Author: Momo Chan

My wife, Chloe Miller, was a dance teacher. Sweet-faced, with a figure that could kill. To make her mine, I agreed to three cohabitation demands during our first meeting. For the dowry, her mother didn’t mince words: two houses and two million dollars in cash! Back then, I was head-over-heels in love. My family was well-off, so I agreed without a second thought. After we married, I spoiled her rotten, treating her like a little princess. She didn’t have to worry about anything, inside or outside the house. I always let her have her way. When she said she didn’t want kids, I nodded, even convinced my parents to go along with it. I admit, at first, I was a total pushover around her. But I really did love her. Her gentleness, her innocence. Later, I learned that her gentleness and innocence were just a mask. I’d just gotten home after a three-month business trip. The project had kept me away, and the moment I walked through the door, Chloe threw herself at me, radiating passion. That night, she didn’t want me to use protection. That surprised me, because normally, she’d never let me go in without it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? I didn’t think much of it. Not long after, she was pregnant. When I saw those two red lines on the pregnancy test, I nearly cried tears of joy. Truth be told, I’d always longed for a child. My parents had been subtly pushing for grandkids, but Chloe had always refused. I was so overwhelmed, I could barely string a sentence together. I asked her several times if she was *really* pregnant. Chloe, however, didn’t seem thrilled about the pregnancy. She snapped impatiently: “Are you done? Of course it’s real. Do you think I’d fake something like this?” I chalked it up to pregnancy hormones and gently coaxed her: “Honey, since you’re pregnant, let’s keep it. Don’t worry, you just carry the baby. I’ll take care of everything once it’s born.” I expected her to refuse, but to my surprise, she sighed and said: “Fine. But remember, you’re raising it. I’m not doing anything.” I was so happy, I kissed her several times. She pushed me away, looking disgusted: “Gross, your spit stinks.” Then, she went to the bathroom to wash her face. I knew she was a germaphobe, so I didn’t take it personally. I immediately called my parents to share the good news. They were ecstatic and booked flights from out of town that very night. As soon as they arrived, they gave Chloe a generous cash gift. It was a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills, a full ten thousand dollars! My parents cheerfully said it was for her prenatal care, so she could focus on keeping healthy. They promised that once the baby was born, boy or girl, they’d directly reward her with a house. Chloe’s face, which had been overcast, finally brightened. She wasn’t as resistant to the pregnancy anymore. From that moment on, Chloe became the queen of our house. Even though we had a housekeeper, my mom still cooked for Chloe every day, preparing all sorts of delicious dishes. I canceled all my work to stay home and be by her side. But as time went on, her temper grew worse. She’d snap at me constantly. She said having too many people in the house made her irritable. To keep her happy, I had to ask my parents to temporarily go back home. Then she told me to go back to work, saying my idling around the house bothered her even more. I reluctantly agreed, but I didn’t realize it was all just an excuse to get rid of me and my family. It was so no one would be watching her, and she could go out and party again. Two months into her pregnancy, she went clubbing and nearly lost the baby! 2 She called me from the hospital, and I rushed over. The doctor said Chloe was pregnant with triplets and showed signs of miscarriage. When I heard that, my heart nearly leaped into my throat. She stayed in the hospital for a month to stabilize the pregnancy. During that time, Chloe wouldn’t let me tell my parents, saying she didn’t want them to worry. She had her mom come to take care of her instead. By the time she was discharged, her belly was significantly larger. A three-month pregnant belly looked like she was six months along. I thought it was a bit strange, but figured it was probably due to carrying triplets, so I didn’t dwell on it. After leaving the hospital, she moved straight back to her mother’s house, claiming it was easier for her mom to look after her. Her temper was explosive. I walked on eggshells every day, trying to manage her moods. She was still irritable and prone to fits of rage, complaining that I’d made her pregnant, making her body swollen and ugly. When she got emotional, she’d grab whatever was nearby and throw it. One time, she threw a glass at me, splitting my head open. Afterward, she didn’t even apologize or offer a word of comfort. Eventually, my mother-in-law, tired of me being around, told me to go to work and stop hovering. I had no choice but to leave, but I visited her every day. Still, her attitude towards me was incredibly cold. Sometimes when I spoke to her, she wouldn’t even glance my way. I told myself that she was carrying triplets for me, so it was understandable that her emotions were out of whack. After all, she was so vain; pregnancy had made her body bloated and changed, so she must have blamed me, the culprit. To cheer her up, I gave her gifts every day: designer handbags, lipsticks, jewelry—anything she liked, I bought. After that, when I visited, she finally had a smile for me and a hint of her old tenderness. I told her I had to go on a business trip to close a big deal and would probably be gone for a month or two. She seemed unusually happy, telling me to go and not worry about her. I then said I missed her and wanted to stay the night. She flatly refused, saying her belly was too big and I’d press on the babies. Frustrated, I went home alone. I’ve always been a faithful man. Since Chloe got pregnant, I’d handled my needs myself. But I never imagined that Chloe was finding *other* ways to handle hers. What happened next completely unmasked her true colors. I wished I could slap myself silly. I hated myself, hated myself for bringing such a disgusting person into my home. I was away on business when I suddenly received a call from Chloe’s best friend, Mia. She said Chloe had gone into early labor and told me to rush back. Without a word, I booked the first flight home and immediately headed to the hospital where Chloe was delivering.

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For the sake of the kingdom and its people, the Crown Prince sent his heavily pregnant wife to the enemy. And I was his wife. Two lives gone, in one cruel sweep. My body, merely a discarded battlefield casualty. That very day, he returned to the capital with the transmigrator woman, ascending happily to the throne. When I opened my eyes again, I woke up in the body of a palace maid. He stared at me. “I feel like you resemble someone I once knew.” When we marched off to war, I was already three months pregnant. The King was advanced in years then, already hinting at abdication. The political currents were turbulent in court. My parents were caught in the crossfire, both thrown into the royal dungeons. My mother gripped my hand, her eyes swimming with tears. “Elara, the royal family knows no mercy, my dear. Don’t get too deeply entangled.” To serve a King is like walking with a tiger. We had long foreseen such an outcome. I comforted my mother. “Mother, Dorian will soon ascend to the throne. When he does, I’ll have you released from the dungeons.” Dorian – my childhood sweetheart, the Crown Prince, and the future King. My mother couldn’t speak, just wept incessantly. My status had become sensitive. When Dorian led his troops to war, he took me with him to protect me. He comforted me. “Don’t be afraid, Elara. Just stay in the camp, and be careful not to overexert yourself and harm the baby.” I nodded, not refusing. If all went as planned, after this war, our return to the capital would be the day the King abdicated. As the Crown Princess, I was naturally the future Queen. Then, I’d find some reason to clear my parents’ names, and our family could be reunited. I believed this without a shadow of a doubt. It wasn’t until we reached the battlefield, seeing the armies clash, that I realized things weren’t as simple as I’d imagined. Heavily pregnant, I could do nothing. And in the camp, besides me, there was another woman. Her name was Skylar, a field medic traveling with the army. Every day, she would leave with Dorian and return with him. Whispers began to circulate in the camp behind my back. They said the Crown Prince was about to take a new woman. I understood the look in Skylar’s eyes when she gazed at Dorian. She liked him. Her medical skills were astonishing, almost miraculous. She was different from me; she said she came from another world, a transmigrator. I didn’t understand what she was talking about, but every time she spoke, Dorian would listen intently. A focus in his eyes I hadn’t seen in a long, long time. Skylar was free-spirited and unconventional; she claimed everyone was equal. So, she dismissed the maids who attended me. She declared that women are just as capable as men. And so, heavily pregnant, I found myself standing on the battlefield. That was the day the enemy general saw my face. My beauty was famed across the kingdoms, my dances legendary, my beauty unmatched – a true siren, rare in this world. The enemy army was strong and well-equipped, pushing us back relentlessly, causing heavy casualties. Dorian was forced to surrender. The enemy general, wanting to humiliate him, demanded me from Dorian. I sat on the plush divan, despair washing over me, my tears long since dried. I understood the look in Dorian’s eyes. He wanted to agree. That day, I looked at him, my eyes filled with utter disappointment. He gripped my hand, promising solemnly: “Elara, be good. It’s just a feigned surrender. I’ll lead the troops back to rescue you immediately!” Skylar also urged me. “Your Royal Highness, for the sake of the kingdom, please consider the bigger picture.” If I didn’t go, the city would fall, all its people would die, and so would our soldiers. They piled on the pressure, painting me as the kingdom’s only hope. I had no choice but to agree. And so, heavily pregnant, I was lifted into a sedan chair and carried into the enemy camp. That day, I was forced to dance barefoot on a mosaic of broken pottery. My soles were pierced, blood flowing freely. Several times, I nearly fainted, but I forced myself to stay conscious. I couldn’t collapse, couldn’t harm the baby in my belly. Dorian promised he would come for me. Inside me, our child was still alive. When I returned to the city, my parents were waiting for me to rescue them. I ignored the enemy soldiers’ taunts. Dorian said he would come to save me soon. Clinging to that hope, I danced until past midnight, but Dorian never came. The enemy general grabbed my arm, dragging me onto the divan. His voice was laced with mockery. “Waiting for someone to save you, perhaps? “Your husband has already returned to his capital with his little beauty.” It was then that I truly despaired. I had been abandoned. That night, I didn’t survive. All I knew was the numb agony, blood staining the divan crimson, and the child in my belly dissolving into a pool of blood, gone from me forever. Two lives gone, in one cruel sweep. Dorian returned to the capital with that transmigrator woman. On the very day my body was discarded, he donned his King’s robes and held his coronation. The new King, devoted to his realm, had sacrificed his wife for peace and prosperity. Skylar, with her miraculous healing, had earned great merit. And I? I was merely a footnote in their tale of glory, an insignificant detail. My parents, unable to await my return, died in the royal dungeons. All my despair gradually transformed into hatred. I opened my eyes, unwilling to accept my fate, only to see Skylar now dressed in fine silks and luxurious robes. The woman who once preached equality now had an army of maids at her beck and call. And I had become one of them. She stepped on my head, forcing me to gnaw on the leftover bones she had discarded on the floor. “You’re just an illegitimate daughter. Eating my leftovers is already a privilege for you.” My hair was disheveled, and I knelt on the floor, saying nothing. Skylar lounged on her plush chaise lounge, laughing hysterically, pointing at me and chattering with Gemma, her head maid.

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My sister has always been a liar, always setting me up since we were kids. She stole money, got caught, and said I took it. She accidentally tumbled down the stairs, but claimed I pushed her. She ran off with strangers who turned out to be traffickers, just for a cellphone. When she was rescued, she swore I’d abducted and sold her. My brothers called me a born evil. My parents’ brutal beatings became a daily occurrence. Until one day, I heard my sister’s inner thoughts: “Hahahaha, a bunch of idiots! Hurry up and drive Alice to her death. Next, it’s the brothers’ turn. Watching you turn on each other is going to be so satisfying, serves you right!” Everyone stared at my sister, disbelief etched on their faces. She was so screwed. When my sister, Willow, was in her senior year of high school, she faked being sick for a whole week, all for a cellphone. She’d hide under her covers, playing games all night. One time, she was cursing out her teammates so loudly that Mom caught her. In a fit of rage, Mom confiscated her phone. Willow immediately threw a massive tantrum, battling our entire family. After her inevitable defeat, she stormed out of the house. It was snowing that day, and our whole family split up to find her. Mom and Dad called almost everyone in their contact list, asking all our relatives, teachers, and classmates. They came up empty-handed. Finally, I found Willow at a downtown spot. She was about to get into a stranger’s car. I ran over and pulled her, trying to get her to come home with me. But then, two burly men got out of the car, claiming to be Willow’s friends. They roughly pushed me to the ground, telling me to mind my own business. Willow stood behind them, a phone in her hand, a smug look on her face as she told me, “See? Anyone is better to me than Mom and Dad. I don’t want to spend another minute in this messed-up home. I’m cutting ties with all of you and going to live a good life.” With that, she willingly got into the car and drove off without a care. Later, I found out Willow had been abducted and taken to a remote, isolated compound. When we finally found her, she was in a dilapidated shack, forced to care for an old, disabled man. The moment she saw us, she burst into uncontrollable sobs, throwing herself into Mom’s arms. Mom took one look at the surroundings and, completely overwhelmed, hugged Willow and cried herself unconscious. Dad leaned against the wall, slapping himself repeatedly, consumed by regret. My brothers watched the scene in silence. Over the years, our family had searched high and low for my sister. Through countless sleepless nights, Mom and Dad were heartbroken with guilt, even imagining the worst possible outcome. What we saw now, though unbearable, was still our greatest comfort: Willow was alive, safe and sound, standing right in front of us.

That night Willow returned, she whispered threats in my ear. “Alice, your good days are over. I’m going to take everything precious from you.” My smile froze, and I stared blankly at Willow, wondering if I’d misheard. Because just moments ago, she had told Mom and Dad that all these years she was gone, I was the one she missed most. “What? Scared? I’ve got even scarier things to show you, want to see?” Before I could react, Willow grabbed my hand and slapped herself hard across the face. My palm went numb. Her lip was busted, her cheek swelled rapidly, and her mouth was full of blood. I snatched my hand back in a panic, staring at her in disbelief. “Willow, what are you doing?” The smile was gone from Willow’s face. She suddenly looked at me in terror, backing away as if she’d seen a ghost. “Sister, why did you hit me? All I wanted was to come back to Mom and Dad. Was I wrong? Why can’t you stand me?” Willow’s voice was loud enough to alert the whole family. Dad came out of his study. Seeing Willow’s terrified look, he quickly shielded her behind him and asked me what was going on. Liam and Noah, my brothers, rushed out of their bedrooms. They grabbed my arms, roughly pulling me into a corner, creating distance between me and Willow. Mom, who was in the kitchen, stormed out with a wooden spoon in her hand. Everyone watched Willow tremble as she hid in Dad’s arms. She looked at me with horror, as if I were a monster, continuously pleading, “Sister, I’m sorry, please don’t hit me, Sister, please don’t hit me.” I was utterly speechless. I knew Willow had always been dishonest and loved to lie since she was little. But before, she’d only lie and make me the scapegoat when she got into trouble and was afraid of the consequences. This was more than just lying, though. She was clearly making trouble, intentionally framing me. Sure enough, everyone fell for Willow’s performance. Mom’s chest heaved with anger. Without a word, she rushed over and slapped me across the face. The blow was so hard that half my face went numb. They stared at me, their faces etched with disappointment, as if I were a death row inmate. A flash of triumph flickered in Willow’s eyes. As expected, she had won again. She tugged at Mom’s sleeve, putting on the most pitiful, vulnerable act. “Mommy, am I really unwanted? Did Alice really trick me into getting into the trafficker’s car all those years ago? She told me you had enough with just one daughter, and I was redundant…” Willow was lying again. But her words successfully sent shockwaves through each of us.

