Three years ago, Ivy Windsor—the once-beloved socialite princess—was kidnapped and sold into hell. After a miraculous escape, she returns home… only to find a different kind of nightmare waiting. Her doting parents now recoil from her like she's diseased. Her fiercely protective older brother looks at her with disgust. Even her adopted sister—the girl Ivy once sheltered—sneers at her with venomous delight. And the final betrayal? Her childhood sweetheart, the man who swore undying love, is now engaged to that same sister… and whispers prayers for Ivy's early grave. All because of the rumors: that she's "tainted," that she bore some filthy old man's child, that she's a walking scandal for the illustrious Windsor name. So Ivy does the unthinkable. Cutting ties with her family, she walks away—with a hidden billion-dollar fortune they never knew she had—and marries the most dangerous man in the city: Dr. Jamison Ludwig. The world knows Jamison as a surgical genius, a devilishly handsome heir… and an unhinged madman no one dares to cross. His moods are lethal, his reputation darker than his obsidian eyes. Yet from the moment he puts a ring on Ivy's finger, the monster becomes a devoted husband. In public? He showers her with kisses that make headlines. In private? He demands cuddles like a starved wolf. But when the Windsor family's empire crumbles overnight, they come crawling to Jamison: "Help us find who's doing these dirty things to us… for old times' sake." Jamison merely lifts Ivy's delicate hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Darling, explain to these fools…" His smirk is pure sin. "How could these perfect fingers be 'dirty'?" The Windsors pale. "Ivy… it was YOU."

Chapter 1After three years lost in the wild, remote mountains—her body battered and her spirit nearly broken—Ivy Windsor was finally rescued.The officers drove her home and stopped in front of a grand mansion.Ivy stepped out of the car, gazing at the sprawling estate with a strange sense of detachment, as if she no longer recognized her own house.It wasn't really her fault. The Windsor residence was decked out in all its finery today, festive and bustling with celebration."Is this the Windsor place?" the police officer behind the wheel asked, curiosity coloring his voice.His partner nodded. "That's right. I've called them a few times to say we'd found their daughter, but they always thought it was a scam and just hung up!"A female officer in the back seat couldn't help but grumble, "Their eldest daughter goes missing, and they're still in the mood for a party."Ivy stood in the blazing heat, listening to the officers talk, her emotions a tangled, complicated mess.But she didn't dwell on it; her heart was overwhelmed by the joy and disbelief of finally coming home."Ivy, let's go inside," the female officer prompted gently."Okay." Ivy managed a faint smile and nodded, then took a deep breath and started up the driveway.She didn't know if it was her brother's wedding or something else, but the whole place radiated joy and excitement.And here she was, coming home on such a day—a double blessing, perhaps.Her parents would be overjoyed to see her again. They would, wouldn't they?The closer she got, the faster her heart pounded, and she could feel tears stinging her eyes.Luxury cars lined the front of the mansion. The lawn was decorated with flowers and white ribbons, transforming the space into something warm and romantic.As Ivy drew nearer, she could finally make out the writing on a life-size poster by the entrance: "Micah Shepherd & Emma Windsor—Engagement Party."The world seemed to tilt. All the excitement and hope in Ivy's chest froze solid; her knees nearly buckled beneath her.Micah. The Shepherd family's golden boy. Her childhood sweetheart.Today, he was getting engaged—to her younger sister, Emma.The boy who once swore to protect her, who promised he'd love her forever, was marrying someone else.Ivy stood rooted to the spot, biting her lower lip, unable to believe what she was seeing."Ivy, go on, your family is going to be over the moon to see you!" The female officer, thinking Ivy was just nervous to be so close to home, offered patient encouragement.But Ivy couldn't move. Her whole body trembled as her eyes locked onto the poster. Her feet felt as if they'd grown roots.Inside the mansion, laughter and music rang out as guests toasted and cheered. At the center of it all, a striking young couple was being egged on to kiss, when suddenly, someone near the door let out a startled cry—"Ivy's back!"Instantly, the whole room fell silent. Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance, and jaws dropped in shock."Oh my God, it's really Ivy… What happened to her?""She looks like she's been dragged through hell…""Didn't she get sold off in the mountains? How did she manage to escape?""I heard the police brought her here—"The guests whispered and gawked, each face registering a different kind of disbelief.Micah and Emma, the dazzling couple in the spotlight, froze as they caught sight of the disheveled woman standing outside."Big sister…" Emma murmured, her eyes wide with shock.Ivy—she actually survived?Outside, Ivy stood rigid, numb under the weight of so many stares, unable to react.Once, she had been the reigning socialite of Neo Haven. No matter the occasion, she was always the one in the spotlight—radiant, confident, untouchable.Whenever anyone spoke of Miss Ivy, they did so with admiration: the Windsor family's beloved star, the dream of every eligible bachelor