Author: Momo Chan

I ended up with the guy who used to bully me in high school. As the morning light filtered into the room, I only slightly moved my arm. The arm clamped around my waist instantly tightened its hold. Caleb Thorne lowered his head and kissed my neck, his deep voice carrying the huskiness of just waking up. “Did you sleep well last night?” I froze for a moment, then obediently nodded. In the past, maybe I would have resisted a little, but he spent three weeks teaching me a lesson. Obedience is best. He took my hand resting by my side, intertwining his fingers with mine with interest. Burying his face in my neck, he chuckled with amusement. “Didn’t throw away the ring I gave you this time?” … He was referring to the diamond ring on my ring finger. There were two before this. One I hid in the freezer, and one I threw into the fountain in the garden downstairs. I don’t want to recall the consequences those two rings brought for now, but the result the third ring brought is probably: I am marrying him, the person I used to fear the most. 1 I like spending time in the bathroom showering. Because I don’t have to face him, and I won’t think of certain terrible memories. But staring at myself in the bathroom mirror, the misty fog couldn’t hide some glaring marks on my body. My eyes were red, staring at myself in the mirror. Until Caleb’s slow knocking sounded at the door. “Still showering?” “If you don’t come out, I’m coming in.” “…” It’s not like he hasn’t done the thing of entering the bathroom without greeting. I immediately turned off the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. … Breakfast was neatly arranged on the table as usual, but Caleb probably didn’t have time to enjoy it. The morning news was playing on TV. With his slender fingers, he neatly tied his tie. Seeing me staring at him, he leaned down and scraped my nose. “Like watching? You tie it for me next time?” I turned my face away. But he just chuckled carelessly. And he deliberately picked up the milk I had drunk, drinking from where my lips had touched. … “Be good, wait for me to come back.” “I’ll take you to see wedding dresses tonight.” 2 Caleb left. I stared blankly at the TV for a long time. Then I raised the glass he just drank from and smashed it heavily against the TV. The TV only shook, but the glass shattered on the floor. The loud noise caused the servants downstairs to exclaim. But I hugged my knees, sitting there crying. … Caleb was my nightmare in the past. In high school, he was the most vicious bully in that group. He threw all the books in my bag downstairs from a high place. He also organized classmates to isolate me. With his instigation, those girls dragged me into the restroom and slapped me. As long as he led the bullying, no one dared to help me. Because Caleb was the son of the CEO of a huge corporation. Several buildings in our school were donated by his family. He led the wanton ridicule of me. At that time, bullying me became a trend in the class. I heard his face was the dream of all the girls in school. But to me, he was the demon who tormented me sleepless night after night. Such a person. Seven years after graduation. Said he wanted to marry me. 3 I couldn’t change the habit of trembling whenever I saw Caleb. Even though I had been sleeping in the same bed with him for three weeks. No one helped me. My mom, knowing someone of Caleb’s status wanted to marry me, couldn’t be happier. Caleb seemed to have changed cars again. The back seat of this car was very spacious. But I didn’t like cars with spacious back seats. The partition in the middle had risen. No one knew what he would do with me in the back. But today’s Caleb was quieter than usual. Probably because I kept trembling. The temperature in the car rose quite high, but I was still trembling. Ignoring my reaction, he pulled me into his arms. “Evie, are you that scared?” The man’s whisper teased my ear. He knew exactly why I was like this. “I’ll take you to choose a wedding dress, okay?” I controlled my trembling bit by bit, but still laughed sarcastically. Who would have thought, the person who pushed me into the abyss step by step. Is now speaking softly about taking me to choose a wedding dress? 4 Caleb took me to this shop, located in a private villa. The crystal chandelier reflected dazzling light, illuminating the wedding dresses displayed on the mannequins. I wasn’t in the mood to look, nor to choose. I let Caleb discuss with the designer which style to customize for me. I let the assistant measure my body with a tape measure. The backyard of this shop was a small garden. I was more interested in that place. While they were chatting, I lifted my skirt and went to the small pond in the backyard. There was a door in the backyard. It seemed that passing through it would lead to a road of infinite freedom. Actually, I thought about running away countless times. But when I gathered the courage to run, I沮丧ly realized I had nowhere to go. My mom desperately hoped I would marry Caleb. She held my hand and told me not to be willful. I sat by the small pond until Caleb finished talking and came to find me. “What are you thinking about?” Caleb was often like this, high and mighty. But I showed him my arm. On my wrist, there was a small red mark. This circular scar had a layer of hypertrophic scar tissue around the edge. “Look, you burned this with a cigarette butt.” I pointed to this place. One day he was in a bad mood, pulled me into a corner, and pressed a cigarette butt there. It hurt so much, so much that I forgot what else he did afterwards. The person looking down at me concentrated for a moment, then squatted in front of me. Even though I desperately didn’t want to admit it, Caleb’s face was indeed perfect. So perfect that it looked like it was carved by the most famous sculptor in ancient Greece. If he looked at someone with a pair of gentle eyes, anyone would probably drown in them. Otherwise, why does the Western Bible say that the devil always has the most bewitching face? The light and shadow of the lighter flickered. He lit a cigarette in front of me. I subconsciously trembled, afraid the cigarette butt would fall on my arm again. But the next second, he lightly pressed the cigarette butt out on his own wrist. In the same position as mine. He looked at me quietly, “Feel better, Evie?” “…” I lowered my eyes. The ash flickered, and the fresh wound was particularly glaring. He suddenly reached out and pulled me into his arms. “Evie, if you can share a little of this pain with me, it will be fine.” Fireflies of summer slowly rose from the pond. I stared at the flowing moonlight. “Caleb, you know clearly that those pains were brought by you.” The man’s body stiffened for a moment, then he stroked my hair bit by bit. “Then I’ll atone for my sins, okay?” “…” 5 After Caleb left this morning, I threw that glass of milk at the TV as usual. At times like this, the servants would usually warm another glass of milk and hand it to me. But today, I didn’t want to drink it. Actually, I used to like drinking milk the most. When I was in school, my mom always made me bring a bottle of milk to school in the morning. But one day, during recess, Caleb sat on the desk in front of me. He was already quite tall then, leaning over, his shadow almost enveloping me. I heard someone sneering, then someone said, find some fun, Master Thorne. But he smiled at me, spreading his palm in front of me. I handed over the milk bottle in my hand. After unscrewing the cap, before the milky scent could drill into my nose. The creamy white liquid poured down from the top of my head. Nose tip, collarbone, collar, skirt hem. It seemed every place was stained with that smell, but except for me crying, everyone was laughing. “Hey, look at her like that, who is she seducing?” “I’m really impressed, Master Thorne, your bad taste…” My cheek was suddenly rubbed by a thumb. Caleb sat in front of me, supporting his chin. He pinched my chin and looked at me for a while. Sneered. “So ugly.” “…” So, now I always hate milk. But the one who hates this the most is probably Caleb. After I knocked over the second glass of milk today, the servant who brought me milk almost knelt in front of me. “Miss… just drink it…” I turned my neck, saying I wouldn’t. Then my gaze fell on the landline next to the sofa. I crawled over and pressed the buttons. This landline could only call one person’s mobile phone. Only, the male voice answering the phone this time was not Caleb’s voice. “Miss Qin?” Oh, it’s Caleb’s special assistant, the one who always drives. “I’m looking for Caleb.” “He’s in a meeting, Miss Qin…” “Then I’m coming over.” I hung up without waiting for the other side to say anything. Entry and exit to this villa area were strict. There were security guards at the gate. I raised my head and told the security guard that I was going to Caleb’s company. This is probably… the benefit of being about to marry Caleb. No one stopped me, and I walked unimpeded all the way to the top floor. Only when I was about to break into the meeting room, his special assistant stopped me. “Miss Qin, you can wait in the lounge next door first…” I pushed open the heavy door of the meeting room with one breath.

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My boyfriend and I got into yet another fight over putting my name on the deed of our future home before the wedding. Not long after, he posted a photo of his new car on social media with the caption: “Some people are just too calculating, trying to split my assets before we even walk down the aisle. Sorry not sorry, I used the down payment for the house to buy this baby in full!” The comments section was filled with his bros hyping him up, calling him a “real man” for not spoiling a gold digger. Just as I was about to call him to ask what he meant, a barrage of comments suddenly floated before my eyes: [Sigh, the male lead is just led astray by his bad friends. Deep down, he really wants a home with the female lead.] [The female lead is annoying too. Her parents clearly have the means to buy them a house, so why insist on the male lead saving up for the down payment and putting her name on it?] [If the female lead just clarified that any future house her parents buy will also have his name on it, he wouldn’t be angry.] I thought these floating comments were full of shit. I asked for my name on the deed because my parents didn’t ask for a bride price and even gave a dowry of $30,000. The next second, I received a text from the bro who had been cheering him on the loudest. “Downtown penthouse, paid in full. I’ll put it in your name before the marriage. Will you marry me?” 1 The text was from Lucas, my boyfriend Ryan’s best friend. I stared at the words, almost burning a hole through my phone screen. The barrage of comments flashed frantically before my eyes. [Don’t reply! This is a test from the male lead’s best friend!] [If you reply, the male lead will truly give up. He’s just stubborn right now!] I didn’t reply because Ryan came back. He threw his car keys onto the entryway console. “I’m tired. I don’t want to fight.” He walked straight to the sofa, sinking into it without even glancing at me. I suppressed my anger and walked over. “Ryan, what do you mean by that post?” He snorted. “Can’t read? It means I’m not buying the house. I bought a car instead.” I held back my rage. “That money included the dowry my parents gave, plus the savings we scraped together. What right did you have to spend it all by yourself?” He finally looked up, his eyes full of mockery. “That $30,000 dowry was just to exchange for half the property rights to my house, right? Vicky, you really know how to calculate.” “Let me tell you, this house would have been pre-marital property. It has nothing to do with you. I don’t care about your family’s little money.” I was trembling with anger. My parents understood his family wasn’t wealthy, so they didn’t ask for a cent in bride price and even gave a $30,000 dowry. Their only request was to add my name to the deed for peace of mind and security. In his mouth, it became a calculated scheme by my entire family! The barrage popped up again. [The male lead has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. He loves you so much, he wouldn’t really care about this.] [He’s just scared. He’s afraid that after giving everything, you’ll still leave him.] Looking at his cold face, I only found it laughable. “Fine, you bought the car. When do you plan to return my share of the money?” He looked at me as if I’d told the world’s biggest joke. “You want money? We’ve lived together for years. Food, clothes, daily necessities—didn’t I pay for them? If I kept a ledger, you’d owe me quite a bit.” “I’ll give you three days to move out of this apartment.” “I need to calm down and re-evaluate our relationship.” After speaking, he put on his headphones and closed his eyes, refusing to communicate. Looking at the man I had loved for five years, my heart grew colder inch by inch. Re-evaluate our relationship? It was just a tactic to force me into submission. He was certain I couldn’t leave him, certain I would compromise everything for him. But this time, he was wrong. 2 I started packing my bags in silence. Ryan thought I was just throwing a tantrum and ignored me, driving his new car out to party with his friends every day. On the third day, his mother called. As soon as I picked up, she bombarded me with accusations. “Vicky, how can you be so immature? What’s wrong with buying a car? A man needs a good car to have face outside. It’s good for his career!” “You young people need to look at the big picture! Making a scene over a name on a deed… You’ve embarrassed our family!” I held the phone, silent. “Ryan told me. As long as you apologize and promise never to mention the house again, he’ll let you move back.” “A girl living alone outside is unsafe. Listen to me, go back and soften up.” “Women ultimately have to rely on men.” I spoke calmly, “Auntie, we’ve broken up.” Silence on the other end for a few seconds, then a sharper scream erupted. “Break up? You dare! You’ve been with Ryan for five years. Your youth was spent on him. Who else would want you but him?” “I’m telling you, don’t be ungrateful. Get back there and serve my son!” With that, she hung up. I looked at the disconnected phone and exhaled a long breath. So in their eyes, my five years of youth were just leverage to control me. That evening, Ryan brought a group of his bros back, including Lucas. Carrying alcohol, they swarmed into the living room noisily, like victorious generals. Ryan kicked my suitcase in the living room. It hit the wall with a dull thud. “Vicky, you really dare to pack?” He pointed at me drunkenly, his face full of undisguised mockery. His bros laughed along, whistles and dirty jokes mixing together. “Ryan, sister-in-law is trying to show you who’s boss.” “Women just need coaxing. Leave her alone for two days and she’ll be obedient.” I ignored them and bent down to pick up my suitcase. A hand pressed down on the suitcase. It was Lucas. He didn’t look at me but said to Ryan, “Ryan, that’s enough. Don’t make a scene.” Ryan shoved him away. “Get lost! You have no say here!” “Vicky, I’ll give you one last chance. Put your things back, pour drinks for my bros and apologize, and this is over.” The barrage scrolled like crazy. [Apologize quickly, female lead! The male lead is giving you an out!] [He’s drunk, but he still loves you. Why else would he bring his bros to back you up!] I straightened up and looked at Ryan coldly. “First, we’ve broken up. Please call me by my full name.” “Second, this is my property. You damaged it, you pay.” “Third, I won’t apologize. You are the one who needs to apologize.” “Fourth, please get out of this apartment immediately. Before I move out, I still have half the right to use this place.” My voice silenced the living room instantly. Everyone looked at me in disbelief. Ryan’s face turned liver-red, alcohol-fueled anger burning in his eyes. He suddenly grabbed a wine bottle from the coffee table and smashed it on the floor by my feet. Glass shards and liquor splashed everywhere. “Vicky, you ungrateful bitch!” He roared. Lucas stepped forward, gripping Ryan’s other wrist tightly. “Ryan, you’re crazy!” “I’m crazy? I think she’s crazy!” Ryan pointed at my nose and cursed. “For money, she’ll do anything! Now she wants to kick me out? Who do you think you are!” I took out my phone, started recording, and dialed my dad. The call connected instantly. “Dad, is the moving company here? Let them come up. The code is xxxxxx.” “It’s a bit loud here. Yeah, saying goodbye to friends.” I put it on speaker. My dad’s steady voice came through clearly. “Okay, I’ll tell them to hurry. Vicky, don’t be afraid. Dad is waiting in the car downstairs.” Lucas glanced at me, his eyes full of undisguised approval and heartache. Ryan’s expression froze. His bros looked at each other, smiles vanishing completely. [How can the female lead do this! She’s slapping the male lead’s face!] [It’s over, it’s over. The male lead will