Julian Blackwood was the notorious, unhinged heir of the city’s elite circles. Yet, he was utterly consumed by love for Anya Hayes, a girl with no power or connections. She was the young, impoverished girl he’d found on the streets, brought home when she was fifteen, and then cradled in his palm, pampered to the heavens until she was twenty-five. The man lavished almost all his favoritism and tenderness upon her. Anya loved playing the violin, so he dropped all his work to accompany her abroad for music studies, not batting an eye at the billions lost in stock market investments. To express his love, he sent luxurious gifts, truckload after truckload, and even live-streamed for 999 consecutive days on Ins, confessing his love and proposing marriage to her. To marry her, he willingly endured brutal family discipline for three days, finally defying the rigid expectations of his family’s elite circles regarding suitable matches. He gave her the wedding of her dreams, making her the princess everyone envied. But this very man, who had loved her so fiercely, was now making her kneel in the snow in a thin nightgown, all for a new fling he’d only known for six months. He believed Anya had forced the woman to block his contact information, making his new plaything disappear. “Baby, tell me, what did you say to Chloe?” Julian sat opposite her, casually swirling a glass of wine, his gaze fixed on her. His eyes were colder than the blizzard, yet his tone was unnervingly gentle, as if asking her if the snowy scenery was beautiful. My body was numb with cold. I opened my mouth, my teeth chattering, “Julian, I haven’t seen Chloe Evans.” Julian looked at me, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Baby, you’re not being a good girl.” He crooked a finger. A bodyguard leaned in to hand him a phone, and he played a video. In the video, my critically ill brother, Leo, had his life support pulled. His face was turning purple from lack of oxygen, his body convulsing uncontrollably. “Julian, he’s my only family. Don’t hurt him!” Tears streamed down my face. I clung to Julian’s legs. “You have to believe me. I really didn’t say anything. I don’t know where she went.” Julian leaned forward, his hand tracing my tears. “I remember telling you, Chloe is very important to me too.” “Good girl, you have fifty seconds left. In an oxygen-depdeprived state, your brother can only last two minutes.” He sat up straight, tapping the screen with a single finger, as if losing patience. My body jolted violently, my heart struck with a heavy blow. He had said Chloe was important, but I had refused to believe it. After all, he had loved me so fiercely once. At that moment, I suddenly felt ridiculous. I had actually thought I was irreplaceable in his eyes. From beginning to end, I had only met Chloe once. It was at an auction, and Chloe was an event hostess. Chloe had stopped me as I headed to the lounge, lifting her chin to tell me to keep my husband in check. “Mrs. Blackwood, I told him I don’t like him. Your husband is a nuisance in my life.” It was then I realized that the “interesting little kitten” Julian always talked about was Chloe Evans. Chloe was born with amblyopia in her left eye, but she possessed extraordinary artistic talent. She soared to online fame as a resilient, talented young artist who rose to fame online by overcoming her disability. But instead of live-streaming to sell products, she chose to work part-time like an ordinary person, serving at various banquets. Her proud, confident, vibrant, and brilliant demeanor immediately captured Julian Blackwood, an investor. The more Chloe rejected him, the more Julian was drawn to her. His relentless pursuit became the talk of the town, known to everyone. I confronted Julian about it that day, and he didn’t deny it. He just held me, saying airily, “It’s just a game, all my buddies have played it. I just want to know how much it takes to impress her. Don’t worry, baby, I’m just having some fun. You’ll always be the only one I love.” I still asked him, “What if I don’t accept it?” He gently stroked my hair, his tender eyes reflecting my pale face. “Baby, you just be a good girl, and you’ll always be Mrs. Blackwood.” I was speechless, knowing I had no right to refuse. I could only wait for Julian to tire of her, but what I waited for was the news of them being together. Chloe didn’t ask for a single penny from him and accepted his pursuit, but she had one condition: to date him like an ordinary couple. Julian readily agreed, accompanying her to live stream her painting, taking her to art exhibitions, to amusement parks, and eating street food and junk food with her… He would also take her to various events, always glued to her side. He would post on Ins stories, flaunting their relationship like any ordinary guy. Every time I saw it, my heart twisted in agony. I cried, I argued, I even brought up divorce. But he never took it seriously, only saying casually, “Good girl, I like my compliant baby. Stop being difficult.” I forced myself to calm down, forced myself to believe his words, hoping he would soon tire of it and return to our