in town.But that all ended three years ago, in a single, shattering night.She and Emma had gone out together for a party, staying out until it was late. On the way home, their car blew a tire.While the driver changed the wheel, Ivy and Emma stood nearby, holding flashlights to help.Out of nowhere, a van screeched to a halt. Men poured out, snatching Emma and trying to drag her away.Ivy fought with everything she had, and with the driver's help, they managed to free Emma.But while the driver was distracted, one of the men threw a sack over Ivy's head and shoved her into the van, speeding off into the night.At first, Ivy thought it was an ordinary kidnapping—demand ransom, wait for her family to pay, then go home.She had no idea that she'd fallen into the hands of a sprawling, professional trafficking ring, one that moved from state to state, never leaving a trace.After being abducted, she was passed from one set of hands to another before finally being sold into the depths of the mountains.For three long years, she was kept in chains inside a filthy animal pen, forced to eat and sleep alongside two pigs.She endured every form of cruelty and abuse imaginable. Time and again, she nearly fell victim to rape—each time, her "simple-minded husband" intervened at the last second and saved her.She once believed she would never escape, that her life would be spent in that nightmare without end.Yet fate, it seemed, hadn't completely abandoned her.The Ministry's human trafficking task force finally found her, and she was rescued at last.For three years, she had imagined returning home a thousand times. Never had she pictured it like this.Standing at the entrance, she was greeted not by open arms, but by her boyfriend and younger sister's engagement party.A stunned silence fell over the room. Then, from among the guests, someone piped up with forced cheer."Ivy, is that really you? You're home!"Ivy blinked, tearing her gaze away from the poster at the door. She looked at the older woman who'd spoken to her and managed a small smile. "Yes… I'm home."Someone else, voice tinged with concern, spoke up. "You must have suffered a lot, haven't you? You look so thin and pale…"Before the words were finished, a family member nudged her sharply and hissed under their breath, "Why are you saying anything at all? Didn't you hear she caught a disease? It might be contagious!"The first woman scoffed, "I'm just making conversation. What's the harm?"The awkward exchange was abruptly cut short as the Windsors hurried out to the entrance.Rosetta Windsor stared, frozen at the top of the steps, eyes wide as she took in the girl standing below.Her eldest daughter, once so beautiful with her long hair, now stood before her with a hacked-off, uneven mess. Her clothes were ragged, caked with dirt. She wore men's shoes several sizes too big, and her exposed arms and ankles were crisscrossed with bruises and scars from bindings.Rosetta's shock was overwhelming as she looked her daughter up and down, struggling to find her voice. After a long silence, her lips parted, and she whispered, "It really is Ivy…"Seeing her mother at last, Ivy couldn't hold back her tears of relief and joy. She stepped forward, voice trembling. "Mom, I'm home."As her words faded, she saw her father and older brother approaching as well, and she called out, even more emotionally, "Dad! Michael!"Adkins Windsor, the family patriarch, wore an odd expression. He glanced at his eldest daughter, then nodded stiffly. "Yes… you're home. That's what matters."He turned to his wife, and the two exchanged a look heavy with unspoken meaning.Both of them remembered last year, when they'd received news about their missing daughter and visited the police station. There, their younger daughter had seen the case file—It said Ivy had been sold off deep in the mountains, forced to marry several old men, and had even borne a child—one born with missing limbs and HIV-positive.After that trip to the station, Rosetta hadn't slept for a month. She lost more than twenty pounds. She cried until she thought she had no tears left.But in the end, for the sake of the Windsor family's reputation, for everyone's health, she'd steeled herself and told the police not to look for Ivy anymore.Yet despite everything, her eldest daughter had been rescued and brought home."Adkins, your daughter's finally back—why do you all look like this?" The lead detective frowned, clearly displeased by the Windsors' cold and distant faces.He'd seen countless families reunited with their kidnapped daughters or sons—most waited at the door for hours, and when the police car arrived, they'd rush out, clinging to their loved ones with sobs of joy and relief. It was always moving.But this family… their faces showed nothing but confusion and detachment. It was as if they didn't even want to recognize her.Called out by name, Adkins snapped out of his daze and hurried to offer a handshake, his smile forced. "Officer, thank you for everything. It's just… well, last year you said it was impossible, that the place was sealed tight, no one ever gets out."Back then, the police had told them that the village was filled with locals who stuck together. Even law enforcement had been beaten back. For any woman taken there, escape was all but impossible."What are you saying? You're not happy your daughter's safe?" the detective shot back, his tone sharp."No, no, of course we're grateful." Adkins forced a laugh, taking a few steps toward Ivy. "Ivy, it's so good to have you home. Your