never forgive her!] 3 The movers arrived quickly, well-trained and efficient. Ryan and his bros stood in the middle of the living room, watching my things being moved out one by one. The atmosphere was oppressive to the extreme. Ryan’s face turned from red to white. He probably never thought I would really leave, and so decisively. One bro nudged his arm and whispered, “Ryan, maybe… we should go?” Ryan shoved him away violently, pointing at me and shouting, “Vicky, you think you’re tough, huh? You dare to leave! If you walk out this door today, don’t think about coming back to beg me!” Ignoring him, I directed the movers: “Please be careful with that vanity, it was a gift from my mom.” [Oh my god, the female lead really doesn’t want the male lead anymore. Her heart is so cruel.] [The male lead is so pitiful. He just wanted to scare the female lead, but it backfired.] [The female lead’s dad is actually downstairs. She has nothing to fear!] The barrage chattered on, but I felt a peace I hadn’t felt before. After everything was loaded onto the truck, I took out my phone and opened the chat with Ryan. I took screenshots of every transfer record of the money we saved together over the years. Then, I calculated a total sum, adding the $30,000 dowry money transfer record, and sent it all to him. “Ryan, the total is $37,860. I don’t know how much you spent on the car. Transfer the remaining money to me within three days.” “Otherwise, I’ll see you in court.” After sending, I blocked all his contact methods. Having done all this, I took one last look at the apartment I lived in for years. There was laughter here once, and my infinite longing for the future. But now, only messy and nauseating memories remained. I turned and walked towards the door. Lucas called me, “Vicky.” I stopped but didn’t turn back. He took a few steps forward and draped a jacket over me, covering my shoulders that were splashed with liquor earlier. The jacket smelled of clean soap. “It’s cold outside.” His voice was low. “You did the right thing.” I didn’t speak, opened the door, and walked out without a trace of reluctance. Downstairs, my dad was leaning against the car smoking. Seeing me come down, he immediately put out the cigarette. He didn’t ask what happened, just opened the back door for me. “Let’s go home.” As the car started, I saw in the rearview mirror that Ryan had rushed downstairs, standing by the roadside, watching our car drive away blankly. [The male lead chased after her! He regrets it! Female lead, look back at him!] [As long as the female lead gets out of the car now, they can definitely reconcile!] I withdrew my gaze, leaned back in the seat, and closed my eyes. Back home, my mom had already prepared a table of my favorite dishes. My parents asked nothing, just kept putting food in my bowl, as if I had just returned from a long trip. After dinner, my dad called me to the study. He handed me a document bag. ” This is the purchase contract for a flat in that new downtown complex. Paid in full, in your name.” “The code is your birthday. You move in tomorrow.” I was stunned. My dad patted my shoulder. “A daughter of the Wei family doesn’t need to live by anyone’s mood, let alone exchange self-respect for a name on a deed.” “Mom and Dad will always be your foundation.” Tears burst like a dam at that moment. The next day, I moved into my new home. A 2,000-square-foot flat, decorated in my favorite minimalist style, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling city night view. I dug out Lucas’s text message. “Downtown penthouse, paid in full, only your name. Consider marrying me?” Looking at the thousands of lights outside the window, I replied with two words. “ID card, brought it?” My phone vibrated. Lucas replied instantly. “In the car. I’ve been downstairs at your place.” I walked to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain. Beside the familiar black SUV downstairs, Lucas was leaning against the door, looking up in my direction. The streetlamp elongated his shadow. The barrage exploded instantly. [NO!!! Female lead, how can you do this! Are you worthy of the male lead?!] [It’s a trap! Lucas must be in cahoots with Ryan! They’re teaming up to scam your money!] [The female lead is blinded by greed. She’ll regret it!] The barrage was noisy, but I ignored it. Put down the phone, changed clothes, and went downstairs. Seeing me, Lucas stood straight, nervousness in his eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t reply.” “Why did you think I wouldn’t?” I asked. He was silent for a moment, took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, then put it back. “Ryan said you loved him to death, willing to do anything for him, impossible to leave him.” “So, that text was a test?” He nodded, then immediately shook his head. “Half and half.” He looked at me with burning eyes. “I wanted to see if you really couldn’t leave him as he said. And also wanted to see… if I had a chance.” “What chance?” “A chance to pursue you.” I laughed. “Lucas, we’ve known each other for five years. In these five years, you were Ryan’s best friend. You saw everything he did, but you never said a word.” “Now that everyone has turned against him, you think you have a chance?” “Why do you think I would jump from one fire pit to another?” My words were like knives, stabbing the heart. Lucas’s face turned pale instantly. “I…” His Adam’s apple rolled, unable to speak a complete sentence for a long time. [Well said! The female lead is finally awake! Roast him!] [Eh? Why did the barrage change direction?] [Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t understand. We’re using reverse psychology to let the female lead see the second male lead’s true colors!] Looking at these flipping comments, I only found it absurd. “Lucas, put away those thoughts you shouldn’t have.” “I came down to see you today, not to hear your confession, but to discuss a deal.” He was stunned. “Deal?” “Yes.” I crossed my arms, looking at him. “Ryan owes me $37,860. I want you to help me get it back.” “If successful, I’ll give you 30%.” The light in Lucas’s eyes dimmed bit by bit. He smiled bitterly. “Vicky, is that the kind of person I am in your eyes?” “What else?” I countered. “You called him brother for five years, and now you stab him in the back for a woman. If not for money, is it for love?” “I…” “Don’t say you love me.” I interrupted him coldly. “Your love is too cheap.” With that, I turned to leave. “Wait!” Lucas called out. He walked quickly to me, took a kraft paper bag from the car, and handed it to me. “What is this?” “Look first.” Suspiciously, I opened the file bag and pulled out the contents. Page one: a vehicle lease agreement. Page two: a thick stack of betting slips. Page three: a loan agreement from an online lending platform. Borrower: Ryan. Emergency contact: My name and ID number. My hands started to shake. “He… didn’t buy a car?” “No.” Lucas’s voice was heavy. “The car is rented, $80 a day. The house down payment, plus your $30,000, he used it all for sports betting and lost everything.” “Not satisfied, he used your info to borrow money from several platforms, totaling over $50,000.” “Vicky, he lied to you from beginning to end.” I felt the world spin, almost unable to stand. The barrage before my eyes appeared chaotic as never before, like interference signals, the text distorting. [How can this be… How can the male lead gamble? The script wasn’t written like this!] [It’s over, it’s all over. The male lead’s character setting has collapsed!] [Quick! Female lead, think of a way to help the male lead pay back the money! He was just confused for a moment!] I held the car door, forcing myself to calm down. “How did you get these things?” “I have my ways.” Lucas said. “I know Ryan better than you. He loves saving face, bragging, acting without thinking. A little flattery and he forgets his own name.” “Those so-called brothers of his are just fair-weather friends. When he had money, everyone revolved around him. Now he has no money, they run faster than anyone.” “These evidences were sold to me by one of those brothers.” I clenched the file bag in my hand. “What do you want?” “I said, I want a chance to pursue you.” Lucas looked into my eyes, enunciating every word. “Money, I don’t want. I’ll help you get the money back, just begging you to give me a chance.” I looked at his sincere eyes and was silent for a long time. “Okay.” 4 The next day, I asked Ryan to meet. At the coffee shop downstairs of my new home. He came, wearing branded clothes, a brand new watch on his wrist, hair sleek with oil, looking smug. Seeing me, his mouth curved into a determined smile. “What? Regret it? Came back to beg me after thinking it through?” He pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down, crossing his legs. “Let me tell you Vicky, it’s too late. Now you beg me, and I set the conditions.” The barrage became active again. [The male lead is playing hard to get! He still loves the female lead deep down!] [Female lead soften up quickly, give him an out, and everything will pass.] I ignored him and the barrage, simply pushing the kraft paper bag in front of him. “Take a look.” The smile on Ryan’s face froze. He looked at me suspiciously and opened the file bag. When he saw the vehicle lease agreement and betting slips inside, his face turned pale instantly. He looked up sharply, eyes full of shock and panic. “You… how do you have these things?” “Don’t worry about how I have them.” I looked at him calmly. “Ryan, let’s talk.” “Talk about what? What do you want?” His voice started to tremble. “Simple. Return my $37,860. Also,” I took out the copy of the online loan agreement and put it on the table, “You solve this $50,000 loan yourself. It has nothing to do with me.” “Impossible!” He stood up excitedly. “I have no money! Not a cent!” “That’s your problem.” I picked up my coffee and took a sip. “I’ll give you three days. If the money isn’t in my account in three days, these things will appear on your parents’ and your company leader’s desks.” “You dare!” His eyes were about to crack. “See if I dare.” I put down the coffee cup and stood up. “Oh, by the way, forgot to tell you. Using my info for online loans constitutes fraud. Guess how many years you’ll spend inside if I call the police?” Ryan collapsed into the chair, face ashen. [The female lead has such a cruel heart! She’s pushing the male lead to death!] [The male lead is already this miserable, why won’t she let him go? Were the five years of feelings fake?] I stood up looking at him. “Ryan, you forced me.” I turned and left, leaving him trembling in despair alone. In the next two days, I received countless calls from strange numbers. Threats from collection agencies, and wailing from Ryan’s mom. “Vicky! You heartless woman! Are you trying to drive our family to death?” “What did Ryan do wrong for you to treat him like this! He’s just a child!” “You have to pay back that $50,000 too! You dated him! You have to be responsible!” I ignored them all, blocking directly. On the afternoon of the third day, my phone received a bank transfer notification. $37,860, not a cent less. Immediately after, Lucas sent a message. “Done.” I replied: “Thanks.” “Free tonight? Want to treat you to a meal.” He asked. I looked out the window, thought about it, and replied: “Okay.” That evening, Lucas picked me up. He took me to a very quiet private restaurant. During the meal, he told me the aftermath of Ryan. Ryan sold his parents’ house in their hometown to scrape together the money to pay me back. He was still trying to plug the hole of the online loans. Because of this, he lost his job, chased by collectors all day, looking haggard. Those brothers of his had scattered long ago. “His parents go to his rented apartment to make a scene every day now, calling him unfilial and a prodigal son.” Lucas put some food in my bowl. “Did his mom call you?” I nodded. “Ignore her. That whole family is delusional.” [See, the second male lead is better, gentle and considerate, not immature like the male lead.] [I’m starting to ship the female lead and the second male lead a bit.] [Don’t talk nonsense up there, the male lead was just confused for a moment, he will change! The female lead should give him a chance!] The barrage’s stance started to split, arguing in a mess. I asked Lucas: “Why help me?” Lucas put down his chopsticks and looked at me seriously. “Vicky, actually I knew you earlier than Ryan.” 5 I was stunned. “Sophomore year, the school held a welcome gala. You spoke on stage as the student council representative.” Lucas’s voice was soft, like recalling a long-cherished memory. “That day you wore a white dress, standing under the spotlight, the whole person glowing.” “I was in the audience then, a volunteer responsible for sound. From that day on, I remembered you.” “Later, Ryan said he wanted to pursue you. Everyone in our dorm gave him ideas. I didn’t speak because I knew I wasn’t as eloquent as him, nor was my family as rich.” He laughed self-deprecatingly. “I could only watch him catch you, watch you be together, watch him treat you well, and watch him treat you badly.” “I thought countless times about telling you the truth, telling you he flirted with other girls behind your back, telling you he used your money to treat guests for face.” “But I dared not. I was afraid if I said it, you wouldn’t believe me, and would think I was sowing discord.” “More afraid that if I said it, you would leave him, and we couldn’t even be friends.” I listened quietly, mixed feelings in my heart. Turns out, in a corner I didn’t know, there was such a pair of eyes watching me for so many years. [Wow! So the secret crush came true! So romantic!] [I said the second male lead is the official match! Male lead whatever, get lost quickly!] [No! I still stand by the original couple! The male lead was just possessed for a moment!] “That day you moved out of his place, seeing your dad pick you up, I finally confirmed that you and he are not the same kind of people. You deserve better.” Lucas looked at me. “Vicky, in the past five years, I missed out. In the future, I don’t want to miss out again.” “So, that text message, you really want to marry me?” He nodded solemnly. “Yes.” “Even though I just ended a failed relationship and am full of distrust towards men and marriage?” “I am willing to wait.” He said. “Wait until you believe in love again, wait until you are willing to accept me.” That meal, we talked a lot. About funny things in college, about careers after graduation, about respective hobbies. I found that Lucas and I have many common points. We both like watching old movies, both like the same director, both like drinking hot cocoa on rainy days. Chatting with him was comfortable and relaxing. This was a feeling I never had with Ryan. After eating, he sent me home. Downstairs, I saw a familiar figure. Ryan. He was much thinner, unshaven, eyes full of bloodshot veins. Seeing me get out of Lucas’s car, his eyes instantly turned red. He rushed over, grabbing my wrist. “Vicky! You’re with him?!” “You bitch! I should have known you two had something going on!” Lucas got out immediately, shielded me behind him, and punched Ryan in the face. “Watch your mouth!” Ryan stumbled from the hit, blood at the corner of his mouth. Instead of being afraid, he laughed even more crazily. “What? Did I hit a nerve? Angry from shame?” He pointed at me, then at Lucas. “You adulterous couple! I was blind to like you!” [The male lead is crazy! How can he say that about the female lead!] [He hates because of love! He still can’t let go of the female lead in his heart!] I stepped out from behind Lucas, looking at Ryan coldly. “We have broken up. Who I am with has nothing to do with you.” “Nothing to do with me?” He laughed until tears came out. “Vicky, you ruined me so badly. Home gone, career gone, carrying a huge debt. Now you want to fly away with someone else? Let me tell you, no way!” He suddenly pulled a fruit knife from his pocket and held it to his neck. “If you dare go with him, I’ll die in front of you right now!” Passersby screamed. Lucas’s face changed, immediately blocking in front of me. “Ryan, don’t be impulsive! Put the knife down!” [Omg! The male lead wants to commit suicide! Female lead persuade him quickly!] [This is all forced by the female lead! She has to take responsibility!] Looking at Ryan’s face twisted by jealousy and unwillingness, I only felt nausea. Threatening with suicide? This is his last and most despicable mean. I took out my phone and dialed 911. “Hello, police? This is xx Community. Someone is provoking trouble with a knife and attempting suicide. Please come over.” My voice was calm. Ryan froze. He probably didn’t expect I would call the police directly. His hand started to shake, the knife tip scratching a shallow blood mark on his neck. “Vicky… you…” “Ryan, put away this act.” I looked at him, saying word by word. “Your life is yours. If you want to die, don’t dirty my place.” “Also, don’t harass me again. Otherwise, I’ll call the police every time I see you.”

