Author: Momo Chan

Five years ago, Summer Peterson, the younger sister of a mutual friend, fell for Daniel Stone at first sight. Everyone laughed, telling me, “She’s just a middle schooler. What does she know about love?” Daniel himself repeatedly stated he only saw her as a child. But the young girl remained undeterred, constantly encouraging herself. On the night of her eighteenth birthday, she confessed her feelings to Daniel once more. That night, Daniel smiled, a mix of helplessness and indulgence. “Kid, I guess I’m really stuck with you.” Watching Daniel, usually so reserved, speak so softly and tenderly to the girl he had practically watched grow up, I suddenly felt exhausted. I chose an ordinary day and personally handed him the divorce papers. I sat opposite Daniel, my demeanor as calm as if we were discussing a business deal. “Our son is yours. I’m giving up custody.” “You can keep living in this house. I’ll pack up tomorrow and move out.” His hands clasped together, his gaze fixed on me, heavy and unwavering. He clearly didn’t understand why I was suddenly making such a “whimsical” decision. “Claire,” his eyes held a faint, distant emotion, “if this is about Summer, I apologize. But you know I only see her as a child.” He patiently explained, still convinced I was overreacting. I remembered the night my blood sugar dropped. Daniel, having finished work, sat at his desk, constantly glancing at his phone as if waiting for a message. As I stumbled and collapsed by the sofa, he was listening to Summer on the phone, talking about her period cramps. Before, our marriage, while not passionate, was at least respectful. But at that moment, he pulled his gaze away from me, gently instructing the voice on the other end: “Have someone at home brew you some warm herbal tea.” And our son, Ethan, seeing his father’s lack of reaction, casually pushed me with his foot from where he lay sprawled on the sofa: “Mom, can you move? You’re blocking my blocks.” It turned out, in their eyes, I, who always gave without question, wasn’t even worth a single word of concern, less important than a toy. Eight years of marriage ended abruptly, with nothing more than two signatures. As I packed my bags, Daniel methodically outlined the property division. I barely listened—my lawyer would handle it more professionally. As I dragged my suitcase out the door, he called out from behind me, his eyes deep: “Claire, you still have a lot of things. No need to rush moving out.” The house was filled with my belongings, but my suitcase only held a few seasonal clothes. He probably misunderstood, thinking I intended to leave with nothing. “I’m not planning to abandon everything,” I said. “Just have the housekeeper organize my things and ship them to me later.” Marriage was, at its core, a partnership of interests. I didn’t need to prove anything by walking away empty-handed, especially since I was not at fault. Daniel opened his mouth, then closed it, saying nothing more. He followed me out. As I stepped through the main door, he suddenly reached out to stop me: “Are you going back to your parents’ place? How are you going to tell them?” I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. They won’t bother you.” In my peripheral vision, Ethan peeked out from the doorway, watching me silently. His gaze tugged at my heart—after all, he was the child I had carried for ten months, soothed countless times through sleepless nights. I wanted to say “I’m sorry” to him, to offer a few words of caution, so I put down my suitcase and turned. But then I heard him ask Daniel, “Dad, when is Summer going to take me to see the race cars?” That faint pull in my heart instantly vanished. I said nothing more, turning to leave. “I’ll have the driver take you.” “No need.” I refused curtly, not bothering to look back at the calm, indifferent father and son. I bought a train ticket to a quiet coastal town in the Pacific Northwest. Outside the window, a fine mist clung to the mountains and water, like an ink painting. Daniel’s and my marriage began as a family arrangement. In the first few years, I was content with our respectful, almost formal, relationship. I had never seen his gentle side until Summer appeared. She showed me that he could be attentive and caring, like a warm older brother. For these past five years, everyone had told me, “She’s just a young girl, don’t take it to heart.” “What does a middle schooler know about love?” “It’s normal for high schoolers to idolize someone. It’ll fade in a while.” “You’ve been married for so many years. Why are you competing with a young girl?” As if any slight dissatisfaction I showed towards Summer was irrational. So I constantly told myself, “Claire, don’t be so petty.” But Summer still, little by little, permeated Daniel’s and my life— Her handwriting began to mirror his stroke, he remembered her period cycle clearly, her name was constantly on Ethan’s lips. There were no overt boundary crossings, it was just… like this. Oh, right. The night I collapsed from low blood sugar was also the “100-Day Video Anniversary” between Summer and him. 4. After settling into the Pacific Northwest, My best friend, Harper, and I explored many places. Blue tiled roofs peeked over white walls, small bridges arched over winding streams, and moss clung to cobblestone paths. Every corner exuded a sense of boundless freedom. We never tired of it. But on the third night, Harper’s emotions erupted, and she poured herself drink after drink. Tears streaming down her face, she asked me, “You still haven’t answered why men are so obsessed with their idealized first loves.” Harper was different from me. She and Liam had been together for seven years, starting in college, a true love story that led to marriage. By all accounts, they should have been blissfully happy. But Liam had a high school ex-girlfriend, a girl he had romanticized into his “white moonlight” over those seven years. The night I filed for divorce, Harper’s marriage also shattered. That night, Liam brought his ex back home, right into their bedroom. Harper calmly waited for them to get dressed, then proposed divorce. I thought carefully about her question. Suddenly, the whole “white moonlight” concept felt like a false premise. The moon doesn’t emit light; it merely reflects the sun’s rays, fabricating its own brilliance. Adorned with stolen glory, how could it possibly remain bright, forever hanging high in one’s heart? So——”A ‘white moonlight’ is nothing more than a trite excuse for them to hide their sordid intentions.” Harper didn’t seem to need my answer. She buried her head in her knees, already sobbing uncontrollably. For a fleeting moment, I felt that marriage was utterly dreadful. When Daniel’s call came, I felt as if I were still lost in a heartbreak-induced dream. He seemed to have been drinking, his voice low and hoarse. “Claire, where are the hangover pills at home? And the stomach medicine?” I paused, then replied, “The stomach medicine is in the top shelf of the medicine cabinet in the study.” Daniel moved a few steps, and I heard rustling on the phone, faintly laced with impatience. I waited a moment, then asked, “Did you find it?” The rustling stopped. “Found the stomach medicine.” He paused. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. I usually don’t pay attention, so I didn’t know where it was.” I hummed in acknowledgment, then instructed him, “Next time, if you need anything, you can ask the housekeeper. She knows everything. Don’t call me to bother me.” He was silent for a long moment, then mumbled, “Okay.” There were no hangover pills at home, only the hangover soup I always prepared in advance. In the past, when it came to Daniel and Ethan, I never let anyone else handle things. I enjoyed doing everything for them, as if that was how I found my worth. Later, I realized I was wrong. Thankfully, “Even at dusk, the sky is still full of fiery clouds.” 5. A night of heavy drinking, sometimes lucid, sometimes muddled. I was caught in a bizarre, fragmented dream. There was the 800-meter race, finished with gritted teeth. There was the joy of standing on stage, dreams realized, only to be met with a painful slap backstage. There was the park where Daniel and I walked hand-in-hand, the sunset vibrant. A jumble of good and bad, ultimately coalescing into a jarring ringtone. I jolted awake, disoriented. I fumbled for my phone on the bedside table. It was an unknown number. I pressed answer, and the voice, which had haunted me like a nightmare for five years, returned. “Claire, Ethan invited me to their school’s model race car exhibition next week. Do you have any photos of your old handicrafts? Could you send them to me? I’m worried if I make something too good, the style will be too different from what you made before.” I closed my eyes. “My old pieces are in the display cabinet at home. You can go…” “The housekeeper cleared out the house, and those things were thrown away as trash,” she added, “Ethan told her to.” My fingertips grew cold, a sense of utter helplessness washing over me. I looked at the morning light streaming through the window, my voice very faint: “Ms. Peterson, I think you’re more concerned with the future, so whether it’s the style of the work, or Daniel, or Ethan, just do as you please.” “You don’t need to specifically inform me of anything. I never stopped you from interfering in another family’s life before, and I certainly won’t now.” “As for Ethan’s name, I wish you all the best. Once you reach legal age, you can personally change it for him in your capacity as his stepmother.” “Buddy” was the nickname Summer gave Ethan; she found “Ethan” too old-fashioned. Perhaps out of resentment, I had never adopted that name. The purpose of this call was clear to both of us. I was no longer eighteen, so I wasn’t interested in playing games of veiled words. But an eighteen-year-old girl’s pride is thin, after all. Her stuttered rebuttal was cut short by me: “Is Ethan with you?” A rustling noise came from the phone, followed by faint breathing. I thought he was probably waiting for me to speak. I sighed: “Ethan, you know I’m not your mom anymore. I won’t be looking after you from now on, so you don’t need to use others to upset me.” The call probably served different purposes for each of us. But it no longer concerned me. With that, I lifted my hand and hung up. 6. I was far from as composed as I appeared; a bitter sadness swelled within me. I can’t even pinpoint when Ethan started favoring Summer. In the beginning, Daniel wasn’t willing to marry me. Our marriage, before it began, was preceded by many acts of rebellion. There was me secretly entering competitions, dreaming of overnight stardom, hoping to bring prestige to our family. There was Daniel, in a cold war with his family over his girlfriend, trying to run away time and again. There was me, kneeling before my parents, begging repeatedly. There was Daniel, after countless acts of defiance, attempting to take his own life. I finally caved under the phrase, “You’ve enjoyed every privilege, so you should create value for the family.” As for why Daniel compromised, I had no way of knowing. Actually, later, in a hazy memory, I recalled seeing another side of him. The original Daniel was an open book, a talkative, cheerful young man. It was through our repeated interactions that he slowly became quiet and reserved, masking all his emotions. Later, as if completing a necessary ritual, we got married. Three years into the marriage, Ethan was born. In the fifth year, Summer appeared. Summer was fifteen then, a bright-eyed middle schooler, cheerful and constantly chattering around Daniel. Daniel, of course, wouldn’t take a fifteen-year-old seriously, just as others told me, “What does a middle schooler know about love?” He simply used Summer as an outlet, a way to express the other side of himself that he kept hidden. So, two extremes emerged. The calm and aloof Daniel in front of me became a gentle, smiling older brother in front of that young girl. And a child’s development is always a reflection of their upbringing and learned behavior. They are adept at learning; a father’s attitude toward the mother determines the child’s attitude toward the mother. As Ethan grew, he became increasingly distant towards me. He resented my strictness and preferred to bond with Daniel and Summer. He would unhappily say, “You only know how to control me. Summer isn’t like that.” He would also innocently ask, “Mommy, how can you not even know this? Summer is so much better than you.” Children, in fact, are far smarter than we give them credit for. Ethan discovered that every time he said things like that, I would silently turn away. He started using Summer more and more to hurt me. I had told him that it was wrong. But his father hadn’t. Daniel continued to subtly tell him, “Well done!” through his actions. So, inviting Summer and destroying the handicrafts I had helped him with, It was just Ethan, in what he believed was a perfectly natural way, intentionally trying to upset me. 7. Harper said the blues in Tromsø, Norway, were beautiful. We immediately bought tickets for the next day. Hiking along the snowy mountains, as we were about to reach the summit, I received another call from Daniel. I didn’t know if he couldn’t find something again. But we had already made things clear last time. I didn’t answer; I just hung up. After reaching the summit, Harper and I were awestruck by the incredible stillness and power of the landscape. In that silence, she suddenly burst into tears. It was as if this hike was her journey of self-redemption. Strangers who had hiked alongside us offered kind words of comfort. Harper wiped her tears. “It’s nothing, I just feel like I’ve been ripped off these past few years!” “Hey, little sister, the road ahead is long. It’s never too late to find your way back.” I had intended to wipe away a tear myself, to fit the mood, but I ended up laughing at the kind accent and philosophical words of a local hiker. As we all chatted, my phone in my bag rang. I pulled it out and glanced at it. It was a video from Ethan. Daniel I could ignore, but Ethan was different. From both a legal and a blood perspective, I couldn’t completely sever ties with him. So I opened it. The moment the video started, my blood instantly froze. I stared blankly at the playing screen, utterly frozen. Harper, seeing my stillness, leaned closer. Then her face suddenly changed. She snatched my phone, frantically pressing delete.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392616”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I found a limping girl in the remote mountains. As I was bandaging her wound, a flurry of bullet comments flashed across my vision: 「Stop immediately! This is your fiancé’s lifesaver!」 「Save her, and your engagement party will be ruined.」 「Don’t believe it? Just look at the bangle on her wrist!」 I instinctively tightened the tourniquet in my hand. On the last night of our project’s resource survey, a landslide trapped us in a secluded village. My engagement party with Julian Sterling was two days away. We were from matching prominent families, childhood sweethearts, and our union meant our two families’ cooperation would deepen. More importantly, Julian was incredibly good to me, almost to the point of being completely compliant. He seemed particularly fond of tracing the bangle on my wrist. No matter how severe our arguments, as soon as he saw my wrist, he would calm down and apologize. I had been looking forward to this engagement for a long time. The thought of potentially not making it back left me feeling agitated. “Ah!” A girl’s sharp gasp came from the doorway, followed by the scolding voice of an older woman. It was Mrs. Finch, the woman we were staying with, and her daughter, Lyra. The young girl timidly held a large bowl of soup. She had accidentally spilled some, and Mrs. Finch was now berating her: “You worthless, clumsy good-for-nothing!” A few colleagues from the project team exchanged glances, sighing softly. Mrs. Finch was a typical rural woman who heavily favored sons, treating her own with extreme preciousness. She had repeatedly hinted that she hoped we could take her son, Jed, to the city to find work. Jed Finch was an idle loafer who had long dropped out of school, holed up in a dilapidated internet cafe at the village entrance, playing games. But the Finch family’s daughter was different. The young girl was thoughtful. On the first day she sheltered us, she mended Mr. Thompson’s aged trousers and even ran to the village head to buy me feminine hygiene products. Listening to Mrs. Finch’s increasingly vulgar and loud curses, Mr. Thompson couldn’t bear it— “Ma’am, is the soup ready?” Mrs. Finch finally stopped. “Oh, coming right away—” We had paid a hefty fee to stay at the Finch’s, so her attitude was surprisingly pleasant. “You worthless brat, hurry up and get the bowls!” The girl rushed out, stumbled, and a stack of bowls crashed to the ground with a clatter— It was then I noticed her right foot was a little lame; she struggled to run. She had also fallen to the ground, scraping her skin. “You good-for-nothing—!” I grabbed Mrs. Finch’s arm, handing her a hundred-dollar bill. “She’s still young, accidents happen. Let’s just buy some new bowls.” Mrs. Finch snatched the money, a forced smile on her face: “Young? She’s twenty! Useless, and a cripple too!” I subtly shifted my right foot, hiding it. Years ago, an accident had left my right foot somewhat deformed. Seeing this girl, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of empathy. But I was surprised the young girl was already twenty; she looked so thin and sallow. I took out a tourniquet and antiseptic from my backpack, carefully cleaning her wound. Mrs. Finch was still muttering, asking us to take her son away: “Isn’t Van Industries running a Community Uplift Initiative? Take my son! Train him well; he’ll definitely make something of himself…” The Community Uplift Initiative was for sponsoring disadvantaged students, not for housing grown-up freeloaders. If we were to take anyone from the Finch family, it would be better to take this girl. I heard she dropped out after freshman year of high school, called home by Mrs. Finch to cook and await marriage. But because of her limp, the bride price talks always fell through, so she remained unmarried. I asked her softly: “Do you want to continue your studies? I can—” Suddenly, my vision blurred, and a vast stream of bullet comments appeared before my eyes: 【You cannot!!】 【Don’t be foolish. This is your fiancé’s lifesaver. Take her back, and your engagement party will be ruined!】 【If you don’t believe it, look at her wrist! Is there an antique carved bangle on it?!】 I instinctively tightened the tourniquet in my hand, looking towards her sleeve. Everyone in my circle envied me for having a fiancé like Julian Sterling—devoted, deeply loving, and gentle. We had grown up together, experiencing both success and crises. He always kissed my wrist again and again. I had even joked: “If you like it so much, you can have this bangle.” But he always refused, only saying he loved me immensely. Before the bullet comments scrolled wildly, I had never once thought that he didn’t love me, but rather the bangle on my wrist. … “Ms. Van?” I snapped back to reality, realizing I had been staring at the young girl’s sleeve for too long. She smiled bashfully, touching her wrist— “This was my grandmother’s.” An antique carved bangle, with a flat wooden band. It happened to look very similar to the one on my own wrist. The only difference was the color. Mine was a deep brown, while Lyra’s was a light peach-wood color. For some reason, I vaguely felt her bangle also looked familiar. 【We told you so! Julian Sterling only treats you so well because he mistakenly believes you’re his lifesaver.】 