288 iVouchers Chapter 1 Anastasia Fleming was the mute girl the Copeland family adopted from an orphanage , who later married her so - called brother Edward Copeland . Everyone in Houston knew Edward adored Anastasia . He defied his family , ignored the backlash , and gave her a lavish wedding . People envied her luck . Envied how she'd gone from nothing to everything . He loved her so much that she was willing to shield him from the knife when he was kidnapped . In the end , her hands were ruined . She could never play the violin again . But she didn't regret it . As long as he loved her , it was worth it . One day , after a rehab session , she didn't see him waiting . She searched the halls and finally spotted him . Then she heard what he was saying to their son , Thomas Copeland , and froze . " Relax . I told the kidnappers , like you asked . Just hurt Mommy's hands . It won't affect Priscilla's competition . " Those words made Anastasia's mind buzz . She froze , like lightning had struck her . Priscilla Marlow was the girl he had loved at 18 and never gotten over . She stood there , numb , while Edward kept talking . " Well , Anastasia's so good at the violin . If she had competed , Priscilla wouldn't have won . None of us wanted to see her upset . " Each word drained the color from Anastasia's face . By the end , she was shaking uncontrollably She wanted to scream , to ask him why he was doing this to her . But all the pain , all the love , only turned into tears . She had loved him with all her heart . She had struggled through the years to raise her son 0.00 % 08:49 Chapter 1 : 288 iVouchers And now , they were the ones who'd broken her dreams and ruined her life . Anastasia didn't know how she walked out of the hospital or how she got into the car . All she knew was that her chest tightened until she could barely breathe . The woman driving recognized her , not noticing her gloom . She spoke with envy . " Mrs. Copeland , you know , every woman in Houston envies you . Your love story with Mr. Copeland could be a fairy tale . " Everyone knew Edward adored his wife . But no one knew it was him who ruined her hands . Years ago , twelve - year - old Edward had taken her from the orphanage . She had clutched her washed - out dress and treated him as a brother . He told her stories to put her to sleep , played hide - and - seek , ripped up boys ' love letters , and chased off punks who mocked her for being mute . Anastasia fell helplessly into his warmth , in love with her so - called brother . But she was only the Copeland family's foster daughter . And she knew he had someone in his heart . So she buried her feelings , never told a soul . Until that day , when Edward , drunk and red - eyed , pulled her into his arms . " Do you love me ? " he asked . He tilted her chin , forcing her to look at him , coaxing softly . " Anna , I know you've always cared for me . Truth is , I feel the same . " Before she could answer , Edward's smile deepened . He lowered his head and kissed her lips , tender and lingering . After that , he treated her like she was his world . Like he'd pluck the stars for her . But it all ended the day Priscilla returned She told Anastasia that when Edward had agreed to be with her , she had just rejected him . She said all the love Edward had now was actually hers . She said all the love Anastasia had from Edward was really meant for her At first , Anastasia laughed it off 37.75 % 08:49 Chapter 1 But now , she believed it . All of it . She was nothing but Priscilla's stand - in , Edward's outlet . 1288 iVouchers Her eyes blurred with tears . She wanted to cry , but no sound came . Her heart felt like it was being crushed , leaving her gasping . Just then , her doctor texted . " Ms. Fleming , there's a research center abroad . They have advanced treatment for your congenital aphasia and nerve damage . Are you sure you don't want to try ? " This time , Anastasia didn't hesitate . She wiped her tears and replied . " Okay . I'll go . But don't tell anyone . Especially Edward . " The reply came almost instantly . " Got it . I'll send you the address now . " She booked a ticket for two weeks later . Staring out the window , tears streaming , she whispered to herself , " Edward , never again . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!