Throw Himself At Me

Chapter 1

: Uncharted Waters

The rain fell in torrents, each droplet striking Imogen Watson's face like a bullet. The crashing waves provided an ominous soundtrack, pounding against the shore like drums in a symphony of chaos.

With a dagger in hand, Imogen struggled to shave down a piece of wood. The rain seemed to have no effect on her, as if she were immune to its relentless assault.

For a decade, she had been cut off from her family. Just as she had finally located the Bryants, on the verge of uncovering the truth about her mother's death and her own abduction, a group claiming to be her rescuers had tried to take her life.

She had fought them off, but in the chaos, the ship had sunk, leaving her stranded on this desolate island.

Seven days had passed since her arrival, and still, no sign of a passing ship. But the island offered solace in its abundance of trees and plants, allowing her to construct a crude wooden boat.

As she prepared to fashion oars, the heavens unleashed a torrential downpour.

Imogen rose to her feet, ready to stretch her weary muscles, when a dark figure caught her eye near the rocks.

Approaching cautiously, she was startled to discover it was a man.

He possessed a striking handsomeness, though his face was pallid. A deep gash marred his waist, blood mingling with the seawater like a crimson sunset.

Imogen pressed a finger beneath the man's nose, relieved to find him still breathing. With great effort, she dragged him further into the island, seeking refuge in the cave that had become her makeshift shelter.

After starting a fire, she dashed back out into the rain, returning with a handful of herbs.

"You're fortunate to have crossed paths with me," Imogen murmured, reaching out to remove the man's saturated garments.

A glance at his waist revealed a wound that cut deep, the mark of a knife.Imogen's eyes narrowed as she spoke, her voice tinged with annoyance. The man's grip on her wrist tightened, but she refused to let it show.

"Who am I? I'm your savior," she replied, her words laced with sarcasm. "If you're planning on clinging to me like a lifeline, I might as well start carving your tombstone. 'Here lies Nameless.' How does that sound?"

The man's brows furrowed, his silence speaking volumes. His gaze shifted towards the crushed herbs in her hand, curiosity etched across his face.

"What's the matter? Take off your shirt, and I'll help you," Imogen said, reaching out once more.

"I'll do it myself," he retorted dismissively, pushing her hands away. With a wariness in his dark eyes, he removed his shirt, revealing a chiseled physique that made Imogen's heart flutter involuntarily. His figure was almost too perfect.

Unable to suppress her blush, Imogen carefully placed the crushed herbs on his body. The man's voice rumbled, devoid of any discernible emotion.

"What is this?" he asked.

"Antiseptic herbs," she replied, her tone softer now. "They'll stop the bleeding."

"And where exactly am I?"

Imogen's patience waned as the man continued to barrage her with questions. Raising her head, she met his gaze with impatience. Handsome or not, he needed to dial back the inquiries. If I had all the answers, I wouldn't be stuck here for seven days, would I?

"If you want answers, ask your teacher," she snapped, her frustration clear.Why don't you save your strength and lie down to rest instead of speaking?" Imogen suggested, her voice laced with concern.

The man, clearly irritated, muttered under his breath, "This isn't how a doctor should talk to her patient."

Imogen's expression remained unchanged as she deadpanned, "Excuse me? Is this the way you should be talking to your savior?"

This remark furrowed the man's brows, and he couldn't help but retort, "Woman, you're rude."

"Dude, you're impolite," Imogen shot back, her eyes narrowing in defiance.

Their glares intensified, creating an electric tension in the air that seemed to crackle between them.

In the end, Imogen decided to be the bigger person. She saw no point in settling the score with an injured man, so she stood up and said, her voice softer now, "The rain is quite heavy, so it'll be much colder at night. I'm going to start the fire again. Stay right there."

As Imogen made her way towards the corner of their shelter, the man couldn't help but call out to her, his voice filled with a hint of vulnerability. "Hey."

Imogen spun around, her frustration evident. "What is the matter with you again?"

The man hesitated, his words caught in his throat. Finally, he managed to say, "Nothing."

Rolling her eyes, Imogen returned to her task of starting the fire, determined to keep her distance from the infuriating man.

Starting a fire on this humid island was no easy feat. Imogen spent over an hour trying to coax a tiny flame into existence, her determination unwavering. However, just as she succeeded, a gust of wind blew in through the cave entrance, extinguishing the flame in an instant.

