Author: Momo Chan

Julian Meng had an extraordinary temperament. I thought, finding him as my first love, even if we broke up, there would be no regrets. So I chased Julian wildly. Moved by my pursuit, he made a three-point agreement with me: Just dating, no marriage, break up upon graduation. I agreed happily. We were together for three years, interpreting love to the fullest. On graduation day, I initiated the breakup. But he regretted it. I was shocked: “Didn’t we agree? Break up upon graduation!” I clearly remember, at the end of that day, our talk collapsed. Julian lowered his always proud head, smiling self-deprecatingly: “Jane Chang, you’d better pray we never meet again.” From then on, I avoided him. However, with a gentle flick of God’s finger, the world became very small, and two people always have a time to meet again. Chapter 1 Julian and I tacitly abided by an unspoken rule. We were only a campus couple. Once out of school, like during holidays, we went back to our own homes and ceased contact. In those days without contact, he was the famous Julian Meng of New York, and I was the obscure Jane Chang of Chicago. We didn’t text, didn’t voice chat, didn’t ask about each other’s whereabouts, as if we were still single. I thought this niche mode of getting along would last until we graduated and broke up. However, the summer vacation of sophomore year was exceptionally long, lasting eighty days. Before leaving school, Julian asked me: “Will you miss me?” I hugged him and acted coquettishly: “Mm, I will miss you very much.” He pulled me into his arms, kissed my head, and didn’t say silly things like “contact me if you miss me.” I have always liked this rationality in Julian. His family background is high, and his future partner will definitely be found within the same circle. We both knew very well that there was no future between us. The reason for dating was probably just to experience a pure campus romance, and I happened to fit Julian’s taste for a girlfriend. In school, Julian was my boyfriend. Outside of school, when he became the Third Young Master of the Meng family, he didn’t want me to disturb his life. I followed his wishes, cooperated silently, and never crossed the line. At that time, I never expected that this rule would eventually be broken by Julian himself. The summer vacation was too long. He sent a message saying he wanted to return to school early, a full month earlier than our agreed return time. When I received the message, I was surprised and teased him: “Why return early? Did you miss me?” He didn’t reply to this message. However, since then, whenever there was a long holiday, Julian would ask me: “Do you want to travel together?” Most of the time, I agreed happily. We went to many cities together, watched stars in the desert, and watched the sunset on the island. When I appreciated the scenery, I was often very serious, so I was always startled by Julian’s sudden kiss. He loved to cup my face and kiss me from above. A very domineering posture. In intimate behavior, Julian liked to take the initiative, and liked me to be forced to accept. However, at every critical moment, I would ruin the atmosphere and call stop. Julian’s eyes were stained with desire, his Adam’s apple rolled unbearably, but he didn’t speak, just raised his eyebrows and asked in confusion: “What’s wrong?” My answer was always: “Don’t want to.” Clearly, desire was baring its fangs and claws, and he sweated a thin layer. But as long as I called stop, he could always restrain himself, go into the bathroom to take a cold shower, and come out to hug me for pure sleep. After I refused many times, Julian seemed to guess a bit of my mind. If there was a sign of misfire again, without me refusing, he would consciously get up and take a cold shower. The only exception. That day, he saw a message sent to me by a friend and asked me: “Who is this?” I didn’t hide it from him: “It’s my friend from Chicago.” He didn’t say anything more at the time. At night, his attitude became tough. I pushed back. He pinched my wrist, pressed it on the headboard, and continued. I avoided his kiss and emphasized: “Julian, I don’t want to!” “Why not?” He asked, “For that friend in Chicago?” Clearly a very proud person, when jealous, he was as hard to coax as a mad dog. I never said it thoroughly, but Julian should understand in his heart that I didn’t want to go to the last step with him because I knew he wouldn’t be the one to stay with me in the end. I didn’t want the bond between us to be too deep. Julian was a gentleman, understood my thoughts, and didn’t force me. It’s just that every time we were intimate after that, he seemed to be competing with someone, very grinding. Chapter 2 In the second semester of junior year, the day we agreed to break up was getting closer. Thinking of ending this relationship, I felt reluctant. To avoid future pain, I began to prepare psychologically for detachment in advance. That year’s trip, Julian arranged to go to the UK. On the second day of arrival in Kent, I was still sleeping off jet lag when a group of people broke into the hotel. I was forcibly changed into a wedding dress, put on perfect bridal makeup, and taken to a carriage outside the hotel. I don’t know when Julian arranged all this. I held a wedding with him in Canterbury Cathedral, officiated by a priest personally. No one observed the ceremony. Only the two of us. An unacknowledged wedding. It wasn’t until the moment we exchanged rings that I finally understood why he uncharacteristically asked me for a ring as this year’s birthday gift. Turns out, it was just so that at this moment of exchanging rings, I could take out a ring. This was an invalid wedding. We both knew it well. But that night, when Julian was panting heavily and intending to take a cold shower, I stopped him. I pressed him on the bed and kissed him hard. He trembled all over and lost his voice calling me: “Jane.” I scolded: “Wedding night, Julian, don’t be unromantic.” It didn’t matter. I thought, who cares where he goes in the future. Only today, I, Jane Chang, am his bride. I indulged myself. Just this once. I thought it was just once, but later it was actually many times. Some principles, once broken, seem to have no stand to abide by anymore, can only be broken again and again, retreating step by step. Julian and I were both out of control, unable to brake. I told myself, just treat it as a countdown indulgence, leaving a bit of madness, not in vain of occupying Julian once. I wasn’t sure when Julian would bring up the breakup. After all, our original agreement was: Just dating, no marriage, break up upon graduation. Not specific to which day. I waited anxiously for a while, but he delayed speaking. The ticket back to Chicago was already bought. No time to drag on, Julian and I needed a formal farewell. I actively asked him out, in a relatively quiet restaurant near the school, and brought up the breakup with him. I thought about Julian’s reaction. I thought he would uphold his consistent style, accept it calmly, and then say goodbye gentlemanly and decently. I didn’t expect him to look at me quietly and say: “No.” I didn’t react, asking him blankly: “What no?” He stared deeply into my eyes: “Jane, I don’t want to break up.” Chapter 3 My brain suddenly became messy. Julian is definitely not a person who goes back on his word. He has always kept his promises and practiced what he preached. So, I have always firmly believed that breaking up was a certainty. Never expected that he would regret it. When did he change his mind? I didn’t notice at all. I panicked a bit inside. Because I never thought about continuing with Julian. Breaking up upon graduation, this agreement, in my opinion, was happy for everyone. Julian’s temporary change of mind caught me off guard. I couldn’t speak, only staring at him in disbelief. My reaction was probably far from what he expected. His tone rarely mixed with a bit of urgency: “I know what you are worried about.” “Jane, give me five years.” “In five years, I guarantee that no one in the Meng family will interfere with my marriage anymore.” “By then, we will hold a wedding again, invite friends and family to witness, with a red book stamped by City Hall, justifiably announcing to the whole world that we belong only to each other.” “Jane,” he asked me, “What do you say?” Facing his eager inquiry, I dodged his gaze guiltily, bit the bullet, and stammered out a sentence: “Didn’t we agree? Break up upon graduation.” Julian was obviously stunned, asking unconsciously: “What?” Now that things have come to this. If I don’t make it clear, I’m afraid misunderstandings will arise. I took a deep breath and said bluntly: “I want to break up.” Julian’s gaze shot over instantly, like a substance, stinging people. He put his arms casually on the table, looked straight at me, and emitted a terrifying aura. “Why?” This sentence revealed a faint dead silence, as if compared to doubt, he actually wanted to hear the answer from my own mouth. I had never felt such oppression from Julian. With the mentality of cutting the Gordian knot, I shook out all my heartfelt words. “Because we are not a match.” “I have no great ambition, just want to eat and drink enough every day and live a smooth life.” “Don’t want to be made difficult because of the disparity in family status.” “Also unwilling to labor mentally and physically to deal with complex interpersonal relationships.” “Once married to you, these are inevitable.” “So, actually I never thought about continuing with you.” Towards the end, my voice lowered. I suddenly found that compared to Julian, I seemed very cruel. He planned our future with heart, while I calculated gains and losses inch by inch. It was as if… on our common battlefield, he was determined to fight for me once. And I had long prepared to escape the battlefield. And, did not intend to look back. “I’ve said what needs to be said clearly,” I stood up in panic, dropping a sentence hurriedly like an escape, “I’m leaving, take care.” I turned around. Arm was pulled. Like iron pincers, stubbornly not letting go. I looked back flustered. Julian sat by the table, looking up at me. Such a proud person, at this moment, looked like he was caught in the rain, emitting a cold chill all over. He asked: “If you never thought about having a future with me, why did you give yourself to me?” My breathing stagnated. I threw off his hand, pretending to be relaxed: “Didn’t expect you to care about this? I care less instead.” He seemed to be stung, pupils shaking brokenly. Then, he twitched the corner of his mouth, revealing a self-deprecating smile, let go of me, and stood up from the chair. His tall figure instantly enveloped me in a shadow. His posture was straight, unwilling to bend over, so he just lowered his eyelids, lowered his gaze, and stared at me. “Jane Chang, you’d better pray we never meet again, otherwise, I don’t know what I will do.” I didn’t show it on my face, but my palms were actually full of sweat. I regretted a bit. Shouldn’t have provoked him. That day, I fled the restaurant awkwardly and fled back to Chicago without looking back. From then on, even when traveling, I would specifically avoid New York. I thought I would never meet Julian again in this life. However, man proposes, God disposes… Chapter 4 My cousin Mia married into a wealthy family and invited me to the wedding. The wedding was held in New York. Learning the location, I simply refused the invitation. However, the groom’s side filtered the guest list of the bride’s family and only circled me, thinking I was qualified to show my face. In other words, Mia’s parents were not allowed to attend her wedding. Among relatives and friends, besides me, only a few bridesmaids were granted permission to observe the ceremony. Mia’s mother, my aunt, visited me personally and asked me to “support the scene” for Mia as the only family member. I was forced to take on this ridiculous heavy responsibility. We were arranged to stay in a luxury hotel. Mia would marry from the hotel the next day. The night before the wedding, a young girl added Mia on WeChat, sending her more than ten photos of intimate interaction with the groom-to-be, and a video. A bachelor ENDING party was being held in a villa thirty kilometers away from the hotel. Men and women, cool and eye-catching, partying to the fullest. In the video, the coquettish girl kissed the groom-to-be mouth to mouth sweetly. Mia calmly turned off the phone, greeted me, and six other bridesmaids, saying: “Let’s go, we also go to the party.” I never thought I would see Julian again. After all, New York is so big. I thought, how could it be so coincidental? Four years later, coming to New York for the first time, I would meet him squarely. But God really loves to joke. Mia went to give a display of authority. She slapped the girl without ambiguity. The girl was unconvinced and wanted to find the groom-to-be for support, only to find that he just watched smilingly and had no intention of standing up for her. The groom-to-be’s surname is Wu, named William Wu. The girl didn’t know that Mia had a three-point agreement with William before getting married. No matter how William messed around outside, Mia could turn a blind eye. The only point was, if the wild flowers outside danced in front of her to provoke, when she took action to teach a lesson, William couldn’t help. The girl wrongly weighed her weight in William’s heart. Mia grabbed her hair and blasted her out the door. William acted like nothing happened, closed the door smoothly, then happily put his arm around Mia’s waist, telling her: “Don’t be insensible. Since you are here, go say hello to The Third Young Master.” Mia just finished a fight, collar pulled open, hair messy as a chicken coop. She tidied herself up calmly and said: “Okay, I’ll go over as soon as I clean up.” William left Mia and went over first. There was a table of people over there, handsome men and beautiful women, glamorous, not sure if playing board games or chatting. Anyway, compared to the noise by the pool, it seemed quiet over there. Mia glanced in that direction, then sneakily greeted the bridesmaid group to approach, lowering her voice to whisper to them: “See that table? Except the one in the middle, others are good targets.” The one in the middle she mentioned, I looked over curiously, froze at a glance, and didn’t withdraw my gaze for a long time. I saw him. He didn’t see me. It was Julian. Julian, four years older, was different from my memory. Shedding the immaturity of youth, his eyebrows and eyes are now deeper and more steady, precipitating an outstanding temperament all over. In the bridesmaid group, the most beautiful girl, Bella, asked Mia unwillingly as soon as her eyes fell on him: “Why not him?” Mia pulled the girl’s arm, tone rarely serious: “Him, we can’t reach. Don’t engage in wishful thinking, to avoid getting into trouble.” Bella has a lofty nature. Hearing this, she said a faint “Oh,” as if she listened to the advice.