At my 30th birthday gala, my husband called out from the kitchen. “Babe, come help me pass the soup.” Before I could get up, my cousin had already walked quickly over, reaching out from behind him to take the soup bowl. Seeing me stunned, she hurriedly explained: “I’m always ordered around by my mom at home, it’s become an instinctive reaction, don’t overthink it.” I showed no emotion, calmly completed the entire banquet. After sending off the guests, I calmly said to my husband who was clearing the dining table: “Let’s divorce.” Julian Hale slammed down the silverware with a “Clang”, glaring at me: “Seriously? Just because she helped me serve a bowl of soup?” … “Scarlett, married for five years, I couldn’t bear to let you touch a drop of oil smoke, putting you first in everything.” “Now just because of your cousin’s unintentional action, you actually want to divorce, destroy this home? Do you have a heart!” Julian questioned me with red eyes, as if I had done something unforgivable. I didn’t answer directly, but moved my gaze to the dining table, that plate of Boeuf Bourguignon with a little left. “Married for five years, every time we eat, you know I love this dish most, in the past it was always placed in front of me first.” “But this time, it was placed directly in front of Selena’s seat, who also likes this dish.” Julian’s breath hitched, tone urgent: “What does this matter? No one helped when serving, I was busy and messy, how could I care about these.” I shook my head, voice slightly hoarse: “Not just this dish. When seated, you also pulled the chair for Selena first.” “Her glass was empty, you opened a new drink, and it was lime flavor she likes but I hate.” “When taking photos, you stood between me and her, arm seemingly unintentionally touching her back.” “Julian Hale, subconscious partiality can’t be hidden. Whoever is in the heart, gaze and thoughts will flow to whom.” “In those moments you call ‘negligence’, those subtle inclinations are the most real.” “This is the key reason I want a divorce.” Julian’s face suddenly turned gloomy, staring at me like examining a stranger: “Scarlett, are you too idle? Few unintentional actions, can be woven into so much drama by you, why don’t you go write novels?” “Besides is that ‘someone else’? That’s your cousin, a relative who watched you grow up! You even jealous of this?” “If not considering your feelings, would I take extra care of her? In your mouth it became me having an affair with her? Are you reasonable!” He walked into the study, flipped out a photo album, slammed it in front of me. Inside one by one, all photos of me and Selena from childhood to adulthood, in teenage photos we heads touching, smiles brilliant. Last few pages, stopped at our wedding, Selena as maid of honor, standing by my side in a light purple long dress. During the ceremony, she looked at me and Julian kissing with tears in eyes, expression moved. Another one, she hugged me tightly on stage, holding the bridal bouquet I gave her, smile bright. I gazed at these photos, suddenly laughed softly, with self-mockery. “When kissing each other, her eyes were looking at you, so she wasn’t moved by my happiness, but crying for you.” “When hugging me, she was smiling at someone outside the frame, judging from the shooting angle, that person was you.” “Turns out five years ago, she already had thoughts about you, no wonder she stayed single these years.” “What about you? When did you start?” Julian stepped back half a step, face interwoven with disappointment and anger: “Scarlett, I thought you were just momentarily confused, didn’t expect you crazy enough to twist the past!” “It’s me spoiled you too much, spoiled you so suspicious, unreasonable!” “I give you one day to calm down. Tomorrow is my grandma’s 75th Birthday Gala, if you still understand respecting elders, don’t bring trouble to her!” He threw the rag heavily, slammed the door and left. I looked at the messy table, sat weakly into the chair. I met Julian in college. My family is wealthy, but never looked down on him, a poor student studying on loans, tried my best to help him in studies or life, even actively sponsored him to go to a top university abroad for a master’s degree. Julian has a sensitive mind, knows his situation well, cared for me meticulously after marriage, never let me suffer half a grievance. But even the most thorough person, when heart is messy, will reveal traces. I opened my phone, found Julian had unknown when stopped sharing location with me. I didn’t tell anyone, changed into low-key clothes, went straight to the Tea House operated by Selena. Because of low-key clothing, no one noticed after entering. Crossing the corridor, I walked straight to outside the “Cloud View” room she used to entertain friends. Before I could push the door, I heard Julian’s complaining voice: “I’m being made difficult by the one at home, you guys laughing happily, have any sympathy?” Room sat a group of people, looked up, most actually were friends who came to the banquet tonight! They were relaxed, chatting and laughing, no one spoke for me. Amidst bursts of laughter, I only felt bone-chilling cold. Center of the box, Selena played with a purple clay cup, side head smiling at Julian beside her: “Who let you be careless, actually called me ‘Babe’ at Scarlett’s birthday banquet?” “I didn’t react for a moment, smoothly helped you roll up sleeves.” “Thought she wouldn’t notice, didn’t expect still seen by her.” Putting down tea cup, she smilingly picked up a cup of sake, used still the limited edition vintage cup I gave her last year. Just about to drink, cup was naturally taken away by Julian reaching out: “About to be a mother, why still so willful? Said no alcohol during pregnancy!” Selena always stubborn, before her father forbid her drinking, she could pick up bottle to confront. But at this moment, facing Julian, she showed a docile smile I never saw: “Okay, listen to you, not drinking.” “After all you are my child’s father, of course you have the say.” She stroked her not yet showing lower abdomen, smilingly leaned on Julian’s shoulder. My whole body blood seemed to freeze instantly. Selena and Julian not only had an affair, actually even had a child! “Want me say, Scarlett is also stubborn, good life insist on being Child-free.” “Yeah, Brother Julian family only him one son, isn’t she intentionally making it difficult?” Listening to everyone’s discussion about me, cousin who always defended me in public actually sneered, echoed: “She was spoiled since childhood, doesn’t know how to think for others.” And my husband Julian, held Selena’s hand, deeply affectionate: “Selena, you willing to carry child for me, not only my lover, also benefactor of my Hale family.” “From now on, we live and die together, never separate.” My tears rolled down, almost unstable standing. Back then, my mother died of Amniotic fluid embolism when giving birth to me, didn’t even have time to hug me once. So I always had fear of childbirth, told Julian at beginning of relationship: I decided to be Child-free this life, if he cares, we can separate here. That time he hugged me tightly, whispered in my ear: “Having you is enough this life, child not important, my love for you won’t be half less.” I once deeply believed I met true love transcending secularity. Now, watching his deep affection with Selena, realized I was wrong ridiculously! Someone in box asked: “But, do you plan to hide from Scarlett forever?” “Have child already, better confess, divorced can also be together openly.” Everyone looked at them, Julian immediately shook head: “No. Selena has blood relation with her, cousins again, I can’t let her break with family because of me.” “Moreover, my career is deeply connected with Xia family, can’t completely fall out with Scarlett.” “So from being together, me and Selena agreed: Relationship absolutely can’t be exposed in front of her, divorce even more impossible.” Turns out he also clear, wealth and status today, all come from my family’s support and investment. Maintaining marriage, just for benefits. Amidst sighs, someone looked at Selena sympathetically: “Selena, you such a strong person, willing to let child never see light?” Selena chuckled, turned Julian’s face, dropped a kiss on his lips: “Marriage is just a paper, I don’t care.” “Besides, wife not as good as concubine, concubine not as good as stolen. Living like this under her nose for a lifetime, isn’t it more interesting?” If not heard with own ears, I absolutely wouldn’t believe this came from my biological cousin. Laughter continued in box, I fell into ice cave. Overnight, I went from self-proclaimed happiest woman, to a joke betrayed by both love and family. More sadly, I was actually the last person in circle of friends to know. Friends I thought close, always covering for them, watching me kept in dark, but no one reminded. Crying, I walked out of Tea House, dialed lawyer phone: “Prepare divorce agreement, I want Julian Hale leave with nothing.” “Also, help me do a few more things…” Chapter 2 Next day, is Hale Grandma’s 75th birthday. Hale family prepared for long time, early decorated festively in riverside apartment I bought, fresh flowers gifts everywhere, also hired string quartet live performance. But when I entered, saw Selena sitting by main table. Mother-in-law who always not very satisfied with me, now affectionately holding her hand, caring: “Selena ah, pregnant person needs nutrition, must eat well rest well.” “You too thin, I look heartache. Later I make soup for you every day, let Julian send to you!” Selena smiled obedient and sweet, seeing me enter, also no panic: “Scarlett, such important day, why you came so late? I waited you for a while.” If usual, I would think this is ordinary greeting. Now, I heard depreciation in her words, implying I don’t care about in-laws big event. Sure enough, Hale family members at table heard, face already bad became darker: “She is big miss, willing to come is good enough, what more to ask?” Mother-in-law sarcastically poked me a sentence, turned to smilingly push stewed bird’s nest to Selena: “Selena quick taste, Julian specially asked people send from Southeast Asia early morning today, most nourishing.” Selena greeted me sit beside her, I walked to sit opposite, across a whole long table calmly spoke: “Pregnant how many months? My mother-in-law saw it, I look like an outsider.” Selena expression slightly stiff, then curved lips: “Just found out not long, wanted tell you personally today, didn’t expect Auntie sharp-eyed, saw it first.” “Of course, pregnant person look different, we mothers all understand!” Mother-in-law while chiming in, while not forgetting sweep me a glance: “Scarlett you no experience, normal can’t see.” I ignored, just quietly looked at Selena: “Who is child’s father? When plan to hold wedding?” Hearing chill in my words, Selena smile faded a bit: “I don’t plan to marry. Child born always someone love, I don’t care about that paper.” I laughed lightly: “You being mother really open-minded. Others want give child a justifiable home, you willing let him born with an unclear identity.” “Unclear” two words I said especially clearly, voice just fell, whole room instantly quieted down. Selena face green white alternating, staring tight at me, couldn’t say a word. At this time, Julian who hadn’t shown up supported Grandma walking in. Once saw Selena at table, he immediately changed face: “Selena? Who let you come?” “I invited!” Mother-in-law suddenly stood up, pointed at me scolded: “Old lady hoped for great-grandson how many years? All blame this hen not laying eggs delayed!” “Now Selena pregnant with our Hale family flesh blood, still want hide? I insist let her come congratulate birthday gloriously!” This remark fit my mind, but also completely tore Julian’s last fig leaf. Julian anxious forehead sweating: “Mom! Don’t talk nonsense! Selena is just me and Scarlett’s cousin, her pregnancy what relation with me!” He desperately winked, mother-in-law threw him off: “What can’t admit? Unable to bear child is originally Scarlett’s problem, she still has face say my grandson origin improper?” “I hoped stars hoped moon finally hoped this child, no one think trample him!” Julian unable to defend, just about to explain, Selena suddenly stood up, looked straight at me: “Scarlett, you actually knew long ago right?” “Since so, I also not hide, I carry indeed Julian’s child.” “These years he good to you, I saw all in eyes. Both envied, and hated you not know cherish, even child unwilling bear for him.” “Good man you don’t want, plenty people want!” She held Julian’s hand in front of me, tone determined: “Julian, what she can give you, I can give same.” “I don’t want hide anymore, from today, I want be with you upright.” Julian eyes wandering, seemed hesitating. But soon, he forcefully held back Selena’s hand, like determined looked at me: “Since trouble to this step, Scarlett, let’s divorce.” “Your things you take away, but Hale Group is my years blood sweat, don’t think touch.” Looking at his righteous appearance, I almost laughed out. If not my support back then, he a graduate without foundation, based on what got startup fund, and based on what took down those key projects consecutively, climbed up wealth list in few years? But no matter, compared to tangling with him, I have more important things to do. Under everyone’s gaze, I took out phone, dialed number: “It’s me.” “Capital siege against Xu family and Hale family, can start now.” Chapter 3 Julian’s face became extremely colorful in that instant, from initial holding winning ticket, to uncertain doubt after hearing my phone content. He let go of Selena’s hand, walked quickly to me, lowered voice roared: “Scarlett, are you crazy? On this kind of day, is it fun to make such joke?” “You think I’m joking?” I looked at him calmly, smoothly picked up tea cup on table, gently sipped. That was top quality Da Hong Pao, but couldn’t cover bitterness rising in my heart, “Julian Hale, did you forget, who’s name is on property deed of this apartment you in now? That 30 million financing your company just negotiated last month, who holds the lead investor?” Julian’s breath stagnated, a trace of panic flashed in eyes. But he soon straightened back again, sneered: “That’s normal commercial investment, contract signed, you think based on your one sentence can withdraw capital? Scarlett, you too naive.” “Contract indeed signed, but contract has a ‘Key Man Clause’ and ‘Morality Clause’.” I put down tea cup, making a crisp sound. “Once company core management appears major moral flaw or involves legal dispute, investor has right to activate protection mechanism, withdraw capital and pursue breach responsibility. And you, Julian Hale, as CEO, during marriage existence having improper relationship with spouse close relative and causing pregnancy, this enough for your investors re-evaluate your integrity.” Voice just fell, Julian’s phone started crazy vibrating. He looked down, face instantly pale, that was call from his company finance director. He tremblingly connected, haven’t heard few sentences, whole person swayed, phone almost slipped. “How possible… how could be so fast…” He muttered to himself, looked up at me, eyes finally carried fear, “You prepared long ago?” I didn’t answer, just turned to look at Hale Grandma sitting in main seat, now already somewhat dumbfounded. Old lady although hoped grandson, but she understood importance of money more. She tremblingly pulled Julian’s sleeve: “Julian, what’s happening? What withdraw capital? Our family company has trouble?” Mother-in-law aside also panicked, she rushed over wanted grab my arm, dodged by me sideways. She screamed: “Scarlett! You vicious woman! You are ruining Julian! He is your husband!” “Soon won’t be.” I pulled out a stack of documents from bag, heavily slapped on dining table, “Divorce agreement, Julian Hale, sign. Based on evidence of your cheating during marriage, and our Prenup, shares and real estate under your name, will all belong to me as compensation. Simply put, you have to leave with nothing.” Selena finally couldn’t sit still. She stared dead at that agreement, face pale like a sheet of paper. She originally thought she won, won this man, won wealth behind him, even won so-called “status”. But now, she found she hugged actually a shell about to bankrupt. “Scarlett, you can’t do this.” Selena stood up, tone carried some begging, yet still maintained that weak appearance, “Julian just momentarily confused… child is innocent, do you want child born carrying debt?” I looked at her, only felt stomach churning. This is my good cousin, after depriving my family, still can righteously demand me continue support her greed. “Innocent?” I sneered, “Selena, when you decided to conceive this child to provoke me, you should have thought of price. Since you think ‘wife not as good as concubine, concubine not as good as stolen’ is more interesting, then you accompany him to live that ‘interesting’ hard life.” I stood up, looked around this room full of irony. Those Hale relatives who once fawned on me, now one by one shrank necks, afraid being involved in this storm. “Lawyer and moving company arrive in half hour. Julian Hale, except your personal clothes, everything here not allowed take away.” I walked to door, looked back at them last glance, “Oh right, Grandma Hale, bill for this birthday banquet I will send to Julian, after all, I am not Hale family member now, no reason fulfill filial piety for him anymore.” Walking out of riverside apartment, cold wind by river messed my hair. I took deep breath, coolness from lungs made me feel unprecedentedly awake. Phone kept popping messages, from those so-called “friends”. “Scarlett, are you okay? Just heard Julian company has trouble.” “Scarlett, actually we were also kept in dark