These were the two people closest to me. They knew how weak and sickly I'd been since I was a kid. They saw how hard I worked and how much I gave up to become a model. Now, just with a few careless words, they had destroyed my lifelong dream. If I had known I would end up like this, I would have instead been burned to death in that fire.

The hospital room door was pushed open. Jacob saw I was awake and handed me two pills with a look of tenderness. "Babe, I just asked the doctor. This is a new painkiller the hospital developed. It has no side effects and will help ease your pain a lot."

I lowered my eyes to look at the two bright red pills, my throat feeling like it was full of rust. My voice was hoarse as I spoke, "Jacob, the medicine is too bitter. I don't want to take it."

Jacob hesitated for only a couple of seconds before smiling and squeezing my hand. "Seeing you suffer every day breaks my heart. Can you bear to see your husband in pain? Please, honey, just do it for me."

Before I could even say no, Jacob shoved the pills toward my lips. "Come on, be a good girl. Let hubby feed you."

The bitter medicine slipped into my mouth as he half-forced it in. That sticky, nauseating taste spread instantly and the next thing I knew, the world spun around me. Taking advantage of my dizziness, Jacob grabbed my hand. "Honey, today's Kimmy's celebration party. Her biggest wish is to get your blessing. If you don't show up, people on the outside will start rumours about you being petty and not accepting your adopted sister. I'll go. Just get my clothes ready."

I knew Jacob had everything planned out. He wasn't going to give me an opening to say no anyway, so there was no point in arguing. Just then, my mother walked in and caught the end of our conversation. Her face lit up. "My sweet girl, I knew you were the sensible one. Once Kimmy's celebration is over, I'll personally organize your wedding with Jacob," she added with a smile.

I numbly pulled my hand back. At that moment, my heart felt like it had turned to ash. The car arrived at the house quickly. The moment I was helped out of the car, countless camera flashes suddenly swarmed me. I panicked and reached for Mom's hand but grabbed nothing. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her walking quickly away with Kimberly in her arms, not even sparing me a glance. My face turned pale. I lowered my head, clutching my hat tightly.