it, I'm going home! With Martin and Albus keeping Eveline company, my second brother was ordered to send me back. Instinctively, I glanced at my second brother, Oscar Bergling. Ever since we'd entered the car, he wore a dark and unwilling expression on his face. When Eveline sent him a text, he finally smiled. Noticing my gaze, he immediately turned off his phone and frowned. "What? Are you still clinging to hope? Are you planning to go back and destroy what they have? Eveline's suffered enough for someone so young. Why can't you just let her be?" I dug my nails into my palms and smiled cynically. The irony wasn't lost on me. I was, after all, a year her junior. My pallor must have been obvious, because Oscar heaved a sigh, then said, "Just apologize to Eveline. Don't keep this up." He reached out to pat my head, but I pulled away gently. "Why should I apologize? What did I do wrong?" I countered. At that, his hand stilled. His tone turned sharp with annoyance as he said, "Caroline, that's enough! Don't push your luck! We'll apologize to Eveline once her match ends." Hearing that, I stayed quiet. Silently, I checked with the system. "As long as this body dies, then I can go home?" "Yes." Slowly, I let out a breath and observed my surroundings through the window. After making sure no one else would be harmed, I opened the door and yanked it open. Oscar, who had been chatting nonstop, screamed in alarm, "Carol! What are you doing?" I ignored him. Without hesitation, I jumped. A biting gust whipped past my face as I fell with the pull of gravity. Eyes shut, I wasn't scared. But then, an arm clamped around my waist. I was swept into someone’s hold, and together we fell toward the grassy margin of the pavement. The world spun violently, and I heard a muffled groan. We rolled several times before finally coming to a stop. Branches tore into the arms wrapped around me, leaving them bleeding, yet not a single mark touched me. I looked up and met Oscar's terrified gaze, my voice calm as I said, "Let me go." Eyes locked on my expressionless face, he roared, "You jumped out of the car just because I got on your case a little? God, we've spoiled you rotten! Is this all another attention-seeking stunt? Cut it out!" I ignored him, prying his fingers off me. After I stood up, I scanned the area and quickly spotted a black car speeding straight toward us. "I jumped into it myself. Remember to pay for their damages," I remarked. At that, I lunged straight toward the vehicle. "Carol!" Oscar screamed, struggling to get up, but it was too late. I longed for the end. I knew my time was short either way, but anything was better than remaining in this world. However, the shriek of tires ripped through the air as the black car slammed to a stop. Off balance, I stumbled backwards and fell right into Oscar's embrace, as he lunged forward to reach me. "Have you lost your mind? Caroline, have you really gone mad?" His eyes reddened, and his hands shook as they skimmed my face and arms. "Were you struck? Where does it hurt? Answer me!" Once again, death had evaded me. At that, I looked down briefly in defeat. My gaze fell on Oscar's leg. His pants were stained a deep, spreading red. The wound was clearly grave as fresh drops continued to fall. Before, I would've broken down in tears, desperate to suffer in his place. Now, I looked away without a word. "What? Since when did I need your consent to die?"