Everyone stared at me. Their gazes were filled with disappointment, but mostly with rage. Willow had loved causing trouble since she was little. She’d broken dishes in the kitchen, snapped Mom’s lipstick, killed the fish in the tank, stolen the neighbor’s packages… whatever she did wrong, when the truth came to light, she’d always lie and make me take the blame. I was never good with words, so I became the bad kid in Mom and Dad’s eyes, the born evil in my brothers’ words. Being beaten was a daily occurrence for me. In the years Willow was gone, I’d finally had a moment of peace. But now, I was terrified. I glared at her, retorting, “Willow, I never said anything like that! I tried to stop you back then, but I couldn’t. *You* were the one who said you were cutting ties with us.” “Alice, of course, wouldn’t admit it.” Willow was a weeping mess. She cut me off, feigning weakness and understanding. “It’s all in the past now. Those nightmarish years are over. I don’t blame Alice. I just beg you, Sister, for the sake of being my blood sister, please don’t try to hurt me again, okay?” I frantically explained, “I didn’t! I really didn’t!” Willow nodded. “Right, right, you didn’t. Such a big deal, let’s just say I framed you. After all, murderers never admit their crimes, do they?” Mom hugged Willow tightly, her whole body trembling with anger. Dad clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with fury. He stepped forward, grabbed my collar, and cursed at me. “You ungrateful daughter! I always knew you were competitive, always wanting to win against your sister, but I never imagined you could be so evil!” Liam and Noah just stood by. Like countless times before when Dad had disciplined me, they watched coldly, letting Dad beat me without saying a word. A storm of blows rained down on me. I convulsed with pain, crying until my voice was hoarse, repeatedly explaining, “I didn’t! It wasn’t me!” But my words were too weak, and no one believed them. They even thought I was lying, calling me unrepentant, just like countless times in my childhood when faced with Willow’s undeniable accusations that I refused to admit. Mom, like a hen protecting her chick, screamed at me with pure hatred. “You’re a born evil! Might as well kill you! How dare you abduct and sell your own sister? I won’t find peace until I break every bone in your body!” When I was covered in injuries, Dad finally grew tired of hitting me. He pressed his hard leather shoe onto my ankle and cursed, “You’re worse than an animal! Willow just shared her gifts with you, calling you her only sister, she’s so kind, yet you try to destroy her like this.” Liam frowned, looking at me. “Alice, you’re utterly heartless. Why wasn’t it *you* who got abducted by traffickers?” Noah’s eyes were also filled with disappointment. “Alice, when you do something wrong, there’s a price to pay.” Everyone, without knowing right from wrong, shielded Willow. Their regret and anger, as if finally finding an outlet, turned into violence unleashed upon me. I coughed up blood. Even breathing hurt. I could only open my mouth, feebly and weakly arguing, “I didn’t… I really didn’t…” Willow cried even harder. She had become the family’s favorite. In a few words, she had completely ruined my reputation. Just as I closed my eyes in despair, I suddenly heard Willow’s voice. “Crushing it, hahahaha! Alice, that loser, is still as stupid as ever. A few simple tricks and I’ve got her utterly defeated.” “Hahahaha, what a bunch of idiots! Hurry up and drive Alice to her death, then I’ll be the sole favorite. Next, it’s the two brothers’ turn. Watching you turn on each other is going to be so satisfying, serves you right!” “Everyone can just die, not a single good person among you. After you’re all gone, I’ll inherit everything.” I looked up in terror. Willow was quietly cowering in Mom’s arms, timid as a frightened kitten. Her mouth hadn’t moved at all. What was going on? Why could I hear her voice? Just as I wondered if I was hallucinating, I noticed everyone’s gazes had shifted from me to Willow. Their eyes were still filled with raging fury. But this time, it wasn’t directed at me.

Willow didn’t seem to notice anything unusual. In her mind, she was still thinking: “I’m so badly hurt, Mom and Dad must be heartbroken. If only Alice could just die! Why should she enjoy life here when I suffered so much out there? Unless I chop her into a thousand pieces, I won’t appease my hatred.” “What’s with them? Why are they all staring at me? Are they retarded? Well, yeah, if they weren’t idiots, they wouldn’t have confiscated my phone back then and gotten me abducted to the countryside, making me suffer so much. It’s all your fault, I hope you all die a terrible death.” “Mom’s slap on Alice was too light. Was it really that hard to knock out all her teeth with two slaps? Dad was more effective, though. Looks like my trick of feigning injury worked. Ouch, it hurts so much. If I’d known it would hurt this much, I wouldn’t have been so hard on myself.” The house was deadly silent. Willow’s mental curses against our entire family echoed exceptionally loud. Mom stared at Willow in disbelief, still unsure if those vicious inner thoughts had truly come from her. Dad’s eyes were red-rimmed with anger. Both my brothers looked at me, their faces full of shame and guilt. I was expressionless. The pain throughout my body made me feel utterly hopeless. Dad still seemed to think he was hallucinating. He asked Willow, uncertainly, “Willow, was it really your sister who abducted and sold you all those years ago?” Willow quickly nodded. But after glancing at me, she shook her head in feigned terror. “No, I don’t blame Alice. It must have been something I did wrong for Alice to sell me. It must have been my fault…” Her words undeniably sealed my fate. Dad’s anger, which had finally extinguished, flared up again. He seemed to think my beating just now was not undeserved. But soon, I heard Willow’s thoughts again: “Hmph! I’m not stupid. How could I tell them I basically sold myself for a crappy phone? It’s all Alice’s fault for not stopping me back then, she’s useless. Today, I’ll make sure she takes the blame fully.” “But Alice, that idiot, is quite pretty. Maybe I’ll find a chance to sell her to some rural area. Butch, that pig, still needs a wife. Just thinking about him defiling Alice, hahahaha, it’s so satisfying!” Mom let out a shout of anger. “You wouldn’t dare!” Dad stared at Willow with a complex expression, and my two brothers quickly rushed to help me up. Everyone came to my side, shielding me. The hatred and resentment they had felt towards me moments ago were now replaced with guilt and self-reproach. I shook them off and walked to my bedroom without a word, my heart cold and desperate. “Alice,” Dad called out to me, his voice soft. “We’re a family. There’s no misunderstanding that can’t be cleared up. I’ll take you both to the hospital first. We can talk about everything else later.” On the way to the hospital, our entire family’s faces were grim. Mom sat between Willow and me. She looked at me, then turned to glance at Willow. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally reached out and pulled Willow into her arms. But to my surprise, Willow was ranting wildly in her mind. “So fake! Why didn’t they just kill Alice? What’s the point of going to the hospital? Was that beating for nothing?” “Ugh, my stomach hurts so bad. Mom’s cooking is still as disgusting as ever, like pig slop. A family of taste-blind idiots, how can they swallow this? To be stuck with a mom like this, what a total downer!” “Dad’s gifts are ugly too. And the bedroom my brothers decorated, pink? Seriously? I’m the Queen of Revenge, are they treating me like a three-year-old? Annoying!” Willow continued her mental rant. Mom’s face was grim. She released Willow and turned to look at me. I angrily turned my face away, refusing to look at her. No one had expected that all their painstaking efforts to make amends to Willow were, in her eyes, completely fake and worthless. The doctor examined my injuries, and Mom immediately arranged for my hospitalization. In the hospital room, Mom hugged me with tenderness, apologizing. “I’m so sorry, Alice. I never thought Willow would use such a method to frame you. Our whole family was used by her. I’m so sorry, sweetie.”

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The scion of a powerful family, Caleb, was pushed down the stairs by his sister and fell into a coma. Caleb’s parents demanded that his sister marry into their family and take care of Caleb for the rest of his life. His sister, dreaming of becoming the lady of a prominent household, eagerly agreed. Little did she know, she’d be tormented so relentlessly, she’d wish she were dead. In my past life, I enjoyed Mom and Dad’s doting affection, got into the State University, and after graduation, became an executive at a leading tech company, earning a multi-million dollar salary. My sister, consumed by jealousy, killed me. She sent me back to the day Caleb fell down the stairs. This time, she pointed a finger at me, accusing me of pushing Caleb. “She’s the one who hurt Caleb! Make her marry him!” She thought she had cleverly swapped our fates, unaware of who truly pulled the strings. My sister stood at the top of the stairs, her finger pointed viciously at me. “She’s the one who pushed Caleb! Make her take care of him and pay for her sins!” Before anyone else could speak, Scarlett lunged into Mom’s arms, tears welling up as she promised, “Mom, I’ll get into the State University, I’ll earn so much money, I’ll take care of you and Dad, I’ll make sure Blair honors you both.” Eleanor shot me a glare, then spoke the words Scarlett had been longing to hear. “Blair hurt my son, so she’ll marry my son and take care of him for the rest of his life. Otherwise, you’ll all face a lawsuit.” Mom broke down, sobbing, and nodded. Just then, the ambulance arrived, rushing Caleb to the hospital. Outside the operating room, Mom clutched my hand, tears streaming down her face. “Blair, even though you made a mistake, you’ll always be my child. Remember that Mom will always be thinking of you, even when you’re in the Lin household.” I nodded, meeting Scarlett’s triumphant gaze. She believed she had chosen the right path, but she had no idea a bottomless abyss awaited her.

The Lin family was incredibly wealthy; they certainly didn’t lack housekeepers. In my previous life, the Lin family tried to groom Scarlett as an heiress, but she was utterly incapable. Despite pouring endless resources into her, she never improved. Eventually, the Lin family gave up on her, making her serve them like a mere servant. Just then, Caleb woke up. Learning he’d never walk again, his personality completely transformed. He relentlessly tormented Scarlett, the sister who had caused his injuries. Caleb’s parents turned a blind eye, never interfering. Meanwhile, I enjoyed Mom and Dad’s affection, consistently ranked first in my class, received scholarships, and secured a spot at the State University. After graduation, I was hired as an executive at a leading tech company, earning a multi-million dollar salary. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy my wealth for long before Scarlett killed me. Reborn into this life, Scarlett didn’t hesitate to make me take the fall. She might not have had jewels, luxury goods, or a massive allowance, but she had Mom and Dad’s love, and a future full of hope. She leaned in, whispering with a smirk, “Sister, this time, it’s my turn to enjoy everything.”

Mrs. Eleanor, just like in my previous life, held high expectations for her future daughter-in-law. She scheduled me for grueling classes, hired countless top tutors, and packed every single minute of my day. “As a daughter-in-law of the Lin family, this is your duty.” Mrs. Eleanor’s strictness and displeasure were barely veiled. I simply nodded, accepting her arrangements. A flicker of surprise crossed Mrs. Eleanor’s eyes, as if she hadn’t expected me to agree so readily. But her surprise quickly turned to disgust. “Your teachers will report your progress to me. Don’t even think about pretending to comply while secretly undermining me.” Why would I ever do that? I wished I could split myself in two, devouring every bit of knowledge, determined to forge a beautiful future with my own hands. I didn’t even waste my breaks, either buried in a book or grinding on exercises. Scarlett, arm in arm with her boyfriend, Dylan, sauntered over to taunt me. “Hard work, isn’t it, sis?” she purred. “Your precious youth, all wasted on these dull, boring things. No time to relax, no chance for fun. But me? I have a boyfriend who adores me, parents who spoil me, and a brilliant future ahead.” I looked up and met Dylan’s eyes. I recognized him instantly. He was the same Dylan from my past life. He had pursued me back then, but I’d turned him down. Later, I learned he’d borrowed a ton of high-interest loans to fund his lavish lifestyle, constantly dating rich girls to find a sugar mama to pay off his debts. Back then, Scarlett was trapped in the Lin household, cut off from the outside world, so she naturally wouldn’t have known. I had no intention of telling her. Consider it a thank you for making me take the fall. “Congratulations, Scarlett, on getting everything you wished for.” Their love was fervent and thrilling. Dylan would sneak into the school radio room and declare his love for Scarlett over the loudspeaker. Scarlett would skip class, climb over the school wall, and buy Dylan his favorite snacks. They would share cigarettes on the rooftop, passionately kiss with no regard for anyone else. They would go to bars, get wasted, and couldn’t wait to be intimate. They documented it all, posting every moment on SnapChat. Scarlett, fearing I wouldn’t have time to check SnapChat, shoved her phone in my face, smugly telling me, “Look, this is what living your youth to the fullest looks like. Too bad you’ll never get to experience it again.”

