Introduction

I sacrificed everything for him.

I moved from my privileged New England life to a forgotten Appalachian town, funding my fiancé Ethan Vance's dream of rebuilding his family's home.

For four years, I poured my heart into Havenwood, oblivious to the darkness brewing.

Then, with our baby growing inside me, I overheard his chilling plan: a dark ritual, the "Founders' Pact," to transfer another woman's grotesque sickness to me, securing his power through my sacrifice.

At the town festival, he revealed his true monstrosity, kicking me until I miscarried, then forcing a vile, disease-ridden draught down my throat.

My beauty faded, replaced by festering sores, and I was cast out, "The Witch," forced into isolation, realizing how every manipulation and every abuse-from servitude to branding-had been expertly designed.

Lost and dying, my grandmother's locket, my last link to my old life, burned intensely in my hand.

As Ethan celebrated his ultimate triumph, the locket sent me back: to my opulent engagement party, the pivotal day he vanished four years ago.

Now, fully aware of his vile scheme and backed by my powerful family, I will meticulously dismantle his life, brick by agonizing brick.