Author: Momo Chan

My sister got sick, and my husband forced me to give her my kidney. I’d been malnourished since childhood—even drawing a vial of blood could nearly kill me. But my husband said, “Your life or death means nothing to me. Vera is the one I truly love!” Only then did I realize—he’d loved only my sister all along! I looked at my parents standing nearby. They were calm and indifferent, not caring at all. I watched helplessly as my husband signed the consent form, then Mom tied me down on the operating table while Dad personally picked up the scalpel. Powerless to struggle, I made one final request: I want a divorce. My husband agreed. He wanted me to give up hope. But later, when I developed a post-surgical infection and forgot everything, he completely fell apart. When I opened my eyes, Garrett Sawyer stood before me. I tried to sit up, only to discover my arms were strapped tightly to a hospital chair! Before I could process what was happening, Garrett suddenly spoke: “After all these years together, it’s time you repaid me!” “I need you to save Vera.” My heart seized with panic. “Garrett… what are you talking about?” A cold voice came from beside me: “He’s telling you to give your kidney to Vera.” Only then did I notice—my sister Vera and my parents were also here! A while back, my sister was diagnosed with a serious illness. Shortly after, Garrett took me to get a physical exam. And ever since we were young, Garrett had been… no, he’d always been lukewarm toward me, but with my sister—he treated her like she was more precious than his own eyes. A terrible suspicion became clearer and clearer in my mind. Would he sacrifice my life for my sister? I still didn’t want to believe it. I resisted desperately: “What does that have to do with me! I’m your wife!” “How can you force me to donate a kidney?!” But Garrett looked at me and let out an inexplicable cold laugh. “What kind of wife are you? Vera is the one in my heart.” “You’re just a trophy wife!” I froze. I understood each word individually, but strung together they made no sense. What did he mean that Vera was the one in his heart? After all these years of marriage, he still couldn’t let her go? Then what was I? My sister looked confused too. She turned to look at Garrett. Garrett smiled at her tenderly. The nylon zip ties binding my arms grew tighter and tighter, already cutting into my skin and drawing blood. But seeing Garrett smile at her hurt even more. Like someone had taken a knife and split my heart open. Garrett stood up. “I didn’t want to say it, but Vera is sick. I can’t keep silent anymore.” He walked over to my sister and carefully took her hand, cradling it like a precious treasure. “Vera is the one I love! You’re just my wife in name only!” “If you hadn’t stolen the position of eldest daughter, why would I have ever married you?” My head buzzed like I’d been struck. I shook my head frantically. “No… that’s absolutely impossible!” Garrett said, “What’s impossible?” “You don’t believe me? I only married you back then because you were close to Vera—I could always see her!” I bit down hard, crying and screaming without restraint, my voice cracked with grief. “Garrett, Garrett… I was wrong. Did I make you angry again?” “Don’t say that—I’m your wife!” I begged him desperately: “Look at my hands, I’m bleeding…” “Hold me please, it hurts so much…” But Garrett looked at me coldly, disgusted and resolute as he shouted: “Don’t call me that! It disgusts me!” “I never wanted to touch you. Every time I see you, I feel like I’ve betrayed Vera!” I opened my mouth, my voice unsteady. “But last night you… you took me out for cake…” That was the tender moment I’d dreamed of for so long. Why take it away so quickly when I’d only just received it… I collapsed on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. The heart I’d been trying so hard to warm up for so long—it had almost gotten warm. But reality struck me like a thunderbolt: “So what?” “You’re not as important as Vera.” “Besides, it’s just one kidney. I already asked—you won’t die.” Seeing no hope of rescue, I suddenly turned to my sister. “Vera, save me!” My sister was especially upright and kind. She would never accept… But the next second, what she said shattered my world!

“Garrett has already sacrificed so much for me. This time you must save me!!” A tearful voice cut off all my fantasies with finality. I turned my head in shock to see my sister struggling to stand from her wheelchair, trembling as she threw herself into Garrett’s arms! Only then did I see my sister’s body clearly. Even with my parents’ devoted care, she’d been ravaged by illness beyond recognition. She’d told me countless times that she wanted to live healthy and whole. Now an opportunity that required no sacrifice from her lay right before her—of course she would fight for it without hesitation. Garrett also embraced her tenderly, comforting her continuously. “I’m sorry, Vera. I’ve wronged you all these years.” “From now on, I’ll be twice as good to you!” Garrett cried as he held her. “I’m sorry, my love…” “Whether she lives or dies means nothing to me. I will save you!” I watched as the tiny bit of affection I’d worked so hard to maintain flowed toward her like water. Suddenly, a metallic sweetness surged in my throat, but I forced it down hard. I laughed at myself mockingly. An ordinary person might survive donating a kidney. But I’d been weak since childhood, growing up frail and delicate. My body was already ruined. Losing even a little more blood could cost me half my life. I watched them embrace, then suddenly remembered something and instinctively looked up at my parents. But they just stood there indifferently, as if this absurd situation had nothing to do with them. They didn’t cry for their daughter’s predicament, nor did they have any intention of saving their biological daughter—me. I said shakily, “Don’t you care at all?” “I’m your biological daughter. Why won’t you save me?” They shook their heads. “So what if you’re our biological daughter?” “We’ve raised Vera all these years. She’s more devoted to us. If we can trade you for Vera’s life, we don’t mind.” Is this the normal reaction of parents who love their child? I trembled and lowered my head. So love only flows to the people they favor. And I’m just trash abandoned by everyone. But even trash wants to live! I used every ounce of strength to shout at them, “You can’t do this! It’s illegal!” Garrett looked at me. “It doesn’t matter. Nominally I’m your husband. I’ll sign your kidney donation consent form.”

“We consent too.” My parents finally spoke, their voices flat. “Either way, we watched Vera grow up. We care about her.” Garrett and my parents had casually sentenced me to death without a second thought. My voice hoarse, I called out to Garrett, refusing to give up. I couldn’t believe that after all these years together, he had no feelings for me—less than his idealized first love? Perhaps I called out too miserably. Garrett turned around and stood motionless for a long moment. Dad frowned and grabbed Garrett’s wrist. Garrett gently pulled away. He turned back, eyes red, voice trembling. “I know it’s not fair to you, but Vera is my love.” “All these years I’ve thought of her, loved her. No matter what, you must donate this kidney.” Garrett took a deep breath. “I asked—you won’t die. You’ll just be in poor health afterward.” “When you come out, I’ll compensate you and take good care of you.” Years of companionship vanished in an instant. In the end, all I got was: you won’t die. “Ha…” I laughed in self-abandonment, cursing myself masochistically. “I won’t survive. I’ll definitely die.” Garrett interrupted me in horror, shouting, “Impossible! I’m having your father perform the surgery himself!” Even Dad, a medical sage, couldn’t save someone who wanted to die. My silent mother helped me up, then together with a nurse, strapped me to the operating table like a fish awaiting slaughter. Dad held the surgical consent form. Garrett quickly signed his name. I lay there on my side, powerlessly watching. Until Dad was about to wheel me into the operating room. I blinked, staring emptily at the ceiling as tears slid down. I forced a smile uglier than crying and said, “I can give it to her. My kidney, my life—whatever.” “But I have one condition…” “I want a divorce.” Garrett frowned and scolded loudly, “Why bring that up now? Are you still trying to resist?!” “Vera suffered so much because of you, waited all these years—and you dare make demands?!” Suffered? Who really suffered all these years, now reduced to gambling with their life? I just wanted release. Mom sighed. “After all these years, let her know the truth.” “It’s good for her to give up hope.” Garrett also spoke, impatient. “Fine, I’ll sign! From now on, we’re even.” I smiled with relief. Good. After all these years of devotion, I should finally give up hope.

To increase the surgery’s success rate, Dad didn’t give me enough anesthesia. I could even feel the scalpel slicing through my flesh and tissue. It hurt so much. When people are afraid, they instinctively call for the person they depend on most. But just as the words left my mouth, I suddenly became coldly aware: I had no one left to turn to. Dad, wearing a mask, glanced at me with a complex expression that finally settled into coldness. “You should have known.” My pupils dilated slightly. Hearing his words, I only found it laughable. I said softly, “I’m sorry for the trouble… Doctor.” He seemed even more displeased. His movements became rougher. I jerked in pain, breaking out in cold sweat. He said nothing more, focusing on the surgery. The surgery took a long time—so long I felt like I’d already died. Much later, Dad sewed the final stitch. He sighed and said quietly, “It’s over.” I blinked and said flatly, “Thank you… Doctor.” After hearing that, he paused, then silently packed up his instruments. From inside the operating room, I could hear voices outside. I heard Garrett rush over anxiously, asking, “How is she?” Dad removed his mask, voice weary. “The surgery itself… was successful. But her constitution is too poor. From now on, she’ll need constant, careful care.” Garrett murmured, “As long as she’s alive… as long as she’s alive…” Garrett suddenly remembered something and turned to my parents. “I’m leaving her to you. Do what you think best.” My parents hadn’t had time to respond. Suddenly I began vomiting blood—great mouthfuls without warning! The junior nurse assisting nearby panicked and fell to the ground. She scrambled to the doorway on hands and knees, shouting urgently. “Doctor! The patient is hemorrhaging post-op!” “And she seems to have an infection!!!” As soon as she spoke, Dad panicked. He turned and ran to my side, shouting emergency instructions as he ran. Garrett’s voice also rose sharply with alarm. “What’s happening?! She was fine just now?!” But my pupils continued to dilate. I heard Garrett trying to burst in but being held back, able only to keep asking what was wrong. In the chaos, an assistant pushed through with documents. His voice was hesitant, but he spoke anyway. “Mr. Sawyer, this is the expedited divorce decree confirmation you requested. They said it’s been processed according to your instructions…” “Also, your wife appears to be… pregnant…”

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My girlfriend Rachel was sick and hospitalized. When I arrived with the soup I’d made, I overheard her conversation with her friends: “Connor’s back. Time to dump that substitute you’ve been keeping around for three years, don’t you think?” Vivian’s voice was teasing. “After you two break up, let me have a shot at him. I’ve never dated that type of guy before,” Madison said with a laugh. Rachel’s cold voice drifted out from the hospital room: “Do whatever you want. He’s easy to get anyway.” I stood outside the door, clutching the thermos, my fingers tightening bit by bit. That night, I discovered her secret Instagram account, filled with years of pining for her first love. No arguments, no confrontations. I calmly booked a flight to Paris. On our three-year anniversary, Rachel fell down the stairs at her office and sprained her ankle. When she called, I rushed to the hospital. She explained she’d been hurrying to the restaurant, worried about keeping me waiting, and accidentally missed a step. I took several days off work to stay by her bedside and take care of her. On the day of her discharge, her friends came to visit, so I felt comfortable heading home to make soup. The thermos in my arms held freshly made chicken soup. I planned my return to the hospital so that I would arrive at just the right time. The hospital room door was slightly ajar. As I approached, I heard voices inside. Rachel’s friend Vivian was patting her shoulder, barely suppressing a grin. “You don’t need to be that happy that Conno’rs back, do you? Rushing to pick him up from the airport and falling down the stairs.” Hearing the name Connor made my heart skip a beat. He was part of her close circle of friends from college—two girls and one guy, all very close. Connor Hayes had been Rachel’s first love. They’d dated for two years in college before he went abroad. Even after their breakup, they were still considered the perfect couple by their circle. I’d occasionally hear the two girls tease Rachel about him. To them, if Connor hadn’t left, I would never have had a chance with Rachel. She used to argue against it every time. But this time, perhaps because I wasn’t there, Rachel remained silent. Madison was still joking around: “Your unforgettable guy is back. When are you dumping the substitute boyfriend?” “After you break up, can I go after him? I’ve never dated a guy like that before.” Rachel finally looked up, frowning slightly as she swatted at her. “Connor hasn’t made his intentions clear yet. Why the rush?” “Besides, I’m not fully recovered yet. I still need him to take care of me when I get home.” My ears were ringing, as if something was muffling my hearing. After the shock came a numb sense of disorientation. Madison seemed unbothered. She casually peeled one of the oranges I’d bought. “He looks pretty clean-cut, but you’re always telling me how proactive he is in intimate situations.” “I’m really curious about that contrast.” I stood there holding the warm thermos in the heated hallway, but my whole body felt like it had fallen into an ice cave. I’d never imagined that my girlfriend of three years would talk about me like this behind my back. Rachel’s voice came through the door, so cold it had no warmth at all: “Go ahead and pursue him if you want. He’ starved for affection anyway—easy to get.” “I just sweet-talked him a bit back then, and we ended up sleeping together.” I caught my breath. The pain in my chest was excruciating. I heard the two women in the hospital room laugh quietly, and I instantly felt sick enough to vomit. I covered my mouth and rushed to the bathroom, dry heaving. So my girlfriend of three years had only seen me as a substitute for her first love. I’d thought she just didn’t love me as much as I loved her. I never imagined she actually despised me. Not only did she not love me—she didn’t even see me as a person. To her, I was apparently no different from trash on the street. The illusion shattered. I could barely fathom that the person I’d wanted to spend my life with was so deeply vile. Looking back now, I realized that Rachel’s friends could openly joke about her and other men right in front of me because they had no respect for me at all. When they came over to our place, they always ordered me around like a servant. And the fact that my girlfriend’s friends didn’t respect me fundamentally came from her permission and encouragement. The gentleness she showed me was just an act. I threw the chicken soup I’d spent two hours making into the trash. The thought of breaking up had never been clearer than in this moment. When I walked into the hospital room, I’d mostly stabilized my emotions. Seeing me return empty-handed, Rachel’s expression immediately changed, her face full of displeasure: “Didn’t you say you were going home to make me soup? Why did you come back empty-handed?” Madison chimed in from the side. “Yeah, Adrian, Rachel was just telling me how thoughtful you are.” Madison’s expression was like she was watching a show, and she added meaningfully: “Adrian, you might not even get the chance to make soup for Rachel anymore.” I instinctively looked at Rachel, only to find she had no intention of stopping Madison. Probably because Connor was back and she wanted to dump me immediately, Rachel wasn’t even pretending anymore. Or maybe she wanted to give my “rebellion” a little “punishment.”

