Author: Momo Chan

In my past life, my elder sister, Naomi, whom I trusted implicitly, plunged me into ruin. When her lover’s financial fraud was exposed, she meticulously laid every piece of blame at my feet. I became a pariah, a public enemy vilified by all, even abandoned by my own father. “We have no son who would betray our company like this!” he had bellowed. That rainy night, with despair as my only companion, I chose to end it all. Now, reborn, I awaken to find myself back on the eve of a major project launch. This time, I will not let anyone dictate my life again! In the office, I stared at the computer screen, deaf to my colleagues’ sneers, and drafted my resignation letter. 1 The business proposal trembled slightly in my hands. This seemingly golden opportunity, in my previous life, had been the very document that plunged me into an abyss from which there was no return. “My capabilities are limited; I fear I’m not up to such a significant task,” I said, my voice calm, as I pushed the proposal back across the desk to my sister, Naomi. The smile on her face instantly froze. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Ethan. Do you know how much effort I put into securing it for you?” I looked at my sister, her expression feigning concern, with a cold, assessing gaze. In my past life, it was she who had neatly placed every single piece of blame onto me, transforming me from a Wall Street golden boy into a reviled pariah. “Ethan, when did you become such a coward?” My fiancée, Sophia, immediately reprimanded me. “How can you expect to make any progress in your career if you’re so timid and hesitant?” A cold laugh bubbled in my chest. These two women, outwardly pretending to have my best interests at heart, were in reality only concerned with Marcus. “Marcus is an Ivy League graduate; he’s stronger than me in every aspect. This project would be a much better fit for him,” I stated, looking directly at them. In my previous life, when Marcus and I co-managed the project, he fabricated financial records for performance. Ultimately, it was I who bore all the legal accusations. This time, I swore I wouldn’t repeat that mistake. “You really should take Marcus as your role model,” Sophia suddenly cooed, her eyes shimmering with adoration when she spoke his name. The irony wasn’t lost on me. This woman, who claimed to love me deeply, carried another man in her heart. I suppressed the rising annoyance and continued my refusal. “I’ve already committed to attending the Silicon Valley Venture Summit. I simply can’t free up my schedule this month.” Their relentless push for me to partner with Marcus on this project was driven by a single, stark reality: without the extensive financial network I’d cultivated on Wall Street, Marcus wouldn’t be able to pull off this billion-dollar multinational acquisition. If this M&A deal succeeded, it would be Marcus’s express ticket directly to the board of directors. I opened my laptop and pulled up my email. “Would you like me to forward you the invitation from the organizers?” 2 Sophia stared at the screen, her expression instantly sharpening. “You didn’t breathe a single word of this international summit to Marcus? What, do you think you finally have a chance to show off?” My sister Naomi’s voice also turned cold. “In business, it’s about sharing resources. Your autocratic style is truly eye-opening.” I scoffed. “The investment banking world is a small place. Marcus usually can’t even be bothered to say hello. And now it’s my fault?” Although we both worked at headquarters, Marcus had never shown me anything but disdain since I joined. In the past six months, aside from mandatory meetings, we hadn’t exchanged more than three words privately. Sophia grew even more agitated. “Do you have any idea how busy Marcus is? As his subordinate, shouldn’t you have proactively reported this?” As she spoke, she already had her phone out, dialing the summit organizing committee. My sister Naomi, meanwhile, simply rose and left the conference room, clearly off to find Marcus. Watching them, a wave of bitter sarcasm washed over me. In their eyes, I was nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed at will. Before long, Sophia hung up, her face grim. The summit’s attendance list was full; the committee had politely declined her request. “This is a direct opportunity to meet top global investors. If Marcus misses it…” She bit her lip anxiously, then her eyes suddenly lit up. “Ethan, how about this? You transfer your spot to Marcus. I promise, the next good opportunity, you’ll be the first person I think of.” Hearing her words, I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. “Just because he’s Marcus, I should sacrifice my own opportunity?” For years, I had considered her the most important person in my life, yet in her heart, I was less than Marcus’s substitute. Sophia suddenly adopted a wheedling tone. “You’re so much younger than Marcus. What’s wrong with letting a senior go first? You have plenty of other opportunities. Don’t be so petty!” Looking at her sickeningly sweet act, a wave of disgust washed over me. This woman, usually a fierce and decisive force in the investment banking world, could demean herself like this for Marcus. Unfortunately, after being reborn, I had long since seen through her true colors. No longer would I be fooled by such pretense. 3 “Ethan, you’re being utterly unreasonable! This opportunity should be given to Marcus!” As I pondered, Naomi had already ushered Marcus into the conference room. My gaze met Marcus’s, and the undisguised contempt in his eyes was palpable. I gave a cold chuckle. “Business is a battlefield. Everyone relies on their own abilities. No one has the right to make decisions for others.” I stood up, not even bothering to glance at them again as I left. Surprisingly, the summit proceeded without incident. It wasn’t until I opened the company’s internal network that I saw Marcus had fully taken over the M&A project. I thought the matter was closed, but no sooner had I returned from the conference than Naomi and Sophia burst into my office. Their faces were ashen, their expressions panicked. “It’s a disaster! The SEC is investigating the acquisition! Marcus is truly finished this time, you have to help!” I scoffed. “What does the SEC investigation have to do with me? I’ve been in the U.S. this whole time. How do you plan to frame me?” Naomi’s next words, however, left me dumbfounded. “I’ve prepared all the materials. You just need to sign a few documents. You’ve only been with the company for a short while, so even if they find problems, it won’t be too serious.” Hearing this, a chill ran through me. A vice president, my own elder sister, was willing to condemn her younger brother to fraud charges just to protect an outsider. If I took this fall, my career would be ruined, and I would even face jail time. The nightmare of my past life flashed before my eyes. Without a second thought, I refused: “Corporate fraud is a serious crime. Since he was the one leading the project, he should bear the consequences himself.” Sophia was frantic, stomping her foot. “Wall Street is all about connections and favors! If you help with this, the entire industry will remember your good deed!” Listening to this blatant emotional blackmail, I could no longer suppress my fury: “You two only see Marcus! Have you ever considered my situation? One is my own sister, the other my fiancée—you two are pushing me into a fiery pit!” My voice was trembling; the tragedy of my past life made it impossible to stay calm. Naomi, however, was unwavering. “This isn’t a discussion, it’s a notification. The materials are ready. You have to take the fall for this.” She slammed a folder heavily onto my desk. I opened it and gasped – they had actually forged an entire chain of evidence implicating me in the fraud. Such a meticulous setup; if I weren’t the insider, anyone would believe these fabricated proofs. It seemed I had still underestimated their obsession with Marcus. But a mocking smile spread across my face. “Forging evidence, manipulating the market – those are serious felonies. Aren’t you afraid I’ll hand the evidence over to the FBI?” 4 “Are you threatening me? Don’t forget, I’m your sister. If you dare to make a fuss, Mom and Dad will be the first ones to disown you.” Naomi stared at me coldly, attempting to use our family ties to suppress me. In her mind, I had always been the meek, compliant younger brother who never dared to defy her. I scoffed dismissively. “Now you remember I’m your brother? For Marcus, you’re willing to destroy your own brother’s life. What right do you have to talk about family affection? From today on, we’re cutting all ties. You two had better not bother me again.” In that moment, I was utterly, completely disappointed in them. Sophia, seeing the turn of events, hastily tried to smooth things over. “Why are you being so difficult? This could be good for you too! JPMorgan Chase has promised that if you help us, they’ll give you a Vice President position immediately. That’s an executive role at a top Wall Street investment bank. You wouldn’t be able to get it on your own for at least a decade.” I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. JPMorgan Chase? Ludicrous. Marcus’s reputation in the industry was already in tatters; even mid-tier investment banks wouldn’t touch him, let alone a top-tier one. This was clearly another one of their fabricated lies. And the consequences of this matter were far more severe than just a job title. I looked at them coldly. “You expect me to take on such a massive crime just for an empty promise? The SEC investigation is no joke.” With that, I lowered my head to my documents, no longer bothering to acknowledge them. Sophia and Naomi’s eyes instantly turned venomous. I glanced at them dismissively. Long before our conversation began, I had already activated a voice recorder. If they dared to make a move, this evidence would be more than enough to completely ruin their reputations. Suddenly, the office door was violently pushed open. Marcus stormed in, grabbing my collar. “Where the hell did you get those internal files?” A cold smirk played on my lips. “Guilty conscience? These files were all obtained through legal channels.” Reborn into this life, how could I not leave myself a way out? Long before any of this began, I had arranged for someone to collect all the evidence of Marcus’s illicit dealings. Naomi, seeing Marcus’s fury, snapped, “Destroy those files immediately, or I’ll fire you right now!” I merely smiled wider. “Perfectly fine by me.” At the summit, I had already received offers from several top hedge funds, with salaries three times my current one. I pulled a document from my drawer and tossed it onto Naomi’s desk. “Here’s my resignation letter. Please approve it quickly.”

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During a video call with shareholders, my long-dormant high school group chat suddenly blew up. Someone kept tagging me: “Audrey Vance! Lana’s getting married today—why aren’t you there?” Scrolling through the messages, I realized it was Lana Hayes, our former queen bee. Our entire class had gathered for her wedding. “Sorry, my company’s been swamped,” I replied professionally. The group instantly attacked: “Too busy? You never post online—must be failing!” “Just admit you’re embarrassed!” Lana tagged me: “Remember our bet? That my husband would outshine yours?” “I don’t recall,” I answered honestly. The others mocked: “Lana’s husband is a Fortune 500 CEO! He sent 100 luxury cars to her hometown!” “Too ashamed to compare? Or too broke to afford a gift?” Lana then posted a wedding photo—and my blood ran cold. Her groom was Brandon Hayes. My husband. “I’ll be there,” I typed, my fingers steady. “Wouldn’t miss your ‘happy moment’ for the world.” 1 No sooner had I replied to Lana than I received a text from Brandon: “Wife, I’m going back to my hometown to see my parents today. I’ve already made your food and put it in the fridge. Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat.” It ended with: “Darling, I’ll love you forever.” Brandon had been my husband for three years, a man who had moved into my home with nothing to his name. He always took care of my every need, anticipating everything. Even when he left, he never forgot to prepare for my daily necessities. I used to be touched by these thoughtful gestures. But now, they only struck me as laughable. I abruptly ended my video conference and, following the wedding location Lana had shared in the group, drove toward her hometown. From a distance, I could see a colossal red banner hanging above Lana’s family home: “A Warm Welcome to Mr. Brandon Hayes, CEO of Evergreen Group, for the Wedding Procession!” Beneath the banner, Lana stood in a pristine, custom-designed wedding gown, eagerly awaiting her groom. Around her clustered our old high school classmates. “Lana, you kept this so quiet! To think your man is the CEO of the Evergreen Group, and you only let us know on your wedding day!” “Seriously! Mr. Hayes is a renowned entrepreneur. You’re so clever, Lana, to marry such an outstanding, high-caliber man!” “Lana, you’re about to become a wealthy socialite. Don’t forget us old classmates when you’re rich and famous!” Even our old high school teacher fawned over Lana: “Lana, the moment I first saw you, I knew you’d achieve great things. That’s why I never scolded you, even when your grades weren’t great. I knew you were destined for wealth, you didn’t need grades to speak for you!” Amidst the chorus of praise, Lana’s lips curved into a triumphant smile, her eyes gleaming with pride and satisfaction. Brandon, who had moved into my home years ago, had always seemed somewhat idle. To give him purpose and experience, I had entrusted him with the management of Evergreen Group, my smallest company. It never occurred to me that this would become the very source of Lana’s inflated ego. As I arrived, the classmates, who had been so eager to flatter, instantly frowned, their gazes filled with disdain. One of Lana’s closest sidekicks, spotting the car behind me, immediately rushed over, sneering: “Audrey Vance, you are so vain! You actually rented a Bentley just to come to Lana’s wedding and put on airs?” Hearing this, others joined in, their voices dripping with contempt: “No wonder she dared to show up. So, she just wanted to show