before, don’t angry ah.” “Gather tonight? Everyone very worried about you.” Looking at these hypocritical greetings, I directly clicked group member list, blocked those people talking and laughing in Tea House one by one. These people circled me when I was glorious, watched my joke when I was humiliated, now sensed wind direction wrong, want come play peacemaker again. I drove to Selena’s Tea House. Since want settle, then must be thorough. Tea House door already pasted “Suspend Business” notice. I pushed door in, few clerks gathering whispering. Seeing me enter, they looked at each other, no one dared stop. I walked straight to Selena’s office, where stored her business accounts these years. Xu family these years always relied on Xia family support, this Tea House shop space, also low price lease I helped her get using connections back then. “Miss Xia, Sister Selena not here…” A clerk whispered. “I know she in hospital, or in Julian Hale arms.” I walked into office without looking back, dialed property manager phone, “Manager Wang, I am Scarlett. Tea House lease expired, I decided not renew, also not accept any form of sublease. Please clear field within three days according contract.” Hung up phone, I saw a group photo on desk. That was three years ago, me, Julian and Selena went skiing together. In photo, I laughed heartless, while Selena’s hand, seemingly unintentionally put on Julian’s ski suit pocket. Turns out, all betrayals have traces to follow. I prepared to leave, hurried footsteps came from outside door. Selena panted running in, she obviously just rushed from apartment side, hair somewhat messy, eye sockets red swollen. “Scarlett, must you do this?” She held door frame, big mouth panting, “You withdrew Julian capital, now seal my shop, you are forcing us to death road!” I stopped steps, looked at her coldly: “Road chosen by yourselves. Selena, things I gave you, naturally can also take back. Since you look down on these materials, then now without these, you should be happier, after all you possess ‘pure’ love.” “You clearly know I pregnant!” She screamed, voice echoed in empty tea room, “Doctor said my emotion unstable, risk of miscarriage! If child has accident, you are murderer!” I walked to her, gaze fell on her flat lower abdomen. That moment, my heart no trace of pity, only endless disgust. “Don’t use child as shield. If you really love this child, shouldn’t let him become your tool for climbing up and blackmail.” I leaned close to her ear, softly said, “Also, don’t think I don’t know what you thinking. I already told Uncle, if he dares sponsor you a cent, all business dealings between Xia family and Xu family, cut off immediately. Guess, between you and family interest, my that snobbish Uncle will choose who?” Selena body fiercely trembled, she looked at me desperately, like knowing me first time. “You… you became so scary.” “Is you guys taught me.” I pushed her away, walked straight out of Tea House. Behind came sound of porcelain breaking, probably she smashed those antique tea sets she was proud of. But this has nothing to do with me anymore. Back in car, lawyer sent message: Julian refused sign, he demands see you once. I looked at screen, self-mockingly smiled. See me? Probably want play emotional card, or want squeeze last bit residual value. I replied: Tell him, see in court. Chapter 4 Julian eventually didn’t hold till seeing in court. His company debt problem exploded faster than I imagined. Lost Xia family credit endorsement, suppliers came collect debt one after another, originally agreed partners not only withdrew intention, even started suing him breach of contract. Three days later, I returned to that riverside apartment. Moving company already packed my things almost done, room appeared empty and cold. Julian dejectedly sat on living room floor, surrounded by cigarette butts. He once most valued appearance, now stubble messy, suit wrinkled piled on body. “Scarlett, you finally willing see me.” He looked up, voice hoarse terrible. I stood at foyer, didn’t change shoes, didn’t approach. “Signed?” I asked. He laughed miserably, pointed at that divorce agreement on table already crumpled and flattened: “You really cruel ah. Five years couple, you don’t even leave me a way to live. My debt now exceeded fifty million, if not use shares offset, I have to go jail.” “That is also what you deserve.” I looked at him calmly, “Julian Hale, back then you startup no money, was me took out all lucky money, went beg my dad invest first sum for you. You said will treat me good lifetime, you said you don’t care child, only want grow old with me. These words, you said personally.” “I really loved you!” He suddenly stood up, emotionally waving arms, “But you too high above! In your Xia family eyes, I forever that poor boy rely your charity. Your dad look me eyes, forever carry scrutiny. I want a child what wrong? I want an heir flowing my blood, is this wrong?” “So you found Selena?” I interrupted him, “Because she can satisfy your humble self-esteem? Because she can pretend docile in front of you, make you feel like a savior?” “She understands me!” Julian roared low, “She knows what I want! She unlike you, forever so calm, so rational!” I only felt absurd. Turns out in betrayer eyes, all faults can be pushed to victim. Because I gave too much, so made him feel pressured; because I independent enough, so made him no sense of achievement. “Since she understands you so much, then you guys be together well.” I pointed door, “Now, please leave my house.” “Scarlett…” His tone softened, tried walk over grab my hand, “Can we really not go back? As long as you willing help me this time, I immediately let Selena go abort child, I break with her clean clean, we start over okay?” I stepped back, avoided his touch. “Julian Hale, you really make me sick.” Not only for myself, more for that child not born yet treated as chip by biological father. Selena thought she caught treasure, but didn’t know she fell in love with, is a coward completely no bottom line. Just then, doorbell rang. I opened door, outside stood pale face mother-in-law and gloomy face Selena. Mother-in-law once enter door knelt in front of me, crying snot and tears: “Scarlett ah, Mom beg you! You save Julian! Those creditors about dismantle home! Selena child not stable yet, can’t be scared ah!” Selena stood behind, although didn’t kneel, but that crumbling look, obviously also reached collapse edge. I looked at this family, only felt ironic to extreme. “Mrs. Hale, please respect self.” I coldly pushed away mother-in-law hand, “Also, don’t call me Scarlett again, also don’t claim be my mom. This house I already sold, new owner will come take house afternoon. If you don’t want taken by police, better move out now.” “You sold house?!” Julian screamed, “This is our home!” “This is my property, I sell if I want.” I took out a card from bag, threw on Julian, “This is my agent lawyer. About debt and divorce all details, go talk with him. Now, get out.” Julian and Selena moved into a dilapidated rental house. This I learned from mouths of those “mutual friends” haven’t been blocked yet. Those people seeing my firm attitude, started defect one after another, trying to gain my good will by reporting those two’s misery to me. “Scarlett, you didn’t see, Selena now where has half bit socialite look? Daily wearing cheap maternity dress go market pick cheap vegetable.” “Julian more miserable, heard went a small company apply job, result people heard his reputation, directly boomed him out.” “Xu family side also completely cut relation with Selena, her dad angry at home, said no this shameless daughter.” Listening these words, my heart didn’t have imagined that kind pleasure, only felt dull. Two weeks later, Selena actively asked meet me. Location set in a simple fast food shop. She sat by a greasy table, face gray defeat, originally exquisite nails long mottled unbearable, red marks left by washing clothes vaguely visible on back of hand. “You won.” She looked at me, voice revealed a dead silence. “I never thought compete with you.” I sat opposite her, didn’t even order water, “Find me what matter?” “I want a sum money.” She straight to point, eyes flashed a trace madness, “Julian owes usury, those people block us at door daily. My belly child almost four months, I can’t let him born in that environment.” I laughed out: “Selena, did you find wrong person? You are his mistress, carrying his seed, based on what ask me for money?” “Based on you surname Xia!” She suddenly excited, lowered voice roared, “Scarlett, you childhood have everything, best clothes, best school, best family background. Me? I can only pick your leftover! Even Julian, also because he knew you, I then became that unseen light one. You already destroyed his career, destroyed his reputation, must watch us die then willing?” “If you think this life is ‘death’, then when you calculated seduce him back then, should thought this ending.” I looked at her, eyes ice cold, “Your so-called ‘true love’, can’t even eat this bit bitter?” “True love?” She mockingly smiled, tears burst out, “Where has true love, I just unwilling. But I wrong… Julian that waste, without your halo, he is nothing. He drinks drunk daily scold me, said is me destroyed his future.” I silenced. This probably is most real human nature. When interest fig leaf torn, so-called deep affection just a farce torturing each other. “Money, I won’t give a cent.” I stood up, looked down at her, “But I can give you a suggestion. If you still want keep this child, leave Julian. He that kind person, sooner later will sell you and child to pay debt.” Selena stunned, she blankly looked at me, like poked deepest fear in heart. I walked out fast food shop, sunlight a bit dazzling. Phone rang, lawyer called. “Miss Xia, Julian signed divorce agreement. He only has one request, hope you can help him clear that usury.” “Tell him, dream.” I hung up phone, directly dragged number into blacklist. This farce, time draw period. Day divorce procedure finished, rained heavily. I holding that dark red divorce certificate walked out City Hall, Julian followed behind, hand tightly clutching his copy. He looked thinner, suit hanging empty, eyes hollow. “Scarlett.” He stopped me on steps, “Do you really… not give me a bit chance?” I stopped steps, didn’t look back: “Julian Hale, from you shouted that ‘Babe’ at my birthday banquet, we already died that night. Current me, just clearing trash.” “I regretted.” He suddenly choked, “If that day I didn’t let Selena come, if I wasn’t so greedy… we now should be planning go Switzerland ski.” “No if.” I opened umbrella, walked into rain curtain. Back company, I devoted whole heart into work. Xia family business needs re-organize, I also need fill life blank through busy. One month later, I received an unexpected news. Selena premature birth. Because Julian conflict with people during hiding debt, Selena fell down stairs in pulling. Child not kept, she herself also removed uterus due massive hemorrhage. When hearing this news, I was trimming a pot green plant in office. Scissors made crisp sound, a dead branch responded sound fall. I thought I would feel pleasure, but actually, I only felt sorrow. For a simply not worthy man, for that bit twisted vanity, she paid most painful price a woman can pay. And Julian, after knowing Selena can no longer bear child and child gone, actually didn’t even go hospital, directly rolled away Selena last bit savings, disappeared without trace. Some said saw him in border small casino, some said he owed gambling debt chopped hand. Those Hale family members once circled him, also scattered flee because his disappearance. Mother-in-law heard went back rural hometown, daily cursing on village entrance, said Xia family no conscience, said Selena bad luck star. I let secretary remit a sum money to hospital, enough pay Selena medical fee and follow-up conditioning fee. This not pity, but for completely end. “President Xia, Miss Xu woke up, she said want see you last time. She said, she has something give you.” Secretary whispered. I hesitated moment, still went hospital. Ward filled with pungent disinfectant smell. Selena lay on sickbed, whole person thin out of shape, eyes hollow looking ceiling. Seeing me enter, she struggled turn head, touched out an old notebook from under pillow. “This is… Julian’s diary.” She voice weak, like squeezed out from chest, “I found from his old school bag. You read… will understand.” I took notebook, casually flipped a page. That was five years ago, eve of our wedding. “Scarlett is a perfect wife candidate, she rich, power, simple easy cheat. As long as marry her, I can struggle less thirty years. As for child, I don’t want, just right she afraid birth child, this simply heaven help me. Wait I get Xia family resources, stand firm heel, then find an obedient one birth son. Anyway, she forever won’t suspect me.” I closed notebook, hand slightly trembling. Turns out, from beginning, this was a thorough scam. What child-free, what true love, all lies he made up to climb power. “Sorry.” Selena looked at me, corner eye flowed a line clear tear, “I thought I snatched your treasure, result… I snatched a demon. Scarlett, we both destroyed by him.” I looked at her, long time then spoke: “No, destroyed only you and him.”
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