I remained silent, my eyes fixed on Rachel. This was the woman I’d loved for three years. I used to think that even if Rachel didn’t love me enough, my love for her would be sufficient. Or maybe one day she’d be moved by me? But everything was mocking me for being too naive. “It didn’t turn out well today. I drank it all myself.” I smiled and picked up the lightest bag, quickly heading out of the hospital room. “Let’s pack up and go home.” I didn’t want to carry all the luggage like a servant anymore, as I always had. The atmosphere was cold the whole way home. Rachel was still mad at me. But I had no intention of coaxing her. I also needed time to process my own emotions. As soon as we got home, Rachel’s other friend Madison came over too. She was holding a cat in her arms, bursting through the door with a grin. I’ve been allergic to cat fur since childhood. I backed away in alarm, covering my nose. “Rachel, didn’t you tell them I’m allergic to cats?!” I frowned, staring intently at the Ragdoll cat in Madison’s arms, not daring to let my guard down for a moment. When I was little, I accidentally held a neighbor’s cat and ended up in the hospital for a whole week. Before Rachel could speak, Madison rolled her eyes at me. “This is Connor’s Ragdoll. He bought it abroad—super expensive. I begged him forever before he let me bring it over to play with for a few days.” “Adrian, don’t be so difficult.” Rachel had long been dissatisfied with my attitude, feeling I’d made her lose face in front of her friends. Now she finally found an opportunity to vent. Her expression was icy. “It’s just a cat. Is it going to kill you?” She stopped hiding her disgust for me, even taking the cat from Madison’s hands and pushing it toward me. “I’m going to fix this allergy of yours. What’s the big deal about one cat?” Rachel knew exactly how severe my allergic reactions were, but at this moment, she still didn’t take me seriously. I dodged while Rachel closed in. The Ragdoll was being squeezed painfully by the neck and shrieked, lunging at me out of control. Even though I reacted immediately, the cat’s claws still left a mark on my neck, and I got a mouthful of cat fur. Half a minute later, I started having difficulty breathing. My heart raced and cold sweat poured from my body. “Quick… call an ambulance.” Rachel sneered: “Adrian, stop pretending.” It was Madison who noticed my face getting paler and paler and spoke up: “Rachel, Adrian doesn’t look like he’s faking. We should call for help!” In the moment of hesitation, I collapsed heavily to the floor. Before losing consciousness, I saw Rachel’s panicked expression as she and Madison and Vivian fought over who would call the ambulance. When I woke up, I was alone in the hospital room. The room was pitch dark. Because of their so-called “fun,” I’d nearly gone into shock and been sent to the hospital. And now not one of them was by my side. A nurse came in and turned on the light, helping me change the IV drip. “Your allergic reaction to cat fur is extremely severe. You absolutely cannot come into contact with cats again.” I smiled bitterly and asked: “Nurse, when did the people who brought me in leave?” “Those three girls?” The nurse frowned. “They left after seeing you weren’t in danger.” Her expression was somewhat incredulous: “Weren’t they just passersby?” I forced a smile: “One of them is my girlfriend.” “Well, not for much longer.” I opened my phone to find a message from Rachel on social media. [We went to dinner. If you’re okay, just head home yourself.] Madison had posted something twenty minutes ago. [Old friends reunited—so happy!] The photo showed the four of them, with Rachel looking at the man beside her with tender eyes. She and Connor seemed deeply in love, their gazes filled with barely concealed affection. Looking at that photo, I finally couldn’t hold back my tears. The pain in my heart was suffocating. At this point, I had no reason to keep deceiving myself. Rachel’s true feelings were for Connor. To her, if Connor was willing to come back to her side, I would lose all value.

I suddenly remembered that Rachel often typed on social media pages, but I’d never seen her post anything. A possibility formed in my mind, and I searched for clues in her social media accounts. Rachel’s main account was completely blank, but in her following list, I found an account called “Missing Connor.” My hands trembled as I clicked on it. The IP address matched too. This account had been continuously updated for six years, with thousands upon thousands of posts. It was like accidentally opening Pandora’s box. The contents shocked me speechless. Everything was about Connor—every word filled with suppressed love and obsession. The account started as a record of their relationship, and later became Rachel’s endless longing for Connor. [November 9, 2021: I’m with someone else now. I won’t wait for you.] That was the day—I’d lost count of how many times I’d confessed to her—when Rachel finally relented and agreed to be with me. Turns out I hadn’t moved her at all. That was just the day Connor left the country. [March 10, 2022: I slept with someone else. That’s what you get for dating someone else.] I still remembered Rachel being drunk that night, clinging to me and not letting me leave, finally using sweet words to coax me into sleeping with her. [May 16, 2023: Are you really not planning to come back? I hate you. I’ll never forgive you!] That year, Rachel held me tightly and pulled a ring from her pocket to put on my finger. She looked at me with such tender affection and promised: “Adrian, I’m going to marry you.” I took a deep breath, lacking the courage to continue reading. I scrolled directly to the most recent update, posted not long ago: [I still lost to you. After all these years, I still can’t let go. I’ll only ever love you.] The photo showed the two of them together. They were holding hands tightly, their faces glowing with joy. Tears fell uncontrollably, dropping onto the phone screen and blurring my vision. I was pierced with wounds from the deception and betrayal, my sincere heart bleeding. So throughout our entire three-year relationship, Rachel’s love had never belonged to me for even a moment. Youthful passion burns hot and true, lasting for years. Rachel was willing to overcome every obstacle just to have Connor again. Even though he’d been gone for so many years, abandoning her, she still gave her heart to him willingly. But what about me? I trembled all over as understanding dawned on me. No wonder Rachel never argued with me—she simply didn’t care. No wonder Rachel never cared about my condition—I just wasn’t important to her. No wonder she’d gotten so excited she fell down the stairs—it wasn’t because she was rushing to see me, but because Connor’s sudden return had disturbed her emotions. I barely steadied my thoughts and took screenshots of everything, preserving the evidence. This was for the best. At least I wouldn’t have second thoughts now. If I hadn’t accidentally overheard what she said about me that day, if I hadn’t found her secret social media account, I might have been kept in the dark my entire life, mistakenly believing she’d really given up on her first love. I’d finally seen through Rachel’s dirty heart beneath her gentle exterior, realizing that all those tender moments of intimacy had been fake. Now there was no reason left to continue this farce of a relationship. At that moment, my supervisor called. I took a deep breath, trying not to let anything show. “Adrian, headquarters has an opportunity to work at the Paris branch. I wanted to ask if you’re interested.” “You’d go in directly as a director. It’s quite a rare opportunity.” Mr. Liu was earnest in his persuasion. Actually, this wasn’t the first time a promotion opportunity had come my way. Last time, because I wanted to settle down in this city with Rachel, I’d firmly declined the chance to go to France, even though it had once been a dream I loved. But now, there was no longer any reason worth abandoning my dreams for. “Thank you for this opportunity. I’m willing to work in Paris.” The determination to break up had never been this strong. My survival instincts were screaming at me. Even if my heart was being cut like a knife, I was willing to endure this pain. After hanging up, I decisively booked a flight to Paris for a few days later. After being discharged, I immediately went home and packed all my belongings. During this time, I didn’t run into Rachel. She was probably still busy keeping Connor company. The next day, sitting in the taxi to the airport, I saw an update on Rachel’s secret account from last night: [Seeing each other again, couldn’t help ourselves.] The photo showed her holding hands with Connor, fingers intertwined. I calmly scrolled past, though my heart still ached faintly. Rachel suddenly sent me a text—she must have seen the changes at home. [Did you get discharged yesterday? Where are you?] I didn’t respond. She called countless times, and I hung up on every one. Until one minute before boarding, an unknown number called. I answered. Rachel’s anxious, agitated voice filled my ear: “Adrian, where did you go? When did you get home?” I smiled silently and responded calmly. “Rachel, I know Connor’s back.” “He’s your true love, isn’t he?” I gave a self-mocking smile and ruthlessly exposed her scheme. “Now that the person you couldn’t forget is back, naturally the substitute should exit the stage.” The boarding announcement sounded at just the right moment. I heard Rachel grit her teeth and demand: “Adrian, where the hell are you?”

I didn’t respond and hung up directly. A few hours later, I arrived in Paris, France, half a world away. As soon as I landed, I immediately changed my phone number and went to the company to complete the entry formality. The workload was heavy. I was not only responsible for liaising with French companies but also had a large volume of domestic business. When I first arrived abroad, between the jet lag and the heartbreak, I suffered from insomnia night after night. Even after taking sleep medication and finally falling asleep, I’d dream about when Rachel and I first got together. Eventually I just stopped trying to sleep, letting work fill my life so I wouldn’t dwell alone on those past beautiful moments. After some time, I’d put Rachel behind me. The wounds from the relationship were healed by time. But I still couldn’t avoid hearing news about her. I learned that after I left, Rachel and Connor immediately made their relationship official. When I saw them announce this to friends, I quickly deleted Rachel’s and her friends’ contact information. But not long after, a mutual friend gossiped to me: [Rachel and Connor are about to break up.] I was a bit confused: [Weren’t they doing great together?] [Give me a break. Connor’s been driving Rachel crazy lately. She’s in the rising phase of her career. You used to handle everything in her life perfectly, but Connor just uses her card to eat, drink, and have fun. They fight every two or three days.] [And apparently! Connor was divorced abroad! He wanted to keep it hidden from Rachel, but she found the divorce certificate. Rachel wants to break up but can’t let go. They’re basically torturing each other.] I really hadn’t expected this plot development. After all, they’d seemed to truly love each other deeply. Though it was dramatic, none of it had anything to do with me anymore. My next intersection with Rachel came after I was sent back to the country for my first independent project. I’d anticipated this since our work overlapped. Opening the project file, it was Rachel’s company—Muller Corp. Not only that, but she was in charge of this project. Muller Corp was urgently seeking new investment for a project and was competing with other companies in a bidding war. The situation was intense. Fortunately, everything was communicated online, and I tried to avoid any chance of meeting her in person. I assigned all the offline negotiations to team members. The project concluded perfectly, and everything seemed to be developing in the best direction. Then my assistant Andrew suddenly burst into the office: “Adrian! Muller Corp’s financing failed!”

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After 66 proposals, Chloe finally said yes. She specifically told me to dress formally, promising a big surprise. But when I showed up in my finest suit, there was no bride. Chloe turned to my stepbrother Leo beside her, a smirk playing on her lips. “Leo, you always say weddings are boring. Well, today I’m going to show you a fun one. How does that sound?” My sister Sarah, the officiant, announced loudly, “Wedding paused!” Then my childhood friend Ashley pulled the string on the water balloon they’d rigged above my head, drenching me from head to toe. Chloe flashed a mocking grin. “Julian, lighten up. It was just a joke. You didn’t really think I’d marry you, did you?” The whole wedding was a cruel prank, staged just to amuse my so-called depressed stepbrother. Seeing my silence, Chloe chuckled. “If you’re that desperate to get married, why not just pick someone from the crowd and tie the knot?” But when I walked back in, arm in arm with my real bride, they were the ones who panicked.

My sister Sarah finished reading the vows on stage, but the bride never appeared. A murmur swept through the guests below. My heart sank. This was another setup, designed to humiliate me. Just as I expected, Chloe casually twisted the ring in her hand and turned to Leo with a teasing smile. “You said wedding ceremonies are tedious, right? Just two people reciting vows and swapping rings. Boring.” “Well, today I’m showing you a one-person wedding. Entertaining enough for you?” Sarah immediately caught on, grabbing the microphone. “Wedding paused!” Ashley shouted, “Leo, watch this!” The water balloon above me dropped. Even though I tried to duck, it still caught me off guard. My hair was plastered to my forehead, water dripping from my soaked suit. I clutched my lapels, knuckles white. Only then did Leo let out a small laugh. Chloe walked over, feigning concern. “What’s wrong, Julian? Not happy?” She nudged Ashley. “That was a bit much, wasn’t it? Didn’t you think about Julian being the groom today?” Just when I thought she might show remorse, she handed me the wedding ring—still in its box, the one meant for my finger. “You wanted to get married, didn’t you? I’m making your wish come true. I even got you an officiant, a best man, and guests.” Meeting my icy stare, she sneered. “Why are you looking at me like that? You didn’t actually think I’d be your bride, did you? I’m just helping you out.” Then, in a sickly sweet tone, she added, “Keep the ring safe. Wouldn’t want your bride to have nothing to wear.” “Oh, wait. There is no bride.” “No way, there’s no bride!” Ashley chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “But look at Julian, all dressed up like he really believed it!” All eyes turned to my drenched formal wear. In the past, I would’ve swallowed my pride and begged Chloe not to embarrass me. This time, I just wiped the water from my face and said flatly, “Thanks for going through the motions. I was nervous earlier, but now I feel better. My real wedding will go smoother.” Chloe stared, then burst out laughing. “Are you stupid or just in denial? Still thinking I’d marry you?” “Can’t you see? This was all to cheer Leo up!” “A man this desperate for marriage is just pathetic.” Her mockery was now fully unveiled, and she didn’t care how much it hurt. Leo and the others laughed along, thoroughly amused. My heart felt twisted, squeezed by an invisible hand. I’d actually known about their plan for days. Chloe had called me earlier that week. “Julian, you want to get married, right? I’ll see you at the venue you picked.” Against my better judgment, my heart leapt. She knew I’d always wanted to get married. After Mom died, it was just Grandma and me. Now Grandma was sick, and her only wish was to see me married and happy. I’d booked the venue months ago, begging Chloe countless times. Even a fake wedding would’ve been enough to give Grandma peace. Her call had thrown me into confusion. I went to talk to Sarah, but instead overheard them in her study, excitedly planning the prank. Chloe laughed. “I just told Julian to get ready for the wedding. He actually thinks I’m going through with it! Isn’t he naive?” Sarah replied, “He has no idea. The shock will be perfect. Leo will love seeing him humiliated.” Ashley jumped in. “Let’s swap the glitter for water balloons. He’ll look like a drowned rat!” “Just don’t let Leo find out beforehand, or it won’t be as fun.” They sounded so pleased with themselves. I stood frozen at the door. The wedding I’d dreamed of was just a cruel joke to entertain Leo. The three people who once went to multiple stores to buy my favorite cake were gone. When had they changed so much? There was a time when Sarah, Chloe, and Ashley cared for me the most. But ever since Leo came into our lives, everything shifted. His “depression” was severe. So severe that just seeing me would “trigger” him. Each time, he’d beg Sarah and the others to stay. At first, they brushed it off, thinking he was faking. Gradually, their attention moved from me to Leo. This was Chloe, the woman I’d loved for seven years, and Sarah and Ashley, who’d been with me since childhood. Now they were willing to turn my wedding into a punchline, all for one of Leo’s smiles. Making Leo happy became their only goal. Even at my expense. They handled Leo with kid gloves, yet trampled over me without a second thought. A dull ache settled in my chest. Today, I was getting married. Just not to Chloe.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to look composed. Raising the microphone, I announced, “Just a small hiccup, everyone. Please bear with us a little longer.” Then I gestured to my soaked jacket. “I’ll go change. Wouldn’t want my wife to see me like this.” Good thing I’d had a premonition and hadn’t worn my favorite suit. Chloe stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “Julian, you’re not actually delusional, are you? I told you—this was a prank! There’s no bride!” Sarah mocked, “Even if you’re embarrassed, there’s no need to lie! If anyone wanted you, wouldn’t I know?” The crowd chuckled. My relentless pursuit of Chloe was no secret. Ashley pretended to ponder. “Maybe he’s trying to make Chloe jealous? How pathetic.” Leo gently shushed them, then turned to me with fake sympathy. “Julian, this was their idea to cheer me up. I’m touched you played along.” “I know you like Chloe, but love has to be mutual…” “A man needs dignity. Mom and Dad are here, and so are the guests. Don’t drag this out.” His soft voice made me sound like the disgrace. I glanced down and saw Mr. Harrison’s furious face as he tried to calm the guests. I took a deep breath. “Today is my wedding. My bride is on her way.” I pulled out my phone and called the first contact. … It rang and rang, then went to voicemail. I tried several times. No answer. My heart sank. After all, we’d only met once. Chloe watched, enjoying the show. “Julian, I knew you were obsessive, but I didn’t know you were this good at lying to yourself.” Sarah scoffed, “Just give up. It’s pathetic.” Leo looked at me, then turned to Chloe with fake concern. “Chloe, maybe you should just pretend to marry him. He looks miserable.” Chloe refused instantly. “I only did this for you, Leo. I’d never marry Julian.” She even took a step back, as if to draw a clear line between us. Leo then glanced at Ashley. She was quicker to refuse. “No way! I’m not doing something that humiliating!” Watching them eagerly reject me to prove their loyalty to Leo, I suddenly remembered our senior prom. They’d both fought to be my date. They’d competed to surprise me, just to win my attention. My heart had long gone numb. I couldn’t stand Leo’s fake sincerity. “Don’t worry,” I said coldly. “I wouldn’t marry either of you. I want nothing to do with you.” “My bride is someone else.” Mr. Harrison finally snapped. He stormed up, yelling, “Julian! What is this charade? Are you trying to disgrace me?” “Can’t you be more like Leo? Do you have to prove to everyone that you’re a loser who can’t get a wife?!” I stood there, humiliated, but all he cared about was his reputation. Grandma, though, took my hand and stood firmly beside me. “My Julian doesn’t lie! Please, everyone, wait a little longer.” Just then, my phone rang. I answered. A woman’s voice, urgent yet calming, came through. “I’m so sorry, hubby. The traffic was insane, but I’m on my way.”

