Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

hapter 94

43 Pearis

“What?” Morgan gasped, feigning shock. “You were both drugged? Who would do such a vile thing? Who would stoop so low as to use these kinds of tactics?” His voice was filled with calculated outrage as he clenched his fists, pretending to be deeply angereid.

Rose sobbed harder, shrugging her shoulders as if helpless. “I don’t know, Dad. You know how many people are jealous of me–of my success, my fame. Maybe someone wanted to tarnish my reputation. Perhaps this was their way of creating a scandal to destroy me.”

Casey, unable to contain herself, rushed to her daughter’s side and wrapped her arms around her. “Oh, my poor baby!” she wailed. “What kind of cruel, heartless people would do such a thing to you? We’ve never hurt anyone–why would they target you like this?”

“Mom…” Rose cried harder, leaning into her mother’s embrace, making sure to appear pitiful.

From where she stood, Lily stifled a yawn. The spectacle unfolding before her was exhausting to watch. Their acting might have been impressive to an outsider, but to her, it was nothing more than a tired, predictable performance. And as for their excuse–drugs? Seriously? She nearly laughed at the absurdity of it all. Did Rose have a bizarre obsession with using “drugged” as her go–to defense?

Casey turned to Lily, trying to soften her voice as if pleading for understanding, “Lily, I know you’re hurt. But Rose is your younger sister–your family. She would never intentionally hurt you. You heard her, didn’t you? This all happened because of the drug. It wasn’t her fault…

Morgan seized the moment, stepping forward with a practiced sigh. “Your mother is right, Lily. Earlier. I said that if Ryan ever hurt you, I’d be the first to make him pay. But now, we know the truth–it wasn’t their fault. They were victims of someone’s evil plan.” He paused, his eyes narrowing as if in deep thought. “Still, if you feel wronged, don’t worry. I will ensure you get justice. Tell me, Lily, what do you want? Should I -punish them?”

Taylor, observing from the sidelines, couldn’t suppress his inner amusement. What a master manipulator, he thought. His father had expertly twisted the narrative, shifting blame away from Rose and Ryan while still appearing to care deeply for Lily. It was a clever performance, but one Lily wasn’t buying.

Rose broke free from her mother’s arms and fell to her knees, her voice trembling as she begged, “Elder sister, please… I know what we did was wrong, but it wasn’t intentional. We were not in our senses. Please, forgive us!”

Ryan quickly chimed in, his voice laced with desperation. “Lily, you know me. I’ve always loved you–1 could never betray you, let alone with your own sister. This… this was all because of the drug! You have to believe me, Lily. You know my heart belongs to you!”

Ryan’s mind, however, was racing with smug satisfaction. He had to admit, Rose had played her part well. Coming up with such an excuse on the spot–it was impressive. This was one of the reasons he liked her more than the other women in his life. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was cunning, resourceful.

Lily, standing amidst the dramatics, smiled faintly. Her gaze swept over each of them–her father, her stepmother, her sister, and her so–called boyfriend. Their synchronized performance was almost laughable. as though rehearsed.

“So,” she began slowly, her voice cold and deliberate. “It all happened because of the drug?”

with fake sincerity. “Yes, elder sister, it was all because of the drug. You have to believe me. Evan still loves

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Chapter 94

* Pearls

immediately followed up, his tone pleading. “Yes, Lily, I love you, and I would

and I swear it will never happen again.

you

that Lily wanted to end things with him, but letting her go was not an option. The humiliation of being slapped twice in front of everyone burned inside him, and he vowed to make her pay. For now,

her tone calm but firm. “I’ll

eyes lit up with hope. “What condition?” he asked eagerly, thinking this was his chance to escape the situation unscathed. Whatever she wanted, he was sure he

Lily said, her voice steady and unyielding.

fell silent, the air thick

and panicked. “You

raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. “Why not? Didn’t you just say he loves me? Didn’t he

“I–I mean… Elder sister, how can you marry so suddenly? We need to plan a big wedding! How can

who said anything about a big wedding?” Lily replied with a smirk. “Tomorrow, Ryan and I will simply go to

wave of shock through the room. Lily’s eyes scanned the stunned faces of her family, her satisfaction evident in the slight upward curve of her lips. “Why is everyone so

and found. himself at a loss for words. He couldn’t openly oppose her without jeopardizing his plans, yet agreeing to this sudden marriage was equally problematic. Clearing his throat, he tried to stall. “Marriage is a big step. Lily. Are you sure you don’t want to think it over? Maybe you should

resolute. “Ryan loves me, and you’ve always said he’s a good man. So, do

desperation. “No, Father, you can’t agree to

snapped. “Enough, Rose!” he barked, silencing her. Then, turning back to Lily, he forced a smile. “If this is what you truly want, Lily, I will support your decision. But the real

struck by lightning. His mouth opened and

was light, almost teasing. “Just look at him–he’s so happy he can’t even speak!” She let out a laugh that only added to

so sorry about slapping you carlier–it must still hurt, doesn’t it?” She

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