C1 It Was an Uncalled Disaster

City Court.

"That's her, she's the one who killed my son!"

A weary-looking middle-aged woman glared intensely at Lin Ci, who sat at the defendant's table.

Lin Ci was completely bewildered, unsure why she was in court. "I didn't do it. I don't even know how to drive, so how could I have—"

"Your Honor, these wealthy people think they can do anything. She can't drive but still did, and now she won't admit to hitting my son. My poor boy, he was only 18..." the woman sobbed.

"I didn't—" Lin Ci tried to protest.

The plaintiff's lawyer interrupted her, "On the night of March 5th, at 10 PM, Miss Lin, where were you?"

There wasn't a single familiar face around her. For years, Bai Chongyuan had shielded her from the harsh realities of life. Now, faced with this situation alone, Lin Ci's delicate, pretty face was tense. "I was at home. My son was sick, and I was taking care of him. You can ask my husband; he can testify."

Moments later, a tall, commanding man with striking features was brought into the courtroom. Seeing him, Lin Ci felt a wave of calm wash over her anxious heart.

But Bai Chongyuan acted as if he didn't see her. Lin Ci was taken aback, and then she heard his familiar voice, though the words chilled her to the bone.

"The car accident that day was indeed caused by my wife, Lin Ci. It was her first time causing a fatality, and it wasn't intentional. Please, Your Honor, consider a lighter sentence."

After that, Lin Ci couldn't quite grasp what was happening. She just stared blankly at the man who hadn't looked at her once from the start of the trial to the end.

She felt like she was dreaming.

Yes, she must be dreaming. Otherwise, how could he say such a thing?

In a daze, she heard the judge announce the verdict: she was sentenced to five years in prison, effective immediately.

As she was led out of the courtroom, she caught a glimpse of the man who had always been so caring towards her, holding another woman in his arms. Lin Ci's breath hitched, and she struggled violently, as if waking from a nightmare, "Chongyuan—"

The woman in her husband's arms seemed to hear something and turned her familiar, pretty face toward her.

Lin Ya!

It was her half-sister, Lin Ya!

Lin Ya flashed a smug, taunting smile and waved silently, as if to say: "Enjoy your time in prison, Lin Ci!"

Lin Ci desperately wanted to believe she was dreaming, but the suffocating pain in her chest told her this was all too real.

She hadn't lied. On March 5th, her son was indeed sick, and she had been home taking care of him the whole time.

Contrary to expectations, Bai Chongyuan suddenly left around 10 p.m. that night and didn't return until the next day at noon. She asked him why he was out for so long, and he said he had to take care of something. At the time, she didn't press for details, but now everything was clear to her. He wasn't handling business matters; he was likely helping Lin Ya with the car accident and plotting to pin the blame on her!

Lin Ci still couldn't believe it. She couldn't fathom that the man who had shared her bed for the past five years, who had been so caring and attentive, could do this to her! Desperate for answers, she lost control and shouted at him. The man finally turned around, casting a look of disdain her way. That look silenced Lin Ci completely, and tears streamed down her face. "Honey—"

But he quickly looked away, wrapping his arms around Lin Ya as they walked off together.

Five years later...

"Where did this crazy woman come from? Get out of here! If you come back, I'm calling the police!"