family. But now, Chloe had suddenly blocked him without a word, and she had mentioned meeting me earlier. I knew this was Chloe’s way of showing off, but I couldn’t explain myself, and Julian wouldn’t believe me. “Baby, still not going to talk? Your brother doesn’t have much time left. 10, 9, 8…” Julian bent down, his warm breath on my ear, yet it sent shivers down my spine. “I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you.” I snapped back to reality, an internal tearing tightening my throat. For the first time, I lied to Julian. “I told her to leave you, to stop bothering you…” My emotions shattered, tears blurring my vision. My arms, wrapped around Julian’s, slowly loosened until they fell limp. Julian saw my broken state, reached out, and gently touched my cold cheek to comfort me. “Baby, don’t act on your own initiative again. Think more about your brother.” My expression became numb, and I nodded mechanically, feeling something shatter inside me, the pain spreading through every fiber of my being. My body swayed, dizziness washing over me. I stumbled and collapsed to the ground. The moment I hit the ground, I felt a warmth between my legs… **截断点** Just then, Julian’s subordinate rushed in, saying they had found Chloe. She was currently teaching a group of children with disabilities how to paint. The subordinate glanced at me, then continued, “Mrs. Blackwood told her not to see Mr. Blackwood again, so she asked Mr. Blackwood not to look for her.” Julian’s face lit up, completely ignoring the latter part of the sentence. He immediately arranged for Chloe to trend on Ins, praising her beauty and kindness. As for me, lying on the ground, he didn’t even spare me a glance. “Julian, my stomach hurts…” In unbearable pain, I reached out to Julian’s retreating back, but he walked farther and farther away, disappearing from my sight. After getting into the car, Julian simply called Alfred, instructing him to confine me to the remote chamber for reflection. Alfred saw me lying in the snow, a pool of crimson spreading beneath me, and urgently spoke. “Mrs. Blackwood, she seems to have miscarried. There’s a lot of blood…” Julian’s face instantly darkened, and he said coldly, “She was pregnant? She’s getting more and more disobedient. This child shouldn’t have happened.” Alfred sighed deeply, not daring to disobey Julian’s orders. He had me carried into the remote chamber. I woke up from the sheer pain, the excruciating pain of my abdomen tearing apart tormenting my nerves. I clearly felt the life of my child slipping away. I crawled to the door, pounding on it desperately, screaming at the top of my lungs, “Let me out! Take me to the hospital! Save my baby!” “Julian, save our baby!” “Somebody!” After a long time, only Alfred’s voice came from outside the door. “Mrs. Blackwood, this child was not part of Mr. Blackwood’s plans. Without his orders, no one dares take you to the hospital. You should just be a good girl and reflect on yourself in the chamber.” It felt as if all my strength had been instantly drained. I thought of Julian’s resolute departure and collapsed to the ground, heartbroken. I just wanted a child, a child that belonged to us. Because he didn’t want a child, I had no right to be pregnant. Now, for the sake of his plaything, he disregarded my life and death, confining me while I was pregnant… I clutched my lower abdomen, wanting to cry but unable to. The pain was so intense it felt like I was suffocating. Waves of pain swept over me, and my consciousness gradually blurred. Before losing consciousness, I whispered softly. “Julian Blackwood, the baby is gone, and I don’t want you anymore either.” When I woke up again, I had already been taken to the hospital. I touched my flat abdomen, and sorrow welled up in my heart. My child was truly gone. It seemed that Julian and I had reached the end. The ward door opened, and I turned my head to look. Julian walked in, holding Chloe’s hand, their fingers interlocked. Chloe’s eyes were cold, her eyelids slightly red. She glared at me angrily. “Mrs. Blackwood, I’ve already left. Don’t involve innocent family members. Why are you still having people threaten my parents? You can’t control your own husband, so you bully the vulnerable?” Facing these baseless accusations, I instinctively looked at Julian. His gaze was fixed on Chloe’s face, full of admiration, as if she were a precious treasure. My heart ached fiercely. He used to look at me the same way, with tenderness and doting affection, unwilling to tear his eyes away for even a moment. He had held me and said, “My wife is the best. No other woman can compare to a single strand of your hair.” But now, from the moment he entered the ward until now, he hadn’t even given me a sidelong glance. I gave a self-deprecating smile. I ignored Chloe and instead asked Julian, “Julian, why didn’t you save our baby?” “You should ask yourself why you unilaterally decided to get pregnant,” Julian said coldly, his voice commanding without needing to raise it. “In this marriage, do I not even have the right to have a child?” Even though I already knew the answer, I asked