Author: Momo Chan

On the wedding day, my sister ran away. As an illegitimate daughter, I was forced by my father to marry Pierce Sterling. Married for three years, he treated me with gentleness yet distance. I thought mutual respect was another form of happiness. Until I got into a car accident and was sent to the hospital, seeing around the corner. Pierce was wiping that delicate face clumsily. I finally recognized reality. When I handed him the yellowed divorce agreement. He said, why don’t you want my heart anymore? Chapter 1 Pierce, who never answered my calls… Is now not far from me, holding up a girl’s injured arm. Movements were unprecedentedly careful. Three years of marriage, I have never seen him like this. Vaguely remembered the wedding night. Pierce came out of the bathroom, black hair damp with moisture. He wore a silk robe, seeing my look of regarding death as returning home, smiled and propped his hands beside me. “Three years, you just need to keep this position for her.” He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “When the time comes, I will let you leave with dignity, compensation will only be more, not less.” At that time I thought, guard my own heart well. Don’t delusional about the moon in the sky. But really seeing this scene. Heart suddenly felt fine dense pain, like needle pricking. Lasting and uncontrollable. “Miss, blood backflow!” Until the kind reminder from the lady next to me. I realized belatedly and slowly raised the infusion tube that had flowed back halfway. Gaze unconsciously followed that dusty figure again. Pierce seemed to change posture again. Until the girl was tired of crying, quietly leaning on his abdomen. Two people seemed to have a natural barrier isolating surrounding noise. I took out my phone, unwilling to give up, dialed the number that was busy countless times again. He glanced at the caller ID on the screen. Finger hovered over the screen, brows slightly frowned. Suddenly, the girl in front moaned uncomfortably. Pierce subconsciously turned off the phone, stroking her head again. Large palm seemed able to wrap the girl’s entire head. Through the gap, the girl’s fair face imprinted into my eyes. I inappropriately remembered that night three months ago. Pierce seemed to come back very late, turning over disturbed half-asleep me. I smelled alcohol, moaned uncomfortably. That night he seemed to unload all restraint, usual calm and self-possessed appearance completely gone. I half squinted eyes, those hands with bulging veins relaxed and tightened, force heavy enough to embed into bone and blood. Pierce covered my mouth, calling in my ear voice after voice: “Violet.” Seeing this scene again today. I suddenly felt I was a joke. For nothing else. Only because this girl carefully cared for by Pierce. Is exactly the sister who ran away on the wedding day. Violet. Chapter 2 When four eyes met, there was a moment of silence. A moment later, she hooked her lips, raised hand to greet me: “Riley, why are you here?” I comically extended the other hand from pocket. Waved stiff hand, responding to her greeting. Movement in arms not small, finally alarmed Pierce who was focused on her. Pierce turned back, only then noticing me just a few steps away. He intended to walk towards me. But when moving steps, was pulled by Violet’s clothes. “Pierce, almost time for my injection.” Violet pouted unhappily, “Let Riley come over to talk.” Pierce glanced at me, “Infusion first.” I sighed, really didn’t know if meeting them was good luck or bad. Three years since Violet ran away from the wedding. Her sudden appearance, pain swept towards me like waves non-stop. I couldn’t ignore my heart. Hospital’s fluorescent lights too bright, making Pierce’s expression changes nowhere to hide. He put away the gentleness before Violet, put on that layer of distant shell again. “Why in hospital?” His words full of calmness, as if I was just an irrelevant passerby. No need to explain why appearing in hospital same time with wife’s sister. I thought about wording, about to answer. “Please number 18 patient Riley go to Gynecology Clinic waiting room.” Pager sound very loud. Not a rare thing for hospital. But two people in front cast gaze on me in unison. Violet recovered from stun first. She looked at Pierce, eye rims instantly red a big patch. Ignoring people around, raised volume. “Pierce, what meaning? You guys slept?” She broke free from Pierce’s arms excitedly, tears sliding down fair face. Pierce’s eyes instantly flashed a trace of heartache. He faced me, tone full of oppression. “That time I clearly let you take Plan B.” I turned head pressing nasal sourness dead, then said. “I had car accident, just doing…” Violet interrupted me, scolded Pierce recklessly. “When ran away I told you clearly, I didn’t want pure feelings between us destroyed by alliance, time will prove everything. What, just because I’m not by your side you can casually find someone?” Although Violet was trying to lower volume, intermittent crying sound still attracted crowd watching. “Violet, I can explain.” Pierce carefully held her hand, not letting her move randomly, just gaze looking at me carried displeasure. This look like a cold knife. Straight inserted into my chest. My soles seemed rooted, stunned on spot. I considered for a moment, carefully worded: “This is routine check, doctor required.” Just moment Pierce frowned. Originally quiet Violet walked straight towards me. Pierce didn’t stop. A slap, fell straight on my face. My face slapped askew. “You like your mother, just like snatching other people’s men right?” Chapter 3 Originally noisy hall became pin-drop silent because of this episode. When Violet’s second slap came. Pierce clamped her wrist in mid-air. Violet had a moment of stun. Unknown people gathered around watching fun. Even busybody mumbled to person beside: “Mistress taking over?” I glanced at Pierce, hoping he could say something. But moment touching gaze. He turned head away, letting surrounding gazes size me up non-stop. Pager sound came again in hall. Pierce patted my shoulder seemingly comforting, “You go first.” Violet bit lip dead, tears like broken beads. Then ran out. Pierce’s handsome brows transmitted vague irritability. Good upbringing made him walk to me, low voice: “Give me an explanation later.” Assistant saw two figures one after another leaving arrogantly, after long time said: “Madam, let’s go check first.” I hummed lightly. A tear quickly soaked along my lowered eyelashes. Until doctor’s few words, completely sobered me up, “You are pregnant, want it?” “If want need go Obstetric Department build file, if not can book surgery in two days.” “I see you married, fetal heart germ development quite good, if didn’t take any medicine, can keep.” When I came out. Xander outside door seemed heard few words, he asked: “Need I tell Mr. Sterling?” I pulled a bitter smile at corner of mouth, “No need, this child not expected by own father.” Just like me. Can’t live good days for three years then forget myself originally not phoenix. Chapter 4 Xander just went help me pay, Pierce came back. Somewhat unexpected. After all these three months I only received three messages from him. Two were asking me help handle company affairs. One more was: “You have bad stomach, eat meal then take emergency pill.” Look, yesterday still lived couple life seemingly intimately. Today can put on gentle mask handle rationally. I won’t be naive to think he cares why exactly I entered hospital. Pierce sat on empty seat aside, rubbing eyebrows lightly. “Why you came to hospital, is it…” He looked at my somewhat red swollen face, stopped words, subconsciously raised hand to touch. I turned slightly sideways, avoided tracelelessly, put report into bag. “Sister’s side, I will go explain. You don’t need worry.” He turned head looking at me, momentarily speechless. Then said: “Matter of me going abroad find Violet should told you earlier, just when back from airport she happened to have car accident, so anxious a bit, failed receive your call.” “Should be.” I looked up at drip bottle, sensibly took his words, “If I knew you guys would come to this hospital, I wouldn’t appear.” It was me having unrealistic delusion. Entering this marriage, Pierce told me all consequences. For father, I accepted this result. But in getting along process, his gentleness made me unclear of situation. Morning, temperature when hugging me from behind, made me want keep a place in his heart. Originally that night was an accident. Doctor’s sentence fetal heart germ development very good. Made me give birth to wishful thinking. I can adjust my emotions quickly. He should feel lucky. After all property divided very clearly, only feelings… Cut constantly reasoning still messy. “Violet wants everything back to original position,” Pierce didn’t know what hesitating, black eyes staring straight at me, “But you don’t need worry, I won’t…” “By the way help me book surgery time.” I picked up phone, pressed message not sent just now. Seeing Xander replied an OK gesture. I looked at him face as usual, carefully weighing tone, “That time was accident, I didn’t take it seriously.” Pierce’s brows tightened again. Two stared at each other half day speechless. But I seemed feel turbulent waves under sea level. Chapter 5 This terrifying atmosphere of surface calm reminded me of two years ago. Pierce unprecedentedly said bring me back to Family Estate visit in-laws. That was place I rarely set foot. Can go back together, I originally thought would be a recognition. After all I and Pierce only appear together in necessary public occasions. Privately, he always a gentle distant look to me. I suppressed joy in heart, even asked Pierce help reference. Floor mirror reflected his serious expression. He tilted head looked at dress on me, looked around, locked on a beige suit. Brought to me gesture. Strong chest across thin fabric, transmitted a ambiguous heat. Ear warm breath floating, “You white, this set more suitable.” After I changed clothes, took out a pearl necklace from jewelry cabinet. Looked up down, then pulled me to mirror. Clear voice came from overhead, “Very beautiful.” Almost moment voice landed, my heart skipped a beat for no reason. That time I thought. Did Pierce already forget Violet? Do I have some chance? At dinner table. Mother-in-law in front of father and Mrs. Shen (Violet’s mom), smiled asked me: “Riley, married in for a year why no good news yet?” I looked sideways at Pierce, found him elegantly eating small bites. Didn’t care about my chat with mother-in-law. Thinking of facing these words before, he always unhesitatingly blurted Violet is Mrs. Sterling. I instantly breathed sigh of relief, then said: “Recently Pierce discussing merger project bit busy, after busy these days we will…” A warmth covered thigh. I silenced. Just when I thought Pierce was signaling me not say these in front of Mrs. Shen. His words like basin of cold water poured on head. Pulled back me about to cross line. Pierce withdrew hand, gently wiped mouth with napkin, “Wait Violet back, everything will back to normal track, my child naturally born by her.” When he looked at me, tone extra light, “Am I right, Riley?” “I won’t cross line, you can rest assured.” Thoughts returned, I guaranteed repeatedly. Atmosphere stagnated again. “I have no other meaning.” Pierce irritably loosened tie, wanted open mouth explain. But interrupted by Xander coming over. “Madam, surgery time booked.” Pierce tilted head look me, black eyes sank, “What surgery?” Chapter 6 My hands unconsciously clenched tight. Back tight against chair, afraid reveal a trace flaw. “Doctor said I have uterine fibroids.” I looked back Xander, paused then said, “Small surgery, let Xander send me then is fine.” “You called Xander?” He frowned, “How long came company?” Xander somewhat uneasy, “It was you let me join in June, just when I joined you happened business trip.” “I just ask, don’t nervous.” Pierce restored usual gentle look again, he looked at me, “When I not here you helped me handle lot things.” “I thought you wouldn’t return company manage things.” His tone carried rare seriousness, “Didn’t expect doing things so orderly.” “Violet not necessarily as capable as you.” Although praise. But I heard few points ridicule. Heart like bitten by ants, dense pain wrapped me. “This Sunday is our third anniversary, have to go back Old Estate eat.” Pierce stood up, he patted my shoulder lightly, “You come yourself then, I wait you at door.” I stared at him silent for a while. His gentleman like this made me trance for a moment. But when Violet call came. I woke up. These three years, I relied ability gain a place in Sterling Group. Mother-in-law values me very much. Pierce needs my cooperation. Open way for Violet. I kept brainwashing myself. Divorce by agreement only bad not good for me. But I didn’t expect, accident still happened that eating day. Chapter 7 Waking up this morning, maid still only set breakfast for one. I knew Pierce slept at The Penthouse these days. That was his residence before marriage, very close to Sterling company. Sometimes work socialize late, he won’t come back. He busy, heart occupied very full. I put empty cup back on table, looked around. In empty house, only few months sweet memories. But more time, I and him more like polite distant strangers under same roof. I sat in car, replying work messages. Chat box suddenly popped a photo. Background is Penthouse top floor night view. Reason I familiar. Is because my and Pierce’s first time was there. That was second year after marriage. Pierce socialize drank too much, his then assistant called me, hope I pick him. Nearly minute silence, I said: “Inconvenient for me.” Until assistant voice again: “Madam, Pierce’s residence at Penthouse only you know password.” I froze moment. Only heard him say: “Mr. Sterling gave you a detailed profile of himself three months after marriage, didn’t you read?” I found that profile from study drawer, detailed wrote Pierce’s every aspect. Detailed matters. Things happened turn at that moment. My heart like wrapped by cotton, light. Supporting drunk Pierce to sofa was late night. He half squinted eyes, watched me busy front back. Just when I put honey water on table, ready leave. Pierce held my hand, scooped me into arms. Strong kiss, overwhelming fell. I couldn’t push him, barely said in interval of panting: “You drunk, I am Riley, not…” Pierce pressed me dead in arms. “I just drank too much, not unconscious.” “Taking care husband not should be?” His hand pinched soft flesh on my waist. “I and Violet already past tense.” “You are my legal wife.” Words finished, kiss fell again. This time, I didn’t hide. Hands hooked his neck. But such sweet days ended three months ago, in Violet’s one phone call. I suddenly felt nausea. Retched sound. Driver in front small voice remind: “Madam need stop a bit?” I shook head, opened window breathe. But on Old Estate lawn not far. Saw Pierce waiting there long ago. Behind stood large group reporters. I suddenly remembered. Today seems to be our third wedding anniversary.