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My cousin earns $500k a year at a top international firm, yet she constantly treats me like her free personal assistant. From picking up her parents’ prescriptions to changing lightbulbs in her house, one call from her and I’m expected to drop everything. Afterward, she sends me a measly Venmo of $6.66 or $8.88, calling it a “labor fee” because she “doesn’t want me running errands for free.” It wasn’t even enough for gas. But for the sake of family, I endured it for three whole years. Until Thanksgiving dinner. My uncle praised me for being sensible, but my cousin chimed in with a passive-aggressive tone: “Young people these days only care about money. Family ties mean nothing to them.” “Take my cousin Mia, for example. I ask her to check on my parents, and without a red envelope, she won’t even budge.” The elders at the table instantly looked at me differently. My mom pinched my leg under the table in anger. I looked at her smug face and laughed. Two days later, her mom fainted in the middle of the night. She called me frantically: “Quick! Take my mom to the ER! I’m booking a flight back right now!” I went, but when it came time to pay the hospital bills, I didn’t front the money like I used to. Instead, I posted the payment QR code directly into the family group chat of over 50 people and tagged her: “Cousin, you said it yourself. Family shouldn’t talk about money. You can pay for your own mother’s medical bills.” 1 I posted the QR code in the family group chat. No one spoke. A few minutes later, my cousin Chloe Lin called me. “Mia Lin! What is the meaning of this!” Her voice was sharp, carrying her usual arrogance. The background noise was an airport announcement. “Literal meaning.” My tone was calm. “Didn’t I say I’m booking a flight back immediately? Venmo transfers have delays. Would it kill you to pay first?” “Cousin, sorry. My paycheck hasn’t come in this month. My card is empty.” Of course, it was an excuse. Over the past three years, the medical bills, utilities, and various miscellaneous expenses I fronted for her family amounted to at least ten thousand dollars. She always waited days or weeks before remembering to pay me back. And she always rounded down, saying, “We’re family, why be so calculating?” “You have no money? You’re lying to a ghost! Didn’t you just get your year-end bonus? My mom is waiting in the hospital. Pay the bill now! Don’t play games with me!” She roared on the other end, hurting my ears. I moved the phone away and looked at the long line at the payment window. I whispered, “Cousin, you said it yourself. Family shouldn’t talk about money.” “Since we don’t talk about money, isn’t it only right for you to pay your own mother’s medical bills?” “You!” She was speechless with anger, finally spitting out a vicious sentence, “Just you wait!” The call ended. In the family group chat, someone carefully posted a question mark. Then, my uncle sent a voice message, his tone full of authority: [Mia, stop throwing a tantrum with your cousin. Pay the money quickly. Your aunt’s health is what matters.] [Your cousin is busy with work and under a lot of pressure. She didn’t mean it like that.] Following that, the elders in the family group started taking turns. Aunt Carol: [Yeah, Mia. Your cousin makes $500k a year. Would she stiff you on that little money? It must be a transfer delay.] Uncle Bob: [Young people shouldn’t be so petty. We are all family.] My own mother also sent me a private message, scolding me fiercely: [Are you crazy? Making a scene with your cousin in the family group? If you don’t want face, we do!] [Pay the money quickly, then apologize to your cousin in the group. Say you were joking!] I looked at the messages popping up on my screen, my heart turning cold. Look, this is my family. Right or wrong, they will only stand by Chloe. Just because she’s successful, earning $500k a year, the pride of the entire family. While I, earning $4k a month, am the one who can be sacrificed for the “greater good” at any time. I didn’t reply to anyone. I just silenced my phone and put it back in my pocket. The nurse shouted: “Next, family of Susan Liu!” I stepped forward and handed over the payment slip. “Hello, we’ll pay when someone else arrives.” 2 About twenty minutes later, a notification of successful payment popped up in the group. Chloe paid the money. She didn’t private message me again. Instead, she posted a screenshot of her flight ticket in the group with the caption: [Landed. Rushing to the hospital. Some people really treat family affection as a transaction. For a little money, they ignore the safety of their elders. Fortunately, I, the daughter, can still be counted on.] With a few light words, she portrayed herself as a filial daughter, while I became the ungrateful wretch who ignored my aunt’s life for money. People in the group immediately agreed. [Chloe is truly filial. Flying back overnight despite being so busy with work.] [Unlike some young people nowadays, calculating everything so clearly.] My mom called again. This time her voice was choked with tears: “Mia Lin, what exactly do you want to do! Must you make our family unable to lift our heads in front of relatives?” “Do you know your uncle just called and scolded me!” I leaned against the cold wall of the hospital, listening to my mom sobbing on the other end. “Mom, on Thanksgiving, when Chloe said in front of everyone that I wouldn’t move without a red envelope, why didn’t you feel our family couldn’t lift our heads then? Did you ask her to apologize to me?” “That was…” My mom choked, then said after a while, “She’s your cousin. She speaks without thinking. Why are you so petty with her?” “I’m not being petty. I’m just tired.” With that, I hung up. Not long after, my uncle appeared at the end of the corridor with a dark face. He walked straight up to me, his eyes devoid of gratitude, full of suppressed anger. “Mia Lin, you think you’re capable now? Daring to play tricks on your cousin like this?” I looked at him without speaking. “Your aunt is lying inside, and you’re causing trouble for your cousin outside, not giving her a moment of peace even on the plane! What is your intention?” His voice grew louder, attracting side-eyes from passing patients and families. I didn’t want to argue with him in the hospital. “Uncle, is Auntie better? I’ll go see her.” “See what!” He suddenly raised his voice, raised his hand, and slapped me across the face without warning. Slap! Crisp and loud. My face went numb instantly, burning with pain. Everyone in the corridor looked over. “If I don’t teach you a lesson, you really think your wings have hardened!” My uncle pointed at my nose and scolded, spit almost spraying on my face. “For a few lousy bucks, you’ve embarrassed the family completely! I tell you, when Chloe gets here, you must kneel and apologize to her!” A passing nurse couldn’t stand it anymore and whispered: “Sir, this is a hospital. Please keep it down.” My uncle glared at her but finally lowered his voice. He turned to check on his wife, leaving me a cold, hard back. I covered my face, humiliation and anger filling my heart. The little nurse walked over and handed me a tissue, with a small packet of wet wipes on top. “Wipe it. It’s all red.” Her eyes held sympathy. I took it and whispered thank you. Tears finally couldn’t be held back and fell. 3 When Chloe arrived, she was imposing. She wore a well-tailored designer trench coat, high heels, not a hair out of place, exquisite makeup on her face. She didn’t look like a worried daughter, but more like an executive on inspection. She didn’t go to the ward to see her mom first but blocked me in the corridor. “Mia Lin, you’ve got some nerve.” She crossed her arms, scrutinizing me condescendingly. I ignored her, trying to walk around. She grabbed my arm with surprising strength. “Did you hear what my dad told you? Giving you one last chance. Now, immediately, kneel and apologize to me!” Her voice wasn’t loud but full of threat. I shook off her hand, looking at her coldly: “Keep dreaming.” “Heh.” She sneered, her eyes turning vicious. “Seems like I need to teach you a lesson. You don’t know your place.” She suddenly reached out and shoved my shoulder hard. Caught off guard, my back slammed into the wall with a dull thud. My uncle also walked out of the ward, blocking my way left and right. “Ungrateful thing!” He scolded, reaching to grab my hair, trying to force me down. “What are you doing!” I struggled desperately, the humiliation almost driving me crazy. This is a public corridor in a hospital. People coming and going. They actually dared to lay hands on me here. Chloe had a cruel smile on her face: “Today I’ll let you know the consequences of offending Chloe Lin!” She increased her strength, knee pressing against the back of my leg, trying to make me kneel. I held on grimly, nails digging into my palms. Just as I was about to collapse, a roar came from the other end of the corridor. “Stop! What are you doing!” It was my dad. He and my mom had arrived. My dad rushed forward, shoved my uncle away, and shielded me behind him. “Brother! Chloe! You’ve gone too far!” My dad was shaking with anger. My mom also rushed up, seeing my swollen face and messy clothes, tears falling instantly. “How can you hit someone! What did Mia do wrong for you to treat her like this!” Seeing my parents, Chloe didn’t restrain herself but became more self-righteous. “Uncle, Aunt, perfect timing! Look at your good daughter. For a little money, she wouldn’t even pay for my mom’s life-saving treatment, and she ruined my reputation in the family group! Was I wrong to ask her to apologize?” “Is that asking for an apology? You’re trying to force her to death!” My dad roared. Hospital security arrived, dispersing the onlookers. “Stop arguing! This is a hospital! Take your issues outside!” A family farce ended embarrassingly under the intervention of security. 4 Our two families were invited to a hospital conference room. It was called mediation, but it was really a struggle session against me. The family authority, my grandmother in her eighties, was also summoned by my uncle with a phone call. As soon as she arrived, she held Chloe’s hand, asking painfully: “Chloe, did you suffer?” Then she turned to me, her face sinking: “Mia, why are you becoming less and less sensible!” Chloe immediately squeezed out a few tears, leaning aggrievedly into Grandma’s arms. “Grandma, I’m really heartbroken. I work so hard outside, just wanting our family to live a little better.” “I helped Uncle with connections, thinking we are all family, help if I can.” “But my cousin, she took care of my parents for a bit, I even gave her a labor fee, yet she thought it was too little and embarrassed me in front of the whole family.” Her words stung my parents’ hearts. Especially the “helped Uncle with connections” part. My dad was currently running for a deputy director position at his unit. The competition was fierce. Chloe had said before that a relative of her friend was a leader in my dad’s unit and could put in a good word. My parents treated this as a huge favor, repeatedly telling me never to offend Chloe. Sure enough, my dad’s face changed. He looked at me, eyes full of pleading and difficulty. My mom tugged at my clothes directly, whispering: “Mia, forget it. Your cousin didn’t mean it. Just soften up, don’t affect your dad’s job.” Looking at them, I felt suffocated. Seeing this, the smile on Chloe’s lips deepened. She straightened up from Grandma’s arms, walked up to me, and issued an ultimatum. “Mia Lin, I don’t want to be ruthless.” “Now, bow and apologize to my parents, and to me. Then write a long post in the family group admitting you were petty and misunderstood me.” “As long as you do it, I guarantee your dad’s job will be settled properly.” “I have a flight tomorrow night. Before that, I want to see your sincerity.” Everyone’s eyes focused on me. Pressure surged from all sides. My parents, grandmother, uncle, and Chloe. They were certain that in face of my father’s future, I would compromise. Chloe crossed her arms, wearing the arrogance and pride only a winner possesses. I looked at her determined face, then at my parents’ anxious and expectant eyes. I slowly took out my phone. Chloe’s smile widened, thinking I was going to type an apology. Without looking at her, I found a number in my contacts and dialed.

