The biggest bombshell of the year at Northwood University? A video of Aurora Thompson, an art student, losing her virginity was leaked to the campus group chat on SnapChat. The video was filmed in a five-star hotel’s presidential suite. Aurora was completely naked, pressed against the floor-to-ceiling windows by a man a head taller than her. The rhythmic sounds of their activity filled the suite. When it was over, the man whispered in her ear, “Such a good girl.” Those two short words hit like a heavy bomb, stirring up a storm of shock and outrage in the chat. “That voice… isn’t that Asher Kingston?” “Aurora really knows how to play her cards! She actually landed one of the university’s Board Members! No wonder the people who used to bully her suddenly went quiet.” “I always thought Aurora was some innocent lamb, but she’s a manipulative user! No wonder, she’s a mistress’s daughter after all!” The news reached my ears while I was in my dorm room, knitting a scarf for Asher. My roommate, Chloe, had the video sound cranked up, passing her phone around with a sneer, deliberately drawing out her words. “Aurora, you sound so… practiced. You must have gotten a lot of practice, huh?” Laughter erupted around me. My face went chalk-white, frozen in place. The half-knitted scarf slipped from my trembling hands. I bolted out the door. I stumbled and ran towards Asher’s office, desperate to ask him what the video was all about. But just as I reached the door, I heard mocking voices from inside. “Asher, you really didn’t leave Aurora any room to breathe, did you? You made sure her face was so clear in the video, she won’t even have a chance to clear her name.” At their words, my mind exploded, and an icy dread instantly permeated my entire being. “Well, she only has herself to blame. She messed with the woman Asher loves most, so she deserved what she got.” “It’s Asher who suffered though, not only having to spread rumors that Aurora’s mother was a mistress, but also having to play the savior, dealing with her bullies and acting all sweet and devoted in front of her.” “Oh, and Asher, when are you planning to tell her the truth? If that girl knew the person she’s liked for so long is actually her future brother-in-law, she’d probably collapse in tears right on the spot, hahaha…” Asher sat casually on the sofa, picking at the edge of an ashtray with the hand holding his cigarette, his expression unreadable. His friend next to him, seeing his silence, quickly asked, “Feeling guilty? She went to great lengths to get Seraphina exiled abroad for two whole years, making her suffer over there. You can’t just let her off the hook like that!” At the mention of Seraphina’s name, Asher finally reacted. He stubbed out his cigarette, his voice flat. “When Seraphina comes back home.” “That day also happens to be a special anniversary Aurora’s been looking forward to for a long time. I’ll give her a ‘surprise’ that day, making her pay back everything she owes Seraphina.” My breath hitched. My gaze drifted through the smoke to Asher’s cold, handsome face. A gaping wound tore through my chest, and everything went black. So, all those rumors defaming my mother were spread by Asher! Asher pursuing me, protecting me… it was all just a scheme for revenge. The person he truly loved was my half-sister, Seraphina Thompson. I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. I turned and fled in a panic. But I hadn’t taken more than a few steps before several girls blocked my path. “Well, well, if it isn’t the star of the viral video!” “Just coming out of the office? Did you rush over to offer yourself up again?” My face was pale. I tried to escape, but they shoved me back and forth. Just then, Asher’s chilling voice came from behind me. “Trying to lay a hand on Aurora under my nose? Do you have a death wish?” Asher had left the office without me noticing, his tall, imposing figure striding towards us. The girls saw Asher and immediately scattered like startled birds. Asher came to my side, raising a hand to smooth my disheveled hair. As he leaned down to meet my eyes, his thumb gently caressed my cheek. “Didn’t I tell you? If anyone bothers you again, just tell them my name.” The familiar scent of tobacco filled my nostrils, making my eyes sting. The Asher before me, overlapping with countless memories of him protecting me, felt like a distant dream. Years ago, after my mother took her own life and my father rekindled his old flame with his first love, I lived a life worse than an orphan’s. Then, rumors started swirling at school that my mother was a mistress, and that Seraphina was the legitimate daughter of the Thompson family. As the “mistress’s daughter,” I couldn’t escape the bullying. It was Asher who saved me, effortlessly creating a warm sanctuary for me using his influence as a Board Member. Yesterday was Asher’s birthday. Fueled by the