off? That car rental must cost at least three months of your salary!” “Some people just love to live beyond their means. No matter how much you pretend to be rich, can you really be richer than Lana’s husband?!” “Exactly! Is it so hard to admit someone’s better than you? Why go to all the trouble of renting a car just to show off your petty jealousy?” Facing their denigration, my expression remained unchanged. “This is my car.” No sooner had the words left my lips than Lana suddenly walked up to me. She lashed out, a stinging slap across my face. “Your car? This is clearly my husband’s car! I’ve suspected for a while that my husband was keeping a mistress, and I can’t believe it’s you, you cheap tramp! You shameless wretch, how dare you drive my husband’s car to my wedding to provoke me, his rightful wife?” 2 Lana’s outburst made our classmates’ eyes widen in shock. “Lana, this is your husband’s car? Seriously?” Lana’s face was full of haughty pride. “Of course it is! How could it be fake?” She then pulled out her phone and displayed several photos of her and Brandon. Some showed them intimately close in the car, others lounging on the hood, leaning against each other. The car’s interior details and license plate were clearly visible in the pictures. It was identical to my car. At this, the crowd buzzed with confirmation. “It really is Lana’s husband’s car. So, Audrey is definitely the mistress!” Lana’s eyebrows shot up in fury, and she spat, her voice sharp and cold: “No wonder you haven’t posted on social media in years. Turns out you’ve been busy playing mistress.” Hearing this, others glared at me. “I never would’ve thought it! Audrey Vance looks so respectable on the surface, but she’s actually engaging in such despicable affairs.” “Seriously! I even thought she was some cool, aloof scholar in high school and wrote her a love letter. Thinking about it now makes me sick!” “Some people act so high and mighty and innocent, but behind closed doors, who knows how loose they are? The moment they see a rich man, they go wild, practically begging for attention!” “And she even dares to drive her sugar daddy’s car right in front of the rightful wife to provoke her! I think she’s just jealous that Lana married well and came here deliberately to ruin the wedding!” Even our high school teacher looked at me with disdain, declaring, “Audrey Vance, from now on, when you’re out there, never say you were my student. I certainly never taught a student with such moral depravity!” The crowd’s incessant chatter and condemnation drew many onlookers, who pointed and whispered about me. Some even pulled out their phones to take pictures and videos, and a few even spat in my direction. I calmly removed my jacket, worth tens of thousands, and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Then, I faced Lana directly. “I advise you to ask Brandon Hayes very clearly: who exactly is the mistress, and who is the rightful wife?” No sooner had the words left my lips than Lana swung again, slapping me across the face. “You need to ask? Can’t you see it’s Brandon and my wedding day?” She then looked at the car behind me, angrily cursing, “I detest mistresses! Every mistress in the world deserves to die!” With that, she pulled out a key and savagely scratched several large letters onto the side of my car: “Mistress Dies!” I glanced at the stark, ugly words, my voice chillingly clear. “You’ll realize very soon just how ironic those four words are.” My words only enraged Lana further. “You wretched tramp! You steal my man and then you have the nerve to mock me with your sneering sarcasm? The thought of my husband’s car being driven by a filthy hussy like you makes me sick!” With that, she picked up a brick from the roadside and began to violently smash my car. The windows, the headlights, the hood – nothing was spared. “Lana is going to be the CEO’s wife of the Evergreen Group! We can’t let her be bullied by a low-class mistress like Audrey!” someone in the crowd of classmates yelled. Instantly, everyone else began grabbing whatever they could find – rocks, sticks, bottles – and threw themselves into smashing my car. After they shattered the windows, they even climbed inside, wildly slashing at the car seats and interior. The once pristine luxury car was transformed into a pile of mangled scrap metal in mere moments. I watched these frenzied people, my gaze icy. “I hope you’ll be just as happy and enthusiastic when it comes time for compensation.” No one paid any attention to my warning; they treated me as if I were invisible. Just then, one of Lana’s cronies smashed open the trunk and gasped, “Everyone, look! She’s got a lot of good stuff hidden in her trunk!” Lana walked over, pulled out a painting, and scoffed. “A cheap woman who sells her body for money, pretending to be a collector, putting on airs of elegance?” Seeing this, I couldn’t help but warn them. “These things are worth far more than my car, especially that painting and calligraphy. I advise you not to mess with them.” The items in the trunk were collectibles I had acquired from auctions but hadn’t yet found a place for. Lana’s fury only intensified at my words. “This painting is a desecration being collected by a wretch like you! Trash like you only deserves trash!” With that, she tore the painting to shreds right in front of me. After ripping it, she threw it on the ground and stomped on it with her foot. Our high school teacher, upon closer inspection of the painting, gasped: “This painting… it looks like a genuine Qi Baishi! I heard the starting bid at auction was over three hundred million!” Lana retorted indignantly, “So what if it’s three hundred million? It’s all my husband’s money anyway! My husband’s money is my money. What’s wrong with me smashing my own property?” Her words left me speechless. Not only was Brandon a man who had married into my family with nothing, but even after I put him in charge of Evergreen Group, his incompetence had caused the company’s market value to drop by nearly half. If he weren’t my husband, I would have fired him long ago. Yet, Lana and these old classmates saw him as a formidable CEO, idolizing him. With Lana leading the charge in tearing up the painting, the other classmates, unwilling to be outdone, also began smashing and ripping apart the collectibles in my trunk. Good advice falls on deaf ears when dealing with those bent on self-destruction. Since they were consumed by their frenzy, I saw no point in saying anything further. I simply pulled out my phone, intending to call the police. Just as my finger touched the dial screen, Lana rushed over, snatched my phone, and slammed it to the ground. “Still trying to call the police? You’re just a mistress who only knows how to seduce men. What nerve do you have?” As she spoke, her gaze suddenly fell upon my neck, and her eyes lit up. “That jade pendant necklace you’re wearing doesn’t look cheap. Did you buy it with my husband’s money too?” With that, she yanked hard, tearing the necklace from my neck. Lana’s movements were so swift and violent, I had no time to react. The necklace was in her hand in an instant. Seeing this, my face paled. “Give me back my necklace!” 3 Seeing my sudden panic, Lana sneered at me. “So agitated? Looks like this necklace is worth a fortune, huh?” I panicked even more. “It’s not valuable in terms of money, but it’s incredibly important to me! Give it back!” As I spoke, I reached out to snatch it back. This jade pendant necklace was a protective charm my mother had risked her life to obtain for me. I had been frail and sickly since childhood. At four years old, I was hospitalized, critically ill and unconscious. Even the doctors told my parents to prepare for the worst. My mother couldn’t accept it, so she went to a temple to pray for me. To show her sincerity, she walked barefoot, kowtowing every step of the way, from the foot of the mountain to the summit, in the scorching heat of a 40-degree Celsius summer. She knelt until her knees bled and bone showed through, until her head was broken and bleeding, her consciousness fading, before finally obtaining this jade pendant necklace. Perhaps heaven itself was moved by my mother’s devotion. I, who had been in a coma, miraculously awoke. But my mother fell ill from that day and never recovered. Before she died, she placed the necklace in my hand, strictly instructing me to keep it safe. I cherished this necklace immensely, carrying it with me everywhere since childhood. It was something my mother had given her life for, and it was my absolute untouchable line. I would never allow anyone to damage it! “The more you want it, the more I’ll destroy it!” Before I could even touch it, Lana threw the necklace forcefully to the ground. With a sharp crack, the jade pendant shattered, breaking into countless fragments, scattering everywhere. “No!” Watching the only thing my mother had given her life for shatter like that, my heart twisted in agony. I couldn’t breathe. “You’re an animal!” I couldn’t take it anymore. I slapped Lana across the face. “You filthy tramp, you dare hit me?” Lana clutched her face, screaming hysterically. “Teach this wretch a lesson, a severe one! Whoever satisfies me the most, I’ll give them a million dollars!” At her words, the classmates, who already disliked me, immediately started punching and kicking me. “How dare you hit Lana? She’s the future wife of the CEO of Evergreen Group! Do you even deserve to breathe the same air as her?!” “Exactly! So what if she broke your necklace? You probably earned it by sleeping around anyway. Just go serve a few more men, problem solved! Why are you so dramatic?” “Shameless mistress! Seducing other people’s husbands is bad enough, but daring to hit the legitimate wife? Do you really think us old classmates are pushovers?” Even the teacher couldn’t resist sneaking in a few kicks. I was beaten to the ground, trembling with rage, gritting my teeth. “You’ll regret this!” At my words, the group of classmates erupted in laughter, as if they’d heard the funniest joke imaginable. “Laughing my ass off! Do you still think this is high school? Still think you’re superior because you were a straight-A student?” “Exactly! You’re nothing but trash discarded by society now! You’re already making money by sleeping around, and you still dare to threaten us?” “A mistress should know her place! When you get hit, you stand at attention!” “You shameless hussy! You’re so desperate to steal another woman’s man, even from an old classmate. Aren’t you embarrassed? If I were you, I’d just smash my head into a wall and die!” They held me down, relentlessly mocking and humiliating me. The onlookers also freely criticized me, spitting at me repeatedly. Lana, emboldened by the crowd’s support, stepped forward and placed her foot on my face. “Regret?” she crowed wildly. “I’ve never regretted anything in my life! I’m just waiting to see how you, you wretched mistress, could possibly make me regret this!” No sooner had the words left her lips than a hundred luxury cars roared into view, screeching to a halt before the crowd. Then, Brandon Hayes emerged from one of them, accompanied by a retinue of men in sharp suits… 4 The sudden, grand, and overwhelming display brought the chaotic scene to an abrupt, deafening silence. All eyes were drawn to the arriving procession. Those who had been holding me down immediately released me, straightened up, and stared. Lana, too, quickly removed her foot, adopting an air of gentle, demure grace. Brandon, with his handsome features and impeccable tailored suit, exuded an extraordinary presence. His arrival instantly commanded the attention of everyone present. “Is that Mr. Hayes from Evergreen Group?” “Yes, that’s him! He truly is a CEO, isn’t he? What an extravagant display for a wedding pickup!” “It’s so magnificent! I wouldn’t even dare to dream of so many luxury cars!” “And he’s so handsome too! Rich and attractive, no wonder that wretched Ms. Vance would stoop to being his mistress.” “Lana is truly blessed, marrying so well. I’m dying of envy!” Amidst everyone’s envious praises, Lana beamed, proudly stepping forward to link her arm through Brandon’s. “Darling, you’re finally here! I couldn’t wait to marry you.” Brandon gave Lana a doting smile and pulled her into a warm embrace. “My clingy little thing. I just love how you can’t be without me, my sweet bride.” Seeing this, the old classmates swarmed forward, their faces twisted into fawning smiles. “Mr. Hayes, it’s an honor. I own a small advertising company. If Evergreen Group ever has advertising needs, could you perhaps consider us first? Here’s my business card.” “Mr. Hayes, this is a new product our company developed. It’s complimentary for you to try. If you like it, please give us some feedback!” “Mr. Hayes, it’s a pleasure. I was Lana’s classmate for three years in high school. I’ve long admired your reputation. Do you think Evergreen Group has any suitable open positions? I’m willing to learn anything!” “Mr. Hayes…” In an instant, all the former classmates jostled and squeezed around Brandon, vying for his attention, using every conceivable method to promote themselves. Watching my former peers grovel and fawn over Brandon, Lana’s smile widened even further. She reveled in this feeling of superiority. Brandon, meanwhile, merely instructed his assistant to take all the business cards and samples, seemingly accustomed to such displays. Just then, Lana’s mother stepped forward, smiling at Brandon. “My dear son-in-law, we’ve specially prepared some fine tea for you. Please come inside and have a rest.” Brandon glanced at his watch. “Perhaps not. It’s getting late. I’ve already booked the hotel and banquet hall. With all these cars, there should be enough room for everyone to go together.” “Yes, yes, of course, let’s head over then.” The crowd nodded eagerly, heading towards the gleaming luxury cars. The thought of riding in such opulent vehicles to attend the wedding of the Evergreen Group CEO ignited sparks of excitement in their eyes. It was as if they had already reached the pinnacle of their lives. However, just as everyone was about to get into the cars, the piercing wail of police sirens rapidly approached from the distance. Immediately after, a group of police officers quickly disembarked from their vehicles, their voices stern: “Freeze! We’ve received a report of a public disturbance and assault here!”

