Author: Momo Chan

“Mom, Mr. Sterling, my application to study abroad has been accepted. I’m leaving.” In the quiet living room, Willow’s voice was light and soft, like a single drop of water falling into a still pond. My mother, Eleanor, across the sofa, beamed with joy. “It’s already accepted? When are you leaving?” “In ten days.” Eleanor hadn’t expected it to be so soon. Amidst her excitement, a hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes. “Then I’ll go pack your bags right away. It’s your first time going so far, and to a foreign country at that. I’m just so worried. I contacted a friend from years ago; her son is in London too. If you need anything, just reach out to him. Don’t worry about bothering him, we kind of set you two up as a joke when you were little. See if you get along; if you do, that’s great, if not, just be friends.” Willow nodded. “Okay, Mom.” Eleanor looked surprised. “Willow, you agreed? And your previous boyfriend… did you finally break up?” Willow immediately fell silent. Mr. Sterling instantly understood something and slammed his hand on the table. “He never wanted to come back and meet us. He clearly wasn’t serious about you. It’s good that you broke up with a boyfriend like that!” “Boyfriend? What boyfriend?” A voice abruptly shattered the heavy atmosphere in the living room. The three of us turned at the sound and saw Julian, who had just pushed open the door. He was all in black – a crisp black shirt, tailored black trousers – tall, lean, and exuding an aura of effortless, almost dangerous elegance. Every move he made, every glance, spoke of a refined, almost arrogant grace. Willow’s body trembled slightly. She stood up and greeted him, “Brother.” Julian hummed meaningfully, dropped his car keys, and went upstairs. That evening, Eleanor prepared a lavish dinner and even opened a bottle of red wine. She raised her glass, smiling warmly at the three of us, ready to announce the good news. “Come on, come on, let’s all celebrate tonight, celebrate Willow who’s about to…” Willow sensed something was off and quickly interrupted her. “Mom, this wine tastes a little bitter. Is it expired?” Expired? Eleanor looked surprised; it definitely wasn’t expired. But Willow had already used the excuse of getting new wine to pull her into the kitchen. “Mom, please don’t tell Julian about my plans to go abroad yet.” At first, Eleanor found it a bit strange. But remembering her stepson’s constant care for her daughter, she gradually understood the inseparable bond between siblings. She nodded in agreement. After quickly eating a few bites, Willow got up and returned to her room. After showering, she lay on her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. Until precisely midnight, when someone else appeared beside her. A scorching breath fell on her neck. The next second, soft lips pressed against her, gently nipping, and a cool dampness completely woke the drowsy Willow. Her body stiffened. She instinctively pushed him away, her voice urgent and resistant. “Julian!” “What’s wrong? Your family’s setting you up with a boyfriend, so your brother can’t touch you anymore?” In the darkness, Julian curved his lips, but no warmth reached his eyes. His voice was lazy to the extreme. “All these years with your brother, and you think you can just freeload?” Willow knew he misunderstood, but she didn’t explain. Julian’s face, in that endless silence, turned cold. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace. “Willow, have I ever told you not to date other guys? You’re mine, and only mine.” Feeling the burning heat from behind, Willow didn’t want to argue with him, so she lied, “It’s my period. I don’t feel well.” Upon hearing her soft explanation, Julian’s expression softened slightly, but he still frowned. “Didn’t your period just end? Is it back again? Fine, I won’t touch you tonight. Get some sleep.” With that, he held her tightly in his arms. Listening to his calm, peaceful breathing beside her, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. No one knew that her boyfriend was her brother, Julian Sterling! At twelve, when Mom remarried into the Sterling family, she and Julian, Mr. Sterling’s only son, became step-siblings. At fourteen, she called him brother, he called her sister. To outsiders, we were the picture of perfect siblings. At eighteen, her secret crush diary, filled with his name, was discovered. He leaned casually against her desk, eyes sparkling with amusement, reading the diary again and again. Then he caught her hand as she tried to snatch it back, and kissed her blushing cheek. At twenty, we tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time. Once we crossed that line, there was no turning back. We developed a taste for forbidden fruit, and it became an uncontrollable craving. By day, we were siblings. By night, we secretly entwined, bound to each other against all odds. Willow had always been a good girl. Being with Julian was the only wild thing she had ever done in her life. She loved Julian so much that she even thought it wouldn’t matter if they never made their relationship public. They could secretly go abroad and get married someday. But all those fantasies came to a crashing halt half a month ago when she overheard him talking to his friends. It was pouring rain that day. She ran to bring Julian an umbrella. Just as she was about to open the private room door, she heard his friend’s voice. “Julian, what are you going to do about your stepmother’s daughter? Didn’t you say you’d just play with her for a bit and then dump her? Why haven’t you broken up yet?” “Yeah, weren’t you just getting with her to get back at her mom for marrying into the Sterling family? Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft.” Revenge? He was with her not because he liked her, but for revenge! Willow’s face went completely pale. Her head buzzed, and her whole body started to tremble uncontrollably, but she stubbornly refused to leave, wanting to hear Julian’s reply. Until the next second, Julian’s cold, cruel voice reached her ears, word by word. “If I don’t play with her a little longer, how can I make her suffer more?” In that moment, everyone in the room burst into laughter, and I stood outside the door, feeling like the bottom had dropped out of my world. So, he didn’t like her. Being with her, calling her his girlfriend, spending every night entangled with her—it was all just an act of revenge because he resented her mother for taking his mother’s place?! Mom still had to live in the Sterling household, and she couldn’t cause a huge scandal. After much thought, the only solution she could come up with was to escape, to leave this home, and to leave him. So she applied to study abroad. Now, only ten days remained until her silent departure. Looking at the countdown reminder on her phone, Willow raised her hand and pulled Julian’s arm from around her waist. A few minutes later, he hugged her again. When she pulled away, he unconsciously pulled her back. Her patience was exhausted after repeatedly pulling away. She simply grabbed a pillow and placed it between them. This time, he finally settled down. Willow also had some peace. She knew that soon, their story would come to an end. She no longer belonged to him, nor was she his private possession anymore. The 8 AM alarm clock promptly woke Willow from her dream. She opened her eyes and saw that the spot beside her was empty. Fearing their parents might find out, they had agreed that Julian would come at midnight every night and leave promptly at 5 AM. They had lived this way for five years. But soon, they would just be siblings. He wouldn’t have to sneak around anymore. After changing, she went downstairs and immediately saw a strange woman sitting on the sofa. Eleanor warmly waved her over, calling her closer, and excitedly introduced her. “Willow, come here, this is your brother’s girlfriend. Go pour our guest a glass of water.” Serena stood up cooperatively, extended her hand, and smiled, her eyes crinkling. “You must be Julian’s sister, right? Nice to meet you. Even though it’s our first time meeting, I often hear your brother talk about how great you are.” Willow’s palm trembled slightly. She glanced at Julian but said nothing, turning to get water for Serena. She poured a cup of hot water. Just as she was about to carry it out, Julian walked in. He wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning down as if to kiss her. Willow quickly turned her head, dodging him. “Don’t mess around. Your girlfriend is outside.” Julian raised an eyebrow, pecking her lips. “Are you mad? I forgot to tell you, she’s just a childhood friend. She moved abroad when she was little and only came back a couple of days ago. My dad’s been pushing me to get married, so I just brought her here to act as a distraction.” “You should know best who my real girlfriend is, right? Hmm?” Willow listened quietly for a while, showing no expression, just a casual nod to humor him. Seeing her indifferent reaction, a hint of surprise flashed in Julian’s eyes. He had expected to spend a long time coaxing her this time. After all, in the past, when other girls sent him love letters and she found out, she would get so jealous she’d cry until her eyes were swollen shut. When he discovered it and asked, she wouldn’t admit it, and he had to try every trick to get one or two honest words out of her. She had convinced herself that their forbidden relationship was unacceptable to the world, and she could never openly stand by his side as his girlfriend. So she never dared to question him, nor did she ever get angry. She would just hide under the covers and sulk alone. This time, it was the exact same situation, yet her reaction was so calm. It made Julian feel a pang of doubt. He was about to ask, but Willow didn’t give him a chance to speak. She just took the cup of water out. After breakfast was ready, the family sat down as usual. Serena was seated next to Julian. They chatted and laughed, reminiscing about childhood memories, looking incredibly close. Serena had lived abroad for several years and loved runny fried eggs. When Julian found out, he picked up the fried egg from his bowl and placed it in hers. She immediately showed a shy, girlish expression, then put her partially eaten fried egg into his bowl. Julian instinctively glanced at Willow.

