The grand hall glimmered with dazzling lights and the hum of high society.

Dressed in an elegant white gown, her slightly rounded belly a testament to new life, Qin Mo radiated grace.

Her delicate features, framed by crescent-shaped eyes brimming with joy, added to her ethereal beauty.

Today was her engagement day. As she gently caressed her belly, her steps toward the red carpet's end carried hope and promise.

But then—

SLAP!

The sharp sound echoed through the grand hall, shattering the atmosphere of celebration.

Qin Mo staggered, clutching her stinging cheek, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.

She stood tall despite the humiliation, her jaw tight with defiance, tears brimming in her reddened eyes as she looked at the family standing before her.

"That slap was for Ji Chun!" her father, Qin Zhenguo, thundered. "Shameless! You've brought disgrace upon our family!"

"Dear sister," her half-sister Qin Xue sneered, clinging affectionately to Ji Chun's arm, "you dare dream of marrying Chun when you're carrying another man's child? That's outrageous. Daddy has already decided—I'll be taking your place as his fiancée."

Shock and betrayal rippled through Qin Mo as she turned her gaze to Ji Chun. Yet, all she saw was guilt in his downcast eyes.

"I'm sorry, Qin Mo," Ji Chun muttered, "but my heart belongs to Xue'er."

The room, filled with elegantly dressed guests, erupted in whispers and quiet chuckles.

The air was thick with ridicule, as if the spectacle before them was the highlight of the evening.

"No, this can't be! That night…" Qin Mo stammered, grasping for truth. Their engagement had been arranged since childhood. That night, she was sure…

Qin Xue leaned in, her voice low and venomous. "That night? Oh, dear sister, it wasn't Ji Chun with you. It was a man I arranged just for you."

Qin Mo's world froze. Her wide eyes met Qin Xue's smug grin.

"You…" Qin Mo's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Surprised? You shouldn't be," Qin Xue said, her tone dripping with malice.

"Everything you hold dear—the family's wealth, Ji Chun, Father's favor—will all be mine. If you kneel and beg, I might consider sparing you."

Pain and indignation swelled within Qin Mo, but she refused to crumble. Her lips curled into a bitter smile, tears threatening to spill as she whispered hoarsely, "Keep dreaming."

Qin Xue's expression darkened, her voice cold and sharp. "Then don't blame me for what happens next."

"Ah! Sister, how could you push me?" Qin Xue suddenly cried out, feigning a stumble before forcefully shoving Qin Mo.

Ji Chun rushed to catch Qin Xue, his voice laced with anger. "Qin Mo, how dare you hurt Xue'er! She's not as strong as you!"

Thud!

Qin Mo hit the ground hard, a searing pain radiating from her abdomen. A dark stain quickly spread across the carpet beneath her.

"My baby…" she gasped, clutching her stomach as panic gripped her.

"Daddy, Chun, I'm so scared!" Qin Xue whimpered, burying herself in Ji Chun's arms, a sly smirk briefly flashing across her face.

"There, there, my precious daughter. It's not your fault," Qin Zhenguo soothed.

"Yes, Xue'er, don't worry," Ji Chun reassured her, his voice tender.

The other guests murmured in agreement, heaping praise on Qin Xue's "kindness."

Meanwhile, Qin Mo lay helpless, cold sweat dripping down her pale face. Her vision blurred as she watched her father, Ji Chun, and the crowd flock to Qin Xue, showering her with sympathy.

Then Qin Xue bent down, her voice a sinister whisper in Qin Mo's ear. "You were supposed to give birth before Father forced you to donate a kidney to me. But now? I guess we don't have to wait."

Qin Mo's heart shattered. The pain in her body was nothing compared to the agony of betrayal.

"You look so pathetic, Qin Mo. I hate your holier-than-thou attitude.

Watching you grovel like a dog makes me feel so good," Qin Xue hissed. "Don't worry, though—Father already called the hospital to prepare for the transplant. Your kidney will be mine soon."

Then, loud enough for everyone to hear, Qin Xue suddenly cried out, "Call an ambulance, quick! My sister is in danger!"

"Oh, Qin Xue is so kind and selfless!" one guest murmured.

"Not like Qin Mo, who's always been so disgraceful," another chimed in.

As the room buzzed with false praises, Qin Mo's body grew cold. Her chest tightened, and her vision darkened.

In her last moments of clarity, all she could see was Qin Xue's triumphant smirk.

But this wasn't the end. Not if she could help it.