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1 Sister Lydia, in her deep devotion to Master Elias who had long since taken solemn monastic vows, had herself forsaken the world and joined the secluded Stonehaven Monastery. All in the village and beyond spoke in hushed admiration of their bond, deeming it a love that transcended mere mortal affection. For over a decade, she had remained by his side, and though no marital intimacy ever passed between them, their companionship was as steadfast as any lifelong union. Yet, when both were past fifty, Master Elias shattered that serene existence. He brought a woman from the village, a seller of perfumes and herbal remedies, into the monastery as his bride. He commanded us to call this woman our new Mistress, declaring it a wondrous thing to have a child in his twilight years – a venerable elder blossoming anew with a vibrant, youthful bride. Everyone whispered of his heartless betrayal, their indignation rising for Sister Lydia, who had toiled tirelessly for half a lifetime within the monastery’s ancient walls. But Sister Lydia herself seemed utterly unmoved, her demeanor as serene and unchanging as ever. We attributed this to her decades of spiritual discipline, believing she had achieved a detached, otherworldly tranquility. Yet, that day, as Master Elias and his new “spring bloom” walked hand-in-hand, radiating sickening sweetness, I unexpectedly heard Sister Lydia’s thoughts: “Ungrateful wretch! I’ll flay the hide off both of you, eventually!” … Sister Lydia had stood by Master Elias for half a lifetime within the venerable walls of Stonehaven Monastery. Though they never spoke of worldly affections, everyone regarded their bond as something far beyond ordinary love. Even Sister Lydia herself, it seemed, believed it to be so. After all, within Stonehaven, she had always borne the quiet responsibilities of a mother figure. Washing, cooking, mending our simple woolen tunics – these were her daily duties, performed without complaint. We had always imagined this tranquil life would simply continue, yet Master Elias chose to shatter that peace. He was set to marry a woman from the village below. Brother Alistair, our eldest, claimed she was a perfumer from the market, with an ample figure that swayed provocatively as she walked. We, his youngest disciples, were the very last to hear the news. We rushed frantically, distraught, to find Sister Lydia. She, however, merely sighed, her voice laced with a profound, almost poetic melancholy. “Oh, if only life could ever remain as pure as a first glance,” she murmured. “What use then, for the autumn wind to mourn a faded painting?” We six disciples listened, bewildered, but Sister Lydia said no more. Master Elias ultimately welcomed the woman into the monastery with a grand and flamboyant procession. We gnashed our teeth in silent fury; anyone with eyes could see that Sister Lydia had always been the one who truly cared for us, who looked after our every need! Yet, Master Elias had abandoned his sacred vows for this woman, even bringing her to the monastery in a lavish, celebrated arrival. Immediately, the villagers below scoffed at our monastery. “A monastic elder nearing fifty, and so scandalous!” they jeered. “There was already a woman residing in the monastery, tending to it, and now he brings another from the village? How utterly amusing… or disgraceful!” As disciples of the monastery, we were even more perplexed. Why would our Master become such a heartless cad, casting aside one for another? Sister Lydia, though never formally wedded to him, had certainly been devoted. She had willingly followed Master Elias up the mountain, forsaking her own life, dedicating decades of her youth to this very place. For as long as we could remember, it was always Sister Lydia who tirelessly looked after us, seeing to every chore. In spring, she sharpened our training blades until they gleamed, ready for our drills. In summer, she prepared refreshing slices of melon, chilled in the cool stream. In autumn, she meticulously stored provisions for the long, harsh winter. In winter, she painstakingly mended our heavy cloaks and tunics, ensuring we were warm. Though rarely outwardly jovial, she always met us with a gentle, smiling countenance, seldom speaking harshly. Decades of selfless devotion had weathered her once delicate skin, etching deep lines around her eyes and at the corners of her mouth. Now, Master Elias’s callous betrayal wounded Sister Lydia to the core. It rendered her decades of sacrifice utterly absurd, almost a cruel joke. One side of the monastery hung with vibrant, celebratory banners, while the other remained in desolate silence. That night, Sister Lydia never received an explanation from Master Elias. The next morning, during our daily drills, a woman with a voluptuous figure stood boldly beside Master Elias. 2 She truly was as Brother Alistair had described, yet her features were jarringly grotesque. Her face seemed a squeezed cluster of misplaced features, dominated by a prominent, wart-like growth that gave her a strangely gnarled appearance. The more I looked, the more ridiculous she seemed, and I nearly burst out laughing. It was only Brother Owen, beside me, who pinched my arm hard, stifling my mirth. Otherwise, I’d have been running laps around the monastery for a grueling hour. “Careful, you idiot! You’ll be feeling the sting of the rod again!” Brother Owen hissed, his voice barely a whisper. “But Brother, she looks truly… monstrous. Like that hideous creature we saw up the mountain the other day!” The memory almost made me giggle again. Master Elias stroked his goatee, his face flushed with satisfaction, and admonished us. “Silence! No more chatter!” It was clear to anyone that the Master had enjoyed a rather… fulfilling night. A man of the cloth, nearing fifty, yet still remarkably virile. Then, oblivious to our discomfort, he casually linked arms with the woman and declared in a formal tone, “From this day forward, she is your Mistress.” The woman feigned shyness, which only made her already unappealing face even more grotesque. We six disciples gaped, our jaws nearly dropping to the floor, shaking our heads in unison. Master Elias roared, “It is decided! You will refer to your former Mistress as Sister Lydia from now on!” Perhaps it was my imagination, but I sensed a mournful resignation from Sister Lydia. It was understandable; to be so casually cast aside by a man – who could truly accept such a fate? Master Elias noticed my gaze and deliberately turned to her. “Lydia, you have no objections, do you?” Lydia. That was Sister Lydia’s name. Sister Lydia forced a bitter smile. “No, Master,” she replied softly. “Whatever name you choose is acceptable.” Only we, her loyal disciples, understood that her heart was utterly shattered. Master Elias nodded, satisfied, and specifically instructed us, “Did you hear? From now on, she is Sister Lydia.” We, however, silently refused to accept this new arrangement. We bit our tongues, saying nothing. Master Elias, displeased, reached for his bamboo cane, ready to discipline us. The woman gently restrained his hand, feigning concern. “It’s alright, my love. Children always need time to adapt.” Her pretense was so sickeningly sweet, it made me want to vomit. At that moment, I heard two sharp, cutting thoughts. “Ungrateful wretch!” “Flaunt your affections all you want, I’ll flay you both alive!” Though venomous, the thoughts brought a strange warmth to my chest. I almost complimented Brother Owen beside me, assuming he had muttered them, but then I noticed his mouth was tightly shut! As I stood there, bewildered, I heard the familiar voice again. “And I have to call that monstrous hag our Mistress? Everyone in the village will laugh us out of the valley!” Then, a light, almost mocking chuckle. “That old fool truly is… robust. Lucky for that grotesque aberration.” This sounded exactly like Sister Lydia’s voice! And the “hideous creature” story was something we had shared with Sister Lydia during dinner! I could hear Sister Lydia’s thoughts! I tried to listen intently, but it seemed I could only hear her voice. “Once I find that thing, I’ll cripple both of you dogs!” That thing? What thing? Brother Owen, seeing my furrowed brow, nudged me. “What are you thinking about?” “Nothing, nothing at all,” I mumbled. Master Elias tried to compel us to accept the new Mistress, but we made our excuses, claiming urgency for our training, and quickly ran off. As I passed Sister Lydia, I clearly heard her joyous, unbridled laughter. “Those little rascals, they didn’t disappoint me! Let that old fool rage, it’ll do him good!” Hearing that, I nearly lost control of my grin and sped up, running faster than ever. 3 As the sun dipped below the western peaks, our attention was caught by a heated argument echoing from the woodshed. First, Master Elias’s booming voice, full of indignant rage, pierced the evening air. “Lydia, I never imagined you could be so petty!” When we rushed into the woodshed, we found Sister Lydia by the hearth, calmly splitting wood and tending the fire. Master Elias stood beside her, his face livid with fury, while the new Mistress, Eliza, stood nearby, sobbing dramatically. Master Elias didn’t notice our presence and continued to bellow at Sister Lydia. “Today, I specifically instructed the disciples to change their address. Why do you insist on defying me?” His voice hardened. “Lydia, for them to even call you ‘Sister Lydia’ is a courtesy; why must you demand more?” His words clearly referred to our refusal to call Eliza our Mistress. But these cold, cutting words surely pierced Sister Lydia’s heart like daggers. Sister Lydia’s brow furrowed, and she replied calmly, “Master, you misunderstand me.” Master Elias, consumed by anger, shot back, “Am I accusing you without cause, then?” He puffed out his chest. “If you still call me ‘Master,’ then you should show me some respect! And even more so for your… elder brother’s wife!” His words were sharp, and the atmosphere instantly dropped to an icy chill. “Is this old fool daring to push his luck? Asking me to call that grotesque hag his wife? It’s a courtesy I even acknowledge her as a person!” Sister Lydia’s derisive thoughts crashed into my mind, leaving me utterly dumbfounded. Yet, on her face, only profound sorrow was visible, making her seem pitiful and heartbreaking. Master Elias sighed at her apparent sadness, then conceded slightly. “Alright, alright. The children are ignorant, but as long as you understand the proper order of things, that is enough.” He then turned, brushing off his robes, and patted Eliza’s shoulder in a show of comfort. But his words were directed at Sister Lydia: “Call her.” This was worse than a slap to the face; at least that would have been quick and clean. From the corner of my eye, I saw Sister Lydia’s fingers, gripping the kindling, turn bone-white, and her carefully constructed smile threatened to shatter. When she didn’t immediately move, Master Elias grew impatient. “Lydia, don’t dally. Call her!” Just then, Brother Alistair, who had been standing beside us, charged into the woodshed like a mad dog, roaring at Sister Lydia, “Mistress, no! You mustn’t!” He was right. Even as children, we understood what that title, “elder brother’s wife,” truly signified. It meant Sister Lydia’s decades of companionship and sacrifice would be snatched away by this new woman. Hearing Brother Alistair’s defiance, Master Elias was the first to react with fury, while Eliza let out a theatrical sob, tears welling in her eyes. Master Elias bellowed, “Insolent boy! Do you have leave to speak here?” He then pointed angrily at Sister Lydia, raging, “This is what comes of your guidance!” Then, in three quick strides, he seized Brother Alistair by the collar and roared, “Call her Mistress!” Brother Alistair was held fast by his collar, but he merely gritted his teeth and shook his head. “I won’t!” Master Elias raised his hand, ready to strike Brother Alistair, but Sister Lydia intervened, blocking his blow. Then I heard Sister Lydia’s thoughts: “To think this quiet, eldest one has such fire in him. You mustn’t blame me, little leader, but I’m doing this for your own good.” She then swung the kindling stick, striking Brother Alistair’s thigh without hesitation. It was the first time we had ever seen Sister Lydia truly angry, and we watched, stunned. “If I don’t strike him now, that old fool will hit him harder, and he’ll be out of commission for a hundred days, broken bones and all.” Though the sound was loud, her blow was clearly not heavy. Brother Alistair, vexed by Sister Lydia’s unexpected strike, stood there sullenly. Sister Lydia, however, played her part perfectly, her feigned anger completely intimidating Brother Alistair. “Don’t hate me, little leader. It’s just that after I’m gone, only that old fool will be left to protect you.” Gone? Where was Sister Lydia going?

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My wife had my initials tattooed over her heart, a constant reminder of how she held me captive. I’d accidentally torn her silk stockings, so I’d woken up extra early to buy her favorite gourmet cinnamon rolls. Yet she said, “Chris’s birthday trip is to the Caribbean, and it’s a bit risky there right now, so I have to go with him.” “But…” Suddenly, a torrent of flashing text erupted in my mind’s eye. 【Shut up, Alex! Let the toxic woman go!!】 【That ‘CS’ she tattooed? It stands for Chris Scott! Not Alex Chen! She never loved you!!】 【On this very day in your previous life, you knelt and begged, but couldn’t keep her. After you started working at the National Catastrophe Alert Center, you predicted an avalanche would hit her hometown at eleven PM. You raced to the airport, tore up her ticket, and frantically forced her to return to save her parents. Only then did she manage to rescue them just before the avalanche struck!】 【But Chris vanished from a foreign cruise ship, his body discovered later, barely recognizable, a mere shell of what he once was!】 【A week after Chris’s disappearance, she tricked you with a fake pregnancy to join her on a cruise, then sold you overseas for a pittance. You were imprisoned, brutalized, your very being exploited until your dying breath…】 … I froze. 1 The bullet comments continued to scroll madly, and a chilling muscle memory of my own brutal demise flooded my limbs, as if I had lived it all myself. Just then, Elara Thorne grew impatient. “Alex, nothing you say matters! Chris and I are going on that trip, and I won’t let a single hair on his head be harmed!” I watched her red lips move, refusing to believe. Could she truly resent me if Chris got into trouble, heartlessly push me overseas, and let me suffer a torturous death? We both worked at the National Catastrophe Alert Center, and over time, feelings blossomed between us. It wasn’t until our wedding day that Elara confessed: all these years, she had never forgotten her college sweetheart. She couldn’t commit wholeheartedly to our relationship and hoped I would understand. All our family and friends were there. I didn’t want to cancel the wedding, so I married her, a knot of unease twisting in my gut. After our wedding night, she voluntarily told me she’d tattooed ‘CS’ – my initials, or so I thought – closest to her heart. I believed she had truly changed her mind, and I showered her with even more affection. But our blissful days didn’t last long before Chris reappeared. She even brought Chris into our home, exiled me to the guest room, while they shared the master bedroom. I deeply loved this woman, forcing myself to believe their bond was purely platonic. But the memories of my past life made it clear: I had to let go, to respect her predetermined fate. Now, given this opportunity, I wouldn’t be a fool again. “Are you deaf? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Elara, seeing my lack of reaction, asked coldly. I gazed at her, a long, deep look, then opened my work laptop, printed a stack of schematics, and thrust them into her hand. “Elara! Willow Creek is going to be hit by a Category Five avalanche tonight at eleven! Your hometown will be devastated!” Elara glanced cursorily at the schematics, then promptly tore them to shreds. She tossed the scraps in my face, a cold sneer twisting her lips. “Alex, have you lost your mind? You’re actually joking about an avalanche now! You’re truly this desperate to stop Chris and me from going on our trip?” I looked at her, my voice unwavering. “I’m not joking, Elara! There will be Category Eight winds today, the direct cause of this avalanche…” As I spoke, Elara slapped me hard across the face. Her expression was already contorted, and her next words dripped with hatred. “Shut up! Our hometown hasn’t had an avalanche in centuries! We’ve survived Category Ten winds before without a scratch, and now a mere Category Eight wind will cause an avalanche? You’re full of lies! Chris’s birthday trip is happening, no matter what you say. If you really can’t stand it, then we’ll get a divorce when I get back.” With that, she didn’t spare me another glance, dragging her suitcase behind her as she swept out the door. 2 After Elara left, I began to pack. Half an hour ago, I’d already submitted the disaster forecast report for Willow Creek to my superiors. Now, I had to drive there and pick up Elara’s parents. They were still my in-laws, after all. I couldn’t abandon them. I hadn’t even driven out of the complex when Director Miller called me. “Alex,” he began, “I hear you just uploaded a report?” “Yes, Director,” I replied. “Is there a problem?” Director Miller’s tone turned stern. “What do you mean, is there a problem? Alex, you’ve worked at our center for so many years, how can you still be so immature? How could you fabricate a disaster report just to stop Elara from having a normal social life? What you’re doing is illegal!” Elara was Director Miller’s protégé; they must have just spoken. Now they both believed I was lying, putting on an act! I immediately explained. “Director, I’m serious. Willow Creek will be hit by a Category Five avalanche tonight at eleven, absolutely! You—” Director Miller’s stance was unyielding. “Say no more. I’ve already taken your report down. Alex, your work ethic is highly questionable. Don’t bother coming in for the next two days. Stay home and reflect on your actions. If I’d known you were so unreliable, I would never have pushed you two together in the first place!” After a moment’s hesitation, I called a higher-ranking superior. Before I could even speak, the executive began to reprimand me sternly. “You’re Alex Chen, correct? Director Miller just briefed me on your situation. And here I thought you were a dependable, capable young man. Today, you’ve truly opened my eyes! I believe you’re no longer suited for work at our center. You should seek opportunities elsewhere!” The line went dead, and it took me a long moment to fully process what had just happened. I couldn’t believe it; just like that, I’d lost my job. But this wasn’t the time for such thoughts. It was six PM, only five hours until the avalanche. I had much more to do before then. I called Elara’s parents again. Her father answered. “What? An avalanche? Alex, you’re not serious, are you? Willow Creek hasn’t had an avalanche in eight hundred years! Where’s Elara? Put Elara on the phone!” I took a deep breath. “Elara went on a trip with her college friend. Dad, I’m truly not joking. Willow Creek will have an avalanche tonight at eleven PM. Willow Creek Town will be affected. You must listen to me. Please, tell Mayor Thompson about this, get everyone to evacuate as soon as possible!” He promised, “You can trust me, Alex. This is a matter of life and death; I’ll