“Serena, sign it.” Outside the courtroom, my husband Julian threw a letter of understanding in front of me, his gaze behind the gold-rimmed glasses as cold as ice. “You don’t want Leo to bear the crime of defamation even after his death, do you?” Chloe had just driven my brother to jump off a building to his death. And my husband was holding her shoulders, gently wiping her tears. “Julian, my heart hurts so much…” Chloe pouted, snuggling into his arms. “Serena, you only have thirty seconds left.” He didn’t even look at me. I stared fiercely at the man and woman in front of me, my voice trembling, “What if I don’t sign?” Julian finally looked up, slowly tapping into the live broadcast on his phone. In the cemetery, several bodyguards holding shovels stood in front of my brother’s unsealed tombstone. “Be good,” he smiled. “Can you bear to let Leo have no peace even after death?” At that moment, I finally understood that the love I once believed in was nothing but a joke. Serena’s POV Just because my brother got in the way of the industry’s little princess on a talent show, he was framed for drug possession. He was bullied across the internet. Finally, he leapt from the rooftop of Starlight Entertainment. The day I took that arrogant Chloe to court, she was released on the spot due to “insufficient evidence.” And standing at the defendant’s desk, protecting Chloe, was the city’s most powerful financial tycoon, the president of Starlight Entertainment. Also my secretly married husband of three years, Julian. After the trial ended, the handsome, noble man walked to the plaintiff’s desk and threw a letter of understanding and apology in front of me. “Serena, sign it. You don’t want Leo to be cursed and slandered by the whole internet for defamation even after his death, do you?” His tone was coaxing, but the gaze hidden behind his gold-rimmed glasses was as sharp as ice. I looked at him, my voice shaking. “Why, Julian?” I couldn’t understand. I was his wife. He had loved me so much. Even if it meant defying his family’s marriage arrangements, even if it meant being put under house arrest by the Sterling family, he still insisted on marrying me. I was just a small-time star with no background. But after my brother died, I begged him crying countless times. Even this morning, I knelt at his feet, threatening him with divorce, begging him not to intervene in this case. But what did he say? “Serena, don’t force me! Chloe got into a car accident trying to save me. Her legs were almost crippled, and she can never dance ballet again. I must protect her, even if… the enemy is my most beloved wife.” As he spoke, he tapped his tablet, showing me a live broadcast feed. “You have two minutes to consider. Even if you aren’t thinking for yourself, you should think of Leo. Sign it, and I’ll have someone return Leo’s ashes to you.” The video showed the cemetery, where several bodyguards in black holding shovels were standing in front of Leo’s unsealed tombstone. With one move… My tears fell instantly. “What are you doing?!” But he didn’t even frown. “Be good, don’t waste time. Can you bear to let Leo have no peace even after death?” “Julian!” I stared fiercely at the man in front of me, biting my lip until it almost bled. “I want a divorce.” But in this cruel confrontation, he remained relentlessly calm. “Serena, you only have thirty seconds left.” At that moment, my heart felt as if pierced by a needle. How ironic; this man had once loved me with all his life. Three years ago, he fell in love with me at first sight in Starlight’s practice room. I was a nobody small star practicing desperately, yet he confessed his love a full hundred times. He would book an entire sea of flowers overnight just because I casually mentioned I liked them; He would also hold me distressed and carry me across three streets when I sprained my ankle during dance practice. It was also then that I learned there was a daughter of the Walker family who grew up with him and had been chasing him for years. But he had no one else in his eyes. “Serena, I only love you; I only have sibling feelings for Chloe!” The turning point happened half a year ago. Chloe was in a car accident abroad, and to save Julian, both her legs were severely injured. Since then, his attitude toward this friend completely changed. He