I told her to drive safely. Ashley stared mockingly. “Wow, committed to the bit, aren’t you? Did you hire an actress?” “Julian, you’ll do anything to save face.” “If you’re that desperate, why not just pick a woman from the audience?” Chloe, feigning kindness, grabbed a microphone. “Julian’s looking for a wife, right here, right now!” “Any single ladies? If you hit it off, you can get married on the spot!” “Anyone? Julian’s devoted—he’s been chasing me for years!” … The guests buzzed, some pulling out phones to record. My face burned with shame. Yes, I’d pursued her for years, but she’d always led me on with vague promises. Again and again, she’d stomped on my heart. A draft swept through the hall. I felt cold, deep in my bones. Someone in the crowd actually volunteered. Chloe led a woman onto the stage—someone in her late forties, who looked older than my father’s date. She grinned, a malicious gleam in her eyes. “Mr. Harrison, you’re quite the catch.” Ashley and Sarah pushed me toward her. I was too disgusted to speak. Sarah saw my reluctance and scoffed, “Isn’t this faster than hiring an actress? Just get it over with and stop embarrassing the family!” Leo added, “Julian, stop making a scene. We ‘carefully selected’ her for you. What more do you want?” I glared at these hypocrites, fists clenched. “My wedding is not your decision!” Then I remembered. I’d filed the paperwork yesterday. Our marriage certificate was in my briefcase. I strode over, grabbed my bag, pulled out the document, and slapped it open in front of them. “This is my marriage certificate. I told you—my wife is on her way.” Sarah stared, then burst into hysterical laughter. “Julian, you’re really committed!” “Do you even know who that is? You Photoshopped her picture and called her your wife?” Chloe took a look, and the whole room snickered. “Which fake certificate maker did you use? That’s Victoria, CEO of Everbright Group! I tried to meet her for a deal yesterday!” “Her assistant said she just got married and was busy with her husband!” “And you claim she’s your wife? That’s ridiculous.” I remembered yesterday. That woman had spent the whole day with me, suit shopping. Her phone kept ringing, but she insisted on staying until we were done. Leo looked at me with pity. “Julian, unrequited love isn’t your fault. But making up stories just makes you look like a clown.” Mr. Harrison finally lost it. He grabbed my arm and tried to drag me offstage. “Enough! Haven’t you embarrassed us enough?” But Chloe held my wrist, stopping me. “Didn’t you say she was almost here?” “Aren’t you going to introduce us to this legendary bride? Or was this all for nothing?” Sarah and Ashley held me back, and in the struggle, I nearly tumbled down the steps. Just as I thought I’d hit rock bottom, a woman steadied me. A clean, gentle scent enveloped me. “I’m sorry, hubby. I’m late.”

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In my previous life, my father, Robert, was in a terrible car accident, bleeding heavily. I begged my sister, Scarlett, to bring our adopted brother, Leo, to the hospital to donate blood and save him. Both Leo and Robert shared the rare Rh-negative blood type. But after Leo donated the blood, he jumped into the ocean, taking his own life. He left behind a suicide note, accusing our family of treating him like a blood bag. On my birthday, Scarlett pushed me off the hospital rooftop. “You’re a bastard! You manipulated Robert into that whole charade, causing Leo’s death. You deserve to die too!” When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of the accident. 1 A violent crash yanked me back to consciousness. I opened my eyes and saw Robert shielding me with his body, taking the brunt of the impact. My eyes welled up instantly; the scene was painfully familiar. In my previous life, Robert had protected me the same way, which led to his severe blood loss. “Robert, are you okay?” “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” But I clearly saw blood gushing from his abdomen. How could he be fine? I forced down my panic, pulled out my phone, and called 91

Then, gritting my teeth, I pressed hard on Robert’s wound with trembling but firm hands, trying to slow the bleeding. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught my reflection in the shattered car window—a face of grim determination, completely unlike the panicked, helpless mess I’d been in my last life. Back then, I’d been paralyzed with fear, only thinking to call Scarlett for help. Scarlett hadn’t believed me at first, dragging her feet for so long that Robert missed the critical window for rescue. He survived, but was paralyzed from the waist down, confined to a wheelchair for life. The ambulance arrived quickly, and I accompanied Robert to the hospital. The doctors rushed him into surgery. I stood guard outside, my eyes glued to the operating room doors. Before any doctor could speak, I quickly posted an urgent plea in a social media mutual aid group, asking for anyone with Rh-negative blood. I couldn’t rely on Scarlett and Leo again. But having more options meant more hope. I still called Scarlett. “Robert was in a car accident; he urgently needs Rh-negative blood. Please bring Leo…” “Still lying? Can’t you let him have one decent birthday without your malice?” Scarlett’s voice was icy. My heart sank. “No, it’s true, Robert, he…” “Shut up!” Scarlett’s voice turned shrill. “Robert isn’t seriously hurt, and the hospital has plenty of blood.” Her cold, confident tone came through the phone. “This time, I’ll protect Leo. I won’t let you bully him again!” Just then, a doctor walked out. He informed me the hospital’s Rh-negative blood supply was critically low. Scarlett heard it too. She scoffed dismissively, her laugh chilling even through the phone. “Oh, you even hired actors?” My heart pounded with anxiety. “Robert is bleeding out! It’s critical! Please bring Leo to the hospital now!” “Alex,” Leo’s voice, full of accusation, came through. “Do you really enjoy tormenting me so much? Can’t you let me have one decent birthday?” “Still using Robert as an excuse. You just have to cause drama on Leo’s birthday.” Scarlett’s tone was cold and unyielding, utterly convinced I was stirring up trouble. “Scarlett, I’m not lying.” My voice was tight, my eyes burning. “Enough!” Scarlett roared. “Do you think I’ll fall for your lies again? You’re always jealous of Leo, always making his life miserable. I won’t let you get away with it this time!” With that, she hung up. I was left clutching my phone, listening to the dial tone, fury and helplessness flooding my chest. 2 I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing down the turmoil. My back stiff, I leaned against the hospital’s cold wall. Just as I felt utterly hopeless, a message popped up in the mutual aid group. “Is this for City Hospital? I’m Rh-negative, and I’m nearby.” I quickly wiped my face and typed, “Yes! Please!” “Okay, I’m heading over.” But five minutes later, the person sent several voice messages. I played them, hearing a middle-aged man’s furious voice: “Are you kidding me? Sending fake messages to start drama with your adopted brother?” “Do you think everyone is just sitting around? You’re sick!” “…” The rest were relentless condemnations. I felt plunged into an ice bath. How could this be? It had to be Scarlett! She must have interfered! Then came a torrent of curses and mockery from others in the group. “Who pulls stunts like this in a hospital group?” “The nerve! Kick him out!” My body tensed, fists clenched until my knuckles cracked. Anger, despair, and helplessness threatened to consume me. I stared at my phone, watching the accusing messages, my nails digging into my palms. I quickly replied, “No, it’s not fake. The patient is bleeding heavily.” Then, I attached Robert’s hospital test results. “It’s City Hospital, you have to believe me!” “Please, I’m begging you, please come save my father!” The group fell silent. Then, some different voices emerged. “Is anyone near the hospital? Maybe check? What if it’s real?” “Yeah, those results look real.” The Rh-negative man also messaged, “I’m heading back. I hope you’re not tricking me again.” I finally exhaled in relief, thanking him profusely. While waiting for Mr. Clark, I scrolled through my contacts, searching for anyone who might help. Any sliver of hope, I wouldn’t give up. But after a round of calls, all I got was disappointment. Either they weren’t Rh-negative, or they were out of town. My only hope was Mr. Clark. Who would have thought hope would be crushed again? He sent another string of voice messages: “I seriously want to kill someone! Is it fun to trick me?” I quickly replied, “No! I’m right outside the OR! If you don’t believe me, ask the doctor. The accident was on Maple Street.” “You’re still lying! I just asked the doctor!” Mr. Clark’s voice grew more agitated. “The doctor told me the accident on Maple Street was minor. The patient only had superficial injuries!” “No! That doctor is lying to you!” As soon as I sent that, I was kicked out of the group. I tried to re-join, but the administrator rejected me. I tried again and again, all denied. I slammed my fist against the wall, a sharp pain shooting through my knuckles, but it was nothing compared to the agony in my heart. Just then, Dr. Hayes called. He was Scarlett’s friend. “Stop making a scene! I had the admin kick you out.” “Scarlett was right. You’re spoiled by Robert. Using such petty tactics out of jealousy.” “Your adopted brother is fragile. Just leave him alone; let him enjoy his birthday.” My throat tightened. I couldn’t utter a sound. 3 It wasn’t until Hayes hung up that I fully understood my path was blocked. But Scarlett wasn’t done. “Alex, you never learn, do you? Still trying to trick people in that group?” Scarlett’s voice was full of undisguised irritation. “If anything happens to Robert, I will make sure you and Leo pay.” My voice was hoarse with raw hatred. Scarlett paused, then chuckled. “You? Please. Once Leo’s birthday is over, I’ll take him back, and Robert will give you the scolding of your life.” “You’re so jealous you don’t belong here anymore. Pack your bags. I can’t trust Leo under the same roof as you.” I listened numbly. I couldn’t tell if the person on the phone was my sister or a demon wearing her skin. She used to care for me so much, adored her little brother. But all that shattered the moment Leo was adopted. Robert was always busy, flying all over the world. Scarlett took on looking after Leo and me. Every time Leo shed a tear, Scarlett immediately assumed I was bullying him. Such incidents happened constantly, and Scarlett grew increasingly distant from me. At first, I tried to defend myself, but that only led to harsher scolding and more doting on Leo. And now, Robert was in surgery, his life hanging by a thread, yet Scarlett was still focused on Leo’s birthday, even planning to kick me out. Hatred burned in my heart like wildfire. I hated Scarlett’s blindness, I hated Leo’s deceit, and I hated my own past weakness… The OR light remained on, every passing second a heavy blow. Just as I was spiraling into despair, an unfamiliar number called. I hesitated but answered. “Hello, are you looking for Rh-negative blood for your father? I’m a nurse at City Hospital; I just saw your message.” “Yes, yes, I am!” My voice was laced with urgency. “Easy, son. I checked the records and found a previous patient with Rh-negative blood. I’ll give you his contact; you can try.” Hearing this, I felt I’d grasped a lifeline. I quickly thanked the nurse and dialed the number. The person on the other end was silent for a moment, then said: “I can donate, but I’ll need compensation. Donating blood isn’t a small thing. I need one million dollars.” I agreed without hesitation. As long as Robert could be saved, I’d accept any condition. Ten minutes later, Mr. Clark arrived. I hurried him towards the doctors, but Dr. Hayes suddenly blocked our way. “What on earth are you doing now? Bringing your drama here?” Hayes frowned, thoroughly annoyed. Mr. Clark looked at me, confused. I told him to go to the blood donation center first. “The patient’s name is Robert Davies. Just tell the doctors you’re donating for him.” Mr. Clark nodded, still skeptical, and turned away. But Hayes tried to block him again. I wouldn’t let him stop me. I lunged forward, grabbing Hayes by the collar, glaring. “Hayes, I swear, if you try to stop him again…” He was just like Scarlett, always quick to believe one side. If he hadn’t interfered, Robert would have been saved already. I hated him. The raw hatred in my eyes made Hayes freeze. He actually forgot how to react. Until hospital security pulled me away. More people gathered, even Director Miller showed up. “What’s going on here?” “Director, he’s a friend’s brother. Just throwing a tantrum, causing a scene,” Hayes quickly explained. I tried to step forward, but security held me back. “Hayes, you’re an idiot! If I wanted trouble, why wouldn’t I just crash Leo’s birthday?” 4 Hayes flinched, then stubbornly continued: “Scarlett said Robert’s accident was just an excuse for you to call Leo for blood, to make him think we were using him as a blood bag. She said he has depression, and you wanted to push him to suicide.” I scoffed, my anger boiling over into a humorless laugh, and turned to Director Miller, my voice clear. “Did you all hear that? Your Dr. Hayes has repeatedly disregarded a patient’s safety, obstructing a life-saving effort! My father was in a critical accident and urgently needs Rh-negative blood, yet this man misled a donor and had me kicked out of the mutual aid group!” Hayes stubbornly insisted, “You’re a liar! I’ve seen you at your house countless times, and every single time you’re bullying Leo!” Director Miller was more rational. He quickly asked other staff. A nurse quietly explained, “Director, this young man’s father really was in a severe accident. He has Rh-negative blood and is in surgery now.” Hayes’s face went white. He mumbled, “No, no way… that can’t be right…” Director Miller didn’t listen to his excuses, leading his team towards the OR. Hayes followed, distraught. … The red light on the OR door was still on. I sat on the bench, finally able to slightly relax. Hayes was trembling, looking at me in disbelief. “How could this be… But Scarlett and Leo said…” I ignored him, my gaze fixed on the doors. Hayes angrily kicked a nearby trash can, then frantically dialed Scarlett. After a long wait, the call connected. “What is it?” Scarlett’s voice was nonchalant. “Scarlett, Robert is really hurt!” “Oh, so Alex bought you off too?” Hayes slammed his fist against the wall. “You’ve ruined me! How can you still be celebrating a birthday at a time like this?” “Alright, I’m done. I need to cut Leo’s cake now.” “You…” The call disconnected. Hayes turned to me, dejected, his eyes filled with shame and regret. “Alex, I’m so sorry. Your sister misled me. I’ll add you back to the group right now, and I’ll clear your name.” I stared at him, my eyes cold. “It’s useless. No matter what you do, I’ll see this through. Your career is finished, Hayes. You’re a disgrace.” Hayes stiffened, his face ashen. Hayes from my previous life was not innocent either. He was Leo’s friend and had helped him hurt me countless times. In my last life, Scarlett was able to drag me to that rooftop thanks to his help. Just before she pushed me, a security guard passed by. It was Hayes who distracted him. I would make them pay. Two hours later, the OR doors opened. “Good news, the surgery was a complete success!” I finally let out a long breath. Robert was moved to a room, and around 9 PM, he slowly regained consciousness. “Robert.” “Don’t cry, son. I’m just glad you’re safe.” Robert’s voice was weak, but his eyes were clear and warm. “Robert, Scarlett and them…” Robert lifted his hand, squeezing mine with a weak but firm grip. “Don’t worry, this time I’ll protect you. I’m so sorry, Alex. I failed you, letting you suffer for so many years.”