As she said, I really didn’t have the chance to experience it. Because I had secured a spot in the provincial math competition by ranking first in the entire school, and I needed to focus entirely on preparing. This opportunity was mine in the previous life too; I even placed third in the provincial competition and successfully advanced to the national level. So, Scarlett rushed up to me, utterly bewildered, demanding, “Why? That opportunity should have been mine! Why are you stealing what belongs to me?” I paused my problem-solving, speaking calmly, “This was the school’s decision. If you think I stole it from you, feel free to try and take it back.” Scarlett confronted the school principal, intending to make a scene. Unexpectedly, the principal gave her a past competition paper, promising her the spot if she could score ninety points. Scarlett couldn’t solve a single problem. She just guessed on a few multiple-choice questions, then slunk away. For several days, Scarlett didn’t come to school. Rumors about her only grew, with whispers that she was now living with Dylan. I just felt a lot more peace. My hard work paid off; I achieved first place in the math competition. Victor and Eleanor were so delighted, they specially came home to celebrate with me. After dinner, Eleanor excitedly told me, “Blair, it’s time to set a date for your wedding with Caleb. We plan to hold the engagement party next week and announce your marriage.” I nodded obediently. “Thank you, Aunt Eleanor.” In my previous life, Scarlett had been with the Lin family for years, yet Victor and Eleanor never publicly acknowledged her as their daughter-in-law. This time, with the Lin family’s resources behind me, I would go much further. Victor and Eleanor booked the largest hotel in the city, hired a designer to remodel the venue, and invited all the prominent families in the area, along with many media reporters for coverage. I wore a custom-made gown, exquisite makeup, and confidently socialized beside Eleanor. After the banquet, I instantly dominated every headline. Yet, my life didn’t change at all; it was still endless classes and grinding on practice problems. A classmate, seeing my dedication, sighed, “No wonder Blair is so lucky to have the Lin family’s approval. She’s just so hardworking and exceptional.” Scarlett swaggered over to me, a smug look on her face, and touched her stomach. “No matter how hard you work, how obedient you are, the Lin family will only ever see you as Caleb’s stepping stone, his punching bag. But I have Dylan’s devoted love, and his baby. I’m going to marry him and live the pampered life of a powerful family’s young madam.” I couldn’t help but let a slight smile curl my lips. Well, congratulations to you. If I hadn’t subtly fed information to Dylan’s creditors, they wouldn’t have hounded him so quickly, and he wouldn’t have gotten her pregnant so soon. I fought to suppress my smile, forcing a calm expression. “So, your wedding with Dylan, is that on the agenda now?” Scarlett’s smile stretched almost to her ears as she proudly bragged, “Dylan said I’m newly pregnant and shouldn’t be stressed. All the tiresome things like wedding photoshoots and engagement parties can wait until after I’ve had the baby. He’s going to plan a grand,世纪 wedding for me, so I can marry him in style.” I feigned concern. “Dylan truly loves you; he can’t bear for you to suffer even a little.” Scarlett beamed, casually replying, “Of course he does.” I pressed the record button on my voice recorder and went back to my practice problems. After school that afternoon, Dylan personally came to pick up Scarlett. They walked out of class, arm in arm. At the school gates, I sat in the Lin family’s luxury car, watching through the window as Dylan and Scarlett were shoved into a minivan. The van swiftly disappeared into traffic.

In my previous life, before the Lin family gave up on her, Scarlett didn’t hesitate to bully me, leveraging their influence. She ordered her little crew to drag me into the bathroom, forced me to drink from the toilet, smeared glue on my chair, and tore up the practice books I’d saved money for ages to buy… She once told me directly, “Sister, why are you living so well while I suffer in the Lin family? Shouldn’t we, as sisters, share our joys and sorrows?” So, this time, I prepared a generous thank-you gift for her. That evening, I received a call from Mom. Crying, she said Scarlett and her boyfriend had been kidnapped, and the kidnappers demanded five million dollars, or they’d kill them. She hoped I could lend her some money, promising Dylan would pay me back when he returned. I didn’t give her money, but I pointed her in the right direction, advising her to seek help from Dylan’s family. Mom must have been quite surprised when she saw the tiny “Dylan’s family mansion,” built of mud and straw. Sure enough, around ten o’clock that night, Mom and Dad called me from a dark, remote village, complaining and demanding I send the Lin family’s driver to pick them up. “Blair, that con artist Dylan isn’t a powerful family heir at all! His house is practically falling apart, the windows and doors are rotting, and it’s colder inside than out! Your sister was completely fooled by him!” I feigned surprise. “Oh? Really? He was so generous with Scarlett; his family shouldn’t be like that, should it?” Mom kept complaining into the phone. I put my phone aside and continued grinding on my practice problems. Mom talked for a long time until Dad impatiently cut her off, grumbling, “Shut up already. Let’s just get Blair to send a car to pick us up first.” Mom finally reacted, urging me to send the Lin family’s driver. I put on a crying voice, sounding wronged and helpless. “Mom, Victor and Eleanor are out, probably at some banquet. All the family drivers went with them to pick up guests. They told me to study hard at home and didn’t take me.” “Mom, Dad, I miss you. Can you pay the Lin family some medical expenses and take me home?” Mom’s attitude immediately did a complete one-eighty. Her voice turned harsh and cold. “You good-for-nothing! Your father and I worked so hard to raise you for over a decade, and before you could even earn money to honor us, you became someone else’s property. Now you want money from us? Do you think we’re a printing press? I’m telling you, right now, immediately send a driver to pick us up, or when I get back, I’ll skin you alive!” I sneered. She finally couldn’t hide her true colors. In my previous life, after Scarlett went to the Lin household, Mom and Dad started living like royalty, quitting their jobs and idling around at home. They dumped all the housework on me, and I barely squeezed in time to do my homework. I scavenged cardboard and empty bottles from their drinks and alcohol, selling them to buy my practice books. A few times, they found out, snatched all the money, accused me of stealing, and tied me to a pillar, whipping me with a belt for ages until they were tired. Later, Scarlett struggled in the Lin family, unable to give them money or the life they wanted. But I won third prize in the provincial math competition. Neighbors who used to gossip about Mom and Dad now came to congratulate them. Mom and Dad found new jobs, feigned being loving parents, and started doting on me. Later, I certainly didn’t disappoint their expectations, becoming a multi-million dollar executive. Mom and Dad never showed their true colors to Scarlett. I guessed it was because of Dylan, her “powerful family boyfriend.” Now that their dream was shattered, could they still keep up the act?

A week later, Scarlett and Dylan returned, battered and bruised. I heard they’d managed to escape when their creditors weren’t paying attention. Scarlett, upon learning that Dylan was not only from a powerful family but also heavily in debt, came to confront me. “Blair, you b*tch, did you know all along that Dylan’s family was broke and he was drowning in debt? You deliberately pushed me into this hellhole, didn’t you?!” “I’ll kill you, you b*tch!” Scarlett’s palm hadn’t even landed on my face before the Lin family’s bodyguards had her pinned down. I spoke, feigning kindness, “Be gentle, please. My sister is pregnant; don’t hurt the baby.” I leaned in close, whispering in her ear, “Scarlett, I know it’s hard to believe, but you’re already carrying his child. You two need to figure out how to pay off the debt and be responsible for the baby.” Scarlett was dragged away by the bodyguards. No sooner had she left than Eleanor sent someone to say she was waiting for me in her upstairs room. Eleanor was as poised and elegant as ever. “You need to give me an explanation.” I understood. She was referring to Scarlett’s situation. My little manipulations might have fooled Scarlett and Mom and Dad, but not her. I explained that Scarlett used to bully me and even blamed me for pushing Caleb down the stairs. I was simply returning the favor. “I don’t want to interfere in your personal affairs, but you need to understand what’s truly important.” I nodded. Of course I understood. I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way. Most of my time was still spent in classes, grinding on practice problems, preparing for the national competition. Half a month later, Scarlett appeared before me, looking exhausted. She seemed to have lost weight, and her gaze towards me was fierce and unsettlingly familiar. In my previous life, she always looked at me that way. “Blair! Tell me, why has everything turned out like this?!” “Dylan extorted a huge sum of money from me before he let me go. Mom and Dad are like completely different people; they hit and curse at me, order me around, and all the chores are piled on me. I remember it wasn’t like this in the last life, why is all this happening!?” I stared at her with innocent, wide eyes. “You and Dylan broke up, so your child will be born without a father.” Scarlett gritted her teeth. “There’s no way I’m keeping that bastard child. I already had an abortion.” I took Scarlett’s hand, speaking gently and kindly. “Scarlett, Mom and Dad are just angry. They thought you were about to marry into a powerful family and live a life of luxury, only to find out you were tricked. You’re still young and beautiful; don’t waste it.” A flicker of light appeared in Scarlett’s eyes. By my calculations, my fiancé would be waking up soon. Don’t disappoint me, you two. Sure enough, Scarlett appeared at school the next day, meticulously dressed. She pretended to study diligently, as if she were determined to turn over a new leaf. She even made a point of asking me for help with problems. Of course, I couldn’t dampen her ambition, but I had to visit my fiancé at the hospital. So, I just had to trouble Scarlett to come with me. Coincidentally, Caleb woke up. Scarlett’s eyes welled with tears, and she covered her mouth, softly sobbing, whispering, “Caleb, you’re finally awake.” I made an excuse about asking the doctor about Caleb’s condition and quickly left the room, giving them space alone. Before his accident, Caleb and Scarlett had already been a couple. That day, it was because they had an argument that Scarlett accidentally pushed him down the stairs. Now that Scarlett had faced Mom and Dad’s cold shoulder, would she choose to rekindle things with Caleb, and continue her dream of being the lady of a powerful family? I was rather looking forward to it. In the days that followed, Scarlett often came to me with questions, but every time I explained something, her mind seemed elsewhere. I knew her heart wasn’t in her studies, but on Caleb. I decided to grant her wish. “Scarlett, I’m preparing for the national competition now, so I probably won’t be able to pay much attention to you. You can go ask Caleb to explain problems to you. You can also keep him company for me, so he doesn’t get bored alone in the hospital.” Scarlett hesitated for a while before reluctantly agreeing. She certainly didn’t disappoint my expectations. She visited the hospital more and more often, even taking time off school to be with Caleb during his check-ups. Through my daily efforts, I achieved first place in the national competition, securing guaranteed admission to the State University. When I brought fruit to visit Caleb at the hospital, I happened to see Scarlett nestled in his arms, looking up and passionately kissing him. I pulled out my phone and snapped several pictures, then silently handed the fruit to the nurse and left the hospital. Victor proactively brought me into the company to learn from him. Eleanor stopped many of my classes, giving me time to study at the company. At school, Scarlett, beaming, approached me, a triumphant look on her face. “Sister, you just keep learning from Victor. Later, you’ll work for the Lin family, helping Caleb and me manage the company. The lady of the Lin family can only be me. No matter how capable you are, Caleb doesn’t like you.” I nodded, feigning an appearance of knowing when to retreat. “Scarlett, you’re right. Caleb doesn’t love me, and forced love never lasts. I’ll make sure to tell Victor and Eleanor and step aside for you.” Would Victor and Eleanor choose the capable me, or the incompetent Scarlett? There was no need to even ponder it.

That evening, I showed Victor and Eleanor the photos of Scarlett and Caleb embracing, kissing, and being intimate. “Uncle Victor, Aunt Eleanor, Caleb has someone he loves. I think I should step aside.” Eleanor’s breathing quickened with anger. It took her a while to compose herself. “Blair, in a family like ours, feelings are the least important thing. The daughter-in-law of the Lin family can only be you. I’ll make Caleb break up with her.” I stopped Eleanor. “Aunt Eleanor, Caleb loves Scarlett. His body hasn’t fully recovered yet. If you suddenly separate them, it might upset Caleb, which isn’t good for his recovery. A gentle reminder should suffice.” After all, Scarlett still had a big task to accomplish; she couldn’t withdraw so easily. The next day, Scarlett stormed up to me, yelling, even raising her hand to hit me. I caught her wrist, then slapped her back. The sharp smack drew the attention of all our classmates, and a glaring red handprint appeared on Scarlett’s fair face. “Caleb and I are engaged. You, a mistress, dare to challenge me? You clearly don’t know your place.” Scarlett clutched her face, glaring at me, unable to squeeze out a single word for a long moment. Finally, she burst into tears and ran away. Within a minute, I received an angry call from Caleb. “Whoever I love will be the daughter-in-law of the Lin family. What right do you have to hit my sister? Apologize to her immediately, or I’ll sue you for assault. You pushed me down the stairs and caused severe injury; that’s enough to send you away for years.” I retorted calmly, “Caleb, aren’t you clear on who actually pushed you down the stairs? If you want your beloved to pay for hurting you, then go ahead.” Caleb hung up, fuming. The doctor told me Caleb demanded to be discharged and return to school. Not because he loved learning, but because he wanted to protect Scarlett. What surprised me was that this time, his legs could recover completely, just like a normal person’s. But this was even better for my plan. Victor and Eleanor were naturally overjoyed to hear their son wanted to go to school, thinking their precious boy had finally come to his senses and was willing to improve. Caleb knitted scarves during class, and during breaks, he and Scarlett were all over each other, hugging and kissing. During lunch, they went to the rooftop to make out. Scarlett taught Caleb how to smoke and drink with her, experiencing a passionate and thrilling youth. On the first day of school, Victor and Eleanor personally went to pick Caleb up, but they waited until the very end and Caleb never showed. Victor and Eleanor searched anxiously for a long time but couldn’t find him. It wasn’t until past midnight that Caleb finally returned home, thoroughly drunk. The next day, Caleb eagerly rushed back to school to see Scarlett. Soon, Victor and Eleanor learned of Caleb and Scarlett’s scandalous behavior at school and immediately had bodyguards forcibly bring Caleb home. “Caleb, I’m telling you, break up with Scarlett immediately, study hard, and after graduation, you’ll start training at the company.” Caleb violently stood up and protested, “What right do you have to control my life? I’m not a puppet you can manipulate at will! You can’t control me!” Victor threatened coldly that if Caleb didn’t agree, he would cut off his allowance. In the end, Caleb couldn’t stand up to Victor and Eleanor. Eleanor arranged many classes for Caleb, but he didn’t attend a single one. He secretly climbed over the school wall and disappeared. It wasn’t until past ten at night that he irritably called, saying he was out with friends for a party and it was too late, so he’d just stay at a hotel. But I knew that the so-called party was just him and Scarlett. Because Scarlett sent me several pictures in the middle of the night of her and Caleb lying in bed, wearing pajamas. I immediately saved the pictures and screenshotted the chat history. Just as I finished, Scarlett recalled the message and sent a new one: Sorry, sent it to the wrong person. I pretended not to see it and didn’t reply. Scarlett, you really need to step up your game. Don’t disappoint my expectations.