canceled cross-border meetings to accompany her personally, and even to pave the way for her entry into the entertainment industry, he forcibly canceled all my schedules. At first, I believed him. Until the day my brother had the accident. I was blocked by crazy anti-fans downstairs at the company, and Julian’s phone couldn’t get through no matter what. Out of helplessness, my brother Leo went alone to confront Chloe, but this trip led him to fall from the 33rd floor, never to return. Everyone insisted it was an accident, saying Leo committed suicide out of guilt. Even Julian, who happened to be absent from the scene when the incident occurred, believed this statement. But that day, I clearly received my brother’s last voice message. I heard the chaos on the other end of the phone, mixed with Chloe’s cold mockery and my brother’s desperate cries. My brother was driven to his death! Over the past six months, I suffered in pain and self-blame, and finally found a shred of evidence through my breakdown. I begged Julian countless times to help me. But during this trial, he stood on the opposite side without hesitation. He protected the murderer who killed my brother, and to force me to apologize to her, he even used my brother’s ashes as a threat… At this moment, looking at Julian in front of me, I only felt he was so unfamiliar, as if he came from hell. I despaired and accepted my fate, trembling fingers signing crooked handwriting on that statement. “Satisfied? Then tell them to get the hell out of the cemetery…” But as my hoarse voice just fell, a sudden exclamation came from behind. Chloe suddenly clutched her chest and lay on the defendant’s desk. “Julian, help me, my heart hurts so much!” At that second, Julian panicked so much that he directly dropped the tablet and rushed quickly behind him. On the other end of the live broadcast, the countdown had already ended. Without receiving Julian’s order to stop, the bodyguards had already swung their shovels… “No! I’ve already signed! Julian, tell them to stop!” I screamed, but how would those bodyguards listen to my orders. I wanted to pounce and grab Julian, but the man’s heart was entirely focused on Chloe; he even slammed his elbow into me as he rushed out holding her. I fell hard to the ground, my forehead hitting the corner of the desk. Blood slid down my cheek, and tears smashed onto the tablet one after another. It was too late, already too late… I saw the white porcelain jar holding the ashes brutally smashed. Against the cold wind, the ashes scattered bit by bit onto the muddy ground. Heart-wrenching self-blame tore at my heart. My brother loved cleanliness the most when he was alive, but now, not only did he die unjustly, even his ashes were being trampled into the dirt. “Leo, I’m sorry…” My crying broke down completely. Suddenly I regretted it so much, regretted falling in love with Julian, regretted marrying him. Endless regret struck my mind like a dull bell, and my vision suddenly went dizzy. In a world that darkened frame by frame, I only heard Julian’s anxious voice outside the courtroom. “Chloe, hold on, as long as you’re okay, I’ll promise you anything!”
Serena’s POV When I woke up again, I was in the hospital. The young associate lawyer stood helplessly by the bed. “Serena, this case has already been settled. You need to look on the bright side; your health is the most important.” I snapped out of it amidst the lingering pain in my heart, ignoring the IV needle in my hand, and sat up to quickly rummage through my bag. “Could you please check if this agreement is valid?” My voice trembling, I handed over the document I had dug out. The other party quickly gave an affirmative answer. “Serena, your husband has already signed this divorce agreement. You only need to sign and submit it, and you can get your divorce decree in a month.” This morning, I had kneeled in front of Julian with this document. Perhaps he was in too much of a rush to leave, or maybe he didn’t believe I would actually divorce him. He assumed the agreement was fake and actually signed it without even looking. But he would never guess that everything I said was true. I didn’t want to wait another moment. I pulled out the IV needle and rushed to submit the paperwork. After completing the procedures, I made one last trip to the cemetery. In the cool, drizzling rain, I knelt straight in the muddy ground, scooping up the ashes mixed with dirt bit by bit. “Leo, I will avenge you.” I don’t know how long I knelt there before I wiped away my tears and made a phone call. “Hello, I’d like to schedule a faked-death rescue.” “In one month, the cause of death will be ‘accidental fall into the sea.’ I will arrange the location, and you only need to prepare a brand new identity for me, rescue me, and send me abroad.” Yes, I wasn’t just going to get a divorce. In a month, I would also personally claim my justice and leave Julian an unforgettable surprise. By the time I finished all this and returned to the villa, it was already dark. The lights were on in the living room. Julian was holding a bowl, feeding Chloe spoonful by spoonful. “Julian, I posted that apology letter online.” Chloe said, tilting her head to lean on the man’s shoulder. “Serena’s fans have been cursing me all this time. Now that the truth is out, she deserves a lesson. You’re not allowed to interfere.” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed, but he still agreed. “Alright, she made a mistake and should be punished.” I suddenly recalled the curses online; they said my brother deserved to die, called me a bitch who climbed up through capital, and said I wasn’t even fit to compare to a single hair on Miss Chloe’s head… A sharp pain hit my heart as I walked into the living room. “Where did you go?” Seeing me, Julian paused, his tone inexplicably softening. “The wound on your forehead… how did that happen?” I ignored him. It was Chloe who squeezed her throat and changed the subject. “You’re back, Serena. Perfect timing. I’m about to debut as a singer soon, and Julian said I should stay here first so it’s convenient to discuss music. Come look at my schedule with me.” Julian cleared his throat lightly, looking a bit hesitant. “Serena, Chloe hasn’t fully recovered yet, so she’ll be staying here for a while. You need to put more effort in normally; her throat is delicate and she can’t drink cold water. You’ll guide her daily vocal practice, and also… pick out a few of your stage outfits that fit her and alter them for her.” Every word was like a knife stabbing into my heart. I was so incredulous that I let out a cold laugh. “What, you want me to be her assistant and vocal coach?” “Be good, Serena. The past is in the past, let’s not pursue it anymore. You’re the main vocalist of the group; I feel at ease leaving it to you…” He consciously stopped the rest of his words. On one side of the dining table, Chloe’s debut proposal was densely written, while on the floor lay some of my most cherished stage outfits, thrown about crookedly and cut into a complete mess. It turned out the so-called guidance was just trampling on everything I worked for. Many years ago, an investor merely called me a “singing girl,” and Julian flew into a rage, pulling all their investments that very night. “Serena is my wife. Whoever dares to belittle or bully her is slapping my face!” But now, he was going back on his word, making me an exclusive assistant for my enemy. What deep love, what vows. They were just that fragile. I would never believe them again. I forced back the wetness in my eyes. For the last thirty days, I had to endure everything… But who would have thought that on the very night she moved in, Chloe would throw a fit about having a nightmare. When she rushed barefoot into the master bedroom, Julian had just finished showering. “Julian, I can’t sleep alone.” She looked fragile and spoiled, getting directly into bed and burying herself into Julian’s bare-chested embrace. “The mattress in the guest room is so hard. I’m scared; I want you to sleep with me.” Hearing this, Julian’s handsome brows slightly furrowed. I knew his heart ached for her. It ached so much that, ignoring my presence, he wrapped his arms around Chloe in a soothing embrace. His gaze looked toward the left side of the double bed. “Serena, Chloe has been through trauma. You see… could you go stay in another room for now.” At that moment, I saw a fleeting provocation on Chloe’s face. I grabbed my pillow and got out of bed. “Since Miss Chloe likes it, I’ll give this bed to you.” Yes, not just this master bedroom, this bed, but also this man. I didn’t want any of them anymore.