【If you bring this girl back and Julian finds out the truth, he’ll think you deliberately schemed to replace his idealized first love, and he’ll seek crazy revenge on you!】 The bullet comments said I lived in a “white moonlight” angst novel. If I, out of kindness, rescued Lyra from the Finch family’s hellhole, my fiancé, Julian Sterling, would see Lyra’s bangle at the engagement ceremony and call off the wedding on the spot. Later, Julian and Lyra would go through a series of dramatic, angsty “you chase, I run” scenarios. Whenever the plot stagnated, Julian would blame my existence for hindering their relationship. If I hadn’t impersonated her, he wouldn’t have missed his idealized first love for so many years. So he would use my feelings for him, seize the opportunity to retaliate, crushing Van Industries and humiliating my genuine affection. But I remained innocent throughout. Julian had never explained why he cherished that bangle, nor had he ever spoken to me about the past. He would push me relentlessly until I had nowhere left to retreat, eventually turning completely dark and becoming the novel’s main villain… Ten years after the novel’s publication, a new batch of readers arrived. This new generation of readers deemed the plot utterly nonsensical, rallying to my defense. Under their collective petition, the story rewound to its starting point. I became the protagonist, and the story began anew. 【As long as you pretend to know nothing, leave the mountain village, and completely cut off the Finch family from external contact, Julian Sterling will never discover the truth!】 【Actually, before the “little white flower” Lyra appeared, Julian Sterling was still very good to the female lead.】 【Men are always susceptible to temptation. If you can mitigate the risk beforehand, there’s no need to cause yourself trouble. The female lead must not be a bleeding heart!】 The bullet comments argued incessantly. I finished applying the last bandage and helped Lyra up. “You still haven’t answered me. Do you want to continue your studies?” Mrs. Finch was very reluctant. But Mr. Thompson casually mentioned that he had a relative whose daughter, after graduating from a prestigious university, received a bride price of half a million dollars. Mrs. Finch’s face immediately lit up. “Can she still study at her age?” Lyra also looked anxious. “Ms. Van, I dropped out four years ago…” The less-than-fairytale truth was that Lyra’s grades weren’t particularly good back then either. But I always felt that reading more books and seeing more of the world might lead to more choices for a person. This was also why I insisted on promoting the Community Uplift Initiative alongside the engineering project. Because I also had someone I wanted to repay. Lyra resembled her greatly. “It’s almost June. If you still haven’t decided, I invite you to my graduation ceremony.” It wouldn’t be too late to decide after seeing a university for yourself. After the plane landed, I momentarily zoned out. “Ms. Van?” I touched my wrist. It was still Lyra who arranged for Lyra and me to exit through two different channels. Julian Sterling was coming to pick me up. Although the bullet comments seemed sincere, after so many years of shared history, I wanted to give Julian one more chance. Perhaps the bangle was just a catalyst, not the sole reason for his affection. Upon disembarking, Julian Sterling, holding a bouquet of tulips, stood out with his distinguished aura. He stepped forward to take my hand. Then he froze. He looked down at my bare wrist. “Serena, where’s your bangle?” I feigned complaint: “It got scratched during the survey, so I sent it for repairs. I can’t even remember how many years I’ve worn it. It feels strange not having it on.” “Ten years.” He said softly. My heart skipped a beat. The bangle was won at an auction, and I remember clearly, that auction was six years ago. —The girl in Julian Sterling’s memory wasn’t me. I smiled, shaking my head. “How could that be? Ten years ago, I was still wearing Grandma’s jade. It broke in an accident later.” Julian Sterling’s steps faltered. He seemed nonchalant, but I could hear a slight tremor in his voice. “Grandma’s jade? Wasn’t your grandmother’s gift the antique one?” I firmly denied it. “No, the antique one was an auction purchase.” Since the bullet comments claimed Julian would later believe I intentionally impersonated her, I might as well clarify now that I was never his lifesaver. Save myself the trouble of being blamed later. If I’m not your lifesaver, will I still be your lover? I watched Julian Sterling’s pupils contract in surprise, disbelief, anxiety, then calm. Then he didn’t release my hand. “Perhaps I misremembered,” he said. The engagement ceremony was being meticulously prepared. The people I sent returned with information. After taking me home, Julian Sterling immediately contacted a private investigator to look into what happened ten years ago. The materials were delivered to me first. I finally learned the “truth” the bullet comments spoke of— Ten years ago, a large-scale cross-state human trafficking case occurred. Julian Sterling and Lyra were both caught up in it. While held captive, Julian’s eyes were temporarily blinded. It was young Lyra who meticulously cared for him. But after the rescue, Julian and Lyra lost contact. He only remembered the young girl who cared for him had an antique carved bangle on her wrist. Julian and I were childhood sweethearts, originally just friends, until I wore the bangle I bought at auction, and Julian accidentally saw it. He began to pursue me fiercely. Too much time had passed. Perhaps Julian couldn’t quickly find Lyra, but he could definitely confirm that my bangle was indeed auctioned six years ago. “Serena, coming to try on your dress?” My bridesmaids called out. I shook my head. “There might not be an engagement party.” But until the night before the engagement, I received no “engagement cancellation” message from the Sterling family. Julian Sterling clearly knew the truth, yet still chose to continue with me. I still held a sliver of hope. Julian Sterling wasn’t the absurd “bangle-sexual” type mentioned in the bullet comments, loving whoever wore the bangle. Among a room full of esteemed guests, we raised our glasses together. I spoke playfully: “You always cared so much about that bangle, I thought you were looking for someone through it.” This was my last chance for him to confess. But Julian Sterling kissed my cheek. “There’s no one. I love you.” Adults have the right to make their own choices. Julian Sterling chose me, whether out of love or practicality. And I, out of practicality, gladly accepted his choice. After the engagement, relying on our marital ties, I quickly took leadership of all integrated product lines within Van Industries and Sterling Corp. partnerships. Compared to outsiders, Julian’s family clearly trusted me more. After all, a daughter-in-law was “family” sooner or later. I made time to visit Lyra. She hesitated for a long time, finally calling me the moment she saw students at a graduation ceremony waving their caps. “Ms. Van, I want to go to college.” When she was most desperate, trapped in that mountain village, she handed me a pack of feminine products. I repaid her with three years of student aid. Up to this point, everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion. I seemed to have, as the bullet comments wished, avoided Julian and Lyra meeting, confessed the bangle’s origin to Julian, proceeded with the Sterling marriage, and gained a capable partner and business resources. Until I discovered Julian Sterling secretly volunteered as a teacher in a remote area. Before final exams, I went to visit Lyra. I called beforehand. She was older than her classmates, but shy, speaking softly and sweetly. “We have a new volunteer teacher, Mr. Sterling. He’s also from Rosewood, like you, Ms. Van.” I froze. Rosewood was quite far from the mountain village; it was unusual to volunteer there specifically. “Mr. Sterling is a little strange.” “Did he bother you?” My voice was serious. “No, no, he seems nice to me, but I just feel uncomfortable…” I happened to have something to do in the village soon. I’d go check out what this volunteer teacher was all about. … When I arrived, I overheard a few girls gossiping. “What’s the deal with Lyra and the new Mr. Sterling? Is she trying to seduce him, hoping he’ll take her to the city when he leaves?” “No way, Lyra seems so well-behaved.” “Well-behaved? Then why does Mr. Sterling only answer her questions, and even bring her snacks and books? He glares at others who ask for help; I don’t even dare to ask questions anymore!” “Oh my god, a teacher-student romance? No wonder Lyra dropped out before. Could it be a repeat offense…?” I listened, my brow furrowed. It clearly sounded like the teacher’s problem, yet the ambiguous speculation and rumors fell onto the student. A teacher who allowed a teacher-student relationship to develop was already ethically compromised. I had to tell Lyra to keep her distance from that volunteer teacher. When I found Lyra, she was studying, working on a test. I happened to spot a missing condition in her solution steps. So I feigned a stern expression and tapped the desk— “Careless, little sister…” Lyra looked back in surprise, but before she could speak, a hurried voice suddenly interrupted— “Serena Van, what are you doing!” I was suddenly pushed aside, my elbow slamming into the back desk. The newcomer firmly shielded Lyra, his expression tense, a lesson plan in his hand. It turned out. The new volunteer teacher was Julian Sterling. The classroom desks were old and broken, with protruding nails. My arm was cut open, bleeding profusely. But my fiancé seemed not to notice, spreading his arms like a mother hen, terrified I would devour Lyra whole. “Serena, are you stalking me? What couldn’t you resolve in Rosewood that you had to come all this way to harass Lyra!” He thought I had followed him. My heart chilled inch by inch. I thought that after knowing the truth, for Julian, our years of shared feelings outweighed the childhood debt of gratitude, which was why he honored our engagement. I hadn’t realized he was having his cake and eating it too. Engaged to me, while flying to a mountain village to be a protective knight. “And you, Julian Sterling, why are you here?” Julian Sterling’s expression was pained. “Serena, I’ve been looking for someone. Before, I mistakenly thought it was you, but I only recently discovered the truth.” “I couldn’t wrong you, so I still got engaged to you.” “But I also can’t wrong Lyra.” “I gave you the engagement, and the partnership with Sterling Corp. Can’t you be a little understanding and let me repay a life-saving debt? Lyra’s family treats her badly, I really can’t bear it…” I suddenly felt that the “good guy” Julian Sterling, who had resided in my heart for the past few years, shattered, revealing a real, selfish, hypocritical man. Ever since I first saw the bullet comments, a sword had been hanging over my head. At this moment, it suddenly fell. It severed the last bit of false hope in my heart. “Julian Sterling.” I cut him off. “Did you only learn the truth after our engagement?” He was speechless, silent for a long moment. So, he had actually confirmed the truth before the engagement, but weighed the pros and cons and chose to proceed with me. “Second question.” “Did you really only realize something was wrong, that I might not be your lifesaver, when I sent my bangle for repairs?” After seeing the bullet comments, I had thought about it carefully. It seemed strange. In that accident, though Julian’s eyes were temporarily blinded and he was terrified, His family and mine were old acquaintances. Even if a child’s memory isn’t deep, he should have been able to tell if it was me. Even if, in a state of extreme panic, he didn’t recognize me, once rescued and grown, he should have regained his senses. Lyra’s bangle, though similar to mine, had distinct scuff marks, and the carving patterns were different. For six long years, why did Julian never seek confirmation, stubbornly believing that the person with the bangle was his destined love? Unless he already intended to pursue me. Six years ago, Van Industries’ stock soared, and multiple product lines expanded into new markets. It was a thriving period. And Julian, as one of many Sterling descendants, wasn’t particularly prominent. To gain attention and secure resources for himself, he needed to win my favor. So for six years, he never sought confirmation. It satisfied his need for gain and alleviated his guilt over the “debt of gratitude.” Until he graduated, we got engaged, leaving other Sterling descendants far behind. His rare flicker of “pure love” rekindled, and he couldn’t help but seek out his true beloved. “Third question, does Lyra know the truth?” Why did a volunteer teacher suddenly appear? Why did Mr. Sterling care for her so much, only to bring baseless rumors? I always thought the plotline of “repaying kindness with marriage” was absurd. If the other party is uninterested, isn’t that just repaying kindness with malice? Julian Sterling took a deep breath. “I originally planned to keep it from you. I didn’t want Lyra to affect our marriage. Once we were married, I would settle her in Hong Kong. I promise she wouldn’t bother you.” I showed an incredulous expression. Then he turned and gently stroked Lyra’s head. “I’m sorry it took me so long to find you. Ten years ago, you saved my life. I was that blinded little boy, Jules. Do you remember?” Two pairs of eyes simultaneously looked at Lyra. From the moment Julian first burst into the classroom, Lyra had been pushed behind him, struggling to interject. The young girl fiercely pushed Julian’s hand away, her voice clear— “I don’t remember. Mr. Sterling, are you mistaken?” The bullet comments scrolled wildly, filled with “OMG”s and “WTF”s. 【Can someone check the original plot? Was Julian Sterling’s lifesaver really not Lyra?】 【Upstairs, I’m checking… Lyra, it seems, really didn’t admit to saving anyone!】 【Julian didn’t even ask…?】 【Isn’t that his usual move? The self-deluded silent type.】 【Is the male lead a ‘bangle-sexual’? He loves whoever has the bangle. Was he a bangle spirit in his past life?】 Julian Sterling refused to believe it. He insisted I had threatened Lyra, making her afraid to tell the truth. Eventually, Lyra grew exasperated. “If you don’t believe me, ask my mom and my brother! I’ve never left the village!” “Fine! Then we’ll go to your house! I don’t believe your whole family has been bought off by Serena Van!” We marched in a large group to the Finch family home, expecting it would only take a word from Mrs. Finch. But to our surprise, when Julian, with his authoritative demeanor, asked Mrs. Finch if Lyra had ever been to Rosewood, or if she had been abducted, Mrs. Finch’s expression grew frantic, and she dropped the cup in her hand. “There’s no such thing! No, no…” She fiercely pulled Lyra towards her. “Did this brat cause trouble at school? I told you girls don’t need to read too many books; once they do, their minds go wild! Did she say something crazy?” “This girl is a habitual liar! Don’t let her trick you!” Mrs. Finch’s voice was sharp and cruel, her squinting eyes filled with wariness and calculation. Lyra’s brother, Jed Finch, was lounging in the house, basking in the sun, and he had the same squinting eyes as Mrs. Finch. But Lyra had round eyes. Mrs. Finch was stout and thick-limbed, but Lyra’s figure was delicate, like a kitten… A bizarre suspicion suddenly formed in my mind. That bangle… Six years ago, I had bid for it at an auction because I felt an inexplicable familiarity, a strange fondness for it. Where had I seen it before, even earlier than meeting Lyra, even earlier than the auction? I interrupted Julian’s endless chatter. “Mrs. Finch, do you have any photos of Lyra as a child?” “Why would I have such a thing…” I continued to search the house as I asked. Mrs. Finch doted on her son. Though they weren’t wealthy, the house displayed several photos of her son and family portraits. Not this one, not this one, this one… I found it! Mrs. Finch also realized something was wrong and lunged forward, trying to snatch the photo from my hand— It was only a second, a fleeting glimpse of the little girl pushed to the side, but it was enough for me to clearly see young Lyra’s face in the photo. Familiar. Like someone from my past. I was determined to take Lyra with me. Mrs. Finch wailed, pointing her finger at me, cursing: “She’s stealing people in broad daylight!” Her eyes darted around. “If you want to take this girl, fine. Leave the bride price! That Mr. Thompson of yours said that girls who’ve studied should get half a million!” Ironically, Julian Sterling, who had just fiercely protected his “wife” in front of me, who had promised to protect Lyra thoroughly, Now tried to persuade me. “Lyra is still a Finch family member. You can’t just take her away.” He knew perfectly well that Mrs. Finch and her son treated Lyra horribly, often beating and scolding her, seeing their daughter as merely a tool for making money. Yet he wasn’t willing to rescue her from her misery. —I bluntly called out his thoughts.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392615”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 When the Maxwell family teetered on the brink of ruin, I sought out Caleb myself, offering a lifeline, and saved their legacy. In a show of gratitude for my intervention, Caleb, known for his philandering ways, immediately underwent a vasectomy. He swore to remain pure for me, for life. He took me across every continent, through mountains and by oceans, vowing to etch our love into every landscape we touched. Three years later, he drugged me, stole my phone, and infiltrated the Thorne estate. He meticulously orchestrated a scheme that brought my family to its knees overnight. My parents, consumed by despair, took peaceful sleep pills, ending their lives together. My sister, Sarah, was dragged into a dark alley by Caleb’s men, subjected to unspeakable public humiliation, and the video footage of her degradation was then callously sold at a twisted auction for the amusement of wealthy young scions. I pleaded with Caleb to spare the Thorne family, but he merely gripped my face, forcing me to watch as my parents’ remains were cremated. “You thought your act of marrying me was so noble, didn’t you? Yes, the whole city praised the Thorne family for being a beacon in the storm, saving me from disaster! But what did they say about me?” “They said I was nothing but a dog, clinging to your coattails, Eliza Thorne!” Caleb personally destroyed my family, all to prove he was stronger than the Thornes, that he wasn’t a dog. He tore up the divorce papers and shoved them into my mouth. He wanted me to watch, firsthand, as he meticulously climbed the ladder to become the city’s veritable kingmaker, a man who could turn the tide with a flick of his wrist. To further humiliate me, he brought different women home every day, transforming the mansion into his personal playground. And I? I was their sole servant. “What’s the Thorne family worth now? Your status is perfectly suited to cooking their meals and massaging their feet.” It didn’t matter. Not really. When I’d rescued him from the avalanche years ago, a shard of rock had pierced my heart. I only had three days left to live. … I flung myself from Caleb’s villa window, desperate to retrieve my family’s last possessions. With the Thorne family bankrupt, every valuable item had been sold off, leaving only some personal effects in the mansion, things no one wanted. I worried my parents would be cold down below, that Sarah would have no clothes to wear. But before I even reached the front door, the Thorne mansion buzzed with life, Caleb’s laughter piercing my ears, instantly seizing my heart. When he saw me enter, the cigarette paused between his lips. Then he raised a hand, beckoning. “Well, well. Is the Thorne orphan interested in attending the auction of her own family’s relics?” My fists clenched, my throat tightened, unable to believe what I’d just heard. “What did you say? Caleb, those are your parents and sister too!” Caleb’s eyes turned glacial. “Your family didn’t think about me being their good son-in-law when you used the Maxwell name to boost your reputation, did you?” He draped an arm around the stunning woman beside him. “Chloe, just bid on whatever you like. I’m here.” On the stage, my mother’s earrings and comb were being auctioned. Chloe’s eyes gleamed with delight. She raised her paddle. “Five million! Mr. Maxwell, I simply adore this!” Another woman, Ivy, her eyes misty, looked over. “Sister, can you let me have it? I love it too!” Caleb roared with laughter, amused. “Alright, Chloe’s new here, Ivy, why don’t you let her have this one? The next one’s all yours, okay? Listen up, darlings, bid on whatever you want! If you can’t win it, come to me. I’ll make sure it’s yours, no matter the cost!” A wave of cheers erupted from the women, paddles flying. My mother’s and father’s jewelry and clothes were quickly auctioned off, and I could do nothing but watch. Then, Sarah’s private garment was brought out. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a rare find! The winning bid includes a scandalous private recording! Starting bid, ten million!” Wealthy young playboys eagerly raised their paddles, their hunger unconcealed. The women with Caleb, however, rolled their eyes to the heavens. “In this day and age, any person’s intimate garments can fetch a high price? No thank you! Wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole!” A flicker of triumph crossed Ivy’s face. She turned to Caleb. “Caleb, darling, why don’t you bid on this for Eliza? She’s broke now, probably won’t be able to afford new clothes soon! Better to wear her sister’s than some cheap junk, right?” Caleb’s lips curved into a sneer, his gaze on me filled with utter disdain. “Fine. As Ivy suggests. I’ll make sure it’s yours.” Caleb snagged a corner of the garment, along with a USB drive, and tossed them both onto my head. “Since you’re bankrupt, take these. Study them carefully. Might come in handy someday, when you’re trying to make a living.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I told you I was afraid of pain, and you swore to remain pure for me. How can you say such things now?” Caleb scoffed. “Are you out of your mind? I said I got a vasectomy for you because I never wanted to touch you! You disgusted me, so I found an excuse to trick you. How could you actually believe it?” The old, torn wound in my heart now throbbed with a pain so sharp I almost blacked out. It was true, heartbreak really did have a sound. I clutched my chest, my face ashen, and sank to the floor. Caleb, with his entourage, stepped over me, their laughter echoing. “Don’t play the victim. The only people in this world who ever sympathized with you are all dead.” “Wait.” I called out, stopping Caleb. “The next item. I’ll make sure it’s mine.” 2 On the stage, a stone ring lay displayed. It was crudely made, utterly plain, almost ugly. The paddles in the audience remained down. No one wanted to bid on such an unappealing item, which looked utterly worthless. Caleb peered at it for a long moment, then his eyes widened in recognition. “Isn’t that the one you gave me? The one I threw away? You actually secretly picked it up again. How pathetic.” This ring was part of my mother’s dowry to me, a stone she personally chose, and my father personally shaped for me. This unique, ancient stone was said to be a naturally rare substance, formed over millennia, worth billions, and incredibly resilient, capable of cutting through bone with ease. My parents gave me this ring as a symbol of self-preservation, a promise that no matter what, they would protect me. But when Caleb was trapped in the ice, I’d pressed this ring onto his hand, praying for all my luck to transfer to him, begging for him to survive. He did survive. But when I rescued him, I lost my footing and fell. The stone deeply gashed my chest, and the ring fell into the snow, buried beneath. “You probably don’t know this, but I deliberately scraped that ring against your chest to break it. That way, I could openly throw it away. Such an ugly ring, and from you? I wanted it even less.” My eyes stung, but my heart was numb. I repeated, “I’ll make sure it’s mine.” A few young socialites symbolically raised the price to three million dollars, the last of the money I had left. A young woman, clearly wanting to prolong the cruelty, tried to bid higher, but Caleb instinctively stopped her. He stared at my disheveled appearance, a cold smile twisting his lips. “Something I discarded, and you still cherish it like a priceless treasure? You really are my pathetic admirer. Fine, I’ll grant you this charity. Take your three million. And remember this: you are a Thorne. Remember how your family humiliated mine. Remember how I never loved you, yet you shamelessly clung to me.” With that, he lost interest and swept out, a dozen women trailing in his wake. I clutched the stone ring my parents had given me, the one I had lost and now regained. A relieved smile touched my lips. My parents were gone, but the ring was back. Did it mean they were here, protecting me? Too bad I only had three days left to live. My smile faltered, a sudden spasm in my chest. My vision blurred, and I collapsed. … The doctor urged me to stay in the hospital, assuring me that if I remained still, the stone shard lodged in my heart might not shift, giving me a few more days. I waved him off, pushing myself up and returning to Caleb’s villa. What was the point of a few more days? Just a few more days of Caleb’s torment. There was no meaning in it. Better to find release and join my parents and sister. When I arrived home, the dining table was a scene of boisterous chatter, but there was no place set for me. Caleb turned, his brow furrowed. “Still know how to come back? Look at the time! Chloe was practically in tears because you didn’t cook today! You’re not getting any food for the next few days!” I walked past the dining room without turning my head. “Whatever.” Caleb’s brow furrowed. He rushed forward in three strides, seizing my wrist and slamming me against the wall. My heart seized in a violent spasm. All my organs screamed in protest. The pain was so intense, I felt like vomiting. Caleb was about to lash out, then he noticed the crisscrossing scratches covering the wrist he held. Those were the marks I’d unconsciously made during the agonizing spasms from the stone in my heart. “You dare to self-harm?” Caleb leaned closer, his eyes burning with intense hatred. “What, I endured humiliation for three years, and you can’t handle a few days of inconvenience? Let me tell you, your Thorne family is penniless. I bought your life! You think you can die without my permission? Dream on! I’ll make sure you live a life worse than death!” I looked at the man I had loved for almost a decade, the man who had consumed my entire youth, eighty percent of my life. He looked increasingly alien. I spoke softly, repeating, “Whatever.” Caleb’s fury erupted. He ripped off my jacket, then, in front of everyone, picked me up and threw me onto the sofa. By all accounts, I should have felt humiliated, or perhaps even a perverse joy at finally giving myself to the man I loved, or perhaps a defiant challenge in my gaze towards the other women. But my heart ached too much. I felt nothing, and then I fainted from the pain. 3 When I next awoke, I was still naked on the sofa, covered only by a small blanket. Caleb was no longer home. A dozen women chattered incessantly, their voices grating. I called them into my room and opened my wardrobe. The walk-in closet was filled with clothes I’d had custom-made, every piece a unique design. The women’s eyes went wide. Fortunately, Caleb’s influence was absolute now; no one dared to raid his mansion. So these gowns, which were technically Thorne family property, along with me, remained untouched. “Pick whatever you like.” Chloe stood before me, eyeing me up and down with suspicion. “You’re being this generous? What trick are you playing now?” I shook my head, saying nothing. Once I finished packing my family’s last relics, it was time to sort through my own. Caleb hated me so much; after I died, these clothes would probably be burned, every single one. These works, which their designers took such pride in, deserved to fulfill some purpose. A few younger women, unable to contain their excitement, eagerly began picking out clothes, exclaiming, “The fabric is amazing!” Only a handful of women, around my age, remained with their arms crossed, their expressions skeptical, wondering what I was truly up to. I paid them no mind, opening drawers to reveal exquisite bags and watches, their faces illuminated by the glittering treasures. I noticed then that these women, in varying degrees, resembled me. Chloe, the newest one, was almost a mirror image, and the most favored. But it no longer mattered. Whether Caleb loved me or not, it was irrelevant. After all, I only had two days left. The roar of a sports car in the garden pierced the air. Ivy, who had been standing still, craned her neck to look out. Suddenly, she walked up to the clothes rack and picked out a dress. When Caleb opened the door, Ivy suddenly screamed, clutching the dress. The sequins had been cut halfway off at some point, and a sharp edge had sliced her delicate leg. Blood immediately gushed forth. I remembered Caleb had noticed her smooth, pale legs before, which was why he’d given her the largest guest room. Caleb’s face instantly darkened. He lunged forward, sweeping Ivy into a bridal carry, tenderly blowing on her wound. Ivy’s eyes teared up. “Ivy is so clumsy, Caleb. Eliza meant well, giving us clothes. It’s Ivy’s fault for picking the one with the razor blades.” Caleb’s gaze grew increasingly dangerous. “Eliza Thorne, I’m giving you one chance to explain.” I shrugged. “What’s there to explain? A common hussy acting like a victim. Since you won’t divorce me, I’m still your wife. What’s wrong with teaching a mistress a lesson?” “Eliza Thorne, I told you, your duty is to serve them. Who gave you permission to act like the Lady of this house and discipline my women?” My defiance enraged Caleb. He pulled out a whip and handed it to Mr. Davies, the butler. “For Ivy’s injury, I want you to pay a hundredfold.” The whip cracked against my legs, the barbs tearing at my flesh. For the first ten lashes, I felt nothing. Compared to the agony in my heart, the pain in my legs was negligible. But with the eleventh lash, the wound exposed bone. I saw the whip strike the stark white bone, and finally, tears fell. Caleb crouched down. “Does it hurt now? Kneel before the camera and bark like a dog a few times. Say, ‘Eliza Thorne and everyone in the Thorne family are Caleb Maxwell’s dogs!’ Then bow to Ivy and apologize, and I’ll let you go.” I closed my mouth, letting out a disdainful scoff from my nose. This earned me several heavy blows from Caleb himself, swung with a baseball bat, the pain excruciating. 4 Ivy covered her mouth, her eyes wide with terror as she tugged on Caleb’s sleeve. “Caleb, darling, maybe that’s enough? Eliza’s leg… I think it’s broken!” “Broken is good. A hundred days to heal. For a hundred days, she won’t be able to run, and she won’t have the strength to bully any of you.” A hundred days. That’s a long time, Caleb. You’ve planned everything, but you’ll never guess I only have one day left. Breaking all precedent, Caleb stayed at my bedside for a night. He gave me a full basic check-up, confirmed with the family doctor that it was just a bone fracture, and that I’d be fine after three months of rest. I found him irritating and was about to tell him to leave when a mouthful of blood erupted from my lips. Caleb laughed. “Keep pretending. Go on.” “Why didn’t you vomit when the doctor was here? Afraid he’d see through your act?” “Eliza Thorne, do you know why I like Ivy? Because she’s so much like you when you pretend to be innocent. You’re both the same, you treat me like a fool. But Ivy has nothing. She can only cling to me. You, on the other hand, had the Thorne family, you were so arrogant. Now the Thornes are gone, and you still refuse to bow down to me. That’s why I hate you most.” “Stop faking it. Learn how to play weak from Ivy. Your face right now, it disgusts me.” Caleb rose, as if in a fit of pique, and instructed his driver, “I’m sleeping at the office tonight. No one is to disturb me.” The women outside, having rarely been put in their place, gathered outside my room, their eyes piercing me. I coughed up another mouthful of blood. Ivy scoffed. “Eliza Thorne, Caleb’s gone. You can stop pretending now, in front of us.” I had no strength left to speak, only to breathe deeply, tasting the metallic tang of blood. Only I knew that the whips and bats had shifted the stone shard in my heart again. My heart was probably nothing but a pulpy mess now, the shard having pierced my trachea, which was why I kept coughing blood. My life was ending. Suddenly, all I wanted was a bowl of peanut soup. I struggled to sit up, maintaining the last semblance of the Thorne heiress’s dignity. “A bowl of peanut soup, please. Very rich.” Ivy rolled her eyes. “Why? Am I your servant?” With that, she turned to leave, but Chloe stopped her. The two exchanged a look. I heard Chloe whisper, “I saw her medical reports. She’s allergic to peanuts. We should just go along with it…” Ivy gasped in alarm. “Then she’ll deliberately frame us!” Chloe lifted her chin, gesturing outside. “Don’t be silly. It’s using a knife to kill without touching it.” Finally, a young woman, timidly, brought in a bowl of peanut soup. She wore my favorite dress, the one I wore the day Caleb proposed. The girl was smart; even her hairstyle was exactly like mine that day. Her eyes burned with ambition and defiance as she brought the spoon to my lips without asking. “Sister, I’ll feed you. You must drink every single drop.” I drank, spoonful by spoonful. I felt a rash erupt on my face, my throat and fingers swelled. Finally, the peanut soup, somehow, went down my windpipe, and my heart seized with excruciating pain. Then, everything before my eyes lost its color. When Caleb returned, dark circles under his eyes, he walked straight to my room. “Have you learned your lesson?” Seeing my lack of response, his displeasure deepened. “Your silence won’t work. I have all the time in the world to wear you down! I don’t believe I can’t keep you here for life and eventually get a word of submission out of you!” “Oh, right. You love to dance, don’t you? Tomorrow, come with me to a ball. I want everyone to see how the Thorne heiress, who once captivated half the city with her dance, now drags her broken legs, crawling behind me like a dog!” “Are you mute? Even dogs bark!” “Still haven’t had enough of being watched by those people? Want another round?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392613”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 My wife, Serena, had sworn for fifteen years that she was infertile. Then, out of the blue, she was pregnant. I dug deeper, and what I found shattered my world: she had secretly rekindled things with her first love, Marcus, and her own mother was living with him. When the truth exploded, I lost control, clashing with Serena in a raw, desperate argument. Everyone around us chimed in, a chorus of misplaced advice. “You two have been married for years, Ethan. This child might still be yours. And even if it isn’t, Serena finally has a chance to be a mother. You can’t possibly deny her that right, can you?” I looked at Serena, despair clouding my vision. Though middle-aged, she remained impeccably preserved, a testament to her meticulous care. “You can carry the child to term. If it’s mine, we keep it. If not, you leave, with the child and with him.” It was the furthest I could concede, a fragile olive branch extended from the depths of my broken heart. Serena’s expression remained unnervingly placid as she turned to leave. For a fleeting moment, I thought she had agreed. But then, at the threshold, she paused. “Marcus has been my rock for years. I can’t just cast him aside.” Her voice, calm as a lake, cut me to the bone. “If you can’t accept that, then Marcus and I will simply build a new life elsewhere.” A dull ache pulsed through my chest. I lowered my gaze, abandoning all hope of mending what was irrevocably shattered between us. “Then let’s get divorced.” … My words plunged the already strained atmosphere into an icy silence. Serena dropped the doorknob, disbelief etched on her face as she spun to face me. “Ethan Vance… don’t be ridiculous. Even if you’re trying to scare me, I won’t send Marcus away.” Her brows furrowed, as if I’d uttered the most heinous blasphemy. “Ethan, Serena’s right,” an aunt chimed in. “You two have been married for so long. Everyone makes mistakes. Spouses are one; what can’t be resolved through discussion?” A friend added, “Don’t blame Serena. All these years, she’s told everyone it was her problem. Now that she’s pregnant, it proves the problem was with you. Serena sacrificed fifteen years. Just forgive her this once.” Another relative pressed, “She just wants a child. It’s not like she doesn’t love you.” Family and friends, a Greek chorus of judgment, clamored around us. Serena stood tall behind them, the very picture of an innocent victim. “You think so too?” I asked, my lips trembling as I looked at Serena. Outsiders might be oblivious, but she knew the truth, didn’t she? For fifteen years, we’d undergone annual check-ups. She even collected the reports. My health had always been perfect. Except for last year… but even if I had issues, Serena had no right to let me bear such slander. And I knew, deep down, there was nothing wrong with me. “Ethan Vance, what’s the point of dwelling on this now? We’re not children anymore.” Her voice, surprisingly steady, sliced through my swirling thoughts. “Why can’t you be more like Marcus? All these years, he’s never asked for anything, even repeatedly urged me to come home. All he ever wanted was to be by my side. What fault does he have?” “He’s been there for me, silently, for so long. And now you expect me to throw him away? I can’t. He’s the father of my child. I can’t be that cruel.” With that, Serena opened the door and walked out. The gawking relatives, sensing their cue, discreetly followed. I desperately dug my nails into my palms, the night suddenly feeling colder than ever before. Fifteen years ago, I fell for Serena the moment I saw her at a blind date. She was beautiful and kind. I thought I’d struck gold; how could someone so extraordinary need a blind date? When we discussed marriage, Serena confessed, holding up a medical report, that she couldn’t have children. If I couldn’t accept it, she understood. My parents were vehemently against it then, insisting the Vance name couldn’t end. But I loved Serena. I even declared I’d get a vasectomy if she was uncomfortable. Against all odds, we walked down the aisle. For fifteen years, I believed we were happy, despite no children, despite my parents’ disapproval. But now, I understood. That happiness was a fragile illusion, a bubble poised to burst, leaving behind only an endless void of sorrow. What was even more infuriating was my mother-in-law, Eleanor. A few years back, to ease her mind, I had proactively told her I’d had a vasectomy, promising Serena would never suffer. Eleanor had sworn to treat me like her own son then. Yet, five years ago, she moved out, claiming she needed to care for Serena’s affair partner. A sharp pang gripped my heart. Lost