On my twenty-sixth birthday, I finally called my brother, Julian. “Julian, I’m getting a divorce.” My voice was as parched as a desert, choked with a weariness I could hear myself. Three seconds of silence stretched on the other end. Then Julian’s deep voice came through, “I told you years ago, Adrian’s like a cold marble statue; you could try forever and never warm him up.” I leaned back on the couch, rubbing my burning eyes, forcing a thin smile. “Yeah, I overestimated myself.” “Come to Switzerland.” Julian’s tone instantly lightened, like he was coaxing a child. “I’ve got plenty of charming men here, any one of them better than Adrian. If he can’t appreciate a lively, adorable sister like you, let him spend his life alone with his… whatever he’s into.” “Okay.” I mumbled, “Just let me sort things out here.” Hanging up, I took a deep breath and walked to the second floor. As I passed Adrian’s closed study, a low, muffled moan pierced my ears like a needle. The door wasn’t fully latched, leaving a narrow crack. A dim, yellowish light seeped from the gap. My hand trembled involuntarily, but I couldn’t resist peeking inside. Within the room, the scent of sandalwood incense wafted up, veiling everything like a thin mist. Adrian knelt before a small altar. His grey, specialized robe was half-open, and a string of carved wooden beads hung loosely around his wrist. But his body was trembling slightly. Beneath his lowered head was a lifelike wooden doll. The doll’s face was strikingly clear in the candlelight. Almond-shaped eyes, cherry-like lips, and a tear-mole beneath its left eye. It was unmistakably Seraphina—the “kindred spirit” who’d been inseparable from him since he was seven. I bit down hard on my lower lip until my mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood. This was the third time I’d stumbled upon this absurd scene. The first time, I just ran, stumbling down the stairs, tears streaming uncontrollably. The second time, I sat in the living room all night, staring blankly at the ceiling until dawn. But tonight, I felt only a dead calm in my heart, like charcoal embers extinguished by the wind. How ridiculous. I thought he was ascetic, cold as ice, but it turned out he just saved all his passion for someone else. I leaned against the wall, its coldness creeping up my fingertips. My mind, however, uncontrollably replayed the first time I saw Adrian. I was nineteen that year. My brother took me to an exclusive club in the city, saying he wanted to introduce me to his closest friend. That day, Adrian wore a dark grey jacket with subtle cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs, and a string of carved wooden beads on his wrist. Among the room full of flashy, wealthy socialites, he sat alone in a corner, with only a pot of plain tea beside him. He lowered his head to pour tea, his long fingers grasping the white porcelain pot. The stream of water filled the cup, and the rising mist blurred his profile. Then he looked up and glanced my way. His eyes were as clear and cold as moonlight, deep enough to pull a person in. In that instant, my heart seemed to skip a beat. Seeing me stunned, my brother laughed and patted my head. “Don’t dream, little sister. You can like anyone, just not him.” “Why not?” I frowned and asked. “In our circle, who isn’t just playing at life?” He lit a cigarette, exhaling a puff of smoke. “Adrian’s the only one who’s been dedicated to his studies since he was a kid. Desires, affections—he won’t touch them.” I didn’t believe it. Growing up, there was nothing I wanted that I couldn’t get. I refused to believe there was a man in this world who could remain completely unmoved. So, I started pursuing him. I used every trick I could think of. When he was working on his spiritual carvings in his study, I deliberately stumbled, pretending to fall into his arms. He frowned, then effortlessly lifted me with one hand and set me aside, as if I were a package. I secretly added something to his tea—a mild aphrodisiac, I hoped—and served it to him, full of expectation. He took a sip, then gave me a faint glance. “Next time, less of that sweet floral tea. It’s too sweet.” The most outrageous time, I snuck into his study when he was on a retreat. Wearing nothing but his long jacket, I lay on his bed in what I thought was a seductive pose. He pushed the door open, and I even deliberately swung my leg, batting my eyelashes at him. He didn’t even look at me, just turned and walked away. The next day, a box of brand-new robes was delivered to me with a note: “For you. Stop taking mine.” Julian couldn’t stand it anymore. He pulled me aside and tried to reason with me. “Can’t you have some self-respect?” I retorted, neck stiff, “I’m saving him! A man this handsome being so detached is such a waste!” I chased him for five years. I tried everything, but