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After being reclaimed by my billionaire parents, I gained a naive and romantic younger sister. She would show me photos of her fiancé and invite me to the mall to pick out a birthday gift for him. She knew I used to be a photographer and begged me to be her wedding photographer. She would also be distressed because her fiancé had a three-year-old daughter. She thought of me again, hugging my arm and begging: “Sister, you’ve given birth before, teach me how to get along with children.” But she led the child into the house, turned and went upstairs. I stood frozen in place, but the little girl hugged me. Looking up with her little face, tears in her eyes: “Mommy, you’re back… Why didn’t you come find me and Daddy?” Chapter 1 On my twenty-eighth birthday, I was cooking instant ramen in my rental apartment. A group of well-dressed people knocked on my door. The woman leading them reached out and gathered me into her arms. Emitting the scent of expensive perfume, tearfully said: “Child, I am Mom.” At that time I thought, which short drama crew got the wrong set. But looking up, saw the middle-aged man standing behind her. Brain reacted for a moment. I’ve seen this person, in the newspaper, a quite famous entrepreneur. He also looked like he wanted to cry but couldn’t. More exaggerated was behind him. A dressed up bright young girl, holding a tissue不知在眼尾沾什么 (dabbing something at the corner of her eye – maybe “wiping away nonexistent tears”?), sobbing: “Sister, you suffered, come home with us.” I thought about it. Just lost my job, for the sake of that face that was on the newspaper, going with them is also okay. After a short rest. They took me from a small town in Ohio, to a paper drunk gold mesmerizing metropolis like New York City. Mr. Dad had the steady characteristic of old-school entrepreneurs, not speaking unless necessary. Ms. Mom was still imagining how much bitterness I ate these years, only tearing up not speaking. Only Miss Sister, twittering like a lively little sparrow. “Sister, you’ve never been to this city before right? Here has many rare goods you haven’t seen or eaten…” I smiled: “Been here.” Chapter 2 Tiffany’s smile on her face stiffened: “Sister… when did you come ah?” I looked out the car window: “Years ago matter, was young then, dated a local boyfriend.” “Then why broke up ne?” “Not suitable.” “Didn’t think about getting back together ma?” I turned my head, saw Tiffany’s face full of concern, wanted to laugh a bit: “Breakup was quite ugly.” Tiffany secretly breathed a sigh of relief, comforted me: “Good men are plenty, sister don’t be sad for him.” I smiled. Indeed nothing to be sad about. After all, the one let down, wasn’t me. Mentioning this topic, Tiffany changed conversation direction, shyly said: “Sister, some time ago parents talked a partner for me, the only son of Sterling Pharmaceuticals.” Saying, she took out her phone, clicked open a photo: “Parents both say he’s young and promising, but I feel he… looks too handsome haha, always feel a bit unsteady, sister has experience right? Help me see, how is this person?” A distant voice carrying familiar words, emerged in my mind. [Audrey, what do you think of me? Can I… be your boyfriend?] The picture is blurry, I actually still remember. “Sister? What’s wrong with you?” I returned to senses, moved eyes away from photo, pulled lips: “He… looks very good, steady, reliable.” Tiffany smiled up: “Really ma? You all say good then definitely good! “Right sister, his name is Ethan Sterling.” Ethan Sterling. I silently recited these two words once, lowered eyes and pulled lips. Hope he, doesn’t hate the house and its crow. Chapter 3 Before sleeping at night, my mom knocked on my door. Simply talked a few sentences about that year’s matter. “Audrey ah, that year’s matter, Tiffany was also innocent, she after all was also watched growing up by me and your dad, look… just treat as added a sister, okay?” I hooked my lips: “Of course okay ah, sister is very cute.” My mom’s face softened, holding my hand said: “Tiffany was spoiled by us since childhood, personality a bit… willful, you bear more.” I smiled and nodded: “Will do.” Next day, I got my period didn’t want to move. Tiffany face innocent brought period pain medicine, let me eat and accompany her shopping. Arrived at mall, she held my arm, worriedly said: “Sister, Ethan brother’s birthday is coming soon, what do you say I send him good ne?” “He will like whatever you send.” I casually said. Tiffany smiled charmingly, took me into a high luxury men’s wear counter. Picked for half day picked a haze blue shirt, guide asked her what size to take, she was in trouble. Guide patiently said: “Then convenient to ask your husband’s height and weight ma?” Tiffany seemed pleased by those three words, smiled: “His figure is very good, height about 6’1″… no… 6’2″, aiya I’m not sure, anyway he’s very tall!” Guide looked at Tiffany gesturing, smiled a bit awkwardly. “Take size L ba.” I suddenly spoke. Tiffany looked towards me, bottom of eyes flashed a trace of displeasure. I pulled my lips: “I sold clothes before, didn’t you show me his photo that day ma? His shoulders are relatively wide, should need to wear this size.” Tiffany could smile happily again. “Original sister sold clothes before ne, really amazing.” I was lazy to answer, smiled once count. Chapter 4 Tiffany still wanted to choose a tie. She also didn’t want guide following, picked a few let me hold, she wanted to take a photo. “Sister, you say which one he will like ne? How about I buy all ba?” I narrowed eyes smiled once, hadn’t started perfunctory, Tiffany’s phone rang. Heard her suddenly soften voice, that side should be Ethan. “What’s wrong, brother? Did you see the photo I sent ma?” That side paused: “I’m not much older than you, you call my name is fine.” “Oh, okay ba,” Tiffany a bit disappointed said, “People choosing tie for you ne, which one you like ya?” Ethan didn’t answer but asked: “Who are you with?” “What’s wrong?” “Who is the person cooperating with you to take photo?” Ethan asked again with serious tone. Tiffany looked back at me once, frowned whispered嘟囔 (mumbled): “It’s… my sister ah.” “Biological sister?” “En, parents just brought home two days ago.” Phone that side silent for two seconds. Ethan tone recovered calm: “No need to buy tie for me, I still have things, hang up first.” Tiffany hung up phone walked in front of me, pulled face complained: “Ethan is unhappy, not buying.” I followed her gaze, looked at my own hands. Skinny bony, ordinary to cannot be more ordinary. I don’t think anyone can recognize another person by relying on a pair of hands. But fact is. Because of these hands, Ethan got angry. Chapter 5 Stayed home for a few days, I couldn’t stay idle, wanted to go out find something to do. Tiffany half-jokingly said: “Sister ah, how are you a toil life ne?” I fake smiled at her once, carrying camera bag went out. The day of SATs, parents who raised me locked me at home not letting me go take exam. In order to let me marry early. I smashed window escaped out, still missed one subject. Finally only went to an ordinary undergraduate college. University graduation, grandmother used her lifelong savings, bought me this camera. Said let me go fulfill dream. What dream can talk about, feed myself first then say. I carried this camera bearing hope, alone came to this city. Just started shooting portraits, whole day not crawling on ground, is editing pictures. Slowly, started taking some wedding following shots. Then later, was led by Jessica sister into commercial photography. First commercial shoot I took, was shooting profile photos for a company’s senior executives. Big shots all particular about efficiency, very quickly shot finished. Just preparing to pack things, studio came in a young man in suits and leather shoes. He lightly hooked corner of lips nodded slightly to me, walked straight to shooting position. I momentarily didn’t move, because he looked not like certain CEO, instead very like male star. But he was too calm and composed. Not like rubbing shoot (mooching a photoshoot). So I lifted camera again. Shot girl portraits too much, I looked at viewfinder, blurted out a sentence: “Baby head tilt left a bit.” Finished saying only realized, standing before lens, is an 8-foot tall big man. I embarrassed, but pretended nothing happened. But just at the moment I pressed shutter, handsome guy lips corner raised a too obvious smile. This is no good. I spoke to remind again: “Ba… Sir, smile is okay.” Shooting ended. I habitually flipped through photos. Thin soled leather shoes lightly stepping ground quietly approached. I looked up, crashed into a pair of deep smiling eyes. “My name is Ethan Sterling, can add your contact information ma?”

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At 29, my seven-year marriage with Caleb Sterling finally shattered. On the way to divorce, I cried and cursed him: “I’ve been with you since I was 17, and now you cheat?! Caleb, are you cheap?” He sneered: “Aren’t you cheap? Sleeping with a man at seventeen.” I trembled all over, next second, a big truck rushed straight at us! When I woke up again, I found myself back in the rental apartment I lived in at 17. That rental apartment I dropped out of school to live in with Caleb. Chapter 1 Dust floated in the sunlight. Surroundings cramped and narrow, with a unique moldy smell. The full-size bed was covered with a teddy bear sheet bought from the wholesale market, washed white. I froze for a while, touching my face in the mirror. I actually went back to 17. Strange, obviously didn’t feel bitter before. Looking back now, curious how I persisted those years. Caleb lost both parents since childhood, grew up with grandma. After grandma left, he grew up roaring like wild grass alone. But he could fight, bold, soon became the famous bad boy in our district. My parents are both university professors. Although family not very rich, but considered well-off. Parents planned a stable and proper life for me long ago. Logically, Caleb and I shouldn’t have any intersection. Until once I went home, passed by him fighting with a group of hooligans. I still remember the boy lying in the snow frowning eyes closed panting heavily, only wearing a black hoodie, blood spots under body. I should have left immediately pretending not seeing, but seeing his school uniform pants realizing we were schoolmates, I softened. Called 911, hesitated a moment, squatted beside him, took off my white down jacket covering him. “Hey… are you okay?” Fair-skinned boy lifted eyelids looked at me. “You not afraid?” I whispered: “I am also from High School No. 3, we are schoolmates.” Paused, I gathered courage: “Fighting is wrong, don’t fight anymore.” He pulled corner of mouth, sneered, then moved fingers. I thought he would throw my clothes away, didn’t expect he closed eyes soon, didn’t move or speak again. That day I squatted like this helping him block snow, until ambulance came, and paid $280 ambulance fee for him. This matter passed quickly. Just when I almost forgot that day, Caleb came to class looking for me. Amidst exclamations, he ignored all teachers and classmates, strode to me, put $300 on my desk, raised eyebrow: “Money from that day, return you.” “Also, thanks.” After he left, good friends reminded me one after another: “How do you know Caleb? He mixes with society, heard watches scene in night club, my brother said he chopped people, be careful!” Also girls excitedly leaned over: “You know Caleb? He so handsome, can you introduce us?!” I was confused until school over. On way home suddenly stopped by a roaring motorcycle. I was startled. Black helmet taken off by a pair of slender hands, revealing boy’s beautiful phoenix eyes. Caleb showed me a cynical smile: “Hey, good student, get on.” “Take you to play.” Behind him followed a group of brothers, showing meaningful smiles one after another. “Brother Caleb, this one too good, boring.” “Yeah, vocational school flower is exciting, that small leather skirt, small butt twisting!” I was scared bad, dared not speak, lowered head quickly bypassed him trotting away. Behind came group laughter. … At that time, I really annoyed Caleb, felt he was a hooligan, not same way with me. But he kept coming to find me endlessly, every day after school followed me sending me home. Until once I on duty went back late, met a drunk man harassing me in alley, Caleb suddenly came out smashed a fist on that man’s face, coldly said: “Roll.” I soul not settled, he took off jacket on body wrapped me: “Don’t fear, I’m here.” That night he sent me home all way, until I went upstairs looked back. Under street lamp, Caleb stood there looking at me all along. Chapter 2 Teenagers’ feelings come faster and hotter than midsummer rain. Caleb and I naturally fell in love, also naturally discovered puppy love by teacher called parents. Always loving parents furious, forced me kneel on ground break up with him, locked me at home not letting out. But I loved Caleb. First seventeen years of life, parents always strict with me. Still remember once I scored 98, happily took paper home. Waiting for me not praise, but questioning why that 2 points lost where, and punishment kneeling. These years I walked step by step under parents’ high pressure, being a so-called good girl. Caleb was someone never appeared in my world, broke my life’s shell, pulled me out, saw this bizarre and colorful world. He took me skipping class, taught me mixing drinks in midnight bar, laughed at me when I coughed face red, then bought me hot milk. I don’t know if I loved him, or loved that never experienced world. Anyway, to be with Caleb, I jumped from second floor window, ran away with Caleb. I still remember him waiting for me at train station, seeing me hugged me into arms. Boy’s heartbeat deafening, he asked me: “Nora, are you afraid?” I loud voice: “I not afraid!” “Good, then I take you go, relax, later I definitely treat you well!” … Caleb indeed as he said, treated me very well. We no money, could only live in cheapest rental apartment, dripping water into ice winter, even rats in room froze shivering. Caleb would give me last egg in instant noodles, then put my cold feet on his stomach warming. Young, love drinks water full, really not afraid of bitterness. Bitter days passed few years, Caleb still capable, he partnered with people earned first pot of gold, then founded our company. He very smart, also very hardworking, worked no day no night. I heartached him, desperately learned, from beginning ignorant know nothing to later ease handling every business, effort finally had result, few years made company big. We moved from rental to apartment, then from big flat to mid-level detached villa. When proposing, he gave me grandest wedding, fireworks half city could see. Successful so many years, friends around him had mistresses, only he always guarded me, phone let me check, daily video calls constant, off work inseparable with me. That time, I really thought, we would grow old together like this. Until 28 years old, I found he cheated with fresh graduate intern Sophie in his company. We started quarreling, big quarrel, things at home smashed changed, changed smashed. I cried, angry, finally only numbness left. Lovers once willing give life for each other, finally actually turned enemies, said most hurtful words. I closed dry eyes, opened again. In photo on bedside, eighteen year old Caleb hugging seventeen year old Nora, smiling brilliantly to camera. Chapter 3 I sat dazed, door pushed open. Eighteen year old Caleb looked at me, eyes familiar stranger. Sharing bed so many years, we just need one look know, each other came back. In room once full of sweetness, we two awkward and unfamiliar, also carrying resentment. “Sorry,” Caleb spoke first, “Just now I spoke without thinking, I was also anxious, shouldn’t say that.” I looked at him, suddenly felt want to laugh. Seventeen years old in this small rental, we two froze hugging sleep together, he sandwiched my feet warming while red eyes: “Wifey, is me useless, let you suffer.” “Relax, I absolutely won’t fail you, I definitely love you forever.” That time I really believed. Just didn’t expect, forever actually so short. Just short thirteen years later, he pointed my nose scolded: “Aren’t you cheap, sleeping with man at seventeen.” In small room, we sat each side, no one spoke. “You—” Caleb opened mouth, interrupted by urgent knocking. I went open door, but pupils shrank fiercely when seeing person outside! Outside my mom dusty, once carefully cared curly hair already frizzy deformed, she who makeup daily now skin sallow, bottom of eyes red, grabbed me: “Go, go with me!” I stunned, memory flooded like tide! Yes, previous life mom also like this, she didn’t know how found out me and Caleb’s residence, came thousand miles take me home. I refused go home dead or alive, said I love Caleb, I want be with him. Mom crying gave me a slap: “I raised you for nothing so many years, could it be for a man, you don’t even want parents!” What did I say then? Don’t remember. Only remember mom finally disappointed look, choked said: “Later, I treat you dead, treat as never gave birth to you this daughter, you also don’t have me this mom!” After that, me and parents never met again. Until Caleb startup successful, we took things want go back ease relationship, but things thrown out by parents. Kinship cut by my own hands, became eternal pain in my heart. Mom voice difficult: “You go back with me now, I treat this matter never happened, we family of three live well——or else, you just treat I never gave birth to you, you also don’t have me this mom…” She still talking, I heard nothing clearly, just looking at mom’s familiar strange face, eyes sore blurry. How long? How long haven’t seen such mom? Mom still talking, I reached out held her, soft voice: “Okay, mom, I go back with you.” “You not go back just treat I raised you for nothing so many years——what?” Mom stopped abruptly, eyes wide. “I said, I go back with you.” I left so decisively back then, mom obviously didn’t expect I would agree so readily now. Caleb sitting aside turned head fiercely! Mom saw him, expression sank, but still kept basic politeness. “Little Jiang ah, you don’t blame auntie insist separating you, look at place you live, what can you give Nora?” “My Nora since small not say thousand pampers hundred loves, me and her dad also give whatever want, if not you, she lifetime no need suffer this sin.” “She can’t persist, by then you sooner or later break up, early separate good, you don’t delay each other.” Saying mom whole body relaxed, even things didn’t want, pulling me want go. I pulled corner of mouth. Mom not wrong, if not Caleb, actually I lifetime no need suffer this sin. But she also wrong, because previous life, I really persisted. Person who couldn’t persist, was Caleb. Peripheral vision swept mirror, Caleb face inch by inch pale. Don’t know if because mom said those words, or because I want go. Together these years no matter how bitter, I never thought leaving him, even final divorce was forced by him. He probably didn’t expect, I would also leave. I wanted say something goodbye, thought, again said nothing. What to say? Should say, shouldn’t say, good bad, said all in previous life. I closed door left. Chapter 4 Dad also didn’t expect I would come back with mom so obediently. He originally wanted hit me, raised palm then own eyes red first, long sigh put down hand: “Good back, good back, later be good at home.” “Me and your mom… not force you.” That night, mom cooked many dishes, she seemed want say many words, but finally just put ribs into my bowl: “Suffered outside this period right, eat more.” … This night, half dream half awake, I returned to previous life. In dream still that office, I pushed door in, saw Sophie sitting on Caleb’s leg. For a time sky spin earth turn, I stunned on spot, forgot anger. More uncomfortable was, that girl startled looked up, eyebrows clearly similar to once me few points, innocent romantic, know nothing of world. Previous me also like that, but startup with Caleb so many years, innocence in eyes long disappeared completely. Caleb first guilty apologize, promise compensate me, but being betrayed not forgive him once, but every time think of this matter have to forgive him. Soon his guilt consumed completely, then endless quarrel. I fired Sophie, he hired her back as personal secretary, also bought a villa outside for her, not go home whole night. Love accumulated thirteen years, in nights crying to ceiling one by one, in countless verbal abuse completely consumed. Rare couple is young, actually can walk to day wishing other die. Woke up sky still dark, alarm clock on bedside table emit faint blue light. 