mother and I have worried ourselves gray over you…"Ivy looked up at her father, but saw no gray in his thick, dark hair.Still, she smiled and replied in a hoarse voice, "I missed you, too.""Ivy…" Rosetta stepped forward. As she drew close, a wave of foul odor hit her, and she instinctively covered her nose with her hand.Ivy's heart twisted at her mother's reaction.Of course, she knew she reeked. After sleeping in a pigsty for three years, the stench had seeped deep into her skin, clinging to her bones. The policewoman who'd escorted her had helped her wash her hair and scrub herself clean, but the smell wouldn't go away.Rosetta had to force herself, hand pressed tightly over her nose, to manage a strained smile. "You're home now. You must have suffered so much…"Hearing her mother's words, Ivy felt a small comfort, though her eyes reddened with hurt and pent-up grievance.One of the officers pulled out her phone. "Come on, let's get a picture together. We'll need it for the case file."The female officer, seeing Ivy's distress, wrapped a gentle arm around her shoulders. "Take a photo with your family. The nightmare's over now. Everything will be alright."Ivy stepped forward. The gathered guests instinctively drew back, putting a little more distance between themselves and her.Adkins and Rosetta watched as their daughter approached, their bodies rigid with discomfort, as if they'd rather bolt than stand there.But the two officers blocked their way, one on either side, quietly but firmly herding the family together."We still need everyone for the family picture! Come on, let's have a big reunion shot," one of the officers called out, beckoning to the wedding couple. "Micah, Emma, you too."Emma glanced at Micah, her lips trembling. "Micah, I'm scared…"Micah pulled her close, murmuring, "It's alright. Just don't get too close… The police are here. Let's go."With that, he guided his visibly reluctant fiancée over.Standing so near to his former girlfriend, Micah's expression grew complicated; his dark eyes flickered with pain and a chilling sense of distance.Once, just the sight of him would send Ivy bounding into his arms—she'd been radiant, lively, brimming with confidence, a butterfly impossible to ignore. Now, she looked awkward and withdrawn, her features sharper, those wide, cat-like eyes dulled and lifeless.Apparently, the rumors were true. Three years stolen away, abused and broken—of course, she'd lost her mind.The family photo was taken, but not a single face showed any real joy.When the police finished their instructions and finally left, the Windsors were left standing in awkward silence, staring at their long-lost daughter, their hearts tangled with uncertainty.They had never expected Ivy to come back. Now, the biggest question was what to do with her."Um… Ivy, why don't you come inside…" Rosetta managed, forcing herself to look at her eldest daughter. She couldn't summon her old delight, not anymore. Truthfully, she didn't even want Ivy to step through the door. But she was her flesh and blood; she couldn't just turn her away. That would be abandonment, and the law wouldn't stand for it.Taking the hint, Ivy turned toward the house. As she passed the newlyweds, she paused, gaze settling on her sister, stunning in her designer wedding dress."Hey, sis…" Emma blurted, her eyes darting away, guilt flickering across her face as she shrank back.Ivy looked her up and down. "You look beautiful today. Congratulations.""Thank you, Ivy.""Are you scared to see me back?"Emma stiffened, her eyes growing frantic. "What do you mean by that?"Ivy's voice was calm, but a cold hatred flashed in her eyes. "You know exactly what I mean. I treated you like my real sister, loved you, protected you. I never thought you'd have such a poisonous heart."For three endless years, Ivy couldn't understand why her own sister would betray her. At first, there was heartbreak, disbelief. But over time, her pain hardened into hatred, growing bigger and heavier, until it became the only thing keeping her alive—the thing that drove her to escape."Ivy, I… I don't know what you're talking about—" Emma stammered, feigning innocence, voice trembling.The tension between the sisters did not go unnoticed; the guests whispered, casting furtive glances.Rosetta quickly stepped in, frowning. "Ivy, why are you saying these things? Emma's been wracked with guilt ever since you disappeared. She told us you'd gone missing because you tried to save her that night. She was under so much pressure she needed a therapist for two whole years before she could recover.""Mom, that night I—" Ivy turned to explain, but Emma suddenly let out a soft cry, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her stomach.Micah rushed to support her. "Emma, what's wrong?""My stomach… it hurts," Emma whimpered weakly.Chapter 2After three years lost in the wild, remote mountains—her body battered and her spirit nearly broken—Ivy Windsor was finally rescued.The officers drove her home and stopped in front of a grand mansion.Ivy stepped out of the car, gazing at the sprawling estate with a strange sense of detachment, as if she no longer recognized her own house.It wasn't really her fault. The Windsor residence was decked out in all its finery today, festive and bustling with celebration."Is this the Windsor place?" the police officer behind the wheel asked, curiosity coloring his voice.His partner nodded. "That's right. I've called them a few times to say we'd found their daughter, but they always thought it was