Chapter 1

I married into the Miller family in my third year when my husband, Ethan Miller, got into a car accident.

His life was saved, but the doctor said he injured his lower body and could no longer have children.

When I heard the news, my mind went blank.

But Ethan held my hand, his eyes red-rimmed, and comforted me.

"Charlotte, it's okay. At least we already have a daughter. That's enough."

I nodded.

Back then, I thought as long as we were united as a couple, we could get through this hurdle.

I never expected that Miranda would start talking behind my back.

During the time Ethan came home from the hospital to recuperate, Miranda came over every other day.

On the surface, she was visiting her brother, but in reality, she constantly picked at everything I did.

While I was cooking in the kitchen, she would pull Ethan into the bedroom and whisper away.

"Ethan, now that your body's like this, you need to watch out for yourself.

Look at Charlotte—she walks around with that cold face all day.

She's not caring at all. Does she look like someone taking care of a patient?"

Ethan said nothing.

Miranda continued, "And who's managing the money in this house? Don't be stupid and hand it all over to her. She's got money but won't spend it on you, and you've still got the rest of your life ahead of you."

The walls were thin. I heard everything.

Ethan had been in the hospital after his car accident, and I'd been taking care of him day and night without rest. I paid for all the medical expenses and supplements. How dare she spin it like this?

After Miranda left, I couldn't hold back. I confronted Ethan.

"What did Miranda just say to you?"

Ethan's eyes darted away. He wouldn't look at me.

"Nothing... nothing really. Miranda's just concerned about me. She was asking casually."

"Asking casually? She's guarding against me like I'm some kind of thief!"

"Don't overthink it. She's my sister. Would she really harm me?"

He refused to explain further.

That weekend when I went back to my parents' house, I told them about it.

My mom tried to calm me down.

"Charlotte, sweetie, sisters-in-law have always been natural enemies. Ethan's been through something so terrible.

She's anxious, so it's normal for her to say some harsh things."

My dad chimed in too.

"That's right. As long as she doesn't actually do anything bad, just turn a blind eye and pretend you don't know.

You're living your life with Ethan, not her. Don't let outsiders damage your marriage."

After hearing my parents' advice, I sighed.

Fine. I'd endure it.

As long as she didn't do anything truly harmful, I'd pretend I hadn't heard anything.

But Miranda only grew bolder.