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The company organized a team-building trip to Colmar. I discovered my boyfriend was planning to propose to me when everyone gathered to watch the sunset. But that evening, he got down on one knee with a ring—for someone else. “Sherry, I’m willing to be the baby’s father. Marry me!” Sherry, the woman Frederick had been in love with for ten years. I watched the two embrace intimately in the glow of the setting sun. I turned around, booked a trip departing in three days, then went home. A year later, when I returned and we met again, Frederick grabbed me, his eyes bloodshot. “Iris, you’re finally back. Don’t leave me again…” “Your trip will depart from Colmar in three days.” “Miss Iris, have a pleasant journey. Goodbye.” I had just confirmed my flight details with the staff. Behind me, the voice of my assistant rang out. “Iris, we’re heading back.” By then, Frederick had already carefully helped Sherry leave. His proposal to New York’s most famous ex-girlfriend made the headlines. Everyone said he’d loved her secretly for ten years and finally won her heart. But no one knew I had been his girlfriend for six years. That afternoon, when I found the custom engagement ring in Frederick’s pocket… I was overjoyed, thinking he remembered I wanted a sunset proposal. Now I’d been slapped in the face. His love and his ring weren’t meant for me after all. Shortly after the car left town, Frederick called. His tone on the phone was commanding. “I want chicken soup in half an hour.” He hung up without giving me a chance to refuse. I froze for a moment. Then it hit me—chicken soup is often recommended for pregnant women. I opened my phone and scrolled through our chat history. Three months ago, Frederick had started asking for various nutritious soups. At this moment, the realization finally dawned on me. He’d probably decided back then to be someone else’s stepfather. Half an hour later, I arrived at his estate with the chicken soup. His friends from the team-building trip sat in the living room. When they saw me, the lively atmosphere instantly quieted. They’d always seen me, his assistant, as completely devoted to Frederick. Now they all looked at me with half-smiles, waiting to see me make a fool of myself. On the main couch, Frederick held Sherry close affectionately. He took the chicken soup with an indifferent expression. “Perfect timing.” He lifted his chin, gesturing toward several glasses of hard liquor on the table. “Sherry can’t drink. You can handle liquor—drink these for her.” Frederick didn’t spare me a single glance, as if discussing something trivial. But he’d forgotten I was allergic to alcohol. He only remembered Sherry couldn’t drink. As if in his eyes, I was just a tool to take drinks for others. In that instant, I suddenly wanted an explanation for our six years together. I couldn’t control my voice. “Frederick, about the proposal today—don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” As soon as the words left my mouth, everyone’s expressions became awkward. Anyone could see Frederick’s favoritism toward Sherry. Sure enough, Frederick focused on feeding her the chicken soup and said in a deep voice, “Iris, we’ll talk about this later. Don’t ruin the mood.” In that moment, my last shred of hope for him completely died. I’d been his assistant for six years, helping him handle countless situations. But this time, I suddenly felt so exhausted. I swallowed the bitterness in my heart and picked up the glass, draining it in one gulp. “Then I wish you both happiness.” They thought I’d make a scene. They didn’t expect me to be this calm. After all, in the past… Whenever I went up against Sherry, I’d become like a lit firecracker. Frederick seemed used to it too, watching coldly as I became hysterical. Afterward, he’d casually send a gift, and I’d pathetically forgive him again. I couldn’t even remember anymore—since Sherry returned… How many times I’d fought with Frederick because of her. After each argument, I was the one who had to collect myself. Then go to him apologetically to make up. In this relationship, I was destined to lose completely from the start. As I walked out of the estate, Sherry’s coquettish voice came from behind. “Frederick, Iris is upset. Go talk to her.” Frederick just laughed dismissively and gently rubbed her waist. “It’s fine. She listens to me. I’ll talk to her later and it’ll be fine.”

At the hospital, I endured the large red rash on my neck and worked through the pain. When the IV was almost finished, I received an expected call from my brother. The man on the phone chuckled. “Iris, you lost.” Six years ago, when I returned home for a friend’s party, I was in a car accident. Trapped in the car, Frederick risked his life to save me. From then on, I fell for him, hopelessly in love. After graduation, despite my family’s objections, I decided to stay. I was willing to work as his assistant at Frederick’s company, taking care of him. My brother never liked him and didn’t think our relationship would work. But I was obsessed and wouldn’t listen to any advice. So I made a confident bet with my brother. Within seven years, Frederick wouldn’t fall in love with anyone else. If he lost, he’d give me ten percent of his shares. If I lost, I’d listen to him and go home. When Frederick’s proposal made the headlines, it was hard for my brother not to know. My relationship with Frederick ended in the sixth year. I accepted my loss and paused before replying. “Yeah, after my trip in three days, I’ll fly back.” That evening, when I dragged my exhausted body back to the hotel… I found Frederick in my room. The company came to Colmar for team building, and my colleagues and I stayed at a hotel. Frederick, being particular about cleanliness, stayed alone at his own estate. Hearing movement at the entrance… The man didn’t look up and asked coldly, “Where were you?” Taking off my shoes, I casually brushed him off. “Nowhere.” I didn’t elaborate, and Frederick didn’t seem to care. He casually handed me a pink gift box. “Sherry specially picked this for you. See how thoughtful she is.” “About the headlines—arrange for someone to handle it quickly.” “Don’t let it affect her. She can’t handle stress right now.” Opening the gift box, I saw a green preserved flower. If I remembered correctly… Yesterday, Frederick had given her ninety-nine of these flowers in different colors. Sherry had even complained online that the green one was the ugliest. And today, Frederick turned around and gave it to me. I said “Mm” indifferently and set it aside without another word. Frederick sensed my mood wasn’t right and, for once, explained. “Are you upset? Sherry and I really didn’t…” As he approached, the smell of alcohol hit me. Mixed with the scent of Sherry’s favorite jasmine perfume. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the bright red marks on his neck beneath his disheveled collar. I pushed him away subtly and pretended to get water. I answered first. “I know. There’s nothing between you two.” I paused and added, “I’m not upset.” Because I’d memorized his answer by heart long ago. Every time he abandoned me for Sherry, this was his explanation. “We’re just friends. If something was going to happen, it would’ve happened already.” But after hearing my words, Frederick somehow exploded again. Impatience colored his expression. His tone turned cold. “So what’s your attitude right now?” “You know there’s nothing going on, but you’re still acting like this?” I felt somewhat helpless. Just because I didn’t go along with him, he thought I was giving him attitude? Taking a deep breath, I was about to speak. His phone rang with Sherry’s special ringtone. Frederick shot me a cold look, turned his back, and answered tenderly. “Frederick, my stomach suddenly feels uncomfortable.” “Can you come check on me and take me to the hospital?” “Okay, wait for me. I’ll be right there!” As he spoke, Frederick’s footsteps had already reached the entrance. As he was about to open the door, he unusually paused to glance at me. “There’s a problem with a partnership. I need to go handle it now.” “Go to sleep. Don’t wait up for me.” Without waiting for my answer, he grabbed his coat and left in a hurry.

I sent my resignation letter to HR’s email. Reminding her to check it after the team building ended in three days when we returned. Before long, I suddenly received a message from Sherry. It was a photo of Frederick’s back as he busily cooked chicken soup in the kitchen. “The baby’s been fussy. As soon as daddy arrived, it calmed down.” “Don’t you think this is the legendary bond?” I ignored Sherry’s provocation and blocked her directly. I looked down and laughed at myself, then started packing my luggage. Early the next morning, everyone had free time. I planned to explore this town I’d always wanted to visit. Walking on picturesque roads… Surrounded by flowers, I felt it was just so-so. I smiled bitterly, feeling somewhat relieved. I didn’t understand why I’d been so obsessed with coming here before. After shopping, I bought a large bouquet and was about to return to the hotel. From a restaurant ahead came the sound of someone playing piano and singing. I lifted my foot to keep walking but was rooted to the spot the next moment. I recognized that voice—it was Frederick. At the end, his tone carried a lazy quality as he finished. “Live with the one you love in a happy town.” Frederick usually wore suits and rarely dressed casually. But today, he was dressed as youthfully as a college student. Looking with deep affection at the woman he’d loved for years. My fingernails dug deeply into my palms. I stared at Frederick without blinking, remembering he hated singing. Once, when I went to a friend’s birthday party with him… At the karaoke, I invited him to sing a duet. He lost his temper on the spot, threw the microphone, and scolded me. “Can you stop being so childish? I hate singing!” Yet now, in front of everyone, he was singing affectionately for Sherry. The atmosphere reached a climax, and warm applause erupted. I clapped along, watching them kiss. My eyes reddened involuntarily as I walked toward the crowd, step by step, with a smile. Seeing me appear, Frederick’s expression instantly changed. “Iris, aren’t you annoying? I go somewhere and you have to follow!” He thought I was stalking him, not hiding his disgust. I smiled. “Didn’t you say there was a problem with the partnership?” I pointed at the lipstick remaining on his mouth. “What’s this? Does your ‘partnership’ involve kissing someone else?” Hearing my sarcasm, Frederick’s brow furrowed tightly. “Iris, can you stop being so unreasonable?!” “Sherry was in a bad mood and wanted to hear a song. Stop making a scene.” Sherry behind him stuck out her tongue and hummed lightly. “Sorry, Iris. Don’t blame Frederick.” “I just gave him a kiss as a reward for singing so beautifully!” At her words, Frederick affectionately patted her head. Then turned to me, his tone softening. “I was planning to find you. I didn’t expect you to come here.” “There’s a fireworks show tonight. I’ll take you to see it later.” His deep black eyes seemed to still hold some affection. Just like before, when he said he’d take me anywhere I wanted to go. I thought about it and decided to fulfill my old wish. The town square was full of people waiting to watch the fireworks. At eight o’clock, fireworks bloomed across the entire sky. In the happy atmosphere, many couples were kissing and cheering. I turned my head but didn’t see Frederick and Sherry. Suddenly, something happened in the crowd. The noisy square instantly descended into chaos. Everyone fled in panic. When I came to my senses, I tried to head somewhere safe. A figure beside me suddenly crashed into me. In the chaos, I was hit in the face by someone’s bag chain. The pain nearly made me lose my footing. I stumbled backward. But I heard that familiar anxious voice in my ear. “Sherry, don’t be scared. I’ll take you back right now.” Frederick didn’t stop, protecting the frightened Sherry as he left. Watching his retreating figure, I clearly realized… The Frederick who said he’d always protect me had changed long ago.

Fortunately, within a few minutes, order was restored in the square. Someone helped me stand up. After thanking them, I covered my bleeding forehead and rushed to the hospital. When I went to pay for medicine… I discovered my card had been suspended by Frederick at some point. And my phone had died. In a foreign country, I fought back the tears. I started asking around to borrow money. Finally, with help from a kind stranger… I successfully bought the medicine. Just as I was about to bandage myself simply… My newly charged phone immediately received a call from Frederick. “Iris, where are you? Why haven’t you been answering?” “Where did you run off to when the incident happened? Are you okay?” I couldn’t tell if his worried tone was genuine. I replied concisely. “I’m fine. My phone just got charged.” Hearing I was okay, the person on the phone was obviously relieved. His tone switched to impatience again. “Then hurry to the airport. Sherry’s not feeling well and needs to go home.” Before I could speak, Sherry’s tearful voice came through. “Frederick, my stomach really hurts. What if something’s wrong with the baby?” “It’s okay. I can wait for Iris…” Sherry was being so understanding that Frederick had completely lost his patience. He yelled at me on the phone. “I’m giving you half an hour to arrange everything and get to the airport!” The call was abruptly disconnected. I rescheduled my flight and dragged my luggage. By the time I reached the airport by taxi, an hour had passed. As Frederick’s assistant, I efficiently handled check-in for him. As I handed the boarding passes to them both… Sherry suddenly clutched her stomach, pretending to be startled. “Ah, Iris, why is your face covered in blood?” After bandaging, I hadn’t had time to wash my face or change clothes. Frederick looked at me with disgust. “Iris, are you crazy? Deliberately scaring Sherry?” The wound throbbed with pain. I was too tired to even speak. I walked straight to the restroom, planning to change clothes. But Sherry suddenly appeared. She gave me a provocative look. “Iris, you’re really persistent.” “You know Frederick proposed to me, but you’re still clinging to him.” Hearing the hostility in her words, I looked up at her. Just as I was about to retort, I saw the bag at her side. I recognized it as the one that had hit me at the square. I grabbed her wrist and demanded. “Your bag? Why did you hit me just now?” Sherry’s eyes darted away. She didn’t answer me. After struggling to shake off my hand, she fell to the ground. The next second, Frederick rushed in after hearing the commotion. Sherry immediately clutched her stomach and cried out in pain. He quickly helped her up, glaring at me furiously. “Iris, how did you become so vicious?!” “If anything happens to Sherry, you’ll pay for it!” He didn’t listen to any explanation and left carrying her. Walking out of the restroom, when I returned to the waiting area… My assistant ran over, looking troubled as she told me… The company colleagues would take the same flight home. But Frederick had specifically canceled only my ticket. I knew this was his warning. If I didn’t behave, he’d leave me here with no money. In the past, I would’ve been the first to apologize. But now, I just coldly watched Frederick from a distance. It wasn’t until the boarding announcement that I walked toward him. “Iris, you stay here and think about what you’ve done!” “Even if you beg me, it’s useless. Sherry hasn’t calmed down yet!” But what Frederick got wasn’t my apology. I interrupted him, saying coldly, “Let’s break up.” At my words, I withdrew my gaze. Behind me, Frederick froze for a moment, then laughed in anger. “Iris, you’d better mean what you say. Don’t come crawling back later!” With that, he turned and left, boarding the flight home. I blocked and deleted all his contact information. Going in the opposite direction, I boarded a flight to another country. I didn’t expect that right after taking my seat, I’d run into someone unexpected.