a scam and just hung up!"A female officer in the back seat couldn't help but grumble, "Their eldest daughter goes missing, and they're still in the mood for a party."Ivy stood in the blazing heat, listening to the officers talk, her emotions a tangled, complicated mess.But she didn't dwell on it; her heart was overwhelmed by the joy and disbelief of finally coming home."Ivy, let's go inside," the female officer prompted gently."Okay." Ivy managed a faint smile and nodded, then took a deep breath and started up the driveway.She didn't know if it was her brother's wedding or something else, but the whole place radiated joy and excitement.And here she was, coming home on such a day—a double blessing, perhaps.Her parents would be overjoyed to see her again. They would, wouldn't they?The closer she got, the faster her heart pounded, and she could feel tears stinging her eyes.Luxury cars lined the front of the mansion. The lawn was decorated with flowers and white ribbons, transforming the space into something warm and romantic.As Ivy drew nearer, she could finally make out the writing on a life-size poster by the entrance: "Micah Shepherd & Emma Windsor—Engagement Party."The world seemed to tilt. All the excitement and hope in Ivy's chest froze solid; her knees nearly buckled beneath her.Micah. The Shepherd family's golden boy. Her childhood sweetheart.Today, he was getting engaged—to her younger sister, Emma.The boy who once swore to protect her, who promised he'd love her forever, was marrying someone else.Ivy stood rooted to the spot, biting her lower lip, unable to believe what she was seeing."Ivy, go on, your family is going to be over the moon to see you!" The female officer, thinking Ivy was just nervous to be so close to home, offered patient encouragement.But Ivy couldn't move. Her whole body trembled as her eyes locked onto the poster. Her feet felt as if they'd grown roots.Inside the mansion, laughter and music rang out as guests toasted and cheered. At the center of it all, a striking young couple was being egged on to kiss, when suddenly, someone near the door let out a startled cry—"Ivy's back!"Instantly, the whole room fell silent. Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance, and jaws dropped in shock."Oh my God, it's really Ivy… What happened to her?""She looks like she's been dragged through hell…""Didn't she get sold off in the mountains? How did she manage to escape?""I heard the police brought her here—"The guests whispered and gawked, each face registering a different kind of disbelief.Micah and Emma, the dazzling couple in the spotlight, froze as they caught sight of the disheveled woman standing outside."Big sister…" Emma murmured, her eyes wide with shock.Ivy—she actually survived?Outside, Ivy stood rigid, numb under the weight of so many stares, unable to react.Once, she had been the reigning socialite of Neo Haven. No matter the occasion, she was always the one in the spotlight—radiant, confident, untouchable.Whenever anyone spoke of Miss Ivy, they did so with admiration: the Windsor family's beloved star, the dream of every eligible bachelor in town.But that all ended three years ago, in a single, shattering night.She and Emma had gone out together for a party, staying out until it was late. On the way home, their car blew a tire.While the driver changed the wheel, Ivy and Emma stood nearby, holding flashlights to help.Out of nowhere, a van screeched to a halt. Men poured out, snatching Emma and trying to drag her away.Ivy fought with everything she had, and with the driver's help, they managed to free Emma.But while the driver was distracted, one of the men threw a sack over Ivy's head and shoved her into the van, speeding off into the night.At first, Ivy thought it was an ordinary kidnapping—demand ransom, wait for her family to pay, then go home.She had no idea that she'd fallen into the hands of a sprawling, professional trafficking ring, one that moved from state to state, never leaving a trace.After being abducted, she was passed from one set of hands to another before finally being sold into the depths of the mountains.For three long years, she was kept in chains inside a filthy animal pen, forced to eat and sleep alongside two pigs.She endured every form of cruelty and abuse imaginable. Time and again, she nearly fell victim to rape—each time, her "simple-minded husband" intervened at the last second and saved her.She once believed she would never escape, that her life would be spent in that nightmare without end.Yet fate, it seemed, hadn't completely abandoned her.The Ministry's human trafficking task force finally found her, and she was rescued at last.For three years, she had imagined returning home a thousand times. Never had she pictured it like this.Standing at the entrance, she was greeted not by open arms, but by her boyfriend and younger sister's engagement party.A stunned silence fell over the room. Then, from among the guests, someone piped up with forced cheer."Ivy, is that really you? You're home!"Ivy blinked, tearing her gaze away from the poster at the door. She looked at the older woman who'd spoken to her and managed a small smile. "Yes… I'm home."Someone else, voice tinged with concern, spoke up. "You must have suffered a lot, haven't you? You look so thin and pale…"Before the words were finished, a family member nudged her sharply and hissed under their breath, "Why are you saying anything at all? Didn't you hear she caught a disease? It might be contagious!"The first woman scoffed, "I'm