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Aurora Evans had secretly sent Adrian Thorne’s sugar baby out of the country. That very night, he retaliated by kidnapping her parents, demanding the sugar baby’s whereabouts in exchange for their lives. Adrian shoved his phone in front of her. On the screen, her parents were tied to chairs, a ticking time bomb strapped to their chests, the digital countdown relentlessly dwindling. 00:59:59 00:59:58 He sat across from her, impeccably dressed in a suit, his long fingers lightly tapping the table, as if waiting for a mundane contract to be signed. “Aurora, you have fifty-nine minutes.” His voice was calm, almost tender. “Tell me, where did you send Seraphina?” A cold dread seeped into Aurora, her throat constricting, unable to utter a single word. This was his third time asking. The first time, he asked where Seraphina Reed had gone. She remained silent. The second time, he gripped her chin, his thumb caressing her lips, his voice low and dangerous: “Aurora, stop being childish.” Now, the third time. He was using her parents’ lives to force her. “Adrian…” Her voice trembled. “Those are my parents. They’re the most important people to me…” He let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were terrifyingly cold. “Oh really? Then when you sent Seraphina away, why didn’t you consider how important she is to *me*?” Aurora stared at him, a sudden, bitter laugh catching in her throat. Important? He had told her those other women were just for fun, easy to discard once he tired of them. He had sworn she was the only one he truly loved. But now, for Seraphina Reed, he was willing to kill her parents. “Adrian,” her voice was hoarse, unrecognizable. “If I don’t tell you, will you really let them die?” He leaned slightly forward, his dark eyes reflecting her pale face. “You can try me.” Aurora trembled uncontrollably, tears splashing onto the table. She couldn’t fathom how things had spiraled to this point. Adrian Thorne, who had once loved her so genuinely. Years ago, she was just a girl from an ordinary family, while Adrian was the heir to one of the most powerful families in the city’s elite circles, privileged from birth, entitled and arrogant, never one to bow down to anyone. Yet, he fell in love with her at first sight. His pursuit of her became a grand campaign of declarations of love, each one a sensation that swept through the city. Giant rose displays lowered by helicopter, LED confessions plastered across the entire financial district, even a city-wide fireworks display just for her on her birthday. She was moved, but her parents vehemently opposed the match. They knew too well what elite circles were like—powerful men always had their wives at home, but plenty of flings on the side. The love of the privileged was never a fairytale. They wanted her to marry someone from a similar background, but Adrian knelt at her family’s doorstep for an entire day and night, shedding all his pride, just for a chance to marry her. Her parents eventually softened. After their marriage, he pampered her beyond measure, accommodating her every whim. When she had painful periods, he’d fly back overnight from abroad just to make her special comfort tea. She casually mentioned wanting that specific pastry from the old bakery on the other side of town, and he’d drive halfway across the city to get it for her. She thought she had married the right man. Until, she first heard the name “Seraphina Reed.” It was Adrian’s assistant who mentioned it in casual conversation, talking about a college student who had staged a fall during Adrian’s speech to get his attention, a trick as old as time. Aurora smiled, dismissing it. After all, countless women tried to snag him, but he had always been devoted to her. But the second time she heard it, it was in bed. He was above her, and in the throes of passion, he whispered, “Seraphina.” In that moment, she felt as if she’d been plunged into an icy abyss. She confronted him, but he held her, explaining that he *had* considered taking Seraphina as a sugar baby, but it was just a casual fling to keep on the side. “Everyone in our circle does this, Aurora. You’re still the one I love most, that will never change.” But then, he became increasingly blatant. He bought Seraphina jewelry, gifted her luxury homes, and even took her to private parties. The rumors spiraled, becoming the talk of the town. She cried, she argued, but he no longer soothed her as he once did. He’d just coldly say, “Stop being unreasonable.” Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and sent Seraphina out of the country. But she never expected his reaction to be so extreme. He kidnapped her parents, strapped bombs to them, all to force her to reveal Seraphina’s whereabouts. “She’s in Switzerland.” Her voice trembled. “Zurich, in that villa under my name.” He stared at her for a few seconds, as if judging the truthfulness of her words, then pulled out his phone and made a call. Once confirmed, he grabbed his suit jacket, his steps urgent, ready to retrieve Seraphina. “What about my parents?” She lunged, grabbing his sleeve. “You promised you’d let them go if I told you!” He turned back to her, his gaze indifferent. “The abandoned factory in the South End. Go find them yourself.” Aurora stumbled out the door, driving frantically towards the South End. When she found them, there were only ten minutes left on the bomb’s timer. Her parents were tied to chairs, their mouths gagged. The moment they saw her, they shook their heads wildly, urging her to leave. She rushed over, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the ropes, but the bomb’s countdown ticked like a death knell. 00:03:2

00:03:20 She couldn’t untie them, tears streaming down her face in desperation. Her father suddenly shoved her with all his might. She staggered back. The next second, he forcefully launched his body into the bomb— “Dad—!!!” The explosion was deafening, the heatwave knocking her off her feet. She fell heavily to the ground, her vision blurring crimson. … When Aurora next awoke, she was in a hospital. Her parents had suffered severe injuries, but thankfully, they were alive. She knelt beside their beds, weeping as she apologized. “I’m so sorry… I chose the wrong man…” Mrs. Evans weakly raised a hand, stroking her daughter’s hair. “Foolish girl, you can always start over.” Aurora shook her head. “He won’t let me go.” After first learning about Seraphina, she couldn’t accept it and had considered divorce. But every time she drafted divorce papers, Adrian tore them up. He claimed Seraphina was just a fling, that he’d eventually cast her aside, that Aurora was his true love, and he’d never let her leave. Mr. Evans held her hand. “No, Aurora, there’s something you don’t know, and he’s probably forgotten too. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I made him sign a divorce agreement.” She froze. “If he ever betrayed you,” Mr. Evans’ voice was soft, “the agreement would become effective, and you could divorce him immediately. Our family… would then disappear forever.” Aurora was stunned, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Her parents had prepared a failsafe for her all along. … The next day, Aurora did two things. First, she, along with Mr. and Mrs. Evans, took the signed divorce agreement to a law firm. After reviewing it, the lawyer nodded. “The agreement is valid. The divorce is effective immediately.” Second, their family initiated the paperwork to completely erase their identities. Once the identity cancellation was complete, Aurora Evans would no longer exist in this world. And Adrian Thorne would never find her! Learning that the cancellation process would take half a month, Aurora discussed it with her parents and decided to return to Adrian’s mansion for the time being. For these two weeks, she had to stay by Adrian’s side, unable to let him detect anything unusual. Otherwise, with his ruthless methods, none of them would be able to escape. Upon returning to the villa, Aurora began to pack her things. The cherished photos, Adrian’s love letters to her, the souvenirs they’d bought during their travels together… she threw them all into the fireplace. Flames devoured the past, as if burning away a ridiculous dream. The next day, Aurora went to the backyard. There was an entire grove of sycamore trees, which Adrian had planted for her himself. He said sycamores symbolized fidelity, like his love for her, never fading. Aurora picked up an axe and chopped them down, one by one. The house staff stood at a distance, daring not to approach or stop her. The dull, grating sound of tree trunks breaking was like a stubborn obsession being violently severed. On the third day, Aurora went to the Lover’s Cliff on the mountain. A padlock, engraved with their names, hung there. Years ago, Adrian had held her, throwing the key off the cliff, saying they would be locked together forever. Now, Aurora used pliers to simply snip the chain. The lock fell to the ground with a sharp clink. She turned and left, never looking back. When she returned to the villa, there were two more people in the living room. Adrian sat on the sofa, and Seraphina leaned into his embrace, her face pale, looking as fragile as if a gust of wind could blow her over. Aurora walked past them expressionlessly, heading straight upstairs. “Stop.” Adrian’s voice came, cold and sharp. Aurora paused, not turning around. “Do you know why I brought her back?” he asked. “Don’t care.” “After you sent Seraphina out of the country, she struggled to adapt to the local environment and didn’t sleep well for days.” His tone was reproachful. “Aurora, apologize to her.” Aurora finally turned around to face them. The fragility on Seraphina’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a triumphant smirk in her eyes. “What if I don’t