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390168”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Sunny and I are twins. Mom always says she wants to be fair, so she buys two identical copies of everything. But during New Year’s Eve, my sparklers were damp and wouldn’t light no matter what. I secretly swapped two of Sunny’s. The moment I lit them, sparks illuminated the joy in my eyes. And also printed Mom’s ugly face. “Who told you to steal from your sister? I gave you yours and you’re still not satisfied?” “You like fireworks, right? Go then—” She roughly pushed me out the door, forcing little me to go to the field to light the big fireworks. The firework exploded with a bang. When the crackling fire jumped onto the stunned me. I suddenly remembered the so-called fairness over these years. Identical apples, Sunny’s was crisp and sweet, but mine was rotten and yellow at the core. Identical clothes, mine were always mocked by classmates as fakes, tearing after a month. Severe pain invaded my whole body, and I closed my eyes. Mom, I’m dying now. No need to buy two copies of things in the future. Chapter 1 The moment the fuse was lit, the firework tube tipped over towards me due to poor placement. The huge impact knocked me to the ground. At the same time, the firework exploded in the ink-black sky with a bang. Brilliant streamers spread out overwhelmingly, scattering into my eyes. Like bigger, prettier sparklers. The ones stolen from Sunny didn’t burn for long before Mom snatched them away. Sunny cried with red eyes, accusing me of robbing hers. I clutched my handful of damp, soft sparklers. Accumulated grievances surged. I finally looked up, asking the confusion of many years: “Mom, didn’t you say everything is the same? Then why can’t mine light up? Why can Sunny’s?” “Since they are the same, why can’t we swap?” Responding to me was Mom’s slap. Embarrassment and awkwardness of being exposed flashed across her face, raising her voice to scold: “You are so young, why so greedy?” “I’m already so fair, it’s your own bad luck, and you blame me and your sister?” Glancing at the crying Sunny, her anger grew. Pulling the corner of her mouth, she sneered at me: “Don’t you like setting off fireworks? Go light them then, don’t come back if you don’t light them.” Am I really too greedy? I thought. Sky full of fireworks illuminated a twisted, blackened body on the ground. Only then did I realize, that was me. I am already dead. Soul drifting, I went back home again. On the second-floor balcony, Sunny clapped her hands laughing: “Mommy Mommy, look quickly!” Sunny and I grew up in the city, rarely seeing such clear and beautiful big fireworks without obstruction. “Alright, go to sleep after watching, it’s late.” “I’ll go warm up milk for you.” Mom smiled dotingly at Sunny, turning into the kitchen. She habitually took two cups. One poured with imported fresh milk. The other, poured with the cheapest bagged milk from the supermarket, marked ‘near expiry’. Mom frowned, as if smoked by the cheap milk smell. “Sunny, come.” I watched Mom hurriedly make Sunny drink the milk. I’m already dead. Mom, you don’t need to prepare two portions anymore. “Luna, where is Luna?” Grandma Rose in the bedroom called my name. Recently her health got worse, sometimes couldn’t get out of bed. When we came back, Grandma gave me a red envelope, thicker than Sunny’s. Mom questioned dissatisfiedly: “Mom, what do you mean? I give children red envelopes of identical thickness, you are biased right?” The little old lady hummed, touching my head: “I just gave Luna a bit more.” “Should I learn from you? Ten one-dollar bills and ten hundred-dollar bills, that’s not biased?” Grandma gave me a big hug. Unlike Mom, every time I stretched out my arms, she would frown and retreat. “No Luna, Mom’s hug must be double, one for you one for sister.” “If sister isn’t here, giving only you, that’s unfair.” I didn’t understand then. Why when Sunny demanded kisses and hugs from Mom. There was no talk of fairness. “Where is Luna? Luna was muttering about watching fireworks, why isn’t she here?” Grandma sat up anxiously. “She went back to her room long ago, Mom, no need to worry, she’s shrewd.” Mom sneered, eyebrows mixed with deep disgust. “Just stole Sunny’s sparklers just now. I treat her so fairly, she’s still not satisfied?” “Indeed just like her dad, a greedy and cheap ungrateful wolf.” Chapter 2 Pain flashed in Grandma’s eyes. She clutched her chest, throat hoarse: “You can’t just blame the child for everything because Luna looks like him.” Floating in the air, my heart skipped a beat. Remembering these years, Mom took us out. There would be grandmas looking at us in identical princess dresses, praising with a smile: “You really balance the bowl of water well, raising both children so beautifully.” “Sister is like you, then this older one is like dad, right?” Mom’s smile from the second before vanished instantly. The look she gave me was like poison. Later because of my grades, Mom was called to the office. Homeroom teacher saw Mom, mouth corner hooked up an ambiguous smile: “I guessed she was your daughter, this face is exactly the same as her dad.” “Academic performance is also bad.” “But indeed has a pretty face, no wonder you dropped out of school to run away with a man back then, beauty misleads people.” Her teasing gaze fell on Mom. Mom squeezed out a smile, veins on forehead throbbing. She roughly pulled me out of the school gate. A slap made my ears buzz. “I always treated you and your sister fairly, what did I lack you?” “You show me these grades?” She pinched my shoulder, nails almost embedding into flesh. I bit my lower lip daring not speak. Compared to the smart, generous, sweet-talking Sunny. I had nothing to show off except being praised for being prettier, cowardly and cramped in doing everything. “Dirty blood flowing in bones, no wonder I can’t raise well.” Mom left a cold sentence that day. Young me vaguely sensed something wrong with the role of “Dad”. And gradually understood, Mom’s occasional vague targeting and disgust were not my illusion. “Scarlett, your dad and I stopped you back then.” “You said you were willing, willing to not study and go work, willing to give birth to two children.” I looked at Mom ignorantly. She clenched her fists, face iron green. Just like when we just returned to the countryside, Mom took boxes of gifts out of the car. Auntie at the village entrance rolled eyes, smile hidden thorns: “Old Chen’s girl is quite capable, cheated of body and money by a man, now still magnificent.” Mom’s back she tried to keep straight still bent down. She fled awkwardly under their teasing gazes. “I know you regret it, you hate him, but the child is innocent.” Grandma coughed twice violently, eyes full of heavy grief. “If you don’t like Luna, then leave her with me, no need to torture the child.” “How do I not like her!” My mom couldn’t suppress emotions anymore, eyes staring round. Screamed, “What Sunny has, what does she not have?” “What does she have to be aggrieved about, even learned to steal sister’s things.” “I found out before, every time distributing things, her eyes always stare at sister’s, greedy enough.” Mom seemed to grab my braid, scolding mercilessly. “Really an ungrateful wolf, same disgusting look as her dad.” “She is still a child!” Grandma slapped the bedside table hard. “Don’t think I don’t know, you buy Sunny brand name goods worth thousands, buy Luna broken clothes worth dozens.” “The inside of her padded jacket had a big hole, pasted with transparent tape.” Grandma’s voice choked, as if couldn’t bear it. “I wanted to mend it for the child, result cotton taken out inside, all smelly black broken feather pieces.” I froze. So clothes always breaking, not because I was careless, not cherishing. Clothes itchy, smelly, not because I was unhygienic. I secretly touched Sunny’s down jacket. Light and soft, like clouds. Identical appearance things, turned out to be really different. Not my illusion, not my bad luck. Even less Mom being careless. Chapter 3 Mom didn’t want to talk more with Grandma, turned and left directly. She went downstairs to lock the door, as if finally remembering I was still outside not back. Called impatiently towards the yard: “Gu Niannian, not rolling back yet?” Sunny leaned over curiously, pouting: “Is sister angry? Didn’t let her light fireworks, even bigger fireworks.” “Let her make a scene, don’t come back.” Mom mocked lightly, locked the door neatly. “Isn’t there a doghouse in the yard, she is deadly shrewd, can’t die outside.” “Let’s go Sunny, we go up to sleep, ignore her.” She hugged Sunny to bed. I also secretly floated to Mom’s side. Mom flipping fairy tale book, telling story to Sunny. Warm dim light at bedside plated on her face, making her eyebrows and eyes soft as water. I felt a bit unfair. Why can Sunny lie on Mom’s chest listening to stories. And I can only nest in the utility room, sleeping on a small bed made of iron frames. In winter, have to rely on hugging dolls, curling into a ball to keep warm to fall asleep. Now I understand. Mom just doesn’t like me. Fairness, just for show, for me to see, for others to see. Facing Sunny, she has her own standards and privileges for Sunny. But I still stuck to Mom’s back. Almost greedily feeling Mom’s temperature. Mom’s bed so soft, Mom smells so good… Clearly I am already a soul. Why still tears flowing out of eyes. Next morning, Mom prepared breakfast calling Sunny to eat. “Where is Luna? Not up yet?” Grandma propped herself up walking out of room, tone a bit anxious. “Mom you don’t lie down well, get out of bed for what?” Mom seemed to just remember my existence. Froze, brows dyed with familiar impatience again. “Where can she go, hiding in corner sulking.” “She steals things and still reasonable, seems I was too good to her usually.” Grandma’s figure trembled: “Early morning, where can Luna go…” “Not in room either, the bed I made for her is still clean.” Grandma muttered to herself. Raising eyes suddenly sensed a trace of unnaturalness in Mom. She tapped cane, face extremely ugly: “Scarlett, tell truth, where is the child? “Did she… come back last night…” Grandma asked the second half carefully. Mom looked away guiltily, saying rather carelessly: “How do I know, she’s in elementary school, not a small child anymore.” Chapter 4 Grandma was choked with anger. Breathing rapidly, clutching chest panting violently. Mom just said two words to make up, Sunny’s cry cut in. “No! This doll is not mine!” Sunny rummaging through her suitcase. Holding a Disney rabbit crying. “Look its face is crooked, fur messy too, simply a fake.” “Must be sister swapped it.” She red-eyed, crying to Mom. Doll in hand fabric greyish, face crooked mouth slanted, threads opening. Sunny threw on ground with disgust. I waved hand wanting to say no, it was Sunny took wrong when packing. But Mom kicked away the doll, hurriedly squatting to wipe Sunny’s tears. Look, they can totally distinguish, my things and Sunny’s. That doll, was when we went to Disney, Sunny clamored to buy. Price tag 499. When Mom paid, didn’t blink an eye. Until seeing me holding the corner of her clothes. Mom smiled weirdly, said to me: “Sorry Luna, Mom didn’t bring enough money today, buy you same online in a few days okay?” My eyes burst with light immediately. Crisply shouting “Okay”. For many years, I foolishly guarded Mom’s so-called “Fairness” smiling satisfied. “Mom you saw, Gu Niannian same disgusting look as her dad.” “Did I wrong her saying she steals?” Mom gritted teeth cursing, looking at other dirty dolls in suitcase, face darker: “How come these all dirty, is it Gu Niannian doing it too.” Sunny froze, nodded immediately. Actually dolls were dirtied by Sunny. Not first time she framed me, whenever she made mistake, would shout it was me. Mom wouldn’t care about my explanation. She only saw Sunny’s tears. “Cheap thing, she is just jealous of Sunny, I treat her so well, still not satisfied?” “Why gave birth to one more back then, giving birth to this disaster thing too.” Mom scolded harshly. Grandma heard pupils dilated, chest heaving violently. As if unbelievable, such ugly words came from a mother’s mouth. “Good good good, you don’t want Luna, I want.” Grandma walked towards door trembling with cane. Mom frowned wanting to stop, but Sunny cried “Wah”, tripping Mom’s steps again. “Alright alright, Mom buy you a few more okay.” “Anyway your sister isn’t here, buy as many as you want.” Mom comforted Sunny gently. This warm scene, I didn’t want to watch anymore. I followed Grandma to the yard. Wind big outside, blowing Grandma’s thin body swaying more. “Luna, my good Luna—” She shouted my name, but except dog barking in yard, no other response. She stood blankly in yard, old eyes surfacing water light. “Mom, stop looking, let her make trouble, die outside if not wanting back—” Mom’s scolding came from inside. Before I was locked in storage room by sister several times, Mom only thought I was throwing tantrum. “Must have done bad thing dare not come out.” Mom always speculated me with greatest malice. But now Grandma, was sad for me: “This child, must have suffered how much grievance…” Ignoring Mom’s obstruction, insisted walking out of yard alone. Ground frosted, Grandma stumbled every step, but dared not slow down. “Luna, Luna where are you, come to Grandma quick—” She shouted tirelessly, voice choking, “Don’t be afraid child, Grandma protects you.” I floated in air, anxious and panicked. Watching helplessly as Grandma walked towards the empty ground where I set off fireworks. Suddenly, she screamed, collapsed on ground. In front, clearly my unrecognizable corpse.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390167”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Mom always loved to blame me for trusting her too much. She promised me $500 if I got Straight As. But when I went to her with my report card, she said: “I was just joking, who told you to believe me?” She swore to me that if I jumped from the high bleachers, she would definitely catch me. But the moment I jumped, she dodged immediately, letting me smash onto the ground and break my leg. In exchange, she just said lightly, “Told you not to trust others’ words casually. It’s been so many times, why don’t you learn?” I stared blankly as she steadily caught my sister who jumped from the bleachers, realizing that I was the only one participating in this trust test. But the story of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” doesn’t work after too many times. Mom, as you wish, I will never trust you again. Chapter 1 “Lemon is so great! Daring to jump from such a high place. But don’t learn from your sister in the future, it’s dangerous.” My mom hugged Lemon tightly. Although her face was full of smiles, her eyes held lingering fear. Afraid that my sister would fall from such a height and get hurt. But for me, she could withdraw her hand so decisively, watching me smash onto the ground without saying a word. I clutched my broken leg, cold sweat on my forehead, unable to say a word from the pain. The laughter of their family of three drowned out my painful groans. I don’t know how long passed, my sister Lemon noticed me still lying on the ground, broke free from Mom’s embrace, and walked to me. The sarcasm in her words overflowed. “Sister, Mom told you so many times not to trust her. It’s been so many times, why don’t you learn!” “In the end, you deserve it!” Hearing this, I froze. Yeah, Mom has lied to me so many times, why don’t I learn? I can’t even count which time she lied to me this is. When I was five, she said she lost a very important necklace, begging me with red eyes to find it. I searched from 5 AM to midnight. When I picked up the necklace, Mom just said lightly: “Not a very important thing, was it necessary?” After speaking, she laughed at me with Dad and my sister. “Look, how can there be such a stupid person. I was just tricking her, didn’t expect she really believed it.” After laughing enough, she looked at me coldly, “Go wash the dishes, this is my punishment for you. Who told you to trust me so much!” “You are so stupid, you will suffer big losses sooner or later!” I stood there tearfully, at a loss. That was the first lesson she taught me. Chapter 2 Since that day, she seemed to have found the fun of teasing me. Testing my trust in her from time to time. She even tricked me, saying the neighbor grandma stole her shoes. She pointed at the shoes at the neighbor grandma’s house and asked me to grab them back. With past lessons, I was alert, but Mom said, “I won’t lie to you, trust Mom.” I believed her and grabbed the shoes back. What I got was a beating from the neighbor grandma. She whipped me with a long thin stick, cursing while hitting. “So young and already a thief! If your parents don’t educate you, I’ll discipline you for them!” I cried and banged on the door, but Mom hid inside without making a sound. From that day on, I became the uneducated thief in the community. Peers didn’t want to play with me. Everyone who saw me would mock, “She’s a thief, don’t play with her, even stealing a 70-year-old grandma’s shoes! Shameless!” I defended with a red face, “I am not a thief.” Attracting more ridicule. I went home aggrieved and asked Mom, “Clearly the grandma’s shoes weren’t yours, why did you lie to me they were?” “Can you help me explain I’m not a thief?” Mom pushed me away coldly, “Is this my problem? Who told you to trust me so much!” The title of thief crowned me for more than ten years. My heart throbbed with pain. I couldn’t help asking myself, why after so many times, I still don’t learn. My sister stared at my bruised foot, suddenly kicked it. The pain made me scream. My sister covered her mouth and chuckled seeing me like this. “Sister, you are faking it, right? But you fake it quite well. Your leg doesn’t look broken.” Deep disgust appeared in Mom’s eyes, she urged me. “Stand up quickly. People are around, aren’t you ashamed lying here?” I pursed my dry lips, red-eyed, spitting out pleading words with difficulty. “Mom, my leg is really broken, it really hurts. Can you take me to the hospital?” Before Mom could speak, Dad interrupted impatiently. “Enough, how high is the platform? Can this break your leg? Is there a limit to your acting?” “Your mom and I hate you playing pitiful for sympathy the most, you know? Your sister jumped down fine, why is it only you who have problems!” My heart stagnated suddenly, unable to control my tears anymore, explaining chokingly. “Dad, I’m not faking, my leg is really broken.” Dad sneered, face full of disbelief. Mom was even less likely to believe. After looking at my leg again and again, she came to a conclusion. “Clementine, are you trying to imitate me, testing our trust in you?” Mom didn’t think much and confirmed her thought, disgust towards me even worse. “But Clementine, Mom won’t be as stupid as you. Mom won’t believe your little tricks.” Paused, her face became serious. “I give you one minute now. Stand up and go home with us. If you still pretend, don’t come home tonight!” Her words were cold and heartless. All my words trying to make her believe were blocked at my lips, teardrops falling desperately. Before one minute was up, Mom and Dad were already holding my sister’s hand, warning her. “Don’t lie like