just making conversation. What's the harm?"The awkward exchange was abruptly cut short as the Windsors hurried out to the entrance.Rosetta Windsor stared, frozen at the top of the steps, eyes wide as she took in the girl standing below.Her eldest daughter, once so beautiful with her long hair, now stood before her with a hacked-off, uneven mess. Her clothes were ragged, caked with dirt. She wore men's shoes several sizes too big, and her exposed arms and ankles were crisscrossed with bruises and scars from bindings.Rosetta's shock was overwhelming as she looked her daughter up and down, struggling to find her voice. After a long silence, her lips parted, and she whispered, "It really is Ivy…"Seeing her mother at last, Ivy couldn't hold back her tears of relief and joy. She stepped forward, voice trembling. "Mom, I'm home."As her words faded, she saw her father and older brother approaching as well, and she called out, even more emotionally, "Dad! Michael!"Adkins Windsor, the family patriarch, wore an odd expression. He glanced at his eldest daughter, then nodded stiffly. "Yes… you're home. That's what matters."He turned to his wife, and the two exchanged a look heavy with unspoken meaning.Both of them remembered last year, when they'd received news about their missing daughter and visited the police station. There, their younger daughter had seen the case file—It said Ivy had been sold off deep in the mountains, forced to marry several old men, and had even borne a child—one born with missing limbs and HIV-positive.After that trip to the station, Rosetta hadn't slept for a month. She lost more than twenty pounds. She cried until she thought she had no tears left.But in the end, for the sake of the Windsor family's reputation, for everyone's health, she'd steeled herself and told the police not to look for Ivy anymore.Yet despite everything, her eldest daughter had been rescued and brought home."Adkins, your daughter's finally back—why do you all look like this?" The lead detective frowned, clearly displeased by the Windsors' cold and distant faces.He'd seen countless families reunited with their kidnapped daughters or sons—most waited at the door for hours, and when the police car arrived, they'd rush out, clinging to their loved ones with sobs of joy and relief. It was always moving.But this family… their faces showed nothing but confusion and detachment. It was as if they didn't even want to recognize her.Called out by name, Adkins snapped out of his daze and hurried to offer a handshake, his smile forced. "Officer, thank you for everything. It's just… well, last year you said it was impossible, that the place was sealed tight, no one ever gets out."Back then, the police had told them that the village was filled with locals who stuck together. Even law enforcement had been beaten back. For any woman taken there, escape was all but impossible."What are you saying? You're not happy your daughter's safe?" the detective shot back, his tone sharp."No, no, of course we're grateful." Adkins forced a laugh, taking a few steps toward Ivy. "Ivy, it's so good to have you home. Your mother and I have worried ourselves gray over you…"Ivy looked up at her father, but saw no gray in his thick, dark hair.Still, she smiled and replied in a hoarse voice, "I missed you, too.""Ivy…" Rosetta stepped forward. As she drew close, a wave of foul odor hit her, and she instinctively covered her nose with her hand.Ivy's heart twisted at her mother's reaction.Of course, she knew she reeked. After sleeping in a pigsty for three years, the stench had seeped deep into her skin, clinging to her bones. The policewoman who'd escorted her had helped her wash her hair and scrub herself clean, but the smell wouldn't go away.Rosetta had to force herself, hand pressed tightly over her nose, to manage a strained smile. "You're home now. You must have suffered so much…"Hearing her mother's words, Ivy felt a small comfort, though her eyes reddened with hurt and pent-up grievance.One of the officers pulled out her phone. "Come on, let's get a picture together. We'll need it for the case file."The female officer, seeing Ivy's distress, wrapped a gentle arm around her shoulders. "Take a photo with your family. The nightmare's over now. Everything will be alright."Ivy stepped forward. The gathered guests instinctively drew back, putting a little more distance between themselves and her.Adkins and Rosetta watched as their daughter approached, their bodies rigid with discomfort, as if they'd rather bolt than stand there.But the two officers blocked their way, one on either side, quietly but firmly herding the family together."We still need everyone for the family picture! Come on, let's have a big reunion shot," one of the officers called out, beckoning to the wedding couple. "Micah, Emma, you too."Emma glanced at Micah, her lips trembling. "Micah, I'm scared…"Micah pulled her close, murmuring, "It's alright. Just don't get too close… The police are here. Let's go."With that, he guided his visibly reluctant fiancée over.Standing so near to his former girlfriend, Micah's expression grew complicated; his dark eyes flickered with pain and a chilling sense of distance.Once, just the sight of him would send Ivy bounding into his arms—she'd been radiant, lively, brimming with confidence, a butterfly impossible to ignore. Now, she looked awkward and withdrawn, her features sharper, those wide, cat-like eyes dulled and lifeless.Apparently, the rumors were true. Three years stolen away, abused and