apologize?” Aurora asked calmly. “It’s fine, it really is…” Seraphina said, her voice soft and weak. “It’s okay if I suffer a little. After all… you’re the wife.” Adrian immediately pulled her closer. “Didn’t I tell you not to be so understanding?” He kissed the top of her head. “From now on, I’ll pamper you. You can do anything you want.” Aurora forced a twisted smile, finding it utterly sarcastic. A maid brought in a bowl of calming soup, specially prepared for Seraphina. Just then, Adrian’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said softly to Seraphina, “You always get a headache when I talk business. I’ll take this outside. You drink your soup.” With that, he rose and left. Aurora stood rooted, her heart feeling as if it had been struck by an axe. He never used to discuss business out in the open, because of confidential information. But now, for Seraphina, he would even change that habit. Only Aurora and Seraphina remained in the living room. The feigned fragility on Seraphina’s face instantly vanished, replaced by the arrogance of a victor. “See?” she sneered. “Even if you are Mrs. Thorne, and you used your position to send me away, Adrian’s body and soul are both with me.” Aurora looked at her blandly. “You want him? He’s yours.” Seraphina paused, then flared with anger. “I don’t need you to *give* him to me! He’ll be mine alone eventually, and your position will be mine too!” Seeing Aurora unmoved, she became even more furious. Just then, Adrian’s footsteps were heard from outside. A hint of viciousness flashed in Seraphina’s eyes. She suddenly picked up the bowl of steaming hot calming soup and deliberately splashed it all over herself! “Ah!” she shrieked, tears instantly welling up. When Adrian rushed in, this was the scene he witnessed. Seraphina was drenched and disheveled, the soup dripping from her clothes, and she was crying as if her heart would break. “Aurora Evans!” His brows furrowed with barely concealed rage. “Not only will you not apologize, but you dare to do this to her?!” “I didn’t do it.” Aurora said calmly. “You can check the surveillance cameras.” “Fine, check them!” he sneered. Seraphina immediately grabbed his arm, sobbing. “Adrian, it’s not Aurora’s fault… I shouldn’t dream of staying by your side. I’ll leave right now…” As she took a step, Adrian yanked her back. “I finally got you back, and now you want to leave my sight again? Are you trying to kill me?” He held her tightly, as if clutching a lost and precious treasure. Then, he looked at Aurora, his eyes terrifyingly cold. “I will get justice for this.” Aurora was locked in the cold storage. As the bodyguards dragged her inside, she struggled desperately. “Adrian Thorne! Check the cameras! I didn’t do it!” He didn’t even spare her a glance, just coldly stated, “No need to check. I only trust her.” The cold room door slammed shut. Darkness and frigid air instantly engulfed Aurora. She curled up in a corner, shivering, but her heart felt even colder than the room. Was this what he meant by saying she was the one he loved most? Aurora’s tears fell uncontrollably. She was always sensitive to cold. After they married, Adrian spent a fortune installing a constant temperature system in their home, even the outdoor courtyard was perpetually spring-like. In winter, he would warm her icy hands and feet in his embrace, laughing, “I’ll keep you warm like this for the rest of our lives.” Thinking back now… Vows were probably only true the moment they were spoken. The next day, as Aurora was almost losing consciousness from the cold, the cold room door finally opened. A bodyguard stood expressionless at the doorway. “Mr. Thorne said that if there’s a next time, the punishment won’t be this lenient.” She leaned against the wall, staggering out, trembling all over, her teeth chattering. There wouldn’t be a next time. Soon, she would make him disappear from her world completely. That evening, Adrian’s assistant delivered a gown and jewelry, saying she needed to attend a charity auction gala. Aurora went. Then, at the entrance to the ballroom, she saw Seraphina Reed. Seraphina was wearing a haute couture gown, and around her neck was a diamond necklace that Adrian had bought at an auction last month for a seven-figure sum. Aurora stopped and looked at Adrian. “She’s here too. Why do you still want me to come?” His expression was bland. “I hadn’t intended to bring her, but she’d never seen this kind of event and wanted to come, so I brought her.” He paused, his tone casual. “Aurora, don’t be so petty.” Aurora’s body trembled slightly. She wasn’t being petty. He simply hadn’t considered how much she would be talked about and mocked, having the legitimate wife and the sugar baby appear together. Adrian walked straight in with Seraphina, who intimately linked her arm through his, a sweet smile on her face. People around them whispered. “Mr. Thorne and his wife have such a great relationship, they’re so well-matched.” “You’ve got it wrong. *That* one is Mrs. Thorne. The one next to him… is just a sugar baby.” The person awkwardly glanced at Aurora, then mumbled, “But Mr. Thorne is so good to her. He dressed her in authentic designer, while the wife got a ‘gift with purchase’… no wonder I got them confused.” Aurora clenched her hands, her nails digging deeply into her palms. Once the auction began, Aurora casually bid on a few items. But no matter what she bid on, Seraphina would add just one dollar to her price. Low laughter rippled through the room. “The legitimate wife being bullied by the sugar baby—that’s a first…” Aurora’s face remained impassive. She simply made a “no limit” bid gesture. A “no limit” bid meant that no matter how high the price went, she would take the item, no cap. Seraphina’s face paled. She clutched Adrian’s sleeve, feigning distress. “Adrian, I really love this one…” Adrian frowned, looking at Aurora. “Aurora, let her have it.” “No.” “She can’t make a ‘no limit’ bid, but I can, because I’m your wife, and we have joint marital assets.” She looked at Seraphina, her voice laced with sarcasm. “No matter how much he gives you, you’ll never compare to me.” Seraphina’s eyes immediately reddened. She stood up abruptly. “You…” The next second, she suddenly covered her face, crying, “Yes, you’re his wife… I’m just a hidden sugar baby, I shouldn’t have such foolish hopes… Adrian… let’s just end this!” With that, she turned and ran. Adrian’s face changed drastically. He grabbed Aurora’s wrist, his grip so powerful it felt like her bones would shatter. “I told you I’d get tired of her eventually! Did you have to force her away?!” Aurora looked at him calmly. “What she does, or doesn’t do, is none of my concern.” His eyes darkened. He flung her hand away and strode out, chasing after Seraphina. Aurora stood still, the gazes around her either mocking or pitying. But she didn’t care. Anyway, she would be leaving soon. But the next morning, Aurora was jolted awake by a news alert on her phone. 【BREAKING! CEO Adrian Thorne’s Wife’s 999 Intimate Photos To Be Auctioned Publicly At Sotheby’s!】 Her blood instantly froze. Those photos… only Adrian had them. Aurora shakily dialed his number, her voice hoarse. “The photos… you put them out?” On the other end of the line, Adrian sneered. “Don’t you love making ‘no limit’ bids?” “If you don’t want others to see those photos…” his voice was cruel, “then get over there, and make ‘no limit’ bids on every single one!” In the background, Seraphina’s sweet voice cooed, “Adrian… is that Aurora? I… I should still leave, I shouldn’t stay by your side…” “Don’t be silly.” His voice instantly softened. Then, intimate kissing sounds came through the phone. “I already stood up for you. Try leaving again, I dare you.” The call ended at some point. Aurora felt as if she’d been plunged into an ice cave. She rushed to the auction site. The moment she pushed open the doors, she was trembling. The room was filled with men, and on the large screen, her intimate photos scrolled. There was her sleeping profile, which he once said was adorable and saved specially; There was her back while showering, which he coaxed her to take, saying he could look at it when he missed her; And there were naked bed photos of her covered in hickey marks, when he said it was proof of his love for her. At the auction, the men’s covetous gazes glued themselves to Aurora, their whispered comments slicing into her ears like knives. “That figure… tsk tsk, Mr. Thorne is truly blessed.” “I heard Mr. Thorne used to be deeply in love with Mrs. Thorne. Why would he sell her intimate photos now?” “Got bored, I guess. These elite wives, glorious on the surface, but behind the scenes…” Every word was like a knife plunging into Aurora’s heart. She suddenly remembered how possessive Adrian used to be. That year they vacationed on a tropical island, she wore a backless dress. When a man glanced at her twice, Adrian immediately dragged her back to the hotel, pinning her against the floor-to-ceiling window, possessing her while coaxing her to shout, “Aurora Evans belongs to Adrian Thorne.” And now, to stand up for another woman, he personally sold her intimate photos for these men to gawk at! She bid on them one by one. Each time she pressed the bid button, her heart grew colder. By the time she won the last photo, her love for him was completely exhausted. As she walked out of the auction house, her phone rang. “Did you enjoy your ‘no limit’ bidding spree?” Adrian’s voice was mocking. Aurora clutched her phone, her nails almost digging into her palm. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll divorce you by doing this?” His tone was remarkably flat, as if speaking to a difficult child. “You can’t. Aurora, if I don’t sign, the divorce won’t happen.” She remained silent. He had clearly forgotten that she held a signed divorce agreement he had already approved.