your sister in the future, okay? Liars will end up miserably.” My sister nodded, snuggling on Dad’s shoulder, looking at me lying on the ground, she stuck out her tongue maliciously at me. Chapter 3 In the cold snow, I tried to move my body, but the pain in my calf became more intense. Don’t know how long passed, finally a kind person found me and sent me to the hospital. The doctor couldn’t stop rejoicing, “Luckily came early. If a bit later, her leg would have to be amputated!” The warm-hearted auntie touched my head comfortingly and sent me into the operating room. For a whole week, my parents didn’t look for me. The warm-hearted Ms. Sarah stayed by my bed the whole time. During this period, I used her phone to contact Mom, but got Mom’s angry rebuke. She shouted loudly on the other end, “Why are you still lying! For that height, do you need hospitalization?” “If you trick me again, die outside and don’t come back!” “I won’t believe lies like yours that can’t stand!” Ms. Sarah looked at me in surprise hearing this. My face was red, curling my fingers awkwardly, avoiding Ms. Sarah’s eyes, then whispering and choking to explain. “Mom, I’m really hospitalized, can you come pay…” Before I finished, Mom interrupted impatiently. “Enough, I have to take your sister to tutoring. So what if you are hospitalized? Come back yourself, make dinner later, we are waiting to eat!” I swallowed sour water. Before I could say more, the phone was hung up. For a moment, I was ashamed, embarrassment torn on the surface. Ms. Sarah stepped forward to wipe away the tears about to fall from the corner of my eyes with pity, patted my shoulder, tone gentle. “It’s okay, Ms. Sarah is here.” Hearing this, I was stunned for a long time. When I came back to my senses, my face was covered with tears. I threw myself into Ms. Sarah’s arms and cried loudly. I stayed in the hospital for almost two months before going home, but my parents didn’t look for me once. Even the medical bills were advanced by Ms. Sarah. I asked for her phone number, planning to take the surgery bill to Mom for money to pay back Ms. Sarah. Result, just entering the door, Mom slapped my face. My face swelled half up instantly. I grimaced in pain, limping back a step. Mom’s scolding sounded in my ears. “Clementine! Is your heart wild? Not coming home for so long, I really thought you died outside!” “What are you back for now? Get out! Our house doesn’t welcome you!” The passing neighbor Mrs. Higgins noticed the commotion at my door, snorted contemptuously, and slammed her door shut. I pinched my fingers, voice trembling. “Mom, I was really sick. My leg broke that day, someone sent me to the hospital.” I hurriedly took out the payment slip and medical record from my pocket to prove my innocence. Mom snatched them, looked carefully for a long time, then speculated maliciously. “Do you think I will believe it?” “I think you didn’t break your leg, but went to the hospital for an abortion, right?” With that, she crumpled the medical record and threw it in my face. I stepped back in disbelief, not knowing why Mom would say that about me. Her mouth didn’t stop, “Does a broken leg need to stay in the hospital for so long?” “Tell me the truth, did you sleep with those punks outside, pregnant with their child and dare not come back?” I bit my cheeks hard to explain for myself. “No Mom, I really broke my leg that day!” Mom didn’t believe it. Regardless of being outside the door, she started tearing my clothes directly, wanting to prove I was still innocent (virgin). Chapter 4 I resisted slightly, Mom slapped me. Until I was hanging with a few thin pieces of fabric, Mom stopped, glanced at me, and pushed the responsibility onto me. “Then say it earlier. Come in, don’t embarrass yourself outside.” “You already carry the title of a thief. Do you want to carry the name of a slut? Our family can’t afford to lose this face!” My heart felt like a big hole was torn open, howling cold wind pouring in madly, freezing me almost numb. Mom pulled me into the house. Seeing me crying, she couldn’t help scolding. “Cry cry cry! Who are you crying for during New Year’s!” “Clean up your sloppy look quickly, have to go to Grandma’s for Christmas tomorrow morning!” But my tears fell uncontrollably. Mom was annoyed, slapped my face again. Seeming not relieved, she pinched my arm hard before feeling comfortable. I held my clothes like a soulless puppet walking into the room. Outside, not long after, with Dad and sister coming back, it became lively. I hid in the room alone, out of place with everything outside. Through the crack of the door, I was a clown peeping at happiness. Early next morning, when I woke up, they had already gone to Grandma’s. Mom sent a message. [Come over early if up, don’t let people see our joke.] I clenched the phone, took a taxi. When I arrived at Grandma’s, it was already eleven. Mom saw me, pulled me to the corner and scolded. “Why come now! Are you deliberately going against me!” Before I spoke, Mom slapped my head. Instantly, my head started buzzing. I could only see Mom cursing, but couldn’t hear what she was saying. Until mealtime, Mom’s shouting stopped, granting me permission to eat. I breathed a sigh of relief. After eating quietly, it was time for Grandma to give red envelopes every year. Mom hurriedly went to take over my red envelope, but Grandma turned a corner and stuffed the red envelope into my hand, touching my head lovingly. “This is for my Clementine, not for outsiders to snatch.” I pinched the red envelope, looking at Grandma with red eyes. This envelope was thicker than others. Mom’s face turned green and red instantly, finding an excuse for herself. “Sigh, I was just keeping it for her.” Grandma ignored her, turned to give red envelopes to others. Mom glared at me viciously and didn’t speak again. But as soon as we got home, she wanted to imitate the previous method, coaxing me softly. “Clementine, Mom keep your red envelope for you okay? Save it for next year’s pocket money.” I pinched the envelope without moving. Sister actively handed her envelope to Mom. She blinked proudly, setting an example first. I did this countless times. Before, Mom always thought it was taken for granted, but it was different in sister’s hands. A smile appeared on Mom’s face, praising sister unstintingly. “Still Lemon is obedient!” After speaking, she reached out to me urging, “Hurry up, bring your envelope over. Are you distrusting Mom?” “But Clementine, you know Mom never lies to you.” I stepped back alertly, annoying Mom. Her voice added a bit of gnashing teeth meaning. “Bring it over!” I still didn’t move. To claim credit, sister started snatching directly. Failing to snatch, she bit my hand. I was in pain, hand loosened involuntarily. My envelope instantly went to Mom’s hand. I wanted to snatch back, but Mom grabbed my hair directly, dragging me all the way to the door, warning me. “Asked you to hand over just now you didn’t! Must make us discipline you?” “I am your Mom! Would I trick you about things I promised?” “Stand outside and repent properly!” Bang, door slammed. She won’t trick me, then who tricked me? I looked at the spot helplessly, hot tears falling. The medical fee to pay back Ms. Sarah is gone just like that. I took out my phone trembling, calling Ms. Sarah, voice carrying aggrieved crying tone. Ms. Sarah’s gentle voice sounded, “Clementine?” I couldn’t suppress the emotions in my heart anymore and cried out, asking while crying. “Ms. Sarah, you said before if I can’t pay medical bills, I give myself to you to pay debt. Does this still count?” Mom just opened the door to urge me to throw trash, but her hand handing trash froze suddenly upon hearing this.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390166”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

My mom has Bipolar Disorder. She always has an uncontrollable urge to destroy things. But she’s afraid of paying for damages, so she has used me as a cover since I was little. When I was small, she was in a bad mood and smashed the neighbor’s vase. When the neighbor found out, she blamed it on me: “Why is this child so naughty, touching other people’s things? Don’t worry, I’ll discipline her properly!” She actually made me kneel on a washboard, leaving my knees full of scars. After starting school, Mom took me to the mall and secretly slashed a leather jacket at a counter. When the salesperson found out, she cried and wailed: “How could I raise such a vandal! I’d rather you have bad grades than bad morals!” The mall made me pay, classmates shunned me, and I got depression and had to drop out. When I grew up and finally married my husband, my mom broke the jade bracelet my mother-in-law gave me on my wedding day. When my mother-in-law found out, my mom threatened to cut ties with me on the spot: “Your mother-in-law treats you so well, why did you do such a thing again?” The video was posted online, and everyone called me a shrew. In despair, I slit my wrists. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the moment when Mom said I broke the vase. Chapter 1 The sunlight was blinding, and the neighbor Mrs. Zhang’s angry questioning was right in my ear. I widened my eyes, looking carefully at my mom: “Mommy, you were the one who threw it down, why do you insist on saying it was me?” As soon as the words fell, the panic on my mom’s face instantly turned into an iron-green hue. She lowered her voice, squeezing threats through her teeth: “You little brat, dare to talk nonsense again? I think your skin is itching! I’ll tear your mouth when we get home!” I stared at my mom’s bloodshot eyes, filled with guilt and anger. These were the eyes that, in my past life, watched me being accused by thousands, watched me kneeling and begging, yet never showed a trace of pity. I used all my strength and bit hard on my mom’s palm covering my mouth. She screamed in pain and instinctively let go. I seized this opportunity, using the most innocent, most miserable crying voice, shouting to everyone in the yard: “Mrs. Zhang, I’m sorry! I didn’t break the vase! Mommy threw it!” “She saw your new dress just now and said it looked better than hers, so she got angry!” “She also said, why is your yard bigger than ours, she gets angry just looking at it! Then she lifted the vase and threw it with a bang!” “Mommy, why do you lie? Teacher said, admit mistakes when you do wrong, lying is not a good child. If you keep doing this, Nora won’t like you anymore!” I deliberately used the most naive, childish way to expose my mom’s dark jealousy completely, and then used childish logic to label her a “bad child.” A six-year-old child, crying her heart out, looked exactly like a pitiful worm frightened by an unreasonable mother but still struggling to “reason.” The following plot was the same as the previous life, but I changed my strategy. I no longer just cried and denied, but clearly listed Mom’s previous “destruction records,” successfully turning the neighbors against her. Amidst contemptuous gazes, my mom paid all her savings and dragged me home in disgrace. Back home, she slumped on the floor, eyes empty. I thought she would hit me, but she didn’t. She just stared dead at the ceiling, muttering to herself: “Why… why do they live in big houses, and I live in a broken building… why…” I knew why she had Bipolar Disorder. Grandpa John and Grandma Betty favored boys over girls, giving all resources and love to my uncle Lucas. My mom, as the eldest daughter, was a sacrifice from childhood. She didn’t dare to resist her parents, so that pent-up hatred twisted into a desire to destroy everything beautiful. In my previous life, I hated her, hated why she was crazy, hated why she dragged me down. But now, looking at her red eyes, I suddenly realized. Her illness was forced out by that family; her hatred had an original sin. Every debt has its debtor. Since the root of the illness lies with the patriarchal grandparents and the beneficiary uncle. Then why not—destroy the environment that drove her crazy! I walked over, handed her a glass of water, and gently patted her back. “Mom, don’t be angry,” I whispered. “Let’s not smash neighbors’ vases anymore. The neighbors are not wrong; the ones sucking your blood are wrong.” My mom froze, a glimmer of light flashing in her turbid eyes. Because Uncle Lucas’s son’s First Birthday Party was coming up. Chapter 2 Uncle, full name Lucas Liu, was the apple of Grandpa and Grandma’s eye, a “Golden Boy” raised on my mom’s youth and sweat. On the day of the party, the scene was extremely grand. The hotel was the most luxurious five-star in the city, with fifty tables set. Grandpa John specially wore a dark red Tang suit, standing at the door with a glowing face to welcome guests. Grandma Betty held the chubby grandson not yet weaned, smiling from ear to ear, giving cash gifts to everyone she met. “Oh my, my big grandson is so blessed, definitely material for a high official in the future!” My mom wore a washed-out old coat, shrinking in the corner, looking out of place. I also wore ill-fitting old clothes, holding a red envelope stuffed in my hand for show, which actually contained only two crumpled ten-dollar bills. I sat beside her, looking up at the uncle surrounded by people on stage, and then at my mom, humble as a clown. I wanted to see what this fire suppressed for half a lifetime would burn into. Halfway through the banquet, the host shouted in an exaggerated tone: “Next, please invite our Golden Couple to cut the cake for the lovely baby!” A three-layer giant cake decorated with exquisite chocolates and fruits was pushed onto the stage. Just then, Uncle’s wife’s mean best friend passed by our corner table with a wine glass. She glanced at my mom, then at me, suddenly covering her mouth and laughing: “Oh my, isn’t this Lucas’s miserable sister? Why dress like this to a party? Would think you came to beg for food.” “Look at that child, silly too, like a little wooden stake.” I felt all the muscles in her body tighten, a sign before the storm. I gently pulled the corner of her clothes and said in a voice only we two could hear: “Mom, don’t be angry. Getting sick from anger, no one loves you, and you have to spend money to cure it.” My mom turned her head, eyes full of bloodshot veins, and a desperate madness. “Nora,” she muttered, “Is Mommy useless?” “You are not useless, they are,” I said coldly. “Mom, look at that cake, $5,000. That’s the amount you saved for five years to scrape together. But they use it as a toy for a doll that can’t even speak.” “Is it fair?” These three words were like a drop of boiling oil dripping into my mom’s red-hot heart. “Unfair… unfair! Why! Why!” My mom’s breathing began to quicken. “Then go take it back,” I stared at the stage, whispering, “Take back what belongs to you.” My mom stood up stiffly. She walked through the crowd, straight to the stage. Before everyone could react, she suddenly stretched out her hands, used all her strength, and pushed hard against that huge cake! Crash—!!! A thunderous noise. The exquisite three-layer cake collapsed instantly. Dead silence in the whole venue. Uncle’s smile froze on his face, the baby in his arms cried in fright. Auntie screamed: “Ah! Oh my god! Who… who did this?!” My mom stood in the mess, hands still trembling slightly. She turned to look at me. Then, her shrill wail resounded through the entire banquet hall: “Oh god! Nora! You… how could you do such a thing!” She dragged me to the cake wreckage, pointing at the ground, tears coming instantly, beating her chest and stamping her feet: “You jinx! Are you jealous of your cousin’s blessing? You embarrassed your uncle completely! On such an important occasion, you actually pushed over the cake!” Chapter 3 All eyes hit me instantly like spotlights. “This is Lucas’s niece, right? Looks honest, why so bad?” “Sigh, heard this child is from a single-parent family, psychology might be a bit twisted.” “Pushing over the birthday cake? This is a big taboo, not wanting people to have a good life.” Grandma Betty rushed over with an iron-green face, raising her hand to hit me: “Little beast! I knew you were an ungrateful one! Who let you come over? Huh?!” Just as Grandma’s hand was about to land on my face, I suddenly spoke. Voice not loud, but exceptionally clear, even with a sneer. “Grandma, don’t hit me. Mom pushed this cake.” “You are talking nonsense!” My mom screamed, reaching out to cover my mouth again. “Everyone judge! This child has lied since she was little! How could I push my own nephew’s cake? I am his real aunt!” “Really?” I looked up, gaze passing her, looking at the uncle beside who was trembling with rage. “Uncle, do you remember? Last night at home, Mom said, this cake costs $5,000, enough for your younger brother’s tuition for two years, but you only gave us a two-hundred-dollar red envelope.” Uncle’s face instantly became very ugly: “You… what are you babbling about!” I ignored him, continuing to speak, voice getting louder and louder, enough for people at surrounding tables to hear: “Mom also said, Grandpa and Grandma secretly sold Mom’s gold ring to buy you this suit.” “She said, she is not jealous of the cake, she