broken—of course, she'd lost her mind.The family photo was taken, but not a single face showed any real joy.When the police finished their instructions and finally left, the Windsors were left standing in awkward silence, staring at their long-lost daughter, their hearts tangled with uncertainty.They had never expected Ivy to come back. Now, the biggest question was what to do with her."Um… Ivy, why don't you come inside…" Rosetta managed, forcing herself to look at her eldest daughter. She couldn't summon her old delight, not anymore. Truthfully, she didn't even want Ivy to step through the door. But she was her flesh and blood; she couldn't just turn her away. That would be abandonment, and the law wouldn't stand for it.Taking the hint, Ivy turned toward the house. As she passed the newlyweds, she paused, gaze settling on her sister, stunning in her designer wedding dress."Hey, sis…" Emma blurted, her eyes darting away, guilt flickering across her face as she shrank back.Ivy looked her up and down. "You look beautiful today. Congratulations.""Thank you, Ivy.""Are you scared to see me back?"Emma stiffened, her eyes growing frantic. "What do you mean by that?"Ivy's voice was calm, but a cold hatred flashed in her eyes. "You know exactly what I mean. I treated you like my real sister, loved you, protected you. I never thought you'd have such a poisonous heart."For three endless years, Ivy couldn't understand why her own sister would betray her. At first, there was heartbreak, disbelief. But over time, her pain hardened into hatred, growing bigger and heavier, until it became the only thing keeping her alive—the thing that drove her to escape."Ivy, I… I don't know what you're talking about—" Emma stammered, feigning innocence, voice trembling.The tension between the sisters did not go unnoticed; the guests whispered, casting furtive glances.Rosetta quickly stepped in, frowning. "Ivy, why are you saying these things? Emma's been wracked with guilt ever since you disappeared. She told us you'd gone missing because you tried to save her that night. She was under so much pressure she needed a therapist for two whole years before she could recover.""Mom, that night I—" Ivy turned to explain, but Emma suddenly let out a soft cry, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her stomach.Micah rushed to support her. "Emma, what's wrong?""My stomach… it hurts," Emma whimpered weakly.Chapter 3After three years lost in the wild, remote mountains—her body battered and her spirit nearly broken—Ivy Windsor was finally rescued.The officers drove her home and stopped in front of a grand mansion.Ivy stepped out of the car, gazing at the sprawling estate with a strange sense of detachment, as if she no longer recognized her own house.It wasn't really her fault. The Windsor residence was decked out in all its finery today, festive and bustling with celebration."Is this the Windsor place?" the police officer behind the wheel asked, curiosity coloring his voice.His partner nodded. "That's right. I've called them a few times to say we'd found their daughter, but they always thought it was a scam and just hung up!"A female officer in the back seat couldn't help but grumble, "Their eldest daughter goes missing, and they're still in the mood for a party."Ivy stood in the blazing heat, listening to the officers talk, her emotions a tangled, complicated mess.But she didn't dwell on it; her heart was overwhelmed by the joy and disbelief of finally coming home."Ivy, let's go inside," the female officer prompted gently."Okay." Ivy managed a faint smile and nodded, then took a deep breath and started up the driveway.She didn't know if it was her brother's wedding or something else, but the whole place radiated joy and excitement.And here she was, coming home on such a day—a double blessing, perhaps.Her parents would be overjoyed to see her again. They would, wouldn't they?The closer she got, the faster her heart pounded, and she could feel tears stinging her eyes.Luxury cars lined the front of the mansion. The lawn was decorated with flowers and white ribbons, transforming the space into something warm and romantic.As Ivy drew nearer, she could finally make out the writing on a life-size poster by the entrance: "Micah Shepherd & Emma Windsor—Engagement Party."The world seemed to tilt. All the excitement and hope in Ivy's chest froze solid; her knees nearly buckled beneath her.Micah. The Shepherd family's golden boy. Her childhood sweetheart.Today, he was getting engaged—to her younger sister, Emma.The boy who once swore to protect her, who promised he'd love her forever, was marrying someone else.Ivy stood rooted to the spot, biting her lower lip, unable to believe what she was seeing."Ivy, go on, your family is going to be over the moon to see you!" The female officer, thinking Ivy was just nervous to be so close to home, offered patient encouragement.But Ivy couldn't move. Her whole body trembled as her eyes locked onto the poster. Her feet felt as if they'd grown roots.Inside the mansion, laughter and music rang out as guests toasted and cheered. At the center of it all, a striking young couple was being egged on to kiss, when suddenly, someone near the door let out a startled cry—"Ivy's back!"Instantly, the whole room fell silent. Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance, and jaws dropped in shock."Oh my God, it's really Ivy… What happened to her?""She looks like she's been dragged through hell…""Didn't she get sold off in the mountains? How did she manage to escape?""I heard the police brought her here—"The guests whispered and gawked, each face registering a different kind of disbelief.Micah and Emma, the dazzling couple in the spotlight, froze as they caught sight of the disheveled woman standing outside."Big sister…" Emma murmured, her eyes wide with shock.Ivy—she actually survived?Outside, Ivy stood rigid, numb under the weight of so many stares, unable to react.Once, she had been the reigning socialite of Neo Haven. No matter the occasion, she was always the one in the spotlight—radiant, confident, untouchable.Whenever anyone spoke of Miss Ivy, they did so with admiration: the Windsor family's beloved star, the dream of every eligible bachelor in town.But that all ended three years ago, in a single, shattering night.She and Emma had gone out together for a party, staying out until it was late. On the way home, their car blew a tire.While the driver changed the wheel, Ivy and Emma stood nearby, holding flashlights to help.Out of nowhere, a van screeched to a halt. Men poured out, snatching Emma and trying to drag her away.Ivy fought with everything she had, and with the driver's help, they managed to free Emma.But while the driver was distracted, one of the men threw a sack over Ivy's head and shoved her into the van, speeding off into the night.At first, Ivy thought it was an ordinary kidnapping—demand ransom, wait for her family to pay, then go home.She had no idea that she'd fallen into the hands of a sprawling, professional trafficking ring, one that moved from state to state, never leaving a trace.After being abducted, she was passed from one set of hands to another before finally being sold into the depths of the mountains.For three long years, she was kept in chains inside a filthy animal pen, forced to eat and sleep alongside two pigs.She endured every form of cruelty and abuse imaginable. Time and again, she nearly fell victim to rape—each time, her "simple-minded husband" intervened at the last second and saved her.She once believed she would never escape, that her life would be spent in that nightmare without end.Yet fate, it seemed, hadn't completely abandoned her.The Ministry's human trafficking task force finally found her, and she was rescued at last.For three years, she had imagined returning home a thousand times. Never had she pictured it like this.Standing at the entrance, she was greeted not by open arms, but by her boyfriend and younger sister's engagement party.A stunned silence fell over the room. Then, from among the guests, someone piped up with forced cheer."Ivy, is that really you? You're home!"Ivy blinked, tearing her gaze away from the poster at the door. She looked at the older woman who'd spoken to her and managed a small smile. "Yes… I'm home."Someone else, voice tinged with concern, spoke up. "You must have suffered a lot, haven't you? You look so thin and pale…"Before the words were finished, a family member nudged her sharply and hissed under their breath, "Why are you saying anything at all? Didn't you hear she caught a disease? It might be contagious!"The first woman scoffed, "I'm just making conversation. What's the harm?"The awkward exchange was abruptly cut short as the Windsors hurried out to the entrance.Rosetta Windsor stared, frozen at the top of the steps, eyes wide as she took in the girl standing below.Her eldest daughter, once so beautiful with her long hair, now stood before her with a hacked-off, uneven mess. Her clothes were ragged, caked with dirt. She wore men's shoes several sizes too big, and her exposed arms and ankles were crisscrossed with bruises and scars from bindings.Rosetta's shock was overwhelming as she looked her daughter up and down, struggling to find her voice. After a long silence, her lips parted, and she whispered, "It really is Ivy…"Seeing her mother at last, Ivy couldn't hold back her tears of relief and joy. She stepped forward, voice trembling. "Mom, I'm home."As her words faded, she saw her father and older brother approaching as well, and she called out, even more emotionally, "Dad! Michael!"Adkins Windsor, the family patriarch, wore an odd expression. He glanced at his eldest daughter, then nodded stiffly. "Yes… you're home. That's what matters."He turned to his wife, and the two exchanged a look heavy with unspoken meaning.Both of them remembered last year, when they'd received news about their missing daughter and visited the police station. There, their younger daughter had seen the case file—It said Ivy had been sold off deep in the mountains, forced to marry several old men, and had even borne a child—one born with missing limbs and HIV-positive.After that trip to the station, Rosetta hadn't slept for a month. She lost more than twenty pounds. She cried until she thought she had no tears left.But in the end, for the sake of the Windsor family's reputation, for everyone's health, she'd steeled herself and told the police not to look for Ivy anymore.Yet despite everything, her eldest daughter had been rescued and brought home."Adkins, your daughter's finally back—why do you all look like this?" The lead detective frowned, clearly displeased by the Windsors' cold and distant faces.He'd seen countless families reunited with their kidnapped daughters or sons—most waited at the door for hours, and when the police car arrived, they'd rush out, clinging to their loved ones with sobs of joy and relief. It was always moving.But this family… their faces showed nothing but confusion and detachment. It was as if they