and distraught, I drifted to the balcony and sat there, numb, through the long, cold night. Serena didn’t return until the next morning. She greeted me with an unnerving calmness. “Ethan Vance, have you thought it through? Marcus never intended to ruin our marriage. He just wants to join our family.” Her words, delivered with a bewildering nonchalance, twisted the knife deeper. “We have so many years of shared history. I don’t want to make things hard for you, and I don’t want to see you upset. Just try to understand. If you agree, I’ll bring Marcus home tomorrow. I promise, he won’t compete with you for your place.” I let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh, reading her message. In her eyes, I was the unreasonable one? My refusal to welcome Marcus into our home meant I wasn’t understanding? “Serena Thorne, what do you take me for? You’re pregnant with another man’s child, and you expect me not only to accept the baby but to live with your lover? To see him every day? How can you possibly ask me to endure that? Have you no conscience left?!” I screamed, my voice raw, desperate to awaken a flicker of remorse in her. She remained silent for a long moment, then, finally, a whisper of guilt entered her tone. “I’m sorry, Ethan. But what’s done is done. We just have to learn to accept it. I told you when we married…” “…I had a first love I couldn’t let go of. Please, I’m begging you, just for my sake, try to accept Marcus. I can give you time.” The softest voice, delivering the most disgusting words. It felt like I was seeing Serena’s true face for the very first time. Calmly, I found a lawyer. “Draft a divorce agreement for me. I don’t want anything. I just want out.” Every single second I spent in that house felt like a suffocating nausea. If I could just be free, I’d give up everything. Three days later, the lawyer had prepared the complete divorce agreement. Serena still hadn’t returned. This was her tactic, her way of threatening me: if I didn’t agree, she wouldn’t come home. I didn’t care. I spent my days aimlessly scrolling through videos. Eleanor, seeing how things had escalated, decided to flood my phone with photos and videos of Serena and Marcus together. From her perspective, her daughter, who had never cooked a day in her life, was now lovingly preparing meals for her beloved man. Marcus, too, was incredibly considerate, always finishing every bite. I could see it clearly: in every photo, every video, Serena’s smile was genuine. She was willing to cater to him, all because of love. “See? Serena never loved you. She never wanted to get pregnant because she said she would only ever have Marcus’s child.” “I don’t understand why you’re making such a fuss. The one who isn’t loved is the third party. Serena not kicking you out is a huge blessing, and yet you can’t even tolerate Marcus.” Paragraphs of text and photos flooded my screen. I tapped my phone, ruthlessly tearing down Eleanor’s argument. “No matter how little I’m loved, the marriage certificate still bears my name in Serena’s spouse column. She loves him so much, but the child she’ll bear will still be illegitimate, with no legal standing.” The moment I sent it, Eleanor fired back a sixty-second voice message. It was the software’s limit, and I could almost hear her enraged screams. I didn’t want to listen to her filthy accusations. Just as I was about to ignore it, a video call popped up. I answered. Eleanor’s enraged voice blared through the speaker. “Ethan Vance! No matter how heartbroken you are, you have no right to slander a child like this! What? You want my grandchild to be cursed before they’re even born? How can you be so vicious? I’m telling you, absolutely not.” She was entirely focused on protecting the unborn child. I bit back my tears, looking at her contorted face. How could a person change so drastically? It was she who, not long ago, had kindly told me, “Ethan, we’re sorry. Don’t worry, to me, you’re like my own son, Serena doesn’t even compare.” How long had it been? She had changed, and Serena had changed too. It was as if I was the guilty one. 2 Time stretched on, moment by agonizing moment. I hung up the phone and broke down crying on the balcony. When Serena returned, my eyes were bloodshot, staring blankly out the window. She seemed to have expected it. She walked onto the balcony and hugged me tightly. The warmth, mixed with the cold air, made me shiver. I lowered my gaze. Serena said nothing, simply burying her face in my chest. She was silently telling me she was there, urging me not to give up hope. In the past, when I faced difficulties at work, we would hold each other tightly on that very balcony. The vast city offered no refuge, and my parents were often unyielding in their understanding. In my darkest moments, I truly wanted to end it all. I always thought, Give up. Giving up is the best choice, for both Serena and me. Serena sensed my despair. Her voice, choked with tears, softly asked, “Ethan, are you regretting it? Do you not want me anymore?” Her tears soaked my chest. I hugged her back, my swirling thoughts settling into focus. “Serena, I’m sorry. I was just so overwhelmed. Releasing some emotion. I could never abandon you. I love you. I will never divorce you, not in this lifetime.” The cicadas of summer bore witness to my vow, and a bitter heart was infused with a fragile hope. It was that day I asked Serena. “Serena, can we go to the doctor? I know how much you want a child.” “Let’s get ourselves checked. See if there’s any hope. If not, we can always adopt.” I saw new blood as the hope for our family. Serena, however, was vehemently against it. She didn’t want her body to change, nor did she want to endure the pain of childbirth. … “So why? With him, you’re willing to have a child? Why did you lie to me?” I feigned ignorance, though my heart already knew the answer. Serena sighed, lingering before responding. In those brief minutes, my heart had already turned to ice. “Ethan, I’ll explain all of this to you later. Right now, I want to introduce you to someone.” The door opened again. A nervous Marcus, dressed in smart casuals, extended his hands politely, a characteristic smile gracing his lips. “Hello, I’m Marcus Knight. I know you’re hurting. Serena and I… we’re deeply sorry for what we’ve done to you. But the child is innocent. I’m begging you, please, let my child stay. You can send me away if you want.” He stated his demand stubbornly, his eyes filled with a desperate longing for Serena. Again and again, even before the child was born, they were so certain it was Marcus’s. Looking at myself, standing there, I felt like a pathetic clown. “Can you do that?” Marcus asked again, his gaze lingering on Serena’s hand, which was still grasping mine. His sorrow wasn’t feigned. When we married, I knew Serena had a first love. They had been deeply in love, but young and foolish, and separated due to work. I always considered it a thing of the past. Until today, witnessing the undeniable love in their eyes, I realized how utterly foolish I had been. “Ethan, Marcus’s talking to you.” Serena instinctively released my hand, leaning into Marcus’s embrace. Their intimacy was so natural, as if rehearsed a thousand times. Tears welled in my eyes again, and I lifted my head, a chill spreading through me. “What if I say no?” I gritted out, the last ounce of my helplessness. Serena glared at me, displeased. “Ethan Vance, I’m telling you, not asking. Things are already like this. You’re seriously going to pick a fight with a pregnant woman?” 3 She squared her shoulders, pushing out her barely-there bump. Marcus, ever protective, anxiously pulled her into his arms. “Serena, don’t get upset. Ethan is just having trouble accepting it right now. You’re carrying Markus Jr., don’t let this stress you out and affect the baby.” Markus Jr. The name hammered into my brain, obliterating all past hopes. My mind reeled. A crashing sound echoed in my skull as every belief I held crumbled. That name… The inspiration for it came from a post I’d seen by a father online. He’d named his child ‘Mu Xin,’ meaning ‘admiring his wife.’ I found it incredibly romantic. I’d wistfully told Serena, “You know, if we ever have a child, should we name them ‘Lyric’ or ‘Grace’? Or maybe even take your last name, and we could call them ‘Willow’s Blessing.’” Hearing my words, Serena hadn’t been pleased. She thought I was criticizing her inability to conceive. In reality, she was probably laughing at me inside, wondering who would ever bear my child. “Serena, is the child really named Markus Jr.?” I stared at her, disbelief coloring my voice. She avoided my gaze, masking her discomfort with a few coughs. “Ethan Vance, don’t make something out of nothing. What’s wrong with that name? This is my child, a life I’ll carry for nine months. Can’t I decide his name?” She blustered, trying to cover her guilt, fearing I’d expose her. Marcus wasn’t foolish, but he was smarter than that—he knew when to advance and when to retreat. “Ethan, if you’re unhappy, the child can be named… anything. I don’t mind. This is Serena’s precious child, born from her own risk. If she wishes it, I can leave. I only ask that you treat the child as your own.” He said, casting a longing glance at Serena’s belly before turning to walk away. His performance completely erased the last shred of guilt Serena felt towards me. She angrily pointed to everything in the house, comforting Marcus. “Marcus, I love you. I want to have a child with our blood. Don’t listen to Ethan. Everything in this house, under the marriage contract, is in my name. If he doesn’t like it, he’s the one who has to leave. He has no right to kick you out.” She was brazenly enjoying everything I had earned, openly bringing her lover home, simply because, before our marriage, I had signed everything over to her as a gesture of security. I had thought of her in every way, and in the end, those considerations became daggers, stabbing me without hesitation. “Serena, don’t say that,” Marcus murmured, his attempt at humility not quite convincing. As Serena held him back, he shot a smug look at me. I scoffed, suddenly finding this home, which had once given me warmth, utterly nauseating. No, this wasn’t my home. This was their home. “Ethan, apologize to Marcus now, and I won’t hold this against you. I know you really want children. After Markus Jr. is born, I can let him call you his godfather. If you treat him well, he can even call you Dad.” “Don’t be childish. We’re not kids anymore, and I’m pregnant. I can’t handle too much emotional stress.” She was convinced that I loved her too much to divorce her. I lowered my head, a bitter smile twisting my lips, and picked up the divorce papers I had already prepared from the table. Fifteen years of marriage. Serena had been with me when I had nothing, enduring a lot of hardship. So, I was willing to compensate her, giving her half of my assets. “Take a look. If everything’s in order, sign it.” My heart gradually settled into a cold calm. The moment Serena signed, I could leave this place immediately. I didn’t even need the divorce certificate right away. “I can wait until you give birth. This house, I’ll leave it to you both. Just sign.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392612”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

At the wedding rehearsal, my fiancée, Aurora, suddenly retched. Her adoptive brother, Julian, frantic, swept her into his arms and rushed her to the hospital. Half an hour later, my phone rang. Her voice, chillingly calm, spoke through the receiver: “I’m pregnant.” My heart soared with a surge of unexpected hope, only to shatter as she continued, “It’s Julian’s… after his breakup, he was drenched and heartbroken, and I simply offered comfort. I never imagined it would lead to this…” “We have to keep this from Mom and Dad. Julian will stay here to help me, and we’ll tell them after the baby arrives.” “The wedding will be postponed for a year. You go explain and apologize to the guests.” My throat tightened, no words surfacing for a long moment. She pressed on, “You need to quit your job immediately. I don’t want any accidents these next few months. Julian’s career is on the rise; he can’t be distracted caring for me.” A bitter laugh escaped me. “Fine,” I heard myself say. She sounded satisfied as she hung up, unaware I had a wager with someone else: if I wasn’t married by my thirtieth birthday, I’d marry her. And today, was my thirtieth birthday. Perhaps my calm was too unsettling. Three seconds after she hung up, Aurora called again. “Ethan, I’m so sorry. I know I made a mistake first. But believe me, I only see him as my brother. The baby really was an accident.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Right. Such profound sibling affection, warming each other right into bed. Truly touching.” The line was silent for a beat. She sighed, a weary sound. “I understand if you’re angry, but Julian is an orphan. The Hayes family would disown him if they knew.” “So I hope you’ll claim the child. If you quit your job and stay home, no one will suspect it’s not yours.” I tilted my head back, forcing back the burning in my eyes. “Aurora,” I said, my voice dry, “let’s not get married.” “Not get married?” She was silent for a few seconds, then roared, “Ethan Vance, are you insane?! Didn’t you say we’d been together for five years and needed to get married soon?” “The entire social circle knows you’re my fiancé! Are you treating marriage like a game? Since when have you been so reckless?” I could picture her brows furrowing. Sure enough, her next words were a threat: “Mr. Thorne, I’m asking you one last time! Are you really not going through with this wedding?!” I clutched my phone, a bitter smile twisting my lips. “Yes, I don’t want you anymore, Aurora.” She scoffed. “I don’t have time for your childish tantrums. Do whatever you want!” The call was violently disconnected. I stood in the center of the banquet hall. Under the astonished gazes of the guests, I ripped off my boutonnière and bolted out. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes quickly intercepted me. Mr. Hayes preempted me, “Ethan Vance, what’s gotten into you? Just because her brother took her to the hospital, you’re going to ruin the wedding? Make the hundreds of guests laugh at the Hayes family?” Mrs. Hayes sneered, “I always said it wasn’t a good match. Our family, with its distinguished academic lineage, and your family, nothing but new money. It was never a proper pairing.” She added with a huff, “My daughter insisted, so I couldn’t do anything. See, now everyone’s laughing at us!” Mr. Hayes chuckled coldly, “Good! It’s better he doesn’t marry her. Saves us from his temper offending people and ruining the Hayes name.” They blamed me, despite Aurora being the one in the wrong. I clutched the crumpled boutonnière, my fingertips trembling. “Your daughter canceled the wedding. As for the reason… you two should ask her. I’m too embarrassed to say.” Hearing it was Aurora’s decision, they actually became more indignant. “Even if my daughter canceled, you, as the groom, just run off without a word? Shouldn’t you apologize face-to-face?” Mrs. Hayes scoffed, “How were your parents raising you? You don’t even understand basic social graces. How could you be a Hayes son-in-law?” I took a deep breath. “I will not marry Aurora. If you two are done, please move.” “You!” Their faces contorted in shock, clearly not expecting such defiance from the usually docile me. I ignored them, striding directly to the dressing room. A bespoke gown draped her familiar silhouette. Under the lights, the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her exhaustion. Seeing me, she approached gracefully, that sweet, practiced smile on her lips. I turned my face away. “Didn’t someone swear they’d never attend my wedding?” She suddenly leaned closer, her warm breath brushing my ear. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I saw the stubborn girl from ten years ago. “Ethan Vance, a bet’s a bet.” My lips thinned, unspoken. She grew anxious. “You forgot?!” “I don’t care. We’re getting married in three days. If you don’t show up…” She paused, “I’ll come to the Thorne family and claim you!” With that, as if afraid to hear a refusal, she swiftly slipped out the door. I suddenly laughed aloud. That fool. Of course, I remembered the bet. Our families were old friends, and we grew up together. Too familiar, perhaps, to become lovers. Ten years ago, she confessed her feelings for me, but I only saw her as a friend. She was hurt, and insisted on a wager. Now, it seemed, I had finally lost. 2 The moment I changed out of my wedding attire, Aurora sent me a photo. All my belongings were piled outside the villa gate like trash. The wedding quilt my mom had painstakingly sewn was the most glaring, stuffed carelessly into a clear plastic bag, its vivid crimson silk hurting my eyes in the sunlight. “Come pick it up immediately!” “If you don’t, I’ll tell Mrs. Davis to throw it away.” I stared at the screen, my fingertips growing cold. She knew exactly how to manipulate me. Other things I could discard, but that quilt had to come back. “Fine. I’m coming.” That quilt, my mom had spent three months on it. A woman who never touched a needle and thread, her fingers had been pricked and dotted with blood. On the night before the wedding, she had smiled, handing me the quilt. “My son, may you be happy your whole life.” But when I arrived, the doorway was empty. Just half an hour. I’d told her I was coming. Was she really that eager to kick me out? Fury surged. I shoved open the villa gate and stormed inside. The next second, I was plunged into ice. Aurora sat on the edge of the dining table, Julian’s hands resting on her waist, his cheek pressed to her slightly rounded belly, his eyes impossibly tender, blindingly so. “Aurora,” Julian suddenly whispered, “the baby kicked me.” Aurora’s lips curved into a smile I had never seen, her gaze so soft it seemed to drip with emotion. “So mischievous, just like you were when you were little. If only his eyes could be like yours too.” Julian smiled, his lips pressed together. Aurora leaned in, placing a familiar kiss on his lips. Her voice suddenly filled with remorse. “Are you really sure you want to leave once the baby is born? Actually… you could stay and help me care for the baby. A child so young, how could he not have his birth father?” Julian raised his index finger, pressing it gently to her lips, and shook his head. “Aurora, if I don’t leave, what about your husband?” At the mention of “husband,” Aurora visibly stiffened, then her expression darkened. “Him? He’s just throwing a tantrum saying he wants to break up. Once the baby’s born, won’t he come begging me to help with childcare? A man from a merchant family like that, all he cares about is profit, what dignity does he have?” “Have you forgotten how desperate he was to be my boyfriend? That sickening, eager look… even now, thinking about it makes me sick.” My tears fell silently. So, my confession, offered with such courage all those years ago, had sickened her for so long. The Hayes family was the premier family of calligraphers in Maplewood City. Aurora was its youngest renowned master calligrapher. Five years ago, she came to my father with a handwritten proposal, seeking investment for the Hayes Calligraphy Institute. My father praised her endlessly, specifically introducing her to me. I fell for her instantly, shamelessly insisting she teach me calligraphy. She was furious, pointing at me and scolding, “You’re clumsy! No talent at all!” I, ever the charmer, grinned, “Then be my girlfriend, we’d balance each other out perfectly, wouldn’t we?” She glanced at Julian, who was hunched over his writing, then suddenly clasped my hand, a self-deprecating laugh escaping her. “Fine.” I was so thrilled I hugged her, completely missing Julian’s hurried exit, and her momentary rigidity. Now I understood. Her heart had always belonged to Julian. No wonder she later refused to teach me calligraphy, or even let me into her study. My chest ached. I wanted to turn and leave, but then I remembered the wedding quilt my mom had sewn – it couldn’t be left behind. “Ethan Vance!” Aurora suddenly spun around, a sneer twisting her lips. “What are you doing, lurking at the door? I told you, all your things were thrown out. Regretting it now?” I dug my nails into my palms. “Where’s my wedding quilt? Give it back.” She paused, her face growing colder. “A tattered old quilt, why would I care about that?” “My mom sewed it herself,” my voice began to tremble. “Give it back, and I’ll leave immediately.” Seeing I was on the verge of tears, she frowned. “You’re crying? Are you insane? Is it really that big of a deal?” “Yes! It is!” I roared, and the tears finally broke free. 3 Aurora ran a frustrated hand through her hair, looking as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t. Julian, by her side, suddenly seemed to remember something, speaking quickly. “Ethan, don’t yell at Aurora. I told the staff to put your things in the guest room.” He said, gently caressing Aurora’s slightly swollen belly, his eyes instantly turning red. “Ethan, please don’t move out. If it’s because of this child… I… I can convince Aurora to terminate the pregnancy. His arrival was a mistake anyway. None of you welcome him…” He broke off, dissolving into choked sobs before finishing his sentence. “I forbid it!” Aurora’s voice was almost out of control, as she trembled and leaned into Julian’s embrace, glaring fiercely at me. “He can leave if he wants, but he won’t touch my child! You and the baby are my everything now!” “Ethan Vance, if that’s why you came here, then get out!” I scoffed, walking directly to the guest room. The wedding quilt lay carelessly on the floor, stained with grime and cigarette burns. The intricate phoenix and dragon embroidery was now disgustingly soiled. My fingers trembled as I pointed to the quilt. “Julian, explain this!” He cringed, shrinking his neck. “I didn’t mean to. I just thought it was unwanted trash.” He made to bend down to pick it up. “Ethan, please don’t be angry. I’ll help you wash it clean.” As he leaned down, Aurora suddenly lunged forward, shoving me violently to the ground. “Julian, don’t wash it! Don’t dirty your hands!” My head slammed hard against the bed frame. Excruciating pain exploded, and a warm liquid immediately trickled down my temple. I bit my lip, silent, only smiling as I looked at Aurora, trying to see if she had any heart left. She clung to Julian, her eyes cold, filled with extreme disgust. “How much money? I’ll pay! I’m begging you, stop causing trouble. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment by tormenting me and my brother with such insignificant trinkets?” My chest felt like it had been ripped open. She had always been distant with me, but never had she looked at me with such utter contempt. Now, she must truly hate me. Suddenly, it all felt pointless. Why bother to stay and annoy her further? I surrendered. The wedding quilt was dirty. I didn’t want it anymore. This soiled woman, I didn’t want her either. I pushed myself up. “Aurora, I don’t lack money.” As I turned to leave, she suddenly grabbed my arm, a hint of helplessness in her expression. “You’re upset today. Go back to the Thorne family and calm down for a few days. I’ll pick you up in three days.” I shook off her hand and quickly left. This home, which we had built for years, I was ultimately just a passerby.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392611”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

1 Over the Memorial Day weekend, my out-of-state roommate came home with me to visit. To my utter disbelief, that very night she plied my brother with drinks until he was unconscious, then spent the night with him in his room. Afterward, she ruthlessly caused my sister-in-law to miscarry from the shock and stress. Then, she spread rumors everywhere, claiming she was pregnant with my brother’s child and threatening to take her own life, wailing that she couldn’t face the world. As rumors swirled through the university, threatening to engulf me, my brother, pressured beyond measure, married her out of necessity. From the moment she moved in, Chloe began to stir up endless trouble. She used the baby as leverage, forcing my parents to transfer the house deed into her name. After countless agonizing battles, my already frail parents were literally sick with rage, ending up in the hospital. My brother, caught in the middle and buckling under immense stress, accidentally broke his leg and lost his job. Our family, plagued by illness and injury, was utterly miserable. Then, I was reborn. Back to the day before that fateful holiday. Chloe’s feigned distress echoed in my ear: “Ugh, Lily, it’s such a drag. Everyone else is going home for the holiday, and I’m stuck in the dorm all by myself.” The moment I heard Chloe’s voice, the realization hit me: I was back. In my previous life, during that Memorial Day weekend, Chloe was the only one in our dorm who couldn’t go home, being from out of state. My parents, always so warm and hospitable, had heard Chloe complain more than once during our video calls, expressing envy for our family’s atmosphere. She’d hinted multiple times that she wanted to come home with me to meet my parents, and I understood her underlying intentions. But usually, my studies were demanding, leaving me with scarce free time. When the Memorial Day weekend finally arrived, Chloe complained again in front of me. I didn’t think much of it and invited her to our place. Little did I know, that single decision would almost tear my family apart. My family photo was my social media background. Chloe saw the gold bracelet on my sister-in-law’s wrist, her face alight with envy. I casually mentioned it was a gift from my brother, failing to notice Chloe muttering, “Your brother is so good to your sister-in-law. If only…” The casual tidbits she gleaned from me were enough to ignite her greed. I didn’t know when exactly Chloe had set her sights on my family, plotting to replace my sister-in-law and marry my brother. I, meanwhile, was completely oblivious to her true intentions. I only saw Chloe as my best friend. The holiday arrived. Seeing her pitiful, alone in the dorm, I impulsively invited her home. I had, quite literally, invited a wolf into our fold. My parents, thrilled to hear I was bringing a good friend home, gave Chloe the warmest welcome. Mom pulled out all the stops in the kitchen, and Dad uncorked a cherished bottle of fine wine. No one noticed Chloe subtly plying my brother with drinks until he was unconscious, then slipping into his room. The next morning, she confronted Sarah, who had just returned from visiting her family. Chloe was a torrent of snot and tears, loudly wailing that my brother had taken advantage of her, demanding retribution. Overwhelmed by the shock and emotional turmoil, Sarah suffered a miscarriage. Less than a week later, rumors had swept through the university, with Chloe shockingly implicating me as an accomplice. The way my classmates looked at me changed completely. For my sake, my parents, with heavy hearts, compelled my brother to divorce Sarah and marry Chloe. Less than six months after their wedding, my parents were hospitalized one after another. My brother broke his leg and lost his job. And I, far away at university, endured the constant barrage of accusations. When I learned of the tragedies at home, I suffered a complete mental breakdown. I was consumed by self-blame, convinced Chloe was right. It was all my fault for bringing her home. None of this would have happened otherwise. In a spiral of regret and despair, I became a coward. I jumped from the rooftop. Instead, I woke up the day before the holiday. And at this moment, none of it had happened yet. Chloe, seeing my silence, grabbed my hand and whined playfully, “Oh, Lily, please just let me stay with you this holiday. I’ll be so lonely in the dorm all by myself!” I forced myself to stay calm, not daring to reveal any sign of my true emotions. But inside, a burning hatred flared. Heaven had given me a second chance. It had to be to settle the score with this manipulative witch! But it wasn’t time to show my hand yet. I had no evidence. For now, all I could do was avoid her. So, facing Chloe’s plea, I flatly refused. I quickly came up with an excuse: “I’m not going home this holiday. I picked up a part-time job; I want to earn some spending money.” Rejected, Chloe looked at me with suspicion. “Really? Your family is so well-off, and you need a part-time job?” My family did live in a comfortable house in a neighboring city. I wanted to placate Chloe for now and settle accounts later. So I continued to spin my story: “I just want to save up to buy a gift for my future niece or nephew, you know, my brother’s baby.” This wasn’t entirely false. Sarah and I were close, and I often shared photos of gifts she gave me on my social media. It was only natural that I’d care about her. After I offered this reason, Chloe didn’t push the issue. Having dealt with Chloe, I collapsed onto my bed, utterly exhausted. My phone suddenly pinged with a notification: ‘Ticket successfully booked!’ I remembered then that in my previous life, I had secretly bought Chloe a train ticket as a surprise. Luckily, it wasn’t too late to cancel. I quickly refunded the extra ticket. The next morning, Chloe wasn’t in the dorm. I found it a bit odd, but didn’t dwell on it. I grabbed my luggage and headed for the train. Our hometown was in a neighboring city, a two-hour train ride away. The journey was uneventful, and the knot of anxiety in my chest slowly began to loosen. As long as I didn’t bring Chloe home, as long as I kept my distance, the tragedy of my past life wouldn’t repeat. Two hours later, I finally arrived home. Mom waved to me from the doorway. My eyes widened in a smile. I was about to hurry over when another figure moved faster than me. Chloe, carrying a backpack, rushed forward and grabbed my mother’s hand, a wide smile on her face. “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, I’ve heard so much about your famous hospitality from Lily. I’m so sorry to intrude this holiday, please bear with me!” Chloe, with her smooth charm, quickly struck up a conversation with my parents. I, meanwhile, stood frozen, my blood running cold. I never would have imagined Chloe showing up at my house. She had followed me! But then, the reason dawned on me: the canceled train ticket from yesterday. The text message had the train time and location. Chloe only needed to buy a ticket, even a standing one, to follow me home. While I was still reeling, Dad had already welcomed Chloe into the house. Mom, seeing me rooted to the spot, took my luggage with a chuckle. “Sweetie, don’t you recognize Mom and Dad?” Hearing her familiar voice, my nose stung. I longed to throw myself into her arms, to cry and explain everything. I wanted to tell her, desperately, that Chloe was trouble, to kick her out. But what happened in my previous life was so bizarre. My parents, always so warm and trusting, would likely dismiss my accusations as preposterous. Returning this time, I hadn’t yet fully formulated a plan to deal with Chloe. But now that she had come looking for trouble, I figured it was as good a time as any to settle the score. I frowned in thought for a long moment, and a plan quietly began to form in my mind. Just like my previous life. Chloe continuously plied my brother with drinks. I watched as Daniel started to lose his bearings from the alcohol. Without missing a beat, I joined in, raising my glass to Gary Morgan. “Mr. Morgan, I’d like to toast you too!” Gary, a colleague of Daniel’s, was a frequent guest at our house. A divorced single father, he was a rough-around-the-edges kind of guy, utterly useless in the kitchen, and always seemed to show up around mealtime, invariably leaving with leftovers. My brother, too good-natured for his own good, never knew how to say no. Gary, especially when he’d had a few too many, would get a leering look in his eye and, in front of my parents, more than once suggest he wanted to marry me. My parents detested him, only tolerating his presence for Daniel’s sake. The plan was unfolding as expected: Gary, too, got drunk and stayed the night. Mom was bustling around, grumbling good-naturedly as she tidied up. Chloe’s eyes gleamed the moment she saw Daniel completely out cold. She stepped forward, eagerly offering, “Mrs. Hayes, let me help you!” As if I’d let her. I quickly squeezed past her. “Oh, no, Chloe, you’re a guest! We couldn’t ask you to help. If you really want to be helpful, you can clear the dishes. My brother’s all taken care of with Mom and me.” Feigning not to notice Chloe’s crestfallen expression, I ushered Mom to take the two drunk men upstairs. Keeping an eye on the footsteps behind me, I subtly steered Daniel into the guest bedroom, making sure to avoid his actual room. Mom, not paying attention, followed me into the room and then looked confused. “Your brother’s room is next door, sweetie. Have you been away so long you forgot?” No, I hadn’t forgotten. I’d just correctly guessed Chloe would be relentless and follow me. But I didn’t tell Mom the truth. “Mom, you can’t just take Daniel straight to his bedroom without him showering. Sarah will never tolerate the smell when she comes back. I’m just being considerate. You can help him clean up later and then move him to his own room.” With my explanation, Mom slapped her forehead. “You’re right, you’re right. Sarah’s had a tough pregnancy. She’s finally feeling better; we can’t let Daniel mess things up.” By the time we carried Gary upstairs, Chloe had already cleared the dinner table and wasn’t paying attention to us, a relaxed smile on her face. Even though I’d already laid a trap for Chloe, I still felt it wasn’t foolproof. I was terrified of any unforeseen complications. Before bed, I slipped upstairs and locked my brother’s bedroom door from the outside, finally breathing a sigh of relief. If Chloe didn’t have such twisted intentions, then everything I had done would, of course, be for naught. 2 In my previous life, Chloe slept in the guest room next to my brother’s. This time, Gary was staying there. So, I had to let her share my room. After showering and spending a little time on my phone, Chloe began urging me to sleep. But I wasn’t about to let her have her way. “If you wanted to go to bed early, you should’ve stayed at school. Why did you insist on coming home with me?” Already in the wrong, Chloe didn’t dare press me further after my blunt words. It was nearly 1 AM by the time I finally agreed to turn off the lights. I don’t know how much time passed, but then Chloe rustled close to me, softly calling my name. When I didn’t respond, she tiptoed out of bed. I heard the soft click of the door, then silence. My heart rate quickened. If she insisted on coming, then she should be prepared to get burned. I squeezed the outline of the key in my pocket, reassuring myself. I told myself, this time, I was ready. The tragedy of my previous life would not happen again. It absolutely would not. I forced myself to listen, but roughly an hour later, Chloe still hadn’t returned. I finally drifted off to sleep. Perhaps it was because I’d stayed up so late, but I slept deeply. A short, sharp scream jolted me awake. Startled, I quickly threw on some clothes and rushed out. The living room was thick with tension. Chloe sat hunched on the corner sofa, clutching her disheveled collar, her eyes slightly red. Mom’s face was ashen as she tried to soothe Sarah and Chloe, trembling herself. Seeing me, Sarah looked at me as if I were her savior. I quickly went to her, helping her sit down. “Sarah, are you okay?” Before I could comfort Sarah, Chloe demanded in a tearful voice, “Lily, something so terrible happened to me, and you’re not even comforting me?” “Do you know what your brother did to me?!” I didn’t need to ask to know what happened. But Sarah and Mom didn’t. Hearing Chloe’s words, tears streamed down Sarah’s face like broken pearls. Sarah finally burst into sobs. “Lily, your brother, he… how can we live like this?!” Mom, too, wiped her tears, completely flustered. Chloe, seemingly deeply wronged, gritted her teeth and threatened to call the police. Mom, beside herself, quickly tried to stop her. “Sweetie, let’s talk this out, please, let’s talk this out!” “Can we discuss this calmly, please? Auntie is begging you!” Mom pleaded desperately, but Chloe’s goal clearly wasn’t to de-escalate. She too screamed, crying, “How can I live like this! How can I live after something like this happened!” The two wrestled, and I watched Chloe’s theatrical performance, disgusted. I was about to reveal the truth when Sarah, next to me, let out a painful groan. “My stomach.” Thankfully, I had been constantly monitoring Sarah’s condition. In my previous life, Mom and I were both so distraught by Chloe’s pitiful display that we lost all sense of composure. No one anticipated Sarah would return home so early from visiting her family, hearing the devastating news and having her pregnancy affected. In the chaos, no one paid attention to Sarah, leading to the miscarriage. I quickly dialed 911, interrupting Mom and Chloe. “Mom, Daniel isn’t even downstairs yet. Hearing things is one thing, but we need to at least ask the person involved!” I soothed Sarah, then looked at Chloe with a cold expression. Chloe’s eyes widened. “Lily, you don’t believe me?” I scoffed. “Believe you? We were in the same room last night. My brother was drunk. Am I supposed to believe a drunk man somehow got into my room and carried you upstairs?” At my words, Mom finally snapped back to reality. “You’re right, you’re right. We need to ask Daniel. Daniel would never do something so reckless. Sarah, trust Mom, I’ll get to the bottom of this!” Under Mom’s and my reassurances, Sarah finally steadied herself, nodding tearfully. The paramedics arrived quickly. Dad, rubbing his sleepy eyes, was startled awake. Before he could even grasp the situation, I shoved him into the ambulance. “Dad, I’ll explain later. Just help me watch Sarah for now.” By the time he recovered, only half an hour had passed. Chloe was already impatient. “You don’t believe me, then let’s go upstairs and confront your brother!” Mom, seeing Chloe’s certainty, was starting to waver, her resolve softening. Noticing this, I pulled Mom upstairs. “Mom, you have to trust Daniel.” A large, noisy group marched upstairs. Thankfully, the two drunk men were sleeping soundly. Once we reached the second floor, Chloe lunged ahead, trying to bypass us and open the guest room door. But Mom stopped abruptly at my brother’s actual bedroom door, taking a deep breath, hesitant to open it. I asked Chloe gravely, “Last night, there were two occupied rooms upstairs. Are you sure it was my brother who attacked you?” Seeing us stop at the guest room door, Chloe looked stunned, frozen in place. But she gritted her teeth and insisted, “Yes.” 3 She shoved Mom aside, twisting the doorknob. But the door didn’t budge, blocked by the lock. Chloe’s face paled slightly, but she still wanted to solidify my brother’s guilt. “Your brother is such a coward! He violated me, then got scared of taking responsibility and locked the door!” She said, pounding on the door. Soon, there was a stir inside. My brother’s lazy voice asked who it was, and he rustled around, trying to open the door. Of course, he couldn’t. Our locks were one-way: if locked from the outside with a key, they couldn’t be opened from the inside. I’d secured it. “You rotten kid, open this door right now!” Mom was frantic, wishing she could