just feels… why is the younger brother the golden grandson, and I am just grass?” Uproar in the venue. Grandpa and Grandma’s faces turned pale instantly, like being slapped hard. Uncle’s face turned liver-colored. He pointed at my mom, fingers trembling: “Sis! You… what nonsense are you talking to the child! You gave me that gold ring voluntarily!” “Voluntarily?” My mom froze. She didn’t expect that instead of dodging the blame, I brought out this old account. But the next second, her pathological defense mechanism activated. She roared hysterically: “Yes! I pushed it! So what?! I can’t stand it!” She grabbed an unbroken wine bottle on the table, pointing at Uncle’s family and cursing: “Lucas Liu! You ungrateful white-eyed wolf! Who paid for your tuition back then? Who gave the down payment for your marriage house?” “Now you are rich, living in a mansion, but reluctant to give my daughter a decent red envelope!” “Get out! You get out!” Uncle shouted exasperatedly, losing all face. “I get out? I have a share in this hotel too! Why should I get out? You bloodsuckers!” Security rushed up, dragging her away in a flurry. I stood in the mess, looking at Uncle’s extremely ugly face. This is just the first step. Chapter 4 The party became the joke of the whole city. Uncle’s family was furious, wanting to sue my mom for intentional property damage and have the police arrest her. But my mom had anticipated this move long ago. After being taken to the police station, she didn’t resist. Instead, she started a hunger strike and banged her head against the wall, shouting: “I have no money to pay! No money, just a life! I only have this one daughter, arrest me, let this child die!” The police couldn’t do anything with this “rascal” plus “Bipolar Disorder,” could only criticize and educate, then notify the family to pick her up. Grandpa and Grandma were afraid of losing face, finally had to swallow their pride, paid for the cake, and took my mom back to that dilapidated home. But this didn’t end. On the contrary, this was just the beginning of the tug-of-war. From that day on, my mom seemed to have completely opened Pandora’s box. She no longer hid her hatred, aiming all spearheads at Uncle’s family. Every day after school, she would drag me to squat at the gate of Uncle’s newly bought villa. “Nora, look, that’s your uncle’s house. We paid for it, and now he shuts your mom out like a dog.” My mom suddenly became violent, grabbing stones by the road and smashing them hard against Uncle’s wall. Bang! Bang! Stones hit the wall, making dull sounds. Soon, the nanny in the villa ran out, pointing at us and scolding: “Who is it! Have any public morality! Calling the police to arrest you!” My mom wasn’t afraid, instead more excited. She picked up mud from the ground, smeared it on my face, then shouted at the top of her voice: “Come look everyone! Lucas Liu, this ungrateful man! Abusing his own niece! Denying his own sister!” A circle of people soon gathered around. Uncle drove back. Seeing this scene, his face turned green with anger. He rushed down and kicked my mom: “Do you have any shame! Are you crazy!” “I am crazy! Driven crazy by you!” My mom rolled on the ground, grabbing Uncle’s pant leg and not letting go. “Give me money! Give me $50,000! Otherwise I’ll make a scene at your door every day! Make you unable to do business!” Uncle is a man who cares about face, especially now that he has just made a name for himself in the circle, most afraid of such messy things. He gritted his teeth, took out a stack of money from his wallet, and threw it hard on my mom’s face: “Take it and roll! Don’t let me see you again!” My mom picked up the money, a smile of victory on her face. I stood aside, mud still on my face, but eyes cold as ice. This is not enough. This kind of small fight isn’t painful enough.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390165”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was ironing Lucas’s white coat for tomorrow when I smelled another woman’s perfume on him as he came home. “She’s pregnant.” His voice was as calm as if discussing a medical case. “Chloe is an orphan, she needs me.” My hand holding the iron suddenly froze in mid-air, steam blurring my eyes. Thinking of the night I had a high fever of 104 degrees, he held a hot towel to compress me, “I will only take care of you in this life.” “What about me?” My voice was so soft it was almost inaudible. Lucas wrinkled his brows in displeasure: “Sarah, you know I’m under a lot of pressure, and Chloe understands my ambition.” Bang, the iron dropped onto the white coat, burning a hole right over the heart position. I didn’t cry or make a fuss, returned to the room, sleepless all night. Before leaving, I placed the divorce agreement and ring in the entryway. Incidentally, I wrote in my graceful handwriting on the burned white coat. “Dr. Sterling, from now on, there will never be a patient named Sarah on your operating table again.” Chapter 1 Leaving the Sterling home, I boarded a plane to Miami. These years, I gave too much for Lucas, lost myself. Miami Beach, the place I always wanted to go. Every time I mentioned it, Lucas always used being busy as an excuse, making me wait. Waiting and waiting, this time finally no need to wait anymore. I looked at the white clouds outside the window, from now on, I want to be a bird flying freely, living for myself. Got off the plane, Lucas sent me more than thirty messages. “Sarah, just because Chloe is pregnant with my child, you make a fuss about divorce with me?” “How can you be so selfish, don’t you know I’m in the rising period now, you just can’t stand to see me living well.” “I am responsible for Chloe, do you want me to be a treacherous person, can’t you understand me.” “What exactly are you doing? Why turn off the phone!” “Sarah, what exactly did you say to Chloe? Why did she suddenly bleed?” “You bitch, since you left, don’t come back for a lifetime!” Such messages filled the chat box between him and me. Lucas and I married for ten years, this is the first time he sent me so many messages. Every sentence can’t leave accusation, also can’t leave Chloe. I couldn’t be bothered to pay attention, turned off the phone and played in Miami for half a month to my heart’s content. After leaving Miami, I found a seaside city, Seattle, opened a studio, making a living by painting. I thought the matter with Lucas was already past. Unexpectedly, today, I just opened the shop door, saw an uninvited guest squatting at the door. He grabbed my arm, staring dead at me. “Why did you block all my contact methods.” “Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?” I threw off his hand, “Mr. Sterling, we are already divorced, please conduct yourself with dignity.” He was stunned, couldn’t help stepping back two steps. Seemingly didn’t expect, we haven’t seen each other for just half a month, the person who was always obedient to him actually changed like another person. He hesitated for a moment, lowered his posture, voice gentle. “I know, you are still sulking, but Chloe is different from you, she can’t leave me.” “This time I came, hoping you can go back with me, take care of Chloe postpartum.” “Don’t worry, when Chloe recovers, I’ll give her a sum of money, we raise the child, send her abroad.” I turned my back to him, tears blurred my vision. For a moment, I thought he really repented. Unexpectedly. I turned around sharply, eyes scarlet. “Lucas Sterling, are you sick, asking me to serve the mistress postpartum?” Voice just fell, this sentence touched Lucas’s reverse scale, he raised his hand and slapped me. Blood flowed from the corner of my mouth, half of my face burned with pain. He pinched my chin like crazy, coldly said: “Chloe is not a mistress, heard that?” He released his hand sharply, I stumbled and couldn’t stand firmly, hit the corner of the table behind me precisely, teeth bared in pain. Seeing me like this, he snorted coldly. “Aren’t you always very strong, what does this little injury count to you?” “Want a divorce, without my signature, you can never escape my palm.” “Give you three days, arrange things here well, go back immediately to take care of Chloe, otherwise don’t blame me for being rude to you.” Lucas turned and left, door closed with a bang. I suddenly realized, every time we had different opinions and quarreled, I was always the one retreating and bowing. I once thought, couples don’t have overnight grudges, it’s just mutual accommodation to last long. Now it seems, my retreat exchanged for his inch by inch advance. He ignored my feelings, still thought I was that silly woman who only mentioned divorce but dared not really leave. Dare to propose, let me take care of his third party, really ridiculous. Even, until now, he dare not face his heart squarely, still drawing big cakes for me. This kind of man who wants both, disgusting and greedy, whoever loves to take can take! Even if I leave with nothing, I will divorce him! Chapter 2 Coming out of the hospital after bandaging, I dug out the number of my male best friend, Alex. We are high school classmates, relationship always good. Since he went abroad for further studies in college, learned I dated a boyfriend, we rarely contacted. On the wedding day, he sent a text message to bless me. “Happy Wedding!” After marriage, to prevent Lucas from overthinking, we lost contact. In a flash ten years passed. Staring at the number, I hesitated for a long time, still couldn’t help dialing out. “Sarah, is that you?” Familiar voice came from the handset, I felt surprised, softly responded Hmm. Didn’t expect, after so long, he still kept my number. Seeing me迟迟 not speaking, he laughed awkwardly twice. “Why thought of finding me, must have encountered some trouble.” He is still the same as usual, likes to joke, ease the atmosphere. “I… I want you to help me a favor!” I hesitated for a long time, finally summoned up courage to say it out. “Okay! Where are you now, I go find you, I returned to Boston.” “I’m not in Boston, I’m in Seattle.” “Seattle” He didn’t ask much, just said: “Send me a location, I go find you now.” Before I could speak, he hung up the phone. Two hours later, a familiar figure appeared in the shop, it’s Alex. Seeing me he scratched his head embarrassedly instead. “Hearing your voice was a bit excited.” “Haven’t seen for so long, thought of inviting you to dinner, so ran over.” Seeing his shy appearance, I couldn’t help laughing. Later I learned, the reason he was so fast, was taking a private jet. We exchanged pleasantries briefly, then stated my request. After hearing, he stood up from the chair swish. “This beast, if in front of me, I must kill him.” Seeing him rolling up sleeves, a look ready to fight, I burst out laughing. He patted his chest, vowing solemnly. “This divorce lawsuit, I help you fight!” Chapter 3 He handed me a list of information needed to be collected, and instructed me, the more detailed the better. I looked at the items on the list. Dealing with Lucas this greedy and entangled man, without using some means, he won’t let me go easily. Rather than this, might as well spend some thought to collect enough evidence, court direct enforcement is faster. I told Alex about Lucas coming to the shop to make trouble today, and those remarks he said. He said his personal proof of the third party’s existence is naturally the best evidence, in court, he is powerless to refute. I was still struggling with the difficulty of getting rid of this scumbag before. Now with Alex’s few words of pointer, I instantly relaxed a lot. I collected the list well, picked up coat and bag, smiled at him. “Time is late, today you helped me solve problems, tonight I treat you to dinner.” Seeing smile finally on my face, he didn’t be polite with me. “Okay, rare you treat, then I’ll eat freely today.” We talked and laughed ready to leave, suddenly door kicked open. Lucas rushed in angrily, like an angry lion. He stared dead at Alex. “Good! I said Chloe pregnant, why didn’t you make a fuss with me one cry two make noise three hang myself, just ran away from home sulking.” “Also kept insisting on divorcing me non-stop.” “Thanks to Chloe just now keep nagging me, saying my handling method to you wrong, also said let me invite sincerely.” “I came back to apologize to you, didn’t expect, you dare cuckold me!” He was emotional, raised hand to hit Alex. Alex pinched Lucas’s falling hand tightly, face iron green. “What are you? Also dare hit me?” “Just this kind of man who can’t control lower body, still well-known thoracic surgeon in the city.” “I呸!” “Simply tarnishing the profession of doctor.” “Cheating outside after marriage, knocking up others not mentioning, still delusional to let wife serve mistress.” “You have this time here shouting thief catch thief, might as well think if this matter spreads out, how will you face medical big shots later.” Lucas face turned green, he showed no weakness, flung away Alex’s hand. “You! You dare!” He placed gaze on me, eyes fierce. “Sarah, if you dare ruin me, I will definitely kill you.” “Don’t let me have a good time, you don’t think about having a good time either.” Alex raised leg gave him a kick. “Just this useless appearance, don’t know how Sarah was blind to see you back then.” I looked at Lucas carelessly, tone mixed with ridicule. “Seeing clearly now is not late, stop loss in time, ending is not too bad.” “We throw him out, don’t let him affect our mood.” Voice fell, Alex picked up Lucas collar, dragged him out. “Sarah, you want to kick me to be with him, unless you serve Chloe postpartum.” “If coax me happy, maybe I’ll divorce you.” “Otherwise, as long as I live, you don’t think about it, consume, I also consume you to death!” Lucas exasperated appearance, made me feel shocked. Married to him for ten years, even if we had numerous frictions between us, didn’t see him so vicious. These years, he hid really deep enough. If not completely angered him this time, didn’t know he has this face. No wonder, before marriage father reminded me, Lucas is not as kind as I saw. Blame me for being love-brained back then, insisted jumping into fire pit.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390164”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Every New Year’s Eve, my boyfriend ditches me last minute for his childhood sweetheart. This year, I booked the best view, expecting to count down with him. But before the clock struck twelve, I received a text: “Stella is being forced by her mom to go on a blind date again. I’ll accompany her. You go ahead and celebrate first.” This time, I didn’t cry or make a scene. Instead, amidst the sky full of fireworks, I said: “In the new year, Gavin, I don’t want you anymore.” When Gavin called, I was sleeping peacefully. “Mia, where are you? No one at the restaurant? Why didn’t you wait for me?” I answered sleepily, “No need. You accompany Stella. I don’t mind.” Chapter 1 Hanging up the phone, I continued to sleep. Gavin came back soon, asking puzzledly: “Why are you sleeping in the guest room?” “Nothing, too sleepy. Let’s talk tomorrow.” I didn’t even open my eyes, pulling the quilt over my head. He was relentless, “What’s wrong with you? Said you didn’t mind, why throw a tantrum?” I didn’t make a sound. Gavin sighed, wanted to hug me, but I dodged. He froze slightly, explaining helplessly: “It’s late at night, unsafe for a girl like Stella to run around…” I nodded calmly. “I really understand, no need to explain. Go take care of her.” He was completely stunned, obviously not expecting this reaction from me. Stella is his childhood sweetheart, and also the hurdle Gavin and I couldn’t get over in our five years of dating. Before, whenever he left me to accompany Stella, I would cry, throw tantrums, and argue with him like a shrew. But now, I’m too tired. I just want to have a good sleep. Gavin still wouldn’t leave, face full of displeasure. “I explained countless times, why are you still angry?” I sighed helplessly, forcing myself to sit up despite fatigue. “I have things to do tomorrow, must sleep now. I’m really not angry.” “But you clearly…” I turned off the light in the guest room directly, buried my head and slept. Gavin stood quietly for a long time, finally sighed, turned and left. In the dark, my tight nerves finally relaxed. This is our fifth New Year’s Eve together, and the fifth time he stood me up. The first time, he said Stella broke the water tap and needed him to save her. I waited until the restaurant closed, waiters were getting off work. The third time, he said Stella sprained her ankle, no one to take care of her. I was provoked and mocked by a couple at the next table alone, hit by a bottle, head stitched seven stitches. This year is the fifth time. He said Stella was forced to blind date, in a bad mood. Every time it was because of her, leaving me behind. My heart, in these abandonments time after time, gradually stopped hurting. So this year, I made a wish. In the new year, I really don’t want him anymore. Slept well all night, I got up early. Didn’t prepare exquisite breakfast for Gavin as usual, didn’t even ask for a morning kiss, just went out directly. Chapter 2 In the afternoon, while