handle it!” Two hours later, I arrived in Willow Creek Town. There were still three hours until the avalanche, but looking around, the town’s main street was still bustling with people. They had absolutely no sense of impending danger! What was going on? Time was pressing. I called her father again as I hurried towards Mayor Thompson’s house. To my dismay, her father was right there at Mayor Thompson’s house, and the two of them were sharing a drink. “Dad, what are you doing? The avalanche is coming soon! Why aren’t you evacuating?!” I asked frantically. Mayor Thompson slowly eyed me, then turned to her father. “Is this your son-in-law? He looks decent enough, but his character seems… questionable. Tricking everyone with such a tale?” Her father walked over, then lifted his leg and viciously kicked my shin. “Alex! You’re an adult! How can you make up such outrageous lies? If I hadn’t called Elara, I might actually have believed your nonsense and put the whole town through pointless panic! Imagine the gossip that would have spread about us!” 3 They didn’t believe me either! I opened my mouth to say something, but my phone suddenly rang. It was Elara! I answered, desperate. “Elara, quick, tell your dad! Willow Creek is really going to have an avalanche! You need to get—” She cut me off coldly. “Alex, have you lost your mind? Chris and I are just on a trip; why are you being so dramatic?” Chris chimed in, fanning the flames. “Yeah, buddy,” he drawled. “If you keep this up, Elara’s just going to despise you even more.” Elara threatened me. “That’s enough! Otherwise, I really will divorce you, and then you can prepare to leave with nothing!” With that, she hung up. I had put the call on speaker, to make it easier for Elara and her father to talk. Elara’s father, having heard the whole exchange, glared at me. “What in the world is going on between you two? You’re talking about divorce?” I desperately wanted to explain. But this was no time for explanations. I turned to Mayor Thompson. “Mayor Thompson, I am an engineer from the National Catastrophe Alert Center. Due to Category Eight winds, Willow Creek will experience an avalanche. I have accurately predicted it will begin at eleven PM tonight, and its danger level is Category Five. This entire area will be buried under snow. Please, you must believe me!” The Mayor hesitated, seemingly weighing the truth of my words. But then, her father scoffed, a cold sneer on his face, and said to the Mayor, “He’s no engineer anymore! My daughter already told me the Alert Center plans to fire him! Mayor Thompson, don’t you dare listen to his nonsense!” Mayor Thompson’s face turned cold. He pointed to the door. “Young man, this is no place for your jokes. Please leave!” He was kicking me out. But I knew, with grim certainty, that I couldn’t leave. Only by convincing this man could the townspeople be saved. In desperation, I knelt directly before the Mayor. “I, Alex Chen, am truly not joking! If an avalanche doesn’t happen here by eleven PM tonight, then call the police, have me arrested, send me to jail! Mayor, there’s not much time left until the avalanche. Please, quickly inform everyone to evacuate!” “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?!” her father roared. Enraged, he lunged and delivered a powerful kick directly to my chest. I crumpled to the floor, my chest aching, making it hard to breathe. I fixated on the Mayor, my gaze unwavering. “The avalanche is truly coming, Mayor! Can you bear the weight of hundreds of lives on your conscience?!” The Mayor stared at me, a profound, searching look in his eyes, then finally said, “I’ll trust you, this once.” Her father was dumbfounded. “No, Mayor Thompson, you can’t actually believe his nonsense! He’s just trying to upset my daughter, playing a dramatic game with us—” “If the avalanche doesn’t come,” the Mayor said, already walking away, “then he’ll go to jail!” The Mayor said, then strode away. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stand and follow him, reminding him. “This avalanche will affect an area of three kilometers. To be safe, everyone should evacuate to at least five kilometers away…” The Mayor immediately began organizing people and arranging the evacuation. I turned back to find her father. “Dad, I drove here. Please, you and Mom, come with me in my car.” He slapped me hard across the face. “I’m not going anywhere! The moment my daughter returns, I’m making sure you two get divorced! Then you can rave like a lunatic all you want! Damn it, you’ve completely shamed me!” Next, the townspeople began to evacuate rapidly. In less than two hours, most of them were gone. But I was locked out of the house by Elara’s parents. No matter how I pleaded, they refused to leave with me. I had no choice but to call Elara. Only she could convince her parents to evacuate. The phone rang over a dozen times before it was finally answered. I quickly told her, “Please, just believe me this once, okay? Everyone in town has evacuated, only your parents refuse to leave. Tell them, quickly! The avalanche is only twenty minutes away, it’ll be too late soon!” From the other end of the line, I heard Chris’s scornful laughter. I asked, my voice low and grim, “Where’s Elara?” He said, gloating. “She’s in the shower. She already told me she doesn’t want to waste her breath talking to you.” I bit back my anger. “Get her to the phone! This concerns her parents’ lives!” Chris mocked me. “Alex, are you insane? You’re still trying to trick people with this avalanche lie? Do you even know what Elara and I are going to do tonight? Her soft, pliant grace, her passion… you couldn’t even imagine—” I felt utterly indifferent to his vulgar taunts. Since Elara wouldn’t take the call, I resigned myself. I checked the time. Only a little over ten minutes until the avalanche. If I didn’t leave now, I’d probably die here. As for Elara’s parents… I started recording on my phone, simultaneously shouting through the door. “Mom, Dad, the avalanche is coming in ten minutes! A Category Five avalanche! The entire town of Willow Creek will be destroyed! If you don’t leave now, you will truly die here…” As I spoke, an ashtray flew out from inside the house, striking me squarely on the head. Immediately, my head exploded with pain, and a wave of intense dizziness washed over me. Elara’s mother shrieked from within. “You monster! Are you cursing us, two old people? My daughter was right, you’re just a lying swindler! Are you hoping we die early so you can inherit our property? I tell you, dream on—” I didn’t listen further. I stopped the recording, then forced my battered body into the car. The blow from the ashtray was brutal; I felt like I could pass out at any moment. I slapped myself hard, forcing myself to stay conscious, then started the car and sped away from the town. At 11 PM, a deafening rumble suddenly erupted. The night sky behind me was even obscured by the churning snow. The avalanche had truly come.

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On my daughter’s eighteenth birthday, I scrolled through a social media post from a parent in her class. “So fortunate to be invited to my child’s best friend’s birthday celebration.” A smile touched my lips. It was good for my daughter to make more friends. But as I looked closer at the photos, a wave of confusion washed over me. A lavish birthday party was in full swing inside my villa, yet the figure at the center of the crowd was a stranger. And the dress she was wearing… wasn’t that the million-dollar gown I’d custom-ordered for my daughter? The more I looked, the more wrong it felt. I accessed the security cameras in our home. What I saw made my blood run cold: the unfamiliar girl, smiling sweetly, escorted a woman onto a central stage. She formally introduced her to everyone present. “This is my mother, Ms. Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Industries.” And my daughter? She was on her knees nearby, a group of people pressing her head down, forcing her to lick cream off the floor like a dog. Rage shook me to my core. She was the CEO of Sinclair Industries? Then who, in God’s name, was I? 1 “Ms. Sinclair, congratulations on your recovery. You’ll be discharged in a few days.” In the exclusive recovery clinic, the director held a bouquet of flowers, smiling as he congratulated me. A faint smile touched my lips as I picked up my phone, ready to share the good news. But the next second, I saw a post on social media from Ms. Evans, whose daughter, Emily, was in my daughter’s class. I had never publicly disclosed my identity as the CEO of Sinclair Industries, wanting my daughter to blend in more easily at school. Today was my daughter’s birthday. The venue for the birthday party in Ms. Evans’s video, and the dress worn by the guest of honor, felt disturbingly familiar. Upon closer inspection, wasn’t this my house? Even more unbelievably, the exquisite gown I had commissioned for my daughter, costing a fortune, was now worn by someone else. I frowned. This dress was a gift for my daughter’s coming-of-age, a piece I had personally helped design. The gold thread and pearls alone were worth a fortune. A dark shadow passed through my eyes, and I immediately called Mrs. Peterson, our housekeeper. “Ms. Sinclair, Miss Clara is having her birthday party with her friends!” “Miss Clara said she loves all the things you sent back!” “Miss Clara is having birthday cake with her friends. She said she’ll call you back later.” After hanging up, I felt a deep sense of unease. Was I overthinking this? I messaged Ms. Evans, but she took a long time to reply. “It’s the kids’ business, we parents don’t interfere much,” she stammered, unable to give a clear answer. “What do we parents know about these things?” Soon after, when I checked her social media again, I found she had blocked me. I couldn’t help but call my daughter’s homeroom teacher. “Hello, Mr. Chen, this is Clara’s mother.” “I just wanted to check on Clara recently…” But the voice on the other end was full of impatience. “You’re Clara’s mother? Why are you only calling now?” the voice snapped. “I’m her new homeroom teacher. Mr. Chen has already left.” A pang of guilt struck me. For the past two years, due to my health, I’d been recuperating abroad. I hadn’t even known her teacher had changed. However, her next words made me jump. “Mrs. Davies, there’s something I need to say, whether it’s appropriate or not!” she barked. “As the child of the Sinclair family’s housekeeper, it’s already a great privilege that Ms. Sinclair allowed your Clara to enroll here. I never imagined your daughter would be so ungrateful, taking leave every other day!” “And her tuition for the current semester still hasn’t been paid! You need to settle it immediately.” “Honestly, I don’t know why she can’t be more like young Miss Sinclair!” With that, she contemptuously hung up. I nearly crushed my phone. I, a housekeeper? Someone had usurped my and my daughter’s identity? I was furious, then burst into a cold, mocking laugh. I immediately booked a flight back home. I was going to find out exactly what had been happening in my house. At six in the evening, I walked out of the airport, my luggage in hand. I was eager to meet this “Ms. Sinclair” who had seemingly appeared out of thin air. When I arrived at the company, everyone looked at me in shock. “Ms. Sinclair… why are you back so suddenly?” They all knew the true power behind Sinclair Industries was this Ms. Sinclair. No matter how authoritative Mr. Davies seemed, he was merely a figurehead. The one who truly held everyone’s fate in her hands, who had built Sinclair Industries from the ground up, was the iron-willed woman standing before them. “My dear, why are you back so suddenly?” Arthur Davies looked at me, his eyes full of a profound guilt. He seemed to have just rushed back from somewhere; usually so meticulous about his appearance, his clothes were noticeably wrinkled. I smiled, straightening his collar, pretending not to notice the faint red lipstick mark on it. “New cologne?” I asked, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. A flicker of panic crossed Arthur’s eyes. The new YSL fragrance was the number one women’s perfume. “Oh, it’s nothing! Our daughter, she’s grown up and cares about looking pretty now, and she accidentally dropped a bottle of perfume when she went out. It shattered and splashed all over me.” His face was filled with doting affection, as if he were truly a father spoiling his daughter. “Is that so?” I watched him spout such blatant lies, then scoffed. My fingers casually scrolled through the social media account of this “Miss Sinclair.” Every single limited-edition piece of jewelry I had bought for my daughter abroad was now adorning her. “Arthur, can you tell me how these things, which I acquired for our daughter, ended up on Mrs. Peterson’s granddaughter?” My eyes gleamed with sarcasm. “Don’t tell me it’s a coincidence. Every piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind.” My assistant had already thoroughly investigated the girl’s identity: Mrs. Peterson’s granddaughter, Madison Peterson. I let out a mocking laugh. Mrs. Peterson had truly raised her well. No wonder everyone assumed she was the young lady of the Sinclair family. Seeing me produce the photos, panic flashed in Arthur’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself, looking at me with disapproval. “It’s like this, my dear. Mrs. Peterson is getting on in years and some chores are difficult for her, so she asked Madison to help out. Madison and Clara hit it off and are like sisters. They’ve been living and eating together for the past two years.” He smiled, an oily, placating expression. “Darling, it’s normal for girls to share, isn’t it?” Rage made me laugh. Normal? Sure enough, Arthur soon received a phone call. His face visibly paled, and he looked at me with incredulity. “My dear, why did you freeze my bank accounts?” I looked at him, concealing a dark intent in my eyes. “Arthur, where exactly did you pay our daughter’s tuition fees?” “Clara herself didn’t want to study, and she even broke school rules.” He tried to defend himself. “Don’t you believe me? Why don’t you ask Clara?” “I will investigate thoroughly.” With that, I turned and left. A chilling resolve settled in my heart. Since childhood, I knew my daughter’s character better than anyone. When she was little, she always begged me to sign her up for various music, dance, and art classes, claiming these were essential for becoming a princess. Now, in her final year of high school, she was on the verge of entering her dream university! A few years ago, Mrs. Peterson, our housekeeper, had moved into our home. Her cooking was beloved by my daughter, so I kept her on staff to manage my daughter’s daily life. However, I suddenly had a relapse of my old illness and had no choice but to entrust the company to Arthur. During this time, Arthur consistently assured me that our daughter was doing well. He even claimed she had made a good friend, Mrs. Peterson’s granddaughter. I frowned, arriving back home. My daughter was on the sofa, looking at me timidly. “Mom, you’re back.” She carefully tried to hug me, and I pulled her into my arms. But my daughter cried out in pain. Realizing something was wrong, I gently pushed up her sleeve. A landscape of greenish-purple bruises was revealed. A cold rage flashed in my eyes. “Who did this?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous. But Clara hid in my arms. “Mom, I just fell… I’m sorry, it’s Clara’s fault…” My daughter trembled, apologizing incessantly. Seeing my daughter’s unusual behavior, my heart ached. She wasn’t like this just a few years ago. It was all my fault. Now, no matter what, I wouldn’t leave my daughter’s side. I led my daughter gently back to my bedroom. “Mommy will stay with you tonight…” With me by her side, Clara seemed to relax. It seemed I had a lot to investigate. As I pondered, the bedroom door suddenly burst open with a kick. My daughter woke up, startled, trembling. A delicate figure in silk pajamas pointed at my daughter’s nose and cursed. “You bitch, who told you you could sleep here?” She stormed in, but stopped dead in her tracks the moment she saw me. “Who are you?” My face was utterly cold. “And why do you open the door without the owner’s permission?” The girl paused, surprised. “This is my parents’ house! Why would I knock?” I looked at her with chilling eyes. “Your mother? I don’t have a daughter like you…” My voice dropped to a menacing whisper. “Get out before I lose my temper.” The girl was about to explode, but Mrs. Peterson quickly rushed in, covering her mouth. “Madam, this is my granddaughter. Sometimes she sleepwalks. Please don’t mind her.” With that, she dragged Madison downstairs. She smiled, handing me a bowl of red date and white fungus soup. “Madam, Miss Clara didn’t eat dinner tonight. This is a dessert I prepared for her.” I nodded. “You can go now.” I subtly noticed my daughter seemed particularly resistant to the two of them being near her. “Clara, are you hungry?” I asked gently. “Have a little something.” My daughter shook her head. “Mom, I don’t want to eat… Mom, please, I don’t want to eat. I hate how I look right now.” I looked at my daughter. Her slender figure was gone, replaced by a dark, bloated form. For some reason, her face was covered in a dense rash of acne. “I don’t want to drink it…” My daughter kept repeating, looking at the bowl of white fungus soup. But I remembered how much she used to love this. “Alright, if you don’t like this, I’ll make you something else tomorrow.” My daughter seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, then quietly fell asleep beside me. I looked at the bowl of white fungus soup, a dark glint in my eye, and immediately dialed a number on my phone. “Assistant Lewis, I need you to help me send something for testing… Yes, now.” My voice was firm. “Also, I need you to retrieve all deleted security footage from the house, no matter the cost!” Assistant Lewis was incredibly efficient. Soon, the technical team provided the results. But the content they sent nearly made my heart explode. The most recent security footage was from my daughter’s coming-of-age party. Yet, on that day, in this house, the one wearing the million-dollar gown was not Clara! “Such a beautiful dress is wasted on you!” Madison’s voice echoed from the footage. “Trash like you only belongs with dogs. You were just lucky to be born well… but some things don’t belong to you, they’ll never be appreciated by you.” “I hear it’s your birthday today too,” Madison continued, her smile malicious as she threw a piece of cake onto the floor. “Here’s some cake for you!” “Hurry up and lick it clean, don’t waste it.” “You’re just the housekeeper’s daughter. Young Miss Sinclair is doing you a favor by letting you be her dog.” The people beside her echoed her words, some even grabbing Clara’s hair, forcing her face into the cake on the floor. Clara struggled, trying to reach out in a certain direction. “Asher…” The next second, Madison stomped her foot viciously on Clara’s hand. “You bitch, know your place!” “Asher is mine!” My daughter’s agonizing cries were drowned out by the music. Asher Kent, a childhood friend who had been Clara’s shadow since they were little, was now watching Clara with cold indifference, allowing Madison to debase her. I was boiling with rage. Just then, Assistant Lewis’s text message came through. “Ms. Sinclair… the food you asked me to test earlier… it contains a large amount of hormones…” Looking at my daughter’s distorted figure and scarred face, my heart ached. So that was it. Madison, so young, yet so vicious. If that was the case, I wouldn’t let her get away with this.

