Chapter 1

Silas Hudson, the local tycoon of Sangrilas, found me that year when I had lost my memory. And for the next seven years, he had kept me and been pampering me.

Everyone said I was his greatest weakness that no one could touch.

And they said he was about to marry me. Not long ago, he was spotted abroad, ordering a custom diamond-studded gown.

Until the day I drank half a glass of drugged wine and felt weak.

His voice went into my ears, "When the time comes, send Sandy Ramos to Charlie Schultz's bed. I don't believe he could resist her.

Make sure put enough dosage to his drink. I've trained Sandy myself. It's a bargain for him."

Someone whispered to him, "You're really willing to give Sandy to him? She's been with you for so long."

"To make Kaitlin Ellis see that Charlie isn't the upstanding man she thinks he is, I'm ok to sacrifice Sandy."

I suddenly remembered why he kept me all those years ago.

...

As soon as I drank the wine, I felt dizzy.

Silas called my name softly for several times, but I couldn't even make a single sound.

My eyelids were heavy. My limbs weak. And it felt like there was fire beneath my skin. But my mind remained clear. Clear enough to hear all his words, which washed over me like a cold shower.

It had been a long time since I heard Kaitlin's name.

Many years ago, we had only briefly met for a few times. Her face was always impassive.

No matter how much Silas smiled and tried to please her, she merely lifted her eyelids and ignored him.

The last time we met, she insisted on leaving the country despite anyone's opposition.

I sat in the car, watching Silas humbly persuade her.

"My dear Kaitlin, you can do whatever you want here. I'll always back you up. Why do you have to go abroad with him?"

Kaitlin was in her early twenties. She was carrying an easel when talking to Silas. Impatience spread across her beautiful face.

"Wherever Charlie goes, I'll go with him. It's none of your business."

She suddenly looked up and glanced at me, and poked his shoulder with a faint, mocking smile. Then she whispered something to Silas that he lowered his head helplessly.

Later, I guessed what she had instructed Silas. "She paints very well. You know what I mean, Silas..."

From then on, the second floor of the Hudson family mansion became off-limits to everyone but me.

Outsiders speculated that it was the luxurious hideaway Silas had prepared for me, filled with exquisite carvings and treasures.

They were right about one thing that there was indeed a huge bed on the second floor.

Silas often held me by the waist and indulged in his desires on me and the sight of my eyes moistening before I succumbed to delusion.

On the other side on the second floor was a vast studio.

When Silas went to work at the Hudson Group, I would spend my whole day painting in here. Those chaotic brushstrokes and the vibrant colors intertwined on the canvas.

Later, those pictures became famous internationally under Kaitlin's name. They said she was a rare Impressionist genius that her paintings were her exploration of vitality and the cosmic.

But beneath those chaotic brushstrokes, I had planted fragments of my scattered memories.

The relentless fire, the collapsing courtyard, and the despair words. "Our family... will stay together, forever and ever."

...

Fragments of memories flashed through my mind and I heard a boy was speaking urgently that he seemed to be advising the doctor about my natural drug resistance certain medications.

Silas approached me again and touched my arm with his hand. His movements made me feel like an ice sweeping across my skin.

I couldn't help but lean closer to him. I tried to open my mouth but couldn't make a sound.

His breaths were warm against my face, yet it gradually chilled my heart.

"Didn't Kaitlin say Charlie is a decent man? That he wouldn't touch her until the wedding day. I want her to see that all men are the same."

"Wait until she sees Charlie doing those vile things to Sandy, ha. I don't believe she'll still want to marry him." The person beside him agreed repeatedly, "She will definitely see you're the best for her."

I recognized the voice as Wilbur Powell, Silas's personal assistant.

Silas' hand touched my cheek again. It was cold. Then he called my name several times, "Sandy, Sandy."

As I didn't respond him, he said with a hint of anger in his voice, "How much did you give her? I said we're just testing the drug. Why isn't she waking up?"

Wilbur quickly explained, "I really only gave her a little. She might wake up in a few more minutes."

Then he lowered his voice, "Don't worry, I'll make sure the dosage is right, so she won't remember anything when she wakes."

I finally understood the whole story.

Silas planned to drug me and send me to that Charlie's bed without letting me know.

Silas also lowered his voice. "Once everything is settled, book a ticket for Sandy to go abroad. After I marry Kaitlin, bring her back."

The drug was wearing off.

Yet I kept my eyes tightly shut, enduring the pain in my heart. My hands were slightly curled and my fingertips had already broken the skin of my palm that blood was seeping out.

I recalled what Silas said before I drank the wine, as he gently kissed my hair. "Sandy, sometimes I really want to keep you by my side forever."

Turns out, forever could be a short time.