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My sister was adamant about staying “pure” before marriage. But she sleeps with her boyfriend every day and never uses birth control. When I asked her about it, I learned she was using the back entrance…. I warned her this could easily cause infections: “You can keep sleeping with him if you want. Later on, just get a little hymen reconstruction surgery and everything will look perfect again—no one will ever know.” My sister took my advice to heart. Later, after breaking up with her boyfriend, our mom set her up with a wealthy heir. On their wedding night, even though she’d had the surgery, she didn’t bleed. The rich man flew into a rage on the spot for she is not a virgin. The next day, everyone knew about it. Completely humiliated, my sister blamed everything on me. She shoved my head into boiling water, her face twisted with rage: “This is all your fault! If things were different, I’d be a wealthy man’s wife and no one would dare laugh at me!” When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my sister told me she never used birth control. I sneered: “Then go ahead… keep using that other hole.”

“Grace, don’t worry, I won’t get pregnant…” As my sister spoke, she twisted her body slightly. Looking at her face, I felt a chill run through me. The sensation of boiling water flooding into my airways from my past life came rushing back. It took me a long time to calm myself down. “Well, aren’t you clever.” My sister continued sharing her “wisdom” with me. “Grace, you shouldn’t always listen to Mom. What era are we living in? Living in the moment is what matters most.” “It’s because your thinking is so old-fashioned that you can’t keep a boyfriend.” I smiled faintly. My sister was so smug because her current boyfriend, Liam, was my ex. We’d been together for two years. He broke up with me because I wouldn’t sleep with him before marriage. Less than three days after our breakup, Liam got together with my sister. When I went to Liam’s place to collect my things, I discovered they’d been hooking up all along. My sister went to Liam’s apartment every day. The sounds of their activities could be heard through the walls. All the neighbors knew. When I found out, my first reaction wasn’t anger—it was the realization that if Mom found out, my sister would be finished. Dad died young, and Mom raised my sister and me single-handedly. Mom works as a professional matchmaker with access to plenty of high-quality prospects. After dealing with upper-class people for so long, Mom knew exactly what they required in a partner. One crucial requirement was a lack of past sexual experience. So from childhood, Mom’s teaching to my sister and me was: dating is fine, but sex before marriage is absolutely not. Mom would always say earnestly: “Marriage is a fresh start. These men might say they don’t care, but deep down they have expectations. You two need to hold your boundaries.” On my way back from Liam’s place, I kept thinking about how to help my sister come clean to Mom. But when I talked to her, she told me she was still “pure” because she never used that way—she used another way. When I heard this, it took me several seconds to process what she meant. Then I immediately started worrying about her health. As someone with basic medical knowledge, I knew how fragile that area is. The muscles control tightness and can’t remain strained for too long. If it’s frequently strained, especially violently, it will definitely cause damage and serious complications. I explained all this to my sister and told her: “Someone who truly loves you wouldn’t let you suffer like this. If you enjoy intimacy, use the proper way. If someone really cares about surgery, it can be done later.” My sister’s eyes lit up when she heard about the surgery… I just never imagined that later she’d break up with Liam, and Mom would set her up with a rich guy. Even though she got the surgery, she didn’t bleed on their wedding night. The rich guy called her terrible names. After divorcing him, she blamed everything on me. Then she shoved my head into boiling water and killed me.

Thinking about this, I still kindly reminded her, “But won’t that hurt after repeated use? And it’s easy to get infections.” My sister blinked and smiled. “As long as you take precautions, nothing will happen…” This was obviously something Liam had told her to manipulate her. If it happened, it would only mean one thing. She’d gotten an infection there. This realization gave me a dark sense of satisfaction. I pretended to be envious. “Is that why Liam prefers you?” Meanwhile, I sent messages to Liam’s account from an alternate profile. My sister has always loved competing with me for things. Hearing the longing in my voice, she immediately became defensive. “Of course. But Grace, you’re probably not built for that. You should give up on him.” I lowered my head in apparent disappointment. At the same time, Liam sent an inquiry message. I quickly recommended several products. After Liam selected a few and transferred payment, I swiftly placed an order. Once I finished responding, my sister’s phone vibrated. She glanced at it and her face turned bright red. Soon she stood up and grabbed her bag to leave. “Grace, I have to go out. Remember to keep this secret from Mom.” I smiled and said okay. My sister didn’t come home that night. When she returned the next day, she could barely walk. I didn’t expect things to escalate so quickly. One Saturday, my sister pulled me aside and whispered: “Grace, I think it tore.” I forced myself to stay calm. “Where?” “There. That place.” “Can you check for me? It really hurts.” Fighting nausea, I looked and noticed it was indeed different from normal. “Grace, should I go to the hospital…” That question almost made me vomit. “The hospital?” I frowned. “You want Mom to find out about all this!?” Mom kept extremely strict control over our private lives. With my sister staying out so much lately, Mom was already getting suspicious. My sister asked: “Then what should I do?” “I’ll handle it,” I said. “It doesn’t look too serious. Let’s just get some medicine.” My sister was too embarrassed to go to a clinic. In the end, she bought some medicine online and applied it herself. After the medicine took effect, my sister went right back to her frenzied intimacy with Liam day and night. But it was obvious her condition had worsened. She always carried a familiar foul smell. I calculated the days. Finally, the time came. Mom found a suitable rich guy and came home insisting my sister go on a date with him. “This Mr. Harrison is truly one in a million—worth hundreds of millions, studied abroad, and most importantly, his private life is extremely clean.” Mom laughed. “Best of all, he has no requirements for a partner except one thing—purity. Emily, your good days are coming.” Mom was so excited, but my sister’s reaction was flat. She said: “Mom, I don’t want to.”

Both Mom and I froze. In my past life, my sister had agreed without hesitation. Why was she refusing so quickly this time? Mom pressed her: “Why not? Marriage is a fresh start. Haven’t you always complained that I didn’t give you good opportunities? This time I’ve found you a great match.” My sister shrugged. “I have a boyfriend.” “Just break up with him.” Mom frowned. “You didn’t disobey me and sleep with him, did you?” My sister’s face went pale. “Of course not, Mom. I just don’t want to get married yet. Let Grace go on the date instead.” Hearing this, Mom shot me a disgusted look. “Do you think she’s worthy?” Mom’s hurtful words pierced my ears. Without a husband, Mom feared gossip, so she was strict with both of us. Though strict with both, Mom treated me like a criminal and my sister like her precious child. If I didn’t do homework, she’d tear up all my textbooks and throw them away. I’d be mocked by teachers and classmates the next day at school. If my sister didn’t do homework, she’d just scold her lightly. If I broke a dish, she’d punish me severely. If my sister broke a dish, she’d just get a light scolding. I always suspected I wasn’t Mom’s biological daughter. After turning eighteen, I even got a test done. But the results showed I was indeed Mom’s daughter. In my past life, after my sister pushed me into the scalding water, I still had a breath left. When Mom arrived, she didn’t even glance at me. Instead, she worried about whether my sister’s hands got burned. With my last bit of strength, I asked her why she favored one over the other. She looked at me with disgust. “I’m not playing favorites. You just have a petty mind. Your sister has never said I play favorites.” Actually, I knew the real reason—my sister was prettier than me. Mom often said that in this era, beauty is also a resource. She firmly believed my sister could marry into a wealthy family, so she bet everything on my sister’s marriage. Despite Mom’s reluctance, she ultimately didn’t force my sister to go on the date. Not wanting this opportunity to go to waste, she arranged for me to meet Harrison instead. She even rolled her eyes at me. On the way, she warned me: “Don’t tell Mr. Harrison you’ve dated before. You’re already losing points for your looks.” Sometimes I wondered if Mom was blind. My sister stayed out all night and Mom thought she was being good. I came home on time every day, yet she still thought I was promiscuous. She was truly biased.

Fortunately, Harrison didn’t mind my appearance. Because of what happened between him and my sister in my past life, I didn’t have a good impression of him. After talking this time, I discovered he was actually a decent person. Polite and well-informed. Just as Mom said, his only requirement for a partner was a lack of past experience. This requirement stemmed from his family background. With his excellent conditions, women threw themselves at him constantly, yet he remained celibate. He held himself to high standards, so this requirement wasn’t unreasonable. We got along well. We went on several dates after that, and our feelings for each other seemed compatible. After our last date, I even thought maybe God gave me a second chance not for revenge, but to set things right—to let me marry Harrison. For a moment, I thought marrying Harrison wouldn’t be bad at all. But I never expected that after Harrison agreed to get engaged to me, my sister would break up with Liam. That day when she got home and saw Harrison, she called Mom into her room that night. The next day, Mom told me: “Break up with Harrison. Your sister wants to be with him.” Her words hit me like a sledgehammer. I froze for several seconds. “Does Emily have some kind of problem? Does she get off on stealing other people’s boyfriends? Fine, she wanted that trash Liam and I let her have him. But now Harrison and I are about to get engaged—why does she still need to steal him? Is she addicted to it?” As soon as the words left my mouth, Mom slapped me. “Emily is your sister. How can you say such awful things? I was planning to introduce Harrison to Emily from the start. You’re the one who took him.” The slap burned painfully and extinguished the last bit of love I had for Mom. I couldn’t take it anymore. “Even so, Harrison is my boyfriend now. If she’s so capable, let her make him like her.” After shouting this, I couldn’t stay in that house any longer. I grabbed my bag and ran out. I knew that if my sister wanted Harrison, Mom would make it happen. But I had confidence in Harrison. He wasn’t like Liam. I stayed out all day. The events of today and the past kept replaying in my mind. In both lives, I felt utterly wronged. I thought once Harrison and I got engaged, I’d move out. But I never imagined that just a few hours later, before I even got home, Harrison would call. He said: “Grace, let’s break up.” My voice trembled with pain. “Why? Is it because of my sister?” After a long silence, Harrison didn’t hide it. “Grace, you’re a smart person. You should know that someone in my social circle needs a beautiful partner for appearance’s sake.” “I’m sorry. I’ll give you some compensation, but I hope you won’t make a scene. When we meet in the future, let’s still be civil.”

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Three years after breaking up with Adrian Whitmore, he came looking for a surrogate, while I was competing for the highest surrogacy commission. When our eyes met, his lips curled into a cold sneer. “Didn’t you marry into a wealthy family carrying some bastard back then?” “How did you fall so low that you need to make money through surrogacy? Is it because you didn’t give birth to a son?” I gripped the agency’s business card tightly in my hand and said nothing. “Kneel and beg me. Maybe I’ll consider giving you a chance.” I lowered my eyes and knelt down. “Mr. Whitmore, I’m sorry. Please.” He stared at me for a long time before throwing the contract in front of me. “Since you love having other people’s children so much, you’ll keep doing it until I’m satisfied.” For five years, I gave birth to three children for him. During the third delivery, I had a sudden amniotic fluid embolism. They had to remove my uterus to save my life. The anesthesia had barely worn off when he tossed the termination agreement on my bedside. “Buying your reproductive rights was my worst decision. You’ll work off the penalty as a lifetime nanny.” I closed my eyes, my mind filled with my mother’s critical condition notice and the astronomical surgery costs. “Can I use my heart to pay for the final payment?” He frowned, examining my pale face. “Your heart? How much is it worth?” I took out the report showing my heart was a match for his wife’s. I was dying. This was the last thing I could do for him, for my mother.

