Chapter 4: Bandages and Betrayals

Noah brought in a whole team of doctors for me, and under his careful watch, I healed up pretty well.

But before the reconstructive surgery, I still didn’t dare take off the gauze or look in the mirror.

I sat there, scrolling through my phone, watching Avery strut down the red carpet in a glittery dress.

At the entrance, she paused, pursed her lips, but still signed my name: Autumn Reese.

She’d practiced my signature so well—she’d clearly put in the hours.

She clutched the Rising Star Award, smiling like she owned the world under the spotlight.

“Finally, I want to thank my boss, Noah Hayes, for his support and care.”

After the event, a reporter asked, “What’s your relationship with Mr. Hayes?”

Avery gave a shy little smile. “Just... a working relationship. Don’t overthink it, everyone.”

Is she really trying to tie herself to Noah, hoping he’ll marry her? That’s rich. She has no idea what she’s dealing with.

Everyone knows Noah’s my backer, but no one dares imagine that to Noah, I’m his savior.

With Noah, I never needed tricks. If I wanted, he’d move heaven and earth for me.

The person with Avery wasn’t the assistant who’d been by my side for six years.

Thinking of that round-faced girl with dimples, who was in the car with me that day, I still don’t know if she’s alive...

Noah brought in a plate of fruit, feeding me piece by piece. “She’ll come over tonight—it’s all up to you, Autumn.”

A crow can’t become a peacock just by wearing the feathers.

If she insists on pretending to be me, then let those fake feathers fall off in front of everyone.

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