alcohol, one thing led to another. He shed his usual elegant and reserved demeanor, forcefully pressing me against the exposed floor-to-ceiling windows, admiring my body as it trembled with extreme nervousness. When Asher claimed me, I felt like a bird adrift for too long, finally finding its way home. Little did I know, that safe haven was built on layers of calculated deception. A wave of dizziness washed over me. When I came back to my senses, Asher was leading me out of the office building and into the passenger seat of his car. Asher leaned over to buckle my seatbelt, just like always. Seeing my red-rimmed eyes, he gently comforted me, “The video was an accident. I’ll have someone handle it. You’re not doing well today, so I’ll take you home to rest.” I pursed my lips slightly, remembering his words in the office. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Asher paused, raising a hand to wipe my tears. Then, as if remembering something, he opened the car door. “Wait here for a moment. I need to buy something.” When the car door closed, I realized Asher had taken the wrong phone. His phone lay in the compartment next to the armrest. As if compelled by some strange impulse, I picked it up and entered Seraphina’s birthday. The phone unlocked successfully. Seraphina’s name was pinned at the top of his SnapChat. In their most recent chat, Seraphina asked if he could cut ties with me before she returned home. Asher replied: “She’s just a plaything. I was never really with her.” My heart constricted sharply. I suppressed the burning in my nose and scrolled further up. During the two years Seraphina was abroad, Asher called her without fail every day, always around 8 PM. This was also the time he claimed to have Board meetings and told me not to disturb him, no matter what. Besides that, he transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Seraphina every month, swift and direct, without even an accompanying message. Seraphina was also very good at flirting, often sending selfies for compliments. Asher would reply with adorable pet GIFs, reminding her not to wear too little and to be careful not to catch a cold. Looking at these chat logs, I finally understood that I never knew Asher at all. His apparent tenderness and thoughtfulness were merely the tip of an iceberg of his overwhelming love for Seraphina. When Asher returned to the car, he held a box of emergency contraception. He gently stroked my head, his voice soft as silk. “Last night was too rushed, I didn’t think of it. Take this, just in case.” I clutched the pill box tightly, my lips almost bitten raw. If I hadn’t overheard him with my own ears, I would still be foolishly believing Asher genuinely cared for me. Now, I was completely clear-headed. After the car stopped in front of the mansion, Asher habitually leaned in for a goodbye kiss. But I dodged his kiss, fumbling to unbuckle my seatbelt. Asher’s eyes darkened. He forcefully pulled me into his embrace. “Still upset about the video?” “…” “I didn’t record the video, and the hotel manager has already been fired.” Asher lifted my chin. “Aurora, I never wanted to hurt you, and I never will. Our anniversary is coming up soon; I’ll make it up to you then.” More than the truth, lies disguised as kindness often hurt the most. My nose stung. I pushed Asher away. “I’m going back inside.” I practically ran into the mansion. As soon as I entered, I collided with Mr. Thompson. His face was grim. Before I could even speak, he raised his hand and slapped me hard. “Aurora, I really underestimated you. Dating is one thing, but making such indecent videos? You’ve completely disgraced me!” “No wonder everyone at your university targets you. It’s because you’re dirty and rotten, attracting all these flies!” My father finished his tirade and threw a plane ticket at my feet. “I’ve booked your flight for seven days from now. Get as far away as possible and never come back!” I picked up the ticket, my fingers trembling slightly, as if it were a verdict condemning me to be abandoned by this world forever. My father was ashamed of me and wanted me gone. Good. I didn’t want to stay either. “I’ll go,” I said, my voice calm. “And I’ll listen to you, I’ll never come back.” Mr. Thompson paused, as if he hadn’t heard correctly. Years ago, he’d arranged for Seraphina to study abroad and tried to persuade me to go with her, but I refused, adamantly. After much questioning, he learned I was in love, hopelessly so. He had expected me to refuse again. But this time, I agreed so readily. Mr. Thompson’s anger softened slightly. He said coldly, “Seraphina is coming home this weekend. I’m hosting a welcome dinner for her. You’ll attend.” “The video has already spread. If you don’t show up, it’ll only confirm those rumors.” I nodded. “Understood.” … I requested three days off from Northwood University. I spent those three days packing