drag my brother out and get the truth. I, however, remained calm, looking at Chloe and asking again, “Are you sure my brother attacked you?” The hallway fell silent. Only my brother was still fumbling with the lock. Mom’s face flickered with hope. Chloe’s lips were pressed together, silent. “Chloe, you might not know this, but our locks here only work one way. My brother has a habit of sleepwalking, and to avoid scaring guests, I locked his door from the outside last night.” As I spoke, I pulled out a key from my pocket, tossing it up and down. This time, Chloe finally understood. “You did this on purpose! Last night, I clearly saw…” She was about to say she saw my brother in the room next door. “Saw what? It was dark. You must have been mistaken,” I interrupted Chloe. “Do you still insist it was my brother who attacked you?” Under my relentless questioning, Chloe’s face alternated between green and white. “No, I… I must have seen wrong.” There was no need for further words. Mom finally let out a sigh of relief, muttering under her breath that she was glad it wasn’t true, otherwise she would have broken my brother’s legs. Mom didn’t know I had orchestrated everything. Even if Chloe hadn’t confessed, I had the evidence. Thinking this, I subtly glanced at the security camera in the corner. Since she confessed, I didn’t release the footage. Still, the fact that Chloe had been assaulted in our house was true, and Mom couldn’t just brush it aside. She spoke kindly to Chloe, trying to find a solution. “Sweetie, since it was Gary who attacked you, Auntie will definitely get you justice. I’ll ask him to discuss compensation later.” She added, “Gary, even though he’s divorced with a kid, he’s a decent, hardworking man. If you’re willing, you can get married after you graduate. If not, Auntie will make sure he compensates you.” Mom tactfully avoided delving into why Chloe had inexplicably ended up upstairs and assaulted. After all, she was a young woman, and rumors wouldn’t be good. Chloe glared at me, but could only nod in agreement. Gary genuinely wanted to marry Chloe, but the negotiations went nowhere. Since Chloe was unwilling, he gritted his teeth and paid her $30,000 in compensation. After such a convoluted farce, everyone was mentally and physically exhausted. Chloe kept apologizing to Mom, pleading to stay at our house until the end of the holiday. Before I could speak, Mom flatly refused. “Sweetie, I’m really sorry, but we have to go to the hospital soon, so we probably won’t be able to host you these next few days. Here, Auntie will reimburse you for your train ticket.” Flatly rejected, Chloe, despite her reluctance, had no choice but to agree. Clutching the $30,000 and the train ticket, she returned to school. After she left, we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It was then that I had the chance to tell Mom that I hadn’t invited Chloe home at all. She had secretly followed me. In all her years, even Mom had never encountered someone like that. She couldn’t help but sigh with relief. “Thank goodness nothing serious happened.” Yes, thank goodness we didn’t repeat the same tragedy. I too felt a wave of relief, and seized the opportunity to ask Mom to help me change dorm rooms. I had a feeling that if I stayed in the same dorm as Chloe, there would be more trouble. But I never imagined that when I returned to school after the break, rumors would already be rampant across campus. Before I could even pack my things to move dorms, I was blindsided by the sudden news. What followed was a notice from the university: a mandatory leave of absence.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392610”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The day my brother, Dominic, arrived at the orphanage to claim me, my boyfriend, Ethan, coldly spat a warning: “If you acknowledge them, we’re over!” I knew his pride ran deep, his inability to accept class disparities profound. For him, I bravely abandoned the family reunion just within reach. For decades thereafter, I toiled relentlessly, saving every penny to propel him to success. Before I reached fifty, I lay dying in a hospital bed, ravaged by years of overwork. On the television, Ethan, freshly crowned with the highest research award, tearfully thanked another woman: “For years, I felt unworthy, as if I could never measure up to Ms. Felicity Sterling. Today, with this award, I can finally begin to articulate a love decades overdue.” The Ms. Felicity Sterling he spoke of was the fake heiress, swapped with me at birth. The camera zoomed out, showing a perfectly preserved Felicity Sterling blushingly accepting the trophy. “Though I’ve waited decades for you, matters of marriage still need my brother’s blessing, of course~” Dominic, now the head of the Sterling family, watched her, his eyes brimming with a doting affection mixed with a hidden current of emotion. “Handing me over to our uncle’s family was always to protect Felicity. My life’s mission is to ensure the Sterling family’s sole princess remains happy.” It was then, on my deathbed, that a horrifying truth slammed into me: my seemingly selfless choice, the one I thought I’d never regret, had been a calculated trap, orchestrated by two men to protect Felicity. Consumed by rage and despair, I died, my eyes wide open. When I next awoke, I was back. Back to the day Dominic came to claim me. I swept past the two men frowning at me, their gazes a mixture of disdain and impatience, and resolutely slid into the car. “Take me home.” In this life, I swore, I would force every single person who stood in the wrong place to crawl back to the rotten mire where they belonged! … 1 “Elara, I’m telling you! If you let your vanity get the best of you and go back to being a rich girl, we’re done!” “Save me from everyone saying I’m after your money, Miss Heiress! I, Ethan, may be poor, but I have my dignity!” Just like in my previous life, Ethan, whose arm I had desperately clung to for advice, violently shook me off. The dull thud as my elbow hit the wall sent a jolt of pain, making me realize—I was reborn! Reborn on the day Dominic came to claim me! Dominic, with his aristocratic bearing, frowned at his watch, his face a mask of indifference and impatience. “If you’re not accepting, don’t waste my time. It’s been so many years, anyway. My parents aren’t really that bothered…” He was clearly rushing through this formality, eager to return to Felicity. In my past life, he had deliberately used that haughty, dismissive tone, leaving me, a twenty-two-year-old orphan, feeling not an ounce of familial warmth, only apprehension. Coupled with Ethan’s threat to break up, I had rejected my birth family without even meeting my true parents. Now, listening to Ethan’s impatient complaints beside me: “Elara, can you make up your own mind for once?! Don’t ask me about everything!” I spoke, my voice firm and clear: “I accept!” Two words, short and powerful, left both men stunned. Dominic frowned, as if he couldn’t believe his ears. “You… what did you say?” This twenty-two-year-old body now housed a fifty-year-old soul, hardened by life’s trials. In my eyes, they were merely callow youths. I met Dominic’s gaze. “Didn’t the family send you to pick me up? Let’s go. Don’t keep my parents waiting.” It was only on my deathbed in my previous life that I learned Dominic wasn’t my biological brother. He was merely an adopted son, brought in by my parents from a distant relative’s family to accompany and protect their “only daughter,” Felicity. Yet, he, an adopted son, had put on such airs in front of me, their true daughter. As I moved to get into the car, Dominic, still far from the cunning old fox he would become, instinctively glanced at Ethan, his eyes filled with silent reproach for Ethan’s “failure”—they had indeed known each other all along. These two seemingly unrelated men had conspired to ruin my entire life for the sake of a fake heiress! The next second, Ethan violently grabbed my arm. “Elara, are you crazy?! Stepping your muddy shoes into a million-dollar luxury car? If you scratch it, can you afford to pay?! Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and cause trouble. I won’t be cleaning up your mess!” I was adopted by my Nana from Maplewood and named Elara. My family and Ethan’s were both struggling in our small town, but he always acted superior—just because my affection had granted him that privilege. I loved Ethan, following him like a shadow since childhood. He excelled academically, came from poverty but refused to be humbled, and never once called me “the stray.” After Nana passed, he became my sole anchor in the world. Despite both of us getting into high school, I dropped out to work and fund his tuition. When he said city kids found famous tutors, I risked my life climbing thirty miles of treacherous mountain roads to gather rare medicinal herbs from cliff edges, borrowing money to pay for his classes. It wasn’t until I lay in that hospital bed in my previous life, watching Ethan, then nearing sixty, blush as he reminisced about meeting Felicity at a tutoring class: “I was insecure and poor then, but she never looked down on me. I’d never seen such a wonderful girl. In that moment, I decided I would spend my entire life trying to catch up to her.” The back I broke, desperately struggling on the cliff’s edge, had become their stepping stone, a bridge to their affair. He could trample my love, but he had no right to use it to destroy my life! Seeing Ethan’s young face again, all that remained in my heart was disgust. “The car is here specifically for me. If I don’t get in, who else will snatch my place?” 2 Ethan hadn’t anticipated my sharp retort. His eyes widened, his throat bobbed. His face flushed as he strained to conjure a few sarcastic remarks. “Elara, are you really that greedy for money?! They abandoned you for all these years and didn’t care!” “Now, they just casually remember to ask, and you’re already fawning over them!” “So spineless! So shameless?!” In my past life, he habitually used such accusations, such crushing words. If Ethan had questioned me like that before, I would have been consumed by shame, convinced I had indeed done something wrong. But I had already endured a lifetime of hardship. On dreary, rainy days, every aching, twisted joint screamed at me, Why did you give up a golden opportunity within reach, just to suffer pointlessly for a man who didn’t deserve it? I coldly shook off his hand. “Ethan, whether I’m fawning or not, the Sterling family is my home.” “And my family matters are none of your business, outsider.” With that, I didn’t spare him another glance and got straight into the car. From Dominic’s disapproving gaze, Ethan, unwilling to accept defeat, shouted from outside the car: “Elara! I’m giving you one last chance! Get out right now!” “Otherwise, we’re over!” “And look at yourself! No class! No education! How can you be a Sterling heiress?!” “When you get kicked out, don’t come crawling back to me for another chance!” I simply closed the window, blocking out his curses, and calmly instructed the driver without any hint of subservience. “Please take me home. To my parents.” Despite knowing the Sterlings were wealthy, seeing the sprawling villa and luxury cars before me still left me stunned. Dominic sneered, dismissing my “uncouth” reaction. “This villa was a gift from the family to Felicity when she turned eighteen.” Felicity’s eighteenth birthday gift was an entire villa, while on my eighteenth birthday, my hands were raw from washing dishes in murky restaurant sinks, earning money to support Dominic through his crucial final year of high school. “Felicity always said she was a little princess, so the entire design mimics a European castle.” Dominic’s lips curved into a smile as he recalled the memory, but the moment he caught sight of me, his face returned to cold indifference. “Ms. Vance, since you’ve chosen to come back, as the future heir of Sterling Enterprises, I still have a few words for you.” Felicity had shown no aptitude for academics or business since childhood. Dominic, however, had entered the company early. Though no one had ever officially promised him the position, he clearly already considered himself the “Crown Prince.” “While you do share a bloodline with our family, perhaps, as your boyfriend said, Mom and Dad only remembered you on a whim.” “But Felicity is different. She grew up in this house since she was a baby. She has always been our family’s little princess. Felicity was also swapped at birth. She wouldn’t know anything about it. She is innocent. She owes you nothing!” Each arrogant word pierced my ears. I looked up at him. “Thank you.” Dominic’s eyebrow twitched, clearly confused. But I was already striding forward. Thank you for telling me all this. Now I know everything that should have been mine! In my past life, after rejecting my birth family, I had actually wanted to secretly visit the Sterlings, not for wealth or glory, but just to know where I came from. But Dominic had stopped me at the gate. “Ms. Vance, you decided to reject your family for a man. Your parents are utterly disappointed in you.” “Coming back to bother us now is simply pathetic and undignified!” “You’ve missed your chance. Please leave immediately!” “After all, our entire family doesn’t wish for Felicity to be disturbed. She’s about to have her birthday, and she doesn’t know you exist. Ms. Vance, I ask you to be a kind person and not hurt my sister.” That day, Dominic’s bodyguards had shoved me aside like a stray dog. Through the crack in the gate, I saw Felicity, delicate as a flower, surrounded by my parents in the garden. At the time, I didn’t know Dominic was adopted, and I believed he spoke for the entire Sterling family. But during my near-death experience, I learned that in my previous life, my parents had indeed wanted to meet me, but Dominic had ruthlessly blocked them. He painted me as an unhinged, irresponsible girl, claiming: “She said she wouldn’t contact the Sterling family unless they all died off, so she could inherit everything.” “Otherwise, she wouldn’t even deign to look at any of us Sterlings.” Humans are, after all, creatures of emotion. My parents, who had no pre-existing affection for me, listened to his words, then looked at the innocent and charming Felicity. In the end, they were left with nothing but a sigh. In my past life, I only knew how to accept my fate. I didn’t understand that if you weren’t born with a silver spoon, you had to fight for what you wanted—be it money or love. So, when I knelt before my parents, crying uncontrollably, confessing my “longing,” they embraced me, tears in their eyes. “Our precious girl has suffered!” “Mom and Dad will make it up to you a hundredfold!” Leaning on my parents’ shoulders, through tear-filled eyes, I saw young Felicity. 3 Even though she didn’t speak immediately, I quickly caught the flash of resentment in her eyes. Felicity looked like an innocent little rabbit, her eyes red, her lips trembling, holding back tears. “Mom, Dad, who is this sister?” “Why is she calling you Mom and Dad too?” Just as my parents realized they had neglected Felicity and were about to comfort her, I quickly grasped Felicity’s hand. “This must be the sister who honored our parents in my stead.” “Just as my brother said, she’s a million times better than me!” “Even though sister’s birth mother swapped us and then abandoned me in Maplewood to fend for myself, I know my sister knew nothing of her eighteen years of privilege in the Sterling family. My sister is innocent!” “And my brother has already warned me that my sister is the little princess cherished by the whole family, unlike me, who never even met my birth parents…” I took a pendant from my neck. “I don’t have anything presentable for our first meeting. This is the only memento my Nana, who raised me, left me. I hope it protects my sister and keeps her safe always.” Without waiting for Felicity to refuse, I pressed the pendant into her hand. The sharp corner of the pendant pricked Felicity’s delicate palm. With a high-pitched shriek from her, I preemptively recoiled two steps, falling backward onto the floor. The pendant dropped and shattered into fragments. Under my parents’ astonished gaze, I immediately knelt, cupping the shards in my hands. My hands were soon covered in blood, and tears streamed down my face as I apologized incessantly. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t think this through!” “Even if this is my most precious possession, it doesn’t compare to my sister, a Sterling heiress…” My parents, their hearts aching, pulled me up. Their voices choked with emotion. “Elara, what are you doing? You’re Mom and Dad’s biological daughter!” When our eyes met again, Felicity’s eyes held an unconcealed resentment. Felicity truly wasn’t a clean flower protected by the mud. This was perfect. It saved me from any useless guilt! From the moment I was reborn, I had decided that whether Felicity was innocent or not, I would take back everything that was mine. Even if she truly knew nothing, I would still claim it. Because these things were rightfully mine. Felicity and I were swapped. Felicity’s birth mother, pregnant out of wedlock, coincidentally gave birth on the same day as my mother. Seeing my mother’s expensive attire and lavish lifestyle, the woman, unwilling to let her child suffer, stealthily swapped us when no one was looking. She didn’t even intend to raise me; she simply abandoned me in Maplewood. If Nana hadn’t found me, I would probably have been nothing but bones. Compared to Felicity’s privileged, mistaken life, I was the truly innocent one. As for the jade pendant, of course, it wasn’t an heirloom. It was just a cheap trinket Ethan won from a street raffle years ago, the only gift he ever gave me. A piece of worthless glass that I had treasured for years. Now, it was perfectly suited to pave my way. My father frantically took the glass shards, calling for someone to mend them, while my mother, heartbroken, had the family doctor tend to my bleeding hands. “Felicity! How could you drop your sister’s gift and push your sister?!” “Is that what we’ve taught you all these years?!” Unlike my daily humiliation and gaslighting by Ethan, this was probably the first time Felicity had ever been reprimanded in her life. Her face flushed with indignation, her neck stiff, but she had no idea how to defend herself. Dominic, who had been protecting her from the start, finally spoke. “Mom, Dad, you’re misunderstanding Felicity.” “I was standing right there. I clearly saw Elara intentionally fall and shatter the pendant herself.” “While I don’t know why Elara would try to frame Felicity right after coming home, I believe the house’s surveillance cameras would have captured it.” “After all, Elara is the kind of person who, to return to the Sterling family, would heartlessly dump a boyfriend she’d been with for years, her childhood sweetheart.” With that, Dominic pulled out his phone. On the screen, the footage clearly showed my conversation with Ethan—the bits where I’d said “snatch my place” and “none of your business, outsider,” edited cleverly to look damning. Sure enough, my parents’ brows furrowed. Dominic seized the opportunity to lean close to me and whisper, “You don’t know about high-tech surveillance, do you?” In this era, surveillance was indeed still a novelty; most ordinary families had no idea what it even was. Dominic’s lips curled into a smug smile. “I warned you that Felicity is innocent. I told you not to touch her!” “But since you insist on using dirty tricks, you only have yourself to blame for your wicked intentions!