I never even touched a hair on his head. I started to doubt if I truly had no charm. Until late on my birthday night, he suddenly called me. “Come downstairs.” I ran down in my pajamas. It was pouring rain outside. He stood under the eaves, half of his jacket soaked, a few fallen leaves clinging to his shoulder. “Let’s get married.” He said only those three words. No flowers, no ring, not even an expression. But I was ecstatic, like an idiot, and rushed to hug him. “Are you finally moved by me?” He didn’t hug me back, just let out a low “Mm.” Looking back now, that “Mm” was so dismissive. Three years into our marriage, we never once consummated it. No matter how sexy I dressed, or how alluring a pose I struck, he would always leave with a cold face at the last moment. Then he’d lock himself in his study, staying there all night. I used to think he was just too deeply committed to his spiritual practices, accustomed to solitude. Until three days ago, unable to bear it anymore, I secretly followed him into his study. Watching him lose control before that wooden doll, I finally understood—he wasn’t without desire; his desire just didn’t belong to me. He loved Seraphina. The girl who grew up with him, taken in by his family. His studies, his prayer beads, marrying me—it was all to suppress his feelings for her. In that moment, my heart turned utterly cold. Like falling into a winter lake, I lost even the strength to struggle. In his study, Adrian finally stopped. He leaned down and kissed the doll’s forehead, his voice hoarse, like he was murmuring a spell. “Seraphina, I miss you…” The sound was so soft. Yet it felt like a rusty knife, brutally plunged into my already tattered heart. Tears fell. I wiped my face and turned to go downstairs. I never looked back. The next morning, I woke up early. Adrian was already dressed and about to leave. He wore a black trench coat, his figure as tall and straight as a pine tree, the same carved wooden beads on his wrist. The distraught man from last night seemed to have never existed. As he was about to step out, I called out, “Wait!” “What is it?” He didn’t even lift his head, his voice as cold as ice shards. “Don’t bother me.” His words were like a thorn, shattering the last shred of my hope. In his eyes, I was still just an annoying nuisance he couldn’t shake. I suddenly laughed. “You’re overthinking. I just want the keys to your Bentley.” “Take another car. This one’s convenient for me.” I walked over and simply pulled the keys from his pocket. He finally looked at me, his tone still flat. “Going out today?” “Yep.” I nodded. “What for?” He asked one more question. I jingled the keys, smiling somewhat ironically. “To do something that will make you happy.” With that, I turned and walked toward the garage without looking back. Silently, I added a line in my head: To finally leave you.
I didn’t say that last line, “to finally leave you,” out loud. I just grabbed the Bentley keys and walked out the door. As the car started, I glanced back at the cold, imposing house. Adrian’s figure had already vanished from the doorway, like a wisp of wind—impossible to catch, impossible to keep. I drove straight to the Swiss Consulate. Applying for a permanent residency visa wasn’t complicated, especially for someone with my family’s backing. Years ago, the Claire family business had entirely moved abroad. My parents and brother, Julian, had already settled in Switzerland. Only I, like an idiot, stayed in this city for Adrian, refusing to leave. Now, I was finally leaving. I took the receipt from the staff member and nodded. “It should be processed in about a week,” she said, her voice as professional as a robot. I walked out of the consulate and stood on the street. The wind was a bit chilly. I pulled my coat tighter and looked down at the receipt in my hand. It was finally coming to an end. Adrian, the man I’d chased for five whole years, the seemingly detached figure I thought I could draw out of his solitary world, ultimately didn’t belong to me. I had given up so much for him. I accompanied him in drinking tea as bland as water, endured his ascetic lifestyle, and even completely shed my once flamboyant personality. All just to be a little closer to him, even just a tiny bit. But in the end, I couldn’t even touch the most private desires of his heart. I clutched the receipt and smiled. My heart ached as if I’d swallowed a sour lemon. “Forget it, Adrian. If you don’t want me, someone else will.” That night, I met a few friends at a club. Since being with Adrian, I hadn’t stepped foot in a place like this for three years. Tonight, I changed into a deep red bodycon dress, the hem short enough to just expose my upper thighs. My hair was loose, and my eyes held a long-lost wildness. I pushed open the VIP room door and walked in, heels clicking. “Claire, what’s