2:53. I got up walked to window once jumped down run away with Caleb, moonlight like water, lit up night color. Past floating, I couldn’t help think, was I really like Caleb then? Or liked freedom he brought, borrowing like him escape parents control. But these all indifferent. Previous life rebellious not sensible, I already paid price. Luckily heaven pity see, I actually have chance rebirth. Meeting Caleb was an accident, this life, I won’t derail again. Chapter 5 I went back to school. Luckily I good grades before, although fell some in this half year course, but impact not too big, I still returned to previous class. Parents only said I sick home rest, occasionally some rumors, also passed quickly. I recovered previous calm life. Caleb also didn’t appear for long time. I accidentally remembered, previous life this time he had serious illness. Caleb looks body good, muscles beautiful solid, but actually foundation not good. He grew up with grandma since small, after grandma left fed himself, such small child eat bite here there, full hard, let alone nutrition balanced. Previous life this time he sick very serious, many times even coughed blood, was me always inseparable care him finally recovered. After that I always thought ways maintain his body, daily change pattern cook guarantee nutrition. Raised like this several years, Caleb body conditioned by me. This time without me, can he survive? My heart somewhat not taste, again forced myself cruel heart when thinking of sentence he scolded. I wholehearted to him, but in people eyes just cheap, rushing up for what? I owe him nothing. This life, we just well separately. Just when I thought part ways with Caleb like this, didn’t expect after month, he actually appeared. School over way home, walking classmate suddenly small voice exclaimed: “Look that man so handsome—hey isn’t that Caleb? He seemed suspended before, why back again?” She poking me giggling: “Heard you dated, is he come find you?” I expressionless: “Not dated, don’t talk nonsense.” Friend “Che” once: “I thought you really dated such top quality, heard girls liking him queued to No. 4 High School, No. 4 High School flower cried shouted want be with him before.” “Irrelevant to me.” I looked straight forward walked. I don’t think Caleb come find me. Just like I completely no feeling for him, his sense for me probably not good either. I once hated him heart dripping blood, I used most vicious language curse him, even compensate own lifetime unwilling divorce fulfill him. That year we every meeting ended in quarrel, he almost daily lived at Sophie side. Finally I tired, heart died, although divorce proposed by me, but I also could see he sighed relief, he even generously gave me 10% shares as so-called compensation. Why would Caleb come find me? We probably people most not want see each other in this world. But didn’t expect, Caleb actually really walked straight towards me. Close look, I found he thinner a lot, face still carried pallor and haggardness of recovering from serious illness. He said to my friend: “Sorry, I have something want find Nora.” Friend winked at me smiled: “I know I know, then I go first, see you tomorrow!” I frowned: “You find me what matter?” Could it be want divide clear previous life startup project? Then I won’t let to him. I already thought, after SAT start own business, with previous life experience, think this time should be much easier. Out of my expectation, Caleb actually not say these. He lowered eyes look me, paused: “…Sorry.” I faint said: “I not accept your apology, anything else? Nothing I go.” Those hurts not simple sentence sorry can wipe, I also no qualification forgive him for previous life me. “Let’s talk Nora,” Caleb rubbed hair, appeared somewhat irritable, “Me and Sophie really not what you think—” “Not that?” I couldn’t help laugh, “Could it be you daily cover quilt pure chat, discuss company development?” “You don’t like this, actually I to Sophie just temporary freshness, I didn’t want divorce you. “Together so many years I of course know marriage most important, I also told her I impossible divorce you, finally agreed you I was also angry anxious—” “Irrelevant to me.” I interrupted him, “Caleb, later we bridge return bridge, road return road, don’t come find me.” Caleb face changed, moment later suddenly hooked mouth corner. “Fine Nora, isn’t it breakup, make like I will pester you.” He restored previous life hanging around, “Then like this we good gather good scatter, wish you happiness later.” “Will, because this life I won’t be with you again.” Caleb mouth corner smile somewhat can’t maintain. I turned leave. Until turning corner, peripheral vision swept. He still stood there. Can’t see expression.

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My engineer husband recently designed a new game. The entire interface has no levels, no payments, just a chat box with a female NPC. [Baby, you were so wild in bed today, I almost couldn’t handle it~] [Me or your wife, who do you love more?] [Baby, coming to play with me today?] Suspicious, I clicked open the chat box with the female NPC. Didn’t expect the next second she popped up a message. [Baby, how long do we have to hide in this game way?] Chapter 1 I looked at this simple game called “Virtual Lover”. Turns out my husband Justin worked overtime for three months just for this “top masterpiece”. I loved him for ten years, watched him become a game designer, from nameless to famous now. I thought I knew everything about him. Until now. I clicked that only dialog box, the female NPC’s message jumped out impatiently. [Baby, how long do we have to hide in this game way?] [Yesterday you said you would divorce that old woman today, why haven’t you acted yet?] [Didn’t you say, you had enough of her dead fish look long ago?] I pinched my fingers hard, sent a message to that NPC. [Baby, wait a bit longer.] Almost instantly, the other side replied. [So annoying! Justin, can you do it or not?] [Who was the one begging me, saying as long as I nod, you would divorce her immediately?] [Now I waited for you for three months, you are still dragging!] [Today 5 PM, meet at Union Square.] [If you can’t bring out the divorce agreement, I’ll tell your wife about us, and you embezzling company’s 20 million to invest in ‘Project Starlight’!] I looked at the threat on the screen, cold all over. “Project Starlight” was the project I strongly advised him to give up, bound to lose. He not only didn’t listen, but also embezzled public funds behind my back. I took a deep breath, dialed Justin’s phone. Phone rang for a long time before being picked up, background noise chaotic, accompanied by a charming female voice. “What’s wrong wifey? I’m in a meeting.” His voice was gentle as always, but revealed a trace of impatience. I gripped the phone, a cold sneer on my lips couldn’t be suppressed. “Nothing, I came to see the progress of the new game you designed, called ‘Virtual Lover’ right?” “Looks like it’s done pretty well.” The other end of the phone instantly quieted down, that female voice even silent as a cicada in winter. A few seconds later, Justin’s panicked voice came. “That’s a test demo I made for a friend, offline long ago.” “Are you too tired from overtime baby? Don’t think nonsense.” “Miss me? I’ll go back to accompany you well tonight.” He started changing the topic lightly, tone was consistent doting. “Oh? Is it?” “I thought, that ‘dead fish look old woman’ mentioned inside was me.” His breath hitched. Immediately came his lowered voice command on the other end, like saying to person beside “You go out first!” He explained to me with incomparably gentle voice. “Wifey, that’s all misunderstanding!” “That’s programmers writing test scripts, AI randomly generated dialogue!” “How I treated you these years, aren’t you clear?” “Wifey, believe me, I’m coming home right now, we clear things up face to face!” “No need.” I said lightly, “I’ll wait for you at Union Square at 5 PM.” I hung up directly. Yes, just because he treated me too well these years. I would always firmly believe we would love each other forever. I screenshotted all chat records of the game, one by one. Less than half an hour, Justin rushed in. Forehead full of cold sweat, came to grab my hand entering door, dodged sideways by me. “Sarah, listen to me, things aren’t what you think!” Face written full of anxiety and panic, eyes besides nervousness, also a trace of impatience. “That’s just a test!” “Other programmers fed some cheating corpus to that female NPC, that’s why she said such things!” “I love you, Sarah, how could I betray you!” He hugged me hard, chin against my shoulder. “It’s my fault, I didn’t watch subordinates well, let this kind of thing dirty your eyes.” “Sarah, don’t be angry, okay? I swear, never again!” His handsome face full of self-blame, as if I pursue further, I’m an unreasonable lunatic. I looked deeply into his eyes, finally sighed lightly helplessly, nodded. “I knew Sarah loves me most!” He breathed a sigh of relief, bending down to take off shoes. From his open suit collar, I saw a clear hickey with teeth marks under his collarbone. That kind of bright lipstick shade. I never used. Chapter 2 Justin thought he had coaxed me well. Whole afternoon, he stayed by my side inseparable. Peeling fruits for me, telling jokes, even digging out our college photo album, recalling past one by one. “Sarah, remember this one? We tutoring under cherry blossom tree at school, you said I looked handsome coding, said I was future game god.” “And this one, first time I won design award, prize money only five thousand, all bought you your favorite cake.” He immersed in his own performance, deep affection in words almost drowning people. And I, just cooperated quietly, tears poured back into heart. My heart was ice cold, but face had to squeeze out a smile. He tried every way to make me forgive him completely. So he can find a way to go to the 5 PM date. Seeing almost five, Justin getting more impatient, frequency of checking watch higher. I understandingly pretended tired. “Justin, I’m a bit tired, want to sleep a while.” He immediately nervous. “Wifey still uncomfortable? Shall I accompany you a bit more?” I shook head, ignored him. He hesitated, finally picked up jacket. “Then you rest well, I go back to company, what to eat for dinner? I bring back for you.” He leaned over, printed a cold kiss on my forehead, then left quietly. Moment door closed, I opened eyes immediately, no trace of sleepiness in eyes. I changed into most inconspicuous clothes, wore hat and mask, arrived at Union Square twenty minutes earlier than him. People coming and going around square fountain, I found a hidden cafe corner. View can see every movement by fountain without obstruction. 4:55, Justin’s figure appeared at square edge. He seemed somewhat anxious, constantly checking watch, pacing back and forth by fountain. 5:00 sharp, a young girl wearing white dress, long hair fluttering appeared in my vision. She looked just early twenties, pure and weak, face carrying grievance and uneasiness. I’ve seen her, when I went to Justin’s company to deliver food, she was the new intern in their department. Justin introduced smilingly then. “This is Rachel, a very spirited little girl.” Thinking now, that smile was full of deep meaning. Rachel saw Justin, eye rims red immediately. She trotted over, but stopped two steps away from him, look of suffering huge grievance. “Justin brother…” Justin immediately stepped forward, wanted to hold her hand, but dodged by her. Rachel with crying tone. “Did your wife discover something again?” “No! Rachel believe me, I already handled that stupid woman!” Justin explained urgently. My hand holding coffee cup shook violently, hot liquid spilled on back of hand, but I felt no pain. Turns out in his heart, me who loved him ten years, is just a “stupid woman”. “Then divorce agreement?” Rachel relentless. “You said you would give me today! When exactly can you divorce her?” “Soon, soon baby, give me a little more time!” Justin lowered posture, coaxing softly. “How long do I have to wait?!” Rachel voice became sharp. “Child in my belly can’t wait!” “One more month will show! I don’t want my child born as a bastard with no dad!” My brain buzzed, like hit hard by heavy hammer. Hand under table pinched own thigh hard, using pain to maintain last trace of sobriety. Justin obviously also stunned by this news. He froze on spot, reacted after long time. “Rachel… you said is true? You pregnant?” He grabbed Rachel’s shoulder, excited incoherent. “Great! I finally going to be a dad!” He hugged Rachel tightly into arms. “Don’t worry! Rachel, I swear! I propose divorce to her next week! No! Tomorrow! I showdown with her tomorrow!” “Her old face, I got tired of looking at it these years, should have let her get out long ago!” “After divorce, I marry you immediately!” “I want to make you the happiest ‘Mrs. Ji’ in the world!” Separated by glass window, I looked coldly at the couple hugging tightly by the fountain. They bathed in golden sunset, like a pair of lovers breaking through worldly obstacles, planning their beautiful future. And I, am the obstacle in their future that must be cleared, the “old woman” who can’t give birth. I took out phone, recorded all this, clearly. Chapter 3 Following days, Justin was considerate to me to the extreme. He didn’t mention that game anymore, as if that thing never happened. He came home on time every day, cooked for me personally. Even suddenly researched various tonic recipes. “Sarah, we should also have a child.” He hugged me from behind, warm breath sprayed on my ear. “Look, we have everything, just missing a child to be perfect.” I leaned in his arms, heart cold to bone marrow. I looked at my pale face in mirror, asked him. “Justin, do you like children very much?” “Of course!” “Didn’t we agree, have two after marriage, a son a daughter, make a ‘good’ word.” His acting was perfect, no flaw. If I didn’t hear his conversation with Rachel personally, I probably would really soften. I closed eyes, suppressed all hatred and nausea, nodded obediently. “Okay, then we try hard.” He got the answer he wanted, satisfied kissed my side face. And handed over a bowl of tonic soup. I excused feeling unwell, pushed him away. A trace of impatience flashed in his eyes, pretended aggrieved. “I stewed for three hours, if you don’t drink I can only give to colleagues.” “I’m too tired, no appetite today.” He didn’t force anymore, just instructed me rest well. Really carried thermos bucket to company. Thinking of him stewing soup for Rachel in my name, and acting pitiful in front of me. I disgusted enough to vomit overnight meal. Confirmed he went far, I quietly opened his computer. His computer no password, this is proof of “trust” between us once. But he forgot, when chasing me back then, taught me many methods to make hidden files. At that time he held his everything with a sincere heart to me. I also remembered all. Soon, in a hidden folder, I found all materials of “Project Starlight”. In beautifully packaged investment plan, project prospect described extravagantly. Claimed to be next era’s wind outlet, 100% return rate, profit hundreds times of other similar projects. But as long as knowing some industry rules and financial models, can see inside full of loopholes and unrealizable empty checks. This is a thorough Ponzi Scheme. Justin ran company so many years, even if not understanding finance well, should see loopholes in this project. But he like possessed, insisted investing this project. He was confused by this low-level trick, even didn’t hesitate embezzling 20 million public funds to gamble. I copied all contracts, transfer records, and chat records between him and project leader. Done all this, I received call from best friend Natalie. She is a lawyer specializing in divorce disputes, didn’t agree me being with Justin back then. So after I dated Justin, contact with her became less, Justin didn’t know her either. Now I have no way out, just tried asking her. She immediately expressed providing all help, let me rest assured. Also swore to make Justin this scum leave with nothing. “Sarah, all materials found I packed sent to you.” “Heard he prepares action this weekend… are you okay?” I looked at chat records between him and Rachel. Justin: [I only wanted Sarah’s money from beginning, she forced me marry her.] Rachel: “Then you married so long why still no child… who can’t?” Justin: “Must be she messed around when young, now can’t birth, lack virtue.” Justin: “Do I have problem, aren’t you clear?” I looked