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“I’m sorry, Ma’am, but this card has been declined.” I was slightly stunned but quickly pulled out another card. The red light on the terminal blinked again. “Sorry, this card is also invalid.” “…What?” I steadied my breath and dialed my husband’s number. “Honey, hasn’t your paycheck come in yet? The baby’s out of formula.” There was not a trace of warmth on the other end: “This family isn’t supported by me alone. I hope you can be independent, not a parasite living off others.” That single sentence marked the beginning of his war. Very well. Then let the hunt begin. 1 “Ma’am, do you still want this formula?” The cashier’s tone was impatient. I snapped back to reality, realizing a long line had formed behind me. “I’m sorry… I don’t want it for now.” Pushing the empty cart out of the supermarket, I called my mother-in-law. The phone rang over ten times before being picked up, with the fierce sound of Mahjong tiles in the background. “Spit it out if you have something to say, I’m on a winning streak!” I took a deep breath, every word incredibly difficult: “Mom, Caleb’s company… his salary is delayed this month. Do you think you could watch Mia for a couple of days so I can find some temp work?” “No way!” I was cut off before I could finish. “I’ve done my duty raising Caleb! Spare me the moral kidnapping. If you need money, ask your own family. Didn’t I give you a $10,000 bride price? Make your family spit it out!” The phone was hung up abruptly. A sourness rushed up my nose. When did they change? Probably a year ago, when my daughter fell seriously ill. Besides the bride price and dowry, even my pre-marital savings were poured into it. Caleb was on a business trip at the time. He promised solemnly over the phone: “Wifey, my money is tied up in wealth management. You figure out a way to cover it first. Once it matures, I’ll definitely pay you back.” From that day on, my mother-in-law looked at my daughter with nothing but disgust: “Some children are born debt collectors, bringing bad luck just to drag the family down.” And Caleb started complaining to me frequently: “Uncle’s company is restructuring. Although I wasn’t laid off, the economy is bad, and my salary was cut in half.” “You don’t work, so you don’t know what it’s like out there. Ask Mom and Dad to help out more. Once Uncle’s business turns around, the salary will go back up, and I’ll definitely compensate you double then.” This wait lasted a year. Waiting for him to go from “starting a business” to “in debt.” Waiting for his salary to shrink from $3,000 to $800. Waiting for my daughter and me to become “parasites” in his mouth. Finally, I called my brother. After hearing my plight, he sighed deeply. “Sis, honestly, seeing you live like this makes me sad too. Take this thousand dollars, no need to pay it back.” “But I really hope this is the last time. You have to climb out of that pit yourself.” Hanging up the phone, the tears finally broke the dam. It turns out when you hit rock bottom, even your shadow leaves you. Those who banged drums urging you to marry and have kids are now gathered around the pit, laughing at your wretchedness and helplessness. Their lines are always shiny: “You have to have a son to gain a foothold in your in-laws’ house.” “He works hard outside to make money, how can you not even take care of a child properly?” “Women must be kind and magnanimous, otherwise how can you keep a man’s heart?” I wiped the tears from my face and picked up my crying daughter. Only after getting married did I understand that “I’ll support you” is the biggest lie in marriage. 2 “Zoey, have you ever thought… could Caleb have someone else on the side?” My best friend Sarah’s voice was hesitant. My breath hitched: “Someone else? Why doesn’t she come to make a scene? Why doesn’t he show his cards to me?” “Heh…” A scoff came from the other end: “I think you’ve watched too many soap operas. In reality, whether it’s Caleb, the mistress, or even your mother-in-law, none of them are worthy of plotting against the original wife. Deliver themselves to you to catch? Do you think this is a TV show?” She paused: “Don’t blame me for being direct. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen too much at the law firm. Let me list a few facts for you to think about calmly: First, how long has he stopped giving you housekeeping money? Second, can you still unlock his phone? Third, Mia is almost two years old. Custody won’t necessarily favor the mother anymore. So you don’t have much time left.” “Then what should I do?” My voice was tense. “Hire… a private investigator?” “Private investigator?” Sarah smiled bitterly again: “Do you have money? A legitimate and capable PI starts at six figures, and the subsequent costs are a bottomless pit. Secondly, evidence obtained by illegal means might be deemed invalid due to privacy violation. If it goes wrong, the other party might even blackmail you.” A chill ran down my spine: “Then… what should I do?” “How much cash do you have right now?” “$750. Just bought a can of formula.” “Okay. From this moment on, don’t touch a cent of that money. Consider it your last war fund. I’ll introduce my senior colleague to you. I’ll help you with living expenses, but leave the professional matters to him.” Sarah is my most trusted friend in this world. After graduation, she chose grad school, while I chose marriage. Five years passed. She’s an intern at a top law firm, high-spirited. While I became a parasite in the daily grind of domestic life. Half an hour later, a strange number called. “Hello Ms. Jiang, my name is Lu. Time is limited, let’s keep it short. At this stage, your primary task is gathering evidence.” “When your husband comes home, you need to complete two tasks: First, take photos of every card in his wallet, even if it’s just a car wash card. Clear photos of front and back. Second, observe carefully if he has a spare phone or other chat apps.” “No matter how much you find he has squandered or hidden, stay calm until you have a complete chain of evidence.” After hanging up, I sat in the living room for a long time. Even now, I was unwilling to face reality. His pay stub clearly stated $800, and he had a fixed mortgage payment of $600 every month. With such a stretched budget, how could he possibly be squandering money? Three days later, he finally came home. 3 He tossed his suitcase casually: “Pack a few summer outfits, I have to leave again next week.” I smelled the unfamiliar scent he brought back and looked at him calmly: “Has this month’s salary come in yet?” His hand loosening his tie paused, frowning at me: “Are you done yet? I just stepped in the door, haven’t even caught my breath, and all you know is money money money?” Seeing the undisguised annoyance on his face, the question I had rolled over in my heart countless times almost burst out. Immediately, Lawyer Lu’s warning flashed through my mind: “Stay calm until you have a complete chain of evidence.” Seeing him put on his jacket again. I turned and brought out a bowl of rib soup from the kitchen: “Dinner is ready, want to eat a little?” His Adam’s apple moved, and he finally hung the coat back up: “I told you, let the old folks cover it first. When I turn things around here, I’ll pay them back every cent.” “Mn, got it.” I lowered my eyes and served myself a bowl: “I won’t bother you about the child’s matters anymore.” He seemed very satisfied with this answer, picked up his chopsticks, and put the biggest rib into his own bowl. From this moment on, I defend my rights. The target is the husband who has shared my bed for five years. Sarah’s hunch was right. Caleb’s shrewdness and defensiveness far exceeded my imagination. His phone password was changed. I could only carefully unlock it with his fingerprint after he fell asleep. Chat history deleted clean. Contacts had no suspicious signals. Transfer records were as clean as a blank sheet of paper. Plus all the methods I learned online: Checking takeout addresses, hotel orders, shared device login records… nothing found. I leaned against the wall, looking at his sleeping profile. The child is two years old. The family’s assets have long been diluted to almost nothing by his excuses of failed investments, company pay cuts, and bank repayments. The bride price, dowry, and all my pre-marital savings were squeezed dry. Five years. Over one thousand eight hundred days and nights. What is your next target? “Did you take the photos?” Just as dawn broke, Lawyer Lu’s message popped up. “Taken, but he seems to be guarding against me. Not a single bank card, not even his ID is in the wallet. Can we still apply for an investigation order like this?” The reply came quickly: “Investigation order? That’s not what you should be thinking about now. Tell me first, what’s in the wallet.” I sent all the photos from my phone: A gas card, a supermarket shopping card, several cake coupons from different brands, a credit card, nothing else. Looking at the empty card slots, that sense of powerlessness hit again. “Is it… am I out of chances?” Almost at the same time the message was sent, his reply came. No text, just a grinning emoji. Followed by two lines: “It’s secure. I guarantee you win this round. But there’s one thing, you have to find a way to make him come home again in a few days.” “What do you mean? Is it possible he won’t come home anymore?” “Very possible. Mia’s birthday is in two days. If I’m not wrong, what you’ll be waiting for next should be his divorce agreement.” “Divorce agreement?” “Yes. I think his return this time was to collect valuable documents. Go check the property deed and such, they should be gone.” My heart tightened, and I quickly opened the home safe. Sure enough. All important documents were gone. “Okay.” His voice pulled me back to reality: “Next, follow every step I say. Buy back the cards you photographed on your phone exactly as they are.” I took a deep breath and rushed to the gas station. Bought a $1000 gas card matching the photo. Then the mall, a $2000 shopping card. Bought the $300 stored-value card from the cake shop too. Watching the balance shrink instantly, my fingertips went cold. But I still took a deep breath and dialed Caleb’s number. “Husband, tomorrow is our daughter’s birthday. Should we… invite the elders to eat together?” Silence on the other end for a few seconds. “No need, Zoey.” His voice was terrifyingly calm: “Let’s get a divorce.” 4 All the prepared words were stuck in my throat. “What did you say?” “Tomorrow, you should receive the divorce agreement sent by my lawyer. I hope we can part on good terms.” “Part on good terms?” A sourness surged in my nose: “Five years of marriage, Caleb, and you tell me to part on good terms? Is there someone else?” The tone on the other end revealed impatience: “Don’t talk nonsense. I just feel that being together consumes us more and more. A good relationship shouldn’t be dragging each other down like this. I hope you can have some dignity.” With that, he hung up. Tears blurred my vision instantly. He finally showed his cards. The illusion he maintained with mortgage pressure and career bottlenecks finally shattered. Completely, leaving me not a single bit of room for self-deception. How many hurdles does a woman have to cross in this life? Ten months of pregnancy. Labor pains. And the dignity she has to put down for a mouthful of formula money… And when you think you finally see the light through the clouds, you realize the person who should have pulled you up on the shore had already pulled away all the planks and pushed you into the abyss. I picked up my phone tremblingly and messaged Lawyer Lu: “He’s not coming back. I have no chance.” Less than ten seconds after the message was sent, his call came. “Calm down. In a divorce lawsuit, as long as one party disagrees, the marital relationship will not be dissolved immediately. We still have plenty of room to maneuver. What you need to do most right now is not resist, but play the role of an emotionally stable wife trying to save her husband. As long as you don’t panic, we have a chance to win this battle.” The next day, the courier delivered the “Divorce Agreement” sent by Caleb’s lawyer. I opened the document, and my vision went black. He even gave up custody of the child. Only at this moment did I truly understand. He was waiting for this divorce node. As for child support… $150 a month. He even provided several bank statements. Proving that he had no assets available for division under his name. I froze in place, tremblingly took photos of these pages, and sent them to Lu. “Is there still a chance of winning?” His reply was fast: “Of course. You are still living in his house. As long as you don’t leave, he can’t cut ties completely. So, no response, no arguing. Live normally as if nothing happened, until he can’t hold back and comes home to find you, our chance will come.” Sure enough, a week later, after refusing all his calls and urging texts, he finally came back. The sound of the key turning the lock rang out. I took a deep breath, and like thousands of times in the past, naturally took his coat: “I stewed your favorite yam and rib soup. Wash your hands and eat first.” He didn’t move, his eyes sweeping over me coldly: “Jiang Yao (Zoey), must you make a big scene and embarrass everyone?” I looked at him, my voice without a ripple: “If making a big scene could get you what you want, you wouldn’t waste half a sentence. Caleb, I don’t care what you have outside, but this is mine and our daughter’s home. We will always wait for you here.” The man’s last bit of patience on his face ran out: “I’ve entrusted the agent to list this house. I’m afraid you can’t live here for much longer.” I nodded, pulling out a dining chair: “The soup is getting cold. We mother and daughter aren’t picky. Just rent us a suitable apartment.” Caleb’s sharp gaze swept back and forth on my face. It’s true. In the past, hearing the words “sell the house,” I would have been hysterical long ago. But not now. I have something more important than emotions at hand. While he turned to go to the bathroom, my fingers deftly reached into his pocket. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, but my movements were surprisingly steady. The whole process took less than ten seconds. The wallet was silently stuffed back into its original place. “Pack up tonight.” He pulled out a chair: “I’ll find you a place to stay tomorrow.” “Okay.” I didn’t look at him, bowing my head to scoop a small spoonful of soup for my daughter. The whole meal, no more words were exchanged. My mission was complete. The hunting time officially began.

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The year I asked for a divorce, Caleb Thorne had only one request: give the Thorne family a child. After five years of struggling, I finally got pregnant. But instead of joy, he pinned me against the wall like a madman, eyes red, demanding to know whose bastard it was. I stared at the vasectomy report he threw in my face, eyes stinging, voice gone. No wonder it took so long to conceive. It turns out he had cut off my path from the very beginning. For a moment, I just wanted to laugh. Laugh until I cried. “Yes, I cheated.” “I admitted it. Will you let me go now? Caleb.” 1 Midnight. The man I hadn’t seen for two months pushed open the bedroom door, carrying the biting cold of the snowstorm outside. I had just turned a page of my parenting book. Suddenly, a shadow fell over me. His icy hand grabbed my wrist, dragging me all the way to the bathroom and pinning me against the cold tiles. “Explain.” The damp, freezing tiles made my back shiver. I tried to get up, but he pinned my wrists back down. “Explain what?” I stared straight back at him. His dark pupils were full of mockery, his gaze dropping to my still-flat belly. “What do you think?” “While your husband is overseas, you couldn’t wait to carry some wild man’s seed just to complete your task?” The bathroom light was dim. In five years of a cold, distant marriage, this was the first time we faced each other with such hostility. —Because of the unformed child in my belly. I looked at the unmelted snow on his shoulder, my eyes suddenly reddening, a mocking smile on my lips. I thought he rushed back overnight from New York, thousands of miles away, braving a blizzard. Because he was moved by the new life inside me. I even despicably hoped. That the birth of this little life could ease our stalemate. Unfortunately, I guessed wrong. He imprisoned me here, staring at me with bloodshot eyes, to condemn me. For a moment, I found it ridiculous: “You think I cheated?” “What else?” He sneered, his tone even colder. “Five years of marriage and nothing. I leave, and you’re pregnant?” “Pearl, sometimes I really admire you. To be able to diligently act out the role of a woman desperate for a child for five years.” “Were you running to the hospital every day really to prepare your body? Or was it to lay the groundwork for this moment, making this pregnancy seem logical?” Every word dripped with malicious speculation. I listened to him in a daze. After a long while, I clenched my white knuckles and suddenly laughed: “Is that what you’ve always thought of me?” “The baby is eight weeks old. Before you left, we did it once. If it’s not yours, whose is it?” “When the baby is big enough, we can do an amniocentesis DNA test. Why label me a cheater now?” Seeing me defend myself, he laughed aloud, his thumb grinding maliciously on my belly: “My child?” “Then please explain, given that I had a vasectomy five years ago, how exactly did you get pregnant with this child!” Smack! A dazzling white vasectomy report was slammed next to my face. My eyes turned red, completely stunned. 2 Ten years ago, the Thorne family went bankrupt. To break up with him, I aborted our child. Later, he rose again, went to great lengths to marry me, saying I owed him a child. Five years into the marriage, to conceive as soon as possible, I visited every hospital. I, who couldn’t even drink coffee, drank bowl after bowl of nauseating traditional medicine without blinking. I was afraid of pain, yet I let the needles prick my lower abdomen until it was bruised all over. The pain turned into a morbid desire. That was my hope to cut off the past. Once I have a child, I can leave here without burden. Just as he said. We would owe each other nothing. His company was always busy. I had to calculate my ovulation period while avoiding conflicts with his schedule. The man now was nothing like the boy who craved physical touch back then. He was cold and abstinent, no longer keen on intimacy. And I always worked double hard to arouse his interest. Stockings, uniforms, bunny tails… But his reaction was always cold. And that scrutinizing look. It made me feel ashamed from body to soul. Years of effort yielded no results. Of course, I suspected it was Caleb’s problem. That was the third year of marriage. I tentatively asked his assistant and checked all his past medical reports. The next day at the dinner table. He threw two latest reports at me. With many detailed items attached. His was perfect without any abnormality. Mine clearly stated. [Uterine lining is thin, difficult for fertilized egg to implant.] What did he say then? Oh, he looked at me coldly, like looking at a clumsy clown: “Pearl, don’t you know best where the problem lies?” Someone who once hid from everyone to undergo such a painful D&C surgery in a private clinic. How could I have the right to blame him now? I still remember my face turning white with embarrassment. But now. He tells me he had a vasectomy long ago. Then what do the ridicule and torture I suffered in these five years trying to conceive count for? 3 My hands were trembling, shaking so much that tears blurred the words in front of me, fingertips white from gripping. I threw the report in his face, asking with a trembling voice: “Caleb Thorne, is it fun to play me?” If silence and tears cannot earn respect. At least anger can. Temporarily. “Watching me drink medicine and take injections, seeking doctors everywhere, being tortured like a madwoman, are you happy?!” “I told you long ago the Thorne family doesn’t lack a child, YOU wanted to conceive!” He interrupted sternly. “But you promised!” My tears fell uncontrollably, choking so much I couldn’t speak a complete sentence, “You promised, as long as I give you a child, we’re even…” He looked at my tears, silent for a long time. I don’t know how long passed before the man in front of me finally calmed down. Before my “betrayal,” he was the one who set up this scam. He pulled the corner of his mouth with difficulty. “Yes, I did say I would let you go, before you explain clearly.” “After all, I’m not interested in wasting my life on a shameless woman.” Explain? What does he want me to explain? Why did I disappear for four hours at that banquet? Why lie to him with the excuse of my period? And why did the playboy second son of the Jiang family, whom I dated after our breakup, also happen to leave early? 4 Cold wind mixed with snowflakes hit the glass window. The rustling sound was particularly clear in the quiet night. I said: “Nothing happened between him and me.” This was the answer I gave Caleb after thinking for two hours. As soon as this pale defense came out, a substantial piece of evidence was thrown in front of me. —A surveillance video of me stumbling out of a hotel room in the middle of the night. “Now, what else do you have to say?” After a long while, I pinched my white fingertips, my tone calm and numb: “Yes, he sought me out, wanted me to ask you to help his family. I refused.” “And then?” “He pestered me for a few hours, suddenly asked if I really wanted a child, said he could help me.” “Then what did you do?” The mockery in his eyes grew. “I escaped.” I looked up, meeting his scrutinizing gaze. His gaze was sharp as a knife, determined to find any trace of lying on my face. But the mist covered my almond eyes. Except for the redness around the eyes, he could see nothing else. Just like he couldn’t distinguish if my words were sincere back then. I touched my lower abdomen, speaking hoarsely: “Your vasectomy is your business, but I haven’t been with other men. This can only be your child. If you are willing to believe, I can keep it.” “No need.” He didn’t hesitate for a second. “Pearl, the one aborted ten years ago deserved to be called my child.” “But this one now, will never be acknowledged by the Thorne family.” The dusty past was suddenly brought up. He saw the blood drain from my face as he wished, his eyes full of undisguised pleasure: “I’ve already scheduled an abortion for you, tomorrow.” “Some chances only come once in a lifetime. Don’t you think? Pearl.” The heating in the room was strong. But I still felt a bone-chilling cold spreading from my chest to my limbs. It turns out he scheduled the abortion on the plane back. The interrogation was just to confirm his guess. Like a cat playing with a mouse. He just wanted to see me panicked and speechless to vent the hatred in his heart. Not really caring about the truth. After a long while, I released my hand from my abdomen weakly and suddenly laughed: “Yes.” Some chances only come once in a lifetime. So the second chance God gave us. I don’t want it anymore.

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My body isn’t quite like everyone else’s. To relieve my needs, I found a man at a club. After six months together, I fell for him too hard. Gritting my teeth, I coughed up the down payment for a house, wanting to build a life with him. But less than three months later, I accidentally discovered he was a rich young master. Being with a mechanic like me was just a game to him. I didn’t get angry, didn’t make a scene. I just grabbed him by the hair and said: “You little bastard, give me back my fifty thousand dollars!” 1 After an intense session. I sat leaning against the headboard, feeling a bit drained. Lit a cigarette and smoked. Lowered my eyes to look at Caleb, panting slightly, face flushed pink. This kid looks fair and tender. But he’s got quite the kick. Even someone like me, who does manual labor all year round, was worn out. Thinking this, I couldn’t help pinching Caleb’s waist and abdomen. Checking if he was hiding something in there. Caleb looked up sharply. Wriggled into my arms in a few moves: “Zane, again?” I moved my hand away, afraid of dropping ash on him. “No more, early shift tomorrow.” Caleb pouted, looking disappointed: “Fine, let’s rest then.” Saying this, Caleb propped himself up, took the cigarette from my hand, stubbed it out. Then dragged me under the covers: “Sleep!” 2 Next morning. Caleb was still curled up sleeping under the quilt. I got up, washed, and made breakfast. Seeing I still had some time before work. Sneaked into the bedroom and kissed Caleb. “I’m going to work, breakfast is warm on the stove.” Caleb was groggy, hadn’t opened his eyes, but wrapped his arms around my neck. Kissed me hard. A long, minty kiss. Caleb woke up a bit, opening his eyes and rubbing against my arm. “Be careful on the road, safe travels.” Sweet words warmed my heart. “Pick you up from school this afternoon?” Today is Friday, Caleb’s classes end at five. Perfect timing for me to go after work. Getting Caleb’s affirmative answer. I left for work satisfied. Passing the dining room, caught a glimpse of the flowers Caleb brought back yesterday on the table. Couldn’t help curving my lips. Remembered a friend saying two days ago. A relationship built on an improper connection like mine with Caleb is precarious. Couldn’t help sneering. He’s just jealous. Caleb and I are living beautifully right now. 3 Worked hard all day. Even had a sticky lunch with Caleb over video call. Finally endured until clock-out time. Humming a tune, I took off my work clothes. The cashier girl couldn’t help teasing: “So happy, Zane, got a date tonight?” I raised an eyebrow, tacitly agreeing. Just hadn’t walked out of the shop when my phone rang. It was my friend Leo. I answered the phone while getting into my second-hand Volkswagen. Before I could speak, the voice on the other end came first. “Zane! Come save me! The shop is overwhelmed today, begging you~” 4 Leo is a friend, but more like my mentor. After graduating high school with nowhere to go, Leo, who opened an auto repair shop, took me in. Worked hard to learn the craft until Leo’s shop became more and more high-end, catering to rich people. I’m a high school graduate, speak bluntly, often offending clients over modifications. Finally, having no choice, I withdrew myself, moved to another district, and opened a small shop. Now Leo calls for help. I can’t refuse. Sent a message to Caleb saying I’m working overtime. Turned the steering wheel and went to Leo’s shop. 5 Arrived at the shop, exchanged a few pleasantries. Grabbed tools and drilled under a car. Maybe if I finish early, I can still pick up Caleb. Thinking and working, time flew by. Seeing it wrapping up. My movements unconsciously sped up. Suddenly, I heard a familiar name. “Caleb, you kid, finally have time to see your precious car? We almost thought you abandoned cars for good!” Then, a familiar voice sounded. “Fuck off.” Not the usual clingy tone, but rather impatient. But the voice was clearly the one I knew. My hands stopped moving. Kicked my leg, sliding out on the creeper. Looked towards the voice. View too low, angle tricky. I only saw a pair of shoes clearly. A pair of white sneakers I washed yesterday, laced up, and put in the shoe cabinet at home. 6 Leo heard the voice and went out to greet them. Calling “Young Master” repeatedly. In a while, someone drove a light blue sports car out of the garage. “Master Caleb, your car, want to test it first?” The white sneakers moved, “No need.” Took the keys, several people walked towards the sports car. Shoes gradually walked out of sight. My body, stiff for a long time, subconsciously propped up to stand. Field of vision instantly widened. I saw that familiar back of the head. Caleb likes to nestle in my arms when sleeping at night. I’ve touched that head no less than a hundred times. I dare confirm, that is Caleb. I leaned against a car, watching the group go away. Also heard them joke a few sentences. “How does it feel being a poor innocent boy for half a year?” “How much longer are you gonna play with that old uncle?” “Caleb, if you really like him, you should tell him clearly soon.” I stood blankly. The breeze blew for a long time, until the engine roared. I didn’t hear Caleb’s reply. 7 The sports car kicked up a cloud of gasoline-smelling dust. I still hadn’t come back to my senses. Leo walked over unknowingly: “What are you looking at? Know him?” I didn’t answer, asked: “Who is that Master Caleb?” “You mean him? Know Victor Vance, the richest man in S City? His biological dad. He goes to university in A City. “What? You have beef with him? Hold it in, we can’t afford to offend this young master.” Saying this, Leo handed me a cigarette. Lit it, held in mouth. Seeing me not answering for a long time. Leo was surprised: “Really got beef?” I took a deep drag. Stimulated by nicotine. Brain gradually calmed down. Beef? Hard to say. But there is a huge debt to settle now. 8 Meeting Caleb. Wasn’t very proper. I was born with a physical defect, having an extra set of organs compared to others (intersex). Disliked by family since childhood, busy working after growing up. Always avoided my own physical needs. Until half a year ago, a close friend who knew my secret dragged me to a high-end club in the name of a birthday. Despite repeated recommendations from my friend. I didn’t relent. After all, this place looked expensive, and what I saved was money for buying a house and living. Seeing me unmoved, my friend didn’t persuade further. Finally drank two glasses of wine, went to the toilet ready to leave. Just happened to run into Caleb being harassed. 9 The first time we met, Caleb wore a white shirt, tucked into pants. Clean. Looked easy to bully. Standing in front was a drunk potbelly, wanting to get handsy. I didn’t want to meddle at first. This club has all kinds of demons and ghosts. But when retracting my gaze, saw Caleb frowning slightly. A trace of impatience flashed in his eyes. Matched with the mole at the corner of his eye. A layer of perverseness floated on his whole face. Heart jumped fiercely. Don’t know why. Before thought not to cause trouble. Now feet unconsciously stepped over.

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Just before our wedding, Ryan and I got into yet another blowout fight over whether my name should be on the deed to our future house. Not long after, he posted a picture of a brand-new car on Instagram with the caption: “Some people need to stop being so calculating. Trying to divide my assets before we’ve even walked down the aisle? Sorry, not sorry—I used the house down payment to buy this baby in full!” The comment section was a sea of his bros hyping him up, calling him a “legend” for not letting a gold-digger win. I was about to call him to ask what the hell he was thinking when a stream of live comments suddenly floated before my eyes: [Ugh, the male lead is just being led astray by his toxic friends. Deep down, he really wants a family with her.] [The female lead is being too much. Her parents have the money to buy them a house anyway, why force him to use his hard-earned savings and still insist on her name being on the deed?] [If she just promised that her parents’ future house would have his name on it too, he wouldn’t be this angry.] I thought those comments were full of crap. I asked for my name on that deed because my parents weren’t asking for a single cent in wedding traditions, and they were giving us a $30,000 gift to start our lives. The next second, my phone buzzed. It was a text from the very “bro” who had been cheering the loudest in the comments. “Downtown penthouse, paid in full. I’ll put it in your name before we sign the papers. Will you marry me instead?” 1 The text was from Lucas Miller, Ryan’s supposed “best friend.” I stared at the words until the screen felt like it was burning my eyes. The live comments continued to scroll: [DON’T REPLY! This is a trap! Ryan’s best friend is just testing your loyalty!] [If she replies, Ryan will never forgive her. He’s just being stubborn right now!] I didn’t reply—because at that moment, Ryan walked through the front door. He tossed a set of car keys onto the entryway table with a heavy clack. “I’m tired, Winona. I don’t want to fight anymore.” He walked straight to the sofa, burying himself in the cushions without a single glance in my direction. I forced down my rage. “Ryan, what the hell is this? The car?” He let out a sharp, mocking snort. “Can’t you read? It means we aren’t buying the house. I bought the car instead.” I clenched my fists. “That money… my parents contributed to that. We saved together for years. What gave you the right to spend it all on your own?” He finally looked up, his eyes dripping with venom. “That $30,000 gift from your parents? We both know it was just a bribe to snatch half the equity of my home. You’re a sharp one, Winona. I’ll give you that.” “But let me be clear: this car is my property. It has nothing to do with you. I don’t need your family’s pathetic handouts.” I felt the blood drain from my face. My parents had been nothing but supportive. And in his mouth, it was a “calculated scheme.” The comments flashed again: [See? He’s just hurt. He’s terrified that if he gives you everything, you’ll leave him.] I looked at his cold face and realized I didn’t recognize him anymore. “Fine. You bought the car,” I said, my voice eerily calm. “So, when do you plan on paying me back my share of the savings?” He looked at me like I’d just told a hilarious joke. “Your share? Winona, we’ve lived together for three years. Who paid for the steaks? The rent? The utilities? If I actually kept a ledger, you’d owe me a fortune.” “I’ll give you three days to get your stuff and get out.” “I need some space to re-evaluate if this relationship is even worth the headache.” He put his noise-canceling headphones on and closed his eyes. Communication over. 2 I started packing immediately. Ryan watched me with a smirk, convinced I was just putting on a show. On the third day, his mother called. The second I picked up, she started screaming. “Winona, how can you be so selfish? So he bought a car—so what? A man needs a decent vehicle to be respected! It’s an investment in his image!” “A girl like you shouldn’t be out there alone. It’s dangerous. Just go back, swallow your pride, and fix this.” I spoke up then. “Mrs. Sterling, we broke up. I’m moving out today.” There was a stunned silence, then her voice came back twice as sharp. “Break up? You wouldn’t dare! You’ve wasted five years on my son. Who else is going to want you now? You’re damaged goods!” Click. She hung up. That evening, Ryan came home with his entourage. Lucas was among them. They hauled in crates of beer, laughing as if they’d just won the Super Bowl. Ryan walked over and kicked my suitcase. It hit the wall with a dull thud. “Still playing house, Winona? You actually packed.” His friends started jeering. “Ryan, man, looks like she’s trying to give you an ultimatum.” “Women… just let her walk around the block. She’ll be back by midnight.” I ignored them and reached for my suitcase. A hand stopped me. It was Lucas. He didn’t look at me. Instead, he looked at Ryan. “Ryan, cool it. This is getting out of hand.” Ryan shoved him away. “Mind your business, Lucas!” I stood up straight and looked Ryan dead in the eye. “First of all, don’t call me Winnie. It’s Winona to you.” “Second, you kicked my property. You damage it, you pay for it.” “Third, I’m not apologizing. You are.” The room went dead silent. Ryan’s face turned a violent shade of purple. He grabbed a beer bottle and smashed it against the floor. “You ungrateful bitch!” he roared. Lucas moved instantly, grabbing Ryan’s arm. “Ryan! You’re losing it!” I pulled out my phone and dialed my father. “Hey, Dad. Is the moving crew here? Give them the gate code.” “Yeah, it’s a little loud. Just saying goodbye to some trash.” My father’s deep, calm voice filled the room via speaker. “I’m right outside, honey. The guys are coming up now. Dad’s got you.” Lucas looked at me, and for a split second, I saw respect in his eyes. 3 The movers arrived and cleared my things in under an hour. Ryan stood in the middle of the living room, watching my life being carried out in boxes. “Winona, you think you’re so tough, huh? You leave this room today, don’t you ever think about crawling back!” I ignored him. I added up the total of our shared savings on my phone, including the $30,000 gift, and messaged it to him. “Ryan, the total is $37,860. I want my share back within three days. Otherwise, I’ll see you in small claims court.” I blocked him on everything instantly. As I walked out, Lucas called out, “Winona.” He stepped forward and draped a jacket over my shoulders. “It’s cold out,” he said softly. “You’re doing the right thing.” Downstairs, my dad opened the car door for me. “Let’s go home, Winona.” When we got home, after dinner, my dad handed me a leather folder. “This is the deed to a condo downtown. Paid in full. It’s in your name.” “We are your safety net, honey. Always.” The next day, I moved into my new place. I pulled up Lucas’s text message and replied: “ID card, brought it?” My phone buzzed instantly. “In the car. I’ve been downstairs at your place.” I pulled back the curtain. Downstairs, Lucas was leaning against his SUV, looking up at my floor. The live comments exploded: [NO!!! Winona, how can you do this! What about Ryan?!] [It’s a trap! Lucas and Ryan are definitely in on this together!] I ignored the noise. I had spent five years listening to other people’s voices. It was time to listen to my own. 4 The next day, I met Ryan at a coffee shop. He showed up looking smug. “So? Regrets? Ready to apologize?” I didn’t say a word. I just slid a manila envelope across the table. Inside were the rental agreement for the “new car” he claimed to have bought, and a stack of betting slips. His face turned paper-white. “How… how did you get these?” “It doesn’t matter,” I said. “Give me my money back. Also, you handle the $50,000 debt you took out co-signing my name illegally. It has nothing to do with me.” “I can’t!” he hissed. “It’s all gone!” “Then that’s your problem. You have three days before these documents go to your parents and your boss.” Ryan collapsed into his chair, looking like a ghost. Over the next two days, I got a dozen calls from his mom screaming at me, but I blocked them all. On the third afternoon, my phone pinged. $37,860. To the cent. A moment later, a text from Lucas: “Done.” Lucas picked me up for dinner. Over wine, he told me the rest. Ryan had to sell his parents’ house to pay me back. He lost his job, and collectors were at his door. I looked at Lucas. “Why are you doing all this?” He put down his fork. “Winona, I’ve known you longer than Ryan has.” 5 “Sophomore year. The spring gala. You were the emcee,” Lucas said. “I was the guy running the soundboard. I never forgot you.” “Later, Ryan said he was going to ask you out. I stayed quiet because back then, I didn’t have much to my name.” He laughed, a bit bitter. “I had to watch him win you over. I had to watch him treat you like a queen, and then watch him treat you like garbage.” “I wanted to tell you the truth a thousand times. But I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me.” I listened, my heart aching. “So, that text… you really want to marry me?” He nodded firmly. “I do. I’ll wait as long as it takes.” When he drove me home, we saw Ryan huddled by the building entrance. Ryan snapped. “WINONA! I knew it! You were cheating on me!” Lucas stepped out, blocking him. “Watch your mouth, Ryan.” Ryan pulled a small pocketknife out. He held it to his own arm. “You go home with him, and I do it right here!” I looked at Ryan and felt nothing but disgust. I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. “Yes, I’m at the corner of 5th and Main. There’s a man with a weapon threatening self-harm. Please send an officer.” Ryan froze. He clearly didn’t expect me to actually call the cops. “Stop the act, Ryan,” I said. “If you want to throw your life away, don’t do it on my doorstep.” 6 The police arrived in minutes. Ryan was tackled and cuffed, screaming my name as they put him in the car. His mother arrived, lunging at me, but Lucas caught her. “You witch! You destroyed my son!” she screamed. My father walked right up to her. “Ma’am, if you continue to harass her, I have a team of lawyers who will make sure you lose the little you have left.” The drama was finally over. For the next few weeks, things were quiet. Lucas messaged me every day. Morning and night. He shared books he liked, music, funny things that happened at the firm. We were friends, but a spark was growing. A few weeks later, Ryan was sentenced. Lucas had found records of Ryan’s illegal gambling—millions of dollars through offshore accounts. Ryan was looking at ten years. My parents adored Lucas. They officially transferred the condo into both our names as a wedding present. Lucas tried to refuse, but my dad told him: “This is for Winona’s security. Take it.” 7 Our wedding was small. Lucas looked at me with eyes so full of love it almost hurt. My father placed my hand in his. “Take care of her.” “With my life, sir.” As we exchanged rings, a final line of text flashed across my vision: [Congratulations, Winona. You found the real one. 🌸] And then, the text vanished forever. We went to the Maldives for our honeymoon. Lucas was so attentive. He treated me like I was the most important person in the world. Sometimes I wonder… what if I had stayed with Ryan? I’d probably be hiding from debt collectors right now. When we got back, we moved into our new home. “Wait,” I said one night. “Did you really buy that penthouse in full?” He turned around, looking innocent. “Of course not. I didn’t have that kind of money back then. My savings would have barely covered a down payment on a garage.” “So you were bluffing?” “I had to get your attention, didn’t I?” He kissed my neck. “But don’t worry. I’ve got the money now. You want a house on the moon? I’ll find a way.” 8 Finally, he arrived! I went straight to Ryan’s desk. He was casually sipping a latte. When he saw me, he put on a wide, fake smile. “Winona! Missed you!” I didn’t smile back. “Where’s my money?” “Tough luck, Winona. Your request was denied. Credentials error.” Looking at the smug glint in his eyes, I knew he was messing with me. “Dr. Miller needs this immediately,” I said. Ryan’s eyes flared. “Stop throwing a tantrum. I follow company policy.” “Mr. Sterling, you are confirming this process cannot proceed? Fine.” I turned and walked out. Ms. Lee, from Finance, complained behind me: “Ryan! Dr. Miller signed it! What protocol are you talking about?” I resubmitted everything through the official portal and updated Dr. Miller. He replied: [Is Finance giving you a hard time? Unbelievable. They spend the company’s money like it’s their own!] Before the workday was over, the process cleared.

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He realized I had stopped consulting him about everything. When the company offered an overseas assignment, I signed the papers before I even thought to ask his opinion. When a best friend invited me to her wedding with a “plus one,” I went alone and gave a generous gift. Even when it came to surgery and hospitalization, I booked the appointment and the bed myself. Caleb Thorne, being a surgeon, frowned when he found out. “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick? Give me your medical records; I’ll make the arrangements for you.” I blurted out instinctively: “I can handle it myself. I don’t want to trouble you. Thank you.” The moment those words left my mouth, we both froze. After all, only half a month ago, I was still the “clingy giant infant” he complained about—the girl who would text him just to ask which outfit to wear on a date or what to have for lunch. 1 “You’re in a hurry for surgery tomorrow?” the attending physician handed me the records, his voice tinged with confusion. “I recall Dr. Thorne is coming back from his business trip soon. You could totally wait for him to accompany you…” I interrupted softly, “It’s my own business. I can handle it.” The doctor looked surprised. After all, I was famously “delicate” in this hospital; even for a minor headache or a slight fever, I used to insist that Caleb stay by my side. Just as I stepped out of the clinic, I bumped into a familiar figure. Caleb was pushing a suitcase with one hand, looking like he had just rushed from the airport back to the hospital. Lydia Vance followed him as usual, wearing a black cashmere coat over her white lab coat—a coat I had given Caleb for our third anniversary. Caleb frowned. “What are you doing here? … Are you sick again?” Again. That familiar note of impatience made it sound as if I were a troublesome chore that needed handling. He snatched the medical records, scanned them briefly, and commanded: “I have things to do tomorrow.” “This isn’t serious. Move the surgery to next week, and I’ll go with you.” I blurted out instinctively: “I can handle it myself. I don’t want to trouble you. Thank you.” That excessive politeness and distance made Caleb freeze. After all, the old me would cry and act spoiled if I just got a paper cut. I used to bomb his phone with messages just to have him pick an outfit for a date. From my three meals a day to major life decisions, I used to consult him on everything. Now, I was facing surgery alone without batting an eye. If we hadn’t bumped into each other by chance, my own boyfriend wouldn’t even have known. I snatched the records back, accidentally knocking a pillbox out of Caleb’s hand. The name on the box caught my eye clearly—a pack of… birth control pills. “Don’t get the wrong idea.” Caleb leaned down to pick it up, his voice carrying a businesslike detachment. “Lydia has severe dysmenorrhea. This is a common medication to relieve it.” Lydia pulled the coat tighter around her, explaining in a small, panicked voice: “I’m so sorry, Piper. Caleb was supposed to go home, but I was so useless—the pain was so bad I couldn’t stand, so I bothered him to help me get the prescription.” She paused, her tone full of sincere envy. “If only I could be as independent as you, Piper. Then Caleb wouldn’t have to work so hard running around for me.” Once, I had abdominal pain and asked Caleb which department I should go to. What did the youngest deputy head of neurology at this prestigious hospital say? He said, “I don’t know.” When I complained about his dismissiveness, he pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly, looking at me like I was a troublemaking child. “Can’t you just Google something that small?” “You’re an adult. Can’t you be a little more independent? Stop relying on me like a giant infant.” “I’m not your parent. I’m not obligated to teach you basic life skills.” How hilarious. He was a man of few words for his girlfriend, yet for his “junior colleague,” he personally accompanied her to the clinic. An outsider would have thought Lydia was his actual girlfriend. If this were the past, I would have lost my temper and started a fight right there. But now, I just said, “Oh,” my voice flat. “Pills aren’t enough. You should also massage her stomach, hold her while she sleeps, and keep her hands and feet warm.” Lydia’s face flushed deep red. “Piper, I didn’t mean it like that…” My well-meaning advice was interpreted by Caleb as a tantrum. His voice turned cold. “Are you still angry? Just because I didn’t report to you before my business trip?” Half a month ago was his birthday. I had worked crazy overtime to finish a project so I could take time off. I cooked a whole table of food and picked up a custom-made gift, waiting to celebrate with him. I waited until midnight, and Caleb never came home. Only through Lydia’s Instagram did I find out he had left for an overseas exchange program. Caleb brushed it off later. “It was just a business trip. There was no need to consult you.” “Birthdays happen every year, but project opportunities don’t. I thought you’d be able to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s not.” “Don’t you have your own things to do? Why are you always obsessing over my movements?” My accumulated disappointment was like a bursting tsunami. I couldn’t help questioning him: “Caleb, is it because in your ‘urgent and important’ list, I am always the least urgent and most unimportant one?” Compared to my near-hysteria, Caleb just said one thing before hanging up. “You’re not being rational right now. We’ll talk when I’m back.” 2 Once I calmed down, I signed the transfer papers. My boss hesitated. “Transferring means moving to another city! You should consult your boyfriend about something this big. You’re a person with family; don’t be so reckless.” I signed my name briskly. “No need.” The last time I changed jobs, I held two offers and asked for his opinion. Caleb just glanced at them. “This is your life. You shouldn’t let me decide.” Yet, he patiently helped Lydia fill out her grad school applications, helping her get into the best medical program in the country to become his junior. Caleb always said I wasn’t independent enough and complained about me being too clingy. He would put on headphones to listen to medical podcasts while I was excitedly sharing a story, acting as if I didn’t exist. He would refuse to drive me when I was running late, emphasizing that his schedule couldn’t be disrupted for me. I wanted to join his gatherings with friends, but he said I should establish my own social circle. I used to think Caleb was just naturally distant. And that I, through hard work, could be the exception. Until Lydia appeared. She was the daughter of Caleb’s parents’ old friends, and he was entrusted with looking after her. I thought he would find it a chore, but he agreed readily. I didn’t expect that she would be the exception. Caleb responded to every single one of her complaints about her roommates. When she wanted a trendy dessert for her birthday, he drove across town to get it. During her internship at the hospital, he actively introduced her to friends: “This is my junior; take care of her.” Whenever I fought with Caleb about this, he would frown with disappointment. “She’s a kid. Are you a kid too?” “I’m looking after her out of responsibility. You’re actually jealous of this?” “How old is she, and how old are you? Why don’t you just compare yourself to a newborn?” But his “kid” was only three years younger than me. All the excuses I had made for him—it’s just his personality, he’s too busy, he hates clingy people… They all shattered in the face of the patience he showed another person. That’s fine. After I have my surgery and leave tomorrow, Caleb will have nothing to do with me anymore. 3 My best friend Chloe knew I was having surgery and took time off to stay with me. “Get the guest room ready and prepare to welcome the gold-standard nurse!” I laughed and said: “I’ve cleaned the room twice and bought new linens for you. I guarantee you’ll love—” The moment I opened the door, my words stopped. The brand-new linens I had prepared were bunched up on the floor. The guest room was filled with strange belongings, and a half-human-sized teddy bear was sprawled on the bed. It was a blatant declaration of ownership. The sound of the front door opening rang out again. Soft laughter floated in. “Dr. Thorne, thank you for taking me to that restaurant. It was delicious.” “My bad mood from being ignored by my roommates is totally cured by that dessert!” Caleb saw me and explained calmly. “Lydia had a falling out with her roommates and can’t stay in the dorm. She’s planning to move out.” “She hasn’t found a place yet, so she’s staying in the guest room for now.” I sneered. “Caleb, I told you a week ago that Chloe was coming to stay here.” Caleb paused. The expression at that moment said everything. He had forgotten. When I had asked him, his voice had been full of impatience: “Decide that yourself. Don’t ask me about every little thing. It’s annoying.” Caleb pursed his lips, his voice dropping slightly. “Sorry…” He lifted the dessert bag in his hand, his tone softening. Like someone coaxing a cranky child: “The restaurant we went to today is the type you like. I’ll take you there this weekend.” I glanced at the logo on the bag. It was a restaurant I had repeatedly begged Caleb to take me to. He had always said he was too busy. I took the bag and tossed it into the trash. The breath Caleb was about to let out hitched again. Lydia stepped forward, her voice thin and airy. “Piper, it’s all my fault. I can squeeze in with your friend. I don’t mind.” I let out a cold laugh, grabbed Lydia’s sheets and her teddy bear, and kicked them out into the hallway. Lydia froze, her eyes filling with tears. “Piper, I need those for tonight. What am I going to do now?” I glanced toward the master bedroom and smiled. “You can squeeze in with Caleb. I don’t mind.” Lydia’s face flushed. “Piper! If you don’t want me here, just say so! Why humiliate me like this?” As if she had suffered a grand insult, her eyes turned red, and she ran off. Caleb frowned at me, though he didn’t chase after her. “Piper, she’s just clumsy and a bit childish. She didn’t mess up your things on purpose.” “If you don’t want her staying here, just say so. I can book a hotel for her. There’s no need to target her twice in a row.” I stopped smiling. “This is our home. Shouldn’t you consult me before bringing an outsider back?” Caleb’s frown deepened, as if I were being unreasonable. “Lydia is being isolated at school; she’s very low right now. I thought you’d at least have some empathy, but your first reaction is to calculate whether I consulted you.” “Besides, it’s just for two days. Does a minor arrangement like that really need a formal consultation?” “It’s like Chloe coming to stay—you don’t need to consult me for that, either.” The old me would have been impulsive enough to call a male friend to stay over that night just to see his reaction. But now, I just nodded calmly. “You’re right. There really is no need to consult.” Tit for tat. Then moving out of this city and breaking up with Caleb probably didn’t need a consultation, either. 4 “Go book the hotel for Lydia then.” I politely opened the door for Caleb and then laid out my suitcase to pack my clothes. He didn’t seem satisfied with my reaction. He grabbed my wrist. “She’s an adult; she can book it herself.” “But what about you? Why are you suddenly packing? Where are you going?” I shook him off. “Don’t you have your own things to do? Why are you always obsessing over my movements?” Caleb paused. He likely remembered those were his own words to me. He fell silent for a moment. “I was wrong not to tell you about the trip. I’ll report my movements to you from now on.” “I have to go to the university tomorrow. Lydia’s conflict with her roommates escalated. The advisor wants to see the ‘parents,’ and her actual parents can’t make it, so I’m going in their place.” “Move your surgery to the day after tomorrow. I’ll go with you.” It seemed that in Caleb’s list of priorities, I was still at the bottom. I spoke calmly. “No need. It’s the same whether you’re there or not.” Caleb seemed to think I didn’t understand the difference. He explained patiently: “I can help you contact specialists and interpret the reports. At the very least, I can wait in line for you.” My second refusal was interrupted by his ringtone. Lydia’s tearful voice came through: “Caleb… it sounds like someone is picking the lock on my door… I’m scared…” Caleb’s face changed. He turned to leave in a hurry. I called out, “Wait.” Caleb stopped, his expression impatient. “Piper, do you think I need to report to you before I go save someone? I need to go now.” “This isn’t the time for a tantrum. she might be in danger. Can you please stop targeting her?” He sighed. “I’ll be there for your surgery. But right now, I need you to understand what’s urgent.” Caleb clearly misunderstood. I just wanted to emphasize that I didn’t need him there for the surgery. But he didn’t wait for me to speak and rushed out.

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At eighteen, Caleb Thorne shielded me in his arms. He took a brutal beating from a gang, leaving him bloodied and barely clinging to life. As he lay on the gurney, someone asked if he regretted it. Barely conscious, he let out a reckless, wild laugh: “Regret? Hell no. What are two broken legs compared to this?” “I’ve got myself a wife for life now!” At twenty-eight, I slipped off my wedding ring. Along with a pink hair tie I’d found in his pocket, I handed it all back to him. He took the hair tie—the one his little college mistress had used to provoke me. He leaned against the wall, watching me with a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes: “Honey, you don’t actually think this little stunt is going to make me have a change of heart, do you?” 1 I didn’t answer. I just kept packing my things. The hair tie was a soft baby pink, the kind that looks cute and playful on a college girl. Caleb slid it over his wrist, let out a dry chuckle. His gaze lingered on the pink band as if he were seeing someone else through it, and the curve of his mouth softened into something sweet. If this were the old me, I would have been triggered. I would have screamed, cried, and hysterically demanded to know if he was thinking about that brat. But now, I just pushed the wedding ring closer to him across the table. “Let’s get a divorce, Caleb. I’m serious.” Caleb didn’t respond. He maintained that same casual, indifferent posture, though his smile gained a sharp edge of mockery. I knew he didn’t believe me. Because “divorce” was a word I had thrown around a hundred times over the last few years. The first few times, he actually panicked. He’d get bloodshot eyes, making promises, swearing oaths. He’d do anything and everything to beg me to stay. Until that one time. His little side-piece caught a high fever. I was on the verge of a breakdown. I told him if he dared to go to her, we were done. That day was my birthday. Caleb never came home. When the girl sent me a voice clip of her moaning his name, I actually considered ending it all. I stood by the open window, the night wind chilling my skin to the bone. In the end, I didn’t jump. I just slumped onto the floor and sobbed like a broken animal. When Caleb finally came home, he knelt in front of me and laughed mockingly: “Wifey, weren’t we getting a divorce?” “Why are you still guarding the house like a loyal dog, hm?” 2 “Caleb, this time is for real.” I finished packing the last of my things and took a deep breath. Caleb was starting to look impatient. But then, a specific ringtone—one reserved for her—chimed through the room. Caleb stood up straight, and as he answered the phone, his features softened instantly. He let out a low chuckle, flirting as if I wasn’t even in the room: “What is it now, my little troublemaker?” “Oh, you’re asking me? It’s Valentine’s Day!” “Every other girl has her boyfriend with her, and my boyfriend is stuck at home with an old woman.” The girl’s voice was young, vibrant, and undeniably sweet. Caleb couldn’t resist her pouting. He surrendered immediately: “Alright, alright. I’m coming to find you right now.” He hung up, the doting look still in his eyes. But when he turned back to me, his voice was cold as ice. “Honey, you aren’t hitting menopause early, are you?” “Why all the drama today?” I watched his retreating back and sighed softly. I had loved him too desperately, too pathetically. So much so that when I finally meant it, no one believed me. 3 After Caleb left, my phone buzzed. It was a notification from a contact saved as “Lily.” [Hey Auntie, want to bet Caleb still spends Valentine’s with me?] [Hehe, looks like I won.] The girl’s provocations were childish but effective. Usually, they were enough to send me into a spiral. But I knew exactly where she got her confidence from. When Caleb first started cheating, he wasn’t this blatant. Back then, he hid Lily’s texts. He coaxed me, begged me, told me he’d cut it off. My heart was ripped open. I couldn’t believe the man who loved me so fiercely in our teens could stab me like this. Like every other betrayed wife, I went to his office. I screamed about his betrayal in front of everyone. I tried to drag out the woman who was destroying my home. But Caleb protected Lily perfectly. He kept her hidden. Until the day Lily lost her patience and came to me herself to brag. I didn’t even have room to fight back. She slammed down photo after photo of them in bed together. “Auntie, Caleb told me it was love at first sight, but he wouldn’t touch me until I graduated college.” “So, the moment I finished school, he took me. He even cleared his schedule to take me on a trip abroad.” “Oh, right. That was while you were back in your hometown for your father’s funeral.” “See? That’s how much he loves me.” Lily stood there with her high ponytail, gloating about Caleb’s devotion. I lost my mind. I grabbed a glass and smashed it against her. Then, in a fit of rage, I used a shard of glass to slice her face. Caleb arrived in a panic and pulled a sobbing Lily into his arms. He looked at me, his voice freezing. “I’ve spoiled you too much over the years, Winona.” “I’ve let you think you actually have the right to touch what’s mine.” 4 After that incident, Caleb stopped hiding her. He took Lily to every gala, every event, acting intimate in front of everyone. He turned me into a complete laughingstock. No matter how much I raged or cried, he remained a cold observer, like an outsider watching a play. During that time, I lived like a zombie. My nerves were stretched to the breaking point. I was a madwoman. When did I finally decide to give up on him? Maybe it was when my mother was hospitalized for a major surgery. I was exhausted, falling ill myself. Caleb, meanwhile, had the audacity to bring Lily to our house for a party with his friends. I dragged my sick body downstairs and overheard his friends talking about our past. “Caleb really used to love Winona, didn’t he?” “Yeah, man. Caleb was a star athlete. He had scouts from the pro leagues looking at him. His future was set.” “No one expected him to throw it all away to protect her. Getting both his legs smashed by those thugs. He’s carried those scars for life.” Lily, clearly annoyed, pressed for more details. She didn’t want to believe he had ever been that devoted to me. Since she was unhappy, Caleb’s expression soured too. One guy laughed, sounding crude: “It was simple. Those thugs had their eyes on Winona.” “They were trying to drag her into a bar to take turns on her. When Caleb got there, they’d already stripped her. They’d touched her everywhere.” “She was a total mess, crying like a baby.” Lily covered her mouth, let out a giggle. She leaned into Caleb’s chest and spoke with pure malice. “If I were her, being stripped and touched by all those men, I’d just die.” “And you know what they say—flies don’t swarm an egg unless there’s a crack. Who knows if she was the one who lured them in?” “She deserved it.” The moment those words left her mouth, Caleb told her to shut up with a cold face. Lily looked shocked, then her eyes turned red. She started a scene, demanding to go home. “I only said it because I feel bad that you lost your career for her! How could you be so mean to me?!” Caleb couldn’t stand her crying. He started coaxing her. Lily was stubborn, wiping her tears, refusing to give in. She grabbed Caleb’s tie, pouting. “Tell me you regret it then. Tell me if you could go back, you wouldn’t save that old woman. You’d let her rot!” Caleb sighed, raising his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I wouldn’t save her. I wouldn’t.” In that moment, my sick, broken body felt like it finally dissipated. My heart felt a suffocation and despair I’d never known. It was also in that moment that I woke up from the dream. I finally realized. Caleb was no longer the boy who loved me. I needed to let him go. And I needed to let myself go. I gave myself one week to process it all. Today was the last day.

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Caleb Sterling realized that I had stopped consulting him about everything. When the company offered me an overseas assignment, I signed the papers before I even thought to ask for his opinion. When my best friend invited me to her wedding with a “plus one,” I attended alone and gave a generous gift. Even when it came to surgery and hospitalization, I handled the appointments and booked the bed myself. Caleb, being a doctor, frowned when he eventually found out. “You’re sick? Why didn’t you tell me? Give me your records; I’ll make the arrangements for you.” I blurted out instinctively: “I can handle it myself. I don’t want to trouble you. Thank you.” The moment those words left my mouth, we both froze. After all, only half a month ago, I was the “clingy giant infant” he complained about—the one who messaged him to ask which dress to wear on a date or what to eat for lunch. 1 “You want the surgery tomorrow? That’s sudden.” The attending physician handed me my chart, his voice tinged with confusion. “I recall Dr. Sterling is coming back from his seminar soon. You could wait for him to accompany you…” I interrupted softly, “It’s my own business. I can handle it.” The doctor looked surprised. After all, I was notoriously “delicate” in this hospital; even for a minor headache or a slight fever, I used to insist that Caleb stay by my side. Just as I stepped out of the clinic, I bumped into a familiar figure. Caleb was pushing a suitcase with one hand, looking like he had just rushed from the airport back to the hospital. Lydia Vance followed closely behind him, wearing a white lab coat with a black cashmere coat draped over it—the very coat I had given Caleb for our third anniversary. Caleb frowned. “What are you doing here? … Are you sick again?” Again. That familiar note of impatience made it sound as if I were a troublesome chore that needed handling. He snatched the medical records from my hand, scanned them briefly, and commanded: “I have things to do tomorrow.” “This isn’t an emergency. Move the surgery to next week, and I’ll go with you.” I blurted out instinctively: “I can handle it myself. I don’t want to trouble you. Thank you.” The excessive politeness and distance made Caleb freeze. After all, the old me would cry and act spoiled over a paper cut. I used to bomb his phone with messages just to have him pick an outfit for dinner. From my three meals a day to major life decisions, I used to consult him on everything. Now, I was facing surgery alone without batting an eye. If we hadn’t bumped into each other by chance, my own boyfriend wouldn’t even have known. I snatched the records back, accidentally knocking a small box out of Caleb’s hand. The name on the box caught my eye—a pack of… birth control pills. “Don’t get the wrong idea.” Caleb leaned down to pick it up, his voice carrying a businesslike detachment. “Lydia has severe menstrual cramps. This is a common prescription to help.” Lydia pulled the coat tighter around her, explaining in a small, panicked voice: “I’m so sorry, Piper. Caleb was supposed to head home, but I was so useless—the pain was so bad I couldn’t stand, so I bothered him to help me get the prescription filled.” She paused, her tone full of sincere envy. “If only I could be as independent as you, Piper. Then Caleb wouldn’t have to work so hard running around for me.” Once, I had severe abdominal pain and asked Caleb which specialist I should see. What did the youngest deputy head of neurosurgery at a top hospital say? He said, “I don’t know.” When I complained about his dismissiveness, he pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly, looking at me like I was a nagging child. “Can’t you just Google something that small?” “You’re an adult. Can’t you be a little more independent? Stop relying on me like a toddler.” “I’m not your parent. I’m not obligated to teach you basic life skills.” How hilarious. He was a man of few words for his girlfriend, yet for his “junior,” he personally accompanied her to the clinic and filled her prescriptions. An outsider would have thought Lydia was his actual partner. If this were the past, I would have lost my temper and started a scene right there. But now, I just said, “Oh,” my voice flat. “Pills aren’t enough. You should also massage her stomach, hold her while she sleeps, and keep her hands and feet warm.” Lydia’s face flushed deep red. “Piper, I didn’t mean it like that…” My well-meaning advice was interpreted by Caleb as a tantrum. His voice turned cold. “Are you still throwing a fit? Just because I didn’t report every detail of my trip to you?” Half a month ago was his birthday. I had worked crazy overtime to finish a project so I could take time off. I cooked a whole dinner and picked up a custom-made gift, waiting to celebrate with him. I waited until midnight, and Caleb never came home. Only through Lydia’s Instagram did I find out he had left for an international exchange program. Caleb brushed it off later. “It was just a business trip. There was no need to consult you.” “Birthdays happen every year, but career opportunities don’t. I thought you’d be able to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s not.” “Don’t you have your own things to do? Why are you always obsessing over my movements?” My accumulated disappointment was like a bursting dam. I couldn’t help questioning him: “Caleb, is it because in your ‘urgent and important’ list, I am always the least urgent and most unimportant one?” Compared to my near-hysteria, Caleb just said one thing before hanging up. “You’re not being rational right now. We’ll talk when I’m back.” 2 Once I calmed down, I signed the transfer papers for the new job. My boss hesitated. “Transferring means moving to another city! You should consult your boyfriend about something this big. You’re a person with a partner; don’t be so reckless.” I signed my name briskly. “No need.” The last time I changed jobs, I held two offers and asked for his opinion. Caleb just glanced at them. “This is your career. You shouldn’t let me decide.” Yet, he patiently helped Lydia fill out her internship applications, helping her get into the best hospital program in the country. Caleb always said I wasn’t independent enough and complained about me being too “needy.” He would put on headphones to listen to medical podcasts while I was excitedly sharing my day, acting as if I didn’t exist. He would refuse to drive me when I was running late, emphasizing that his schedule couldn’t be disrupted for me. I wanted to join his gatherings with friends, but he said I should establish my own social life. I used to think Caleb was just naturally distant. And that I, through enough patience, could be the exception. Until Lydia appeared. She was the daughter of Caleb’s parents’ old friends, and he was entrusted with looking after her. I thought he would find it a chore, but he agreed readily. I didn’t expect that she would be the exception. Caleb responded to every single one of her complaints about her neighbors. When she wanted a trendy dessert for her birthday, he drove across town to get it. During her residency at the hospital, he actively introduced her to his colleagues: “This is my junior; take care of her.” Whenever I fought with Caleb about this, he would frown with disappointment. “She’s a kid. Are you a kid too?” “I’m looking after her out of responsibility. You’re actually jealous of this?” “How old is she, and how old are you? Why don’t you just compare yourself to a newborn?” But his “kid” was only three years younger than me. All the excuses I had made for him—it’s just his personality, he’s too busy, he hates clingy people… They all shattered in the face of the patience he showed another woman. That’s fine. After I have my surgery and leave tomorrow, Caleb will have nothing to do with me anymore. 3 My best friend Chloe knew I was having surgery and took time off to stay with me. “Get the guest room ready and prepare to welcome your personal nurse!” I laughed and said: “I’ve cleaned the room twice and bought new linens for you. I guarantee you’ll love—” The moment I opened the door, my words stopped. The brand-new linens I had prepared were bunched up on the floor. The guest room was filled with strange belongings, and a half-human-sized teddy bear was sprawled on the bed. It was a blatant declaration of ownership. The sound of the front door opening rang out again. Soft laughter floated in. “Caleb, thank you for taking me to that restaurant. It was delicious.” “My bad mood from being ignored by my classmates is totally cured by that dessert!” Caleb saw me and explained calmly. “Lydia had a falling out with her roommates and can’t stay in the dorm. She’s planning to move out.” “She hasn’t found a place yet, so she’s staying in the guest room for now.” I sneered. “Caleb, I told you a week ago that Chloe was coming to stay here.” Caleb paused. The expression on his face at that moment said everything. He had forgotten. When I had asked him, his voice had been full of impatience: “Decide that yourself. Don’t ask me about every little thing. It’s annoying.” Caleb pursed his lips, his voice dropping slightly. “Sorry…” He lifted the dessert bag in his hand, his tone softening. Like someone coaxing a cranky child: “The restaurant we went to today is the type you like. I’ll take you there this weekend.” I glanced at the logo on the bag. It was a restaurant I had repeatedly begged Caleb to take me to. He had always said he was too busy. I took the bag and tossed it into the trash. The breath Caleb was about to let out hitched again. Lydia stepped forward, her voice thin and airy. “Piper, it’s all my fault. I can squeeze in with your friend. I don’t mind.” I let out a cold laugh, grabbed Lydia’s sheets and her teddy bear, and kicked them out into the hallway. Lydia froze, her eyes filling with tears. “Piper, I need those for tonight. What am I going to do now?” I glanced toward the master bedroom and smiled. “You can squeeze in with Caleb. I don’t mind.” Lydia’s face flushed. “Piper! If you don’t want me here, just say so! Why humiliate me like this?” As if she had suffered a grand insult, her eyes turned red, and she ran off. Caleb frowned at me, though he didn’t chase after her. “Piper, she’s just clumsy and a bit childish. She didn’t mess up your things on purpose.” “If you don’t want her staying here, just say so. I can book a hotel for her. There’s no need to target her twice in a row.” I stopped smiling. “This is our home. Shouldn’t you consult me before bringing an outsider back?” Caleb’s frown deepened, as if I were being unreasonable. “Lydia is being isolated at school; she’s very low right now. I thought you’d at least have some empathy, but your first reaction is to calculate whether I consulted you.” “Besides, it’s just for two days. Does a minor arrangement like that really need a formal consultation?” “It’s like Chloe coming to stay—you don’t need to consult me for that, either.” The old me would have been impulsive enough to call a male friend to stay over that night just to see his reaction. But now, I just nodded calmly. “You’re right. There really is no need to consult.” Tit for tat. Then moving out of this city and breaking up with Caleb probably didn’t need a consultation, either. 4 “Go book the hotel for Lydia then.” I politely opened the door for Caleb and then laid out my suitcase to pack my clothes. He didn’t seem satisfied with my reaction. He grabbed my wrist. “She’s an adult; she can book it herself.” “But what about you? Why are you suddenly packing? Where are you going?” I shook him off. “Don’t you have your own things to do? Why are you always obsessing over my movements?” Caleb paused. He likely remembered those were his own words to me. He fell silent for a moment. “I was wrong not to tell you about the trip. I’ll report my movements to you from now on.” “I have to go to the university tomorrow. Lydia’s conflict with her roommates escalated. The advisor wants to see the ‘parents,’ and her actual parents can’t make it, so I’m going in their place.” “Move your surgery to the day after tomorrow. I’ll go with you.” It seemed that in Caleb’s list of priorities, I was still at the bottom. I spoke calmly. “No need. It’s the same whether you’re there or not.” Caleb seemed to think I didn’t understand the difference. He explained patiently: “I can help you contact specialists and interpret the reports. At the very least, I can wait in line for you.” My second refusal was interrupted by his ringtone. Lydia’s tearful voice came through: “Caleb… it sounds like someone is picking the lock on my door… I’m scared…” Caleb’s face changed. He turned to leave in a hurry. I called out, “Wait.” Caleb stopped, his expression impatient. “Piper, do you think I need to report to you before I go save someone? I need to go now.” “This isn’t the time for a tantrum. She might be in danger. Can you please stop targeting her?” He sighed. “I’ll be there for your surgery. But right now, I need you to understand what’s urgent.” Caleb clearly misunderstood. I just wanted to emphasize that I didn’t need him there for the surgery. But he didn’t wait for me to speak and rushed out.

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