Author: Momo Chan

The night Ethan Carter accepted the Global Philanthropy Award, my doctor gave me an expiration date. My artificial heart was failing, and I was completely broke. On television, the dazzling host dared Ethan to call his biggest regret live on air. He dialed my number without hesitation. I answered, listening to Ethan’s voice, dropping an octave for the cameras: “Do you ever regret walking out on me for money, Chloe?” I glanced at the staggering medical bill on my lap and let out a weak laugh. “Ethan, you’re loaded. Loan me twenty grand, would you?” The line went dead. On the screen, Ethan looked into the camera, ice in his eyes. “No regrets left.” He didn’t know. Seven years ago, when his own heart was failing, I didn’t leave him. I gave him mine. As soon as the live stream ended, a notification pinged on my phone. Ethan had wired me twenty thousand dollars. I stared at the screen, a complicated knot tightening in my chest. I used the money to pay the immediate hospital fees. As I was leaving the billing department, I heard a familiar voice down the hall. Through the crack in a clinic door, I saw him. Seven years hadn’t left a mark on Ethan. He looked expensive, powerful. The only thing different was the person clinging to his arm. It wasn’t me anymore. He’d rushed straight from the black-tie gala without even changing, all because his new girlfriend had a minor stomach ache. I watched him solicitously wrap his arms around Serena Blake. I lowered my head, intending to slip away unseen, and quietly pulled the door shut. Ethan yanked the door open from the other side. I jumped, my eyes locking with his. His gaze swept over me, cold and biting as winter wind. “Long time no see. You weren’t going to say hello?” I looked at him. A thousand things rushed to my lips, but what came out was: “Ethan, loan me another thirty grand.” Ethan froze. The indifference in his eyes ignited into anger. He grabbed my wrist. “Seven years, Chloe, and that’s all you have to say to me?” His grip pressed against the dense cluster of needle marks on my arm, sending sharp currents of pain up my limb. I took a shallow breath. “Mr. Carter is so wealthy. If you don’t lend me the money, I’m worried Miss Blake might misunderstand the nature of our relationship.” Ethan looked genuinely taken aback, his eyes flashing with something complex. Before he could speak, Serena latched onto his arm, staking her claim. “Honey, is this your ex-wife?” Serena looked at me with practiced pity. “What can thirty thousand possibly do? Ethan spends fifty thousand just buying me a pair of shoes.” “It’s a pity you didn’t know what you had, Chloe. If you hadn’t heartlessly abandoned Ethan back then, I never would have met him.” I remained silent, my mind drifting back in time. Ethan and I met in college. We fell in love and spent five years building a life together. Back then, he wasn’t a billionaire entrepreneur. And my body wasn’t failing like it was now. We were two kids from the foster system who finally found family in each other. We worked ourselves to the bone trying to build a small future. Just as our careers were taking off, Ethan was diagnosed with severe heart failure. The treatments and the transplant list required a fortune. We drained every cent of our savings. To keep up with the medical bills, I worked multiple part-time jobs. I ate once a day, stretching every dollar until it snapped. I worked myself into the ground just to afford his meager medication. We even switched his meds to the cheapest generics available. But the call for a matching heart never came. I watched Ethan waste away, his vibrant energy turning into despair. Then, the doctor found me. He told me there was a match. The person whose heart matched Ethan’s perfectly… was me. My thoughts snapped back to the present. Ethan kissed Serena’s forehead, his eyes performing tenderness. “If she hadn’t been so cold-blooded, how would I have met my guardian angel?” he said, loud enough for me to hear. “That thirty-thousand-dollar bag you liked? I’ll buy it for you tonight. Pick something more expensive next time. Your husband can afford it.” Watching them, the phantom pain in my chest was sharper than the needles in my arm. I couldn’t breathe. I wrenched my hand free from Ethan’s grip. I didn’t want to be the prop they used to prove their love. As I turned to leave, Serena stuck out her foot. It was subtle, but intentional. “Oh no, Chloe, be careful!” I crashed to the floor. The medical papers I was holding scattered at Ethan’s feet. Ethan’s face tightened. He instinctively reached out a hand to help me. Serena grabbed his arm, gasping melodramatically. “What is this?” Ethan’s eyes were drawn to the papers on the linoleum. He picked one up, scanning it quickly. “Artificial Heart Replacement Protocol…” A flash of fury crossed his face. He threw the medical file into my face. “Chloe Vance. I didn’t think you’d stoop to using cheap props to scam me out of money.” “You really are exactly the same as seven years ago. Everything is about money. You only see dollar signs.” I pushed myself up, looking at his healthy, strong body. A faint smile touched my lips as I silently gathered the papers. “You know I love cash, Ethan. Why not lend me a little more?” Serena seemed moved to tears by her own performance, clinging to his solid arm. But when she looked at me, her eyes were full of mockery. “Honey, maybe it’s true?” she cooed. “Besides… if Chloe hadn’t left you, you wouldn’t have received that donor heart from that kind stranger! Shouldn’t we help her out?” Her words served their purpose: reminding Ethan that I had abandoned him for poverty. The hesitation in Ethan’s eyes froze over instantly. “The heart of a good person couldn’t save a heartless woman. She doesn’t deserve it.” Ethan pulled Serena away. She kept up the act of begging him, but as she glanced back over her shoulder, her smile was pure venom. I picked up the medical record, now covered in Serena’s dusty footprints. The mechanical pump in my chest gave a sudden, violent stutter that didn’t belong there. My vision blurred. Their retreating figures went out of focus. After a long moment, I wiped a trace of blood from the corner of my mouth and stared at the words “Artificial Heart Replacement.” My fingers traced the thick scar that had defined my chest for seven years. Ethan still didn’t know. The heart beating inside his chest was mine. Seven years ago, because a suitable donor couldn’t be found, Ethan was days away from death. Artificial heart technology wasn’t mature then. Theoretically, it could sustain life, but the risks were massive. When I found out I was a match, I signed the papers to give him my heart. I took the experimental artificial one. A seven-year lifespan, theoretically. To save money for his recovery, I chose the cheapest model. Since then, pain has been my constant companion. Coughing up blood and sudden, paralyzing weakness became my normal. Because I was perpetually broke, the surgery to upgrade the unit was postponed again and again. Now, the seven years were up. The machine in my chest delivered its seventh major jolt of pain today. I knew it was reaching its limit. I left the hospital and returned to my rented room. It was small, damp, and bitterly cold in the winter. In the summer, it was an oven. But it was cheap. Ethan and I used to live in a place just like this, dreaming up our future while sharing instant noodles. When I learned I was his match, I had to make him let me go. I pretended I was tired of being poor. I slapped divorce papers on the table. We had spent five years together. Through all the hardship, I had never complained once. He knew how much I loved him. He couldn’t believe I would leave when things got toughest. I knew he loved me to his core. If he knew the truth, he would never allow me to trade my life for his. To save him, I had to be cruel. I had to pretend I’d had enough. Enough of following him around, eating bitterness with no end in sight. Enough of cheap drugs, one meal a day, and drinking tap water to stave off hunger. I told him I was done with it all. I still remember that day. The boy who was so proud, who never feared hard work or pain, cried for the first time. He wept as he signed the divorce papers. And I signed the organ donation agreement. After the surgery, I took the blame and disappeared from his life, returning to the squalid rental life we used to share, waiting for the death I had chosen. I just never expected to see him again. Now, he was soaring high, living the life we had dreamed of. But I could never go back to him. Seeing him looking so vibrant on the news gave me a sour feeling in my gut, but also a strange sense of relief. My phone rang, snapping me out of the memory. It was the bank. They told me the previous transfer of $20,000 was a mistake by the sender. I had to return the funds immediately or face criminal charges for theft. I hung up, a bitter smile on my face. I didn’t even know what to say. I called my best friend, Harper, and begged her to find me a quick job so I could repay the debt. Ethan hated me so much. If he knew I needed to make installment payments on his mistake, he’d probably enjoy watching me work myself to death to pay him back. Because of the heart unit, I was constantly exhausted. Most jobs were physically impossible for me. I survived on sporadic freelance gigs. Harper knew my condition and pulled some strings to get me a job as a server at a high-end banquet. It paid five hundred dollars for the night. relatively easy work. When I put on the uniform and the required face mask to pass champagne trays, I realized too late whose event it was. Ethan was there. He wore a tailored suit that probably cost more than my life’s earnings. He radiated power. Serena looked stunning in a designer evening gown. They walked arm-in-arm, the golden couple, surrounded by sycophants. I took one look and immediately lowered my head. Ethan grabbed a glass from my tray without recognizing me. I was about to turn away when Serena’s voice cut through the air. “Watch what you’re doing, server! Are you blind? You spilled champagne on my gown!” I stopped. There was a tiny splash on the hem of her dress. I didn’t argue. I just kept my head down and reached for a napkin to dab at the spot. Ethan looked at me, his brow furrowing, his lips pressing into a thin line. Malice flared in Serena’s eyes. Without warning, she kicked me hard in the center of my chest. An explosion of agony ripped through me. The impact hit the artificial pump directly. I hit the floor, unable to stop a cry of pain escaping my lips. “Don’t touch me with your filthy hands! Security! Get her out of here!” Serena yelled, her face a mask of outrage, but she couldn’t hide the smirk. Although I was wearing a mask, the moment our eyes met during the fall, Ethan recognized me. His lips parted. A flicker of pain crossed his eyes, instantly replaced by scorching mockery. He raised a hand to stop security. He reached down and yanked the mask off my face. “Chloe Vance. You run into your ex-husband and don’t even say hello?” Serena pretended to just realize who I was, pulling me up with fake concern. “Chloe? Oh my god, it’s you! You’re Ethan’s ex-wife, how could you be working as a servant here?” The ballroom seemed to hit the mute button. Dead silence. Every eye was glued to me. Then, the whispers started. The ridicule. “Did you hear? That’s the ex-wife who dumped him for money when he was dying…” “Wow. Karma really is a bitch.” “Abandoning Mr. Carter to end up a waitress? She deserves it.” Someone threw a glass of red wine. It splashed across my face and chest. Then, it was open season. Wine splashed from all directions. Glasses shattered against the floor around me, shards bouncing off my legs. Dark red wine mixed with the bright blood from cuts on my shins, pooling on the marble floor. Obviously, these social climbers wanted to impress Ethan by punishing me. Blood trickled down my forehead. I couldn’t feel it. I just stood there, silent. Ethan watched me, his eyes completely cold. “Chloe. Why so quiet? Does speaking to me cost extra now?” He laughed darkly, and the surrounding crowd tittered along. “You came here as a server just to beg me for money, didn’t you? Fine. I’ll satisfy you.” He waved a hand, ordering staff to bring over a dozen bottles of incredibly expensive red wine. They were uncorked and lined up on a table. “I’ll give you thirty thousand dollars right now. But you have to drink every drop of these.” He threw a stack of cash onto the wine-soaked floor. It sat there, stark against the red puddle. Ethan’s face was a frozen mask. The entire ballroom watched with amusement, eager for the show. Since the artificial heart implant, my body had become unbelievably fragile. I couldn’t lift heavy objects. I couldn’t run. Even walking up stairs left me gasping. And alcohol… alcohol was poison. My doctor had warned me that even a small amount could cause the mechanical pump to seize. I looked up at the man I had saved. I forced the corners of my mouth up and finally spoke. “If I do this… I don’t have to pay back the twenty thousand either, right?” Ethan looked momentarily stunned. The ice in his eyes cracked, revealing blazing anger underneath. He ground his teeth. “Fine!” I smiled. I grabbed the first bottle and tilted it back, guzzling the wine. The rich liquid tasted like fire and acid. My body immediately tried to reject it. I gagged, barely keeping it down. I forced myself to swallow, then grabbed the second bottle. And the third. The crowd watched the freak show, jeering. Only Ethan’s face grew darker and darker. As I reached for another bottle, my hand shaking uncontrollably, Ethan couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed my wrist. “Chloe! Is money worth dying for?!” I looked into his bloodshot eyes. The world was swimming. I nodded. “You’re right. Without money… I will die.” He flung my hand away in disgust. “Fine! Then drink it! Drink until you drown in it!” My body felt like it was strapped to concrete blocks. The mechanical heart in my chest seemed to have stopped beating entirely. There was only a terrible, hollow silence inside my ribs. I smiled a weak, boozy smile, took a shallow breath, and lifted the bottle to my lips again. Ethan snapped. He slapped the bottle out of my hand, roaring like a wounded animal. “Enough!” My legs gave out. I collapsed into the puddle of wine and broken glass. Fine shards bit into my skin, dyeing the floor an even deeper red. Harper, having heard the commotion, burst through the crowd. She screamed in horror, sliding onto the floor to pull my bleeding body into her arms. She looked up at Ethan, tears streaming down her face, and yelled the truth he refused to hear. “She gave her heart to you, you idiot! She’s living on a cheap mechanical pump! She can’t drink alcohol—you’re killing her! Do you understand?! You are killing her!”