at chat records one by one, tears flowed till numb. “I’m fine.” Hung up phone, I was cold all over, mind surprisingly calm. Weekend, is Justin’s game company annual meeting and awards ceremony. As company’s Lead Game Developer, he relying on a hit game this year, without suspense became focus of whole venue. He held my hand tightly, in front of all colleagues and leaders, playing loving couple. “Wifey, after tonight, our life will turn a new page.” He whispered in my ear, eyes flashing a light I couldn’t understand. I smiled, didn’t speak. Yes, new page. Just, it’s prologue of your hell. Chapter 4 Banquet halfway, arrived most exciting award segment. Justin without accident won “Annual Best Game Designer” award. He stood under spotlight, holding golden trophy, face uncontrollable pride and arrogance. Cheers and applause in venue endless. He enjoyed this moment of attention, then, he took microphone, gaze swept venue, finally, fixed on me. “I first want thank company, thank my team, more want thank my most loved person——” All cameras and gazes in venue, instantly focused on me. “Ms. Rachel.” Camera turned to Rachel covering mouth in surprise. Whole venue uproar! Justin stared at me, wanting find a trace of shock and disappointment on my face. “Today, I also want to announce a difficult decision here.” His eyes, finally moved away from my face, became strange and decisive. “I, Justin, will divorce Ms. Sarah by agreement.” Guests whispered, couldn’t believe ears. “What? Divorce?” “Joking? Announce divorce at awards ceremony? Is Justin crazy?” “Aren’t they famous model couple in circle? What’s going on?” Main table’s biggest shareholder Mr. Sterling, face sank instantly, he knocked table, shouted low. “Justin! What nonsense! Come down quick!” Justin like didn’t hear. “I’m not making nonsense.” “To Sarah, I already benevolent and righteous to end.” “These years, I always wholehearted to her.” “But she only perfunctory to me.” “We married so many years, she didn’t even give me a child!” “I can only live hard relying on past memories.” “Until I met a girl who truly understands loving me, willing to put family first.” “And, she is already pregnant with my child, I must be responsible for her, give her a title.” He took deep breath, turned, towards some direction off stage, extended hand. “Rachel, come up.” In dead silence, Rachel wearing white gauze dress, looking pitiful, face hanging happy and shy tears. She walked onto attention stage step by step, hugged into arms by Justin, declaring sovereignty. Justin lowered head, lovingly kissed away teardrop at corner of her eye, comforted softly. “Sorry, baby, let you suffer grievance.” Then, he looked up, looking at me with a high-above, victor posture. “Sarah, for sake of our ten years couple affection.” “You leave decently now, we can still keep last face.” “I will give you a compensation, enough for you to live peacefully rest of life.” “But if you insist making uncontrollable mess, finally losing face, only be yourself.” He calculated everything clearly. In such occasion, using such cruel way, nail me on “infertile”, “boring”, “occupying position” shame pillar. He wants let everyone know, is me, Sarah, unworthy of him, delayed him. And him, just an innocent victim pursuing true love, longing for family. I looked at that pair of hypocritical dog couple on stage, looking at sympathy, disdain, watching show gazes from crowd off stage. I smiled, took another microphone from host. All cameras and gazes focused on me again. Justin face sank, eyes full of warning. “Sarah, what else you want do? Still think not ugly enough?!” Rachel hid in his arms, trembling all over, used a tone kind and innocent like white flower said. “Sister Sarah, I know you feel bad inside… but feelings really can’t be forced.” “Since not love anymore, beg you let go fulfill us!” “You unwilling give brother Justin a child, still not allow me give?” She acted sincere, pity me see, as if I say one more word, is vicious original wife bullying kind mistress. I looked at her, smiled, voice not loud, but through speaker clearly spread whole venue. “Miss Rachel, don’t rush call sister.” “From legal level, I, Sarah, now still Justin’s legal wife.” “No matter how high-sounding you say, you are always a mistress hooking up with Justin!” “And child in your belly, can only be an illegitimate child cannot see light.” Rachel face instantly faded all blood color, crumbling. Justin eyes窜起 a burst of rage fire, he stepped forward, trying snatch my microphone. I stepped back, dodged him. “Justin, you just said, I am not a qualified wife? Said I can’t give family and child you want?” “Yes!” Justin gritted back teeth said, “Which man doesn’t hope home have hot meal eat! Doesn’t want own bloodline!” “You can’t give me, naturally others can give! What else you unconvinced!” “Well said.” I nodded, then turned, looked at that huge LED screen behind him. There, originally scrolling his winning game trailer. I pressed remote in pocket.

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I was born a liar, that’s the label my mother gave me. Just because my mother, who firmly believed in scientific parenting, put Truth Bracelets on me and my twin sister since we were born. As long as we lie, the bracelet will light up red, and mom will press the remote control to release electric current as punishment. My sister’s bracelet is always green, even if she cut mom’s dress and said the cat did it, the bracelet would only gently flash green light. But me, even if I just shout “Mom, I’m hungry”, the bracelet will instantly explode with red light, followed by heart-drilling electric shock. At first I would defend myself, but mom said: “Machines don’t lie, you will only remember when it hurts. Mom is doing this for your own good.” After thousands of electric shocks, I also thought I was born a liar. On New Year’s Eve, mom prepared to take sister to see the fireworks. Severe abdominal pain hit me, I curled up on the floor asking for help: “Mom, my stomach hurts so much, save me.” But the bracelet flashed red crazily. Mom looked down at me sweating coldly, turned the current to the maximum level: “To want to go see New Year’s Eve fireworks with us, you actually fake illness? Really incorrigible!” She turned and took sister out, slamming the door heavily. I couldn’t help thinking, mom is right, the bracelet is red, so I must not be in pain, it’s me lying for attention again. Sorry mom, next life, I will definitely learn to be an honest child. Chapter 1 “It hurts so much…” I convulsed all over with pain, nails scratching white marks on the floor. Doorknob turned. A trace of light burst into my eyes. Mom came back. Mom is a doctor, she must have seen something wrong with me, came to save me. “Not ready yet? Fireworks are starting, Bella is waiting anxiously.” “Mom.” I shouted weakly, reaching out a hand towards the door. “Mom, really hurts, like intestines broken.” She glanced at the crazy flashing red light on my hand. Mom squatted down, pinched my chin, tone angry. “Stella, how long are you going to act?” “Really habitual liar, you just reflect at home!” Dad urged at the door. “Honey, hurry up, fireworks show is starting. If Stella doesn’t go then don’t go, leave some food for her?” Mom stood up, clapped hands, as if disgusted by dirt. “Leave what food?” “There’s a pile of snacks in her room cabinet, that’s what she bought with stolen money last time, won’t starve her to death.” “Lock the door, let her out when the bracelet turns green.” “But.” Dad seemed to hesitate. “But what? Merciful father spoils son! Look at how honest Bella is, bracelet is always green.” “Stella is rotten to the core, must be corrected!” But my cabinet was empty. That time money was taken by sister, snacks were also eaten by sister. Sister just stood by, bracelet flashing gentle green light, said: “Not me.” Mom believed. And I defended a sentence I didn’t take either, red light on, I got electric shocked. I watched mom turn around. Sister poked head out from door crack, made a face at me. “Bye sister, we go see beautiful fireworks lo.” Her bracelet, glowing green, really pretty. Bang. Door slammed heavily, sound of locking came. Home quiet. Only left me, and the saw in my stomach. Hurts so much. Mom is right, machines don’t lie. Bracelet is red, so I must be lying. I don’t hurt. I really don’t hurt. I cried while hypnotizing myself. Don’t know how long passed, seemed really not that painful anymore. I supported last breath, crawled to desk. I need to write Apology Letter, this is the rule. As long as red light on, must write one thousand words “I am a liar”. After writing, mom will forgive me right? Will send me to hospital right? I trembled hand, opened that crumpled diary. Above densely packed all previous apology letters. Before I wrote “Sorry, I was wrong, I won’t lie anymore”. But this time, I want to write some truth. Vision getting blurry, I cried while using last strength wrote: “Mom, I really love you.” “I really hurt so much, why you just don’t believe me?” “Mom, please believe me once okay.” Finished writing last word, severe pain in stomach suddenly disappeared. Replaced by an unprecedented lightness. Body became light, I floated up. I looked down, saw myself lying on the table, hand hanging in mid-air, motionless. Bracelet on body, still flashing red light crazily. Turns out I died ah, but I haven’t learned to be an honest child yet, sorry mom. Chapter 2 I was woken up by a burst of laughter. That was voice of dad mom and sister. “Tonight’s fireworks really beautiful, especially that smiley face shape, as cute as our Bella!” Mom’s voice revealed gentleness I never heard. I floated in mid-air, watching entrance door open. Already became soul me, subconsciously wanted to float over welcome them, Wanted to help them get slippers like before. This is my pleasing instinct carved in bones. “Mom.” I opened arms, wanted to hug that woman full of cold air: “I don’t hurt anymore, I will be good later, you don’t be angry.” But, my hand passed directly through her body, like a gust of uncatchable wind. Mom shivered, frowned: “Why home so cold? Heater not on?” I froze on spot, looking at my transparent palm. Yes, I already died. Dead people can’t hug living people. “Go see Stella, that girl didn’t come out to eat either, don’t really starve bad.” Dad mentioned casually. Still dad is good. I looked at mom expectantly. If she finds I died, will she be sad? Will she regret? Mom snorted coldly, put on slippers walked towards my room. “Starve to death deserve it. That kind of bad habit faking illness for attention, is spoiled out.” She pushed open my room door. Didn’t turn on light. Borrowing living room light, she saw “me” lying on desk. Motionless, like sleeping. “Yo, still lying?” Mom crossed arms, tone mocking. “Think lying on table acting pitiful, I will carry you to bed?” “Stella, you are ten years old this year, not five!” I floated beside corpse, shouted loudly: “Mom! I’m not faking sleep! I died! Look at me!” “Touch me! My body is very cold!” But mom couldn’t hear. She only believes what she sees. Sister drilled in from her armpit, raised wrist showing off: “Sister is big lazy pig! Look my bracelet is green, sister’s still red!” “Sister always lying, she lies even in dreams!” Mom touched sister’s head: “Still our Bella good. Don’t mind this liar, let her lie, lie for lifetime if capable.” Dad peeked head behind: “How about carry her to bed? Big winter.” “Carry what carry!” Mom interrupted him, “Current kids are just spoiled.” “Parenting experts said, this time need cold treatment, must let her realize her mistake herself.” “Look at that red light, shows her current mental state is still ‘extreme confrontation’, didn’t reflect at all!” “Alright, go sleep. Tomorrow have to go to Grandma’s for Brunch.” Mom turned sharply, closed door again. Click. Lock fell. I floated beside corpse, looking at that point of scarlet light in darkness, sadness in heart more than death. Mom, if you even walk one step closer, even touch my hand, you would find I’m already cold through. But you didn’t. You only believe that cold machine, but don’t believe daughter you carried ten months to give birth. Late night, a rat drilled out from empty cabinet. I used to fear rats most, screamed every time seeing. But now, I can only float on ceiling, watching it presumptuous on my corpse. “Go away.” I drove weakly, but couldn’t make sound. Rat bit my toe, oozed a little black purple blood. I can’t feel pain anymore. Really good. Finally not painful anymore. I said to that pitiful shell below: “Don’t fear, anyway can’t feel pain anymore.” “Will end soon.” Chapter 3 Next morning. Sunlight shone on my corpse, didn’t bring a trace of warmth. Kitchen came clanking sound. Mom making breakfast. Smell of Pancakes drilled in through door crack. Usually, this is smell I crave most. But I can only eat boiled vegetables, because mom said, liar doesn’t deserve meat. Today, she deliberately made spatula very loud. I know, she wants to tempt me. Want me can’t stand temptation, roll out admit mistake myself. If before, I might really admit those wrong things I didn’t do for a pancake. But now, I don’t need to eat anymore. “Stella haven’t come out?” Dad sat at dining table reading newspaper. “No, stubborn like a donkey.” Mom put plate heavily on table. “Spoiled habit. Eat or not, not eat pull down.” Sister drinking milk, eyes rolled around. She deliberately ran to my door, sniffed hard. Then exaggeratedly shouted: “Mom! Sister room so smelly!” “Did she pee and poop anywhere inside?” I floated at door, looked at sister bitterly. Heating too sufficient, just one night I started to smell, mom will hate me more. Mom frowned walked over. “Stella!” Mom slapped door panel roared. “Are you pig? Toilet just beside are your legs broken? Actually poop in room?” “Mud can’t support wall! To angry with me, even dignity don’t want?” I remembered childhood. Once I had acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea too late go toilet, soiled pants. Mom not only didn’t help me wash, also made me stand in yard punish display. She pointed at me to neighbors said: “Look at this child, dirty like pig.” Now, she feels I dirty again. “Ignore her!” Mom waved hand disgustedly, like shooing flies. “Let her stay in stink! Stink her to death!” Dad put down newspaper, brows locked tight. “Smell indeed a bit too big, I go look, don’t be some dead rat.” Dad stood up, walked towards my room door. My heart lifted violently. Dad! Open door quick! Look at me quick! I’m just behind door! Just you twist handle, can see I don’t move! Can see my face already black! I floated in front of dad, waved crazily, trying to attract his attention. Dad’s hand put on door handle. Ring ring ring A rapid phone ring sounded. Called by dad’s company leader. Dad picked up phone, face changed: “What? Server crashed? Good good good, I come immediately!” He hung up phone, anxiously grabbed jacket: “Honey, company emergency, I have to go quickly, might not come back these days!” “Ai, then Stella.” Mom’s words not finished, dad already slammed door left. I also stunned. Just missed that little bit. Just missed that one second. If that phone came a bit late, I could be discovered. Maybe that way, I wouldn’t need to continue rotting. Afternoon, mom took sister out shopping, home left only my corpse. At night, they returned fully loaded, brought back many high-end seafood and gifts. Just entered door, that smell heavier. Mom covered nose, even retched once: “Stella! Are you turning home into garbage dump?” She even unwilling open door scold me a sentence, as if looking one more glance at that room would dirty her eyes. She found wide tape, squatted down, fiercely sealed bottom of my door crack tightly. “Since you like stink, then stink enough inside yourself! Don’t smoke us!” Mom finished pasting last strip, patted hands satisfied. “Now quiet.” She turned to kitchen steam seafood. I looked at that sealed door, last bit expectation in heart, also suffocated with tape fitting. Turns out, in mom’s heart. My life and death, even not important as a seafood feast. She rather seal me dead, than willing look once if I died inside. Mom, you won. I will never disturb you again. Chapter 4 Third day morning, winter warm sun shone into living room, but couldn’t drive away haze in this home. Home floor heating on very sufficient, 78 degrees high temperature. Tape already couldn’t seal that smell. That was a disgusting, greasy rotting smell. Mom was trimming just bought fresh flowers, but no matter how strong flower scent, couldn’t cover that corpse smell. Snap! Mom fiercely cut a rose, thorn pricked her hand. She finally couldn’t bear anymore. In her cognition, I don’t shower, pee poop in room, Even hide dead rat in room, is to disgust her, to resist her authority. “Stella, you really give face not want face!” Mom rushed into kitchen, grabbed a rolling pin, angrily walked towards my room. “I must beat you this slob to death today!” “Looks like electric shock can’t cure you, have to let you taste flesh pain!” I floated in front of mom, looking at her hideous face, crazily waved to block “Don’t go in! Mom don’t go in! I’m very ugly! I already rotted! You will be scared!” Although she doesn’t love me, but I also don’t want let her see my terrifying appearance. However, she passed through my soul, tore open door sealing tape. Rip Sound of tape tearing exceptionally harsh. Spare key inserted into lock hole, twisted. Bang! Door violently pushed open. A strong to substantial corpse smell blew over face, like opened Pandora’s box. Mom smoked stumbled back a step, bent over retched. “Blech, Stella! What exactly are you doing!” She looked up, saw I still maintained posture lying on desk three days ago, back to her, motionless. In her view, this is a silent provocation, extreme arrogance. “I talk to you can’t you hear? Still playing dead?” Mom anger attacked heart, rushed over few steps, raised rolling pin in hand high. But she didn’t hit down directly, she wanted to pull me up first, see what expression that “stubborn” face exactly has. “Get up for me!” Her hand fiercely grabbed my back neck collar, even grabbed my skin. Next second, her movement froze. Moment of touch. Time seemed solidified. Across thin pajamas, mom’s fingers felt not warm skin. Nor soft flesh. But a piece of cold, hard as stone dead meat. That coldness, is阴冷 penetrating into bones. No temperature of life. “Hmm?” Mom stunned a bit. But inertia made her continue force. Body dragged backward by her brute force. Along with chair fell to ground together. Clang! Loud noise of chair smashing on floor. My body like a stiff statue, fell straight down. My face, finally revealed.