I was negotiating a contract with a client, Gavin texted. “I put Stella in a hotel last night. Today she says it’s too noisy to sleep well. Can I bring her to our home?” Looking at his text, I suddenly thought of three years ago. My parents rarely came to visit me, wanted to stay in our home, but he refused. “I don’t like my private life disturbed by others. Better let them stay in a hotel.” My parents are “others.” But Stella is not. How ridiculous. I calmly put down the phone, ignored it. Until I came home after a busy day, opened the door and saw Stella holding half a watermelon, sitting on Gavin’s favorite designer sofa. Last time I accidentally dripped a drop of water on it, he said angrily “Don’t touch it anymore.” But now, watermelon juice dripping on the sofa surface, he was smiling dotingly on the side. Seeing me back, Gavin’s smile froze. “Mia don’t misunderstand, I was just afraid if I didn’t let her sit, she would cry to my mom again…” I nodded indifferently, expression unchanged, “Understand, no need to explain.” Gavin’s expression relaxed instantly, asking me in a low voice: “Not angry anymore? What do we eat tonight?” I shrugged. “I was never angry, you just didn’t believe it.” He looked me up and down suspiciously, as if distinguishing if I was telling the truth. I ignored him. Just as I wanted to let them solve dinner themselves, Stella jumped onto Gavin’s back. “Brother Gavin, I want to eat at Chez Pierre, take me there okay?” Gavin naturally supported her butt with his hands behind his back, responding dotingly: “Of course no problem, brother takes you.” Finished speaking, remembered me, turned back asking hesitantly: “Mia, you… want to eat together?” I shook my head, face calm. “Not going. I don’t like the taste there. You guys go.” His brows furrowed tight, gaze hesitant: “Really? Didn’t you love clamoring to eat out most? Why not go?” I looked at him calmly, smiling but silent. Five years, he never remembered, I’m allergic to the special sauce at Chez Pierre, never go there. But because Stella loves it, every time we wanted to eat out, he always chose there. I said dozens of times he didn’t remember, later I stopped saying. Gavin looked at me for a long time, expression obscure. Finally turned and left. I was surprised to find myself not sad about this anymore. Even calmly ordered a favorite takeout, eating deliciously while watching a movie. Halfway, Mom called. “Baby, happy New Year?” I responded smiling: “Pretty good.” Mom hesitated, after a while spoke with heartache: “Don’t lie to Mom, you are unhappy right? Why spent New Year alone? Where is Gavin?” The smile on my face faded. “He went to accompany his neighbor sister. It’s okay Mom, I’m used to it.” Mom coaxed me for a long time before hanging up. The rice in front of me was cold. I stared blankly at the movie ending on screen, heroine said: “In this world, anyone can live without anyone.” But Gavin told me countless times, “Mia, I really can’t live without Stella.” Vision a bit sour, but not a drop of tear. I seem to really let go of Gavin. Almost midnight, Gavin came back. He smilingly pulled down Stella’s arms around his neck, pinching her cheek dotingly, “Stop messing around.” Turned to see me, stunned for a moment, panic flashed in eyes. “Mia, not what you think, we…” I twitched lips indifferently. “I don’t mind.” He froze there for a long time, before asking uneasily. “Mia, what exactly is wrong with you?” I was about to go back to the guest room to sleep, looking puzzled, “Nothing. By the way, was the food good?” “Still that taste… but why aren’t you angry?” “Why should I be angry?” Gavin choked. Couldn’t say a word. Past five years, he questioned me why I was angry in my hysteria countless times. Now I’m not angry, he unaccustomedly suspects why I’m not angry. Too hard to serve. Chapter 3 After that, I left early and returned late every day, avoiding all chances to meet Gavin. Gavin asked me to a concert, I replied four hours later, “Sorry, too busy didn’t hear.” He wanted me to play squash with him, I refused with regret, “Client trouble, need to revise plan.” He wanted couple time, candlelit dinner, I agreed then canceled, “Sorry, my best friend is sick, need to accompany.” He gradually couldn’t stand it, complaining everything is more important than boyfriend in my heart. I didn’t refute, didn’t coax him, didn’t explain. After all, in his world, I’m not the most important person either. Even my home is gradually filled with traces of another woman, disgusting. I wasn’t willing to torture myself anymore, submitted application for transfer to Boston branch to the company. Weekend night, I was filling out work handover form on tablet at dining table, colleague called. “Mia, you leave, what about your boyfriend?” I said lightly, “Everyone is adult, no one can’t live without anyone.” “You guys wouldn’t… be breaking up right?” I fell silent, didn’t answer. Hung up and continued filling form. Gavin, who was playing games with Stella in living room, came for water, glanced at tablet accidentally. Suddenly exploded: “Mia, you leaving New York?” I looked up, glanced at him, “Yes.” Gavin stood in front of me, breathing heavy, “Why? Just because Stella moved in?” I laughed out loud, expression unchanged. “I’m not angry, just normal work transfer.” “Such a big thing, why didn’t you tell me?” I turned off tablet and stood up. “I don’t think it’s a big deal, and it’s not decided yet.” Finished, about to go back to bedroom. He held my hand, unwilling to let go, “But I am your boyfriend!” “You are not only my boyfriend,” I looked straight into his eyes, answering him with his own words. “You are also Stella’s neighbor brother. You just take good care of her first.” Gavin froze. “Mia, are you mocking me?” I turned into the bedroom. No answer. Next day noon, Gavin unprecedentedly ran to company to find me. “Passed by, came up to see you. Dinner together after work okay?” I didn’t even lift my head, “Not today, a document needed urgently, might have overtime.” He changed face immediately, reached out grabbing my hand. I finally looked up at him. “Mia, are you sure you are not avoiding me? It’s been over a week!” “My attitude was bad last night. Can you not go for transfer? Let’s talk properly okay?” “Stella is really just my sister. The one I love is you. Can we stop making a scene?” He said a lot of questions in a row. The person chattering when encountering things changed from me to him. I felt even dealing with him was troublesome. “I really didn’t make a scene, all normal work.” “Go back to work quickly, I have to report work to boss upstairs.” Finished, holding documents left office. Leaving Gavin on spot, looking at me for a long time. Chapter 4 A week before leaving for transfer, I was accidentally hit by a motorcycle while out. Large area of abrasions all over body, blood dyed clothes red. On the way to hospital, driver asked if I wanted to call family. I hesitated a moment but still texted Gavin. “I was hit by a motorcycle, got some injuries.” He called, opening with: “Then go to pharmacy buy some ointment to apply, don’t work today.” I was silent for a moment, twitched lips self-deprecatingly. Calmly hung up phone. Medical treatment, go home, take medicine. Body hurt tearing heart and lungs, cold sweat layer after layer. Didn’t eat a mouthful all day, until night waited for Gavin’s call. “Mia, Stella has period cramps unbearable today, I sent her to hospital for injection, you rest early.” I looked at my hideous wounds, tears finally fell. Until early morning, Gavin came home. Door opening sound woke me up. I heard him settling Stella after entering, then left quickly. “I go buy pads for you, rest quick.” After a long time, outside movement finally quieted completely. He then pushed open my door. Saw my full body wounds at a glance. “Mia, how did you become like this?” “Get up quick, I take you to hospital!” Saying that wanted to come support me, I pushed away coldly directly. “No need, already went, all skin trauma.” Gavin seemed relieved, tucked me in. “Alright then, you rest well, I go see Stella again.” Then got up and left, didn’t say one more word. I looked blankly at the closed bedroom door. Stella just period cramps, he busy before and after, hospital, buying pads. I car accident full body contusion laceration, even standing up hard, he said rest well. I couldn’t help asking myself. “Mia, do you still love Gavin?” Until about to fall asleep, I suddenly shook my head. “Not anymore.” … Next day, I slept until sun high. Got up with difficulty, preparing to wash. But saw Gavin didn’t go to work either, kneeling on one knee on ground, fiddling with something. I moved over looking at him, “Why didn’t you go to work?” He looked up smiling, “Stella period cramps too severe, might faint anytime, I’m worried.” My whole body stiffened. Just wanted to speak, saw “might faint anytime” Stella walking out of bedroom radiantly. “Brother Gavin, luckily you warmed my belly all night last night, I feel much better. Knew you love me most.” Gavin smiled dotingly. “Of course, who does brother love if not you?” “Look, I bought you a heated coffee table rug, so your belly won’t freeze when watching TV on sofa.” I stood there, watching them talking and laughing, feeling like an outsider. Gavin finally seemed to remember me. “Mia, there is some black chicken soup I made for Stella in the morning in the kitchen, heat it up and drink some.” Chicken soup. Seemingly nutritious and healthy. But something I never touch. I suddenly felt, between us, should end. I looked up at Gavin, asking back. “Do you still remember what I love to eat?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390163”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Returning from a business trip, I found a pregnancy test in the trash can. In the past, even if Lucas had a woman’s perfume on him, I would go crazy checking his whereabouts for the day. But this time, I ignored the pregnancy test, ordered the nanny to change the sheets, and reminded Lucas. “You said only my child would be your sole heir.” Lucas smiled ambiguously, hugging my waist tightly. “Then let’s make one now.” Lust surged in his eyes, but was interrupted by a call from his little mistress. Watching Lucas leave in a hurry, I breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, he didn’t see the swollen hickey on my collarbone. Chapter 1 Half an hour later, my phone received the girl’s abortion surgery receipt. “Sweetie, her child is gone, you owe me one.” In the dark, the screen light was piercing. But the chat background of Lucas and me was like a sharp dagger piercing my heart. That was a family portrait of three. Me, Lucas, and our daughter who just turned one. I don’t know how long passed, until the tears at the corner of my eyes dried. The door was gently pushed open, the bedside sank. Lucas pressed against my back, whispering softly. “Sweetie, let’s have a baby.” Before I could speak, Lucas skillfully removed my nightgown. Warm lips fell on my back, he reached out to turn on the light. I panicked and grabbed Lucas’s hand. “Don’t turn on the light, this is fine.” Moonlight penetrated the window, I saw clearly the ambiguous lipstick mark on Lucas’s collar. Acid in my stomach churned violently, rushing to my throat. I lay on the edge of the bed retching wretchedly, the infant’s heart-tearing cry suddenly echoing in my ears. When our daughter was one year old, Lucas fed her hastily and put her to sleep to accompany his little mistress shopping. When he and the mistress were rolling in the sheets passionately kissing in the hotel, my baby choked on milk and suffocated. A pink and cute little face, finally became blue and cold. A glass of water appeared at hand, Lucas patted my back patiently. “Eleanor, you remembered that incident again, right?” I mocked myself with a curled lip. In his eyes, our daughter’s death was just “an incident.” But for me, it was a repeatedly festering scar on my heart that would never heal. Lucas gently wiped the filth from the corner of my mouth, but his voice was cold. “Don’t let this incident become a hurdle we can never cross.” I nodded gently, trying hard to muster the spirit to rinse my mouth in the bathroom. When I came out again, Lucas was no longer in the room. The phone dinged. It was a message from Lucas’s little mistress. The girl was spoiled by him too much, even being a mistress was arrogant. “Old woman, you think Lucas really willing to let me abort our baby?” “He just faked the abortion receipt to trick you because he was afraid you would go crazy and hurt me.” “Lucas said, when I give birth to the baby, he will let you, the yellow-faced woman, leave with nothing.” Attached was an extremely explicit bed photo. The girl was naked, and Lucas devoutly kissed her not-yet-bulging lower abdomen. I sneered, silently saving the photo. Then dialed that person’s number to confirm one thing. “Are you sure the medicine you gave me last time can make a man sterile?” “Not just sterile, I was afraid the old beast still had evil thoughts about you, so I specially increased the dosage.” “Guarantee he can’t even be a man.” Looks like Lucas is going to have two green hats on his head. Chapter 2 Even if estranged, Lucas and I still have to play a loving couple to the outside world. But I didn’t expect him to bring his little mistress to the charity gala, embarrassing me. Ruby wore a high-end mermaid dress, intimately holding Lucas’s arm. “Sister, didn’t expect you to be here tonight too.” Lucas leaned into my ear, whispering an explanation. “Ruby just lost her child, I was afraid she would be depressed so I brought her out to relax.” I gripped the champagne glass, deliberately exposing the ugly scars on my wrist. “Then you have to take good care of her emotions, lest she goes crazy like I did.” Two years after my daughter died, I haven’t had a good sleep. In dreams, she cried and vomited heartbreakingly, I was anxious but couldn’t get close. Could only watch helplessly as she stopped breathing. After waking up, I slit my wrists to commit suicide, wanting to find my daughter to apologize and atone. Lucas sent me to a mental hospital instead, and had people erase all traces of my daughter’s existence. Countless mocking gazes looked over. The wealthy ladies who used to envy me being held in Lucas’s palm sneered disdainfully. “Lucas was willing to donate a kidney and block a knife for her back then, isn’t he finding a new love now?” “What’s the difference between her and us? Why pretend to be noble?” I bit the flesh inside my mouth, the freshly done nail broke in my palm, spreading severe pain. “Since you have a beauty by your side, I won’t disturb.” Ruby covered her mouth laughing, not hiding the provocation in her eyes. “Then thank you sister for letting Lucas go to me tonight.” I shrank in the corner, heart in a mess. Blood dripped through my fingers, but I felt no pain. No medicine in the bag, I annoyedly unlocked my phone to message that person. “Hubby, I miss you…” Next second, the chat box popped up a smooth V-line abs photo. The restlessness in my heart was gradually soothed, fingers unconsciously poked the cold screen. This is the most important lesson Lucas taught me in seven years of marriage. Vent emotions in affairs, let hormones eliminate wild thoughts, play to the fullest. I didn’t understand before why Lucas was obsessed with entangling with young girls? Now I understand, and I’ve tasted the marrow. Suddenly, a beam of light stabbed my eyes so I couldn’t open them. Warm applause rang in my ears, Ruby walked over smiling and held my hand. “Sister, you were chosen as the lucky audience.” “Go up to interact quickly.” I looked up blankly at Lucas, he nodded. The host excitedly held the microphone, “Congratulations to this lady for winning the only interaction opportunity tonight.” He shook the lottery box, signaling me to put my hand in. I touched a small note. Reading the small print on it, my heart convulsed uncontrollably. The host snatched the note from my hand, eyes full of mockery. “Congratulations to this lady, the prize drawn is to perform a pole dance for everyone.” In an instant, everyone looked at Lucas in unison. Everyone knew that “pole dance” was his forbidden zone. I met Lucas’s ambiguously smiling eyes, watching him gently peck Ruby’s lips. Suddenly realized he was venting for Ruby who was slapped by me last week. Ruby leaned on Lucas’s shoulder, clapping innocently. “Sister go for it, I haven’t seen pole dancing yet.” Lucas covered her eyes, doting words piercing eardrums. “That kind of loose dance will only dirty baby’s eyes.” I took off my high heels, eyes smiling. “Okay.” Chapter 3 Most rich wives didn’t like me. The luxury goods they waited bitterly for were always delivered to me first. Their marriages were unhappy, but Lucas and I were the model couple in the circle. Finally waiting for me to make a fool of myself, countless people held up phones to take pictures and record. I curled my lips and smiled wantonly, body dancing closely against the steel pipe. Amidst the noisy metal music, I saw Lucas’s face gloomy. Only when he is unhappy, I feel happy inside. So I tore off the skirt hem