Serena’s POV In the following days, with Julian’s company every night, Chloe quickly regained her vitality. When she was occasionally bored, she would invite a few socialite friends over for afternoon tea. “Chloe, Mr. Sterling definitely has you in his heart. During the half-year you were in the car accident, he went to the hospital every few days, and even made a wish that as long as you could stand up again, he would divorce Serena for you!” I happened to pass by and heard this sentence; my heart felt like it had been slit open by a knife. Julian wasn’t around, and Chloe couldn’t be bothered to pretend. She called out to me in a put-on tone. “Serena, why is the cup of tea you brewed so hot? It makes me sick just looking at it.” I was just about to take the cup away when someone grabbed my wrist. “Wait, what’s with your attitude? Our Chloe is about to become the most famous person at Starlight. Is pouring a glass of water too much for you? Stop acting so high and mighty!” Receiving Chloe’s glance, one of her friends scolded me fiercely. Before I could react, the other party grabbed my hair, and a full cup of hot water was instantly splashed over me. “Stop!” But the next second, a suddenly appearing male voice broke the standoff. Julian had just walked through the door and saw this scene. He rushed over with a cold face, shielding me behind him. “Who allowed you to bully her?” As his roar fell, Chloe, who had been watching with a smile, instantly reddened her eyes. She incredibly smoothly covered her throat. “Julian! It’s not like that!” “Don’t blame my friend. She did it for me. She deliberately added peanut powder to my water. My throat hurts so much, I can’t breathe.” Julian’s movements abruptly stopped. He looked at me with scrutiny, his gaze turning completely cold. Peanut powder? “Peanut powder? Serena, I clearly told you that Chloe is severely allergic to peanuts. It will affect her vocal cords!” How ridiculous. From protecting me to pushing me away, it only took one lie from Chloe. “I didn’t!” Water dripped from the tips of my hair, and my eyes ached. “She’s faking it.” But my explanation was drowned out by Chloe’s superb acting, coupled with the lies of her friends… Julian finally lost his temper, violently smashing the cup on the table. He stepped forward and scooped Chloe up in his arms, saying sternly. “Serena, stay at home and reflect on your actions!” But Chloe was clearly unsatisfied, crying pitifully. “I’m not going to the hospital. I’m about to record my debut single soon; what if my voice is ruined? Julian, just let me die in pain.” Chloe threw a tantrum and refused to go to the hospital, until Julian completely hardened his heart and coldly called for the bodyguards. “Take the madam to the underground recording studio!” The underground recording studio was the place Starlight Entertainment used to punish disobedient artists. The soundproofing was excellent, and the air conditioning was kept at the lowest setting year-round. I trembled and struggled under the bodyguards’ grip. “No! I don’t want to go!” But no matter how I cried and screamed, the figure carrying Chloe as he rushed out of the villa never looked back. For a full five hours, I was locked in the recording studio that was like an ice cellar. The bodyguards Julian arranged stood outside the door, coldly relaying orders through the microphone. “Mr. Sterling said that since the madam doesn’t know how to protect a singer’s throat, the madam is to sing Miss Chloe’s debut single a hundred times in here. Not one less, or you’re not allowed out.” That debut single was full of extremely high notes throughout; it was a highly vocal-taxing show-off piece to begin with. I was shivering all over from the cold. I tried pounding on the soundproof glass, but no one paid any attention. I knew that if I didn’t sing, Julian had plenty of ways to torture me, and he might even implicate the sisters in my group. I gripped the microphone tightly, singing over and over again in the sub-zero air conditioning. By the fiftieth time, my throat was already hurting as if it were tearing; By the eightieth time, every vocalization was accompanied by a strong taste of blood. Until the hundredth time ended, a mouthful of blood suddenly surged up in my throat, dyeing the microphone in front of me red. I slid weakly onto the cold floor, so numb I forgot what pain was, with only a single tear sliding past the corner of my eye. I closed my eyes, letting despair overdraw the last bit of love… “Serena, don’t sleep, wake up, okay?” As the familiar male voice pulled my consciousness back, I opened my eyes. What met my eyes was the crystal chandelier of the guest room. Julian, sitting by the bed, finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw me wake up, his tone softening. “I know you’re angry, Serena, but you really did the wrong thing. No matter what, you shouldn’t joke about Chloe’s throat.” Facing his accusations the moment I woke up, I couldn’t help but sneer, only to find I couldn’t make a sound at all, only able to emit a hoarse, ugly gasp. “Do you believe her that much?” Julian frowned, looking a bit impatient. “Enough. I’ve already had someone handle Leo’s matter again; don’t make a fuss about it anymore. Right now, Chloe’s condition is the real problem.” “She’s been frightened, and her throat isn’t in good condition. The recording hasn’t been going smoothly. The producer said we must have a better original track to make her an instant hit.” I froze. So, he stayed by my side, hoping I’d wake up, just for Chloe?
