Author: Momo Chan

I purposely ended up in the hospital, successfully getting Liam to stay by my side all night. That made him miss out on Maya, the school’s undisputed queen. When he found out the truth, he hated me for ten years. During my incredibly dangerous childbirth, he immediately chose for the doctors to save the baby. He said, “This is what you owe me.” Reborn, seeing Liam again, I just smiled. “Congratulations to you both. I wish you a long and happy life together.” Just before college graduation, Liam and Maya officially became a couple. At the farewell party, the entire class gathered around a long table, cheering them on. “A toast to the happy couple!” Liam’s ears burned a deep crimson, looking like they might actually bleed. He silently raised his glass, gazing at Maya with a fond smile. Seeing him like that, I couldn’t help but remember us back in high school. It was during the school track meet, he’d signed up for the sprint, and, as expected, he took first place. I stood at the finish line, ready to hand him a towel, and even then, his ears were just as red as they are now. “Liam is crazy for Maya, giving up his chance to study abroad just for her.” Sarah’s voice cut through the chorus of congratulations, sounding a little jarring. She turned to me. “You two grew up together, why didn’t you try to talk him out of it?” I couldn’t help but laugh. Who said I didn’t try? I remembered the last life, on this exact day, Liam had stood before me, his face twisted with hatred. “Chloe, explain yourself.” On his phone, a recording played—Maya had sent it to him. In the recording, I admitted that I’d deliberately fallen down the stairs to prevent Liam from meeting her. She’d also sent him a photo. In it, Liam was sleeping soundly beside my hospital bed. Liam’s face was a mask of fury I had never seen before. Not even when he’d missed out on being top of our grade in a monthly exam had he looked like that. “There’s nothing to explain,” I said, my voice flat. “It’s exactly as you know it to be.” I knew explanations were useless. He’d only believe what he wanted to believe. Anything I said now would be pointless. He would never believe there was a first half to that recording. In that unseen part, Maya’s voice, sweet and venomous, had said: “I heard you two grew up together. I just found it amusing, wanted to see how strong your bond really was.” “If you had just waited patiently, someday, when I got bored, maybe I would have just tossed him aside.” “But it looks like you couldn’t wait. No worries, I don’t want him now, but I won’t let you have him either.” If he had actually heard that, he would have only said one thing. “Chloe, you’re absolutely insane.” Now, I sat in the corner, silently watching them finish their drinks. Suddenly, someone who loved to stir the pot and watch the drama unfold shouted, “Liam, where’s your childhood best friend, Chloe?” I picked up my glass and walked from the corner towards them, a brilliant smile on my face, genuinely saying, “Congratulations to you both. I wish you eternal happiness.”

My parents died in a car crash during my sophomore year of high school. They were fighting over the steering wheel, causing the car to plunge off the road and into the river below a cliff. I became an orphan overnight. Everyone thought I was pathetic, but all I felt was relief. A mother who, after an argument with my father, would choke me and scream about dying together. A father who would hit me to vent his anger whenever things went wrong at home. What was there for me to pity? The funny thing was, outside, they’d act like we were the perfect, loving family. Only Liam Hayes knew the truth. Even though I tried my best to hide them, he saw the bruises on my neck. He pulled up my sleeves and saw the scars on my arms. He once told me: “The more this happens, the more you have to fight. I’ll help you. Once you’re strong enough, they won’t be able to touch you.” Liam and I were childhood friends from the same street. When we moved away, our families ended up in the same neighborhood. When the arguments at home got too loud, I’d be afraid of getting choked. Afraid of getting beaten, I’d run to his place. His home was truly warm! Hot, steaming meals, all sorts of snacks, loving parents – it was paradise. Mrs. Hayes would always ask if I’d eaten, and Mr. Hayes would remind me to focus on my studies. Liam would clear half of his desk for me to study with him. He was smart, good at school, and well-liked. Even back when we lived on the street, all the adults said he was destined for great things. If my parents were looking for me after a fight, all I had to say was I was at Liam’s, and they’d leave me alone. I always remembered Liam’s words: “Get strong. Once you’re strong, they won’t be able to touch you.”

I once thought about confessing to Liam. But before I even had a chance to put my plan into action, Anya appeared. Anya attended an art university not far from Oxford, becoming famous online for her K-pop girl group dances and playing in a band. Even in a university teeming with gorgeous girls, she was the one who shone the brightest. She was the kind of girl no one could resist – passionate, vibrant, and radiating light effortlessly. She was from a whole other world. So, when rumors started swirling that the art university’s ‘it girl’ was pursuing Oxford’s aloof academic whiz, a lot of people were thrilled. Everyone chatted about how perfect they were for each other, saying that if they got together, they’d be legendary. While they talked, their glances would often, consciously or not, drift over to me. After all, *we* were once the talk of the town, the two brainy kids who’d grown up together. I was used to girls fawning over Liam and honestly thought my life wouldn’t change. Back then, besides my coursework, I was busy with various part-time jobs. Even with a full scholarship, living expenses were a significant cost. Plus, I had to plan for my future. Apart from that, I continued to discuss topics and eat meals with Liam as usual. But he started missing our meetups more and more often. Until one day, at the art university’s centenary celebration, Anya was the headliner, performing a popular K-pop girl group dance on stage. As the fast-paced music pulsed and the lights constantly shifted, that girl, freely unleashing all her youthful energy on stage, seemed to become the center of the world. The cheers from the audience were deafening. I glanced at Liam, and in his eyes, I saw a light I had never seen before. His gaze never left Anya.

Jax once missed a major inter-university speech competition for her. But I never wanted him and Aubrey to be together. Because one day, I overheard Aubrey on the phone in the restroom. “Meet me at the usual spot in a bit. I’ll bring him. It’s not a done deal yet, but almost. Just saying, I win this round.” “Are you kidding? There’s no guy I can’t handle.” “He’s a brainy type, right? Haven’t really dated one of those. Wanna see what it’s like. If it doesn’t work out, whatever, I’ll just move on to the next. What’s the big deal?” “Yeah, yeah, I’m ‘love-deprived’ – I just love watching guys fall head over heels for me, driving themselves insane.” “Wanna bet again? See how far he’ll go for me?” I just didn’t want to see him get ruined. So that day, I fell down the stairs, and in a daze, I clung to his hand, refusing to let him go. He was the one who changed my fate. I naively thought, this time, it was my turn to change his. He later went to explain things to Aubrey, but she already had a boyfriend. I initially thought that after that incident, Jax and I would still be friends, even if we couldn’t be lovers. Later, I realized how naive I was. I never imagined there’d come a day he’d hate me. Aubrey became a mountain standing between us. Aubrey had said she’d wait for him that day. If he showed up, it meant he agreed to be with her. If he didn’t, it meant they weren’t meant to be, and she wouldn’t try to hold onto him. After I married Jax, I once asked him why he used to be so good to me. Jax said it was because he felt sorry for me. “Then what about that kiss?” His expression stiffened then. He must have thought I was asleep at the time. “That was just foolishness from our younger days, nothing more.” His tone was cold and indifferent. “And besides, Claire, would you be where you are today without me? You’re asking for too much.” Jax became a true rising star in the world of physics. Despite multiple offers from top-tier international universities, he adamantly chose to stay in the country. He taught at a premier institution, had his own lab, and was revered by the industry. His research projects never lacked funding. Speeches, exclusive interviews, magazine covers – for a time, he was unstoppable. Meanwhile, I, after getting married, became pregnant, and with a delicate pregnancy, I had to stop my own research work. I was left alone in an empty room, enduring his icy silence. Our marriage was practically an arrangement, forced upon us to fulfill the dying wish of Jax’s critically ill mother. It wasn’t until that moment that I finally understood. When the captain veers off course, it’s not your job to steer him back. It’s about finding your own ship, becoming your own captain. In this life, I didn’t let myself fall down the stairs. And he and Aubrey got their wish, ending up together. I’m incredibly curious about his future. I want to see what kind of man he’ll become.

I never went back to Liam’s house. When my mom grabbed my throat, threatening to take us both down, I grabbed hers right back. “Fine,” I hissed, “Let’s just die then.” I’d already been to hell and back. Who was she to scare me? That scared her so bad, she never dared to lay a hand on me again. When my dad got drunk and started looking for a fight, I grabbed a kitchen knife and lunged at him. It sobered him up instantly. He never dared to act out like that around me again. When they started fighting again, I fought harder than both of them combined. I smashed everything in the house, screaming that if they messed with my studies, I’d make sure no one had it good. “She’s insane! This girl has completely lost it!” they’d shriek. My dad, the one who usually outdid me a hundredfold in his drunken rages, slammed the door and stormed out. My outbursts were so loud, the whole neighborhood knew our business. Not long after, they divorced. Neither of them wanted me, but the court still awarded custody to my mom. My dad moved out. By the time I started high school, my mom had found her ‘new life’ and abandoned me. She just left. After that, I was alone in that house. The neighbors felt sorry for me again. What they didn’t know was how truly happy I was. From then on, I climbed step by step, following the path I’d carved in my past life. I’d always had one regret: if I hadn’t gotten pregnant back then, if I hadn’t stopped my research, how high could I have soared? **[Cut-off point]** One day, Liam rang my doorbell. Standing tall and slender in the doorway, that familiar confident smirk played on his lips – just like I remembered from my past life. “My mom made some sweet and sour ribs,” he said, holding out a container. “She told me to bring you some.” He handed me the container, glancing at my empty living room behind me. “My mom said if you’re ever free, you should come over for dinner,” he continued. “Don’t be shy. It’s just an extra fork at the table.” I just smiled at him, a silent, humorless twist of my lips. “Tell your mom I said thanks.” He nodded, turned to leave, but after two steps, he pivoted back to face me. “How do you do it?” he asked suddenly. “Do what?” “Always acing first place in our class?” For a moment, I was disoriented. I’d asked Liam that exact same question in my past life. Back then, he’d replied: “Because I’m destined for a bigger stage.” Me? I just didn’t have anyone or anything left to hold me back. I successfully got into Oxford University. On the first day of freshman orientation, we ran into each other at registration. He reached out a hand, a bright, dazzling smile on his face. “Looks like we’re classmates again, old friend. Take care of me, okay?” I gazed at his long, elegant fingers with their distinct knuckles, and returned his handshake. Just as I remembered, his hand was still as warm as it had been in my past life. But inside, my heart remained stubbornly blank.

My college life was still bustling and fulfilling. The only difference was that Liam wasn’t the one I discussed projects with anymore, nor was he the one I shared meals with. Sarah looked confused. “Aren’t you and Liam from the same town? How come you two aren’t closer?” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Who says people from the same place have to be close?” Liam had come to me with a project once, asking to discuss it together, but I’d turned him down. He probably hadn’t been rejected like that ever in his life. He just stood there, completely stunned, before finally asking, “Chloe, did I do something wrong? Why do I feel like you’ve been avoiding me?” I met his gaze, a slight, almost strained smile on my face. “No, not at all. I’m just genuinely swamped with work, no time for anything else.” I saw the faint disappointment in his eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by Ashley’s appearance. For a while, everyone around us was buzzing about them. “Heard the most stunning girl from the Arts Department is chasing Liam.” “Honestly, they look perfect together. A gorgeous guy and a beautiful girl, totally made for each other.” “I heard Liam said yes to Ashley! They’re officially an item!” The news of the Arts Department’s queen bee finally getting the brilliant student managed to dilute some of the sadness that came with impending graduation. While everyone else was hustling, focused on their futures, Liam decided to drop out of college and leave town with Ashley. I couldn’t help but recall what I’d overheard in the restroom in my past life. A part of me was actually curious to see just how far he’d go for this relationship *this time*. But I guess, from now on, being so far away, I wouldn’t hear much about it anyway.

The last time I saw Liam before I left the country was at the airport. Chloe walked ahead, holding a vlogging camera, filming a video. Liam followed behind her, loaded down with bags, dragging two suitcases. When he saw me, his expression froze. I don’t know if he remembered his old ambition for Harvard, but right then, he seemed to shrink back, avoiding my eyes. Chloe noticed me too. She walked up, greeted me enthusiastically, and then waved at her camera. “Hey, Oxford genius! What a coincidence seeing you here. I heard you got into Oxford for grad school. Are you heading out now?” I discreetly moved away, offering a polite goodbye. After that, Liam and I went our separate ways, one left, one right. Like two parallel lines, never meant to cross again. That turn was our goodbye, forever. I remembered that day in my previous life. It was Mr. and Mrs. Miller who dropped us off at the airport. Back then, Liam and I hadn’t spoken for ages, but we tried our best to act normal for his parents. The moment we boarded the plane, Liam swapped seats with another passenger. We didn’t exchange another word until his mom fell gravely ill. Some people are just meant for different journeys. Forcing two separate paths to merge only brings misery.

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Three days before my wedding, my fiancé eloped with my best friend. My best friend. Wearing my wedding dress. In my marital home. And she was “unlocking new positions” with my fiancé. I caught them red-handed, but she just shrugged it off, completely unfazed. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, daughter-in-law,” Ashley purred, a smirk playing on her lips. “My boy was just nervous about his first wedding. I was simply giving him some pointers to make your married life… more satisfying.” Blake Blackwood, my fiancé, was equally dismissive. “Don’t be so jealous, Chloe. She’s just my buddy. If there was anything serious between us, you wouldn’t be the bride.” I let out a harsh, bitter laugh. “Seriously? You’d marry your ‘buddy’ then?” “Our marriage is a dynastic alliance, a mere formality for our parents’ sake,” Blake explained, as if I were too simple to grasp it. “You people from a lower background wouldn’t understand. Stop being so possessive. After we’re married, I’ll be with her on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for family appearances. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will be all for you.” I felt like I was going to explode, my eyes burning with unshed tears. Was it just about an arranged marriage? How many other arranged marriages had I turned down for him? In fact, one of them was with his own older brother, Julian Blackwood—the Blackwood family’s designated heir!

That bed. So big. It made my blood boil. “You married her, and you still expect to marry me? Have you even read the marriage laws?” Blake picked up Ashley’s bra and tossed it to her. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, Chloe. Marrying Ashley was just a temporary solution. We’ll divorce eventually.” I laughed, a sharp, humorless sound. How dare he think that I, Chloe Hayes, the esteemed heiress of the Hayes family, would stoop to being his secret mistress? Right in front of me, Ashley stripped off the wedding dress, putting on her own lingerie. “Chloe, don’t you think this dress is a little small? Even without a bra, Blake had to squeeze me into it.” She emphasized her generous curves, and Blake’s eyes were practically glued to her. I struggled to keep calm, but tears welled up. “Blake, it’s over. We’re done.” Ashley jumped in, feigning indignation. “Chloe, you’re so ungrateful! My buddy is the son of one of the country’s wealthiest families. He’s doing you a huge favor by agreeing to marry you.” “He married me to shut his parents up. Do you honestly think a regular girl like you could ever catch the eye of someone from his family? He wouldn’t even dare introduce you to his parents, would he?” I looked at Blake, stunned. “But I… I’ve met your parents.” Ashley burst out laughing, looking at me as if I were an idiot. “Blake, your girlfriend is so gullible! She still doesn’t know those were just hired actors I found for you?” Blake didn’t show an ounce of embarrassment at being exposed, nor did he care about the tears streaming down my face. “Chloe, I love you, and I want to marry you. But I can’t introduce you to my circle. There’s just too big of a social gap between us.” Ashley saw me crying. “God, I hate it when girls cry all the time, acting like someone owes them something. You’ve certainly milked my buddy for all he’s worth over the years. He was so broke he had to live at my place for six months!” I wiped my tears away furiously. “Then let’s call off the wedding. I’m not interested in being your charity project.” Blake’s face turned cold. “You, a scholarship kid, dare to complain I’m poor? The invitations are already out! Your entire small town, from the oldest to the youngest, even your family dog, Duke, will be there to feast. Marry me or don’t, it’s your embarrassment, not mine.” Ashley grabbed Blake and pulled him away. “Forget her. I bet she’ll be back on her knees crying and begging you tonight. After all, she’s been with you for six years; she’s old news. Who’d be idiotic enough to pick up her sloppy seconds?” I wiped my tears, tossed the wedding dress into the trash, and calmly pulled out Julian Blackwood’s contact information. “This is Chloe Hayes. I’m getting married in three days. Can you attend as the groom?” My parents airlifted 66 crates of dowry and flew in on a private jet amidst their busy schedules to attend my wedding. Since they were already here, this wedding had to happen. The next day. I went to try on a new wedding dress and snapped a few photos for the wedding planning group chat. Julian Blackwood replied that the gown was one he’d designed, waiting for its true owner. Not long after my message, Blake’s Ferrari pulled up outside. Ashley jokingly leaped onto his back, and the two walked into the store, practically attached at the hip. Blake’s tone was mocking. “You say you won’t marry me, but you’re still trying on wedding dresses? And deliberately posting it in the wedding group chat.” Oh, I forgot he was in the group too. But he never said a word, acting like he wasn’t even the groom. “Chloe certainly knows how to pick ’em,” Ashley whispered to Blake, her voice loud enough for me to hear. “This dress is studded with real diamonds. It must be worth hundreds of thousands, even millions. Your poor sap of a buddy, your gold-digging fiancée is finding new ways to bleed you dry!” Blake looked displeased. “You already have a wedding dress, why are you trying on another one? Take it off!” “That one? I find it dirty.” The words were barely out of my mouth when Ashley spun around and slapped me across the face. “You manipulative bitch! How dare you call my dress dirty? If you don’t like it, don’t wear it! Just get married naked!” It was the first time in my life anyone had ever slapped me. My blood boiled, and I raised my hand to strike back. But Blake grabbed my arm. “She’s my buddy! You hit her, you hit me!” I stared at Blake, my heart feeling as if it had been ripped from my chest. He used to say those words to me. When I first came to the capital city for university, Blake was instantly smitten. He pursued me relentlessly, but I never agreed, until—I was being bullied by a group of rich kids, and he saved me, getting badly injured in the process. He’d said, “Chloe is my girlfriend! You hit her, you hit me!” That was the beginning of my love for him. Now, it was time for it to end. After all, to him, his girlfriend was less important than his best friend! I slapped him hard. “I’ll hit you too!” “You dare to hit me? I’ve spoiled you too much!” Blake tore at my wedding dress, his face contorted in a terrifying expression I’d never seen before. “You don’t deserve such an expensive dress. Who do you think you are, the Hayes heiress? If I hadn’t fallen for you, I could have married some wealthy socialite with an excellent family background, just like my brother!” I screamed, desperately clutching at the dress. “I am the Hayes heiress your brother is supposed to marry!” Blake froze, but Ashley burst into laughter. “The Hayes heiress is studying abroad! You should at least do your research if you’re going to impersonate someone!” I was furious but too weary to argue. My parents were high-ranking military officials, and my brother was a rising business magnate. They deliberately spread false rumors about my background to protect me from being targeted by bad people. “Slap!” Ashley’s laughter abruptly stopped. Because my brother, Ryan Hayes, suddenly appeared, a dark expression on his face, and slapped Ashley hard! “My sister is the Hayes heiress. Do you have a problem with that?”

I hadn’t expected my brother to show up. “Ryan, what are you doing here?” He looked at the slap mark on my face. “If I hadn’t come, my sister would have been bullied to death!” He didn’t notice Blake raising a decorative sculpture nearby, ready to smash it down! I gasped, but it was too late to stop him. I watched, helpless, as my brother fell, blood staining my wedding dress. I pushed Blake away like a madwoman. “He’s my brother!” Blake, ever so loyal to Ashley, shielded her behind him. “So what if he’s your brother? Ashley is my ride-or-die! She raced on a death-defying track to save my life once!” My blood ran cold. He was willing to hurt my family for a best friend! But what he didn’t know was that when he cheated during a race and almost died, I was the one who got on that treacherous speedway and won the round for him. I pulled out my phone to call the police, but Blake snatched it and smashed it to pieces. He looked at me as if I were insane. “Are you crazy? What’s the standing of my Blackwood family? So what if I hit your brother? No one died, why call the police? Are you really going to call the cops on your future husband?” I started crying, frantic, but my brother, struggling, tried to comfort me. “Don’t be scared, Chloe. Brother’s okay.” Our commotion alerted the store staff. They quickly came to help stop my brother’s bleeding, but they also knew Blake’s status and dared not intervene further. Ashley seemed incredibly wronged. “No one in the capital city dares to hit me, Ashley Jenkins! Your cheap relatives really have no idea who they’re messing with!” Blake pointed at my brother’s nose and cursed. “Hey, you country bumpkin, out of respect for you being Chloe’s older brother, just kowtow to my buddy and we’ll call it even.” I was so angry I almost laughed. My brother had lived his entire life, and no one had ever dared to speak to him like that. His ranches held enough cattle to trample Blake flat! As I laughed, tears started to fall. After a month of wedding planning, Blake clearly had no interest in understanding my family. So, he had no idea of the immense industrial empire my brother commanded. My brother wiped my tears, his gaze, in his peripheral vision, turning sinister as he looked at Blake. “Our entire family wouldn’t let a single tear fall from her eyes. Do you honestly think scum like you deserves to marry my sister?” My brother pulled out his phone to call the police. This time, Blake didn’t stop him, only staring at me coldly. “Chloe! Your brother is going to get me arrested! Do you still want to have this wedding? Don’t forget, you’re the one who proposed to me!” At the time, I had just graduated from grad school, and my family wanted me to marry early. To get rid of the endless stream of blind dates, I’d suggested getting married… But how was I to know that after he eagerly agreed, he would go and marry his best friend? Seeing my indifference, Blake kicked a table. “Whatever. Call the cops if you want. Do you really think the police department will actually defend poor people like you?” Soon, the police arrived. One look and I knew trouble was brewing. Leading the officers was Chad Mitchell, one of the rich kids who had bullied me before. Chad greeted Blake warmly. “Well, well? Isn’t this Blake Blackwood and his little darling? Blake nearly killed us trying to play hero back then!” After exchanging pleasantries, he didn’t even ask questions, immediately ordering my brother to be taken away. He claimed my brother had slapped Ashley, completely ignoring the blood gushing from my brother’s head! I tried to intervene, but Blake grabbed me. “Your brother called the police! Some country bumpkin from nowhere actually thinks he can sue us rich kids. If you still want to be Mrs. Blackwood, don’t you dare help him. It’s beneath you!” Watching my brother being forcibly pushed into the police car, I bit Blake hard in my desperation. He shoved me against the wall. Stars exploded before my eyes, and I vaguely saw Chad and Blake slinging arms around each other. “Keep your woman in line. Don’t let her come looking for trouble with me.” They were unsettlingly chummy! But I had no time to ponder it. Everything went black, and I passed out. No one noticed my shattered phone in the corner, conspicuously displaying a call from Julian Blackwood. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself locked in a basement. Ashley saw I was awake and grabbed my hair. “You little vixen! You’ve caused all this trouble, and Blake still insists on marrying you.” I struggled frantically, the handcuffs digging into my wrists, drawing blood. “Where’s Blake? Let that bastard come see me!” Ashley tossed a listening device at me. “He’s too busy for you. Listen for yourself. He’s having a blast at his bachelor party. He wants you to reflect on your behavior and remember your place. Don’t take his affection for granted.” After Ashley left, darkness enveloped me, and an suffocating,濒死的 feel settled in. Blake knew I had severe claustrophobia. He’d even gone out of his way to learn about it. He knew I might die, yet he cruelly locked me in this dark basement.

I forced myself to calm down. Ryan would come save me. Even though he was taken to the police station, once he notified his legal team, not even God himself could keep him there… Just then, Chad’s voice crackled through the listening device. “Blake, that guy you told me to lock up, isn’t he a lunatic? He claims to be some big shot, showing me his ID, demanding to contact his legal team.” Blake burst into laughter. “Hilarious! He’s probably some pathetic loser who’s been watching too many B-grade action flicks. Just hold him for 48 hours to make Ashley feel better.” Laughter erupted from the device. My whole body trembled with rage. Blake wasn’t just bullying me; he was going after my family! My brother was injured. What if something happened to him? I struggled to my feet, slamming my body against the heavy basement door… No matter how hard I crashed into it, drawing blood, the door didn’t budge an inch. Chad’s voice came again. “Aren’t you worried Chloe will get angry? You even staged that hero rescue with me when you were chasing her. I thought you were just playing around, but you ended up dating for six years and now you’re dead set on marrying her. I wonder what good fortune she accumulated in her past life.” Blake laughed smugly. “She was famously hard to get back then. If Ashley hadn’t told me to chase her, I wouldn’t have bothered with such a poor woman acting all high and mighty!” I collapsed against the door, sliding down, utterly powerless. So—even my initial feelings were a lie. I screamed and screamed in fury, but no one could hear me. Only their laughter echoed from the listening device. “After I got her, she was quiet, pretty, and not clingy, so I figured, why not just go with it? But now she’s so annoying, pressuring me to get married, to be more ambitious. She has no idea what her place is.” Someone else asked Blake, “So you’re still marrying her?” “Aside from being poor, she doesn’t have many flaws. The main thing is, she’s absolutely crazy about me. She knew I married Ashley, but she still went to try on wedding dresses the very next day. Don’t mind me locking her in the basement now; she’ll definitely show up for the wedding…” I curled up in the corner, feeling swallowed by the darkness, my breathing growing harder. Blake was so confident. I wasn’t desperate to get married. Why would I willingly let myself be trampled and marry him? For the past six years, Blake wore a mask, and I was engrossed in my studies. We were like a pseudo-intimate couple, never truly delving into each other’s lives. I didn’t know his intentions were so malicious, and he had no idea of my immense wealth. I gasped for breath in the basement, while he was having a wild bachelor party above me. My parents would arrive tomorrow. They would surely come to save my brother and me. And Julian Blackwood, we had agreed to marry. I couldn’t give up. I couldn’t sleep. The next day. I was incredibly weak. Until I heard my mother’s furious voice through the listening device. “Blake Blackwood! Who is this woman? And why is she lying in bed with you in her lingerie?” Blake yawned loudly. “Aunt and Uncle, you’re here early. She’s just my buddy. We’ve been practically attached at the hip since childhood.” Ashley scoffed. “Seriously, what’s the big deal? Men can go shirtless, why can’t women? Are you old fogies being sexist?” I felt the ground vibrate, probably my father angrily slamming his cane. He’d been in the military for years, terrifyingly powerful. “Where is my daughter!” Blake seemed at a loss for words, but Ashley quickly interjected. “She’s not here. She argued with my buddy yesterday. I don’t know how you raised your daughter, but she shamelessly wanted to buy a million-dollar wedding dress…” My mother sharply cut her off. “What’s wrong with a million-dollar wedding dress? My daughter deserves even a ten-million-dollar one!” Ashley laughed. “Like mother, like daughter. Blake, your Hayes family is really milking you for everything they can.” Through the listening device, my mother cursed loudly, but my father stopped her. He was a busy man and usually too lazy to bother with such trivial matters. “Since my daughter isn’t here, we’ll take our leave. I suppose we won’t be seeing each other again.” My father’s words meant he was rejecting the marriage. But I was here! I heard them turn to leave. I struggled to open my eyes, desperately banging on the wall. Just then, a dog barked through the listening device. The sound seemed to be getting closer… “Woof!” Right outside the door! Duke, the guard dog Blake had mentioned, had followed my scent and found me. He was a top military-trained dog! “Mom, Dad—” I cried out. The next second, my father kicked open the door. When the light from outside streamed in, I instinctively recoiled, like something that couldn’t bear the light. In the basement, I was clad only in my undergarments, chained by the neck with a dog leash, my wrists raw and bleeding from the handcuffs, my body bruised and discolored, my face deathly pale. I looked like I was at death’s door. In that moment, my parents’ eyes were blazing, filled with a murderous rage! Blake’s legs gave out, and he almost knelt. My father’s palpable fury pressed down on everyone in the room!

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The seventh day after my death, my “funeral” felt more like a wild party. My mother-in-law, Brenda, was in a garish red dress, prancing around my memorial picture, dancing a grotesque jig. My husband, Liam Miller, had his arms wrapped around his new flame, Amber Reed, kissing her openly and announcing their wedding for next month. He even picked up a glass of champagne, splashing it on my urn, and laughed. “Chloe Davis, you menace are finally gone! But don’t worry, your billions? I’ll spend them for you!” Even the guests chuckled, scoffing about how valuable my death had been. No one knew that at this very moment, I was watching everything through a surveillance feed. Until Mr. Sterling, the lawyer, publicly read my will: “All assets are to be bequeathed to my husband, Liam Miller, on the condition that…” “He must continuously kneel and wail at my grave for one hundred days, with the entire process live-streamed.” “If his tears are deemed insincere, or if the process is interrupted for even one second, all assets will be donated to charity.” Liam Miller’s smile instantly froze on his face. 0

After the lawyer finished reading the will, the entire funeral hall fell into a deathly silence. My mother-in-law, who had been dancing just a second ago, had her face contorted, stretching every wrinkle. Liam Miller’s hand, still clutching Amber Reed, forgot to let go. The champagne he had splashed on my urn was now dripping down its sides, sticky and disgusting. “Impossible!” Liam Miller was the first to shriek. “This is fake! How could Chloe Davis, that stupid woman, come up with such a malicious scheme?!” Amber Reed chimed in, her voice trembling, devoid of its previous sugary sweetness. “That’s right, Mr. Sterling, are you sure you haven’t made a mistake? Chloe was so kind, she… she would never…” Before she could finish, my mother-in-law shoved her aside. Brenda pointed an accusing finger at Liam Miller, yelling, “I told you! That woman wouldn’t let things go easily! Now look! All our money is gone!” Liam Miller impatiently shook her off. “Mom, shut up!” He turned to Mr. Sterling, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. “Mr. Sterling, tell me, was she delirious before she died? One hundred days? Live-streamed? Isn’t this just a joke?” Mr. Sterling pulled a tablet from his briefcase and tapped open a video. It was me in the video, emaciated, almost unrecognizable, but my eyes were shockingly bright. “Hi, Liam Miller.” I waved at the camera, a brilliant smile on my face. “Surprised? Every single word of this will was written by me, in my right mind. I know you must be furious right now, thinking I’ve gone insane.” “You’re right, I have gone insane.” “Driven crazy, little by little, by you, by your mother, and by that delicate little mistress in your arms.” “One hundred days, in exchange for my billion-dollar fortune. Is that a deal you’re willing to take?” The video ended, and the entire hall erupted in chatter. Guests whispered to each other, their gazes shifting from envy to naked fascination. “One hundred days, kneeling and crying at a grave? And live-streamed? If Mr. Miller does this, where will he hide his face?” “But that’s a billion dollars! If he won’t do it, I would! I’d cry from the dawn of time until the world ended!” “But the will also said the tears had to be sincere. How do they even judge that?” Mr. Sterling spoke up at the opportune moment. “Regarding the sincerity evaluation, Ms. Chloe Davis, before her passing, commissioned a professional team to develop an emotional recognition system.” “The system will comprehensively assess the authenticity of the tears through various physiological indicators such as facial micro-expressions, heart rate, and tear composition. There will be a ‘sincerity score’ displayed on the live-stream interface; anything below 60% will invalidate the process.” At those words, even I wanted to applaud myself. Of course, it was me. Always so thorough. Liam Miller’s face had gone from white to green, then from green to black. He stared intently at my memorial picture, his eyes burning with boundless hatred. I could imagine his desire to scatter my ashes at that moment. But he couldn’t. Because he was greedy. He loved money more than he loved me, more than he loved himself. Amber Reed was still crying her fake tears beside him. “Liam, let’s not take her money, okay? I don’t want you to suffer this humiliation, it breaks my heart…” “What do you know?!” Liam Miller abruptly shook her off, roaring, “That’s not *her* money! That’s *mine*! It’s what I deserve!” His eyes bloodshot, he glared at my urn. After a long moment, he gritted out a few words, “Fine. I’ll kneel.” He turned to Mr. Sterling. “Today counts as day one.” With that, he dropped to his knees with a thud before my contemptuous black-and-white memorial picture. The absurd drama of the funeral hall had officially begun. And I, the sole director of this play, sat in the surveillance room of my out-of-town villa, sipping an ’82 Lafite, watching the screen with keen interest. Liam Miller was kneeling, but his back was ramrod straight, his face devoid of any sorrow, only humiliation and fury. He couldn’t squeeze out a single tear. In the live-stream, the online viewer count had already surpassed a million. Comments scrolled wildly. “LOL, is this a funeral or a stand-up comedy? Dude, your face is grumpier than my boss’s.” “Sincerity score: 0%. Confirmed, pure greed.” “Ex-hubby, if you really can’t cry, should I send you some onion essential oil?” Liam Miller watched the comments on his phone, his face growing darker and darker. Suddenly, he looked up, glaring intently at the surveillance camera directly above the funeral hall. His gaze pierced through the screen, as if he wanted to devour me whole. He mouthed each word to the camera, “Chloe. Davis. You. Just. Wait.” I chuckled softly, swirling the red wine in my glass. Wait then. This show had only just begun. 0

Liam Miller’s first day at the grave was a disaster, a true performance art failure. He couldn’t cry. Or rather, he had forgotten how to cry for me. He tried everything—pinching his thighs, thinking of sad things, even having his assistant tell him jokes. They say laughter to the extreme can also bring tears. The result? He laughed like a maniac in front of my grave, earning a barrage of “LOL”s in the comments, but his sincerity score remained stubbornly at “0%.” The next day, my mother-in-law, Brenda, showed up with a group of her friends, calling it “on-site coaching.” They gathered around my grave, blasting a mournful, wailing tune from an old, crackling speaker, letting out ear-splitting howls, trying to ‘inspire’ Liam. “Oh, my poor son—you suffer so much—” “That damned Chloe Davis—even in death, she tortures you—” Liam Miller’s head throbbed from their incessant noise, and he roared, his face livid, “Get out, all of you!” The live-stream audience was losing it, flooding the comments with “Comedy Award of the Year” for me. I sat in front of the monitor, watching it all with a blank expression. There was no sense of triumph in my heart, only a desolate coldness. I turned off the farce and brought up another encrypted video. It was of Liam Miller and me in the past. The video began in a cheap rental apartment in a college town. Liam Miller back then wore a faded T-shirt, his eyes clear, a faint dimple appearing when he smiled. His family was poor, but he would save half a month’s living expenses to buy me a limited-edition lipstick I liked. As a top student in the business school, I helped him plan his career, revise his resume, and even used my father’s connections to secure his first internship. He held me tightly then, his eyes shining like stars. “Chloe, you’re everything to me. When I make it big, I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.” I believed him. The scene shifted to his company’s startup phase. I gave up the opportunity to study abroad and became his company’s first employee, juggling roles as finance, administration, and project manager, staying up countless nights with him. We ate instant noodles together in his tiny office, sketching out the company’s blueprint. Then, Amber Reed appeared. An ordinary college student he met on a business trip, innocent, delicate, her eyes filled with adoration for him. She supposedly helped him a great deal, though I never quite understood what she could have possibly done. She came to the company as an intern, knowing nothing, only blinking her innocent big eyes and timidly saying, “Liam, I don’t know how to do this. Can you teach me?” For the first time, Liam Miller made a demand of me for another woman. “Chloe, Amber is new; she doesn’t understand anything. Please guide her. She’s not like you, who had everything growing up; she’s very pitiful.” I tried to teach her, but she looked at me with a gaze mixed with jealousy and disdain. “Chloe, you’re so amazing, unlike me; I only know how to study. But it’s not good for girls to be too strong; it puts pressure on men. Liam often says he feels exhausted around you.” At that moment, I felt the chill of betrayal for the first time. I turned off the video, my chest aching. These memories, once my most precious treasures, were now daggers piercing my heart. Just then, on the screen, Liam Miller’s phone lit up. It was a text from Amber Reed. Using technical means, I synced the content to my screen. “Liam, I went back to our old place today to pack some things and accidentally found something of Chloe’s. I think… it might be her diary.” Liam Miller abruptly stood up from the ground, his expression agitated. A diary? What could Chloe Davis’s diary possibly contain? He almost immediately wanted to rush out of the cemetery, to find Amber, to snatch that diary. But the moment he took a step, the surveillance bracelet on his wrist blared a piercing alarm. “Warning! Warning! User is leaving the designated area, timer will be interrupted!” Mr. Sterling’s team appeared like ghosts, blocking his path with impassive faces. “Mr. Miller, please calm down. If you leave, the agreement is automatically voided.” Liam Miller’s feet were nailed to the spot. He looked back at my tombstone, then at his phone, his face etched with an unprecedented struggle and anxiety. I watched with cold eyes. Liam Miller, which would win out? Your greed or your curiosity? Just then, my assistant, Chris, knocked and entered, holding a delicate velvet box. “Ms. Davis, as you instructed, the item is ready.” I nodded, picked up the box, and offered a knowing smile to the camera. “Go, give this ‘surprise’ to my dear husband.” “Tell him, perhaps this can help him… find that lost ‘sincerity.’” 0

The small velvet box was delivered directly to Liam Miller. He took it suspiciously and opened it. Inside wasn’t some priceless treasure, but a very old, blue MP3 player, its casing chipped. It was the first birthday gift I ever gave him, bought with three months of my allowance. Liam Miller’s expression flickered for a moment. He probably remembered something, but that hint of nostalgia was quickly replaced by impatience. “What is this? What trick is Chloe Davis playing now?” He roughly pulled out the MP3, seeing an equally old pair of earbuds still attached. Annoyed, he put on the earbuds and pressed play. A somewhat noisy recording began to play. “Liam Miller, you broke loser, you think you can chase our college beauty queen? Take a look in the mirror!” “Yeah, look at his cheap clothes, it’s disgusting!” “Chloe, ignore him, let’s go!” It was the voice of my college roommate. Then, young Liam Miller’s clear, stubborn voice came on. “I don’t have money, but my heart for Chloe is real. Someday, I’ll give her a good life.” And then, my crisp voice, with a girl’s playful innocence, “You’re not allowed to bully him! I like him, whether he has money or not!” In the recording, young Liam Miller laughed, a pure, unblemished sound. On the surveillance screen, Liam Miller’s body stiffened. His hand unconsciously stroked the MP3 player, the aggression on his face fading, replaced by a complex tenderness he himself hadn’t realized. I watched him, my heart perfectly still. Liam Miller, you’re not missing me; you’re missing the you who had nothing back then, but felt like he had the whole world. And I was your whole world. Too bad your world grew too big later. Big enough to contain fame, desire, and another woman. The recording continued. Sweet memories flashed by, then the tone abruptly shifted. A shrill, affected female voice chimed in—it was Amber Reed. “Oh, Ms. Jenkins, don’t say that. Chloe didn’t mean it; she’s just… she just loves Liam so much that she sees everyone as a rival.” This was what Amber said at our company’s annual party, after “accidentally” spilling a glass of red wine on my white gown. At the time, as the CEO’s wife, wearing a custom-made dress, I was utterly humiliated by an intern. All eyes were on me. Before I could even speak, Liam Miller frowned and took my hand. He didn’t scold Amber; instead, he whispered to me, “Chloe, just let it go. She didn’t do it on purpose; don’t scare her. Go change your clothes quickly; don’t embarrass yourself here.” “Embarrass myself?” I looked at him, unable to believe those words came from his mouth. He called me an embarrassment to protect another woman. In the recording, my voice at the time was as cold as ice. “Liam Miller, say that again?” “Are you done making a scene?” His voice was full of annoyance. “It’s such a small thing; why do you have to make it so ugly? Amber has already apologized; what more do you want? Go home; stop causing trouble for me here!” The recording stopped there. I saw Liam Miller on the screen, his face pale. He looked as if he’d been slapped hard, not by me, but by himself. He finally remembered. Remembered how he had, step by step, trampled my love and respect underfoot. He took off the earbuds, staring blankly at my tombstone. His lips moved, but no words came out. The live-stream comments, for the first time, briefly went silent. Then, a wave of furious comments erupted. “Holy crap! These two scumbags! Is that recording real?” “Spilling wine then playing innocent, saying the other person ‘scared her’? The ‘sweet’ act is practically oozing out of the screen!” “Liam Miller is a渣男 (scumbag)! Saying that about his wife for a mistress? How humiliating that must have been for his wife!” “Sincerity score -10%! Even the system can’t stand it!” I smiled, looking at the negative number. This system certainly didn’t disappoint me. Liam Miller saw it too. The color completely drained from his face. He was starting to get scared. Not scared of losing the money, but scared of remembering what he had truly done to me. Just then, his phone rang again. Still Amber Reed. This time, she didn’t text; she made a video call directly. Liam Miller instinctively wanted to hang up, but his finger paused. He answered. Amber Reed’s tear-streaked face appeared on the screen. “Liam, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to call you. I… I just miss you so much. You must be having such a hard time out there alone, right?” “Don’t listen to what people online are saying, and don’t let… don’t let the things Chloe left behind affect you. She must hate you, that’s why she’s trying every way to make you suffer…” As she spoke, she looked at him with those “innocent” big eyes, full of “pity” and “understanding.” Liam Miller looked at her but said nothing. His gaze was very complex. Amber Reed, getting no response, bit her lip. Suddenly, she seemed to make a decision. She turned the camera to a table. On the table lay a shattered picture frame. Inside the frame was the only photo Liam Miller and I had together. 0

“Liam, please don’t be mad at me.” Amber Reed’s voice, laced with tears, came through the phone, sounding especially pitiful. “When I saw that picture, it reminded me of how Chloe used to treat me… I couldn’t control myself for a moment… I know I shouldn’t have, it’s your memory, but I was just so upset…” Her words precisely pierced Liam Miller’s most vulnerable nerve at that moment. That photo was taken on the day our company went public. I wore a simple white blouse, and he wore a suit. Behind us was the enormous red logo of the stock exchange. We smiled so brightly in the picture, our eyes full of hope for the future. And now, it was shattered. Shattered by the woman he had placed on a pedestal. I watched Liam Miller’s face on the surveillance screen; his muscles twitched, his jawline clenched tight. I thought he would explode, would yell at Amber. But he didn’t. He merely stared silently at the wreckage on the screen, his eyes slowly dimming, eventually settling into a dead calm. “I understand.” After a long moment, he uttered these few words, then immediately hung up the video call. No comfort, no accusation. It was a kind of calm more terrifying than anger. He slowly squatted down, placing the cheap MP3 back into the velvet box. Then, he looked up, turning his gaze back to my tombstone. This time, his eyes held no hatred, no resentment, only an endless void and regret. He finally seemed to understand that she hadn’t just shattered a picture frame. She had shattered everything he and I had ever shared. “Chloe… I’m sorry.” A single tear, without warning, rolled from his bloodshot eyes, hitting the dusty ground and leaving a dark mark. Then came a second, a third… He no longer suppressed it, no longer pretended. He broke down, weeping uncontrollably before my cold tombstone. His cries were heartbreaking, filled with endless remorse and pain. 【Live Stream】 “Holy crap! He’s crying! He’s actually crying!” “His cries, they break my heart… doesn’t sound like an act.” “Sincerity score! Look at the sincerity score!” I shifted my gaze to a corner of the live stream. The sincerity score, which had consistently displayed negative numbers or zero, was now skyrocketing like crazy. 10%… 30%… 50%… Finally, it stopped at 61%. Passed. Liam Miller, congratulations, you’ve finally shed your first sincere tear. But this is far from enough. What I want isn’t just your tears. I want you to spend the next ninety-plus days reliving, over and over, how you personally buried the love you once prided yourself on. As I coldly observed his breakdown, the doorbell of the villa suddenly rang. My personal assistant, Ms. Lee, came in and said, “Ms. Davis, a Mr. Price, who claims to be an old acquaintance of yours, wishes to see you.” Mr. Price? I paused, then realized. Daniel Price. The son of my father’s old friend, and my nominal “fiancé.” He was one of the few who knew about this fake death scheme. “Let him in.” Soon, a tall, well-built man in a black trench coat entered. He was handsome and had a composed demeanor. Seeing me safe and sound on the couch, his tense expression finally relaxed. “You really scared me to death,” he said, walking over to me with a helpless sigh. “Have you had enough? Come home with me.” “Not yet.” I shook my head, pointing at Liam Miller, who was crying his heart out on the screen. “The show has just begun.” Following my finger, his eyes instantly turned cold. “You put yourself through all this for *that*?” “No,” I corrected him. “It’s for myself. I need to reclaim what’s mine, like my dignity.” Daniel Price was silent for a moment, then stopped trying to persuade me. He simply took off his trench coat, draped it over me, and said softly, “Don’t watch anymore, it’s bad for your eyes. I’ll take you somewhere.” He took my hand and led me out of that suffocating surveillance room. Meanwhile, at the cemetery. Liam Miller’s cries gradually subsided. He seemed to have been drained of all his strength, slumping to the ground. Just then, a black Rolls-Royce slowly pulled up at the cemetery entrance. The car door opened, and a man in a perfectly tailored black suit stepped out, holding a black umbrella. He walked with steady steps, heading straight for my tombstone. His appearance immediately drew everyone’s attention in the live stream. “Who’s that guy? What an aura!” “Look at that car, those clothes, he must be rich and powerful!” “Is he here to mourn too? But… why does he look at Liam Miller like he’s a piece of trash?” The man ignored Liam Miller, who was still kneeling on the ground, and simply placed a bouquet of white calla lilies gently before my tombstone. His long fingers brushed over my name on the cold stone, a tender gesture. “Chloe.” He spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, filled with intense sorrow. “I’m too late.” 0 This man was Blake Vance. My college senior, and my former admirer. A genius who, after I chose Liam Miller, moved far away, founded his own tech company, and is now a rising star in the industry.

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My stepsister and I were kidnapped at the same time, but my boyfriend only paid the ransom for her. In that moment, close to death, I saw the soul of my mom, who had passed away years ago. “Those two – that scumbag and that manipulative witch – they’re playing Celeste for a fool, both for her feelings and her money! My poor daughter is surrounded by monsters who want to devour her!” My mom’s figure was faint, but she filled me with a sense of security. “I can’t believe so many people are coveting the inheritance I left behind. Damn Julian Vance and Blair! Not only did they deliberately hurt my daughter, but they also planned to ruin her reputation and make her an outcast!” “My dear, at tomorrow’s engagement banquet, you absolutely must not choose Julian Vance. Take a closer look at Asher Hayes. That boy genuinely likes you.” The next day at the banquet, my father had four heirs from the most influential families stand before me, asking me to choose one to marry. I chose Asher Hayes without a moment’s hesitation. I’ve always listened to my mom. If she said Julian Vance wanted to hurt me, then I’d just switch husbands.

My father was clearly taken aback by my choice. “Aren’t you dating Julian Vance? Why the sudden choice for Asher Hayes? Celeste, marriage isn’t a joke, you need to choose carefully.” I nodded. “Dad, I broke up with Julian Vance. I like Asher Hayes now.” My father gently patted my head. “Our family doesn’t need a strategic alliance through marriage. If you don’t like any of them, we can just cancel the engagement.” At the entrance, Julian Vance’s parents walked in, all smiles. “Mr. Richard, since we’ll be family soon, please guide us through ‘Project Pawa’ this time.” My dad is the wealthiest man in the state, and the group’s project partners depend on who I choose as his son-in-law. My dad gave them a cold glance and announced, “Don’t be ridiculous. My daughter’s fiancé is Asher Hayes.” Mr. Vance looked stunned. “What does this mean? Celeste, aren’t you my son’s girlfriend?” My mom, with her hands on her hips, practically yelled, “Nonsense! Julian Vance not only deceived my daughter but also publicly claimed Blair was his girlfriend, even going as far as to call Celeste the other woman! They trampled all over her reputation, and it was Asher Hayes who helped suppress those rumors!” My heart clenched painfully. My mind instantly cleared. No wonder when Julian Vance and I went to friend gatherings, they always looked like they were watching a show. Turns out, I was the joke. Blair and Julian Vance became “good friends” shortly after she moved into our house. I thought they were just close, but I never imagined they were already together. I glanced at Mr. Vance, and said flatly, “I only have one fiancé, and that’s Asher Hayes.” Mrs. Vance stomped her foot in anger. “Celeste, I treated you like a daughter-in-law, and yet you turned out to be such a hypocritical person.” My mom’s soul stood in front of me, gently comforting me. “Sweetheart, the Vance family conspired together to deceive you. Don’t let them make you angry.” “But I’m so happy you finally saw Julian Vance for who he really is.” Soon, everyone had arrived. Seated on either side of me were two handsome, stylish men: Julian Vance, Asher Hayes, and then Ryan and Leo. We all lived in the same villa complex, and being similar in age, we’d grown up together. After the meal, the elders left early, leaving just the four of us looking at each other awkwardly. But just as I was about to speak to Asher Hayes, his father called him away. The moment he left, Ryan put on a playful smirk. “Celeste, as the daughter of the state’s wealthiest man, you must be pretty pleased with yourself, getting to pick the most suitable husband from four powerful families.” Leo scoffed. “So what if she was born with a silver spoon? She’s still just a complete pushover, constantly chasing after Julian Vance like a lost puppy.” Julian Vance put on a facade of deep affection, looking at me. “Celeste, since you’ve chosen me, I will naturally fulfill my responsibilities and duties as a husband. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you well.” My mom stood by, sneering, and reached out to hit him. If only she wasn’t a soul, she couldn’t touch anything. “He truly is a manipulative liar! That kidnapping was orchestrated by him and Blair! They wanted to trick Celeste into giving up her newly inherited fortune, then release her dirt, and Blair would step over her to rise to the top.” Listening to my mom’s furious accusations, a wave of bitterness washed over me. If my mom hadn’t been unable to let go of me even after her death, I might not have been alive anymore. Julian Vance reached for a napkin to wipe my mouth, but I pulled away. “Don’t touch me.” Julian Vance’s face changed, but only for a moment before he regained his composure. “Celeste, are you still upset about the kidnapping? I already explained, it was an emergency, I had no choice but to ensure Blair’s safety first.” “Blair is your sister, I was doing it all for your own good.” Julian Vance had always been so gentle. He knew I had low blood sugar, so his pocket always had my favorite candies. He knew my stomach wasn’t good, so he’d have his housekeeper make me stomach-soothing porridge every day. I was touched by his thoughtfulness and fell hopelessly in love with him. He used to say: “Celeste, I love your star-bright eyes, I adore your beautiful face. Please allow me to protect you for a lifetime.” But time had passed, and he was no longer that gentle, considerate gentleman. His love was like a dazzling fireworks display, quickly blooming for someone else. Now, his devotion was entirely for Blair, yet he continued to feign sincerity for my inheritance. I shifted my gaze, and said coldly, “I don’t need it.” Julian Vance peeled a shrimp and placed it in my bowl. “At the Freshman Orientation Week in a few days, Blair wants to perform a piano piece. You’re about to start your company internship, there’s no need to waste time on this. I’ve already replaced your name with hers.” I looked up at him in disbelief, then quickly felt a sense of resignation. He was the Student Body President, and this Freshman Orientation Week was his to organize. He could do whatever he wanted. “Do what you want.” But what he didn’t know was… The school board had personally begged me to perform at the Freshman Orientation Week this year.

He had a smile on his face as he fed me a cherry tomato. But Julian Vance, I’m allergic to cherry tomatoes. How could he be so meticulous and yet forget that? “Come on, your birthday is next month. I’ll get you that ring you love. Oh, and when are you planning to try on wedding dresses?” I pushed his hand away, but I didn’t completely lose my temper with him. If he wanted to put on an act, I’d play along. Ryan suddenly frowned and asked, “Celeste, is this engagement banquet for you and Julian Vance?” I smirked, but didn’t answer directly. “On my birthday, I’ll have the groom’s suit and groomsmen’s suits ready for you guys. Remember to pick them up on time.” Since it was *my* grand wedding, I would personally confirm every detail. My father came to the private room to call me, and I stood up to leave. Leo, who had been silent for a while, scoffed. “Why even ask? Back when Julian Vance was bullied by the former Student Body President, she spent a month taking him down to get Julian Vance promoted. And for his birthday the past three years, wasn’t it always her who spent a fortune organizing them? Julian Vance, you really have a good fiancée.” “That’s enough.” Julian Vance’s voice was cold. “Blair is waiting for us. Don’t say anything out of line when we get there.” Hearing Blair’s name, I completely lost it. I thought my heart had turned to ash, but apparently, it could still ache. I had loved Julian Vance for three years. Every day, I felt like I was living for him. After my mom died, I was heartbroken and depressed for a long time. I once believed he was the prince who pulled me out of hell, but I never thought he’d become someone else’s knight. “Celeste.” Julian Vance called out to me. He roughly grabbed my arm, and said coldly, “I don’t want Blair to know about the Freshman Orientation Week. I’m afraid she’ll be upset.” “She’s always like that, so sweet and kind, always thinking of others even when she’s hurt.” The pampering in his tone was like a sharp knife twisting in my heart. “Julian Vance, why are you so confident that I’ll always love you?” His tone was slightly displeased. “I agreed to marry you, but don’t be unreasonable.” I shook off his hand, trembling. “Julian Vance, we’re over.” I hurried toward my father, but a cake cart suddenly rolled toward me. I instinctively dodged, but my foot was still run over, and my dress was covered in cream. “Oh dear, big sister, are you alright? It’s all my fault for being so clumsy, I can’t even push a cake cart properly.” My mom’s figure stood before me again, enraged, she yelled, “What clumsy? I think you did it on purpose! You just want to harm my daughter, not only to inherit her shares in the Richard family but also to covet my inheritance! Ugh, you shameless wretch!” Julian Vance rushed to Blair’s side and hugged her. “Are you alright? You’re not hurt, are you? It’s that awful cake cart, it’s got nothing to do with you. Don’t blame yourself.” He looked at me with extreme impatience. “Blair is already scared, why aren’t you apologizing to her?” Apologize? Why should I? “These two scumbags! They think my daughter has no one to back her up, do they? It’s infuriating!” Seeing my mom so upset, I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain, and stood up. I slowly walked over to them, picked up the remaining cake, and smashed it onto them. In an instant, the hall had two new Santa Clauses. Julian Vance was furious, roaring, “Celeste, you have no manners!” I pushed the cart towards them again. “Manners? Those are for people, not for dogs.” Seeing them stunned, I clapped my hands and strode away. Once in the car, I told the driver to take me home. After hearing the whole story, my father asked if I needed him to handle it, but I shook my head. At the beginning of our relationship, Julian Vance would fret even if a single strand of my hair fell. He always had a handkerchief in his pocket. If there was a speck of dirt on my shoe, he would kneel down and wipe it for me. Now, he cared less and less about me. He even humiliated me for another woman. If I married him, my life would only become more miserable day by day.

While waiting for the family doctor, I was painting in my art studio. Halfway through, I heard sounds coming from the piano room next door. “Julian Vance, if Celeste found out you were the one who hired the kidnappers, I wonder if her heart would break.” After a moment of silence, Julian Vance let out a sound of desire. “So what? Everything she has is mine. I originally wanted to take the opportunity to make her hand over the inheritance, but she was so stubborn, she’d rather die than give in.” “But it doesn’t matter. Once I marry her and get the assets, I’ll be the richest man in the world!” Blair pouted coquettishly. “Hmph, then you’d be a two-time married man when you marry me.” My mom was very sad, her voice choked. “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t died so early, my daughter wouldn’t have been manipulated by these wolves.” She then instantly brightened up. “But they’re going to be disappointed! My daughter chose Asher Hayes!” Their movements and sounds grew louder and louder. I felt like the entire second floor was tainted. “Excuse me, is Miss Celeste here?” He wore a white lab coat, an unfamiliar family doctor. “Dr. Miller was off today, feeling unwell, so I’m covering for him.” The man kept his head down, but his eyes were strange. Yet, as he approached me, he suddenly lunged. “Celeste, go to hell!” In his hand was a syringe, just a fraction of an inch from piercing my body. In that moment of life and death, I screamed, “Julian Vance, help me!” In a flash, I had ducked behind my easel. If Julian Vance could just grab him while he was unprepared, I could be saved. Blair let out a cry, “No, Julian Vance, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Julian Vance hesitated for a moment, and the man’s syringe plunged into my skin. I struggled frantically, only to find my body gradually losing control. My mom paced anxiously around me. “Oh no! This is one of the kidnapper’s accomplices! Because the Richard family rounded up their whole gang, he’s furious and wants revenge! Julian Vance, my daughter has been so good to you, can you really bear to watch her get hurt?” On the other side, Blair, traumatized, had fainted in Julian Vance’s arms. In his panic, he simply picked her up and carried her away. A chill ran through my heart. Three years of feelings, and yet I held no place in his heart. Perhaps I should have known the moment he paid the ransom for Blair. In a haze, I saw a man rush up and pull me into his arms. He called my name repeatedly, but I couldn’t hear anything anymore. Fortunately, the dose of the poison wasn’t much, and it didn’t cause me great harm. For the following time, I stayed home to recover, even missing the Freshman Orientation Week at school. I heard Blair made quite a splash. Many men pursued her, but Julian Vance shut them all down. The kidnapper from that day had already been caught and executed, but Asher Hayes was still worried. He stayed by my side when I slept, and left as soon as I woke up. On my birthday, my father painstakingly prepared the most exquisite and beautiful wedding dress in the world for me. When I appeared in full regalia before the four men, Julian Vance, Ryan, and Leo’s eyes were filled with awe. Only Asher Hayes lowered his head, not daring to meet my gaze. I called for the bodyguards and handed them the clothes I had prepared. But when they changed and reappeared, Julian Vance finally realized something was off. “Celeste, did you mix up Asher Hayes’s and my clothes?” I gave him a faint glance, and said softly, “No mistake. Because my groom is—” “The groom I’ve chosen, the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with, is Asher Hayes.” At these words, everyone present froze.

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My boyfriend’s childhood friend turned obsessive. When she couldn’t have him, she went after my dad instead. Liam took me out for a candlelit dinner, and the next thing I knew, Chloe was jetting off to Paris on a private plane with my dad, on a massive shopping spree. She even had the nerve to sneer at me, “Satisfied with just a casual dinner? My man is way more generous than Liam Maxwell!” I nodded furiously, like a bobblehead. “Oh yeah, totally! Your man’s the most generous!” So generous, in fact, that my name is on his will. “Liam, are you *really* going to abandon me for this woman?” “I’ve been by your side for eleven years. Does that mean nothing compared to someone who saved your life?” “W-w-what? I’m the one who loves you most in this world! Can’t you just look at me?” I’m Anya Sharma, and this woman in front of me, wailing out her woes and pleading her case to my boyfriend, is his childhood friend, Chloe Reed. In Chloe’s words, childhood sweethearts just couldn’t compete with a ‘destined’ connection. Chloe blocked our path, crying nonstop. She acted as if Liam and I being together meant *she* was the one being abandoned. But heaven knows, that wasn’t the case at all. I’ve lost count of how many times Chloe has pulled this stunt. Not hundreds, but easily dozens. You couldn’t get rid of her; she was like a stubborn stain I couldn’t scrub off. They just happened to be in the same class from elementary school all the way through college, and she unilaterally decided to crown herself his ‘childhood sweetheart.’ Liam had assured me repeatedly that he barely knew her. And I’d even had someone look into it; this was clearly Chloe’s one-sided fantasy. Sure enough, Liam grabbed my hand, ready to leave, not even bothering to glance her way. As we walked past Chloe, I paused, looking at her. “Sister, seriously, if it’s really that bad, maybe we should find a hospital and get your head checked out?” It was a genuine suggestion, but she took it as a provocation, glaring at me fiercely. Her eyes seemed to accuse me of stealing her man. Hopeless. People who only want to live in their own delusional world can’t be reasoned with. What else could she do besides see a doctor? Just as we were about to leave, Chloe suddenly roared from behind us, “Liam Maxwell! This is your last chance! If you’re going to be heartless, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Liam didn’t even turn his head. Sometimes, I actually felt sorry for my boyfriend. If it were any other woman, they probably would’ve cracked under Chloe’s harassment by now.

When I first met Liam, I was a freshman, and didn’t really know anyone at school. Chloe, along with some others, decided to corner me. “You’re forbidden from talking to Liam Maxwell ever again, or I’ll make you regret it!” Behind her were a few red-haired delinquents, who were apparently Chloe’s admirers. I immediately gave them a masterclass in self-defense. The result was a pile of bodies on the ground. Liam appeared out of nowhere to watch the show, even recording my fierce, take-no-prisoners attitude. “I was going to record this to call the police for you, but now it looks like I should be calling them for *them* instead.” With Liam’s video as evidence, I was just acting in self-defense. Chloe, as the ringleader, was detained for fifteen days. The school was going to expel her, but somehow, one of her relatives pulled some strings and got her off the hook. But I wasn’t intimidated. In fact, I should probably thank Chloe’s meddling. If she hadn’t cornered me that day, Liam and I might never have gotten to know each other better. After Liam and I officially started dating, Chloe nearly lost her mind when she found out. She charged at me, intending to fight, but I gave her a spectacular over-the-shoulder throw, which landed her in the hospital for a month. After that, she changed tactics, constantly emphasizing to Liam, “I’m the woman who loves you most!” I actually admired her persistence. She kept it up for a full five years. Midway, I did worry. Could a woman’s unwavering obsession really fail to stir even a flicker of emotion? When I asked Liam about it, he didn’t say a word. But the next day, he printed out a stack of advanced placement textbooks and practice exams and tossed them in front of Chloe. “Someone who claims to be a brilliant university student, but can’t even solve these basic problems, what makes you think a little bit of ‘love’ will impress me?” “I’d tell her that consistent effort leads to significant results, and all she’d ask is what we’re having for dinner.” Just thinking about Liam’s actions still makes me laugh. Indeed, if Chloe could somehow manage to be the top student in the entire school, Liam might actually be willing to discuss academics with her. Liam and I got together because I was annoyed he beat me in a debate, so I chased him to his dorm and debated him for three days straight. We were drawn to intellect, to sharp minds. What attracted us was the powerful soul of the other person, not some fleeting, superficial feeling. Chloe probably would never understand that.

But I truly never expected it! Why did Chloe suddenly parachute into my company? HR announced a new hire today, a “high-tech talent.” I was all geared up to have a lively discussion about technology with this newcomer, only to find Chloe’s smug face staring back at me. “High-tech talent”? She’d barely scraped by her college English exams, even after multiple tries, and struggled through basic university courses. And now she’d suddenly become the company’s tech expert? Even taken over the department manager position? She’d become my new boss. I’d worked my way up from intern for a year, only to become a team lead. I was on the verge of a promotion and a raise, and Chloe just swooped in and took it? “What?! Anya, didn’t they say the manager position was yours? How did an outsider just get parachuted in?” “When this last project finished, the higher-ups said Anya would be promoted…” “Shh! You don’t know? This woman has serious connections.” “What kind of connections? Spill!” “She seems to be connected to the big boss. I saw her getting out of his car yesterday…” “Oh my god…” “Shush! Keep your voice down, someone might hear.” From their whispers, I caught the crucial information. The big boss? My ridiculously wealthy, infuriating father? I couldn’t help but glance at Chloe on stage. She had her sights set on Liam Maxwell, surely her taste hadn’t changed so drastically that she’d go for my dad? It had to be a rumor. Chloe immediately spotted me sitting in the crowd and raised an eyebrow. Then, to everyone’s astonishment, she walked right up to me, a triumphant smirk on her face. “Anya Sharma, what a coincidence! Looks like you’ll be my subordinate now, huh?” “And here you were, calling yourself a top student, a modern woman. Honestly, you haven’t achieved much, have you?” At this point, it was clear to everyone that the new manager harbored hostility towards me. My familiar colleagues nervously watched. But I couldn’t care less. I threw a question right back at her. “I hear Manager Reed is a high-tech talent. So you must be able to answer some questions for me, right?” Chloe arrogantly tilted her chin. “Of course. Ask away.” I suppressed a smile and asked, “Manager Reed, who invented the C programming language?” “It was…” Chloe opened her mouth, then choked. She’d been cramming programming books for days, preparing for any unexpected questions. She never imagined I’d hit her with something so basic, yet so out of left field. Chloe’s face turned beet red, but not a single extra word came out of her mouth. Around us, faint snickers erupted, as if mocking her overconfidence. And why not? No one liked these “parachuted” hires. Why should everyone work late nights on projects, striving for promotions and raises? Only to have some talentless newbie, who couldn’t even name the inventor of C language, snatch it away? “Anya Sharma! You’re doing this on purpose! You’re just jealous I took your position, so you’re trying to make things difficult for me!” Chloe finally realized my intention and yelled it out. I didn’t bother to hide it, nodding openly. “Yep, I am. But you really didn’t know, did you?” “If you’re so smart, ask me a different question!” “If you can’t even answer that, there’s nothing else worth asking you.” Ultimately, the welcome meeting for Chloe ended with her storming out in a huff. After the meeting, my team members immediately swarmed around me, showering me with support. “Anya, that was epic! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back, always!” “Totally! Anya, you fly, we’ll carry your burdens, haha!” “Anya, take down that outsider! If it gets too rough, go solo, and we’ll follow you anywhere!” I quickly reassured them. No way! These were my best tech talents. Not one of them could quit. This was the empire I was building for the company’s future. I had originally joined under a false name, working my way up from intern. My dad probably didn’t even know I was “undercover” in his own company. But I was deeply touched to have such a loyal and supportive team. “Don’t worry. I won’t be the one leaving this company.” News of Chloe being a “parachuted” hire spread like wildfire. Other colleagues came to gloat, but before I could even open my mouth, my awesome team members had already shut them down. Having lost face in the meeting, Chloe naturally wanted to get her revenge privately. Sure enough, at noon, she ordered me to compile all the projects our team had ever handled and present them to her. She could have easily accessed the company archives herself. But Chloe insisted I compile them, and wanted hard copies. “Anya Sharma, have all the projects summarized for me before the end of the day. You can do that, right?” It was a direct order from my superior, so I had no choice but to comply. I had anticipated Chloe’s move, and thankfully, I have a habit of keeping my own copies of every completed project. So, five minutes later, I handed all the documents to Chloe. “That fast?! Anya Sharma, are you trying to fob me off with some random files?!” I looked at Chloe, amused. “Manager Reed, if you think I’m fobbing you off, why don’t you cross-reference each document? Then you’ll know if I’m bluffing or not.” That resulted in Chloe being forced to stay late and work overtime. And I got to happily leave for the day.

Liam was still at his company, working late. He started his own studio in his senior year of college, and now it had grown considerably, making his work exceptionally busy. I sent him a SnapChat message: “Going back to my dad’s tonight. Won’t be home.” I needed to go back and ask my dad if Chloe was his recommendation to the company. After arriving home, I first went to the living room to pay my respects to my mom’s memorial, then headed to my dad’s study. But he wasn’t there? “Mrs. Jenkins, where’s my dad?” “Miss Anya, Mr. Sterling hasn’t been home for a few days.” I called him, but his phone was off. I tried contacting my dad’s secretary, but his phone was off too? The next moment, I scrolled through Ins and saw Chloe’s post: “Was supposed to work late, but someone couldn’t bear to see me so tired. Taking a private jet to the next city for a French feast~” The photo showed the interior of a private jet. Just one look, and it seemed familiar. Very much like *our* family’s jet. I glanced at my mom’s memorial, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. My mom had passed away from massive blood loss during the birth of her second child. In all these years, my dad hadn’t remarried. Not because his love for my mom was so profound, but because he found remarriage too troublesome, and one daughter was enough for him. And to honor my mom, he even let me use her maiden name. My dad was a notorious playboy CEO. Since my mom’s passing, his gossip column mentions outnumbered even those of the usual tabloid fixtures. Initially, the paparazzi loved following him, but they eventually realized their scoops couldn’t keep up with his pace of changing girlfriends, so they just gave up. Could Chloe really be involved with my dad? The absurd thought sent a chill down my spine. No way, absolutely not. Chloe had been obsessed with Liam for so long, she couldn’t suddenly fall for my plump, easygoing father. Since my dad wasn’t home, staying in this huge mansion by myself was pretty boring. I had the driver take me back to the small place Liam and I shared. The moment I walked in, I bumped right into him. Liam smelled faintly of soap. He picked me up and settled me onto the couch. I didn’t move, just nestled in his arms. A sigh escaped me; if only time could stop. He brushed the stray hairs from my forehead and tucked them behind my ear. “Anya, you seem a little down today?” I thought for a moment, then decided to tell him about Chloe parachuting into our company. Liam didn’t know I was the daughter of the Sterling Group CEO. And we had a silent understanding not to delve into each other’s backgrounds. After all, if too many things got mixed into love, it wouldn’t be pure anymore. To my surprise, Liam then told me something even more shocking. “She called me today too. I didn’t pick up at first, so she called my company directly. She said she was going to get revenge on me. Looks like she really found herself a sugar daddy?” Liam spoke in a calm, flat tone, and I could tell he didn’t take Chloe’s threats seriously. Of course, he was fiercely independent and proud. I had always assumed Liam was a genius but from an ordinary family, so I couldn’t help but worry about him. “What if Chloe really hooked up with that Mr. Sterling, and whispers in his ear? Couldn’t that jeopardize your company?” Besides, this kind of thing wasn’t uncommon. Plenty of passionate young entrepreneurs try to make their mark in the cutthroat business world, but many eventually get acquired or monopolized. Liam patted my shoulder. “Relax. Don’t you trust me? She can try her best.” Liam was brimming with confidence, but I couldn’t bear to see the company he’d built with his own hands ruined by a woman like Chloe. Forget it. If it came to it, I’d just have to come clean with my dad. Thinking that, I felt a little lighter. The next day, both Chloe and my dad were indeed absent from the company. The excuse was a business trip, but everyone knew perfectly well that it was… Three days later, Chloe, arm-in-arm with my dad, made a grand entrance at the company. They got out of the same car, and my dad personally escorted her to her office door. I stood far off in the crowd. My dad was beaming like a blooming flower, and Chloe was playing the role of the demure, devoted girlfriend. So, this was their public debut?

First off, how did Chloe sweet-talk my dad into being so public? And how could *she* even stomach it? My dad was roughly her father’s age, almost fifty. After her display, Chloe immediately called me into her office to gloat. The moment I stepped in, I was nearly blinded by the diamond on Chloe’s finger, so huge it practically had its own zip code. She practically shoved her hand into my eye. “So, what do you think? Is my diamond ring big enough? I wonder how many years Liam Maxwell would have to slave away to afford just this one ring?” How was I supposed to tell her that Liam wouldn’t need to buy it? It was the kind of thing I used to toss around like a pebble when I was a kid. Though, my dad certainly was generous this time, a two-hundred-million-dollar ring, just like that. Oh, wait, I just noticed. It wasn’t just the ring. Chloe’s entire outfit had changed—high-end clothes, designer bags. Did my ridiculously wealthy, infuriating father actually like her? I couldn’t fathom why I was busting my ass working for him. “You’ve seen it, Mr. Sterling dotes on me. With just a word from me, Liam Maxwell’s company would disappear. Do you believe me?” I shook my head. “I don’t.” “Everyone knows Mr. Sterling is a playboy. He can dote on you today and fall for someone else tomorrow. Oh, and if you’re trying to cash in, you’d better do it fast, or you’ll have nowhere to cry when he dumps you~”

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On the operating table, I was covered in my own blood. Ten minutes after the anesthesia wore off, the cold scalpel was carving its third incision across my lower abdomen. My body seized with agony, tears blurring my vision as I desperately strained to look at him through the observation window. He was cradling my stepsister, Serena, a chilling smile on his face as he instructed the doctor, “Take the uterus and kidney together. No scars. They’re for Serena later.” I tried to scream, but a nurse clamped a hand over my mouth. “Ms. Hayes, don’t struggle. Mrs. Knight said your life was salvaged from that car accident five years ago because you shielded her daughter. Now it’s time to return what’s rightfully hers.” So, that ‘accident’ five years ago wasn’t him risking his life to save me. It was him who shoved me out of the car, hoping *I* would die in Serena’s place. So, these five years of marriage were nothing but a twisted game of cultivating my organs. The operating lights swam before my eyes, and my stepsister’s sickly sweet voice drifted into my ears: “Thank you for dying for me, sis. Next life, remember to stay far away from what’s mine.” I choked down my last breath. When I opened my eyes again, it was that rainy night five years ago – he was smiling, extending a hand to me: “Need a ride? I can drop you off.” This time, I simply raised my hand and slapped him.

I opened my eyes, the blinding operating lights searing into my pupils. My whole body ached as if someone had sliced me open, inch by agonizing inch. I tried to move, but my hands were strapped tightly to the operating table. The anesthesia had worn off. I could distinctly feel the cold scalpel carving its third incision across my lower abdomen. Tears blurred my vision, and I strained my head, desperately looking toward the observation window. Through the glass, I saw him. Julian Knight, my husband, stood there, his arm wrapped around a woman. That woman was my stepsister, Serena Hayes. He pointed at my body, saying something to the lead surgeon. His voice crackled through the intercom: “Take the uterus and kidney together. No scars. They’re for Serena later.” I froze. What was he saying? I tried to scream, but a nurse’s hand clamped over my mouth. The nurse looked at me coldly: “Ms. Hayes, don’t struggle. Mrs. Knight said your life was salvaged from that car accident because you shielded her daughter. Now it’s time to return what’s rightfully hers.” Return what’s rightfully hers? My mind roared, and the scene of that car accident five years ago suddenly flashed before me. It was a stormy night. My stepmother and I had argued, and she’d thrown me out of the house. Julian Knight’s car pulled up to the driveway. He smiled at me and said, “Need a ride? I can drop you off at school.” I got in. As the car drove to the outskirts, an out-of-control truck suddenly veered towards us. I remember him sharply turning the steering wheel and shoving me toward the passenger door. The door flew open on impact, and I was thrown out. Then, I remembered nothing. When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed, that memory erased. Julian Knight sat by my bed, gently holding my hand: “You took the brunt of the crash for Serena. She’s so grateful.” I thought it was an accident. I thought he had saved me. For five years, he had been meticulously devoted, showering me with care and concern. I thought it was love. It wasn’t. That car crash wasn’t an accident. He had pushed me out of the car himself. These five years of tenderness were nothing but a twisted game of cultivating my organs. The operating lights swam before my eyes, and Serena Hayes’ sickly sweet voice drifted into my ears. “Thank you for dying for me, sis. Next life, remember to stay far away from what’s mine.” I tried to speak, but only muffled whimpers escaped my throat. Julian Knight turned, his gaze passing through the glass to me. His eyes were terrifyingly calm, as if he were looking at an item about to be scrapped. I struggled desperately, the straps biting into my wrists. The lead surgeon picked up the scalpel, ready to continue cutting into my abdomen. I felt the icy touch of the blade against my skin. It hurt. It hurt so much. I wanted to beg, to scream for them to stop, but I couldn’t even make a sound. Large tears streamed down my face, splattering onto the white surgical sheet. Julian Knight remained expressionless behind the observation window. Serena Hayes leaned on his shoulder, smiling exquisitely. I closed my eyes, refusing to look at them anymore. The scalpel sliced into my body, inch by inch, and the scent of blood filled the air. I felt my life slowly draining away. My consciousness grew hazy, and the voices faded into the distance. In my final moments, I had only one thought. If I could do it again, I would never have gotten into his car. Then, everything went black.

I gasped, my eyes snapping open. My body was drenched in cold sweat, my heart pounding fiercely. I stared blankly at the scene before me—the entrance to the Hayes family villa. Rain poured down, cold and biting against my face. I was soaked, my phone screen shattered. A black Bentley pulled up, and the window slowly rolled down. Julian Knight smiled, extending his hand to me: “Need a ride? I can drop you off at school.” I froze. That face, this scene, those words. Exactly the same as five years ago. No, more accurately, exactly the same as just a moment ago. Hadn’t I just died on the operating table? Why was I back here? Julian Knight’s brow furrowed when he saw me unmoving. “Clara? What’s wrong?” I stared at him, countless images flashing through my mind. His cold eyes, directing doctors to harvest my organs. His intimate posture, holding Serena. The moment he pushed me out of the car on that rainy night. I took a step back, raised my hand, and slapped him without hesitation. “SMACK!” The crisp sound of the slap echoed loudly in the rainy night. Julian Knight froze, clutching his cheek, staring at me in disbelief. “You…” “Get lost.” My voice was icy. I turned and walked into the rain. His voice called out behind me: “Clara! Are you crazy?” I didn’t look back, walking straight into the villa. My stepmother stood in the living room, a sneer on her face when she saw me. “What, couldn’t bear to leave?” I ignored her, went straight upstairs, and returned to my room. Locking the door, I leaned against it, trembling. I had been reborn. I truly had. I was back to that rainy night five years ago, where it all began. I remembered the script of my previous life. Tonight, I would be kicked out by my stepmother after an argument, and Julian Knight would “just happen to pass by” to offer me a ride. The car would encounter an “accident” on the outskirts, and I would take the fatal impact meant for Serena, falling into a coma with severe injuries. I would wake up, having lost that memory, and Julian Knight would approach me as my “savior.” Over five years, he would slowly groom me into a perfect organ donor. But this time, I had rejected him. I walked to my desk, opened a drawer, and took out a USB drive. These were all the pieces of evidence I had gathered against Serena Hayes during my college years. In my past life, I was too naive, believing she truly was a charitable socialite. It wasn’t until my death that I understood she was glamorous on the surface but secretly controlled an underground organ trafficking network. The victims of those “car accidents” were all carefully selected matching donors. I was simply the perfect match found after Serena’s kidney failure. I opened my laptop, inserted the USB drive, and files filled the screen. A list of victims from seventeen “accidents.” Every person was sent to the Knight family’s private hospital after their “accident.” Their organs were removed, and they were then declared beyond saving. I gripped the mouse, a cold glint in my eyes. This life, I wouldn’t let them succeed. My phone vibrated. It was a SnapChat message from Julian Knight. “Clara, I was out of line earlier. Please don’t be angry. Can I still drive you back to school?” I looked at the message, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. In my previous life, he used this gentle facade to deceive me for five years. This life, I wouldn’t fall for it again. I replied: “No thanks. We’re not close.” After sending it, I pulled out the USB drive and hid it in my safe. Tomorrow, I had somewhere to go.

Three days later, I received a notification from the hospital. Serena Hayes had suffered acute kidney failure and was in critical condition. I stood in the hospital corridor, looking at the red light above the emergency room. Mrs. Knight sat on a bench, wiping away tears. She immediately stood up when she saw me. She grabbed my hand: “Clara, you’re finally here!” I pulled my hand back, expressionless: “Mrs. Knight, what can I do for you?” Mrs. Knight froze, a flicker of displeasure in her eyes, quickly replaced by a pleading look. “Clara, you and Serena are sisters. Can you save her?” I didn’t speak, just watched her quietly. “The doctors say your match is perfect. If you just donate a kidney…” Before she could finish, the emergency room door opened. Julian Knight walked out, his gaze complex as he looked at me. “Clara.” He walked towards me. I instinctively took a step back. He paused, softening his voice: “That slap the other night, I understand now.” I looked at him coldly: “You understand what?” “You’re mad I haven’t paid attention to you before, right?” He took a deep breath: “Clara, I know the Hayes family hasn’t treated you well, but Serena is innocent.” “I promise you, if you save her, I will compensate you.” I heard the probing in his words. In my previous life, I was manipulated after losing my memory. This life, my memory was intact, and they were trying a new strategy of emotional manipulation and tempting offers. I said, expressionless: “Mrs. Knight, I also want to save her, but donating a kidney is a major surgery. I need to think it through carefully.” “I’ll give you my answer in a week.” With that, I turned and left. Behind me, I heard Mrs. Knight’s hushed voice: “This girl isn’t easy to fool anymore. Should we use the old method?” Julian Knight was silent for a few seconds: “Wait a bit longer. Don’t tip them off.” I gripped my phone tightly. The recording was saved. Leaving the hospital, I hailed a cab and headed straight for the city police station. In the car, I reviewed the files on my USB drive. It was only after I died in my past life that I learned the Knight family and Hayes family had conspired to keep me as a backup organ supply for five years. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes had received millions of dollars in hush money from the Knights. My stepmother had even proactively offered to “deliver the goods anytime.” This life, I would make them pay the price. The taxi stopped in front of the police station. I got out and walked inside. The front desk officer looked up at me: “Hello, can I help you?” “I’d like to report an organ trafficking case.” My voice was calm, but it made the front desk officer pause. “Please wait a moment.” He picked up the phone and spoke in a low voice. Ten minutes later, a middle-aged man in plain clothes walked out. “Follow me.” I followed him into an office. He sat down, gesturing for me to take a seat: “I’m Detective Miller, head of a special investigation unit assigned by the state.” I nodded, pulling the USB drive from my bag. “This contains a list of seventeen ‘accident’ victims Serena Hayes manipulated over five years.” Detective Miller took the USB drive, his brows furrowing. “Every person was sent to a private hospital after their ‘accident,’ and declared beyond saving after their organs were removed.” I paused: “The Knight family’s private hospital was the transplant facility. The Hayes family was responsible for identifying matching donors and staging the ‘accidents.’” Detective Miller plugged in the USB drive and quickly scanned the files, his expression growing more grim. “We’ve been tracking this case for two years, but we’ve always lacked core evidence.” He looked up at me: “Why do you have all this?” I calmly said: “Because I was supposed to be their next target.” Detective Miller narrowed his eyes: “You mean…” “I can cooperate with you to lure them out.” I opened my phone and played the recording I made at the hospital. Mrs. Knight’s voice clearly echoed: “Should we use the old method?” Detective Miller listened, silent for a long time. “What are your terms?” “Three.” I held up three fingers: “First, protection for my personal safety. Second, the arrest operation must happen before they perform any forced surgery. Third, afterwards, I want to completely disappear, change my name and identity, and leave this city.” Detective Miller looked at me, then finally nodded: “Agreed.”

By the time I left the police station, it was evening. The sky was darkening, and streetlights flickered on one by one. My phone vibrated. It was a call from Mr. Hayes. I answered, but didn’t speak. “Clara, where are you?” Mr. Hayes’ voice sounded anxious. “Out.” My answer was brief. “Come home quickly. I have something to tell you.” I hung up, a cold smile playing on my lips. Detective Miller was right; they were going to make their move early. I hailed a taxi and gave the address of the Hayes family villa. Outside the car window, the city lights sped by. I looked at my reflection in the glass, my eyes terrifyingly calm. In my previous life, it was tonight that Mr. Hayes called me home. Then I was drugged and sent to the Knight family’s private hospital. This life, I had already set the trap. The taxi stopped at the villa entrance. I paid and got out. The living room was brightly lit. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were both sitting on the sofa. I pushed the door open, and they immediately stood up. “Clara, you’re finally home.” Mr. Hayes walked towards me, a forced smile on his face. I looked at him, the man who, in my past life, sold his daughter for millions of dollars. “What do you want?” My voice was cold. “It’s about Serena. Her condition is very serious. The doctors say she needs surgery soon.” Mr. Hayes rubbed his hands: “You see, you and she are sisters. Can’t you…” “No.” I cut him off. Mr. Hayes froze: “Clara, how can you be so selfish? Serena is your sister!” “Sister?” I sneered: “What kind of sister is she to me? How many times have we seen each other since we were kids?” My stepmother stood up, pointing at me: “Clara Hayes, don’t be ungrateful!” “Ungrateful?” I looked at her: “Then let me ask you, that car accident five years ago, was it planned by you?” My stepmother’s face changed, and Mr. Hayes froze. “What are you talking about!” My stepmother shrieked. “Whether I am or not, you both know in your hearts.” I turned to go upstairs. Mr. Hayes grabbed my arm: “Clara, you’re not going anywhere tonight!” I pulled his hand away: “Let go of me.” “Your father had no choice.” Mr. Hayes sighed, his eyes suddenly turning cold. My heart tightened, and I instinctively tried to run. But my stepmother already had me in a hold from behind. “What are you doing!” I struggled desperately. Mr. Hayes pulled a syringe from his pocket, filled with a clear liquid. “Clara, don’t blame your father.” He walked over and grabbed my arm. The needle pierced my skin, and the cold liquid injected into my body. My vision began to blur, and my body grew weaker. “You…” I tried to speak, but my tongue wouldn’t obey. My stepmother released me, and I fell to the floor. Mr. Hayes picked up his phone: “Julian, she’s ready. Send the car.” I lay on the cold floor, my consciousness slowly fading. Before I lost consciousness, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Hayes standing nearby, watching me expressionlessly. Like they were looking at a piece of cargo. Memories from my past life surged, despair and fury threatening to consume me. But quickly, I calmed down. Because I knew Detective Miller’s people were already outside. I had sent him my location before coming here. Moreover, I had a miniature recording device on me. At this moment, outside the operating room, a dozen police cars were silently approaching. I closed my eyes, awaiting the final moment. Julian Knight, this time, I won’t let you succeed. Half an hour later, I was carried into a black SUV. The car started, heading towards the Knight family’s private hospital. I felt the car stop, and someone carried me out. Blinding lights, the smell of disinfectant. I was placed on the operating table, my hands restrained. Julian Knight’s voice echoed in my ears. “I’m sorry, I can’t wait any longer.” I snapped my eyes open. The dazzling surgical lights shone directly into my pupils, and Julian Knight, dressed in surgical scrubs, stood beside me. His eyes were cold, as if he were looking at an item about to be processed. “Serena’s kidney failure is already in its late stages. Any more delay and it will be too late.” I tried to move my wrist, the strap cutting into my flesh. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll die on the operating table?” My voice was hoarse, but clear. Julian Knight paused: “You’re awake?” “Forced organ removal carries a rejection risk, no matter how perfect the match.” I scoffed. Mrs. Knight walked over, looking down at me. “Don’t worry. We’ve been cultivating you for five years. We know your body data better than you do.” She sneered: “And even if you die, your life should have ended five years ago anyway.”

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I was maliciously infected with a disease. In retaliation, I seduced Caleb Taylor, a wealthy heir. Four months later, Caleb became my boyfriend. On Christmas Eve, after a date, I deliberately lured Caleb to a hotel. The next day, Christmas Day, Caleb received a gift box. At the very bottom of the box was a greeting card, with a terrifying message: *Welcome to the world of the virus.* This was my special Christmas gift to Caleb. That Christmas night, someone knocked on my door. I opened it, and it was Caleb. He was panting heavily, his face etched with panic. I feigned concern and surprise. “What’s wrong, Caleb? We still have a while before we’re supposed to go out. Why are you here so early?” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed, his brows deeply furrowed. He bent down and hugged me in the entranceway. “Ava, I’m so scared.” He buried his face in my neck, and I gently patted his back, soothing him. “I’m here. What happened?” My tone and actions were tender, but a cold smile played on my lips. Caleb pulled me inside and showed me the Christmas gift box. He didn’t notice my eyes flicker when I saw it. He took out the card from the very bottom and held it out to me. “Look, I don’t know who sent this to me. Do you think… I really got infected?” Holding the card that had been in my hands just that morning, I narrowed my eyes. Turning to Caleb, I held his hand and calmly reassured him. “Don’t worry, it’s just a prank.” After over a year of manipulation and deception, Caleb truly prioritized me above all else. See? His first reaction to trouble wasn’t to go to his family, but to come straight to me. 3. This “prank” was so disturbing that Caleb told his family. When Chloe Taylor, Caleb’s sister, heard about it, her reaction was strange. “Bro, this kind of disease spreads in peculiar ways. Either you’ve been messing around, or… could it be Ava who infected you?” “What are you even saying?!” My heart jolted at Caleb’s sharp, furious retort that echoed through the phone and shocked me, sitting on the couch. Caleb’s brows were tightly furrowed as he snapped, “Don’t you dare accuse Ava! Not even as a joke!” A sigh of exasperation came from the other end of the line. “Fine, fine. Guess someone’s just jealous and trying to mess with you.” The moment Caleb hung up, he quickly shuffled over to me in his slippers. “Ava, you have to believe me. I’ve never cheated! Not before, not ever. I’ve always been faithful, I swear!” Of course, he hadn’t been messing around. I was the one who infected him. For several days, Caleb remained deeply uneasy. Even when I tried to get close, he pushed me away. Had he found out? No, that couldn’t be right. I couldn’t take it anymore and confronted him. “Caleb, what’s going on? Are you trying to cut me out of your life?” Caleb, still wearing a mask, tried to approach me, then instinctively pulled back. He mumbled an apology. “No, Ava, it’s not like that. I’m just afraid of ‘what if.’ If I really am infected, then… maybe we should break up.” I stepped closer, pressing him back, until he had nowhere left to retreat, pinned against the wall. I ripped off his mask. “First of all, this disease isn’t transmitted through saliva.” A muffled, weak voice responded, “I know. I just… I can’t shake this feeling. I don’t want you to be in any danger.” I tilted my head up and kissed his lips. “I don’t care. Even if you really have it, I don’t care.” *Hah. Of course, I don’t care.* *The sooner you’re infected, the sooner you can join me in hell!* 4. Two weeks later, Caleb went for a hospital check-up. Nothing. Four weeks later, another check-up. Still nothing. He hadn’t been infected. *What luck. He actually dodged it.* *What a pity.* I was tired of playing this game with him. It was my birthday that day. Caleb had arrived at my place early, cooked a huge meal, and was waiting for me to come home. When he saw I still wasn’t back, Caleb went into the bedroom to look out the window at the street below. I texted him back: *Just arrived at the gate.* In the time it took him to turn around, Caleb noticed the medical records and medication on the table. He picked them up to examine them. The more he read, the more horrified he became. His hands clutched the documents tightly, the veins on his trembling fists bulging. I walked into the bedroom, saw the scene, and instantly understood. “So, you found out.” Caleb sharply turned to me, staring intensely, his eyes bloodshot. “Why?” I gave a cold laugh. “Why what?” Caleb held up the medical records and rushed towards me. “Why did you hide your illness from me? Why did you send me that kind of gift box on Christmas? Why… did you trick me into going to that hotel?” The room fell eerily silent. Suddenly, I burst out laughing. I took a step forward, looking up to meet Caleb’s gaze. “You really are lucky, aren’t you? As for *why*… go ask your dear sister, Chloe Taylor!” “Go ask her if she remembers Anya Miller!” Caleb listened, his face filled with shock, then he abruptly turned and left. 5. Caleb sped down the road, screeched into a bar, and dragged Chloe out. Chloe, who had been in high spirits, was annoyed and about to curse him out. But seeing her usually gentle and cheerful brother’s grim face, she didn’t dare utter a sound. Caleb pulled Chloe to a quiet spot. Chloe, still bewildered, was about to ask what was going on. “Tell me, who is Anya Miller?” Chloe froze for a moment, then her face stiffened. “How do you know about her?” Caleb roared, “Don’t you dare try to change the subject! What exactly did you do to Anya Miller?!” Back in college, Anya Miller and I were in the same year, but different departments. Back then, my name was Anya Miller, not Ava. At that time, there was a senior who was very popular with the girls, and he and I grew quite close. I liked that senior, and Chloe liked him too. Chloe was spoiled and arrogant, a real princess with a terrible temper. No, she was worse than that. She was a truly nasty piece of work, enabled by endless pampering. Chloe gathered a few people to corner me outside my dorm. They threatened me, telling me to stay away from Daniel, or I’d regret it. I wasn’t going to back down. I was an orphan with no family. Why should my feelings be dictated by others? Surely, these people wouldn’t actually dare to do anything to me on campus, right? But I was wrong. I was too naive. Those people put dead mice in my bed, poured red ink all over my closet. My dorm room became a living hell for my roommates. They shoved me into a foul-smelling ditch, taking countless humiliating, ugly photos. They spread rumors around school that I was selling myself, that I was involved with shady characters off campus. Chloe herself never appeared during any of this. I went to the teachers, but they couldn’t do anything. I went to the school administration, only to be warned about my own conduct. Why? Why was I suffering, yet no one helped me? “Chloe Taylor’s family donated a whole building to the school. Can *you* do that?” “Oh, I forgot. You’re just a parentless orphan, aren’t you?” The terrifying faces of Chloe’s cronies were right in front of me, mocking, jeering, filled with pure malice. Yes, I couldn’t. I was a poor student, an orphan with no one to back me up. How could I ever fight against them? I distanced myself from Daniel. But Daniel found me. “Anya Miller, I like you. I don’t believe any of those rumors, they’re baseless, they’re just trying to slander you!” I looked at Daniel, exhausted. “Then, Daniel, can you help me? I’m scared, I’m really scared. I don’t know what to do anymore.” Daniel hugged me, his broad, warm hand gently patting my back. “I’ll help you. Don’t be afraid.” Isolated and helpless, with no one to turn to, I clung to the only lifeline I saw. Days passed, much calmer. I thought Chloe had seen Daniel protecting me and decided not to harm me further. Until that day… It was a departmental outing. I drank a little, which was unavoidable, and texted Daniel. When I went to the restroom, a hand suddenly clamped over my mouth from behind, dragging me into another private karaoke room. I struggled with all my might, but the person behind me was incredibly strong. I couldn’t move them. In that moment, I wished for just one person to appear, anyone, as long as they could save me. But there was no one. The hallway was empty. I watched, helpless, as the door slowly closed. The music in the room was deafening. No one would hear my cries for help. The person behind me blindfolded me, then roughly and savagely forced a debilitating drug down my throat that made my body go completely limp. I was violated. The next day, I took emergency contraception and rushed to the police station to report it. They found nothing. For three agonizing weeks, I felt like I was being tormented in hell, but they couldn’t find a single lead! Three weeks later, I started feeling nauseous, vomiting, and generally unwell. I went to the hospital, and the doctor told me I had been infected with a disease. When the results came back, the doctor’s somber tone and sympathetic gaze made me collapse in the hospital corridor. I felt a chill spread through my entire body. So many patients came and went around me, so many people, yet I felt completely alone. Like I was the only one abandoned by this world. When I saw those people on campus again, one of the girls leaned close to my ear and whispered, “That’s what happens when you cross Chloe Taylor.” I snapped my head towards her. “You guys? This is illegal! I’ll report you!” I thought no matter what, they wouldn’t do something this harmful and illegal. But I was too naive. She looked straight ahead, her breath on my ear like a viper’s hiss. “Go ahead and report us. It’s been so long, do you have a single piece of evidence?” It turned out that from beginning to end, Chloe Taylor had orchestrated everything. She had kept her hands clean, never once appearing herself. Simply because I hadn’t yielded to her wishes, she wanted to destroy me. 6. “SMACK!” A stark red handprint bloomed on Chloe’s face, the sound sharp and clear. Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Bro!” Caleb was dizzy with rage, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Don’t call me bro! How could you do something like that? How could you harm someone over such a petty thing?!” After composing himself, Caleb sat down, leaning his head on his hand, and questioned her, “When you called me, asking for my help, was it all a lie? Was it just to harm Anya Miller?” Chloe lowered her head, knowing she was in the wrong. Back then, Chloe, wanting to get back at me, knew that what she was doing was illegal and needed help destroying evidence. So, Chloe called Caleb, crying. “Bro, someone outside of school is bullying me! Can you find some people to help me deal with her?” Caleb, who was far away overseas at the time, had no idea how many terrible things his sister was doing behind his back. Always doting on his sister, Caleb only knew she was being bullied by bad people. Without a second thought, he found some guys to help. “Just make sure to keep things in proportion.” He never imagined *this* was the kind of help she needed. Caleb was incredulous. “You deliberately lied to me to destroy someone else’s life? Chloe! How spoiled have you become all these years? How can you lack even basic human decency and morals?!” “Hahahaha, so, I was the one who pushed her into hell with my own hands. I was the one who harmed her!” With a crash, the glass in Caleb’s hand shattered on the floor, splintering into pieces. 7. A hesitant, slow knock echoed at the door. I opened it, and it was Caleb again. He stepped inside, looking at me urgently. “Ava, I’m so sorry, truly sorry. I didn’t know Chloe wanted those people to do something like that. I’m truly sorry. It’s my fault, it’s Chloe’s fault. I’ll drag her here tomorrow to apologize to you. I’ll do anything you want!” I violently shook his hand off, sneering. “Apologize? If an apology could fix things, what about all the suffering I’ve endured for years? What about my prime years, now reduced to perhaps less than a decade of life?! My whole life has been ruined by your family!” Caleb’s eyes were red-rimmed. “Ava, whatever it takes to make you feel better, I’ll do it.” I took a step forward, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. “What makes you think you can atone for Chloe’s sins? Fine. Why don’t you try getting this disease yourself and see my pain?” Caleb choked on his words, stammering. “I… I…” “Hah, you can’t, can you? I knew it.” I turned away dismissively, unwilling to look at him any longer, and walked back into the house. My arm felt warm as Caleb grabbed it. “Ava, can you tell me? Did you genuinely like me when you first approached me, or was it…” Caleb’s eyes flickered, filled with hope. I only found it laughable. I lazily tilted my head, letting out a soft scoff. “Of course, I deliberately approached you. You didn’t really think you were charming enough to make me fall for you, did you?” The grip on my arm loosened. Caleb recoiled as if in pain, muttering, shaking his head. “So you planned to get close to me all along? Is that right?” “What else?” Caleb’s lips twitched slightly, his voice hoarse. “Then, did you… ever like me, even a little?” My expression remained unmoved. “No.” The hope in his eyes vanished, and his gaze dimmed. “Fine. Fine. So you’ve been acting this whole time, playing with my emotions!” Caleb left.

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Five years into working at The Skyline Club, I found myself arrested and taken to the police station. Three days later, in the interrogation room, I saw Julian Vance, whom I hadn’t seen in five years. “Ms. Hayes, I’m Julian Vance, your attorney here to bail you out.” I looked up at the man before me. He wore a perfectly tailored, crisp Kiton suit, an Aurora diamond fountain pen clipped to his chest pocket. Golden-rimmed glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, and his gaze swept over me from behind the lenses. Calm, professional. “Julian.” I froze. Subconsciously, I glanced down at myself. My smoky makeup was half-melted by the harsh fluorescent lights, cheap cosmetics streaking down my cheeks. My flimsy fishnet stockings were ripped with several large holes, and my bare feet were covered in tiny cuts. In that instant, an overwhelming wave of humiliation washed over me. That trembling “Julian” made him look at my disheveled face. His expression remained unchanged. “According to regulations, I need to confirm your basic information.” “Your name, place of birth, and ID number?” My throat constricted. “Julian, you know all of this, don’t you?” Julian’s gaze was devoid of warmth as he corrected me. “Ms. Hayes, here, I’m just your lawyer and client. Please call me ‘Mr. Vance.’” My face drained of all color. Julian took a document from his briefcase and slid it toward me. “Before we begin, you need to sign some necessary retainer papers.” His long fingers tapped the signature line on the document, his voice calm. “Sign after you’ve confirmed everything is accurate.” I took the heavy, expensive pen, my hand trembling. I scrawled my name, barely daring to look up at Julian. Julian retrieved the document, then opened my police report from three days ago and my past records. “Records show your first arrest for soliciting a man at The Skyline Club at age 22. As of now, this is your fourth time being summoned by the police for similar activities.” “Due to your prior record and the severe nature of the case, you could face 15 days or more in penalties.” Julian’s words were like a cold, sharp blade, relentlessly slicing through my already tattered pride. I lowered my eyes, my fingers clenched so tight they turned white. “Mr. Vance, are you here to help me or to judge me?” Hearing this, Julian closed the file, his tone still icy. “Sign the bail agreement, and I’ll process your release.” “Consider it the last time I, as your… ‘family friend,’ help you.” I looked at Julian’s placid face and was suddenly overcome by an overwhelming sense of helplessness and self-loathing. It was as if, in front of him, I would always be at a disadvantage, always so pathetic. I signed my name again in the blank space. Then, I watched Julian rise crisply, turning to leave without another word. The cramped interrogation room instantly fell silent, leaving me alone. Half an hour later, a female officer opened the door, unlocking the handcuffs on my wrists. “Don’t leave New York soon, and keep your phone on.” I nodded dazedly, following Julian out of the interrogation room. Outside, seeing Julian’s retreating back, I couldn’t help but remember five years ago. It was November 7th. I had learned that Julian was handling a transnational lawsuit in Sydney. I chased after him, sending him a message. 【Julian, I need to see you. Can we meet?】 Julian replied:【Okay.】 I quickly sent another:【I’ll wait for you on MacDougal Street.】 But I waited for six hours, from broad daylight until dusk. Instead, I saw Julian and a female colleague engrossed in conversation.

That female colleague wore a well-fitted camel coat, a distinctly men’s scarf covering most of her face. And Julian, usually so aloof, was gently smiling as he plucked a jacaranda blossom from her long hair. In that moment, I ran. It wasn’t until my flight back home was about to take off that I received Julian’s message. 【I’m here. Where are you?】 I didn’t reply. I deleted Julian’s chat. For the next five years, we never saw each other again. Until today… Just then, a familiar female voice interrupted my thoughts. “Julian, what took you so long? Mom’s waiting for us to come home for dinner.” I looked up to see a woman intimately linking arms with Julian, looking up at him and smiling. Julian showed no resistance to her touch. Perhaps sensing my gaze, the woman looked in my direction. Our eyes met, and I froze. It was my sister, Violet Hayes, who had disappeared for five years! Seeing Violet, elegantly dressed in designer brands, I rushed forward. “Sis, you’re back!” Violet frowned, looking at me. “How dare you still call me ‘Sis’?” “Working at The Skyline Club, did you ever think about Mom and me?” Hearing Violet’s words, I was confused. “Sis, what are you talking about?” “You ran off abroad alone. Five whole years. Did you know Mom got sick? If I hadn’t…” My words were cut short by Violet. “Are you going to say you worked in that kind of place because you were paying for Mom’s medical treatment?” “Can you stop spouting such blatant lies?” “When Dad had his car accident, and Mom fell ill, you ran off with a man! If I hadn’t been studying and working abroad, sending money back all these years—” The word “died” remained unsaid. I was stunned. “Sis, what are you saying?! I clearly—” Violet interrupted me again, her voice cold. “Julian and I are getting married soon. You don’t need to put on a show for us in front of him.” “I know you used to like him, but he’s your brother-in-law now.” “Don’t go after him again, understand?” With that, Violet linked arms with Julian and drove away. I watched them leave, rooted to the spot. I couldn’t understand how my sister, Violet Hayes, could tell such bold-faced lies. Five years ago, after Dad’s car accident and Mom falling ill, Violet secretly left the country. The few times she contacted me from abroad, it was always to say she was in trouble and needed money! Mom was hospitalized long-term, undergoing three major surgeries, and Violet never once showed concern… Just then, my cracked phone screen lit up with a call. It was the hospital. I quickly answered. A polite female voice came through the line. “Ms. Hayes, your mother’s hospital bills have been overdue for a week. Please settle them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the hospital can’t guarantee continued medical services.” I awkwardly promised. “I’ll pay it soon.” I hailed a taxi and went home. After showering and changing, I cooked chicken congee for Mom before rushing to the city hospital. After paying the overdue hospital bills, I went to the ward. I immediately saw my sister, Violet Hayes, there. I hurried forward. “Sis, why did you lie in front of Julian today?” Violet scoffed. “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business what I do.” “If you dare expose me, I’ll ruin you!”

With that, she grabbed her bag and left. I stood there, hearing Mom’s weak voice. “Autumn, don’t argue with your sister. It hasn’t been easy for her these past five years!” My wrist ached faintly from the handcuffs, the chafing a reminder of three days in custody. I suppressed the pain and looked at Mrs. Hayes. “Mom, haven’t you seen how she’s dressed now?” “Does that look like it ‘hasn’t been easy’?” “Do you know she’s about to marry Julian Vance?” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes darted away, clearly knowing everything. “Your sister getting to be with someone she loves makes me happy, dear.” But my chest felt heavy, as if stuffed with cotton. Mom clearly knew I had once loved Julian too. I couldn’t help but ask. “Mom, when Dad had his car accident and you fell ill, Sis took all the family’s money and left the country without a word. Don’t you blame her?” Mrs. Hayes shook her head, her voice low. “No, I don’t blame her. I never wanted your sister to stay and suffer.” I froze for a moment, then asked, my voice trembling. “What about me, then?” Mrs. Hayes remained silent, avoiding my gaze. Sometimes, silence is the answer. My heart felt like it was bleeding. I took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, and spoke again. “Mom, now that Sis is back, let her take care of you from now on.” “No.” Mrs. Hayes refused without a second thought. “Your sister has never suffered hardship since she was little, nor has she taken care of anyone. Besides, she’s getting married soon. How can she take care of a sick person like me?” Sister can’t take care of her? But how can I? I had never felt so utterly disappointed. “Mom, I wasn’t born knowing how to take care of people either.” Mrs. Hayes didn’t respond, nor did she acknowledge my suggestion about Violet taking care of her. She just kept talking about how difficult things were for Violet. How much Violet had suffered struggling alone overseas. And that I should be more accommodating to Violet. I listened silently, offering no response. Only after Mom fell asleep did I leave. Just outside the hospital. The strong wind tousled my hair, and raindrops slapped my face like a series of harsh blows. By the time I took the bus back to my rented apartment complex, I was completely soaked. I trudged up to the top floor, breathless. As I took out my keys from my canvas bag, I looked up and saw Julian Vance’s tall figure standing at my door. His sharp suit and tie looked completely out of place in this run-down neighborhood. Seeing Julian again, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. “Julian, you…” Before I could finish, Julian cut in. “I found your address from your records. How did you end up like this?” I looked down at my soaked, cheap clothes, my throat dry. I feigned composure, my hand trembling as I unlocked the door, and replied. “Like what? I think I’m doing just fine.” Hearing this, Julian seemed annoyed. “Do you even know what ‘fine’ means?” “You and your sister are from the same parents. She worked hard abroad, got into Melbourne University, and earned her degree.” “And you? All these years, you’ve only caused trouble, just wasting yourself away.” Julian’s harsh reprimand felt like a series of slaps, making my face burn. I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Julian, do you know that all the money my sister used for her studies abroad, I gave it to her?” In that moment, Julian was utterly disappointed. “You’re lying again. When Violet was abroad, I visited her regularly. “I know perfectly well whether she used your money or not.”

In that moment, I was speechless. I knew any further explanation would be useless. Julian wouldn’t believe me, so I simply stopped talking. Seeing that he still hadn’t left. I broke the silence. “Do you want to come in and sit down?” Then, I opened the door and stepped inside. Julian followed her in, scanning the room. The cramped room was sparsely furnished. Only a bed, an old table, and a chipped wardrobe. There was nowhere to sit. Suddenly, Julian’s eyes darkened. He immediately spotted the bedhead, covered with clippings of his photos from newspapers. I followed his gaze, realizing I had completely forgotten about them. I hurried to tear down the photos. “Don’t misunderstand. My place is so run-down, so I just used these newspaper clippings to cover the mold on the wall.” Julian didn’t expose my lie. I felt his gaze on me, like a knife slowly carving away at my self-esteem. “Do you have anything else? If not, I won’t keep you.” Julian pulled out a card and handed it to me. “There’s ten thousand in here, enough to live on for a while. Don’t do anything illegal again.” “Find a decent job.” I clenched my hand, my palm bleeding from my nails digging in. I pushed Julian’s hand away. “No thanks. I can earn my own money. I don’t need your help.” Julian looked at my stubbornness, a flicker of something unusual in his eyes. “This money is from your sister.” My heart seized. I couldn’t help but ask. “Julian, can I ask you something?” “Seven years ago, when I confessed to you, you said I was just a kid. But why are you now with my sister, who’s only two years older than me?” Julian was silent for a moment, then looked into my eyes, speaking each word distinctly. “Your sister is different from you.” With that one sentence, my heart utterly died. I stood there, stunned, unable to speak. I could only watch as Julian placed an invitation and the card on the table beside me. “Violet and I are getting married on September 30th.” “Your sister hopes you can dress appropriately and attend our wedding.” So Julian had come specifically to give me money, afraid I would embarrass them at the wedding. My emotions were a messy tangle. After Julian left, I walked to the table and tucked both the invitation and the card into a drawer. I wouldn’t go looking for humiliation. After doing everything. I lay on the bed, and an overwhelming wave of fatigue swept over me. I had a dream, of more than a decade ago, the first time I met Julian. Julian was wearing a dark overcoat, smiling as he asked me. “Little girl, what’s your name?” In that moment, my heart melted. I woke up the next morning. I was roused by the ringing of my phone. Still half-asleep, I grabbed the phone from my bedside table and answered. My sister Violet Hayes’s impatient voice came through the line. “Hello! What are you waiting for? Mom had an accident, the bed is all wet!” “I’m on my way.” I skipped breakfast, washed up quickly, and rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward, I heard Violet’s sharp voice. “I told you already, we have no relationship anymore. Can you please stop bothering me?”

Mrs. Hayes’s face was pale. She struggled to sit up and tugged at Violet’s sleeve. “Violet, Mom missed you so much. Every night I dream of you.” “These five years you’ve been away, Mom could only look at your SnapChat, not daring to call you, afraid of disturbing you.” “Now that you’ve finally found your place, Mom is happy for you.” Violet’s face was full of impatience. “Everything I have today, don’t I owe it all to myself? What could you two do to help me?” Mrs. Hayes was speechless. After a long while, she couldn’t help but cautiously ask. “Is the wedding all ready? When will it be? Mom can help prepare…” Before she could finish, Violet cut her off, her eyes full of disdain. “How can you attend my wedding looking like this?” “You just lie in a hospital bed all day. What if you have an accident at the wedding? Do you want me to lose face in front of Julian’s family?” “Let me tell you, from now on, I only have one mother, and that’s Mrs. Vance.” Mrs. Vance, Julian Vance’s mother. I couldn’t stand it anymore and pushed the door open. “Sis, how can you talk to Mom like that?” “I’m your sister. It’s none of your business how I talk, is it?” Violet said, then slammed the door and left. I watched her retreating back, suppressing my anger, and was about to comfort Mrs. Hayes. But I met my mother’s gaze. “Autumn, don’t be so harsh on your sister.” “She was just spoiled as a child; her nature isn’t bad.” My fingertips clenched. “Mom, Sis is practically disowning you. Are you still going to defend her like this?” Mrs. Hayes didn’t answer, weakly saying. “Autumn, Mom has wet the blankets. Can you help Mom change them?” Seeing Mom’s head full of white hair, I still couldn’t bring myself to blame her further, and neatly changed the bedding. After everything was tidied, I left for work. That evening, at The Skyline Club. After finishing my makeup and changing into my red slip dress for work, I came out to find Liam Foster, the head manager, leaning against the dressing room door. Liam saw my pale face, his expression worried. “Feeling unwell?” I nodded. “Just came from the hospital, a bit tired.” A flicker of concern crossed Liam’s eyes. “If you’re tired, rest. Don’t aim to be number one here; aim to leave.” “You’ve earned a lot of money over the years. Why don’t you think more about yourself?” “Your sister is back now; it’s her turn to carry Mom’s burden.” Liam knew about my family situation and that my sister was back, so he couldn’t help but advise me. My heart warmed. “Yeah, I’ll try to think more about myself.” Liam then slipped me an anti-hangover pill. “Tonight, you’re assigned to The Platinum Suite. The clients there are high-profile individuals, so they shouldn’t cause trouble. But still, take this, just in case.” “Thank you.” Over the years, Liam had taken good care of me. I sincerely thanked him, then headed to The Platinum Suite. At the door of The Platinum Suite. I knocked and entered, immediately spotting Julian Vance sitting among a group of men. He wore a dark suit, his face under the golden-rimmed glasses looking cool and distinguished. My body stiffened. And Julian, at that moment, looked up, our eyes meeting. Then, a colleague next to him asked. “Julian, you know her?” All those with him were prominent lawyers, sharp-eyed enough to know everything with just a glance. Julian subtly shifted his gaze from me. “Not well.” Not well… My expression faltered slightly, then I quickly regained composure and walked inside.

Now, it was true, Julian Vance and I weren’t close. I suppressed the dull ache in my heart and spoke. “I’m Autumn Hayes, number 108. It’s an honor to be in The Platinum Suite to serve you all.” As soon as I finished speaking, the man sitting next to Julian waved me over. “Come here.” I walked over and sat between him and Julian. I recognized this man; his name was Carter Stone, Julian’s partner, and he often appeared in newspapers with him. Carter smiled and instructed. “Remember not to touch Mr. Vance. He’s very principled; he doesn’t let any other woman near him except his fiancée.” So, everyone knew Julian was only special to my sister. I nodded stiffly. “I understand.” The next moment, I heard Julian’s displeased voice. “Carter, mind your own business.” Carter shrugged. After a few rounds of drinks, the people in the suite were tipsy, and a group of prominent lawyers started playing spin the bottle. Carter picked up the bottle and spun it. The neck pointed at me. Carter, his face flushed from alcohol, eyed me up and down. “Autumn, have you ever been taken out overnight by a client?” My face instantly burned crimson. I fought hard not to look at Julian. “I choose dare, I’ll drink.” Then, I picked up the brandy on the table and downed it in one gulp. My stomach instantly felt like it was on fire, burning with pain. Carter spun the bottle again. It rotated once and again pointed at me. “Julian, do you want to ask Ms. Autumn a question?” Julian finally looked at me at that moment. His eyes were indifferent, as if I were merely a stranger. “I have nothing to ask.” “Then I’ll ask for you!” Carter seemed to be getting carried away and asked me again. “How much do you charge for an overnight stay with a client? How many men have you been with?” Without thinking, I picked up the glass, about to drink. But Carter snatched the glass from my hand. “You already drank once! You can’t drink again now! You have to answer.” Hearing this, I bit my lower lip hard. “Two thousand a night. Three men.” As I spoke, I saw Julian’s gaze shoot toward me, the anger in his eyes clear. I immediately lowered my head, not daring to look at Julian again. If he weren’t here, I could have handled any intrusive game question with ease. But today, I just couldn’t do it like before. Carter didn’t want to stop and spun the bottle again. It stopped, still pointing at me. “Oh, no, Autumn, it’s you again…” Before Carter could finish, Julian cut him off. “Enough! That’s it for tonight.” With that, he picked up his suit jacket and walked out of the suite without even a glance at me. Seeing Julian suddenly angry and leaving. Carter was somewhat surprised. He turned to me and asked. “What exactly is your relationship? This is the first time I’ve seen him like this.” My fingertips clenched slightly. “Just a hostess and a client.” Carter didn’t ask further and followed Julian out. The others in The Platinum Suite also dispersed. I was the last to leave the suite, my stomach churning for some reason. Tonight was the only time I hadn’t been harassed or forced to drink, yet it was the most humiliating. Julian must be so disappointed in me. Back in the main hall. Liam handed me a stack of cash wrapped in brown paper. “This is your commission for today, a total of one thousand.” He then asked. “How were the clients today? No one laid a hand on you, did they?” I took the money and shook my head. “Thanks for arranging it. The clients today didn’t lay a hand on me.”

After saying that, I was about to walk out. Liam couldn’t help but call out to me again. “Autumn.” I looked back, puzzled. “What is it?” Liam hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage. “If it’s possible, would you consider me?” I was startled, and before I could answer. Liam forced a light smile. “It’s fine, I just asked. It’s okay if you don’t want to.” As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar voice came from not far away. “Julian, look, Autumn has quite a few admirers.” I looked over and saw Julian and the others from The Platinum Suite also at the entrance. Carter Stone sneered and said to Julian. “That man is Liam Foster, the head manager of the club. Managers at places like this are quite promiscuous. If the girl agrees, she’ll have a hard time.” Julian followed their gaze and saw my face flushed, standing beside Liam. A strange anger welled up in his eyes. “Let’s go. It has nothing to do with us.” Julian’s car arrived. He didn’t spare me another glance, got in, and drove away. I stood not far away, my heart feeling like it had been hollowed out. Nothing to do with him… Just then, my phone suddenly rang. I answered. Mrs. Hayes’s weak voice came through. “Autumn, Mom has something to tell you.” “Okay.” I rushed to the hospital. As soon as I entered the ward and saw Mrs. Hayes, I quickly asked. “Mom, what happened?” Mrs. Hayes saw me, a look of difficulty on her face as she spoke. “Mom needs you to kneel and swear that you will always take good care of your sister from now on.” “No matter what she does, you must forgive her, or you will die a horrible death!” I heard this and froze. I knew Mom had always favored my sister, but I never imagined she would ask me to swear such a deadly oath for her sake. “Mom, am I your real daughter?” I couldn’t help but ask. Seeing my reaction, Mrs. Hayes raised her hand and slapped me across the face. “You were born from my womb after ten months. If you’re not my daughter, whose daughter are you?” “Swear it now, or we’ll cut ties as mother and daughter!” Cut ties as mother and daughter! Hearing those words, my heart utterly died. “Okay, I swear! But once I take this oath, you will truly no longer be my mother.” Mrs. Hayes’s eyes were dull. She didn’t speak, just stared at me blankly. And I, numb, knelt on the floor, raising my index and middle fingers, enunciating each word. “I swear that I will take good care of my sister, Violet Hayes, and forgive her no matter what she does, or may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!” The moment my words fell, the tension in Mrs. Hayes’s heart finally eased. After a long while, Mrs. Hayes said again. “You can go now. I need to rest.” I slowly got up, turned, and left. I never imagined that this departure would be a permanent farewell. That evening, as I was working. Suddenly, a group of uniformed police officers walked up to me, showing their badges. “Autumn Hayes, we’ve received a report. You’re suspected of murdering your biological mother. Please come with us for questioning!” My mind reeled, my eyes wide with disbelief. “What are you saying?” “Your mother was found deceased at 7 AM this morning. You were the last person seen with her before she died.” “Your sister reported it. You can say whatever you need to at the station.” After being taken back to the New York City Police Department, my mind was a blur. It wasn’t until the interrogation. I learned that after I left, someone had pulled out Mom’s breathing tube and administered illegal drugs to her. My mind suddenly flashed back to Mom’s last words: No matter what Violet Hayes does, you must forgive her! I understood everything now. It had to be Violet… I quickly told the police. “Can you investigate my sister, Violet Hayes? This morning, I was called to the hospital by my sister.” “Also, can you help me find a lawyer? I want to see Mr. Julian Vance!” 10. The police, seeing that I didn’t seem to be lying, told me in a professional manner. “We will investigate all the leads you’ve provided.” That afternoon. The detention room door opened. “The person you wanted to see is here.” I was led to the visiting room. As soon as I entered, I saw Julian Vance in a dark suit, sitting behind the table. I quickly explained. “Julian, I didn’t hurt Mom. You have to believe me.” Julian looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment. “The evidence is stacked against you now. How do you expect me to believe you?” I was stunned. “What evidence?” Julian placed his phone in front of me and played a video. It was a video of me in Mom’s hospital room. The video showed my mother and me arguing about something. I explained. “My mom made me promise to forgive my sister no matter what she did.” “At this point, are you going to blame everything on your sister?” Julian asked. I was stunned. I refused to give up, explaining again. “Julian, I’m really being framed! When I went to the hospital, Mom was perfectly fine…” Julian, seeing that I still wouldn’t admit it, said in a deep voice. “Autumn Hayes, do you have any conscience? You killed your own mother. It’s either the death penalty or life imprisonment!” Hearing his resolute voice, I couldn’t speak another word. Julian spoke each word distinctly. “If you confess now, you might get a reduced sentence.” My eyes instantly welled up. “Julian, how can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Julian stood up. “I’ll come back when you’ve thought it through.” With that, he turned and left. I watched his retreating back, at a loss. Just then, the officer said someone else wanted to see me. The person who walked in was Violet Hayes. As soon as I saw her, I immediately stood up. “What did you do to Mom? How did she die?” Violet looked at me, smiling sweetly. “What could I do? Wasn’t it you who couldn’t stand her, so you pulled her tubes and put her out of her misery?” “I should thank you. From now on, I have no burdens whatsoever.” Hearing this, my pupils contracted sharply. “You know this is murder, right? I’m going to tell the police!” Violet laughed. “Go ahead and tell them. My husband is the best gold-standard lawyer in the country! Do you think the police will believe you, or me?” “And I have something to show you.” Violet pulled out her phone. “This is what Mom left for you before she passed.” In the video, Mrs. Hayes’s face was ashen, speaking each word distinctly. “Autumn, Mom knows she’s been a burden to you all these years, which is why you wanted Mom to die.” “Mom doesn’t blame you.” Seeing this, my head buzzed. My fingertips dug into my nails, my palm bleeding. I never imagined that the first time I heard my mother’s instructions, it would be to frame me. “Mom… why would you do this to me? Am I not your daughter anymore?” Only despair remained. After Violet left, I stayed alone in the detention center, in agony. After a week of being dazed and confused. The officer told me that my case was so severe it had spread throughout New York City. No lawyer in New York City was willing to take my case; not even legal aid wanted to touch it. But Julian Vance came to see me again. Visiting room. As soon as I entered, before I even sat down, I heard Julian speak. “Have you thought it through? Are you willing to confess?” I looked at him, my face pale, repeating my previous answer. “How can I confess to something I didn’t do?” Hearing the same answer as last time, a flicker of annoyance crossed Julian’s eyes. “Autumn Hayes! You’re still unrepentant even now. Do you know how many people outside want you to get the death penalty?” I lowered my gaze and asked. “What about you?” 11. Julian unconsciously averted his gaze, falling silent. The room was quiet. What else was there to understand? I clung to a last shred of hope, asking Julian. “Julian, do you really not believe me at all?” Julian heard the hope in my voice and his gaze returned to my face. He couldn’t help but remember the little me, always trailing behind him, her voice soft and sweet. “Julian, when I grow up, I want to marry someone just like you.” “Julian, I like you so much. Let’s be together when I’m an adult, okay?” “Julian, don’t worry about your bar exam, I’ll take care of your mom…” Thinking of these things, a strange pang of pain pierced Julian’s heart. Seeing Julian fall silent again, I smiled bitterly. “I understand. It’s fine.” “But since no one is willing to take my case now, Julian, can you be my lawyer?” I could go to jail, but I didn’t want to go to jail with a bad name. Julian, however, refused without hesitation. “I won’t take the case of someone like you.” One sentence completely crushed my heart, stripping away my last hope. My clenched hands trembled slightly. Then, I heard Julian say. “Violet’s and my wedding has been postponed. I’m now Violet’s lawyer; she has filed a lawsuit against you.” Hearing this, I suddenly understood. So this was why Julian had come to see me, to make me confess. I felt as if I’d fallen into an ice cellar, lowering my eyes in self-mockery. “Only now do I understand, Julian, you truly don’t like me.” Julian didn’t answer me, but stood up. “I will personally ensure you’re sent to prison, for your sister.” After he left, I suddenly laughed. I didn’t understand why I was laughing. Perhaps it was for my twelve-year, unrequited love. I was led out of the visiting room by the officer, but at the door, I saw Liam Foster. Liam saw me, his eyes filled with worry. “Autumn, I know you’re innocent! You took care of your mother for six years; you couldn’t possibly murder her!” My eyes welled up. The Julian I had loved for over a decade didn’t believe me, but Liam, who I’d known for five years, firmly believed in me. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have the chance to start a new life with him. “Liam, thank you for believing me.” “But I’m sorry, I have to cancel our plan to eat tiramisu.” And the promise to date him was also cancelled. Liam’s eyes immediately reddened. “Don’t say that. When you get out, I’ll make it for you again.” I shook my head. “No, I’m actually quite alright now.” “The life I lived at The Skyline Club was worse than being in jail. At least in jail, I don’t have to entertain clients, and I don’t have to worry about not having money for Mom’s treatment.” Liam, however, wouldn’t give up. “I will find evidence to prove your innocence!” “Wait for me!” After he left, I was sent back to the detention room. Soon, the day of the trial arrived. I sat alone in the defendant’s dock, facing Violet Hayes, the plaintiff, and a sharply dressed Julian Vance. I just watched. Julian meticulously presented all the surveillance footage, videos, and other evidence, explaining each point to the judge. I felt as if I couldn’t hear anything. In my mind, there were only snippets of my past with Julian. His praise for my delicious breakfasts, his gratitude for me taking care of Mrs. Vance. And the way he rejected me. And now, the way he was desperately trying to convict me. “Does the defendant have anything else to say?” My eyes were red-rimmed as I looked at the video of my mother before her death, displayed behind Violet. I then looked at Julian across from me, the corners of my eyes red. My own mother used her death to frame me; how else could I argue? “I plead guilty.”

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My wife, Serena Evans, had an unblemished surgical record. Yet, she managed to turn my minor wrist fracture into a permanent disability. The very next day, her “best friend,” Julian Cole, replaced me as the Chief Physician. That same day, he posted online: “Thanks to someone for prioritizing friendship over her man. May our journey together be filled with storms and triumph.” The accompanying photo showed him with his arm wrapped around my wife, a smug grin plastered across his face. I scoffed and commented: “Teaming up with an idiot? You’re guaranteed storms alright.” A second later, Serena’s furious call came through. “What the hell did you mean by that comment? Delete it right now!” “Your hand’s useless now, so you’ve become a psycho, is that it? Julian just started at the hospital; he can’t handle you slandering him like this.” “I’m telling you, if you don’t delete that comment today, we’re getting a divorce.” Divorce? I was thinking the exact same thing. Serena didn’t even realize that mixed in with the medical malpractice waiver she signed on my behalf, was our divorce agreement. Cautious as she usually was, she’d never make such a rookie mistake. But right then, all she cared about was Julian’s promotion; she had no time to spare for anything else. I requested a medical malpractice investigation from my supervisor. But they told me they’d investigated immediately. Serena’s procedure had been flawless; everything was just an accident. I laughed. The protocol to avoid being misjudged in a medical malpractice investigation? I had taught it to Serena. Now, she was using it against me. A moment later, Julian’s promotion to Chief Physician was announced on the WhatsApp group. Julian, who was always at the bottom of the pile in terms of performance, was suddenly ranked first with a massive lead in the official results. I looked closer and realized that all those patients were ones I couldn’t follow up with after my hand was crippled. Their most complex surgeries were already done, leaving only simple post-op recovery. Anyone could see this was a classic move, a perfect snatch-and-grab. Julian, ever the hypocrite, posted in the group: “To be appointed to such an important position just two months into the hospital makes me truly humble. You are all my seniors, and I humbly ask for your guidance moving forward.” Serena quickly replied: “Julian, you’re the most promising cardiothoracic surgeon I’ve ever seen. No position is too important for you; don’t underestimate yourself.” My colleagues also started showering him with compliments. “Dr. Cole, you’re too modest. Is it so hard to admit you’re excellent?” “Good thing it wasn’t Dr. Reed who became Chief, or we’d all be miserable.” I’d always had a reputation for being tough in the hospital. Because in the medical field, even the smallest oversight can be a matter of life or death; there’s no room for messing around. But I’d also made quite a few silent enemies because of it. Still, I never imagined that the first ones to badmouth me would be my own apprentices, The very ones whose mistakes I’d covered countless times. Lost in thought, another message popped up: “Alex Reed is so irresponsible. He’s faking a disability to slack off, leaving several difficult surgeries to Chief Cole.” “Only Chief Cole, with his good temper, would be willing to take on such a mess.” I sneered. What kind of “mess” gets you promoted to Chief overnight? What kind of “mess” lets you steal someone else’s entire surgical portfolio? Just because of a few complicated surgeries I hadn’t had time to do, they were calling me irresponsible. Not wanting to hear any more from these idiots, I exited the group chat. But moments later, Serena’s call came in, her tone cold and business-like. “Alex, I need you to finalize the treatment plans for those difficult surgeries within two days.” “On the day of the operation, you’ll assist Julian throughout the entire procedure.”

Ha. Not a peep when they were snatching my position. Now that they’re in trouble, suddenly they remember me? I scoffed, too annoyed to even reply. Serena exploded: “Alex, what is this attitude? Are you blaming me for crippling your hand, so you’re deliberately trying to make things difficult for me? Do you think I wasn’t devastated when my surgery failed? Instead of comforting me, all you can think about is your Chief position.” “You’re a doctor yourself, yet you couldn’t even protect your own hand. What right do you have to be angry?” “I haven’t even asked you to thank Julian for taking over your mess, and you have the audacity to throw a tantrum and refuse to cooperate with our work.” I was incredulous. She knew I’d gotten into that car accident in a panic after receiving her urgent call! Just as I was about to retort, I heard Julian’s voice from her end. “Alright, alright, don’t get angry because of me. Helping your husband clean up his mess was my choice. Let me talk to him.” I couldn’t be bothered to even acknowledge him. I just hung up. Serena called back, a dozen times, but I ignored every single one. She was truly spoiled rotten. Destroying my career to pave the way for her affair partner wasn’t enough; now she wanted me to write plans for him and assist in his surgeries, just so he could take all the credit. That manipulative witch! She must be out of her mind. Since the hospital couldn’t resolve this, I had to take it higher. I dialed my parents directly. “Mom, Dad, I lost. My time working at the ground level needs to end early.” “Have all the Northwood City hospitals reassigned to my name.” Serena and I came from mismatched backgrounds. My parents had strongly disapproved of our marriage from the start. But I’d insisted on marrying her. My parents, helpless, had only made one condition: I had to hide my identity for two years. If Serena didn’t betray me within those two years, The Reed family would officially accept her as their daughter-in-law. Who would have thought that in less than six months, Serena would reveal her true colors? Betraying me, and betraying our marriage. After talking to my parents, my mood finally lifted a little. I’d just hung up when my phone rang again. I thought it was my parents, forgetting something, but when I answered, my mother-in-law’s voice blared through. “What did you do to upset Serena again? You don’t make any money all day, so where do you get such a temper?” “I’m warning you, go and pacify Serena right now, or I’ll have her divorce you in a minute.” Every argument Serena and I had was like this. She couldn’t be bothered to explain things to me, so she’d push me off to her mother. Back then, my parents didn’t support my marriage, and the $50,000 I put up for the wedding, which was everything I had, made my mother-in-law feel slighted. She always felt her daughter could do better, and she’d resented me ever since. “Divorce me” had almost become a catchphrase for Serena and her mother. In the past, every time I heard that, I’d be in agony and quickly humble myself to save the marriage. But this time, I was tired. There was no point in holding onto a marriage devoid of dignity. My friend and I went on a long-overdue trip out of town. It was the first time I hadn’t contacted Serena for over a day. That night, for the first time during a cold war, she reached out to me. “I know you’re this angry because you can’t work with me anymore, right?” “Alright, be a good boy. I’ll help you find a job closer to me, okay?” I almost burst out laughing. How utterly pathetic must I have been in the past for her to think she had such immense charm? “No need. And stop bothering me.”

With that, I turned off my phone. All I wanted now was to get the divorce finalized. Over the next few days, Serena kept sending me job postings. There were positions for pharmacy receptionists near our hospital, then patient escorts for $50 an hour. Finally, she even sent me a job posting for a hospital cleaner, with a message: “I know the cleaning supervisor, I’ll ask her to consider your hand and give you light work.” “This is the closest job to me. What do you think? Want to consider it?” Her tone was utterly serious. I couldn’t even find an excuse to pretend she was joking. So, in her eyes, I was only fit to be a cleaner now. I sneered, replying coldly: “Julian went to school for Hospitality Management. Wouldn’t *he* be a better fit for this?” Serena’s impatient voice note quickly came back: “You’re still jealous of Julian, aren’t you? He went from a hospitality major to where he is now, and you’re here mocking him instead of recognizing his hard work and talent. Let me tell you, Julian is my best friend, and I won’t allow you to slander him. If you insist on competing with him, then you’re not fit to be my husband.” “He works hard, and I don’t?! Serena, do you even have a heart? Can’t you see how much I’ve sacrificed for our home, so your mom wouldn’t look down on me? How could you just give away my position?” I practically screamed it, my voice raw. I’d always thought Serena, despite her temper, at least saw my efforts for her. But I never imagined she only saw me as a stepping stone to elevate another man. She only ever thought from his perspective. What kind of “friend” does that? Are they *really* just friends? Serena sighed and said: “I just think you’re capable, you can survive anywhere. But Julian is different, he needs my protection.” I gave a bitter laugh. “So, you’re finally admitting you intentionally botched the surgery, aren’t you?” My words left Serena stunned, speechless for a long moment. Three years ago, I came to this small hospital for her. Back then, I thought as long as we loved each other, as long as we worked hard enough, any difficulty would be overcome. But the truth proved I was too naive. Some people aren’t worth your efforts, and some are destined to only walk a short path with you in life. The next day, I returned to the hospital to complete some handover procedures. My right hand was completely useless; I couldn’t perform my current duties and had to resign. But as soon as I walked in, I was surrounded by a group of people. I looked closely and realized they were all families of patients I had treated. Seeing Julian smiling brightly behind them, I understood immediately. He’d probably told the families something. They approached aggressively, their words far from polite. “Dr. Reed, we all came to this hospital specifically for your treatment. How can you be so irresponsible, just refusing to operate?” “Yeah, right? So what if someone took your Chief position? You’re refusing to provide treatment plans just because of that? How petty can you be?” I tried to explain that Julian was their new doctor and they should talk to him. Julian, at that moment, casually let slip a remark. “He couldn’t have run out of ideas, could he? Maybe he’s faking his disability to avoid responsibility.” At his words, the patient families grew even angrier, no longer listening to anything I said. The leader of the group marched over and ripped off the bandage from my hand. My weak, somewhat atrophied hand was exposed to everyone.

A hush fell over the crowd for a second, then someone scoffed: “Huh, who knows if he’s faking it?” “Let’s see if he reacts to pain; that’ll tell us if he’s faking.” Julian offered, fueling the fire. The leader immediately understood, grabbed me, and threw me to the floor. He stomped viciously on the back of my hand. Excruciating pain shot through my ruined hand, but I had no strength to pull away. I could only let out a guttural, desperate scream. Julian suddenly rushed forward, as if to intervene. I found it strange, and sure enough, Serena’s voice quickly rang out behind me. “What are you all doing?!” Julian, at that moment, cried out in surprise and stumbled to the ground. “Alex, I was trying to help you! Why did you shove me?!” Everyone immediately started talking amongst themselves. “Didn’t he say his hand was useless? How does he have the strength to push someone?” “He really is just trying to shirk responsibility, isn’t he?” Serena’s gaze at me became incredibly complex. But it was only for a second. She rushed over, and immediately slapped me across the face. “Alex, what the hell is wrong with you?! Julian was being kind enough to help, and you pushed him!” I hadn’t even reacted when Julian pulled Serena’s hand to his mouth, gently blowing on it. “Did you hurt your hand, darling? Why do you always lose control when it comes to me?” “Alright, don’t be angry. Alex is jealous that I took his position, I can understand that. Just let him vent on me a few more times; I can take it. Don’t make a big deal out of this, it’s not good for him, or for you.” His words sounded so kind and magnanimous. They not only made Serena look at him with tenderness but also made the patient families sigh in admiration. “They’re both doctors, but their character is so different.” In the end, it was Julian who repeatedly promised them that he would get the treatment plans from me. Only then did they reluctantly leave. Some even grabbed my collar before leaving, threatening me: “If those treatment plans aren’t out today, you can tell your family to prepare for your funeral.” A notification popped up on my phone from HR, telling me to clear out the hospital apartment. This was the apartment Serena and I had applied for together. Now, having to move out, I truly felt that Serena and I were over. I planned to clean it out myself, but Serena caught up, offering to help. I couldn’t care less. Anyway, she was now the sole owner of that apartment. But when I stepped back inside, I knew why Serena had chased after me. The chili plants and mint I’d personally grown on the balcony were gone. The couple’s mugs and matching aprons in the kitchen had been replaced. The wallpaper, sofa, and bed throughout the entire apartment were now in Julian’s preferred style. Even the photo of Serena and me graduating from medical school, which used to hang in the living room, had been replaced by a photo of Julian and Serena on the day he became Chief. I didn’t need to pack anything. This small home, once decorated by Serena and me, was completely unrelated to me now. Three short days. That’s all it took. All my belongings were packed into a single suitcase, left abandoned outside the apartment door. Along with Buddy, the pet dog Serena and I had adopted together. Serena was DINK, so we’d adopted Buddy. She used to say he was like our child. Now, she’d thrown our child out with me. The thick summer air choked me, making it hard to breathe. “Buddy,” I called out. Hearing my voice, Buddy’s chubby body trembled, and he stood up. Seeing it was me, he whined excitedly, as if wanting to get close like usual. When he realized his head couldn’t squeeze through the bars of his crate, he just sat obediently, wagging his tail incessantly.

My nose stung uncontrollably, and the surging emotions could no longer be suppressed. I rushed into the living room. “Why did you throw all my things outside? I’m still your legal husband, aren’t I?” “Everything else aside, you know Buddy was abandoned because of his disability, he’s terrified of being left behind. How could you throw him outside?” “Julian is afraid of dogs.” Serena’s bland statement choked all my words in my throat. “Julian’s current apartment is too expensive, that’s why I let him move in. It’s just to save money.” She added, as if granting me a favor. Her cold demeanor completely extinguished my heart. Picking up Buddy, I struggled to push my suitcase out of the apartment. As I passed my old office, I heard my former colleagues passionately discussing surgical plans. A sense of indescribable melancholy filled me. That night, I meticulously prepared all the surgical plans for my patients. I believed that as a doctor, I had a clear conscience towards my patients. How Julian would complete the surgeries afterwards was no longer my concern. The next day, I contacted the most authoritative medical dispute arbitration recommended by my mother. I slapped the drafted lawyer’s letter in front of Serena. “Dr. Evans, aren’t you known for your zero-failure surgeries? How can you let me be a blemish on your record?” “For your sake, I absolutely *have* to win this case.” Serena frowned, glanced at the lawyer’s letter in her hand, and disdainfully tossed it aside. Then she threw the surgical plans I’d written last night back at me. I opened them and saw that while the general direction was my writing, some minor details had been altered. And these alterations contained incredibly stupid, low-level errors that were obvious at first glance. I smiled. Whether this was Serena’s scheme or Julian’s, I no longer cared. I slammed the plans onto Serena’s face. “First, these patients are all Julian’s now. I have no obligation to write plans for them.” “Second, I keep drafts of everything I hand over. I taught you that rule, you haven’t forgotten, have you?” “Finally, your current position is one I let you have. Now, your so-called ‘best friend’ wants to steal *my* position too. Fine, take it all. I just wish you, who are undeserving of your positions, don’t crash and burn. Otherwise, it’s the patients who will suffer.” “Oh, and I suggest you take that lawyer’s letter seriously.” “As I always taught you, vigilance prevents disaster.” With that, I didn’t bother to look at Serena’s face, a canvas of disbelief and guilt, and strode out of the hospital. While waiting for the traffic light, I received a call from my lawyer. “Mr. Reed, your divorce proceedings have encountered some issues.” “We’ve found that your wife, Ms. Serena Evans, took out a $150 million loan in your name during your marriage to help a Mr. Julian Cole establish Cole Medical in Riverbend City, building over a dozen private hospitals.” “Unless this debt is settled, your divorce proceedings will be difficult to finalize.” I hadn’t even processed this astounding news when a heavy truck barreled towards me. My mind went blank instantly. I felt like my insides had been utterly pulverized. But the next second, the truck reversed, deliberately driving over my right hand again. My already battered hand was mangled beyond recognition, practically glued to the asphalt like ground meat. The pain was gone; I even started thinking absurdly: how would the paramedics even scrape my mangled hand off the asphalt? Through my fading consciousness, I heard the truck driver speak into his phone, addressing someone on the other end: “Ms. Evans, it’s confirmed this time. It’s completely ruined. It won’t affect Mr. Cole anymore.”

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I had a fling with a younger guy back in the day. Once I had him hooked, I dumped him. Later, he became a billionaire CEO. He found me, broke and bankrupt, and married me. Everyone said I hit the jackpot. But they didn’t know he brought different women home every single night. I didn’t cry. I didn’t fuss. But it drove him mad. He retaliated by getting his mistress, Serena, pregnant. I stayed calm, cool as ice. He slammed me against the wall. “Chloe, do you actually love me or not?” Later, Serena and I broke our water at the same time. I fell to my knees, telling him I loved him, begging him to take me to the hospital. He hugged me tight, a cruel smile on his face. “I knew it!” “You liar.” He shoved me away, hard. He scooped up Serena, then walked out without a backward glance. “I’ll send you to the hospital later. The pain of childbirth is your punishment!” All I saw was his retreating back as he rushed away. My lower abdomen ached as if all strength had been drained from me. I collapsed heavily to the floor. Amniotic fluid gushed out, soaking my thighs, spreading a wet stain on the ground. Weakly, I raised a hand, calling out to a maid nearby, my voice hoarse. “Please, take me to the hospital…” The maid looked at me, her face full of dilemma. “Mrs. Miller, Liam specifically told us we must wait for him to return. I wouldn’t dare…” “You wouldn’t dare?” I clutched my abdomen, my voice trembling from the pain. “If anything happens to me or the baby, Liam will never forgive you. Take me now!” The maid, terrified, finally scrambled to her feet and rushed out. She had barely reached the door when Liam’s personal assistant, David, blocked her path. “David, Mrs. Miller is in labor. She needs to go to the hospital right away,” the maid stammered nervously. David glanced at the fluid on the floor, then at my contorted face, his tone calm. “Mr. Miller said to wait for him. Mrs. Miller is just using her pregnancy to manipulate us again. Help her back to her room to rest.” “If we delay any longer, the baby will be gone! Will you take the blame?!” I desperately pushed myself up, pointing a trembling finger at him. David offered a polite, fake smile, his eyes devoid of any warmth. “Mrs. Miller, Mr. Miller is with Miss Serena at the hospital, making sure her baby is safe. He said to wait for him to return.” “You know Liam’s temper. No one dares to cross him.” “I’m in labor! The baby can’t wait!” The agonizing contractions returned, like a knife twisting and tearing inside my abdomen. I curled into a ball, cold sweat instantly soaking through my clothes. “What are you waiting for? Help Mrs. Miller to bed, now.” David snapped, his voice sharp. Two maids immediately rushed forward, ignoring the intense pain in my abdomen, roughly grabbing my arms and dragging me towards the bedroom. At that moment, I suddenly felt a warm liquid gushing out. I looked down—it was blood! “Blood! I’m bleeding!” Frantically, I grabbed a maid’s hand, screaming. “Take me to the hospital, quickly! Any later and the baby will really be in danger!” “Mrs. Miller, I can’t make that decision. I’ll call the family doctor over first.” The maid pulled her hand away, guilt written on her face. “I don’t want a family doctor! I need to go to the hospital!” “Mrs. Miller, please don’t get angry. I’ll go ask David right away.” The maid finished speaking and ran out in a panicked hurry. The pain in my abdomen was like a knife carving into my very bones. Cold sweat, mixed with blood and amniotic fluid, soaked the velvet blanket. Time ticked by, but no one came. Dragging my bleeding body, I painfully shifted to the edge of the bed and grabbed Martha, who had just walked in, by the hem of her uniform, crying out. “Martha, please, go check! I can’t hold on any longer…” Martha nodded, her face full of sympathy. “Mrs. Miller, just hold on. I’ll go hurry them up now.” But as she turned, David blocked her. He slowly walked towards me. His gaze swept over the blood-stained blanket, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. It was quickly replaced by cold indifference. “Let Dr. Miller take a look first.” As he spoke, Dr. Miller quickly entered with his medical bag. Several maids immediately stepped forward and pinned down my struggling limbs. “Let go of me! I need to go to the hospital!” I twisted my body desperately, tears mixing with cold sweat. “The baby can’t wait!” Dr. Miller, expressionless, examined me. Then he took out a few white pills and instructed Martha to give them to me. “What’s that?” I shook my head wildly. “I won’t take it! Are you trying to kill my baby?!” “It’s medication to delay labor. The contractions will lessen after you take it.” “No! That will cause the baby to be oxygen-deprived!” Dr. Miller remained coldly impassive, not saying another word. “Dr. Miller, your wife is also about to give birth, isn’t she? If she were lying here right now, would you make her take this medication? Aren’t you afraid of karma?!” I endured the intense pain and looked at David again. “David, if anything happens to me and the baby, you’ll be the murderer! Liam Miller won’t let you get away with it!” Dr. Miller and David exchanged a glance. Just as David was about to agree to send me to the hospital, his phone suddenly rang. It was Liam. He answered the call, responding respectfully, the hesitation on his face completely gone. “Mrs. Miller, you heard him.” His voice was filled with helplessness. “Mr. Miller said to absolutely wait for him to return. It’s not that I won’t help you, it’s that I truly don’t have the authority to decide.” With that, he gave Martha a meaningful look. Two maids immediately held down my shoulders, forcibly prying open my mouth. Martha took the opportunity to pop the pills in. I struggled to vomit, but the pills still slipped down my throat. Tears streamed silently down my face. I looked at the ceiling and suddenly burst into hysterical laughter. The laughter only made my tears flow harder. “This is excellent. Remember this day! If anything happens to my baby, I will become a vengeful spirit and drag you all down to hell with me!” “Mrs. Miller is unstable. Give her a sedative shot. Don’t let her hurt herself or the baby. Martha, keep an eye on her.” David frowned, then, after speaking to Dr. Miller and Martha, he turned and left. I stopped struggling, letting the thick needle pierce my arm. Turns out, in Liam’s heart, his mistress was far more important than his own flesh and blood. To save her baby, he would let his own child struggle on the brink of death. The despair I felt in that moment was equal to my regret for having been so determined to marry him. I thought if I was good enough, he would see it. Sometimes, for a fleeting moment, I believed he loved me. But now I knew: if he doesn’t love you, he just doesn’t. Even carrying his child couldn’t earn me a shred of his concern. I caressed the rising curve of my abdomen. Amniotic fluid and blood had long since soaked the entire bed. I slowly closed my eyes, tears once again wetting my face. “Liam Miller, if anything happens to my child, I will never let you go!”

Perhaps the medication had taken effect, as the pain of the contractions gradually lessened. But the blood still gushed from below. I lay weakly on the bed. In a haze, I suddenly heard Martha calling Mr. Miller’s name. Hope instantly ignited in my heart. Had he finally softened and decided to send me to the hospital? He still cared about me and the baby. So I gathered all my strength and shouted into Martha’s phone. “Liam Miller, quickly! Tell someone to send me to the hospital! The baby really might not make it!” Martha had put the phone on speaker, but what came through was Serena’s soft yet arrogant voice. “Sister, you really need to hold on. Liam is still here with me. He can’t spare a thought for you right now.” She paused, then instructed Martha. “Martha, make sure you take good care of Mrs. Miller, okay? Make sure she listens to Liam.” “Serena, let Liam take the call…” Before I could finish, someone clamped their hand over my mouth, leaving me to only make muffled sounds. Martha smiled fawningly into the phone. “Don’t worry, Miss Serena, we’ve already given her the delay medication. Mr. Miller’s instructions will definitely be followed.” “That’s good.” Serena’s voice was filled with triumph. “If Sister is still in pain later, I know a method that can both stop the pain and help her last until Liam gets back.” “What method?” Martha urgently asked. I held my breath, staring intently at the phone, wanting to hear what twisted idea she’d come up with next. The voice on the phone suddenly turned sinister. “First, hang her upside down, head first, feet up. After five minutes, the baby will slowly retract. Then, find a rope and tie it tightly below her abdomen. That will naturally help her last longer. If that still doesn’t work, then…” She deliberately raised her voice: “Like, stitch her up. In short, no matter what method you use, you must wait until Liam returns.” I desperately shook my head, but only muffled sounds came out. Martha stood frozen, her face ashen, only managing to force out a sentence after a long moment. “Miss Serena, isn’t that… inappropriate? Something bad could happen…” “How could it?” Her voice was full of disdain. “Where I’m from, to make sure the baby is born at a ‘good time,’ people often do this. Babies are resilient, you know.” She paused for two seconds, then continued. “Liam is right here next to me, and this is his idea. He’s the one who asked me to call and tell you. He said he needs to properly fix Chloe’s jealous streak. And he said to protect my baby at all costs. If you go soft, and anything happens to me, Liam will never forgive you.” Ignoring the gushing blood from below and the pain of the contractions, I violently broke free from the maids and screamed. “No! Liam wouldn’t do this to me and the baby! You’re lying! You evil woman! Martha, don’t listen to her!” But the next second, two maids roughly pressed me back onto the bed. Tears streaming down my face, I looked at Martha, pleading desperately. “Martha, you’re a mother too. Can you really be so heartless towards my baby?” Martha was trembling, sweating profusely, even the hand holding the phone was shaking violently. Serena was relentless. “Liam said he’ll divorce her soon. You need to think carefully about who’s more important, me or her.” Then the phone was abruptly hung up. After a moment of silence, Martha suddenly spoke to the maids. “Let go of Mrs. Miller.” A surge of joy filled me. I thought she had finally taken pity on me. I weakly reached out to her. “Martha, quickly, to the hospital. Any later and it will be too late.” But she sharply turned her face away, avoiding my gaze, and instructed the maids. “Get some ropes.” “Martha, what are you doing? You can’t do this!” I stared at her, horrified. But she acted as if she hadn’t heard me. Then two maids forcefully pinned me down on the bed. Ropes savagely bit into my hands and feet, instantly leaving raw, bloody marks. Every movement felt like my flesh was being ripped open. “Mrs. Miller, this is for your own good. Please, bear with it.” Martha threw out this sentence, then shouted to the maids again. “Bring the metal frame!” “For my own good?” I looked at her, tears streaming uncontrollably. “Don’t believe Serena’s lies! No matter what, Liam wouldn’t treat me like this! He swore he’d never hurt me!” But no one listened. Not a soul. Not until the metal frame was finally wheeled into the room. They grabbed my arms and forcibly dragged me towards the frame. A long trail of blood instantly marked the floor. The baby in my womb seemed to sense the danger, suddenly kicking wildly in my belly. The agonizing contractions returned, and I could barely breathe from the pain. Then, they hung me upside down on the metal frame, head first. My head pounded, the baby violently kicking my abdomen. Black spots danced before my eyes. Tears streamed down my forehead, mixing with my damp, sticky hair. “Liam Miller, please come back and see me! Are you really so heartless?” “Liam Miller, I really can’t hold on any longer. The baby will really…” As my consciousness blurred, I thought I saw Liam walking towards me, smiling. Just like before, he kissed my forehead, his voice tender. “Chloe, I’ll protect you and our child from now on. Don’t cry.” “Chloe, I’ll give up everything for you, even my life.” I reached out, my hand trembling, but I couldn’t grasp him.

The excruciating pain from the rope constricting my lower abdomen violently yanked me back to consciousness. Moments later, a maid brutally pulled me down from the metal frame. My back slammed hard against the floor, as if my bones would shatter. The rope binding my abdomen dug into my flesh, intensifying the contraction pain. The more I curled up, the tighter the rope bit, as if it was crushing my internal organs. Just then, a tearing, plummeting pain suddenly erupted from below. My hand trembled as I beckoned Martha. “Quick, I’m really giving birth…” Jenny, a maid who had just entered, suddenly gasped and screamed. “Martha, the baby… the baby’s crowning! Get her to the hospital, fast!” Martha’s face went white, but she just spun around in confusion. I stared at her, weak and in pain all over. “Please! Any later and the baby will be gone!” She suddenly raised her hand, her eyes cold. “Get a needle and thread. First, sew up her lower body.” “No!” Jenny rushed to the bed, spreading her arms to protect me. “Mrs. Miller and the baby will die! You’ll have to step over me first if you want to sew her!” “Do you dare defy Mr. Miller’s orders?” Martha scolded sharply. “But there’s so much blood!” Jenny cried, her voice choked. “Martha, how can you be so cruel?” “If we upset Mr. Miller and Miss Serena, we won’t even be able to save our own lives!” “Tie her up! Don’t let her interfere!” Two maids rushed forward, dragging Jenny towards the metal frame. Tape was slapped over her mouth. Her eyes bloodshot, she struggled desperately. The metal frame was knocked to the ground, hitting her back hard. She curled up on the floor, her body convulsing violently, and remained motionless for a long time. Enduring the pain in my lower abdomen, I screamed, my eyes red. “Let her go! You monsters! I hope you all rot in hell!” The next second, tape was sealed tightly over my mouth. Martha took the needle and thread, lifted my dress, and plunged the long needle into the flesh of my lower body. Excruciating pain instantly spread through my entire body, like a sharp knife carving into my flesh. I shook my head wildly, tears mixing with cold sweat. The maids held down my hands and feet tightly, making it impossible for me to move even an inch. “Mrs. Miller, it’s a cosmetic stitch, won’t leave a scar.” Martha’s face was expressionless, her needle still pushing deeper. “No anesthetic is better for you. Childbirth is much worse than this, anyway. You’ll get through it. We’ll send you to the hospital once Mr. Miller returns.” I looked at these inhumane people, closed my eyes, and gave up struggling. Just then, the door was violently thrown open. “What are you doing?! Stop it!” Liam’s sister, Sarah,’s stern voice echoed from outside the door. The air in the room instantly froze. The maids hurriedly released me, all lowering their heads in unison. Martha stood frozen, her face pale, her hands stained with blood, smearing her uniform. Liam and Sarah had grown up together, their parents having passed away when they were young. Liam’s success today was half due to her efforts. In the Miller family, her word carried more weight than Liam’s. Sarah’s gaze swept over the purple bruises on my abdomen, the blood-soaked bed, and the half-finished, bloody stitches in my lower body. Through the fresh blood, a glimpse of the baby’s hair was visible. She stumbled, clutching the doorframe, her voice trembling. “Who gave you the audacity?! How could you be so wicked?!” “It… it was Mr. Miller who said we had to wait for him to return…” Before Martha could finish, Sarah raised her hand and slapped her twice, hard, drawing blood from the corner of her mouth. “That wretched woman again! She’s behind this!” Sarah was trembling with rage. “I don’t have a cold-blooded brother like him! And the Miller family certainly doesn’t have an animal who hurts his wife and child!” “She’s Mrs. Miller! How dare you treat her like this! If anything happens to her and the baby, I swear I’ll make you pay a hundred times over! You’ll rot in jail! Get her to the hospital, now!” The maids scrambled to untie the ropes from my body. The moment the ropes loosened, I felt a sudden relief in my abdomen. Immediately, more blood gushed down my thighs, and the excruciating pain below remained. Sarah rushed over, crouching beside my bed, her voice shaking uncontrollably. “Chloe, I’m so sorry I’m late. You’ve suffered so much. You have to hold on! Please, don’t give up!” I looked at her red-rimmed eyes, wanting to reach up and wipe her tears away, but then my vision suddenly went black. In a daze, I felt myself enveloped in a warm embrace, carrying a faint, clean scent. Sarah’s tearful voice whispered in my ear. “Chloe, look at me. Don’t sleep. I’m taking you to the hospital right away!” I wanted to respond, but no words would come out of my throat. I only heard a maid’s sudden scream nearby. “Blood! So much blood! The baby… I think I saw the baby’s head moving!” Sarah suddenly looked up, pointing her blood-stained right hand at Martha, roaring. “What are you waiting for?! Call an ambulance! Quickly!”

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