Adrian’s pupils contracted sharply, as if he’d heard the most absurd joke in the world. He leaned down, almost touching my bloodless face. “You’d be that kind?” I said nothing, only pushed the heart compatibility report forward another inch. He straightened abruptly and barked toward the door: “Mark!” Assistant Mark pushed the door open in response. “Go,” Adrian’s gaze remained fixed on my face, each word deliberate, “arrange a new heart compatibility test. Rush all the testing. Personally supervise it. No room for any errors.” “I want to see what kind of trick she’s trying to pull.” Mark picked up the report, glanced at me with a complicated expression, and hurried away. The air in the hospital room grew stagnant, leaving only my weak breathing, suppressed by pain. Adrian walked to the window and lit a cigarette, but didn’t smoke it. He just let the smoke curl around his fingers, blurring his sharp profile. The wait wasn’t long, yet every second stretched endlessly. Two hours later, Mark returned. “Mr. Whitmore, the results are in. Confirmed… highly compatible.” Adrian took the report, then let out a low laugh. The laughter was full of karmic retribution and grim satisfaction. “The best heart is actually yours. I guess Heaven really does punish those who do too much evil.” He suddenly reached out and gripped my chin, forcing me to raise my face. “For money, you really can sell anything? Even your heart?” I looked into his anger-filled eyes and forced out a disdainful smile. “Yes.” “I’ve always been this kind of person. As long as the price is right, anything goes. Mr. Whitmore, this deal shouldn’t be a loss for you. Want to cooperate?” He seemed stung by my smile and released me abruptly, as if he’d touched something filthy. “A cheap life indeed,” his words dripped with disgust, each one like a knife, “even your heart is dirty. It’s only fit to be a container for Flora.” He turned to Mark without any hesitation. “Arrange the surgery immediately. The sooner the better.” Without waiting for me to recover from childbirth, Adrian arranged for the surgery as soon as possible. As the anesthesia took effect, I slowly closed my heavy eyelids. Suddenly, Mark’s hesitant voice reached my ears. “Mr. Whitmore, which implant device should we use for Miss Parker? The basic model our company is currently promoting, or… the ‘Guardian’ you specifically developed for Mrs. Whitmore?” Adrian didn’t even pause to think. “Did you eat shit for brains to ask such a question! Does a bitch like her deserve the Guardian?” His mockery was undisguised. “The ‘Guardian’ is Flora’s fallback. Only my wife in the entire world can use it.” He deliberately emphasized the word “wife,” and seeing my body tremble uncontrollably twice, he smiled with satisfaction. The cold verdict followed. “Use that batch of defective experimental products on her. It’s a good chance to see what needs improvement! She owes me this.” Even though I’d long known how much Adrian hated me, hearing his cold, merciless words still made my heart twist. As the doctor brought the artificial heart into the operating room, Mark glanced at it and immediately tried to stop them: “You’ve got the wrong one. This isn’t the one set aside for…” “Shut up!” Adrian’s rebuke prevented me from hearing the last few words. The next second, the cold scalpel cut across my chest, and my entire body suddenly convulsed violently. The anesthesiologist panicked immediately: “Something’s wrong. Stop the surgery now! Her body seems to be allergic to the anesthetic. The surgery can’t continue…”

“If you don’t want to be fired, increase the anesthesia and proceed with the surgery.” Under Adrian’s powerful presence, the anesthesiologist ultimately compromised. Darkness surged like a tide. I suddenly found myself back in that bright afternoon when I first met Adrian. By the basketball court, the boy I’d secretly loved for three years ran toward me in a white shirt. “Hey,” he smiled as he handed me a bottle of water, “can you hold this for me?” My heart pounded, but he forced the water into my hand. The teasing from the crowd made my face burn red. That was Adrian Whitmore! The most popular guy in school! He actually used the most clichéd yet passionate way to pursue an ordinary girl like me. He would brave a high fever to bring me an umbrella when I was trapped in the lab by a rainstorm. He would climb a tree and jump into my third-floor dorm to bring me medicine when I was sick, not caring that he fractured his bone in the process. At the school talent show, he loudly confessed: “Lena Parker, my future must include you.” His eyes were full of burning passion. I stood there, my cheeks impossibly hot. That night, we first tasted love. He cupped my face and said: “Lena, I’ll be good to you forever. So good that you can never leave me.” The scene shifted to my mother suddenly developing a rare serious illness. I had just discovered I was pregnant but hadn’t had time to tell Adrian yet. Mrs. Whitmore had always been strict with Adrian. She said he could play around with me, but couldn’t marry me. I didn’t want Mrs. Whitmore to think I was approaching Adrian for money. But the astronomical surgery costs were enough to crush all my hope and dignity. Just when I had nowhere to turn, Mrs. Whitmore slowly pushed a check in front of me. The amount was exactly my mother’s surgery cost. “Miss Parker, the Whitmore family urgently needs a strategic marriage alliance now, but he’s ready to secretly sell a kidney to secure investment because of you. Someone from your background can’t help Adrian at all. You’ll only become his burden.” I tried to explain, tried to plead. I even thought about telling Adrian the truth no matter what. But that afternoon, while I was struggling and hesitating, I witnessed Adrian being forced to drink until he had stomach bleeding, all to secure investment. Yet he texted me, pretending to be strong: “Lena, I’m going abroad on business. I might be gone for two weeks. Be good at home and wait for my surprise.” Before I could reply, the hospital urgently contacted me: “Miss Parker, your mother’s condition can’t be delayed any longer.” The cruel reality made me reach out and take that check, light as a feather yet heavy as a thousand pounds. Mrs. Whitmore personally sent me to the procedure room, then acted with me, establishing the fact that I despised the Whitmore family’s downfall and ran off with a rich old man while carrying a bastard. Sharp pain yanked me violently from the tangled memories. My body curled into a ball, drenched in cold sweat. Adrian’s anxious roar reached my ears: “Doctor!” When I fully regained consciousness, his face was cold, and every word stabbed: “Good that you’re not dead.” It must have been too much anesthesia that made me dream such delusions. Was Adrian actually concerned about me? “Report any discomfort immediately. The lab needs the data.” As he finished speaking, the artificial heart sent distinct stabbing pains and persistent suffocation. But none of it compared to the pain of Adrian hating me. This was fine. My heart would finally stop aching for him. Flora Reed would replace me and love him properly! Along with the three children I bore for them. “Adrian, Miss Parker doesn’t look well. Should we call a doctor?”

Flora pushed her wheelchair in. Adrian strode to meet her. “Didn’t I tell you to rest? What are you doing here?” He crouched in front of her, worriedly holding her hand. His eyes held that familiar focus and tenderness. Only, it no longer belonged to me. Flora pointed to the fruit plate on her lap, smiling sweetly: “Lena gave birth to our children, and now she’s saved me. I want to thank her…” “This is fruit I cut for you. Does she deserve to eat it?” Flora quickly covered his mouth, playfully scolding: “How can you say that?” Adrian fed Flora several pieces of fruit carefully before allowing her to bring the rest to me. “I can never repay your kindness, so I have a request. I don’t know if you’ll agree?” Her gaze fell on the thick bandages on my chest, choking with emotion. Adrian dotingly kissed away the tears on her face. “Flora, is there anything your husband can’t handle? Why do you need to beg her?” Flora shyly pushed him away: “Adrian, Lena is watching. Stop it! Don’t delay me from talking business with her.” Flora’s face was bashful, her complexion rosy—not at all like someone who just had heart transplant surgery. “Lena, can I ask you to be the godmother of my three children? After all, you saved me, and they were all born from you…” “No!” “I don’t agree!” Adrian and I refused in unison, making Flora’s smile freeze. “Why do you both…” Adrian quickly planted another kiss on Flora’s lips before turning to look at me, his eyes instantly returning to their usual coldness. “Lena Parker, please understand. Only women like Flora are worthy of being Mrs. Whitmore, worthy of being my children’s mother. And you…” He paused, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “You’re just a breeding tool. You’ll never be worthy.” A sharp pain shot through where my heart should be. I closed my eyes, forcing the tears back. Adrian’s devotion to Flora Reed was famous in New York—he’d give her the stars if she asked, never the moon. Refusing to let me be the children’s godmother was the first time he’d ever said no to Flora. To compensate her, he immediately called Mark to attend an auction and bid on everything Flora might possibly like. Flora suddenly leaned close to me and whispered: “Lena Parker, you’re really hard to kill. You didn’t die after giving birth three times. Now you’ve got a new heart and you’re still so resilient. I just wonder about your mother…” My pupils constricted. She actually knew about my mother’s critical condition. After a moment’s thought, I understood why each of my three deliveries had been more dangerous than the last. But I couldn’t hate this woman who had helped Adrian at all. “As long as you don’t touch my mother, you’ll get your wish within a month.” At my last prenatal checkup before the third delivery, I collapsed in the examination room. After emergency treatment and tests, they discovered late-stage brain cancer. The doctor said with good care, I had three months at most. Now that I’d given my heart to Flora, I probably had only the “shortest month” the doctor mentioned. … Adrian never showed up until I was discharged. I also got used to the dull, painful beat of the artificial heart in my chest. I returned alone to the Whitmore villa and didn’t go check on the three children as usual. Unexpectedly, the door opened a crack, and little Hudson peeked his head in worriedly. “Miss Parker…” He was Adrian and Flora’s eldest son, now three years old. “Miss Parker, I heard from Mommy that you saved her. This is my favorite chocolate. It won’t hurt anymore after you eat it.” Hudson waddled over on his short legs and handed me the chocolate that had melted somewhat in his grip. The softest part of my heart was touched. I forced a smile for Hudson and accepted the chocolate: “Thank you.” The moment I put the chocolate in my mouth, Hudson suddenly burst into tears. I quickly got up to pick him up and comfort him, but he suddenly pushed hard against my heart: “Bad person! Why did you steal the chocolate I gave Mommy? And pinch me to make me call you Mommy? You’re not my mommy!” I clutched my heart, cold sweat instantly beading on my forehead. An ominous premonition wrapped around me along with the heart pain.

Adrian burst through the door, rushed over, and slapped me across the face: “Lena Parker, is this how you bully my son behind my back?” With someone to back him up, Hudson immediately cried and complained to Adrian: “Daddy, Miss Parker made me call her Mommy. When I refused, she pinched me! She said Mommy is a bitch and she’d kick Mommy out of the house!” “I didn’t…” I instinctively tried to explain. Adrian slapped me again: “Would Hudson lie?” He picked up Hudson and left with Flora in his arms. He ordered the butler to throw me out of the Whitmore house. Flora came out alone to see me off, her eyes cold: “Lena Parker, you think that after sacrificing so much, acting weak will make Adrian change his mind? No. He wishes you were dead!” “If you’re smart, never come back. Otherwise…” The next second, she suddenly pulled out scissors and stabbed herself in the arm without hesitation. The black card in her hand also fell to the ground. Her piercing scream shattered the villa’s tranquility. Adrian rushed over at the sound. Flora immediately threw herself into his arms, crying like a broken flower, trembling all over: “Adrian, I kindly saw Lena off and gave her the black card. She thought it wasn’t enough and suddenly stabbed me with scissors, saying only if I died would everything I have become hers…” Adrian stared at the wound on her arm—not deep but striking enough. The heartache in his eyes couldn’t be hidden. After calling an ambulance, his eyes held only cold disgust when he looked at me. “Lena Parker, you dare hurt Flora. I’ll make you wish you were dead.” I opened my mouth but couldn’t make a single sound. Explain? Who would believe me? In his eyes, I was already a viper who would sell anything for money and could even hurt children. “Mark, lock her in the basement. Release the snakes.” That already malfunctioning artificial heart sent frequent sharp pains when snake after snake wrapped around me and bit madly. It felt like an invisible hand was viciously squeezing and tearing inside my chest. Years ago, when I was bitten by a snake, Adrian sucked out the poison with his mouth to save me. Later, when we both survived, I blamed him for being so reckless. He said all my pain, he wanted to experience it too. From then on, I hated and feared snakes most of all. But now, he let a room full of snakes engulf me. I don’t know if I was seeing things, but there seemed to be a green snake mixed in with the others. I curled up in the corner, hugging myself, my jaw chattering. My phone screen suddenly lit up. The hospital was calling. “Miss Parker, your mother’s account is overdrawn again. Please pay the fees as soon as possible.” In the call’s background, I heard my mother’s weak but anxious voice: “Don’t pressure my daughter. She has it hard enough… the medicine… I can go without medicine for now…” That voice was like a dull knife sawing back and forth across my heart. I hastily hung up and pounded on the door like a madwoman, begging Adrian to let me out. But only Flora brought me a glass of warm water: “You can scream your throat raw and he won’t soften. Enjoy your last moments.” In front of me, she killed that green snake and took it away. All the physical pain couldn’t compare to the agony in my heart. I completely lost consciousness. I woke again when Adrian threw a bucket of ice water over me. “Tell me, where did you hide Hudson? Just because he exposed your true face, you had someone kidnap him. How did you become so vicious?” I couldn’t care what he was saying. My first reaction was to find my phone. When I saw countless missed calls from the hospital and a notification about my mother’s critical condition, I crawled to his feet: “Adrian, please, save my mom…” He froze for a moment, then ordered Mark to investigate my mother’s situation. Learning my mother was critically ill and dying, he suddenly slammed me against the cold wall and gripped my throat: “Tell me where Hudson is, or your mother doesn’t need to live either!” “I don’t know… I didn’t kidnap him…” “Lena Parker! You’re asking for death!” The air in my lungs was rapidly emptied. My vision darkened. I used my last strength to grab his wrist: “It wasn’t me… Adrian… believe me… please… save my mother first…” He leaned down, his cold lips against my ear, word by word: “Don’t give up Hudson, and your mother’s resuscitation will be suspended.” I jerked my head up, staring at him in disbelief. But he calmly said: “You dare touch my child, I’ll let your mother die in the emergency room.” “When you’ve thought it through, call me.” I was pushed back into the snake pit while he personally went to search for Hudson. Soon, my phone in the corner rang again. I tremblingly pressed the answer button. From the other end came the doctor’s anxious, heavy voice: “Miss Parker! Why haven’t you come to the hospital yet? Your mother suffered multiple organ failure after resuscitation was interrupted due to power outage… We did our best… Please come to the hospital immediately to settle the outstanding fees and handle the funeral arrangements…” The phone slipped from my hands full of bloody holes. The screen shattered, like my heart in that moment. I maintained the posture of answering the phone, wanting to say something, but my throat felt stuffed with wet cotton. I couldn’t make a sound. As I fell straight backward, Adrian returned. Seeing me collapse, he frowned impatiently and sneered coldly: “Lena Parker, smart move. Hudson is safely home! Your mother is also being resuscitated, but you dared kidnap Hudson, so you deserve punishment!” Three days later, while playing with his newborn daughter, he casually ordered Mark: “Go ask her if she knows her mistake, if she dares to touch my wife and children again, or covet things she shouldn’t!” Ten minutes later, Mark stumbled back, his face bloodless with terror, his voice shaking uncontrollably: “Mr. Whitmore! Miss Parker… she… she… is dead!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “358505”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy

After my family went bankrupt, I became a mistress of my ex-boyfriend, a mafia boss—his on-call sex toy for whenever he wanted. Thinking of my mother lying in the ICU, I swallowed my shame and studied moves from adult films, desperately trying to please him in bed. When Lucas slapped my ass and ordered me to “lift it higher,” I complied in humiliation. Just endure a little longer. My mom still needs money to survive. “You’re such a slut when you get like this, it feels damn good..” Utterly mortified, I asked hoarsely, “When will you transfer the money?” He lit a cigarette. “Next month.” A chill instantly spread through my body. I turned back and begged desperately, “But you promised it would be tomorrow… My mom can’t hold on until next month.” “Please.” Lucas slowly blew out a smoke ring. “I used the liquid funds to buy Mia the latest sniper rifle. She needs some protection for her first mission.” He thought I would kick up a huge fuss like I used to. But this time, I was truly exhausted.

“You’re going out like that?” Lucas glanced at my torn clothes, his eyes sweeping toward the door he’d deliberately left slightly open. I knew what he was reminding me—that everything that just happened had been clearly visible to his men through that crack. But they’d already witnessed me in even more degrading positions. What did this matter? I numbly pushed the door open. He grabbed my wrist. “Do you have any shame left?” I looked back calmly. “Have you ever given me any dignity?” He fell silent. We both knew the truth. From the moment I beat him three times in a row at that shooting competition when we were nineteen, he’d fallen deeply in love with me. He said he loved the fierce determination in my eyes when I pulled the trigger. But in just seven years, he grew tired of it. All because the newcomer Mia curled up in his arms and said, “Lucas, the way Kiera looks at me… I’m so scared.” So he personally severed the tendons in my hands, ensuring I could never hold a gun again. Seven years of life-and-death companionship, defeated by a single tear from his new flame. He’d brought up breaking things off seven times, each time because Mia wanted official recognition. Even now, knowing full well my mother was lying in the ICU waiting for money to survive, he remained unmoved. My eyes suddenly burned. I asked hoarsely, “That sniper rifle—how much did it cost?” He said casually, “Three hundred million.” Three hundred million. My heart felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand, the pain suffocating. I only needed fifty million. A fraction of that amount would be enough to save my mother. After seven years with him, I wasn’t worth as much as Mia’s sniper rifle. Lucas always meant what he said. If he said wait a month, even if I died right here, he wouldn’t change his mind. I stopped pleading and walked straight to the door. Outside, several team members were smoking. They fell abruptly silent when they saw me. They awkwardly looked away. Someone laughed nervously, “Kiera, finished with training?” The group exchanged knowing glances, laughing under their breath. Lucas threw a glass from inside. The shards sliced across my calf. Blood seeped into my pants. I didn’t even feel it. He frowned at the bloody mark before tossing his jacket over my shoulders in front of everyone. “I said one month, not never. Who are you making that face for?” The buttons weren’t even fastened—just draped over me for show. I looked deeply at this man I’d loved for seven years. I’d always thought if I was just a little more obedient, a little more humble, he’d remember that I’d once taken a bullet for him, that I’d been willing to die for him. They say true love means caring, but his eyes held only coldness. The moment I stepped out of the compound, all my strength drained away. My legs shook so badly I could barely stand. As tears fell, laughter echoed shamelessly from inside. Someone asked Lucas, “The Sterling family was obviously set up. Are you really not going to help?” Lucas’s voice was cold. “I’m the one who set the trap. Mia said Kiera publicly humiliated her when she first joined the organization. She’s been hurt all these years—I had to make it up to her somehow.” “Aren’t you worried Kiera will actually leave? She’s a top-tier sniper with a backbone of steel.” Lucas laughed outright. “Come on. We’ve known each other eight years, been together seven. Kiera always comes running back with one phone call.” “If she can actually walk away, I might actually respect her for once.” I pressed against the wall, biting my hand hard to keep from sobbing out loud. My family’s bankruptcy, my desperate pleas for help that went unanswered—it was all because Lucas blocked every avenue, all because Mia shed a few tears three years ago. My wounds stuck to my soaked clothes. Every movement tore at my flesh. Thinking of my mother covered in tubes, thinking of the doctor saying they’d stop the machines if I didn’t pay soon, I slapped myself twice, hard. “Idiot. If you hadn’t fallen for him, you wouldn’t have dragged your whole family into this hell.” I never imagined that trusting someone with my life would end like this. The Davis family was a powerful gang controlling half the underground arms trade. Lucas’s word could determine life or death. He was determined to avenge Mia. No one in the underworld dared help me. I stood on the river bridge in despair, looking at the surging waters below, almost ready to jump. But I didn’t dare. If I died, what would happen to my mother?

I suddenly thought of Mia. Three years ago, during a cross-border mission, I attended as the Sterling family heiress alongside her, when she was still a newcomer. In the lounge, some arms dealer drunkenly groped her thigh. I happened to witness it and got her out of the situation. At the time, I’d just had a fight with Lucas over rumors about him and another woman. He decided to spite me, laughing in front of everyone, “Miss Sterling likes playing the hero? New girl, you report to me from now on.” I never imagined that would be the beginning of our twisted triangle. I don’t know when Lucas fell for Mia. He gave her top-tier equipment, hired the best instructors for private training, let her participate in the most important missions. To spare her any grievance, he bought an entire smuggling route as her birthday present. Whenever Mia frowned, I didn’t need to ask to know why—because Lucas would cut contact with me first, then apologize to the organization using my name. He said, “Mia is innocent. She can’t handle this kind of thing.” She couldn’t be wronged, so I had to be the one who suffered. I stumbled to the private club hosting tonight’s celebration for Mia, only to be stopped by security at the door. “Sorry, Miss Sterling. Mr. Davis ordered that no one disturb Miss Mia.” This club used to be a place Lucas brought me often. Now that I was discarded, no one would show me any courtesy. The night wind cut through my thin clothes. My wounds reopened, pain making my teeth chatter. “Let her in.” I looked up. Lucas stood on the gallery, looking down at me. Something flashed in his eyes before quickly turning cold again. “Who are you trying to look pitiful for? Don’t you know your old injury acts up when you get a high fever?” Right. I’d once taken a bullet to the lung saving him. Catching cold always brought on a fever. Back when things were good between us, he’d wrap me in his coat and stay up all night monitoring my IV drip. I lowered my head. “I want to talk to Mia.” Lucas frowned slightly, a mocking smile playing at his lips. “You haven’t changed, Kiera.” He was afraid I’d make things difficult for Mia. After all, I had a “record.” When I first discovered Mia calling Lucas at dawn saying she had nightmares, I’d stormed into her dorm and thrown her phone in the sink in front of the whole team. As everyone snickered, Lucas came over and slapped me. Every team member froze. I stood my ground defiantly. “You’re my man. Not just anyone can harass you in the middle of the night.” Lucas just looked at me coldly, publicly shielding the pale-faced Mia behind him. “Look at yourself, acting like a crazy woman. You think you deserve to call me your man?” He left me standing there while everyone pointed and whispered. Because of that, Mia took my place on an overseas mission I’d been preparing for a month. Lucas locked me in the basement to “reflect.” However many days Mia was unhappy, that’s how many days I was confined. Not a drop of water. Lucas didn’t come back until he’d spent a week comforting her. Afraid she’d be affected by public opinion, he directly transferred operating rights to a port as compensation. I shook my head, forcing out a smile more painful than crying. “I just want to explain to her that there’s nothing between us anymore.” The clear doubt on his face made my heart ache. I admit I still loved him. I knew his pride as the Davis heir was immense. All these years, I’d never defied him, terrified that one wrong look would hurt him. I never expected he could be this ruthless toward me—setting up my family’s destruction just to appease Mia. It wasn’t that I didn’t love him anymore. I just didn’t dare to. Once grievances take root, they spread wildly. My eyes instantly reddened. Lucas frowned. “If you want to talk, talk. Why are you crying…” He was about to raise his hand when a figure ran out from the club. Mia wore a custom evening gown, radiating luxury and confidence—far more dazzling than the timid newcomer from years ago. More than me, she looked like the princess Lucas treasured. I smiled bitterly, watching as Lucas quickly walked to Mia’s side.

“Why did you come out?” Lucas’s tone instantly softened. She lowered her head. The moment her eyes reddened, Lucas panicked, pulling her into his arms and coaxing gently, “Who made our Mia upset?” Only then did Mia smile through her tears, lightly hitting his shoulder. “I heard Kiera was here. I came out to see.” “Now you’ve seen her. Satisfied?” He asked Mia, but his eyes were on me. I thought she should be satisfied. The Sterling family heiress who once rescued her during a mission now stood before her in tattered clothes, hair matted with blood and sweat, utterly wretched. What wasn’t there to be satisfied about? I wanted to question them, but I didn’t dare—afraid that if Mia became unhappy, my mother wouldn’t survive even her last few days. I forced myself to produce a pleasing smile. “Mia, long time no see.” She was more natural than I was. “Kiera, you didn’t need to come specially. I’ve already forgiven you.” I looked up at her. Forgiven me? Forgiven me for throwing away the phone she used to seduce someone else’s boyfriend, or forgiven me for blocking her path to becoming Mrs. Davis? I was momentarily dazed, just staring at her blankly. But Lucas suddenly got angry. “Mia’s being generous enough to forgive you. Shouldn’t you say thank you?” A thousand arrows pierced my heart. I bit down hard on my jaw, holding back tears. The words of gratitude ground between my teeth again and again, my tongue tasting blood before they finally broke free, “Thank you.” Lucas looked away, pulling out a black card and placing it in Mia’s palm. “There’s fifty million in here. You decide whether to give it to her.” My eyes lit up immediately. If I could just get the money, my mother could live. I looked at Mia hopefully, only to see her slowly curl her fingers around the card. Mia’s lips curved slightly. “Kiera made the whole team mock me back then and made Lucas misunderstand me. I can’t let her off that easily.” Lucas smiled and tapped her nose affectionately. “Whatever you say.” I panicked instantly. My mother was waiting for this money to survive. I’d already used all our savings trying to plug the holes in the family business. Now penniless, I was being hounded by creditors and enemies every day. My mother’s heart was already weak. The shock sent her to intensive care. This was my last chance, right in front of me. I begged desperately, “Mia, I’m sorry. I was wrong. You can punish me however you want. Please help me.” Mia tilted her head thoughtfully, then said playfully, “How about this—if Kiera barks like a dog for me, I’ll give you the card. Deal?” She smiled sweetly, but her words were poison. “Make it sound real, okay? I heard Kiera used to be amazing at disguises and imitations during missions.” Lucas remained silent, standing beside Mia as if backing her up. “Don’t want to…” She started to put the card back in her pocket with mock regret. I immediately cried out, “I will!” As soon as the words left my mouth, she laughed triumphantly, her eyes crinkling as she waited for my performance. I glanced at the unmoved Lucas. My throat felt like it had been scraped with sandpaper. It was just a few barks, yet it felt like being stripped naked in public. I opened my mouth. No sound came out. My nails dug into my palms. The taste of blood filled my mouth. “Woof…” When the first sound escaped, I heard my voice trembling. “Woof woof…” The second was clearer. Someone in the hallway couldn’t help laughing. “Sounds so real,” someone whispered. Mia laughed with satisfaction, then pretended to be regretful. “Oh Kiera, I was just joking. Why did you actually do it?” I didn’t stop. I lowered my head and continued, “Woof woof woof…” Each sound scraped my throat like a blade. “Oh…” Mia sighed lightly and tossed the card at my feet. I bent down to pick it up, tears falling onto the gold-embossed surface. My mother could be saved. Lucas, I’ll never dare to love you again.

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I’m a cheapskate—I rented a haunted house. The first night I moved in, the faucet turned itself on. I yelled at the empty air, “Are you gonna pay the water bill?!” The water stopped instantly. I thought that was just the beginning… But the next day, I found a lavish breakfast waiting on my dining table. And later, this female ghost asked me to help her get revenge. Avocado scrambled eggs, pan-seared shrimp with tomato sauce, buttered sautéed spinach, plus a bowl of creamy mushroom soup. Perfect in color, aroma, and taste. As someone who lived on pizza delivery, my mouth watered on the spot. Hunger conquered fear. I tentatively picked up a fork and took a bite of the avocado eggs. Delicious. So delicious I almost swallowed my tongue. I devoured everything on the table like a hurricane, not leaving even a drop of soup. Full and satisfied, I rubbed my round belly and burped. I praised the empty air sincerely, “Great cooking. Keep it up tomorrow.” Then I went to work. That evening when I got home and opened the door, the aroma of food hit me. Three dishes and a soup were on the table again. Red wine braised beef ribs, black pepper tofu stew, garlic broccoli, and vegetable meatball soup. Shamelessly, I polished it all off again. After freeloading for three days straight, I started feeling a bit guilty. This “female ghost” not only had a good temper but was also great at managing a household. I dug out a pink sticky note from the drawer and wrote in bold black ink: “Hi, what should I call you? I feel bad always eating your food.” After writing, I placed the note neatly in the center of the dining table. The next morning, breakfast was on the table as usual. Oatmeal porridge, a small dish of pickled cucumbers, and two freshly baked beef pies. Next to my sticky note was an identical one. Written in very beautiful handwriting. “Evelyn Hartley.” The name sounded nice. After finishing breakfast, I left another note: “Evelyn, with your cooking skills, it’s a shame you’re not a food blogger.” Just making conversation. When I came home that evening, a hearty dinner was on the table. Below my note was a new reply: “What’s a food blogger?” I burst out laughing. She must have been dead for quite a while. Suddenly, an idea came to me—a very bold idea. I spread out the paper and wrote a shopping list. Australian lobster, Kobe beef, black truffles, caviar. I wrote down every expensive ingredient I’d ever heard of but could never afford. After writing, I guiltily glanced around. The air was completely silent. I pressed the list in the middle of the table and went to bed with a strange sense of anticipation. The next day, the first thing I did when I woke up was rush to the dining room. The table was completely empty. Forget lobster and beef—there wasn’t even a hair. I felt a bit disappointed. I guess my demands were too excessive and scared her away. I sighed and was about to cook some oatmeal myself in the kitchen. When I turned around, I saw a note pressed on the table. It was in Evelyn’s familiar handwriting, but this time the strokes seemed a bit cold. “Wasteful.” I stood there stunned, then couldn’t help but laugh out loud. This ghost not only could cook but was also a thrifty, good girl. I like that. I immediately picked up my pen to reply: “Evelyn, I was wrong. I was just joking. From now on we’ll eat home-cooked meals. I’ll never mention that nonsense again.” My apology was very sincere. Sure enough, when I came home that evening, three dishes and a soup appeared on the table again. Although they were all cheap home-cooked dishes, I ate more contentedly than ever before. On the weekend, I was sprawled on the couch playing video games when the doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole and saw my coworker, Marcus Quinn. What was he doing here?