"Hey," the man's voice called out once more.

"What?" Imogen shrieked, her patience wearing thin.

As she spun around, her eyes caught sight of something metallic dropping onto the ground. It was a lighter, lying innocently by her feet.

Confusion washed over her, but then it hit her like a wave crashing against the shore.

Oh!

After a brief silence that lasted no more than three seconds, Imogen couldn't contain her anger any longer. "Aren't you a despicable man? You bastard!"

The man slowly closed his eyes and turned away, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Night descended upon them, enveloping the cave in darkness. Imogen and the man found their separate corners to rest, the tension between them still palpable. In the middle of the night, Imogen was jolted awake by the sound of grunting.

Opening her eyes, she saw the man's face, usually pale, now completely drained of color. He curled into himself, cold sweat glistening on his forehead.

"Hey, jerk," Imogen called out, her voice softer this time, filled with genuine concern."Are you alright?"

Imogen approached him, gently prodding his arm, but he remained unresponsive. Concerned, she reached out to touch his temple and was met with searing heat. His wound must be infected, she realized, causing the fever that plagued him.

Desperate for a solution, Imogen racked her brain. Amoxicillin would have been the answer, but on this uninhabited island, it seemed impossible to find. With no other choice, she resorted to a different tactic to cool him down – she carefully removed his clothes.

To her dismay, his temperature dropped, leaving him shivering and muttering about the cold. Determined, Imogen moved him closer to the fire, hoping it would help, but his condition remained unchanged.

"Frustrating," she muttered under her breath, frustration pulsing through her veins. In a bold move, she stripped off her own clothes and nestled beside him, sharing her body heat to combat the chill that consumed him.

It didn't matter if he was a jerk; what mattered was saving his life. Imogen clung to that thought, believing that her act of kindness might bring her the favor of survival. Perhaps, if she made it back to the Bryants, she would uncover the truth behind this ordeal.

If those who were meant to rescue her turned out to be her enemies, then something was undoubtedly amiss with the Bryants. And if her father was involved, she vowed to show no mercy.

Lost in her thoughts, Imogen drifted into slumber, her arms wrapped protectively around the man. When she awoke, the sound of voices and footsteps echoed outside the cave.

Others? On this desolate island?

Startled, she sat up and noticed that the man's jacket now adorned her shoulders, but he was nowhere to be found. Hastily dressing herself, she cautiously ventured out of the cave.

If these were the ones who had tried to end her life, she couldn't help but admire their professionalism. However, as Imogen reached the entrance, she was met with a line of black-clad bodyguards.A helicopter loomed in the distance, and the leader of the bodyguards engaged in conversation with the man Imogen had saved.

In that moment, the man turned around.

Imogen finally had the chance to see his face under proper lighting. He remained handsome, though his presence alone was undeniably intimidating. Aside from his pale complexion, he appeared like any ordinary individual.

He recovers quickly, Imogen noted.

"You..." Imogen began, but the man interrupted her sharply, "What do you want?"

"What?" His question caught her off guard.

Expressionless, he clarified, "You saved me, so I shall grant you a wish."

Imogen found herself momentarily speechless. "How rude can you be? I saved your life, yet you don't even have a word of gratitude?"

At that moment, the bodyguards stared at her in astonishment, as if she had uttered something utterly bizarre.

Meanwhile, the man's expression remained neutral. "You'll regret it if you let this opportunity slip away."

Imogen seethed with anger, but in her mind, she acknowledged, My makeshift boat might not survive until I reach land.

Clenching her teeth, she managed to force out, "Take me home."

Now, it was the man's turn to look astonished.

"That's it?" he questioned incredulously.

"What else?" she retorted.

She had only one wish, and that was to escape the wretched, uninhabited island.

Looking at her as if she were a fool, the man then made his way towards the waiting helicopter.

Three hours later, the helicopter hovered over the skies of Jadeborough.

"Is that the place?" the man inquired, pointing towards the grand manor below.

"I believe so..." Imogen's memories of her childhood were scarce, but she had conducted thorough research on the Bryants before returning to the country.

That place was meant to belong to the Watsons, but it now belonged to the man who had never bothered to search for her during her ten-year disappearance—her father.

"Descend," the man commanded. The pilot responded promptly, "Yes, sir."