Serena’s POV My hoarse voice was full of trembling. “Julian, can’t you see how I am?” I pointed to my neck wrapped in gauze. The doctor had applied cold compresses to relieve the torn vocal cords. My throat was ruined. As a main vocalist, my career was practically destroyed by his own hands. But Julian fell silent for a moment, still speaking ruthlessly. “The doctor said you’ll recover as long as you rest for a few months. But Chloe’s debut press conference is next week; she can’t wait!” “What if I say no?” I had no more tears left to shed. “Are you going to lock me in the recording studio again and make me sing until my voice is completely ruined?!” Julian closed his eyes. “Serena, bear with it. Once Chloe successfully debuts, and once I’ve repaid her for saving my life, we’ll be just like before.” He seemed to be making a promise, then placed a “Copyright Transfer Agreement” on the bedside table, his attitude returning to calm. “Remember, if you don’t sign, the resources for those sisters in your group will all be cut off tomorrow. That songbook filled with your original hard work will just be your apology to Chloe.” The guest room door slammed shut with a “bang”. Several bodyguards dutifully stood by the bed. “Madam, don’t delay. Mr. Sterling said you must sign this agreement and hand over the songbook.” That night, I was forced by the bodyguards and didn’t sleep a wink. My fingers trembling, I signed my name on the agreement, watching the bodyguards take away the original songbook I treasured like gold, my heart aching as if cut by a knife. Finally, at dawn, Chloe’s satisfied chuckle came from the master bedroom. “Julian, these songs are written so well. The moment I sang them, I felt they fit my voice perfectly.” Julian responded to her gently. “That’s great, be good, practice a bit more, I’ll stay with you.” I curled up little by little in the corner of the bed, listening to the songs I wrote for my brother being trampled on recklessly by my enemy, my eyes stinging so much I wanted to laugh. Once, when I was stuck writing songs and stayed up late, Julian would feel pained and blame himself for a long time, canceling all work to accompany me in finding inspiration. Now, he could actually use my painstakingly created work to make another woman happy. Julian, oh Julian, you actually said we’d be like before? How could it be the same? My love for you has clearly been used up… The next day, Chloe was in a great mood because she got the excellent songs, pulling Julian out to relax. I only found out they went to Paris to watch a fashion show through her daily updates shared online. The photo showed the night view of the Eiffel Tower, with Chloe being tightly held by the man’s slender fingers. The caption read. “The tenth year of liking you, wishes come true…” I stared at the photo, my heart so empty it felt like wind was blowing through it, yet unexpectedly, I no longer felt pain. I silently took off the wedding ring on my ring finger, then went to the walk-in closet, cut up all the haute couture dresses Julian had ever given me, and threw them into the trash can. After doing this, I turned on the computer, logged into the Ins account full of malicious comments, set a scheduled post for a month later, and wrote. “When this letter is posted, I will probably already be gone…” I wrote that planned “suicide note” for a very, very long time. Just as I typed the final period, the sound of a car parking suddenly rang out in the yard. Julian rushed into the villa with hurried steps. “Why did you destroy those dresses, Serena? Didn’t you like them the most? I personally flew to Milan to have them custom-made for you back then.” For some reason, his face was a bit pale, and a barely noticeable trace of panic showed in the depths of his eyes. I looked at him calmly, didn’t ask anything, and just snapped the laptop shut. “They’re dirty. I’ll wear something else from now on.” Hearing me mention “from now on,” Julian finally suppressed that bout of unease. “Alright, I’ll buy you new ones from now on.” The night Julian returned, there was a top-tier charity gala in our circle that required my attendance with him. In the evening, before the Rolls-Royce headed to the banquet venue, it made a trip to the styling salon first. Julian got out of the car to pick her up personally. Chloe was wearing a current-season haute couture dress worth millions and a rare pink diamond necklace, yet she stood there motionless. The man awkwardly opened the rear door. “Serena, you see…” But before he could finish speaking, I silently got out of the car and directly sat in the passenger seat next to the driver.
Serena’s POV The charity gala was held at a manor hotel. In the banquet hall on the first floor, light and shadow interlaced under the crystal chandelier. When Chloe appeared on Julian’s arm, she instantly became the center of attention. A group of socialites and artists from the circle consciously gathered around. “Chloe, Mr. Sterling is too good to you! You’re the first in the world to wear this haute couture!” “Yeah, I heard a few days ago abroad, to snatch this pink diamond necklace from a certain European financial tycoon, he stayed up negotiating with them for three nights straight and even got a stomach ulcer?” So, he suffered like that to get the jewelry for Chloe… Chatting about this, Chloe’s eyes even reddened. “Don’t mention it, my heart aches so much. But I just said I liked it, and he…” “He clearly loves you so much he doesn’t even want his life.” The few of them offered compliments all at once, and someone even sneered a glance at me. “Some people, wearing a bunch of out-of-season rags from five years ago, think they’ve changed their status. In reality, they’re not even fit to tie Chloe’s shoes!” I glanced at the dress on my body; it was something Julian had his assistant prepare casually. I pinched my fingers tightly. Halfway through the banquet, Chloe took a fancy to the global spokesperson position for an international top luxury brand. But it just so happened that the president of that brand was a notorious pervert. Holding a wine glass, his eyes roamed unscrupulously over the female artists. Chloe pouted, tugging at Julian’s sleeve. “Julian, I really want that endorsement. If I don’t get it, the momentum for my debut will be weakened by a lot.” With just one sentence, Julian privately sought out that Mr. Wallace himself. “Mr. Wallace, name your price. As long as you can give the endorsement to Chloe, you can pick any of Starlight’s resources.” The man opposite laughed with a pfft. “Mr. Sterling, you should know my rules. I don’t lack resources. It’s just that drinking alone has been too boring lately, and I happen to be short of a beauty to keep me company. How about this…” When I went to the restroom, I accidentally overheard their conversation at the corner. “Your wife is quite pleasing to my eyes. If she can keep me company for a few drinks alone, I’ll sign that endorsement right away.” Julian’s face sank. “I’ll think about it.” At that moment, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice cellar. What did he mean… he’ll think about it? That Mr. Wallace was a notorious playboy in the circle. Rumor had it he had a kink for spiking drinks; none of the female artists he set his sights on could escape unscathed. My body trembled faintly, and I turned to leave quickly. But not long after, in a corner of the banquet hall, I was grabbed by someone. “Serena, there’s something I want to discuss with you.” Julian paused, eagerly handing me a glass of wine he had mixed himself. “You’ve seen it too. Chloe’s condition has been much better lately. As long as we secure this endorsement, she can completely establish her footing, and she won’t bother us anymore in the future. It’s just… Mr. Wallace specifically asked for you to drink with him today.” “He said that as long as you’re willing to go to the VIP room and have a drink with him, the endorsement can be signed to Chloe. You see…” “Impossible!” I suppressed my trembling and shoved him away. “Julian, what do you take me for?!” Immense bitterness washed over my heart. I tried to suppress the surging emotions and drank the fruit wine in my hand in one gulp as if to vent. But just as I walked out of the banquet hall, my brain suddenly felt a hazy dizziness, and my whole body fell backward uncontrollably. There was something wrong with that glass of wine… As my consciousness blurred, I vaguely felt Julian catch me. His murmuring voice was stifled with reluctance. “I’m sorry, Serena, this is the last time. I promise it’s just having a drink, and I’ll be guarding the door for you.” The VIP room door was heavily shut, and I opened my eyes in the overly glaring lights. I was lying on a wide leather sofa. That pot-bellied Mr. Wallace was rubbing his hands, approaching with a face full of lecherous smiles. A chill instantly swept through my whole body. I panicked and curled up my body, but my weak covering was useless, and the feeling of powerlessness all over made me unable to get up. “Miss Serena, you are so beautiful, even more alluring than on the screen.” The man pounced on me with evil intentions, his thick, fleshy hands reaching to tear my skirt. “You pervert! Get away! I’m calling the police!” I screamed in despair. “Oh? Are you going to report me? Or your husband?” The man sneered. “This room was personally booked by Mr. Sterling. It’s nothing more than having you sleep with me in exchange for an endorsement. After all, I promised Julian I wouldn’t hurt you. But if you have other needs, I…” “Get away!” At that moment, I could no longer hold back my tears. I mustered all my strength to grab a bottle of wine on the table, smashed it hard against the corner, and held a sharp piece of glass against my own neck. “Don’t come over! If you come any closer, I’ll die right here! Then Starlight Entertainment and your brand will both be tied up in a wrongful death lawsuit!”
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