A Symphony of Revenge and Renewal

I woke up with a splitting headache, staring at the exquisite crystal chandelier overhead, my mind erupting into chaos. An unfamiliar, luxurious bedroom. A silky nightgown on my body. And memories flooding my mind—memories that weren't mine. I've crossed over into a ridiculous melodrama. I became the cannon fodder female supporting role in the story, Lily Hogan. The original host was the wife of the male lead, Joey Levitt — a woman humiliated to utter dust for love. From what I remember, she poured her family's entire strength into backing Joey's startup, took care of the household, and shielded him from every rumor and slander. But once Joey Levitt succeeded and made a name for himself, there was suddenly Janet Zamora by his side. Without hesitation, he asked for a divorce and immediately ran off with Janet, living as inseparable lovers. After the original host was abandoned, she lived every day trapped in pain and resentment, ultimately falling into depression and dying alone. What a laughable ending. I lifted my hand to touch my cheek; the warmth was proof this wasn't a dream. Now that I am Lily Hogan, I will never repeat the original host's downfall. Whether it's Joey Levitt or Janet Zamora, no one will ever control my life again. I stood and walked to the massive walk-in closet, staring at the wardrobe full of dresses and knitwear—all in the soft, feminine style the original host loved. This kind of style only makes you look weak and easy to push around. I pushed open the cabinet door in the corner; inside hung a few simple, sleek suits—the kind the original host had prepared for occasionally attending formal events with Joey Levitt but never actually worn. I chose a black, tailored suit, paired it with a white silk blouse, and slipped into a pair of stiletto heels. The woman in the mirror had shed her usual gentleness; her eyes were sharp, and her presence was commanding. This is exactly the look I want. Just as I finished getting ready, my phone rang, the screen flashing "Joey Levitt". I swiped to answer, and Joey Levitt's slightly distant voice came through. "I have an important engagement tonight. I'll be back late, so don't wait up for me." I tugged at the corner of my mouth, a cold sneer curling inside me. An important engagement? It was obviously to meet Janet Zamora, who just returned to the country. In the original story, it was today—Janet got back, and Joey Levitt canceled all his plans to pick her up at the airport and even had dinner with her. "Is that so?" My tone was flat, betraying no emotion. "Was that engagement with Janet Zamora?" There was a few seconds of silence on the other end before Joey Levitt's slightly impatient voice came through: "What nonsense are you talking about? She's just a business partner." "A business partner needs you to personally pick her up from the airport and take her to that couple's restaurant in the south of the city?" I stated the details precisely. Joey's tone shifted instantly: "You sent someone to follow me?" "I have no reason to follow you," my voice turned cold. "Joey, I don't mind Janet coming back to the country, but don't use socializing as an excuse to lie to me." "What do you want to do?" "I don't want to do anything," I paused, stressing, "but you have to remember, right now I'm still Mrs. Levitt." "You'd better keep your business with Janet from becoming public, or it will be your face on the line—along with your family's reputation." After saying that, I didn't wait for his reply and hung up immediately.