Chapter 2

: I Am Your Father

The Bryant residence was abuzz with excitement, transformed into a dazzling setting for Hannah's birthday party. Socialites adorned in their finest attire surrounded her, showering compliments like delicate petals.

"Hannah, your dress is pure enchantment, a milky way come to life."

"Isn't this the LV spring edition? I couldn't even dream of owning it, but here you are, wearing it with grace. Your father truly spoils you."

"Happy birthday, Hannah. I heard Sam Sleight has offered you a role. You're destined to be the star of the year. Remember us when you're famous."

"Forget about the entertainment industry, Hannah's just here for fun. Who is she? She's Hannah Watson. Fame comes easy to her."

Hannah masked her delight behind a gracious smile. "Thank you all so much. Let me check on the arrival of the cake."

As she made her way back to the mansion, Hannah nearly collided with her mother, Riley Watson, who was heading outside.

"Mom," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Have my cousin's men returned? It's my twentieth birthday today. I don't want anyone to uncover the truth about our family, about the girl who was kidnapped by human traffickers."

Riley gently smoothed the edge of Hannah's skirt, her voice filled with reassurance. "No news is good news, my dear. Don't worry. She won't be able to come back. Even if she does, the traffickers have sent her off to some remote village. What can a country bumpkin like her possibly do?"

Hannah nodded, though deep down, a part of her secretly hoped that the country bumpkin would find her way back. It would only serve to solidify Hannah's position as the true daughter of a wealthy family.

"Mrs. Bryant, I bring unfortunate news," the housekeeper exclaimed, rushing into the room. "A Russell helicopter has landed on the lawn outside."

"The Russells?" Hannah's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Mom, do you think Dad invited Miles Russell?"

Riley shared her daughter's surprise.

Though the Bryants were powerful figures in Jadeborough, their business empire reaching great heights, the Russells were a force to be reckoned with on a global scale.Miles Russell, the esteemed heir of the renowned Russell Group, remained elusive in his attendance at the Bryant family's daughter's birthday gathering. The Bryants pondered over his absence, wondering if Miles deemed their business partnership significant enough to warrant his presence.

Curiosity piqued within Riley as she contemplated the situation. Perhaps Miles had a valid reason for his no-show. Little did she know, a surprise awaited her.

Excitement brimming, Riley and her daughter hastily adorned themselves with the delicate strokes of makeup before eagerly making their way to the festively decorated lawn.

To their astonishment, a cluster of nouveau riche individuals had already congregated on the manicured grass. Amongst the throng, Hannah, the birthday girl, approached, only to be met with envious gazes from the socialites.

"Hannah, you've managed to secure the presence of the illustrious Russells! You're truly remarkable," one of them exclaimed, marveling at her accomplishment.

"Why didn't you inform me about this momentous occasion? I would have hired a professional makeup artist for today," another chimed in, feigning offense.

Hannah smiled politely, but beneath her composed facade, she scoffed inwardly. She knew the truth.

The Russells were here solely for her. She didn't need any superficial enhancements to validate her worth.

She had captured Miles's attention during the ceremony hosted by the Russells a month prior. Soon enough, she would become Mrs. Russell herself.

Just as anticipation reached its peak, the helicopter door began to glide open, revealing a young woman adorned in tattered attire. Her face was smudged with grime, obscuring her true features. Even her hair appeared tangled and unkempt, as though untouched by water for weeks.

Confusion rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned to Hannah, their expressions laced with mockery. "Hannah, is this your esteemed guest? A beggar?" they jeered.

Furious, Hannah stormed towards the disheveled newcomer, demanding answers. "Who are you? And how dare you infiltrate my birthday party?"

The young woman's response sent shockwaves through the crowd. "Birthday party?" Imogen, one of the attendees, instantly recognized her. It was common knowledge that Hannah was Riley's adopted daughter, but Imogen had recently discovered a secret. Hannah was actually the illegitimate child of Riley and Keegan.

Imogen couldn't help but scoff at the irony. Keegan had no idea if his true daughter was alive or dead, yet he indulged in celebrating his illegitimate child's birthday.

"How amusing," Imogen retorted, glaring at Hannah. "I am your father.""You—"

Just as Hannah felt her temper reaching its boiling point, Imogen interjected, "Your father's true daughter."

Hannah's body froze, and the onlookers around them leaned in eagerly to witness the unfolding drama.