up everything Asher had ever given me, listing them online for their original price. Three days later, Seraphina returned home. Mr. Thompson hosted a welcome dinner for her at the biggest hotel in the city, inviting all the influential figures in the business world. Asher was among them. I hadn’t expected to see Asher in such a setting. As I turned to leave, he caught my wrist and dragged me to a secluded spot. Asher pinned me against the wall, his hands firmly braced on either side of my head, his hot breath fanning my ear. “You haven’t been to Northwood these past few days, you haven’t replied to my messages, and there’s been no word about our anniversary.” “Aurora, do you know how worried I’ve been about you?” His eyes were locked on me, clearly displeased by my silence. I pursed my lips, gathering the courage to meet Asher’s gaze. “Does Mr. Kingston worry about an insignificant bedmate?” My sudden defiance, uncharacteristic for my usual docile self, surprised Asher. A surge of irritation clearly washed over him. He yanked me closer, his arm tightly encircling my waist. “Bedmate?” “Once in two years? You call that a bedmate relationship?” I didn’t know what had suddenly set Asher off. He pinched my chin, about to kiss me. Just then, a voice called out, “Asher, there you are! Seraphina’s looking for you.” Asher frowned slightly. He released me and told the person, “Got it. I’ll be right there.” I feigned surprise, asking Asher, “You know my sister?” “Know her? Their relationship is more exciting than you can imagine, Aurora.” Asher’s friend grinned mischievously. “Just wait, you’re in for a shock.” After they walked away, a hint of mockery flashed in my eyes. They still thought I was in the dark, planning to stage a grand humiliation for me tonight. But they didn’t know I had already composed myself, ready to cut ties with Asher for good. As the evening banquet was in full swing, the lights suddenly dimmed. A spotlight instantly shot towards the stage. Asher, impeccably dressed in a suit, appeared with Seraphina, who was wearing a white gown, before everyone’s eyes. Mr. Thompson, his face beaming, raised his hand to signal for silence, then announced loudly, “Today, I’ve invited you all for two reasons: first, to welcome Seraphina, who has returned home after completing her studies; and second, to announce some wonderful news.” “The Kingston and Thompson families have been close for generations, and Asher and Seraphina were engaged many years ago.” “Now that they are deeply in love, their engagement party is set for the end of the month. We hope you will all join us to witness the children’s happiness!” After Mr. Thompson finished speaking, Asher’s friends all looked at me, waiting to see me break down. But I simply stood quietly in the crowd, my expression serene, as if everything happening on stage had nothing to do with me. Asher frowned slightly. In his mind, Aurora would lose control when she found out about his relationship with Seraphina. But now, she was alarmingly calm. A sudden irritation welled up in Asher. Seraphina, keenly sensing his discomfort, quickly asked, “Asher, what’s wrong?” Asher subtly averted his gaze. “Nothing, I just zoned out for a moment.” He was certain that Aurora, being so deeply in love with him, couldn’t be completely unfazed. She was just putting on a brave face. … I splashed cold water on my face in the restroom. Recalling my past infatuation with Asher, I felt utterly foolish. No wonder he had only touched me once in two years. It wasn’t out of珍惜; it was because he disdained touching me at all. And my virginity, which I had always cherished, was to him merely excellent material to ruin my reputation. As soon as I returned to the banquet hall, Mr. Thompson called me over. “Aurora, come and say hello to your brother-in-law.” I walked up to Asher, a perfectly measured smile on my lips. “Hello, brother-in-law.” At the words “brother-in-law,” Asher’s face tightened. Seraphina, however, was oblivious, smiling radiantly. “Oh, Aurora, I just heard Asher is on the Board at Northwood. What a coincidence! If you ever run into any trouble, just ask your brother-in-law for help. After all, we’re family.” I clenched my jaw, enunciating each word. “I won’t trouble my brother-in-law.” I didn’t look at Asher’s expression, but I could feel his gaze, sharp as an arctic wind, making me shiver. After a brief exchange, I prepared to leave. But Seraphina stepped forward and linked her arm through mine, feigning intimacy. “Aurora, we haven’t seen each other in so long. I have so much to tell you.” She dragged me, without argument, into a private lounge. The moment the door closed, Seraphina dropped her smile, her expression turning cold and sinister. “Aurora, I heard you slept with Asher, and the video is everywhere. Do you really think you can hold onto his heart with such cheap tactics?” “Let me tell you the truth: he doesn’t like you at all. Not only does he not like you, he utterly despises you!” “I made him spread those rumors about your mother being a mistress. And I instructed him to pursue you. I just wanted to watch you fall in love with him little by little, only to be destroyed by his own hand!” “Why?” I asked. “Why? Because you have no self-awareness, that’s why! Your mother died years ago, and you’re still clinging to the Thompson family’s wealth?” “All of that was originally mine! What right do you, a mistress’s daughter, have to enjoy the Thompson family’s glory and riches?!” I could endure anything, but I couldn’t stand my mother being insulted. I lunged at Seraphina, my voice strained through clenched teeth. “My mother was not a mistress. When she married my father, she had no idea you or your mother existed.” “It was you two who slowly pushed her to her death!” Seraphina hadn’t expected me to talk back. She raised her hand to strike me. Just then, the lounge door was suddenly pushed open. Catching sight of Asher out of the corner of her eye, Seraphina quickly grabbed the bowl of nuts and snacks from the table and stuffed them into her mouth. The next second, her body went limp, and she collapsed, mumbling incoherently, “Aurora, why are you forcing me to eat this? I’m allergic to nuts…” Asher rushed to Seraphina, pushing me aside. I stumbled backward, my back hitting the nearby coffee table with a harsh clang. “Crash!” The cups on the table shattered, and my hands were cut and bleeding from the glass shards. Asher didn’t even glance at me. He quickly crouched down and pulled Seraphina into his arms. “Seraphina, are you okay?” Tears welled in Seraphina’s eyes. She helplessly grabbed Asher’s arm. “I just wanted to catch up with Aurora. I don’t know how I offended her, but she suddenly forced me to eat those snacks…” “Look at me, Asher, am I breaking out in a rash?” Asher looked down and saw large red hives appearing rapidly on Seraphina’s skin. “What do I do? The banquet isn’t over, I can’t embarrass you! My makeup… right, I need to cover it with makeup!” Asher gripped Seraphina’s wrist firmly. “What are you thinking about at a time like this? Come on, I’m taking you to the hospital.” Asher picked up Seraphina. Before leaving, he shot me a cold, piercing glance. I endured the sharp pain and struggled to my feet. Blood gushed from my hands, staining my dress red in an instant. But I felt no pain. It was as if, after falling into a bottomless abyss, all my senses had been stripped away. I called a server to bring a first aid kit. My hands trembling, I clumsily and laboriously bandaged my wounds. After all that, I was exhausted. I dragged my heavy feet, preparing to leave. As I entered the hallway, several figures suddenly darted out, dragging me without a word into a nearby storage room. Then, a large hand clamped over my jaw, forcing my head up. High-concentration pepper spray was immediately poured into my mouth. My eyes widened in terror. Like Seraphina, I had severe allergies; I was naturally allergic to chili peppers. This much pepper spray could kill me! “Mmph… Let…” I struggled desperately. But the men gave me no chance to resist, pouring cup after cup of pepper spray down my throat. I choked, my face turning crimson, my body convulsing uncontrollably. My injured hands clawed weakly at the floor, making a chilling sound. Seeing my pathetic state, the men not only didn’t stop, but escalated their insults: “Seraphina is the woman Asher holds dearest. You dared to lay a hand on her? Don’t you know your place?” “I heard you were bullied a lot at Northwood. You’ve probably been passed around by countless men. How could Asher, a man with such high standards, want a dirty woman who’s been passed around by countless men?” “Drink all this pepper spray obediently, consider it an apology to Seraphina, or else you’ll be in for it!” My vision blurred, and my consciousness began to fade. With the last of my strength, I almost unconsciously whispered his name, “Asher…” The moment the name left my lips, piercing laughter erupted above me. “Hahahaha! You’re not still hoping Asher will save you, are you?” “He’s the one who told us to pour this pepper spray down your throat! You hurt Seraphina, he’d be thrilled if you just died!” “Come on, let’s rip her clothes off, take some photos, and send them to Asher. Let him blow off some steam!” Several men swarmed me, tearing my dress to shreds in an instant. They frantically took photos of my dying, disheveled body until I could no longer hold on, and completely passed out. When I next woke up, I was in a hospital bed. Asher sat by the bedside, working on his laptop. As if sensing my gaze, he looked up at me. Our eyes met. Asher subtly exhaled, but his tone remained as cold as ever: “Does it feel good to be bullied?”
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