Victor and Eleanor stormed the school, personally tied Caleb up, and dragged him home. They even ordered someone to whip him a few times, but Caleb stubbornly refused to back down, insisting on being with Scarlett. When Scarlett found out, she was moved to tears, yet also incredibly smug. I sternly reprimanded Scarlett, then specifically chose a time when Victor and Eleanor were home to advise Caleb to break up with Scarlett. This precisely triggered Caleb’s rebellious streak. He adamantly stated that he would not only refuse to break up with Scarlett but also wouldn’t study hard and certainly wouldn’t take over the company in the future. News of Caleb’s falling out with his family over a woman quickly spread. This wasn’t my doing, as I knew Victor and Eleanor cared too much about appearances; they dreaded family scandals becoming public. It was Scarlett, eagerly wanting everyone to know Caleb’s favoritism towards her, who frantically spread the rumors. I heard Eleanor specifically went to the school to inquire about Scarlett’s grades and behavior. After she returned, she never again mentioned arranging classes for Caleb. Instead, she urged me to study hard and manage the company. After these incidents, Scarlett and Caleb’s relationship seemed to grow even stronger. Every time I saw them at school, they were joined at the hip, constantly intimate without a care in the world. Scarlett even seemed to have bribed Mom and Dad. Mom specifically called to lecture me, saying I was useless, and that the position of the Lin family’s young madam would eventually be Scarlett’s. She told me to defer to Scarlett and help her, otherwise, Scarlett wouldn’t make my life easy after marrying Caleb. Scarlett, emboldened by Caleb’s love and Mom and Dad’s support, started to provoke me. “Sister, Caleb told me he hates boring bookworms like you most of all. He likes me; I’m passionate and wild, and I bring excitement to his life.” I picked up the hot water on the table and splashed it in her face. “What are you being so arrogant about? Victor and Eleanor will always be on my side. Once I have a Lin family child, you’ll completely lose any threat to my position.” Scarlett seemed to realize something, throwing herself into Caleb’s arms for comfort. This time, however, Caleb didn’t come to bother me. He simply took Scarlett to a hotel room to comfort her. Aside from classes, most of my time was spent learning the business of the Lin Group. A little over a month later, Scarlett, predictably, bounced back into my life. Caleb said he had something important to discuss with everyone and summoned Victor, Eleanor, and me. Caleb wrapped his arm around Scarlett, placed a paternity test report in front of Victor and Eleanor, and solemnly announced, “Scarlett is pregnant. I’m breaking off my engagement with Blair and getting engaged to Scarlett.” Eleanor stated flatly, “Impossible.” I grabbed Eleanor’s hand, speaking gently and gracefully. “Aunt Eleanor, it is the Lin family’s child, after all. Your own grandchild.” She pulled me up to her second-floor bedroom, asking me with a hint of guilt, if I was truly willing to accept this child.

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“That red dress looks *so* good on you.” For three days straight, I kept getting these creepy texts from an unknown number. But I *never* wear red dresses! Just now, I felt a puff of air on my neck. I snapped my eyes open, and suddenly, there was breathing, right next to my ear… **Chapter 1** In the dark, there was a faint dripping sound, and what felt like light breathing right next to my ear. I forced my eyes open. The breathing stopped. The room was dead quiet. I flicked on the light and scanned around. Nothing. But the window next to my bed was open. I distinctly remember closing it before I fell asleep! I walked around the room, checking every corner. Nothing. So what was that breathing sound just now? I’m an atheist, so my mind didn’t jump to ghosts. Ghosts don’t have body heat, but my ear had felt distinctly warm, almost burning. It wasn’t my imagination; someone was definitely in my room! Suddenly, in my peripheral vision, I caught sight of something near the window – a footprint. It was only half a print, but by its size, it looked like a man’s! My heart immediately leaped into my throat, and every pore on my body felt like it was oozing ice. One thought screamed in my mind: *Someone got in!* The atmosphere instantly grew heavy with tension. *Ding-ding.* I jumped, my heart threatening to burst out of my chest. I grabbed my phone. It was another unknown number, and the message made my skin crawl. It was a photo. A photo of me walking around my room. This person knew I was searching for them, and even took a picture! They were hiding in the shadows, watching me! “Your scented candle smells incredible. I wish I could wake up to that every single day.” A chill ran through me, despite the summer breeze. I pulled out my phone and called security, asking them to check the surveillance cameras for my building to see if anyone had climbed in through my window. Their reply was that the cameras were down and hadn’t been fixed yet. What are the odds? I summoned my courage and walked to the window, peering out. Outside was a patch of greenery. Aside from that half-footprint on the windowsill, there was nothing. I called the security office again, asking them to come up and search with me. A security guard arrived quickly. He was tall, maybe 5’9″, wearing a mask that only revealed his eyes. “Hi, I’m the new guard.” I couldn’t help but stare for a moment. A new guard? I hadn’t heard anything about it. “Are you sure someone got into your room?” His question made my heart skip a beat. I changed what I was about to say: “I’m not sure, which is why I was hoping you could help me check things out.” “Alright.” “It’s really not safe for a single woman to be living alone. Don’t you have a boyfriend who could stay with you?” He was rummaging through my room, chatting casually. His questions made me uncomfortable. But out of politeness, I answered him. “No.” “Oh.” It was just a one-bedroom apartment; if someone was hiding, they couldn’t stay hidden for long. But there was definitely no one there. After searching, the guard left. I couldn’t sleep no matter what, constantly feeling like he might pop out from somewhere. I decided to go stay at Chloe’s for the night and find someone to install security cameras tomorrow. But as soon as I opened my door, Mr. Henderson was standing there. He was the night shift security guard. He looked apologetic. “I was in the restroom earlier, missed your call. I saw you called twice and worried something happened, so I came by. Is everything alright?” “Didn’t your security office get a new guy? Didn’t you run into him when you went out?” Mr. Henderson looked confused and said something that filled me with dread: “Our security office hasn’t hired anyone new.” No one new? Then who was the person who just came in?! Could the guy I’d just let into my apartment be the same person who was texting me and got into my room?! I asked Mr. Henderson to check the main surveillance footage at the security office, but he told me it was still broken and would take a few days to fix. I was still wondering how this could all be such a coincidence when I felt someone touch my hand. I looked up to see Mr. Henderson’s wrinkled face, staring at me with a leering, unpleasant look. His greasy, lecherous eyes scared me, and I quickly recoiled, backing away from him. **Chapter 2** I slammed the door shut, my heart pounding. I heard him curse loudly outside my door before he grumbled and left. Mr. Henderson had been harassing me, subtly, ever since I moved in. Usually, I’d avoid him whenever possible. But today, I was so shaken that I let my guard down for a moment. I rushed to the bathroom and scrubbed the back of my hand where he’d touched me, rubbing until it was raw and red before I stopped. After Mr. Henderson left, I double-locked all the doors and windows. I didn’t dare go out, fearing the person might still be hiding outside. I didn’t sleep a wink that night, too terrified to close my eyes, staying awake until dawn. I considered moving out. But I’d just paid six months of rent, and having only recently started my job, I had no savings. My finances simply wouldn’t allow me to find another place. As soon as it was light, I called the police. Two officers arrived quickly. The first one in was an older officer, Detective Miller, followed by a younger officer, Officer Ben Carter, with a notebook and pen. “You said someone got into your apartment last night, took your photo, and sent you harassing texts?” “Yes.” I handed them my phone, showing them the texts and photos, my heart still racing with lingering fear. “About a week ago, I felt like someone was following me, but I never saw anyone. Then last night, they somehow got my number and sent me that photo of me searching my room.” “I immediately called security, but the person who came up was a tall man, about 5’9″, wearing a mask. He claimed to be a new guard. I strongly suspect he’s the one who’s been stalking me!” My voice was shaking, my fists clenched, fear still etched on my face. Detective Miller looked at the photos and texts, his brow furrowed. “This person knows a lot about you… To know where you live, they must have been watching you for a long time. And judging by the angle of the photo…” He stood up, still holding my phone, and walked around the room, finally stopping at my bedroom door. What he said next made my blood run cold. “That person took the photo from right here.” He was pointing at my bedroom door, directly facing my bed! I sat on the couch, my face ashen. I slowly stood up, my legs trembling, and pushed open the door. If he was standing there last night when I woke up, I would have seen him. It was impossible not to. My hand on the doorknob shook uncontrollably, my teeth chattering. “But last night, when I woke up, I didn’t see anyone standing here.” Detective Miller took a quick glance around the room, then focused on the door itself, specifically the lock. It was a solid mahogany door with a standard lock. I moved aside, and the officer knelt down, examining the lock closely. “Do you have a star-shaped screwdriver?” “Yes! I’ll get it.” I brought him a small screwdriver. I watched as he unscrewed the lock, taking off the inner cover from my side of the door, revealing… a tiny camera! One of the small screws on the lock was missing, and that pinhole camera was perfectly wedged into its place. And from that position, it could capture me holding my phone and searching the room last night. When did that camera get installed?! “It seems this person had a plan. Who else has keys to your apartment?” “Besides me, only my landlord.” I called my landlord, talked for a moment, and then hung up. “My landlord said that before me, the apartment was rented by a girl, but she only stayed for three months before leaving.” “We’ll need to take the camera for evidence. That person might come back for you. It’s best you don’t stay here until we catch them.” I nodded. I had already planned to stay at Chloe’s for a few days. I’d asked Chloe to pick me up even before I called the police. I left them my number. They said they’d call me when they had results. **Chapter 3** I didn’t start packing until the police left. Suddenly, my phone rang, making me jump. It was Chloe. As soon as I answered, her loud voice burst through. “Stella! I just saw two cops leaving your place! What the hell happened?” I explained everything to her. She sounded shaken. “Thank God you were okay last night. Those sick, twisted freaks! I’m coming up in the elevator now!” The next second, she screamed, and before I could ask what was wrong, the call disconnected. My nerves instantly frayed. I dialed her back frantically. It rang twice before she answered. “What happened? Why did you scream?” “Oh, I just bumped into some old guy coming out of the elevator, dropped my phone by accident and hung up.” An old guy? For some reason, Mr. Henderson was the first person who came to mind. I knew it wasn’t right to speculate behind someone’s back, but every time I thought of the way he looked at me, the idea just popped into my head. “I’m at your door. Are you ready?” “Yeah, I’m ready.” Chloe’s interruption broke my train of thought, and I quickly grabbed my bag and headed out. As I stepped out, I saw Mr. Henderson again. He was directing people to fix the surveillance cameras. He greeted me, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze. I walked quite a distance with my head down, still feeling his greasy, burning stare on me. Chloe shot him a fierce glare, then put her arm around my shoulders, fuming. “He’s the one who bumped into me in the elevator! I thought he was just old and clumsy, but the way he ogled pretty girls was absolutely disgusting!” I said worriedly, “Don’t go near him. He’s not a good person.” “Don’t worry, I’m not stupid. If he even *tries* anything, I’ll kick him so hard he won’t be having kids ever again!” I let out a shaky laugh and, linking arms with her, we left. I stayed at Chloe’s for a week. Then, the police called to say they’d caught the person—it was Mr. Henderson. I remembered that one time I lost my keys and found them at the security office. He must have secretly made a copy then! I couldn’t believe how disgusting he was! In the end, Mr. Henderson was arrested, fined a thousand dollars, and spent a few days in lockup. The security company also fired him. I moved out of Chloe’s place. The whole ordeal had terrified me. I bought two pinhole cameras and installed them in my apartment, and had all the locks changed before I finally felt safe again. Just when I thought everything was okay… That day, I came home from work as usual. But when I turned the doorknob— Something was wrong