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392609”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Before I married Alex, I knew he had a formidable sister-in-law, Olivia. He’d always warned me, “Whatever you do, don’t cross Olivia.” Our first Christmas at his parents’ house after we got married, I was stuck in the kitchen all day, preparing a holiday feast for over a dozen people. Meanwhile, the rest of Alex’s family was out in the living room, munching on the fruit I’d sliced, chatting away as if they didn’t have a care in the world. When dinner was finally on the table, Alex’s older brother, David, and Olivia strolled in, fashionably late. Just as I was about to sit down, I realized there wasn’t a spot for me at the table. Olivia let out a dismissive laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’ve heard so much about our dear new sister-in-law, Riley,” she drawled. “So virtuous, so filial, and so easy to get along with.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the spread. “It’s just a shame about the food… it’s not quite up to par.” Anger flared within me. I was ready to fire back, but then she turned to Martha, Alex’s mom. “Next time, Martha, you should stick to cooking. Your food is always so much better…” 1 Martha’s face turned green. I stood there, momentarily bewildered by the sudden shift in atmosphere. The tension grew thicker, but Olivia just calmly sipped her drink, completely unfazed. Finally, Alex’s dad, Robert, nudged Martha’s arm. Martha pursed her lips. “Riley’s from down south,” she announced, “She said she wanted to cook us some southern dishes to try.” I raised an eyebrow. My opinion of Martha dipped a few notches. I hadn’t said anything of the sort since I walked in the door. Alex and I were newlyweds, celebrating our first Christmas with his family. My mom always told me to be empathetic, to put myself in others’ shoes. Even though everyone said in-law relationships were complicated, I was willing to make an effort for Alex’s sake. You treat people well, and they’ll treat you well back, right? So, I’d simply asked if they needed any help. But to my surprise, Martha had dumped every single kitchen chore on me. She’d claim her back hurt, or she needed to pick up Chloe and her family, who were visiting for the holidays. Alex and I had agreed to always support each other, but Martha constantly pulled him into conversations. After a few times, Alex seemed to forget I was stuck slaving away by myself. I spent the entire day in the kitchen: peeling vegetables, chopping, frying fish, stewing meat, even making some elaborate holiday pastries. With every task, I swore to myself I wouldn’t come back next year. And after all that, they didn’t even save me a seat at the dinner table! Just as I was contemplating throwing in the towel and walking out, Olivia’s voice cut through the air, raised slightly. “Doesn’t Riley have a seat? Why is she standing there? It almost looks like Martha is deliberately picking on her.” Her words pierced everyone’s ears like needles. Everyone froze, exchanging uneasy glances. Martha’s face cycled through several shades of red. Alex finally reacted, quickly getting up to pull a stool beside him. “Honey, come sit next to me.” I stared at the cheap blue plastic stool. A bitter taste filled my mouth. Everyone else had proper chairs; I was the only one on a flimsy stool. Alex came to my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, and whispered, “I’m so sorry, babe. You shouldn’t have to put up with this. Take my seat.” Looking at the man I loved, I swallowed the sting of hurt. A small hiccup wouldn’t ruin everyone’s holiday mood. The rest of Alex’s family ate merrily, but Olivia remained detached, as if it had nothing to do with her. Then, Martha cleared her throat. She pulled a crisp envelope from her pocket and offered it to me. “Riley, since it’s your first Christmas with us, this is a small token from Robert and me. Don’t think it’s too little.” She added, “It’s a family tradition, though, that daughters-in-law don’t get holiday money after this. Once you and Alex have a baby, then we’ll give it to the grandchild, okay?” She finished with a pointed glance at Olivia. “Like your sister-in-law here, she hasn’t gotten any holiday money for years.” The envelope was pushed towards me. It should have been a happy moment, but her words felt like a punch to the gut. As I hesitated, wondering whether to take it, Olivia let out a snort. “Martha, are you trying to fool an idiot here?” 2 David lightly nudged Olivia’s elbow. Olivia shot him a side glance but continued, “Martha, if you don’t want to give it, just don’t. Don’t use me as an excuse.” My heart fluttered, and the hand I’d extended to take the envelope froze. Martha finally snapped. She slapped the envelope down on the table. “What, are you jealous? My younger daughter-in-law is sensible; she knows how to care for her parents-in-law.” She glared at Olivia. “I’m willing to give it! All you do when you come home is eat and lounge around, you don’t lift a finger. Isn’t it right that I don’t give you anything?” Martha’s emotions were clearly spiraling, her long-held resentment towards Olivia pouring out. Olivia shrugged indifferently, saying nothing more. I forced an awkward smile. “Martha, the money isn’t necessary. You’re Alex’s mom; it’s only right that I help you.” As I said it, I caught a glimpse of Olivia letting out a silent sigh in my peripheral vision. Martha beamed, her face beaming with delight, and praised me as a wonderful daughter-in-law, all while slipping the thin envelope back into her pocket. Just then, Chloe, Alex’s younger sister, who’d been silently eating, suddenly cried out, “Why is there ginger in this dish?!” She spat out the mouthful of food onto the table. “Didn’t I say no ginger? I hate ginger!” She whined, “Mom, didn’t you tell Riley?” Martha reflexively said, “I did! Who knows why she put it in again.” Chloe’s eyes landed on me. I quickly waved my hands. “I didn’t know! Martha didn’t say…” My voice trailed off as Alex squeezed my arm, signaling me to stay silent. Martha’s face instantly darkened. “I didn’t say? I clearly told you Chloe doesn’t eat ginger, not to put it in. How could you forget?” My chest tightened. I wanted Alex to say something, to defend me. But he only shook his head. Chloe slammed her chopsticks on the table. “I’m not eating! How can anyone eat this? It’s Christmas, and I can’t even get a decent meal!” Martha rushed to appease her, stroking Chloe’s head. “Don’t be mad, don’t be mad. You can’t be upset on Christmas. Riley, make a couple more dishes without ginger. Don’t be angry.” She turned to me. “Riley, go make a few more dishes. This time, absolutely no ginger!” Martha commanded me as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I was too stunned to speak. Alex’s sister was two years younger than me but had married two years earlier. Since coming home for the holidays, she’d barely touched the ground; his parents practically spoon-fed her. And now, this newly married daughter-in-law was being ordered to cook for her again? I’d never been indulged like this in my own home! Seeing me remain seated, Martha prompted, “Go on! Riley, what are you waiting for?” Alex leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Maybe you should just make two more. Chloe really doesn’t eat ginger.” But it wasn’t about her not eating ginger! I frowned, staring at Alex. I didn’t understand what he was doing, what this was all about. Was he really letting them bully me, just like Olivia implied? Alex tugged at me, looking distressed. “Please, babe, just do it for me, okay?” I remembered my mom’s words: Empathy. Give a little first, and they’ll see your goodness. The situation was rapidly spiraling out of control. Chloe was on the verge of tears, and Alex was practically pleading with me. I swallowed the surge of humiliation and headed back to the kitchen to stir-fry two more dishes. 3 When the dishes were on the table, Chloe poked at them with her chopsticks. “Who eats this stuff on Christmas? Riley, are you doing this on purpose to spite me?” she whined. “I finally come home for the holidays, and I can’t even get a single meat dish!” She began to cry, dropping her chopsticks. “Is it true what they say? That once you’re married, you’re just… tossed aside?” Martha immediately comforted her. “Of course not, darling, you’ll always be our little princess. Your dad, David, and Alex would never let you suffer.” Then she turned to me. “Riley, go make some sweet and sour ribs. Chloe loves those.” I finally snapped. I pointed at the braised ribs already on the table. “There are ribs right here. No ginger.” Martha paused, seemingly taken aback by my defiance. She tilted her head, scrutinizing me. “Are you deaf? Braised and sweet and sour are completely different! I told you to make sweet and sour ribs, so just do it. Why all the chatter?” In just two sentences, Martha had transformed. The warm, praising mother-in-law of moments ago seemed to vanish. I couldn’t believe my ears. I’d never been spoken to with such words, in such a tone, in my entire life! My eyes, blazing with fury, darted to Alex. He squeezed my hand reassuringly, then spoke up. “Mom, Riley already made a ginger-free dish, and there are ribs here. It’s Christmas; let’s just eat.” I thought he’d diffuse the situation. Instead, it was like he’d struck a raw nerve with Martha. She roared, “You useless good-for-nothing! What, are you going to be like your brother, forgetting your mother and sister the moment you get a wife?” She gestured at me. “Are you uniting with an outsider to bully your own sister? Is that how a brother acts?” Alex stammered, “No, I’m not! I didn’t!” His voice was low, laced with a hint of compromise. My heart sank. Sure enough, he looked at me pleadingly. “Babe… maybe you should just…” “Alex, do you even hear yourself?” I asked coldly. “What did we promise each other back home?” United. Always supporting each other. That was Alex’s promise to me first. I’d felt so touched at the time. Everyone said in-law tension directly depended on the husband’s role. I’d believed that with Alex mediating and my sincere effort, we’d have a harmonious family life. I’d come here so confident. But reality? Seeing Alex’s spineless reaction, I realized his promise was absolute nonsense. As my face grew darker, Alex knew I was furious. But Martha continued to fan the flames. “Riley, how dare you speak to my son like that? So what if I ask you to make a few dishes for Chloe? Why are you being so dramatic? And giving your husband attitude? Alex said your parents were educated, but I don’t see much sign of good upbringing in you!” She leaned forward, her voice sharp. “Didn’t your parents teach you to be docile, sensible, and obedient when you married into a family?” Alex tried to intervene. “Mom, stop talking.” I stood up, my chest tight with rage. “How dare you talk about my parents like that!” 4 I glared at Martha, my hands clenched into fists. Martha, however, was emboldened. “What are you doing? Why are you standing up? Who are you trying to scare?” she sneered. “Let me tell you, this is my house, and everyone here is a Miller! If my daughter wants something, you’ll make it for her. That’s how we do things in this family. What about your parents? Did I say anything wrong?” I gasped for air, my chest heaving. Alex put a hand on my arm. “Riley, honey, just calm down. Don’t say anything else.” I suddenly laughed, a short, bitter sound. “Me calm down? Alex, are you deaf? For this long, who really needs to calm down? Can’t you tell?” “ENOUGH!” Alex suddenly roared, making me freeze. “That’s my mom! She raised me! So what if she says a few things?” He continued, his voice rising, “And besides, you’ve already made so many dishes. What’s the big deal about making sweet and sour ribs for my sister too? You’re a sister-in-law now, how can you be so petty? You weren’t like this before!” Alex’s stream of complaints left me stunned. I couldn’t comprehend how the loving, respectful husband I knew had suddenly changed. I violently shook off his hand, sending the dishes in front of me crashing to the floor, shattering into pieces. Robert, Alex’s father, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Alex, this is the wife you chose?” He pointed at me. “Such a small thing, and she’s causing such a fuss. How did you pick a woman like this? You know, back in my day,” he scoffed, gesturing at me, “someone like that wouldn’t even step foot in a Miller home!” He threw his wine glass onto the floor. Shards of glass flew up, one cutting my hand. Tears instantly welled in my eyes. I suddenly realized my mom was wrong. Some people just don’t deserve empathy. Alex saw my hand bleeding, and a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. But Martha’s voice cut through the air. “She’s throwing a fit about serving her in-laws and her sister-in-law? If word gets out, everyone will laugh at our family!” She shook her head in disgust. “Robert and I put all our effort into putting Alex through college, and he ends up marrying such an ill-mannered wife. It’s a disgrace, an utter embarrassment!” Alex’s parents continued their tirade, one after another. His face grew grim, and when he looked at me again, all warmth had vanished. He grabbed my wrist. “Riley, you’re causing a scene on Christmas. This is incredibly disrespectful.” His grip tightened. “Now, apologize to my parents and my sister!” I stared at Alex in disbelief. A cold dread deepened in my heart. He couldn’t see my injury, couldn’t see my tears of humiliation. He couldn’t see me, exhausted and half-dead, cooking for his whole family. He certainly couldn’t see them ganging up on me. In fact, he’d joined them. My voice trembled. “Say that again?” Alex gritted his teeth. “Apologize to my family!” Rage twisted into a bitter laugh. I yanked my hand free from Alex’s grasp. Then, with my other hand, I slapped him hard across the face! The sharp crack echoed through the silent room. “Apologize for what?!” After a moment of dead silence, a few claps broke the stillness. Olivia, who had been quietly observing, stood up and walked towards me. Her voice was laced with delight and excitement as she put an arm around my shoulder. “I thought you were a pushover, someone who’d just let herself be walked all over. Turns out, you’ve got some fire in you. I like it.” Her cold gaze swept over Alex’s family. She braced her hands on the edge of the dining table. “Riley, Martha was right about one thing: everyone here is a Miller. The outsiders? That’s just you and me. So now, let’s give the Millers a proper Christmas greeting!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392608”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

“Can you, a transmigrator, just disappear already?!” Liam glared at me, his face filled with disgust, as he swatted the cake I had personally baked to the ground. The two small figures I had painstakingly drawn on it lay smashed and jumbled. I stared blankly at the ruined cake, my face, I realized, was wet with tears. “Don’t you dare cry in front of me. It’s truly annoying!” “You’ve taken over my beloved’s body, stolen everything that was hers. I wish I could kill you!” But I was innocent. Transmigration wasn’t something I could control. Why was I being blamed for everything? 1 “What do you think I should get Liam for his birthday?” I asked Jenny, hugging a pillow to my chest, my face flushed with shyness. “Oh, looking shy, are we? So, you’re going to confess to my brother on his birthday?” I buried my face deeper into the pillow and softly hummed a “yes.” Liam and I had grown up together, childhood friends. Our families were close, and everyone pretty much assumed we were a couple. It was no surprise that I had fallen for him. Jenny leaped up from her chair, excitedly exclaiming, “Riley, you’re finally going to be my sister-in-law! My best friend is my future sister-in-law. Is there anyone luckier than me in the world?!” I blushed, smiling shyly. “It’s not a done deal yet. Maybe Liam doesn’t even like me.” Jenny thumped her chest, assuring me, “Riley, don’t worry. My brother, that ice block, definitely likes you. I’ve never seen him be as gentle with anyone else as he is with you.” “What do you think about me baking a cake myself? Liam isn’t short on expensive gifts, nor on people to give them to him. So, I think the thought counts most. What do you say?” “Of course! I bet my brother wouldn’t even want to eat it then! Want me to come help you?” “No, I want to do it all by myself. That way, it’ll truly be from the heart.” For the next few days, every moment outside of classes was spent at baking lessons, learning how to make the perfect cake. From awkwardly shaped blobs at first to something reasonably presentable now, I finally finished the cake on the morning of Liam’s birthday. On top, I’d drawn two small figures, holding hands, with the words “Ten fingers interlocked, tightly embraced, accompanied for a lifetime” written below in English. Liam always preferred low-key celebrations, so for his birthday, he’d only invited a few close friends for a get-together. After carefully packaging the cake, I set it aside, constantly checking my phone for a message. I waited from morning until night, but no invitation from Liam arrived. I felt a strange sense of unease, refreshing my phone repeatedly. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I quickly opened it, only to see a message from Jenny. My eyes dropped, disappointment clearly visible. “Riley, my brother’s birthday party is almost over. Why haven’t you shown up?” “Liam didn’t invite me.” I stared at Jenny’s message, reading each word in disbelief. The hope I had clung to finally shattered completely. “Huh? How could that be? Did my brother forget to send it to you?” Forget? No way. He invited the same people every year. Unless it was intentional, he wouldn’t forget. But why would Liam do this? My heart felt like it was crawling with countless ants, sending sharp pains through me. Unbeknownst to me, my eyes had already welled up, blurring my vision. My fingers trembled as I typed, trying to find an excuse for Liam, but my tears wouldn’t listen, splattering onto the phone screen. “Can you send me the address? I’ll head over.” “Okay, in private room 4416.” Jenny then sent a location pin. I looked at the address, called my family’s driver, and turned off my phone. I quickly wiped the tears from my face, picked up the cake, and walked out the door. My phone, still in my jacket pocket, kept vibrating with notifications, likely Jenny trying to comfort me. But I didn’t want to look. My mind was a tangled mess, and all I wanted was to get to Liam and ask him what was going on. The evening weather had suddenly turned cold. I had rushed out, only grabbing a thin jacket, and shivered in the biting wind, pulling my collar tighter to ward off the chill. Thankfully, Uncle Bob arrived quickly. I swiftly got into the car, closed the door, and finally felt a bit of warmth. “Uncle Bob, to the Grand Hotel. Please, a little fast, thank you.” Uncle Bob glanced back at the cake on the seat beside me and casually asked, “Miss, going to Liam’s birthday?” I forced a smile. “Yes.” “No wonder you’re in such a rush. Don’t worry, Miss, I’ll get you there in time. That Liam, really, not even bothering to tell you in advance. Making you rush like this. He needs a good talking-to,” the driver chuckled. “Yeah.” 2 I stood nervously outside the private room, taking several deep breaths, trying to plaster a smile on my face. I knocked, then pushed the door open. Liam’s birthday party was clearly over. Liam wasn’t a fan of flashy decorations, so the room had no special setup, only a pile of gifts on the floor. I stepped inside and saw Liam sitting on the sofa, texting someone. A gentle smile played on his face, and his eyes shimmered with a soft glow. My heart sank, but I kept my expression neutral, maintaining my smile. “Liam, how come you didn’t invite me to your birthday? That’s so rude!” Liam looked up when he heard my voice. The gentleness vanished from his face, replaced by a slight frown. “Why are you here?” The coldness and distance in Liam’s tone were undisguised. I froze, my smile faltering, trying to suppress the ache in my chest. I walked up to Liam, offering him the cake. “I came to bring you a birthday cake. I made it myself…” Before I could finish, Liam abruptly stood up and knocked the cake to the floor. “Get away from me!” I stared blankly at the ruined cake on the ground, my face, I realized, was covered in tears. Why had it come to this? Everything had been fine just a month ago. All I’d been doing was learning how to bake a cake, and now, suddenly, everything had changed. “Crying? How dare you even cry?” I looked up at Liam in disbelief. The disgust in his eyes was like a sharp sword, piercing my heart. It hurt so much, so much… “Why?” Liam scoffed as if he’d heard a joke. “Fine, you want to know why? I’ll tell you.” His voice was low and menacing. “My kindness towards you for the past three years was all for this moment, to humiliate you right to your face.” His eyes narrowed. “Riley Jenkins, every time I called you ‘Riley’ I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted to kill you with my own hands!” He snarled. “You’ve taken over my beloved’s body, stolen everything that was hers. I’ll make you, a shameless transmigrator, pay the price!” Yes, I was a transmigrator. In my original world, I was an orphan, alone and friendless. After a car accident, I woke up in this world. The Riley Jenkins of this world was born into a family that adored her, surrounded by loving parents and friends. No one knew how terrified I was when I first woke up in that hospital, facing unfamiliar surroundings and people. But gradually, I began to acquire all of the original Riley’s memories, almost forgetting my past life. Over time, I truly started to believe I belonged to this world. So, I shamelessly usurped “Riley Jenkins’” life. I thought this secret would forever remain mine, but it turns out, it was a joke from the very beginning. I don’t remember how I got back. After Liam finished speaking, I just left, abandoning myself there. I only remember how cold the wind was that day, its chill seeping through my skin and into my heart. 