The Vengeful Goddess Returns

Chapter 1

I was raised in the lap of luxury, yet I almost didn't survive past seventeen.

As I was on the brink of death, my soul unexpectedly drifted away, wandering aimlessly.

It was then that I discovered the truth: my stepmother's meticulous care was a facade, my stepsister's deep sisterly affection was a sham, and my father's lavish affection was also false. They all genuinely wished for my death.

Even my fiancé, whom I had always despised, had been conspiring with my stepsister all along.

By some miracle, I was resurrected and greeted them with a serene smile, "I'm still alive. Are you happy now?"

Chapter 1: Awakening

When I woke up after three months of illness and unconsciousness, the expressions on the faces of those in the room varied greatly.

My stepmother, who was honey-tongued but dagger-hearted, approached with a concerned look on her face. "Haylen, you finally woke up. I've been praying for you every day these past months."

A kind face hides a cruel heart. No wonder I hadn't seen through her true nature before.

Everyone in the room wore masks of false concern, except for my brother-considered rebellious and defiant since childhood. His eyes, however, shone with genuine worry and care.

Had it not been for my nearly three-month slumber, during which my soul drifted out of my body, I wouldn't have known that everyone in the Hayes family, except for my brother Samuel, had been hoping for my death.

"Samuel, come here," I called softly, my voice weak but resolute.

Everyone looked at me in astonishment.

Since our mother's death, I had blamed my brother for her passing, even though he was just a child at the time. I had been obsessed with trivialities and neglected him, leaving him in the care of our seemingly amiable stepmother.

Now, I realized that this had been entirely my fault.

"Between life and death in a single breath. In my haze, I dreamt of our mother. She told me to take good care of Samuel, who has been mischievous and skipping school. Move all of his things to my courtyard tomorrow."

"Haylen, you just recovered. There's no need to rush into disciplining Samuel," my stepmother tried to dissuade me, but I interrupted her firmly.

"My decision is final. There's no need to say more. From today on, Samuel will live with me, and I will take care of him myself." My voice was resolute, leaving no room for debate.

Seeing my determination, my stepmother said no more, only reminding me to take good care of my health.

"It's so great that you're awake, sister. Max will be relieved too."

"He has visited you many times, hoping for your recovery."

My stepsister Nora's tone was filled with joy, as if she were truly happy to see me awake.

Had I not witnessed her and my fiancé Max whispering sweet nothings in her courtyard while my soul wandered, I might have believed her.

"Are you very familiar with Max, sister?" I stared directly at her, watching Nora's face contort for a moment, clearly hit by my words.

But my stepmother quickly stepped in to cover for her. "Max visits every five days. Everyone in the Wallace family knows how much he cares for you."

"Yes, sister," Nora's face twisted for an instant.

A barely noticeable coldness flashed in my eyes.