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I, a Trust Fund Baby, developed only one hobby after marriage: playing Mahjong. Who knew I would lose three Manhattan Condos in half a year. This day, I was indecisive between the One Wan (10,000) and Eight Wan (80,000) tiles, when suddenly a tender voice came from my belly. “Mommy! Quick! Only playing One Wan can break the game! Otherwise, we are really done for!” I was stunned for a moment, immediately followed by a string of weird floating comments flashing across my eyes. [Don’t listen! Play Eight Wan! One Wan is a death cannon tile, the opponent has a full flush and is waiting for One Wan single wait!] [Play it and you lose a top-spec Porsche Panamera! Your monthly allowance isn’t enough to cover it!] [If you lose again this time, your dad definitely won’t give you allowance anymore!] I was completely confused, who should I believe? Chapter 1 I stroked my slightly protruding belly, gaze wandering between One Wan and Eight Wan. “Mommy! Play One Wan quickly! This is the only chance!” The tender voice came from my belly again, with unquestionable firmness. I looked down, saw the left side of my belly bulge slightly, as if the baby inside was waving anxiously. But immediately after, the floating comments appeared before my eyes again. [Don’t believe! Play Eight Wan! If you lose again, your dad won’t give you allowance!] I bit my lip lightly, falling into a dilemma. Yes. My dad said, lose again, and he will confiscate my monthly 8-figure allowance. “Mommy don’t be afraid,” baby’s voice sounded again, “As long as we win this round, Grandpa will definitely look at you with new eyes!” “Baby, are you sure?” I lowered my voice asking. Left belly bulged again. I remembered my mom’s words. When my mom was pregnant with me, my dad’s luck reached its peak, sweeping Las Vegas casinos, earning the name “God of Gamblers”. Maybe, my Chan family bloodline is really destined from the fetus stage. Thinking of this, I made up my mind. Daughter of the dignified Poker King Mr. Chan, how can I not win against these few ordinary women?! I took a deep breath, gently pushed out the tile. “One Wan!” Seeing me drop the tile, opponent Sister-in-law Brenda’s eyes lit up. She stared at that One Wan, fingers constantly rubbing the tiles in hand, but delayed action. At this time, strange floating comments emerged again. [Done, completely done! Chloe actually really played One Wan!] Hearing this, my brows frowned deeper. Did I really play wrong? But next second, Brenda picked up a new tile. Didn’t even look, directly played it out. “Eight Wan.” “Mahjong (Hu)!” I was overjoyed, pushed down the tiles. “Full flush plus All Pungs! Big win, 9 fan!” Brenda’s face turned iron green, Sister-in-law Tiffany (husband’s sister) bit her lip tight, and that accompanying friend Vicky looked at me deeply. Just then, baby in belly came giggling laughter. “Mommy, I didn’t say wrong right? Keep Eight Wan, play One Wan, we won.” I stroked my belly with satisfaction, secretly delighted. Sure enough, our old Chan family children, carry luck from the womb. Floating comments surged like tide again. [Impossible! Opponent clearly waiting for One Wan! Why not win but play Eight Wan?] [Fraud! Absolutely fraud!] [Chloe! Wake up, this game is wrong!] I automatically ignored these annoying texts, gathered the chips into my arms. At night I brought home the hard-won trophies, but saw my usually late-returning husband in the living room. “Congratulations, luck so good today.” I froze. Married for half a year, Jason never came home before 10 PM. More importantly, he never actively asked about my mahjong games. Just then, floating comments appeared again. [Because he is monitoring you!] [Chloe, your husband doesn’t love you at all, he married you just for the Chan family money!] My heart tightened. He doesn’t love me? Baby in belly immediately retorted, “Mommy, Daddy loves you! To marry you, he knelt in snow for three days and nights, almost froze off his legs! Did you forget all these?” I didn’t forget. That winter was especially cold, snow very thick, one step down, up to knees. Jason knelt at my door, snow covering his shoulders. Father stood in front of the second-floor window, watching this scene, said coldly, “Let him kneel, see how much sincerity this poor boy has!” Three days later, Jason was sent to the hospital, legs almost amputated. I cried begging father, finally exchanged for a marriage. “I heard you won a lot today, if Dad knows, he must be very happy.” I instantly alert, “You have contact with my dad?” After I married Jason, my dad except giving me living expenses monthly, didn’t say an extra word. Floating comments crazily scrolling now. [He is lying! Chloe, don’t believe him!] But baby in belly comforted me. “Mommy, Daddy is worried about you. You can’t be suspicious, it’s not good for baby me either.” I nodded, “I’m tired, going upstairs to rest first.” Chapter 2 Next week, I turned on winning streak mode. “Thirteen Orphans!” “Kong on Kong!” “Wait! I directly Heaven Mahjong!” Every time, baby would give precise reminders when I hesitated, while floating comments constantly warned me game was rigged. But I chose to believe the bloodline in belly. Until this day, after I slaughtered all sides again, Brenda pushed tiles directly, face full of unhappiness. “Not playing not playing, always losing, so boring!” Card table instantly quiet. I slowly leaned back on chair, stroking won chips. In short 7 days, not only won back three condos, but also added two downtown shops. Speaking of which, playing mahjong was initially insisted by them dragging me along. When I just married husband, besides shopping, had no other hobbies. It was Brenda and Tiffany lobbying me, saying mahjong is much more interesting than shopping. After that, they two plus one of Tiffany’s besties Vicky formed a group, playing mahjong daily. Didn’t expect, first month down, I actually lost all 8-figure allowance my dad gave. Among them Brenda won the most. Big brother who was originally driving Uber, directly changed to a Porsche 911. Thinking of this, my tone instantly cold down. “If sister-in-law feels boring then stop playing, but today’s lost 2 million needs to be transferred to me.” Words out, Brenda’s face changed instantly, tone softened. “Chloe, look, aren’t we all relatives, besides, I didn’t bring so much money out.” I sneered in heart. Usually when I lost tens, they all stared at me to go home get money. Finally turn for them to lose once, changed like a person. “Sister-in-law, this month, you won no less than ten million from me, plus a detached villa! Just 2 million can’t take out?” Perhaps realized my face not good, hurried explain. “Ai, Chloe, I don’t mean that. I mean, you wait for me, I gather a bit.” I completely cold face. “No need, didn’t Big Brother just buy a Porsche? I see it parked at door, you give me car keys is fine.” Words out, Brenda instantly unhappy. “That’s your Big Brother’s car, why give you?” I laughed angrily on spot. “Because you lost money no pay ah, can’t default right?” She instantly annoyed, eyes looked at Tiffany opposite. “Little sister, shouldn’t you say something? You also lost eight hundred thousand.” Little sister just about to speak, interrupted by me. “That new Patek Philippe watch on her hand leave behind is fine, barely offset eight hundred thousand.” Hearing this, Little Sister instantly screamed out. “What? I won’t give! This is what my brother queued long time abroad to buy for me!” I sneered hooking lips. “Your brother’s money was also given by me!” Back then my dad bitter mouth kind heart, advised me find a matching family. Although Jason motivated, but family background thin. Besides elderly weak parents, there are lazy brother sister-in-law and a sister already graduated college several years still biting old. Just then, baby in belly suddenly whispered persuasion. “Mommy, they are Daddy’s family after all, don’t make it too stiff.” My brows twisted. This is first time baby spoke for outsiders. Floating comments seized opportunity crazy output. [See! Even child in your belly helping them speak! Have you still not found problem?] I sank eyes, didn’t speak. “Alright,” Brenda suddenly sat down again, “One last game, one game decides winner, you win, we return principal plus interest, you lose, today’s money write off at one stroke!” Hearing this, baby in belly cheered again, “Mommy, agree her, we definitely can win!” Floating comments wailed: [Done! They definitely going to cheat!] [Chloe! Don’t agree ah, this is simply a trap!] I stroked abdomen, trying hard to feel bloodline power from inside. “Fine! Deal cards.” Chapter 3 Game starts. This time, baby unusually quiet. “Baby?” I called in heart, but belly no reaction. Cards passed three rounds, my hand shape gradually clear, Mixed Suit, single wait Seven Wan. And on table, already two Seven Wan out. “Mommy, play Three Bamboo.” Baby’s voice sounded again. At this moment floating comments scrolling crazy. [Play Seven Wan! Waiting on Three Six Bamboo!] “No, play Three Bamboo, wait for Seven Wan!” [Chloe! Don’t trust baby, it’s harming you!] “Mommy, play Three Bamboo, trust me.” Baby’s voice carried a trace of pleading. I closed eyes, father’s words sounded in ear. “At gambling table, least trustworthy is own intuition. Because your intuition, often is what others want you to have.” “Three Bamboo.” I pushed card slowly. Air instantly solidified. Brenda eyes lit up, slapped table hard. “Hu le! Fourteen Fan!” She excitedly pushed cards down. “Full flush Bamboo, Seven Pairs, just waiting for a Three Bamboo.” My brain blank. Fourteen Fan. According to our agreed double rule, I not only have to return today’s winning chips, but also pay extra 4 million. “According to our agreement just now, it’s ‘all debts written off’, right?” I nodded stiffly. “Then not just today,” she smiled looking at me, “It’s all debts this week.” I stood up fiercely, “What did you say?!” “I said, three condos in Manhattan, shops in downtown, and all cash, jewelry, antiques you lost to us before…” Brenda counting fingers. “All written off. Of course, this 4 million you owe us finally, we also show mercy, don’t want it.” “You crazy!” My voice trembling, “That’s dowry my parents gave me!” “Willing to gamble willing to lose, you wouldn’t not know even this rule right?” Brenda’s smile expanding constantly. My face iron green, just at this time, phone rang. I tremblingly picked up, father’s cold voice came from that end: “Chloe, I say one last time, if you touch cards again, never enter Chan family door again.” Phone hanging up busy tone echoed in ear. At night, Jason rarely brought a bouquet home. I frowned, subconsciously avoided flower scent. “Wifey, don’t be angry, Father-in-law Mother-in-law definitely in fit of anger, father daughter no overnight feud.” Floating comments: [Wow, Chloe’s husband indeed scheming!] I looked up at him, “How do you know what my parents said on phone?” He froze an instant, expression changed suddenly. “Because Father-in-law called me just now, told me.” Floating comments: [Then check his phone right now!] I reached out, “Then show me your phone.” Husband instantly cold face. “What? You think I lying to you? Then call your dad ask.” Hearing this, I immediately shook head, felt I thought too much, actually suspecting husband. Seeing I not speak, husband expression also softened a lot. “Wifey, all own family, if you really unhappy, tomorrow I let them return winning gambling capital to you.” I shook head, “That no need.” Hearing this, he sighed relief, but next second heard me speak. “Hubby, can you give me another 20 million.” Floating comments all felt I crazy. [Is Chloe crazy ah? Clear they setting up trap, still sending money?] [Yeah, didn’t her parents say just now, if she gamble again, cut ties completely!] [That means, she not only loses monthly 8-figure allowance, billion inheritance also no chance?] Husband eyes flashed a trace obscure look, “You… still want gamble?” I nodded, eyes firm, “And, you have to accompany me!” Chapter 4 Game officially starts, Brenda first pushed a paper agreement to me. “Rules very simple.” “This is list of all our gambling capital, plus all assets under your name. One game decides winner, winner takes all.” I scanned list. Jason’s old house, 10% shares of Chan Group, my parents’ overseas real estate… list shockingly long. Floating comments crazy warning: [Run! Run now! They definitely calculated cheating] Baby in belly unusually excited: “Mommy, sign! We can win! Win and all this is ours!” I lifted pen, signed my name at end of agreement. Game starts. This time, baby voice clear and firm, every step giving precise guidance. Floating comments constantly revealing opponent’s card path, pointing out potential traps. “Mommy, play One Wan, can win max fan.” Floating comments warning: [Opponent doing Thirteen Orphans, single wait One Wan, play Four Bamboo, switch wait Bamboo!] Two voices fighting in my brain, and I must make choice in seconds. Seeing me delay playing, Brenda half joke half serious said. “In case you lose, this equity transfer agreement and asset mortgage documents signed just now all effective.” “But just in case only, Second Sister-in-law don’t be nervous.” Little Sister easing atmosphere aside. Even Vicky who always only play not speak rarely spoke. “You guys don’t scare Second Sister-in-law like this, just saying ugly words front, in case we lose, same pay money.” In case… In case (Wan Yi – Ten Thousand One)… This is their code! Just to make me play One Wan (Yi Wan), so they can triple win on one cannon! “Chloe, your turn play.” Brenda urged again, cards in her hand left one. I looked at Jason, he nodded slightly to me, eyes full of encouragement. Finally, I pulled out One Wan. “I play… One Wan.” Hearing this, three people coincidentally showed delighted expressions. Brenda immediately pushed cards down, “One Wan ah, I exactly win 1 Wan.” Remaining card in her hand indeed One Wan. Atmosphere instantly subtle. Floating comments emerged again. [Said cannot play One Wan ah.] [Now good, lit cannon.] But at this time baby voice disappeared again. Jason face sinking, brows tight. “Forget it Chloe, money for this hand, I pay for you.” Hearing this, Little Sister also pushed cards down. [I also won, Brother, this money you pay too?] Mixed suit, 456 Dot, two 9 Wan, one 2 Wan one 3 Wan, indeed win 1 Wan. My breath stagnated, face solemn. Floating comments also felt incredible. [This is lit two houses ah? Done, this time lose more than previous month.] But next second, Little Sister’s bestie Vicky suddenly spoke. “Sorry, Second Sister-in-law, I also win 1 Wan.” She pushed cards down. Three Red Dragon, three White Dragon, one 1 Wan, single wait 1 Wan. Floating comments stuttering. [This, this is one cannon three sounds?] But unexpectedly me who already in必输 (must lose) laughed shaking head. “Did I lose?” Hearing this, Jason face instantly changed. “I said all, don’t gamble, you don’t listen! Now good, one cannon three sounds, you still ask did you lose?!” I noncommittal, continued asking. “Jason, are you sure I really lost?”