hard, revealing a pair of fair and long legs. The gaze of the men present was hot and scorching, sticking to me. Lucas finally lost his cool, strode onto the stage, took off his jacket and wrapped it around my waist. His sharp eyes swept across the men in the venue, voice cold. “Don’t want your eyes anymore?” I panted holding his shoulders, tilting my head and smiling. “Didn’t you want to see me humiliated? Satisfied?” When the Sterling family went bankrupt back then, Lucas was devastated. Everyone avoided him like snakes and scorpions, only I, the companion, was willing to stay by his side. When Lucas stood on the rooftop seeking death. I cried breathlessly, finally daring to speak out the love of many years. “Lucas, even if the whole world doesn’t want you, I want you.” “I beg you to come down, okay?” Tutoring money came too slow, I had to hide from Lucas to dance pole dancing in night clubs. Very profitable, two thousand a night. With this money, Lucas and I didn’t have to be beaten by debt collectors, nor squeeze in a damp and small basement. It was also this money that gave him financial support to make a comeback. I hid carefully, only daring to go home after removing makeup and showering every day. But Lucas still found out. He accompanied clients to drink, accidentally met my eyes. At that moment, embarrassment and fear occupied my heart. I was afraid Lucas would despise me, but he leaned over to kiss the bruise on my knee, promising never to fail me in this life. Oaths, like bubbles. Lucas gripped my wrist tightly, force so great as if to crush my bones. He took me away from the banquet, eyes surging with anger. “Eleanor! Why didn’t you refuse? Do you know how shameful it was just now?” “These years people say behind my back I married a night club girl, poking my spine, you still insist on hooking out those unbearable memories!” Lucas pinched my chin tight, crushing my lips hard with his thumb. “Or are you naturally this cheap!” I quietly watched Lucas roar. He now, was as hysterical as when I caught him cheating. After the banquet, Lucas brought Ruby back to our home. He took off Ruby’s clothes in front of me, gently kissing her lips. Ruby showed me a provocative smile, reached out and broke the porcelain doll ornament on the bedside table. The porcelain doll was made from my daughter’s ashes. Heart seemed to be gripped tightly by someone, pain making me breathless. I knelt on the ground in panic, tears falling uncontrollably. Porcelain pieces cut my palm, but I couldn’t feel pain, sobbing desperately. “Baby…” Lucas quickly pushed Ruby away, nervously holding my hand, roaring with red eyes. “Eleanor, what exactly are you doing?” I lowered my head, only realizing I unconsciously cut my wrist with porcelain pieces. Blood gushed out horribly, pata smashing on the floor. Consciousness gradually blurred, I fell into a familiar embrace. Chapter 4 When I opened my eyes again, Lucas held my hand joyfully. His voice was hoarse but couldn’t hide pleasure. “Eleanor, we have a child again, must be a daughter, she came to find mom and dad again.” Nausea churned in stomach, I dodged Lucas’s touch without a trace. What right does he have to mention my daughter? A slight sobbing sound rang in ears, Ruby stood barefoot at the door with red eyes. She turned and ran, and Lucas chased in panic. I gently stroked my lower abdomen, tears rolling down. This child belongs entirely to me, unrelated to Lucas. After finding out pregnancy, Lucas was considerate everywhere. We seemed to return to the most loving time before. Lucas bought me a whole set of limited edition porcelain ornaments to please me. But he forgot, that porcelain doll I wiped and cherished day and night, was the only relic my daughter left me. My morning sickness was severe, Lucas pushed away projects worth hundreds of millions, cooking three meals a day for me at home. Flat lower abdomen gradually bulged. Lucas often stared at my stomach giggling, saying he was finally going to be a dad. If he hadn’t killed my baby with his own hands, if he didn’t have the sweet smell of woman’s perfume on him. I would foolishly deceive myself that he still had some sincerity for me. Approaching due date, Lucas picked up the big-bellied Ruby to live at home, arranged next door to me. He frowned slightly, looking troubled. “Eleanor, in her belly is also my child, I can’t ignore it.” “Don’t worry, I have asked a lawyer to draft an agreement, only the child you give birth to is my heir.” I watched Lucas signing the agreement to show loyalty, fawningly sending the agreement to my hand. “It’s okay, I understand you.” “Just let her live at home, as long as she doesn’t disturb me.” But that night, Ruby had unbearable abdominal pain after drinking the soup I stewed. Blood flowed non-stop between her legs, soaking the white dress, choking: “If sister hates me for stealing Lucas’s love, kill me and I have no complaints.” “But the baby is innocent…” I stood helplessly on the spot, just wanted to explain. But Lucas pushed me down fiercely, holding Ruby leaving in a hurry. “If anything happens to Ruby’s child, the bastard in your belly will be buried with it!” Lower back hit the sharp table corner, lower abdomen severe falling pain. Warmth flowed between legs, amniotic fluid pata smashed on the ground. I shouted Lucas’s name in panic, but he didn’t even deign to give me a look. Labor pains hit again, I trembled uncontrollably, dialling emergency number in panic. “I’m giving birth…” All obstetricians in the hospital were transferred to Ruby’s ward to ensure her safety. I lay on the cold operating table, lower abdomen seemed to be crushed hard by a bulldozer, flesh and bones shattered. Until Ruby’s child was born smoothly, dying me was noticed. Fetus dystocia, countless needles pierced my body. Moment before consciousness dissipated, I saw Lucas crying holding his and Ruby’s child. Children’s One-Month Celebration was held together. Lucas only invited a few best brothers. They congratulated Lucas on having a son and a daughter, wife and mistress getting along well. Ruby showed off her son in front of me, unable to hide pride in brows and eyes. “Eleanor, what does your little bastard have to compete with my son?” “If you kneel down and kowtow two loud heads to me now, I can still consider being a good stepmother.” I ignored, smilingly holding daughter walked to Lucas’s side. Amidst everyone’s blessings, I pressed the switch in my hand. The moment the screen lit up, Ruby’s face turned pale.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390162”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

After winning the highest bid for Tristan Chase at the auction, he set three rules for me. Give him an unlimited Black Card. Clean up all his messes. And never ask about his private life. He would only leave with me if I agreed to these three points. Everyone thought he was overestimating himself; no one would agree to such conditions. But I just nodded. “Take good care of your face.” For the next three years, I spent over a billion dollars on him. Everyone around me laughed at me for losing my mind over love. But I continued to do as I pleased. The day my father died, he had a car racing accident. Enduring my grief, I rushed to handle it. But at the door, I heard Tristan talking with his friends. “Tristan, sister-in-law is trained like a dog by you. Married life will be blissful, right?” “Yeah, once her old man kicks the bucket, won’t all the family assets be yours after marriage?” A burst of laughter followed. Tristan’s cold voice came from the center of the crowd. “Is she even worthy of marrying me?” The door was pushed open. Under everyone’s shocked gaze, I walked calmly to Tristan. Ignoring his somewhat unnatural expression. After carefully wiping the dust off his forehead, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Good, the face is fine.” Chapter 1 Tristan turned his face away impatiently. “It wasn’t a big deal anyway, Melody, aren’t you annoying?” Seeing the stiff atmosphere, his friends came up to smooth things over. Asking indirectly if I heard their conversation. Tristan also looked at me slightly nervously. Facing this somewhat apprehensive face, I still couldn’t be cruel. I shook my head. Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, movement sounded at the gate again. It was Tristan’s childhood sweetheart. He got up anxiously, tone gentle in a way he never used with me. “Why are you here? Didn’t I say it’s nothing, no need for you to run over in such heavy rain.” Penelope clutched an umbrella, eyes filling with tears as soon as she saw the injuries on Tristan. “I was worried about you, and the thunder is so loud, I’m scared…” Tristan wiped away her tears with heartache. “It’s late, I’ll take you back and tuck you in.” Finished, the two packed up and left. Facing the awkward expressions of others, I just watched silently throughout. Just as Tristan requested when I bought him. Never ask about his private life. Before leaving, Tristan spoke to me frankly: “My car is wrecked, I’ll take yours. Find your own way home.” Finished, he carefully put his jacket on Penelope, hugging her as they left. Never thinking about what I should do alone in such heavy rain. “Sister-in-law, Tristan he…” His friend stuttered. “No need to explain.” I interrupted. In Tristan’s heart, I will never compare to Penelope. His scarce patience and gentleness are all poured onto her. I also recognized long ago, no matter how much this face looks like that person, it’s ultimately not him. But to see this face I think of day and night, I still endure it sweetly. Called the driver to pick me up, to handle Father’s funeral. It was already midnight when I got home. The living room lights were on, which surprised me. Usually, he should have been asleep long ago. Seeing my face full of fatigue, Tristan frowned. “Why back so late?” I said lightly, “Had something to do.” He seemed not to believe it, scoffing lightly. “I say, do you find this interesting all day?” “I just went to accompany Penelope. She’s a little girl, worried about me in the rain and ran to see me, plus she’s timid.” “What’s wrong with me sending her back?” Totally ignoring that I also dropped everything for him, rushing to see him first thing in the heavy rain at night. I rubbed my forehead, not wanting to argue with him too much. Seeing this, Tristan stepped forward and pinched my chin. Like a bestowal, he kissed down. I turned my head to dodge. His face sank, “Enough is enough, what temper are you throwing?” “My dad died, no mood.” Tristan froze. Ignoring him, I turned into the bedroom. Don’t know how long passed, Tristan lay beside me with the moisture after a shower. He gently pulled my hand. “I didn’t know.” I didn’t respond. Tristan spoke to himself. “By the way, Penelope’s birthday is coming soon. Saw a magazine a few days ago, there’s an emerald diamond necklace that looks good.” “I asked, that necklace is an antique, can’t buy it anymore.” “I remember you have one in your jewelry box. Since you don’t wear it anyway, why not give it to Penelope to make her happy.” My headache worsened, voice cold. “That was my mother’s dowry, I won’t give it.” His hand holding mine stiffened. This was the first time I rejected him. He gritted his teeth and let go of me, got up, dressed, and went out. The door was slammed with a thunderous noise when he left. I ignored it, turned over, and fell into a deep sleep. Chapter 2 Driving to attend Father’s funeral. Just entered the car, saw a pair of lace panties stained with white fluid on the passenger seat. Only Tristan drove this car when sending Penelope before. Time was tight, I changed a car and arrived at the funeral. Guests gradually arrived, Tristan arrived late with Penelope. “Penelope wasn’t feeling well this morning, we are late.” I lowered my eyes, “Take a seat.” Seems the venue was a bit hot, Penelope took off her trench coat. Instantly, she became the focus of everyone. What she wore underneath was shockingly a bright red dress. Penelope sensed others’ gazes, shrinking behind Tristan. She trembled, “What’s wrong? Why is everyone looking at me?” She clenched Tristan’s sleeve tight, causing him to protect her in his arms and comfort her softly. Now even with my good temper, I couldn’t control it anymore. “Either take off this dress, or get out.” My eyes were full of frost. “Wearing bright red at my father’s funeral, Miss Penelope has such good breeding.” People around watched this scene in silence. Penelope looked as if she suffered a huge grievance, biting her lower lip, eyes red. “I’ll go then!” Finished, turned and ran. Tristan glared at me gloomily, grabbed Penelope’s coat left on the seat and chased out. Closed eyes hard, took a few deep breaths. “Sorry, please continue.” Everyone reacted then, pretending nothing happened just now. I sat down dejectedly. After this, I can imagine how they will discuss after going back. Nose tingled with sourness, thinking if only that person was here. After the funeral, Tristan returned. His clothes were slightly messier than when he left. He frowned, tone angry. “Just because of such a small thing, did you have to embarrass Penelope in front of so many people?” “She’s just a little girl who doesn’t understand these things, why make it difficult for her?” “Just because I went to tuck her in that day? It’s been so long, is it necessary?” Tristan’s mouthful of questioning made me laugh in anger. Usually I would pretend not to see, but today I don’t intend to indulge anymore. “Today is my dad’s funeral, who exactly is picking a fight?” I mocked. He paused, avoiding my gaze. After a while, offered a step down. “Alright, I’ll talk to her about this later, it’s not your turn to lecture her.” “Penelope accidentally fell when running out. You happen to own a hospital, let them prepare the best ward.” “Arrange a full set of checkups for Penelope, and this matter is over.” I refused without thinking, “Impossible.” Although I cover for his actions, I won’t agree to even these requests. “You are becoming more and more unreasonable.” Tristan impatiently tore off his tie and threw it on the ground, striding away. Home at night, entering the door saw Penelope sitting at the dining table in my seat. In the bowl in front of her was the nourishing soup prepared by my maid for me. Seeing me back, Penelope’s voice sweet. “Sister Melody is back? Brother Tristan said Auntie Wang’s soup is most nourishing, just right for my body.” “You come have a bowl too.” I glanced, walked past ignoring her directly. Tristan came up in three steps, putting his arm around my shoulder. Tone rarely gentle. “I thought about it, if you are unwilling then forget it. Anyway, we have a family doctor at home, it’s the same for Penelope to live in our house.” “Penelope likes your sunny master bedroom, give it to her. Having a good mood helps her recovery.” Tristan was certain I wouldn’t refuse him again. After all, over these years, he got whatever wind and rain he wanted from me. Even limited edition luxury cars worth tens of millions, I could fill a garage for him without blinking an eye. Chapter 3 Tristan pulled me to the dining table without waiting for my answer. He pushed a plate of bamboo shoots salad in front of me. “The bamboo shoots from the north city you like, I bought them for you, eat more.” I stared at this dish in a daze. Actually, it wasn’t me who liked it, it was that person. After his accident, this dish became my favorite. Picked up a bite with chopsticks, still the old taste. Seeing me giving face, Tristan’s expression eased a bit. A trace of jealousy flashed quickly in Penelope’s eyes, she put a piece of pig heart into my bowl. Then panicked hurriedly, “Sorry Sister Melody, I forgot Uncle died of heart disease…” “I’m always clumsy, don’t be angry.” She looked at Tristan for help. Tristan rubbed Penelope’s head, comforting dotingly. “It’s okay, I’m here.” Looked at me again, said lightly. “Penelope is young, don’t hold it against her.” With that, he rolled up his shirt sleeves, skillfully peeling shrimp for her. Revealing the small hair tie belonging to Penelope on his wrist. Facing the two’s intimacy, I lost my appetite. Put down chopsticks. Tristan saw I finished, spoke again. “Penelope’s current rental lease is expiring. Give her a house to transition later.” “Your downtown penthouse before is nice, decoration is also good, convenient for Penelope to find a job.” The house Tristan mentioned was the marital home I prepared before. Decoration was personally designed by that person, all according to my favorite style. I felt it a bit funny. My lack of bottom line before spoiled him. Thinking I would yield for him time and again. But involving that person, I can’t not care. “Tristan Chase, you want me to raise your mistress too?” My tone calm. Penelope stood up with a humiliated face, loudly said. “Sister Melody, I know you always minded my good relationship with Brother Tristan, but we are innocent.” She looked at Tristan weeping. “I disturbed you guys, sorry Brother Tristan, I’m leaving now.” Tristan pulled her anxiously, voice cold to me. “Apologize to Penelope.” I sneered, strange, “Did I say wrong?” “Or say the panties on my