Chapter 1

After serving five years in prison for her brother, she was released and arrived at a hotel, supposedly for a welcome-home celebration. Instead, it turned out to be her brother's and wife's wedding venue.

Just as I thought the venue had made a mistake, my brother handed me a suit.

I was overjoyed, thinking this was a surprise planned by my wife and brother.

Putting on the suit, I discovered, to my shock, that the groom was actually my brother.

"Thank you all for attending Serenity's and my wedding. Serenity and I will certainly grow old together."

Everyone offered their congratulations, wishing them a lifetime of happiness.

I wanted to angrily confront them, but my parents held me back.

Afterwards, my wife and brother explained to me:

"You just got out of jail and have a criminal record. We're only getting married for the kids' sake. It's a fake marriage. But in public, you can only call Serenity your sister-in-law."

The next day, they were inseparable, even going on a honeymoon.

Regaining my composure, I contacted their sworn enemy. "Alright, I accept. I'm in."

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1

When I received the call, Melody was a bit surprised.

"You willingly took your brother's place in prison for five years, and now you suddenly want to work for me? What changed?"

"And darling, didn't you say you'd have a wedding ceremony with him after you got out? Between your brotherly love and marital bliss, I really don't understand your decision."

I glanced down at the suit I was wearing, the only formal attire I owned since being released.

It was a gift from my brother, so I could look presentable at his wedding to my ex-fiancée.

I let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "It's nothing. I just don't want it anymore."

"Don't want what?"

Melody's captivating eyes bore into me, tinged with curiosity.

"I don't want to be part of their corruption anymore."

Hearing this, Melody breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you've come to your senses. There will always be a place for you here."

After leaving Melody's office, I suddenly felt refreshed.

A new life, for me, was just beginning.

Just then, a car pulled up in front of me.

The window rolled down, revealing Serenity's face.Serenity glanced at the high-rise behind me, her brow instinctively furrowing. "What are you doing here?"

I replied candidly, "Job hunting."

A flicker of disgust crossed Serenity's eyes. "You shouldn't be looking for work here. There's nothing good about this place. We have some openings at our company. It's not a great position, just a regular sales job, but if you work hard, you can always climb the ladder."

Suddenly, I remembered five years ago when they persuaded me to take the fall for Damien. They said Damien's company was booming and it was the perfect time for growth.

If Damien had to go to prison at that moment, the entire company would have been ruined.

So, they begged me on their knees. They pleaded with me, the good-for-nothing, to replace Damien in prison.

They promised that after I got out, they'd give me the VP position.

But after all this time, my wife became my sister-in-law, and the VP position is now firmly in the hands of the two of them as a couple.

Where was there any place left for me?

Seeing my silence, Serenity continued, "We have a janitor position at our company. It would suit you well. When a better position opens up later, we'll give it to you."

Janitor...I know a VP position was unlikely, but I never imagined they'd make me a janitor.

Before I went to prison, they swore up and down that the VP role was mine and mine alone.

Serenity even married me to put my mind at ease.

Afterwards, she gazed at me lovingly and said, "When you get out, we'll have a proper wedding. I'll be your lawfully wedded wife."

Now, they've all gone back on their word.

Every promise they made, they've broken.

And yet, I don't see a shred of guilt in any of them.

Of course not. I have nothing now. Why would they fear someone who has nothing left?

Still, every time I think about it, there's a stinging pain in my heart.

"We got married before, but we never got divorced. I've been telling everyone we split up ages ago. Damien and I are husband and wife in name now. If the kids are going to have a decent education, they can't have a father like you."

Serenity pursed her lips and softened her tone. "Don't overthink it. Our divorce is just for the kids. I need to marry Damien so everything will be okay for them."Despite the official appearance, behind closed doors, we're still one family.

"It's for the kids, you understand, right?"

Staring into Serenity's beautiful eyes, I felt a lump in my throat, unable to utter a word.

Back then, she told me she was pregnant, promising that after I got out of jail, we'd live a cozy life together with our sweet little ones.

For that dream, I endured five years in prison.

I fantasized that after my release, I'd find a respectable job and take good care of our darling children.

In the future, Serenity and I would watch our kids grow up together, and then they'd have their own little families.

But during those five years, Serenity and Damien never visited me, only my parents came to see me once.

Whenever I asked about them, my parents would explain: "They're busy with work now, it's normal they don't have time to visit."

I believed it, so I'd always ask my parents to send my regards.

But now, I've become someone they're ashamed to acknowledge.They were even trying to distance themselves from me, especially my wife, who now preferred to be my sister-in-law rather than my spouse.

They only dared to be a family in secret, behind closed doors.

I was like a rat in the gutter, with everyone avoiding me at all costs, afraid of being tainted by my stench.

I laughed at myself sarcastically, mocking the me who had been eagerly waiting for the past five years.

"Alright, let's go get the divorce papers."

Seeing how readily I agreed, Serenity, who had planned to say more, was stunned.

"You... you're not angry?"

Serenity asked tentatively, her eyes unconsciously betraying a hint of guilt.

I shook my head, "Is there any need to be angry?"

If they were so desperate to cut ties with me, I might as well oblige them.

After all, this marriage was bound to end sooner or later.

She had already married Damien, so she was Damien's darling now, my sister-in-law. Our relationship was clean now, and it would be even cleaner in the future.

"Zoran, I'll make it up to you in the future."

I casually agreed, then got into Serenity's car.

We went to the courthouse and filed for divorce.After receiving the divorce papers, I saw Damien standing at the entrance.

He smiled and wrapped his arm around Serenity's waist, "Bro, we're heading in to get our marriage license now. Serenity's car is for you - the keys are still in it, so you can just drive it away."

Seeing his hand on Serenity's waist, I found it jarring.

Serenity didn't seem to react, as if it were perfectly normal.

Right, they often talked about keeping up appearances, with some overly intimate gestures.

After all, they presented themselves as a married couple to others, even having a wedding. What newlyweds maintain strict boundaries and personal space?

But was Serenity in such a rush to divorce me for the kids' sake, or for Damien?

That very night, I saw their relationship announcement on social media.

The red marriage booklet in the post was particularly eye-catching.

A flood of congratulations poured in below.

[Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together, you're such a perfect match! Congratulations!]

[Mr. and Mrs. Channing, may your love last forever! I've sent a cash gift privately - everyone else better follow suit!]"Quick turnaround, huh? They just had the wedding and now they're getting the marriage license. But Damien loves Serenity so much, he must've been itching to make it official."

"Mr. Denton sure is eager, but can you blame him? The new Mrs. Denton is a knockout."