gotten into you?” My friend, Maya, grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with surprise. “Didn’t you stop coming to places like this after you fell for that cold-faced recluse, always circling around him?” I picked up a cocktail from the table and took a sip. The liquor burned my throat, blurring my vision slightly. “Not anymore. Tonight, I’m going to have fun.” I walked into the dance floor. Lights flashed, and music engulfed me like a tide. I swayed my body to the rhythm, like a bird just released from its cage, free and a little reckless. Male club-goers crowded around me. I scanned them, a smile curving my lips. I reached out and touched one man’s chest. It felt hard as rock, eliciting a low chuckle from him. “Claire, are you crazy?” Maya rushed up, grabbing my arm. “You’re touching guys and dancing like this. Aren’t you afraid Adrian will see you and get mad?” “He’s not here,” I shrugged off her hand and continued to sway my hips. “No…” Maya paused, then leaned in close to my ear, whispering, “Who says he isn’t? He’s right there, in that booth behind us, and he’s been watching you for ages!” My fingers stiffened. Slowly, I raised my head, my gaze cutting through the crowd. Through the kaleidoscope of colored lights, I spotted him instantly. Adrian sat in the corner. In a black suit, he looked like a stark, out-of-place shadow. His fingers rested on the edge of a teacup, his eyes fixed on me with a heavy stare. I didn’t know how long he’d been watching. Just then, the music suddenly stopped. The VIP room became eerily quiet. I heard the man beside him laugh and say, “Adrian, Claire’s been dancing and touching other guys for ages. If that were my wife, I’d have flipped the table by now. How can you be so calm?” Adrian didn’t move. He just picked up his teacup and took a sip, his voice clear and cold. “She knows her limits. She won’t do anything reckless.” His words were like a venomous thorn. Plunging deeply into the softest part of my heart. “Knows her limits?” Did he think I loved him too much, couldn’t live without him, or simply didn’t care who I danced with? Perhaps it was both. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. The man continued to tease, “Tsk, tsk, your self-control is legendary. I really wonder what in this world could make you lose your cool…” Before he could finish, his voice suddenly rose. “Hey, Adrian, where are you going?” I instinctively looked up. Adrian had abruptly stood, his gaze locked firmly on the other side of the dance floor. In those eyes, usually as still as water, a flicker of jealous fire flashed. I followed his line of sight. Sure enough, Seraphina stood there. She wore a white, off-the-shoulder dress, looking like an ethereal fairy, exchanging phone numbers with a tall man. Adrian strode over. He grabbed her wrist. “Who allowed you to come to a place like this? Who said you could give your number to someone else?” Seraphina froze, her eyes reddening. “Why can’t I come? Why can’t I give my number to someone? You don’t care about me anymore, so what I do has nothing to do with you!” Adrian’s fingers tightened, knuckles turning white. His voice was low, like it was squeezed from his throat. “Who says I don’t care about you?” “You just don’t!” Seraphina’s voice was tearful. “You keep avoiding me, you won’t even see me! You used to be so good to me, how could you suddenly change?” His Adam’s apple bobbed. His voice was laced with suppressed emotion. “That’s because…” I stood nearby, my heart clutched by an unseen hand. I knew he couldn’t finish the sentence. What could he say? That he, Adrian, liked her, which was why he deliberately avoided her? That he couldn’t control himself whenever he saw her? That he loved her so much he didn’t touch me for three years of marriage, and instead released his desires in his study with her wooden doll? I tugged at my lips in self-mockery. I turned to leave, but then I heard Seraphina crying, “Adrian, can we go back to how it was before? I want the old you, the one who only had eyes for me!” Adrian’s voice was hoarse, like a sigh. “I’m married now. I can’t just revolve around you.” “So, if your wife wasn’t around, we could be like before?” Seraphina suddenly looked up, her eyes gleaming with a wild light. I had just picked up my bag, ready to go. She suddenly grabbed a bottle from the table and lunged at me. *Smash!* The sound of the bottle shattering against my forehead exploded in my ears like thunder. Warm blood streamed down my temple, sticky and blurring my vision. “Claire!” Maya screamed, rushing over. I stumbled back two steps. Before I could regain my footing, Seraphina raised a second bottle. “Die!” she snarled, bringing it down. This blow was even more vicious than the last. My vision went black. I collapsed to the ground. All I heard were chaotic screams.