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My college campus was being used for state exams, so the dean announced an early spring break. My parents told me they had just bought my brother, Liam, a brand-new car, and that he would pick me up to bring me home. Excited, I hopped into Liam’s shiny new SUV. I paused for a second when I saw a custom sticker on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat: “Princess Tiffany’s Seat.” Liam gave an awkward laugh. “It’s fine, Maya. Just hop in.” I didn’t think much of it. I sat down, figuring we were family. Surely his girlfriend wouldn’t mind. Halfway home, Liam’s phone started blowing up with a FaceTime request. He pulled over to answer. Tiffany’s voice whined through the speakers. “I’m mad, Liam. Like, really mad. You took forever to pick up just because you’re getting your sister? Who’s your actual baby?” I felt second-hand embarrassment. I leaned over and waved. “Hi Tiffany! It’s Maya. Sorry to interrupt you guys.” Tiffany’s eyes went wide on the screen. There was a few seconds of silence before she shrieked. “Liam! What is wrong with your sister? Does she have no shame? Is she blind? Can she not read the sticker that says ‘Girlfriend’s Seat’?” My face flushed hot. Instinctively, I apologized. “I’m so sorry, Tiffany. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’ll be more careful next time.” I thought that would help. Instead, she exploded. “Shut up, you little pick-me girl. Don’t call me Tiffany. We aren’t friends. Liam, this car is tainted now. I don’t want it. Tell your parents to buy us a new one.” I went home and told my parents exactly what happened. After some deep consideration, my parents decided it was time for Liam to get a new girlfriend. Chapter 1 Liam tried to calm her down on the phone, but Tiffany was relentless, hurling insults at me that made my stomach turn. Finally, Liam snapped. “Tiffany, can you stop? That’s my sister. My blood.” Tiffany’s eyes instantly welled up with fake tears. “You’re yelling at me? Liam, you’re yelling at me for another woman? You are unbelievable! Sob.” Liam panicked immediately. “No, babe, wait. I didn’t mean it. Don’t cry.” She pouted, her voice trembling. “Then tell me right now. Who is more important? Me or your sister?” Liam turned to look at me, his face twisted in agony. I mouthed the words to him: Choose her. He gave me a look of pure gratitude and turned back to the phone. “You. You are the most important person in the world to me.” Tiffany wiped her dry eyes and smirked. “That’s better. Your sister really needs to learn some manners. If I were there, I would have slapped her.” I froze, then turned my head toward the window, forcing back the tears stinging my eyes. Liam spent another twenty minutes cooing at her before hanging up. He sighed, looking defeated. “Maya, I’m sorry. Tiffany just… she has trust issues. She gets insecure and overreacts. Don’t take it to heart.” I felt sick, but I didn’t want to make things harder for him. I just nodded. The car started up again, but the silence was deafening. Chapter 2 We got home thirty minutes later. Mom and Dad had prepared a feast of all my favorites: mac and cheese, brisket, the works. But because of the drive, I had zero appetite. I picked at my food and went to my room early. That night, Mom knocked on my door. “Maya, honey? Is something wrong? You’ve been quiet since you got back.” I shook my head, not wanting to worry her. Mom sat on the bed and took my hand. She tilted her head and smiled. “Did you forget? We promised to be best friends forever. What kind of best friend keeps secrets?” I looked up at her warm smile, and the dam broke. The grievance I’d been holding back poured out in tears. Mom wiped my face. “Don’t be scared. No matter what, Dad and I have your back. We’re basically superheroes. There’s nothing we can’t fix.” I managed a laugh through the tears. “Mom, I’m twenty, not two.” “So? Even at twenty, you’re still my baby.” With her support, I told her everything about the car ride. Mom went silent. She looked at me thoughtfully. “Are you willing to forgive her this one time?” I felt a pang of sadness, but I nodded. “For Liam.” Mom smiled, a glint in her eye. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I’m giving you a present.” The next morning at breakfast, Dad slammed his coffee mug down. “We’re going to the dealership. You’re getting a car.” My eyes widened. “What? Why?” Dad glared at Liam. “We were going to get you one eventually, but we’re doing it now. My daughter shouldn’t have to walk on eggshells just to sit in a passenger seat.” Liam turned bright red. “Dad, it was a misunderstanding. Tiffany knows she was wrong. It’s my fault for not handling it better.” Mom scoffed. ” glad you realize that. Your punishment is coming with us to help your sister pick out a ride.” Liam nodded vigorously. There’s an eight-year gap between Liam and me. I was the miracle baby my parents prayed for, so naturally, I was spoiled. Liam was raised with one rule: Protect your little sister. He felt guilty about yesterday. He was stuck between his girlfriend and his family, like the filling in a bitter Oreo. Plus, Tiffany really had crossed a line. He ruffled my hair. “Pick whatever you want, kiddo. I’ve saved up some cash. If Mom and Dad’s budget isn’t enough, I’ll cover the rest.” Mom laughed. “Keep your money, kid. We treat you both equally. Maya gets a $40,000 budget, just like you did.” Before we left, Liam’s phone rang. His face fell. He stammered, “Uh, Mom… Tiffany wants to come too.” Mom smiled a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Great! Girls know what girls like. Maybe she can give Maya some advice.” Liam nodded, but he looked like a man walking to the gallows. Chapter 3 We hadn’t been at the dealership long when Tiffany showed up. She looked furious, whispering aggressively at Liam in the corner. Mom and Dad noticed immediately. Mom leaned over. “Liam, is everything okay?” Liam gave a pained smile and shook his head. Tiffany glared at him, clearly fed up. “Fine! If you won’t say it, I will.” She turned to my parents. “Cindy, Dave, listen. You guys have money to burn on a car for Maya? Why not upgrade Liam’s car instead?” “You know what your daughter did yesterday, right? She’s disrespectful. And you guys are enabling her. Someone has to pay for bad behavior.” Mom’s face darkened. Tiffany, oblivious to the changing atmosphere, kept going. “Besides, why buy a car for a girl? She’s just going to get married and leave the family eventually. It’s a bad investment.” “Maya is an adult. You should stop paying her tuition and giving her an allowance. She needs to get a job. Stop letting her leech off the family. It’s embarrassing.” Mom gritted her teeth and smiled an icy smile. “Miss Miller, I’m curious. In what capacity are you lecturing me? Our family finances are none of your business.” “I thought you were here to apologize to Maya. If this is your attitude, maybe you should leave.” “Apologize? Ha!” Tiffany laughed like Mom had told a joke. “Cindy, don’t you know who I am? I’m Liam’s girlfriend. Your future daughter-in-law.” “Let’s be real. Every dollar Maya spends now is a dollar taken away from Liam’s future inheritance. Which means it’s taken away from me. I have a right to protect my assets.” Mom frowned, genuinely baffled by this logic. “Excuse me? Since when is my money your money?” Tiffany tilted her chin up. “Isn’t it obvious? The assets go to the son. Liam is the son. Therefore, half of that belongs to me.” Mom let out a cold laugh and looked at Liam. “Liam, is this what you think too?” Liam looked horrified. He tried to pull Tiffany back. “Tiff, stop. Please. Mom and Dad can do whatever they want with their money.” Tiffany shoved him away, chest heaving. “Liam, are you stupid? I’m fighting for us! The more they waste on her, the less we get!” Liam tried to grab her hand again. “I have a job. I have hands. We can make our own money. We don’t need theirs.” Tiffany screamed and bit his arm. Hard. Liam flinched but took it. Mom watched, her expression shifting from anger to disgust. They whispered for another ten minutes. I don’t know what Liam promised her, but Tiffany finally stopped looking like she wanted to murder us and smiled. Chapter 4 I ended up picking a white SUV, right around the $40,000 mark. Tiffany rolled her eyes the whole time, but seeing my parents’ stone-cold faces, she kept her mouth shut. Afterward, my parents took us to a nice steakhouse for lunch. While we were eating, the topic of real estate came up. Mom swirled her wine and joked, “Liam can buy a house wherever he wants, but Maya has to buy a condo in our neighborhood. I don’t want some punk stealing my flower pot without me knowing.” I opened my mouth to tell Mom to stop treating me like a kid. Suddenly, Tiffany shrieked. “Liam! Is your mother insane? First the car, now a house? Homes in your neighborhood are like, two million dollars! Why does she get one?” People at nearby tables turned to stare. Mom’s face, which had just relaxed, turned to stone. Dad tried to save the mood. He cleared his throat and asked Liam, “So, son, when do you two plan on getting married?” Liam started to speak, but Tiffany slammed her fork onto her porcelain plate. Clang! “Marry? With what money? Your daughter is draining the family accounts dry!” Mom ignored her, cutting her steak with surgical precision. Dad paused, then said, “We aren’t billionaires, but we have enough set aside for Liam’s wedding.” Tiffany sneered. “Is that so? Well, here are my conditions. First, we need a five-bedroom house in the hills. Only my name on the deed. Second, a cash wedding gift of $100,000. Finally, my parents raised me well, so you need to buy them a condo too. Nothing fancy, maybe 2000 square feet.” Dad’s face went pale. Mom put down her knife and fork. Her voice was flat. “Okay.” Dad looked at Mom, shocked. Tiffany froze, then a greedy smile spread across her face. “However,” Mom continued, “Since we are providing all of that, what are you bringing to the marriage? What is your dowry?” Tiffany’s face twisted. She stammered, “My… my mother said she would give us ten handmade quilts. They are made from organic cotton grown on my grandfather’s farm. You can’t buy that kind of quality.” She looked proud, as if these blankets were rare artifacts. But I could see the hesitation in her eyes. Mom actually laughed. “Ten quilts? We are putting up millions of dollars, and you’re offering bedding? Is this a stand-up comedy routine?” Tiffany’s eyes turned red again. She looked at Liam, tears flowing. “Liam! Your mother is mocking my family! Is she saying we’re poor?” Liam had his head in his hands. “No, Tiff, she’s not… let’s just eat. We can talk about marriage later.” Tiffany opened her mouth to scream, but Mom cut in, her voice lethal. “There will be no ‘later.’ Liam, I am warning you. If you marry this woman, you will not see a single penny from us. Not for the wedding, not for a house, not for anything.” Mom stood up, grabbing her purse. “Let’s go, Maya, Dave. I’ve lost my appetite.” Tiffany sat there, mouth open, watching us walk away.

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Lying in a hospital bed, covered in blood after the car accident, I listened to my father grumble. “Useless… just a money pit… we don’t have the cash for this…” Then, his tone shifted instantly as he picked up his phone. “Attaboy, champ! Top of your class in that video game? Dad’s coming home right now to celebrate!” When he left me alone in the hospital, I wasn’t even surprised. I almost laughed at myself for the flicker of hope I’d felt when I first saw him, thinking that maybe, just maybe, he was actually worried about me. The doctors and nurses looked at me with a mix of anger on my behalf and pity. But I didn’t feel helpless or sad. I was just trying to figure out how to convince them to give me more pain meds and start the surgery, because everything hurt. That’s when a couple who looked like they stepped out of a magazine walked in, led by the hospital director. They said I was their daughter, switched at birth. Compared to their emotional tears and excitement, I was calm. I only asked two questions. “Will you pay for my surgery?” “Will you pay for my college tuition?” When they said yes, I looked them in the eye and said, “Mom. Dad.” It didn’t matter if they truly loved me. I didn’t ask what would happen to the girl who took my place. My Grandpa Zhou, before he passed, told me that in this life, the only person you can rely on is yourself. That’s the only way to be unbeatable. So, my plan was simple: live well. And use them as a stepping stone to get where I needed to go. Chapter 1 The surgery went smoothly. I was transferred to a VIP suite for recovery. Those few days were the most comfortable and peaceful I could remember. It was in that luxury room that I learned my biological father was Elias Thorne, CEO of the multi-billion dollar Thorne Enterprises. My mother was Evelyn Reed, the heiress to the Reed Electronics empire. Turns out, two months ago, when I was working a temp job as a greeter at a Thorne Enterprises gala, I was actually working for my own family. What was the theme of that party again? Oh right. It was the extravagant 18th birthday celebration for Thorne Enterprises’ only daughter. It was so grand that every business and entertainment news outlet in the city was covering it. As an outdoor greeter, I wasn’t even allowed inside. I stood shivering in the early spring wind. Since Grandpa Zhou died, no one remembered my birthday, let alone celebrated it. Through a crack in the door, I caught glimpses of the ballroom—the expensive clothes, the champagne toasts, a room full of love and celebration. At the time, I remember thinking about the difference between her life and mine. She was a princess, bathed in love and attention. I was like a sewer rat, stealing glances at a happiness that wasn’t mine. It was worlds apart. That day was also my 18th birthday. No one noticed. When I got home that night, I was greeted with: “Where the hell have you been messing around? Don’t you know you need to come home and cook?” “Your brother has high school entrance exams coming up. What if he goes hungry?” “Useless thing. We should have given you away when you were born. Would have saved us money.” Listening to them, I sneered internally. They wouldn’t have given me away. When I was born, our old neighborhood was being redeveloped. They needed an extra headcount to get a bigger compensation apartment, so they registered my birth. If Grandpa hadn’t insisted, my name wouldn’t be Chloe Zhou. It would have been something like “Chasing-A-Son.” But I didn’t argue. If I did, they’d just get angrier, and my adoptive father would hit me. I learned long ago that silence was survival. Keep your head down, do the work, and it will pass. My only hope back then was college. To get as far away from them as possible. Knock, knock. A gentle tap on the door. My biological parents walked in, followed by a tall, handsome young man in a sharp suit. “Chloe, this is your brother. We all came to take you home.” Just as I guessed, this was the Thorne Enterprises’ crown prince, Liam Thorne. I’d heard rumors that he absolutely spoiled his only sister. If she wanted the moon, he’d try to lasso it for her. Of course, that sister wasn’t me. He walked over with large strides, looking a bit stiff and awkward. His voice was gentle but forced. “Chloe, I’m your brother.” I looked up, gave a small smile, and softly said, “Liam.” When I used to get bullied at school, I’d see other kids’ big brothers protecting them. I used to wish I had a brother like that. Liam seemed to relax a bit when I said his name. “Mom, Dad, and I talked about it. We think it’s best if we go visit your adoptive parents.” “We investigated what happened back then. It was an accident.” “They did raise you for eighteen years, after all. And about Sarah… she’s still abroad…” I watched them. Their faces were full of guilt, but their eyes dodged mine. There was love there, too. Testing the waters of that love, I tentatively said, “They didn’t treat me well…” “Chloe,” Liam interrupted before I could finish. “We checked. Your adoptive family isn’t exactly living in poverty. They raised you for eighteen years. You should be grateful.” I saw my new parents in the background, looking slightly uncomfortable with his words, but they didn’t stop him. I stayed silent. So, the love in their eyes wasn’t just for me. It was also for the daughter they had loved for eighteen years. He assumed I was being ungrateful and money-hungry based on half a sentence. Fine. “Okay. Let’s go then.” Chapter 2 To their surprise, I got out of bed, supporting my arm which was still in a sling. “I’m ready.” If their love wasn’t unconditional, then I would use their guilt to fill the gap. We arrived at the Zhou house around lunchtime. I used my key to open the door and went in first. The three of them were stuffing their faces with meat and fish. They froze when they saw me, then went right back to eating as if nothing happened. “Good, you’re back. Go wash the clothes in the bathroom.” “Mom, I told you she had a secret stash of money. Look, we didn’t give her a dime for the hospital, and she got out just fine.” “Damn girl, always out of the house. Who knows what dirty ways she earned that money.” I stood there, putting a look of pure terror on my face, shrinking back as if afraid. My adoptive father’s face darkened when he saw me not moving. “What are you standing there for? Didn’t you hear your mother tell you to wash clothes?” I whimpered, lifting my injured arm slightly. “I… I just got out of the hospital. My arm isn’t healed. I can’t hand-wash them. Can I use the machine?” My adoptive mother’s shrill voice cut in immediately. “Does the machine run for free? Don’t you have another hand?” “I…” Seeing me about to argue, my adoptive father’s temper flared. He slammed his empty bowl onto the table and walked toward me, while my adoptive mother and brother, Tyler Zhou, watched with glee. He raised his hand to strike. I immediately dropped to a crouch, covering my head with my good arm, babbling. “I was wrong, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have talked back.” “I won’t do it again, Dad, don’t hit me, please don’t hit me. I’ll go wash the clothes right now. By hand.” As expected, the slap never landed. My new brother, Liam, rushed in and grabbed my adoptive father’s arm, shoving him aside. My new parents carefully helped me up, their eyes full of pain and guilt. Seeing the intruders, my adoptive mother jumped up to support her husband. She screeched, “Who are you people?” Then she saw them comforting me and realized what was happening. She turned her venom on me. “You little bitch! Bringing outsiders home to bully your parents, huh?” “Raising you was useless. Should’ve drowned you in the river when you were born.” She continued with a stream of vile insults: money pit, slut, uneducated trash. I always wondered why they treated their son like a prince and their daughter like garbage, even before they knew I wasn’t theirs. Especially my mother. She was a woman, too. How could she become the executioner of a younger version of herself? I used to think she was just trapped by old-fashioned thinking. Later, I realized she was just mean-spirited and narrow-minded. She wanted her daughter to suffer the same hardships she had endured. In fact, she wanted me to suffer double. When I was little, I would bring home good grades and awards, craving her love and praise. All I got was being ignored or mocked. Growing up, the nastiest things I ever heard came from her mouth first. I was immune to it now. I could ignore the abuse and just do what I needed to do. But my biological parents looked horrified. Liam’s fists were clenched in rage. Perfect. The effect was even better than I anticipated. I didn’t need to do anything else. I just had to act scared. It felt nice to have family protecting me. I used to crave this feeling. Now? It was take it or leave it. It wasn’t a necessity for my survival anymore. Besides, this “love” was calculated. I knew it wouldn’t belong solely to me in the future. There was still a Sarah Thorne, the daughter they’d cherished for eighteen years. When they announced I wasn’t their biological daughter, my adoptive mother started making a scene. My adoptive father, however, sized up my new parents and immediately started negotiating a price. Liam rubbed my head gently. “Go with Mom and pack your things.” “Leave this to me and Dad.” I nodded timidly and went to my room, my new mother looking at me with pity. Chapter 3 My “room” was a converted utility closet. It held a pile of junk on one side, and my cot, an old wardrobe, and a small desk on the other. I saw my mother’s eyes turn red, but I pretended not to notice and started packing. When she saw me stuffing faded jeans and a worn-out jacket into a broken suitcase, she couldn’t take it anymore. She walked over and threw everything onto the tiny cot. Her voice was choked with emotion. “Chloe, no. Don’t take these. Mom will buy you new ones.” I looked up, confused. “But these aren’t torn yet. I can still wear them.” My mother’s lips trembled, and she couldn’t speak. She pulled me into a hug, her tears wetting my shoulder. My shirt was damp, so I changed into a sports bra. I heard another gasp from behind me. “Chloe… what are these?” My mother pointed to the burn scars on my back and arms. Before I could speak, the door opened. My father and Liam stood there, staring at the scars. The silence in the room was heavy. My adoptive father pushed his way in after them, impatient. “What’s taking so long? Hurry up and pack so we can get paid.” Then he saw my scars, paused for a second, and got angry. “You damn girl, what are you looking at? Didn’t you do that to yourself?” He reached out to grab me. I flinched slightly and stammered, “Y-yes. I… I was clumsy. I did it myself.” Liam shoved my adoptive father out of the room, furious. “You want money? Then behave yourself! Don’t you dare yell at my sister.” My father’s eyes were red too. “Chloe has suffered so much.” I shook my head and didn’t say anything. In the car on the way to their estate, I thought about how well things were going. With my biological parents’ help, I was finally free of that rotten family. They mistook my silent contemplation for shock or trauma. “Chloe, it’s our fault. We shouldn’t have taken you back there.” “It’s our fault. If we had found you sooner, you wouldn’t have suffered so much.” “Chloe, don’t worry. Your brother will make them pay.” “From now on, Mom and Dad are here. No one will dare bully you again.” Looking at the raw guilt and love in their red eyes, it was impossible not to feel something. But it was just a little bit. I could take my own revenge later. The suffering? It was in the past. The car stopped. We were at the Thorne Estate, a place I had only ever heard whispered about at parties. It was the first time I truly understood the extreme gap in wealth in this world. I lowered my eyes. I felt a flicker of desire. I was an heir to this immense wealth and power now, too. “Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, you’re back.” The butler led the staff out to greet us. He looked at me, standing in the center of the group, and hesitated. “This is the second daughter. Take good care of her from now on.” My father spoke as he led me inside. The staff all bowed and said yes. As soon as I entered the grand foyer, I looked up and saw the girl standing by the staircase. The girl who had lived my life for eighteen years. Chapter 4 She was beautiful. Exquisite and expensive-looking, nourished by money and power. Right now, she looked like a broken porcelain doll. Her eyes were red and swollen. The moment she saw us, tears started falling like large pearls. So pitiful. So endearing. Her voice trembled as she pointed at me. “Mom, Dad, Liam… are the rumors true? Are you replacing me with her?” My father frowned and scolded her. “Sarah, watch your manners. This is your sister’s home. Of course she’s coming back.” Sarah looked terrified. “Dad, you’re yelling at me?” She turned and ran up the stairs, crying out, “Fine! Since I’m not your real daughter, I’ll leave right now! I won’t be an eyesore to you!” My father opened his mouth but didn’t say anything. He sighed and went to his study. Liam looked at me apologetically. “Sarah’s been spoiled. Don’t mind her, Chloe. I’ll go check on her.” He hurried up the stairs to comfort Sarah. Looking at my mother, who kept anxiously glancing upstairs, I sensibly said, “Mom, you should go comfort my sister too.” My mother paused. “Chloe, you’re such a good girl. I’ll just go see her for a minute. I’ll be right back.” She gave me a quick hug and went upstairs to console Sarah. The family that had just been fussing over me was instantly revolving around the other girl. I was left standing alone in the grand hall. As expected of the princess they had cherished for eighteen years. Their bond was deep. They couldn’t just let her go. I understood. I lowered my head. Did I care? If I didn’t get my hopes up, I wouldn’t be disappointed, right? But it still stung. The butler stepped forward. “Second Miss, your room is this way. I’ll show you.” “Thank you.” My mother, who said she’d be “right back,” didn’t show up for the rest of the afternoon. I didn’t have time to dwell on family drama. I couldn’t pin my future on these people. So at dinner, when it was just me and my father at the table, I ate quietly and didn’t make a fuss. After dinner, I spoke up. “Dad, could I get a tutor? The college entrance exams are in a month.” “I’m afraid I won’t adjust well going back to a regular school right now. Can I study at home?” My father was momentarily stunned, then nodded. “Just tell Butler Lee. He’ll arrange it.” “If you need anything else, just ask. If I’m not here, tell Butler Lee.” I gave a shy smile. “Thank you, Dad.” My father let out a breath of relief at my obedience. He hesitantly patted my shoulder and went to his study. A maid helped me get ready for bed. Just as I was about to lie down, there was a knock on the door. It was my mother. “Chloe, Sarah has a bit of a temper. Please try to be understanding.” “You just got here. Do you want to take a walk outside with me? Get familiar with the place?” I nodded, still in my pajamas, and went out with her. Sarah was standing by the stairs again. Her eyes were still red, but I clearly saw the smugness and challenge in her gaze. I nodded and smiled at her. “Sister, you’re up too?” My mother turned. “What are you doing out of bed? Go back to sleep. Your eyes are swollen like walnuts.” Sarah quickly adjusted her expression, gave a sweet smile, and went back to her room. A gentle evening breeze blew, bringing a cool relief. The estate grounds were beautiful. “Chloe, Mom wants to discuss something with you.”

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The day Luke Sterling hooked up with his assistant, I went online and posted a tweet: “Urgently seeking a new husband. Must be handsome, charming, clean-living, and a paragon of virtue. $15,000 monthly allowance, full benefits included. First come, first served.” That night, it broke the internet. “A-list actor fights male models for health insurance!” “Famous screenwriter and top director brawl over pocket money!” … A week later, Luke returned from his business trip abroad. I was at home playing poker with a few A-listers, lipstick marks all over my face from losing bets. His eyes were red-rimmed. “Vivian, don’t you love me anymore?” I glanced at him and laughed recklessly. “Luke, it’s not that I don’t love you.” “It’s that the Vivian who loved you is dead.” “She died while you were kissing your little assistant in the lounge, ignoring her call for help.” Chapter 1 After getting sick, I retired from the entertainment industry. Aside from seeing my therapist, I rarely went out. Old friends gradually stopped contacting me, and I lost interest in everything. One day, I suddenly really wanted to see Luke. So, for the first time in ages, I went to his company. Standing at the door of Luke’s office, I saw a young girl lying on the sofa opposite his desk, looking pale. Luke handed her a cup of hot tea, then leaned over to cover her stomach with a blanket. “Since you feel so terrible, why don’t I give you the day off to rest at home?” She took the cup, speaking righteously, “An assistant who leaves her boss to work all alone isn’t a good assistant.” Luke lifted his chin, gesturing toward the inner room. “Then go lie down in my lounge for a bit.” The little assistant sipped the tea and joked, “No way, Senior. You’re a married man now; I have to avoid suspicion.” Luke chuckled, shaking his head helplessly. Then he looked up and saw me standing at the door. The smile at the corner of his mouth froze slightly. I was also a bit dazed. I was still thinking about the smile Luke just gave his assistant. I’ve been much slower since getting sick. Thinking back now, it seems like he hasn’t smiled that easily in front of me for a long time since my illness began. But in an instant, he put on his usual expression and walked toward me. “Vivian, what are you doing here?” He tried to take my hand, but I instinctively pulled back slightly. Luke’s hand froze in mid-air. “Senior, is this a surprise inspection?” The little assistant, holding the cup of tea Luke gave her, stood next to him. She reached out to me with a beaming smile. “I’m Joy, also a graduate of Stanford. I don’t know if you remember me, Senior?” Joy… Joy… I studied her face. A few seconds later, I remembered. This wasn’t the first time I’d seen her. She was Luke’s junior from the same major in college. Freshman year, she fell in love with Luke at first sight. She was enthusiastic and cheerful, like a little sun, doing things with vigor. She immediately launched a fierce pursuit. At that time, I had already entered the entertainment industry. Although Luke and I were passionately in love, I couldn’t always be by his side. But he consciously avoided any interactions with the opposite sex that might affect our relationship. So he bluntly said he had a girlfriend and remained unmoved by her advances. Naturally, she didn’t believe him. A girlfriend never seen is Schrödinger’s girlfriend. She thought it was just Luke’s excuse to reject her. It wasn’t until I finished filming and returned to school that she knew it was true. I remember she looked very lost back then, tears in her eyes. Looking at me pitifully, she asked, “Senior, can I still add his contact info? If love is gone, it’s gone, but academics must go on!” Without waiting for my response, she turned to Luke and pleaded, “Senior, if I can’t pursue you, give me a chance to be a normal classmate, okay? You’re the top student in our major. If I encounter problems in my studies later, I’ll need your helping hand!” She spoke as if she were very open and honest. But how did Luke answer back then? He said, “Sorry.” “There is no need.” “You can ask the professor directly about academic matters.” I have to say, I was very happy at the time. Standing by my side, he gave me enough security. Now, so many years have passed. Joy is still that same character, like the sun, shining warmth on everyone. And I seem to have lost all joy in life, like a black hole, swallowing all the light around me. Chapter 2 Luke still gave Joy half a day off and let her go home to rest. All afternoon, I sat in Luke’s office waiting for him to get off work. He was in meetings. I stared blankly at the half-finished cup of tea Joy left on the coffee table. After work, I sat in Luke’s passenger seat. When he leaned over to help me fasten my seatbelt, I saw a small ornament on the dashboard. It was a cute, soft white rabbit. Not something a person with a cold personality like Luke would actively put in front of him. The rabbit ornament smiled softly at me. A heavy haze covered my heart. Staring blankly for a while, I suddenly spoke, “So Joy graduated.” “Yeah.” Luke responded, then explained, “She graduated last year. As soon as she graduated, she sent a resume to our company. We were short on staff, and I saw her potential, so I hired her.” He seemed to be comforting me, but the more he said, the guiltier he sounded, so he shut up. And the sudden bit of spirit and interest I had today vanished completely. I didn’t have the energy to ask further. I just leaned my head against the car window, watching the scenery fly by. Maybe, for a sick person like me. Even if today he said “there is no need” just like many years ago, giving me enough security, I wouldn’t feel happy. Chapter 3 After seeing his smile in Luke’s office, I learned to pay more attention to him. He seemed to be constantly accommodating me. Maybe out of consideration for my illness. In the past, he would share funny stories from his startup days, finding joy in hardship; he would slack off to tell me he missed the coffee I made him and the chicken soup I stewed; he would patiently listen to me ramble about bizarre events in the entertainment industry. He would share his joys, sorrows, and longing with me. Now, he has almost no emotions toward me other than gentleness. It seems that unknowingly, I lost the desire to share, leaving only unhappiness. Then, I brought my black hole emotions to him. We still cuddle to sleep and eat breakfast face to face. Everything seems the same as before. But there is an indescribable barrier between us. Luke’s smile in front of Joy always flashes before my eyes. He hasn’t been that relaxed in front of me for a long time. I made him unhappy. I want to change. In a few days, it will be our wedding anniversary. Maybe I can use a bouquet of flowers, a cake, or the coffee and chicken soup he used to miss to help me get out of this state, to help us tear open this barrier. So on our anniversary, I called him and said, “Luke, today I bought a bouquet of roses, a cake, made chicken soup, and brewed coffee.” So, do you want to come back early for dinner? Luke probably didn’t expect me to be so spirited suddenly. He was silent for a moment before replying, “I have urgent work overtime tonight, but I’ll be home before midnight.” “I prepared a gift for you. Wait for me, Vivian.” “Okay, I’ll wait for you.” I hung up the phone and sat quietly alone in the dim candlelight. The bright roses, sweet cake, and rich chicken soup on the table couldn’t make me feel the slightest bit of joy. Only endless darkness, as if it would swallow me whole the next second. Finally, I picked up the chicken soup and cake, holding the roses, and went out. Go to him. Go to him, and maybe I can escape the darkness, escape the silence, escape the powerlessness and suffocation. When I drove through the night to the underground parking garage of Luke’s company, I saw him rushing out of the elevator. Before I could get out of the car, he stepped on the gas and sped away. He was in a hurry. He abandoned the urgent work that required overtime. There was something more important. Going home? Going home to drink my chicken soup, eat cake with me, and celebrate our anniversary? Or… I drove after him. I thought, if he goes home, I can’t let him wait too long. But within five minutes, I knew his direction wasn’t the way home. The night grew darker, and the haze in my heart deepened. Subconsciously, I guessed the truth. But my heart struggled unwillingly. Maybe… maybe it’s just because I think too much after getting sick. I stepped on the gas and followed behind him. Looking at the rear of Luke’s car, I had extreme impulses several times. Why not just crash into him directly and perish together? Then anything I fear happening won’t have to happen. Passing a crossroads, the yellow light flickered. I didn’t let up on the gas. A large truck was coming from the intersection on the right. If I ran the red light, maybe I could push Luke under the truck with me. Then die. Never having to face the possibly bloody reality again. Until a loud “HONK—” The ear-piercing long horn of the truck woke me up, and I slammed on the brakes. “Damn it! Do you have a death wish? Kill yourself if you want, don’t drag others down!” The cursing of other drivers came from outside the window. I woke up. My heart beat violently. Lying on the steering wheel in a cold sweat, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I really am sick. Even seeking death, I involuntarily want to use such a vicious method. The green light turned on. Suppressing all terrifying thoughts, I caught up with Luke ahead. Arriving at an apartment complex, he got out of the car quickly. Running past my car, he didn’t notice me. He just rushed into a residential building while on the phone: “I’m almost there!” I sat in the car staring at that building for a while, then followed. The elevator in the building was broken. A yellow “Under Maintenance” warning sign surrounded the elevator entrance. But the voice-activated light at the stairwell entrance was on. Luke must have rushed into the emergency exit and climbed the stairs. I stood at the entrance, looking at the steps one by one under the dim light inside, looking like they could swallow me. But I still followed. One step, two steps… First floor, second floor… Listening to the sound of Luke running up the stairs, following the voice-activated lights he triggered, I climbed step by step, step by step to the thirteenth floor. The light on the fourteenth floor didn’t turn on. Luke’s destination was the thirteenth floor. I climbed a few more steps and sat down at the corner between the thirteenth and fourteenth floors. Then, I heard a rush of footsteps. Luke’s voice was a bit panicked: “Hold on a bit, I’ll take you to the hospital right away.” I slowly poked my head out and saw Luke rushing out of the corridor holding the little assistant who was groaning in pain in his arms, running down the stairs. I could see he was very worried, very anxious. He was entirely focused on the pale and fragile little assistant in his arms. So, he didn’t discover me. The voice-activated lights turned on one by one following Luke’s footsteps, then went out one by one. The surroundings fell into darkness, only the “EXIT” sign in the corner still emitting a faint green light. I sat there, letting myself be completely submerged by the darkness. It seems something changed long ago when I wasn’t aware. In Luke’s heart, there was something more important than his company, more important than me. The phone alarm rang. It was midnight. “Happy anniversary, Vivian.” I said to myself.

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The day I found out Lucas Sterling was hooking up with his assistant, I went straight to Instagram and posted a casting call: “Urgent: Seeking a new husband. Must be handsome, sweet-talking, chaste, and possess outstanding moral character. Monthly allowance of $15,000, full benefits, and 401k included. First come, first served.” That night, the internet broke. #A-ListActorFightsModelsForBenefits #TopDirectorAndScreenwriterBrawlForAllowance One week later, Lucas returned from his business trip abroad. I was at home playing poker with a few A-list celebrities, my face marked with lipstick from losing a bet. His eyes were red-rimmed. “Willow, don’t you love me anymore?” I glanced at him and laughed, free and wild. “Lucas, it’s not that I don’t love you.” “It’s just that the Willow who loved you is gone.” “She passed away the night you were in the VIP lounge, entangled with your little assistant, ignoring her call for help.” 1. After getting sick, I retired from Hollywood. Aside from seeing my therapist, I rarely went out. I lost touch with old friends and lost interest in everything. But that day, I suddenly wanted to see Lucas. So, I went to his corporate headquarters—something I hadn’t done in ages. Standing at the door of Lucas’s office, I saw a young girl lying on the sofa opposite his desk, her face pale. Lucas handed her a cup of hot chocolate and tucked a blanket over her stomach. “If you’re feeling this awful, take the day off and go home.” She took the cup, speaking righteously, “An assistant who leaves her boss to work all alone isn’t a good assistant.” Lucas jutted his chin toward the inner door. “Then go lie down in the lounge inside.” The little assistant took a sip of cocoa, joking half-heartedly, “No way, Senior. You’re a married man now. I have to avoid suspicion.” Lucas chuckled, shaking his head helplessly. Then he looked up and saw me standing in the doorway. The smile on his lips froze. I was dazed, too. I was still thinking about the smile Lucas had just given his assistant. Since I got sick, I’ve become slow. Looking back now, it seems like he hasn’t smiled that easily in front of me for a long time. But in a split second, he put on his usual expression and walked toward me. “Willow, what are you doing here?” He reached for my hand, but I instinctively flinched. Lucas’s hand froze in mid-air. “Senior, is this a surprise inspection?” The assistant, holding the cocoa Lucas gave her, stood by his side and extended a hand to me with a beaming smile. “I’m Chloe York, also a Yale grad. I wonder if you remember me?” Chloe… Chloe… I studied her face. A few seconds later, I remembered. This wasn’t the first time I’d seen her. She was a junior in Lucas’s program. Freshman year, she fell for Lucas at first sight. She was enthusiastic and bright, like a little sun, and immediately launched a fierce pursuit. I was already in the industry then. Although Lucas and I were madly in love, I couldn’t be by his side 24/7. But he consciously shut down any female interactions that might affect our relationship. So he told her straight out that he had a girlfriend. Naturally, she didn’t believe him. A girlfriend never seen is a Schrödinger’s Girlfriend. She thought it was just an excuse. It wasn’t until I came back to campus after wrapping a shoot that she realized it was true. I remember how disappointed she looked, tears welling in her eyes. Looking at me pitifully, she asked, “Senior, can I at least add him on socials? If love is gone, I still need to focus on my career!” Without waiting for my response, she turned to Lucas and begged, “Senior, if I can’t date you, give me a chance to be a normal classmate? You’re the top student; I’ll need your helping hand with my studies in the future!” She sounded so open and honest. But how did Lucas answer back then? He said, “Sorry.” “There is no need.” “For academic questions, you can ask the professor directly.” I have to say, I was very happy back then. He stood by my side and gave me enough security. Now, so many years have passed. Chloe is still that same personality, like the sun, shining warmth on everyone. And I seem to have lost all joy in life, like a black hole, swallowing all the light around me. 2. Lucas still gave Chloe the afternoon off to go home and rest. I sat in Lucas’s office all afternoon waiting for him to finish work. He was in meetings. I stared blankly at the half-drunk cup of cocoa Chloe left on the coffee table. After work, I sat in the passenger seat of Lucas’s car. When he leaned over to help me buckle my seatbelt, I saw a small ornament on the dashboard. It was a cute, soft white bunny. Not the kind of thing someone with Lucas’s cold personality would actively display. The bunny ornament smiled softly at me. But a heavy haze covered my heart. Staring at it for a while, I suddenly spoke, “So Chloe graduated.” “Yeah.” Lucas responded, then explained, “Graduated last year. She sent a resume to our company right after. We were short-handed, and I saw her potential, so I hired her.” He seemed to be comforting me, but the more he said, the more it felt like a cover-up, so he shut up. And the sudden bit of energy and interest I had today vanished completely. I had no strength to ask further. I just leaned my head against the window, watching the scenery fly by. Maybe, for a sick person like me… Even if he said “there is no need” today, just like years ago, giving me full security, I still wouldn’t feel happy. 3. After seeing his smile in the office, I learned to pay more attention to him. He seemed to be constantly tolerating me. Maybe out of consideration for my illness. Before, he would share funny stories from his startup days, finding joy in hardship. He would slack off to tell me he missed the coffee I brewed and the chicken soup I made. He would patiently listen to me ramble about weird industry gossip. He shared his joys, sorrows, and longing with me. Now, he showed almost no emotion toward me other than gentleness. It seems that unknowingly, I lost the desire to share, leaving only unhappiness. And then, I brought my black hole emotions to him. We still cuddled to sleep, still ate breakfast face-to-face. Everything seemed the same. Yet there was an unspoken barrier between us. The smile Lucas showed Chloe kept flashing before my eyes. He hadn’t been that relaxed in front of me for a long time. I made him unhappy. I wanted to change. In a few days, it would be our wedding anniversary. Maybe with a bouquet of flowers, a cake, or the coffee and stew he used to miss, I could break out of this state, tear open this barrier. So on our anniversary, I called him and said, “Honey, I bought roses and a cake today, made soup, and brewed coffee.” So, will you come back early for dinner? Lucas probably didn’t expect me to be in such high spirits. He was silent for a moment before replying, “I have urgent overtime tonight, but I’ll be home before twelve.” “I have a gift for you. Wait for me, Willow.” “Okay, I’ll wait.” I hung up and sat quietly alone in the dim candlelight. The bright roses, the sweet cake, the rich soup on the table—none of it brought me any pleasure. Only endless darkness, threatening to swallow me the next second. Finally, I packed the soup and cake, grabbed the roses, and went out. Go to him. Maybe by his side, I could escape the darkness, the silence, the powerlessness, and the suffocation. When I drove through the night to the underground parking garage of Lucas’s company, I saw him rushing out of the elevator. Before I could get out, he slammed on the gas and sped away. He was in a hurry. He abandoned the urgent overtime. Was there something more important? Going home? To drink my soup, eat cake, and spend our anniversary with me? Or… I drove and followed him. I thought, if he’s going home, I can’t let him wait too long. But within five minutes, I knew he wasn’t heading home. The night grew darker, and the haze in my heart deepened. Subconsciously, I guessed the truth. But inside, I struggled unwillingly. Maybe… maybe it’s just my illness making me overthink. I stepped on the gas, trailing behind him. Looking at the tail lights of Lucas’s car, I had several extreme impulses. Why not just ram into him? Let’s end it together. Then nothing I fear will ever happen. Crossing an intersection, the light turned yellow. I didn’t slow down. A large truck was coming from the right. If I ran the red light, maybe I could push Lucas under the wheels with me. And pass on. Never having to face the possibly bloody reality. Until a loud “HONK—” The truck’s piercing horn woke me up, and I slammed on the brakes. “Are you crazy? If you want to end yourself, don’t drag others down!” The driver shouted curses from the window. I woke up. My heart pounded violently. Lying on the steering wheel in a cold sweat, I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I really am sick. Even seeking the end, I involuntarily think of such vicious ways. The green light turned on. I suppressed all the terrifying thoughts and followed Lucas ahead. Arriving at an apartment complex, he got out quickly. Running past my car, he didn’t notice me. He just rushed into a residential building while on the phone: “I’ll be right there!” I sat in the car staring at the building for a while, then followed. The elevator was broken. There was a yellow “Under Maintenance” sign. But the sensor lights in the stairwell were on. Lucas must have run into the emergency exit and climbed the stairs. I stood at the entrance, looking at the steps under the dim light, like a monster’s throat waiting to swallow me. But I followed anyway. One flight, two flights… First floor, second floor… I listened to the sound of Lucas running up, following the lights he triggered, climbing step by step to the thirteenth floor. The light on the fourteenth floor didn’t turn on. Lucas’s destination was the thirteenth floor. I climbed a few more steps and sat in the corner between the thirteenth and fourteenth floors. Then, I heard hurried footsteps. Lucas’s voice was panicked: “Hold on, I’m taking you to the hospital right now.” I slowly peeked out and saw Lucas rushing out of the corridor holding the little assistant, who was groaning in pain in his arms, running down the stairs. I could see he was worried, desperate. All his attention was on the pale, fragile Chloe in his arms. So, he didn’t see me. The sensor lights lit up one by one with Lucas’s footsteps, then went out one by one. The surroundings fell into darkness; only the green “EXIT” sign in the corner emitted a weak glow. I sat there, letting the darkness completely submerge me. It seemed that something had changed long ago without me realizing it. In Lucas’s heart, there was something more important than his company, more important than me. My phone alarm rang. It was twelve o’clock. “Happy Anniversary, Willow.” I said to myself. 4. Going down thirteen flights of stairs was harder than climbing up. It was like walking step by step into hell, endless. Beneath my feet were dense steps. Ahead was a dark, terrifying stairwell. Malice toward myself rose from the bottom of my heart, like a demon whispering in my ear: “Why not just fall? Fall down.” That way, it would be over immediately, no need to walk alone anymore. When Lucas sends his assistant home, maybe he can pick up my body on the way. Just a pity about my cake, my roses, and my soup. I closed my eyes and lifted my foot. Just one step into empty air… Ding-dong! The phone notification sound was exceptionally loud in the empty stairwell. I froze. Standing silently in the dark for a long time, I opened my eyes and checked my phone. It was a message from Lucas. “Willow, something urgent came up, I can’t make it back. Sorry.” Looking at the name “Willow,” I finally walked down the stairs step by step. Then I gave the cake, flowers, and soup to a homeless man by the road and went home alone. Insomnia is my normal state since getting sick; I’m used to it. I waited with open eyes until 2:00 AM, when Lucas returned. He went to the bathroom first. When he hugged me from behind, I heard him whisper “Sorry” in my ear. Sorry for what? Sorry for not making it back before twelve? Or sorry for having someone more important, leaving me to climb thirteen flights of stairs alone? Until the morning light broke, I couldn’t figure it out. I just said to him as he got up, “Lucas, don’t let Chloe be your assistant anymore, okay? Let her leave the company.” Lucas’s hand tying his tie paused. After a long time, he replied, “Okay.” It was a tacit understanding. I didn’t even need to explain why.

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My best friend lured me to that seedy club. There were fourteen other people in the private room. Fifteen including her. I don’t remember much after that. I just remember my broken, abused body being sent home. My dad’s hair turned gray overnight; my stepmom passed out cold. Kaelen somehow got the news. He snuck away from his doctors abroad and came back, deceiving everyone. Only our family of four knew the truth: Kaelen—the stepbrother my stepmom brought into the family—was completely unhinged. I floated as a spirit beside Kaelen, sticking close, desperate to see what he would do. He went to the morgue first to see me. His eyes were rimmed red, concealing a terrifying, overwhelming rage. Carefully, gently, he lifted my mangled hand and pressed it tight against his cheek. “Lily…” It was the first time he’d ever used my nickname. Before, he always impatiently called me “Nuisance.” I instinctively answered, then realized he couldn’t hear me. I awkwardly touched my nose. “Brother is going to avenge you.” “All fifteen of them. I won’t let a single one get away.” His venom-laced voice sent a tremor through my soul. When we were small, every time I trailed behind him calling “Brother,” he’d look annoyed: “Who’s your brother? Get lost!” After a while, I stopped calling him that. “Brother…” I zoned out for a second, and the next instant, Kaelen had already walked out. 1. Kaelen bought a razor-sharp hunting knife. First, he kidnapped the girl who tricked me. [Content redacted: Extreme violence] Then, he used her phone to invite the remaining fourteen people back to that club. Those fourteen had powerful parents who managed to get them out on bail during the investigation, which only made things easier for Kaelen. When they arrived at the club, laughing and joking, they were met with a nightmare scene and Kaelen, covered in blood. Everything I had suffered, Kaelen returned to them, one by one. When someone begged for mercy, crying out in pain, Kaelen just laughed coldly and grabbed their hair. “Did you ever stop to think that my sister felt pain when you did this to her?” Screams, begging, cursing, confessions… The chaotic chorus of voices sent all fifteen of them straight to hell together. Kaelen never planned to escape. By the time the bodies were discovered, he was already standing on the roof of the city’s tallest skyscraper. He stepped off the edge. “NO—” I screamed involuntarily, reaching out to grab the empty air. An instant later, sharp pain hit me, and I blacked out. When I opened my eyes, I saw my familiar canopy bed. Stunned, I walked to the mirror and touched my face. It was me at ten years old. 2. My dad, still having a full head of hair, pushed the door open. It was jarring to see; he went bald a few years later. “Lily, your brother Kaelen has arrived downstairs. Go down and say hello. You’ll be living together from now on.” I scrambled out of bed, not even bothering with shoes, and thundered down to the second-floor landing. Downstairs, a thin, sharp boy stood ramrod straight in the living room, looking up at us with a mix of disdain and intensity. I leaned over the railing, meeting his hostile gaze. Stepmom nudged him slightly. “Kaelen, say hello to your sister.” Kaelen tugged the corner of his mouth in a challenging smirk and slowly said, “Nuisance.” Dad and Stepmom’s faces dropped, but I ran down the stairs barefoot, pat-pat-pat, right up to Kaelen and hugged him fiercely around the waist. “Not a nuisance. I’m your sister.” I looked up, letting the tears stream down my face unchecked. “Brother, this time, I won’t let go of your hand no matter what.” 3. Kaelen was unstable. I knew this from the time he butchered that meat rabbit we bought for dinner. In my past life, when he came to our house, he was covered in thorns, pushing me away time and time again. When Kaelen came to pick me up from school, my classmates would laugh and scatter. “Song Lily, your psycho brother is here. Are you a psycho too?” My face would burn red with anger. I’d turn and see Kaelen’s frosty expression. He’d toss my backpack onto his back, hesitate, then stiffly reach out his hand to me. Slap! In my anger, I’d slap his hand away and run off. After running a bit, realized he wasn’t chasing me, I went back to find him. I saw him cornering the classmate who mocked me, hands around their neck. I hurried over to pull him off, terrified inside by this volatile brother. Thinking back now, I realize there was no real malice in Kaelen’s eyes then, and his hands weren’t applying pressure. It was just because that classmate insulted me behind my back, and Kaelen was warning him not to bully me again. Again and again, the rift between Kaelen and me grew deeper. Until Stepmom suggested sending him abroad for “treatment.” The family voted. Kaelen voted no. Dad and Stepmom voted yes. It was two against one. They just needed my vote for Kaelen to stay. But I deliberately avoided Kaelen’s hopeful gaze and turned to look at Stepmom. Whispering the words: “I agree.” The light in Kaelen’s eyes instantly extinguished. Thinking about it now, if Kaelen had stayed back then, those fifteen people would never have been able to hurt me later. Because I had the best brother in the world. 4. I held onto Kaelen tightly, refusing to let go. Kaelen’s hands hovered over my shoulders, wanting to push me away, but he hesitated. He craved a warm hug too, didn’t he? Kaelen’s face turned bright red. It took him ages to squeeze out a sentence: “Nuisance, are you trying to frame me for assault?” I burst out laughing, snot splattering onto his pristine white shirt. Mortified, I covered my face and ran off, but kept looking back at him. He looked down darkly at his soiled shirt, but slowly grabbed a pair of fluffy slippers from nearby and threw them at my feet. “Put them on!” Oh. I just realized I was still barefoot. I put on the slippers, turned back, and gave Dad a brilliant smile. “Dad, Stepmom, I really like Brother Kaelen!” Maybe now, they wouldn’t reject Kaelen so much and would treat him better? I was plotting how to make his life better, never expecting that the cold, hard teenager behind me had ears burning red. The frost was melted by the blazing sun; the boy’s thorns dissolved by an embrace.

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At thirty, I did something incredibly stupid. I kidnapped the young mistress Caleb Vance was keeping, trying to win back his heart. When he found out, he didn’t hesitate. In just a few days, he bankrupted my family’s company. My father’s life’s work was destroyed, his hair turning white overnight. My mother nearly went blind from crying. Now, Caleb was threatening to make my father kneel and beg for forgiveness, using his humiliation to force me to reveal the girl’s location. “Zoey, I spoiled you too much before. You don’t know your place!” “Since you made a mistake, I’m going to teach you a lesson!” As soon as he finished speaking, his bodyguards grabbed my father’s head and slammed it hard against the floor. In that moment, my heart felt like it was being stabbed by a thousand needles. 1 “Caleb Vance! That’s my father! He’s your elder! You can’t do this!!!” The pain in my eyes was excruciating, my voice hoarse and desperate. We dated for four years, married for eight. We had been part of each other’s lives for twelve years. I never thought our hearts would drift so far apart, that our love would end like this. Caleb grabbed my chin, forcing my head up, and said with a dark expression, “Where did you hide Lily?!” I wanted to fight back, but I was surrounded by his men. I choked back a sob and closed my eyes in pain. My willfulness had already cost my parents the business they spent their lives building. I couldn’t let them lose their dignity too. I bit my lower lip and met his gaze. “Let my parents go. Promise not to trouble them again, and I’ll tell you.” Caleb waved his hand, signaling the bodyguards to release them. Just as I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, he suddenly grabbed my throat, slowly lifting me until my feet left the ground. Instantly, the feeling of suffocation spread through my body. I struggled instinctively, only to hear his cruel voice. “Zoey, did I give you too much respect?!” “Did you really think I’m that easy to talk to?” “I could find Lily in minutes. What right does someone like you have to negotiate with me?” “Crushing you is as simple as stepping on an ant, do you understand?” Fear and despair shrouded my heart. I stared at him intently, tears sliding unconsciously from the corners of my eyes. Even though I was terrified, I still managed to speak with difficulty: “Even so, you can’t hurt my parents!” “They are my family!” Hearing this, Caleb looked triggered, his face turning completely dark. The strength in his hand increased, as if he were going to strangle me the next second. But just as I was about to black out, Caleb let go. I gasped for air, my body trembling violently from extreme fear. In that fleeting moment, all my past with him flashed through my mind. Those loving memories intertwined, finally turning into a blade that pierced my heart. I couldn’t control it anymore and burst into tears. For the sudden death of love, for the hopeless marriage. And even more, for the loss of dignity in trying to save it all. Caleb stared at me coldly, radiating a violent aura. He stepped forward, roughly lifting my chin to make me look at him. “Tell me, where did you hide Lily?!” His tone was fierce, as if cruel punishment awaited me if I didn’t speak in the next second. “The countryside. She’s in the countryside.” In an instant, his anger turned to joy, and he swiftly left with his group. I knew. From this moment on, he was no longer my husband. No matter how much I loved him, I had to root him out of my heart. Even if it cost me half my life, I wouldn’t hesitate. 2 “Zoey, are you okay?” Mom hugged me tightly, her voice trembling with tears. I shook my head, sobbing and apologizing in self-reproach, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Mom, Dad. If it weren’t for me, the family wouldn’t be like this, you wouldn’t have…” Dad held Mom and me in his arms, his aged voice choking up. “It’s not your fault. Our Zoey has suffered too.” I wiped my tears, my tone filled with determination. “Mom, Dad, I want to divorce Caleb.” “Okay. Nothing is more important than your happiness.” … Caleb and I fell in love in college. I fell for him at first sight. It took a long time of persistent pursuit to win him over. We got married right after graduation. Only after impulsively getting the marriage license did I learn his true identity. The eldest young master of the Vance family. He never said anything, so I always thought he was just a handsome, ordinary guy. After all, what rich young master would dress so plainly, even a bit shabbily? Later, he explained to me, “I was afraid people would date me for my money, not for me.” I foolishly rejoiced that I valued his looks. But I forgot to ask him what he liked about me. Nor did I expect that when I discovered he was keeping a mistress, he would point at me and say: “Zoey, why are you making a scene?” “You’re a thirty-year-old woman. How can you compare to a girl in her early twenties?” “You’re not as young, not as pretty, and your body isn’t as good as theirs.” “If I don’t play with them, should I play with you?” I felt like I was in an ice cave. He seemed to have forgotten. He was the one who begged me with red eyes to love him a little more. He was the one who said: “Zoey, my parents never taught me how to love someone.” “I don’t understand love. Please teach me how to love.” “I want to love you properly.” He also said: “Zoey, my values were ruined by my parents long ago.” “Only you made me understand what love is.” Because of his parents, Caleb was extremely insecure. I told him I loved him over and over again in his ear. But he still sought confirmation of my love time and time again. I was a broad-minded person, tolerating him every time. I held him in my arms with heartache until he fell asleep quietly. I thought we would grow old together without separating. But his sudden keeping of a mistress caught me off guard. Lily was 20, still a junior in college. The first time I saw her was probably six months ago. Caleb was taken to the police station for fighting. I went to bail him out. He was full of hostility, which dissipated the moment he saw me. He followed me obediently, handling everything. Before leaving, a girl in a bar uniform rushed up and thanked Caleb profusely: “Sir, if I hadn’t met you today, I really don’t know what would have happened. Thank you.” “If I have the chance, I will definitely repay you.” I was stunned and looked at Caleb with confusion in my eyes. He looked impatient. “Just get another job.” The girl looked troubled. “I… I can’t, this job pays more…” Caleb looked at her with a playful smile. “Is that so?” That girl was Lily. That day, I was puzzled why Caleb would suddenly help a stranger. He explained, “Seeing her reminded me of you at 20, so I helped.” I didn’t think much of it. Until Caleb unscrupulously took her to various banquets, openly embracing and kissing her. Only then did I suddenly understand the meaning of his playful smile at Lily that day. He had his eye on Lily back then. I cried, I fought. Finally, all I got was his sentence: “Zoey, what are you fussing about? When you were twenty, didn’t I love you just as much?” In that moment, I understood Caleb’s love. He only loved girls in their twenties, and I was no longer in that stage. I wanted a divorce immediately. But coincidentally, Caleb and I had been trying to conceive for years without success, yet I found out I was pregnant right after discovering his affair. I thought for the sake of the child, for our twelve years of feelings, I would give him one more chance. As long as he was willing to come back to me, I would forgive him. So, I found a few people to send Lily to the countryside to hide her. The result was clear. For her, Caleb destroyed my father’s life’s work. Even humiliating my parents for her. Twelve years of feelings, he showed no mercy. I lost completely. 3 Based on Lily’s love for sharing, I saw her updates on Instagram. [The person I love came to save me on a white horse~~~] I added her just to try, but I didn’t expect her to accept. I smiled bitterly. Taking advantage of this gap, I looked for a lawyer to negotiate the divorce. But when they heard the name Caleb Vance, no one was willing to take the case. I knew they didn’t dare offend the Vance family, so naturally, they didn’t dare take my case. I was once an outstanding graduate of a well-known university. But after getting married, people around me said it was surprising the Vance family allowed Caleb to marry the daughter of a small company owner. I knew Caleb put in a lot of effort for this. His back still bore the scars of the family discipline whip from when he stubbornly insisted on marrying me. The side branches of the Vance family watched hungrily. To snatch business, Caleb often worked all night until dawn back then. He also constantly ran back and forth domestically and internationally, even vomiting blood and fainting from exhaustion once. My heart ached terribly, but I was powerless. I could only restrain my temper and try hard to be a good Mrs. Vance. Spending all day socializing with wealthy wives to build relationships or listening for useful news from them. Now wanting to find help, I didn’t know who to turn to. However, given how much Caleb doted on Lily, divorce should be easy. I went home and took inventory of my things. I packed some frequently worn clothes, my ID, and passport. I didn’t take anything else. Wait quietly for Caleb to return. Maybe because of the pregnancy, I fell asleep while waiting. Until I woke up hungry, opening my eyes abruptly. The room was pitch black. Dazed, I heard the maid calling me for dinner. After eating and drinking my fill, I realized Caleb hadn’t returned yet. I opened Lily’s Instagram, and what came into view was— Caleb dragging a suitcase with one hand and holding her hand with the other. She said happily: [Going on a trip!] Knowing Caleb wouldn’t be back for a while. I went to the hospital the next day to abort the child. Since the feelings were broken, there was really no need for me to keep Caleb’s child. Anyway, as long as he was willing, plenty of women would give birth for him. Signing alone, undergoing the abortion surgery alone. It was done quickly. By the time I recovered, they were coming back. I specifically put on makeup and drove to pick them up. Thanks to Lily’s desire to share. I got hold of her and Caleb’s entire itinerary. They went bungee jumping, saw the aurora, and went skydiving. Sure enough, being with young people is different. People seem to become younger. Things he dared not do before, he did now. When Caleb came out, his expression was bland. Lily held his arm, her mouth chattering non-stop. Her steps were light, a bright smile on her face. “Caleb, let’s go again next time, okay? On your birthday. This is the first time I’ve spent it with you since we got together…” “Caleb Vance!” I raised my right hand and waved at him, shouting loudly. Lily seemed not to hear, continuing to chatter. Caleb paused, his brows slowly furrowing. He shielded Lily behind him. In that instant, I felt like I was some kind of monster. But I should be the one afraid of him. After all, half a month ago, he almost strangled me for this woman. My memory is still fresh. Facing me, Lily was still panicked. She stood timidly behind Caleb, shrinking like an ostrich. “What are you doing here?” Caleb’s tone was extremely nasty. I smiled faintly and said, “Here to pick you up!” He frowned tightly and stared at me. “What tricks are you trying to play again?” 4 I spread my hands: “What can I do?” “You bankrupted my family for her; do I dare do anything else?” Caleb didn’t speak, pulling Lily to leave. He showed with his actions that he didn’t believe my words. I laughed at myself. Then my voice slowly sounded. “No one will come to pick you up, and it’s hard to get a taxi.” Caleb gave me a fierce look, then followed me to the underground parking lot. Caleb subconsciously opened the passenger door, wanting to get in. I stopped him. “Sit in the back. Do you want to ignore your beloved mistress?” He looked at me, expression indifferent, the surrounding chill gradually rising. He sneered, slammed the car door shut, and got into the back seat. The atmosphere in the car dropped to freezing point; only the sound of our breathing remained. I broke the silence first. “Ms. Lily, I have important matters to discuss with Caleb. Will you join us, or should I drop you off at school first?” Suddenly named, Lily looked at Caleb helplessly. She gripped the corner of his clothes, “I… I…” Caleb suddenly spoke up: “What exactly do you want?” Through the rearview mirror, I glanced at him. His expression was already very impatient. He was angry. Maybe because Lily was there, he was trying hard to suppress his temper. Back when he loved me, he didn’t dare lose his temper with me at all. Six months, and things have changed completely. The sadder I felt, the happier my smile became. The smile on my face gradually widened. “What is Ms. Lily’s major?” “Art Appreciation!” I was a little surprised: “What a coincidence, that was my major too.” “I remember a classmate of mine stayed at the school to teach. I wonder if you know her?” I said a name. Lily’s face instantly went pale, her voice weak: “She is… is… my counselor.” I laughed out loud: “That really is a coincidence.” Lily secretly nudged Caleb, biting her lower lip, looking at him hesitantly. She looked pitiful, as if I had just bullied her. Caleb said in a deep voice: “Zoey, believe it or not, I’ll make her get out of the school and never let her be a teacher again in this life?!” I retracted the smile on my face: “I believe it.” “Just asking, why so scared?” He narrowed his eyes, enunciating each word: “What exactly do you want to do?!” “Disgust you guys!” He glanced at me disdainfully and stopped talking. My breath hitched, and I unconsciously gripped the steering wheel tighter. After hesitating for a while, I said in a deep voice: “I want a divorce. Let’s divorce.” Hearing this, Caleb raised his eyebrows. He crossed his legs, his meaningful gaze meeting mine through the rearview mirror. “Zoey, who said I want to divorce you?” “As long as you behave, don’t hinder me, and don’t do anything outrageous, Caleb Vance’s wife will only be you.” “Your status as the wealthy Mrs. Vance won’t be shaken by anyone!” Hearing this, I was stunned. I braked urgently and stopped by the roadside, looking at him in disbelief. “Caleb, what do you take me for?” He shifted, changing to a comfortable position, and spat out indifferently: “Don’t look at me like that. Didn’t you pester me back then because you knew my identity?” “In the years you’ve been married to me, who hasn’t given face to your family? Don’t you know how much your father’s business has risen?” My mind went blank. So he always thought so? Then for the past twelve years, his deep professions of love, dating me, marrying me, maintaining the marriage—was it all acting? Reason stopped me from questioning him. Because there was no need anymore. I just felt a little surprised, a little ridiculous. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, eyes like frost, tone devoid of emotion, “Get out!” Lily looked at the deserted place, saying timidly: “Ms… Ms. Zoey, Caleb is still here, you can’t…” I didn’t have the heart to listen to her chatter, and shouted again sternly: “Get out!” Caleb’s mouth pulled into a cold sneer, “If anyone’s getting out, it’s you!” I don’t know why, but right now I wasn’t afraid of him at all. Meeting his gaze, I said, “If you don’t get out, then let’s die together!” I stared him down, deadlocked. Lily looked at Caleb in panic. Seeing him looking at me, she clenched her hands. Perhaps frightened by my serious expression, Caleb compromised. Before getting out of the car, he smiled coldly: “Zoey, good for you!” “You really need to be taught a lesson!” “You’re dead when you get back!” Seeing them get out of the car with dark faces, I slammed on the gas and rushed out. Go back? Like hell I’m going back! I immediately drove to pick up my parents and bought the soonest flight abroad. Fortunately, I had the foresight to be ready to run at any time. I left the packed luggage at my parents’ house in advance. Luckily, my dad also planned ahead, knowing that after offending the Vance family, we couldn’t stay in the country and had to go abroad to survive. We left immediately, without dragging our feet. When Caleb called me, I snapped the SIM card, threw it in the trash, and boarded the plane.

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After my parents passed away, I finally found the true heir to the Sterling family empire scavenging for trash on a street corner. I snatched the moldy bun from his hands. “Idiot, you can’t eat that. It’s dirty.” Later, the idiot buried his face in my chest muscles. I grabbed a handful of his hair and gritted my teeth. “Stupid dog, you can’t eat that either.” 1 I found Liam in a small, run-down town in the South. He was dressed in rags, curled up in a corner, wolfing down a dirty, foul-smelling bun he held with both hands. I approached slowly and crouched beside him. Liam looked up warily, hiding the rotten food behind his back. He bared his teeth at me, fierce and feral. I put on a friendly smile, staring at his sharp, white canines. “Why are you acting like a stray dog?” Liam stared at my perfect smile, stunned for a moment. I took the opportunity to snatch the sour bun from his hand and tossed it aside. “Idiot, you can’t eat that stuff. It’s dirty.” Liam froze. He looked at his empty hand, then at me, and finally at the bun lying in the dirt. Just as he was about to snarl, I pulled out a soft, white, fresh bun and stuffed it into his mouth. I had been watching Liam all morning. He had rummaged through six dumpsters and fought two stray dogs just for a bite to eat. I had sent someone to buy a whole bag of fresh buns. I came prepared. Liam instantly settled down, holding the bun with both hands and gnawing on it intently. I took the chance to lead him away. From the trash heap to the hotel, it was a twenty-minute drive. Liam ate seven buns. Every time he finished one, he would stare at me with those puppy-dog eyes, looking like he was about to let out a “Woof.” I wasn’t trying to humiliate him. But Liam really looked like a stray dog. Feeling mischievous, I pulled out another bun and waved it in front of his eyes. “Want it?” Liam stared at the food in my hand and swallowed hard, his eyes lighting up. If he had a tail, it would be wagging right now. I smiled, a bit wickedly. “Call me ‘Brother.’ If you call me Brother, I’ll give it to you.” Liam looked at me, then at the bun. His Adam’s apple bobbed. His eyes were practically glowing green with hunger. His mouth moved a couple of times, but he was too anxious to make a sound. I guided him patiently. “Be a good boy. Say ‘Brother’.” Liam got desperate. A loud sound erupted from his throat: “Woof!” ? What the f*ck! Is he actually a dog? Before I could recover from the shock, Liam lunged, snatched the bun from my hand, and shoved the whole thing into his mouth. Then he quickly scrambled to the other side of the car, putting as much distance between us as possible. He chewed with difficulty, eyes fixed on me in warning. Looking at this six-foot-three man trying to curl himself into a ball of distress, I felt speechless. And a little heartbroken. What kind of life had this guy been living? Feeling a rare pang of pity, seeing him choke on the food, I reached out to pat his back. “No one is taking it from you. Eat slowly.” Liam instantly turned vicious. He stared at my hand, a threatening growl vibrating in his throat. As if he would bite my fingers off if I reached any closer. Great. Eight buns, wasted. Being this food-aggressive isn’t good. I withdrew my hand, tapping my fingers on my knee, and lowered my eyes with a chuckle. A bit wild. Once I get him cleaned up, I’ll need to train him properly. 2 Cleaning him up was another challenge. The smell on Liam wasn’t exactly pleasant. And he refused to bathe. Once we got to the hotel, he huddled in the corner of the sofa, staring at me warily, keeping a safe distance. I talked until my mouth was dry, but I couldn’t coax him into the bathroom. I couldn’t catch him, and I certainly couldn’t beat him in a fight. After a two-hour battle of wits, I saw the complimentary candy on the nightstand. I grabbed one, unwrapped it, and quickly stuffed it into Liam’s mouth. The puppy didn’t have time to bare his teeth before he froze. He stayed stunned for a full thirty seconds. He lowered his head, spit the candy into his palm, tentatively licked it, his eyes lit up, and then popped it back into his mouth. I don’t have OCD, but even I couldn’t stand his lack of hygiene. I closed my eyes, chanting silently: He’s silly, he doesn’t know better, teach him slowly, don’t despise him. Once I convinced myself, I opened my eyes and used the candy as bait to lure Liam into the bathroom. I discovered that while Liam was cognitively impaired, he had some basic self-care skills. He could brush his teeth and wash his face. Afterward, he even arranged the toiletries neatly and folded the towel into a square. Someone must have taught him that. So, showering shouldn’t be a problem. I stripped him naked and threw him into the bathtub. I wanted to ruffle his hair, but it was too dirty, so I pulled my hand back. I’ll save that for when he’s clean. I peeled another candy and fed it to him, coaxing, “Good boy, wash yourself. If you smell good, Brother will give you more candy.” Less than ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened. A dripping wet, stark naked Liam walked out. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs, tight glutes. His proportions were shockingly perfect. My eye twitched. I took a deep breath, mentally reciting “lust is emptiness” three times before walking over to inspect the results. He was cleaner, but definitely not scrubbed properly. He hadn’t even used shampoo. I overestimated him. He probably only knew the basics like washing his face. I herded him back into the bathroom, pressed him into the tub, and resigned myself to washing him. Liam watched curiously as I scrubbed him, surprisingly obedient. The more I washed, the more jealous I got. How does a guy living on the streets maintain this much muscle definition? I ran my hand over his stomach. He had two more abs than I did. No wonder he eats so much. All my time in the gym feels like a waste. As I was scrubbing, that part of Liam that shouldn’t be standing up suddenly and shakily raised its head. I stared at the beast in shock. “You…” How do you get hard just taking a shower? Liam blinked his innocent puppy eyes at me and swallowed. Forget it. Can’t argue with a fool. I gave the thing a light slap and greeted it. “Alright, I know you’re happy to see your brother. Stand down.” I looked up at Liam teasingly. “You tell it to kneel and behave.” Liam grunted when I slapped it, his eyes lighting up. He stared at my hand. After a moment, he suddenly grabbed my hand and pressed it against his lower abdomen, his voice hoarse. “Hit it.” “More.” “Hit.” My whole body went numb. What the hell? Did hitting it make him feel good? Liam whined impatiently, his breath hot. “Hurts. Hot.” “Hit it.” It was over. My hand was no longer pure. Expressionless, I pulled my hand away and turned on the cold water, drenching Liam. “Cool the f*ck down!” Liam wilted under the cold spray. “Woof…” 3 That night, Liam refused to sleep in the bed. He curled up on the floor beside it. He slept soundly, but I couldn’t sleep. I stood on the balcony smoking. Before I found Liam, I didn’t expect him to be like this. Liam wasn’t born this way. He went missing at age five. Our parents looked for him their entire lives. Even after they adopted me, they never gave up searching for Liam. After Mom died of grief and Dad followed soon after, I spent four years looking for him alone. Mom said Liam was smart from a young age. He spoke early, loved picture books, and learned everything instantly. The current Liam only knew how to bark and bite. He acted like a wild animal. I didn’t know what Liam had been through, but earlier, I had touched every scar on his body. Old wounds, new scars. He must have suffered a lot. I exhaled a cloud of smoke, my chest feeling tight. Growing up alone, confused and impaired like that… how hard must it have been? I turned my head and suddenly met a pair of bright, wide eyes. “Holy sh*t!” My scalp tingled, and the hair on my arms stood up. Liam had woken up at some point and was standing silently behind me. I clutched my chest, pointing at him while cursing, “Are you a ghost?! You walk without making a sound!” Liam didn’t listen to a word I said. He stared at the cigarette between my fingers, his gaze incredibly clear. Then, with lightning speed, he leaned in and snatched the burning cigarette from my hand with his mouth. I stood there dumbfounded. When I reacted, I frantically tried to pry his mouth open. “That’s a damn cigarette! You can’t eat that! Spit it out!” Liam frowned from the heat but refused to let go. I forced his jaw open, threw the cigarette away, and stuck my fingers into his mouth. “Where did it burn? Does it hurt?” Liam opened his mouth obediently, wrapped his tongue around my finger, and licked. He tasted it, then licked again. Probably deciding it tasted good, he grabbed my hand and took a big lick of my palm. Saliva covered my hand. I shivered, the sensation tickling from my palm down to my bones. I pulled out my wet hand and slapped the back of Liam’s head. “Are you a dog? Licking everything! Isn’t it dirty?!” Still angry, I slapped him again lightly. “If you eat random things again, I’ll beat you.” Liam tilted his head. “Woof!” “…” Great. After all that, he only understood the word “dog.” 4 The next morning, full and bored, Liam started scratching at the door. First pounding, then kicking. Like a damn husky. Unable to tolerate it, I dragged him back and put on a TV show for him on the tablet. Liam settled down. Leaning against the bed, holding the tablet, he watched without blinking. I sat in the chair, catching up on the backlog of work online. Exhausted, I fell asleep waiting for an email. I slept restlessly, vaguely feeling an itch and pain on my chest. I opened my eyes groggily and looked into the mirror opposite me. The handsome man in the executive chair had his bathrobe open, and a large, fuzzy head was buried in his chest. The handsome man was me; the large head belonged to Liam, who was kneeling between my legs. Before I could recover from the shock of this erotic scene, a sudden pain in my chest made me gasp. I grabbed Liam’s hair and pulled him back. “Sucking is one thing, but you’re biting?!” I looked down. It was swollen! How long had he been eating?! Liam’s lips were glossy. He looked at me and said, “Candy.” He stared at my chest aggrievedly, reaching out to flick it gently. “Not candy.” I froze. I realized what he meant. He wasn’t saying “Not candy”; he meant “Not sweet.” Because before yesterday, he hadn’t eaten sweets, so he didn’t know the taste called “sweet.” I told him the gummy bears were “candy,” so “candy” meant sweet. “Not candy” meant “not sweet.” I looked at the poor little thing on my chest that Liam had tortured. Pink, soft. It did look a lot like the strawberry gummy I gave him yesterday. Now that it was swollen and shiny from his gnawing, it looked even more like one. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. “That’s not damn candy! How could that be sweet?!”

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On the day my sister was finally found, my parents and brother were brimming with joy. But then, they heard my thoughts. [Great, Hailey is finally back. It’s just too bad Dad’s biggest project is about to be snatched away by a rival. Should I warn him now?] Mom looked at my sister with tears in her eyes, ready to take off the family heirloom—an emerald bracelet worth millions—and give it to her. [Sigh. Once that bracelet leaves Mom’s wrist, it’s gone forever. In a minute, Hailey is going to pretend to accidentally drop it just to test her status in Mom’s heart. Such a pity, that emerald has perfect clarity.] My brother, overcome with emotion, was about to pick Hailey up and spin her around. I tilted my head, looking at him. [Carter is pathetic too. His girlfriend is currently sitting on his best friend’s lap. I wonder if he’ll still be this happy tonight when she tells him she’s pregnant and makes him a dad!] The very next second, Dad’s cell phone rang. 1 My gaze remained fixed on my sister, acting as if I didn’t see the frozen expressions on my parents’ and brother’s faces. Dad hesitated for two seconds before answering the phone. A moment later, his expression drastically changed. “What? Okay, I understand.” Putting down the phone, the joy on Dad’s face from Hailey Vance’s return instantly turned grim. Even Mom’s voice trembled as she spoke. “Richard, what’s wrong?” Dad glanced at me, his voice dry. “I just got news about the company’s key project for the first half of the year. Our competitor intercepted it. There’s no room for negotiation.” I shook my head, feigning sympathy. [Dad and Carter barely came home for six months working on that deal. Now it’s all down the drain. Carter is going to get mocked by the rival CEO’s son for ages because of this. How embarrassing!] Instantly, two intense gazes locked onto me. I watched Mom’s hand hover over the bracelet she was preparing to remove, acting nonchalant as I sat to the side. Now things were awkward. Mom didn’t know whether to take it off or leave it on. She just froze there. Hailey, however, noticed Mom’s hesitation. She stepped forward eagerly, practically yanking the jade bracelet off Mom’s wrist, ignoring the flash of pain on Mom’s face. “Mom, are you giving this to me?” Hailey held the bracelet by two fingers, hugging Mom and acting coquettish. “When I was little, you said you’d save all the best things for me. You’re the best, Mom!” Hailey didn’t see the tension in Mom’s eyes. She made a show of putting it on. Then, the accident happened. The bracelet that was just in Hailey’s hand suddenly hit the floor. The emerald, cherished by Mom above all else, shattered into pieces. Mom’s face couldn’t help but twitch violently. “Oh no, Mom!” Hailey pouted, feigning horror. “My hand slipped. You won’t blame me, right Mom?” As she said this, a flash of smugness crossed her face. She was certain their love and guilt for her would outweigh a piece of jewelry. But when she looked up, expecting comfort, she found Mom holding back a scolding and my brother, Carter, looking undisguisedly shocked. “Crap!” Carter’s face suddenly went pale. He grabbed his phone and rushed out, presumably to call his girlfriend. “Mom, Dad, are you mad? Hailey really didn’t mean to.” Seeing their expressions weren’t right, Hailey’s big eyes immediately misted over, and she began a pitiful apology. [Here we go again. She’s going to play the victim card. She’ll talk about how miserable her life was after being kidnapped… Poor Mom and Dad are so soft-hearted, they’ll give her a huge compensation check. Little do they know, she spent all her money on male escorts!] Sure enough, the next moment Hailey’s tears began to fall. She cried about how much she missed them, how she was beaten constantly, claiming her body was covered in scars that would never heal. She said she slept in a dog cage, ate moldy food, and was almost sold to a trafficking ring. “Mom, Dad, seeing you again… I finally feel so happy!” 2 I absentmindedly picked at my nails. [Hailey is about to show off her so-called “scars.” But she cut those herself, just to fish for sympathy.] Mom took the bait. She pulled Hailey’s wrist, examining the scabbed wounds, her voice trembling. “Hailey, these wounds… did they do this to you?” Hailey flinched, her eyes shifting, but she nodded and choked out, “Yes… they hit me. They said I was a money-loser, hard to sell…” She hugged Mom tightly again. “It’s okay now that I’m back. Mom, I missed you so much.” I curled my lip. [Her foster parents treated her better than their own bio kids. They gave her a massive allowance every month, yet she throws them under the bus. Disgusting. She blew all that cash chasing after idols.] Mom and Dad exchanged a look, their faces grim. Dad patted Mom’s hand and stood up. “I need to make a call to the office.” I watched Dad’s retreating back, raising my hand to fix my hair to hide the smirk on my lips. Only I knew that Dad wasn’t calling the office. He was sending people to investigate what really happened to Hailey all these years. Dad was a suspicious man; after hearing my inner voice predict so much, how could he blindly trust Hailey like before? After Dad left, Hailey performed even harder, weeping about how she was starved and forced to do manual labor in her new home. Mom, however, wasn’t as emotional as she was in my past life. She just lightly patted Hailey’s back, comforting her with a distracted air. I watched the scene without expression. 3 In my previous life, young Hailey and I went out to play. I only turned away to buy ice cream, and my sister willingly followed a wealthy-looking trafficker. I chased after them but couldn’t catch up. When my parents and brother found out, they blamed everything on me. Even I believed I was a sinner. I endured thirteen years of torture and verbal abuse from them, living a life worse than a dog’s, walking on eggshells every day. When I was twenty, Hailey was found. Her return instantly garnered the family’s total adoration. I thought it would alleviate my guilt. But Hailey pointed at me and said: “I only got lost because Harper sold me to the traffickers. She said I was the extra child and everyone would be happier if I disappeared!” The moment she said that, my family’s faces changed. They believed their beloved, lost princess instantly. They took turns slapping me, forcing me to kneel and kowtow to Hailey for forgiveness. My life became a living hell. Not a single day of peace. Before I was finally tortured to death, Hailey smugly revealed the truth to me. “I really do have good luck! We were poor back then, and I didn’t want to suffer, so I left with the trafficker. I ended up with rich parents.” “Too bad they went bankrupt right when I turned eighteen. Luckily, I saw in the papers that Dad and Mom struck it rich, so I came back. Otherwise, you would have enjoyed all this wealth alone!” I hadn’t realized Hailey was so calculating and vicious. I died filled with resentment, only to open my eyes and find myself reborn on the day of her return. And I discovered I could project my inner thoughts and choose who heard them. I looked at Hailey, snuggled in Mom’s arms, unable to hide the smirk on her lips. I wanted to laugh, too. In this life, I wanted to see how Mom, Dad, and Carter would maintain their doting love for Hailey after seeing her true colors! 4 When Dad pushed the door open after his call, his face was iron-gray. Hailey was still crying like a pear blossom bathed in rain. I lowered my eyes. I knew Dad now knew exactly what happened after Hailey got “lost.” [Sigh. Next, Hailey is going to try to grab the spotlight by framing me for her kidnapping.] Hailey didn’t disappoint. As soon as Dad entered, she sobbed, “Dad, actually… when we were little, Harper pushed me toward the bad guys when I wasn’t looking! She said I was extra, and you’d be happy if I was gone.” Hailey looked up at them, eyes red, voice trembling. “Is that true?” If she had been paying attention, she would have noticed Mom pulling her hand away from Hailey’s back, and Dad frowning deeply. I shrank back, my eyes instantly reddening. Dad’s tone was heavy. “Hailey, your sister would never do such a thing.” Mom chimed in, “That’s right. Harper has always been a well-behaved, obedient child.” Obedient? I thought they didn’t know! Hearing this praise, I felt a wave of irony. Two lifetimes, and this was the first time I’d heard them compliment me. I thought they truly saw me as a jinx, a disaster, a nuisance. I sniffled, looking wronged. “Hailey, how can you frame me like that? Clearly, you disliked how poor we were back then and left with the trafficker on purpose… What does that have to do with me?” After saying it, I covered my mouth in horror, as if I had accidentally spilled a secret. Hailey’s face changed drastically. She blurted out, “How did you know?!” The room went silent. Mom and Dad’s faces turned ugly. Hailey realized she had slipped up. She tried to explain frantically, but only dug herself deeper. Seeing Mom and Dad’s faces turning as black as ink, Hailey gritted her teeth, rolled her eyes back, and fainted straight away.

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In my last life, after my parents died from a sudden illness, they left me with my three-year-old brother. I had no choice but to drop out of school and work to support the family. For fifteen years, I worked myself to the bone, and finally, my brother got into an Ivy League university. But right at my brother’s graduation party, I saw my parents—who had been dead for fifteen years—hugging a girl my age and affectionately calling her “daughter.” In disbelief, I stepped forward to confront them, only to be met with looks of utter disgust. Through their hateful words, I learned the truth: I was actually the Mayor’s daughter, switched at birth by them. “If you hadn’t been somewhat useful, we would have strangled you long ago!” “You got Tyler into college, so your mission is complete. Now you should just go die.” At a command from my elegantly dressed “mother,” countless bodyguards surrounded me. And the brother I raised with my own hands watched coldly as I was beaten to death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of my parents’ funeral. 1 “Poor Tom and Mary, just when they were about to enjoy life, they’re gone!” “Riley, don’t be too sad. Tyler will have to rely on you, his big sister, from now on.” Hearing the mix of genuine concern and malicious comfort around me, and seeing the portraits in the center of the room, my heart trembled. I was actually reborn. In my last life, I was in evening study hall when I got a call from the village. They said my parents had an accident at the construction site and died at the hospital. When I rushed home, all I saw were two coffins in the middle of the yard. Overcome with grief, I fainted on the spot. When I woke up, the coffins were already buried, leaving only my wailing brother. With only two hundred dollars to my name, I had to drop out of school and take my brother to the city to make a living. Without a degree and burdened with a child, I could only do the hardest, most grueling jobs. Finally, fifteen years later, Tyler got into an Ivy League school. Just as I was happy, thinking I had finally done right by my parents, I bumped into my “dead” parents at Tyler’s graduation party. Gone were the weathered faces from my memory. They were smiling, hugging a girl my age. They looked like they had lived in luxury for years. Meanwhile, I, their “daughter,” looked older than them due to the burdens of life. When I questioned them, full of indignation, I only received their mockery. “You, a money-losing burden from another family, what right do you have to question me?” “If you hadn’t been useful, we would have killed you long ago!” “You got Tyler into college, completing your mission. Now go die and stop blocking our Tiffany’s path.” That’s when I learned I was the Mayor’s daughter they had swapped. They faked their deaths to enjoy life with their biological daughter. And the brother I raised single-handedly stood against me without hesitation after knowing everything. He watched coldly as the bodyguards beat me to death. Opening my eyes again, I was back on the day my parents’ coffins were buried. Looking at the peaceful smiles on their portraits, I suppressed the hatred rolling in my heart. Only after the coffins were in the ground and the villagers had dispersed did I go up the mountain alone with a shovel. They wanted to play dead? I wouldn’t let them have their way! Why should they get to enjoy life while I bore all the pain? Fueled by resentment, I dug up their coffins. But when I saw what was inside, I screamed in terror. My scream quickly attracted the attention of the villagers who were watching me closely. Especially when they saw the two charred bodies in the coffins, several aunts fainted from shock. The village chief, who had been following slowly behind the crowd, turned green when he saw I had dug up the graves. I was shocked to my core. I had to admit, my parents really thought of everything to fake their deaths. “Riley, how could you dig up your parents’ graves? This is treasonous!” “Your parents died so tragically to earn your tuition! And now you won’t even let them rest in peace!” With the village chief throwing accusations, the villagers’ faces changed, and they started pointing fingers at me. My eyes instantly turned red, and I cried miserably. “Chief, I didn’t want to do this, but my parents left so suddenly. I didn’t even get to see them one last time.” “I don’t believe they would just die like this. Tyler is only three! How are we supposed to live without our parents?” “Besides, Chief, didn’t you say my parents fell at the construction site? But these bodies look burned!” Impatience flashed in the Chief’s eyes, but he had to explain gently. “Girl, you must have misheard. Your parents were burned to death at the construction site.” “Is that so?” I pretended to be skeptical. Thinking he had fooled me, the Chief urged me to leave. But I rolled my eyes and extended my hand to him. “Since my parents burned to death at the site, where is their compensation money?” The Chief was dumbfounded. My parents hadn’t left instructions for this. I knew they weren’t dead, but I wasn’t having it. Why should they dump their mess on me and then reappear to enjoy the fruits of my labor when the time was right? I stared dead at the Chief, who clearly knew the inside story. “Is the construction company refusing to pay? It’s okay, Chief. Tomorrow I’ll take Tyler to the media with banners. As long as I’m alive, I’ll go to the site every day to protest.” The Chief’s head was spinning. He never expected the usually obedient me to demand money instead of panicking. He could only comfort the agitated me while calling to ask. Even from a distance, I could hear the cursing on the other end of the phone. I lowered my head, pretending to be sad, but the corners of my mouth were splitting to my ears. In this life, they wouldn’t get away without bleeding a little. Soon, the Chief returned, covering his ears. With him came the news that the “construction site” was willing to pay five thousand dollars. I didn’t know if they were in a rush to dump Tyler on me, but the money arrived quickly. Understandable. Their biological daughter was now the Mayor’s daughter. Whatever slipped through her fingers would be enough for them to live comfortably for a lifetime. After getting the passbook with my name on it, I carefully inventoried everything left at home. An ox, a pig almost ready for market, several chickens, and the currently worthless land. But I knew this land would be developed later. In my last life, when I took Tyler to the city, the villagers divided this land among themselves. This time, I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to get rich. I went to the office and used a hen that laid eggs daily to change the land title to my name. The numbers in the passbook grew, and the house emptied. Finally, on a dark night, I carried my young brother on my back and set off for the city. Listening to his steady breathing, I smiled. Since “Mom and Dad” trusted me so much, faking their deaths to leave Tyler to me… Then, as their daughter, I would definitely prepare a surprise for them. Fifteen years passed in a flash. During these fifteen years, I put all my effort into raising my brother. Under my frantic spending, my brother not only became a top student but also excelled in sports and arts. The day the college entrance exam results came out, it was just as I predicted. He scored far better than in my last life and was the top scholar in the state! That day, reporters besieged our home. Watching my brother speak eloquently on TV, I was full of anticipation. I spent so much effort just to make my “dead” parents come to me personally. I believed that they, who valued sons over daughters all their lives, wouldn’t disappoint me. Sure enough, on the day of the graduation party, just as I was accepting praise with my brother, the closed hall doors were kicked open. A familiar but aged voice reached my ears. “Tyler got into college! How can we parents not be here?” I looked over and saw my parents, who had been dead for fifteen years. I smiled secretly but frowned outwardly, looking at the village chief. The Chief, whom I had specially invited, was soaked in cold sweat, smiling awkwardly at me. The moment they appeared, the invited villagers gasped. After all, two charred bodies fifteen years ago were hard to forget. But now, these two appeared as if nothing had happened. My parents bypassed me, trying to hug my brother. My “mom” carefully touched my brother’s face, eyes red. “Tyler, I’m your mom.” My brother dodged her touch with disgust, hiding behind me. His face full of accusation: “Sis, who is this? Why is she claiming to be someone’s mom? I don’t know them!” Looking at my parents frozen in place, I smiled and patted my brother’s shoulder. Seeing his precious son refusing to let him touch him, my “dad” flew into a rage. “Riley! Did you badmouth us to Tyler?” “Otherwise, Tyler was so close to us when he was little, why would he ignore us now!” My “mom” beat her chest and cried: “You money-losing burden! You didn’t like your brother when he was born, and now you’re keeping us apart!” I rolled my eyes. He knew it was “when he was little.” Seeing my eye roll, my “dad” was furious and raised his hand to slap me. A second before the slap landed, a strong hand firmly gripped his arm. My “dad” cursed, but his eyes widened when he saw who it was. “Mr… Mr. Vance, why are you here?” “I wasn’t aware I gave the Vance family servants a holiday?” The man’s voice carried unquestionable authority. My “dad’s” face turned green. The reporters who came to interview the top scholar swarmed forward. “Mayor Vance! Mayor Vance! We heard you’re being transferred. Can we get an interview?” One look from Mayor Vance silenced everyone. His cold eyes only softened when they swept over me and my brother. Humiliated in public, my “dad” ignored the employer-employee relationship and shouted at Mayor Vance. “Mr. Vance, even if I’m your servant, you have no right to stop me from recognizing my biological son!” My “dad” smiled proudly: “Mayor, my son is this year’s top scholar!” Unexpectedly, hearing this, Mayor Vance smiled playfully. “Your son?” I couldn’t help raising an eyebrow and sneering. My “dad” still thought the one I raised with all my might was his precious Tyler. But since I knew Tyler was an ingrate, why would I repeat the same mistake? It was laughable they treated me as a fool, but hadn’t I waited fifteen years for today? Looking at my “dad’s” smug face, I finally spoke: “Actually, brother…” “He’s not your Tyler. He’s my biological brother.” Hearing this, my “dad” smiled like a villain. “How can Tyler not be my child? You girl must be crazy!” “But, you say Tyler is your biological brother? That’s incorrect. Tyler is the true blood of the Lee family.” “As for you, you’re just a bastard. If we hadn’t given you food, you would have starved to death.” I raised an eyebrow, smiling contemptuously. Laughing internally at his naivety. Didn’t he look in the mirror? How could mud produce the moon? Keep dreaming.

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