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I loved Xavier for five years. From freshman year of high school to sophomore year of college, people came and went, but I was the only one who stayed by his side. On his birthday, I was a little late. Outside the private room, I heard him say, “Chloe? Don’t talk nonsense, we’re just friends.” Heh, friends. I sneered, turning to leave. Zach walked out from around the corner. Seeing me at the door, his tone was affectionate, “Sister Chloe, you’re here. Why don’t you go in?” I looked at his handsome face, reached out to hook his neck, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips. The door to the private room was accidentally pushed open by him. The laughter inside stopped abruptly. Everyone’s eyes widened, watching us kiss. Chapter 1 Zach’s lips were soft and sweet, very exciting to kiss. I originally intended to just taste it, but didn’t expect him to taste so good, got a bit carried away. By the time I reacted, Zach was already kissed flushed, eyes misty. When I let go, he was still subconsciously searching for my lips like a puppy looking for food. I took his arm, smilingly walked into the private room. “Sorry to keep you waiting, I’ll punish myself with three shots.” I poured three shots of Tequila, placed them in front of me. Zach stopped my hand reaching for the drink, his beautiful eyes full of seriousness, “I’ll drink.” He downed a shot in one gulp. Three shots down, his face slightly red, looking innocent and pitiful. Xavier stood up holding his wine glass, walked to us, asked indifferently, “Haven’t had time to congratulate you, when did you get together, why didn’t you tell us?” Before I could speak, Zach put his arm around my shoulder, head resting on my shoulder, provocatively looking at Xavier, “We’ve been together for a while, Chloe is shy, didn’t let me tell others.” Others. Xavier sneered, handed the wine glass to me, eyes cold. “Chloe, this joke isn’t funny. If you don’t want me to get angry and ignore you, drink this glass, I’ll pretend I didn’t see what just happened.” He stood in front of me, seemingly certain I would follow his will, like the past five years, throwing away everything for his special regard. I looked at the wine glass close at hand, the bright red wine swaying gently. There was a faint scar on the hand holding the glass. That scar at this moment was more dazzling than the light overhead. I looked up at Xavier’s angry face, raised my hand, under his confident gaze, firmly pushed that glass away. “Sorry, Xavier, what you said is a bit ugly. Neither my boyfriend nor I like it. Please don’t say such things to provoke our relationship in the future.” Xavier’s face became very ugly. He raised the glass to me again, words like thorns, “You think Zach really likes you? He just wants to snatch my things. If I don’t want you, he won’t even look at you. I give you one last chance, drink this, we can still be like before. You know the consequences of refusing me.” I smiled brilliantly, took out my phone from my bag, in front of him, first blocked, then unfriended him on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, blocked his number, deleted all apps, including LinkedIn contacts. Now, as long as we don’t meet, I can never contact him again. I held up my phone, shook it at him, “If you didn’t say, I would have forgotten. Zach is very insecure.” Zach blinked his eyes, tea-artfully said, “Yeah, I’m very petty. Brother Xavier, Chloe deleted you, you won’t mind, right?” Everyone present was stunned by our drama, exclaiming “OMG”. I didn’t remember the taste of the food that night at all. I only remembered Zach’s grinning face like a fox that got the grapes. Chapter 2 That night, Xavier didn’t say a word, drank a lot of alcohol, white, beer, red, refused none. I sat next to Zach. He kept blocking drinks for me, and took time to pick food for me. One moment I didn’t watch, my bowl was piled with my favorite dishes. Seeing us sweet and loving, they finally believed the romance between Zach and me was true. Not long after, our dorm group chat exploded. My best friend Lila was the first to jump out, sent a candid photo, and a sixty-second voice message. In the photo, Zach and I fingers interlocked, he looked at me dotingly, I lowered my head shyly, looking very matching. I clicked voice to text, the white voice bar flashed and flashed, popped out several big lines of “Ahhhhhhh!” I could almost see the picture of Lila holding her phone turning into a screaming chicken, couldn’t help smiling eyes bent. Lila typed fast in the group sending messages. “Heaven has eyes, finally let our child successfully escape singlehood!” “Woohoo!” by Jasmine. “Woohoo!” by Wendy. Wendy even secretly sent me a small video. Lila wearing green dinosaur pajamas, holding phone emitting “hehehehe” wretched laughter, funny beyond measure. “Heaven opened eyes, finally let Chloe get rid of that toxic man, woohoo woohoo! Chloe as long as you figured it out it’s fine, Xavier is a sugarcane man, sweet one bite and the rest is all dregs!” I couldn’t help laughing, replied to her in the group, “Miss Lila is wise!” Birthday boy Xavier drank unconscious, vomited twice, was carried into the taxi back to school by his roommate. Zach and I stood outside the restaurant. Waiting for them all to leave, I raised our interlocked hands, glared at him playfully, “Addicted to holding?” Zach rubbed and slowly let go of my hand, looking aggrieved, muttering, “No conscience, throw away after use.” I looked up at his face, flushed and moist like rouged after drinking much, eyes staring at me innocently like a puppy, and lips as red as his face, soft and sweet. “Zach, thank you for not exposing my lie, you are a good person.” Zach reached out to ruffle my hair, “Sister Chloe, you are a good girl, Xavier doesn’t deserve you. Helping you tonight, I’m very happy. But~” “But what?” I was a bit puzzled. Zach lowered his eyes, shyly glanced at me, stammered, “But well, just, just now was, was my, first kiss.” He dared not look at me, whispered, “The kiss just now was a bit too sudden, I didn’t react. Sister Chloe can you, can you kiss, kiss me again?” “No.” I frowned and refused his request. Zach lowered his head like an abandoned puppy, voice hoarse, “Sorry Sister Chloe, I was too excessive. Even if Sister Chloe you snatched my first kiss in front of so many people, me saying these now, is also a bit presumptuous. Even if Sister Chloe refuses me, it’s deserved. Sister you don’t have psychological burden, giving first kiss to you, I’m very willing.” Finished, he looked up, carefully smiled at me. Ensuring I wasn’t angry, he reached out to stop a taxi, returning to school with me. Heater was full in taxi. I have constitution of getting carsick once on board, closed eyes leaning on seat, slowing breath, making myself feel better. Zach patted my shoulder. I opened eyes impatiently. He held a tin of mints, squinting eyes asking me, “Want two mints? Will feel better.” I silently extended hand. He poured two mints into my palm. Seeing me eat mints, he also stuffed two into his own mouth. On the way back, because of these two mints, I wasn’t that dizzy, could even appreciate the brilliant night view outside window. After getting off, Zach walked me to girls’ dorm. I broke the silence, “How did you know I get carsick?” Zach scratched head, “Isn’t it obvious, you close eyes rest mind every time in car.” “Carsick is easy to see, then why help me block alcohol?” Zach said frankly, “Because you are allergic to alcohol, will get rashes if drink.” I was silent for a long time, asked softly, “How did you know.” Zach said, “Last year when we just entered school, club welcome dinner day, fruit salad had mango, I didn’t know, got allergy after eating. Sister Chloe you found allergy medicine directly from bag. I thought you were prepared for want back then. Later Xavier and I played familiar, we ate together, I saw red rashes on your arm, running outside to take allergy medicine, then knew you are allergic to alcohol.” I smiled self-deprecatingly. Zach wasn’t familiar with me then, could see I was allergic to alcohol. I knew Xavier for five years, he didn’t know this matter. Chapter 3 Walking to the door of girls’ dorm, Zach handed that tin of mints to me, “Here, for you, remember to eat two when carsick later, will be comfortable.” I took the warm tin, Zach put hands in pockets, mouth corner raised a smile, said gently. “Sister Chloe, later when I’m not by your side, you also don’t drink okay, taking too much allergy medicine is bad for body. Sister Chloe, weather cold remember wear more clothes oh, having cold is uncomfortable. Sister Chloe, I’m going, you rest well.” “You too, drank so much, go back rest well.” Finished, I turned into dorm building. Just walked to second floor, Lila sent me a photo. Zach squatting under street lamp beside dorm building, head buried in knees, looking like an abandoned doggy. Lila patted my avatar, “Chloe, what happened to your little puppy, did you fight?” “Didn’t fight.” I finished replying Lila, sighed. Zach squatting under street lamp, secretly scolding Xavier this big scumbag in heart. A familiar shadow walked to him. Zach ecstatic in heart, dared not show on face, still squatting there acting mushroom. “Why not go back, squatting here for what, feeling unwell?” Zach looked up, pretending strong, “I’m fine Sister Chloe, just dizzy from drinking, will be fine later. Outside too cold, Sister Chloe you go back first, I really fine, I go back in a while.” I said helplessly “Okay, don’t force yourself, give me your hand.” Zach obediently extended hand. I grabbed his hand, pulled him up from ground. He stood up obediently, led by me to sit on bench, gaze always following me. “You know, I liked Xavier for five years.” I looked straight at him, tone full of bitterness. “I know, Xavier takes this as his capital of pride, often brings it up.” “Then what do you think?” Zach held my hand, softly said, “I can’t stand his look of stepping sincerity on ground, often go against him. Sister Chloe, I feel sorry for you, such a good girl like you, should be held in palm, cared for well. Sister Chloe, can you give me a chance, let me cherish you?” My brain was chaotic, organized words for long time, slowly said, “I don’t know if I can completely forget him. Liking him for five years, liking him is like forming a habit. I can’t easily promise you when haven’t seen my heart clearly, this is unfair to you.” Zach smiled brilliantly, “Sister Chloe, I’m not asking you to promise me now, I want you to give me a chance to pursue you. I know Xavier left a heavy mark in your life, doesn’t matter, your past I didn’t participate, your future I willing walk with you. Xavier is just your past tense, Sister Chloe, he is not a good man, I won’t let you return to him. You deserve better.” I was amused by him, “So saying, you think you are the better one?” Zach lifted chin proudly, “That’s of course, if I’m not good, how dare I pursue such good Sister Chloe?” “Smooth talker. Okay, so late, you hurry back, save headache tomorrow morning from sleeping late.” Zach followed me step by step to downstairs of girls’ dorm. Before leaving, he touched nose, nervously asked me, “Sister Chloe, are you willing to give me a chance?” I was embarrassed to look at him, turned head away, nodded gently. Zach lowered head, leaned to my face, smack stole a kiss, “Sister Chloe see you tomorrow!” He seemed afraid I angry, slipped away fast. I looked at his departing back, couldn’t help shaking head smiling. Chapter 4 About me dumping Xavier, turning around dating Xavier’s brother Zach, and passionately kissing in front of him on Xavier’s birthday, soon spread in our school forum. Photos of my intimate interaction with Zach, uploaded by unknown Xavier’s brother. Party involved Xavier didn’t speak up, he just high-profile announced his new girlfriend on Instagram next afternoon of birthday. Since then, Chloe who always surrounded Xavier disappeared, replaced by various girlfriends Xavier dated. Since cutting off with Xavier, my life had lot free time, but didn’t feel empty. I had more time, soaking in library with Lila and others, shopping together, going out for sketching. If they filled my blank about friendship, then Zach was teaching me hand in hand, what is normal and healthy love. From second day of Xavier’s birthday, Zach appeared mysteriously every day. He would secretly appear beside me when I went to class in morning, stuff two meat buns in my hand then run. He would also secretly run to my classroom, attend class with me. From time to time take out a small surprise from his pocket, maybe a cute hairpin, maybe a cute needle felt pig, could also be a Kuromi earmuff. In his words, “I see these cute things, will think of Sister Chloe, Sister Chloe definitely likes, so I bought it.” “Little surprise, life sweeter.” When he said this, eyes full of my shadow. I somewhat couldn’t bear such ambiguous atmosphere, subconsciously moved eyes away. Zach relentlessly leaned over, like a large dog resting head on my shoulder, very clingy. “Sister Chloe, one month to winter break, I so reluctant leave you.” He held my arm acting spoiled. I amusingly touched his head, “Still one month right, reluctant so early, then what to do when you on winter break.” Zach used his furry big head butt my shoulder, “What else do, dead skin rely face begging you video call me daily.” Ring ring ring. My phone rang, I took out to see, unknown number. “Hello?” “Hello, are you Chloe?” “Yes, what’s up?” “Like this, I am manager of Night Dream Bar, we have a guest drunk here, his emergency contact is you, can trouble you come over?” Before he finished, over there came drunkard’s shouting, “Chloe, Chloe don’t go okay, I know wrong, Chloe, don’t unwanted me.” That drunkard’s voice, Zach and I both familiar. It’s Xavier. Zach’s face half black, he gritted teeth taking out phone, called Xavier’s iron buddy. “Xavier drunk dead in Night Dream Bar, bring more money, don’t let people detain there. Listen, Chloe is my partner now, you tell him stop shouting blindly day to night, my partner has nothing to do with him.” Finished he hung up, angrily holding my arm, “What person is this, five years didn’t know cherish you, treat your sincerity as donkey liver lung. I am different, I know Sister is world best best girl, I definitely will cherish Sister well.” Speaking speaking, he seized opportunity expressed sincerity again. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, couldn’t help touching his head, felt good. “Sister, new movie online tomorrow afternoon, is your favorite Studio Ghibli movie, ticket bought, Sister accompany me see okay?” “Okay.”