Once Hannah regained her composure, she stuttered, "Y-You're Imogen Watson?"

That country girl?

She's...really a country girl, huh?

Thankfully, Riley was quicker-witted than her daughter and rushed forward. "Imogen, is that really you? I've been waiting for you for so long. My poor child, you're finally back..."

Imogen's lips curved into a smile. "Hello, Aunt Riley, it's been a while."

Despite the smile, her tone dripped with sarcasm.

My mother's younger sister married my father? My father married my aunt?

What kind of nonsense is this?

Something doesn't add up.

Whispers spread among the guests. "I heard Mrs. Bryant used to be the sister of the previous Mrs. Bryant."

"This must be Ms. Watson, the one who was kidnapped by human traffickers ten years ago."

"The Bryants were originally the Watsons; Keegan Bryant married into the Watson family. After Maureen Watson passed away, the Watsons all took on the Bryant family name instead."

"Did that really happen? Seriously..."

Embarrassment washed over Riley as she listened to their gossip. She cleared her throat and muttered, "Darling, now that you're back, let me take you to freshen up. Look at you, you're so...dirty. You must have had a tough life in the countryside."

She's still reminding everyone that I came from the countryside. It's like she despises me.

Before Imogen could respond, a low voice echoed behind her. "Hey."

All eyes turned to the source of the voice. As they caught sight of the person descending from the helicopter, their bodies tensed.

It was Miles.

Miles, whose every move dictated the global economy.

"Mr. Russell?" Hannah eagerly stepped forward to greet him. "A-Are you here to join my birthday celebration? Thank you!"

Hannah couldn't hide the joy in her eyes, and her blushing cheeks gave away her excitement.

Initially, she thought Miles had merely sent someone to convey his birthday wishes, but it turned out that Miles himself had come.Spring had arrived, bringing with it the promise of a happy life for Hannah. If she could, she would have leapt for joy. The envy in the eyes of those around her was impossible to ignore. Despite being only an adopted daughter, she had caught Miles's attention, ensuring a future filled with nothing but good days.

But then, in an instant...

"Who are you?"

Miles's brows furrowed, as if he had just noticed Hannah. The impatience and confusion in his eyes were plain for all to see.

Miles didn't recognize the woman standing before him.

"Pft—" Laughter erupted from some of the guests, unable to contain their amusement.

"I thought Mr. Russell was here to wish Hannah a happy birthday, but it seems he doesn't even know who she is."

"Hahaha! This is priceless. If I were her, I'd bury myself in the sand and never come back out."

Hannah's expression shifted from delight to shock, then embarrassment. Finally, she glared at the two socialites who found her misfortune so amusing.

But Riley was quick to recover. Stepping forward, she said, "Mr. Russell, we had no idea you would be joining us today. What an honor to have you here. Today is my daughter's birthday, and she thought you were here to wish her well. It seems you're here to discuss a business collaboration with Rick. He's upstairs, so please come in."

The mocking gazes of the guests vanished instantly.

Having Miles visit for a business deal was an honor in itself.

And yet, in the blink of an eye...

"Do I know you?"

Riley's inviting gesture froze in midair.

Mr. Russell... doesn't recognize me?

Once again, the guests struggled to contain their laughter.

Are the mother and daughter here for comedic relief?

Internally cringing, Riley couldn't help but feel the weight of the awkwardness.

If Miles doesn't know me, then who is he here for?

Suddenly, she remembered that Imogen Watson, the woman everyone looked down upon, had arrived in Miles's helicopter.

Imogen's appearance had been unexpected and disheveled, making it hard to fathom any connection between her and Miles.

Does Imogen know Miles?

As that thought crossed her mind, Riley watched Miles walk past her, heading towards Imogen.

Chapter 3

Miles leaned in, his voice laced with concern. "Are you absolutely certain that's what you desire? I'm willing to offer you another opportunity."

Imogen furrowed her brow, her gaze piercing through him. "And what makes you think you possess the power of a magical genie? Is that your claim?"

The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone, including Hannah and Riley, watched the exchange unfold. Confusion hung heavy in the air. Who was this beggar, and what connection did he have to Miles?

Before Miles could respond, Keegan interjected, his tone falsely jovial. "Ah, Mr. Russell! What a pleasant surprise! Why didn't you inform me of your arrival?"

The guests stood agape, their jaws dropping as Keegan greeted the beggar with familiarity.

Riley instinctively shut her eyes, unable to bear witness to the chaos about to unravel.

A whirlwind of questions swirled through Hannah's mind. What on earth was happening? How did Keegan know this man?

Keegan's cheerful facade faltered as his eyes landed on Imogen. A sudden frown etched itself onto his face, betraying his true emotions.

Turning to Hannah, Keegan's voice dripped with disdain. "Why, pray tell, did you invite a beggar to our esteemed birthday celebration? Remove her at once!"

Though Hannah hesitated for a moment, secretly pleased with Keegan's reaction, she found her voice. "Dad, she's..."

"Dad!" Imogen's interruption was swift and resolute. "Don't you remember me? I'm Sannie!"

Sannie had been Imogen's childhood nickname, a name she clung to despite the passage of time.

Keegan's brows shot up in shock, his eyes widening. "You... You're Imogen?"

Imogen nodded, stepping closer to her father. She may not remember the events of a decade ago, but she recognized that familiar face.

A wave of fear washed over Keegan as he desperately tried to conceal his secrets.

Imogen, aware of his internal struggle, spoke with unwavering composure. "We've been apart for so long. I've missed you, Dad."

Keegan was left speechless, his mind racing to find the right words.He had no choice but to give her a pat on the shoulder. "Welcome back, honey, but... what happened to you and Mr. Russell? Why do the both of you look so messy?"

All eyes turned to Miles, his disheveled appearance capturing everyone's attention. The guests were so captivated by his presence that they failed to notice the dampness clinging to his clothes.

Hannah exchanged a perplexed glance with Imogen and Miles. Was there something more between these two?

But her suspicions quickly faded. Miles falling for this country girl? Impossible! Unless he's lost his senses!

Sensing the tension in the air, Riley intervened. "I believe it was Mr. Russell who escorted Imogen home."

"Really?" Keegan's disgust towards Imogen seemed to wane at the revelation.

Given her young age and lack of memories from her childhood, perhaps she truly doesn't know what transpired.

Just imagine the advantages we could gain if we use her to get closer to the Russells.

Keegan forced a smile and turned to Miles. "So, you're Imogen's friend? Thank you for bringing her back to us. If you don't mind, why not stay, freshen up, and join us for dinner?"

Riley chimed in, "Absolutely. We have spare clothes for our guests."

Initially hesitant, Miles couldn't bear the weight of his waterlogged attire any longer. Reluctantly, he accepted their offer.

Since Miles didn't refuse, Keegan extended a welcoming hand and gestured towards the guest room. He leaned in and whispered to Riley, "Clean up Imogen as well."

After nearly a decade of marriage, Riley knew exactly what he meant.Keegan's intentions were crystal clear: he saw Imogen as a means to curry favor with the Russells. The unfairness of it all gnawed at him, leaving him frustrated and questioning why luck seemed to be favoring Imogen instead of his own daughter.

Maureen had always been a source of oppression for Riley, even when she was alive. Keegan was determined not to let her daughter trample over his own. With a steely resolve, he vowed to protect his daughter from any mistreatment.

Riley understood the game that needed to be played. She played along, nodding in agreement. But she also took Hannah aside, her tone serious yet masked with a layer of sisterly affection. "Take her to the bathroom. She's your older sister now, so be kind to her."

Hannah caught the underlying message in Riley's words. She turned around, a forced smile on her face. "Hey, Imogen. Shall we go to the bathroom?"

Imogen couldn't bring herself to believe that this mother-daughter duo would truly accept her into their family. But she hid her suspicions behind a wide grin. "Sure!"

Hand in hand, they walked into the grand mansion, leaving behind a trail of whispered speculations from the other guests. The presence of Miles, for whatever reason, meant that the Bryants were to be treated with more respect from now on.

In the guest room upstairs, Hannah offered a temporary stay for Imogen while they prepared her own room. "You'll find everything you need here, including toiletries. I'll bring you a dress."

Imogen expressed her gratitude. "Thank you."

Before leaving, Hannah turned back and asked about the water heater. "Do you know how to use it? We've set the temperature, so you won't need to adjust it anymore," her words laced with a hint of disdain she couldn't quite conceal.

Imogen, however, remained unfazed by Hannah's subtle contempt. She responded with a gentle smile. "Thanks."