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The Day My Heart Broke Harper had fallen for her brother’s friend. He was six years her senior, so she’d kept her crush a carefully guarded secret. Until one time, she just couldn’t resist stealing a kiss from him in the dim light while he was drunk. As she turned to flee, she crashed into his suddenly open eyes. He lazily lifted his eyelids. “Want me to teach you how to kiss, huh? Too bad I’m not interested in little girls.” Her face flushed crimson, but she still gathered her courage. “So you think I’m too young? That’s okay, I’ll grow up!” He paused, then smiled. “Alright then. When you turn 22, if you still like me, I’ll consider it.” In that moment, her heart pounded like a drum. From then on, she clung to him every day until she turned 22. She couldn’t wait to find him and have him fulfill his promise, but at the VIP room door, she heard a baby’s cries. She froze for a few seconds, then focused her gaze. Adrian Knight was holding a wailing baby, trying to soothe it. The circle of guys around him all covered their ears, looking utterly tormented. “Adrian, you’re really going all out. To reject that little girl, you actually got a baby to pretend you’re a dad?” Harper’s mind buzzed, then went completely blank. “What else?” Adrian Knight’s voice held his familiar lazy drawl. “She’s 22 today, here to claim that old promise.” “You really dislike Harper that much? The girl’s actually pretty good, beautiful and sweet, and she’s totally devoted to you…” “It’s not about liking or disliking her.” Adrian Knight’s voice suddenly deepened. “You guys know who I’ve always had in my heart.” The VIP room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in knowing laughter. “Willow! No wonder… I’m telling you, you overthink too much. With a face like yours, who wouldn’t be smitten? Willow couldn’t possibly say no, could she? You just cherish her too much.” “All these years, I didn’t know how to say it, afraid I’d lose her as a friend if I did. Harper’s situation… it’s a good opportunity, actually.” Adrian Knight’s voice was laced with a smile. “I told Willow there’s a girl who’s been clinging to me, and I don’t know how to get rid of her. I asked her to pretend to be my girlfriend for a while. Then, I’ll show up with her and this ‘borrowed’ baby in front of that little girl, and we’ll even stage a wedding. That way, Harper will give up on me, and it’ll also help move things along with Willow. After the fake wedding, I’ll confess my feelings to Willow right then and there.” Hearing Adrian Knight’s two-birds-one-stone plan, everyone ‘tsk-tsked’ in amazement, unable to stop themselves from pounding the table in approval. Amidst the burst of laughter, no one noticed Harper standing outside the VIP room. The cake box slipped from her hands, hitting the ground with a dull thud. She no longer had the courage to push open the door. Tears streamed down her face as she turned and ran, her mind a blur. The rain outside the club was heavy. Harper ran quickly, letting the downpour drench the dress she had carefully prepared.

