Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Someone snapped a picture of me, filthy and rummaging through a dumpster for plastic bottles, and posted it online. It quickly went viral, sparking a storm of comments. “The prettiest dumpster diver.”“Hey, quiet little one, the netizens seem to be really interested in you.” I took small bites of a bagel, listening quietly as Marcus Dale read the comments aloud. He pushed his hair back and continued reading from his phone. “Isn’t she Lindsey Thomson, the eldest daughter of the Thomson family?”“I’ve got the photos as evidence—it’s definitely her. She’s the one who obsessed over Carter Hall and even caused his father’s death!” At this, Marcus fell silent. My entire body went rigid, and I almost dropped the bagel. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the enlarged photo on his screen. The woman was smiling brightly, while the man beside her looked indifferent. It was a picture from our wedding day. It had been three years since I last heard that name. The flutter in my heart had long since been replaced by fear. My first instinct was to run. “Don’t worry, quiet little one. I’ll protect you. Soon, I’ll take you far away from here.” Marcus noticed my reaction. He didn’t ask me anything; he just comforted me gently. For three years, I had been homeless, scorned by everyone. Only Marcus was willing to approach me, to help me. He often said these words to me. Though I'm not smart, I understood in my heart that this time, he truly couldn't help me. I returned to my rundown shack, gathered up the recyclables I had collected, and prepared to sell them before disappearing. But no matter how quickly I moved, I was still too late. As I dragged the bag to the door, a cold, male voice cut through the air. “Lindsey Thomson, where do you think you’re going?” In the sweltering summer sun, a chill ran down my spine. Even after three years of not hearing it, I recognized that voice instantly. My palms turned clammy, clutching the bag tightly as my heart pounded against my chest. The terror I had buried deep inside surged back, overwhelming me. Footsteps echoed on the ground as he approached me, closer and closer. Finally, unable to stand, I collapsed, curling up on the ground, my body trembling uncontrollably. Carter Hall. He still wasn’t willing to let me go. ...... For the past decade, I had loved Carter desperately. But he had hated me just as intensely. Our engagement had been arranged by our grandfathers. Unfortunately, he already had someone else in his heart and was completely against the marriage. But I was oblivious to all of this. As the only daughter of the Thomson family, I was spoiled beyond measure. I tried to force him to accept my affections with sheer stubbornness. That year, when the Hall family business ran into trouble, my father provided funding and forced Carter to marry me. I was too naive. I truly believed our marriage was meant to be, that if I was good to him, he would be good to me in return. But I was wrong. No matter how I treated him, you can't force someone to love. However, this was just the spark that ignited his hatred. His loathing for me escalated on our wedding day. His father committed suicide in our marital home, leaving behind a note blaming me for his death. Our wedding turned into a funeral, and Carter seemed to become a different person overnight. I tried to explain, to deny any involvement. He just smiled and took my hand. In front of others, he acted normally, treating me well. But at home, he exploded with rage. He would often grab me by the throat and say, "Lindsey Thomson, you deserve to rot in hell, atoning for your sins for the rest of your life."

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Later, things indeed unfolded as he had wished. He poured all his efforts into seizing the Thomson family's assets. He sent my father to prison and subjected me to endless humiliation. Then one day, I found myself cornered in an alley. Terrified, I dialed his number. I screamed for help, only to be met with his cold response: "Lindsey, what game are you playing now? If you want to die, do it far away from me." So, I disappeared from his sight, struggling desperately in the mud and filth, living a life worse than that of a stray dog. I never thought he would come looking for me after all. ...... "Lindsey, what's happened to you?" He seemed startled by my reaction. In a few strides, he embraced me, not caring that I might soil his expensive suit. People heard the commotion and gathered around to watch, some even kindly advising him, "Sir, you'd better stay away from this mute. She's not quite right in the head.""Mute? Not right in the head?" he asked incredulously. “Yes, sh

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

In the days that followed, the person bringing meals changed to a housekeeper, and Carter stopped appearing altogether. However, Amy Jefferson came to visit. I had seen her a few times before and knew she was the adopted daughter of the Hall family. She was also the true love Carter kept in his heart. Her features were delicate, and her big, watery eyes evoked sympathy in anyone who saw her. She carried herself with the poise of the lady of the house, walking up to me in high heels. Her black dress accentuated her graceful figure. "I heard you were wandering outside for three years and became both mute and simple-minded," she said. "Carter hates you so much. Your life won't be easy if you stay here. If you want to leave, I can help you." I looked up, trembling, catching the fleeting mockery in her eyes. Her lips curved into a smile, and her gaze softened gradually. I desperately wanted to leave. Afraid of missing this only lifeline, I eagerly agreed. She made me swap c

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Instinctively, I tried to kneel and beg for mercy, but he grabbed me firmly, holding me in place. “Are you really this afraid of me?” Carter’s voice was laced with disbelief. “Lindsey, how did you become so weak?” His words cut deep. “Are you pretending? The pampered daughter of the Thomson family, who can’t bear the slightest discomfort, now enduring the stench of garbage bins and even wetting herself?”“Do you think putting on this pitiful act will make me forgive you?”"My father's death, the ten years Amy and I lost, it's all because of you! How dare you!" His eyes reddened with rage, and his grip tightened, causing me pain. Holding back my tears, I clasped my hands together, silently begging him to let me go. This was something I’d learned while living on the streets. Whenever I was beaten, if I begged like this, they’d lose interest and leave me alone. But I forgot—this was Carter in front of me, the person who hated me most in this world. “What happened to your hand?”