Marcus and I didn’t exactly get along. Marcus came from money. At the company, he looked down on everyone, especially people like me who’d fight over a few dollars in coupons. I opened the door. Marcus waved his hand in front of his nose with a disgusted expression, standing at the doorway. “Preston, you actually live in this dump? It’s like a trash heap.” His eyes swept over my one-bedroom apartment, full of contempt. “I heard you got this place dirt cheap. Is there something wrong with it?” I said flatly, “It’s fine. Spacious, bright, friendly neighbors.” Marcus laughed exaggeratedly. “Neighbors? Do you dare go out at night in this building? I heard someone died here.” He just came to laugh at my misfortune. I couldn’t be bothered with him and turned to close the door. But Marcus squeezed his way inside. “Hey, don’t be so quick to kick me out. I came here out of kindness to check on you. What’s with that attitude?” He walked around the place uninvited, wrinkling his nose like he was inspecting a slum. “So clean? Did you hire a cleaning service? Doesn’t seem like your style.” He walked to the table and suddenly stopped, pointing at a vase in the corner. “You even have an antique decoration? Is this real or fake?” My heart tightened. “Just a regular decoration.” It was here when I moved in. Marcus curled his lip and reached out to grab it. “Let me take a look.” “Don’t touch it!” I tried to stop him. But it was too late. Marcus’s hand touched the vase, and as if he didn’t hold it properly, the vase fell straight toward the floor. My heart jumped to my throat. Just as the vase was about to make intimate contact with the floor, it stopped. It just floated in mid-air, less than a centimeter from the ground. Time seemed to freeze. Marcus’s smile froze on his face, his eyes wide as saucers. The next second, the vase wobbled up and flew back, landing steadily on the corner of the table, completely undamaged. The room was deathly silent. Marcus’s face turned from red to white, then from white to green. He pointed at the vase with a trembling finger. “It… it…” He stuttered “it” for a long time without forming a complete sentence. Suddenly, he let out a short, strange cry and ran outside. Stumbling and scrambling, not looking back. I watched his pathetic retreat, then looked at the vase on the table and sighed. “Evelyn, I’ve told you so many times—keep a low profile.” I scolded the empty air. “If that vase broke, how expensive would it be? Would you pay for it?” The air remained completely still. I didn’t expect her to answer anyway. That night, lying in bed, I proactively chatted with Evelyn for the first time. I told her about the annoying things at work, about how obnoxious Marcus was today. I said how much I wanted to make good money, buy my own place, and stop having to look at people’s faces. As I talked, I fell asleep. The next day, I woke up freezing. The temperature in the room seemed to have dropped to freezing. I pulled the blanket tight but still shivered from the cold. I opened my phone and saw a text from the electric company. This month’s electricity bill: three thousand eight hundred dollars. I stared at that number for a full minute. Thirty-eight hundred?! How could my electricity usage possibly be that high? Then I suddenly remembered something. The faucet turning on by itself, the TV lighting up in the middle of the night, and those damned meals that appeared on time every day! Did these paranormal phenomena also consume electricity? A surge of anger shot straight to the top of my head. I leaped out of bed, grabbed my phone, and roared at the empty room: “Evelyn! Come out here!” “What’s with this electric bill? Thirty-eight hundred! Why don’t you just rob me!” “You’re paying this bill!” My voice echoed in the small room, filled with uncontrollable anger. The lights in the room started flickering wildly, on and off. A chill shot up from the soles of my feet, even colder than the low temperature before. I saw the shadow in the corner of the wall begin to wriggle and gather unnaturally. A silhouette darker than the darkness itself slowly peeled away from the shadow. Her figure was slender, but her entire body was shrouded in an indistinct black mist. I couldn’t feel any wind, but it felt like all the air in the room had been sucked out. A cold, emotionless voice—not through my ears but directly in my head—spoke. “Say that again.”

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The day the company handed out year-end bonuses, my bonus turned into a box of ultra-thin condoms. “The sales department’s performance is all from sleeping around anyway. Spread your legs and the contract gets signed. That’s easy.” I looked up at the secretary, her face twisted in a lewd smile. “Getting off and making money at the same time—I’d want that job too.” A few obscene laughs echoed through the conference room. I closed my laptop, got up, and left. Leaning against the window, I opened SnapChat. The message from the VP of our rival company three days ago still sat in the chat box. “Ms. Foster, have you thought it over? Bring your clients with you, and the VP position is yours.” Behind me, more obscene laughter drifted from the conference room. Then came the boss’s duck-like voice screeching: “Walk out that door and don’t you dare regret it!” I didn’t look back. I strode toward the office area. Linda clacked after me in her four-inch heels. She deliberately raised her voice in the hallway: “Evelyn, stop acting so high and mighty.” “Without this company, you’re nothing. Don’t forget to pick up that box of condoms from accounting—consider it the boss’s severance package for you.” Coworkers around us turned to stare. Some whispered among themselves. I stopped and gave her a cold look. Linda crossed her arms, wearing that mocking smile unique to someone who thinks they’ve won. Instead of getting angry, I smiled, turned around, and walked to my desk. Last month’s performance reports still sat piled on top. Those were the results of three consecutive all-nighters with my team. Just ten minutes ago, the boss had casually wiped it all away with a single sentence. I looked at those familiar faces beyond the cubicle walls. Jake kept his head down, pretending to type, but his shoulders trembled slightly. Rachel’s eyes were red. She glared in my direction, angry but not daring to speak. In that moment, my last shred of hesitation evaporated completely. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out. On the screen was a message from VP Chen of our rival company, Golden Tech. “Ms. Foster, have you made your decision?” My fingers flew across the screen. “I’ll bring my projects. I want the Sales Director position.” The response came almost instantly. “Deal. Contract’s ready. Car’s downstairs.” I shoved my phone back in my pocket and started packing my things. I didn’t grab that cardboard box full of miscellaneous items. I only unplugged my encrypted flash drive. Then I opened my computer, fingers dancing rapidly across the keyboard. After copying the core client data, I deleted the files directly. All that remained in the company system was a pile of worthless surface-level data. When I finished, I closed my computer, feeling refreshed. The boss had somehow burst out of his office. He stared at my empty desk, the fat on his face quivering. “Evelyn Foster, if you walk out that door, I’ll make sure no one in this industry will hire you!” He jabbed his finger at my nose and roared: “Everyone knows about your dirty little secrets! Don’t think changing companies will clean your reputation!” Here came the smear campaign again. This was his usual tactic—trying to force me into submission with these lowlife methods. I cut him off impatiently: “Save it, boss.” I casually removed my ID badge from around my neck. In front of everyone, I tore the badge in half. With a flick of my wrist, the pieces landed precisely in the nearby trash can. “Keep your threats and your condoms for yourself. Be careful you don’t destroy yourself.” Dead silence filled the room. The boss’s face turned iron gray. His mouth hung open, but no words came out. I grabbed my bag and walked out without looking back. Outside the building, the late autumn wind hit my face, but it felt incredibly liberating. A black Maybach sat parked by the curb. VP Chen got out personally and opened the door for me. “Ms. Foster, welcome to Golden Tech.” No nonsense about probation periods—just a core employment contract. I signed my name and watched the scenery retreat past the window. I took out my phone and posted on social media. The image was my brand-new Golden Tech ID badge. The caption was just one simple line. “New beginning. Making money with my brain, not my looks.” A few minutes later, my phone went crazy with notifications.

The day after I left, my old company exploded into chaos. According to a secret message from Jake, the sales department had turned into a complete mess. The boss threw the printed client list directly in Linda’s face. “Evelyn used to guard these resources, now they’re yours!” He pointed at the long list and roared: “You go sign deals and prove sales is all about looks!” Linda held the folder containing only contact information, brimming with confidence. She changed into a low-cut, tight red dress. Her perfume was so strong you could smell it from two blocks away. Her first target was a major client worth tens of millions—Vincent Hayes, CEO of Skyhigh Group. Linda brought two fresh graduates with her and marched straight to Skyhigh Group. She thought it was the same old routine from when she accompanied the boss to business dinners. But I knew Vincent too well. He was a true hands-on executive who most despised this type of “public relations” approach with sexual undertones. Sure enough, less than half an hour later, Linda came out looking utterly defeated. Vincent not only refused to see her but also made a complaint call directly to the company’s front desk. “Tell your boss if he sends this kind of person to harass me again, he can expect a lawyer’s letter!” The boss smashed a cup in his office. He couldn’t bring himself to scold Linda, so he turned and vented at everyone else in the sales department. “You all failed to support Director Linda properly!” “Bunch of useless people! Can’t even land a single client!” My former colleague Rachel was crying so hard on the phone she could barely breathe. “Evelyn, we really can’t take it anymore.” “The boss is forcing us to give gifts to clients, drink with them, and he’s even hinting that the female employees should learn from Linda…” I gripped my phone tighter, my voice turning cold. “Hang in there for two more days. The real show’s coming.” I hung up and looked at the dense data analysis on my computer screen. At Golden Tech, I hadn’t wasted a single second. I’d worked through the night to finish a proposal. It completely rejected the old company’s culture of using alcohol and seduction to win business. Vincent agreed to my invitation. We met at a quiet business tea room. I didn’t order alcohol. Instead, I ordered a pot of fine tea. I took out the thick analysis report and pushed it in front of Vincent. “Mr. Hayes, this is the proposal tailored for Skyhigh Group.” Vincent flipped through a few pages. His frown gradually relaxed. “Ms. Foster, you still understand me best.” He closed the file and sighed. “The person that other company sent was an insult to my intelligence.” I smiled slightly and poured him a cup of tea. “Professionals do professional work, Mr. Hayes. Let’s just talk business.” The meeting went very pleasantly. I not only secured Vincent’s verbal commitment but also obtained a crucial piece of information. The old company’s supply chain had developed a major vulnerability. Since I had also been responsible for coordinating the supply chain, I knew exactly where their weaknesses were. At the weekend industry social, we ran into each other. The boss brought Linda, both dressed to the nines. Linda clung to the boss’s arm. Her dress had a slit that went almost to the top of her thigh. When she saw me, she deliberately raised her voice. “Oh my, isn’t this Evelyn, who got kicked out?” Eyes immediately focused our way. Linda twisted her waist as she walked over, looking me up and down in my business suit. “Think you can sign deals now that you’ve joined the competition? Or did you sleep your way in again?” The boss let out a piercing cold laugh nearby. “Evelyn, that dump Golden Tech actually took you in?” “I heard VP Chen picked you up personally? Guess you do have some talent in that department.” Their vulgar words echoed through the social event hall. Quite a few people started pointing and whispering about me. I held my juice and watched these two clowns. In that moment, I felt no anger—only the calm detachment of someone watching a show.

Facing Linda’s malicious slander, I didn’t resort to screaming like a shrew. I simply turned slightly and smiled at several industry leaders nearby. “The boss certainly has a unique corporate culture.” I said unhurriedly: “After all, a company that gives out condoms as year-end bonuses—I’m just not blessed enough to appreciate it.” My voice wasn’t loud, but it was just loud enough for the circle of people around us to hear clearly. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Many people showed looks of contempt. The boss’s face instantly turned iron gray, as if someone had slapped him hard across the face. Humiliated and enraged, he pointed at me: “Evelyn Foster, just you wait!” After the social ended, the boss didn’t let up. He went into several industry group chats with hundreds of members and spread rumors like crazy. He said I’d stolen trade secrets from my former company. He even photoshopped some obscene images. He was trying to completely destroy my reputation before Skyhigh Group’s bidding process. Some discordant voices also appeared inside Golden Tech. People whispered in the break room, questioning whether I would bring negative impact to the company. “That Director Foster seems to have a pretty bad reputation…” “Why would VP Chen hire someone like her?” VP Chen pushed the door open directly and slammed a file on the table. “I value Director Foster’s abilities.” He looked around the room, his tone ice-cold: “These gutter tactics just show how desperate the other side is. Anyone else who gossips gets fired immediately.” I stood outside the door, warmth flooding my heart. Since the company trusted me this much, I couldn’t afford to lose. I didn’t rush to defend myself in those group chats. That would be a waste of time. I contacted a lawyer directly and had all the screenshots and recordings of the boss’s slander notarized. At the same time, I reached out to several old clients the boss had screwed over. We were going to work together and prepare a big gift for him. The Skyhigh Group bidding conference arrived as scheduled. The boss and Linda brought their team in full force. They carried a beautifully bound proposal. I only had to glance at the cover to know it was plagiarized from one of my old rejected drafts. They hadn’t even changed the formatting. Linda cornered me outside the lounge. She leaned in smugly: “Evelyn, save your energy.” “Mr. Hayes promised me privately that as long as tonight…” She winked suggestively: “The contract is ours. Your boring data is useless.” I looked at her like she was a hopeless idiot. “You don’t even know what Mr. Hayes hates most, and you think you can land this deal?” Vincent had a daughter who’d been harassed early in her career. So the thing he hated most in life was workplace sexual harassment. Linda was tap-dancing in a minefield, thinking she was performing a waltz. I didn’t bother explaining. I just sneered: “Is that so? Then I wish you a pleasant evening.” Both parties entered the conference room. The boss sat across from me, glaring viciously. He raised his hand and made a throat-slitting gesture across his neck. His mouth clearly formed the words: “You’re finished.” I opened my laptop with no expression. Vincent pushed through the door, his face serious. When his eyes swept over Linda’s overly revealing outfit, disgust flashed across his face. When he looked at me, he nodded slightly.

Linda was first to present. She twisted her hips as she walked to the projection screen, confident as if she were walking a red carpet. “Our Harmony Solutions has industry-leading service concepts…” The entire presentation was all posturing. The PowerPoint content was empty and meaningless. Full of “dedicated service” and “premium experience”—all phrases dripping with innuendo. When she reached the technical details, she stuttered. “Um… this…” She had to ask the technician beside her for help. The scene became extremely awkward. Vincent coldly cut her off: “Mr. Wallace, is this your sincerity?” The boss immediately broke into a cold sweat, stammering without daring to respond. “This… Mr. Hayes, we can discuss the terms further…” Vincent waved his hand impatiently: “Next.” I straightened my suit jacket, took the presentation remote, and walked onto the stage. Full presence. No wasted words. Just solid data and logic. I pointed at the line graph on the screen: “As far as I know, Harmony’s current inventory turnover rate cannot support Mr. Hayes’s requirements.” That sentence struck right at the boss’s fatal weakness. He slammed the table and stood up: “Evelyn Foster! You’re leaking your former company’s confidential information!” He pointed at me and roared: “Mr. Hayes, this is commercial crime! All this data was stolen by her!” He was trying to disrupt the conference and muddy the waters. I looked at him calmly, a mocking smile playing at my lips. “Mr. Wallace, this data is extrapolated from your publicly available financial reports.” “Is it that hard to admit your own mismanagement?” My gaze was sharp: “Also, this is my professional competence. Unlike some people who only focus their energy on handing out condoms to employees.” The whole room burst into laughter. Vincent couldn’t help but smile as well, the admiration in his eyes impossible to hide. The boss’s face turned the color of liver, but he couldn’t utter a single word of rebuttal. Vincent announced on the spot: “No need for further discussion.” He closed the folder: “I’m very satisfied with Golden Tech’s proposal. Director Foster, let’s sign the contract.” He completely ignored the group from Harmony. Linda still wouldn’t give up. She tried to rush forward and act cute to salvage the situation: “Mr. Hayes, please reconsider…” Vincent frowned and called security. “Please escort this woman out. This is a conference room, not a nightclub.” Security guards grabbed Linda by the arms and dragged her out. One of her high heels fell off. The boss looked ashen as he watched that contract worth tens of millions fall into my hands. All his arrogance completely extinguished in that moment. Walking out of the conference room, the boss slumped on a bench in the hallway like a broken man. Like a mangy dog whose spine had been snapped. I walked up to him and looked down from above. “Mr. Wallace, I told you.” “Multi-million dollar contracts aren’t signed by taking your clothes off.” “This project—I’m taking it.” The glass door of the conference room was suddenly slammed open with a loud thud. The boss rushed out, his face flushed red, his tie askew. He threw a thick stack of documents viciously onto Rachel’s desk. Papers flew everywhere. “Useless! What’s the point of keeping you useless people!”

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