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1 My husband Allen often hiked in the mountains for weeks, several times a year. His trips always worried me. So when my company—which never sent office staff into the field—assigned me to host a “Happy Families” hiking tour, I felt a secret thrill. Allen had left for the mountains three days earlier; maybe I’d run into him. My colleague handed me the tour list. “Stop grinning and check it. No mistakes.” I flipped through the names, then froze. There it was: Allen Bennett. Next to his name, a clear note:【Traveling with wife, Sophia, and 8-year-old son】 My colleague pointed. “He’s a regular. Comes twice a year with his family, like clockwork. See—’Family suite required.’ They’re so devoted, right?” Cold disbelief hit me. We’d been married eight years. A doctor had said Allen was infertile. He always said he hated kids, that we’d be child-free forever. But there he was, kneeling to tie a shoelace for a stranger, while a little boy—his spitting image—bounced beside him. This was the same man who wouldn’t wash a dish at home, now gently wiping sweat from the boy’s forehead. It wasn’t that he hated children. He just hated having them with me. My colleague waved the group flag. “Snap out of it! Go welcome Mr. Bennett and his wife!” … “Anna?!” The color drained from Allen’s face. He yanked his hand away from the woman’s, the movement so violent that the metal buckle on his backpack clanged loudly. But the woman, Sophia, was perfectly composed. She smoothed her cuff, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face as she extended a hand to me. “I’ve heard so much about you, Anna.” A diamond bracelet on her wrist flashed with a cold light in the sun. It was the matching piece to the one I’d given Allen last year. My gaze fell to the wedding band on her ring finger, identical to mine, and my throat tightened. The eight-year-old boy tugged on Allen’s jacket, his almond-shaped eyes, a perfect copy of his father’s, filled with confusion. “Dad, who is this lady?” That one word, “lady,” pierced my heart like a poisoned arrow. I suddenly remembered our anniversary last month. Allen, wearing the silk pajamas I’d just bought him, had twirled a lock of my hair and whispered, “It’s you and me forever. No kids, just us.” Ten years together. Eight years of marriage. I had worked myself to the bone all these years, just to prove I wasn’t after his family’s money. Now I understood. It wasn’t that he didn’t want a child; he just didn’t want my child. The way he frantically tried to hide the boy behind him was more cutting than any words could ever be. I looked at him, a bitter laugh stuck in my throat, but he couldn’t meet my eyes. Instead, he turned to my colleague, his voice sharp. “Is this the kind of rude staff your company sends? Can’t she even shake a hand?” My colleague shot me a glare, grabbed my rigid hand, and forced it into Sophia’s. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Bennett. Anna’s new to this. Please forgive her.” Sophia’s grip tightened, her nails digging into my skin, the sharp pain jolting me back to reality. “Allen talks about you all the time. It’s so nice to finally meet.” Her eyes held a familiar, triumphant hostility. In that instant, I knew. This “coincidental” work assignment was no coincidence at all. It was a scene she had carefully orchestrated. “Mr. Bennett, your wife and son’s gear is all checked and ready,” my colleague said from behind me, his voice oozing with eagerness to please. “Will you be taking your usual family suite?” “Of course,” Sophia said, a victorious smirk playing on her lips. “And remember to stock it with extra protection. The usual arrangement.” “Right away!” my colleague fawned. “Double the amount, just like always?” Allen said nothing. He just stared at the ground, his eyelashes fluttering wildly. I knew him too well. After ten years, I knew his every twitch. That’s what he always did when he was lying. His right eye would blink three times, and his left hand would start unconsciously fiddling with the hem of his shirt. A dull ache spread through my chest. I stood there, numb, until my colleague led us into the mountain resort. The receptionist greeted Allen like an old friend. “Welcome back, Mr. Bennett. Your favorite family suite is ready, complete with the rose petal service.” She handed over three key cards. “I hope you and your family have a wonderful stay.” Sophia’s hand rested possessively on Allen’s waist while the boy chattered excitedly about going to the hot springs. And I stood in the corner, clutching my staff ID, a ridiculous, pathetic outsider. “Anna,” my colleague nudged me with his elbow. “Go help Mr. Bennett with his luggage.” He lowered his voice. “He’s a major client. What’s wrong with you? Been in the office so long you’ve forgotten how to do your job?” I silently pushed the luggage cart into their room. As I was closing the door, I heard a soft click. Allen was waiting for me inside, sitting alone by the floor-to-ceiling window. “Mr. Bennett,” I heard my own voice, raw and rusted. “When did we get a divorce?” His head snapped up, but his expression was calm, almost practiced. “Anna, you have to know, you’re the only one I love.” He stood up, walking toward me. “The child… he was an accident. You have to believe me.” 2 Listening to Allen’s self-righteous tone, I wanted to laugh. I remembered the medical report from before we were married. The words “blocked vas deferens” had made my heart ache so much I couldn’t sleep all night. I told him it didn’t matter, that having him was enough. And now? He had a child with another woman behind my back and still had the audacity to act like he was the victim. Ten years together. Eight years of marriage. Maybe he still had some affection for me, but it was nothing more than habit. The love had died long ago, replaced by the weary routine of just getting by. “So,” my voice was ice, “because you love me, you had a child with someone else, and I’m just supposed to be a happy stepmom?” The moment the words left my mouth, I froze. That bitter, sarcastic tone… it was exactly how he sounded when he was losing patience with me. It turns out that when you live with someone long enough, you start to become them. The difference was, I had only ever spoken to him with kindness, never daring to say a harsh word. He shoved me out of the room. “You’re being irrational! You sound like a crazy person!” A bitter smile touched my lips. All these years, I had forgiven him for being late, for forgetting anniversaries, for his temper tantrums. But this… this was like him slapping me across the face and then demanding I smile and offer my other cheek. “Anna,” his voice came through the crack in the door, still dripping with entitlement, “we’ve been together for so long. It was just one kid with someone else. Can’t you be as understanding as you used to be?” I stared at him in silence, my heart a gaping wound. How ironic. He’d made a fool of me for eight years, and he still thought he held the moral high ground. “Fine,” his voice turned cold. “If you won’t listen to reason, then you can talk to my parents.” Before I could react, the door slammed shut with a bang, the force of it making the wedding photo locket I wore press, suddenly hot, against my chest. Numbly, I pulled out my phone. The name on the screen, “Dad,” felt like a splinter in my eye. “Anna! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My father-in-law’s roar exploded from the phone. “A man as good as our Allen married you. What more could you possibly want?” I gripped the phone, my knuckles turning white. The reflection in the window showed a pathetic, broken woman. “Dad…” My throat was tight. “You knew… you knew Allen had someone else!” “Knew? Of course, we knew! It’s just Sophia, what’s the big deal?” My mother-in-law snatched the phone, her voice shrill. “You’ve been married to Allen for eight years and couldn’t even lay a single egg! So what if he found someone who could? It’s better than being stuck with a useless woman like you who can’t even get pregnant!” The hallway lights suddenly seemed blindingly bright, making spots dance in my vision. I thought of all the times I’d gone to their house, arriving three hours early to buy the freshest ingredients from the market. I thought of last year when my father-in-law had surgery, and I stayed outside the ICU for seven straight days. I thought of how, every payday, the first thing I did was buy them expensive imported health supplements. I had supported myself completely, yet I had to grovel in their home like the hired help, all because Allen’s family was wealthier than mine. “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re a quiet, simple girl,” my mother-in-law rambled on, “we would have made Allen divorce you years ago! And now you have the nerve to blame my son? You should be thanking your lucky stars for getting a son for free!” “Sophia’s family is better than yours, she’s younger than you… and you? You’ve gotten older, but not any smarter! You’re not even worthy of polishing her shoes!” Her voice was a relentless torrent of insults. “At least Sophia could give Allen a child! Look at you!” Suddenly, the trembling in my hand stopped. So that was it. Everyone knew about this father and son. Everyone except me, the fool who had been kept in the dark for eight years. Eight years. I had slaved away for them, served them tea, waited on them by their sickbeds like a real daughter. And for what? In their eyes, I would always be the poor girl who married up. “I’ve had enough of this life. Let’s get a divorce.” I cut her off calmly and ended the call. The hallway light felt sharp now, illuminating the pathetic joke my life had been for the past eight years. 3 I took a deep, shuddering breath. So this is what it felt like to finally say “no” to my mother-in-law. Composing myself, I called my lawyer. My voice was so hoarse it didn’t sound like my own. “I need you to draw up divorce papers. As soon as possible.” The morning sun was piercing. Eight years of marriage flashed before my eyes: the coffee stain in the library when we first met, the tear on his cheek at our wedding, the eventual slide into perfunctory goodnight kisses, and the anniversaries he was always “out of town” for. The perfect match I thought we were had only ever existed in my head. I fled the mountain retreat, getting on the first bus back to the city. As the bus pulled away, I saw Sophia through the window, boarding with the child in her arms. The boy was asleep on her shoulder, his features so much like Allen’s. The engine rumbled, but Sophia walked straight down the aisle and took the empty seat next to me. “Anna. Fancy seeing you again.” I didn’t even look at her, a cold sneer on my face. “What, feeling proud of being the other woman?” “You’re wrong, Anna.” Sophia calmly adjusted her cuff, the identical wedding band on her finger glinting mockingly. “In love, there’s no first-come, first-served. The one who isn’t loved is the third wheel.” My nails dug into my palms, the metallic taste of blood spreading in my mouth. “Do you know why Allen put up with you all these years, even though you’re useless in bed? It’s because he said you’d die without him. He’d rather suffer through the disgust of being with you than divorce you.” “You’re a disgrace to women! How long has it been since you and Allen even slept together? A year? Two? Three?!” She shoved her phone in my face. The intimate photos on the screen were like razors scraping against my retinas. Allen was wearing the suit I’d bought him for our third anniversary, the one he’d never even opened, posed in ways I had never seen in our entire marriage. “Take a good look,” she said, her fingertip maliciously tracing the flush on Allen’s face. “See how your husband, the one who wouldn’t even touch you, begs me to take him.” The date on the photos was a glaring stab to the heart. It was the day of my mother’s funeral. He’d told me he had to entertain a client and couldn’t be there for me. My vision blurred, the images twisting and distorting. He looked so handsome in that black suit I’d given him, the one he’d tossed into the back of the closet with the tags still on. Sophia kept swiping, each new photo a branding iron on my nerves. It wasn’t that he had no libido; he just had none for me. He wasn’t physically incapable; his body had just instinctively rejected me. Just like his parents did. “This one’s the best.” She zoomed in on a close-up. Allen was wearing the jade pendant from our wedding. “He loves to clutch this when he climaxes. Says it feels like he’s laughing at how pathetic you are.” That pendant. I had spent three days kneeling and sorting through stones at the jade market to find the perfect piece for him. He had promised to wear it for a lifetime. The scenery outside the window blurred past, a perfect metaphor for my ridiculous eight-year marriage. I remembered our wedding day, how he’d stood on his toes to whisper in my ear, “I’m all yours for the rest of my life.” It turned out I was the one who had been taken for a ride all along. The worst part wasn’t the betrayal. It was realizing that every sweet memory was laced with poison. Every frown, every excuse, every time he was “too tired”—it all made sense now. Eight years. Over two thousand days and nights, I had been living inside an elaborate lie. The bus entered a tunnel, and darkness swallowed everything. Good. This way, Sophia wouldn’t see the woman she called a “disgrace” crying like a pathetic joke.

