Chapter 1

After Elise Cullen regained her memory, the very first thing she did was call her butler, Duncan Jamison. "Duncan, arrange for someone to pick me up and take me home immediately!" The moment Duncan heard her familiar voice, he was so overwhelmed that tears streamed down his face. "Ms. Cullen, where have you been all this time?" he asked emotionally. "You have no idea how desperately Mr. John and Mr. Cyrus have been searching for you these past few years. They were nearly driven mad with worry." Elise frowned, suppressing the heavy emotions rising in her chest. "It's a long story, and the situation is complicated. I'll explain everything once I'm back." After hanging up, she let out a long, weary sigh. She had once been the beloved daughter of the wealthiest family in the country. Several years ago, her private jet had crashed in the mountains. Although she survived the accident and was rescued by a stranger, she suffered a serious head injury that left her with complete memory loss. She had wandered the streets alone for a long time, without a name or identity, until Alexander Bennett, the CEO of Bennett Corporation, took her into his home. Not long after, he proposed to her in front of everyone. At the time, she could not understand why someone like Alexander, who was admired throughout Birkstone's financial world for his looks, power, and status, and considered the ideal match by every socialite in the city, would choose to marry a woman who had once lived like a beggar on the streets. It was only later that she learned the truth. Alexander's heart had always belonged to his childhood friend, Alicia Yale. Before he could confess his feelings, Alicia had eloped with a poor man and left Birkstone behind without ever returning. Since Alicia had chosen a man who was beneath her, Alexander retaliated by marrying a woman he considered just as cheap. During the years she lived without her memories, Elise had no one to turn to. When a man as brilliant as Alexander appeared in her life, she naturally fell in love with him. She later gave birth to his son. Throughout those years, Alexander remained cold and emotionally distant. Their son, whom she had carried for ten months and nearly died giving birth to because of severe bleeding, ended up inheriting his temperament. He showed no warmth toward her, nor did he ever seem close to her. The three of them rarely exchanged more than a few words each day. Elise had once assumed that both of them were simply naturally reserved. However, everything changed when Alicia returned to Birkstone. Rumor had it that Alicia had struggled with hardship and could no longer endure the life she had chosen. That was why she came back. From the moment she returned, the ever-indifferent Alexander softened in a way Elise had never witnessed. For the first time, his eyes held a warmth and gentleness that had never been meant for her. Her son, Aaron Bennett, also began to follow Alicia around constantly. Elise's recent hospitalization was a direct result of Alicia's actions. One day, Alicia had casually mentioned that she would love to see how someone with a fear of heights would react to skydiving. Aaron had then blindfolded Elise under the pretense of giving her a surprise, taken her onto a plane, and pushed her out from over ten thousand feet in the air. Elise had nearly lost her life, but the shock of that moment had brought all her memories back. During her hospitalization, neither Alexander nor Aaron had come to see her. Even when she was discharged, she had handled all the procedures and packed her belongings by herself. As she stepped outside the hospital and was about to hail a cab, her eyes suddenly landed on a familiar black Bentley. It was Alexander's car. A moment later, the door opened. Alexander, Alicia, and Aaron stepped out and slowly walked toward her under the curious gazes of everyone around them. The striking pair, Alexander and Alicia, had always turned heads. They were even more eye-catching now that they were accompanied by a five-year-old boy whose delicate features made him look like a porcelain doll. To outsiders, they looked like a stunning and picture-perfect family. But to Elise, the scene before her was nothing short of cruel. Alicia held Aaron's hand and smiled in a way that was both sweet and mocking as she greeted her. "Elise, are you feeling better? I heard you were being discharged today, so I brought Alexander and little Aaron to pick you up." Even a fool could hear the pride in her tone. The message was clear—if she hadn't spoken up, neither Alexander nor Aaron would have bothered to show up today. Although Elise had been in the hospital, she had still managed to learn a great deal about them through the news. Alexander, who had always been devoted to his work, had canceled numerous meetings just to please Alicia. He had been showering her with luxury goods and jewelry, doing everything he could to make her smile. Aaron had always been exceptionally bright and was even praised as a young genius. Despite his young age, he had already created several patented inventions. Instead of sharing any of them with his own mother, he had used them all to make Alicia happy. Elise understood what Alicia was trying to do, and she had no intention of playing along. She turned away and tried to walk past her without saying a word. Alicia suddenly stumbled and fell from the steps. Alexander rushed over from a short distance away. He quickly helped Alicia to her feet and immediately shielded her behind him. "Elise! What do you think you're doing?" Before Elise could say a word, Alicia quickly spoke up. "It's not Elise's fault," she said softly. "She's still upset about the skydiving incident. That really was my mistake, so it's understandable that she's angry." She bit her lip and fought back tears, looking utterly wronged. The sight of her in such a fragile state made both Alexander and Aaron instantly feel distressed. Alexander's expression was cold, as if he found it tiresome to say even one extra word to Elise. Meanwhile, Aaron sternly scolded her, "Why are you still upset about that? You spend all day doing housework at home anyway. I just wanted you to experience something different and fun." Then, he added, "I was the one who tricked you into skydiving and pushed you out of the plane. It had nothing to do with Alicia. Stop being so unreasonable." Elise stood frozen, at a complete loss for words. She turned to Alexander, hoping for a shred of understanding, but his eyes were cold and emotionless. "Do not hurt Alicia again. If you do, you won't be able to bear the consequences," he said firmly. He had always been detached and indifferent, as though nothing could ever truly affect him. When it came to Elise, he was even more dismissive. No matter what she endured, he believed she would always pick herself back up and return to him without complaint. But this time, he had shown genuine rage for the sake of Alicia. Elise looked at them and felt completely exhausted. She no longer had the strength to explain herself. So be it. She would be leaving soon anyway. The Cullen family was the wealthiest in the world. Their estate was as secure as a fortress, guarded around the clock. The Bennetts were not even qualified to see her. From now on, she would never lay eyes on those two again. Alicia stepped forward with a gentle smile, trying to smooth things over. "I'm fine. It's just a small fall. We came here today specifically to pick up Elise from the hospital, so let's all head back together," she said as she reached out and tried to take Elise's hand. Elise simply shook her off. Just as she was about to step forward, a voice suddenly called out from behind her in surprise. "Ms. Cullen, what are you doing here?"