Sober in the Mist

On my wedding day, I knew the sweet soup my half-sister brought me was drugged.
I smiled and drank it all.
I watched as she eagerly changed into my wedding gown and stepped into the limousine of Steve Clarke, the kingpin of the islands criminal underworld.
In my last life, I woke up and hysterically tore her deception to shreds, ruining her reputation and getting her exiled from the city. I then married Steve, using my father's position as a high-ranking military commander to help him legitimize his empire and rise to the apex of power.
It all came crashing down when I was on the delivery table, my life hanging by a thread. Steve dismissed the doctors. He stood there, holding my sister and their one-month-old son, his eyes cold.
Seraphina, he said, his voice dripping with contempt, if it wasnt for your familys power, I would have gotten rid of you long ago for the humiliation you put Sylvia through. Now that your fathers own position is precarious, its time for you to step aside.
My sister, Sylvia, ground the tip of her stiletto into my fingers, a vicious smile on her face. Dear sister, everything you fought to protect? My son and I will enjoy it thoroughly. The title and prestige of being Mrs. Clarke are finally returning to their rightful owner.
I died in a storm of agonizing pain and heart-wrenching betrayal.
When I opened my eyes, I was reborn. It was my wedding day.

Outside the window, the faint, elegant notes of the wedding march drifted in.
I sat up and waited for a quarter of an hour before pressing my temples and walking out of the room.
My mother was just turning to go back inside, the corners of her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. When she looked up and saw me standing in the doorway, she gasped.
My father heard her and turned. Seraphina? Didnt you just get in the car? He pointed toward the main gate, his face a mask of confusion. Then who was that in the wedding dress who just left?
I clutched my chest, my expression one of feigned horror. It cant be Last night, Sylvia said she couldnt bear for me to leave and made me a bowl of sweet soup. After I drank it, I felt so drowsy Ive been asleep this whole time
The festive atmosphere in the room instantly turned to ice. Guests exchanged uneasy glances. My mothers chest heaved, and she nearly stumbled. Bring Linda to me now! she commanded, her voice sharp as glass.
Linda, Sylvias mother, was dragged from the crowd by security. She was clutching a suitcase, clearly having planned to flee.
No wonder you were crying harder than I was, my mother seethed. I thought you were genuinely sad to see Seraphina go. Instead, you were sending your own daughter off in the Clarke limousine!
Lindas eyes darted around, but she tried to remain calm. Madam, what are you talking about? The young miss overslept and missed her own car. You cant blame Sylvia for that.
Before she could finish, the butler rushed over and whispered, Sir, Madam, the Thorne familys car is here to pick up the second young miss.
My mothers face was a frozen mask of fury. Which car did Sylvia get into? Find her and bring her back!
A cold sneer touched my lips. It had been almost half an hour. Sylvia was probably already in Steve Clarkes penthouse. And Steve, I knew, would have been just as impatient. I glanced at the triumphant smirk Linda couldn't quite hide and understood everything.
This mother-daughter duo had played their hand perfectly.
Years ago, Linda had been sent by my fathers rivals to drug him and conceive Sylvia. To protect his reputation, he had no choice but to let them into our home. Now, Sylvia had repeated the trick, drugging me to steal my place. By the time I woke up, the deed would be done.
I had two choices: swallow this monumental humiliation, or marry the man intended for her, Captain Marcus Thorne.
The Thorne family wasn't the most powerful on the island, but Marcus, despite his youth, was one of my fathers most capable and decorated officers, his future limitless. My father admired his steady, resolute character and had arranged the match for Sylvia. But Sylvia had swapped her discarded engagement for my glamorous one.
If I accepted, the news would spread like wildfire: the eldest daughter of the Shen family, jilted by the Clarkes, had been forced into a lesser marriage. I would become the laughingstock of the islands elite. In my previous life, this was how Sylvia, with Steves backing, had stolen my marriage.