hopelessly. Julian nodded almost without hesitation, his presence exuding the undeniable authority of a superior. “That’s right.” I lowered my head, tears welling up in my eyes. “I’m not here to listen to you discuss children, Mr. Blackwood. You promised me an explanation.” Chloe looked at Julian with slight dissatisfaction. In front of him, she always maintained an image of being fearless in the face of power, intelligent, and authentic. Julian patted her back to soothe her, then looked at me with a hint of reproach. “Anya, you drove Chloe away and threatened her parents. You should apologize to her.” Meeting Julian’s gaze, my heart felt a dull ache, and I couldn’t help but retort, “I didn’t do it, I won’t apologize!” “Still causing trouble?” “I really didn’t,” I shook my head. Julian’s eyes darkened, his face growing even more grim. He waved towards the door, calling in the bodyguards. “Will you apologize yourself, or should I have the bodyguards help you?” Julian’s eyes were frighteningly cold. My heart clenched, but I stared at Julian stubbornly. I was gambling, betting that he would keep his promise not to harm me. “Help Mrs. Blackwood apologize.” Julian ordered indifferently. I instantly felt like I’d fallen into an ice cave. I had lost. I accepted my fate without struggling, pulled off the bed by the bodyguards, and forced to bow my head and apologize to Chloe. “I’m sorry.” After saying it, I bit down hard on my lip until I tasted blood. “Do you accept her apology?” Julian curved his lips, looking at Chloe in his arms. Chloe nodded, then said with a firm expression, “Mr. Blackwood, thank you for your deep affection, but we’re over. My parents won’t allow me to be a mistress, and I won’t allow my parents to be hurt again.” “That’s easy. Just don’t be a mistress.” Julian grabbed Chloe’s arm, pulled her into his embrace, and took out his phone to call his lawyer. “Prepare a divorce agreement. Give Anya Hayes a hundred million.” My heart felt like it was being repeatedly cut. I looked at him in disbelief. The man who had once risked his life to marry me was now divorcing me for a mistress. Julian imperiously lifted Chloe’s chin. “Once I’m divorced, you’ll be my only girlfriend.” “Then I’ll give you one more chance. If you betray me, I’ll leave immediately.” Chloe hugged Julian, and in a corner he couldn’t see, she smirked triumphantly at me. Julian gave a doting smile, then took her hand and left, leaving me sitting alone on the floor. I watched their retreating backs and let out a light laugh, a painful laugh that soon turned into a flood of tears. Not long after, Julian’s lawyer arrived with the divorce agreement. “Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood instructed you to sign, but he said this is all just temporary. Once he’s had his fun, he’ll return to the family and remarry you to have children.” “There’s a hundred million on this card. There are still two weeks until your wedding anniversary. After the anniversary, Mr. Blackwood hopes you’ll take the money and travel for a while, giving him enough private space. But don’t worry, he’ll remarry you when you return.” I stared at the divorce agreement, lost in thought. Did Julian truly believe I couldn’t live without him? But he was wrong. I couldn’t live without him before because I loved him. But now, I no longer wanted to love him. I signed the divorce agreement without hesitation, and also accepted the card and plane ticket. In the following days, Julian conspicuously took Chloe to various events. She refused to wear haute couture or expensive jewelry, always opting for a plain dress, with long straight hair or a high ponytail, and minimal, natural makeup. She was like a breath of fresh air in the stuffy elite circles. Julian publicly professed his love, praising her uniqueness, which led many socialites to imitate her style. Designers even drew inspiration from her for their new collections. To treat Chloe’s amblyopia, Julian spent millions arranging for specialists from various countries to form a consultation team. Congenital amblyopia was irreversible, but they had a way to prevent her condition from worsening. Julian flew into a rage, almost going as far as to threaten to damage his own eyesight, just to share her condition. I lay alone in my hospital bed, feeling utterly desolate, staring at the continuous news updates of Julian and Chloe’s affectionate displays on Ins. My heart slowly died. It turned out Julian’s love for me could be replicated. He could do so many crazy things for another woman. I went to see my comatose brother, Leo. Three years ago, he was in a car accident on his way to school. Julian had brought in the world’s top medical team, snatching him back from the brink of death. But he never woke up, kept alive only by machines and medication. Now, holding Leo’s hand, my eyes welled up. “Leo, big sister is leaving. Before I go, I’ll take you somewhere else.” “I used to think Julian Blackwood was my lifelong happiness, but I’ve realized I was wrong.” I felt like I’d found an outlet, pouring out all my grievances and sorrow. It was past lunchtime before I wiped away my tears