passenger seat, aren’t yours?” Penelope breathed rapidly, face flushed red. She shook her head, “You really misunderstood, I was having severe ovulation pain that day, Brother Tristan helped me with his hand.” “We were close since childhood, this is nothing.” Tristan pulled her into his arms, patting her back to comfort. “No need to explain, she is just suspicious all day long.” He looked at me with cold eyes. “Do you think I will look at you more like this?” “Being unreasonable should have a limit. I’ll spend more time with you another day, okay?” “Penelope can’t stand grievance.” “If you continue like this, I’ll move out with Penelope.” I heard the implication in his words. He was threatening me. Usually, as long as Tristan said this to me, I would soften immediately no matter what. Then satisfy his request, make him happy. Only when done, would he magnanimously express forgiveness. But my attention now was all on the phone that just rang. It was a text message. From a number I was extremely familiar with, yet thought would never contact again. [Melody, wait for me] Simple four words, made me freeze holding the phone. Chapter 4 Whose prank is it, or did that person really come back? This guess made my eyes gradually moist. Phone was snatched away. It was Tristan. “Why crying?” He frowned asking, looking suspiciously at the phone screen. But it was already off. He tried entering passwords several times, none correct. Tristan threw the phone on the table irritably, asked me again, “Did you listen to what I just said?” Thoughts chaotic, I didn’t want to waste more words, grabbed the phone and stood up. “I think we should both calm down.” Seeing my leaving back, Tristan was a bit at a loss. This was the first time I left before him. In the past, as soon as he lost his temper with me, I was the one apologizing and seeking peace in a low voice. No matter what vicious words he used against me. I would try every way to coax him. Maybe the anger is too big this time, should be fine in a few days. Tristan thought. Since that night, I haven’t returned home for several days, nor sent a message to Tristan. This made him unable to sit still. Friends around saw his anxiety, comforted. “Oh, Tristan, what are you afraid of? We all see how much sister-in-law loves you.” “Women, let her calm down herself is enough, won’t she come back to lick our Tristan in the end?” Finished with more laughter. Penelope also nodded, filling Tristan’s wine. “Yes Brother Tristan, definitely nothing big. Sister Melody is probably throwing a tantrum waiting for you to coax her first.” “And her dad died, isn’t the closest person still you? How could she really fall out with you.” Tristan recalled the wallpaper he saw when taking my phone that day. Although pixels were a bit blurry, could still recognize it was him. Probably sneaked sometime unknown. After all, I loved him to the bone, how could I give up just like that. Tristan nodded, anxiety fading. “True, Melody Vance is taking over as CEO in a few days. When I go to her banquet then, she will definitely be fine.” At the banquet, I was drinking with partners. Since that day, no matter how I messaged that number, no more reply. I could only wait patiently. If it’s really him, he will definitely come to find me. I just need to wait obediently. Sipped champagne, saw Tristan entering the venue hall with Penelope. My face changed. The dress on Penelope was clearly the one I wore at my coming-of-age ceremony. This was custom made by that person finding a top foreign designer, took full six months to arrive. I walked up quickly, eyes angry. “Who let you wear it?! Take it off!” Penelope was scared by my eyes. Thinking Tristan was by the side, seemed to have confidence, “What are you doing?” I ignored everything, pulled directly. Tristan seeing my crazy look also got angry, pulled me away forcefully. Carried by his force, unsteady, my lower back hit the edge of the long table. The champagne tower placed on top shattered all over the floor. Huge commotion attracted everyone’s eyes. Banquet supposed to celebrate my succession as CEO turned into a farce. Tristan protected Penelope behind him, tone impatient. “Melody Vance, how long are you going to act up? Aren’t I here?” “This dress color doesn’t suit you anymore, fits a little girl like Penelope perfectly.” “You have so many clothes, necessary to embarrass her in public for this?” Seeing me covered in wine, calf scratched by glass shards. A trace of unbearable appeared in Tristan’s eyes, made a gesture to pull me up. “Stop throwing tantrums, I’ll accompany you to buy a new one later okay?” But whether to the pain on body or Tristan’s words, I had no reaction. Just staring blankly at that familiar figure behind him. All blood in body seemed to coagulate in an instant. Tristan looked back following my line of sight. Seeing that man’s face, his pupils dilated instantly. That was a tall man with a handsome face. Gestures revealed a transcendent temperament. “What are you doing to my fiancée?” Man asked coldly. Tristan subconsciously moved to block my line of sight. Questioned me with rising anger. “What fiancée?! Melody Vance, who is he!”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390161”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

I was childhood friend Jax’s simp for five years, but only ended up as a “friend with benefits.” For five years, as long as he called, I appeared. Every time he needed comfort, I stayed. Even without a title, I was happy. Until I heard he had a new girlfriend, I quietly packed up my feelings, ready to exit again. But that night, he knocked on my door again. And rarely bought a box of strawberry flavored condoms. “This isn’t appropriate, right? Aren’t you dating?” I blocked the door, not letting him in. He squeezed in sideways, pulled open his collar, movements showing rare impatience. But his tone carried a trace of rare gentleness: “I am dating, but she is too clean, so innocent that people just want to protect her.” He paused, voice lowering: “I can’t bear to touch her. Can only come to you to solve it. Let’s just treat it as a breakup sex. What are you pretending in front of me, open it quickly!” I swallowed the astringency in my throat, asking cooperatively: “Who is it, can make you treasure her so much?” The corner of his mouth hooked up a heartless smile, looking up at me: “Your sister.” Chapter 1 Hearing this sentence, my hand trembled fiercely. The condom fell on the bed. Brain blank for a rare moment. I never thought he would be with my stepsister. Even less did I expect he would turn over a new leaf for my stepsister. Maybe the expression on my face was very helpless. Jax tutted, smiling playfully: “Didn’t expect it?” He took a drag of his cigarette, as if reminiscing: “That little idiot, doesn’t even know how to smoke.” “I passed it to her with my mouth, she coughed for a long time.” “Innocent as hell.” He shook his head laughing. I swallowed the sourness in my chest, speaking with difficulty: “Why her?” Jax put out the cigarette in his hand, tone rarely serious: “Annie is a good girl, I don’t want to let her down.” My heart trembled, as if all strength was drained from my body. “Forget it, you continue to take pills tonight.” Jax pushed me onto the bed, skillfully unbuttoning my bra. “Annie is too good, I held back for so long these days, dare not touch her.” Still the usual flirting technique, but my body was cold and couldn’t raise any interest. I pushed him away, stood up silently. Put on clothes, shoes. Then holding back the pain, pretending to be free and easy: “Jax, let’s break it off.” Jax paused slightly, tutted disapprovingly: “Nicole, can you leave me?” I didn’t speak, picked up my bag and started packing cosmetics. “Fine, get out then.” Jax’s voice turned cold. With a bit of impatience of being disturbed. My fingertips almost sank into the flesh, but I still left the room. Jax can like anyone, but not Annie. Annie and I have completely different personalities. I love playing, love excitement. Like Jax, nature is flamboyant and loose. And Annie has been a well-behaved, obedient and quiet good girl since childhood. So when she was tricked by punks to the bar, I chose to save her. That day, I was drunk as mud by the punks, barely escaped with her. But she left drunk me at the bus stop because the teacher notified to hand in homework. Causing me to be taken back to the hotel by the punks chasing out. Years later, I still dare not recall that night. I scoff at chastity, but voluntary and forced are two different things. Afterwards, I dragged my body tortured for a night, weak and broken, and slapped Annie hard. But she cried aggrievedly, collapsing and accusing me: “You only care about yourself! If I can’t hand in homework, I will be punished by the teacher!” Since then, I hated her extremely. And Jax knew all these. Chapter 2 I couldn’t accept the fact that he was with Annie. Could only avoid paying attention to his updates. But on his birthday, he sent me an invitation as if nothing happened. Maybe I just wanted to see with my own eyes, or maybe I was just unwilling. I chose to go to the appointment. But when I pushed open the private room door, my heart still missed a beat. On the sofa, Jax pressed Annie against the backrest, kissing dominantly and fiercely. I even saw the veins bulging on the back of his hand due to exertion. People around were jeering, only my face was pale. For so many years, every time Jax was intimate with me, he watched me being confused and infatuated with ease. This is the first time seeing him losing control emotionally. Kiss ended, Annie’s face flushed, leaning softly in his arms. Jax’s Adam’s apple rolled, tutted dotingly: “Why so innocent?” Just finished speaking, saw me. The smile on Jax’s mouth stiffened imperceptibly. I didn’t speak, face probably ugly white. Could only be pulled to join the game. However, the next round, the loser was Annie. Punishment content was pole dancing. Annie was always conservative, hearing this punishment turned pale instantly, looking at Jax for help. People around were full of excitement, jeering: “Brother Jax, can you bear this?” Jax couldn’t bear it, so he lifted his chin at me lazily: “Annie is thin-skinned, can’t dance this.” “You go dance for her.” Annie is thin-skinned, what about me? My heart seemed blocked by a stone, crushing me breathless. Could only endure the bitterness, mocking coldly: “Why play if you can’t afford it?” Annie’s face turned white again, she bit her lip, suddenly said: “Sister, do you still hold a grudge against me for causing you to be raped back then?” The word Rape was specifically emphasized by her. Hard not to hear clearly, people around instantly cast strange looks at me. My body stiffened slightly, didn’t expect Annie to uncover my scar in public. Annie continued to accuse: “How long are you going to hold a grudge against me? Clearly I was forced too, you can’t just care about yourself right?” “And you are so casual, what’s the difference sleeping with one more or one less?” She sounded more and more aggrieved, as if I was the one being aggressive. The pain of being tortured that night surged again. I trembled with anger, losing control on the spot. When everyone was caught off guard, I raised the wine glass and poured it directly on her. “Ah!” Annie exclaimed, crying like pear blossoms in rain pouncing on Jax. I sneered sarcastically: “Annie, for so many years you are still as selfish as ever, back then I clearly went to save you…” “Enough.” Jax interrupted me, voice indistinguishable joy or anger. He took off his clothes and draped them on Annie. Then looked at me, smile still romantic and rogue. Impatience in eyes was particularly dazzling: “Nicole, it’s been so long.” “Is it necessary to calculate like this?” My heart sank heavily, only feeling something broken. Chapter 3 When that happened back then, I wouldn’t think I lost my innocence like in TV dramas, then seek death. But the colored eyes and rumors of people around still made me feel lost and helpless. The most painful time was being blocked by school punks at the gate asking if being raped felt good? At that time, everyone around was watching the show, only Jax. He rushed over like crazy fighting with that group of punks, smashing until unconscious but still holding on to block in front of me. That time, Jax broke an arm. Several punks were sent to the hospital for emergency rescue. And I, love grew wildly, filling the girl’s heart. Later, during the most critical time of senior year, it was also Jax who resolutely transferred schools to accompany me through that difficult time. When lost, I once asked him in a low voice. Is it really my fault? Am I really dirty now? At that time, the boy laughed wantonly: “Dirty my ass, wait for that beast to come out I’ll kill him!” Since then, I was like a moth flying into the fire named Jax. Even if hurt completely by his promiscuity and looseness. Still persistently refused to let go. But now, he asked me is it necessary to calculate like this? At this moment, I looked at the careless coldness in his eyes. Suddenly felt very boring. I don’t know how I walked out of the private room. Maybe very awkward. I entangled with Jax for so many years, for him even stayed alone in this strange city. Now it’s time to let go. I went to the company to resign, bought a ticket home desperately. After packing everything, I went to Jax’s villa. Here stored many things belonging to me, now should all dissipate with those love and lust. However, after opening the door, I froze on the spot again. Living room was ambiguous, scattered clothes and condoms everywhere. One, two, three. Each one seemed to tell me the intensity of this affair. Bedroom even heard the girl’s soft tune ambiguous sound, and man’s muffled groan when passion intense. I blinked dry eyes, took a long time to suppress the surging pain in my heart. Maybe this time entangling with Jax is Annie whom I hate to the bone. So clearly something I should have been used to, I still felt heart-wrenching pain. A moment later, the door opened. Annie exclaimed, covering her naked body: “Why are you here!?” I restrained myself from noticing the marks of intense ambiguity on her body. But just then, phone vibrated. I just wanted to check but was snatched away by Annie. She bit her lip and questioned loudly: “Are you secretly taking my nude photos!?” I felt she was unreasonable, sneered sarcastically: “Is it necessary?” Annie seemed stimulated by something, directly slapped me hard. “You just want to ruin my reputation, make me a dirty woman like you!” I was beaten to turn my head, cheek burning with pain. But couldn’t understand no matter what. If not for me, Annie would have become the dirty woman in her mouth long ago. Why does she treat me like this? Chapter 4 I snatched the phone, then raised my hand planning to slap back hard. After all, I was never one to be bullied. But the next second, wrist was pinched tightly. Jax’s voice mixed with coldness sounded. “Nicole, what crazy fit are you throwing?” Annie cried and threw herself into his arms, as if extremely scared: “Brother Jax, sister took my nude photos. I’m so scared, can you make her delete them?” Jax frowned tight, coldly said: “Delete.” I only felt the pain on my face getting worse, unbearable pain. Jax actually also thought I would do such a thing. I gritted my teeth, holding back tears: “Let go.” “Nicole, Annie is different from you.” “She is not a casual girl, using such dirty means on her, do you want to ruin her?” Jax’s tone even carried cold threat: “Delete now, or don’t force me to be rude to you!” Every word of his stepped precisely on my pain. Emotions in my heart exploded completely, threw the phone hard on Jax’s face. Red-eyed shouting: “Jax, look clearly!” “For so many years, if I wanted to revenge her, I would have done it long ago!” Jax looked at my collapsed appearance, face changed slightly. He opened the phone to look, nothing. And Annie had no trace of guilt. She leaned in Jax’s arms, crying aggrievedly: “Brother Jax, I didn’t mean to misunderstand her.” “I just don’t want to become dirty like her.” “If people know I have premarital sex, I would want to die!” “Brother Jax, I’m really scared.” Jax rubbed her head, seeming unable to handle her crying. My mouth hooked a sneer, took the phone and turned to leave. After a while, like comforting. Jax said: “Good girl, you are different from her.” “You are not dirty.” My body stiffened, finally completely gave up hope. Only felt past events, all turned into dreamlike broken shadows at this moment. Those years of obsession, all turned to ashes. Sitting on the high-speed train home. I looked outside the car, eyes unexpectedly calm. Leaving this city, Jax and I are completely over. I am not nowhere to go. At least, in my hometown. My long-dead mother left me a house belonging to me. I closed my eyes, planning to rest briefly. However, the next second, someone patted my shoulder. Man wearing white shirt, gold-rimmed glasses. Looking gentle, smile shy: “Hello, can I sit next to you?” I nodded lightly, continued to close eyes. A moment later, man said again: “Maybe a bit presumptuous, but I just took a photo of you.” “Can I get your authorization?” Man called Jasper, profession photographer. Usual work is shooting scenery around the world. In the photo he handed me, I leaned against the window, side face bathed in sunlight, brows relaxed. I was a bit surprised, decided to leave Jax. My mood turned out to be relaxed? “Composition of this photo is perfect, removing your profile would destroy the overall structure.” Man seemed a bit shy, pursed lips after saying this. “If you are unwilling, I will delete immediately.” I smiled: “Use it.” Maybe sitting in adjacent seats, or maybe too bored. Jasper and I chatted all the way. Then learned he and I lived in the same community. More surprisingly, he and I went to the same kindergarten. “Like this, counts as old classmates.” Jasper also smiled: “I have a younger brother, always lived with my dad in this community. Don’t know if you know him, his name is Jax.” I froze, unbelievable there is such a coincidence in the world. Jax has a biological brother. Smarter than him since childhood, more sensible than him. So when parents divorced, Jax’s mother only took the brother away. This matter has always been Jax’s knot. But such a coincidence, I couldn’t raise half interest. Still smiled: “Know, but not familiar.” Speaking here, phone rang. It was Jax.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390159”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