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I was Princess Seraphina, the most revered royal in all of Eldoria. They whispered that whoever won the Princess’s hand would claim the throne. Yet, three years ago, I was abducted and subjected to unspeakable horrors, left to be defiled in the shadowed alleyways of the city’s underbelly. Stripped of my honor, I became a pariah, whispered about by all. When everyone shunned me, only Lord Arthur, a brilliant scholar who had risen from humble beginnings, bravely sought my hand in marriage. For three years, our union bloomed with harmony. He ascended to become the unchallenged King of Eldoria. But then, one day, he brought a woman from outside the palace walls. From that moment on, his nights were spent in her chambers. He adored her, indulged her every whim, allowing her to tear apart the winter roses in my garden—our special token of affection—and even letting her deliberately cause the death of our unborn child. When my hope in him finally withered, and I entrusted my shattered heart to another, he knelt before me, begging me to return, vowing he wished to spend an eternity by my side. 1 It was the Midwinter Festival of Lights, and Sunstone Palace blazed with vibrant candlelight, alive with joyous revelry. Only my chambers remained eerily silent, cloaked in a chilling sorrow. In Eldoria, there was a cherished tradition during the Midwinter Festival: lovers would release wish lanterns together, seeking a lifetime of togetherness, a bond that would last until their hair turned white. Yet, for two years, I had pleaded with Arthur, and each year he had offered excuses, claiming affairs of state. I never knew if these were genuine duties, or simply his reluctance to share a future with me. I forced a bitter laugh, picking at a cold, greasy dish. The food tasted like ash in my mouth, leaving only a bitter aftertaste. Tears welled in my eyes, large drops falling relentlessly, refusing to be stopped. Suddenly, a pair of small, soft hands gently cupped my face, tenderly wiping away my tears. The words spilled from his lips, still forming clumsily, yet he tried his best to comfort me. “Mama… why cry? Is it… because Papa didn’t… come to be with Mama?” “Don’t cry… Lionel’s here, don’t cry.” Perhaps it was, or perhaps it wasn’t. Arthur had not visited my royal chambers since his coronation. In the beginning, I used to gaze at the threshold daily, yearning for his arrival. When he didn’t come, I would always feel a profound sadness, secretly wiping away my tears. But as the days turned into weeks, and disappointment accumulated, I suppose such things no longer caused me grief. Yet, looking at Lionel’s innocent face, I didn’t know how to answer. I simply found an excuse to deflect his innocent question. “Sweet Lionel, Mama isn’t sad. Mama is just thinking how wonderful it would be if Mama’s own Papa and Mama were still here.” At least, then, my chambers wouldn’t be so desolate during the holidays. 2 Forcing a smile, I looked at Lionel and asked if he wanted to go outside with Mama and release some wish lanterns. If I couldn’t secure a lifetime with Arthur, then I would at least pray for Lionel to live a long, safe life, free from harm. He laughed and agreed, saying he also wanted a large candied apple on a stick from outside. He said it was the first gift Papa had ever given him, and it was so delicious. I tightened the smile on my lips, stroking Lionel’s head. It was just a trifle Arthur had casually tossed to Lionel, yet my son had cherished it as a precious treasure, remembering it to this day. Sometimes I couldn’t comprehend it: how could Arthur be so distant, so seemingly indifferent to Lionel? Lost in thought, my hand was suddenly tugged by Lionel. He shouted “Papa!” loudly, but his voice was swallowed by the bustling crowd’s joyous clamor. Following Lionel’s gaze, I looked up. With just one glance, I was rooted to the spot, unable to move a single step. On the Midwinter Festival of Lights, by the banks of the River Eldrin, Arthur held a stunning beauty in his arms, kneeling to release a wish lantern. For a moment, I felt a dizzying disorientation. So, Arthur wasn’t ignorant of Eldoria’s customs; he had always been intimately familiar with them. It was simply that the person he wished to spend a lifetime with was not me. Lionel was still pointing and calling out for his Papa. I reached out and covered his eyes, muttering repeatedly, He’s mistaken, he’s mistaken, that’s not Papa. But my heart felt as if it were being torn apart. My thickest fur-lined cloak couldn’t ward off the biting cold; in that instant, I felt chilled to the bone. The past three years of harmonious companionship replayed in my mind, my brain stalled. I even began to question if all that affection had merely been a performance by Arthur. Tears fell endlessly, melting the snow on the ground, and carving deep, gaping holes in my heart. That Midwinter Festival, I couldn’t make my wish, nor could I pray for Lionel to live a long, safe life. As he sat in the carriage, licking his candied apple, he asked if that had truly been Papa. I merely gave a bitter smile, my face growing rigid, my voice edged with a sob I didn’t even notice. “No… not Papa. Your Papa is burdened by affairs of state… he has no time to come out.” Burdened by affairs of state? Even I didn’t believe those words, a hint of guilt in my voice, yet I instinctively found excuses for him. Back in my royal chambers, the food on the table was long cold. All of it was Arthur’s favorite dishes, but he hadn’t come. His favorite dishes, naturally, remained untouched. I looked at the congealed grease on the food and felt a wave of nausea. From ancient times, kings were often described as passionate, dashing, with a court filled with beauties. Yet, Arthur had once held my hand and sworn that he would devote himself to me alone, never to stray. Alas, the dreams of youth, once vibrant, now felt like faded tapestries. 3 I extinguished the candles. In the pitch-black chambers, I sat with my eyes wide open, staring until they ached. I finally understood what my father, King Theron, had once told me: he said that in this world, I could command all, turn clouds into rain, but only matters of the heart remained truly untamed. In the empty room, only my laughter echoed, but it was tinged with a profound loneliness. After much restraint, I could no longer hold back. I rose, put on the fur-lined cloak Arthur had given me, and went to his royal chambers. The palace grounds were deserted. As I walked, the moonlight painted long, stark shadows before me, cold and desolate. It took a long while to reach the entrance of Arthur’s royal chambers. Grand red banners with dragon emblems lit the entire wing, and the sounds of joyous laughter and merriment filled the air. From a distance, I heard a woman’s delicate laughter. Just as I was about to push the door open, a royal steward at the entrance barred my way. His face was timid, his lips trembling as he whispered something. I couldn’t hear clearly, only vaguely understanding that Arthur had forbidden my entry. Suddenly, a wave of bitter amusement washed over me. The queen, wedded with ten miles of red silk, publicly acknowledged, couldn’t even step into her husband’s chambers? A rebellious fire surged within me. I pulled the jeweled comb from my hair, letting it fall to the ground with a soft clink, then curled my lips into a chilling smile and strode inside. Within the chambers, Arthur was embracing the woman on a plush couch, a picture of marital bliss. But the moment he saw me, the smile in Arthur’s eyes imperceptibly faded. He spoke, a hint of rebuke in his voice. “Why are you here? I thought I told you to remain outside…” His tone of reproach was painfully obvious; even a fool could hear it. He was blaming me, blaming me for ruining his mood, for interrupting his pleasure. I sat on the chaise lounge, picking up a teacup, the bracelets on my wrist jingling softly. I stared directly into his eyes, speaking each word distinctly. “And if I hadn’t come? If I hadn’t, I might never have known you’ve adopted a new little songbird in the palace.” My words were laced with a smile, though they were directed at him, my eyes remained fixed on the woman in his embrace. I watched her frown, then hide deeper in Arthur’s arms. Her timid, delicate demeanor, so common, utterly displeased me. I merely lowered my gaze, observing her grand red gown. “Not everyone in the palace is permitted to wear red. You should find something else to wear. A gown of scarlet is too ostentatious, and it hardly suits your head, unadorned by jewels.” Before I could even speak more harshly, her eyes filled with tears, on the verge of falling, making her appear pitiful. When she spoke to Arthur, her voice was choked with a heavy sob. “My King, I didn’t know… I didn’t know I couldn’t wear red… Is she despising my humble attire?” “I knew it, a lonely orphan like me, I shouldn’t have come here…” Interesting. I narrowed my eyes, watching her performance. But to my surprise, Arthur fell for it completely. He held her close, soothing her, and then frowned at me. “Seraphina… Isolde has always been fond of red. What harm is there in letting her wear it? Moreover, she was my loyal companion before my rise to power. By lineage, she was the first to claim my hand.” 4 The smile on my face suddenly froze, my mind as sluggish as a broken clock. My voice, when it emerged, was rusty as I savored those words, repeating them over and over. “Isolde… Isolde.” “Arthur, you tricked me… You deceived me so cruelly.” My eyes were red-rimmed, and the moment the tears began to fall, I turned away, leaving Arthur only my back. Stepping outside, the biting cold wind was like a flaying blade, slicing at my face again and again. I felt no pain, only a heavy suffocating sensation in my chest, and my vision blurred with unshed tears. When Lionel was born, Arthur only came to see him once, and casually gave him his name. I still remembered Arthur saying that day, “To truly be a great King, one must have a heart as vast as the oceans, encompassing all the people.” I suddenly wanted to ask him: that day, when he saw Lionel, still an infant in swaddling clothes, did he truly intend to entrust this kingdom to him? Or was there a selfish motive, using our child to reminisce about his commoner companion? Commoner companion. Commoner companion. It turned out that for three years, I had been the thief. I had stolen the identity of Arthur’s true love. All those vows of “a lifetime of togetherness,” they were all lies, all falsehoods… I stumbled back to my royal chambers. Lionel was sleeping soundly on the couch, his chubby face still muttering “Mama.” I suddenly regretted bringing him into this world. His father did not love me, nor did he love him. The child of Princess Seraphina should not suffer such a fate. Large tears dripped, soaking the bed, and carving scar after scar in my heart. I thought to myself that the woman in Arthur’s arms was not a docile soul; there would surely be endless troubles ahead. If Arthur still held even a fraction of affection for me, my situation in the palace might be tolerable. But if that affection was gone, then it would be a bitter dream, ending in a desolate and impoverished existence. Just as I feared, as dawn barely broke, Arthur’s royal decree arrived at my chambers. He had broken his vows, and forgotten the promises made before my father’s throne. He declared that a King’s vow was worth its weight in gold, and abandoning his faithful companion after achieving power would invite ridicule from the world. He urged me to be reasonable, not to force him into an impossible position. He also claimed he was thinking of me: I would retain the Queen’s dignity, while Isolde, though lesser in rank, would reside in the West Wing. In the palace, status could be divided into noble and humble, but Arthur, in love, the unloved one is always the humble one. The humble, and the heartbroken. Alas, Arthur’s words were too perfectly phrased, leaving me no room to rage or protest. I could only watch, humiliated, as Isolde appeared with jeweled combs in her hair and a grand red gown. 5 The West Wing blazed with lights, vibrant and bustling. My ladies-in-waiting whispered that Arthur, out of pity for Isolde, was granting her a grand and rightful wedding, a public display of her importance. Amidst the sounds of music and laughter, tears welled in my eyes. I could only stare blankly at the ceiling, at the broken nest of doves in the rafters. I suddenly remembered a time, when I was pregnant with Lionel, Arthur had come to my chambers to see me, holding my hand, telling me the doves outside had little fledglings, insisting that I come see them. That day, beneath the dove’s nest, those words, out of place yet poignant, came to mind. “Like the doves upon the rafters, may we ever meet again.” Alas, alas, the dove’s nest was broken, the doves would not return, and Arthur’s love had soured, tasting bitter. As tears fell, Lionel tugged at my gown, smiling as he stood on tiptoe, offering me something. I knelt to see, and in his hand was a piece of sweet caramel. “Mama, eat. Candy is sweet. If you eat it, you won’t cry anymore.” I put the candy in my mouth, forcing a smile as I asked him where he got it. He pointed towards the West Wing, laughing, saying it was from the chambers with the grand red banners. So… so it was Arthur’s wedding candy. No wonder it tasted so bitter. Lionel was in my arms, motionless, his small hand stroking my back, continuously telling me not to cry. He was still too young to understand why I wept, or why the candles in the West Wing burned all night. Isolde, however, was clearly adept at demonstrating her power. The next day, she arrived early at my chambers. Her grand red gown only emphasized her pale complexion, making her appear delicate. But her neck was brazenly exposed, displaying the marks of Arthur’s affection. They were vulgar, commoner’s marks, unworthy of my gaze, and I had no patience for them. I simply waited for her to complete her bow and then discreetly leave. But she was utterly tactless. The moment she entered, she sat on my chaise lounge. Her voice was soft, feigning timidity, but I could hear the boastful undertone. “Sister, last night was quite exhausting. His Majesty said I should rest in my chambers, but I thought it improper not to visit you first…” I ignored her, merely resting my hand on my forehead, letting her ramble. But when she mentioned something specific, my expression subtly changed. She said Arthur had bestowed upon her a royal title: “The Winter Rose.” It meant her fragrance bloomed purest in the bitter cold, implying she had endured years of hardship to achieve this. He bestowed upon her the title of Winter Rose, as if it were a supreme honor. She spoke with a saccharine smile, secretly glancing at my expression. But I found it utterly tiresome. I didn’t look at her, only remembered that winter many years ago, in the plum garden, when Arthur and I had pledged our love. He had said that the most beautiful winter roses in the world bloomed only for me. Now, as I looked up, gazing through the half-open window at the winter roses in my garden, I felt only bitter irony. Winter roses bravely defied the cold, blooming joyfully even in the harshest winter. But love was not so resilient. Too much neglect, and it would simply wither, losing all strength to fight. I waved my hand, cutting off her endless chatter, and casually bestowed upon her a few trifles, dismissing her. She seemed somewhat reluctant but couldn’t openly defy me, so she merely closed her mouth sheepishly and left. My lady-in-waiting, Lady Eleanor, who had grown up with me, spoke up, remarking on Isolde’s vulgar, shameless display, flaunting her conquests before me. I knew it all too well, but I felt it unnecessary to stoop to her level. The court was a heartless place; once the novelty wore off, she would likely become the next me. I no longer yearned for Arthur to love me as he once had. I only prayed for my Lionel to be safe, happy, and live a long, healthy life. That was all I asked for.

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1 The day my father and his ex-girlfriend made headlines at a lavish gala, everyone mocked my mother. They ridiculed her for abandoning a promising career to marry into wealth, only to remain a nameless consort for thirty years, lacking even the courage to openly confront the “other woman.” My mother, her eyes swollen from weeping, looked at me wearily. “He betrayed me first, so I no longer want him either,” she stated, her voice quiet but firm. “Elara, will you come with me?” Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Liam, my boyfriend of seven years. 【Elara, it’s just signing a paper. Can’t you just stay my girlfriend?】 I paused, then nodded. And so, on the day of their wedding, my mother and I vanished in the roaring blaze that consumed our villa. … The moment I saw the trending news, I rushed home. My mother sat by the window, gazing at the climbing roses she had planted with my father. “Elara, he lied to me,” she said, her voice hollow. “He promised that once he took full control of the Blackwood Corporation, he would marry me. I waited for thirty years, only to receive news of his marriage to Valerie Sterling.” I knelt, taking my mother’s hands. “Those are just tabloid rumors, Mom. The truth isn’t certain yet,” I insisted. “Even when Grandpa and Grandma vehemently opposed your union, Dad wouldn’t leave you. Now that they’re gone, why would he abandon you?” My mother picked up an invitation from a nearby table, handing it to me with a bitter, desolate smile. “Mr. Thorpe, his assistant, gave this to me. He said they hope I’ll be prepared and avoid causing any trouble on their big day.” Her voice trembled with a raw pain. “He pities Valerie for secretly bearing him a son, but did he ever once think of me? I gave up everything for him, willingly remaining his unofficial partner for thirty years!” Her voice broke. “My daughter, too, has been called an illegitimate child for over twenty years! And in the end, all I get is a warning not to cause trouble?” A child? Was this the reason Father had broken his promise to Mother, insisted on marrying Valerie? Just because Valerie had secretly given birth to a son, an heir to the supposed family empire? So, he would assume this ridiculous “responsibility” and make my mother bear all the consequences? Mother wept uncontrollably, pulling me into a tight embrace. “He broke his word, yet he expects everything to remain as before.” Her grip tightened. “But I am not a mistress, and my daughter is not illegitimate.” As she spoke, Mother gently stroked my face. “Elara, will you leave with Mama?” She paused, her gaze searching. “Or will you stay in the capital with that young Davies boy?” At the mention of Leo Davies, I glanced down at my phone. The message still displayed: 【Elara, it’s just signing a paper. Can’t you just stay my girlfriend?】 A strained expression crossed my face. I returned my mother’s embrace and spoke. “No, Mom.” My voice was firm. “I am your daughter. Of course, I’ll go with you.” A beat of silence. “As for Leo and me… there’s no future there.” My mother stopped crying, looking at me with concern. “What happened? Leo has been with you for seven years. How could he…” I forced a bitter laugh, dismissing the message on my phone. “Dad’s thirty years with you meant nothing. My seven years with him are even less.” My voice was cold. “The Davies family has a major project they need to collaborate on with the Sterling Group.” My gaze drifted to the window. “Leo has already agreed to an arranged marriage with Miss Sterling. Their wedding is on the fifteenth of this month.” A wry smile. “As for me and him, Leo says everything will be ‘as usual’.” Hearing this, Mother’s face flushed with anger. “As usual?” she scoffed. “That means he expects you to be his mistress! Leo Davies is utterly outrageous!” Tears welled in her eyes. “It’s all my fault, my darling. It’s because of me that you can’t even have a proper relationship.” Tears streamed down Mother’s cheeks. She hugged me tightly, whispering apologies over and over. I comforted her, but my own tears silently fell. “Mom, this was never our fault,” I said softly, my voice breaking. “It’s good that we found out. Let’s leave this place and start a new life. How does that sound?” … After comforting Mother and settling her in her room, I hurried back to my apartment. The moment I opened the door, I saw Leo Davies and Lily Sterling standing in the middle of my living room. “Elara, you’re back.” Leo’s voice was warm, almost relieved. “I knew you still couldn’t bear to let go of us.” My gaze fell on the wedding ring on Leo’s hand, and a sarcastic smile touched my lips. “Leo, you’re wearing a wedding ring, and you and your future wife have entered my apartment without permission. You don’t expect me to welcome you, do you?” 2 Catching the mockery in my voice, Leo hastily explained. “Elara, why don’t you understand? I’ve told you many times, marrying Lily is only temporary. The partnership between the Davies family and the Sterling Group isn’t something I can control. And Lily even said she’s willing to accept your presence.” Lily Sterling stepped forward at that moment, looking at me with a hint of disdain. “Leo is right. Miss Thorne, you might not be aware, but I’ve seen many like you in our circle.” Her voice was cold. “As long as you don’t cause too much trouble, I won’t involve my parents. And I’m even willing to speak well of you to the Davies family. After all, the name Thorne is quite different from Blackwood.” Her condescension was blatant. I simply picked up the glass of water from the table and threw it directly at both of them. “Ah!” Lily shrieked. Leo hastily grabbed tissues to wipe the water from Lily. “Elara, are you insane?!” he raged. “I think you’re the ones who are insane!” I looked at them, my eyes cold, and forced a smile. “Miss Sterling, are you deaf or just brainless? Leo and I had a proper relationship for seven years. And now, you expect me to be ‘accepted’ by you? You two come here, putting on a self-important show in front of me, but did you ever once ask what I wanted?” My voice rose. “Get out of my house. Now!” As if provoked by my words, Lily rushed towards me, her face flushed with fury. “Elara Thorne, what are you so proud of?” she spat. “Your mother shamelessly clung to the Blackwood family for years, without even a marriage certificate. And now Mr. Blackwood is marrying Aunt Valerie, so your mother ends up being nothing but a mistress after all. Like mother, like daughter. I bet you’re destined to be a mistress too! If it weren’t for Leo’s pleading, you wouldn’t even be allowed near the Davies family’s doorstep!” Slap! Before Lily could finish, I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face. The next second, Leo shoved me away, sending me crashing into a nearby table. I clutched my bruised forehead, my head swimming. “Elara, don’t go too far!” Leo said, heartbroken, protecting Lily. He turned his anger on me. “Haven’t you understood yet? Once Mr. Blackwood marries Valerie, you and your mother will both be nothing more than a hidden mistress and an illegitimate child. With your background, even being a mistress is disgraceful!” His voice hardened. “It’s Lily being generous, willing to make allowances because of our past. If you continue to be so ungrateful, don’t blame me for being unkind.” “Unkind?” I let out a low laugh, pushing myself up from the floor. Then, without hesitation, I picked up the glass and smashed it onto Leo’s head. The glass shattered instantly, leaving a gash with crimson blood blossoming on Leo’s forehead. Lily shrieked, threatening to call the police, but a glare from me silenced her. “Leo Davies, you brought someone else into my house without my permission. That’s trespassing. I’m the one who should be calling the police. And I don’t need her generosity. Consider my seven years with you thrown to the dogs!” Leo, dazed from the blow, still managed a parting shot as he left. “Elara Thorne, do you really think you’re fit to be Mrs. Davies now?” He scoffed. “I’ll wait for the day you come begging me!” The moment the door slammed shut, I collapsed to the floor again, silent tears streaming down my face. Leo and I had known each other since childhood, and we’d been in love for seven years. In those seven years, he remembered all my preferences, accompanied me on every anniversary, and was always there when I needed him. I thought I had found someone to spend my life with, and countless times, I had dreamed with him about our married life. But he knew I despised mistresses more than anything, yet he still tried to force me into that position for such a ridiculous reason. All our past, it had all become a cruel joke! He once said he didn’t care about anything, as long as it was me. Now he was the one telling me to reflect on whether I was worthy of being his wife. Thinking of this, I stood up again, looking around the apartment. From photo albums to decorative figurines, every brick and stone in this apartment was something Leo and I had chosen together. He said he wanted to decorate this place as our little home, excitedly asking me again and again, buying every item I liked. “Elara, no matter how angry you get with me in the future, please give me another chance, for all the effort I’ve put in.” Leo used to tell me, playfully, as he held me close. But I would earnestly caution him. “That depends on what you do. If you do the one thing I despise most, I will never forgive you!” Leo would then promise, holding me tight, refusing to let go. “How could I? If that day ever came, I’d jump straight off Lover’s Peak, where we pledged our love, to atone for my sins! Then you can set me on fire and scatter my ashes!” Thinking of those past conversations, my heart ached even more unbearably. I picked up my phone and made a call. “Yes, sell this apartment. As quickly as possible.” 3 I prepared everything, booking flights for my mother and me. However, my father’s assistant discovered our plans and immediately sent bodyguards to monitor my mother and me day and night. Even on the day of his wedding, he forced my mother and me to attend. On the wedding day, everyone who saw my mother and me was surprised. “It’s Mr. Blackwood’s wedding today, and these two women dare to show up?” “Why even ask?” “They’re obviously shameless, forcing their way in.” “A common actress, truly thinking she could climb high?” “And her daughter is just as brazen, trying to latch onto the Davies family, only to be played.” “Indeed! I heard that Davies boy is getting married today too.” “Yes, Miss Sterling is a proper match. She wouldn’t even look at her.” Whispers of contempt and judgment filled the air, and various disapproving gazes fell upon my mother and me. I looked at my mother, worried, but she gently squeezed my hand. “Elara, don’t worry about Mama.” Her voice was soft, peaceful. “Recognizing a person after thirty years is a steep price, but at least I’m finally clear-headed. From now on, we’ll just follow our hearts.” The grand doors swung open. Valerie Sterling, in her exquisite wedding gown, walked step by step towards the altar. My father, in a perfectly tailored suit, watched Valerie with a face full of tender affection. Their son, young Gareth, then placed Valerie’s hand in my father’s. “Father, I entrust Mother to you from now on.” Gareth said, his voice earnest. “She suffered so much raising me all these years. I hope you will treat her well.” A flicker of satisfaction crossed my father’s face. He patted Gareth’s shoulder. “You rascal, lecturing your old man now. Don’t just talk about me; you work hard too. The Blackwood legacy will one day fall to you.” It was a picture of filial devotion that moved many to sentiment. As soon as my father finished speaking, his gaze fell upon my mother and me. “And, your Aunt Eleanor, she has, after all, been with me for many years.” He continued, his voice calm. “From now on, do not be too disrespectful. Whatever is rightfully yours will be yours. As for anything extra, I will not be foolish.” Catching the veiled warning in his words, the scornful and questioning gazes of the guests once again settled upon my mother and me. I firmly gripped my mother’s hand. My phone vibrated at that moment. I opened it to a video. In the video, Leo Davies was gazing deeply at Lily Sterling, solemnly pledging his vows to her parents. “Father, Mother,” Leo said, his voice earnest. “Rest assured, I will take good care of Lily. I will never let her suffer any grievance, nor will I ever let her be sad.” I took a deep breath, then stood up directly. “Mr. Blackwood, there’s no need for your passive-aggressive remarks here.” My voice was clear and strong, cutting through the murmurs. “If my mother were truly a mercenary woman, why would she have wasted thirty years on you?” My gaze hardened. “I disdain the Blackwood family, and my mother disdains it even more. Keep your so-called legacy for your precious son.” My father’s face flushed with anger, seemingly unprepared for such a public scene. “Impudent!” he roared. “Is this the day for your disgraceful antics? If you don’t wish to stay, then take your mother and get out!” A group of black-suited bodyguards quickly arrived, practically dragging my mother and me, forcing us into a car, and locking us inside the villa. Only after the bodyguards retreated from the door did I calmly take out my phone and instruct Uncle George to recall all our people. Years ago, his wife and child fell critically ill, and my mother and I paid for their medical expenses, saving their lives. Later, Uncle George, to repay the kindness, became a bodyguard for the Blackwood family. I never thought he would be truly useful today. On the villa’s television, news was playing of my father and Leo Davies’s wedding. Watching them passionately embrace, the sadness had vanished from my mother’s eyes. She smiled at me calmly, picked up her luggage, and said, “Elara, let’s go.” I nodded solemnly, called for the pre-arranged car, and took one last look at the villa where I had lived for over twenty years. Then, without a backward glance, I drove away.

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I was merely a consort in the Duke’s household, but His Grace doted on his Duchess, disregarding all others. The Duchess, however, was consumed by her affection for the Duke, utterly neglecting the management of the inner court. Thus, the authority of the household slipped from her grasp, and I became the de facto mistress of the estate. Later, when the Duke first ascended to the throne as King, his loyal courtiers presented me as their choice for Queen. I, once a mere consort, became his Queen, taking my place at the heart of the royal court. And the proud Lady of the House, who had once looked down upon me, was relegated to the very position she despised: a lesser consort.

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From my earliest days, Julian Finch and I were inseparable. He was even closer to me than my own brothers. The adults would chuckle, calling me his little shadow. Yet, the moment Father hinted at an arranged betrothal between our two families, Julian began to avoid me. Every time I sought him out, he would claim he was unavailable. It wasn’t until my elder brother, Arthur, brought me to find him, that I overheard his conversation with a friend: “Lady Eleanor Hastings is as dull as a stone, hardly fit to be a Finch bride.” 1. Hearing those words, I stood rooted to the spot. Beside me, Arthur was already fuming, threatening to go in and thrash Julian Finch. Dull as a stone. I savored those words, turning them over in my mind. Dull, I had heard often enough. At grand balls, other young ladies would frequently use that word to insult me. Then my elder sisters at home would loudly retort, even complaining to our parents. So I vaguely knew “dull” was an insult. As for “stone”… I recalled the magnificent marble statue in the Town Square. Julian said it was carved from stone. Thinking of that, I felt tears welling up, threatening to spill from the corners of my mouth. Arthur, outside, was already cursing loudly, disturbing those within. Julian and his friend, Jasper Thorne, opened the door. Seeing us standing there, they exchanged awkward glances. Seeing the fire in Arthur’s eyes, Jasper quickly stepped out to mediate. “Lord Hastings, please don’t take it to heart. Julian had a bit too much to drink just now, that’s why his tongue was… untamed!” “Oh? Drank, did he? So he was speaking his mind, then?” Arthur’s voice was sharp. Sweat beaded on Jasper’s forehead. He stammered, unsure what to say. Julian, meanwhile, stood composed, as if this whole farce had nothing to do with him. Arthur grew even angrier. He grabbed Julian by the collar. “Julian Finch, what do you mean by that? Apologize to Eleanor, now!” Jasper, fearing a brawl, fretted anxiously. Julian, hearing Arthur’s command, seemed to finally notice me standing beside him. He pulled a corner of his lip into a cruel smile. “Eleanor Hastings, not only are you dull, but do you lack all sense of decorum? So desperate to marry into the Finch family?” 2. That day concluded with Arthur landing a punch on Julian Finch. Back home, I hid in my boudoir, refusing to see anyone. When Julian called me “dull” that day, I wasn’t particularly hurt. After all, countless people had insulted me with that word since childhood. But he had dared to call me “shameless.” Mother had always taught me that one must possess honor and decorum. Without decorum, one was like a person without clothes. So Julian had basically called me naked. I was truly hurt. But I didn’t understand what had happened to him. He used to be so kind to me; how could he change so suddenly? Julian used to be genuinely good to me. He would never mock me. Instead, he would take me to the market square to see the lantern displays, or to the tavern for roast boar. Even when he occasionally called me “little simpleton,” his tone was always affectionate, unlike others who spoke with undisguised malice. But what had changed now? I pondered deeply. I recalled his shift in demeanor began when Father informed me of the proposed betrothal. Did he not wish to be betrothed to me? If he didn’t want it, he should have just said so, shouldn’t he? Why must he insult me like this? I pouted, deciding to approach my parents and break off this engagement. 3. Before I even reached my parents’ study door, I heard Father’s booming voice, thick with anger. “That rogue, Julian Finch! How dare he insult my daughter so! Does he truly think the Hastings family has no honor?!” I hesitated, not daring to enter. Father was usually so gentle, but when he lost his temper, he was terrifying. I remembered one year, I secretly snuck out to play with Julian, and when Father found out, he made me copy three hundred lines of scripture. My wrist still twinged, as if those three hundred lines were calling to me. But Mother had already heard the commotion at the door. The moment she saw me, she cried out and clutched me, wailing. “My darling, my poor, sweet child! How can you be so unfortunate!” She then cried to Father, “My Lord, you must avenge our daughter!” Father’s beard practically bristled with indignation. “Broken! This betrothal must be broken!” 4. Father took me to the Finch estate. The Finch estate was right next door to ours. So I thought it was completely unnecessary to walk those few steps. Couldn’t we just shout across the garden wall? I used to call out to Julian that way all the time. Upon arriving at the Finch estate, Lord and Lady Finch were both present. They relentlessly grasped my father’s hands. Lord Finch’s face was filled with remorse. “Lord Hastings, I am deeply sorry! I never imagined that scoundrel would dare to go so far!” Father scoffed. “Lord Finch, your family first proposed this match, speaking of our children as childhood companions, and our families knowing each other’s true character. So, what? Is my daughter to chase after yours?” “Yes, yes, you are absolutely right. I have failed in raising my son. When that boy returns, I shall truly teach him a lesson!” Father sighed deeply. “Let it be. Given Julian Finch’s behavior, we cannot possibly seek such a union. It would be ill-fated if a betrothal turned into an enmity. This betrothal, I believe, should be broken.” Lord Finch’s expression grew frantic. He clutched my father’s hand, unwilling to let go. “No, you cannot break it! Under no circumstances can you break it!” Just then, a loud shout echoed from the great hall. “What cannot be broken?!” 5. It was Julian Finch himself. The moment Julian arrived, the air in the room seemed to chill. Lord Finch was so enraged by his son’s outburst that he called him a defiant wretch. Julian walked directly to me. “Well, well, you’ve even followed me home now. Eleanor Hastings, do you have no shame left as a young lady?” There it was again. That same accusation. Why did Julian always have to insult me like this? Why had he changed so completely overnight? I despised this betrothal. I despised Julian Finch. Father, seeing Julian so audacious even in his presence, stepped forward and slapped him. Lady Finch gasped, trying to intervene, but Lord Finch restrained her. “That’s what this defiant son deserves!” Julian, his face stinging from the slap, dropped to his knees before my father. His expression was calm. “Lord Hastings, I wish to break this betrothal.” Father’s face flushed crimson. “Break it! Why wouldn’t I break it! Do you think the Hastings family is clinging to you?!” With that, he pulled out the betrothal contract and a jade pendant from his sleeve. The jade pendant was familiar; Mother said it was our betrothal token. I snatched the pendant. Father, thinking I didn’t want to break the engagement, looked at me with a hesitant expression. My eyes red-rimmed, I hurled the jade pendant directly at Julian’s face. “I don’t care for it! Julian Finch, I don’t want you anymore!” “What did you say?” Julian abruptly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, staring directly at me. I was startled, stepping back. But then I thought, Father is here; he wouldn’t dare strike me, would he? So I straightened my back, looking at him fiercely, and repeated. “Julian Finch, I don’t want you anymore! I am the one who doesn’t want you!” 6. In the end, the betrothal was broken. That day, I declared before our elders that I did not want Julian Finch. He was so furious his eyes turned red. I was terrified he might hit me, so I hid behind Father. I truly didn’t understand him. He clearly didn’t want the engagement. I was fulfilling his wish, wasn’t I? Instead of being grateful, why was he so aggressive? Mother was disheartened. She stroked my head, saying, “I thought that Finch boy genuinely cared for our Eleanor, but… Alas, what will become of our Eleanor now!” Father scoffed. “What do you mean, ‘what now’? My daughter can live at home for her entire life if she wishes. Do you know why that old man, Lord Finch, agreed to this betrothal in the first place? I heard that His Majesty intended to betroth Julian Finch to Princess Rosamund. The royal family and noble houses have been at odds for too long, and Lord Finch simply didn’t want to get involved in that mess.” … 7. Truth be told, I was also quite disheartened. Without Julian, no one else wanted to play with me anymore. Arthur, my elder brother, studied diligently all day, and Mother forbade me from disturbing him. Most of my cousins had married into other families, and could no longer look after me as they once did. Where would I find another playmate? I was so worried I squatted in the corner of the garden, pretending to grow mushrooms. Just as my legs began to ache from squatting, I heard a rustling sound nearby. What was that? A large rat? All the hairs on my body stood on end. I looked around, my gaze locking onto a patch of tall grass not far away. Faintly, a large dark shape was visible. Whoa, a rat that big! I picked up a wooden stick nearby and cautiously crept closer. Just as the stick, as thick as my wrist, was about to come down, the dark shadow in the grass suddenly leaped out. “Mercy, kind stranger! I won’t steal any more food!” I was so startled that the wooden stick fell from my hand. Looking closer, a young man with bright lips and teeth stood before me! What a handsome large rat! No! What a handsome young man! The man before me wore a large black cloak, his features refined. Even with some dirt smudges on his face, it didn’t detract from his handsomeness. He held a half-eaten chicken leg in his hand, and a blush crept beneath the grime on his face. He bowed his head. “I apologize, I didn’t mean to steal your family’s chicken! Ah, why are you drooling? Are you hungry too?” Drooling? I wiped the corner of my mouth. Hungry? That was easy enough to fix! I, Eleanor Hastings, was never short on food! 8. The handsome young man told me his name was Leo Kent. He had run away from home after an argument with his family. Unfortunately, his coin purse had also been stolen, leaving him without food for three days. I hid him in the guest room in our courtyard and secretly brought him plenty of food. Leo ravenously devoured the food. He ate with such gusto that it made me happy to watch. Although my family wouldn’t scold me, they always ate in a very refined manner. Even Julian Finch, he only took a few bites at each meal, making me constantly worry he would starve to death. Julian, in turn, would lecture me for not being like a proper noble lady. “To eat little is polite; to eat much is ill-mannered.” But I never listened to him. Mother said not eating enough would make me ill. And I should never imitate the delicate, willowy demeanor of other young ladies. Noticing me watching him, Leo awkwardly wiped his mouth. “I’m not usually like this. I’m just extremely hungry today.” “It’s alright. You look very handsome when you eat.” Leo was startled by my bluntness. He hugged his bowl and turned away, continuing to eat noisily. I kept Leo hidden in the guest room. For every meal, I would ask for an extra portion. Mother, seeing my suddenly increased appetite, looked at me with concern. I blinked innocently. “Mother, I’ve just been very hungry lately.” Mother wrung her handkerchief, hesitating to speak. “Eleanor, there are many good young gentlemen in the world. Please, don’t think ill-advised thoughts and resort to overeating!” I vaguely understood Mother’s meaning. Was she worried I was heartbroken after breaking off the engagement with Julian? Nonsense! I had a new playmate now. He was a million times more handsome than Julian! When I told Leo this, he stopped gnawing on the chicken leg, and the corners of his mouth visibly drooped. “Julian Finch? Who’s that? So you have other good friends besides me!” Mentioning Julian, my own mood also dampened. “He used to be the kindest person to me, besides Father, Mother, Arthur, and my sisters.” Leo’s mouth twitched. “Ranked so far down, he can’t have been that important, then! Hey, tell me about your past with him!” 9. Our past? The Hastings and Finch families were ancient noble houses, for centuries. My father and Lord Finch were even lifelong friends. Mother said I had a high fever when I was three, and since then, I had been a bit slow-witted. Once, at a ball, I secretly ran off to the lakeside. I was pushed to the ground by several children. “It’s that little simpleton from the Hastings family!” they jeered. “Let’s not play with her, or we’ll catch her simpleton’s disease!” With that, they gathered handfuls of snow from the ground and threw them at me. Julian Finch was already a tall boy then. Seeing the children bullying me, his face hardened, and he beat them soundly. Then he picked me up and carried me to the hearth to warm by the fire. I remembered the fierce heat of that fire. And I remembered the sharp, angular profile of the young boy’s face. Later, I learned that Julian had also gone to each of the children’s homes, complaining to their parents about what they had done. That winter, the grand estates in the capital rang with the cries of disciplined children. My family was aghast when they learned of it. Father and Mother never imagined anyone would dare to bully a Hastings daughter. From then on, no matter where I went, they would send someone to protect me. My cousins in the family would also stay by my side at balls, never leaving me. Father and Mother were grateful to Julian, and the two families became even closer. Julian felt I was too lonely at home. So, he often took me out to play. My family trusted him completely. Thus, unlike other young ladies, I grew up exploring every corner of the capital with Julian. He was the most important person to me, besides my family. So when Father asked if I wanted to spend my life with Julian, I wholeheartedly agreed. 10. “So what now? You broke off your friendship?” Leo, his mouth full of grease from gnawing on the chicken leg, didn’t forget to twist the knife in my heart. “Yes,” I admitted. “It’s alright! You have me now, don’t you? I’ll play with you from now on!” “Can you also take me to new places to play?” My eyes lit up, my mind already envisioning where we could go. Leo gave an awkward laugh. “Well, you see, although I grew up in the capital, I haven’t really been anywhere.” Seeing my expression dim, he hastily added, “But you can take me! Once we’ve played all over the capital, we can explore other places too!” Me, leading Leo? I thought about it. The idea was brilliant! Before, Julian had always led me. Now, I could lead Leo. I wasn’t inferior to Julian, was I? I wasn’t a little simpleton! I thought, delighted. Just then, my lady-in-waiting, Lily, called out from outside. “My Lady, where are you? Princess! Princess Rosamund wishes to see you!”

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1 After seven years of marriage, Henry Davies was finally recognized by the powerful Davies family—as their illegitimate heir. There was just one condition: to secure his inheritance, he had to father an heir with his late brother’s widow, Elara Sterling. Henry swore he’d never forget Elara’s past humiliations. Once I’ve made her suffer enough, he told me, I’ll cast her out of the estate. But lately, he came home later each night, growing distant from me and our daughter. Then, six months later, he announced his remarriage—without telling me first. Our little girl, Lily, pointed at the news photo. Why is Daddy holding Aunt Elara’s waist? I hugged her tight, forcing a smile. Because Daddy has a new home now. We have to leave. Will Daddy come with us? she asked No, sweetheart. He… likes someone else here. Lily’s eyes brimmed with hope. Can’t we give him one more chance? He promised to take me to preschool tomorrow. Okay, I whispered, blinking back tears. One last chance. That night, I stared at the photo again. Henry and Elara gazed at each other, their affection undeniable. The man who’d vowed forever to me had, in the end, chosen another. I opened a ticketing app, looking at the earliest flight back to Riverton. It was seven days from now. Coincidentally, that was also the day of Henry and Elara Sterling’s wedding. Without hesitation, I bought two tickets home, then went into the bathroom to wash up. When I emerged, I ran directly into Henry, who had just returned home. The heavy scent of roses immediately hit me, and I couldn’t help but frown. Even after six months, I still hadn’t gotten used to the smell that clung to him every time he came back from Elara Sterling’s place. Henry’s arm, initially reaching to embrace me, paused, then instead he pinched my cheek. “Still upset?” I stepped back, looking at the lingering tenderness in his eyes. “Can you please stop going to Elara Sterling’s place?” I pleaded, my voice barely a whisper. “I don’t like sharing you with other women, and I certainly don’t want her carrying your child.” In the past six months, I had expressed my unwillingness countless times. But he always did as he pleased. Henry didn’t get angry; he just sighed, exasperated. “Chloe, don’t be childish. You know, only if Elara Sterling bears the firstborn son of the Davies family can I officially take over the legacy.” “Then let’s get a divorce,” I managed, fighting back my tears. Henry paused, then asked, bewildered, “You agreed to the condition of representing both family lines back then. What are you making a fuss about now?” Henry was right. I had agreed to his inheriting both lines. But six months ago, the agreement was clearly to use in-vitro fertilization for Elara Sterling to conceive. Initially, Henry had strictly adhered to the rules, treating Elara, who had once humiliated him, with cold indifference. But as time went on, his visits to Elara became more frequent. From once a month, to twice a week, and now, almost every day. I had lost count of how many nights I had waited, how many times I had slept alone. Seeing my silence, Henry sighed, a weary sound. “You know, the Davies family was never happy about me marrying you. Now, I finally have a chance to be fully acknowledged by my birth family. How can you ask me to choose otherwise?” He paused, then softened his voice. “Besides, Elara truly needs a child to avoid being disinherited by the Davies family. We are both forced into this. You’re the kindest, Chloe. Even if you don’t like it, you just have to endure this for a while.” Henry perfunctorily stroked my cheek, then turned and went into the bathroom to wash up. I stood there, and in a haze, remembered my first encounter with Henry. It was a night of heavy rain. He was bruised and battered, thrown out by the Davies family’s bodyguards. Elara Sterling, holding an umbrella, looked down at the dying Henry on the ground, her face filled with disdain. “Does an outsider’s mongrel truly think it can claim kinship with the Davies?” She stepped on Henry’s hand, grinding it until blood appeared before she finally relented. I was so startled by the brutal sight that I dropped the groceries I was carrying. 2 Elara Sterling smirked at me. “Isn’t this the Davies family’s little maid? An illegitimate child like him should be paired with a pauper like you.” After she said that, she had the half-dead Henry taken to a hotel. And I, having been drugged, was sent to the bed with him. That night, I dared not touch Henry. I stayed in the hotel, soaking in ice water all night. When I was finally somewhat sober, I still had to care for Henry, who was unconscious and ill. Elara hadn’t expected me to resist the drug’s effects. Enraged, she made me kneel on the ground. I begged Elara to let me go. After all, I was just a maid; I had no desire to get involved in their aristocratic struggles. But she simply drew the tip of a knife across my face, laughing and saying I deserved it. She called me an orphan, born with a low-class life. Elara locked Henry and me in the Davies family’s cellar, humiliating us like dogs. In the freezing winter, Elara only allowed us a thin blanket. I couldn’t bear the cold and trembled as I clung to Henry. I asked him, “Do you hate them?” Henry merely looked at the snow outside, saying flatly, “I will get my revenge someday.” This pervasive humiliation only stopped when Elara Sterling married into the Davies family. That day, the Davies manor was adorned with festive decorations. The entire city celebrated the powerful alliance of this marriage. Henry and I, however, were completely driven out of the Davies mansion. But Henry didn’t leave. He stood by the fence, staring at the exquisitely dressed Elara Sterling, his expression unreadable. I thought he resented Elara for the torment of his youth. But as I was adopted by the Hayes family, I gradually discerned Henry’s true intentions. He didn’t hate Elara’s humiliation at all; he coveted his elder brother’s wife! What he truly hated was his illegitimate status, which prevented him from legitimately marrying Elara Sterling. I forced a bitter smile, shaking off my thoughts. Now that I had seen through the man beside me, it was time to leave him for good. The sound of water in the bathroom abruptly stopped. Henry emerged, holding his phone, his face filled with concern. “Don’t be afraid, I’m coming right away.” He didn’t even have time to rinse the foam from his hair. He grabbed his car keys and rushed out. It wasn’t until he was about to leave that he noticed I was still standing in the same spot. “Apologies, Elara’s dog suddenly went mad and bit her.” He paused, his gaze softening. “I have to go see her myself; she lives alone, and besides me, she has no one to rely on.” He added, “As for the divorce, don’t mention it again. If you talk about it too much, I’ll grow tired of it.” I nodded, saying, “Alright.” Just as he was about to leave, I couldn’t help but ask one last question. “Lily’s preschool starts tomorrow. The teachers want both parents to attend. You’ll go, won’t you?” Henry chuckled softly. “I promised Lily. Of course, I’ll go.” As the door closed, silence filled the room. But he had also promised me many things, and he hadn’t fulfilled a single one. I pulled out a tissue and knelt, wiping away the water Henry had dripped from the bathroom. I was a clean freak. I would no longer tolerate a man who soiled my life. But what about Lily? She was still so young. She still held a strange affection and expectation for her father. Thinking of my promise to my daughter before she fell asleep, I couldn’t sleep at all. I decided to scroll through social media instead. The latest post was from Elara Sterling. She wrote that someone would always be willing to tolerate all her little quirks. The post was accompanied by a picture of a man’s transfer record for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seeing this, I suddenly felt a pang. Henry would transfer millions to Elara Sterling without hesitation. But in our seven years of marriage, the gifts I received were few and far between. After all, during that time, he was busy with his startup. I was busy taking care of him and our child, completely uninterested in these so-called gifts. Now, looking back, how could I have ever thought that life would be the same with anyone? Henry didn’t remember my birthday, never attended Lily’s parent-teacher conferences. Even our wedding anniversary was just met with promises to take me to see the world “when we had money.” But after returning to the Davies family, he remembered Elara Sterling’s birthday, would rent out an amusement park for her at her whim, and stay up late with her to watch the stars. All his affection, he gave without reservation to Elara Sterling. For me, he only had an impatient “Don’t be childish.” My heart suddenly felt heavy. I looked at the unfamiliar, cold villa. 3 It was nowhere near as comforting as our cramped sixty-square-meter rental apartment had been. Life had been hard then, but at least we had a home. After Lily was born, we had absolutely no money left. We couldn’t even pay for heating or electricity. I had to mix Lily’s formula with cold water. Henry handed me a steaming hot sweet potato, his eyes red-rimmed. “It’s all my fault. I wasn’t careful, and now Lily is suffering.” He squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry. Once I have money, I’ll get a vasectomy.” He was afraid I’d think him poor, afraid I’d leave him, so he made promises with bated breath. I cried that I was cold, and he would take my hands and press them to his heart. How could the man who stood by me in my darkest hours change so completely in the blink of an eye? I had just finished packing my and Lily’s luggage when my phone rang. It was a voice message from Elara Sterling. Fearing I would wake Lily, I walked to the stairwell before answering. “If you marry me, what about Chloe Hayes? You know, I’m no mistress!” Her voice was as arrogant as ever. The other end of the line fell silent for a long time. Then I heard Henry’s soft chuckle. “When I married Chloe, I chose to have the wedding abroad and got a fake certificate. The only person I ever truly wanted to marry was you.” The call ended, and my heart turned completely cold. The marriage certificate was fake. His words of love were also fake. But perhaps this was for the best. I wouldn’t have to personally seek Henry out for a divorce agreement. As for the marriage certificate I had intended to take with me, I found it in my suitcase and placed it on the bedside table. What didn’t belong to me, I wouldn’t take a single thing. Henry didn’t return until the next day. He didn’t even send a text to update me. I took Lily to her parent-teacher conference alone. During the games, it was always fathers carrying their children, rushing forward. Only I was the mother. There was a clear physical disparity between men and women, and I came in last. After the games ended, Lily didn’t care about winning or losing. She simply tenderly wiped the sweat from my forehead. As we walked home, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where’s Daddy? Didn’t he promise me he’d take me to preschool today?” “He probably forgot.” Lily said nothing more, but the disappointment in her eyes deepened. I looked at the darkening sky and quickened my pace. When I returned home, Henry was sitting on the sofa, his face clouded with displeasure. “Why didn’t you reply to my messages? Father wants to see Lily. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” Before I could say anything, Henry picked up Lily and headed for the car. Lily hadn’t seen him in so long, and her gaze towards Henry was timid. Moreover, Henry looked utterly furious at that moment. Even though Lily missed him, she couldn’t help but cry out in fear. As I rushed to comfort her, the car had already arrived at the old Davies family estate. Mr. Davies Sr. merely glanced at Lily, then handed her back to me. But for Elara Sterling, he offered endless affectionate inquiries. As it was nearly dinnertime, Elara Sterling asked me to speak with her by the stairwell. Fearing she might try something, I moved our conversation to the hallway. “You should have understood Henry’s meaning from last night’s call, shouldn’t you?” Her voice was laced with a chilling sweetness. “I certainly don’t want you and that burdensome child flaunting yourselves in front of me every day. After all, you know my methods. Children are very fragile; they can die from a mere oversight.” She looked at me with disdain, her voice menacing. I desperately wanted to tell her that I was no longer the servant she could order around. The Sterling family, no matter how powerful, couldn’t control everything. But now, I had a greater weakness. Lily was my only family in the world. I could live without Henry, but I couldn’t live without Lily. “I will leave,” I said, my voice steady. “I won’t appear before you again.” Elara Sterling smiled, saying I was as sensible as ever, then walked away in her high heels. After composing myself and returning to the living room, I saw Elara Sterling talking to Lily. Elara Sterling smiled, pinching Lily’s cheek. “Lily is the older sister. When your little brother is born, you must protect him well!” She feigned an air of gentle domesticity. But Lily suddenly pushed her away with both hands. Elara Sterling immediately fell to the floor, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain.

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