Little does she know that I'm well aware of how to use the water heater.

"Excellent. I'll bring your dress shortly," Sandie said, her smile fading as soon as she closed the door behind her.She retrieved a handkerchief from her pocket, meticulously cleansing her hands before discarding it carelessly onto the floor. The scent of her hand and body overwhelmed the room, permeating every corner with its unpleasantness.

Miles must have made a mistake, bringing someone like Imogen here. Surely he couldn't bear the presence of a woman so unkempt and filthy.

Meanwhile, Imogen luxuriated in the bathroom, taking her time to indulge in a warm, soothing bath. The past week on the island had left her feeling repulsed by her own appearance and odor.

As the water cascaded down her body, she gently wiped away the dirt, revealing her fair complexion. Her delicate features gave her an ethereal quality, akin to that of a whimsical fairy.

A soft knock interrupted her solitude, followed by Hannah's voice. "Imogen, could you please open the door? I have the dress for you. I've also left a pair of heels outside."

"Alright." Imogen cracked the door open, reaching out to retrieve the dress.

Unbeknownst to her, Hannah's face twisted with disgust and mockery as she watched.

The dress was a couture piece by Gucci, far more expensive than what Imogen currently wore. However, it required a specific body type to pull off its design.

The wearer needed to be slim and possess a supermodel-like physique, with ample curves to showcase. Without an hourglass figure, any ordinary woman would appear plump in it.

Hannah, with her broad shoulders and lack of collarbones, knew the dress would be unflattering on her. That was why she had chosen not to wear it for tonight's party.

She smirked, anticipating the ridicule that would befall Imogen once she stepped out in that hideous dress. The guests would surely mock her mercilessly.

Chapter 4

: A Distinctive Transformation

Imogen couldn't help but feel like a foolish country bumpkin, no exquisite dress could hide that fact. It was a truth she had come to accept. She knew Hannah wouldn't blame her for the humiliation she would face at the hands of the guests. After all, Hannah had given her the most expensive dress in her wardrobe. Imogen had only herself to blame for not fitting into it.

The four-inch heels that Hannah had prepared for her added insult to injury. Imogen had never worn heels before in her life, and the thought of navigating the stairs in those stilettos made her fear slipping and falling. Hannah's cleverness delighted her, almost enough to applaud herself.

But amidst her own amusement, Hannah couldn't wait to witness the reactions of the guests when they saw Imogen in that ill-fitting dress. Her desire was clear - she wanted everyone to know that Imogen didn't deserve to be her sister.

"Hey, Imogen. I'll be downstairs, okay?" Hannah called out, her tone dripping with condescension. "Dinner's about to start. Come down once you're ready."

"Okay..." Imogen replied from the room, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Hannah turned around and left, eager to commence the party so that all the guests, especially Miles, could see just how hideous Imogen looked. As she made her way downstairs, a cheerful tune hummed on her lips, momentarily making her forget the embarrassment Miles had caused her earlier.

It's alright, she reassured herself. People will forget about it soon enough. All they'll remember is how ridiculous Imogen looks.

Meanwhile, in the room, Imogen took matters into her own hands. She found a sewing kit in the living hall and brought it back with her. Determined not to let Hannah's malicious intentions ruin her evening, she carefully altered the dress to fit her nicely.

As she put it on and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, a sense of satisfaction washed over her. The couture dress hugged her tall and slender frame perfectly, accentuating her collarbones that had become more pronounced after spending a week on the island. It felt as if the dress had been tailor-made for her.

Imogen couldn't help but question her initial judgment of Hannah. Maybe she wasn't as evil as she had believed. She decided to trust her instincts and carefully examined the dress once again, removing it briefly.

The transformation was undeniable, and Imogen couldn't wait to face the guests with newfound confidence. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of a journey that would challenge her perception of herself and those around her.After meticulously examining the dress for a mere five minutes, Imogen couldn't detect anything suspicious. Puzzled, she raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm. That's strange," she murmured to herself.

With cautious curiosity, Imogen slipped into the dress, positioning herself in front of the mirror to scrutinize its cut. It didn't take long for her to realize the challenge that lay within its seams. This dress demanded a wearer who possessed not only height and slenderness but also a generous bust size to accentuate its unique design. Any woman with bulky arms or broad shoulders would appear awkward and graceless in it.