Pain dragged me back from unconsciousness. The pungent smell of disinfectant needles pricked my brain, and the bright white light overhead made my eyes ache. I tried to raise my hand to shield them, but I tugged at the IV needle on my hand, sucking in a sharp breath from the pain. “You’re awake.” The nurse, changing my dressing, sighed with relief when she saw my eyes open. “Who has such a grudge against you? Two bottles to the head, forty-plus stitches.” I instinctively touched my bandaged forehead. My throat was as dry as sandpaper. “Where’s the person who brought me here?” “You mean your friend, Maya?” The nurse said, tidying her supply tray. “She stayed with you all night, but had an emergency at her company this morning. She told me to let you know she hired a caregiver for you.” I froze. So, not even Adrian brought me to the hospital. Where was he? I reached for my phone. My fingertips had barely touched the screen when a new post popped up. From Seraphina. [He’s still so easy to coax.] In the video, Seraphina held out her hand, her voice sweet and娇 as she pouted, “Look, I cut my pinky when I smashed the bottle.” The camera shifted. Adrian was half-crouching in front of her. His long fingers held a band-aid, gently applying it to her fingertip. Then, he lowered his head, pressing a suppressed kiss to her finger, whispering, “Now it won’t hurt.” I stared at the screen. The wound on my head felt as if it had been torn open again, someone stabbing it with a knife and then pouring salt in. My hand trembled with pain. I took a deep breath and dialed the police. “Hello, I’d like to report an incident.” That night, Adrian pushed open my hospital room door. He wore a black trench coat, his eyes as cold as carved ice, but a hint of anger simmered beneath. “You called the police? Said Seraphina intentionally harmed you?” “Yes.” I looked up at him, my voice calm. “Intentional assault. That’s enough to press charges, isn’t it?” He frowned, his voice deep. “She hit you in a fit of impulse, it was wrong of her. But I’ve already dealt with her, so let’s just drop it.” “Dealt with her?” I sneered. “How did you ‘deal with her’?” “She’s a bit wild. I told her not to leave the house for three days.” His tone was flat, as if it were an insignificant matter. I stared, then burst out laughing. I laughed so hard it tugged at my stitches, making tears well up in my eyes. “I got over forty stitches, and you grounded her for three days? Adrian, is that a punishment, or are you just protecting her, afraid I’d go after her?” His eyes darkened. “What are you talking about? Of course it’s a punishment.” “I’ve already spoken to the police. The case is withdrawn.” He paused, then continued, “You don’t need to call them again. No one in this city will take the case.” I gripped the bedsheets, my nails practically digging into my flesh. Words surged like a tide, but finally, only one question squeezed out: “Adrian, I chased you for five years, what do you even see me as?” “If you didn’t care about me, why did you marry me in the first place?” I stared at him, my eyes burning. His frown deepened. “Who says I don’t care about you?” He paused, his voice still cold. “Alright, let’s just drop this. I’ll stay here with you for a few days, and after you’re discharged, I’ll get you something. Stop making a fuss.” He spoke as if he were bestowing some great favor. I suddenly found it ridiculous. Yes, it was always me chasing after him, telling him I loved him, wanting to marry him, wanting to be close to him. When had he ever taken the initiative? Now he was willing to stay with me—how was that not a gift?
