On the vast ocean, a luxurious cruise ship sailed quietly, its pristine hull gleaming under the moonlight.
On the deck, music played softly and lights shimmered brightly. The eldest daughter of the Davis family, Ella Davis, was celebrating her birthday with a grand party. Guests in elegant attire mingled, raising glasses and engaging in warm and joyful conversations.
The star of the evening, Ella, entered the hall gracefully with her husband, Brandon Hall, holding her arm. She instantly became the center of attention. Ella's silky chestnut hair shone under the lights, and her red silk gown, with its fitted design, showcased her graceful curves perfectly. Her naturally fair skin, adorned with minimal makeup, glowed radiantly, enhanced by the crown on her head.
Brandon, in a well-tailored black suit, wore a gentle smile on his handsome face, his eyes filled with love and pride for Ella. They looked like the perfect couple, envied by everyone around them. The guests whispered in admiration, their eyes filled with awe and envy.
"I heard that the Aurora Diadem was bought at an auction by Ella's stepmother, Brianna, for over twenty million dollars. She must be a really good stepmother," someone remarked, pointing to the Aurora Diadem on Ella's head. Under the lights, the Aurora Diadem sparkled brilliantly, making Ella look even more radiant.
"Yes, everyone knows that Brianna treats Ella better than her own daughter!"
"Which one is Brianna's biological daughter?"
Someone pointed to Hannah Davis standing by the deck and praised, "That's Brianna's daughter. She's truly beautiful and elegant." Hannah, in her pure white dress, exuded an innate noble aura with every gesture. Her gentle and graceful smile resembled a blooming white rose.
"Of course, before marrying Robert, Brianna was an actress. Naturally, her daughter would be beautiful."
Ella listened to the rising compliments and couldn't help but smile. Although her biological mother passed away when she was very young, her stepmother Brianna Baker treated her extremely well, and her stepsister Hannah was always obedient and never competed with her. Her father, Robert Davis, showered her with love and affection.
She could be considered the apple of the family's eye, enjoying endless love and care. After marrying Brandon, her husband was tender and considerate, earning the envy of many. Her life could truly be called a winning one.
...
The night was enchanting, filled with floating scents and a crowd in complete revelry, with laughter and music resounding in the air. After finishing a round of drinks, Brandon noticed Ella looked a bit tired and asked, "Are you feeling tired? Let me take you somewhere quieter."
Ella nodded, and Brandon considerately led her to a secluded corner of the deck to enjoy the sea breeze and relax. The gentle night breeze brought a sense of coolness and comfort. Stars dotted the sky, reflecting dreamily on the calm sea.
Brandon handed her a glass of juice, "After drinking so much alcohol, your stomach might feel uncomfortable. Here, have some juice to ease it."
Ella took the juice, smiling as she sipped it. The sweet taste made her feel a bit more relaxed. "Brandon, I feel so happy with you by my side. But I think I'm a bit drunk, my head is spinning..." Ella didn't notice the instant shift in Brandon's gaze from gentle to icy cold as she drank the juice he gave her.
A crisp, charming voice came from the shadows, "Happy? Soon, your birthday will turn into your death day. Let's see how happy you can be then." Hannah's voice was low and provocative, like a snake silently hissing.
Ella froze, a flash of shock and confusion in her eyes. How could the usually gentle Hannah appear so cold and ruthless, speaking such merciless words? Ella turned pale, looking at Brandon, but he only gazed at her apologetically, the warmth gone from his eyes, replaced by an icy coldness.
Hannah pushed the slumped Ella out of Brandon's arms and nestled into his embrace herself. "What are you doing? Brandon is my husband! You shameless woman!" Ella raised her hand to slap Hannah, but Brandon caught her wrist and harshly pushed her hand away, snapping, "You won't hurt her!"
Ella, weakly holding onto the deck railing, felt as if her heart had been pierced by a sword. He was protecting her so fiercely? "Brandon, I'm your wife!"
"So what if you're his wife? Brandon loves me, not you!" Hannah taunted.
Even though Ella could see the coldness in Brandon's eyes, she still couldn't believe it, pleading, "No, it's impossible. Brandon, tell her, the one you love is me!"
Hannah touched Brandon's chest, asking sweetly, "Brandon, tell me, who do you love?"
Brandon looked at Hannah with deep affection, kissed her lips tenderly, and said, "Of course it's you, my princess."
Ella watched, her heart breaking. Her husband was in love with her sister? When did this start?
The intimate scene was like a needle stabbing Ella's eyes. She trembled as she asked, "When did this begin?"
"Long before you met Brandon, we were already together!" Hannah laughed, no longer hiding her true self. "The love you thought you had was just a show I made Brandon put on for you."
Brandon's eyes were devoid of any guilt as he coldly stared at Ella. "After tonight, I can finally be with the woman I love and no longer pretend to care about you."
Ella felt as if she were falling into an abyss, her body trembling with unbearable pain. She lifted her dress and tried to run towards the crowd. "Daddy will never forgive you, and neither will Mom..."
Yes, she still had her father! He loved her dearly and would never spare those who hurt her. Her stepmother also adored her, often more than her biological daughter. Ella had always treated her stepmother like her real mother, sharing her deepest secrets with her. Her stepmother would definitely seek justice for her!
But before she could run far, a strong force yanked her back, and she fell to the ground.
Hannah laughed in satisfaction. "Ha ha, you really think you can run to Daddy and Mommy for help? Such a naive little princess, always running to Daddy when trouble comes. Pathetic. Let me tell you, Dad has been sick of you for a long time."
Hannah's beautiful face was twisted with hatred and insane jealousy. "And Mommy, do you really think she sees you as her daughter? Do you even know what it means to be raised to fail? She's turned you into a wasteful spendthrift over the years, and you actually think she genuinely cares for you?"
A chill ran down Ella's spine. When had she become so obsessed with luxury?
"Our grand plan was to swindle your huge inheritance... We just poisoned your juice. As soon as it looks like you overdosed and fell into the sea, your inheritance, your man, everything will be mine, ha ha ha..." Hannah laughed uncontrollably.
Hearing the truth, Ella felt as if her heart had died. The father and stepmother who supposedly loved her had been deceiving her all along? It was all a lie?
Her head grew heavier, her vision blurred, and her consciousness began to fade as she felt an overwhelming cold.
Brandon lifted her limp body. Hannah leaned in and whispered excitedly in her ear, "Oh, by the way, your real mother was poisoned by my mommy..."
Hearing the truth about her mother's death, Ella's dazed mind was jolted awake, as if pierced by thousands of arrows. The stepmother she had adored was her mother's murderer!
Family love? Romantic love? All lies! She wanted revenge! Ella's eyes turned blood-red with hatred. She wanted to kill them all!
But it was too late. She was thrown overboard, her body arcing into the dark ocean. The icy water quickly engulfed her, suffocating her as she was swallowed by the deep sea.