But if one met all the criteria, they would look utterly glorious.

A mischievous smile played at the corner of Imogen's lips.

"So, this was Hannah's intention all along, huh?" she chuckled. "Too bad! I exercise regularly and have the perfect body shape to rock this dress. I can't wait to see the disappointment on her face later!"

Initially, Imogen had hoped to blend into the background, avoiding the spotlight at someone else's birthday party. However, Hannah's actions had forced her hand. She realized she had no choice but to stir up chaos within this seemingly peaceful family. Imogen believed that only when the tranquility shattered would the truth emerge.

Slipping into the silver heels that Hannah had thoughtfully prepared, Imogen stepped out of the room. The towering height of the heels made her acutely aware of the need for focus; one wrong step and she'd be tumbling to the ground.

Meanwhile, Hannah, eager to kickstart the festivities, flooded the lavishly decorated hall with light, illuminating every corner. The guests, each holding a glass of champagne, listened attentively as Hannah delivered her speech.

Miles, having spruced himself up, stood among the crowd. He had no interest in the birthday party or the pretentious socialites surrounding him. His presence was solely to bid farewell to Imogen, the girl he had saved. Though he found her crude and unsophisticated, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Hannah took notice of Miles on the stage and couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. If he was still here, it must mean he had stayed for her. A man of his esteemed stature would surely be too embarrassed to admit his interest in her, she reasoned. That's why he pretended not to know her. Ah, the ways powerful men behave.

With newfound determination, Hannah decided to take the initiative and express her interest in Miles.As she approached the microphone, she made a deliberate effort to catch Miles's eye. "Good evening, Mr. Russell. Welcome to my birthday celebration. I'm delighted to see you here."

Miles furrowed his brow in confusion upon hearing her words. Who is this absurd woman? Why does she seem to believe that we are acquainted?

And where is that girl? Why hasn't she made her appearance yet?

Hannah's speech seemed to revolve around Miles, as if she were determined to remind the other guests of his presence.

Just then, a housekeeper approached Hannah and whispered, "Ms. Watson is on her way down."

"Excellent! Illuminate the stairs with all the lights!" She wanted everyone's attention to be focused on the newcomer.

"Yes, Miss!" the housekeeper replied promptly.

Suddenly, the staircase was bathed in light, instantly drawing everyone's gaze.

I can hardly wait for the newcomer to take center stage!

"Ladies and gentlemen, today is a truly significant day for our family, as my half-sister has finally returned home!" Hannah exclaimed into the microphone with enthusiasm. "She was kidnapped by human traffickers ten years ago, and now she has come back from the village! I am overjoyed..."

Before Hannah could finish her sentence, all the guests turned their heads towards the sound of footsteps descending the staircase.

Hannah's expression twisted as she struggled to suppress a smug smile. Raising her hand, she pointed towards the stairs. "Let us give a warm welcome to my sister!"

The guests, unsure of what was happening, reluctantly began to applaud as instructed.

Why should we clap our hands to welcome someone from the village?

They complied only out of respect for the Bryant family, one of Jadeborough's prominent families.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have spared a glance for a disheveled beggar!

Imogen raised an eyebrow and smirked upon hearing Hannah's introduction.

She can't wait for me to embarrass myself, can she?

Imogen wasn't one to place great importance on her appearance, knowing that it was merely a facade.

But in this moment, she desired to seize the opportunity to show Hannah just how she looked.

Chapter 5

Imogen concealed her emotions, bowing her head as she delicately lifted the dress and descended the staircase. The guests' attention was immediately captivated by a pair of slender legs adorned with Jimmy Choo heels. The light cascading upon her accentuated her graceful toes and silky ankles, igniting the imaginations of those in attendance.

Hannah couldn't help but be taken aback by the perfection of Imogen's legs. Casting a sidelong glance at the male guests, she observed their enamored expressions. Even Miles couldn't tear his gaze away from Imogen's legs. Panic began to swirl within Hannah's mind, questioning if she had made a mistake.

Yet, she swiftly regained her composure. They were just legs, after all. Once they saw Imogen's face, any allure would surely fade away in an instant.

As Hannah redirected her attention towards the descending figure, she anticipated Imogen stumbling in her extravagant heels. Oh, how she longed for the spectacle of Imogen's fall!

To her astonishment, Imogen glided down the stairs with unwavering poise. Each step she took exuded a sense of steadiness that made it impossible for her to falter. Disappointment etched itself onto Hannah's face. How on earth did she manage to walk so effortlessly in those heels?

Unbeknownst to Hannah, Imogen had previous experience donning six-inch heels when she filled in for a friend in a fashion show. To her, these four-inch heels were a mere walk in the park.

Hannah couldn't help but recall the depiction of villagers in period dramas, effortlessly maneuvering on stilts during festive celebrations. Could that be where Imogen acquired her skill in walking in heels?

At this point, Imogen's slender waist came into view as she continued her descent down the staircase.How was this possible? Imogen didn't resemble her earlier self, wearing those dirty and oversized clothes when she descended from the helicopter!

Hannah's envy burned within her.

Fine! Maybe she's skinny, but I bet she's an ugly witch!

Once again, Hannah convinced herself that Imogen would eventually reveal her unappealing appearance. Come on! Hurry up!

Just as she wished, Imogen quickened her pace.

After noticing Imogen's slender lower torso, Hannah's gaze traveled to her well-defined collarbones and neck.

Hannah's fear intensified, and unbeknownst to her, she clenched her fists.

Finally, the light illuminated Imogen's face, unveiling her exquisitely defined and delicate features. Never before had Hannah encountered such flawless beauty.

Her dark, shimmering eyes were breathtakingly stunning, sparkling like precious diamonds.

No words could capture the magnificence of Imogen's flawless beauty.

Hannah's jaw dropped, disbelief flooding her.

That...that's Imogen? Is that really her?

Are you kidding me?

Color drained from Hannah's pale face in an instant.

Meanwhile, a whirlwind of anger churned inside her. Did she unwittingly dress Imogen in a way that accentuated her radiance, making her shine like a star? Oh my God, what have I done?

Hannah was overwhelmed by a tumultuous mix of emotions. She felt as though she might burst from fury.

Her pallid complexion now flushed with jealousy and animosity.

She couldn't bear to look at Imogen any longer, fearing it would only amplify her own insecurities about her appearance.

Hannah surveyed the guests and noticed that they were all captivated by Imogen's beauty.

Even Miles, who had maintained a stoic expression throughout, began to regard Imogen differently.

Is that awe in his eyes?

Could an esteemed noble like Miles Russell truly be in awe of Imogen Watson's beauty?

Riley, too, found himself entranced by Imogen's radiance.As she observed her sister, Maureen, and her niece, Imogen, the protagonist couldn't help but be taken aback by their stunning beauty. Growing up in the countryside, she had never anticipated that her daughter would turn out to be even prettier than her.

Damn it! Imogen will surely steal Hannah's spotlight!

The protagonist's eyes instinctively shifted towards Keegan, Imogen's father. He, too, was clearly taken aback by their daughter's radiance. However, unlike the other gentlemen present, he maintained his composure. After all, he was Imogen's father.

But the sparkles in Keegan's eyes were undeniable.

This old man must have thought he stumbled upon a long-lost treasure.

No way. I won't allow Imogen to revel in the privileges of our family!

I have underestimated this girl. I must eliminate her. I must!

Imogen glanced at Hannah, her so-called "beloved sister," and noticed the shock etched on her face. It was as if her expression had crumpled like a piece of paper.

If we weren't surrounded by guests, she'd probably come up to me and throw a punch. That's what jealousy does to girls!

Pretending not to understand Hannah's dismay, Imogen approached her with a disarming smile. "Happy birthday, Hannah! Why do you look so down? What's the matter?"

Hannah felt a wave of disgust wash over her at the sound of Imogen's silvery voice. To her, it was like the grating friction between a saw blade and a chalkboard.

Suppressing her emotions, Hannah forced a smile. "I'm fine."

"I'm glad to hear that, Hannah." Imogen grinned mischievously. "Oh, by the way, I tried on that dress you lent me. It fits perfectly!"

She emphasized the words "fits perfectly" with deliberate intent.

Rage pulsed through Hannah's veins, threatening to consume her. Imogen was doing this on purpose!

"You..." Hannah began to speak but collapsed before she could finish her sentence.

"Oh no! Hannah!" Imogen exclaimed, rushing to catch her sister's falling body. But it was too late.

With a deafening crash, Hannah crumpled to the ground.

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