and reluctantly left the hospital. I first went to the government registry office to file for new identities for myself and Leo. Using a special expedited channel, I would receive them in seven business days. Then I went to the mansion Julian had given me, gathered all the gifts I had treasured, and contacted an auction house to consign them. After that, I found a small law firm to handle the transfer of ownership, returning the mansion to Julian. Finally, I returned to the villa, searching for the gifts I had personally made for Julian. They were all sentimental trinkets, yet Julian used to love them to death. Now, I threw them one by one into the fire. In the blazing flames, our sweet past with Julian flashed before my eyes. We had truly loved each other deeply. But that happiness was as fragile as a bubble. As the flames died out, our past disappeared with them. Unbeknownst to me, tears had already streamed down my face. I wiped them away and turned, only to come face to face with Julian, who had an inquisitive look, and Chloe, who appeared cool and detached. “What are you burning?” Julian looked at me, his expression unreadable. I froze for a moment, then spoke softly, “Some things I no longer need.” Julian nodded indifferently and then ordered, “Find the jade bangle I gave you before and give it to Chloe.” Even though I had decided to leave, my heart still ached. That bangle was a Blackwood family heirloom, meant only for the eldest daughter-in-law. Now, Julian actually wanted to give it to Chloe. My fingertips curled slightly, but I finally nodded. “Okay, I’ll go look for it now.” We were already divorced; that bangle no longer belonged to me anyway. Chloe voluntarily followed me upstairs to get the bangle. Looking at the dazzling array of clothes and jewelry in the walk-in closet, a hint of jealousy and resentment flashed in her eyes, though her expression remained calm. I took out a pear wood box and handed it to Chloe, not noticing the sinister glint in her eyes. “Anya Hayes, you’re already divorced. Why aren’t you leaving yet? It’s really pathetic,” Chloe taunted from behind me. “You don’t need to worry about it, I’ll leave,” I said, giving her a faint glance. I would leave this place and give everything to Chloe. “Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor. It’s not something you’re giving me; it’s something I fought for myself. Anya Hayes, I will never allow anyone to hinder my path forward.” Chloe showed a different side of herself, her eyes full of malice. She took out the bangle, smashed it fiercely on the ground, then raised her hand and pushed me down the stairs. “Ah!” I cried out, unprepared, tumbling down the stairs. My forehead hit something, gushing blood instantly. Chloe then sat on the ground and mercilessly used a shard of the broken jade to cut her own leg. “Mr. Blackwood, quick, save Miss Hayes!” The loud crash startled Julian. He glanced at me, covered in blood, but unhesitatingly stepped upstairs, picking up Chloe. His gaze fell on Chloe’s bleeding leg, and his eyes turned cold. “Did she hurt you?” Chloe nodded without a hint of pretense, looking coldly at me downstairs. “I know I don’t deserve this bangle. She’d rather destroy it than give it to me. I just didn’t expect her to roll down the stairs herself to frame me.” Julian shot me a look, then called for the maids to tend to Chloe’s wound. “I’ll take you to get that bandaged first. I’ll handle this.” Moments later, Julian had his bodyguards drag me into the living room. “Baby, why are you getting more and more disobedient?” Julian looked down at me. “I told you, don’t touch her.” I struggled to prop myself up, meeting his gaze through my blood-red vision, and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, “She pushed me down the stairs!” Perhaps anticipating my words, Julian sneered, “Why are you always defying me lately? If you’re unwilling to admit your mistake, then it’s time for some family discipline.” “Julian Blackwood! Why won’t you check the surveillance?” I struggled in a panic. “No need. Chloe wouldn’t lie to me. You, on the other hand, have been too jealous lately, always making me angry.” Julian waved his hand, and Alfred brought over a rattan cane. My body trembled uncontrollably. Julian’s favoritism for his plaything had reached such an extent. *Whack!* He gave me no chance to defend myself. The rattan cane whipped across my back with a sickening crack, tearing skin and drawing blood that soaked through my clothes. The pain made me bite my lip so hard I tasted blood. Under Julian’s cold gaze, I gave up begging, closing my eyes in despair, enduring the agonizing blows one after another. I remembered years ago when Grandpa Arthur didn’t approve of Julian marrying me. He had Julian beaten for three days and three nights in a secluded part of the family manor, a full three hundred strokes, until he was on the verge of death. Yet, Julian never gave up. Even in a coma, he had cried out that he would marry no one but Anya Hayes, loving only her for his entire life. He said I was more important than his own life, that he would never let me suffer the slightest injustice, and that he would let the whole world know Anya Hayes was his wife. But now, for another woman, he was accusing me of baseless crimes and inflicting family discipline upon me. Julian Blackwood, were you and Chloe truly just “having fun”? I woke up a day later. The wounds on my back had been treated, and I no longer felt the pain. Julian sat by my side, smoking casually. Through the swirling smoke, his cold voice reached me. “Chloe is angry. You need to placate her.” My expression was numb as I looked at him. “Mr. Blackwood’s meaning is?” Hearing my formal address, Julian’s face immediately darkened. He extinguished his cigarette, then used his ash-stained fingers to trace my lips. “Baby, don’t throw tantrums with your husband.” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. My heart lurched. I suddenly remembered Grandpa Arthur’s warning to me. *“Julian Blackwood only likes obedient dogs. If you are determined to stay by his side, you must be prepared to always be an obedient dog!”* At the time, I didn’t understand, thinking Grandpa Arthur was exaggerating to break us up. Now, I somewhat understood Grandpa Arthur’s words. Julian’s love was possessive, selfish. He was the dominant force, and I could only cling to him. I lowered my gaze, hiding the fear in my eyes, and obediently nodded. “I understand.” “Prepare a piece to perform. Chloe wants to hear a violin solo.” Julian touched the top of my head with satisfaction, then personally applied medicine to my back. Everywhere his fingers touched, I felt a chilling cold. That night, I wore a long-sleeved champagne-colored luxurious gown, adorned with diamond jewelry, and was driven to the banquet venue by a chauffeur. The banquet was held at the largest hotel under Blackwood Corp. Almost the entire city’s upper crust was present. The ladies mostly wore simple, fresh dresses and minimal, natural makeup. My elaborate attire made me stand out awkwardly. The moment I appeared, I became the subject of everyone’s whispers – disdain, pity, ridicule, mockery… “Is she here to put on a show? A girl from the wrong side of the tracks is still a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, so classless. She wants to hang every expensive thing on herself.” “Mr. Blackwood doesn’t want her anymore. She’s desperately trying to win him back, like a pathetic clown.” “Can’t even compare to a single strand of Miss Evans’s hair. Ugly duckling.” All sorts of voices entered my ears, making me feel incredibly oppressed. I remembered attending a banquet with Julian once. Someone had mocked me for my impoverished past, and Julian had immediately ordered that person to be silenced in a terrifying, permanent way, declaring that anyone who dared to speak ill of me would disappear from the city. People in this circle were opportunistic. Knowing Julian no longer cared for me, they discussed and mocked me without restraint. Their mocking stopped only when Julian and Chloe appeared. I followed everyone’s gaze. Chloe wore a light-colored spaghetti strap dress, her hair in a high ponytail, her chin held high with pride. I suddenly understood why Julian treated Chloe differently. Chloe carried a shadow of my younger self. When I was first brought into the Blackwood household, I was also this free and easy, not feeling inferior because of my past. But it was he who said he disliked my bold and unrestrained manner, telling me to be gentle and obedient… My eyes dimmed, and an indescribable irritation welled up in my heart. Seeing everyone fawning over Chloe, I turned to leave. “Mr. Blackwood, didn’t you say you prepared a performance for me?” Chloe’s arrogant voice rang out, and my steps faltered, stopping me in my tracks. Everyone around cautiously observed Julian’s expression. No one had ever dared to speak to him with such an attitude. Even the once-favored Anya, had always been cautious and obedient in front of him. Julian didn’t mind at all, a smile always playing on his lips, indulging Chloe’s arrogance and disrespect. “Hmm,” he said, guiding Chloe to a seat. He snapped his fingers, and immediately someone approached me with a violin. I turned, met everyone’s gaze, and took the violin, gripping it tightly. My gaze swept through the crowd to Julian, my heart growing even more numb. I loved the violin and wanted to join an orchestra. Yet, Julian had said no one but him could hear me play; everything about me was exclusively his. I gave a self-deprecating laugh. His principles could be shattered by a single Chloe. I took a deep breath and began to play Adagio in G minor. The mournful notes echoed in the air, like sounds of a breaking heart, incredibly sorrowful. This piece declared the end of my relationship with Julian. From now on, I no longer loved Julian Blackwood. Julian frowned. A thick sadness enveloped me, making him feel inexplicably irritated and uneasy. “Enough,” Chloe suddenly interrupted my performance. “It’s too sad. It’s ruining the atmosphere. You divorced Mr. Blackwood voluntarily; I didn’t force you. There’s no need to play the victim here and seek pity.”
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