Everyone in Julian Sterling’s company knows the CEO has a wife from a business marriage. They never gave her a good face; even the cleaning lady could gossip about her. She lived like a coward guarding the house, never actively provoking Julian’s displeasure. Until the Michelin restaurant on their fifth anniversary, his assistant Lily sat down gracefully. Took out an ultrasound report from her bag. “Ms. Celia, I’ll be direct. I’m over three months pregnant, it’s Julian’s.” “Mr. Sterling is soft-hearted towards his first wife and can’t bear to mention divorce.” “I came today to beg you to be kind. Don’t cling to a man who doesn’t love you at all.” “Please give my child a complete home.” My fingertips trembled slightly, the ultrasound report twisting and distorting before my eyes. Julian is just like this, using the crystallization of his love with another woman to prove he will never love me. At the same time, the phone on the table rang with a unique notification tone. It was Julian’s cancellation text. “Emergency meeting at the company, I’ll make up the anniversary to you later.” This is the third anniversary he missed. At this moment, I didn’t want to fight for anything anymore. Even though in the bag beside me, there was also an ultrasound report of seven weeks pregnancy… Chapter 1 After returning home, I cooked a bowl of soothing soup. Just as I was about to drink it, Julian came back. His suit jacket draped over his arm, two buttons of his shirt unbuttoned, looking a bit disheveled. He walked over on his own, picked up the soup by my hand and drank it all. “Don’t cook these things in the future, tastes terrible.” I frowned, “That wasn’t for you.” Before, whenever he came home late, I would cook a bowl of soothing soup and put it by the bed, telling him to drink it before sleeping. He paused, put down the bowl heavily. “Late at night, what temper are you throwing? Just because I didn’t accompany you for the anniversary?” “Company has a lot of things, I’m annoyed enough after a busy day, can’t you be considerate staying at home all day?” He took out a jewelry box from his bag and threw it casually on the table. “New style from your favorite jewelry store. Last year you blamed me for not preparing a gift, this year I didn’t forget.” The jewelry box rolled twice on the table before stopping, like a pitiful charity to me. He didn’t wait for me to speak, turned and went to the bathroom. I sat blankly on the sofa for a while, Julian’s phone on the dining table lit up twice. Ghost-driven, I already held the phone in my hand. I entered our wedding anniversary, but it showed password error. Since marriage, his password hadn’t changed, always our anniversary. Now it changed. Even knowing the reason, my heart couldn’t stop aching. I have a good memory, thought of Lily’s birthday on the ultrasound report today. Entered it, phone unlocked. I clicked on their chat history, Lily just sent a message. [Brother Julian, thanks for taking Donut to the vet, she’s much better now.] [You are so careful with our kitten, you will definitely be a good daddy to our baby (kisses)] Followed by a photo, a cute Ragdoll cat nestled in the arms of Lily who was dressed scantily. I felt a bit nauseous, cold all over. I begged Julian countless times, hoping to raise a cat of my own at home. But he always refused on the grounds of hating cat hair, saying he had intermittent cat hair allergies. Turns out this intermittence refers to being allergic only to cats raised by me. Julian would reply seriously to every message from Lily. From work problems, where he would formulate a comprehensive work plan for her, telling her how to solve it step by step. To life problems, caring if she ate lunch on time, if she brought an umbrella when raining. I laughed at myself, laughing until tears came out. I always thought Julian was busy, too busy to reply to his wife’s messages. Thought Julian was naturally cold, disliking long greetings and care. Turns out he knows everything, understands everything, just these loves and cares are never for me. I scrolled through their messages quickly like masochism. I soon found the origin of that cat, a sick cat abandoned by someone they picked up during a business trip a year ago. Julian praised Lily in the message. [Lily, when you decided to save the kitten without hesitation, you really looked like a kind little angel.] From this day on, their chat gradually became ambiguous and deteriorated, until crossing the line. My heart pounded, veins popping on the back of my hand holding the phone. Water sound in the bathroom gradually stopped, came Julian’s familiar call. “Celia, get my pajamas.” Chapter 2 I put the phone back, sat on the sofa again. “Get it yourself, I’m busy.” Julian came out wrapped in a towel, extremely impatient, cold air all over. I turned a deaf ear, turned on the TV to watch a variety show. After a long time, he changed clothes, hugged me from behind. I stiffened all over. “Celia, the company is busy with IPO recently, you know.” “Next year’s anniversary, I will definitely accompany you properly, okay?” Julian didn’t notice my abnormality at all, his deliberately softened voice wanted to turn the page lightly like before. Then, I would still be that considerate wife in everything, he would still be that busy and taciturn husband. Just like countless times in the past. My marriage is like soaking in a pool of stagnant water, guarding a stone that won’t respond, grateful for this little warmth. If Lily didn’t come to me today, if I didn’t see his other side. Maybe such days, I would live on for a long time. But now, I don’t want to. “Julian, let’s talk.” Just as I finished speaking, Julian’s phone which had been silent for not long rang again. He hurried to answer the phone. Surroundings too quiet, Lily’s anxious crying on the other end came clearly into my ears. “Brother Julian, my stomach hurts suddenly, I don’t know what’s going on, woo woo woo I’m so afraid something happens to the baby…” “Don’t be afraid, I’m coming right away.” Julian panicked immediately, he put on his coat in a panic and rushed out. At the door he remembered me at home, left a sentence. “Celia, something happened to a company employee, we’ll talk when I get back.” I sat on the sofa, feeling cold hands and feet. The soothing soup was finished by him, I probably can’t sleep well tonight. Until dawn, I barely fell asleep. Not long after, I was woken up by a huge banging on the door. Next second, a big hand choked my neck. I opened my eyes in panic, met Julian’s bloodshot eyes. “Celia, you went to find Lily? Who gave you the guts to find her!” “Do you know, she is in poor health, can’t stand stimulation, come at me if you have anything, what kind of ability is bullying her!” I felt the big hand on my neck tightening constantly, strangling me to suffocation. Until my face flushed red, Julian let go. “Cough cough cough… I didn’t go…” I subconsciously wanted to defend, but was interrupted angrily by Julian. “You didn’t? Still pretending, those dirty means you used to marry me into the Sterling family back then, don’t think I know nothing!” “If you dare use these means on Lily, I will make you pay!” I shook all over, looking at him in disbelief. Those things back then, he clearly knew the truth… Turns out he never truly believed me. “I say it again, I never went to find her, she came to find me herself!” Julian sneered. “You think I would believe you? Lily is different from you, she is simple and kind, never thought of fighting for any title with you.” “Even afraid you would be hurt if you knew, living in guilt every day.” “How could she take the initiative to find you.” What a “living in guilt every day,” a person who knowingly becomes a mistress dares to talk about guilt. Every message Lily sent to Julian can be called seduction. I laughed out loud with tears. Laughing at Julian’s blindness, also laughing at my five years of wrong payment. “Unreasonable, reflect on yourself properly, go apologize to Lily with me in two days.” “Otherwise, I don’t mind changing the person sitting in Mrs. Sterling’s position.” Julian glanced at his phone, rushed out again. I stroked the choke marks on my neck, heart cooled inch by inch. This Mrs. Sterling position, I don’t want it. I dialed the lawyer’s number. “Please help me draft a divorce agreement, ASAP.” Chapter 3 I just got up and tidied myself, the doorbell rang. Opened the door, before I could see the visitor clearly, a stick fell straight down, I fainted instantly. I woke up, found myself in a familiar basement. In front of me was my father’s hideous face. “Celia, you got bold? I warned you not to make President Sterling angry, why don’t you listen?” “You’ve been a little bitch since childhood, I raised you so big, now you can’t even hold onto a man, what use are you!” Father scolded while raising a whip to lash me. The water-soaked long whip beat me until skin tore and flesh split, blood dripping. “Ah! I didn’t! Let me go!” “Julian won’t let you go if he knows!” I screamed in pain, begging for mercy. “Hahaha, you think without your good husband’s authorization, I dare to go to the Sterling house to grab people?” I stiffened all over. After marrying Julian, I completely escaped the cage of the Shi family, I once thought he was my savior. But didn’t expect, for a woman, he would send me back here. Whipping continued, my thoughts drifted away. Before fainting again, I heard Julian’s voice. “Celia has a scorpion’s heart, teach her a lesson, just keep her alive for me.” Unknown how long passed, I woke up in the hospital. Julian sat by the bed, face full of anxiety. “Sorry Celia, I didn’t expect your dad would be so heavy-handed.” I gently withdrew my hand, didn’t reply. He forcefully held my hand again, looking at my pale face with some distress. “This time you were wrong first, you shouldn’t have touched Lily, I was dizzy with anger so…” I sneered, just about to speak. Lily suddenly rushed in at the door, crying and about to kneel. “Sister Celia, it’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have fallen for President Sterling, destroying your relationship, sorry! Really sorry!” “I don’t blame you for finding me, I shouldn’t have existed, I will schedule surgery tomorrow to remove the baby, return President Sterling to you.” “I just love President Sterling too much, feelings are uncontrollable…” Julian stood up immediately, threw away my hand, hugged Lily distressedly. “Lily, this isn’t your fault, give birth to the little treasure well, no one will make it difficult for you.” I looked at Lily’s clumsy performance, feeling only disgusting. Next second, Julian pulled me up, dragged me out of bed to stand in front of Lily. “Celia, apologize to Lily.” I looked at the man beside me in disbelief. “I apologize to her? I was beaten skin open flesh split not enough? Why should I apologize to a mistress!” My knee was kicked hard, I knelt on the ground instantly. “I give you one last chance, you must apologize.” I gritted my teeth, “What if I don’t.” Julian sneered, pinched my chin threatening: “I remember your early dead mom is buried in the back mountain, dead without even a tombstone, how about I move her grave?” My pupils shook. “You dare touch my mom, I won’t let you go!” “Whether I touch her or not depends on you.” I lowered my head to Lily in humiliation, palms pinched bleeding. “Sorry, I apologize to you, I shouldn’t make it difficult for you…” Lily covered her mouth, triumph flashed in her eyes. “Sister Celia, I don’t blame you. President Sterling is always afraid I’ll be wronged, making it hard for you, I should be the one apologizing, cough cough.” She coughed violently after speaking, causing Julian anxiety. “What happened? Asthma again? I’ll take you to the doctor.” He picked up Lily horizontally, passed me and left with big strides. I was covered in whip wounds, maintained the kneeling posture for a long time unable to get up. Long time later, I dragged my numb legs climbing onto the bed with difficulty. Tears dripped into palms, heart also bleeding with whip wounds. Chapter 4 I stayed in the hospital for three days, Julian only came to the ward again on the last day. I learned from Lily’s Moments (social media) that he guarded her every step these days. Didn’t even have time to see me once. “Celia, you haven’t been pregnant for five years, I will raise the child in Lily’s belly for you.” I paused, subconsciously touched my belly. “I don’t have the habit of raising other people’s children yet.” He walked over wanting to hug me, I turned my head to avoid. “You suffered grievance in this matter, I will compensate you.” I took out the divorce agreement prepared long ago, tapped the signature place. “In that case, sign this compensation agreement.” Just as he was about to turn over to look carefully, Lily’s call interrupted his movement. “Julian, the baby in the belly is making trouble again.” “I’m coming right away.” He signed quickly, rushing to leave again. “I’ll have the driver send you back later.” I breathed a sigh of relief, sent the divorce agreement to the lawyer. “Ms. Celia, the divorce certificate will be mailed to you by express then.” I went home to pack things with peace of mind. But when I opened the drawer storing bracelets, a cat’s corpse fell out. “Ah!” I was scared out of my wits, fell to the ground. At this time, the sound of the door opening downstairs rang, I panicked wanting to call for help. Julian pulled open the bedroom door, followed by a terrified Lily. “Donut!” “Celia! Why did you kill my cat! It’s just a small animal!” I was stunned on the spot, finally reacted. “It’s you…” Julian’s eyes split, raised his hand and slapped me hard several times. He still felt not relieved, kicked me hard several times. “Celia! What a vicious heart! Even a cat you want to harm, is the next step harming the child in Lily’s belly!” “Not me, I didn’t…” I defended subconsciously, severe pain came from the kicked belly. “My chi…” I was soon in too much pain to speak. In Julian’s eyes, it was guilty acquiescence. “Someone, drag the Madam to the basement!” I opened my eyes in horror, the Sterling family’s basement is a place specially for handling enemies, things below are more terrifying than the Shi family’s. Fear deep in the bone marrow since childhood almost swallowed me. I kept kneeling and begging for mercy, “Sorry, I was wrong, don’t lock me in the basement! I beg you!” I was almost dragged into the basement, blood flowing from under me along the way. Countless torture tools whipped my body, my fingers were forcibly clamped broken. The second day locked in the basement, Lily appeared at the door. Face full of triumph, tone contemptuous. “The little bastard in your belly should be gone, I knew you were pregnant long ago, do you like the gift specially sent to you?” I used my remaining strength to spit at her fiercely. Lily stood up in disgust. “Since you are not afraid of death, then stay well, I wait to collect your corpse.” She took out a box, threw it into the basement. Dozens of rats scrambled out, quickly surrounding me. “Ah!” When I was desperate, the basement was opened again. A tall figure picked me up, familiar embrace made me feel at ease. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you away.” … “Mr. Sterling, Madam has been locked in for three days, want to let her out?” Julian lowered his head drinking a sip of hot tea. “What does the doctor attending her say?” Assistant paused a second, somewhat embarrassed. “Mr. Sterling, didn’t you send that doctor to check Ms. Lu’s fetus later?” Julian’s hand shook, tea cup fell to the ground, shattered. He got up quickly, ran straight to the basement.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390158”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel