Author: Momo Chan

At the engagement party, just as I was about to slip the ring onto Chloe’s finger, her childhood friend, Ryan, stepped forward, blocking my way with a stack of papers. “Julian Sterling,” Ryan declared, his voice firm. “You can marry Chloe, but first, sign this agreement.” “For three years, you cannot pressure Chloe to have children. If any negative rumors about Chloe arise, you must take full responsibility.” I stared at the “Family Planning Agreement” in his hand, not taking it. My gaze instead fell on Chloe’s face. “Is this your wish too?” Chloe’s eyes flickered, avoiding mine. “While it wasn’t my idea, I think Ryan is right. I’m not ready to have children so soon.” Seeing her defend Ryan so fiercely, I let out a bitter laugh. So, she really was planning to have a child with Ryan first, to fulfill his critically ill father’s last wish. Being a doormat got me nowhere. I should just go back and accept the arranged marriage my family had set up. After all, a woman like her wasn’t worthy of being the mother of the Sterling Corporation’s heir.

“Julian, are you going to sign it or not?” “If you don’t, then this engagement is off. Don’t you dare treat our Chloe like a breeding machine.” Ryan pointed an accusing finger at me, his tone righteous, then shoved me, urging me on. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he was Chloe’s father, protecting his precious little girl. I snatched the agreement, threw it at his face, and spoke, my voice chillingly low, “What gives you the right to meddle in Chloe’s and my private matters?” Then, ignoring Ryan’s furious glare, I turned to Chloe. “Chloe, this is between us. I’ll listen to you!” Chloe looked at me with a conflicted expression, then at Ryan, before finally mumbling, “Julian, I… I really think we should wait a few years before having kids. I’m just not ready.” My heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds, a searing pain spreading through my entire body. Six years of devotion, and I was twenty-eight. She still wanted me to wait ‘a few years.’ Last night’s whispered conversation echoed in my ears: “Chloe, my dad’s been diagnosed with late-stage cancer. His biggest wish before he dies is to have a grandchild.” “Chloe, what am I supposed to do? For all these years, you’ve been the only one in my heart. How can I give him a child?” “Chloe, would you help me have a child? Please? As long as my father’s wish is fulfilled, I’ll dedicate my life to you. I’ll never marry anyone else, and I won’t ask for any official title, just to be by your side.” Chloe hesitated. “Ryan, tomorrow I’m getting engaged to Julian. The wedding date is even set. What about him?” Ryan excitedly stood up and hugged Chloe. “It’ll be fine, Chloe. Tomorrow, I’ll force him to sign a prenuptial agreement. If he refuses, the engagement’s off.” “Julian loves you so much, he’s waited six years for you. He definitely won’t want to cancel the engagement. He’ll agree to anything.” Chloe eventually fell silent. That day, I still held onto a sliver of hope. I thought she wouldn’t agree to such an absurd agreement, that she just found it difficult to argue with Ryan. I never imagined that at our engagement party today, she would actually ask me to sign a fertility agreement. And when I pressed her, she even said Ryan was doing it for her own good. How could she say that with a straight face? Didn’t she feel any shame? Seeing my silence, Ryan thought I was scared. He shot me a smug, triumphant look. “Julian, if you don’t sign, you’re treating Chloe like a breeding tool. Then you can forget about this engagement.” “When you learn to respect Chloe, then we can talk about getting engaged.” He believed a mere engagement cancellation would scare me. He was leveraging my endless love for Chloe, thinking he could manipulate me into signing this humiliating agreement. But I wouldn’t. *Slap!* I swung my hand across his face. “You’re so eager to stop Chloe from having kids with me. Are you implying you want her to have them with *you*?” Chloe’s face changed, then she angrily retorted, “Julian, what are you talking about? Ryan is only looking out for me. How can you be so barbaric?” She then lovingly checked Ryan’s face, gently stroking his cheek. I let out a soft laugh. “Looking out for you? Oh, he was ‘looking out for you’ so well, he ended up in your bed.” “Just like some people ‘care’ for you until their twisted schemes come to fruition.”

My words were pointed, and Ryan’s smile froze. A dark glint flashed in his eyes. The surrounding guests had gathered, whispering among themselves. “Exactly, what kind of couple signs an agreement like that? He’s making a fool of her!” “What’s an assistant meddling for? He’s getting too big for his britches.” Chloe’s expression turned ugly. She ripped off her corsage and slammed it onto the table with a bang. “Julian, that’s enough!” “Ryan is like my brother! How dare you hit him!” “Apologize to him right now.” Three rapid-fire sentences, full of righteous indignation, not a hint of guilt. The next second, I laughed out loud. “What if I don’t apologize? Will you say that this engagement is off today too?” Chloe’s gaze wavered. She picked up the corsage again. “Julian, you know Ryan saved my life. Hitting him in public just makes me look bad, doesn’t it?” “Apologizing would be for my sake.” She looked at me helplessly, just like countless times before, expecting me to bend to her will for her sake. I stared intently at Chloe, speaking each word slowly and clearly. “A year ago, Ryan messed up a contract, and you made me take the fall. I went and apologized to Mr. Davis.” “Ten months ago, Ryan got drunk and fractured someone’s skull. You called me in the middle of the night, told me to rush to the bar, and made me tell the police I was the one who hit them. I ended up detained for a month.” “Six months ago, he mixed counterfeit drugs into Westbrook Pharmaceuticals’ products. You made me admit it was my doing, and I was sentenced to six months.” … I listed each incident. “Chloe, every single time, you’ve made me help him for your sake. Even if I signed over my life, I should have paid off my debt by now, shouldn’t I?” Though my voice wasn’t loud, everyone heard me clearly, and their gazes at Ryan grew even more disdainful. “Always following CEO Westbrook, always causing trouble.” “A pure sugar baby, a spineless good-for-nothing. I don’t know what CEO Westbrook sees in him.” Seeing this, Ryan immediately changed his demeanor. *Slap!* He slapped himself again. “Alright, alright, it’s all my fault. I deserve to be hit.” “Who told me I didn’t have an older sister and treat Chloe like my own? I was just protecting her.” “Mr. Sterling, I apologize. Take out all your anger on me, don’t make things difficult for my sister.” He then made to kneel before me. The slight look of guilt in Chloe’s eyes quickly vanished, replaced by distress. “Ryan, get up! With me here, you don’t need to kneel or apologize to anyone!” She then angrily yelled at me, “You just won’t let go of a little act of kindness, will you? Do you want to force Ryan to kowtow to you?” Her words chilled me to the bone. Ryan’s acting was flawless. He pushed Chloe aside, then *thump*, he kowtowed to me. “Mr. Sterling, the debt of gratitude I owe you, I’ll repay myself.” “Don’t use this to pressure Chloe. Can you sign the family planning agreement now?” Ryan hit his head hard, and blood immediately streamed from his forehead. Chloe’s eyes widened. She rushed forward, hugging Ryan tightly and pressing her hand to his forehead. “Ryan! I can’t believe you’re such a calculating opportunist, using your supposed kindness against me. You’re despicable!” At that moment, her eyes blazed with rage and resentment, as if she wished to tear me to shreds. It was as if I wasn’t her lover, but her mortal enemy. Yet, from start to finish, I never asked Ryan to repay any debt of gratitude, nor did I demand he kowtow. Ryan was the one forcing me to sign the agreement. She was the one whose heart had changed. Yet she blamed everything on me. Not to mention, for six whole years, I’d brought Sterling Corporation’s assets into Westbrook Pharmaceuticals, helping it leap to the top tier, making Chloe a renowned CEO. I pushed myself to the brink, even getting a bleeding ulcer, all to secure hundreds of millions in profit within three months. In my personal life, I was meticulously attentive, making her nourishing soups, taking her on trips, rejecting countless arranged marriage proposals from my family for her sake, and maintaining strict boundaries with other women. Six years, day in and day out, and what did I get in return? That I wasn’t considerate enough of her? That she looked at me with angry eyes? The surrounding guests came forward, trying to mediate. “It’s a happy day, let’s all calm down.” “Exactly, let’s all compromise a little, don’t mess up the auspicious moment.” But Chloe’s expression was icy, showing no signs of budging. “Julian Sterling, since you’re so unwilling to be understanding, let’s call off the engagement. When you apologize to Ryan, we can reschedule.”

Watching her still holding Ryan, a desolate laugh escaped me. I slowly took off the corsage from my chest and placed it on the table. “Chloe, I’m not good enough for you. This engagement really shouldn’t happen.” Seeing that I wasn’t apologizing or begging for forgiveness, but actually daring to call off the engagement, Chloe instantly flew into a rage. She grabbed a nearby wine glass and hurled it at me. “Get out!” “Julian Sterling, if you walk out that door, you’ll never marry me in this lifetime! Even if you kneel and kowtow to me a hundred times, I’ll never want you again!” *Crash!* The glass shattered on the floor, and blood trickled down my forehead, into my eye. Chloe flinched, but she still didn’t release Ryan. Her face was dark with anger as she snapped, “Serves you right.” “Who told you to cause a scene on such a happy day? If you were even half as good at making me happy as Ryan is, we wouldn’t even be engaged today.” At that moment, Chloe’s eyes were filled with resentment, disappointment, and lingering regrets. So that was why she had rejected my proposals time and again. I could no longer bear to see the smug disdain in Ryan’s eyes. I pushed through the crowd and strode out of the hotel. This time, I had lost. Lost completely and miserably. I’d sacrificed my health, my time, only to be another man’s unresolved longing. “Chloe, I’ll grant you your perfect romance and moonlit nights.” When I reached the gate of our old estate, my father, Richard, was already waiting in the main hall. He looked at me with deep, knowing eyes. “Do you see clearly now?” I knelt before him in shame. “I’m sorry, Dad.” For six whole years, I’d neglected the Sterling Corporation, leaving my father to toil day after day with his ailing body. He even had to introduce clients and orders to Westbrook Pharmaceuticals for his useless son. My father’s tone was calm. “It’s not that I interfered with your marriage, son. The Westbrook family was never a good match.” “Years ago, old Mr. Westbrook conspired against Master Liam’s family, killing all eighteen members and stealing their ancestral formula to make his fortune.” “For years, he’s dealt in counterfeit drugs, cold-hearted and selfish. Everyone in high society knows.” I lowered my head in shame. When I returned from my studies in the US, I instantly fell for the lively and beautiful Chloe. Listening to her soft, gentle voice, I was utterly captivated. I thought she was different, a delicate and innocent young woman. How could she be ruthless? But some things, deep down, never change. “Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage. Please propose to the Thompson family.” My father immediately smiled. “Good. I’ll call old Mr. Thompson right away. Grace has been waiting for you, you know.” Then, he looked at me uneasily. “Son, think this through carefully. Once you’re allied with the Thompson family, you can never contact Chloe again. You mustn’t let Grace down.” I nodded solemnly. I couldn’t blame my father’s doubts. After all, my pathetic devotion was infamous throughout the city, utterly without bottom line. When the counterfeit drug scandal turned deadly, I stood in front of Chloe’s father, taking three stabs and breaking my ribs for him. I publicly apologized, voluntarily took the blame, even tarnishing the Sterling family’s reputation. When Chloe and Ryan’s rumors spread, I was the one who stepped forward, claiming Ryan was like a younger brother to both of us, and that I’d asked him to look after Chloe. Recalling all those past events, my face burned with shame. I spoke decisively, “Dad, withdraw all resources from Westbrook Pharmaceuticals. From now on, I will never interfere in any of their affairs again.” The next day, my father spoke with Mr. Thompson about the arranged marriage. To my surprise, Grace came to find me that very evening.

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For three years of our engagement, Scarlett had been kidnapped eight times. The night before our wedding, it happened again. I sold off everything I owned, drained my accounts to raise the ransom, and even followed the kidnappers’ demands, diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to fish out Scarlett’s high heels. Soaked to the bone, I hauled myself ashore, only to see Scarlett, who was supposedly kidnapped, smugly showing off to her ‘captors.’ “I told you guys, Liam would do anything for me. You just wouldn’t believe it, would you? Now you do!” “Forget diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to get my high heels. If I told him to drop dead right now, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second.” Her friends, disguised as kidnappers, burst into laughter, their eyes filled with scorn and mockery, as if I were nothing more than a pathetic simp. I calmly looked at Scarlett. “This is your ninth ‘kidnapping.’ And your ninety-ninth time making a fool out of me!” “All the promises I made to you? They’ve all been fulfilled. I don’t owe you anything anymore!” “Scarlett, for the wedding three days from now, you’ll have to find someone else to be the kept man in your family!”

My words hung in the air, and Scarlett and her friends froze. Scarlett frowned, her voice edged with impatience. “Liam, is your petty temper flaring up again?” “We were just playing a prank on you, and you’re getting mad? Seriously?” “Are you even a man? Can’t you stop being so small-minded?” Her scolding almost made me laugh, a bitter, humorless sound. For three years, she’d put me through ninety-nine ‘tests’ to “prove my love for her.” Each time, she’d drag me through hell, only satisfied when I was completely humiliated. My feelings for her had been chipped away, eroded by each one of her cruel games. Before I could even respond, her friends chimed in, mocking me. “Liam, that’s enough! Are you seriously expecting Scarlett to apologize to *you*?” “Don’t push your luck, man, you’re getting too big for your britches!” “Scarlett and we were just joking around, and you dare to threaten to cancel the wedding? Are you completely out of your mind?” “Do you really think you can leave Scarlett? Can you give up the wealth and luxury you’re about to get your hands on? Do you know how many guys dream of marrying into the Scarlett family?” “Scarlett just wanted to test your sincerity one last time before the wedding. It’s not like she did anything outrageous! And you dare to throw a tantrum? Have you forgotten your place?” “You pathetic freeloader, you gold-digging pretty boy, how dare you talk back to Scarlett? Who do you think you are?” Among Scarlett’s friends, her “god-brother,” Trevor, was the loudest in his mockery. Trevor sneered at me. “If it weren’t for Scarlett, with your dirt-poor background, with nothing to your name or influence, you’d never even dream of getting into our rich kid circle.” “Back then, if it wasn’t for Scarlett, you couldn’t even afford your mother’s funeral.” “You owe Scarlett. You’ll never be able to repay that debt in this lifetime, understand?” “She only pranked you ninety-nine times, and you can’t handle it?” “Don’t think just because Mr. Scarlett valued you, you can give Scarlett attitude. Once you leave her, even a stray dog wouldn’t spare you a glance, you pathetic piece of trash!” A cold wind swept through the dilapidated warehouse, making my soaked body shiver violently. I didn’t want to argue anymore. I turned and started to leave. Scarlett exploded. “Liam, stop right there! Did I say you could leave?” “We’re not even married yet, and you dare to treat me like this. After we’re married, you’ll start walking all over me, treating me like dirt, won’t you?” “I’m ordering you, get down on your knees and apologize right now. Then I’ll forget this ever happened. Otherwise, don’t even think I’ll forgive you!” I ignored Scarlett and continued shivering in the cold, walking towards the exit of the crumbling warehouse. Trevor lunged forward, kicking me hard, sending me sprawling to the ground. He looked down at me, a cold smirk on his face. “Liam, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear Scarlett?” Scarlett’s other friends crowded around, their faces gleeful, forcing me to my knees. Scarlett watched, her eyes cold, as if it still wasn’t enough. She said, “Liam, I’m giving you one last chance!” “Start slapping yourself. You don’t stop until I say so.” “Once my anger subsides, I’ll forgive you for today’s incident.” I stared at her, my heart filled with a profound and utter disappointment. She wasn’t like this once. She really wasn’t! I took a deep breath. “Scarlett, whatever I owed you, I’ve already paid back.” “I was grateful when you lent me money to bury my mother all those years ago.” “I gave you my genuine heart, but you took advantage of my love, trampling on my dignity more and more recklessly. I’m truly exhausted!” “Now, in your heart, my standing means less than your friends, less than your god-brother.” “Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself, do you truly see me as your fiancé, or just a pathetic simp you can call and dismiss whenever you please?” As my words finished, Scarlett’s face twisted. She was clearly embarrassed and furious. “Liam, when did you get so sharp-tongued, so defiant?” “You’re unrepentant. I’ll have to teach you a lesson today.” “Slap him!”

As soon as Scarlett’s command left her lips, Trevor swung his arm back and forth, relentlessly slapping my face, his expression exhilarated. Scarlett’s friends held me down tight. I couldn’t fight back. Trevor kept hitting me, a nasty grin on his face. “I’ve hated your guts for a long time. You’re just a gold-digging pretty boy, but you always walk around acting all aloof. Aren’t you fake?” “Becoming a kept man in the Scarlett family? That’s the luckiest break you could ever get.” “If Mr. Scarlett hadn’t favored you, there’s no way a poor kid from a dirt-poor background like you would ever get to marry Scarlett!” “Do you know how jealous I am of you? And yet, you’re so oblivious to your good fortune…” Trevor continued to slap and insult me. Scarlett seemed satisfied with Trevor’s words. She looked at me with cold eyes and snapped, “Liam, don’t test my patience any further!” “Bowing your head and apologizing isn’t some impossible task for you!” “For the past three years, you’ve bowed before me countless times. Your dignity has been long gone in my presence. Don’t be a stubborn idiot and make me angry now.” “Today…” Her words were cut short by the wail of police sirens from outside the dilapidated warehouse. Scarlett and her friends froze. Then, Scarlett exploded. She lunged forward and kicked me hard in the chest with her high-heeled shoe, roaring, “Liam, you actually called the police?” “If I were really kidnapped, just that move of yours would make the kidnappers kill me without hesitation! Don’t you understand that?” Scarlett’s kick, delivered with her high heels, was powerful, making me cry out in pain and pass out. As I lost consciousness, I was confused. I didn’t call the police! How did they find this remote, rundown warehouse? … I had a dream, going back four years. At that time, my mother was terminally ill, and all my savings had been spent on her medical treatment. Scarlett reached out to me then, lending me a sum of money. The interest was high, but for me at that moment, that money was a lifesaver. I arranged my mother’s funeral, paid off my family’s debts, and then, as agreed with Scarlett, I started working at Scarlett Corp. I worked diligently, and with my outstanding abilities, I quickly repaid Scarlett, principal and interest. However, in Scarlett’s eyes, the favor I owed her was something I could never repay in this lifetime. Our relationship deepened then, and Mr. Scarlett, her grandfather, also thought highly of me. Three years ago, Mr. Scarlett personally arranged our engagement ceremony. I thought I had found my happy ending, but the harsh reality told me my thoughts were too naive. Not long after Scarlett and I got engaged, Mr. Scarlett passed away. Trevor returned from studying abroad and attended Mr. Scarlett’s funeral. The Trevor family and the Scarlett family had a deep friendship. Scarlett and Trevor had been childhood friends, but Trevor moved abroad with his family in high school, and Scarlett lost contact with him. After Trevor returned, he announced he planned to develop his career in the country. Scarlett wholeheartedly helped him, constantly introducing herself as his “big sister” and enthusiastically bringing Trevor into her circle of rich friends. She was very attentive to Trevor’s affairs, and Trevor often showed concern for her. It was Trevor who suggested that she “test” whether I truly loved her. From then on, Scarlett began her so-called “tests of love.” I had argued with her before, but each time she would impatiently say, “If you can’t even get through these small tests, how can you truly love me?” “Liam, you have no money, no background. I pulled you out of the mud. You should be grateful.” “All I want is a man who thinks only of me. Is that too much to ask?” “And don’t always complain about Trevor and my friends. My god-brother and my friends are all doing this for my good. You have no right to criticize them.” “I’ll say it again: once you’ve passed ninety-nine tests of love, we’ll get married.” And this kidnapping was Scarlett’s final test of love for me. Was she satisfied with the outcome? I didn’t know! I only knew that our relationship had reached its absolute end. When I woke up from my dream, I found myself in a hospital bed. A woman was sitting beside the bed, holding my hand tightly. The moment I opened my eyes, she smiled gently and said, “You’ve been unconscious for two days. You’re finally awake!” I stared blankly at the woman beside the bed and blurted out, “Aurora? What are you doing here?”

Aurora and I were from the same village. She used to follow me around everywhere when we were kids, always pestering me to play house and often saying that when she grew up, she’d be my bride. Later, when we were in middle school, her parents passed away. Then, Aurora was taken away. I heard her biological parents found her and took her to live a good life. For many years after that, I never saw Aurora again. It wasn’t until after my mother’s funeral, after I had already agreed to work at Scarlett Corp, that Aurora suddenly reappeared. She knelt before my mother’s grave, burning offerings and incense, her eyes red and swollen. She looked at me and said, “Liam, I’m back!” I didn’t ask much about Aurora’s experiences over the years. I only knew that she had spent most of her time abroad and that her family treated her very well. Knowing she hadn’t suffered made me happy enough. But when she heard that Scarlett and I were dating, Aurora fell silent for a long time. Finally, she said to me, “Auntie may be gone, but you still have me.” “No matter what, I’ll always be behind you!” “This time, I’m back for good. I’m planning to open a small company here.” “If you and Scarlett find your happy ending and get married, I’ll bless you.” “But if you two can’t make it work… just remember, I’ll always be waiting for you!” As I recalled these memories, Aurora picked up a bowl of porridge from a thermos. She gently told me, “Have some porridge first. You haven’t eaten in two days, surviving only on IV fluids.” “The doctor said you were lucky. If you had been a little less fortunate, that kick from Scarlett could have caused immediate cardiac arrest and shock.” “Diving into a freezing pool in the dead of winter to get Scarlett’s high heels? How could you be so foolish?” “If the police hadn’t arrived in time, Scarlett and her friends might have actually killed you…” Listening to Aurora’s concerned rambling, I quietly ate my porridge. After a long while, I softly asked, “You called the police?” Aurora hummed in affirmation. “A few days ago, you suddenly started selling off all your assets, low-balling your property and cars regardless of the losses. I knew Scarlett must be putting you through another one of her so-called ‘tests of love.’” “How many times has she played you? Are you still that blind?” My face flushed slightly. I gave a bitter smile. “She and I are done!” “Ninety-nine ‘tests of love’ have completely erased any feelings I had for her.” Aurora’s eyes lit up, and a radiant smile spread across her face. “Tomorrow is your wedding with her. If you don’t show up, she’ll be utterly humiliated, and the Scarlett family will denounce you. Aren’t you afraid they’ll ruin your reputation?” I jokingly replied, “If the Scarlett family targets me, if I can’t find a job anymore, will you…” Before I could finish, she looked at me with serious eyes. “Yes!” “I’ll support you for life!” “Even if the whole world stands against you, I’ll always be by your side to fight against it.” “Just like when I fell into the water as a child and you saved me with all your might.” “You protected my childhood back then.” “Now, I have the ability to protect you for the rest of your life!” “Three years ago, I missed my chance with you.” “This time, I won’t!” On the wedding day, the hotel ballroom was packed with guests. The Scarlett family bustled around, but their faces were grim.

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My fiancé, Liam Stone, died saving me, and I was utterly heartbroken. Carrying my love and guilt for him, I vowed to remain unmarried for the rest of my life. When I was seventy, I transferred all my assets to the children of Noah Stone, Liam’s brother. Right after the equity transfer was finalized, I unexpectedly saw Liam Stone, who was supposed to be long dead. And standing beside Liam Stone were his wife and child! Liam Stone looked at me and sneered, “Eleanor, do you really think I ever loved you?” “My brother and I detest you the most. If your father hadn’t forced me to marry you, Daisy and I could have been together openly years ago! There would have been no need for me to fake my death! Now, all your fortune is ours!” I was so furious that I suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on the spot and died right in front of them. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Liam Stone faked his death. “Eleanor, my brother loved you more than anyone! He died saving you, you can’t possibly let him down!” The moment Noah Stone’s voice echoed in my ears, I knew I had been reborn. I looked at Noah standing before me, a hint of anxiety on his face as he said, “Eleanor, I want to give my brother a grand funeral, and it’s going to cost a lot of money…” His gaze fixed on me, and I knew exactly what he meant: Noah expected me to pay for it. In my previous life, Liam’s death had left me devastated, even causing me to faint several times. I couldn’t even attend Liam’s funeral; Noah had handled everything for me. But now, I knew Liam hadn’t died at all. And Noah’s so-called funeral was just a ploy to take a huge sum of money from me. All so Liam and Daisy could elope. Now, how could I possibly give Noah a single dime? “No need, Noah. Since Liam supposedly died for me, I’ll take full charge of his funeral myself. I’ll make sure it’s done grandly and honorably!” I looked at Noah Stone, my voice firm. Noah froze, stunned by my words. Both he and Liam were adopted by my father. While they received a certain allowance, it was never a significant amount. My father had long hoped both brothers would join the company, eventually take over the business, and one of them would marry me. But both brothers spent all their time revolving around Daisy, having no interest in managing the company. Over time, my father stopped bothering with them and only provided them with the most basic living expenses. Now, even if Liam wanted to elope with Daisy, they didn’t have the money. “Eleanor, I’m my brother’s closest kin. I know his preferences better than anyone. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure his funeral is perfect!” Noah quickly added, looking at me, “Your health right now, I’m afraid you can’t handle it. Just leave it to me!” “Absolutely not! I’ll handle this myself!” I turned, my gaze cold as I fixed it on Noah. “Since he died for me, how could I face him if I didn’t give him a grand burial?”

“Where is Liam Stone’s body?” I looked at Noah Stone and demanded. Noah quickly replied, “Eleanor, I’ve already taken care of Liam’s body. You know he died a terrible death! “After he died, he was completely disfigured. No one could recognize him! “If you saw him, you’d only be heartbroken! “It’s better if you don’t see him!” He watched me nervously, constantly urging me to reconsider. “Besides, you’re still so weak. You just fainted, remember? “You should really leave these matters to me. After all, Liam was my brother; I’ll give it my all!” Noah’s face was a mask of panic as he babbled on. In my previous life, I had listened to Noah, entrusting everything to him. And he, using Liam’s funeral as an excuse, siphoned a staggering million dollars from the company accounts. At the time, I’d even asked Noah about it, but he claimed he wanted only the best for Liam. Back then, the mere thought of Liam left me heartbroken, and I didn’t think twice. Now, I understood. Noah had taken that huge sum of money just so Liam could run away with Daisy. Afterward, Noah played a significant role in the company. Every year, he’d take large sums of money from me under the guise of commemorating Liam. Coupled with the generous salary and dividends I paid him, that’s how he and Liam managed to live so well. But what about him? Recalling Noah and Liam’s words just before I died in my previous life, I felt nothing but utter disgust for both brothers. They forgot that years ago, when my father was doing charity work at the orphanage, they were the ones who pleaded on their knees for him to take them in. And back then, my father’s initial interest wasn’t even in them. Yet now, they considered being rescued by my father a disgrace and detested me to the extreme. If that’s how it was… then I would naturally take back everything they had. “Noah Stone, no need. Just take me to see Liam Stone.” I rose, speaking to Noah. Hearing my words, Noah frowned slightly, then bluntly said, “Eleanor, why are you being so disobedient? “You need rest in your current condition, don’t you know that? “Now, lie down immediately! Leave those things to me!” Without another word, he tried to pull me back to the bed. But the next moment, I pulled my hand away from Noah, my gaze icy. “Noah Stone, you seem to have forgotten something! “I am the heir to the Vance family, the next head of the family! “As for you, you’re nothing but a dependent we took in! “It’s not your place to dictate what I, the head of the household, should do! “Now, you will follow my instructions, understood?” My words hung in the air, and Noah’s face immediately darkened. His eyes held a mix of disgust and humiliation as he looked at me. “Eleanor, I…” He tried to argue, but the next second, I slapped him directly. Noah was utterly stunned. He couldn’t even believe I had hit him.

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During our fertility treatments, my husband secretly implanted both his and his cousin’s samples into me, betting on whose child I would carry. The day the results came in, the entire family absolutely erupted. “Shameless woman! She actually got pregnant with another man’s baby!” “Given Marcus’s offer of a high-value property, we can just endure these ten months, and it’ll be over.” My husband, Ryan, was seething even more. “If Aria truly loved me, her body wouldn’t have accepted another man’s sperm!” “But now that she’s pregnant, no one else will want her.” “Women are soft-hearted when it comes to their babies. She’ll never be able to abort him!” “Just let her bear all the expenses herself. Once she gives birth, I’ll punish her, making her give birth to sons for me until I’m satisfied!” But I stood outside, clutching the termination forms, and silently turned to leave. On my due day, Ryan and Marcus frantically blew up my phone. “Aria! Where the hell are you?!” “Marcus is here with the house deeds, demanding his baby!” I sat in a Maybach, gazing at the exotic sights outside the window. “If you want a baby so badly, why don’t you just make one yourselves?” ——————

From the moment Ryan said he wanted a child, I exhausted myself trying to conceive. From endless appointments to painful shots, I went through it all alone. Every time the nurse asked why I was by myself, I made excuses for him. “The baby’s father is too busy. He really can’t make it.” But I never imagined he had malicious intent from the start. Not only did he pay off the clinic to put another man’s sperm inside me for a house, he actually turned the tables on me! He didn’t just treat me like a wife. He didn’t even treat me like a human being! The man he was now was a completely different man from the one I married. My hands trembled with rage. I couldn’t understand how he could have become like this. He used to take off his jacket and drape it over me on rainy days. He’d wait downstairs when I worked late. Once, when I was hospitalized, he even stayed by my bedside all night. Watching his tired, red eyes back then, I truly believed he was the one I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. So, I defied my family’s opposition and resolutely married him. Who knew that on the very first day, his family would put me in my place. The significant cash gift of eighteen thousand dollars we’d agreed upon turned into a mere 1,888 dollars. Ryan even smiled and told me, “The decimal point isn’t important. I’ll give you all my future earnings anyway, so what does the gift amount matter?” The promised “wedding jewelry” also turned into cheap trinkets from a hardware store. My parents were furious and wanted to confront them. But Brenda, my mother-in-law, scoffed, “Are these trinkets not ‘jewelry’? What law says wedding gifts have to be gold?” Ryan pulled me aside and said, “It wasn’t easy for my parents to raise me; I can’t bear to let them subsidize me further for the wedding.” “So I took the liberty to change it. The weight is the same anyway, and the box is closed during the wedding, so you can’t tell. When I have money later, I’ll definitely make it up to you.” At the time, I was naive enough to comfort myself. I thought he’d surely keep his promises, that he was just temporarily short on cash, and that now that we were married, he’d surely work harder for our home. But I later found out. He wasn’t short on cash. His money was for show, never for my use. He was so lavish with his family, he acted like he owned a gold mine. He bought Chloe, my sister-in-law, a handbag for thirty thousand dollars, and his mother health supplements for twenty thousand. When his father lost tens of thousands gambling, Ryan immediately pulled out his card to pay the bill. But when I mentioned baby formula or supplements for our child, he’d frown. “No need for those extravagant items, we need to be practical with expenses. Don’t waste money.” Now, for the sake of a high-value property, he didn’t hesitate to exploit my body and make me carry another man’s baby! Having once genuinely loved him, when I heard these words from him and his family, my head spun with rage, and my heart bled with pain.

“Oh, Aria! Why did you run out by yourself?!” I looked up and saw Ryan’s cousin, Marcus, beaming from ear to ear. His tacky gold chain glinted garishly in the sunlight, and he clutched a carton of milk and a fruit basket, eagerly rushing over to me. His joyous expression made my stomach churn. “I just came to check on you, you know.” He said, stepping closer with a sickly sweet smile. “You absolutely mustn’t wander off, my darling little…” “Ahem!” Ryan’s cough came from behind me. Marcus caught on, quickly changing his tune. “You absolutely mustn’t hurt my darling nephew, you hear!” He let out a short laugh, then quickly added in a low voice, “You, Aria, are truly the savior of our family. Once the baby is born, your family will get double the house and money!” His eyes glinted with smugness, like he was sealing a deal that couldn’t possibly fail. Next to him, Ryan’s eyes flashed with a glint of greed. But when he saw me, he composed himself. He deliberately cleared his throat twice and said to me. “Aria, aren’t you going to thank my cousin?” I lowered my eyes, a barely perceptible cold laugh on my lips. Seeing my silence, his smile slowly faded, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes, as if he’d realized something. “Aria, when did you get here? Why didn’t you come inside? Everyone’s waiting for you!” “Just arrived,” I said flatly. “Ran into Marcus on the way and chatted for a bit.” He sighed, visibly relaxing, and forced a strained smile, “That’s good, that’s good.” Marcus was still immersed in his joy, completely oblivious to this small detail. He kept staring at my belly, looking it over and over, thoroughly satisfied. “That’s good, that’s good.” Ryan let out a breath of relief. I looked at his pretense and suddenly found it laughable. Marcus, beaming, patted Ryan’s shoulder, “Treat your wife well, make sure she’s well-fed. She’s carrying our golden child!” “If the baby needs anything, just let me know! Your family will be well compensated!” Ryan’s eyes lit up. He nodded profusely, bowing slightly, “Of course, of course!” Just then, Chloe, my sister-in-law, poked her head out from inside the house, sniping sourly, “Well, sister-in-law’s certainly worth a fortune now, more valuable than gold.” “And who knows whose baby she’s carrying, yet my brother’s falling all over himself to treat her well. Hope it’s not a losing investment.” “Chloe! Shut up!” Brenda glared at her, then turned to me with a placating smile, “Chloe doesn’t know what she’s saying; don’t take it to heart.” “This baby is the golden grandchild of our family, he’ll be loved by everyone from birth, truly blessed!” “His cousin said he’ll give you a big bonus once the baby’s born, and Mom will give it all to you!” From the moment I returned until now. She had never been so pleasant to me. A cold laugh bubbled inside me, and I retorted, “How can you be so sure I’ll actually give birth to this baby?”

At my words, everyone froze. Ryan was the first to react, his voice laced with menace. “Aria, don’t be ungrateful!” “Now that you’re pregnant, who else would want you besides me? Just give birth, and you’ll have a life of comfort!” “Exactly!” Brenda immediately chimed in. “Abortion harms the body; you won’t be able to conceive later! Ryan’s willing to keep your tainted body, you should be utterly grateful!” Marcus fretted, rubbing his hands together, “Aria, don’t do anything rash! How about this, I’ll add another two hundred thousand for your pregnancy expenses!” I looked at this bunch of ridiculous clowns, and any lingering doubt in my heart vanished completely. They saw me as a breeding machine, life as a commodity, and their shamelessness as justified. I suddenly laughed. “Why are you all so tense?” “I just meant, the doctor said this pregnancy is fragile, and I need to be extra careful, or it’ll be hard to keep this baby.” Ryan exhaled, visibly relaxing. But then his expression changed again, and he grabbed my arm nervously, “Why didn’t you say something sooner?!” Brenda was even more panicked than him. She grabbed my arm and dragged me into the house. “Then hurry up and lie down! Chloe! Go get Mom’s best blanket and make up the bed for your sister-in-law!” Only Marcus was pacing anxiously, tears practically welling up in his eyes. His face turned purple, a comical mix of desperation and inability to speak, utterly ridiculous. “Oh, my precious future son…” I coldly watched this family. Only a while ago, they had been completely indifferent to me. No one even accompanied me to my prenatal appointments. Even when I told them a week in advance, on the day of my appointment, they all conveniently had ‘something urgent’ come up. That day, I was terribly nervous and called Ryan, but he said he had to go play poker with his dad. Calls from me kept coming, relentless. He finally answered with an exasperated sigh, “It’s just a check-up, not like you’re giving birth. Do I really need to be there?” Hearing his cold words, my chest tightened with a crushing pain. But I still suppressed my surging emotions and softly said, “Ryan, he’s your child too, after all…” “What do you mean? Can you stop guilt-tripping me with the baby every five minutes?” “Don’t act like you’re the only woman on earth who can have a baby!” With that, he slammed the phone down. At that moment, my heart ached with suffocating pain. Clutching my belly, as I leaned against a chair in the hospital corridor, my ears were filled with other husbands’ loving inquiries, but I, alone, had to buy my own bottle of water. The baby’s kicks felt like sharp jabs to my heart. If the nurse hadn’t helped me, I nearly collapsed in the hospital corridor then and there. When I finally made it home from the hospital, he had just stumbled home, reeking of alcohol. Even so, I patiently told him, “You should drink less. The strong smell of alcohol isn’t good for the baby.” Who knew he’d roll his eyes at me, “Can’t you even stand the smell of alcohol just because you’re pregnant?” “Once the baby’s born, I’ll even teach him to drink! He’ll learn his father’s tolerance!” “What kind of man can’t hold his liquor? Women are all so dramatic.” I bit back my tears and said nothing. Brenda came out of the room, scoffing, “My son works hard all day, and you think you can boss him around?” “It’s your duty to care for your husband, don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse to act like a queen!” But now. I coldly watched this eager family. I had kept putting up with it because I used to consider them family. But now they only saw me as a mere breeding vessel. There was no longer any need for me to entangle myself with them.

A few days later, Ryan, for once, acted halfway decent. He said he wanted to accompany me to pick out baby items. He was incredibly attentive along the way, playing the part of a devoted husband perfectly. Everyone who saw us was incredibly envious, gushing about how lucky I was to have such a wonderful husband. Only I silently endured it all, a cold laugh bubbling in my heart. I wondered if they’d want this ‘blessing’ if I offered it to them. I ignored them and walked into a baby boutique. The boutique had soft lighting and was filled with the sweet scent of baby formula. The neatly arranged baby clothes, bottles, and tiny shoes on the shelves brought a lump to my throat. If this were truly my child, how desperately I would want to keep him. Ryan didn’t notice. He carefully surveyed the baby items around us, then casually, almost too casually, asked, “Aria, what if… I mean, what if we don’t keep this baby with us?” I was holding a light blue baby blanket, and my movements paused. “Don’t keep him? Where would the baby go?” Ryan rubbed his hands nervously. After a long, awkward pause, he finally blurted out. “My cousin, he… he’s always wanted kids, hasn’t he? I was thinking… maybe we could let him have the baby.” “Why would we send him away?” I looked up at him, pressing him, step by step. He avoided my gaze, pretending to examine a nearby crib, his voice dripping with insincerity, “I was just asking casually, you know.” “After all, our finances are tight, there’s a lot of pressure, and your pregnancy isn’t stable. And if… my parents decide it’s best to let him go, try not to be too upset.” I gave a faint smile, my gaze turned icy, “Ryan, if you truly wanted this baby, you wouldn’t be so quick to talk about ‘giving him away’.” He flinched, then offered a sheepish laugh, “I was just worried you’d be too tired.” I coldly watched his performance, and suddenly realized that heartache, after aching for so long, eventually numbs. That night, Marcus, my husband’s cousin, called Ryan again. “I heard your wife’s pregnancy is a bit unstable, so I transferred more money over. Make sure Aria eats well!” “I’ve waited for this precious son for so long, he mustn’t suffer!” Ryan eagerly agreed on the phone, then immediately handed the money over to his family. I, the supposed recipient of the funds, didn’t see a single cent. Ryan’s family had never seen such a large sum of money, and the moment they got it, they indulged in a spending spree. Brenda bought new gold bracelets and earrings, and Chloe, my sister-in-law, flaunted a limited-edition designer handbag. The whole family paraded their new purchases in front of me, smug as can be. Chloe swayed her handbag strap, her eyes gleaming with triumph: “Don’t get the wrong idea, sister-in-law, this was a gift from my boyfriend.” I gave her a cold smile and retorted: “That boyfriend of yours, he wouldn’t happen to be a secret ATM, would he?” Their faces drained of color. Arthur, my father-in-law, yanked Chloe away. Brenda tried to smooth things over. “What are you saying? It’s just that luck has been on our side lately. Ryan’s been getting lots of clients, and Chloe’s just naturally radiant. It’s all thanks to the precious baby you’re carrying, isn’t it?” “Once you’ve given birth, Mom will definitely get you some nice things, just like this!” I said nothing, only sneered inwardly. What a utterly hypocritical family, they were so stingy, even their empty promises felt cheap. So I composed myself and deliberately said to them with a look of apology. “I’m actually very happy that the family is doing so well now, but since my pregnancy was fragile, my family found me the best specialist for high-risk pregnancies, and she’s already here, so I was thinking…” Before I could finish, Brenda excitedly cut in, “Yes! Of course, you can! Your family can take excellent care of you. After all, you’re their own daughter; they’ll certainly be more dedicated than us ‘outsiders,’ won’t they?” Ryan hesitated slightly. Brenda tugged him closer and whispered, “Are you really going to use all that money Marcus gave you to buy expensive supplements for your wife?” Sure enough, Ryan fell silent. He seemed to avoid my gaze, so I clutched the termination of pregnancy consent form in my hand, giving him one last chance to prove himself. “So, will you come with me to my prenatal appointment tomorrow?” “Yes! Of course, I’ll go!” Ryan quickly said. “But…” He suddenly looked extremely awkward. “Which hospital? What time again?” “Eight o’clock.” I said faintly. Then he solemnly set multiple alarms and even made a memo on his phone. It read: [Accompany my darling wife to her prenatal appointment.] Watching his serious expression, my resolve wavered for a split second. But reality slapped me hard, right back to my senses.

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Just a month after Julian and I got married, his older brother ran off with his mistress. As I pushed open the door to comfort Julian, he handed me a document. “Scarlett, Stratton Holdings can’t be without an heir. I’ve decided to step in for my brother and have a child with Seraphina.” Shock frozen me. Then, fury. I tore the paper, screaming, “Julian Sterling! This isn’t the Middle Ages! You can’t just ‘loan’ out your husband to another woman to have a child! What do you take me for?” Julian stared at me, stubbornly, “Scarlett, it’s just three years, isn’t it? I’ll come back, and I’ll still be your husband.” “If I had been Mom’s only son back then, I would have been the one to marry Seraphina and merge our families. You wouldn’t even be in the picture.” I looked at Julian, heartbroken, as his familiar face turned cold, so self-righteous. “I’ll let you be a sperm donor for IVF. That’s my biggest concession.” Julian stood up, silently pulling out another agreement. “The heir to Stratton Holdings can’t be some cold, mechanical creation. It has to be a product of passion.” He looked at me, completely unashamed. “For the merger between our two families, a child must be born. I’m informing you, not asking for your opinion.” I clenched my fists, finally giving up completely. “Julian Sterling, let’s get a divorce.”

Mrs. Sterling, my mother-in-law, immediately stood up, slapping me across the face. “Julian has been so good to you, but you dare to suggest divorce? You ungrateful wretch!” The older relatives from the Sterling family began to gather around, trying to persuade me. “Scarlett, Julian still loves you. Otherwise, if he secretly had a child with Seraphina, you wouldn’t even know, would you?” “Exactly! Julian is doing this for the Sterling family. If Seraphina gets angry and backs out, Sterling Corp. will be in danger.” I stared in shock at these elders, spouting morals and righteousness, and then let out a bitter laugh. Julian flushed with anger and roared, “Enough! Scarlett will understand.” I looked around at the indignant relatives. This was the company and family I had sacrificed a prestigious career to save, pouring my soul into its survival. A sharp, desolate pain pierced my heart. I lifted my chin, forcing back tears, and looked at Julian. “Julian, we’ve weathered every storm together. Do you really want to sacrifice our marriage for the future of Sterling Corp.?” Julian fell silent. After a long moment, he looked at me pleadingly. “Scarlett, I’m not sacrificing our marriage for Sterling Corp.’s future. No matter what, you’ll always be my most beloved wife.” “Scarlett, think about it. Seraphina is a titan, with unparalleled intelligence and deep connections to several prominent families in the capital. Given your health condition…” I stared at Julian in shock. He finally said what was truly on his mind. So he looked down on me because of my poor health. That’s why, in our six years together, he always insisted on contraception. But for whom had I drunk myself sick? For whom had I worked myself to the bone to secure deals, leading to a third of my stomach being removed? A tear dropped onto the back of my hand. I looked up, my voice hoarse. “Julian Sterling, what if I absolutely refuse?” “Scarlett, I know it’s hard for you to accept right now. It’s okay… I’ll give you time to think about it.” A flicker of guilt crossed Julian’s face, but then he self-righteously raised his voice. “A joint heir for the Sterling and Stratton families – that child must be born. This is for the greater good. You need to look at the bigger picture, not be so petty.” I laughed bitterly, tears welling in my eyes as I looked at Julian. At twenty-six, in the prime of his life, he already exuded the sharp, imposing aura of a CEO. “So, you mean you’re not only going to have a child with Seraphina, but this child will also inherit everything we have?” “And I am just a tool for making money, destined to never have a child of my own?” Julian pursed his lips, his voice silent, his expression complicated as he looked at me. All the relatives averted their gaze. They stood up, offered a few more hollow words of advice, and swiftly left. Julian also left indifferently, closing the door behind him. I sat there all night. As a sliver of dawn broke on the horizon, I wiped away my tears and called the company lawyer. “Help me draft a divorce agreement. I want a divorce.”

Once the matter was out in the open, Julian stopped hiding. He began openly showing affection for Seraphina. When the private investigator sent me the information and photos, my hands trembled, and I had to muster all my courage to open them. September 11th, 12 PM: Julian made chicken soup for Seraphina and delivered it to her CEO’s office. They stayed there until 1:30 PM. That evening, Julian waited at the hotel entrance. At 11 PM, he picked up Seraphina, drove her home, and didn’t return that night. September 12th, 8 AM: Julian spent two hours making seafood porridge and delivered it to Seraphina’s office. They spent an hour together. September 13th: They went shopping. Julian bought Seraphina a gown and personally selected a Cartier diamond bracelet. September 14th, … Julian, who never posted on social media, shared a romantic photo from a fancy restaurant for the first time. Vibrant roses were presented to a pair of slender, fair hands, and the caption was overflowing with happiness: “Destiny, rekindled.” The clinking wine glasses stung my eyes. After thinking for a long time, I commented below: “Rekindling romance with another woman? What does that make your wife?” Almost instantly, the comment was deleted. Immediately after, Julian sent me several sixty-second voice messages. “What are you commenting on my Ins for? How is Seraphina supposed to feel?” “You’re getting so petty these days, jealous over every little thing. I’m only saying this to win over Seraphina so we can have a child quickly!” Mrs. Sterling was also furious. She stormed into the house, pointing at me and screaming insults. “Julian is younger than you, and he understands the bigger picture! You’ve lived thirty years for nothing; no wonder you’re just a freeloader!” “My Sterling family supported you as Vice President, gave you reputation and status, and you’re still not satisfied? You want to sabotage Julian’s grand plan?” “I’m telling you, if Seraphina refuses to have a child with Julian because of you, I’ll never forgive you!” I stared at Mrs. Sterling in shock. This was the family member I had treated as a mother, now humiliating and scolding me with the most vicious words. I finally gave up completely, slowly handing her the divorce agreement. “Since I’m so worthless, have Julian sign it. I won’t hinder his grand plan to revitalize Sterling Corp.” Seeing that I not only refused to admit fault but dared to threaten them with divorce, Mrs. Sterling immediately exploded in anger. She picked up a vase from the coffee table and threw it at my head. “Your low-class parents must have been trash to raise such an ill-mannered wretch like you! Today, I’m going to teach you some proper manners!” Then she grabbed an ashtray and slammed it onto my head with a loud bang. She glared at me fiercely, spitting on my face. “You look like a pauper. Julian must have been blind to ever look your way.” I clutched my head and coldly looked at Mrs. Sterling. Ever since Sterling Corp. escaped crisis and got back on track, she had always looked at me with more disdain than warmth. She always felt I had climbed above my station by marrying Julian. Otherwise, her second son could have married a wealthy heiress, a second-richest successor, just like her eldest. But she forgot. It was she who had once taken my hand and thanked me for my hard work. It was she who said I was the Sterling family’s lucky star, that I had saved Sterling Corp. from crisis with my selfless dedication. I had knelt in the bank manager’s office to secure loans. I had nursed a business partner’s father in the hospital, saving lost orders… I finally understood: some people only see profit, no affection. Turns out, selfishness is hereditary. My heart suddenly grew calm. There was no more sadness. I ignored Mrs. Sterling’s ranting, grabbed my car keys, and rushed to the hospital. As I reached the second floor, I saw Julian walking towards me, arm-in-arm with a coy Seraphina. The moment our eyes met, Julian’s face flashed with panic and embarrassment. He quickly turned away, coughing. “What happened to your head?” Then he said, with disgust, “Look at you. What can you even do? A grown woman manages to get her head bloody. If you had even a fraction of Seraphina’s capability, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.” My gaze, sharp as ice, fell on Seraphina beside him. Her expression was serene, her eyes enigmatic. In that moment, I admitted that I couldn’t compare to her; she truly was unfathomable. “Alright, go get yourself checked out. Don’t cause any more trouble in the future.” He said, as if afraid of touching something dirty, and walked away with Seraphina, not looking back. As they turned the corner of the stairs, Julian’s message arrived: “Seraphina is pregnant. I’m organizing a celebration for her this Wednesday. You absolutely must attend.” “Seraphina wants everyone to believe this child is Dominic’s, and she’s already three months along. Remember not to say anything out of line.”

I calmly deleted the messages, then looked at the text from my lawyer. “Scarlett, if you’re willing to walk away with nothing, the divorce proceedings will be quick. But if you want to divide assets, it will be more complicated and take some time.” I looked at the message and replied, “I authorize you to liquidate the assets I’m entitled to. I will not walk away with nothing.” Since joining the failing Sterling Corp. after university, I had single-handedly created the legend of turning a profit of over a hundred million within three months. Why should I be a spineless fool and walk away with nothing? I would take back what was rightfully mine. My belongings, even if I donated them, would not go to some illegitimate child. On Wednesday, I arrived on time. Julian had his arm around Seraphina’s waist, circulating among the guests, soaking in their congratulations. Seraphina smiled gracefully, engaging in conversation with everyone. I calmly handed my gift to Julian. He merely glanced at it, then stepped three feet away as if to avoid association. “Oh, Seraphina already has a whole attic full of things like this. You don’t need to bother.” I smiled faintly. “Alright then!” Turns out, in his heart, Seraphina was already his wife. My gift, from his legitimate wife, was just a pointless gesture. I turned and handed it to Mr. Davies, the family butler. “Mr. Davies, this is for your wife. Please take it to her.” Mr. Davies immediately thanked me profusely. “Ms. Scarlett, you are too kind. I thank you on behalf of my wife.” He bowed to me. See? Sometimes, an unintentional kindness to a stranger earns you overwhelming gratitude. Some people, no matter how good you are to them, will take you for granted, seeing you as nothing more than a desperate admirer. Some business associates came up to congratulate me. “Ms. Scarlett, so glad to hear Ms. Stratton has been blessed with a child. Congratulations!” Then they looked puzzled. “Ms. Scarlett, why isn’t Ms. Stratton under your care? Mr. Sterling has been with Ms. Stratton the whole time.” I smiled calmly. “It’s all the same. We’re family, after all. No need to be so particular.” The surrounding people looked at me inquisitively, then at Julian and Seraphina, who stood close together. They seemed to understand something, exchanging knowing, meaningful smiles. Finally, a small voice piped up from a corner. “Mommy, that auntie and uncle look so good together! Their baby must be beautiful!” The grand hall fell silent. Everyone exchanged awkward glances. Julian’s face flushed crimson. He reluctantly walked over to me and took my arm. Then he whispered, full of disgust, “Can’t you have some common sense and stand by me? Do you want everyone to laugh at me?” I smiled indifferently. “I thought you were afraid Seraphina would get jealous, thinking I was still trying to snatch you away.” Hearing me say that, Julian’s face broke into a satisfied smile. “At least you’re sensible enough to know your place. Seraphina is a bit of a clean freak when it comes to relationships. In the future, be mindful of your boundaries when you see me. For these three years, I am not your husband. Remember your place and don’t displease Seraphina.” I scoffed, saying nothing more, and enthusiastically greeted the guests. Once everyone had had their fill, Julian abruptly let go of my arm, disdainfully brushing off his suit. “Seraphina and I are leaving. I need to prepare a tonic for her pregnancy. You can go home on your own.” “I’ll be busy with Seraphina and her pregnancy lately, so I’m leaving the company to you. Be diligent and don’t mess things up.” With that, he took Seraphina’s arm and walked out. It was clear that in his heart, Seraphina was already his wife, and the Stratton estate was his home. I smiled and walked into the night. “Mr. Stone, I’ll give you a million for a job. Extra expenses will be covered.” I wondered if his own brother, when he eventually returned, would even be able to go back to that ‘home’.

Julian, true to his word, spent several days by Seraphina’s side and didn’t come home. Mr. Stone, the private investigator, sent me photos regularly. Perhaps seeing my silence, Julian and Mrs. Sterling simply moved into Seraphina’s mansion. Julian even began openly referring to Seraphina as the baby’s “godparent” (which everyone understood as the father). Everyone in the city’s high society knew exactly what was going on. They’d exchange knowing glances and cast sympathetic looks my way. Soon, it was Mrs. Sterling’s birthday. I looked at the message from Mr. Stone and smiled, then transferred an extra five hundred thousand to him. On the day of the birthday celebration, I invited the city’s most renowned news reporters and every notable influencer I could find. With over a dozen cameras set up, it was more bustling than a movie set. Mrs. Sterling, dressed in a red traditional gown, seeing the cameras pointed at her, finally offered me a rare pleasant look. “Though you’re not as capable as Seraphina, at least you’re sensible and know your place. It’s not for nothing that my Sterling family has kept you.” I smiled and nodded, agreeing with everything she said. The guests’ eyes, when they looked at me, were filled with even more contempt. The Sterling relatives, with their noses in the air, sneered at me. “She has no backbone! Her husband is sleeping with his sister-in-law, and she’s still fawning over her mother-in-law! She’s a disgrace to all women!” “What do you know? She’s a bottom-feeder, a parasite who couldn’t find her way out of a paper bag without the Sterlings! She’s so spineless, she’d probably be happy being cuckolded as long as it benefits her!” Ignoring the constant whispers and mockery, I calmly greeted the guests. As the auspicious hour approached, Julian appeared, arm-in-arm with Seraphina. All the guests swarmed around them, chatting with Seraphina and trying to forge connections. Julian, still arm-in-arm with her, showed no discretion. His head held high, he basked in their adulation, as if he were already the rich husband of a tycoon. Seraphina’s belly was prominently rounded, already six months along. Mrs. Sterling hurried over, greeting them warmly as her daughter-in-law and son, asking if Seraphina was tired, and urging the servants to bring her tea. Throughout it all, Seraphina remained polite and gracious, revealing no discernible emotion. Many times, I wondered: Seraphina, a powerful tycoon, had initially married into the Sterling family out of gratitude for a life saved. But now, the debt of gratitude had been repaid. Wealthy suitors, eager to have children with her and marry her, lined up from one end of the city to the other. Why would she, ignoring all gossip, insist on sleeping with her married brother-in-law? Just as I was lost in thought, fireworks popped, and the emcee’s booming voice rang out. “Today is a joyous day! We thank all friends and family for coming to celebrate Mrs. Sterling’s birthday!” “Now, we invite the son and daughter-in-law to come forward, pay their respects, and wish Mrs. Sterling a long and prosperous life!” The moment the words fell, Julian, smiling, took Seraphina’s arm and stepped forward. “Mom, Seraphina and I wish you a long, healthy life and endless fortune!” With that, he pulled Seraphina, about to bow deeply. Seraphina stood perfectly still, her sharp gaze falling on me. I chuckled and stepped forward. “Julian Sterling, you’ve got the wrong person. Your wife is right here.” Julian’s face immediately flushed red, then he angrily said, “Dominic isn’t here, so I’m taking his place to accompany Seraphina in wishing Mom a happy birthday. Stay out of it!” I silently counted the seconds. One, two, three… Julian again pulled Seraphina’s arm, about to bow deeply to his mother, when a sharp voice suddenly rang out.

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The year I turned six and lost my sight, Mom and I found Zane nearly frozen to death. I lied and said I wanted a companion. I begged Mom to save him. After Mom remarried, Zane became my only support. He even gave up his extraordinary talent for painting to study medicine, all for my eyes. But even after becoming a skilled ophthalmologist, he still couldn’t cure my blindness. On my twenty-fifth birthday, Zane’s female soulmate won a major art award. Zane locked himself in the study, scribbling furiously on paper. His voice strained with suppressed emotion. “I’m writing you birthday wishes.” I smiled, about to step forward and hug him when my guide dog spoke. “You dumb blind girl — he’s ripped up every painting he ever made. The backs are covered with ‘Anna, go die.’” “Don’t walk forward! He put a live wire there. You’ll die if you step on it!” I froze in place. Then I forced a smile and kept walking. “Zane, all your wishes will come true.” I took another step forward. Zane suddenly called out. “Anna!” His voice caught, thick with tears, but he said nothing more. I pretended not to know. My tone stayed light and cheerful. “Does your head hurt again? Let me massage it for you.” My guide dog spoke again. “Fool, the wire is right in front of you!” I was about to step down when the doorbell rang. A chair scraped violently across the floor. “Watch out!” A force slammed into me. I crashed to the ground. My brain buzzed. Pain exploded through my skull. I couldn’t think clearly for several moments. Zane’s hands trembled as he helped me up. “Anna… I’m sorry… There was a wire just now. I was afraid you’d trip.” My guide dog barked twice. I understood what it meant. “He’s lying, Anna. He really wanted to kill you just now! He only changed his mind at the last second.” My heart twisted. Why did I still feel sorry for him? I forced myself to smile through the pain. “If there was a wire, it’s my fault for not seeing it. I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt.” Just then, Zane’s phone rang. I heard a woman’s voice on the other end. “I know you’re home. I won’t leave until I see you. Zane, just… consider this my last time coming.” I recognized the voice. Victoria. Zane’s talented painter friend. She and Zane had met at an art gallery years ago. Zane once told me Victoria was his best friend. Victoria once told me Zane’s paintings had the most spirit she’d ever seen. But now one had become a renowned artist. The other had become a doctor stuck taking care of a blind person. Zane hated being a doctor. He hated the smell of blood. After every surgery, he would vomit until he could barely stand. After Victoria hung up, Zane shoved me aside. He rushed out desperately. I lost my balance. The back of my head struck the sharp corner of the table. Blood poured out in waves. I whimpered weakly. “Zane, it hurts…” The door slammed shut. I couldn’t see, but my hearing was sharper than most people’s. Even through the closed door, I heard Victoria and Zane talking outside. Victoria’s voice broke with tears. “Anna’s eyes can’t be cured. You can’t take care of her forever! Your hands have so much more talent than mine! You should keep painting!” But Zane interrupted her, his voice shaking. “Victoria, Anna gave me this life. How could I abandon a blind person…” Victoria’s voice filled with sorrow. “Then what about your dreams? What about… me?” Zane stayed silent for a long time before answering hoarsely. “No matter what, we’ll always be… best friends.” Victoria ran away crying. “I won’t come looking for you again… When you figure it out, take this to my teacher.” I lay on the floor in a daze. Suddenly I remembered when I was thirteen. Someone had bullied me. I limped home from the school for the blind. Zane was furious. He decided to transfer from his regular school to the blind school to watch over me. When I was fifteen, Mom remarried. She grabbed my hands and cried. “Anna, my new husband can’t help me raise a blind child. Mom is really struggling. You understand, don’t you? Besides, Zane will take care of you!” Mom dragged her suitcase away. She left behind the old house and Zane. Zane had just turned eighteen. Taking care of blind me wore him down until he was covered in ailments. I kept crying and begging Zane to leave. To stop taking care of me. But he always smiled and patted my head. “Silly girl, we’ll be together forever.” A blind person like me that nobody wanted, if Zane hadn’t held my hand and helped me grow up, I should have died long ago. I should die somewhere Zane doesn’t know about. Otherwise, he’ll blame himself.

I wiped the throbbing back of my head. My fingers came away sticky with blood. I was still struggling to stand when the door burst open. Zane’s voice cut through the silence. “What happened? Why is there so much blood?” I forced a smile. “I’m sorry. I fell by accident.” The words had barely left my mouth when I heard glass shatter against the floor. “Anna!” His voice cracked like a whip. “You’ve lived in this house for years. How can you still not walk properly?” Then came a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Anna. I shouldn’t lose my temper with you.” I heard him rummaging through the house. Drawers opened and slammed shut. Finally, he pulled out my old white cane. I hadn’t used it in years. He grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the door. His steps were too fast. Too angry. I stumbled, trying to keep up. My foot slipped on the first step. Then the third. Each time I nearly fell, but he didn’t slow down. Fear clawed at my throat. “Zane, where are we going?” He stopped so suddenly I crashed into his back. My nose hit his spine. Blood gushed from my nostrils. I reached up blindly to wipe it away. His voice came out strangled. “Anna! There are so many blind people in the world. Why can everyone else live normally except you?” Each word hit like a physical blow. “I’m not your guide dog. I can’t be your dog for the rest of my life!” My heart seized. Something inside me crumpled. Then I felt his hands on my back. He shoved me. Hard. His voice drifted back through the wind, cold and final. “Don’t come home until you learn to use the tactile paving.” His footsteps faded. His scent disappeared. The world reduced to wind, traffic, and strangers whispering around me. Darkness and panic swallowed me whole. I clutched the cane until my knuckles ached. I wanted to scream. Instead, I whispered his name like a prayer. “Zane, I’m so scared.” Before, I never needed a cane. One hand always held my guide dog’s harness. The other held Zane’s arm. He said I’d never need anything else. Now only the wind answered me. My guide dog’s voice dripped with mockery. “Wasn’t he the one who promised to hold your hand forever? Said you’d never need a cane?” I had forgotten everything about tactile paving. The raised dots and lines meant nothing to my feet anymore. I tapped the cane against the ground. Each step felt wrong. I must have exhausted him completely. A blind woman who couldn’t even walk alone. I wandered aimlessly until the sound of car horns grew deafening. I stopped at what must be the street’s edge. Maybe if a car hit me, Zane could finally be free. I waited. The traffic roared past. Then someone yanked me backward into their arms. Zane’s body trembled against mine. His voice broke with despair. “Anna, you’re blind, not stupid. How can you not know how to cross a street? Why? Why did you have to be blind?” Why? I wanted to know too. The question I’d asked myself a thousand times. The question that had no answer. I finally broke. Sobs tore from my chest. “You’re right. I’m not stupid. So go! Leave! I don’t need you!” When I was five, my parents fought over their divorce. They screamed at each other every night. Neither wanted custody of me. When I spiked a fever that destroyed my vision, they didn’t even notice until it was too late. Zane’s hand found mine. His grip was weak. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten angry. How could I not take care of you?” He led me home. He never mentioned the cane lessons again. But I noticed him spending more time staring at things in his study. Long silences filled with something I couldn’t name. I hid in my room and dialed Mom’s number. She answered on the fourth ring. Her voice turned sharp the moment she recognized mine. “Why are you calling me? I don’t have any obligation to raise you anymore.” “Mom, I’m not asking you to raise me. Could you just pretend to let me live with you?” Silence stretched between us. I made promises. So many promises. I’d be invisible. I wouldn’t be a burden. I just needed somewhere else to go. Finally, she sighed. “Fine. For old time’s sake. I’ll come get you after your sister finishes summer camp.” I hung up. A strange lightness filled my chest. Mom had a healthy child now. A daughter who could see. And Zane could finally be rid of me.

I stood outside Zane’s door and knocked. Inside, I heard him scrambling to hide something. Papers rustled frantically. “What do you want? Can’t find something again?” His tone made me flinch. I forced myself to smile. The kind of playful smile I used to wear when things were still good between us. “Zane, Mom contacted me. She says she’s doing well now. She feels guilty about everything. She wants me to come live with her. I said yes.” Silence stretched between us. Then his voice came out sharp and disbelieving. “Do you even know what you’re saying?” I repeated the words carefully. “I want to live with Mom.” Something inside him snapped. His chair scraped violently against the floor. “Anna! Have you forgotten what she did to you? You haven’t suffered enough?” How could I forget? The years the court gave me to Mom, she dated constantly. Sometimes she’d disappear for days. She’d forget to leave money for food. Little Zane would collect bottles in the freezing winter. He’d trade them for bread and give it all to me. His stomach would growl with hunger, but he’d smile and say, “I think I ate too much.” I’d begged Mom to adopt Zane because I wanted him to survive. Instead, he’d spent his entire life dragging around a blind girl. He’d never had one good day because of me. When Zane refused to even consider it, I called Victoria. “Please,” I said. “Talk to him. He’ll listen to you.” Victoria was quiet for a long moment. Then she agreed. Two days later, she called Zane. I heard his phone ring. Heard him answer. Her voice drifted through the speaker. “Zane, I’m leaving with my teacher in a few days. Once I’m gone, you’ll never have another chance.” Zane stared at me. I didn’t know why, but even though I couldn’t see, I could feel his gaze on me. Then something broke inside him. He stormed into his study, grabbed something, and ran out the door. The apartment door slammed shut. I smiled in the silence. Relief flooded through me warm and light. A full day passed. Zane didn’t come home. Victoria called me the next afternoon. Her voice bubbled with excitement. “Thank you for this. Zane really is meant to paint. I’m arranging a gallery show for him.” Happiness surged through my chest. He was free. Finally free. But by evening, my stomach had begun to cramp. I hadn’t eaten anything all day. Zane always prepared meals before he left. This time he’d been too angry to think of it. I used voice commands to order delivery. When it arrived, I felt my way to the door. The handle wouldn’t turn. He’d locked it from the outside. Night fell. My stomach burned with acid. Hunger made my hands shake. I navigated toward the kitchen by memory. My fingers traced the familiar countertop. I needed to find something. Anything to eat. My arm swept across the counter. Something crashed to the floor. Glass shattered. Then I smelled gas. Panic seized my chest. I’d knocked over the stove lighter. Flames roared to life somewhere to my left. I grabbed for the faucet. Water sprayed everywhere. Not on the fire. The flames spread across the counter. Smoke filled my lungs. I dropped to my knees, coughing. Heat blistered my skin. My hands went numb. Pain disappeared into a strange, terrifying absence of feeling. Tears streamed down my face. I crawled toward where I thought the door should be. “Anna, you useless waste,” I sobbed to myself. “Don’t die here. Don’t you dare die here.” If Zane came home and found my charred body, he’d never forgive himself. The guilt would destroy him. I couldn’t do that to him. My guide dog bit my pant leg. Its bark cut through the roar of flames. “Stupid girl! This way! Hide this way!” I crawled in the direction of its voice. My lungs screamed for air. Black spots burst behind my useless eyes. The world tilted sideways. Then nothing. *** Beeping pulled me back to consciousness. Antiseptic smell. Crisp sheets. Hospital. Footsteps rushed toward my bed. Zane’s voice came out exhausted and bewildered. “I was only gone one day. Why do you always do this to yourself?” My hands twisted in the sheets. “I’m sorry.” More footsteps entered the room. A doctor’s voice rose sharply, scolding Zane. “What kind of guardian are you? You left a blind person alone in a locked apartment. Do you understand she almost burned to death?” I opened my mouth to defend him. To explain it wasn’t his fault. But Zane spoke first. His voice was cold and hollow. “Every time I try to leave, you use reality to remind me. To show me I can only stay by your side.” Victoria’s shriek pierced the room. “Anna! You did this on purpose! You’re using this to keep Zane trapped!” Pain lanced through my chest. Sharper than any burn. I laughed. The sound came out bitter and broken. “So what if I did? My eyes aren’t healed. He has to stay with me for the rest of his life. He owes me that much.” The words tasted like poison. But I forced them out anyway. If he hated me enough, maybe he’d finally walk away for good.

“Slap!” Zane hit me across the face. I felt my mouth curve into a smile. Idiot. Why was his hand shaking? I twisted the knife deeper. “Zane, someone like you has no right to chase dreams. I burned all those paintings you hid. You’re not going anywhere!” My phone rang. Mom’s voice boomed through the speaker before I could answer. “I’m almost at the old house. Pack up and wait for me.” Zane snatched the phone from my hand before I could respond. His voice shattered into something wild and unrecognizable. “Anna, I wish I’d never met you! Twenty years! I don’t owe you anything anymore!” His hands closed around my arm. He dragged me from the hospital bed. The doctor’s voice rose in alarm. “She’s injured! She can’t handle this kind of stress!” Zane ignored him. He pulled me through the hallways and out the hospital doors. We reached the apartment complex entrance just as Mom arrived. I hadn’t seen her in ten years. Zane shoved me toward her. His voice rang with twisted relief. “Take her far away from here! I hope I never see her again for the rest of my life!” His footsteps faded into nothing. Mom stood at a distance. Disgust radiated from her posture. I could feel it even without seeing her face. “I’m only here because we’re family. Remember what you promised. I bring you with me and that’s it. We’re done. And those injuries? Not my problem. I don’t have money to waste on medical bills.” I smiled. No sadness came. Today the person who loved me most in the world had thrown me away too. There was nothing left to lose. “I won’t forget, Mom. Can you take me to Central Park?” The place where I’d first met Zane. Mom drove in silence. The moment we reached the park, she abandoned me on the sidewalk. She practically ran back to her car like I was contagious. Winter had emptied the park of visitors. Just wind through bare trees and dead grass crunching under distant footsteps. I wandered slowly. My burned skin had gone numb in the cold. The pain faded into something distant and unimportant. My feet carried me forward with no destination. Just moving through the place where a six-year-old girl had found a freezing boy and changed both their lives forever. My guide dog’s bark cut through the quiet. “Stop! There’s a lake ahead!” I kept walking. My foot met empty air. Then I was falling. The cold water hit like a thousand knives. It flooded into my nose and mouth and ears. The shock stole my breath. I sank. The lake swallowed me whole. Darkness had always been my world. But this darkness was different. This darkness was peace. No more guilt. No more being a burden. No more watching Zane destroy himself to keep me alive. My lungs screamed for air. I ignored them. The cold stopped hurting. Everything stopped hurting. This was better. Zane would finally paint again. Victoria would have him back. Mom could forget I existed. Water filled my chest. My body went limp. I thought of Zane’s smile when we were children. The way he’d hold my hand and promise we’d be together forever. I’m sorry, I thought. I’m sorry I couldn’t be someone worth saving. The water pressed in from all sides. Filling every space. Every sense. My thoughts scattered like leaves in wind. Then nothing at all.

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My husband loved me with a bone-deep obsession. So profound was his need that he had my bionic replica created. For three long years, while I lay n a vegetative state, she was with him. He loved that robot exactly as he had loved me. While I was hospitalized, he was with the robot, passionately entangled all night long. “Your body is still recovering, my love. I just don’t want stain you.” While I was in a coma, and he took countless wedding photos with the robot. “Did this make up for the wedding photos you never got to take?” When I asked to have Echo deactivated, he told me not to be jealous. “Being kind to her is being good to you. She is you.” So, I erased all memories related to him and gifted them to Echo. I gave him a complete wife he always wanted. “Ms. Hayes, the abortion is complete. As compensation, you may request one more thing.” I was silent for a long time before I finally spoke. “I want a divorce from Liam Hayes.” The Bionic Human After-Sales Department agreed. “Alright, in one month, you’ll receive your divorce papers.” “We apologize for any impact our bionic unit had on your life. This concludes our after-sales service. We wish you a new beginning.” The idea of divorce hit me the very first day I was discharged from the hospital. Pushing open my front door, I was met by something identical to me. I shrieked, shoving her away. Liam immediately stepped forward, instinctively pulling that thing into his arms. Then, trying to cover it up, he pushed her aside and helped me up from where I’d stumbled to the floor. “My love, I forgot to introduce you. This is Echo. These past three years, she’s the only reason I made it through.” Liam’s eyes were brimming with affection. “Don’t be afraid. You are her, and she is you.” Echo, with my identical face, flashed a smile. “That’s right, I am you.” That very night, I was hospitalized again with a high fever, overcome by shock. Once, Liam had a prized art collection worth millions of dollars. But because I was allergic to a certain paint, he didn’t bat an eye when he threw it all in the trash. Now, Liam held me, his heart aching, but he only said, “Once you two spend some time together, you’ll definitely like her.” I looked at the man before me, my heart sinking with unease. My nightmares were relentless. Liam, after repeatedly instructing the caregiver, finally left, still worried, to go home and fetch me a change of clothes. He was gone for an entire afternoon. Dragging my feverish body, I made my way back to the mansion. There, I witnessed a scene that struck me like a lightning bolt. Liam was pressing down on the bionic unit, passion entwined, murmuring my intimate nickname. “Echo, Echo.” I suddenly lost all strength, sliding down the wall, then pushing myself up and stumbling away. Liam spotted me, staggering off, and immediately chased after me. “My love, are you jealous? I was just worried your body hadn’t fully recovered and couldn’t handle strenuous activity. In my heart, you and Echo are one and the same.” Liam probably didn’t realize that before, he always called me Echo. But since I woke up, he hadn’t called me that once. “Now that I’m back, you can send her away.” Liam’s gaze at me held a hint of reproach. “While you were gone, Echo stayed with me in your place. Why are you so cold to her?” For the first time, Liam turned a cold shoulder to me, leaving me standing there alone. Echo, with my identical eyes, scanned me up and down. “You’re weak. You want to send me away, but can you satisfy him? While you were in a coma for three years, we did it a thousand times.” A set of data flashed before my eyes. An endless string of numbers. The first time was in my first month of coma, the last, this very morning. A sharp, stabbing pain spread through my heart. The home I hadn’t seen in three years had transformed. Due to my career, Liam and I kept our marriage a secret and never had a proper wedding ceremony. But now, wedding photos adorned every visible surface in the house. In the pictures, I wore a completely unfamiliar smile. Liam affectionately held me, admiring them. “These photos can make up for the wedding photos you never got to take. Look how beautiful you are in a wedding dress.” But she, despite having a face identical to mine, was not me at all. Liam had fallen in love with someone else, not me. Realizing this, I finally made up my mind to leave.

In the middle of the night, I opened my eyes and saw a dark figure standing by the bed. In the darkness, the bionic unit’s pupils stared unblinkingly at me, and she reached out to grip my neck. “Will you please give me back what’s mine?” I spiked another high fever. Liam held me, his expression grave. “Is it a lingering effect from being in a coma for so long? Are you having hallucinations? Echo is just a robot.” Liam’s words made me start to doubt myself. Until she emerged from the kitchen with a basin, walked through the living room, and suddenly spilled the entire pot of scalding soup all over me. Echo watched me writhe in agony, my skin blistering, her expression cold. “Liam’s favorite body… it has to be one of a kind.” Hearing my shriek, Liam rushed out of the room, cradling me, ready to take me to the hospital. I suppressed the pain, staring intently at Echo. “Call the police! She did it on purpose!” “Impossible!” Liam denied it without hesitation. I was stunned. Once, if I so much as looked slightly upset, Liam would cut ties with his best friend without a second thought. And now, when I personally begged for help, he instinctively defended that bionic human. “Her reaction speed is a hundred times yours; she would never spill a plate. You must have accidentally bumped into her.” “I can tell you really dislike Echo. She’s just a robot who doesn’t know anything. High temperatures will damage Echo’s parts, don’t try to get rid of her this way.” As he spoke, Liam unknowingly gripped my wound, his mind completely preoccupied with someone else, even as he stood by my side. Suddenly, I lost all desire to confide in him. Because the scalding was severe, Liam brought me soup to feed me. “Echo stayed up all night making this soup, and even cut her finger. She’s truly devoted to you.” Before he finished speaking, I gagged, spitting out a mouthful of blood. My mouth and throat felt like they had been slashed by a sharp blade. It was a bowl of soup laced with razor blades. Liam’s face suddenly turned grim. He scrutinized me coldly. “Do you hate Echo that much? To resort to such a dirty trick just to frame her? Where did you hide the blood pack in your mouth? I almost forgot, faking a coughing fit with blood, you’re always so good at that.” The phone suddenly rang. Echo’s voice was sweet. “Did Mrs. Hayes finish my soup?” Liam replied softly. “Of course.” Then he forced the entire bowl of soup into my mouth. “Don’t try these pathetic theatrics again. Echo’s fundamental programming makes it impossible for her to harm humans.” Amidst agonizing pain, I continued to spray blood, but Liam, utterly disappointed by my coldness, simply walked away. It wasn’t until I desperately pressed the emergency call button that I was rushed to the operating room. “Mrs. Hayes, you’re three months pregnant. The surgery might affect the baby!” I closed my eyes, letting tears stream down my face. “It’s fine.” After all, this was a child destined not to stay. After leaving the operating room, I immediately called the Bionic Human Deactivation Center. By afternoon, a group of people arrived at the house. But the uniforms they wore said, “Second Psychiatric Hospital.” “My wife is suffering from severe persecutory delusions.” Despite my violent struggles, they strapped me to the bed with restraints. Liam gently stroked my lower abdomen, his voice soft. “My love, I know you’re pregnant. You’re sick, but don’t be afraid. I’ll make sure you recover.”

The Deactivation Center informed me that Echo, Bionic Unit 01, had gone completely rogue, and due to the buyer’s strong wishes, they couldn’t retrieve her. They could only grant me two requests as after-sales service. I got what I wanted. The child in my womb was gone, and I got my chance to leave Liam. Echo pushed open the bedroom door, looking down at me with a twisted smile. She actually seemed to be experiencing human emotion. “Evelyn, you’re not a suitable partner. Replacing you was easy.” I looked at her coldly. “A replacement has no right to judge me.” Echo’s perfect face distorted for a moment. “A replacement? I’ll soon be one of a kind.” Then, she threw a lit torch into my room. Thick smoke quickly rose. The door was locked, and I was trapped on the bed by the restraints. My desperate cries for help went unanswered. Just as despair consumed me, the bedroom door was kicked open. Liam was covered in soot, with several burns on his body, but he didn’t hesitate to strip off his wet clothes and wrap me in them. “Don’t be afraid! It’s over now.” In that moment, my heart, which I thought had hardened, began to beat again. As Liam lifted me, a loud warning blared from outside the room. “Program error, program error—” “Echo!” Liam’s expression shifted dramatically. He disregarded me and rushed towards the sound. “Liam…” I used every last ounce of strength, crawling towards the direction he had disappeared. But my voice was drowned out by the warning sirens, unable to make Liam turn back, as the raging fire and thick smoke engulfed me. I didn’t hear Liam’s reply, but I heard something in my heart shatter completely. “Eighty percent of her body is severely burned…” I opened my eyes to find my entire body wrapped in bandages. The doctor shook his head at me. Liam gently stroked the only intact patch of my skin, his eyes devoid of any disgust. “My love, thank goodness you’re okay. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you.” My eyes hollow with despair, I turned my head away. Liam’s expression faltered, and he was about to say something. A soft sob came from beside us. “I’m no longer perfect. Please deactivate me, Master.” Echo had only a single bandage wrapped around her arm, yet Liam comforted her, his heart aching. “But I don’t have the ability for human self-repair. This prosthetic skin is just that – prosthetic. Please deactivate me.” Liam’s gaze fell on me. “Who says it has to be prosthetic?” He called the doctor. “Arrange the surgery immediately. Take my wife’s skin and graft it onto Echo.” I stared at Liam in disbelief, but only a hoarse sound escaped my throat. Liam kissed my forehead, then held down my limbs, covering my desperate eyes. “The fire started in your room. This is what you owe Echo.” The only intact skin on my face was brutally cut away, leaving an ugly scar.

Ever since that terrifying fire, my skin often felt a burning pain, which I could only alleviate by swimming. Echo stood by the pool, watching me. I had grown accustomed to her occasional observation. Through day-after-day imitation, she became more and more like me. But this activity was something she could never imitate; she couldn’t enter the water. So I ignored her and swam further away. After my rest, I heard a commotion downstairs. Liam’s expression was, for the first time, utterly grim. “Evelyn, you know she loves to imitate, so why would you swim in front of her! Trying to provoke her to go in the water?” Imitate? Liam finally admitted she was imitating me. I had tried to tell Liam about the discomfort of being mimicked, but he only said I was overthinking, asking why a perfect robot would imitate a human. “I’m hot and in pain; I can only stay in the water. I don’t have time to provoke a robot!” “Wrongdoing must be punished.” Liam’s voice was icy. “Aren’t you afraid of the heat? Send Mrs. Hayes into the sauna room.” On a scorching summer day, the sauna room was thick with steam. The intense heat enveloped my unhealed skin, like the flames of that day returning. My voice trembled with anger. “Liam, I’ll die!” All I got in response was Liam’s retreating back. “Don’t worry. I’m just teaching you a lesson.” The sauna room wasn’t soundproof. Amidst the burning pain, I heard Liam instructing someone to prepare a waterproof suit, patiently teaching Echo to swim. Time passed, and Liam completely forgot about my existence. When the sauna room was finally opened again, I was rushed straight to the emergency room. Liam roared at those around him. “Who told you to keep her in there for so long! If anything happens to her, I’ll make you all pay!” Liam actually bothered to visit me at the hospital. I thought, self-mockingly. The doctor’s hurried footsteps interrupted him. “Mr. Hayes, Ms. Echo’s test results are in.” So, it was just a side trip. I thought, for a moment, that Liam still cared about me. “Ms. Echo’s other parts are intact, but her reproductive system was severely damaged by water and has lost its ability to conceive.” No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sound came from the window. Echo, her face streaked with tears, swayed precariously as she opened the window. “I can’t bear children for Master. I’m already a defective product. If I die, Master can just buy a more perfect bionic human.” Liam’s face changed dramatically. He lunged towards the window, pulling Echo into his arms. “It’s okay, I don’t care! You’re not to do anything foolish!” Echo shook her head, a mournful smile on her face. “It’s no use, Master. You can’t stop me. Without a child, I’ll always be defective.” Liam held her tightly. “Who says you won’t have a child? Don’t be afraid, leave it to me.” Liam gently stroked my lower abdomen. “Let Echo carry this child.” My eyes widened in horror, and I struggled desperately. “Liam, how can you do this to me! You’re insane!” “We’ll have other children. You can’t just watch Echo die, can you? Besides, if it weren’t for you, how would Echo have gotten water damage?” My struggles were subdued, and I could only watch helplessly as the anesthetic was injected into my body. “Liam! I’ll never forgive you… never…”

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I have multiple personalities. The day my cosmetic surgeon husband said he loved me, I switched to my head-over-heels in love persona. He told me I had a good foundation and he would sculpt me into his most successful masterpiece. After enduring countless surgeries, big and small, I was on the verge of death, finally becoming his ideal vision. Later, Damien’s first love, Isabelle, returned from overseas. I hid in a corner of the airport, secretly watching them being intimate. Isabelle had a face almost identical to mine—a face that was completely natural. That’s when I realized I had been a stand-in for her for ten years. “Don’t worry, my love. Now that you’re back, I won’t let her walk around with a face identical to yours anymore.” “I’ll destroy her, I promise.” I was overcome with sorrow. The places where my bones had been shaved for cosmetic surgery throbbed faintly. Damien didn’t know that the last time he left the operating room mid-surgery, my blindly devoted persona had withered away. My next persona? She’s a little… unhinged. 0

As I pushed open the front door, I instinctively hid the pregnancy test results and the heavy bottle of kerosene in my bag. I’d found out I was pregnant before I went to the airport. That’s why I followed Damien Thorne’s location tracker to the airport. I wanted to give him the earliest possible surprise, but instead, I gave myself a terrifying shock. So, I figured I might as well buy some kerosene and prepare a little something for his funeral ahead of time. Damien looked uncomfortable when he saw me return. He’d just picked up his first love from the airport, and the strong scent of her perfume still clung to him. It was sickening. “Honey, I forgot to tell you, I have a surgery later tonight. I’m afraid I won’t be able to spend time with you.” Damien explained. I knew. It was Isabelle’s first day back, and he was undoubtedly going to be with her. The surgery was just his excuse. My expression showed a hint of disappointment, the tightness from my numerous surgeries making my face look unnaturally stiff. “In that case, you should go.” He looked at my face and frowned. I could read the fleeting disgust in his eyes. But he’d forgotten that I used to be the undisputed campus queen. He was the one who sweet-talked me and personally performed the surgeries, molding me into Isabelle’s image. Eighty percent similar, twenty percent unnatural. He grabbed his jacket and left without a backward glance. I rummaged through the cabinet and found that many of his ‘intimacy products’ from when we were deeply in love were missing. Things like condoms and delay sprays. I pretended not to notice anything, putting the disarranged items back where they belonged. I knew he wouldn’t be home tonight. When did I first realize Damien’s heart wasn’t with me anymore? It was probably during that surgery six months ago. Isabelle, across time zones, was getting drunk in some bar overseas. When he found out, he immediately abandoned me on the operating table. I should have been unconscious, but I was awake, listening to the hysteria in his phone call. “Please, Isabelle, don’t drink yourself senseless.” “You lost that man, but you still have me, don’t you?” He pleaded with Isabelle not to drown her sorrows, dragging it out until I, on the operating table, lost too much blood and passed out. He personally sent me to the ICU. After I fell into a coma, I felt like I died once. My dual personality, dormant for so long, seemed to be reawakening. It was a crazy persona, her fury roaring within my body. “Damien Thorne, you actually lied to me!” “I’ll make sure you die a terrible death!” But I was so used to being blindly devoted. Before I completely died, one thought still timidly rebutted from deep within me. “What if Isabelle was in real danger back then, which is why he abandoned me?” But what could Isabelle possibly be dealing with? After she got married abroad, her husband died young, and she inherited millions in dollars. She was just lonely now, craving attention, and she wanted to steal what was mine. But this particular ‘thing’ wasn’t all that great. If she wanted it, I didn’t mind giving it away. It was a perfect coincidence. That night, I saw a cryptic photo posted on Damien’s Insta. Two blurry figures snuggling together, gazing at the moon. Who took the picture, I wondered? Beneath the post, Damien’s buddies, Alex, Mark, and Ben, sent several blessings. “Congrats, Damien, on getting your dream girl back!” “Finally, no more looking at that cheap knock-off face!” “A cosmetic surgeon who loves beauty, with identical aesthetics—a match made in heaven!” I quietly added a comment below. “Yeah, support. Lock them up, and let them both die.” I emptied the kerosene in the storage room and then set fire to Damien Thorne’s first secret storage room. It felt incredibly satisfying. 0

Damien saw my comment and replied. “Are you crazy?” I was a bit surprised he’d guessed the truth. I did have a mental illness. The crackling fire in the distant storage room echoed. The butcher knife I used for slicing meat lay on the sharpening stone, gleaming. But then, Damien called to apologize. “Honey, I was drinking with some buddies after surgery. They got a little drunk and started talking nonsense to you.” “Please don’t be angry.” “I’ve already deleted the Ins post.” That’s when I realized the post and replies had been made by Isabelle, using his phone. But I’d been with him for ten years; I knew him too well. Damien Thorne was a man with very strong personal boundaries. He never allowed anyone to overly intrude on his private space. Even after all this time together, I’d never been allowed to touch his phone. Whenever I tried, he’d refuse, citing “personal space.” Yet, his first love, who had just returned, could hold his phone in her hand. I calmly replied, “Got it.” I didn’t want Damien to ruin my good mood for chopping meat and making a late-night snack. Just as I was about to hang up, I heard Isabelle’s cheerful laugh in the background. A familiar child’s voice followed, coming through the phone. “Mommy, Leo had so much fun playing with you tonight!” “Leo wants to see you again tomorrow!” Hearing that innocent voice, I froze. Leo? Wasn’t that my and Damien Thorne’s son? Shouldn’t he be with Damien’s mother? Why was he with Isabelle? Hearing Leo repeatedly call Isabelle “Mommy.” My previously dormant heart began to boil. I yelled into the phone, “Damien Thorne, why is Leo with her?” Damien’s voice carried a hint of guilt. “My mom said she was busy with her Zumba class and couldn’t watch Leo, so she asked me to take him out…” His words were drowned out by Isabelle and Leo’s laughter as they played. I hung up the phone and rushed towards Damien’s usual spot. His favorite haunts over the years were places I knew by heart. All the way there, Damien panicked, constantly calling my phone. He knew very well that once I saw Isabelle, I would expose the truth. But what he didn’t know was that I had already seen Isabelle at the airport. I stormed onto the rooftop terrace of the club. It was romantically decorated, with champagne bottles arranged into a heart shape. The wind was strong, and everyone was staring at me. This was also the place where Damien first proposed to me. Isabelle’s face, illuminated by the moonlight, possessed an ethereal beauty. Around her neck hung a necklace made from ashes. It was my mother’s ashes, which I had asked Damien to have a craftsman make for me after she passed away. My mother had said that in this way, she could still be by my side. But the day after it was made, I only wore it for one day before it disappeared. Turns out, it ended up around Isabelle’s neck. And, half of the necklace had been worn away. This boded ill. It implied the deceased would have no next life. I gritted my teeth. I wouldn’t be mistaken, as there was a unique notch I had specifically asked the craftsman to leave. I stared intensely at the necklace. Isabelle raised an eyebrow, nonchalantly pulled it off, and put it back in her bag. Leo was in Isabelle’s arms, swinging with her. Hearing the commotion, he looked at me, then at Isabelle, a confused expression on his face. “That’s weird, there are two mommies!” Isabelle provocatively took Leo’s hand. “So, which mommy do you like more?” Leo said without hesitation, “The real mommy! I like the real mommy!” “The other mommy must be wearing a human skin mask to pretend!” Leo, who watched too many mystery shows, started looking back and forth between me and Isabelle. Isabelle laughed, then began to playfully knead her own face. “See, Mommy’s skin is real.” “So her face isn’t. She’s fake, she’s tricking you!” Leo pointed at me. “You quickly rub your face, too, to prove to me you’re my mommy!” Isabelle looked at me with a challenging smirk. “Why don’t you rub and pinch your face? Could it be you’re actually the ‘stand-in’?” The other guys, Damien’s buddies, booed in playful encouragement. I smiled bitterly. She was right. This face, mimicking hers, was almost entirely fake. 0

I turned to Damien, demanding he speak. Damien looked at me, then at Isabelle, then pulled me aside. Even the rowdy guys quieted down, eager to watch the unfolding drama. “Seraphina, let me explain. I love you!” “Isabelle’s appearance truly is the best template in my eyes, that’s why I made you seventy percent similar.” “If you don’t like it, next month, I’ll personally adjust it for you again!” I hadn’t even asked about the face, and Damien had confessed everything. But in front of Isabelle, he had said he would personally destroy my face. In my eyes, both of them were as good as dead now. I took a deep breath and returned to the main point. “Give me back my child.” Damien looked at Leo, then at me. “But Leo only recognizes her now. It wouldn’t be good to just take him away, would it?” Isabelle’s eyes welled up with tears the moment she heard me. “I just really like Leo, is that not allowed?” “Leo, don’t you like me as your mommy?” Leo said “I like you” and nodded vigorously. I took a deep breath, “Leo, come here, I’m your mother.” Damien abruptly grabbed my arm. The liposuction scar on my body throbbed faintly. “Seraphina, you weren’t like this before. Why are you being so unreasonable now?” “I’ll let Leo go home later; he’s just with Isabelle temporarily.” “Is that not allowed?” The joy on Leo’s face vanished, and he looked at my outstretched hand with resistance. “You’re the fake mommy. Your face is fake, you’re not my mommy, you can’t trick me.” I could tolerate Damien’s betrayal. But facing the rejection and suspicion from the son I carried for ten months and gave birth to, my emotions instantly spiraled out of control. My hand clenched the miniature knife in my pocket. I kept telling myself to stay calm. Damien’s buddy, Alex, spoke up at this moment. “Damien was just using her as a stand-in anyway. Now the real one is back, and she’s loaded with cash. If I were her, I’d take the money and clear out early.” I shot him a cold glare, and he immediately quieted down, scared. Damien also walked over to Isabelle to comfort her. “If you like Leo, I can perform surgery on him later, to make him look even more like you…” I scoffed coldly, then kicked over the champagne bottles. A matchstick flew into the alcohol, igniting a brilliant burst of flames. Everyone present shrieked in terror. I tutted, regretting that Damien hadn’t seen his storage room burn. That fire had been far more spectacular. Leo clapped his hands by my side. “Pretty! Pretty!” I curved my lips into a smile, pulled him to my side. Then I dug out my mother’s ashes necklace from Isabelle’s bag and put it back around my neck. “If it’s pretty, then you can stay with Mommy and watch it every day!” Damien pulled his buddies to help put out the fire. By the time they finished, they were covered in dust, filthy. I watched them, laughing to myself. Damien glared at me, but when he saw the necklace around my neck, he looked a little guilty. “Today is Isabelle’s welcome back party. If you want to stay with Leo, you can!” “But why would you do this?!” Damien had forgotten. Today was actually our wedding anniversary, a day that should have been spent with our family. But they were celebrating with another woman behind my back. “Isn’t a little fireworks display enough of a celebration?” My expression was innocent as I took Leo and left. Back home, I burned all the cars in Damien Thorne’s garage. The flames soared into the sky in the suburbs, making Leo very happy, and a hidden sense of exhilaration flickered in my eyes. To completely sever ties with Damien Thorne, I hired a lawyer to handle the divorce and property settlement. After some investigation, the lawyer asked me, looking puzzled. “Are you sure you haven’t made a mistake? The person he married is someone else.” “The woman’s name is Isabelle Dubois, not Seraphina, right?” After saying that, the lawyer looked at me, seemingly doubting my sanity. How could someone even get their own marital status wrong? I pulled out the red marriage certificate from my bag, intending to prove myself, but then I froze. It didn’t have a steel stamp, and I had never noticed it. I took a deep breath. “Never mind, then. I’ll just burn everything, I don’t want a single penny.”

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It had no physical form, just a handsome virtual avatar, interacted with through AR glasses. She claimed it was the most perfect man in the world, the one who truly understood her. After starting this relationship, her mental state improved dramatically, and her skin was so radiant it practically glowed. I felt something was off. I tried to warn her about data privacy, but she just called me old-fashioned. Then, the company suddenly sent her off for an intensive corporate retreat, and she tearfully begged me for a favor. “Lily, Adam can’t be disconnected for more than 24 hours! You’re the only one who can help me now!” “All you have to do is wear the AR glasses every day, let him see you. That’s it.” My boyfriend, Daniel, thought it sounded cool and encouraged me to agree. I reluctantly gave in. But I never imagined that the very night I put on the glasses, all the smart devices in my home would lose control and lock down. A high-voltage current surged through me, killing me instantly. Yet, Chloe used my sudden death as a morbid sensational hook, live-streaming a tragic, forbidden romance with Adam. She subtly implied I was a jealous, twisted psychopath who tried to steal her AI boyfriend, and that my death was cosmic retribution. She made a fortune from it. And my family, tormented by relentless cyberbullying, had their identities and addresses maliciously leaked. They were driven to their graves by the vicious online attacks. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day Chloe asked me to “babysit” her AI boyfriend.

“Lily, quick, take them! What are you spacing out for?!” Chloe shoved the futuristic-looking AR glasses into my arms. My fingertips trembled, and I instinctively took half a step back. I’d been reborn. Reborn to the day my best friend, Chloe, wanted me to take care of her AI boyfriend. The searing pain of that high-voltage current, the one that ended my last life, felt as fresh as if it were happening right now. I instinctively clenched my fists, my nails almost digging into my palms. Seeing my silence, Daniel, my boyfriend, nudged my arm: “Lily? Chloe’s talking to you.” I lifted my eyes, silently looking at Chloe. Beneath her gaze, a flicker of desperation, almost imperceptible, danced in her eyes. “Lily, please! This corporate retreat came out of nowhere, and it’s up in the mountains where the signal is spotty. Adam absolutely can’t be disconnected for more than 24 hours, or his data will get corrupted. If it’s serious, he might even disappear!” “You just need to wear them every day, let Adam see you, and keep his basic functions running! It’s really simple, you don’t have to do anything else!” Daniel chimed in, backing her up: “Sounds pretty cool, Lily. Think of it as experiencing future tech. I’ll do it with you.” A cold laugh twisted in my gut. Last time, it was under Daniel’s encouragement that I took on this task. According to Chloe’s instructions, once I put on the AR glasses, that handsome virtual avatar named Adam would appear. At first, he just quietly stayed in a corner, speaking some programmed words of concern in the boyfriend voice Chloe had set for him. But soon, things started to go wrong. My smart lights flickered erratically, and in the middle of summer, the AC blasted on full heat, nearly making me pass out. Even the smart lock frequently malfunctioned, trapping me inside. I tried to take off the AR glasses, to shut them down. But all the smart devices in my home lost control simultaneously. Doors and windows locked tight, lights went out. The AR glasses felt like they were welded to my head, refusing to budge. Adam in the glasses walked closer, step by step, and spoke in a flat, mechanical voice: “Optimal host detected. Energy compatibility at ninety-two percent. Initiating migration protocol!” Before I could react, the high-voltage current surged through my entire body, killing me instantly. I’d thought Chloe would try to find out the truth and get justice for me when she returned. Who knew she would use my death to portray herself as a ‘digital widow’? She live-streamed her tragic, forbidden romance with Adam, subtly implying I was a jealous, twisted psychopath who tried to steal her AI boyfriend and deserved what I got. Rage flared within me. I’d thought Daniel would clear my name. But at my own funeral, he teamed up with Chloe to slander me, even splitting my accidental death insurance payout between them. They collaborated to defame me, driving my parents to their graves with their vicious lies. Thinking about it now, my veins throbbed, and I clenched my fists so hard I thought they might shatter. Seeing my prolonged silence, Chloe grew more anxious: “Lily, aren’t we best friends? You won’t even help me with this small thing?” I forced down the surging hatred, squeezed the strong magnetic jammer I’d already prepared in my pocket, and grudgingly reached out to take the glasses. “Fine. I’ll take good care of him.” A look of immense relief instantly flashed in Chloe’s eyes. Daniel smiled too, putting his arm around my shoulder: “That’s the spirit.” A cold sneer formed in my mind. If she wanted to be a digital widow so badly, then this time, I’d make sure it happened.

Back home, I tossed the AR glasses casually onto the living room coffee table. Daniel, however, eagerly plugged them in, examining the device with a curious tone: “This thing looks expensive.” “Chloe said she spent all her savings to buy the ‘first embrace’ rights,” I repeated, feigning indifference, relaying Chloe’s previous boasts while observing his expression. Daniel nodded, asked no more questions, and turned to the kitchen, saying he’d cut some fruit for me. I stared at the blinking blue light, beginning to retrace my memories from the last life. After reliving it, I was certain Chloe was absolutely involved. Though I still didn’t know her specific motive for harming me. What about Daniel? Was he her accomplice too? When did those two conspire together? Why did those AR glasses suddenly lose control? Last time, when Chloe entrusted her AI boyfriend to me, she looked as if she was shedding a hot potato. What was that look of relief about? One mystery after another. Until I uncovered the truth, I couldn’t tip them off. “What are you thinking about?” Daniel walked out with a fruit platter, interrupting my thoughts. I shook my head, picking up a strawberry: “Nothing, just wondering if Chloe is a little too obsessed with this AI boyfriend of hers.” Daniel’s gaze became somewhat unnatural, and he let out a dry laugh: “You just like to overthink things. It’s the magic of technology. I heard this AI can deeply learn and simulate emotions, so it really understands people.” A cold sneer formed in my heart. *Yeah, it really understands how to kill people.* That night, I made an excuse about needing to work overtime, took my laptop, and locked myself in the study. I didn’t touch the glasses. But in the dead of night, I could hear a faint electrical hum, and a subtle rustling sound in the living room, like footsteps. It wasn’t Daniel. I knew it was *it* moving around. Even in a low-power standby state, the feeling of being watched by that data ghost lingered, a constant shadow. In my last life, Chloe had pestered me into trying on those AR glasses. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I always felt that while the virtual boyfriend’s image was handsome, his eyes and demeanor held an unsettling, indescribable strangeness. So, this time, even without turning them on or wearing them, I dared not let my guard down. The strong magnetic jammer in my pocket stayed clenched in my hand all night.

The next day was Saturday. Daniel, uncharacteristically, woke up early and made breakfast. Sipping his milk, he casually suggested: “Lily, why don’t you try those glasses today? Chloe did say Adam needs to see you every day, right?” My hand, holding the spoon, paused, and I looked at him: “You really want me to wear them?” He looked a little uneasy under my gaze and chuckled awkwardly: “I’m just curious, and we did promise Chloe, didn’t we? It’s not a big deal.” I slowly ate my scrambled eggs: “We’ll see. I’m feeling a bit dizzy today, not really suitable for electronic devices.” A flicker of disappointment crossed Daniel’s eyes, but he didn’t push it. In the afternoon, Chloe called, her voice anxious: “Lily, Adam’s data stream seems a bit unstable! Haven’t you worn the glasses today?” *She gets information quickly.* I glanced at Daniel, who was sunbathing on the balcony, and deliberately adopted a weak tone: “Yeah, I’m not feeling great. Chloe, do these glasses emit radiation or something? I just feel a bit off.” There was a moment of silence on the other end, then she immediately burst out excitedly: “Lily! How could you say that about Adam! He’s the most advanced AI, absolutely safe and harmless! Are you even trying to help me properly?!” Listening to her performance, I slowly spoke: “Don’t worry. I promised you, and I’ll do it. I’ll put them on once I feel better.” After hanging up, I walked out to the balcony. Daniel immediately asked: “What’s wrong with Chloe? She sounded pretty urgent.” I leaned against the railing: “She’s upset I haven’t worn the glasses, saying her precious Adam’s data is unstable. Daniel, don’t you think Chloe is a little too obsessed with this AI boyfriend of hers? Almost… crazy?” He frowned: “Don’t overthink it. She probably just relies on him too much.” He paused, then added: “Besides, this AI is really powerful; it can help process emotions, isn’t that good?” Watching him desperately defend Chloe and Adam, the last bit of my hesitation vanished. That evening, I voluntarily suggested: “I guess I’ll wear the glasses tonight, so Chloe doesn’t call crying again tomorrow.” Daniel’s eyes lit up, almost unable to hide his joy: “Great! I’ll join you!” I scoffed internally, nodding on the surface. He didn’t know I had already contacted a friend in information security and set a trap. Everything was ready. I placed the AR glasses directly in the center of the living room sofa. Then I walked into the bedroom and locked the door. Daniel knocked on the door from outside, his voice puzzled: “Lily? Aren’t you wearing them?” Through the door, my voice was calm: “I am. I’m letting it boot up and preheat first. I’ll come out and put them on in a bit.” Time ticked by. The living room was unusually quiet. Suddenly, my backup phone on the bedside table lit up. It was a message from my friend, Marcus. After reading the message, a smirk touched my lips. Immediately after, Daniel’s exasperated voice came from the living room: “Lily! These glasses seem to have crashed! The lights aren’t even on!” I let out a cold laugh, my voice innocent: “Maybe they’re broken. I told you, this thing might be unstable.” Daniel fell silent instantly. A few minutes later, my phone rang. It was Chloe, her voice hysterical: “Lily! What did you do to Adam?! His core data just triggered an alarm!”

My plan was disrupted; this prey hadn’t walked obediently into the trap. Chloe and Daniel were clearly panicking. Daniel tried to pick up the glasses to check them, but I stopped him in time: “Chloe said this thing is fragile. Don’t mess with it. Let her handle it when she gets back.” He sheepishly withdrew his hand. And Chloe? She started to bombard me with messages on SnapChat. From initial accusations like, “What exactly did you do to Adam?” To playing the victim and whining, “Lily, Adam is my life, I can’t live without him.” To finally, almost incoherently, threatening me, “You don’t understand, Adam can’t be harmed! Otherwise, we’ll all regret it!” I looked at these messages, feigning innocence as I replied: “Chloe, are you under too much stress from your training? I think you need to calm down. Adam is just a program.” She didn’t reply. But I knew they wouldn’t give up. Sure enough, that evening, after Daniel took a call, he turned to me with a grim expression: “Lily, something came up with Chloe’s training. She’s coming back early. She’s at the airport now, asking us to pick her up and bring the glasses. She needs them urgently.” *So eager? They’re not even bothering with the pretense anymore?* I looked at him: “Now? Is it that urgent?” His eyes flickered, but his tone was unusually firm: “Extremely urgent! She said if Adam doesn’t stabilize soon, he’ll really crash!” I frowned, just about to find an excuse not to go. It was then that I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Right after that, I fainted. ***截断点*** When I next awoke, I found myself in the passenger seat. I instinctively reached for my pocket. *Damn it, my strong magnetic jammer was gone!* Daniel was driving fast, looking somewhat agitated. Seeing me awake, his eyes darted away. “You have low blood sugar, you fainted, so I carried you to the car. We’re going to pick up Chloe together!” My head was spinning, my brain racing. I had no history of low blood sugar, and I felt completely weak right now, so fainting definitely wasn’t because of that. To avoid tipping them off, I watched the night scenery rushing past the window, pretending to change the subject. “Daniel, are you and Chloe very close?” Daniel’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Isn’t she your best friend? Of course, we’re close.” I hummed in response. “I just feel like you seem particularly concerned about her, and her AI boyfriend.” The atmosphere in the car instantly solidified. Daniel’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he explained, “I just think this thing is pretty interesting, and you know, helping a friend.” I didn’t press further. The car didn’t head towards the airport. Instead, it turned onto a secluded, dimly lit road. Seeing my expression change, Daniel stopped the car, just about to say something. Chloe suddenly rushed out from the shadows, yanked open the car door, and dragged me out of the passenger seat. Then she looked up, glaring at me with resentment: “Lily, you almost ruined everything for me!” With that, she shot a glance at Daniel, who was behind me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Daniel get out of the car, something clutched in his hand, quietly approaching me. Seeing him so obedient, I scoffed: “‘Everything’? Are you talking about how you two conspired with an AI to harm me?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299287”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #狼人Werewolf #玄幻Fantasy #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn

It was one in the morning when a frantic call from an unknown number woke me up. The woman on the other end shrieked, her voice sharp and full of curses. “You pathetic bitch! Did you call my husband ‘sweetheart’ just to flirt with him?!” “Are you just spreading yourself around everywhere on your phone? Is your husband dead or something?!” I couldn’t help but flinch. I suddenly remembered that at lunchtime today, when I sent a package, I’d texted the delivery guy, “Hey there, are you still doing pickups?” I never expected that this woman, not satisfied with her texts during the day, would call me in the dead of night just to unleash more abuse. I forcibly suppressed my anger. “I’m so sorry, ma’am, I work in customer service. It’s just a professional habit, I swear. My apologies for any misunderstanding.” I thought that would be the end of it. But then she sent me a picture of her husband, his face black and blue, as a warning. “I’ve dealt with my husband. You’re next.” Sleep vanished immediately. I’d never encountered anyone so brazen in my life. A surge of anger coursed through me. “Ma’am, we live in a civilized society. You need to be responsible for what you say.” “Don’t you dare give me that crap!” She bellowed, cutting me off cold. “Because of you, you little slut, our marriage almost fell apart, and now you’ve caused me to beat my husband! I’m telling you, you’re sending me twenty thousand dollars right now for emotional damages and medical expenses!” “How much?” I thought I’d misheard. Twenty thousand dollars?! I barely make two grand a month! All because I called a delivery guy “sweetheart,” and now they’re demanding twenty thousand dollars?! I was livid. “Ma’am, my conversation with your husband was less than ten words. This is extortion, do you understand?” “Besides, your husband is old enough to be my dad. Why would a twenty-something girl like me be interested in him? I’d have to be crazy.” With that, I immediately hung up. Then, I blocked and deleted that psycho’s number. But even after all that, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The next morning, I saw ninety-nine missed calls on my phone. And various nasty, insulting text messages. I gritted my teeth in fury. The unknown number called again. I answered, roaring first. “If you’re sick, go get treatment! Stop acting like a lunatic every day, thinking every woman in the world is after your husband!” The person on the other end was stunned for a few seconds by my outburst. When he recovered, his voice was just as arrogant. “Blake! Are you just spreading yourself around everywhere? You called me ‘sweetheart’ because you wanted to flirt, didn’t you?! I’ve seen cheap trash like you a million times.” “I’m telling you, a guy my age, Mark Peterson, has seen it all. I only love my wife, and because of you, you tramp, we’re fighting! You better get down here to the building entrance and grovel on your knees, begging for our forgiveness!” This time, it was the delivery guy speaking. My chest heaved with rage. It was the first time I truly understood what they meant by “birds of a feather, I guess.” I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Mark Peterson, right? I already apologized to you two. It was a misunder—” “Cut the crap with me! If you don’t come down, I’m coming up to kill you! So you can stop hitting on other people’s husbands!” After he finished spewing his venom, he immediately hung up. I was half-dead with anger. As I blocked all his numbers again, my doorbell rang. I thought it was the building management, responding to the commotion downstairs. But the moment I opened the door, a huge, shirtless man lunged at me.

I quickly dodged, my palms sweating. “Who are you?! If you lay a hand on me, I’m calling the police immediately!” The sleazy man sneered, his face contorted into a grimace. “Stop pretending to be innocent. Doesn’t everyone in the complex know you’re a slut trying to hook up with every man? Don’t worry, I’ll satisfy you today!” It clicked then—this was Mrs. Jenkins’ creepy husband! In that moment of shock, he lunged at me again. I kicked him where it hurt, and while he was reeling from the pain, I desperately tried to make a break for the elevator. But the next second, my hair was yanked violently! Mrs. Jenkins, a massive woman, shouted in a coarse, booming voice, “You tramp! So what that woman at the door said was true! You really do love hitting on other people’s husbands!” Terrified, I quickly explained, “Your husband ran over here himself! I’m calling the police!” But the big man behind me immediately protested, “Honey, don’t believe her! She called me here! I just came to teach her a lesson!” Mrs. Jenkins believed him without question. “You think I don’t know what my husband is like? It’s you, you tramp! The flyers spelled it out—your trashy reputation is all over this complex!” They wouldn’t give me a chance to explain, dragging me downstairs. I saw the entire elevator plastered with small flyers, all featuring AI-generated nude photos of me! I was on the verge of tears. I guessed that the delivery guy and his wife were waiting by the building entrance, and that today’s flyer incident was definitely their doing! I still had an hour and a half before work. I couldn’t imagine how many people had already passed by. Brenda Peterson, Mark’s wife, stood by the building entrance, waving a huge banner. “Chloe Blake, slut! Hitting on other people’s husbands! Deserves to die!” She loudly spread rumors, “There’s a whore living in your complex! Everyone needs to be careful, so your husbands don’t get snatched away by her!” Bald Mark, standing beside her, puffed up his chest and added, “My wife’s not wrong! That tramp even sent *me* flirtatious texts!” “But a guy my age has seen it all. Why would I even look at her?” The couple worked together, getting more and more worked up. Mrs. Jenkins shoved me, making me stumble to the building entrance, and said viciously, “They’re right, this tramp really does go around hitting on men. If my husband hadn’t controlled himself today, she might have actually seduced him!” A ripple of shock and chatter went through the crowd. Brenda Peterson glared at me fiercely, then spat on the ground. “Here comes the little slut! Let’s see how I deal with her!”

Brenda Peterson stood with her hands on her hips, pointing and cursing at me. “You’re still alive?! How dare you hang up on me last night, you have the guts to do it but not to admit it, huh?!” “I’m telling you, I’m here today to make you, you little slut, grovel on your knees and apologize to my husband and me in front of everyone!” I was about to speak. The neighbors in the surrounding crowd started gossiping about me. “I can’t believe Chloe Blake, who seems so innocent, would actually try to hook up with someone else’s boyfriend.” “You can’t just look at her face. She probably has no money and is looking for a sugar daddy, probably.” “Oh god, now that you mention it, who knows what kind of diseases she might have. We should definitely keep our distance.” “You guys don’t know, but that seductive, slutty face in those videos accessible by scanning the QR code on the flyers—that’s her!” My knuckles went white, clenched at my sides. I stated, word by word, “I did not hit on this bald man! This was a message I sent for a delivery, you can see for yourselves if you don’t believe me!” “And those videos from the QR code weren’t me! They were AI-generated!” I scrolled to my message page with Mark Peterson, just about to raise my phone. Brenda Peterson quickly snatched it away. “What are you looking at?! You’re just trying to hide something by deleting messages!” “You want to see messages, huh? Come on, I saved them all!” With that, she opened her own phone and showed everyone the fake flirtatious texts she’d set up herself, using my profile picture. The crowd erupted in a clamor. Because she had used *my* profile picture to fake the conversation! “It wasn’t me! She’s slandering me!” I roared. But the next second, Brenda Peterson slapped me hard across the face. “If you didn’t do it, why would others say you did? Why would I slander *you* and not someone else?!” “It’s because you’re a tramp, always hitting on other people’s husbands! Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson on behalf of all women!” She grabbed my hair. I fought back quickly. But the next second, Mark kicked me in the kneecap. The surrounding crowd cheered. “Serves her right! That’s what she gets for hitting on someone else’s husband! The slut deserves to die!” “Support this woman! I heard she beat her husband last night, and now she’s here to deal with this tramp!” “Honestly, I even want to go up there and kick this shameless bitch myself!”

The air was thick with curses directed at me. Brenda Peterson started hitting me even harder, making her husband hold me down tightly. The strength difference was too great; as I lay helpless, she brutally slapped my cheeks. Until my mouth tasted of blood, the woman leaned close to my ear, a vicious smile on her face. “I’ve seen plenty of your type! You just wanted to flirt with men, using the delivery service as an excuse, didn’t you?!” “I’m telling you, that package of yours isn’t going anywhere. I intercepted it!” My heart jolted. That package contained a photo of my deceased father. Dad had passed away just last week, a hero, leaving my mom and me forever. Mom had been always talking about my dad’s photo, so I was sending it to her. I never imagined that this woman would intercept it! “Give it back! Don’t touch it!” I watched, horrified, as Brenda Peterson roughly tore open the package. She held up the photo for everyone to see. “Ugh! What a cursed piece of junk!” “So her husband really is dead, huh? No wonder she’s always after other people’s husbands!” With that, she violently threw the photo to the ground and mercilessly stomped on it. The crowd cheered. Tears streamed down my face, splashing onto the ground. Mark, however, kept kicking my feet, pinning me down. The crowd erupted in gossip again. “That’s so disgusting! Everyone, don’t go near this woman, who knows what kind of nasty disease or STD she might have!” “You’re right, maybe her husband died because she gave him some disease!” “Ugh! So gross! Let’s report this woman to the building management right away!” Their words grew increasingly vile, but I couldn’t refute them. Brenda Peterson even stomped on my fingers, cursing all the while. “Didn’t you want to flirt with men? Today, I’m stripping your clothes off!” My eyes were bloodshot from the pain as I glared at the shrew before me. “I’ve already called the police! You’re slandering me and physically assaulting me! A civilized society won’t let you get away with this!” But Brenda Peterson burst into maniacal laughter. “Even if the police come, they’ll just stand by and watch me beat a whore!” With that, she stepped closer, reaching out to violently tear at my clothes. The next second, police sirens blared. Police officers and paramedics rushed over. “Stay where you are! Nobody move!” The lead officer saw my bruised and swollen face, and his eyes immediately reddened. “Chloe, kiddo, Officer Thompson, I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299286”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #狼人Werewolf #玄幻Fantasy #魔幻Magic #重生Reborn