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I’ve been married to Vincent Leech for almost a year, and he has never touched me. Every morning, before he leaves for work, I knot his tie for him. Then I move behind him, slipping his suit jacket gently onto his broad shoulders. He always turns then, leans in close, and presses a deep, tender kiss onto my eyes. That is the only physical contact we ever have. Our marriage is a transaction. I love his money. He loves my eyes. 1 Every day, I visit a boy named Liam at a long-term care facility. He lies in bed day after day, unconscious, breathing through a ventilator. It’s the best facility in the northern part of the city, and the costs are astronomical. Every month, without fail, Vincent transfers the exact amount needed. Liam is my boyfriend. We grew up together in an orphanage. In the eyes of the world, we shared a single name: abandoned. He was tall and strong but was born with a limp in one leg. I was born with large, beautiful eyes, but a rare, incurable disease left my gaze vacant and unfocused. When we came of age, we left the orphanage together. With little education and our respective disabilities, finding work was a constant struggle. But Liam was always full of ideas. He bought a second-hand food cart and taught himself how to make crepes. Every night after we closed up, he would hunch over the rickety little table in our rented room, carefully tallying the day’s earnings. Liam’s greatest wish, he always said, was to save enough money to fix my eyes. One night, his phone rang. He didn’t even bother wiping the grease from his hands before scooping me up and spinning me around. “Nora, I have amazing news!” “They found a cornea match for you! It’s finally time!” “Your eyes, Nora! They can be saved!” It had started to snow. On that freezing winter night, the steam hissed from the crepe griddle on the deserted street. Two young people, laughing and jumping, finally fell into each other’s arms, holding on tight as the snow fell all around us. That night, Liam calculated the cost of the surgery. He said that after my eyes were healed, he would work even harder to give me a proper wedding. But the wedding never came. Only a nightmare. It was Liam’s birthday. I begged him to take the day off, but he refused. My surgery had cost a fortune, and the next six months of rent were due. Before he left that morning, Liam kissed my forehead hard. “Nora, I’ll close up early today. Wait for me!” He never came back. He was in a car accident on his way home. At the hospital, seeing him hooked up to a tangle of tubes, kept alive only by a machine, my heart shattered. The doctors told me to let him go. I stroked his hand, tears streaming down my face. He was only twenty-two. His hands were chapped and covered in pale yellow calluses. The constant steam from the griddle had made his eyelashes sparse and brittle. His thick lips were pale and perpetually cracked. I never got to be his wife. I never got to see the world with him. How could I just give up on him? Clutching a stack of overdue medical bills, I collapsed in the busy hospital corridor, sobbing. He had given every penny he had to heal my eyes. And now, I was supposed to sign a form that would end his life. A pair of expensive leather shoes appeared in my blurry vision. I looked up, my tear-filled gaze traveling up a pair of perfectly tailored trousers. A pair of obsidian eyes, shining and full of a startling tenderness, stared down at me. He leaned in. “Nora Blake. My name is Vincent Leech.” “I want you. Marry me, and I will give you anything you desire.” 2 Our marriage was met with fierce opposition from Vincent’s mother. She believed that a family of their stature should be joined with a socialite of equal standing, not some no-name girl from an orphanage. In the end, Vincent threatened to take his own life, and she reluctantly agreed. At the wedding, the officiant asked loudly, “Mr. Leech, do you take this woman, Nora Blake, to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Vincent was silent. The entire venue fell quiet. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “I believe you’ve made a mistake. The woman I am marrying is Miss Seraphina Vance.” A wave of murmurs swept through the guests. They were probably remarking on Vincent’s undying love for his old flame. And, perhaps, pitying me, the stand-in. The officiant gave an awkward laugh and glanced at me, as if asking for permission. Before I could speak, Vincent’s cold stare bore into him, and the officiant’s voice trembled as he corrected himself. “Mr. Leech, do you… do you take Miss Seraphina Vance to be your wife?” Vincent’s lips were a tight line, his throat working. Then he lifted his head, his bright eyes already brimming with tears. He looked deeply into my eyes and said, each word deliberate and heavy, “I do.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an elderly couple in the front row, wiping away tears. They must have been Seraphina’s parents. Seraphina Vance was Vincent’s one true love, the center of his universe. She had died of a heart condition the night before their wedding. Her final wish was to donate her corneas. Vincent had moved heaven and earth to find the recipient. The first time we met in that hospital corridor, he said he wanted me. How could he? We were strangers. He didn’t want me. He just wanted what was inside my eyes. It was the only living piece of his beloved Seraphina left in this world. He wanted to see it every day. To kiss it. Our marriage is a transaction. I love his money. He loves my eyes. 3 Every morning, before he leaves for work, I knot his tie and slip his jacket over his shoulders. And every morning, he turns and presses a deep, tender kiss onto my eyes. I thought that was all it would take. Let him kiss my eyes every day, and in return, I would get the money to keep Liam alive. I was so naive. After we were married, he forced me to wear backless dresses, to eat steak, to drink my coffee with sugar every morning. All things that Seraphina had loved. Worst of all, he made me learn the piano. He wanted me to play his favorite English songs for him. I had never touched an instrument in my life; I couldn’t learn that fast. Because my progress was too slow, he accused me of not trying hard enough and forbade me from visiting Liam. At the dinner table, I threw my spoon down in a rage. His voice was like a whip crack. “Quite the temper! Seraphina was never like this!” “Pick it up!” Seraphina again! My face was a cold mask. I sat there, unmoving, my back ramrod straight as hot tears streamed down my face. He walked over, his jaw tight. He patted my tear-stained cheek and hissed, “Don’t you regret this, Nora.” Ten minutes later, I got a call from the care facility. Liam’s condition had worsened. They had stopped his imported medication, and he was having an allergic reaction to the new one. I knew someone had pulled strings. I fell to my knees, sobbing, calling Vincent over and over. He rejected every call. The most dangerous thing in the world is to have a weakness. It makes you do things you never thought you would. Vincent had Seraphina. I had Liam. We were both prisoners of the ones we loved. After that, I never dared to throw a tantrum in front of him again. I practiced the piano relentlessly, my ten fingers blistering and bleeding until the keys were stained red. As the sun set, he would recline on the sofa, hands behind his head, a look of satisfaction on his face. When I finished a song, he would slowly emerge from his distant memories and return to me. He grabbed my wrist. His gaze swept over my bandaged, blood-stained fingers. “Does it hurt?” he asked softly. For a second, I thought he actually cared. I was about to say yes, but then I looked up and met his eyes. I saw the shimmering love in them, a love that was not for me. I forced a faint smile. “No. As long as you like it, it doesn’t hurt.”

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Five years after I broke up with the crown prince of New York’s elite, we accidentally slept together. When I woke up, his face was cold. “It was just an accident. Don’t overthink it.” Later, I found out I was pregnant. At the hospital, he came rushing in, grabbing my wrist, his voice hoarse and full of hurt. “I said it was an accident, and you actually believed it was just an accident?” “Since when were you so obedient?” “That year, I begged you not to break up with me. Didn’t you dump me anyway?” 1 In the hallway during a class reunion. I didn’t notice him until he was standing right in front of me. By the time I registered his presence, my first instinct was to run. But a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. Jim was just as I remembered him, handsome but distant. He looked down at me, his voice calm. “About that night…” I met his gaze directly. “That night was my fault. I was impulsive.” “I’m sorry.” Jim’s handsome face tensed for a moment before returning to its usual cool composure. He adjusted his glasses, his voice light and breezy. “It’s fine.” “It was just an accident.” 2 I never thought I’d see Jim again. Five years ago, my family suddenly went bankrupt. I was in the middle of preparing to study abroad with my boyfriend when the world came crashing down. Faced with overwhelming debt and my mother’s hospitalization, I made a quick decision. “I don’t like you anymore.” “Let’s break up.” On the athletic field at night, Jim, holding his acceptance letter to Oxford, froze. He frowned at me, his voice low. “Aurora, what are you talking about?” “Are you playing with me?” I couldn’t blame him for being angry. Everyone knew how hard I had chased him. Jim was aloof and hard to get close to. So I brought him snacks one day, “accidentally” ran into him the next, and at a party the day after, I shouted my confession for all to hear: “Jim Sterling, I will always like you, and I will never stop chasing you.” And now, looking at the untouchable prize I had finally won, my pride and my love waged a war in my head. In the end, I chose my pride. “You can think of it as me playing with you, if you want.” “Either way, I’m not going abroad with you.” I had to earn money, pay for my own education, and pay off my family’s debts. I didn’t say the rest. Jim had already turned and walked away. He had a powerful family, striking good looks, and stellar grades. He was quickly accepted into a top-tier university. Meanwhile, I was juggling part-time jobs, my studies, and taking care of my sick mother. I thought I would never see him again. Until a month ago, at that class reunion. He suddenly appeared. His expression was more serious, his every move exuding a new, mature confidence that made him even more captivating than before. I couldn’t resist. I drank too much. And we slept together. Alcohol really is a good excuse for things you can’t admit you want. And once again, I thought I would never see him again. 3 But then another classmate organized a middle school reunion. And he showed up. Damn it! Why were my classmates so obsessed with reunions lately? In my best friend Stella’s car, on the way home, she poked my forehead in exasperation. “You’re ridiculous. You know you don’t have to go to these things.” “Stop lying to yourself, okay?” “First the alcohol, now the reunions. Seriously, are you still in love with Jim?” My heart skipped a beat. “What if I am?” “What if I’m not?” We were adults. It was just one night. Jim’s family business was thriving, and he himself was incredibly successful. His net worth was beyond anything I could imagine. And me? My father’s debts weren’t paid off, and my mother still needed surgery. I was a mess. I had no time for romantic daydreams of the past. “But you two still…” I forced a smile. “We’re just human. It was a physical thing.” “Once and only once. It won’t happen again.” I looked at the moon, thinking that this time, I really, truly would have nothing more to do with Jim. Until a few days later. I stared at the two lines on the test. My brain short-circuited. So… do I see him? Or do I not see him? 4 I was still debating, but fate had already made the decision for me. After taking care of my mother, I snuck off to the OB-GYN for a confirmation. I was waiting for my number to be called when a beautiful young doctor walked by, smiling and chatting with someone. And that someone… was none other than Jim. Our eyes met, and we both froze. The doctor called Jim’s name a few times before it dawned on her. “Jim, do you two know each other?” Jim looked at me, his voice flat. “Classmates.” The doctor looped her arm through Jim’s, an intimate gesture. An undeniable sourness churned in my stomach, but I kept my expression neutral. “Yes, we were classmates.” The doctor was open and friendly, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Classmates, huh?” “Hi, I’m Jim’s fiancée, Valerie. Valerie Bell.” She extended her hand with a bright, confident smile. The appointment slip in my hand suddenly felt incredibly heavy. I managed a friendly smile, shook her hand, and just wanted to get away as fast as possible. But Jim suddenly called out to me, his eyes dark, his thoughts unreadable. “Old classmate, aren’t you going to wish us well?” He put a strange emphasis on the words “old classmate.” I nodded stiffly. “I wish you a long and happy life together…” “And may you have a child soon.” A few minutes later. In the exam room, Valerie looked at my test results, her face beaming. “Congratulations, old classmate.” “You’re pregnant!” I wanted to die of embarrassment. This was really… not the time for congratulations. 5 Valerie was still chattering away, giving me instructions. “You need to be very careful now. Avoid cold foods and alcohol, be careful with exercise, the first three months are the most critical…” I gave a weak smile and cut her off. “Um, old classmate’s fiancée.” “I have a lot of cravings. I can’t give up alcohol.” “I want an abortion.” 6 Between adults, some things don’t need to be spelled out. A flash of understanding crossed Valerie’s face. She nodded, her expression still kind. “Okay.” “I’ll arrange it for you.” She typed away at her computer, then glanced at me with a casual, knowing smile. “You know, the way our Jim looks at you is… pretty intense.” “This abortion… it wouldn’t have anything to do with him, would it?” In that moment, my heart stopped beating. My mind went blank. I just stared at her. She held my gaze, and just as the air in the room was about to solidify, she tapped my forehead playfully. “Just kidding!” “I scared you, didn’t I?” She stuck out her tongue. I forced my lips into a stiff smile. “No, no, you didn’t scare me.” “I have a clear conscience.” We… we had nothing to do with each other. 7 That night, on the way to the Sterling family estate. Valerie was pouting. “Can’t you just call off the engagement?” “You don’t even like me! Why are you listening to your parents?” Jim glanced at her, his cool eyes seemingly untouched by worldly concerns. He was concise. “It’s a hassle.” Defying his family was something Jim was perfectly capable of. But it would take effort, and it was too much of a hassle. He turned the steering wheel, speaking as if it wasn’t his own marriage. “In three years, when the business partnership between our families is over, we can get a divorce.” “You don’t have to fulfill any marital duties. You’ll be free.” “You can be with whoever you want.” As he spoke, he casually adjusted the charm hanging from his rearview mirror. His younger brother, Jasper’s, wild and handsome face was now turned toward Valerie. Valerie’s face instantly turned bright red. She muttered under her breath, “Well, what’s that supposed to mean?” “Ugh, this is so annoying.” She slumped back in her seat, then suddenly remembered something. Her tone changed, becoming meaningful. “Your old classmate came in for a check-up today.” In the darkness, Valerie clearly saw Jim’s hand tighten on the steering wheel, the veins standing out. His voice, however, remained calm. “And?” “She wished us a son soon,” Valerie said cheerfully. Suddenly, the car accelerated. Valerie’s grin widened. Jim shot her a look, knowing she was making fun of him. He suppressed the rising anger and retorted smoothly, “If we had a son, someone else would go crazy.” Valerie pouted, not to be outdone. “Someone else might not go crazy, but the little life in her belly certainly will.” “Getting terminated at such a young age.” Screech! The car slammed to a halt. Jim turned to Valerie, who was scared out of her wits, with an expression she had never seen before. It was dead serious. “What did you say?” “What little life?” Valerie had heard that ever since his high school breakup, Jim had been unpredictable. She didn’t dare provoke him further. She meekly confessed. “Your old classmate.” “She’s pregnant. Six weeks.” 8 That evening, I had just finished feeding my mother when I received a friend request. The username was “Speechless,” and the profile picture was completely black. For some reason, my heart lurched. I looked at the simple introduction below. Just two words: Jim Sterling. My heart was pounding. I resisted the urge to accept and instead typed in the request box: 【Do you need something?】 After a while, just when I thought he wouldn’t reply, a message popped up. Speechless: 【Aurora, what do you think of my username?】 The night was quiet, the moonlight slanting in, casting a silver frost across the room. His strange question made it feel like… we were just chatting. I didn’t reply. I figured I would just let it go. A few moments later, another message came through: 【Why aren’t you talking?】 Me: … 【It’s nice.】 Speechless: 【Aren’t you going to ask what it means?】 Me: 【What does it mean?】 Silence from his end for a moment. Speechless: 【Nothing. People say I’m like a mute.】 People? Who were these “people”? I stared at the word, a sudden, inexplicable wave of sadness washing over me. There was a time when I knew all of Jim’s friends. We grew up together, inseparable. And now, I knew nothing about his life. Oh. No, that’s not right. My fingers paused. The image of a smiling, cheerful girl flashed in my mind. I knew Valerie. His fiancée. Instantly, a wave of guilt and shame flooded my brain. I felt more and more that this conversation was wrong. That it shouldn’t be happening. My fingers moved, and I began to end the chat. 【Do you need anything else? I’m going to bed.】 The subtext was clear: I wasn’t going to add him. Speechless: 【Is there nothing you need to tell me?】 Almost subconsciously, my eyes drifted down to my stomach. A moment later, I came back to my senses. I replied: 【Valerie is beautiful. I wish you both a long and happy life together, and a son soon.】 Speechless went completely silent. A true mute. And I stared out at the moon, unable to sleep for a long, long time. 9 The conversation that night was like a lit fuse. I felt an urgent need to get the abortion. Especially after running into Valerie that morning. Valerie was surprised. “You want to jump the queue?” “Why are you in such a hurry?” “He can’t come until this afternoon.” My eye twitched. “Who?” Valerie stuck out her tongue and muttered something under her breath. She turned back, looking completely innocent. “Oh, nothing.” “I meant the doctor who’s doing your procedure. He, uh, he’s off this morning.” “He’ll be in this afternoon.” I frowned. I felt more and more guilty standing in front of this sweet, innocent girl. After all, I was carrying her fiancé’s child. “Are there no other doctors?” “I’m really in a hurry.” Valerie pouted and thought for a moment. “Okay, wait here. I’ll see what I can arrange.” I relaxed as Valerie went into her office. On a whim, I stood outside her door. Quietly, I strained my ears. I could hear Valerie’s slightly anxious voice. “I don’t have time for your games! Put your brother on the phone!” “I’m telling you, you’re messing up something important, and I won’t be responsible.” “What business is it of yours? What are we, little brother? You need to have some boundaries!” It didn’t sound like she was talking to Jim. But if you listened closely, underneath her annoyed tone, there was a hint of sweetness. “So what if I’m older than you? Hah, I’m higher up in the family tree.” “Don’t you dare try to take advantage of me!” I couldn’t hear what the person on the other end was saying. Valerie’s voice was now a mix of anger and annoyance, almost a pout. “Don’t you talk nonsense!” “That night was an accident!” “I’m your sister-in-law now!” Accident? Sister-in-law? Oh. My. God. My brain exploded. It was like… I had just discovered some dark, forbidden secret.

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