3 “Riley, Riley! Can you hear me? You have a fever. We need to go to the hospital, okay?” So, that’s why I felt so awful. I had a fever. I struggled to open my eyes and saw Jenny’s worried face. I tried to force a smile, hoping to reassure her. “It’s nothing. I just need to lie down a bit longer.” “No, we have to go to the hospital. You’re burning up. It must be a high fever.” Jenny touched my forehead, her expression serious. Jenny asked our two other roommates to call in sick for us, then helped me out of bed and called an Uber. I wore a mask, leaning weakly against Jenny, my head throbbing. “Jenny, if I weren’t Riley, would you still be this good to me?” Jenny frowned, checked my forehead again, then hers for comparison. “You really are burning up. No wonder you’re talking nonsense.” At the hospital, my temperature was 103.1°F. I lay in the hospital bed, an IV drip in my arm. I watched Jenny bustling around the room for me, pouring hot water, buying me porridge. My eyes welled up. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Jenny, finishing her tasks, stretched and noticed my tears. She rushed to my side. “Are you feeling unwell somewhere else?” I bit my lip hard, trying to hold back the tears. But as I saw the worry in Jenny’s eyes, the tears still rolled down like broken pearls, my shoulders beginning to tremble, my body shaking uncontrollably. “Riley, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me.” Jenny hugged me, patting my back, repeatedly asking what was wrong. After finally calming down, I pulled away from Jenny, wiped my tears, and explained, “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just touched.” Jenny paused, surprised by my answer, then laughed. “Because when I was little, I got sick once. My family wasn’t home, and you found me and took me to the hospital.” Jenny’s words struck me like a lightning bolt, leaving me utterly shattered. Jenny saw my stunned expression and thought I had simply forgotten the incident. “Oh, it’s not a big deal, really. But from that day on, I decided we’d be best friends for life.” My mind was a tangled mess, I didn’t know how to speak. Jenny’s worried gaze felt like countless sharp swords, slowly tearing me apart. Just then, the door opened. I turned my head and saw Liam walk in. Panic flashed in my eyes as I lay helplessly in the hospital bed. Why was he here? Was he here to expose me? “Bro, you’re here.” “Yeah.” “Well… I’ll head out then. You two chat.” Jenny winked at me, then left the hospital, leaving Liam and me alone. I wasn’t so naive as to think Liam had come on his own. Jenny must have tricked him into coming. We stared at each other for a long time. I wanted to say so much, but in the end, I swallowed all the words. “I’m sorry…” I couldn’t stand the oppressive atmosphere in the room anymore and spoke first. A thousand words could only be condensed into those three. Liam’s eyes were beautiful. When he smiled, the corners tilted up, like charming, soulful eyes. But when he didn’t smile, his gaze became cold, sharp, calm, and indifferent. When he heard my apology, his suppressed anger seemed to ignite. “Riley Jenkins, does ‘sorry’ help? Can you get out of her body and give her back to me?” I didn’t know what to do. I could only cover my face and cry, begging him not to tell anyone. “I’m so sorry, so sorry. Please, don’t tell Jenny and my parents…” Liam scoffed as if he’d heard a joke. “The day you took over her body, you should have expected the day you’d be exposed.” His voice was chilling. “Not only will they know, but I’ll make sure everyone you know finds out what a selfish, disgusting person you are.” “Liam, I beg you, please don’t tell them? I promise I’ll stay far away from you.” I ripped out the IV needle in the back of my hand. My legs gave out as I tried to get out of bed, and I fell to the floor, having to brace myself with my arms. Liam walked over and knelt down, pinching my chin. He saw my tear-streaked face and smiled with satisfaction, then forcefully shoved my face away. The fingers that had touched my face vigorously rubbed on my clothes, as if I were something dirty. His grip was strong, and the skin where he had touched burned with pain. I gasped. Liam seemed very pleased with my pathetic state. “This is just the beginning. From now on, I’ll make you pay back double, make you regret ever coming to this world.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392607”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

The night before I was set to leave the country, my childhood friend, whom I’d secretly loved for years, told me to abandon my dreams and stay by his side. He promised me a beautiful future if I stayed. But when I didn’t board the plane, he just smirked and winked at his friends. “See? She really wavered for me! Five hundred bucks each, pay up, a bet’s a bet!” After collecting the money, he warmly embraced my best friend, who had come to see me off. He then mocked me, “Sophia, don’t be naive. The one I truly care about is her, not you. You didn’t actually think I’d support you chasing that impossible dream, did you?” He dropped to one knee, publicly proposing to my best friend. Seeing my pale face, he grinned cheekily and added, “You can still make it to your flight if you leave now. But I’m afraid your parents might be disappointed in you too!” What he didn’t know was that this was just my final test of him. 1 As Ryan dropped to one knee, making a promise to my best friend, Chloe, I finally understood this was yet another cruel deception, a farce. I was the one who had received Ryan’s “confession” message. Chloe was the one who had secretly, persistently, urged me to pursue “true love.” Yet now, they stood there, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes amidst the gasps of the crowd. And I, with my luggage beside me, was left standing awkwardly, feeling like a complete joke. After Ryan dramatically kissed Chloe, he turned to his friends to collect money. He grinned, “See? Sophia really hesitated for me. Witnesses and evidence are all here. Five hundred bucks each, no backing out!” “Dude, look at you! You got the girl, of course, we gotta chip in for our bro!” “Congrats to you and your future sister-in-law, wish you two all the sweetness!” After their congratulations, his friends turned to me, scoffing. “Sophia, should I commend your bravery? Or call you incredibly naive? You’re about to leave the country, and you’re still harboring fantasies about Ryan?” “Seriously! Ryan’s not the type to support your unrealistic dreams! Wake up!” “We, your buddies, genuinely bet you wouldn’t stay. And look how foolish you are, falling for it even when you’re about to go abroad. You’re hopeless!” I stood there, gripping my boarding pass so tightly it was almost crumpled. Ryan, after pocketing the cash, walked towards me, leaning in to observe my expression. He feigned concern. “So, Sophia, are you about to cry?” Then he spun around, chastising the group who had just insulted me. “Are you all heartless? You’re about to make our international student cry. Today’s her day to start a new life; how can you say such things?” I abruptly lifted my head, still hoping this was just a nightmare. But the next second, Ryan shoved a piece of paper into my hand. He smirked. “Sophia, today’s my big day. Everyone else has given me gifts, but you haven’t.” He chuckled. “But it’s okay, we’re old friends, right? You don’t have to give me money, just write a few words.” Ryan’s eyes crinkled with mirth. “Just write, ‘Wish you and Chloe happiness!’” My breath hitched. I couldn’t believe those words had come from his mouth. The people around clapped and cheered, praising his generosity. Chloe’s face was bright red with feigned embarrassment. “Who said I’d be with you? You’re so annoying!” Ryan blew her a kiss, then turned back to me, commanding, “Write it! You used to love writing, didn’t you? Write!” “Seriously, Sophia! Back in school, didn’t you always secretly write little notes to Ryan? Too shy now that there are people around?” Ryan nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, that’s right. You even practiced your handwriting every day to get my attention. Come on, quick, write that blessing for my dearest girlfriend. Consider it your wedding gift to us.” “Sophia, write!” Ryan started clapping, urging me on. His friends immediately joined in, clapping and shouting, “Write it! Write it!” An overwhelming wave of rage and humiliation washed over me. My hands trembled violently, almost dropping the paper. In school, when Ryan lost a competition, I would write him encouraging notes every day, secretly tucking them into his desk. I even diligently practiced calligraphy at home because I worried my handwriting wasn’t pretty enough. But now, these memories I cherished so deeply had become tools for him to amuse his girlfriend. I choked back a sob and shoved the paper back into Ryan’s hand. “I won’t write it.” My voice was flat. “And I don’t wish either of you happiness.” The moment I finished speaking, someone called out. “Sophia, you haven’t given up on Ryan yet, have you?” “Ryan, you better be careful! These clingy, persistent women are the worst! She’s about to go abroad and she’s still throwing herself at you. She’d probably even be your fallback!” “My fallback?” Ryan scoffed, rolling his eyes at me. “As if you’re worthy.” Their words, one after another, were like sharp blades tearing my heart apart. In the past, I would have broken down, sobbing and asking Ryan why he was doing this to me. But today, I fiercely held back the tears in my eyes. “Ryan, I’m the one going to pursue my dreams. You should bless me first. You don’t have to speak, a note will do.” Ryan and Chloe exchanged glances, then both burst into laughter. “Sophia, you wavered for me. Do you think your parents will still support you going abroad?” “Yeah, Sophia, I heard you prepared for this trip for a long time and gave up a lot. Now that you’ve caused such a big scene, your dream of going abroad must be shattered.” I forced a tight smile. “That’s none of your concern. My plans to go abroad will proceed as scheduled.” 2 I had actually sensed that Ryan was planning to trick me into giving up my dreams. This morning, he had called me. His voice was slurred, even tinged with a sob. He said, “Sophia, please don’t go abroad, okay? Don’t leave me, I can’t bear it. You know I can’t live without you.” He pleaded, “If you still care about me, don’t get on the plane. Wait for me at the airport.” He promised, “As long as you stay, I’ll be with you without hesitation! From now on, our world will only be us!” He hung up immediately. On my end of the phone, my heart was pounding. Ryan and I had been childhood friends for over a decade. I had poured out my dreams to him countless times, but he had never supported me, calling my dreams unrealistic. Was he only acting this way now because I was truly about to go abroad to pursue them? At the same time, my best friend Chloe also sent me a message. She told me, “Sophia, I know you’ve always wanted to be with Ryan.” She continued, “As long as you make up your mind, no one in this world can stop you two from being together!” Just as I was genuinely swayed, I received a voice message. In it, Ryan was chatting with his friends. Someone asked him, “Ryan, Sophia’s leaving the country today. You’re not preparing a farewell gift for her, are you?” Ryan scoffed. “Is she worth it? I’m preparing a surprise for Chloe. I’m going to propose to her and ask her to be my girlfriend!” “But Sophia is leaving today. Isn’t Chloe seeing her off at the airport?” A sly smile suddenly appeared on Ryan’s face. “Sophia’s leaving today, right? Well, I bet you guys, all I need to do is make one phone call to her, and she’ll give up going abroad.” He challenged, “Want to see a foolish girl abandon her dreams for a man?” Everyone immediately cheered, “Yeah!” Someone else added, “Hey, Ryan, those flowers you got for Chloe are really beautiful. Such a big bouquet, must have cost a fortune, huh?” Another person quickly answered, “Beautiful? They’re tulips flown in from Holland! And this coffee shop, it’s always packed. Ryan spent a fortune and pulled strings just to get the best for Chloe!” Ryan smiled faintly. “Of course. Only the best for Chloe.” I remembered Ryan had prepared a gift for me, which I hadn’t opened yet. When I opened the gift box, I found an old photo album inside. On the card, he had written, “Sophia, these are all our memories!” But when I flipped through the album, it was filled with the little notes I had once written to him. They read, “Ryan, you got this! You can do it!” and “Believe in yourself, you’re the best!” In high school, when he participated in various competitions, I used these notes to cheer him on. And he just picked out a few of them to give me as a farewell gift, while spending a fortune to fly in fresh tulips from Holland for Chloe. The voice message ended abruptly, and my heart shattered into countless pieces. The initial excitement and anticipation turned into utter despair. I repeated Ryan’s name over and over, from heartbreak to pure resentment. He knew my dreams, he knew how much I had sacrificed to go abroad, yet he still treated me like this. The memory of my childhood friend, who always stood by me, listened to my dreams, and promised to always support me, seemed to have died. Ryan, I will never like you again. 3 “Ryan, you said I didn’t give you a blessing? Here, take this.” I pulled a notebook from my bag and handed it directly to Ryan. He looked at the notebook thoughtfully. Years ago, when he lost a competition and was dejected, I gave him this notebook, filled with my encouragement and support. I had hoped then that he would pick himself up and work towards his dreams with me. But today, it was the day he pledged himself to another woman. Chloe stepped forward and took the notebook. “Thank you, Sophia. Ryan and I will be very happy.” Chloe then casually eyed me up and down, reaching out to touch my suitcase. “Sophia, your suitcase looks pretty expensive. Since you won’t be able to leave the country anyway, why don’t you just give it to me?” I was astonished by her greed and instinctively stepped back. “Chloe, you’re still carrying the bag I gave you. How can you have the nerve to ask for my suitcase?” Chloe looked at the bag on her shoulder, frowning. “You said you gave it to me. But today, I’m supposed to be the star. Besides, I already know you and your parents are at odds over you going abroad. And now you’ve backed out. Your dream of going abroad is definitely shattered.” She scoffed. “Since that’s the case, why can’t you give me the suitcase?” I retorted loudly, “Who says I can’t leave the country? I just came here temporarily. After I leave, my plans to go abroad will proceed as scheduled.” I pointed towards the airport terminal. “In a little while, I’ll be boarding there.” Chloe snorted a laugh. “Right, right. Your parents love you to death, and they can even tolerate their daughter abandoning her dreams for another man and making such a huge fool of herself.” She looked at me with immense pity. “Sophia, I know you’re hurting, but isn’t this what you chose? Stop deluding yourself and saying such ridiculous things.” She continued, her voice dripping with disdain, “Do you know how much you need to prepare to go abroad? Just the application materials alone are a huge pile! No, it’s not just about materials, you need talent too.” She boasted, “Ryan, for my sake, helped me arrange all sorts of training well in advance, which is how I got the chance to go to a better place. You’re still bragging about going abroad? Be careful you don’t bite off more than you can chew!” When she finished, her cronies behind her burst into laughter. “I think Sophia’s delusional. She’s daring to boast like that.” “Tsk, tsk, such a pathetic deluded woman. I almost feel sorry for her.” Seeing my reluctance to hand over the suitcase, Chloe turned to Ryan. “Ryan, do you think this suitcase should stay with her, or should it come to me?” Ryan didn’t even look at me. He raised an eyebrow, asserting confidently, “Does that even need asking? Of course, it’s for you, babe.” After he made his choice, Chloe immediately reached for my suitcase. She chuckled, “I know your suitcase is quite expensive, a designer brand your parents bought for you. Sophia, we’re such good friends, just let me use it, okay?” It was because we were good friends that I had allowed her to be my best friend. But I never imagined she had already been scheming with Ryan. I shouted, “Don’t touch my suitcase! I still have to go into the departure lounge to board my flight!” Chloe sneered. “Stop pretending! Board what flight? Give me the suitcase!” Seeing my fierce resistance, she turned to the people behind her. “What are you staring at? Come help me!” Those people ignored her, all looking at Ryan, waiting for his command. I, too, stared intently at him. For nothing else, but for the sake of our years of friendship, he shouldn’t treat me like this. But Ryan just gave me a dismissive glance and said indifferently, “Didn’t you hear your sister-in-law speak? Go, grab Sophia’s suitcase and let my girlfriend try it out.” In an instant, several hands reached for me, grabbing my suitcase, tugging at my backpack. I screamed, I yelled, and finally, in despair, I closed my eyes. This was the man I had loved for fifteen years. My childhood friend who always put me last. Just then, someone roared, “Stop! What are you doing?!” I was startled. That voice… it sounded so much like my estranged cousin.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “392606”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel