Author: Momo Chan

Everyone knew that Julian Blackwood, the most prominent man in the city, had married a mute woman. For ten years of marriage, Julian never once acknowledged me as his wife. They all said: “Mr. Blackwood married you; you should be grateful.” I swallowed every mocking word, every scornful glance, simply because I loved him. But the day I found out I was pregnant, I saw him in bed with my half-sister. They pushed me to the brink, cornered me until I had nowhere left to go. I jumped from the high-rise— Yet, Julian’s eyes burned red. He bowed his proud head, begging me, desperate for me to return to him. Pushing open the bedroom door— The overwhelming smell of alcohol and clothes strewn everywhere screamed at me, reminding me just how intense things had been in here. My legs buckled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down my face. Tiffany Miller chuckled as she looked at me. Calmly, she put on her clothes, then sashayed towards me. “Aurora, clean this mess up. Don’t let Julian find out. If you dare utter a single word about what happened today…” Tiffany paused, touching the necklace around her neck, her eyes turning vicious. “I can’t guarantee your mother won’t ‘have an accident.’” I frantically grabbed Tiffany’s arm, my eyes pleading, signaling that I would obey her. Tiffany smirked, glaring at me. “Right. You’re mute. It’s not like you can say anything anyway.” Tiffany left, triumphant. I leaned against the door, sliding down to the floor, powerless. My hands fell limp, and the doctor’s report slipped from my grasp. “Congratulations, your baby is two weeks old.” The doctor had said, flipping through the report. I touched my belly, incredulous. A wave of immense joy washed over me. I’d always had trouble conceiving. I never thought I’d have a baby of my own. On the way home, my heart pounded with anxiety. I wondered if Julian would dislike this child because it was mine, if he would despise it as much as he despised me. But I never imagined I’d come home to find my half-sister and my husband sleeping together. I knew Julian didn’t love me. But he didn’t have to humiliate me like this. My heart felt like it was clutched by an invisible hand, squeezing the breath from me, threatening to suffocate me. Slowly, I cleaned the room, tears dripping onto the floor as I numbly wiped them away. I tore the pregnancy test report into tiny pieces and flushed them down the toilet. I walked to the bed. Julian lay there, eyes closed, brows furrowed. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, still hazy with drunkenness. Julian reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me beneath him. He nuzzled his nose against my face, then whispered in my ear. No matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t push him away. My eyes stung, and I bit my lip hard, refusing to let the tears fall. Then Julian called out, “Tiffany.” The name plunged me into an icy abyss. My blood froze, and my heart felt pierced by countless shards of glass. Raw and bleeding, tears traced paths down my cheeks, then disappeared into my hair. “Aurora.” Julian’s voice in the morning pulled me back from sleep to reality. He gripped my wrist tightly. Just waking up, he looked annoyed. His eyes were deep, his aura heavy. “Didn’t I tell you not to climb into my bed again?” Julian’s voice was arctic. I shook my head frantically, signing to him. “No, you pulled me in yesterday.” Julian’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Aurora, I’m not *that* desperate.” I froze for a moment, then lowered my head. Seeing me like that, Julian impatiently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. He turned, pulled out a checkbook from a drawer, signed a check, tore it off, and flung it at my face. The paper was light, but it struck my heart with brutal force. Julian glanced at me. “Aurora, don’t let this happen again.” My eyes were numb, and I forced out a bitter smile, tears welling up. The scars on my heart felt like they were being ripped open again. Just when they’d started to heal, they were raw and bleeding once more. “Julian Blackwood, I’m not doing this for money.” Tears streamed down my face as I signed.

Julian grabbed my hand, looking displeased. “Don’t play the innocent woman. Take it, just take it. What’s with all the signing first thing in the morning? It’s irritating.” I opened my mouth weakly, but no sound came out. My face was streaked with tears. Julian stood up, a clear look of disgust in his eyes. The door slammed shut with such force that my body trembled. Downstairs, everyone was already seated at the dining table. Mrs. Blackwood looked at me with disdain, her voice sharp and sarcastic. “My daughter-in-law is even lazier than I am.” I signed an apology to everyone. But not a single person looked at me, not even a glance. I sat down dejectedly, trying to make myself as small as possible. Suddenly, a bowl of hot soup splashed onto my hand. My hand trembled with pain, turning visibly red. “Oops, Aunt Aurora, I’m so sorry.” It was Julian’s niece, Stella. She apologized with her mouth, but her eyes held a sly glint. She winked at me, feigning innocence. “It doesn’t hurt, does it, Aunt Aurora? I thought you’d scream in pain.” I was about to raise my hand to protest. “It’s just a bowl of soup. How hot could it be? Just eat your breakfast. It’s disgusting first thing in the morning.” Mrs. Blackwood looked at me impatiently. I clenched my hands, then looked up at Julian. He was quietly eating, completely unconcerned by what was happening to me. I pressed my lips together, suppressing the bitter ache in my chest. “Don’t let it bother you, Aurora.” Lily Blackwood, Julian’s sister, gently applied medicine to my hand. Looking at this young girl who bore a striking resemblance to Julian, tears involuntarily fell from my eyes. Perhaps she had touched the softest part of my heart. It was a pity such a kind girl had a congenital heart condition. A pang of tenderness flashed in my eyes. She smiled at me, her eyes curving into crescent moons. In the Blackwood family, she was the only one who didn’t look down on me, the mute. “Hello, Mrs. Blackwood.” Tiffany beamed, her smile fawning, as she entered the Blackwood home. The two chatted merrily. Tiffany could talk easily with everyone in the family; she seemed more like a Blackwood daughter-in-law than I ever could. My heart felt like it was being pricked by a thousand tiny needles, the pain so intense I could barely breathe. Tiffany pulled me aside. She took out a bottle of pills. “Aurora, find a way to make Lily take these.” Tiffany’s expression was sinister. “No! She can’t take those randomly.” I frantically waved my hands, refusing. Tiffany touched the necklace around her neck. “It seems you don’t care much about your mother after all.” My body stiffened. Tiffany shoved the pills into my hand. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I bit my lip hard, a salty, metallic taste spreading in my mouth. But Lily still didn’t escape that night. I grabbed Tiffany, tears streaming down my face, signing my questions. “Why? I didn’t make her take them! Why?!” Tiffany smirked. “I knew a fool like you couldn’t do it.” She pushed me away violently, then walked off triumphantly. *Smack!* “Aurora, you truly have a cruel heart.” The pills were found in my room, making me undeniably the murderer of Lily Blackwood. Julian was silent, his eyes slightly red. If you looked closely, you could see his hands trembling slightly. Lily was his beloved sister, and now, because of me, he had lost her forever. I crawled to his feet, tears streaming down my face like a broken dam. I signed. “Julian, I’m sorry.” Julian’s eyes turned bloodshot, filled with a fierce rage. He grabbed my throat, his hands tightening.

My face turned crimson from lack of oxygen. My hands fell limp, and the light in my eyes seemed to dim, fading into nothingness in an instant. Tears fell uncontrollably, one by one. Julian’s eyes were dark and cold, the icy stare piercing my heart like an ice pick. It felt as if a sharp knife was twisting repeatedly in my chest. Each turn was enough to send me to hell. Just as I was about to lose consciousness, Julian tossed me aside like trash. I gasped for air. “Aurora, I’ll give you one more chance. Just say you didn’t do it, and I’ll believe you.” A storm of hatred and despair raged in Julian’s eyes, but he suppressed it, burying it deep inside. I shook my head desperately. Tiffany touched her necklace, giving me a warning look. I wanted to tell the truth. But my mother’s life was in Tiffany’s hands. I couldn’t risk it. I sat there, stunned. I couldn’t forgive myself. A huge stone seemed to weigh down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. Tiffany rushed over, hugging Julian’s arm. “Julian, the evidence is right in front of us. I never thought my sister would do such a thing.” She shot me a glance, her hand going to the necklace around her neck. Despair flashed in my eyes. The pain inside me was like darkness, slowly devouring me. I collapsed to the floor, like a lifeless puppet. Julian’s eyes grew colder and colder. His deep gaze was like a still, dead pool. “Aurora, you will pay the price for what you’ve done.” Lily Blackwood’s funeral lasted five days, and Julian made me kneel for all five days. During that time, I stayed there, kneeling. The scornful stares and pointing fingers of those around me slowly gnawed at my soul. Tiffany, assuming the air of a hostess, managed everything in the Blackwood household. Tiffany raised her hand and fiercely pinched my chin. “Aurora, Mrs. Blackwood, this position will soon be mine. You’ll end up like your mother, thrown out.” I glared at her, my eyes filled with hatred. Tiffany dug her nails into my flesh. “Aurora, you don’t know, do you? Lily thought of you even as she died, worried you’d be bullied. But I just watched her take her last breath.” I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, wildly flailing my hands. “Why? Why did you kill her?” Tiffany sneered, her eyes sinister. “Everyone who stands in the way of me becoming Mrs. Blackwood has to die.” Her hand went to her abdomen. “Aurora, I’m pregnant.” Tiffany raised an eyebrow, looking at me triumphantly. I clutched my chest. My heart felt pierced by countless shards of glass. I wanted to scream, but no sound would come out. In that moment, I wanted to die with Tiffany. Then my heart wouldn’t have to suffer so much, and Lily wouldn’t have died in vain. Hatred blinded me. I used all my strength to shove Tiffany. She hit her head on a table, bleeding profusely. “Aurora, what are you doing?!” Julian rushed in, his voice angry, his eyes sharp and filled with rage. Tiffany lay weakly in Julian’s arms. “Julian, my head hurts so much.” I laughed, laughing like a madwoman, the blood at the corner of my mouth making it even more terrifying. I opened my mouth, screaming soundlessly, my chest aching. My lower abdomen cramped, and I had to curl up. I felt something warm leaving my body. I reached out my hand, wanting to call out to Julian. But he just held Tiffany and walked away without a backward glance. Tiffany looked at me, a defiant smile on her face. I collapsed to the floor, completely losing consciousness. In a daze, I felt someone kick me hard. Then I heard Tiffany’s voice. “That slut was actually pregnant. Good thing the baby’s gone now; saves me the trouble.” A man’s voice immediately followed. “Evil woman, you don’t deserve to carry my child.” It was Julian’s voice. I wanted to open my eyes, but I could only see a blurry figure. I wanted to raise my hand, to beg him to save our child, because no matter what, Julian, it was *your* child. But all that waited for me was a long silence and Julian’s inaction. A bucket of cold water was thrown over me, chilling me to the bone. I jolted awake. I found myself naked, with a man lying next to me. A torrent of curses and blows rained down on me. The man knelt on the floor. “Grandma Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood, it’s not my fault! This woman seduced me first.” Julian’s face was livid. He kicked the man. Ignoring everyone, he scooped me up, shoved me into the bedroom, and roughly threw me onto the bed, breathing heavily. “Aurora, you’re utterly depraved!” “Depraved?” I managed a bitter laugh. The thought of my child filled me with hate. I wanted to escape this man, this murderer who had turned a blind eye, who had watched my child die. In my despair, a smile suddenly bloomed on my face. Under his cold gaze, I slowly made a gesture. “Julian, let’s get a divorce.” 4. His expression froze, his eyes filled with shock. But soon, he sneered. “Divorce? Aurora, you’ve disgraced me completely. And now you have the nerve to ask for a divorce?” The pain in my abdomen had long since numbed me. I stared at him with resentment. “Julian, I don’t know anything. I woke up like this.” Julian’s eyes were full of scorn. “Aurora, do you really think I’ll believe that?” Julian restrained me, his eyes showing disappointment and hurt. “Aurora, why?” My heart was dead. I waved my hand. “Julian, you don’t love me. Let’s get a divorce.” He took a deep breath, his eyes hardening with ruthlessness. “Aurora, I won’t let you get rid of me. You’ll never think about divorce for the rest of your life. Not unless you die, or I die.” He threw me onto the floor. The bone-chilling cold enveloped me. Julian locked me up. From then on, I never saw him again. Until— Tiffany and Julian appeared together beside me. Tiffany leaned against Julian, looking frail, her swollen belly stabbing at my eyes. I thought of the child I had lost. My heart felt squeezed by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. My eyes were vacant, but the look of profound grief vanished in an instant. Now, I carried too many burdens. Every night, I dreamt of my lost child and Lily. Guilt and self-reproach filled my heart. Tiffany smiled triumphantly, gently stroking her belly. “Aurora, Julian and I are together now.” I weakly raised my hand, signing. “Congratulations. You got what you wanted.” Tiffany pinched my arm, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Aurora, you and your mother have bad luck. Oh, by the way, your mother didn’t make it through last night. She died.” Tiffany yanked my mother’s necklace off her neck and threw it to the ground. The necklace shattered into pieces instantly. I pounced on it, carefully gathering the fragments in my hands. A storm instantly swept through my world, leaving behind nothing but ruins. I clutched the fragments tightly to my chest, crying hysterically. My eyes were bloodshot. In that moment, I wanted to die with Tiffany. I pushed her, making her stumble. I bit down hard on her wrist until I tasted blood in my mouth. Julian pushed me away forcefully. “Aurora, what are you doing?!” I laughed, like a lunatic, the blood around my mouth making it even more terrifying. Tiffany cried. “Julian, my sister must be…” Julian raised his hand. Several men in black appeared, restraining me. Julian gently stroked Tiffany’s cheek. “Take it out on her as you wish.” Slap after slap landed on my face. Soon, my face was swollen and unrecognizable, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth. My ears buzzed. In a daze, I thought I saw my mother. I saw her smiling gently at me. I missed her so much. Tears flowed from the corners of my eyes. My whole body trembled with pain, but I could only cry silently. Tiffany and I were half-sisters. My mother and father had been married for over a decade, yet Tiffany was only a few months younger than me, which was laughable. My mother’s health deteriorated day by day, and my father divorced her, then turned around and married Tiffany’s mother. My mother was confined to a nursing home, and if I didn’t obey, her medication would be stopped at any moment. So, I had no choice but to listen to Tiffany. I had harmed everyone. My mind was in a haze. I crawled to Julian’s side, humbly grabbing his pant leg. I opened my mouth, wanting to beg him to let me go. But he kicked me away. His disgusted eyes pierced me. I thought of the time Julian’s eyes were injured. Perhaps that was the happiest time of my life. Back then, he would gently hold my hand and promise me—

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The Protagonist Refused to be a Puppet After I lost my memory, I realized something was really off. My seemingly innocent brother secretly slipped into my bed in the middle of the night. My successful businessman uncle kept sending me clothes. My cold, sophisticated Professor Thorne gave me unsettlingly intimate instructions. And Jax, the infamous bad boy from the other side of the tracks, pinned me against the wall and whispered, “Eighty bucks for the night.” I figured there had to be some huge misunderstanding, so I gathered them all together, planning to set things straight. But to my shock, they just exchanged knowing smiles, looking at me like a lamb ready for slaughter. “All four of us? Playing *that* kind of game? How thrilling,” one of them purred. I paused for a beat, then slapped each of them across the face. “Thrilling *now*?” I woke up, and my memory was completely gone. All I remembered was my name, Anya. Everything else was a blank. I looked around. It was a cozy bedroom, tastefully decorated. On the nightstand, there was a photo. Tiny script at the bottom read: *To my dearest Mom, Dad, and little brother.* So, a family of four. Just as I put the photo down, I heard footsteps outside the door. My bedroom door was suddenly pushed open. “Sis, dinner’s ready!” It was a tall, lean teenager with a fair complexion and a bright, open smile. He grabbed my wrist with an alarming familiarity, pulling me out of the room. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” This must be my brother. Liam. At the dinner table, the family felt so harmonious, so picture-perfect. I quietly ate my food, listening to them chat. “Liam will be a senior next year. It would be great if he could get into Anya’s college. You two could look out for each other.” Liam nodded dutifully, “I’ll definitely get in.” He then flashed me a smile. “You have to wait for me at school, sis.” He looked so innocent, just a typical teenager. But even then, something about his words felt off, and his eyes held a disturbing glint I couldn’t quite place.

Late that night, I lay in bed, drifting in and out of sleep. Suddenly, I heard faint rustling in the room, and a blurry figure moved past. I startled, sitting bolt upright, but a hand clamped firmly over my mouth. “Shhh, quiet. Don’t let Mom and Dad hear.” It was Liam. I was still wondering why he was in my room so late when he lunged at me, pressing me back onto the bed. I gasped. “What are you doing?” “Heh.” He gave a wicked smirk. “What do you think I’m doing? I’m doing *you*.” What kind of talk was that?! I pushed him away. “I’m your sister!” “Not just my sister. You’re *my* woman.” His words hit me like a shockwave. Without thinking, I kicked him squarely off the bed. “Get lost!” “Anya, what are you playing at? You’re just a slut who’d sleep with anyone—Ah!” He didn’t even finish his sentence before I delivered another kick. This one landed right in his crotch. I watched him curl up, howling in pain, then I flexed my ankle and clicked my tongue. “So small.”

Liam’s behavior last night made me realize that everything around me was definitely off. Even though I couldn’t remember anything right now, we were siblings. There was no way I was *that* kind of person. I walked out of my room, my expression heavy. Passing the bathroom, I ran into Liam brushing his teeth. I gave him a slow, wicked smile, my gaze dropping pointedly to the very spot I’d brutalized the night before. *Plink.* His toothbrush clattered to the floor. I feigned surprise. “What’s wrong, little brother? Why are you foaming at the mouth?” Liam’s face was pale. He took two steps back, seemingly intimidated, looking like he wanted to scream but didn’t dare. No fun. I turned and walked away, bored. It was the weekend, so Mom and Dad had already left for work, leaving just Liam and me at home. After breakfast, he plopped onto the couch and started playing video games. I looked at the unwashed dishes on the table, annoyed. “Liam, come wash the dishes!” But he didn’t even look up from his phone. He said, “Didn’t you always do the housework? You’ve always been the one doing the chores around here, haven’t you?” So, it turned out I used to be a free maid. I thought for a moment, then plopped down next to him. “Fine, let it all go to hell. No one’s doing anything.” He suddenly froze, staring at me with a strange expression. “Anya, you’re different. You never used to refuse me. You…” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you playing games? Trying to get my attention?” “Huh?” “Don’t act dumb. You want my attention, right? Don’t bother, I could never like you.” I looked at him like he was an idiot. Seriously, how could someone so utterly ordinary be so unbelievably arrogant? He went on, “But, even if I don’t like you, doing other stuff isn’t off the table. After all, you’re so desperate for a guy, aren’t you…” His hand, once again, snaked towards my collar. I grabbed his hand, twisted it, and he cried out in pain. I offered a slight smile. Some kids just need a good reality check… or another punch.

Before college started, I went to the hospital alone. The results came back normal. The doctor said I likely had temporary amnesia caused by an unknown reason. Just as I stepped out of the hospital, I heard a shout. “Anya!” I turned and saw a mature man in a sharp suit. I didn’t know who he was, so I stood there, unmoving. He walked closer to me and asked, “Why are you at the hospital alone? Are you feeling unwell?” I shook my head. “I’m fine.” He grabbed my wrist. “Then Uncle Marcus will take you home.” So, this was my Uncle Marcus, the CEO of Sterling Enterprises, the successful and promising man my parents always talked about. But the way he looked at me, with an uncomfortable invasiveness, made me frown and pull my hand away. “No thanks, I called a ride.” He froze. “Anya, are you still mad? What happened that day was my fault, and I apologize. But you have to believe me, you’re the only one for me. I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.” As he spoke, he put an arm around my shoulder. I shoved him away and stomped hard on his foot. “Uncle, aren’t you a bit old to be playing the innocent card?” He bent over, groaning in pain. I took the chance to put some distance between us. “I know you’re busy with work, but maybe take some time for skincare and hit the gym? Your crow’s feet are practically racing each other across your face!” Honestly, my uncle wasn’t a bad-looking guy. I just couldn’t understand why all these men seemed to have some secret, twisted connection with me. He winced, then managed a pained smile. “Anya, if it makes you feel better, you can hit me a few more times.” “You’re a glutton for punishment.” “I am.” His eyes were filled with a disturbing adoration. “You never used to hit me before. I never knew you could be so beautiful when you’re angry.” I scoffed. Seriously, who asks for that? I gave him another kick, then turned and walked away without looking back. Back home, I found a package. It was from Uncle Marcus, paid for three days ago. I unwrapped the high-end gift box, only to find a piece of intricate lingerie inside. At the same time, I got a message from him. He’d sent me three PayPal transfers: $5000, $2000, and $1000, saying it was my spending money. Attached was a lengthy, gushy confession. I didn’t even read it. I tapped my phone a few times. I accepted all three transfers, then immediately donated every single cent to a charity organization. I screenshotted the donation receipts and sent them to him. *Uncle Marcus, send more! Charity work needs your support.* As for the lingerie, I sent it right back to him with a note: *I think you’d look much sexier in it, Uncle Marcus.*

Before I knew it, it was the first day of classes. I packed my bags and headed back to college. When I pushed open my dorm room door, my three roommates, who were busy gossiping, suddenly stopped and all stared at me. Their eyes were filled with wariness. Clearly, we weren’t on good terms. I shrugged, gesturing for them to continue. I found the only empty bed and slowly started unpacking. The room was silent for a moment, then one of the girls spoke up. Chloe. “Let’s just talk. Why bother with *her*?” “Yeah, she’s so shameless anyway, she wouldn’t care what people say.” Maya chimed in. The other two looked awkward. “Come on, Brianna, don’t say that.” They must have been talking about me. Suddenly, I was curious. “Are you guys talking about me? Spill the tea.” “What are you playing at?” They looked surprised. “Everyone knows you confessed to Jax from the other school, got rejected, and then wouldn’t give up, practically begging him to sleep with you! Today, his school is playing our school in basketball, and everyone’s going to be laughing at you!” “Yeah, how could *we* be roommates with someone as shameless as you?” Brianna added. Their words dripped with contempt. I silently pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. Sure enough, I found Jax. But strangely, the chat history was empty. “We’re going to the basketball game now. Anya, I’m warning you, you better not go. No one’s going to care if you get booed to tears.” The three of them walked out of the dorm. I thought for a moment, then pulled my laptop out of my bag. I logged into SnapChat on my computer and clicked on my chat history with Jax again. Sure enough, there were some synced messages. They were few, but enough for me to realize that things weren’t at all as they described. Jax had been sending me flirtatious messages. From what I could see, *I* was the one being pressured. So, Jax must have deleted the chat history from my phone and then slandered me, claiming I’d seduced him. What a manipulative jerk! I put my laptop in my bag. I decided it was time to confront that scumbag at the basketball court.

I wasn’t very familiar with the college campus, so I twisted and turned until I reached the gym. Suddenly, an arm shot out from around a corner. He wrapped it around my waist, smoothly pinning me against the wall. A cocky, arrogant face was inches from mine. He grinned. “Anya, you actually dare to show up at the basketball game? “You’re that desperate to see me, huh?” I guessed he was Jax. So I said, “I’m here to watch how badly you lose.” “Then you’ll be disappointed. With your school’s basketball skills, there’s no way you’re beating me.” He was confident and arrogant. “Once I win the game, you’ll have to celebrate with me. “Don’t go back to your dorm tonight. Spend the night with me. Don’t worry, I won’t stiff you.” He held up a hand, showing eighty with his fingers. “Eighty bucks for the night, how about it? “That’s the kind of price you’d pay for a hooker, and a cheap one at that.” He smiled as he uttered those stinging words, his eyes looking at me like I was the lowest form of entertainment. I raised my hand and slapped him. “You hit me?” He looked utterly incredulous. “Anya, aren’t you scared I’ll make those photos public?” Oh, so he had something on me, huh? I smirked, then slapped him again. “That’s what you get.”

This university’s facilities were top-notch. The indoor basketball court was huge, and the bleachers were already full, even the aisles were packed. The game between the two schools had the students hyped, but the name I heard most often was Jax. Rumor had it his family had serious ties to the local underworld, and he was known as the infamous bad boy of the other school. “Excuse me, could you let me through?” I called out to a student blocking the way. He turned around and exclaimed in surprise: “Anya’s here!” At that shout, I instantly became the center of attention. “Anya actually showed up?! Hasn’t she humiliated herself enough? She’s utterly shameless.” “You don’t understand, that’s true love. Even after a thousand rejections, she still loves Jax like her first crush!” “First crush? The kind where she throws herself at him for sex?” There were plenty of whispers, but they also instinctively cleared a path for me. I walked down the steps as if deaf to their words, easily reaching the front row. Jax saw me too. He deliberately blew me a whistle, then silently mouthed two words. I could read his lips: “Eighty bucks.” He was still trying to humiliate me, utterly full of himself. So I mouthed four words back to him. “Your face is swollen.” That’s right, I’d slapped him twice, left and right, and now his face was slowly turning red and puffy. He clenched his jaw and glared at me. I raised an eyebrow. What are you looking at? You can’t even beat me. Jax was right, our school’s basketball team was pretty weak. I watched the score widen, surrounded by shouts of “Jax is so hot!” It wasn’t long before he secured the victory. Basking in the cheers of the students, he walked up to me. “Anya, why are you still bothering me?” The guys around him started booing and jeering, and everyone’s gaze was hostile. Rumors spread like wildfire, but trying to extinguish them is a losing battle. In their eyes, I was just a desperate, promiscuous girl. No one would listen to my explanation, at least not right now. So I stood up and challenged him: “Jax, do you dare to play me one-on-one? “Most baskets in a set time wins.” He froze for a second, then burst out laughing. “Are you serious? You, Anya, challenging *me*?” I nodded. He suddenly roared with laughter, and the crowd around him joined in. A delicate girl challenging a highly skilled male basketball player? Utterly delusional. I even heard someone say, “Is she trying to get Jax’s attention? Or maybe create some ‘accidental’ physical contact?” Ignoring their malice, I calmly repeated myself. “Do you dare to play me?” He looked at me with disdain. “Fine, but there has to be a stake, right? Otherwise, what’s the fun?” “What do you want to bet?” “If you lose, you have to dance for everyone. And it’ll be… a strip dance.” It was blatant humiliation, but under everyone’s watchful eyes, I calmly nodded. “Okay. What if *you* lose?” “Me lose?” He laughed. “What do you want me to do?” I pointed to the court. “If you lose, you’ll get on your hands and knees, bark like a dog, and crawl three laps around the court.” “Anya, are you out of your mind?!” He clearly hadn’t expected me to be so bold. But if he wanted to humiliate me, he needed to be prepared to be humiliated himself. I asked him one last time, “So, do you want to play?”

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  My best friend and I were both heartbroken on the same day, but unlike me, she insisted on dragging me into her twisted version of a “romantic ending” and dying together. Ignoring my protests, she set fire to my house. When she saw me burning alive, skin blistering and flesh charred, she panicked and ran. I survived with severe burns and lay in the hospital for three long months. The day I was finally discharged, I discovered she was marrying my wealthy ex-boyfriend. When I confronted her, she brushed it off with a sweet smile: “Don’t overthink. I married him to punish the scumbag and get revenge for you.” But her actions told another story. She sold all the wedding jewelry and told her husband I had taken them to buy gifts for a boytoy. She maxed out his credit cards, claiming it was to pay off my gambling debts. When she got pregnant and slept with her husband’s driver, she nearly bled to death—then told everyone I had gone to a hotel with a bunch of male models, and she miscarried while trying to “save” me. In the end, her husband sold me off to the Golden Triangle. There, they cut out my kidney and tortured me until I died in agony. But when I opened my eyes again, I was back on the very day she had her affair and miscarriage. ***** Alexia always used me as her excuse whenever she met her lover. She told her husband, Paul Eveline, that I was the one calling her out—sometimes saying I’d been beaten by a wife for being a mistress and needed comfort, sometimes that I owed loan sharks and begged for help. She even said that I was being treated for a dirty disease and needed her by my side. If Paul hadn’t once stormed into my house in my past life, spitting venom and condemning me for all those fabricated sins, I never would’ve known just how “colorful” my life had become in her lies. And now, his number was flashing on my phone again, vibrating relentlessly. The moment I picked up, his furious voice exploded in my ear. “Hedy! It’s the middle of the night—why are you keeping Alexia with you again?” “I’ve tolerated you long enough! After we broke up, you wanted to ruin yourself, fine. But must you keep sucking the life out of Alexia? She’s your best friend, not your mother!” “She’s married now, and pregnant. Can’t you have some shame and stop bothering her every damn day? Do you even know how pathetic you are?” “What is this, revenge because I dumped you? Are you trying to destroy my family? Alexia is pure and innocent—if you dare exploit her again, don’t blame me for being ruthless! Send her back right now!” His voice was so loud and venomous that my ears rang. The truth was I hadn’t had any contact with Alexia ever since she set me on fire. But Paul never believed that. I received his calls almost daily. At first, hearing his accusations, I actually thought Alexia was really punishing him on my behalf. It wasn’t until he barged into my home in a rage, beat me black and blue, stuffed me into a sack, and sold me to the Golden Triangle that I realized I had been nothing but a scapegoat. Remembering the flames she lit, the slander she spread, and his merciless revenge—a surge of hatred burned in my chest. ‘Paul, this time, you’ll see with your own eyes what your so-called “pure, good wife” really is.’ Curling my lips into a cold smile, I answered the call. “Alexia is busy right now—she’s unclogging the sewer. She won’t be back anytime soon.” Then my face hardened. Without waiting for his reply, I hung up and switched off my phone. But only moments later, pounding fists rattled my door. The lock had barely turned when a powerful force slammed it open, throwing me back. Before I could react, several bodyguards pinned me to the ground. And Paul stormed inside, footsteps heavy and furious, tearing through my home in search of Alexia.   My small two-bedroom apartment had been turned upside down by his men. Yet he still found nothing. “Didn’t you say Alexia was unclogging a sewer? Where is she?” His face flushed red as he stormed up to me, voice booming with rage. Seeing him like this, a wicked satisfaction curled in my chest. Revenge tasted sweet. I raised my brows, speaking slowly, almost lazily, “I only said she was unclogging a sewer. I never said it was in my house. Maybe she’s unclogging one at your driver’s place. Why don’t you check there?” Paul’s eyes went cold. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked hard. “Drop the sarcasm,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’ll ask you one last time—where are you hiding Alexia?” Alexia’s whereabouts had always been a secret. I was nothing but her scapegoat—how could I possibly know? Through gritted teeth, I answered, “She’s a grown woman with hands and feet of her own. Why would I know where she goes? I’m not her mother!” Not getting the answer he wanted, Paul’s eyes turned vicious. He released my hair only to strike me hard across the face, the blow leaving my head ringing. Rage flared through me—yet beneath it, an even greater anticipation stirred. ‘You’re angry already? You’ve seen nothing yet, Paul. The worst is still waiting for you,’ I muttered internally. He loomed over me, striking my face again and again with his palm, as he sneered, “You think keeping your mouth shut means I can’t deal with you?” He reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and powered it on. Holding it up to my face, he unlocked it with the facial scan, then scrolled straight into my contacts. When he spotted my emergency contact, a cruel smile spread across his lips. He dialed. “Hello? What’s wrong?” On the other end, my husband, Leopold, answered with his usual gentle voice. I opened my mouth, desperate to speak—but one of the bodyguards clamped a hand over it, suffocating my words. “You’re Hedy’s husband, right?” Paul’s voice was cold, dripping with disdain. “And who the hell are you?” Hearing an unfamiliar man, Leopold’s tone sharpened, his calm was instantly replaced by unease. Paul met my eyes, mocking me as he replied, “I’m Hedy’s ex. But don’t worry—I’m married now. I’ve got no interest in her anymore.” There was a short silence, then Leopold demanded, “Then why are you calling me with her phone?” “No real reason. I just thought you should hear the truth about your lovely wife.” Paul began his assault, every word a dagger meant to bury me alive. “Do you know how she got those burn scars? She tried to set herself on fire when I dumped her and wanted to die with me. If my wife hadn’t tried to save her, she’d already be ashes.” “When that failed, she threw herself at man after man, desperate for company.” “She’s lived off my wife for years—sold her wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys, gambled away her money, maxed out my credit cards, made my wife pay her debts.” “She even got caught playing mistress and was beaten by the man’s real wife.” “Oh, and she was at the hospital recently, getting treatment for a dirty disease. If I were you, I’d go get tested.” “Tell me, doesn’t it shame you to be married to a filthy woman like her? Don’t you feel pathetic being cuckolded? If I were you, I’d be dead already.” Each word was venom, each sentence a blade, hacking at my dignity until nothing remained. On the other end of the line, Leopold fell into a long, chilling silence. My heart twisted. Since the day we married, our relationship had always been good…

  Leopold was always upright and kind, gentle and attentive to me. He never once despised the burn scars on my body. Instead, he told me I was an angel who had survived the flames, and that for the rest of my life, he would shield me from the wind and rain. With him, no matter how badly we argued, he never gave me the cold shoulder or lost his temper. He would always coax me patiently, again and again. But this time… after hearing Paul’s lies, he said nothing. Not a word. When Paul hung up the call, triumph lit his face. “Well? Still not going to tell me where Alexia is?” The guard finally released his hand from my mouth. I glared at Paul, fury burning in my chest. “You’ve broken into my home, restrained me, assaulted me, and spouted lies. Every one of those things is against the law.” I wanted nothing more than to tear this fool apart. At my defiance, his rage deepened. “Against the law?” He sneered. “Then let me show you what real breaking the law looks like!” He barked an order at his men. “Smash her place to the ground!” Obeying instantly, the bodyguards began to wreck everything in sight. In minutes, my once neat little apartment became a wasteland of broken furniture and shattered glass. Nothing was left intact. Grinding my teeth, I spat, “Paul, with such blatant lawlessness, aren’t you afraid of the law catching up with you?” He laughed coldly, full of scorn. “The law? The law punishes leeches like you. You’ve bled Alexia dry for years—don’t you know how much you’ve stolen from her? Everything in this place was bought with her money. I’m smashing my own things. What crime is that?” His words rang with righteous fury, as if he weren’t a criminal but a judge passing sentence on the guilty. I checked the time. Less than thirty minutes until Alexia’s miscarriage. The real show was about to begin. Forcing down my rage, I smiled faintly and drawled, “Why don’t you wait a little longer? Your dear wife will be contacting you very soon.” My calmness only made him more frantic. His eyes burned with rage. “Still stubborn? Fine! Today, I’ll utterly destroy your reputation!” “Take her out!” The guards dragged me to the gate of the apartment complex. The commotion quickly drew a crowd. Dozens of eyes turned on me, whispers swelling into a storm. Paul seized the opportunity, loudly broadcasting my so-called sins for everyone to hear. And the crowd believed every word. “This is disgusting. She’s already at this age and still leeching off her pregnant best friend? That’s basically murder!” “Exactly! Her friend is just too kind. If it were me, I’d have kicked her out ages ago.” “Classic fake friend—pretending to care while scheming behind the scenes. My wife had one just like her, and drove her into debt and depression. Even now, she’s still on antidepressants!” “She’s a vampire, that’s what she is. First her family, then her friends, then her husband. Whoever meets her is cursed!” “And she’s filthy too—already married but still chasing after male models, playing mistress. Sharing a community with a tramp like her was just bad luck!” Spittle and curses rained down, painting me as some vile, irredeemable villain. Paul looked down on me, his smirk full of provocation. “Well? Still want to keep that hard mouth of yours?” He thought he had me cornered. That I would crumble under the weight of shame. Instead, I laughed coldly, lifting my chin in defiance. “A dignified tycoon—and this is the best you can do?” “What’s a few neighbors cursing me out? Even if they spit until their throats dry, all I need to do is move somewhere else, and it’s over.” “If you really want me ruined, Paul, you should’ve called some internet influencers. Let them livestream it all. That way, maybe—just maybe—you could make me infamous across the entire country.”   Paul’s expression darkened. He gritted his teeth and said, “Fine. You want it big? I’ll make it big for you!” Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made another call. My heart surged with anticipation. Yes. Stir it up. The bigger, the better. Let the whole world witness the scandal of your perfect, wealthy family. With his influence, it didn’t take long before a swarm of online streamers rushed to the scene, all raising their phones, livestreaming with eager faces. “Everyone, we’ve just caught a huge piece of gossip! See this woman right here? Don’t be fooled by her innocent looks—she’s rotten to the core!” “She once tried to drag her best friend into a suicide pact after a breakup. Her friend risked her life to save her, and she lived. But instead of gratitude, she became jealous of her friend’s better life, and has done nothing but cause trouble since!” “For years, she’s been leeching off her friend. Whenever she had no money, she runs to her. Pregnant and heavily burdened, her friend still runs errands for her, cleans up her messes, even drags herself out in the middle of the night to fetch her when she’s drunk out of her mind.” “And what does she do in return? Nothing! She spends money like water, treats her friend’s generosity as her due, even pawns her friend’s wedding jewelry to buy gifts for boytoys! She maxed out her friend’s credit cards to pay off her massive gambling debts!” “Her private life is a disaster. Already married, yet constantly fooling around, seducing men, knowingly becoming the mistress. She’s been chased down and beaten by wives multiple times!” “I heard that she even contracted a filthy disease. She went to the hospital in secret, dragging her friend along to cover for her—who knows how many men she infected before that?” “Everyone, remember her face! If you’ve got guts, slap her if you ever see her. If not, just stay far away—don’t risk catching something from her!” The streamers piled lie upon lie, weaving tales out of thin air, exaggerating every word. Soon, every livestream platform was boiling with curses. “Holy shit, her friend and husband must be saints to put up with trash like her!” “This isn’t even a woman—it’s a walking tumor!” “Right? Keeping her alive is like letting a plague spread!” The scandal fermented at lightning speed. Within minutes, my photo was plastered across the internet, shooting straight onto the trending hot search. “Leeching Woman.” “Toxic Friend.” “Slut.” Ugly labels piled onto my name, one after another, until they became my new identity. As the streamers fanned the flames, the onlookers’ emotions exploded. One by one, they began hurling eggs and rotten vegetables at me. Some who had been eating nearby even smashed their beer bottles at my feet. Like a lamb before slaughter, I stood in the middle of the filth, drowning in insults, reeking of garbage. And then—through the chaos, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. It was Leopold. At the sight of his face, my lonely heart finally found a refuge. To me, Leopold had always been my strongest support. No matter what grievances I faced outside, he would patiently comfort me, help me, shield me. He was not only my husband—he was my safe harbor, my home. At that moment, all my defenses fell. I wanted nothing more than to run into his arms, to collapse into the warmth I trusted most. So I did. But the moment I reached him, he shoved me away. The force caught me off guard. I stumbled back, losing balance, and crashed heavily to the ground.

  Shards of broken beer bottles dug deep into my palms and thighs. The sharp pain shot straight to my brain—yet compared to the agony in my heart, it was nothing. ‘Even Leopold… doesn’t believe me anymore?’ “Hedy,” he said, his face dark with fury, his eyes filled with disappointment, “I never thought you were this kind of person.” “For all these years of marriage, I treated you like a treasure. Whatever you wanted, I gave. I never lost my temper at you, never let you suffer even the smallest grievance.” “I learned massage and therapy just to care for you better. I kept you warm, clothed, tended to every need—terrified that you might be even a little unwell.” “And you? What did you do?” “You went behind my back, sucking your best friend’s blood, gambling, destroying your own reputation and dignity!” “The body I worked so hard to nurse back to health—you ruined it with your filthy, shameful acts!” “Hedy, you’re not just degrading yourself—you’re trampling on our marriage!” The man who had always been so gentle, for the first time, was completely unhinged. His voice was raw, each word like a blade, cutting me deeper than any wound on my body. Seeing him like this, my chest tightened painfully. Holding back tears, I forced myself up and tried to explain, “Leopold, I—” But before I could finish, his palm cracked harshly across my face. “Shut up! Don’t you dare say my name—you’re not worthy!” With that, he tore the wedding ring off his finger and flung it at me. “Let’s divorce.” The cold finality in his voice pierced my heart deeper than the slap. The man I had once thought was my shelter—just shattered my last piece of faith. I froze, feeling empty, like my soul had been ripped away. Paul seized the moment, sneering. “Hedy, now do you understand what it feels like to be disgraced and ruined?” “A greedy, scheming, dirty woman like you—did you really think you deserved anyone’s love? You didn’t even deserve Alexia’s kindness!” “Thank heavens I dumped you. Staying with a disgusting leech like you would’ve been the biggest shame of my life.” “The only useful thing you’ve ever done was bringing Alexia into my life. From now on, you can choke on the contempt of everyone around you. I’ll make sure Alexia cuts all ties with you. Without her, let’s see how you survive!” His words hit like stones, and the crowd erupted in agreement. The barrage of insults multiplied—comment feeds, streamers, onlookers—thousands of voices united in cursing me. The crushing weight of being condemned by all… it was suffocating. Even though I had braced myself, I still couldn’t hold back. I broke down. And then—Paul’s phone rang. The caller was Alexia. He answered instantly, only to be met with her sobbing voice, “Hubby… I… I lost the baby…” Paul’s eyes reddened in an instant. “What happened?!” Alexia stammered between tears, “It was Hedy… She insisted on going to a hotel with a bunch of male models. I tried to stop her, but she pushed me down… she’s the reason I miscarried!” Her words made the crowd gasp. As for me, standing at the very heart of the storm—I finally let out a long, shaky breath. It’s starting. The end has finally come.

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  The first time my childhood sweetheart’s werewolf traits awakened, his friends called me to help calm him down. But what they didn’t know was that I heard him say: “I really don’t want to waste my first time on her. A werewolf’s love is for life. Whoever we mark first becomes our only mate. When Pearl gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help.” But he waited and waited, and I never came. What he didn’t know was that his older brother’s bodyguard had been blowing up my phone. “Miss Jasper, the young master marked you as his mate a long time ago. Please, I’m begging you, can you come and kiss him?” It turns out, five years ago when I died in a skiing accident, his brother saved me. He performed a blood bond, giving me half of his own werewolf lifespan to pull me back from the brink of death. That night, I wrapped my arms around his brother’s neck, my voice a low, seductive whisper. “Come on, Justin. Don’t hold back. Tell me… how many years have you been secretly in love with me?” *****   My childhood sweetheart, Noah, comes from a family of werewolves. After their twentieth birthday, every full moon sends them into a powerful heat. And according to their ancient laws, the first person they mark becomes their one and only mate for life. I always thought that when the time came, Noah would choose me. So when his friends called me on the night of his first transformation, telling me he was in agony and needed me, I rushed over without a second thought. But as I reached the door of the private room, I heard Noah’s voice, tight with frustration. “God, I really don’t want to waste it on Pearl.” “I want to go after Karen, the most popular girl in school, but she’s not the easy type.” “Not like Pearl. She’s like a pathetic little lapdog who comes running whenever I call.” “When she gets here, I’ll have to resist, even if she begs me to let her help. The last thing I need is to be shackled to her for life after one mistake. She’d have me wrapped around her little finger forever.” I stood frozen outside the door, my mind a complete blank. I couldn’t believe it. The boy I’d grown up with, the boy I adored, saw me as nothing more than that. His friends, all of them the type to kiss up and kick down, burst out laughing. “So, she’s just a toy to you.” “Should I call and tell her not to come? Save her the trouble of trying to climb into your bed and trap you. Honestly, man, you get what you pay for.” But Noah stopped him. “No, don’t,” he said, his voice strained with discomfort. “If we tell her not to come now, how would that make her feel? Even if she is just a toy, she’s one I’ve cared for since we were kids. I don’t want to hurt her.” He let out a ragged breath. “When she gets here, I’ll just… see if I can hold back. I don’t want to spell things out for her, but maybe this will finally make her understand.” In that moment, I wanted to storm in there and scream at him. You don’t want to hurt me? You call me a dog in front of your friends and let them laugh at me, and you think you have the right to my devotion? But I held back. Why waste my breath on someone who didn’t value me? I turned and walked away, a humiliating retreat. Don’t cry, I told myself. Don’t you dare cry. Then, I remembered a different call. I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of his brother’s bodyguard. “That offer you made earlier… to help Noah’s brother? Is it still on the table? Send me the address. I’m on my way.”

  Half an hour earlier, the bodyguard had called and revealed a truth Noah had deliberately kept from me. “Miss Jasper, do you remember five years ago? When the second young master, Noah, took you skiing and you fell into that ravine?” “The eldest young master, Justin, led the search party. It took us three days and three nights to find you, buried under the snow. You were frozen solid, like a statue of ice. You weren’t breathing.” “Master Justin told Noah that a werewolf can give half of his lifespan to his mate through a blood bond on the night of a full moon. It’s another form of marking. Once performed, that person becomes their eternal mate.” “But Noah… he refused. He couldn’t bear to let you die, he just held your body and sobbed, but he wouldn’t do it.” “In the end, it was Master Justin who saved you. As luck would have it, that night was a full moon. To save you, he performed the blood bond himself, giving you half of his life. In doing so, he marked you. For the rest of his life, you are the only one he can ever be with.” “Noah begged him never to tell you. For the past five years, Master Justin has endured every full moon alone. He never disturbed you, and he forbade any of us from ever revealing what he did.” “But tonight… tonight is different. He’s been gravely injured, his life is on the line. And with the full moon… he won’t make it without you. Please, I’m begging you. Can you come help him?” My mind went completely blank. I had died once? Five years ago, I had actually died? Noah, the boy who had cherished me my whole life, refused to sacrifice for me. But his brother, Justin—the cold, intimidating man everyone called the Ice King—had pulled me back from death’s door. Even so, my heart had been stubborn. “I’m sorry,” I had told the bodyguard. “Noah needs me more tonight.” I was willing to be ungrateful, to ignore the man who saved me, all to rush to Noah’s side. And my reward? To be called a pathetic lapdog. A worthless toy. God, I was such a fool. I deserved to be treated like dirt. But not anymore. I scrubbed away the humiliating tears, my knuckles white as I clutched my phone. “Is it too late to repay my debt?” I asked the bodyguard, my voice shaking. “If Justin really needs me tonight… I’ll be there. And I’ll give him everything he needs.” The bodyguard’s voice was choked with relief. “It’s not too late! Not at all! Miss Jasper, I’m sending you the location right now. If the master wasn’t so badly hurt, if his life wasn’t on the line, I would never have disobeyed his orders. The family punishments are severe.” I understood. Justin probably just wanted to save my life, not to have me clinging to him forever out of obligation. And I just wanted to repay the debt. It wasn’t about being heartbroken by the younger brother and immediately running into the arms of the older one. It was just… a debt.

  I never expected what I’d find when I arrived at the hospital’s VIP wing. Karen, the most popular girl in school, was standing outside the door, frantically trying to push her way in. “Let me in! It’s the full moon, isn’t it? How do you know Justin doesn’t need me? Justin! Please, just let me in and help you!” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Noah had called her “not the easy type,” yet here she was, throwing herself at his brother. The bodyguard who had been blocking her saw me and immediately opened the door, his eyes welling with tears of relief. “Miss Jasper, you’re finally here. Please, come in. The master really needs you tonight.” Karen’s face twisted with a vicious mix of envy and hatred. “Why does she get to go in?” she shrieked. “He’s only in this condition because he was saving her! She’s a jinx! How can you let her near him again?” I froze. Saved me again? What does she mean? The scene inside the room was chaos. I saw Justin, bare-chested and lying face down on the bed. His face was flushed with fever, his short hair soaked with sweat. His fingers were curled tightly into his palms, fighting the waves of heat rolling through him. His back was wrapped in thick white bandages, now stained a horrifying, spreading crimson. A doctor stood beside him, shouting in desperation. “For God’s sake, man, stop fighting it! I’m begging you, just find a woman to help you! We just changed these dressings and they’re already soaked through! How much blood do you have to lose? On a full moon, a werewolf’s blood is already agitated, and your clotting ability is shot. I’ve given you the strongest coagulants we have, and they’re doing nothing!” “You have to relieve this fever, or you’re going to bleed to death before morning! Where is this girl you said could save him?” The bodyguards by the bed had already seen me. In unison, they turned and bowed a full ninety degrees, their expressions a mixture of reverence and gratitude. “Doctor,” one of them said. “She’s here.” At their words, the man who had been suffering his own private hell on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. They were a deep, mesmerizing crimson, burning with a fierce, restrained desire. His gaze, powerful and sharp, landed on my face, and his expression shifted to shock, then fury. “Who brought her here? Get her out!” One of the bodyguards bowed his head. “It was me, sir. If Miss Jasper can help you tonight, I will accept any punishment. Besides, you were injured this time saving her life. Again.” “You’ve risked your life for her twice now, and you won’t even take the credit. You might not feel wronged by it, sir, but we do. On your behalf.” I stole a glance at the formidable man on the bed. Though I’d grown up with Noah, I had always been terrified of Justin. He was known as the Ice King for a reason. Even the most arrogant heirs and troublemakers in our circle turned into meek little boys in his presence. His power and aura were absolute. I usually went out of my way to avoid him. But now, that same terrifying man was gripping the bedsheets, his toes curling in agony, his whole body radiating a palpable heat. His ragged, shallow breaths filled the room. The contrast was jarring, almost… alluring. A fallen king on his sickbed was a dangerously captivating sight. “Wait,” I said, my voice small. “You said he was hurt because of me… again?” A bodyguard started to speak, but Justin cut him off with a roar. “Shut up! Say one more word and see what happens!” Then, he turned his voice on me, forcing a tone of gentle dismissal. “Pearl, you should leave. I don’t need you here.” Another bodyguard spoke up, seemingly fearless. “Sir, stop pretending. Stubbornness won’t win you a wife. You act all tough, but your heart is soft when it comes to her. Did you think we were blind? When Miss Jasper is in danger, you’d walk through fire for her. You literally did.”     It wasn’t just one; all the bodyguards in the room started chiming in, a chorus of fearless truth-tellers. “Exactly! Last full moon, who was it that spent the whole night staring at a picture of Miss Jasper on his phone? You were so out of your mind with fever you kept whispering her name. I bet you were dreaming of her, too.” “And the month before that! You parked your car outside her dorm building and sat there all night. How many times did you almost get out and go in, only to force yourself to stay put? Job himself would have tapped out.” “If we don’t say anything, she’ll never know! Are you really planning to suffer like this for the rest of your life?” “Shut up,” Justin said, his gaze dropping. “I can handle it.” The doctor practically exploded. “Handle it? Handle my ass! You keep ‘handling it’ and you won’t live to see the sunrise!” He turned to me. “Young lady, what are you just standing there for? Do something! Help him!” The bodyguards all bowed to me again, their faces pleading. But I was at a loss. “What am I supposed to do? I… I don’t know how.” The doctor, snipping away the blood-soaked bandages, didn’t even look up. “Kiss him!” My face flushed a deep crimson. Standing there, at the head of the bed, with everyone watching… how could I kiss a man who pushed everyone away? Suddenly, a bodyguard shouted, “Miss Jasper, do you know how the master got hurt? Two days ago, there was a fire in your university’s auditorium! You were trapped inside, weren’t you? You passed out from the smoke inhalation and almost died.” “It was the master who saved you. Because of the mark, he can sense when his mate is in danger. He ignored everyone’s warnings and ran into the burning building to find you. As he was carrying you out, a flaming beam fell and hit him across the back. His whole back was on fire.” “But he gritted his teeth, held on through the pain, and used the last of his strength to get you out. And what happened then? Your precious Noah swooped in and took all the credit. He saw his brother carry you from the flames and snatched you out of his arms. If he was so worried about you, why didn’t he run in there himself?” What? I couldn’t believe it. That was how Justin had been injured? I remembered waking up from the smoke inhalation two days ago. Noah was sitting by my bedside. I had assumed… I thought he was the one who saved me. My head was spinning with too much new information to feel shy or awkward anymore. Saving him was all that mattered. Acting on pure instinct, I leaned over Justin, fixed my eyes on his lips, and pressed a firm kiss against them. “Don’t,” he growled, his voice harsh, pushing me away with his words. But his hands only gripped the sheets tighter, his throat working as he swallowed hard, his eyes a terrifying shade of red. The sight of him, so powerful yet so vulnerable, was an invitation to sin. His voice turned colder. “Pearl, do you have any idea what you’re doing? You usually act like you can’t get far enough away from me. Don’t do something you’ll regret just to repay a debt. And don’t listen to them. It’s useless. You can kiss me all you want. I feel nothing.” But the doctor suddenly cried out in excitement. “It’s working! The bleeding is slowing down! Miss Jasper, keep going! Kiss him again! His body is a hell of a lot more honest than his mouth. Kiss him like you mean it!” The doctor’s words were a direct slap to Justin’s stubborn pride. His face looked deeply uncomfortable, and in a move that stunned me, he buried his head in the pillows. Was he… blushing? His ears were so red they looked like they were about to catch fire.

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  My sister smashed the necklace the CEO had given her. “Who needs your cheap stuff? Don’t you dare insult me! I’m nothing like those gold-digging opportunists who cling to power!” Standing by, I crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. The CEO kicked my outstretched hand. “Get her to wear it, and I’ll pay for your dad’s medical bills.” My sister glared at me. “You’re truly pathetic, Lena. So desperate for money and status, sucking up to rich people like this?” But if I missed this chance, my dad’s surgery costs would be completely out of reach. I stubbornly held out the necklace to my sister. She closed her eyes, a picture of haughty arrogance. I didn’t manage to get her to wear the necklace. But the CEO still paid for Dad’s medical expenses. From that day on, both my sister and I were tied to Andre. But we were worlds apart. His blatant favoritism towards her was known to everyone. And I was just the “gold digger” who shamelessly clung on. Years later, my sister returned from studying abroad. I was currently held close in Andre’s arms. “Your sister is back.” I understood instantly. “Right. I hope you and Tiffany will be happily ever after.” ***** Andre kissed my forehead in satisfaction. “Such a good girl.” He leaned against the headboard, his gaze distant. “If only your sister were as compliant as you.” A sharp, tearing pain spread through my chest. I didn’t reply, just quietly got up to get dressed. Andre suddenly grabbed my wrist. His grip was too strong, making me wince in pain. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” “What should I say?” I whispered. He scoffed, letting go of my hand and falling back onto the bed. “Before your sister left the country, she asked me to take good care of you.” My pupils constricted. The ache in my heart became sharper, clearer. The only reason I could stay by his side was because Tiffany, my sister, had granted it to me. Of course. In Andre’s eyes, I was just a replacement for her. “Your sister is always like this. She’s soft-hearted with everyone else, but always so cruel to me.” Andre’s voice carried a hint of wistfulness and an undeniable fondness. I tried to go to the bathroom, but he grabbed my hand again. “Stay with me a little longer.” Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his handsome profile. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. My sister had accidentally spilled hot coffee on his hand. His hand was red and scalded, but he just smiled and said, “It’s okay, as long as you’re not burned.” “Hmph, I wasn’t going to apologize anyway. You rich people are all so arrogant and self-centered.” I was startled and wanted to apologize. But Andre seemed even more interested. “You hate me?” “Yes, I hate spoiled rich kids like you who have nothing better to do all day.” My sister let out a soft huff and stomped her foot. Andre just laughed. I shrank behind my sister, watching the amusement and indulgence in his eyes. Only one thought ran through my mind: he… he’s actually a good person. Later, I found out he had fallen for my sister at first sight. And when he spoke of it, he didn’t even remember I was standing right behind her. My thoughts snapped back to the present. I saw Andre. He lit a cigarette and spoke. “I’ve already arranged for your father’s ongoing treatment.” “Thank you,” I nodded. “No need to be so polite.” He exhaled smoke. Through the hazy smoke, his gaze fell on my face. “If you want to thank anyone, thank your sister. I’m only willing to look after your family because of her.” … The sound of running water filled the bathroom. I poured cold water over my head, trying to suppress the sobs rising in my throat. When I came out, he was still there, which surprised me a little. Andre leaned against the doorframe, fiddling with his phone. “Tomorrow, I’m picking up your sister. Arrange my schedule for me.” “Okay.” He suddenly walked over, picked up a towel, and began to dry my hair. His movements were clumsy, pulling at my scalp. It stung. I closed my eyes, not struggling. Noticing my furrowed brows, he finally softened his touch. “Sorry, I’ve never done this before… I just wanted to learn, so I can dry your sister’s hair later.” “It’s fine. Just be a bit gentler, or Tiffany will get mad at you.” I said, forcing a smile. He hummed softly, and his movements did indeed become much gentler. The next day at the airport. I followed Andre early in the morning to pick up my sister. Tiffany emerged in a vibrant red dress, captivating and radiant. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to her. Including Andre’s, beside me. He practically sprinted forward, taking her luggage. “Are you tired?” His tone was one I had never heard him use before—so gentle. My sister gave a casual “Hmm,” her gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Lena, you came too?” “Tiffany, long time no see.” I stepped forward to greet her, my smile polite but distant. On the way back, my sister sat in the passenger seat. Andre occasionally turned to chat and laugh with her. He had never been so talkative with me. Their conversation flowed effortlessly from the weather abroad to mundane daily gossip, trivial yet natural. I sat in the back seat, like an invisible person who didn’t exist at all.

  Back at the house, my sister motioned for me to pick up her luggage and follow her. I did as told. When we reached her “princess room,” she suddenly turned around and slapped me across the face. “Lena Harvey, you are utterly pathetic.” “I was studying abroad, working on my career, and you were back here sleeping your way to the top. You, Lena, you’re just as cheap as your mother.” Tiffany was my father’s first wife’s daughter. A year after their divorce, my father met my mother through mutual friends. They found each other suitable and started dating. But Tiffany always believed my mother was a mistress. Even though my mother tried to win her over, treating her better than she treated me, her own biological daughter. But Tiffany was never satisfied. She loved to humiliate me and my mother in front of others. Calling my mother a mistress, and me, the mistress’s daughter. From a very young age, I suffered endless glares and humiliation because of these unfounded rumors. All the bullying I endured at school came directly from Tiffany. When Dad went to school to complain on my behalf, Tiffany would always retort: “Dad, why does she get bullied while no one else does? Isn’t it because there’s something wrong with her?” The stinging pain on my cheek pulled my thoughts back to the present. “What, cat got your tongue?” Tiffany looked down at me, condescendingly. I still didn’t say anything. Over the years, I had long understood my situation. I couldn’t afford to upset Tiffany. Otherwise, Andre would be displeased, and Dad’s medical funds would disappear. Tiffany wouldn’t care whether Dad lived or died. Seeing me still keeping my head down, she sneered. She walked into her walk-in closet and began to rummage through her clothes. “Here, iron this for me. Make sure it’s perfectly pressed. I hate wrinkles.” I softly replied, “Okay,” and exited the room. In the hallway, I ran into the housekeeper. Their gaze held a hint of sympathy and helplessness, but quickly shifted away. After all, no one would look up to a materialistic “gold digger.” While ironing the dress, the steam accidentally burned my wrist. A red blister immediately formed. I stared at the red mark and suddenly remembered a time when Andre was drunk. He had mistaken me for Tiffany. He kept mumbling drunkenly, “Tiffany, don’t leave.” His grip back then had also been painful, but I didn’t push him away. Sometimes, people are so greedy that they can’t bear to expose even a fake affection. Andre appeared then. His gaze fell on my reddened wrist. “What happened to your hand?” “I accidentally burned it,” I answered honestly. He anxiously grabbed my wrist, carefully examining the red swollen area. I was so startled I could barely breathe. “Who told you to iron it?” His voice was suppressed, hiding something. “Tiffany.” I still told the truth. He smiled, letting go of my hand. “She’s still as bossy as ever.” I didn’t reply. He turned to leave but suddenly stopped. “Hand over that project you’re working on to your sister.” My eyes widened abruptly. By the time I fully registered what he said, he was gone. Why? A project I had dedicated half a year to, working day and night, pouring countless efforts into—just like that, I was supposed to hand it over? But I knew I had no right to refuse. Tiffany and I, in Andre’s eyes, were worlds apart. Late that night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I got out of bed, wanting to go out for some fresh air. But I saw Andre in the living room. He was sitting on the sofa, smoking. The moonlight outlined his profile. “You’re still awake?” He saw me and instinctively put out his cigarette. “I got up to get some water.” He nodded in silence. Then, as I turned to leave, he suddenly murmured to himself. “I’ve waited so long, but now that she’s back, I feel… it’s just not the same.” My heart seemed to skip a beat. I thought I had misheard him. Andre looked up at me, his eyes filled with struggle. “If… if I said I couldn’t bear to let you go, would you think that was strange?”

  That night’s conversation, Andre and I both pretended it never happened. Tiffany started working at Andre’s company. She immediately became my direct supervisor. I took her around, familiarizing her with company procedures, but she just looked at me impatiently. “This is boring. That’s enough.” “But, there’s still…” I tried to explain, but she cut me off. “Isn’t that what you’re for? Don’t you, my subordinate, have the ability to assist your superior’s work?” Tiffany rolled her eyes at me, then smiled again. “Oh, right. All you’re good for is pleasing men in bed.” The moment those words left her mouth, the office fell silent. Everyone around us gasped, covering their mouths in shock and awkwardness. But Tiffany still wasn’t satisfied. She walked closer, her heels clicking, looking down at me. “What? Haven’t you told your colleagues that your mother was a home-wrecker? You and your mother, you’re two peas in a pod.” “My mother isn’t a mistress,” I retorted, meeting her gaze. She covered her mouth and scoffed. “You’re still denying it? Right, people like you are so shameless.” … The spectacle quickly spread throughout the company. After work, Andre called me to his office. His office was also filled with some of his friends. They all looked at me with mocking expressions. I thought Andre would issue a public statement to stop the rumors. But he only said: “You shouldn’t have made your sister angry.” I bit my lip, trying hard to hold back tears. Andre continued, “Your sister has been very good to you. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t even have had money for college — Lena, you need to be grateful.” I looked up, my eyes red-rimmed. Yes, I knew. If it weren’t for Tiffany, we wouldn’t have received financial support from Andre’s family. Dad would have died long ago from lack of medical funds. And I would have dropped out of school early due to poverty. Now, Andre’s lecture was just to make sure I didn’t resent Tiffany. As I left the office, I could still hear the laughter inside. “Oh, Andre, you’re really ruthless. She’s such a delicate beauty, how could you be so harsh?” “Yeah, aren’t you afraid you’ll actually scare her off?” “Even though Lena is more soft-willed and has no bottom line compared to her sister, she really is so obedient to you.” Andre replied nonchalantly. “She’s nothing like Tiffany. They’re like night and day, really.” “If she didn’t look so much like Tiffany, why would I even keep her around?” At those words, another burst of laughter erupted. I quickened my pace, escaping in a hurry. That project was ultimately given to Tiffany by Andre. Tiffany just signed her name at the end, and all the credit went to her. She instantly became a rising star in the industry. When people spoke of her as an industry new star, they couldn’t help but mention me. “These two sisters, one is a daring and ambitious woman, and the other is just a clinging vine who attaches herself to power.” “Lena Harvey just rode on her sister’s coattails and isn’t even grateful.” The rumors, like vines, tightly wrapped around my neck, constricting more and more. At the celebration banquet. Tiffany was surrounded by people. She held a champagne glass, smiling radiantly. Someone raised a toast in praise. “Ms. Williams is truly capable! Our CEO is so lucky to have such a brilliant and capable partner by his side.” Andre smiled in response. But his gaze unconsciously swept over the crowd and met mine. I smiled at him and turned to leave. I didn’t see his tightly furrowed brows after I left. I moved through the banquet like a transparent person. Tiffany was a born leading lady; even stolen credit she could explain away eloquently and righteously. As for me, I didn’t even have the right to defend myself. Tiffany’s reputation soared. Andre’s family elders softened their stance, stating that as long as Tiffany performed well in the next quarter, she would be allowed to join the family. Upon hearing this, Tiffany put on a proud and aloof act, as if deeply insulted. “Do you think I should be happy? What’s so great about you? You just have better luck than me.” “I won’t exert myself to please you just to get into the Morley family.” “I study hard, I work hard, it’s all for myself, and has nothing to do with anyone else.” Her words left Andre’s family elders with pale faces, completely speechless. Andre quickly stepped in to smooth things over. His eyes were full of admiration for Tiffany. “Tiffany is just like that, real and unpretentious. Grandpa, please don’t take it to heart.” I stood by, watching the scene, finding it utterly absurd.   From then on, Tiffany thrived like a fish in water. Andre indulged her every whim. Tiffany never hid her dislike for me. She deliberately transferred me to a peripheral department, where I handled insignificant chores every day. People who used to work closely with me gradually distanced themselves. I didn’t care about any of this; I just quietly worked, trying to earn as much as I could. Dad’s recovery was going very well. I planned to take him away from this city once he was discharged from the hospital. The prerequisite was having enough money. Tiffany didn’t remain smug for long. Andre had spoiled her, making her too self-confident and a bit too impatient for quick results. On an overseas project, Tiffany, in her pursuit of speed, skipped the risk assessment and signed the contract directly. As a result, Andre’s company not only had to freeze hundreds of millions in initial investment but also had to pay double the penalty for breach of contract. When the news reached the company, the entire conference room fell silent. I sighed. I had warned Tiffany to do a risk assessment. But she had scoffed at the time, “What I choose to do is none of your business.” That day, Andre called me into his office. He looked at me, silent for a long time. I had probably already guessed what he was going to say. I smiled and spoke first, “I understand what you mean.” He nodded. “Everyone is watching. Someone has to step up and take responsibility for this.” I said nothing more. Andre paused, carefully choosing his words. “Tiffany lacks experience; it’s inevitable she’d make mistakes. And you, as her subordinate, didn’t properly advise her, which is your fault to begin with.” “She looks strong, but she’s really just a little girl who cries a lot. If people start pointing fingers and blaming her, I’m afraid she…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but I understood. I looked up, “Okay.” Consider it repayment for his kindness. Andre nodded in satisfaction, pulled a document from his drawer, and placed it in front of me. “This is a statement. It specifies that you concealed risk data during the follow-up, which led to the project failure.” I hadn’t hesitated at first, but at the crucial moment, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. Concealing risk data, what a serious charge. If the company pursued legal action, I could go to jail. He sighed, speaking casually. “I won’t let you go to jail, don’t worry.” I laughed. My laughter echoed in the office, sounding particularly ironic. “Alright.” I lowered my head, signing my name with careful strokes. As soon as I walked out of the office, I ran straight into Tiffany. Her face was a bit haggard, but her makeup was flawless. “You shouldn’t feel like it’s unfair. If you hadn’t deliberately neglected to warn me, I wouldn’t have made such a huge mistake.” I ignored her, walking straight past her. I pulled my clothes tighter. The air conditioning made me shiver. My phone vibrated then—a call from the hospital. “Ms. Harvey, your father is doing very well. He can be discharged next week.” “Okay, thank you.” I stumbled into the stairwell, crouched down, covered my face, and cried, trying to muffle the sound. I submitted my resignation to the company that day. HR was a bit surprised. “But Mr. Morley didn’t say he was firing you.” “This is what he wants.” Seeing my reply, HR didn’t say anything more. After all, everyone knew I had “made a big mistake.” Andre found out about my resignation a few days later. At the time, I was at the hospital, accompanying my father. Andre called. “I didn’t tell you to resign.” “This is the best solution,” I replied. He fell silent on the other end. After a long pause, he spoke again. “Alright, you can lay low for a while. Once this blows over, I’ll transfer you to another position.” “No need to trouble yourself.” I was very polite. Andre caught the hint of distance in my tone. He sounded displeased. “Are you blaming me?” “No, Mr. Morley. You’ve been kind to me. If anything, I should be thanking you. Why would I blame you?” I felt a little weak. Everything that had happened recently had truly exhausted me. “I owe you nothing. From now on, we’re even.” The sun shone down, warm and comforting. In the distance, car horns blared. I left the hospital with my father, heading for the airport, ready to start a new life.

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“This is Julian Thorne, and I want to confess my love to someone special.” Sleepless in the dead of night, I turned on the radio, only to hear the deep, resonant voice of my husband, Julian Thorne, who suffered from selective mutism. I’d been married to Julian for three years. For the first two years, we could still manage a few clumsy conversations, but in the last three months, even face-to-face, he couldn’t utter a single word. “It’s been three years since we last met, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” The voice from the radio clearly wasn’t talking about me. “I love you, Willow.” Julian’s voice had never held so much emotion. The confession ended quickly. Then came the host’s envious praise. But I sat propped against the bed, stunned, unable to recover for a long time. Our families had arranged for Julian and me to meet, and I fell for him at first sight. Yet, Julian always wore an indifferent expression. Only when we first met did his mother explain. “Audrey, you must understand… Julian has selective mutism.” I called his mother. “Audrey, still up so late?” My nose burned, and a hint of a sob escaped my lips. Julian’s mother sounded flustered. “What’s wrong? Did Julian upset you?” “Did you know Willow Evans was back?” I froze. So, I was the only one who didn’t know. “I’m sorry, Audrey… I wasn’t honest with you three years ago. Julian’s selective mutism started when his ex-girlfriend, Willow Evans, left.” “I had no choice but to push him to find a new girlfriend…” “It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? The heir to the powerful Thorne empire, rendered speechless… But Audrey, don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll keep that boy in line.” I don’t remember how I hung up the phone, or how I spent that lonely night. I looked up a lot of information on the condition back then. One cause listed was: “Suffering a major external shock.” I didn’t understand. I tried to subtly ask Julian’s family, but got nowhere. Later, I tried everything: psychological counseling, electroshock therapy, food therapy, even some alternative chakra healing. I even took Julian to comedy shows. Unfortunately, while I was laughing my head off, he remained stiff, completely silent. It wasn’t until his proposal that he seemed to muster immense resolve and uttered two words. “Marry me.” As happy as I was then, that’s how miserable I felt now. Yes, I couldn’t cure Julian’s selective mutism because I wasn’t his cure. A bitter feeling welled up inside me, and fear slowly crept in. His cure was back, so what about me? My loosely clasped hands slowly tightened, a stubborn defiance rising within me. If Julian didn’t love me, there was no reason to remain trapped in this marriage. He wouldn’t divorce me, but what about *me*? If that was the case, I would file for divorce, completely freeing Julian and his… cure. After making up my mind, I carefully got myself ready. Three years ago, for Julian, I’d given up the chance to study medicine abroad. Maybe it wasn’t too late now. An hour later, I was out the door, planning to head to the nearby mall to buy some new clothes. “Ma’am, this is the last one left of the dress you tried on. Would you like to buy it?” I nodded, pulling out my card from my purse and handing it to the sales associate. “I’m so sorry, another lady wants to pay extra for this dress… Would you mind… giving it up?” I followed the sales associate’s gaze to a vibrant girl in high heels. She was happily chatting with a man. I stood up and took two steps forward, only to meet the man’s eyes. It was Julian! So that girl… must be Willow. Julian’s face instantly turned serious. He opened his mouth, but still couldn’t speak. He looked at me expressionless, then tapped his phone with his right index finger. I was all too familiar with that gesture; it meant he wanted to communicate via text. “What are you doing here?” “Are you following me?” “Go home.” Three messages popped up consecutively, crushing my last shred of hope. Willow, beside him, hugged Julian’s arm and asked with a smile, “Julian, who is this? A friend?” Then she gently swayed, starting to flirt. “Can she let me have this dress? I really want it.” Julian gave a soft, gentle smile and patted his phone reassuringly. He didn’t even ask me, just took out his card and handed it to the sales associate, signaling to pay. “Just a friend.” Those words felt like a block of ice, raising goosebumps all over me. I could barely stand. So… so my three years had only earned me a single word from Julian: a… friend. The lights in the mall crackled ominously. I subconsciously looked up, and the overhead light fixture suddenly came loose. There was a deafening crash, followed by a sharp pain in my back. In that single instant, I felt a dampness beneath me. I trembled as I touched it, and my hand came away covered in blood. The entire store erupted into chaos. Screams and phone calls buzzed in my ears. But when I looked up, all I saw was Julian scooping Willow into his arms, anxiously looking around. “Call an ambulance! An ambulance!” I had never seen Julian so panicked.

“Excuse me, sir, but could you please let this lady get into the ambulance first? The next one will be here shortly, and her injuries are more critical.” The paramedics carefully moved me, semi-conscious, onto a stretcher, but an enraged Julian blocked them. “Save her!” Then I felt a shove, and I fell heavily to the floor from the stretcher. The pain jolted me fully awake. I watched, helpless, as Julian gently placed Willow onto the stretcher. “Sir, she only has a sprained wrist, it’s not serious!” “You’re needlessly hogging medical resources!” “Willow’s hands are important! She’s a doctor!” I was astonished. This was the longest sentence Julian had spoken in almost two years, yet not a single word was about me. Julian finished speaking and immediately pushed the paramedics into the ambulance. I leaned against a nearby display rack, gasping for air. But every breath seemed to pull at the wound on my back, making the pain even worse. I didn’t know if the wound hurt more, or my heart. Hadn’t I given up becoming a doctor for Julian? How could someone else’s hands be more important than mine? What was I to him, then? A mechanical smile twitched at my lips. I was just a friend. I fainted from the pain. When I woke up in the hospital, the first thing I did was send Julian a message. “Let’s get a divorce.” Just as I sent it, Julian walked in, pushing the door open. He was carrying two gift boxes from the same brand I’d seen earlier today. He placed the gift boxes on a nearby cabinet and sat directly on the chair by my bed. Julian took out his phone, probably saw my message, but his face remained unruffled. The hospital room filled with suffocating silence, but my phone chimed. It was Julian’s messages. “You like this brand. I picked out two dresses that suit you.” “When you’re discharged, I’ll have their entire collection brought to the house. You can buy the whole store if you want.” “Willow is a doctor. Her hands are very important to a doctor, that’s why… I was so nervous. Please don’t be angry.” I lowered my head, staring at the phone in front of me. Message after message came in, and in an instant, tears blurred my vision again. I finally couldn’t help but ask, “You can talk to her, so why can’t you talk to me? When we’re face-to-face, you still send messages?” “Are you doing this on purpose?! Is this emotional abuse?!” I looked up, tears streaming down my face, my voice choked. Julian’s expression remained as calm as still water. After an unknown period of silence, he lowered his head and typed again. “I’m sorry, I have selective mutism.” Then he pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to me, signaling me to sign it. I looked at it. It was the property transfer deed for the house we lived in. “This is compensation.” A sudden ringtone broke the silence. Julian’s face tightened. He quickly picked up the phone. His phone had excellent soundproofing; I couldn’t hear who was on the other end. But the next second, Julian replied, “I’ll be right there.” It was Willow’s call. My heart already knew the answer. I didn’t hesitate anymore. I took out my phone and searched for the online court app. I filled out the complaint form, both our personal details, and the marriage certificate. For the separation agreement, I uploaded the property transfer deed and opted not to accept mediation. As I pressed the “submit for judgment” button, I felt a long sigh escape my chest. Countdown: thirty days. “Property transfer center, 3 PM. Transferring the house.” A week after being admitted to the hospital, I received Julian’s message. That week, Julian hadn’t sent any messages or called, nor had he visited. I was gradually getting used to life alone. I arrived at 3:30 PM, but Julian, uncharacteristically, was already waiting in the lobby. He hated tardiness, but there wasn’t a hint of impatience on his face. As soon as I arrived, a VIP counter attendant came to greet me. Julian had even thoughtfully prepared a bouquet of flowers, and next to it was a small velvet box, likely containing jewelry. The attendant stepped forward to pull out a chair, but Julian stopped him, indicating he would do it himself. This surprised me. I pondered for a moment before speaking. “Actually… you don’t have to do all this.” Julian even had a faint smile on his face, shaking his head gently. He seemed to put in a great effort before managing two words. “It’s fine.” Rare gentleness and communication. The procedures were quick. “Go home first, I still have to work late.” A strange feeling built within me, reaching a peak. I stepped out and had just hailed a cab when I realized I’d forgotten my handbag. I had to go back for it. I saw Julian still standing in the lobby, holding an even larger bouquet of roses than before. Willow came in through the main entrance, and he immediately went to meet her. They embraced. Julian affectionately patted her head. “Mr. Thorne, please come this way for your new property purchase.” “You mentioned wanting to buy an estate, right? After transferring this apartment, you now meet the purchase limit criteria and can buy another one.” “Mrs. Thorne, watch your step.” Willow leaned her head against Julian’s shoulder, both walking happily into an inner room. It was the height of summer, yet I’d never felt so cold. So cold that I couldn’t stand, so cold that cold sweat beaded on my back and forehead. So, I was the one who had been cast aside.

“Ms. Sinclair, your husband, Mr. Julian Thorne, has not responded to the relevant requests in this lawsuit. We connected with him on the phone, but there was no response, so it will be treated as tacit agreement to the divorce petition.” “Therefore, your lawsuit has been processed by this court. You have thirty days from the date of your application to withdraw it. If you do not withdraw, the marriage relationship between you two will be terminated.” The court operator’s voice was completely flat. Perhaps this was just one of countless simple lawsuits they handled every day. I took a deep breath, and even with trembling hands, I replied, “Understood.” I took a cab home and quietly surveyed everything. Then I started packing Julian’s things. I wasn’t planning to move out; I intended to clear out everything related to him. “Mrs. Thorne, you have a card.” A knock on the door. It was the delivery person’s voice. He only handed me an envelope. “I’m not Mrs. Thorne anymore.” I took the card and suddenly spoke. The delivery person paused, then smiled awkwardly. I opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten card. The handwriting was Julian’s. I opened it, and Julian’s voice came out. “I miss you, I like you, I love you…” Before I could react, a hand snatched the card from my grasp. I stumbled, almost falling, and looked up to see a dark-faced Julian. “Don’t mess with my things.” My phone screen lit up. It was his message. Before I could reply, Julian had already turned and gone downstairs. “Julian Thorne! You’re going too far!” I was furious, and I ran downstairs after Julian, stomping my feet. “I didn’t go through your things! How dare you disrespect me!” “I don’t care what your relationship with your so-called Willow is, but you have no right to insult or humiliate me!” A piercing screech filled the air—the sound of tires skidding from an emergency brake. I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my side. Before I could even see clearly, a car slammed into me, sending me flying. With a loud thud, I hit the ground hard. I struggled to get up, but then a face with elaborate makeup and sunglasses zoomed into view. Her red high heels rolled over my right palm. “Ah—!” A strangled scream tore from my throat. Before my vision blurred completely, I saw Julian running from behind, looking frantic. His expression was utterly different from his usual cold, aloof demeanor. He nervously took Willow’s hand, examining it carefully, then let out a huge sigh of relief. Until I lost consciousness, he hadn’t even given me a second glance. “Ms. Sinclair, your SVIP privileges at Thorne Hospital have been revoked. I’m afraid we’ll have to move you to a private room.” “My apologies, just confirmed, there are no private rooms available either. You may have to wait for surgery in the hallway.” “Also, your right hand… the injury to your palm is very severe… you need immediate surgery, otherwise… you might not be able to perform delicate movements in the future.” Even in my dazed state, those words jolted me awake. “Ju… Julian… where is he…?” “Get… my phone…” I urgently tried to get up to find my phone and contact Julian. “The number you have dialed is currently switched off.” A whimpering cry escaped my throat. I slammed the phone down with a loud bang, and a sharp, throbbing pain in my right hand gnawed at my nerves. “Ms. Sinclair, we found Mr. Thorne. He’s… with Dr. Willow Evans in the psychological counseling room. He said Dr. Evans was startled, and Mr. Thorne instructed that no one should disturb them…” I covered my eyes with my left hand, blood and tears mixing and soaking my sleeve. “I hate you… I hate you…” “I hate you so much! Julian Thorne!”

I survived the night in the hallway, clinging to a pain pump, before finally getting scheduled for surgery. I felt pain in both my body and soul, so much so that I was almost numb. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sinclair, due to the comminuted fracture in your right hand and the delay in surgery, some muscle tissue has necrotized. You may not be able to lift heavy objects in the future.” The doctor gave a wry smile. “I know you’re also a medical professional, so… you probably won’t be able to hold a scalpel again.” “Would you like to speak with Mr. Thorne? The Thorne family has always been a giant in the medical field. If you seek treatment abroad, there might still be a chance.” I shook my head, looking at my bandaged right hand, which I couldn’t even bend now. “Can you please buy me a new phone? I want to call the police.” Before I could finish, the door burst open. It was Julian. His originally grim, tense expression softened with a hint of surprise when he saw me, covered in bandages and hooked up to an IV. He opened his mouth but still couldn’t speak. So, he grabbed a paper and pen from nearby. “I didn’t know you were so seriously injured last night. I’ll contact international specialists for your right hand.” I snorted, finding it somewhat amusing. “No need. I’ll heal my own hand.” Julian frowned slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with my reaction. I wanted to ask about the divorce, but then thought it wasn’t necessary. Julian pulled out his checkbook from his inner jacket pocket, wrote down a figure, and placed it on the table. “This is compensation for you. I hope you don’t blame Willow.” When I saw Willow’s name, I started to tremble uncontrollably. “Get out! I don’t want to see you again, Julian Thorne!” “What Willow? I will definitely call the police. I don’t lack money!” I picked up the check from the table, tore it in half, and angrily slapped it onto Julian’s chest. Julian froze, as if he’d never seen me lose my temper like that. “I won’t let you hurt Willow.” Those words pierced my heart like a thorn, impossible to extract. Julian left, leaving me trembling from head to toe. “Ten more days… Ten days, and we’ll have nothing to do with each other.” “Ms. Sinclair, these are flowers Mr. Thorne sent for you.” Julian had sent flowers for three consecutive days. I didn’t look at them, just mumbled a dry acknowledgment. I leaned on a crutch, quickly packed my things, and prepared to leave the hospital. As I pushed open the door, I realized that the entire hospital hallway was enveloped in a sea of flowers. They were identical to the red roses Julian had been sending these past few days. My heart skipped a beat. How did Julian know I planned to be discharged today? But the next moment, the words of other patients in the hallway shattered my illusion. “Mr. Thorne from Thorne Corp is so sweet. To make Dr. Evans feel comfortable, he sent flowers to all the patient rooms and redecorated her entire floor.” “It must cost tens of thousands every day. Rich people’s romance is truly something else.” “Shh! Lower your voice, Mr. Thorne’s wife is also hospitalized here.” I steadied myself, my face pale, leaning against the wall, then let out a self-deprecating laugh. A chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” broke out. I instinctively leaned over to look down. That’s when I saw that the ground floor lobby had also been redecorated with vibrant red roses. Julian and Willow Evans stood in the center. “Willow, will you stay with me forever?” Julian knelt on one knee, saying those age-old lines. Willow blushed shyly, accepting the ring box he offered. Everyone around them applauded and congratulated them. Julian kissed Willow’s lips. I instinctively touched my own lips. How long had it been since he’d touched mine? In just over a thousand days, I couldn’t even count anymore? Next to me, Julian didn’t just seem to have selective mutism; he also had an extreme fear of germs. At this moment, I felt as if the world was a massive, absurd play. My ex-husband, who suffered from selective mutism, was publicly proposing to his ex-girlfriend. Turns out, not being loved was the real sin.

I lingered outside for a while, bought a new phone, reported the incident, and gave a statement to the police. I finalized my master’s application plan for the fall semester with a study abroad agency and bought a ticket for a flight to the States in ten days. I planned to undergo treatment while continuing my studies. It was seven in the evening when I got home. Looking at the half-packed house, covered in a thick layer of dust, I knew Julian hadn’t returned. After eating something, I continued clearing out my belongings. The door clicked open. It was Julian. Julian watched my actions, his face returning to its cold expression. He seemed to sense something was different about me today, but couldn’t pinpoint what. He didn’t pause, walking directly into the bedroom, where I heard a rummaging sound. Then he rushed out, scattering his neatly packed clothes and various items I’d organized. “What are you doing?!” I stepped forward, but his hand blocked me, and I fell to the floor. “Where’s the voice recorder?!” It was Julian’s voice. How long had it been since he spoke to me? “What voice recorder? I didn’t take anything.” I said, watching the bandage on my right hand slowly soak with blood again. Another rummaging sound. I looked up. I’d never seen Julian so disheveled. He was frantically sweating, his tie askew, and his coat stained with dust. “Where’s the voice recorder!” Julian stopped, looking down at me. “I told you I didn’t see it!” I had never been so assertive. I used my left hand to push myself up, wobbling, and stood eye-to-eye with Julian. Julian seemed a bit flustered, and anger began to boil. He clenched and unclenched his fist, then slammed it into the nearby glass sliding door. The glass shattered to the floor. “My voice recorder, where is it.” Julian took a few steps closer, still relentlessly questioning. Blood dripped from his right hand. I’d never seen Julian so manic. I mustered my courage and shoved him away, intending to limp out the door. “This is Julian Thorne, I’m eighteen, and I want to confess my feelings to Willow Evans.” “Willow, today is our two-year anniversary. I hope we’ll stay together forever.” “Willow, we’ve been together for three years. My wish this year is still to be with you always.” “Willow… why did you leave?” “Willow, I’m getting married.” Julian crashed into a pile of clutter. A worn voice recorder rolled out from somewhere. A red light flashed repeatedly, and it began to play its contents. It was Julian’s love letters to Willow, starting from his youth. “Goodbye, Willow, I hope to see you again.” “Goodbye.” “Goodbye.” The recorder seemed broken from the impact, repeating “Goodbye” over and over. Julian quickly got up and picked it up, frantically pressing the power button, but it was no use. My departing footsteps halted. I slowly turned around, leaning against the shoe cabinet by the entrance. Tears streamed down my face. “Julian Thorne.” “Why did you marry me if you didn’t love me?” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He seemed to want to say something but didn’t. “Let me explain, Audrey.” A message flashed on his phone. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to calm down. I brutally stifled the bitterness rising in my heart. “Leave. Take all your things and get out of my house.” Julian’s lips were pressed tightly together. He just clutched the voice recorder, still repeating that single phrase, and walked past me out the door. “I’m sorry.”

I didn’t see Julian for the next few days. But before I left, I had to go to the hospital one last time for a dressing change. The hospital corridor now proudly displayed Willow Evans’s profile, updated and hung among the other specialists on the ground floor. I glanced at it a few times and was shocked by her published paper. It was my university graduation thesis! I repeatedly checked the name and date; they were both around the same time as mine. “Ms. Sinclair, hello.” A female voice pulled me back to reality. I turned and saw Willow Evans. “Care for a chat?” She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head toward a nearby waiting area. I looked at Willow Evans, and indeed, everything about her was perfect. Her white lab coat was impeccably ironed, and every strand of her wavy hair seemed meticulously styled. Willow smiled and spoke. “That day the court called, Julian didn’t answer. I did.” She blinked, feigning a touch of grievance. “I didn’t know that not speaking meant agreeing to a divorce. Ms. Sinclair, you won’t blame me, will you?” I was silent for a few breaths, then shook my head. “No. I wanted the divorce. Not being entangled is better for me.” Willow didn’t seem to care about my answer, immediately chiming in. “And also, the car accident that day was truly an accident. I apologized to Julian, and Julian promised me everything would be fine. I suppose… Ms. Sinclair won’t hold it against me, right?” I stared at her, saying nothing. Deep down, I knew many things couldn’t be resolved by me alone, and Julian defending Willow was what I expected. “You saw it, didn’t you? That paper.” Willow continued, her tone sinking slightly. “Yes, it’s just as you think. Julian… knew I was doing research and voluntarily gave it to me.” “Thank you for taking care of Julian these past three years. I was doing research abroad and couldn’t be with him constantly. Later, I found out that my sudden departure… caused him to develop selective mutism.” Willow rubbed her forehead, feigning distress, but then immediately broke into a smile. “But he’s improved so much in the short time I’ve been back!” I lowered my gaze, unconsciously stirring the coffee the nurse had brought me. “Are you here to boast about how much Julian loves you?” I put the spoon down and drank the bitter black coffee in one gulp. “There’s no need. I don’t care about Julian’s past, present, or future. I don’t like a mute man.” “I hope you make good use of the man I left behind.” I ignored her, stood up, and walked directly to the payment counter. “Ms. Sinclair!” Willow seemed displeased with my reaction. She stood up and tried to grab my right hand. Her grip was painfully tight. I forcefully shook her off. “Bang!” Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a familiar tall figure: it was Julian! He helped Willow, who had just bumped into the railing, back up. “Julian, it’s fine, it’s fine. I’m not that… delicate. I just lost my footing.” My steps faltered, then I decided to ignore them and walked quickly forward. But Julian slapped me. The resounding crack echoed in the hospital corridor, drawing the attention of nearby patients and staff. Julian seemed a bit surprised himself. “You…” He looked at his palm, but his expression quickly returned to cold indifference. “A-pologize!” I clutched my stinging right cheek, unable to stop a bitter laugh. Every time Julian truly spoke to me, it was always about Willow. What was it about Willow that I lacked? But it didn’t matter anymore. “Julian! How could you hit Ms. Sinclair!” “It’s okay, Julian. Ms. Sinclair doesn’t need to apologize.” Julian still wanted to insist, but Willow skillfully draped herself over his arm and spoke softly. Julian, that block of ice, began to melt again. I once believed that if I was just considerate enough, Julian would eventually accept me. If I just scoured every text, Julian’s selective mutism would eventually be cured. I had fantasized a lot. But the Julian in reality had never belonged to me.

My flight to the States was at 4 PM. I received the court’s divorce decree at noon. From this moment on, I was completely free. “Meet me at the cafe downstairs from the company at 1 PM.” It was a message from Julian. I thought about it and decided to go. I arrived at the cafe early, with my luggage and the divorce decree in hand. I waited from 1 PM until 1:30 PM, then from 1:30 PM until 2 PM. Julian, who had specifically asked to meet, had stood me up. I sent Julian several messages, all of which went unanswered. Finally, I received a brief two-word reply. “Busy.” “Hello, is this Ms. Sinclair?” “I’m Mr. Thorne’s assistant. Mr. Thorne asked me to tell you that he suddenly had something urgent come up and couldn’t make it to meet you.” I didn’t respond. This was within my expectations. “Mr. Thorne… also asked me to tell you that he found a specialist in the UK for your hand bone and muscle repair, and arrangements will be made for your treatment.” “Also, he transferred another twenty million to your account for living and treatment expenses during this period.” I held the phone with one hand and my luggage with the other, standing up. The “no need” on my lips remained unspoken. Looking up, I saw Julian and Willow Evans sitting at an outdoor cafe across the street, chatting and laughing. Willow smiled shyly, and Julian dotingly brushed stray hairs from her face. The sun was beautiful today, casting a golden glow on both of them. Julian seemed to have never been so happy in the past three years. I quickly stopped myself from letting my thoughts wander. “Ms. Sinclair, are you listening?” His assistant on the other end of the line was still speaking. I resolutely pressed the red “end call” button, paid the bill, and quickly walked out the door. I walked directly over to Julian and Willow, slamming the divorce decree—which I’d clutched in my hand the entire walk—onto their table. Juice and coffee splashed instantly, staining Willow’s dress. My right hand was grabbed by Julian again. He didn’t even glance at the document. After a few seconds of pause, Julian seemed to realize that arguing with stubborn me was pointless. He immediately walked to the other side of the table and carefully wiped her dress with a tissue. “Are you okay, Willow?” I stood quietly for a moment, then hailed a cab to the airport. “Passengers traveling to the States, please check in at Gate T1.” “Audrey Sinclair, I think you should apologize to Willow.” A message came in from Julian. Without a moment’s hesitation, I blocked and deleted his contact. I handed my ID, passport, and visa documents to the security officer. The officer eyed me suspiciously. “Just got divorced today?” I checked my luggage, then looked up and smiled. “Yes, that’s right. Divorced.” The air conditioning on the plane was quite strong. I asked the flight attendant for a complimentary cashmere blanket and wrapped myself tightly. I drifted off to sleep, not even hearing the announcement for takeoff. Only one thought remained in my mind. “Julian Thorne, goodbye.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299141”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

The Uncle Who Shattered My Heart How long does it take to get over someone? I’d been with Julian since I was fifteen. From fifteen to twenty-five, everyone else changed so much. But for those ten years, my world revolved solely around Julian. Thinking this, I let my hand fall. “Uncle, Aunt, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll come back to the UK with you.” Hearing me finally agree, my Uncle’s joyful voice came through the phone. “That’s wonderful, Chloe! Don’t worry, our family will take good care of you, just like our own daughter!” My Aunt quickly snatched the phone. “Chloe, I’ll have your cousin Liam come pick you up tomorrow, okay? I’ve had your room prepared, and the school arrangements are all set. You just need to come!” My Uncle and Aunt’s warmth made my heart feel fuzzy. Thank goodness, there were still people in this world who loved me… “Aunt, no rush. I still have some things to take care of here. It’ll probably take about another month.” “After all, he did care for me for ten years.” My Aunt wholeheartedly agreed. “You’re right. We’ll have Liam visit your uncle then. He’s not blood-related, so taking care of you for ten years is an immense kindness; we can never repay that debt.” “Yes, he was very good to me. He’s a good person…” After hanging up, I went alone to handle my visa. On the way back, I originally planned to walk. But I didn’t expect… “Chloe! Walking alone? Get in!” I wanted to refuse, but I couldn’t argue with Seraphina’s persistence. Sitting in the luxury car, I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I kept my head down, awkwardly fidgeting with my fingers. The woman beside me, however, kept talking nonstop. “Julian is really something, letting you out alone. Didn’t even get you a car. If I hadn’t bumped into you, were you really going to walk all the way home? Calling a cab would have been fine. Is Julian so cheap that he doesn’t even give you pocket money? I’ll have to give him a good talking-to about this!” The woman’s name was Seraphina, Julian’s fiancée. And the person I disliked the most. No other reason, except that Seraphina was the woman who had stolen Julian from me. And the woman who had completely shattered my life’s dreams. From fifteen to twenty-two, my world had only contained Julian. My feelings for Julian grew increasingly complex. He was the man who had saved my life, and the man who had raised me. My hero, and the object of my uncontrollable affection. My feelings for Julian evolved from initial admiration to deep love. Over the years, Julian had no shortage of women around him. But I always believed they were merely passing acquaintances, unable to capture his heart. I always fantasized that one day, I could be with him in a different capacity. Until Seraphina appeared, shattering all my illusions. Seraphina was different from all the other women Julian had known. The way Julian looked at her was intense and profound. Unlike the distant chill he showed other women, and not the familial concern he showed me. It was a gaze I had never seen before. I couldn’t help but recall Seraphina’s first appearance, how she effortlessly snatched everything I cared about. It was at a party at the Hayes’ family estate. Seraphina fluttered into Julian’s arms like a little bird. Julian held Seraphina with practiced ease, and Seraphina clung to Julian, their fingers entwined. At that time, everyone still jokingly called me the future lady of the house, Julian’s little wife-to-be. Amidst the guests’ laughter, Seraphina stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around Julian’s neck, and pulled him into a kiss. Watching that scene, I felt a searing pain in my heart. I instinctively clenched my fists, so humiliated I wished I could sink into the ground. A sliver of hope still lingered. Please, Julian… Just refuse her, won’t you? Even if it’s just to pretend for my sake! Julian’s gaze also fell on me. He understood the plea in my eyes. But… As if to make me completely give up hope. He not only didn’t refuse Seraphina but actively tilted her chin up, passionately kissing her. They kissed fervently in front of everyone, their eyes seemingly holding only each other, no longer tolerating any unwelcome presence. After their passionate kiss, Seraphina’s face glowed with happiness. Blushing, she wrapped her arm around Julian’s, feigning shyness towards me. “Oh, look at us, making a spectacle in front of Chloe!” She playfully tapped Julian’s chest. And Julian’s face remained full of doting affection. “Seraphina initiated the kiss, I naturally couldn’t refuse.” Seraphina’s face flushed even deeper. “What are you saying? Chloe is right here. No propriety at all.” With that, Seraphina cast a faux-apologetic look at me. “Sorry, Chloe, we just lost our composure. Don’t mind us.” Faced with such a scene, I could no longer bear it and ran out crying. “Chloe, where are you going?!” Seeing me run out, Seraphina feigned concern and made to chase me, but Julian stopped her. Julian watched my retreating figure with a cold expression. “Leave her be. Just her usual dramatics!” “Julian, does Chloe dislike me…?” Seraphina’s eyes welled up, looking utterly hurt. Julian shook his head. “She’s twenty-two, not a child anymore!” “She should know what she should and shouldn’t do!” 2. My thoughts snapped back, the car had already reached its destination. “Get out, Chloe. I told Julian. We haven’t had dinner together in ages, have we? Don’t be shy, we’re family.” Seraphina’s voice was gentle, but I felt no warmth or closeness from it. Seeing the stern-faced man standing at the entrance, my body tensed. My heart was incredibly bitter, filled with sorrow. It truly had been a long time since I’d had a meal with Julian. There were fewer and fewer of Julian’s things in the house, and our connection grew thinner. Julian seemed to be deliberately avoiding me, even moving out of the home we’d shared for seven years to live with Seraphina. Did Julian really hate me that much now? Perhaps my leaving would be a good decision for everyone, at least they wouldn’t have to torture each other anymore. My face was etched with bitterness. Julian’s peripheral vision caught my expression; he noticed something was off. But he said nothing, did nothing. In his mind, everything he was doing was to help me grow better. This was the best way for us to be together, good for both of us. During dinner, Seraphina spared no effort in showcasing her intimacy with Julian. “Here, Julian, have some shrimp balls. I remember this is your favorite dish; you always order it.” Seraphina enthusiastically put food on Julian’s plate. Hearing her words, both Julian and I paused. Shrimp balls weren’t Julian’s favorite dish; they were mine. For years, Julian had ordered them first at every meal, just to accommodate me. This time was no different… Seraphina looked a little awkward. She sensed the shift in atmosphere between us, but she didn’t understand why. To ease the tension, Seraphina smiled and put a shrimp ball on my plate too. “Quick, Chloe, you eat too. Their shrimp balls are the best, crispy outside and tender inside. Have them while they’re hot, they don’t taste as good cold.” I didn’t refuse. “Thank you, Auntie.” Hearing my words, Seraphina and Julian both froze. Simply because “Auntie” was the first time I had ever called her that. Before this, I was unwilling to even call Julian “Uncle.” Back then, I was stubborn, stubbornly believing that as long as we didn’t explicitly define our relationship, there was still another possibility for us. “Chloe, what did you just call me?!” Seraphina’s face was beaming with delight. I smiled, my expression even calmer, as if it were the most commonplace thing. “Auntie, of course. Julian’s wife, I should naturally call Auntie. Although you’re still so young, seniority shouldn’t be mixed up.” Seraphina happily tugged on Julian’s arm, shaking it. “Julian, Chloe called me Auntie! She accepts me! This makes me so happy!” But at that moment, Julian’s face showed no hint of joy. His expression was dark, filled with displeasure. He looked at me with heavy eyes. I felt like I couldn’t read Julian anymore. It was he who told me to treat him as an uncle, as an elder. It was he who made me accept reality, accept Seraphina. But why, when I finally understood, gave up, and did what he wanted, was he unhappy? I said nothing, just quietly picked up a piece of fish. As for the plate of shrimp balls, I used to eat half the plate by myself. This time, I didn’t touch a single one. Perhaps a change of taste would also change my mood? Seeing my distant demeanor, Julian’s eyes deepened further. Seraphina then coyly leaned on Julian again. “Julian, I want to eat fish, but I don’t want to pick out the bones~” Seraphina deliberately spoke in a high-pitched, cutesy voice, tilting her head, her large eyes winking playfully. “Alright, my little gourmand, I’ll pick out the bones for you.” “I knew you spoil me the most, darling~” Julian picked up a piece of fish, carefully and meticulously removing all the tiny bones. This gesture, however, once again touched the softest part of my heart. When I was little, I rarely ate fish. I thought picking out bones was too much trouble, so I just wouldn’t eat it. My family thought I didn’t like fish, so they hardly ever made it. In truth, I loved fish; I just hated the hassle. But Julian was different. The first time he took me out to eat, he saw my eyes fixed on the fish dish, yet I didn’t touch it. He instantly saw through my little心思, and personally peeled away each tiny bone from the fish. He handed the tender white fish meat to me. I was so happy to experience such treatment for the first time. I ate very happily that meal. Later, this habit continued. Just like the shrimp balls, ten years of living together, even a single meal was full of memories. At first, Julian wasn’t skilled; the fish he de-boned was often messy. But now, he was incredibly proficient. Every piece of fish he picked was perfectly intact, the tender white meat looking incredibly delicious. Only, the one enjoying this treatment was no longer me… “Wow, darling’s skills are truly amazing!” “I never would have thought, Julian, that you’re such a meticulous person, doing even these little things so well.” “I’m so lucky to have a boyfriend like you!” Seraphina’s voice was filled with happiness. And Julian dotingly ruffled Seraphina’s hair. “Alright, eat up quickly. It’ll get fishy when it’s cold.” “Okay~” 3. “Cough! Cough!” Trying to avoid suspicion, I ate my food quickly, but unexpectedly, a fishbone got stuck in my throat. I coughed hard, trying to dislodge it, but it was no use. The two who had just been so loving had their atmosphere ruined by me. Almost immediately, Julian pushed Seraphina away and rushed over, patting my back. But I covered my mouth, pushed Julian aside, and ran out alone. Julian’s first reaction was unmistakable. Seraphina saw everything, and her face turned incredibly sour. Julian stood there awkwardly. After composing myself, I walked out of the restroom, only to be blocked by Seraphina, who was waiting at the door. She said: “Chloe, Julian and I are getting married. Can I ask you to stay away from him?” “What?” I stared at Seraphina, wide-eyed in disbelief. But Seraphina continued, seriously: “I know this isn’t something I should say, but we’re getting married. And I know you don’t like me, but please, think clearly. He was just your father’s comrade. He raised you for ten years just to repay your father’s kindness all those years ago. What right do you have to waste his entire life?!” “I’ve warned you many times already, why don’t you understand how to keep your distance?! Julian is a man and not meticulous enough, but how can you, a girl, be so disgusting?!” My secret thoughts laid bare in public, I was utterly humiliated. I knew Seraphina was trying to shame me. I tried to use the pain in my palms to remind myself to stay calm. I lowered my head, responding softly. “Okay, I won’t cling to him anymore.” But Seraphina acted as if she hadn’t heard me, closing in step by step, still talking nonstop. “Please, I’m begging you, won’t you let go of Julian, and let go of me? They say giving you a glass of water is kindness, but giving it forever turns you into an enemy. Julian raised you; he didn’t want you to cling to him for life, did he?!” “What if one day I wasn’t paying attention, would you try to climb into Julian’s bed, to be on equal footing with me?” “Ah!” Seraphina’s words grew increasingly offensive, and I was backed into a corner. When I heard the words “climb into bed,” I couldn’t take it anymore and pushed Seraphina away. I didn’t use much force, but Seraphina fell to the ground, crying out. The moment I saw Julian, I realized it was all a trap Seraphina had set for me! Seeing Seraphina ‘attacked’, Julian immediately rushed over. He furiously shoved me to the ground. “What are you doing?” He glared at my stunned face, his bloodshot eyes looking at me like an enemy. Then, he tenderly picked up Seraphina, carefully cradling her in his arms, and turned to leave. Unwilling, I scrambled up from the ground and blocked Julian’s path. I wanted to explain to Julian. “No, Julian, it’s not like that. I didn’t mean it, it’s a misunderstanding, it was her…” “Julian, it hurts so much…” “Don’t blame Chloe. I was the one who took you away from her, so it’s okay if she slaps me…” Before I could finish, Seraphina, hiding in Julian’s arms, pitifully interrupted. As she spoke, she tearfully revealed her swollen, red cheek, making her look utterly wronged. With Seraphina’s deliberately misleading explanation, Julian’s expression worsened. No matter how much I tried to explain, Julian wouldn’t listen to a word. In his mind, I was already the unreasonable, violent person. I refused to give up, reaching out to block the car door. I looked at Julian, unwilling to accept, wanting to explain, but Julian didn’t want to hear a single word. His eyes were entirely fixed on Seraphina, who was hiding in his arms. Julian roughly pulled me away, carefully placed Seraphina into the car, then slammed the door shut. Unprepared, my hand was caught. “Ah!” I groaned in pain, my hand turning purple. But Julian, who had always been so concerned about me, didn’t even glance my way. He got into the car and sped off. I could only rub my bruised, purple hand, watching the car disappear into the distance. In the end, I went home alone. And that road felt even longer. The bruises on my hand and the marks on my body reminded me how cruel Julian had become towards me. But actually… Julian wasn’t always so cruel to me. 4. My teenage fantasies had always centered solely on Julian. After I came of age, my feelings for Julian began to change. At that time, I tried every way to pursue Julian, hoping to make our relationship closer. I learned to bake, learned to make handmade chocolates for Julian on Valentine’s Day. Julian didn’t have a girlfriend then, and he was very happy when he received the gift. He smiled and said: “Chloe has grown up, and has other intentions.” Julian’s gaze towards me wasn’t entirely innocent back then either. So, in the past, I always believed we were in love. Later, our feelings for each other grew increasingly complicated. My courage also grew. From entwined fingers, sharing a cookie, drinking from the same milkshake, to our lips entwined in passionate kisses. Those days were the happiest of my life. I felt Julian was slowly becoming mine. Until my twentieth birthday, when I had prepared wine, wanting to take the next step. Everything felt so natural. We passionately embraced, slowly unbuttoning each other’s clothes, touching each other’s skin. But at the crucial moment, Julian suddenly stopped. His emotions slowly cooled. He pulled the blanket over my body, said “I’m sorry,” and left without looking back. No matter how much I called out to him, he didn’t turn around. After that day, Julian seemed like a different person. He began actively distancing himself from me, and wouldn’t come home for days and nights. The man who had always been so discreet started to have all sorts of women around him. Every day, he carried the scent of a different woman’s perfume. When he finally returned, I seized the opportunity to confront him, seeking an answer. But Julian said: “I only see you as a child. You have no right to meddle in my affairs.” “Then what did all of *that* between us mean?” I desperately questioned him. But Julian’s face only showed indifference. “I made a mistake before. Just treat it as a bad dream. Wake up and forget it ever happened. I could never love you!” I refused to believe his dismissiveness. I couldn’t believe Julian’s past attitude towards me was false, and even less that he didn’t love me. I deluded myself into thinking those women were just an act, that Julian loved me, and that one day he would return to me. But all these fantasies shattered the moment Seraphina appeared. Unlike those other women, Julian introduced Seraphina as his “lover.” He even deliberately held a gathering to tell all his friends and family that Seraphina was his woman. And that night, Julian didn’t come home. I sat alone on the sofa, hugging my knees, staring at the door, waiting for Julian to return. I never imagined Julian would treat me this way! Couldn’t he at least listen to my explanation? The next day, still unwilling to give up, I ran to Julian’s office. Seeing me, Julian couldn’t help but frown. “Didn’t I tell you I’m busy? The office isn’t a playground for you. Don’t just show up for no reason!” His cold attitude humiliated me once again. My hand, clutching my clothes, tightened. “Uncle Julian, I just came to explain what happened last night. I didn’t mean to hit Serap… I didn’t mean to hit Auntie Seraphina. It was her…” Before I could finish, Julian interrupted her. “Seraphina already told me about it last night. Maybe her words were a bit harsh, but she wasn’t wrong.” “I’ve told you again and again that I don’t love you, and there’s no way we can be in any other kind of relationship. But you stubbornly refuse to give up, clinging to me repeatedly, ruining my relationship with Seraphina. Aren’t you just throwing away your dignity?” “I warned you about all this a long time ago. Why can’t you remember?!” Listening to Julian’s words, I couldn’t help but lower my head. I was afraid I’d start crying again, so weak. Yes, he had warned me long ago. Two months prior, I had also barged into Julian’s office, unwilling to accept. What had he told me then? “I know very well what love is and what responsibility is. I don’t love you, only have responsibility for you!” “You need to understand, you’re grown up now. My responsibility for you ended the day you turned adult. I’ve raised you for ten years; I’ve done right by you!” Unwilling to accept it, I blurted out: “We’re not blood-related, so why can’t I be with you…” “Chloe!” Julian’s face changed, and he sharply reprimanded me, stopping me from saying anything more. “I can help you with school, with work, anything. But if you keep thinking about all this nonsense, then I’m sorry, my stance is clear. Go back to where you came from. As far as I’m concerned, I never raised you!” Julian’s coldness was unexpected. I couldn’t imagine the man who had always been so gentle with me could be so cruel. Running here to confront Julian had already exhausted all my courage. I was stubborn, and I was proud. With Julian’s words having reached this point, I could no longer beg him for even a sliver of affection. It was these repeated rejections and hurts that finally made me decide to accept my Uncle’s offer and leave. Thinking this, I gave a self-deprecating smile. Thankfully, I was much more sensible now. I smiled and looked up at Julian. “Thank you for your advice, Uncle Julian. I understand. I’ll be sure to keep my distance in the future.” After saying that, I took a deep look at Julian, then turned and left his office. What I didn’t notice was that Julian, still sitting in his office chair, had become rigid, his fists clenched white. As I ran out, Julian instinctively wanted to chase after me, but he didn’t move. Julian rubbed his aching temples. He hadn’t wanted to be so absolute. But… He had to make me give up! My entire life couldn’t be wasted on him, and they shouldn’t be together! ***Paywall*** 5. After leaving Julian’s company, I also prepared to pack my things and leave this home. I was leaving soon; for the remaining time, I shouldn’t get entangled with him anymore. But unexpectedly, as I was packing, Julian suddenly returned. Seeing my luggage, Julian’s face turned grim, and he couldn’t help but frown. “Where are you going?!” I pursed my lips, a little flustered. “I’m graduating soon, and I need to prepare my final project. I want to move to the studio to focus on it.” Hearing my words, Julian sighed in relief. “Your studio is too small and dusty; it’s not suitable for living. I’ll have Mr. Hayes set up a studio for you at home.” I shook my head, declining Julian’s offer, insisting on moving out. “No, thank you, Uncle Julian. I’m used to the studio; I don’t really want to change. “Besides, you and Auntie Seraphina are getting married soon. When she moves in, it wouldn’t be very convenient for me to keep living here. “You’re right, I’m grown up now. I shouldn’t cling to you anymore.” Julian was speechless, my words blocking him. His brow furrowed deeper, his expression turning grim. He wanted to stop me but realized he had no standing to. In the end, he could only agree with a dark face. “I’ll drive you.” This time, I didn’t refuse, just nodded obediently. “Okay, thank you, Uncle Julian.” Julian was unaccustomed to this version of me. I was too cold, too distant. It was as if he was merely an uncle I rarely saw, with nothing but basic politeness and respect between us. Julian felt incredibly distressed but was unable to react, for he was the one who had brought all this pain upon himself. He had no right to demand more from me. The atmosphere in the car was deadly silent, neither of us speaking. But halfway through the drive, Julian’s phone rang. It was Seraphina. As soon as he answered, Seraphina’s tearful voice could be heard. “Hello, Julian, it’s me, Seraphina. I twisted my ankle, it hurts so much! Is my foot broken?!” “Okay, where are you? I’ll be right there!!” After hanging up, Julian looked at me hesitantly. But I unbuckled my seatbelt first. “It’s okay, Uncle Julian, you can just drop me here. Auntie Seraphina’s injury is more important. There isn’t much further to go, I can walk the rest of the way.” “Alright, be careful.” After dropping me and my luggage off, Julian immediately sped away. I stood alone, dragging my luggage, watching the car fade into the distance, my face filled with bitterness. I was already used to Julian leaving me behind. The drop-off point was quite secluded, and I couldn’t hail a cab along the way. Left with no choice, I dragged my luggage alone for five kilometers. By the time I reached the studio, I was exhausted, wanting nothing more than to collapse on the floor. Skylar, my roommate, was startled to see me like this and rushed over to help me move my things. “Oh my goodness, you didn’t walk all this way, did you? Didn’t you say your uncle was giving you a ride?!” Mentioning Julian, my face flushed with a bit of embarrassment. I could only say: “He was busy, couldn’t take me.” Skylar nodded. “Must have been something really important then!” “Your Uncle Julian really is good to you, though. Remember freshman year, when that girl bullied you, acting all high and mighty because her family was rich, and even the professor didn’t take your side? We all thought you’d have to just take it!” “But then he showed up and got you justice. I remember he even skipped an important meeting for you! He really does care about you!” Skylar’s words brought back memories of those past moments. It was precisely because of these memories that I could never forget Julian. And couldn’t help but love him. But now, our relationship… “It’s all changed.” That was the only phrase I could think of to describe our current relationship. I smiled, saying nothing more about Julian. Skylar also noticed something was off. In the past, I would talk endlessly about Julian, my face always glowing with happiness. Now, I didn’t want to discuss him at all. She, too, tacitly avoided mentioning Julian again. After I unpacked, I dedicated myself to ceramics. Kneading clay, throwing, molding, carving, sun-drying… I performed these steps with skill and precision. I thoroughly enjoyed the process. Making pottery was when my mind was most at peace, most comfortable. Because when I was making ceramics, my thoughts were entirely on the piece. It demanded all my energy, leaving no room to think about Julian anymore. “Wow! This is too beautiful!” “What kind of hands do you have? Can I just cut them off and have them? Compared to you, my hands look like pig’s feet!” Seeing my work, Skylar excitedly crowded around me. “Don’t flatter me too much. It hasn’t been fired yet. If it turns out to be a failure, I’ll just cry.” I looked at the clay piece with some apprehension. “Don’t worry, Little Pear’s creations are always masterpieces! What kind of hands are these? Master ceramist hands! Nothing can go wrong!” “Besides, how much effort have you poured into this piece? You even went all the way to personally dig up the clay. Every step was so meticulous. Don’t worry, it will definitely be perfect!” Hearing Skylar’s comfort, my heart warmed, and I felt much more at ease. “I hope it’s as you say. Please, don’t let anything go wrong!” After countless other complex steps, the ceramic vase, into which I had poured my heart and soul, was finally fired successfully. The vase was entirely sky-blue, covered with delicate ice-cracked patterns, looking incredibly beautiful. It was so exquisite, it seemed otherworldly. “Wow! Absolutely stunning! So gorgeous!” “Seriously, I’m not exaggerating, you’ll definitely win first prize at this year’s graduation exhibition. No one has more talent or works harder than you, and no one’s piece can be more beautiful than this divine vase!” Skylar was utterly mesmerized, kneeling on the floor, admiring it carefully. Afraid she might accidentally damage my masterpiece. I quickly laughed and helped Skylar up from the floor. “It’s not that serious. It’s just a vase. I’m no master.” “Chloe, my friend, please correct your thinking. This isn’t just a simple vase; it’s a work of art you poured your heart and soul into!” “And seriously, I’m not boasting, this piece of yours is absolutely incredible! You must protect your treasure vase well; it will lead you to success!” Seeing Skylar’s reverent expression, I couldn’t help but laugh until tears came. “Alright, alright, I’ll take good care of my treasure vase!” “That’s more like it.” Skylar was quite smug. During this time, I had been busy working on my graduation project and hadn’t thought about Julian for a long time. It wasn’t until Julian called that I felt like an eternity had passed. “Open the door. I’m outside.” Hearing Julian’s voice, my body instantly tensed, having just been laughing joyfully moments before. Why was he suddenly here?! Skylar noticed my uneasiness and quickly asked what was wrong. I shook my head, saying with a bitter smile: “Uncle Julian is here.” Skylar also froze. She said, somewhat awkwardly: “He’s probably just checking in on you, right?” I nodded, my eyes complicated: “Maybe…” I opened the door for Julian. 6. Standing outside the door were not only Julian but also Seraphina. The moment Seraphina saw me, she immediately smiled and pushed the bag she was carrying into my hands. “Julian and I were just passing by, so we bought some food to come see you. I hope we’re not interrupting your work!” Seraphina was clinging to Julian, her face full of tenderness, looking just like a thoughtful older sister. If I hadn’t seen Seraphina’s true colors before, I might never have guessed the wicked thoughts hidden beneath such a gentle smile. Julian, however, looked indifferent: “Are you not going to welcome us?” I felt uncomfortable but couldn’t just kick them out. I could only step aside, making way for them to enter the studio. “Wow, Chloe, your place truly has an artist’s vibe!” Seraphina looked around my studio. I quietly made tea. “It’s nothing, I’ve just been working on ceramics lately, so it’s a bit messy. Please don’t mind it.” “No problem at all, we don’t mind.” As she spoke, Seraphina picked up the vase I had just finished firing. At that moment, Skylar and I both held our breath. Skylar instinctively cautioned her. “Be careful, please don’t drop it. I’ve poured a lot of heart and soul into this vase!” “Of course not, how could I drop it?!” Seraphina replied dismissively, then held the vase with one hand, examining it up and down. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, it’s really beautiful. Even better than the one I saw at the auction house last month!” Seeing her actions, I had a bad feeling. The next second… “Clang!” “Ah!” “The vase!” Seraphina’s hand slipped, and the vase fell to the ground. I immediately dropped the hot kettle and lunged to try and save it, but it was too late. The scalding hot water spilled onto my hand, but I didn’t care. My mind was entirely focused on the vase I had poured all my heart into, now shattered. Under Seraphina’s clumsy action, the once beautiful vase was smashed to pieces, becoming a heap of fragments on the floor. My eyes instantly turned red. I shoved Seraphina away and loudly demanded: “What are you doing?!” Seraphina feigned weakness, collapsing to the ground. A shard of porcelain had cut her leg, and a few drops of blood seeped out. Even though it was just a tiny, insignificant cut, she immediately burst into tears. “Ah! So… so painful!” “Chloe, I was just clumsy! How could you do this to me?!” The moment she cried, Julian immediately pushed me aside and rushed over, cradling Seraphina in his arms with a pained expression. In doing so, he stepped on the shattered vase, crushing the already broken pieces even further. My heart shattered along with it. Julian carried Seraphina away in a hurry, only managing to say: “Seraphina didn’t mean it. I’ll compensate you for the loss,” before he left. After they left, I could only kneel on the ground, carefully picking up the fragments with my scalded, red hands, silently weeping. Skylar was heartbroken to see me like this. She knelt down and hugged me tightly. “It’s okay, it’s okay, don’t be too sad. The vase is broken, there’s no way to fix it.” Then, a flash of anger crossed her eyes. “I saw everything. That woman did it on purpose! She deliberately broke your hard work, then lied to get your Uncle Julian’s sympathy! She’s so scheming!” By then, I was in too much pain to breathe. I cried into Skylar’s embrace. “Skylar, do you think this is fate? Destined. I can’t leave a perfect piece in Jin City, and I can’t have a dignified ending with him either.” Skylar didn’t understand what I was talking about, nor how to answer me. But she knew that what was shattered was not just a vase, but my heart. 7. Skylar bandaged my hand, but the scald still throbbed, keeping me from sleeping well all night. The next day, Julian called. Not to ask about my injury, nor to care about my work, but merely to clean up Seraphina’s mess. “How much was that vase of yours? I’ll pay for it. Consider it bought by me for Seraphina. She told me it was just an accident, and she got hurt too, so don’t blame her.” I furrowed my brow, my face filled with pain. “Julian, that vase was my graduation piece, half a year of my hard work. It’s not something money can buy. And Skylar saw everything; Seraphina was clearly delibe—” “A million dollars. I’ll give you a million dollars. I’ll help explain things to the school too. Anyway, your pieces will eventually be sold, so consider it an advance purchase from me.” “And stop saying those things. I told you, Seraphina is always kind-hearted; she couldn’t have done it on purpose!” Hearing Julian’s words, I couldn’t bear it anymore and wretchedly hung up the phone. After the call disconnected, Julian called several more times. But I just let it ring, unwilling to answer. After ringing three more times, Julian gave up and didn’t call again. He directly transferred a million dollars to my account and sent me a message. “Don’t be childish. It’s just a broken vase. If it’s really an issue, I’ll buy you a better one at next month’s auction.” Seeing Julian’s message, my heart ached beyond words. I couldn’t imagine how Julian could say such things without shame. He knew that becoming a good ceramist was my lifelong dream. My mother was a renowned ceramist, and my father had always supported her career when he was alive. He would even personally fly to Yuncheng to find the best kaolin clay for my mother. I had thought that even if Julian and I didn’t have a good outcome, at least he would respect my passion. But I never expected that, in Julian’s mind, the career I wanted to dedicate my life to, the work I poured my heart into, was nothing but a joke. At that moment, my heart ached to its core, more painful than when the vase shattered. I was completely disillusioned with Julian. It turned out that in his eyes, I was merely that. Fortunately, in ten days, I would be leaving Jin City. I wouldn’t be an eyesore anymore! Although the vase was broken, I still did my best to repair it. But even after three days and three nights without sleep, I couldn’t restore it to its original state. There was still a gap in the middle of the vase. That piece of porcelain had been crushed to dust by Julian’s foot, forever lost. Just like my broken heart, which could never be fully repaired. When I submitted the damaged vase, my professor was also filled with regret. “Oh, what a wonderful piece! How did it break?!” Hearing my professor’s words, I lowered my head in shame. “I’m sorry, Professor, I’ve disappointed you.” The professor shook his head, kindly comforting me: “Chloe, don’t take it too hard. It’s not a big deal; you have a long way to go in life. Although this vase is beautiful and perfect, it won’t be the only great piece in your life. You’ll create even better works in the future!” “Besides, even though this vase is broken, you’ve repaired it wonderfully. The small missing piece in the middle gives it a unique beauty, lending the vase a special meaning. Don’t forget, regret can also be a form of appreciation.” Hearing my professor’s words, my heart felt warm. I told my professor that I would be leaving Jin City for the UK in ten days. The professor was greatly surprised: “So sudden? Are you going with your Uncle Julian?” I shook my head bitterly. “No, just me.” “Does your Uncle Julian know? He’s really good to you. Yesterday, he even called me specifically to ask if your broken ceramic piece would affect your studies and if there were any remedies!” Hearing my professor’s words, I smiled bitterly. “He knows. After all, he’s getting married soon and will have his own children. He can’t possibly keep supporting me for life, can he?” The professor nodded, understanding. “True. You’re not blood-related, so he’s done right by you.” I also nodded with a bitter smile. Yes, Julian had done right by me. What right did I have to ask for more from him? 8. At this point, my only remaining attachment in Jin City was to repay Julian for his kindness in raising me. Fortunately, I had always kept meticulous records, noting every expense Julian had covered for me. It amounted to over ten million dollars in total. My parents’ inheritance, plus the million dollars Julian had given me, could repay most of it. For the remaining portion, I decided to sell off the ceramic pieces I had made over the years. Because I was in a hurry to sell, most didn’t fetch good prices, and many pieces I loved had to be sold for cheap. Even though it pained me, I gritted my teeth and sold them. I was leaving soon, and I wanted to leave cleanly, owing Julian nothing. On the third day before my departure, I returned to that house. My mother’s few remaining works were still there in the villa, and I wanted to take them with me. I carefully took out my mother’s works, caressing them with longing. At this moment, it was as if the scenes of my childhood, making pottery with my mother, were right before my eyes. “Mom, I’m taking you to reunite with Uncle and Aunt and the rest of the family.” Halfway through packing, Julian suddenly came home. Seeing me packing, Julian frowned in confusion: “What are you doing?! Why are you taking these ceramic pieces?!” The moment I saw Julian, I froze, my eyes darting away. “It’s my Uncle Liam. He contacted me a while ago and told me a lot of stories about my mom when she was young. He also said he regretted arguing with her back then, and now he doesn’t even have anything to remember her by. So I thought I’d send him some of Mom’s old pieces so he can feel closer to her.” I told the lie without shame. Julian thought I was acting strange. “When did your Uncle Liam contact you? How come I don’t know?” My heart skipped a beat. “Just a couple of days ago, I guess. Maybe he’s getting older and just reminiscing about the past.” Julian nodded, looking understanding. I finally breathed a sigh of relief, almost exposed. After mailing the items, I prepared to leave, but Julian called out to me. “Your graduation project is fin… finished. When are you moving back in?” I froze again. “No need, Uncle Julian. Skylar and I are living together, and it’s quite nice.” Julian frowned in displeasure, his tone serious and unyielding. “The conditions there are too poor; it’s no place to live. The house isn’t just your room; you shouldn’t have to suffer outside like that.” With him saying that, I couldn’t refuse, so I could only agree. Seeing me nod, Julian finally looked satisfied. He immediately prepared to take me back to get my things. Just then, Seraphina suddenly arrived. She knew the house code and came and went as easily as if it were her own home. Seeing me, she paused for a moment. “Oh, Chloe’s back.” “Perfect, we can all eat together. Even though today is Julian and my anniversary, it’s fine. Chloe, you’re not an outsider, so join us.” Seraphina’s intention to get rid of me was clear. I smiled bitterly. But it was fine, I had no intention of staying anyway. I played along with Seraphina’s words. “Then Uncle Julian and Auntie Seraphina should celebrate properly. I have plans with a friend, so I won’t intrude.” Seraphina was very pleased to see me so perceptive. “Well, alright then. Chloe wants to be with her friends, and it wouldn’t be right for us, as elders, to stop you. Go on, don’t be late!” I breathed a sigh of relief and left as if fleeing, not even glancing at Julian. Julian watched my retreating figure, his expression solemn. When had I started to become so estranged from him? Even being in the same room with him felt so constrained. That night, I suddenly received a message from Seraphina. “Thank you, darling, for the anniversary gift! I’ve already posted it on SnapChat~” Seeing this baffling message, I was puzzled and initially planned to ignore it. But a moment later, Seraphina seemed to realize her mistake and sent another message. “Oh dear, Chloe, I’m so sorry, I sent the wrong message. I meant to send it to your Uncle Julian. Please don’t mind.” Against my better judgment, I clicked on Seraphina’s SnapChat profile. Opening Seraphina’s SnapChat, the first thing I saw was a meteorite fragment I recognized all too well. The caption for the post read: “Who got a piece of the cosmos from their darling? How unbelievably romantic~” Below were countless well wishes from Julian’s friends. “Wow, I never would have guessed! I thought Julian wasn’t the romantic type, but this is so sweet.” “Julian has been buying meteorites at high prices for years. I thought he was a secret astronomy enthusiast, but it turns out it was all a surprise for his lady!” “Giving stars? That’s so unique. I wish my husband would learn a thing or two from Julian, see how romantic he is!” But when I saw that SnapChat post, I couldn’t smile at all. I thought I wouldn’t be sad anymore, but Julian had hurt me again. Because of a “stone.” A seemingly ordinary stone, yet it carried memories unique to Julian and me. Since childhood, I had always loved stars, spending my days poring over astronomy books and visiting planetariums. Later, when Julian learned about this, he would send me a meteorite fragment for every birthday. Black, rocky stones covered with crevices, which others might dismiss as insignificant, worthless rocks. But every time I received this special gift, I would be overjoyed. In my heart, this was the best gift there was. For all these years, this unique gift had become our most precious shared memory. Now, even my stars were given to Seraphina. My heart was filled with nothing but bitterness. It seemed… I truly held no place in Julian’s heart anymore. Unbidden, tears welled up in my eyes, flowing uncontrollably. 9. And Seraphina kept sending me messages. “Chloe, you’re not angry, are you? I’m Julian’s girlfriend, so it’s normal for him to give me gifts.” “You’re grown up now, you wouldn’t get angry with Julian over something so small, would you? Julian raised you all these years out of kindness. Are you really going to cling to him for life?” “I’m not trying to be mean, but I’m much older than you and I understand things better. You lost your parents young, and Julian, being a man, naturally isn’t as meticulous. It’s okay if you don’t understand these things, I just want to tell you that a person should have some basic sense of boundaries!” All of Seraphina’s actions were aimed at driving me away. I understood her intentions and saw through her little schemes. I replied to Seraphina’s message. “Auntie Seraphina, please rest assured, I truly won’t cling to Uncle Julian anymore.” Seraphina replied instantly. “That’s wonderful! I knew Chloe was a sensible, good child!” With two days left until I left, I forced myself to stop thinking about Julian. To do this, I spent entire days and nights in the studio, making ceramics, spinning like a top. But Julian had become my nightmare, omnipresent. Even when I accidentally twisted my ankle, I couldn’t help but think of Julian. When I first arrived at Julian’s house, I was timid. Faced with an unfamiliar environment and people I barely knew, I was always careful. Too shy to accept strangers’ kindness, too embarrassed to trouble Julian. During that time, even if I felt unwell, I would silently endure it alone. When I first transferred to the new school, I was still reeling from the trauma of losing my parents and had shut myself off. I always kept my head down, unwilling to speak or interact with anyone. This personality meant that no one in class wanted to play with me, and classmates often deliberately picked on me. Sometimes they would tear up my completed homework and accuse me of not doing it. Sometimes they would pour water on my chair and then laugh at me for wetting my pants. I was afraid of bothering Julian with all this. And I was afraid Julian would find me annoying and kick me out, so I always endured it in silence. Until one time, those bullies went too far. They poured sand into my shoes during my dance class. When I got home, my feet were covered in blisters and bleeding. The housekeeper at home shrieked when she saw the blood on my feet. “Oh my goodness, Miss Chloe, what happened to your feet? Why is there so much blood?!” Julian happened to be home that day. The moment he heard I was hurt, he rushed over. He thoroughly examined me from head to toe. Then he sternly asked what had happened at school, whether I had been bullied. At first, I fidgeted with my clothes, unwilling to tell the truth. Julian sighed and comforted me for a long time. Only then did I finally open up to him, telling him about the bullying I’d been enduring at school. To help me get justice, Julian canceled an important meeting he had scheduled for nine the next morning. He personally took me to school to stand up for me. And when the perpetrator’s parents said: “Children without parents to teach them just have no manners,” Julian instantly exploded, smashing a cup. “Say that again! She’s under my care now; she’s *my* person. No one bullies her!” After that day, no one at school dared to bully me again. And no one dared to call me “the child nobody wanted” anymore. Over the past ten years, such incidents had happened countless times, and Julian had stood by me and defended me countless times. He was like my hero and guardian; whenever I needed him, he would appear as if from the sky. My encounter with Julian happened just as a young girl’s first stirrings of love began. When other girls in class spoke of “love,” only Julian’s image would appear in my mind. I had also asked myself, what exactly were my feelings for Julian? Was it family love? Was it attachment? As a teenager, I felt it was neither. I loved Julian; I had fallen hopelessly in love with him. Recalling these past events, my face grew even more bitter. Tears streamed down, and I drifted to sleep amidst the heavy bitterness. 10. The next day, perhaps due to overwork, my body gave out. A fever raged at forty degrees, and I was unconscious. In a hazy state, out of desperation, I called Julian for help. The phone connected, and I struggled to speak: “Ju… Julian…” However, the person who answered was not Julian, but Seraphina. “You still haven’t learned your lesson, still trying to cling to Julian, are you?!” “No… no, I have a fe—” I struggled to speak. But before I could finish, Seraphina continued to berate me. “I’ve already warned you! Julian has already rejected you himself! What more do you want?!” “You don’t know, do you? Julian spent the entire night with me yesterday. We did everything a couple should do. He never once thought of you!” “Clang!” I used all my strength to desperately hang up the phone. In the end, we couldn’t even have one last conversation. After the double blow of physical and emotional trauma, I had no strength left. The phone slipped from my hand and fell to the floor, and I lost consciousness. On the other end of the line, Seraphina smirked triumphantly when she saw the call disconnected and then deleted the call record. A little while later, Julian walked out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, looking curious. He picked up his phone from the bedside table and casually asked: “Were you just talking to someone?” Seraphina feigned ignorance and shook her head. “No, darling. Who would be so inconsiderate as to call this early in the morning?” “True.” Julian nodded, not pressing further. When I next awoke, I was in a hospital room. I weakly opened my eyes, somewhat confused, looking at the unfamiliar man sitting by my bed. “Who are you?” The man was dressed in a suit and tie, handsome and capable. Seeing me awake, he immediately stood up and called a doctor to check on me. Only after hearing the doctor say, “There’s nothing serious, just finish the IV and rest well,” did he nod in thanks, visibly relieved. After sending the doctor off, the man introduced himself. “Hello, my name is Kai Hayes. I’m your brother Liam’s friend. Your brother is in the UK and couldn’t make it back, so he asked me to bring you to the hospital.” “Now that you’re awake, you can give him a call.” I nodded blankly and took the phone. As soon as the call connected, an urgent male voice came through. “How are you, Chloe? Feeling better? You scared me to death, sis!” “I really shouldn’t have let you stay in the country alone. You should come to the UK and live with us as soon as possible, so we can take care of you. It’s a good thing Kai was back on some business this time, otherwise, I wouldn’t have known what to do!” Hearing Liam’s words, I realized that I must have answered his call in a semi-conscious state yesterday. Noticing something was wrong, Liam immediately contacted his friend in the country to take me to the hospital. I felt a little embarrassed and quickly thanked Kai. Kai nodded. “No problem, it was just a small thing.” On the other end of the line, Liam continued to instruct me. “Chloe, Kai is heading back to the UK anyway, so he can bring you with him. Your Uncle and Aunt were so scared when they heard you were sick. If I hadn’t reassured them that Kai was there, they would have flown over themselves that very night to take care of you!”

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My brother died. He died in the brutal winter, his body never found. The night Liam died, the internet was ablaze with news: Billionaire Crime Boss Proposes to Blackwood Heiress, Celeste Blackwood. Fireworks painted the city sky, dazzling and extravagant. Hundreds of private jets had flown in the freshest roses, followed by the purchase of a ‘Heart of the Ocean’ diamond worth hundreds of millions. All because the spoiled Blackwood princess, Celeste, had, in a fit of pique with the crime boss Dominic Vance, publicly announced her “poor” boyfriend on social media. So, the crime boss had spent a fortune to win back his ‘princess.’ In the end, Celeste was “touched” by Dominic’s grand gesture. They reconciled, a ‘fairytale romance’ celebrated across social networks, showered with blessings. And my brother, the princess’s “poor” boyfriend, became the sole sacrifice. Accused and vilified by countless strangers. Unable to endure the cyberbullying, Liam begged Celeste to clear his name. Instead, she had her men break his limbs, shatter his teeth, and cut out his tongue. He was thrown into a dark, forgotten basement, left to starve to death, then his body was dumped off a cliff. The ‘prince and princess’ love story concluded with the “poor” medical student’s dreams shattered, leading to a “fragile” suicide off a cliff. The internet cheered, celebrating his demise. Knowing the truth, I immediately smiled and signed Celeste’s multi-million dollar settlement. Everyone called me cold-blooded and heartless, saying I was just like my brother, profiting from his tragedy. I just smiled at their gossip and whispers. No one understood my hatred, and I didn’t expect anyone to avenge us. Before I had power, I could only lay low, forcing a smile. True atonement requires feeling the same pain you inflicted. I took the millions in compensation and went abroad. Plastic surgery, skin grafts, liposuction, breast augmentation, even intimate reconstructive surgery. I dedicated myself to learning every skill I needed. I endured hundreds of procedures for a flawless face. I could go three days and nights without rest, mastering a new language. In two years, I transformed myself into a completely different person. A perfect, flawless face, a devilishly sculpted body, possessing both innocence and allure as if born with it. Far more beautiful than Celeste Blackwood. For these two years, I’d been like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, observing Celeste’s every move. Every post, every news article, I could recite by heart. I watched her flaunt her global limited-edition bags and jewels, watched her receive Dominic Vance’s extravagant proposal. Each piece of information fueled my deepening hatred. It made me crazy like wanting to kill them. Why did they get to invade my life like demons? Why did she get to live such a dazzling, bright life while my brother died so tragically? I wouldn’t forgive. One day, I would make her crawl at my feet, begging for mercy. Dominic Vance, the crime boss, was her greatest asset. I would make her lose his protection entirely. I would use every means to make Dominic abandon her, despise her. I would personally break every one of her wings. My chance to get close to Dominic came quickly. They had barely announced their engagement when a fierce argument erupted. That very night, Celeste posted photos on social media of herself abroad, partying with male models. Their usual cat-and-mouse game: she’d run, he’d chase; she’d throw a tantrum, he’d coax her back. No matter how outrageous or over-the-line Celeste’s actions were, Dominic always bowed his head first, seemingly cursed to reconcile with her. It didn’t matter. Even if he was cursed, I would cure him of his ‘sickness’ (Celeste), making him my puppet and mine alone. 2. After repeated scouting, I finally caught Dominic at home. I bribed the apartment complex security, then, in a form-fitting strapless dress, clutching my design portfolio, I rushed to his front door. Just as Dominic stepped out to throw trash, I feigned a stumble and collided directly into his arms. A light rain began to patter, water droplets clinging to my hair, making my smooth, fair calves look even more alluring. “Oh! Oh my gosh, I’m so, so sorry!” I flustered, but precisely because of it, my chest was heaving, a torrent of unspoken desire, an infinite temptation. “Who are you?” Dominic’s brows furrowed. He was wearing only gray shorts, his eight-pack abs perfectly sculpted, a clear testament to his impressive physique. “I’m so sorry, I’m a design student, here to pitch my interior design graduation project. I didn’t expect such heavy rain…” “Do you happen to have any interior design needs?” The rain had soaked my light-colored dress, the black lace beneath now barely concealed. Dominic stared at me for a few seconds, his frown deepening, then nodded: “I actually do need some work done recently. Come in, I’ll just change first.” A surge of triumph filled me. I stood awkwardly in the living room, waiting for Dominic to change. “Alright, let’s see these interior designs.” Suddenly, a playful voice sounded from behind me, and someone grabbed me from behind, holding me tightly. His voice sent a shockwave through me, and fear clawed its way up from my gut. Julian Blackwood. Celeste’s brother. The man I would never forget, even in hell. “Let’s see if the art is prettier or the artist.” His hand grew increasingly bold, moving from my waist down to my thigh. “Sir, please don’t. I’m just here to sell my designs.” My voice trembled, soft and weak. “Dressed like that, aren’t you just out to sell yourself? Why play innocent now?” Julian eyed me up and down, a look of contempt on his face, as if I were a piece of meat on a butcher’s block. “Apologies, my friend is a bit out of line. I’ve just seen your designs, they’re quite good, we can use them. My assistant will contact you.” Dominic emerged from his room, taking control of the situation. “You… you really want to use my designs?” I gazed up at Dominic, my expression utterly pathetic. My eyes, glistening with unshed tears, unintentionally revealed my fair, tender neck. “Yes.” “Who do you think Dominic Vance is? Would he lie to you?” Julian clapped Dominic on the shoulder, his eyes still leering suggestively at me. “Then… then could you perhaps pay a deposit?” I acted as if Julian had scared me, trembling as I offered my SnapChat code. Dominic glanced at me, said nothing, and scanned my code to add me. After adding me, I fled Dominic’s mansion as if my life depended on it. Back in my dingy rental, I scrubbed my body relentlessly. Until my skin was raw and red, I finally collapsed into a crying heap. My face could be surgically altered, my skin grafted, but memories couldn’t be erased. The countless moments of torment exploded in my mind. I wanted to flay Julian alive, feast on his flesh, drink his blood. Two years ago, fresh out of college, I was delivering a contract for my boss when I stumbled upon Julian assaulting a young woman. Even though I quickly retreated, Julian found an excuse the next day to call me back. For the sake of my job, I went. But he forced me to kneel and lick his shoes. When I refused, he felt disrespected, and that’s when my torment began. 3. He sabotaged my career, blacklisting me from the industry. He took humiliating photos of me and sent them to my parents, which triggered my father’s asthma attack. My mother, rushing my father to the hospital, got into a car accident, and they both died. He also used his connections to sabotage my brother’s competition. He told me if I didn’t submit, Liam would be next. I was terrified. I couldn’t bear it. I crawled on the floor like a dog, licking his shoes, using my head to open his beer bottles. A bottle shattered against my head, blood pouring down, washing away all my dignity. Liam, discovering what happened, was both heartbroken and furious, but mostly helpless. He knew the Blackwood family was powerful, so he sought help from Celeste. But he didn’t know that the Blackwood siblings were nothing but wolves in human skin, utterly depraved. My brother, in the end, died by Celeste Blackwood’s hand! My tightly clenched fingers turned bluish-white from the force. Endless hatred consumed my soul. I would make them pay a blood debt! Five days after adding Dominic Vance on SnapChat, I finally found another opportunity to approach him. “The castle I built for you is being renovated tomorrow, my little princess. Are you coming over?” Dominic sent this message, tagging Celeste. Immediately after, I received a message from his assistant: a meeting to discuss the renovation plans tomorrow. Clearly, the arrogant Celeste wouldn’t be satisfied with such a mundane apology, and my chance had arrived. I deliberately wore a light-colored, deep-V bodycon dress. Sprayed with an alluring perfume, subtle yet undeniably provocative. When I arrived at the address the assistant had given, I purposely tugged at my neckline, feigning urgency as I walked in. Celeste, as expected, wasn’t there. But Dominic was also nowhere to be found. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a sound. I walked toward it and found Dominic, clearly drunk, collapsed in the basement wine cellar. “Celeste, haven’t I been good to you? Why did you leave me?” I leaned closer to hear what he was saying. “Mr. Vance, you’re drunk.” I bent to help him, my soft cleavage perfectly positioned at his eye level. “You smell so good.” Dominic pressed his entire face against me. I feigned a recoil, shrinking back. Dominic’s large hand grabbed me, pulling me into his embrace. “Celeste, feel this. Don’t you love it?” Dominic guided my hand across his abs. His other hand wasn’t idle, beginning to caress me. “Celeste, your body’s gotten even better.” Dominic’s body grew hotter, and my hand ventured deeper. “Mr. Vance, I’m not… please, no, no…” My words were met with a bite mark on my collarbone. My refusal only seemed to excite Dominic further, like a tireless wolf, taking me again and again. Celeste, you’d never imagine. The man you love most was with me, tirelessly praising me, saying it felt better than before. Even exhausted, he couldn’t bear to take his hands off me. Celeste, you and your brother brought such pain to my entire family. I will make you repay it a hundredfold! First, I’ll steal your man, making you feel the sting of abandonment. Especially from the one you love most – wouldn’t that be fun? As dawn broke, I lay beside Dominic, sleepless through the night. Gazing at him, I traced his outline in the air with my hand. He was so handsome, a pity he was blind to fall for a demon like Celeste. “Celeste.” His voice, hoarse from sleep, spoke her name. Before even opening his eyes, his hands began to wander over me again. “Celeste, you’ve really kept your figure well.” Dominic started to nibble my ear. “Mr. Vance…” 4. I murmured, like a kitten. I couldn’t help it; my voice was hoarse from screaming last night. But it served my purpose perfectly. “Who are you?” Hearing my voice, Dominic instantly woke up, pushing me away with a jolt. Unprepared, I tumbled to the side. He looked at me with a hint of anger: “It’s *you*?!” “Mr. Vance, I’m so sorry. I came over yesterday to discuss the design plans and saw you on the floor. I just wanted to help you up, but you…” I paused, my expression utterly pathetic. “My strength was too little; I couldn’t push you away.” I apologized weakly, inadvertently exposing the bite marks and large bruises on my body. “I… I’m so sorry…” Looking at the disarray of the room, especially the crimson stain on the bedsheets, Dominic’s gaze completely changed. He looked at me with a hint of remorse. I didn’t answer, just sobbed softly. But I knew he was watching me. No man could accidentally take a girl’s virginity and feel no remorse. Especially not Dominic Vance. Perhaps his guilt would be my best weapon. “Mr. Vance, I know you didn’t mean to. What happened between us was an accident. Even though I’ve never been in a relationship and would want a boyfriend like you, I know your heart belongs to someone else. I won’t delude myself. Your hiring me as a designer is already a huge help; I’m very grateful.” Tears streamed down my face; I kept my head bowed. I picked up my clothes from the floor, haphazardly pulling them on, then walked out without looking back. After that day, my bank account kept receiving transfers. I knew it was Dominic’s compensation, but I couldn’t accept it, or my act would be for nothing. I transferred the money, every last cent, back to Dominic’s assistant. “Please tell Mr. Vance I’m very grateful for his kindness. Meeting him already feels like a blessing from above.” After sending the message, no more transfers came, but I wasn’t after money; I was after the “big fish.” For half a month after that night, Dominic made no further moves. Celeste’s address abroad kept changing, meaning they hadn’t reconciled yet. It was time for me to add some more drama to this play. One stormy night, I knocked on Dominic’s door again. My white blouse was now soaked through by the rain, subtly outlining the pink lace bra underneath, clearly revealing the “scenery.” I dragged a huge suitcase, its black color making me appear even more delicate and fragile. Like a lost little bunny, I said pitifully. “Mr. Vance, my landlord suddenly sold the apartment, and I haven’t found anywhere else yet.” “You’re the only person I know here. I’m so sorry to bother you, if it’s inconvenient, I…” I hadn’t finished speaking when I sneezed. I looked up at Dominic, a little embarrassed. My pale face, with a nose red from the cold and cheeks flushed, made me look like a helpless, harmless kitten seeking shelter. “Come in.” “Could I use your bathroom?” I looked down at my semi-transparent top. “I’d like to change.” It was a request he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. “Go to the guest room.” Dominic averted his gaze and turned away. But I saw the way he gulped. “Thank you, Mr. Vance!” I quickly showered and stood before Dominic, holding my wet underwear and bra. “Mr. Vance, do you have somewhere I can hang these to dry?” “Just hang them in the guest room. You can stay here tonight; tomorrow I’ll have my assistant find you a place.” Dominic quickly lowered his head, but his reddened ears betrayed him. 5. “Thank you, Mr. Vance!” I thanked him, my voice sweet. Because I wasn’t wearing a bra, my loose white shirt clearly outlined the curves of my breasts. It was this barely concealed “scenery” that had made Dominic’s ears flush red. Dominic’s master bedroom was upstairs; he lived alone, and the door was currently shut tight. I carried a cup of hot milk and approached Dominic’s bedroom door. “Celeste, isn’t it time you came back now?” “Dominic Vance, I told you, I have a new boyfriend. Unless you personally fly abroad to bring me back, and hold a press conference to apologize in front of the whole country.” “Aren’t you afraid I’ll find another girlfriend?” “No, I’m not! How dare you! Without me, where would you be today, Dominic Vance?” Celeste had always been the little princess of her family. With a doting brother, she was perpetually pampered and haughty, believing everyone in the world should kneel and adore her. Even though she was madly in love with Dominic, treating him as her life, she still used such trials and humiliations to test his sincerity. Dominic, in his early thirties, had become an industry titan in just a few years, thanks to his college romance with the Blackwood heiress. Celeste had given up her chance to marry into another wealthy family for Dominic, and had used all her resources to help his career soar. Such a deep connection, even if Dominic no longer needed the Blackwood family, remained his deepest emotional attachment. But even the strongest bonds can’t withstand repeated erosion. “Bang!” A crashing sound came from the master bedroom. My chance had arrived. What man wouldn’t want a doting and compliant wife? I deliberately dropped the hot milk, the sound of breaking glass attracting Dominic’s attention. “What are you doing here?” He was blaming me for eavesdropping! “I’m so sorry, Mr. Vance, I just wanted to bring you a cup of hot milk. I have nothing else to repay you with, and seeing you still awake so late, I just wanted to do what little I could.” I bowed my head low, almost to the floor, my voice growing softer with each word. “Thank you for your trouble,” Dominic’s tone softened with a hint of apology. I gently shook my head, preparing to turn and leave. “Did you hear anything just now?” Dominic’s voice came from behind me. “Actually, I think Miss Blackwood must love you very much!” After a few seconds of silence, I turned to face his intense and handsome face. “Only when someone loves deeply do they resort to such methods, repeatedly testing their place in your heart.” “You have no dating experience, yet your theoretical knowledge is solid.” A faint smile touched Dominic’s lips. “Women are all like that, but sometimes excessive testing can also hurt the other person, just like you’re hurting now, Mr. Vance,” I said, a gentle smile on my lips, soft as moonlight. “Then tell me, what’s a good way to resolve this?” He seemed intrigued, stepping out of the master bedroom to stand beside me. “I think if Miss Blackwood also experienced the same pain, if she felt exactly what you’re feeling now, she’d surely never cause you headaches again.” My heart pounded furiously. I wasn’t sure where Dominic’s bottom line was regarding Celeste, but I had to take this risk. “Are you saying, like Celeste, I should deliberately find a girlfriend to make her jealous?” Dominic’s tone suddenly sharpened. I felt nervous, unsure if it would work. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Vance, I overstepped,” I quickly lowered my head, biting my lower lip, then looked up at him. “So, will you help me?” 6. Dominic asked. My heart swelled with relief! I’d won the gamble! “If it’s for you, Mr. Vance, then I’m willing.” I blinked my eyes, like a docile kitten. Celeste, the thought of you soon experiencing this pain, it’s truly exhilarating! The next day, my Ins account was flooded! “Bitch, how shameless can she be? Steals someone’s boyfriend and then goes public!” “She does have some looks, maybe Mr. Vance just wants a change of pace.” “She can’t even compare to one of Celeste Blackwood’s toenails! She’ll be dumped by Mr. Vance sooner or later!” First thing this morning, Dominic had publicly announced his new girlfriend on social media. He had actually adopted my suggestion. I woke up in the Vance residence that morning, Dominic already gone. His assistant knocked on the guest room door. “Miss Miller, Mr. Vance arranged a villa for you in the suburbs, for you to stay at temporarily. We should get going, otherwise, Miss Blackwood might get upset if she finds you here.” “Okay, please wait downstairs for me.” As I answered the assistant, I secretly tucked my freshly laundered underwear and bra from last night under the guest room pillow. Celeste Blackwood would be upset? Good. I would find a way to make her furious! The assistant took me to a remote villa in the suburbs. “Miss Miller, this is Mr. Vance’s private villa. He said you could stay here temporarily as compensation for your help. If he needs you again in the future, he’ll let you know.” The villa looked like it hadn’t been lived in for a long time; dust covered the furniture. I lay on the sofa and opened Celeste Blackwood’s Ins again. She had deleted all posts related to Dominic from her social media. “Don’t be sad, Princess Celeste, your fans will always love you!” “Yeah, what right does that bitch Aria Miller have to compare herself to our Princess Celeste?” “Can no one seriously dox this disgusting woman? She’s so annoying!” There were thousands of comments from fans, but Celeste, who always interacted with them, hadn’t replied to a single one. It seemed the heiress was truly heartbroken. Dominic had merely announced a new girlfriend on Ins out of spite, and she was this devastated. I really wanted to know what would happen if she found out Dominic had slept with another woman. Would she explode? I sent a photo of my underwear and bra, drying in Dominic Vance’s home, to Celeste. “Who are you?” Celeste replied instantly. “How do you have pictures of my house?” Her chat window kept flashing. I ignored all her messages. Celeste Blackwood, this is just the beginning. Don’t worry, I’ll slowly take everything from you: your money, your love, and your arrogant pride! As I expected, Celeste couldn’t sit still. The day after Dominic announced his new girlfriend on Ins, she immediately returned home. Celeste didn’t even drop her luggage before rushing to my villa. With her were Julian Blackwood and several burly bodyguards. Those siblings were demons! They always reveled in tormenting others! Now, with a “justifiable reason,” they certainly wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity. I was tied to a chair in the villa, my cheeks already slapped dozens of times. “Hmph! I thought Dominic Vance would find some woman of substance, but it’s just this disgusting trash!” Celeste hurled the underwear I’d left at the Blackwood family residence onto my face. “You think a few good looks give you the right to steal what’s mine?! You don’t deserve him!” She forcefully yanked my hair, forcing my head back to meet her gaze. My face contorted in agony. I had to live. I had to get my revenge. “You’re just relying on that face, aren’t you? I’ll scratch it up now, let’s see how arrogant you can be then!” 7. Celeste snatched a knife from a bodyguard, intending to disfigure my face. “I’m going to carve ‘home-wrecker’ all over your face, so everyone who sees you knows exactly what you are!” Celeste’s smile was utterly twisted. I watched the blade draw closer, unable to stop my trembling. From the moment I decided on revenge, I’d imagined countless scenarios like this. She cared so much about Dominic; she wouldn’t let any woman who got close to him off the hook. This path was always treacherous. Since I’d have to face it sooner or later, why not now? “You’re doing this to me purely out of jealousy. You’re jealous that Dominic loves me.” I sneered at Celeste. I couldn’t beg. My brother had knelt before the Blackwood siblings, only to receive the worst possible outcome. Devils don’t care about the lives of ants! I would provoke her, deceive her. Once she was convinced Dominic loved me, I would execute my carefully laid plan! Hearing my words, Celeste flew into a rage, her fists and feet assaulting me. “Jealousy? What kind of pathetic dog are you! You think you’re worthy of my jealousy?” “You’re nothing but a replacement! Dominic would never genuinely love you!” Celeste screamed. A sarcastic smile played on my lips. “But yesterday, when Dominic held me, he kept saying he loved me. He even said I was far more beautiful than you.” Celeste heard my words, trembling with fury. “Celeste, calm down. This woman is just trying to provoke you. She knows she’s not getting out alive, so she’s trying to get a quick death. Don’t make it easy for this bitch.” Julian Blackwood grabbed Celeste’s hand. “Did you hear that? Dominic said she had a better body than me! I’m going to kill her!” Celeste tore her hand from Julian’s, her eyes filled with venomous malice, screaming as she swung the knife at me. I twisted my body to the side, dodging the sharp blade. She believed it. She believed Dominic had slept with me, believed Dominic loved me! “Dominic and I have been together for a long time, many times. He said he likes me, he loves me! We made love fiercely in *your* house.” I had to add more fuel to the fire. Celeste took the bait. She began to scream furiously, even collapsing to the floor in her rage. “Did you hear that? Did you hear what she said? I’m going to kill her! I’m going to kill her right now, immediately!” Julian Blackwood cracked his knuckles, striding towards me. “Go ahead, kill me. Then I’ll become Dominic’s eternal love, always living in his heart. He’ll never forget me.” Hearing my words, Julian paused. Julian was different from his sister; besides being a demon, he was also a shrewd businessman. He was weighing the pros and cons. He feared Dominic truly loved me. He couldn’t afford to have another woman permanently lodged in Dominic’s heart. That would be a huge threat to the Blackwood family’s standing. Celeste was still raving, screaming and running towards me. This time, Julian intercepted her. “Don’t stop me! I’m going to kill this woman!” “Celeste, listen to me. What if Dominic really did fall for this woman? If we kill her, she’ll just stay in his heart forever. That’s not good for anyone.” A glint of cunning flashed in Julian’s eyes as he spoke. “Besides, killing her would be letting her off too easy.” “Then what should we do?” 8. Celeste stopped screaming about killing me. Between her eyebrows, alongside the fury, was a hint of sorrow. It seemed she truly believed my words. “Who would love a tattered rag?” Julian Blackwood’s lips curled into a mysterious smile. I was bound hand and foot and thrown into the back of Julian Blackwood’s luxury car. Celeste, meanwhile, drove off in another car in the opposite direction. “You might fool Celeste, but you won’t fool me, you bitch!” Julian suddenly spoke. “Mr. Vance really has fallen in love with me.” “You’re nothing but his plaything. That’s how it is in our rich world; every man has a few trinkets around. A passing fancy, tossed aside once he gets bored.” Julian’s tone was smug and utterly shameless, as if he were boasting. “Even if I’m a plaything, I’m his favorite plaything. You’ve never seen how he looks at me, so how can you be so certain?” “Fine! We’ll see how Dominic Vance treats you in a bit.” Julian brought me to a private party. He had someone change me into a sheer black negligee; one wrong move and I’d be exposed. Julian eyed me up and down. “Your body is quite good, indeed. I wonder if your screams will be just as delightful later.” “Bring her up.” Two burly men dragged me upstairs; I had no chance to resist. Earlier, on the way, while Julian went to the restroom, I’d used his phone to send Dominic a distress text. Now, all I could do was hope Dominic saw it. There were about ten men at the table, all over fifty, bald and pot-bellied. From the moment I walked in, I felt like prey. “Gentlemen, tonight, I, Julian Blackwood, am treating you all, and I’ve brought a rare beauty. You can enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content.” Like merchandise for display, I was placed in the center of the round table for everyone to scrutinize. “A beauty indeed.” A greasy hand began to caress my thigh. My stomach churned with revulsion. I backed away a few steps, trying to escape that hand. “Still trying to dodge, are we? I’m giving you too much credit!” The hand moved from my leg to my face. My cheek stung with a fiery pain. Retreating didn’t solve my predicament; it only pushed me further into the lion’s den. A man with yellowed teeth embraced me from behind. “Oh, come on, Mr. King, don’t be so rough! You’ll scare my little beauty.” “Here, drink this.” He held a glass of liquor to my lips. I turned my head away, not wanting any contact with the foul-breathed man. That only piqued his interest. He poured the drink down my collarbone, then began to follow the path of the liquid with his lips. “Mr. Li really knows how to have fun!” The group began to egg him on. My constant attempts to pull away angered “Mr. Li.” He grabbed my wrist. “Don’t play hard to get! Do you want to die?” Julian Blackwood watched it all with a playful smirk, then suddenly spoke: “Mr. Li, don’t be angry. Aria has many talents. How about she performs a striptease for everyone?” “Great idea!” The others echoed. I glared at Julian, wanting to devour him alive. He had once again thrown me into such a humiliating situation. “If you refuse, I’ll kill you now. Then I’ll tell Dominic Vance you died during a group game.” He whispered in my ear, his tone dripping with certainty. I couldn’t die. I had to get my revenge. I had to see the Blackwood siblings dragged to hell! 9. “Excellent suggestion, Mr. Blackwood! A striptease is only good if she strips completely!” A man nearing seventy declared. Tears of humiliation welled up, unstoppable. “Haha, this woman’s even hotter when she cries. Let her cry and dance!” “Why not just strip now? I can’t wait.” “No, no, taking it off piece by piece is much more exciting.” One man said, setting up a camera, its lens aimed directly at me. They pushed me to the center of the round table, their disgusting hands like whips. Each strike flayed me, leaving my skin raw and bleeding. “Strip, strip, strip!” The men’s chants grew louder. I was a lamb to the slaughter. This feeling was worse than death. I could only pull down my dress zipper, my movements stiff, as I began to dance. “What’s all the commotion about?” Dominic Vance had arrived. He stood in a black suit, exuding a refined, elegant aura. To me, he was like a savior descending. The tightly coiled spring in my heart finally snapped. All strength seemed to drain from my body, and I collapsed onto the table. “Help Miss Miller down,” Dominic’s tone was firm, brooking no refusal. His gaze held a hint of apology as he looked at me. “Mr. Vance, what brings you here?” The greasy men instantly began to bow and scrape, fawning as they cleared the main seat. “So, you’re the ones who wanted my girlfriend to perform a striptease?” Dominic stood tall, his presence powerful enough to silence everyone in the room. “Mr. Blackwood, why didn’t you tell us Aria was Mr. Vance’s girlfriend?” The greasy man’s face flushed crimson. Caught between two powerful figures he couldn’t afford to offend, he could only grin and bear it. Dominic draped his jacket over me. He took my hand and led me to sit in the main seat. “Since you all enjoy stripteases so much, go ahead. You perform for us!” Dominic’s gaze swept over every person in the room. “Starting with Mr. Li.” The men exchanged nervous glances, looking from one to another, but no one moved. Dominic’s brow furrowed slightly. “My patience is limited. I’ve long considered acquiring your companies. If not for Mr. Blackwood’s guarantee, I doubt any of you would be here today.” “Right away, right away!” Mr. Li stood in the center of the round table, beginning to strip off his clothes piece by piece, gyrating awkwardly. The scene was utterly grotesque, yet no one dared to laugh. Then came Mr. King, then the man with the camera. They each took their turn performing the striptease, offering apologies before they were finally allowed to leave. Dominic took my hand, ready to depart. Julian Blackwood exhaled a puff of smoke, saying to Dominic, “Dominic Vance, be careful. This woman isn’t as simple as she seems.” He sounded like he was warning Dominic, and perhaps warning me too. Had he seen something? Only Dominic and I remained in the car. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? After I got your message, I searched every bar and club in the city, one by one, until now. But thankfully, it’s not too late. What would you have done if I’d arrived later?” His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his voice laced with apology, regret, and anger. I bit down hard on my lip, my mouth filled with the taste of blood. “What could I have done?” “Miss Blackwood is your fiancée. Would you really fight with her over me?” My voice trembled uncontrollably, and then I lowered my head and wept. Dominic sighed deeply: “You’re right. I can’t argue with Celeste over you. I’ll give you a sum of money; you can go live somewhere else.” “If I go somewhere else, will Miss Blackwood really let me go?” 10. My crying made my voice sound a little hoarse. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my flesh, my hands and body covered in blood. He knew Celeste Blackwood’s character better than I did. He knew that even if I fled to the ends of the earth, Celeste wouldn’t let me go. “I’m scared!” After a moment of silence, I turned and threw myself into Dominic’s arms, my voice soft. His body stiffened; he didn’t embrace me back. But I knew he must be feeling guilty. How could he not feel remorse, having accidentally brought such humiliation upon an innocent girl? Guilt is the beginning of betrayal. Celeste, the man you love is about to fall completely in love with me. “Mr. Vance, I’m truly terrified.” I whispered, sobbing in his arms. No man could resist a vulnerable little rabbit crying in his arms, her nose red. I looked up and kissed the corner of his mouth. “Sir, I’m scared. Please don’t send me away, okay? I just want to stay by your side.” I leaned my mouth close to his ear, whispering my plea: “Please, don’t send me away. I’ll do anything you want.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and straddled him, sitting on his lap. I started to cry and gently kiss him at the same time. The atmosphere in the car grew increasingly heated, and soon, sparks flew, and things escalated quickly. It wasn’t until faint dawn that he took me to another residence. “You can stay here for now,” His voice was calm, completely different from how he’d been in the car last night. “Will you come to see me?” Dominic’s silence was my only answer. The spoiled princess Celeste Blackwood and Dominic Vance reconciled once again, becoming another celebrated couple. But I knew the cracks couldn’t be mended. There were fissures between them, and Dominic’s heart no longer belonged entirely to Celeste. The plan to steal everything Celeste loved was now truly beginning. I began to diligently refine my aesthetic sense, studying design to elevate my skills. I used the money Dominic gave me to enroll in the best design classes. The Blackwood family had made its fortune in interior design. Arthur Blackwood and his wife were formidable figures in the industry. Alas, their son and daughter inherited none of their talent, showing no aptitude for design or art. At this moment, I was browsing a notice seeking a designer to be hired at great expense. During this time, I had been consistently updating my portfolio on social media. Coupled with Dominic Vance’s public announcement of me as his girlfriend some time ago, my account had gained a modest following. The tone of the comments section began to shift. “I think Aria’s designs are really good, she has genuine artistic talent.” “Am I the only one who thinks Aria is much prettier than Celeste Blackwood, and more elegant, better suited to be Dominic’s girlfriend?” “Exactly, her designs perfectly blend artistry, aesthetic appeal, and practicality!” While my social media comments and follower count still couldn’t rival Celeste’s, this was enough confidence for me to submit my resume to Blackwood Industries. I sent my latest design proposal, “The Vance Collection,” to Blackwood Industries, deliberately hinting at a combination of Dominic’s and my own names. The email received a swift reply. Arthur Blackwood, Celeste’s father, personally called me, expressing his admiration for my work and hoping I could come to Blackwood Industries for a more detailed discussion. Arthur Blackwood’s office was large, and I sat on a soft leather sofa. Arthur Blackwood, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, exuded the air of an artist. “Mr. Blackwood, I believe Blackwood Industries’ target clients are primarily the wealthy. The affluent appreciate differentiation. We can leverage differentiation while incorporating some vibrant, flamboyant elements. This will strongly appeal to younger client demographics.” A faint smile played on my lips, making me appear poised and elegant. “Miss Miller is absolutely right. I’ve reviewed your designs, and they possess a strong appeal to younger generations, which is precisely what Blackwood Industries needs right now. I’m very impressed.” Arthur Blackwood’s eyes were full of admiration for me. He pushed an employment contract across the table. “I hope Miss Miller will accept this contract and allow us to collaborate with sincere cooperation.” The compensation outlined in the contract was exceptionally generous. “You shameless bitch, what are you doing here?” Celeste Blackwood burst in, fuming.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “299139”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #励志Inspiring #玄幻Fantasy

The grand engagement ceremony played out on TV. Everyone was celebrating Alexander Thorne and Serena Davies’ wedding. “Mr. Thorne and Ms. Davies are truly a match made in heaven. Let’s send them our sincerest wishes for eternal love and happiness!” A thunderous applause erupted, and then, the couple exchanged engagement rings. The TV station zoomed in on Serena’s ring. A massive, emerald-cut diamond ring, its exorbitant cost immediately apparent. I watched the TV, finishing the last of my instant noodles. I watched my own boyfriend smiling at another woman, doting on her without reservation. That ring was supposed to be mine. After that intimate night, Alex had taken the ring out to show me. “Do you like it?” I nodded ecstatically, yet a trace of worry lingered. “Won’t this be incredibly expensive?” Alex chuckled. “For the Thorne family, what’s a little expense? Izzy, don’t worry about any of that. Just prepare to marry me.” At that moment, I was overjoyed that our five-year relationship was finally leading somewhere. In my heart, I was already fantasizing about the beautiful days ahead. But after Serena came back, I realized I was nothing. I was just a replaceable substitute, discardable at any moment. “Your flight is scheduled to depart on the 31st at 2:31 PM. Please prepare accordingly.” I finished reading the text and turned off my phone. All these years, I had given up everything to stay by Alex’s side, even abandoning my own dreams. Now, it was fine. I could pursue them again. It wasn’t until late that night that Alex came home. He fumbled his way onto the bed, embracing the warm body beside him. “Sleeping so early tonight? Hmm?” He woke me. I slowly turned over. “I’m tired.” Alex kissed my forehead, his hand beginning to roam. I stiffened, avoiding his touch. “I’m not feeling well. Let’s just skip it tonight.” Alex’s hand paused, then he let me go. “Are you upset?” I didn’t answer. No woman would be happy seeing her boyfriend get engaged to another woman. “Izzy, don’t throw a childish tantrum. It’s just an engagement.” A pang of bitterness hit me. *Just an engagement.* I had waited five years and never even got an engagement. Alex had never even been willing to take me to meet his family. But two years ago, at my birthday dinner, Alex was singing “Happy Birthday” to me one moment. The next, he took a call and rushed out the door without a single explanation. Leaving me alone and awkward at my own party. Everyone curiously asked who the girl on the phone was, but I couldn’t answer. I later found out it was Serena, his first love, whom he couldn’t have in his youth. And I? I was nothing more than a forgotten shadow. The true first love had returned, and the forgotten shadow was insignificant. Serena had only been back for three months, and Alex had already introduced her to all his friends. That took me five years to achieve. Later, Alex forcefully introduced Serena to everyone, including his parents. He made it clear that with him there, no one would dare hurt Serena. Then came the engagement, so extravagant, because he loved Serena so much, he wouldn’t let her suffer even the slightest inconvenience. It was only then that I truly understood: Alex had never loved *me*. Our relationship would never have a future.

When I woke up, Alex was already gone. I got up and packed my things into a suitcase. Yesterday, Alex told me to be more understanding. He said the engagement was just to give Serena a guarantee for her future; otherwise, she’d have no one else to rely on but him. But what about me? I felt like I only had Alex to rely on too. And now, not even Alex. Today was our five-year anniversary. A sliver of hope I didn’t even know I still held lingered in my heart. No matter what, I wanted to bring this relationship to a proper end. So I bought a lot of groceries and cooked a feast, all Alex’s favorite dishes. Over the years, it had become a habit. What Alex liked, what he disliked – it was all etched into my heart. “I’ve cooked dinner. Are you coming back to eat?” For the past four anniversaries, Alex had remembered. He’d buy me flowers, all sorts of gifts. Only today, I waited until the food grew cold, until the sun set. Alex didn’t come home, and he didn’t even send me a single text. My heart felt as thoroughly chilled as the meal on the table. I slowly ate the food, mouthful by mouthful, but for some reason, the more I ate, the saltier it tasted. “Izzy, your father is a bit tight on cash lately. Could you send some money over?” As soon as I finished cleaning up the dishes, I got a call from my father. “I don’t have any money.” My father had a gambling addiction. I’d give him small amounts, but never large sums. That would only feed his addiction, making it worse. “What about Alex? He’s so rich, tell him to give you some! I’m his father-in-law, he can’t refuse me, can he?” Listening to his utterly entitled words, my grip on the phone slowly tightened. Every time, every single time, it was like this. Why did no one ever think about me? A deep sense of fatigue washed over me. “I’m breaking up with Alex, Dad. I don’t have any money, and you shouldn’t gamble anymore.” “Breaking up? Are you crazy? If you break up with Alex, where will you find someone as good? You’ve been with him for five years, who would want you now?” If I didn’t know this man was my own father, I’d think these were words only an enemy would utter. “He’s marrying someone else. I won’t give you any more money, and don’t call me again.” I didn’t want to talk to my father anymore. The phone slipped weakly from my hand. I slid uncontrollably down the wall. My sleeves were soaked with tears. The conflicting emotions in my heart threatened to swallow me whole. It wasn’t until Alex came home. “What are you doing sitting here?” He asked. I raised my hand to shield my eyes. Having been in the dark for so long, the light was somewhat blinding. I didn’t answer, unsure what to say. Alex pulled me to my feet, then noticed the suitcase in the living room. He raised an eyebrow. “Packed so much? Where are you planning to go?” I finally spoke slowly. “To clear my head.” Alex snorted. “If you want to clear your head, go ahead. Just remember to come back.” He was calm, completely confident I wouldn’t leave him. And why wouldn’t he be? For five years, I had taken such meticulous care of Alex; this man seemed to be the sole purpose of my life. “Izzy, don’t play these ‘running away’ games just because you’re mad at me. You know that doesn’t work on me.” “I already gave your father the twenty thousand he wanted.” With that, Alex walked straight to the bedroom and lay down. I froze, a suffocating wave of profound humiliation engulfing me.

Alex never gave me any explanation about the anniversary. It wasn’t until I found Serena’s private Ins account. I couldn’t help but snoop on Serena, wanting to see what kind of woman Alex had fallen for. And there it was: on our anniversary, Alex was at an amusement park with Serena. They wore matching headbands, smiling at the camera. Alex looked down at Serena, his gaze incredibly doting. “My fiancé spoils me so much~” That was Serena’s caption. I was mesmerized. Serena was beautiful. Unlike me, Serena seemed exceptionally cheerful. I, however, was a bit quiet, not very talkative. That day, Alex spent the entire day with Serena. I remembered going to an amusement park with Alex once. I had begged Alex to go. Seeing other couples take so many beautiful photos, I had the same idea. Alex initially refused, saying he was too busy with work. But I persisted, and he eventually agreed. Yet, when I placed the cat-ear headband on his head, he snatched it off. “Why would a man like me wear something like this?” So our photo only showed me, awkwardly standing beside him with cat ears, and an annoyed Alex. I thought Alex was just naturally like that, so I comforted myself, believing he treated everyone the same way. Until I saw how he was with Serena. Only then did I understand he just didn’t love *me*. I turned off my phone and blocked Serena’s account. Since I had made up my mind, there would be no more lingering attachment. “If you ask Alex for money again, I’ll end my life.” After sending that text to my father, I continued packing. “I’m hungry, Izzy. Why didn’t you bring me lunch today?” After everything was packed, I received a message from Alex. His stomach wasn’t good, and he didn’t like food from outside; he only liked what I cooked. I had been delivering his meals for five years. I still went to buy groceries and cook. After all, Alex had given my father quite a bit of money; I couldn’t just stop doing it. The kitchen was filled with cooking fumes. Afraid Alex would be impatient waiting, I quickly changed my clothes and left. When I arrived at the company, I went upstairs, but I noticed people looking at me with varied expressions. I didn’t understand, only wanting to complete my task quickly, so I naturally didn’t hear the employees discussing behind me. “Isn’t she the one who delivers food from the restaurant?” A colleague scoffed. “New here, are you? That’s Mr. Thorne’s ex-girlfriend. Too bad, she never even got a proper title after all these years.” Unaware of their whispers, I went upstairs and pushed open the office door. “I brought you lunch…” Only to see Serena sitting in Alex’s lap. Her lips were glistening, making it obvious what had just happened. Serena seemed a bit shy and immediately stood up when she saw me. Serena was wearing the latest designer fashion, and on her finger was that emerald-cut diamond ring. Alex looked at me with a hint of impatience. “Why didn’t you knock before coming in? Have you forgotten your manners?” Serena immediately smoothed things over. “Alex, why are you being so hard on her? She just forgot to knock.” Alex immediately fell silent. Serena walked up to me. She wore a faint, expensive perfume, while I, having just cooked at home, reeked of cooking fumes. In my haste to leave, I had thrown on old clothes bought from a discount mall two years ago. “Hello, I’m Serena Davies. Thank you for bringing the food.” I thought my heart wouldn’t feel any ripple anymore. But at that moment, an unbearable sadness still overwhelmed me.

I don’t know how I left the company. Only then did I understand what everyone was whispering about. They were probably saying how all my hard work over the years had ended with me being discarded. I went home and slept with my head buried under the covers until the next day. That day, Alex didn’t come home. “Izzy, come to the studio.” I received a text from my mentor after I woke up and immediately rushed to the studio. I studied design. My mentor once said I was extremely talented and hoped I would study abroad. But at the time, I met Alex, and madly, irrevocably fell into that relationship, giving up the opportunity to go abroad. My mentor had sighed over it for ages. Now that I decided to study abroad, she was naturally very happy. When I arrived at the studio, my mentor was drawing, and a young man stood beside her. “Izzy, you’re here? This is Liam Thorne. You two will be going abroad together this time. Come and meet him.” I hadn’t known there would be someone else and felt a little nervous. But the man extended his hand first. “Nice to meet you, Izzy.” His hand was large, with well-defined knuckles. Liam looked at me, smiling, a charming and poised demeanor. “Hello.” My mentor finished her drawing and patted my shoulder. “It’s good to go together, you can look out for each other. Exchange contact info and communicate more. Izzy, you must seize this opportunity this time.” Knowing my mentor only wanted what was best for me, I felt a rare warmth and nodded emphatically. My mentor had other things to attend to, so Liam suggested they have dinner together. His sincere invitation was hard to refuse. So we went to a French restaurant. “Izzy, this place is really good, I come here often.” I smiled. “Then I’ll eat a lot. Speaking of which, why do you want to go to Germany too?” Liam poured me a glass of water. “Someone I like is going, so I’m going too.” I looked at the young man before me, lamenting how wonderful youth was, before love soured. We chatted happily, our design philosophies aligned. The cheerful atmosphere, however, was broken by a voice. “What are you two doing here?” It was Alex. Serena stood beside him. For a moment, I didn’t know what to do. Liam stood up. “Uncle Alex, Izzy and I are just having dinner.” He spoke candidly, and my eyes widened in shock. “He’s your uncle?” Liam nodded. Alex glanced at him, then looked at me. “What do you two have to talk about over dinner?” I was about to answer, but I saw the obvious defensiveness in Alex’s eyes. Alex’s parents had never met me. He was afraid I might use Liam to tell others about our relationship. That would only humiliate Serena. Before I could speak, Liam interjected. “Izzy and I share the same professor; we’re just discussing some design issues.” I remained silent. Alex’s guard dropped. He then gave me a deep look. “Just discussing design, Izzy. You two have a good chat.” He specifically emphasized “good chat.” I gave a bitter smile. I hadn’t planned on saying anything anyway. Alex finished speaking and left with Serena. “Alex, wasn’t that girl the restaurant delivery person?” Serena asked curiously. So, he had never told Serena about our relationship.

“Izzy, is the food not to your taste?” I shook my head. “It’s delicious, but I usually don’t eat much.” Liam drove me home. He didn’t ask any more questions, only said: “There are plenty of good men in the world. Sometimes, there’s no need to cling to one person, even if that person is Alex Thorne.” He showed none of the deference he had displayed when we met Alex at the restaurant earlier. I looked up at him, my eyes wide. “You… you know?” Liam chuckled softly. “Not just me, everyone in the Thorne family knows. It’s just that Alex never mentioned it, so they pretended not to know.” I fell silent. When we arrived home, as I was about to get out of the car, Liam leaned closer. The pleasant scent of cedarwood filled the air. I froze, but Liam merely removed a fallen leaf from my shoulder. “Izzy, I’m really looking forward to our time in Germany.” I didn’t understand what he meant and hastily tried to get out of the car. Liam calmly got out and opened the car door for me. “Thank you for driving me home. I’ll go now.” I didn’t know what I was thinking; I just inexplicably wanted to escape. But Liam grabbed my hand. “Izzy, sleep well.” Then, he released my hand. I scampered upstairs. Liam chuckled softly, got back in his car, and drove away. Perhaps it was because too many things had happened; I was still lost in thought before I fell asleep. In the middle of the night, I came down with a high fever. My head throbbed incessantly, and my throat was as dry as if it were smoking. I forced myself up to get some water, but I felt dizzy and lightheaded and collapsed on the floor. With great difficulty, I picked up my phone and called Alex, my first contact. He didn’t answer the first time, nor the second. On the third call, Alex’s voice came through, laced with irritation. “Why do you keep calling? I’m busy.” I could hear a girl crying in the background; I vaguely heard what sounded like Serena’s voice. “She’s clearly your ex-girlfriend. If my friend hadn’t told me, how long were you planning to hide it from me?” My throat was parched, but I managed to squeeze out a few words. “I’m sick…” Before I could finish, Alex interrupted. “If you’re sick, find a doctor. I’m still busy.” With that, he hung up. I couldn’t hold on any longer and passed out. In my daze, I thought I saw someone pick me up. “Izzy, I’ll take you to the hospital.” What happened after that, I don’t know. Until I opened my eyes. The smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and the sunlight was a bit blinding. There was no one else in the hospital room but me. There wasn’t even a single message on my phone. A wave of loneliness washed over me. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, staring blankly at the ceiling. The door quietly opened. Liam came in, carrying breakfast, and smiled at me. “Izzy, it’s those soup dumplings you love!” For some reason, I felt like crying. If I were to go abroad with Liam, perhaps it wouldn’t be so lonely after all. Anyway, nothing could be worse than how things were now.

When Alex arrived, Liam was feeding me. I felt awkward but couldn’t resist Liam’s insistence on feeding me, saying I was a patient. “I’ll do it.” Alex sensed something was off and snatched the bowl from Liam’s hand. “Liam, thank you for taking care of Izzy. I was busy yesterday and couldn’t make it.” Alex said, then fed me a spoonful of porridge. I nearly scalded my mouth. Liam had always blown on it to cool it down before feeding it to me. Seeing that I was scalded, Alex put the bowl aside. Liam spoke in a flat voice. “Isn’t my aunt-in-law Serena?” Alex took a deep breath. “Serena just returned to the country. Her parents are gone. No one can protect her except me. The engagement is just a temporary arrangement to help her.” “Otherwise, how could she gain a foothold?” Liam said nothing, but his sarcasm was evident. I no longer believed those words. When I went to the office that day, they were clearly kissing. “Alex Thorne! Is this how you treat me?!” Serena stood at the doorway of the hospital room, tears streaming down her face, looking at Alex. She didn’t seem to have just arrived; she had probably heard everything. “You promised you’d marry me! You said I was the one you loved most! You lied to me!” With that, she covered her face and ran out. Alex was uncharacteristically flustered. He stood up, about to chase after her. But I grabbed his hand. “Alex Thorne, you love her, and you’re going to marry her, aren’t you?” Alex’s head throbbed. “Izzy, don’t make things difficult for me right now. Whatever it is, I’ll talk to you when I get back.” I immediately let go, earning a look of approval from Alex. “Liam, take care of her.” With that, Alex rushed out. Five years of affection, easily worn away. Liam picked up the porridge again and fed me. “What’s Uncle Alex thinking?” I replied calmly. “I don’t care anymore.” Liam paused, trying to steady his trembling hand. His heart was pounding. After finishing my meal, I checked out of the hospital. Only five days were left until my departure, and I still had some things to pack. I didn’t have many photos with Alex. I figured Alex probably didn’t want them anyway, so I shredded all of them in the paper shredder. Watching past memories turn into a pile of fragments, I suddenly felt a sense of liberation. By the time everything was packed, Alex returned. He looked tired. Seeing the three suitcases in the living room and the empty bedroom, a nameless rage flared within him, having just appeased Serena. “Packed so neatly. Are you really planning to leave for good?” My cold hadn’t fully recovered, and I spoke with a stuffy nose. “If I don’t leave, how will you marry someone else?” The fire in Alex’s heart burned hotter. He scoffed. “What’s with this act? Who are you doing this for? I told you it was just a temporary arrangement. Izzy, why can’t you just be sensible? I’m already so exhausted. Do I have to come home and take care of you too?” Alex could gently soothe Serena, but I never received such treatment. In the end, I was the one deemed “unreasonable.” I didn’t want to explain, and I didn’t know where to begin. Seeing my silence, Alex laughed. “Fine, fine. Do you really think this can threaten me? That I can’t live without you? If you leave, don’t ever come back!” With that, Alex slammed the door and left. My nose stung, but I held back my tears. I didn’t want to shed another tear for Alex.

Alex didn’t come home for two days straight, and I was content to be on my own. Alex hadn’t allowed me to work all these years, so it had been a long time since I’d drawn design sketches. Holding the pen in my hand felt a bit surreal. Unfortunately, fate didn’t want to grant me such peace for long. “Izzy Miller, you’ve grown quite bold. Don’t you care about your father anymore? You said you’re breaking up with Alex Thorne, but if you really do, will he still give me money? I think you just don’t want to give it to me. I’m giving you one last chance. I’ll be waiting for you at the coffee shop. Bring me three hundred thousand, or I’ll go find Alex Thorne.” After blocking my father’s phone number, he switched to sending texts. Receiving that message, I had no choice but to go. Things were already so bad between Alex and me; I really didn’t want my father to go asking Alex for money again. When I arrived at the coffee shop, my father, William Miller, immediately asked. “Where’s the money? Cash or card?” I spoke expressionlessly. “I don’t have any money.” “You don’t have money? Are you messing with me? You even threatened me, saying you’d end your life if I asked for money again? Are you dead?” Looking at my father’s fierce expression, I didn’t want to give him any more chances. “I’ve told Alex. He won’t give you another penny. We’ve already broken up, and he has no obligation to give you money anymore.” William snorted with laughter. “Trying to lie to your old man? He gave me two hundred thousand last time. I’m asking you, are you giving me the money or not?” “I don’t have money. I can’t give it to you.” The moment I finished speaking, William grabbed me. “I’ll just have to ask him myself if you two really broke up.” William had specifically chosen a coffee shop very close to Alex’s company. He dragged me all the way into the company lobby. “Where’s Alex Thorne? I need to see him!” My clothes were pulled loose, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on the two of us. I was weak and couldn’t break free. “I told you! He doesn’t have money for you! Why do you have to be like this?” I shouted out loud. William ignored me completely. “Alex Thorne! Your father-in-law is here! My daughter followed you for five years, gave you everything, and now you say you’re breaking up? Do you really think us Millers are easy to bully?” Watching the pointing fingers and stares of the crowd, my heart died. The commotion grew too loud. Alex and Serena came down. He frowned. “What’s going on here? All this yelling.” William saw him and immediately broke into a smile. “Son-in-law, my daughter has been with you for so long, and now you’re just breaking up?” Alex started to say something, then glanced at Serena beside him. Seeing Serena’s questioning look, he finally spoke. “Yes, we’ve broken up.” “That won’t do. Izzy gave you the best years of her life. How can you just break up like that?” Alex’s frown deepened. “What do you want, then?” “Give me five million, and this matter is settled. I won’t pursue it further.” The whispers from the onlookers grew louder. Tears streamed uncontrollably from my eyes. I was being bought and sold like a commodity by my own father. Serena said to Alex. “Alex, she’s so pathetic. Why don’t you just give him the money and be done with it?” I looked up, meeting Serena’s pitying gaze. I had no dignity left. Alex was still deliberating. I slowly stood up. “Alex Thorne, we’ve already broken up. You don’t need to give him another penny.” The moment I finished speaking, William’s slap landed on my face. “Do you have a say here? Shut your mouth!” A dead silence settled in my heart.

Alex instinctively wanted to go help. But Serena grabbed his wrist. “Alex, her father looks terrifying.” My face was turned to the side from the impact. I glanced at Alex, but he made no move. I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Love” was truly nothing more than this. “Mr. Thorne, have you decided?” Alex was about to agree. But I spoke in a chilling voice. “If you give him a single penny, I will end my life right here.” Alex had never seen such a look in my eyes. I was always gentle, always compliant. But now, my eyes were as desolate as a bottomless lake. Finally, he said. “I can’t give it to you. Security, please escort this man out.” William was dragged out, still cursing and swearing. “You rich people, what’s a little money to you? This bitch, she only cares about outsiders.” “Everyone back to work! What are you all doing standing around here?” At Alex’s command, everyone scattered like frightened birds. I walked towards the back exit. Missing the complicated gaze Alex cast at my retreating back. “Alex, let’s go upstairs. I was almost scared to death just now.” Serena clutched her chest, looking utterly frightened. In the end, he didn’t come after me. Serena had only just been appeased; he didn’t want his efforts to go to waste. No big deal, he’d just go home tonight and explain everything to me properly. Thinking that, Alex felt it wasn’t such a problem after all. He and Serena went upstairs. I walked numbly down the street, almost getting hit by a car. I found a stone bench and sat down, crying out loud. Five years ago, I met Alex. I chased him for a long time. I chased him until even I felt hopeless, wanting to give up, when Alex finally agreed. I had heard his friends mention Serena. But I naively believed that was the past, and Alex had finally been moved by me. I came from a humble background. My father gambled, and my mother had vanished without a trace long ago. Alex never said anything. He even helped me. I truly believed it was love. Even without marriage, I tried my best to play the role of a dutiful girlfriend. But now, my heart felt shattered into a million pieces, beyond repair. I stayed on the roadside until late at night before dragging my exhausted body home. Two more days, and I would be leaving the country. Now, thinking back, this might be the most correct decision I had ever made. To be able to get away from everything here and start a new life. Returning home and opening the door, Alex, awkwardly wearing an apron, said. “Why are you home so late? The food’s all cold.” I didn’t understand what Alex was doing. “I’m not hungry.” With that, I lay on the bed, quietly digesting my negative emotions. Alex leaned in to kiss me. “Not eating isn’t good for your health. Eat a little.” I pushed him away. “What do you even take me for? Your plaything?” Alex took off the apron. “What kind of talk is that? Wasn’t I just worried you’d be hungry?” “You’re worried I’ll be hungry, but not worried I’d be beaten?” Provoked by my words time and again, Alex’s face hardened. “That’s your father. All of those things were done by him. I gave him so much money, wasn’t that enough?” He cooked dinner and waited for me, only to be treated with cold words. When had Alex ever lowered himself to this extent? Since I wasn’t grateful, he had no need to endure it.

I gave a bitter laugh. “It’s all my fault. Why do I have a father like this? Why do I have a lover like this?” Alex knitted his brows. “Are you serious about breaking up?” I stared blankly at the floor. “What else can I do? I’m not shameless enough to cling to you when you’re already engaged to someone else, am I?” Seeing me like this, a pang of pain shot through Alex’s heart. Yet, he also felt I was being unreasonable. I had him for five years. In those five years, Alex had given me everything he could. But after Serena went abroad, not only was she subjected to domestic violence by her then-husband, but she also lost a child. Serena had no parents; she only had Alex. I, at least, still had family, and five years of his companionship. Why was I never satisfied? “I don’t agree to the breakup.” Alex said firmly. “But you agreed at the time, didn’t you? If we break up, you can take good care of Serena without any worries.” Alex was so angry his stomach hurt. “No matter what you say, I won’t agree.” I had been by his side for a very long time. To him, it was more than just love; it was something deeper. He couldn’t accept losing me. “A breakup doesn’t require your agreement; it’s just a notification.” I said. I had no desire to get entangled in this anymore. If possible, I just wanted to live my own life peacefully. The red and swollen marks from the slap were still on my face, but Alex didn’t care in the slightest. Having been cared for by me for so many years, Alex had come to view me as a habit. But I was a living, breathing person, and I couldn’t remain just a “habit” forever. Seeing my resolve, Alex’s head throbbed. Meanwhile, he hadn’t visited Serena for too long, and she was constantly texting him. He resisted replying. Until Serena sent him a photo of herself. Bruised knees. “Alex, I accidentally fell, it hurts so much, I can’t even walk now. What should I do?” Alex couldn’t sit still anymore. But he had a vague premonition. If I left this time, he would lose me forever. He paced agitatedly in the living room. I watched his phone vibrate incessantly, saw him go from calm to anxious. “If you have something to do, go. Don’t worry about me.” Alex heard me, and then Serena sent another message. “Alex, it’s so dark here, I’m scared.” Alex grabbed his jacket, ready to leave. “I’ll have my assistant come take care of you.” Leaving that one sentence, Alex hurried downstairs. I stood up and pulled a photo from the drawer. It was the one we took at the amusement park. Even though it wasn’t a great picture, no matter how crazy I got, shredding all the others, I’d always kept this one. As a last memento. Back then, I was happy. Alex, though busy, had still accompanied me to the amusement park. I thought that counted as a special preference. Now it seemed I was just too foolish. Picking up a lighter, I set the photo ablaze. The flames illuminated my haggard face. From now on, all grudges, all ties, were finally severed. I slept soundly that night.

I woke up bright and early. I watered all the plants in the house and made myself a hearty breakfast. All my belongings in the bedroom had completely vanished. “Izzy, I’ll pick you up at 12.” It was a message from Liam. I replied with “Okay.” I was leaving the country. Picking up the coffee from the table, I leaned on the balcony, lost in thought. Perhaps things would get better from now on? When Alex returned, this was the scene he walked into. “Izzy, can you stop being mad, please?” He pulled me into his arms from behind. “Once Serena settles in here, I’ll cancel the engagement, but as her guardian, I still have to take care of her.” Listening to Alex’s words, my heart felt not a single ripple anymore. “Alex, do whatever you want, you don’t need to tell me.” Seeing my calm demeanor, Alex thought I had truly come to terms with it. “I’ll talk to my family about marriage, and we’ll have two beautiful babies. Everything will be fine.” With that, he pulled a velvet box from his pocket. “Izzy, didn’t you say you liked this? I had someone bring back an even better one.” It was the ring I had yearned for so much. Alex knelt on one knee and slid the ring onto my ring finger. “Izzy, stay by my side.” I inspected the ring on my hand. It was indeed beautiful, even more stunning than Serena’s. But I didn’t need it anymore. Seeing my expression, Alex kissed my forehead. “I’m off to the company. I’ll be back for dinner tonight.” I didn’t answer. Alex just smiled helplessly. He always thought I’d eventually be appeased, and even if I was angry, I’d eventually get over it myself. Alex left with a relieved mind. I took off the ring and placed it back in the box on the table. It was almost noon. Liam came upstairs to help me with my luggage. “Thanks for your hard work, Liam.” Liam, inadvertently flexing his bicep, smiled and said. “It’s my honor to help you, Izzy.” We got into the car together and headed for the airport. The scenery outside the window kept changing. A news headline popped up. “Thorne Group CEO spotted dining with new love at Sycamore Tree Restaurant, the two sharing laughter.” The news was taken down within a minute. But I still saw it. The photo showed Alex and Serena. The Sycamore Tree Restaurant was where Alex and I first fell in love five years ago. Turning off my phone, I said to Liam. “I heard Germany is a food desert. Will we starve?” Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry, Izzy, I’m a good cook.” I laughed too. We picked up our boarding passes and boarded the plane together. Before leaving, I sent Alex one last message. “Alex, we’re not getting married.” After sending it, I deleted his contact information. Then I turned off my phone. When Alex received the message, he was shopping with Serena. He shook his head and replied. “Izzy, I’ve already lowered myself. What more do you want from me?” But it showed a red exclamation mark. He started calling, but the phone was constantly off. “Serena, here’s my card. Buy whatever you want.” Serena pouted. “Alex, is it her again?” Alex was anxious, but he kept a smile on his face. “No, just some urgent business. I’ll be back later.” Serena finally nodded. Alex rushed home. The living room was neatly cleaned; their matching couple’s mugs were still there. He breathed a sigh of relief, then rushed into the bedroom. The photos he had once displayed, Izzy’s clothes and belongings – all gone. Alex couldn’t believe it. He frantically searched for any trace of Izzy. Then he saw the box on the table. That exquisitely beautiful ring lay quietly inside. A note beside it read. “I’ve gone abroad. Goodbye.”

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He Chose the Princess. I Found My Empire. Liam Taylor and I traveled back in time. In my past life, I was the adopted sister he personally brought home from the orphanage. Later, I became his wife, and we stayed together until old age, our love deep and profound. This life, when Liam’s parents smiled and beckoned to me like before, wanting to take me home, young Liam, however, suddenly stepped forward, blocking their view: “Dad, Mom, don’t choose her. I want the girl next to her as my sister.” He grabbed Chloe, the girl standing next to me – the one who, in the previous life, died from illness before she turned ten. When he turned to look at me, his gaze was as cold as a winter blade: “You took Chloe’s place, causing her to die young. This life, it’s your turn to suffer what she went through.” I understood everything in an instant. So this time, he wanted to be the hero, protecting that fragile “princess.” “Will you come with me?” Mrs. Caldwell stood before me, her voice gentle. I looked ahead – the man who had walked hand-in-hand with me for decades, now leading another girl, walking away without a backward glance. I nodded softly. Fine by me. This life, I wanted to try a different path too.

As I stepped out of the orphanage gates, the Taylors were still there, hadn’t left. The moment he saw me, Liam’s face tightened instantly, and he awkwardly shoved Chloe into the backseat. Before the car door was even properly shut, he yelled at me: “Mila Caldwell, even if you begged me on your knees, I wouldn’t acknowledge you as my sister! There’s no place for you in the Taylor family!” “You, a thief, are meant to be with the Caldwells, the family that will torment you!” The words barely left his lips before he forcefully pushed me, and I almost fell. With a *bang*, the car door was slammed shut. My foot slipped, and I swayed twice, unable to steady myself. Several cars roared off into the distance. The exhaust fumes stirred up a swirl of dust, coating my face and eyes, making them sting so much I couldn’t open them. Just then, a sleek black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of me. The window silently lowered, revealing Mrs. Caldwell’s face, cold as ice: “Want to go to the Taylors’?” I shook my head, my voice quiet: “The Caldwells’ is fine.” She paused, then glanced at me sideways: “What’s your name?” I murmured: “Mila.” “From now on, no more ‘Mila Taylor.’” She uttered a few words calmly, “Call yourself Mila Caldwell.” Few words, but I understood her meaning. I swiftly pulled open the car door, climbed in, and politely said: “Okay, Mom.” Mrs. Caldwell’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but she said nothing, leaning back in her seat and closing her eyes. I didn’t say another word, sitting quietly. The car drove into a luxurious villa complex, stopping in front of the Caldwells’ mansion. I followed her inside, watching her set down her bag. She casually looked up, as if talking to herself, yet also introducing someone. “Asher, this is your new sister, Mila Caldwell.” I froze. Instinctively, I looked up. On the railing of the second-floor hallway stood a young man. He was even handsomer than Liam, his features so clean they seemed unreal, almost overly aloof. I didn’t know how long he’d been standing there, completely silent. My heart skipped a beat. This was Asher Caldwell? So different from how I remembered him… In my past life. Shortly after I was brought into the Taylors’ home, he was sent abroad. When we met again, it was many years later. By then he was in power, but his face was covered in scars, terrifyingly cold. Ruthless in his methods and intimidating in appearance, people in the circle secretly called him “Caldwell the Tyrant.” I smiled at him and softly called out: “Brother.” But he acted as if he hadn’t heard me, still leaning against the railing, his gaze as cold as stagnant water. “Don’t mind him,” Mrs. Caldwell said calmly, “He’s just not one to engage with people.” After she finished speaking, she called for a housekeeper, telling me to follow her to get acquainted with the house, then left herself. I was about to step over the threshold, head bowed. For some reason, as if by an impulse I couldn’t explain, I turned back for a glance. And met the young man’s gaze. His eyes were dark and deep, like a dry well, showing no emotion. My heart gave a sudden lurch. I was about to force a smile. But he shifted his gaze first, turned and went back into his room, closing the door silently.

I’d been with the Caldwells for over a month. Since that day I met Mrs. Caldwell at the orphanage, she hadn’t shown her face again. Asher, on the other hand, I’d occasionally run into him at dinner. Every time I saw him, I’d smile and sweetly call him, “Brother.” But him? He never acknowledged me, not even bothering to lift an eyelid. I wasn’t angry, nor did I feel embarrassed. Because I simply didn’t have time to dwell on such things. My days were packed lately, so much so that even taking a breather felt like a luxury. Mrs. Caldwell hadn’t appeared, but her orders certainly hadn’t stopped. From morning till night, it was either learning posture, practicing dance, or horseback riding; all sorts of elite classes were piled onto me. And it was still summer vacation, a time that should have been relaxing, but it was more exhausting than school. Even Maria, who cleaned the rooms, saw my bruised knees and her gaze softened. “Miss, won’t you tell Mrs. Caldwell to let you rest for a day?” I bent down to put on my shoes, shaking my head gently: “No need.” The day I arrived, Mrs. Caldwell had made it clear. “A Caldwell child has no right to be lazy. Even if you’re not blood-related, you can’t bring shame to this family.” “Unlike that girl next door from the Taylors’, who’s out having fun every day.” Maria sighed, handing me my backpack: “Exactly, they were making a racket early this morning. I heard the whole family booked tickets to go abroad for the summer.” She said that, really, to show she felt sorry for me. She felt that at my age, I shouldn’t be cooped up indoors every day, laboriously practicing these etiquette rules. I stood up, took the backpack, and smiled: “Maria, I’m not suffering. I want to learn this.” Outsiders might find the Caldwells’ rules terrifyingly strict, like a literal ice chamber. But I knew, this was an opportunity. The Caldwells are an old-money family, with deep roots and extensive connections. Any path they chose was something the Taylors, a new-money family, couldn’t achieve in decades. Here, I could learn, and I could rise higher. Even if everyone in the Caldwell household treated me coldly, Mrs. Caldwell was mercilessly strict, and Asher wouldn’t even give me a direct glance… I was lost in thought when suddenly something soft brushed against my leg—a ball of white fluff. Immediately after, an agitated and annoyed female voice rang out: “Oh, sweetie! Wrong person! Come back!” “Brother! Help me catch it!” “Silly thing.” I bent down, picked up the kitten, and stood up. And came face to face with a young man walking towards me. A smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with indulgence. I recognized him immediately— Liam Taylor.

The moment Liam saw me, his smile instantly vanished, replaced by pure disdain in his eyes. “How dare you show your face here again? You’re like a persistent shadow!” His tone was sharp, his words laced with venom: “Don’t think that blocking my path here will change my mind about you. Dream on!” “Mila?!” Chloe’s voice suddenly chimed in, filled with surprise and delight. She came trotting over, her fluffy skirt swaying, her eyes bright: “Wow, I really didn’t expect to run into you after leaving the orphanage! What a coincidence!” She took the kitten from my arms, then turned and saw the black sedan parked behind me, asking curiously: “That car… is it here to pick you up?” The moment her gaze swept over it, she froze, her expression changing completely. “Oh my God! You didn’t actually get adopted by the Caldwells next door, did you?” I was about to speak when my gaze inadvertently fell upon her neck – the key pendant hanging there, so familiar it made my heart tremble. Chloe noticed, instinctively raised her hand, and tightly clutched the pendant in her palm, completely hiding it. I pretended not to notice anything, just nodded calmly: “Yep, I’m living with the Caldwells now.” “So now you’re Mila Caldwell?” I calmly glanced at Liam, who stood there looking awkward, as if he’d just misunderstood something. “Something like that.” “The Caldwells are pretty intimidating, aren’t they?” She leaned closer, lowering her voice, “I heard their son has some kind of mental issue, that he can’t speak. Is it true?” She secretly pointed towards the Caldwell mansion, her face full of gossip, barraging me with questions. I had just started to frown, about to offer an explanation, but she continued to babble on. “Hey, these clothes you’re wearing… are they for horseback riding and archery? You’re actually learning that?” She tilted her head, scrutinizing me from head to toe. “I have things to do, I’m leaving.” I was about to pull away when Liam coldly cut in: “Chloe, why waste time with someone like her? Let’s go.” Chloe acknowledged him, then mischievously stuck out her tongue at me: “Don’t mind him, my brother is usually so gentle, he’s probably just in a bad mood today…” “Brother, wait for me!” She lifted her skirt and chased after him. I stood there, silent for a second, then also turned and left. The wind gently carried their words to me. “Brother, the Caldwells are really harsh, aren’t they? Mila is about my age, and she has classes every day. I saw her arms, black and blue; she must be training so hard.” “Hah, what’s the point of learning all that? A girl doing all these useless things will only suffer sooner or later.” “Our Chloe doesn’t have to suffer like that. She just needs to be pretty and act like a princess.” “Mhm! Dad, Mom, and Brother spoil me the most!” Suffering? So, in their eyes, this is considered suffering? I twitched my lips, not saying a word. In my past life. The Taylors truly poured their hearts into me, providing me with good food and drink. But whenever I wanted to learn real skills, I was always stopped. I wanted to practice horseback riding and archery. They would panic: “What if you ruin your face! How will you get married later!” I was being stalked and wanted to enroll in a self-defense class. They immediately objected: “A daughter of the Taylors learning how to fight? How disgraceful! Aren’t our bodyguards enough?” Later, I wanted to learn about business and bookkeeping. They still shook their heads: “Your brother is handling everything at home. Why bother yourself with it?” They’d say they loved you, but secretly they raised you like a flower that would wilt at the slightest breeze. But Mrs. Caldwell was different. She only said one thing, which I remember to this day: “In the Caldwell family, no one lives by relying on others. If you can learn, you must learn; if you can fight for something, you must fight for it.”

Summer break flew by in the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, it was time for school to start. My mom had already arranged for me to enroll in the same international school as Asher. The same place Liam and I had attended in my past life. On the first day of school, I got into the car early. When Asher opened the door, I cheerfully called out to him: “Morning, Brother! Mom said we’d be going to and from school together from now on.” Asher’s hand paused in mid-air. Then, without a word, he sat in the corner furthest from me. The next day, I did the same. The third day. The fourth day… This went on for nearly two months. But I noticed that even though Asher never spoke to me, and my words were always ignored like they were just thin air to him, sometimes, when I ate breakfast slowly and rushed out of the yard, I’d find him still leaning against the car, backpack on, waiting. I suppressed my surprise and said with a smile: “Brother, you’re really a good person.” As usual, he gave me a faint glance, then slipped into the car without a word. But— This time, when he got in the car, he stepped in with his right foot first! A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Interesting, he really has changed. That day. After school, I waited at the entrance of the academic building for ages, but there was no sign of Asher, and I couldn’t reach him on his phone. As I was anxiously pacing around, something suddenly *clicked* in my mind. I remembered. Around this time in my past life, a sensational incident occurred at the school gate. Back then, I was desperately trying to catch up with the school’s pace, cramming for lessons. I only vaguely heard students discussing it, saying someone from the Caldwell family had caused trouble. They also seemed to mention that their child had gotten into trouble. Years later, I happened to hear someone mention it. Asher Caldwell, the patriarch of the Caldwell family, had his face deliberately scarred in high school. Could it be… today? Oh no! No time to think! I immediately messaged the driver: “If you don’t see me at the school gate, don’t wait. Come directly to the school’s back alley to find me.” Then I bolted, running towards the back alley. Asher, please don’t let anything happen to you!

When I arrived, the situation was already bad. Asher was surrounded by several thugs at the end of the alley, unable to move. “Well, well, Caldwell’s young master isn’t playing the big shot today, huh? Too much of a mute to even beg for mercy?” “Nonsense, being mute is easier, saves him from running back to complain and cause trouble.” “Damn, this kid still has a stubborn look in his eyes!” The guy who looked like the leader, a high schooler named Mike, sneered and spat on the ground. Then he pulled out a utility knife and directly gestured it towards Asher’s face! My heart plummeted. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a baseball bat lying nearby. I took a deep breath, gritted my teeth, and charged out, shouting as I ran: “The police will be here any second! I’ve already called them!” I swung the bat wildly, my movements pure instinct. Luckily, I hadn’t slacked off in physical education classes recently, so my stamina held up. They hadn’t expected me to suddenly appear, and hearing that I’d called the police, they immediately panicked, scattering and hiding. “Damn it! This kid has serious luck!” After a few curses, they turned and ran, their footsteps hurried and chaotic. Once they were gone, I immediately rushed to Asher’s side. He had a bloody cut on his face, not too deep. But his arms and legs were black and blue, clearly having taken a beating. “Brother, hang in there, I’ll take you home!” I helped him up, ready to leave. Suddenly, a powerful force hit me from behind – I was brutally kicked to the ground! “Hey, Mike, I told you this little punk was bluffing! Called the police? Don’t make me laugh!” “So young and already learned to lie, what a piece of trash!” “A mute loser and a lying cheat, perfect together! Haha!” Mike was furious, kicking my back repeatedly. I curled up, my head tucked in, but my gaze met Asher’s eyes, wide with horror. My lips trembled, but I still managed a weak smile and whispered: “Brother, don’t be scared.” Asher’s whole body jolted. He stared fixedly at me, and I stood in front of him, not retreating a single step. The punches and kicks from behind grew fiercer. Just then— Asher, who had been silent all this time, suddenly pounced like a madman. He bit down hard on the closest guy’s hand, his teeth sinking into the flesh, not letting go! That ferocity stunned the thugs, freezing them for a few seconds. But being outnumbered and weaker, he was quickly pinned to the ground. Punches rained down on his head and chest, and someone even pulled out an iron bar… Could it be… Could we truly not escape this calamity? In my blurring consciousness, I heard voices and footsteps from the alley entrance. Was it the driver…? I desperately forced my eyelids open, trying to look that way. In my field of vision, a pair of clean white sneakers slowly appeared…

Someone stood at the alley entrance, their shadow stretched long by the sun. Mike and his crew immediately glared, yelling fiercely at them. “Where did this newbie come from, staring here for what?!” Newbie? Not the driver? I desperately forced my eyelids open. I wanted to see the person’s face clearly, but blood was smeared all over mine, making it impossible to see anything. Just then, a clear voice echoed from afar. “Liam, why are you just standing there? The cake shop is this way!” The person paused. “Oh, coming.” I blinked, my throat dry, and mumbled a single word: “Brother…” His footsteps faltered slightly. But in the end, he didn’t turn around, slowly walking away with the little girl. The little girl couldn’t help but turn her head to glance into the alley, and the next second, she shrieked. “Brother! There’s someone lying there, bleeding so much! Did you see?!” The moment her words fell, her vision went black – her eyes were covered by a hand. “Don’t look, it’s not pleasant.” Liam’s voice was gentle, like he was coaxing a child. From very, very far away. I thought I heard him whisper: “My little Chloe, this time I found you early, and I won’t let you suffer any injustice again.” “The Caldwells won’t be able to hurt you again, and you won’t leave us early like in the last life.” In my daze, I remembered him mumbling when he was close to his last breath in my past life: “It’s all my fault… if only I had found you sooner…” Back then, I thought he regretted that I hadn’t been able to keep our child, and that I couldn’t have children anymore. I choked out, comforting him: “Old man, in the next life, we’ll still be together, and we’ll have children…” Who knew that what he couldn’t let go of, deep in his heart, wasn’t me at all. What lingered in his heart was that rainy day when he was with me, getting an IV drip, and didn’t rush back to save Chloe. So this life, he kept her tightly by his side, protecting her meticulously. He came here today, not to save me. But merely to see with his own eyes how I, the thief who stole his beloved’s place, was being tormented. But in my past life. I vaguely heard classmates discussing it. After the incident at the Caldwells’, Asher was sent away, abroad. Chloe, however, couldn’t go with him, staying home, her life getting worse by the day. A knowledgeable girl had quietly mentioned: “That day, when they were escaping for their lives, Chloe was the first to run.” “Asher shielded her from the attack, and she ran off without a backward glance…” But Liam insisted on believing that his sister was pure and flawless. Hah. Did he really believe. That girl he doted on so much was truly that kind? I bared my teeth in a grimace, wiping away the blood and tears from my face. Suddenly, I pushed myself up, clinging desperately to one of the thugs’ legs. Let them kick, let them curse, I wouldn’t let go for anything. “You… don’t hit my brother!” My last bit of strength drained away. Before my eyes. Everything went black.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a blurry face resting by my bedside. The air was thick with the pungent smell of disinfectant. My mind slowly came back to me. So I was in the hospital. It seemed the driver had called the police, and I’d been brought here in time. I tried to sit up, perhaps a bit too roughly, and the person next to me stirred, then lifted their head. It was Asher. His naturally alluring eyes stared intently at me for a long time. Then he slowly raised a hand and gently touched the bandage on my head: “Sister… does it hurt?” It had been too long since I’d heard his voice. His voice was a little hoarse, as if he hadn’t used it in a long time. But it wasn’t unpleasant; rather, it was a low, comforting sound. But I was completely stunned. Asher… just spoke to me? It wasn’t just me who was dumbfounded. Even Mrs. Caldwell, who had just walked in, suddenly froze, her eyes wide: “Was that… Asher speaking?” She was always composed, but now even her voice trembled: “Asher, say ‘Mom,’ okay?” Asher merely gave her a faint glance, then turned back, staring at my wound, not uttering another word. I felt a little helpless, wanting to smooth things over, but didn’t know what to say: “Mom, just now, Brother, he… actually…” Mrs. Caldwell waved her hand, her eyes instantly reddening: “It’s okay, no rush, Asher needs time…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Just then, Maria walked in, carrying a lunchbox. During dinner, as she served us soup, she mentioned that the alley incident from that day had been thoroughly investigated. It was just a few street punks who, hearing the Caldwell family had a decent background, got some crooked ideas. What was even more outrageous was that one of them was actually a student from our school! The adult culprits had all been arrested and wouldn’t escape jail time, and the student had been expelled from school, his punishment decided. I hummed in acknowledgment, but my gaze involuntarily drifted to Asher next to me. Who would have believed it? In my past life, just because of these few rotten people’s momentary evil thoughts, such a pure person was dragged into hell. Thankfully, this time. He was sitting perfectly fine in front of me. Asher saw me just staring blankly, my forks untouched, and frowned slightly: “Sister, eat.” I froze, quickly snapped back to attention, and casually picked up a piece of ribs to place in his bowl: “You eat more too, Brother.” Dinner was just finished. A nurse rushed in, bustling and laughing as she pointed at Asher: “Running around again! Do you know your own room is on the third floor?!” Only then did I understand. He had secretly snuck over. Before leaving, he stood by my bed, reached out, and ruffled my hair: “Sister, get well soon.” Just those few words. All the adults in the room had red-rimmed eyes. Maria turned her back, subtly wiping the corner of her eye. After he left, Mrs. Caldwell didn’t move. She stood rooted to the spot, watching his receding figure, for a long time. Today she wasn’t wearing makeup, and her hair was simply tied back. She looked less sharp, with a rare hint of softness. “Asher wasn’t like this before.” “He was obedient, polite, and unnaturally intelligent for a child. Back then, everyone said the Caldwell family had produced a prodigy, not… a silent, withdrawn boy.” She sat beside me, her voice as light as a breeze: “The change began with an accident four years ago.” My heart jolted, and I froze in place.

Mrs. Caldwell began to speak. Asher indeed had a sister before, named Hazel Caldwell. She was the daughter of his father’s younger brother. At that time, Asher’s father and his uncle and aunt passed away young in an accident, and the family suddenly lost half its foundation. The entire burden of the Caldwell family fell solely on Mrs. Caldwell’s shoulders. Hazel was left without care, so Mrs. Caldwell simply took her into their home, raising her like her own daughter. Those few years, the Caldwells had a tough time. With their pillar gone, the Caldwells were like an unlocked money bag; everyone wanted to grab a share. Mrs. Caldwell had to harden her heart, acting decisively when needed, becoming increasingly assertive, and thus offending many. Four years ago, their two children were kidnapped. The kidnappers laid hands on Asher, and six-year-old Hazel, seeing this, immediately pounced. She bit down hard on the person’s hand, refusing to let go. The kidnapper went mad with rage, swinging a stick, hitting her head repeatedly… Asher witnessed the entire scene. After they were rescued, he changed. He never smiled again, nor did he speak another word. Mrs. Caldwell tried every possible method, but nothing worked. Left with no other options, she took an old friend’s advice and brought another “sister” home. Hoping to see if she could thaw the ice in his heart a little. Mrs. Caldwell stood up and slowly walked to the window. She said I wasn’t actually the first girl brought into this family. “Asher has never been this close to anyone. He truly feels differently about you.”

A week later. I returned to the Caldwells’ from the hospital. The atmosphere was noticeably different. Before, everyone looked at me like I was a temporary foster child, an outsider. Someone who could be sent away at any moment, and even calling me “Miss” felt forced. Now, their gazes had changed; it was as if they truly considered me one of the Caldwell bloodline. But my classes didn’t decrease at all; in fact, there were even more. Mrs. Caldwell said directly: “You’ll be joining Caldwell Group later. If you don’t have any real skills, who will listen to you?” At her words, the expressions of several other Caldwell family members nearby changed. Their gazes fell on me, some wary, some scrutinizing, some clearly displeased. I didn’t have time to bother with them, instinctively turning to look for Asher. Afraid he might feel awkward. But I saw him tilting his head, hand propped under his chin, his eyes shining like stars. He stammered out a few words: “Sis… sister, don’t be scared, you’re the strongest.” My nose stung, my eyes felt warm, and I nodded heavily: “Mhm!” Mrs. Caldwell also smiled, her tone gentle: “Asher, you’ll have to work hard, or your sister will leave you far behind. Then you’ll have to rely on her to protect you.” “No, no way!” Asher shot up, his face flushed with urgency. “I… I’ll protect my sister!” With that, he actually assumed a stance and performed a set of punches and kicks. His movements were clumsy, but deliberate and incredibly serious. Ever since that incident at school, he had been at the martial arts gym every day, training harder than anyone. Mrs. Caldwell and I exchanged glances, unable to help but laugh. Watching his flushed face and enthusiastic movements, my lips slowly curved into a smile. Mrs. Caldwell once said: “Asher is lucky to have a sister like you.” But this time. My entry into the Caldwell family, wasn’t it also me finding my light?

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