For the next few days, Adrian actually stayed in the hospital. He appeared promptly every day, bringing a bowl of bland rice porridge, helping me change my bandages, and even quietly holding my hand when I woke up in pain in the middle of the night. The old me would probably have been too happy to sleep. But now, my heart felt like an empty, desolate wasteland. It turned out, loving someone for five years, and letting go, could happen in an instant. On the day I was discharged, I walked to the parking lot, bag in hand. From a distance, I saw Seraphina sitting in Adrian’s car. She glanced at me, her eyes like daggers, her face clearly unhappy. Adrian frowned. “Seraphina, what did I tell you earlier?” Seraphina bit her lip, her eyes red. Reluctantly, she spoke, “Claire, I’m sorry… I was too impulsive that day.” “My brother barely paid any attention to me after he married you for years, he was completely devoted to you, so I just got angry…” She lowered her head, like a wronged child. “It won’t happen again.” Adrian turned to me, his tone calm. “Seraphina wants to stay at the house for a few days recently. You two should try to get along.” On the way home, they sat in the front. I leaned against the car window, staring at the rapidly receding streetscape outside. I didn’t say a word. But out of the corner of my eye, I could still see Adrian’s profile. He was usually as cold as stone, but his gaze kept drifting toward Seraphina. Seraphina looked down, scrolling on her phone, then suddenly laughed. “Adrian, look at this guy, he’s so handsome. Just added me on SnapChat.” Adrian’s hand on the steering wheel tightened abruptly. His voice was cold as ice. “Delete him.” “Why should I?” Seraphina pouted. “I’m in my twenties, can’t I make friends?” “Delete him.” His tone was hard, like a command. Seraphina huffed, but still obediently deleted the contact. She mumbled under her breath, “He’s stricter than my dad…” Adrian didn’t say anything. But I saw his jawline tighten. He was jealous. Back home, I didn’t even eat. I went straight to my room. From downstairs, I could hear the clatter of dishes, Seraphina’s giggling, and the syrupy background music from the TV. It was a liveliness that had never existed in the three years Adrian and I were married. I buried myself under the covers. My heart ached as if it were steeped in sour plum soup. I don’t know how much time passed. The sounds outside gradually faded. I was terribly thirsty, so I got up to pour myself some water. As I pushed open the door, I froze. Moonlight streamed in through the window, making the living room bright. Adrian was half-crouching by the sofa, quietly watching Seraphina, who was asleep. He was usually as aloof as a hermit. But at this moment, his eyes were full of soft light, as if he were looking at his most precious treasure. Seraphina suddenly stirred. Half-asleep, she reached out and hooked her arms around his neck, her voice soft as marshmallow. “Adrian, don’t leave me… only you care about me…” She tugged him unconsciously. His face was pulled down. Their lips brushed together. Adrian’s pupils contracted sharply. His breathing became ragged, like it was scattered by the wind. The next second, as if he could hold out no longer, he leaned down and kissed her fiercely.
Moonlight poured into the living room like water. I stood behind the door, peeking through the half-open crack, watching Adrian lean down and kiss Seraphina. His breath was ragged, as if scattered by a hurricane, and his fingers tightly gripped her waist, as if he wanted to unleash all the pent-up emotions of the past five years. “Seraphina…” He murmured her name, his voice lingering in a way I’d never heard before. I don’t know how long they kissed. Until Adrian seemed to suddenly regain his senses, his fingertips gently wiping away the dampness from her lips. He re-adjusted his specialized robe, returning to the cold, unapproachable recluse he usually was. I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. The pain barely kept me from fainting. I spun around abruptly, silently closing the door, and buried myself under the covers. Outside, the footsteps gradually faded. I knew he had gone back to his study. I closed my eyes. My mind, however, was flooded with images of all the times I had tried to seduce him over the years. I once wore a nightgown as thin as gauze, pretending to trip and fall while he was working on his symbols, only for him to catch me with his palm cushioned by a piece of paper. I deliberately brought him a towel when he was showering, but he opened the door only after wrapping himself completely. I feigned drunkenness and threw myself onto him, but he merely frowned and pushed me away with a single finger. He had never wavered. I thought he was truly without desires. But it turned out, if it was Seraphina, even a single glance could make him lose all self-control. Tears streamed down my face. I fiercely wiped them away. It’s okay. I, Claire Thorne, am not unwanted. From now on, he could have his kindred spirit, and I would live my own life. The next morning, when I went downstairs, Adrian and Seraphina were already eating breakfast. Seraphina touched her lips and grumbled, “Adrian, do you guys have bugs in this house? My lips are all swollen when I woke up.” Adrian’s hand paused as he was serving food. His voice was deep. “I’ll have the house staff get you some cream for it later.” I picked up the gift box on the table. Opening it, I saw a priceless jade pendant. I tugged at the corner of my mouth, my tone a bit sarcastic. “You’re quite generous with your efforts.” Seraphina leaned over to peek, then said sourly, “Adrian, you’re usually this good to Claire? I thought you were just focused on your studies all the time, not even knowing how to spoil someone.” I looked up at Adrian. His eyes slightly narrowed. He had no intention of explaining that the jade pendant was actually compensation for Seraphina hitting my head. Normally, he wouldn’t care what I liked, let alone buy me gifts. He simply gave a faint “Mm” and stood up, saying, “I have something to do at my study. I’m leaving now.” Before he left, he glanced at Seraphina, his voice deepening. “Stay put at home. You can go anywhere in the villa, just don’t go into my study.” “Why not?” Seraphina tilted her head and asked. “There are a lot of things in there. Don’t mess them up,” he casually brushed her off. But I knew. His study hid his most unspeakable secrets. I finished breakfast and went straight back to my room. I didn’t want to spend another second with Seraphina. But when I woke up from my nap and touched my hair, I found my long hair had been cut messily, like a cat had clawed it. I rushed out. Seraphina sat on the sofa, clutching strands of my hair, smiling as she braided something. I instantly understood. “You cut my hair?” My voice trembled like a leaf in the wind. She looked up, smiling defiantly. “Yeah, our school assignment is due, and I’m making a hair accessory.” She twirled the strands of hair in her hand. “Claire’s hair is so beautiful, so black and soft.” I felt a chill run through me. Unable to suppress my anger any longer, I lunged forward and slapped her hard across the face. *Smack!*
The sharp sound echoed through the living room. Seraphina clutched her face, her eyes instantly darkening. “You dare hit me? My brother has pampered me since I was a child, he’s never even touched me. Who do you think you are?” She shrieked, “Someone! Hold her down!” The bodyguards by the door hesitated, then walked in. They glanced at me, then at Seraphina. Seraphina narrowed her eyes. “You work for Adrian. Think about it, who’s more important to him?” The bodyguards were silent for a second. Then they stepped forward and tightly grabbed my arms. I laughed. Laughed until tears streamed down my face. It turned out everyone knew how much Adrian cared about Seraphina. Only I, like an idiot, took five years to realize this colossal joke. Before I could react, Seraphina had already raised her hand. *Smack!* The first slap landed. My face burned with pain. Then came the second, the third… I struggled desperately, my throat hoarse from shouting. “Seraphina, aren’t you afraid Adrian will deal with you when he gets back?” She laughed arrogantly. “Since childhood, he’s cleaned up every mess I’ve made, including beating up his own wife.” She leaned in close to my ear, whispering, “Claire Thorne, remember this: I’m the treasure in his heart.” With that, she landed one slap after another. I struggled like a trapped wild animal, but the bodyguards’ hands were like iron chains. *Smack! Smack! Smack!* Slaps rained down on my face. My mind went blank from the pain, my face felt as if it were on fire. Tears blurred my vision. I could still see Seraphina’s distorted, triumphant face. “How many times did I hit her?” she stopped to ask a bodyguard. “Eighty-eight times,” the bodyguard replied in a low voice. “Then make it a lucky number,” she said, her smile sickeningly sweet. The final slap landed. A metallic taste filled my mouth. My vision went black, and I passed out. In a daze, I heard the door being pushed open. Someone shouted sharply, “What are you doing?!” … When I opened my eyes again, I was in bed. Adrian sat beside me, his expression as calm as if nothing had happened. “I know about today’s incident,” he said, his voice still that cold, indifferent tone. My throat was so dry it felt like it would crack. I asked hoarsely, “And then what?” “Seraphina has been spoiled since childhood,” he said flatly. “I’ve already punished her. Don’t take it to heart.” I stared at him. “How did you punish her?” He paused. He pulled a small lock of hair from his pocket. “She cut your hair, so now she’s cut her own to compensate you.” I froze. Then I burst out laughing, tears streaming down my face. “I got forty stitches, and you ground her for three days? She cut my hair, so you made her cut her own? She slapped me eighty-eight times—did you just give her one back?” His voice remained level. “Her hand swelled from hitting you. That counts as punishment.” I couldn’t stop laughing. My heart felt absurd, like a farcical play. “Adrian, how on earth did I ever fall for you?” He was about to speak. I suddenly grabbed the teacup from the bedside table and smashed it on the floor. “Get out!” I screamed, eyes red. He stood up. His tone was still unhurried. “I know you’re very upset. The doctor said you need to rest properly. Just calm down.” With that, he turned and left. The moment the door closed, I couldn’t hold it in anymore and cried like an idiot.
For the next few days, Adrian surprisingly didn’t go to his study. He stayed at home, and as if sensing my low mood, he even made Seraphina apologize to me, a rare occurrence. Seraphina stood before me. She lowered her head, her apology as perfunctory as if she were reciting lines. “Claire, I’m sorry. I was too impulsive that day.” I gave her a cold glance. Too lazy to engage, I turned and went back to my room. *Bang!* I slammed the door shut. Outside the door, Seraphina flinched. She threw herself into Adrian’s arms, her voice trembling like grass in the wind. “Adrian, she won’t hit me, will she?” Adrian patted her back. His voice was deep, like he was comforting a child. “With me here, no one can touch you.” No sooner had he spoken than a commotion started in my room. It sounded like things were being rummaged through and overturned. Adrian frowned. He raised his hand, intending to knock, but the door was suddenly yanked open by me. I emerged carrying a large box, not even glancing at him, and headed straight for the living room’s trash bin. *Whump!* Everything went in. Adrian’s eyes tightened. The box contained things I’d collected over the years. His casually written symbols, his used teacup, and the only item he’d ever given me—a string of carved wooden beads. I’d practically begged him for those. Now, I threw them all away, like a pile of junk. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice as cold as frost. I clapped my hands, dusting them off. “Nothing. I don’t want them anymore,” I said flatly. Your things, your presence, I, Claire Thorne, want none of it. With that, I turned and walked away. I didn’t look back. Seraphina watched the scene, a flicker of triumph in her eyes. She deliberately drew out her words. “Adrian, aren’t you going to comfort Claire?” Adrian was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “No need. She’ll come around. Soon enough, she’ll pick those things back up.” Just like the past five years, I had always clung to him, always loved him. Through the wall, I heard his words from my room. I almost laughed out loud. Wrong, Adrian. You’re wrong this time. That evening, he said he wanted to take Seraphina and me to a charity gala. I didn’t want to go. But he said flatly, “Your friend Maya will be there too. You’ve been cooped up for so long, don’t you want to get some fresh air?” I was silent for a while. Finally, I changed my clothes. Recent events had left me suffocated. I needed to find someone to have a few drinks with. On the way there, I didn’t say a word to either of them. I closed my eyes and leaned back in the backseat, pretending to be asleep. Halfway there, there was a sudden loud crash— *Bang!* Blinding headlights rushed at us. I only had time to see a runaway car heading straight for us. The next second, the world turned upside down. When I woke again, my nose was full of the smell of rust. I struggled to open my eyes and found Seraphina and me tied to two chairs. Our hands were bound behind our backs, and bombs were strapped to our chests. I remembered. Before I blacked out, the people who got out of the car that hit us were the youngest son of the Stone family, Adrian’s corporate rivals. He had kidnapped us. Was he retaliating against Adrian? Seraphina next to me was crying hysterically. Her voice was shrill like a knife. “Help! Is anyone there?! I don’t want to die!” The bomb’s countdown was down to just a few minutes. I forced myself to calm down, my fingers fumbling for the wire. But her wailing was giving me a headache. I spoke coldly, “Why are you crying? If you don’t want to die, hurry up and defuse your own.” She cried even harder. “Don’t yell at me! I don’t know how! Adrian, where are you?! I’m so scared…” Before she could finish, the warehouse door was violently kicked open. Adrian burst in.
His usually immaculate black robes were covered in dust. Blood seeped from his forehead, and his breathing was ragged, as if he’d run dozens of miles. His gaze swept over us, then sharply contracted. It was the first time I’d seen him so disheveled. This man, as cold and composed as a stone statue, actually had moments when he couldn’t catch his breath. He had clearly rushed here himself after the car crash, realizing we were missing, and sending others to search. The bomb had only one minute left. Time enough to save only one. He didn’t hesitate for a second, rushing straight to Seraphina. He crouched down, his fingers rapidly disarming the bomb on her chest. Without lifting his head, he said, “Claire Thorne, I’ll get her out, then I’ll be right back for you.” I smiled. But strangely, I didn’t feel any pain at all. Perhaps when love dies, the heart stops hurting too. He finished disarming Seraphina’s bomb. Only twenty seconds remained on the countdown. Seraphina clutched his arm tightly, trembling so hard she could barely speak. “Adrian! Go! It’s going to explode!” But Adrian pushed her away. He urged her to run first, then turned to disarm mine. I grabbed his hand. And pushed him away forcefully, my voice as calm as if I were talking about someone else’s business. “Adrian, take her and go. From today on, I don’t need you. My life or death has nothing to do with you. I, Claire Thorne, am not unwanted. If you don’t care for me, plenty of others will.” He froze. His eyes looked frozen. Seraphina on the side was crying hysterically. “Adrian! I’m scared! If you don’t leave, I won’t either!” Time ticked by, second by second. If we didn’t leave now, all three of us would die here. At the last moment, he still picked up Seraphina and ran out. I closed my eyes. My fingers fumbled at the bomb. I had taken a demolition class in college and vaguely remembered some things. “Click.” At the last second, I disarmed the wire. But the explosion still came. The heat blast threw me backward. Before losing consciousness, I thought I saw Adrian’s figure turning back. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. My arm ached as if it were being drilled by needles. Adrian sat by the bed. Seeing my eyes open, he immediately pressed me down. “Don’t move. You just had skin grafted for Seraphina.” “…What did you say?” My mind went blank, thinking I’d misheard. He paused. His voice was tinged with rare guilt. “Seraphina’s arm was burned in the blast. She was afraid of scarring, and your skin tone is the most similar to hers, so a piece of your skin was used for her.” I stared at him, utterly disbelieving. “Adrian, did you even ask me?” “I’ll compensate you,” he said, his tone soothing. “Didn’t you always want to go out with me? After you’re discharged…” “Who wants your compensation!” I violently pulled out the needle, blood streaming down the back of my hand. “You can’t treat someone like this!” He froze, as if he hadn’t expected me to react this way. “Seraphina is your precious darling, and I’m just dirt, right?” My eyes were red, my voice trembling. “You just take advantage of the fact that I like you… you just take advantage…” I couldn’t finish. My throat felt clogged. His chest felt heavy. He suddenly remembered what I’d said in the warehouse— [If you don’t care for me, plenty of others will.] He was about to speak. His phone rang. Chapter 7 His assistant’s hurried voice came through: “Mr. Adrian, the jade jewelry set Ms. Seraphina has always wanted is being auctioned tonight in London. Will you be attending…?” He gave a soft “Mm.”
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298700”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #后宫Harem #重生Reborn
Leave a Reply