Back then, with my parents support, I stormed the Clarke wedding. Steve, wary of my fathers military power, denied any knowledge of the switch and allowed my fathers men to drag Sylvia away. I married him, and he treated me with adoration. I naively believed he had been truly deceived that day, never knowing he and Sylvia were already lovers, just waiting for the right moment to use my familys influence before casting us into the abyss.
The butler reported breathlessly, The second young miss is not in her room. The wedding dress from the Thorne family is on the bed, but all her personal belongings and documents are gone! He handed my father a sealed envelope. This was found in a hidden compartment in her vanity.
My fathers face was grim as he tore it open. Inside were several passionate letters in Steves handwriting and a few pieces of expensive jewelry. The veins on his temples bulged. He slammed the envelope into Lindas face.
This is your precious daughter! Seducing her own sisters fianc! You have brought nothing but shame to this family!
I had found those carefully hidden keepsakes the moment I woke up, ensuring they would be made public. I needed everyone to see that this was a long-planned conspiracy.
As expected, a wave of murmuring and disdain swept through the crowd.
Shes the daughter of a mistress. The Shens were charitable enough to take her in, and she repays them by drugging her sister to steal a marriage? The audacity!
And that Clarke boy is no better. Engaged to one sister while carrying on with the other. It shows his character!
Linda, calculating that the situation was now irreversible, straightened her back. Sir, Sylvia is still a daughter of this family! Why not just let them be? It makes things easier for the Clarke family as well
My mother, trembling with rage, slapped her across the face. Let them be? Your daughter used disgusting methods to steal my childs future, and you dare ask for our blessing?
Guards! Detain this woman! Shell be handed over to the police!
Linda collapsed to the floor, shrieking, You cant touch me! Im Steve Clarkes mother-in-law! When he finds out, he wont let you get away with this!
I only have one daughter, my father said, his voice like ice. Taking you in was an act of mercy. Since you dared to plot against my most precious child, you have no one to blame but yourselves.
He waved his hand, and two guards mercilessly dragged Linda away.
The butler approached, his expression troubled. Sir, the Thorne family is still waiting at the gate. Theyre asking when they can begin the procession.
My fathers face was ashen. Gather my men! Were going to the Clarkes! Ill drag that wretched girl back here myself and force her to marry into the Thorne family!
Father, theres no need. I stepped forward and calmly took his arm. If Steves heart is with Sylvia, then I, Seraphina Shen, have no interest in fighting for a disloyal, dishonorable man.
My gaze was steady. Marcus Thorne is a man you personally promoted. He is capable, loyal, and trustworthy. If we call off the wedding today, what would that do to his and his familys honor? I am willing to marry him.
My mother grabbed my hand in shock. Seraphina, dont say things youll regret. This is
Mother, Im not being emotional. I squeezed her hand. Marcus is a rising star who has earned his position through merit alone. I trust your judgment, Father, and I trust in his future.
The surrounding guests looked at me with open admiration.
Miss Shens grace and perspective are truly remarkable!
Compared to her, that illegitimate sister is nothing but dirt.
My mother pulled me into a hug, her voice choked with emotion. But this is so unfair to you, my darling
My father took a deep breath. That Clarke boy has humiliated my daughter. He will never get another ounce of support from me again! And as for his shady businesses on the island, he can forget about them running smoothly anymore! His tone was resolute. But right now, Im going to the Clarkes to demand an explanation. Otherwise, that bastard will think the Shen family can be pushed around!
When we arrived at the lavish Clarke estate atop the islands highest peak, the wedding reception was in full swing. Our sudden intrusion caused a stir among the guests.
Isnt that Seraphina Shen? Shes the bride, isnt she? What is she doing here?
Then who was that woman who exchanged vows with Steve Clarke and was taken upstairs?
A family elder who had accompanied us snorted. That was just the mistresss daughter. She used a vulgar trick to steal her sisters wedding!
The chatter swelled into a roar.

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