didn't even want to recognize her.Called out by name, Adkins snapped out of his daze and hurried to offer a handshake, his smile forced. "Officer, thank you for everything. It's just… well, last year you said it was impossible, that the place was sealed tight, no one ever gets out."Back then, the police had told them that the village was filled with locals who stuck together. Even law enforcement had been beaten back. For any woman taken there, escape was all but impossible."What are you saying? You're not happy your daughter's safe?" the detective shot back, his tone sharp."No, no, of course we're grateful." Adkins forced a laugh, taking a few steps toward Ivy. "Ivy, it's so good to have you home. Your mother and I have worried ourselves gray over you…"Ivy looked up at her father, but saw no gray in his thick, dark hair.Still, she smiled and replied in a hoarse voice, "I missed you, too.""Ivy…" Rosetta stepped forward. As she drew close, a wave of foul odor hit her, and she instinctively covered her nose with her hand.Ivy's heart twisted at her mother's reaction.Of course, she knew she reeked. After sleeping in a pigsty for three years, the stench had seeped deep into her skin, clinging to her bones. The policewoman who'd escorted her had helped her wash her hair and scrub herself clean, but the smell wouldn't go away.Rosetta had to force herself, hand pressed tightly over her nose, to manage a strained smile. "You're home now. You must have suffered so much…"Hearing her mother's words, Ivy felt a small comfort, though her eyes reddened with hurt and pent-up grievance.One of the officers pulled out her phone. "Come on, let's get a picture together. We'll need it for the case file."The female officer, seeing Ivy's distress, wrapped a gentle arm around her shoulders. "Take a photo with your family. The nightmare's over now. Everything will be alright."Ivy stepped forward. The gathered guests instinctively drew back, putting a little more distance between themselves and her.Adkins and Rosetta watched as their daughter approached, their bodies rigid with discomfort, as if they'd rather bolt than stand there.But the two officers blocked their way, one on either side, quietly but firmly herding the family together."We still need everyone for the family picture! Come on, let's have a big reunion shot," one of the officers called out, beckoning to the wedding couple. "Micah, Emma, you too."Emma glanced at Micah, her lips trembling. "Micah, I'm scared…"Micah pulled her close, murmuring, "It's alright. Just don't get too close… The police are here. Let's go."With that, he guided his visibly reluctant fiancée over.Standing so near to his former girlfriend, Micah's expression grew complicated; his dark eyes flickered with pain and a chilling sense of distance.Once, just the sight of him would send Ivy bounding into his arms—she'd been radiant, lively, brimming with confidence, a butterfly impossible to ignore. Now, she looked awkward and withdrawn, her features sharper, those wide, cat-like eyes dulled and lifeless.Apparently, the rumors were true. Three years stolen away, abused and broken—of course, she'd lost her mind.The family photo was taken, but not a single face showed any real joy.When the police finished their instructions and finally left, the Windsors were left standing in awkward silence, staring at their long-lost daughter, their hearts tangled with uncertainty.They had never expected Ivy to come back. Now, the biggest question was what to do with her."Um… Ivy, why don't you come inside…" Rosetta managed, forcing herself to look at her eldest daughter. She couldn't summon her old delight, not anymore. Truthfully, she didn't even want Ivy to step through the door. But she was her flesh and blood; she couldn't just turn her away. That would be abandonment, and the law wouldn't stand for it.Taking the hint, Ivy turned toward the house. As she passed the newlyweds, she paused, gaze settling on her sister, stunning in her designer wedding dress."Hey, sis…" Emma blurted, her eyes darting away, guilt flickering across her face as she shrank back.Ivy looked her up and down. "You look beautiful today. Congratulations.""Thank you, Ivy.""Are you scared to see me back?"Emma stiffened, her eyes growing frantic. "What do you mean by that?"Ivy's voice was calm, but a cold hatred flashed in her eyes. "You know exactly what I mean. I treated you like my real sister, loved you, protected you. I never thought you'd have such a poisonous heart."For three endless years, Ivy couldn't understand why her own sister would betray her. At first, there was heartbreak, disbelief. But over time, her pain hardened into hatred, growing bigger and heavier, until it became the only thing keeping her alive—the thing that drove her to escape."Ivy, I… I don't know what you're talking about—" Emma stammered, feigning innocence, voice trembling.The tension between the sisters did not go unnoticed; the guests whispered, casting furtive glances.Rosetta quickly stepped in, frowning. "Ivy, why are you saying these things? Emma's been wracked with guilt ever since you disappeared. She told us you'd gone missing because you tried to save her that night. She was under so much pressure she needed a therapist for two whole years before she could recover.""Mom, that night I—" Ivy turned to explain, but Emma suddenly let out a soft cry, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her stomach.Micah rushed to support her. "Emma, what's wrong?""My stomach… it hurts," Emma whimpered weakly.