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The night of the celebration party. My family SnapChat group suddenly buzzed with a new message. An unfamiliar cartoon avatar @Marcus. “Dad, spot me some cash, I want to buy a game console.” I froze. I double-checked, confirming it was indeed my husband’s immediate family group chat. Marcus and I had been married for years, and we only had one daughter, Lily. When did a new kid just pop up? The message was quickly deleted. But I couldn’t just pretend it hadn’t happened. Before I could react, Marcus called me. “Hey, can you believe it? Some distant relative’s kid mistook me for their dad. Isn’t that wild?” I feigned understanding, saying kids can be clumsy. But as soon as the celebration ended, I walked to the parking lot. And on the way, I told my private investigator to look into the owner of that account. The neon lights flashed endlessly outside the car window. My thoughts were constantly pulled back to that message. I’m a naturally suspicious and perceptive person. I live by the creed: “Better to overreact than to overlook.” On his Ins feed, Marcus had just updated his status: “Family time, helping Lily with her homework.” There was also a photo. In the photo, the living room lights were bright. Lily sat with a blank expression, staring at the camera. Suddenly, I impulsively zoomed in on the photo. I actually saw a reflection in my daughter’s pupils—a mother and child. I’d never seen this mother and child before. Two hours later, I finally arrived at his parents’ house. It was the weekend. Around this time, Marcus always brought Lily to see George and Martha. When I arrived, an unfamiliar woman opened the door for me. Her smile froze. Just by her reaction, I knew my guess was right. The woman was so nervous she could barely speak. “I-I-I’m Maya, I came to visit Uncle George and Aunt Martha.” I didn’t respond, pushing past her and walking straight in. Marcus’s voice came from the living room, “Maya, who is it?” Maya, of course, didn’t dare to speak. After a long silence, Marcus walked out. He instantly saw me, looking disheveled from my journey. Suddenly, the air seemed to solidify, so heavy it was suffocating. I pushed past Marcus and entered the living room. In the living room, George and Martha had been gathered around a little boy. Seeing me, they both abruptly stood up. Martha’s knee hit the coffee table leg with a loud thud. But she still tried to force a smile, making her face look incredibly stiff and unnatural. “You’re here? Didn’t Marcus say you had work tonight?” “Oh, I finished.” I replied dismissively. Then, my gaze landed on Lily. My daughter sat isolated in the corner of the sofa. Seeing me, her eyes immediately welled up, and she ran over. “Mommy, you’re finally here.” I hugged my daughter, my heart aching. Lily had always been strong; she rarely got so outwardly emotional. I wondered what grief she had endured while I was away? Maya naturally stood by Marcus’s side, looking at me with a pained, teary expression. Marcus patted her shoulder reassuringly, then looked at me. “Have you eaten? Do you want me to warm something up for you?” “No.” I was in no mood to eat right now. Martha’s eyes darted around, and she tugged on George’s sleeve. George cleared his throat, put on a stern face, and lectured me. “Look at you, coming home with such a grim face, as if we elders owe you something.” I suddenly smiled. My gaze finally settled on Maya. She was watching me too, constantly twisting the hem of her dress with her hands. She wore light makeup, a plain long dress, and a knitted cardigan. Her outfit was clearly trying to look like the perfect wife-to-be. A stark contrast to my own style. Marcus subtly blocked my view, reaching out to take the bag from my hand. “Go wash your face first, I’ll warm up some milk for you.” I didn’t move, just looked down at Lily. And Lily continued to cling to my waist, not letting go. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she whispered to me, “Mommy, I want to go home.” “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?” I stroked her head, my heart full of concern. “I… I don’t like Leo.” Lily’s voice was muffled. The little boy, who had been playing a game console until now, suddenly looked up at us. That glance sent a shiver down my spine. He was truly too similar. His features, so much like Marcus. “This child…” My voice was calm, as if I still knew nothing. “He’s chubby-faced and lively.” The little boy looked about seven or eight years old. His narrow eyes stared straight at me, then he suddenly yelled. “Dad, who’s this lady? What’s she doing at our house?”

Marcus’s face instantly went pale. Maya quickly clapped her hand over the boy’s mouth. Her fingertips were trembling. “Kids don’t know any better, kids don’t know any better… this child always gets people mixed up.” “Really? But I think that ‘Dad’ sounded very natural.” I led Lily by the hand and sat down on the sofa. Martha immediately stepped in to smooth things over. “Oh, dear, children are just thoughtless. Just the other day, Mr. Miller from downstairs came over, and he chased after him, calling him ‘Dad’ too.” Saying this, Martha handed me a freshly peeled tangerine. “Quick, have some fruit to quench your thirst. You must be tired from the journey, right?” I took it, and politely said thank you. Seeing that I wasn’t dwelling on the matter, Marcus visibly relaxed. He walked around behind me, as if to give me a shoulder massage like he usually did. I sidestepped, dodging his hand. Marcus’s hand froze in mid-air, and he forced a dry laugh. “This is Maya, a distant relative. Something happened back in her hometown, so she’s staying with us for a few days…” “Relative?” I brought the peeled tangerine to Lily’s mouth. I suddenly smiled again. Marcus was a classic rags-to-riches story, a golden boy who’d escaped his poor village upbringing. After getting into college, he cut ties with all his poor relatives in the village. What kind of relative was this? Thinking this, I also asked aloud, “How come I never knew you had a distant relative named Maya? Didn’t all your family ties get cut off ages ago?” He choked on my words, his gaze flickering evasively. “Just a distant relative… the kind of distant relative that’s so far removed, they’re practically strangers. From my grandmother’s side.” I nodded thoughtfully. Indeed… a very “distant” relative. George and Martha exchanged glances, their eyes filled with calculation. Maya suddenly pulled Leo in front of me, her voice thick with tears. “Scarlett, I know I shouldn’t bother you, but I really have no choice. Leo is sick and needs money, so I could only come to Marcus…” “Come to him? To borrow money?” I glanced at her. “No, no, we just… we’ll pay it back.” Maya was incoherent. Marcus couldn’t stand to see Maya so humble and pleading. His face tightened. “That’s enough, who upset you today?” I smiled without speaking, reaching out to stroke Lily’s head. Years ago, when I gave birth to Lily, I had a massive hemorrhage, and Marcus’s face went white with fear. He said he would only ever cherish Lily and me… Sure enough, vows are only true the moment they’re spoken. Marcus pulled Maya aside: “You take Leo to the guest room for now.” “Oh, no.” I stopped them, my gaze falling on Leo’s wrist. He was wearing a gold bracelet. It looked strikingly similar to the one I gave Lily for her birthday last year. Lily’s bracelet had gone missing a long time ago. Now I finally knew where it went. Maya subconsciously pulled down Leo’s sleeve to cover it. Her hurried action was a dead giveaway. “That bracelet is so much like Lily’s, what a coincidence,” I said mockingly. Lily shrank further into my arms. But Leo suddenly broke free from Maya’s hand, pointing at me: “You wicked woman who stole my dad, the bracelet is mine, everything in this house is mine, I won’t give it to you.” “Leo!” Maya shrieked, rushing to cover his mouth. Marcus’s forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. George suddenly slapped the table with a loud *smack*. “Scarlett! Stop with the passive-aggressive comments! It’s just a bracelet, do you have to be so aggressive?” “All these years, my son has kept you in comfort and luxury, what more do you want?” “Do us old folks not even have the right to decide what to do with a gold bracelet?”

That night, I didn’t continue to argue with them. I didn’t want to scare Lily. Marcus drove me home, and we were both silent the entire way. He knew I wasn’t easily fooled. As soon as the car stopped, Marcus was eager to explain. His tone carried a deliberate attempt to appease me: “Honey, I didn’t handle things well today. My parents are getting old, please don’t take it to heart, they’re just soft-hearted and can’t bear to see a child suffer.” “Mhm.” I replied calmly. This reaction made Marcus pause. He hadn’t expected me to be so composed. But in the end, he relaxed. In a corner I couldn’t see, he secretly sent a message to Maya: [Don’t worry, she won’t find out. Don’t fret, Leo is my child, I won’t treat him badly.] I checked the surveillance footage in the middle of the night and saw his sneaky move. So self-important, wasn’t he? Before falling asleep, Lily told me. “Mommy, these past few times, after Dad dropped me off at Grandma and Grandpa’s, he and Leo went out for a long time.” “Really?” My heart felt a sharp tug. “Yes, Leo… he just transferred to our class, and he keeps bullying me.” My daughter grumbled. Only then did I realize that my daughter was being bullied by a classmate at school. She said Leo and other classmates told her she was stealing someone else’s dad, and that she was shameless. She tried desperately to explain, but her classmates didn’t believe her. She had told Marcus about it. But Marcus only told her that Leo was a good kid and wouldn’t possibly bully her. Because of this, Lily’s personality had become quieter and less communicative. Since I was constantly traveling for business, I’d been home very little in the past few months. Plus, with the time difference when I was abroad, Lily and I barely had a chance to communicate. I hugged my daughter tightly, filled with self-reproach. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. It won’t happen again.” I always thought that by working hard to earn money and give Lily a head start, I was doing what was best for her. But I had neglected her emotional well-being. At that moment, my private investigator’s message came through. [I found out. Maya is the wife Marcus married in his village ten years ago…] The more I read, the more my heart pounded. So, I’d been the other woman all along? The private investigator’s last message was a reminder: [I also found that your husband has frequently been going in and out of banks and real estate companies recently. You should pay attention.] “Okay, thank you for your hard work.” I held Lily closer. In the darkness, my pupils narrowed. I could understand human hearts changing. But I couldn’t accept anyone daring to scheme against my daughter and me. While Lily was asleep, I got up and sent a text to my lawyer. “I want to divorce Marcus. I want him to leave with absolutely nothing…” Two days later, Lily’s school held an art performance. I asked for leave for her and sent her to my parents’ house. Marcus secretly breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as he said, “It’s good for Lily to rest a bit. Oh, by the way, I have something to do later and won’t be back until very late. You don’t need to save dinner for me.” “Okay.” I gave him a meaningful glance. As soon as Marcus left, I followed closely behind. He indeed turned towards the school. Hatred surged through me. He used to use “no time” as an excuse and never attended Lily’s school events. Now, he was going to a school event for Leo. The hall was packed with parents. I put on a mask and casually picked a seat. Soon after, I saw Maya holding Leo’s hand, sitting diagonally across from me. She was staring intently at Marcus, who was speaking on stage as the parent representative. The principal smiled at Marcus: “Mr. Marcus, please share some educational experience. Leo just transferred this semester and has made rapid progress. Could you tell us about it?” A sarcastic smirk played on my lips. What a ‘Leo’s Dad’! Marcus smiled and raised the microphone. He first uttered a few polite pleasantries. Then, he looked at Leo in the audience, his eyes filled with pride and satisfaction. “Actually, it’s not my credit. Mainly, this child is very smart, just a bit mischievous. I’m usually busy, but whenever I have time, I try to spend it with him…” The surrounding parents all nodded in agreement. But then, a student suddenly shouted out. “Whose dad are you, really?”

The hall fell silent for a moment. Marcus’s smile froze on his face. The plump kid ignored his parents’ attempts to quiet him, standing up: “A few days ago, Lily showed me your picture and said you were her dad.” Instantly, everyone’s eyes widened. The plump kid’s parents quickly clapped their hands over his mouth, forced a dry laugh, and said their child was thoughtless. The principal stepped in to smooth things over: “Are Lily and Leo perhaps siblings?” Marcus was about to say yes. Leo suddenly shouted in dissatisfaction. “No! That selfish brat and I are not siblings! Dad is mine, she’s stealing my dad!” As soon as these words came out, the hall erupted. Whispers and discussions rose one after another. “What’s going on? Is Lily’s mom the other woman?” “How awful, he’s actually leading a double life…” I dreaded to think what would happen if Lily heard this? Luckily, Lily wasn’t here. Marcus suddenly waved at Maya and Leo, signaling them to come over. Maya brought Leo onto the stage. The three of them stood together. Looking every bit like a real family. Marcus put on an expression of deep remorse. “Teachers, parents, this matter… I feel somewhat ashamed to speak of it.” “Scarlett and I, Lily’s mother, actually divorced a long time ago. For our daughter’s sake, we just kept up appearances, living under the same roof.” I sat in the crowd, my knuckles whitening as I clenched my fists. Marcus wrapped a sympathetic arm around Maya. “And Maya was my sweetheart from my youth.” As he spoke, their eyes met, sparking with emotion. If I wasn’t directly involved, I might even be rooting for them. At this, Marcus spoke with a slight catch in his throat. “Back then, when I went away to study, she stayed home and helped me take care of my parents. I’ve always been so grateful to her.” “It was only later, when I got the scholarship to study abroad, that I lost contact with her. I thought she had long since married someone else.” “But it wasn’t until half a year ago that I found out she had been waiting for me all this time, never marrying, and even had a son.” Maya remained silent, simply shedding tears. The murmurs around me gradually shifted in tone. “So that’s how it is, then. That’s really tough for you two.” “Marcus didn’t do anything wrong, did he? If he’s already divorced from Lily’s mom, then there’s nothing wrong with rekindling an old flame with his first love.” Maya, sensing the moment, teared up even more, her voice choked. “Marcus, don’t say anymore. If Leo hadn’t gotten sick, I wouldn’t have come to bother you all.” “As a woman, I understand other women. Scarlett, even if you’re divorced, wouldn’t want me to be too close to you. She’ll blame me…” She spoke with such apparent restraint. Leo, somewhat understanding, shouted at Marcus. “Dad, don’t be with that wicked woman anymore! She secretly cursed Mom the other day, saying we were poor relatives trying to freeload.” “Leo, don’t talk nonsense!” Maya frantically tried to pull Leo. But her actions only made everyone else misunderstand me further. Marcus’s heart ached for her. He repeatedly promised that he wouldn’t let Maya and Leo suffer any more grievances. I watched this perfectly synchronized act of “star-crossed lovers” on stage, my stomach churned. Marcus, back then, had never mentioned Maya in order to marry me. Now that he was successful, he suddenly remembered his ‘true love’? A parent whispered. “Lily’s mom always seems so overbearing. I can’t believe she’s so excessive she even tries to control her ex-husband? Utterly out of line.” “Right? They’re just rekindling an old flame, and he didn’t even cheat while married. Why is she meddling?” Just then, my phone received a message from my lawyer. [It’s all handled. Don’t worry, Marcus’s illegal transfer of assets has been frozen, and your divorce petition…] I smiled and switched off my phone. Marcus was working on a huge project right now, planning to invest hundreds of millions into it. If the funds were frozen, the project couldn’t proceed. The show was about to begin. Amidst the clamor of voices, I took out the miniature megaphone I had prepared. “How is it that I didn’t know I was divorced?”

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I spent twenty years married to David Miller, ten of those caring for his bedridden mother, and helped him climb from a struggling local teacher to a renowned professor. Everyone praised me as the epitome of a devoted wife and loving mother, the unsung hero of the Miller family. On her deathbed, my mother-in-law, Eleanor, held my hand, saying she hoped I’d be her daughter-in-law again in another life. David hugged me, expressing his gratitude. “Scarlett, you’ve worked so hard all these years. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” I thought my suffering was finally over, that happiness was within reach. But before her body was even cold, he handed me divorce papers and embraced Chloe, my best friend since childhood. He looked at me, his voice devoid of emotion. “Scarlett Stone, I’ve tolerated you for twenty years. Finally, I’m free.” “Chloe is the only woman I’ve ever loved.” I left with nothing, ended up on the streets, and a car accident took my miserable life. Then, I opened my eyes, finding myself twenty years in the past, right back at my blind date. Aunt Carol, the matchmaker, was practically gushing about David: “This young man is a real catch, truly good-hearted, devoted to his family. Any woman would be lucky to marry him!” I looked at the man across from me, appearing refined and sincere, and smiled. Then I tossed the blind date profile I was holding into the trash. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’re a good fit.”

David’s smile froze. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his voice still gentle. “Miss Stone, is there something I’ve done to mislead you?” “We can take our time getting to know each other. There’s no need to jump to conclusions.” Aunt Carol panicked, grabbing my arm. “Scarlett, dear, what are you doing? A promising young man like David is a rare find! Don’t be foolish!” I gently pulled my hand away, my gaze calm as it rested on David. In my previous life, it was this gentle, elegant demeanor that fooled me for an entire lifetime. I believed his humble background was temporary, that his character was beyond reproach. So, I took out all my savings, gave up the chance to study at a prestigious art college, and rooted myself in that small town with him. I managed our home, networked with his superiors, and slowly, meticulously, paved his way to a brilliant career. And what did I get in return? Once he achieved fame and success, the first thing he did was kick me aside like a useless stepping stone. I curved my lips into a slight smile. “Mr. Miller, it’s not a misunderstanding. You’re a great person; I’m simply not worthy of you.” With that, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and turned to leave. “Scarlett!” David grabbed my wrist. I turned back, looking at him coldly. He seemed to realize his lapse in decorum and loosened his grip. “Miss Stone, I just feel it’s such a pity.” “I promised my mother I’d find a gentle and virtuous wife just like you.” “I…” “Then keep looking.” I cut him off, forcefully shaking his hand away. “Mr. Miller, please stop following me. It’s embarrassing.” I walked out of the noisy cafe without looking back. The early summer breeze kissed my face with a gentle warmth, and I let out a long, shuddering sigh of relief. It felt so good; everything was still salvageable. Just then, my best friend Chloe called. I answered, and her sweet, concerned voice immediately filled my ear. “Scarlett, how was the blind date?” “I heard Aunt Carol say that David is a really great guy. Did you meet him?” I leaned against a maple tree by the road, watching the dappled shadows, and chuckled softly. “I did.” “That’s wonderful! What’s he like? Is he everything Aunt Carol said?” “Yeah, he’s a guy with potential,” I replied, my voice flat. Chloe seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her voice bubbling with delight. “I knew it! Scarlett, you have to seize this opportunity! For a woman, finding a good man is everything! Don’t worry, once you and David are married, I’ll be there for him, like a sister!” In my previous life, she said the exact same thing. Then, when I was overwhelmed caring for his mother, she’d be wearing the dress *I’d* bought, comforting David in my place. While I was scrambling to secure funding for his research, she played the role of his empathetic confidante, accompanying him to academic conferences. In the end, she wrapped her arm around my husband and told me, “Scarlett, I’m so sorry, love is beyond our control.” I closed my eyes, suppressing the searing hatred that pierced through me. “Chloe, if you think he’s so great, why don’t *you* have him?” Chloe’s breath hitched.

“Scarlett, you… what are you talking about?” Chloe’s voice suddenly grew flustered. “We’re best friends; how could I ever…” “Friends should share good things, shouldn’t they?” I cut her off smoothly. “Didn’t you always say you wanted a driven, family-oriented man who would treat you well? David perfectly fits all your criteria.” “But, but he was *your* blind date!” “I already rejected him.” I watched the bustling street, feeling like the whole world had brightened. “So, he’s a free man now.” “You have Aunt Carol’s number, right? Better act fast. A real catch like him won’t stay available for long.” With that, I hung up before she could react. I could just imagine the look on Chloe’s face right now – a mixture of shock and secret delight. In my previous life, she’d spoken endless praises for David, subtly nudging me to settle down quickly. All she wanted was for me to clear the path, navigate the thorns, and once I’d helped David rise, she’d swoop in and enjoy the fruits of my labor. This time, I’d make sure she got her wish. I wanted to see how, without my family’s resources and savings as his initial capital, without my connections and sacrifices paving his way, Chloe would manage to live the ‘good life’ with her beloved ‘catch’. Back home, my mom was waiting for me on the sofa. As soon as I walked in, she asked eagerly, “Well? How was it? Was David okay?” My dad also poked his head out of his study. My parents were working-class, a bit traditional, always believing that a stable home was the most important thing for a girl. In my previous life, they were incredibly pleased with their educated son-in-law, David. I sat down next to them, speaking calmly. “Dad, Mom, I didn’t like him.” “Oh?” My mom looked disappointed. “Why not? Aunt Carol said he was…” “He said his mother isn’t well and takes medication constantly,” I explained. “And he has a younger brother in college, all dependent on his single salary.” I stripped away David’s carefully crafted image of devotion and responsibility, revealing the raw truth. My mom’s face clearly changed. “That’s… quite a heavy burden, isn’t it?” “Yeah,” I nodded. “And, I don’t want to get married so early.” “Dad, Mom, I want to pick up my paintbrushes again. I want to apply for grad school at the art academy.” This was a dream I’d kept hidden for twenty years. In my previous life, I gave up direct admission to grad school for David. He had sworn to me, “Scarlett, once I’m settled, I’ll definitely support you in continuing your studies.” Later, when he was settled and a professor, he told me, “You’re almost forty, what’s the point of all this fuss? Isn’t it better to just be content at home?” My dad listened, silent for a moment, then finally nodded. “Alright, if you want to apply, go for it. Don’t worry about things at home.” My dad had always been more open-minded than my mom. My eyes burned, and I nodded emphatically. The next day, I was at a bookstore, looking for grad school materials, when David suddenly appeared, blocking my path. “Miss Stone, I know this is presumptuous, but I still wanted to try again.” I closed my book and looked at him. “Mr. Miller, I think I’ve made myself quite clear.” “I know,” he said with a bitter smile, his voice tinged with a plea. “My mom, she found out you didn’t like me yesterday, and she couldn’t sleep all night. She fell ill this morning.” A cold laugh flickered in my heart. In my previous life, I was too soft-hearted. After his mother fell ill, I went to visit, only to be morally blackmailed by his entire family. Eventually, I half-heartedly agreed to the marriage. I looked him straight in the eyes, speaking each word distinctly. “Mr. Miller, if your mother is ill, you should take her to the hospital and find a doctor.” “You shouldn’t come to me, a stranger you’ve only just met. I’m not a doctor; I can’t cure her.”

David’s face instantly darkened. He took a deep breath, his voice heavy. “Scarlett, I just want to ask you to go see her. She really likes you, she keeps talking about you, saying you’re exactly the daughter-in-law she always imagined. Just… have some pity for an old woman, and go see her, okay?” His voice trembled slightly, and his eyes were glistening. I placed the book back on the shelf and turned to leave. “Scarlett Stone!” David’s voice suddenly rose sharply. “Are you really so heartless?!” People around us started to stare. I stopped, meeting his slightly displeased gaze with a calm stare. “Mr. Miller, please watch your words.” “Between us, there’s nothing but a failed blind date. You’re causing a disturbance in public, and it’s making me uncomfortable.” His chest heaved violently; he was clearly furious. “Fine, fine, fine,” he repeated three times, a dark, brooding look in his eyes. “Scarlett Stone, I won’t forget this.” With that, he turned and walked away quickly, his back view showing a touch of humiliation. That evening, I received a call from an unfamiliar number. On the other end, a frail, elderly female voice asked, “Is this… Miss Stone?” I immediately recognized it as Eleanor Miller, David’s mother. “Hello, Mrs. Miller,” I replied politely but distantly. “Oh, Scarlett,” Eleanor sighed dramatically over the phone. “I know, it’s our David who doesn’t have the good fortune to be worthy of such a wonderful girl like you.” “But, but I just want to see you, to say a few words to you in person. Otherwise, my heart feels so heavy… I’m afraid I won’t… I won’t get over this.” As she spoke, her voice started to break with tears. I held the phone, silent. In my previous life, she was always like this. Whenever David wanted something from me, she would conveniently get sick, heartbroken, or couldn’t go on. And I, time and again, softened, time and again, compromised. “Scarlett, dear, I’m not asking for anything else, just for you to come to the hospital and see this old woman, please?” “Just… have pity on me.” Her voice was full of pleading, as if I had no choice but to agree. I took a deep breath, knowing that if I didn’t deal with this once and for all, they’d stick to me like a bad rash. “Alright,” I agreed. “Send me the address. I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon.” After hanging up, I looked out at the dark night sky, my eyes growing colder by the second. David, since you and your mother insist on putting on this show, I’ll gladly play along. This time, however, I’ll be writing the script. The next afternoon, I arrived at the city hospital as planned. As I reached the entrance of the inpatient department, I saw Chloe waiting there. She was wearing a simple white dress and light makeup. Seeing me, she immediately came forward, her face full of concern. “Scarlett, you’re finally here! Mrs. Miller… she hasn’t eaten since this morning, she’s been constantly asking for you.” She naturally linked her arm through mine, as if we were still inseparable best friends. “Really?” I gently pulled my hand away. “Then let’s go in quickly. We shouldn’t keep her waiting.” Chloe’s eyes flickered, but she quickly resumed her gentle, kind demeanor, leading me towards the病房 (hospital room). As she pushed open the door, a strong smell of medicine wafted out. Eleanor was lying weakly in the hospital bed, and David sat beside her, feeding her water. Seeing me enter, Eleanor’s eyes immediately lit up, and she struggled to sit up. “Scarlett, Scarlett, you’re here…”

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The day before Valentine’s Day, my fiancée, Sera Hayes – who notoriously hated water – suddenly announced she wanted to learn to swim. Right then, a chilling suspicion seized me: she’d fallen for the swimming instructor downstairs. After attending one lesson with her, I calmly informed her: either the engagement was off, or she cut ties with that instructor. Seraphina stormed out in a rage, slamming the door, and didn’t return all night. She came back the next day, her legs shaky, her back aching, swearing she’d only ever be with me. On our wedding day, the city’s elite, the who’s who of high society, gathered. As the officiant declared, “Now, the groom may kiss his bride,” Seraphina abruptly pushed me away, her voice trembling: “I’m sorry, I can’t kiss someone I don’t love.” “I thought I could force myself, but I just can’t lie to my own heart.” With that, she ran, in her pristine white gown, straight into the arms of the red-eyed swimming instructor sitting in the front row. The entire ballroom erupted in gasps, camera flashes blinding us. Overnight, I became the city’s biggest joke. The top trending news? A video of Seraphina and the male instructor kissing passionately right at our wedding. In that moment, my heart died. If you choose to betray me again, then don’t blame me for eradicating you. … Staring at her retreating back, the last shred of hope in my heart evaporated. I swept my hand, shattering the champagne tower, glass shards scattering everywhere. My voice, cold as ice, warned: “If you walk out now, the Thorne empire and the Hayes family will be sworn enemies, utterly relentless!” Seraphina faltered, her eyes instantly brimming with tears. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t betray my own heart. I’ll make it up to you later.” Within half an hour. News of the Hayes heiress running away from her wedding for love had seized every media headline. 【LOL, is this some archaic ‘alpha CEO’ monologue? He totally deserved getting dumped!】 【If he acts this arrogant in public, imagine how despicable he is behind closed doors. They should investigate the Thornes!】 【Go, Sera! Women shouldn’t be pawns in dynastic alliances!】 Instantly, the Thorne family became the laughingstock of the entire metropolis, the talk of every dinner party. Yet Seraphina Hayes, the orchestrator of it all, was being hailed by public opinion as a brave, new-age woman chasing true love. I scrolled through the screen, my face devoid of emotion. Until I saw Seraphina’s latest “apology statement”: 【This decision, though it deeply hurt Alex Thorne, I simply couldn’t accept a marriage without love, destined to drown in numbness for the rest of my life… All the fault is mine. I humbly ask everyone not to blame Alex.】 The accompanying photo showed her with swollen, red eyes. What was particularly glaring was the cheap silver band on her ring finger. It certainly wasn’t the engagement ring I’d given her. Then, Brendan Miller poured gasoline on the fire of public outrage: 【Sera has been so consumed with guilt, she’s wasted away. Love can’t be forced; we’ll still be friends.】 I actually laughed, a bitter, furious sound. If she’d just been honest before the wedding, I would have let her go, wished her well. But she didn’t. She chose this moment, in front of everyone, with the city’s elite gathered. To utterly trample the Thorne family’s dignity! Now she expected to manipulate public opinion into forgiving me? In her dreams! “Immediately issue a directive: withdraw all investments from Hayes Industries, terminate all partnerships.” “Furthermore, mobilize every resource to support Hayes Industries’ competitors.” “If I don’t drive the Hayes family into bankruptcy, then I’ll disown my own name!” My assistant, Flick, broke into a cold sweat. She carefully advised, “Mr. Thorne, public opinion is strongly against us right now. Making a move at this moment might…” I cut her off sharply: “Afraid of what?” “An ungrateful viper, biting the hand that fed them – shouldn’t they be taught a lesson?” “This is the perfect opportunity to make an example of the Hayes family. Let’s see who dares to challenge the Thornes after this!” I massaged my throbbing temples. A cascade of past events flooded my mind. Years ago, when Mr. Hayes Sr. suddenly passed, his fortune was snatched by a conniving illegitimate son, a predator lurking in the shadows. Seraphina knelt in the pouring rain for an entire day and night, just to beg me to save the Hayes family. “Mr. Thorne, if you just help Hayes Industries, I’ll do anything you ask for the rest of my life!” Moved by a moment of weakness, I proposed a marriage of convenience. She agreed without hesitation. After our engagement, I kept my promise. Not only did I help her reclaim her company and put that illegitimate son in jail, I personally mentored her in business. I elevated Hayes Industries from a fledgling startup into a formidable corporate powerhouse across the city. But gradually, things between us changed. She started resisting my closeness, rejecting my plans, yearning for what she called “pure love.” Until that swimming instructor, Brendan Miller, appeared. She poured all her passion and affection onto him, holding nothing back. Actually, half a month ago, I’d given her one last chance. “Seraphina Hayes, if you still want to get married, watch your step.” She merely smiled faintly: “We’re just instructor and student. Your mind’s just twisted, seeing dirt where there’s none.” “Mr. Thorne, you’re not cheating on me, are you? Is that why you’re so paranoid?” My voice dropped to an icy tone: “If you cross the line, I’ll reclaim everything I’ve given you.” She flinched violently, her tone finally softening: “You’ve misunderstood. There’s nothing going on between me and Brendan.” “I won’t see him again.” In that moment, I actually believed we could go back to how things were. Sadly, she ultimately betrayed my final trust.

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That year, I was ten. I begged my brother to come home for my birthday. He died in a plane crash. Not a single trace of his body was ever found. From that day on, I became a festering wound, a constant source of their agony in my parents’ eyes. They resented me, blamed me for Caleb’s death. Every year, on the anniversary of his passing, they’d drag me to the cemetery and force me to my knees before his empty grave, a grim ritual of repentance. Eight years. Eight agonizing years. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life atoning, but on my eighteenth birthday, I was stalked and murdered by a killer. Before I died, I desperately tried to message Mom for help, but her voice was sharp, full of accusation. “You just don’t want to atone for what you did to your brother, do you? You’re a pathological liar! If you hadn’t forced him to come home, my son wouldn’t have died. This is nothing but the karma you deserve!” The call was mercilessly cut short. I stared blankly at the dark screen, and suddenly, all will to live drained out of me. She was right. What face did I, a jinx, a destroyer, have to live on? But then, eight years later, my brother, who everyone thought was dead, returned. And he brought his pregnant fiancée with him. When they learned of my death, they both shattered. **Chapter 1** On my tenth birthday, I made a fatal mistake. I caused the death of my own brother. Growing up, I lived in a happy home. Loving parents, an amazing older brother. I was everyone’s darling. But all of it, everything, was irrevocably ruined by a single phone call. It was my birthday that day, and I called Caleb, wanting him to come home to celebrate with me. Instead, he lost his life. A plane crash. Not a single trace of his body. From then on, Mom and Dad hated me with a burning intensity. They said it to me more than once. “Why did you force Caleb to come back? Why wasn’t it you who died instead?” That accident didn’t just kill Caleb. It killed me too. Guilt, regret, the constant accusations from my own parents – they pushed me deeper and deeper into an abyss. I must have asked myself a thousand times why I called Caleb back, why I caused his death, why God would take him away. If I hadn’t called him that day, would he still be alive? But there are no ‘if onlys’ in this world. And no one was willing to give me an answer. From that tenth birthday, my life was reduced to two words: atonement. Every year, on the anniversary of Caleb’s death – which was also my birthday. Mom and Dad would send me to the cemetery, making me kneel before his tombstone, begging for forgiveness. This kneeling went on for eight years. Just when I thought my life couldn’t get any bleaker, I was found by The Rain Reaper, and brutally murdered. Honestly, in that moment, I fought like hell to live. I pulled out the taser Dad had given me, disguised as a cute white lamb keychain. Dad worked a dangerous job, and he’d made a lot of enemies over the years. Once, Mom and I were kidnapped. Mom, trying to save me, was dragged for dozens of yards by the kidnappers’ car. Dad, fighting for us, was stabbed in the chest. With the help of the police, we eventually got out alive. So, from then on, Dad, worried for my safety, specially gave me that keychain, which concealed a high-voltage taser. After teaching me how to use it, he told me, “Dad can’t always be by your side. You have to protect yourself.” But for some reason, when the killer grabbed me, and I desperately fumbled with the pendant, trying to activate it and stab him— It just… didn’t work. It was broken. I lost my last chance to survive. Even now, I vividly remember everything I went through. A wrench, pliers, an axe – tool after tool, mercilessly used on me. My horrified expression only seemed to fuel the man’s twisted excitement. It hurt. It hurt so much that I sobbed uncontrollably, losing control of my bladder and bowels. I never imagined the sound of bones breaking could be so loud, echoing so clearly in my ears. Flesh tearing from bone, my vision blurring crimson. I drifted into unconsciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was a spirit. To my astonishment, I found myself in the police station. Thunder and lightning crashed outside. Dad, dressed in his work uniform, his eyes filled with a deep, weary sorrow. Several young forensic pathologists were gathered around. On the examination table, there was a bag filled with expertly cut pieces of a body. This was what Captain Miller and his team had painstakingly recovered, the only body bag not completely washed away by the relentless rain. I never thought. That my death would be discovered so swiftly. Perhaps it was heaven’s pity for my tragic life. A homeless man rummaging through a dumpster found a bag, opened it, and thinking he’d stumbled upon some free meat, saw human fingers instead. A torrential downpour had just begun to uncover the gruesome dismemberment case. Outside, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and rain poured down. Every officer, along with their K9 units, scoured the city. Captain Miller’s face was livid. He couldn’t control his emotions. The brutal dismemberment case mirrored the methods of The Rain Reaper, a serial killer from seven or eight years ago. “Dave, doesn’t this case remind you of The Rain Reaper’s methods from eight years ago?” Dad’s expression darkened. The Rain Reaper was a killer who specifically targeted rainy nights, with a particular fondness for torturing and murdering young women. He had shattered countless happy families. Back then, Dad had finally gathered enough evidence to apprehend The Rain Reaper. But the killer, sensing he was cornered, escaped first. Then, for revenge, The Rain Reaper tampered with the plane Caleb was on, killing him in that accident. Neither of their bodies had ever been found. So Captain Miller immediately thought of that madman. If he hadn’t died, he would surely return for revenge. He couldn’t help but warn Dad. “Dave, if this really is The Rain Reaper, you have to make sure Eleanor and Skylar stay indoors. Most importantly, protect Skylar. She’s often The Rain Reaper’s preferred target!” But hearing my name, Dad’s anxious face instantly cooled. He spoke in a chillingly flat voice. “She should have died a long time ago.” Hearing those words. My heart ached. He was right. I should have died a long time ago. These past eight years, they were stolen years. Captain Miller knew about what happened back then. He wanted to offer comfort but could only frown, a deep crease forming between his brows. Back then, after learning of Caleb’s death, my parents searched the mountain where the plane crashed for three days and three nights. Finally, with bloodshot eyes, they knelt by the roadside, begging heaven to return Caleb to them. The pain of losing a child in their prime was something my parents could never move past. Thinking of this, Captain Miller sighed. “Dave, don’t think about it too much. The precinct is urgent; this case is high-priority!” Dad knew his duty and began his work. He carefully took out the pieces of flesh from the bag. But in that instant, he couldn’t help but curse under his breath. “Goddamn his whole ancestry.” “Is this even human?” Some of the younger forensic pathologists, seeing such a body for the first time, turned red-eyed. But for now, the most crucial task was identifying the victim. After the officers brought back all the body fragments they could find. Dad began piecing together the body. I floated beside him, watching him spend an entire day assembling a skinless torso. I felt a strange sense of relief. I knew how gruesome my death was, and I was afraid Dad would be scared if he recognized me. I was also relieved that my life, filled with so much guilt, was finally over. Captain Miller looked at the crimson body on the table. Even after years as a police officer, his face was disturbingly pale. He asked Dad the killer’s motive: was it to hide evidence, or was it a deliberate act of a psychopath? Dad’s face was grim. After a long silence, he spoke in a hoarse voice. “It’s not about hiding evidence. Our tests show the victim was flayed alive.” He clenched his fists, trying to control himself. “This was purely for revenge!” He pointed at my body. “Look, on this body, there are even traces of salt corrosion! The killer, to torment the victim, carved her flesh off piece by piece!” As he spoke, Dad’s face was filled with unbearable pain. He choked out, his voice thick with grief. “And she was just a young girl, sixteen to twenty years old! What kind of hatred, what kind of grudge could cause this?!” I floated beside Dad, silently applauding him. He truly was the best forensic pathologist in the city, able to accurately determine how I died. Captain Miller’s eyes grew colder and colder. “That sick bastard! A soulless monster!” His chest heaved with rage. Then he asked again. “We’re currently searching for missing females aged sixteen to twenty from the past two days. We hope to find the victim’s information as soon as possible.” Hearing this, Dad seemed to recall something and spoke again. “Right, the bag where the killer stored the victim’s remains is missing the right leg bone. It’s highly probable that the victim’s leg bone has congenital or acquired scars, deformities, or surgical marks that could identify her.” “And because the victim’s face was destroyed by acid, it will take time to restore her appearance.” He sighed, taking off his gloves. Next to Dad’s hand lay the blood-stained lamb keychain. Clearly, he had forgotten this was the very tool he had given me to protect myself. Having finished his work. My dad glanced at his phone, but seeing the content, he angrily called Mom. “Did you see Skylar Hayes’s calls? That liar, how could she say such a thing? I think she’s doing it on purpose, trying to provoke us!” Dad was clearly furious. “Doesn’t she know that if she hadn’t insisted Caleb come back, he wouldn’t have been killed by The Rain Reaper? And now, Skylar Hayes claims she was being stalked!” I watched Dad’s face, red with anger, and felt a pang of sadness. Dad, I wasn’t lying. I was really dying. How could I, the one who caused Caleb’s death, intentionally provoke you? How could I do such a thing? I was utterly helpless at that moment, which is why I sent you those messages, begging for help. But Dad couldn’t see me. Neither could Mom. I heard her on the other end of the phone, sounding just as angry. “I saw her messages too. I ignored them. She must just be trying to get out of her penance. That deadbeat girl, she doesn’t care about atoning for anything!” I listened to their accusations against me. Sadly, I covered my ears. Just when I thought my death would go unnoticed by them. My best friend, Chloe Jensen, rushed into the police station. She said I had been missing for two days. But just as an officer was about to take down my name. Dad stopped them both. “No need. Skylar Hayes is my daughter. She’s not missing; she’s just trying to blackmail me and her mother…” Hearing this, the officer looked awkwardly at Chloe Jensen. He knew Dad’s rank and could only turn and leave. I watched Chloe Jensen leave the police station, her face utterly distraught, tears streaming down. I wanted to chase after her, but I was bound to Dad’s side. Watching him process my skull, following him home after work. On the dining table, without fail, were roasted lobster, garlic butter shrimp, and baked salmon. Mom remembered Caleb’s preferences but never remembered that I was allergic to seafood. Once at dinner, Dad asked me why I wasn’t eating, and I thought he finally cared. I clutched my forks, gathering courage, “Dad, I’m allergic to seafood…” Mom slammed her fork down on the table, pointing it straight at my nose, her voice a furious hiss, “What sin did I commit to give birth to such an ungrateful child! I worked so hard to make this feast, and now I’m the bad guy?” I looked helplessly at Dad, the hero who used to protect me whenever I made Mom angry when I was little. This time, my hero just put a large piece of lobster onto my plate, “Eat your food, don’t make your mother angry.” Their gazes enveloped me, as if not eating would make me a sinner. In the end, all the seafood ended up in my stomach. That day, my throat swelled so much I could barely breathe, my eyes were so puffy I couldn’t see, and my whole body was in agonizing pain and itching. “H-help… help me…” My voice was terribly hoarse. I stumbled to the door, trying to open it, but the doorknob wouldn’t turn. Panic seized me. I pounded on the door, struggling to make a sound. “Help… help me… Dad, Mom… help me… I don’t want to die…” In a daze, I heard Mom’s voice from the living room. “It’s just an allergy; no one ever died from an allergy. Good thing I locked the door, she always fakes being pathetic, it’s disgusting! Last night, Caleb came to me in a dream and said he wanted the newest gaming console. Hurry, let’s go, the mall will close soon.” No! Mom, Dad, don’t leave me! I don’t want to die, save me… The living room door slammed shut with a bang, and I was utterly abandoned. Let it be. Maybe if I died, it wouldn’t hurt so much. I curled up in the corner, waiting to die. From downstairs, I heard the laughter of a father and daughter, clear through my only working ear. “You clumsy kid, you know you’re allergic to peanuts, and you still ate them! You almost died!” “I’m sorry, Dad, I didn’t do it on purpose, please don’t tell Mom.” “Your mom already knows. She was so worried her back started hurting, and she still made a table full of your favorite dishes for you. As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters. What parents would truly hold a grudge against their child?” I felt like a sewer rat peeking at someone else’s happiness, greedy and masochistically stealing glances at a joy that wasn’t mine. In that moment, I felt utterly ashamed, with nowhere to hide. I wanted Mom and Dad to love me too, to care about my food allergies, to cook my favorite meals, to fuss over me. But I was just the bad kid who killed Caleb, unworthy of love. But Mom and Dad, I don’t want to die, I really don’t want to die… I didn’t die that day. At the last minute, I jumped out the window and was rushed to the hospital. The doctor said I was lucky to arrive in time; any later and my life would have been in danger. An aunt by the bedside, peeling an orange for her daughter, said to me, “It’s a good thing you’re alright, otherwise your parents would be so worried!” I watched enviously as the aunt fed her daughter orange segments, one by one. My lonely reflection stared back from the glass. I comforted myself, as if announcing to everyone, laughing loudly, “Yes, Mom and Dad love me very, very much.” Suddenly, the hospital room door was violently pushed open. I saw Mom and Dad rushing towards me, their faces etched with urgency. A wave of grievance spread from deep within my heart. Enduring the pain, I struggled to sit up, tears dripping down. “Dad, Mom…” I’m so scared, I’m truly terrified of dying… Will you hug me? Just for a moment, just once… Mom grabbed my collar, yanking me off the hospital bed and onto the floor. The IV needle ripped out, blood spurting. “You damn slut! Faking being pathetic, eating yourself into an allergic reaction, and then deliberately jumping out a window to make a spectacle of yourself, trying to tell everyone your dad and I mistreat you, to ruin our reputation, right? Why didn’t you just jump to your death?!” I curled up, hugging my head, my body getting kicked again and again. I wasn’t trying to hurt Mom and Dad, I just didn’t want to die… I gambled on the three-story fall and won, but I didn’t win against the depth of Mom and Dad’s hatred for me. I saw Dad leaning against the wall on the glass, watching coldly as Mom clawed at me with her nails, while the aunt in the next bed comforted her frightened daughter, soothing her gently. The crowd gathered at the hospital room door looked at me with disdain and scorn, as if I were a vicious child. The fragile illusion that Mom and Dad loved me, which I had painstakingly built up, was completely shattered in front of everyone. I lied to you. Mom and Dad don’t love me. They… they hate me the most… After that, Mom and Dad cut off my allowance, and I applied to live in the dorms. I ate plain bread rolls from the cafeteria for a dollar each, alongside free vegetable broth. I slept in a cramped, bare room with a thin mattress on a metal frame, the kind meant for double the occupancy. The hundreds of dollars for accommodation consumed all my scholarship money each semester. As I moved from middle school to high school, accommodation fees increased, forcing me to study day and night, hoping to score just a few extra points each time to win scholarships and survive. I always thought that if I became outstanding enough, Mom and Dad would eventually love me again. The reality was that when I brought home near-perfect test papers, and visiting relatives praised me, Mom retorted without thinking, “She’s as dumb as a rock, not even half as smart as Caleb. How could she score so well?” Immediately after, her arm swung wide, and she slapped me across the face. “Tell me, who did you cheat off of?” My face burned with pain, and my heart burned with it too, wishing I could disappear. Later, when my homeroom teacher called to confirm my grades, Mom just glanced at the shredded test papers in the trash can and sneered. “What’s there to brag about with such low scores? Your brother got perfect scores in every subject back then. You’re so pathetic, not even ashamed of these scores!” Along with those test papers, my heart was also shredded. Mom and Dad liked smart kids like Caleb, so I worked hard to erase myself, to become like Caleb. I studied even harder. Spring, summer, autumn, winter – prickly heat, chilblains, mosquito bites always found me relentlessly each season. When I walked out of the exam hall after my SATs, I finally had a chance to prove I was as excellent as Caleb. Mom and Dad would start loving me, right…? But I died on the eve of my SAT results being released. Until my death, I never managed to become the excellent child, loved by Mom and Dad, like Caleb. I watched Mom and Dad fill Caleb’s empty bowl with rice, silently adding food to it. This scene repeated day after day for eight years. Wasn’t I, the one who caused Caleb’s death, the reason Mom and Dad became like this? Shouldn’t I also die? A knock at the door. A familiar voice from memory. “Mom, Dad, open up! I brought your daughter-in-law home!” I saw Dad, usually so cautious, stand up and accidentally shatter a bowl. Mom, usually so energetic, collapsed into a chair, tears streaming down, repeatedly asking Dad, “Is it him? Is it really him?” Dad almost stumbled to the door, his hands trembling on the doorknob for a long time before he finally twisted it open. The wide-open door revealed a tall man standing outside. I saw him; he was Caleb, my brother, the one I had supposedly killed eight years ago… He had faked his death eight years ago to elope with the woman he loved. **Chapter 2** Dad’s voice was hoarse as he asked, “Caleb, is that really you?” Caleb nodded emphatically, his eyes welling up too. “Dad, it’s really me. I’m back!” The usually reserved Dad wrapped Caleb in a tight hug, his hands forcefully patting Caleb’s back. “He’s alive! He’s warm! Son… your mom and I have waited eight years for you. You’re finally back!”

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On my birthday, I found a hidden playlist on Liam’s phone. It was titled: “Lost.” And the cover? His ex-girlfriend’s picture. He’d lost the girl he loved most. For three years, while we were together, Liam never truly forgot her. I was just a distraction for his loneliness. A compromise. A habit. Right in front of me, Liam deleted the playlist, his voice flat. “Happy now?” I stayed silent. He dismissively ruffled my hair. “That’s enough, Chloe.” “Be a good girl. I’ll take you home to meet my parents for the holidays, okay?” But Liam, I was going home for the holidays to get married. … Seeing my stunned face, Liam’s lips curled into a playful smirk. He flicked my forehead. “What, speechless? So happy you’ve gone silly?” We’d been together for three years, and he rarely even introduced me to his friends, let alone his family. I was genuinely surprised, taking a moment to speak. “I already told my parents for the holidays, they…” They’d set me up on a blind date. “Forget it if you don’t want to go.” Liam cut me off, casually. He was always like that – uninterested in anything about me, never patient enough to hear me out. Maybe my reaction wasn’t what he expected, and it annoyed him. He mechanically wished me a happy birthday. Liam grabbed his jacket and left, not even touching the cake. “I’m heading out.” I hummed, not clinging to him or begging him to stay a little longer, like I usually would. Liam paused at the door, glancing back at me. I was already clasping my hands, eyes closed, making a wish, completely absorbed in myself. He slammed the door shut. The deafening bang was followed by an eerily stretched silence. A little empty, but surprisingly, not sad. The sky slowly darkened. I looked in the mirror at my perfectly applied makeup and the outfit I’d carefully chosen. It felt like a waste not to use them. I met Harper, my best friend, at a trendy new bar nearby. After a few rounds, she leaned in, her voice serious. “You know, Seraphina is coming back to town.” That name hit me like a hammer blow straight to my chest. Seraphina. Liam’s ex-girlfriend, the one he hadn’t forgotten in five years. All our countless fights, silent treatments, and breakups, they were all because of her. She didn’t even need to be physically present; her existence was a thorn, tearing me apart. Liam said couple avatars were childish, but he used them with Seraphina. Liam disliked public displays of affection, but his old Ins profile picture and bio were all about her. The same starry nights we shared on campus, he’d already had with her in high school. The meals he cooked for me were always her favorite flavors. He complained about picking me up from the train station, yet he used to take six extra bus stops just to walk her home. … I’d pieced together their past from every little hint, every crumb of evidence. Again and again, I’d fall into endless self-torment and doubt. Was I not good enough? Not pretty enough? Not someone he could be proud of? Was that why he treated me this way? Across the table, Harper looked at me, her eyes full of pity. “Just today, I heard Liam went to the airport to pick her up.” “My Jax wanted me to keep it from you, so you wouldn’t fight again…” My best friend and Liam’s best friend were also a couple. Their relationship was solid; they were seriously talking marriage. “Chloe, what are you going to do? Are you going to keep dragging this out?” “I told you long ago you two weren’t a match. You’re such a catch, why waste yourself on a man who doesn’t love you?” I lowered my eyes, sipping my drink. “Why else? Stubbornness, I guess.” But this time, no matter how stubborn I was, it was time to let go. There was no dramatic breakup. Just me, slowly detoxing, peeling myself away from this relationship. Turns out, real goodbyes are always quiet. 2 In the early hours of the morning, Harper’s boyfriend picked her up. “Oh, my little wild child, how did you get so drunk…? By the way, Chloe, are you okay alone? Or maybe…” I smiled, waving him off. I didn’t quite catch what he said next before my stomach lurched. I used to envy their relationship so much. Why couldn’t Liam and I be that sweet, that in love? Why? Simply because he wasn’t that into me. Liam had told me himself that he wasn’t interested in the overly affectionate, clingy type. But he still got together with me. I thought I was special, but it turns out he was just lonely. After what felt like an eternity, a familiar voice, one that shouldn’t have been there, reached my ears. I lifted my head, my vision blurred. Liam was helping an elegant woman in a trench coat and high heels. “Seraphina, wait for me a moment, I’m picking someone up.” I crouched by the roadside, quietly watching Liam carefully steady her. Then he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The next second, my phone rang. He looked over, following the sound. His face, in the dim night, was unreadable. Our gazes locked for a long moment. I didn’t rush into his arms and act cute like I usually did when drunk. He was the one who spoke first, calling my name. “Chloe.” “Hmm?” “Do you have anything to tell me?” I thought about it. “No.” Liam walked closer, looking down at me. I finally noticed his brows were furrowed. I couldn’t tell what he was annoyed about. “Then let’s go.” Liam grabbed me, pulling me into the car without a word. He didn’t say anything else. He didn’t care why I was so drunk. And I didn’t question him about the woman beside him. The silence in the car was unsettling. Seraphina observed me through the rearview mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, a perfect hint of tipsiness. “Liam, I’m feeling a little dizzy.” Liam rolled down the window for fresh air, his voice helpless, laced with a tenderness I’d never heard before. “Always pushing yourself when you can’t even drink.” Seraphina chuckled, her words hinting at something. “Well, my mood’s good today, so a little drink won’t hurt, right?” “After all this time, why are you still so controlling?” They were high school classmates, from the same hometown. They broke up less than three months after getting together because of the long distance in college. The first time I sensed Seraphina’s presence was when I found Liam’s old QQ password was her initials. He said he hadn’t used it in a long time and forgot to change it. Initially, I didn’t think much of it. Everyone has a past, right? Just an ex-girlfriend he’d dated for three months. They had even broken up two years before he and I got together. I never thought I’d lose to her. But actually, the moment I subconsciously started comparing myself to her, I had already lost. They chatted about old times, you and I, back and forth, while I sat in the backseat like a ghost. The wind howled through the open window. Outside, the city streets, which I’d seen countless times, flew by in reverse. As we passed the shopping mall, the movie theater’s sign was still lit. Liam and I had watched our first movie there. I remembered being so sleepy in the car after the movie. My hand, hanging at my side, accidentally brushed his. Liam thought I was asleep and secretly held my hand the whole way home. My heart had pounded the entire ride. Fuzzy memories, like fragments of a dream, flashed through my mind. They were all from the暧昧期 (ambiguous period) before we made it official. When I loved Liam the most, I used to wish I had met him first. Later, when I was hurt the deepest, I wished I had never met him at all. Now, I didn’t want to think about anything. When I vaguely opened my eyes, we were at my doorstep. Seraphina was no longer in the car. Liam’s fingers, resting on the car window frame, held a cigarette, its cherry glowing faintly. “Chloe,” he asked, “was that necessary?” I sat up straight, not understanding. “I spent time with you today, didn’t I? Did you really have to pull this stunt tonight?” Liam’s voice was low and deep, suppressing an unknown anger. I didn’t know what he was mad about. After much thought, it must be because I’d interrupted his long-awaited reunion with his idealized ex. “I didn’t ask you to pick me up.” He scoffed. “Oh, so you getting this wasted, looking like a total mess, was for ghosts?” “I’m not drunk,” I said softly. “Even if you hadn’t come, someone else would have taken me home.” 3 Liam raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking. “Who? Some random guy you just met at the bar?” He eyed me up and down. “Chloe, can you stop being so childish? You’re dressed like that, out there… don’t you know what those guys are after?” “If I hadn’t come, you would’ve ended up getting ‘picked up’.” “If you want me to care about you, can you stop using such stupid methods?” I used to get myself drunk, hoping to see a flicker of concern for me in his eyes. But I wasn’t that foolish anymore. “Liam, you’re overthinking it.” Liam didn’t believe me, his frown deepening. “You know I hate it when girls drink. I don’t have time to baby you.” Maybe the alcohol numbed my nerves, making the pain less acute. Or maybe, I genuinely just didn’t care anymore. “Next time, even if Jax calls me, I’ll pretend I didn’t see it.” “Okay.” I turned, walking steadily upstairs on my own. The hangover headache kept me in bed until late morning the next day. My phone had several unread messages. None from Liam. He rarely texted me first, but every time my phone buzzed, I always hoped it was him. Eventually, I just put him on ‘do not disturb’. That way, I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Harper sent me a screenshot: Seraphina’s Ins story from last night. No ambiguous text, just a casually snapped photo of the moon. Liam, who never liked posts, instantly liked hers. And commented: “Goodnight.” The doorbell suddenly rang. I opened the door and saw Liam standing outside. For a moment, I wondered if I was still half-asleep. “What are you doing here?” Perhaps the surprise on my face was too obvious; Liam’s lips curved, and he reached out to pinch my cheek. “Here, for you.” I silently looked at the hangover medicine in the bag. He was still like this, hot and cold, impossible to figure out. Too tired to bother figuring out why, I took it and politely said thanks. “That’s it?” Liam leaned against the doorframe, his initially smiling dark eyes slowly darkening. “Is there anything else?” I asked. Breaking character, he actually explained, “I picked her up yesterday because she didn’t know anyone else in town.” I hummed, “That makes sense.” Liam stared at my face as if trying to see through me. “Chloe, she and I are over. We’re just friends now.” “You don’t need to be mad at me.” “I booked a restaurant. I’ll take you out for dinner later, to make up for your birthday yesterday.” I shook my head. “No need. It’s already passed. Nothing to make up for.” “Besides, I already have plans today.” Liam looked a little taken aback. He clearly hadn’t expected me to refuse a chance to go out with him. His face turned cold. “Whatever you want.” But I never expected such bad luck. Liam had booked a table at the same restaurant as me. Beside him, Seraphina blinked, asking softly, “Liam, isn’t that your girlfriend, eating with another guy?” Liam and my eyes met in the air, then quickly darted away. He glanced at the man across from me, impeccably dressed in a suit, seemingly unconcerned. “What’s it to me?” Seraphina laughed, a hint of subtle triumph in her voice. “Aren’t you jealous?” “Back then, if I even talked to a male classmate for too long, you’d corner him after school and warn him to stay away from me.” “I called you the king of jealousy, and you’d get so mad.” You only get jealous if you care. Liam wouldn’t even bat an eye if he saw me sharing an umbrella with a male friend. He was an unmoving mountain, never changing his stance for me. Never reacting. However, that night, that long-dormant profile picture suddenly popped up with a question mark: “?” “Is that your new guy?” “Did you really meet him at the bar?” “Chloe, you’ve got some nerve.”

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