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“Hello, I’d like to emigrate!” I, Eleanor Vance, stood at the counter, handing over all my meticulously prepared documents to the official on the other side. Soon, they stamped the papers, then pulled out another form and passed it back to me. “Ms. Vance, your application will be processed in fifteen days. Please wait patiently.” I nodded, turning to walk out. But behind me, I heard the staff whispering, a rustle of hushed voices. “Was that really Mrs. Thorne? Why would *she* be here to emigrate? Did she and Mr. Thorne finally have a fight?” “Even if they argued, it shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? Mr. Thorne is famously obsessed with his wife. What could possibly make Mrs. Thorne so resolute?” “Tell me about it. Five years ago, Mr. Thorne threw her a wedding of the decade that made headlines worldwide, even I, someone who never goes online, heard about it. Three years ago, Mrs. Thorne had a car accident, and when the blood bank ran low, Mr. Thorne, against all opposition, donated a significant amount of his own blood to snatch her back from the brink of death. A year ago, Mrs. Thorne disappeared for just an hour, and Mr. Thorne mobilized every media outlet to search for her globally. Now, if Mrs. Thorne is leaving him like this, without a word, he’ll go absolutely insane…” Listening to their hushed gossip, I forced a smile, but the self-mockery in my eyes only deepened. Yes, everyone knew how much Adrian Thorne loved me. Everyone in their circle knew Adrian Thorne, CEO of Thorne Holdings. In business, he was ruthless, making cutthroat decisions without a second thought. But in his private life? He was notoriously cold, detached, and completely uninterested in women. It was an unspoken rule: stay at least ten feet away from Adrian Thorne. Until that one gala, when he met me. He fell in love at first sight and began pursuing me relentlessly, showering me with mansions, luxury cars, and jewelry as if money was no object. Fireworks lit up the sky for three days and three nights, declaring his love. He even once, just because I casually mentioned craving a rare artisanal dessert that had been out of production for years, drove through a blizzard in the middle of the night, scouring three cities. He arrived soaking wet, but holding the still-warm pastry for me. But what truly made me decide to accept him was the day my parents died in a car accident. He was in another city, hundreds of miles away, but he abandoned a multi-billion dollar business deal to rush back to me. When he finally reached me, he was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, yet he gently pulled me into his arms, his gaze filled with a pain that mirrored my own. “Elly, honey, you still have me. I’ll always be by your side.” I looked into the profound affection in his eyes, and my heart skipped a few beats. He’s the one. I told myself in my heart. Yet, this man, who supposedly only had eyes for me, couldn’t resist temptation three months ago. He started an affair with his best friend’s sister, Serena Reed, who was staying in our home. The villa’s sofa, the kitchen, the bed—everywhere bore the traces of their intimacy. Adrian thought he was so clever, keeping it a secret. But he forgot that there are no secrets in this world. The moment I learned the truth, I was consumed by agony, despair, and doubt. Finally, the heartbreaking reality sank in, and I decided to leave for good. The Thorne family had deep government ties, spanning three generations in high-profile positions. That meant no one in their family, including Adrian, was permitted to leave the country. If I left the country, he’d never find me! I tucked away my emigration documents, hailed a cab, and headed towards our villa. The moment I stepped inside Adrian’s villa, a heavy, cloying scent, too sweet and too intimate, slammed into me. Two figures, who had been hanging decorations on the wall, turned sharply when they heard me. Adrian froze for a second, then his eyes softened instantly. He walked over and took my hand. “Sweetheart, why are you wearing so little? Are you cold? I thought you were out with Chloe. Why are you back so soon? I was still preparing a surprise for you.” A surprise? I looked up at Adrian, but my gaze involuntarily snagged on his neck. There, a large patch of hickey marks bloomed. My eyelashes fluttered slightly. I struggled to suppress the sharp stab of pain in my heart. Seeing I didn’t respond, Serena Reed, with a syrupy giggle, walked over. “Eleanor, Adrian is just so in love with you! He’s gone all out for a simple ‘first meeting’ anniversary…” Serena paused deliberately, then pointed to a pile of overflowing gifts on the sofa. “Look, these are all gifts Adrian prepared for you!” I followed Serena’s hand, but what I saw first was the wet stain spreading beneath the pile of gifts. In that instant, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. The scent from when I first walked in, combined with this new evidence, completely confirmed the truth I had suspected. Love me? Adrian’s so-called love for me meant preparing gifts for me while he was intimately entangled with Serena on the sofa, so passionately that they stained a large section of it? It was a soul-crushing agony, nothing less. Adrian didn’t notice my distress. He simply put a pre-prepared necklace around my neck, his voice so tender it could melt. “Happy first meeting anniversary, sweetheart. I’ve also prepared a candlelight dinner.” I trembled all over, shaking my head. “I’m not eating. I… I don’t feel well.” Every second I spent with Adrian now was torment. I told him from the start: I have zero tolerance for infidelity. I can’t accept any flaw in a relationship. If he didn’t want to deal with it, he shouldn’t have pursued me. But since he did, why betray me? When Adrian heard I wasn’t feeling well, he instantly became frantic, as if I were on my deathbed. First, he called several private doctors to examine me. When they found nothing wrong, he was still worried, so he sent his assistant to buy a mountain of tonics to boost my energy, then personally made me a glass of warm milk, coaxing me to sleep. After four or five hours of this commotion, Adrian finally managed to lull me to sleep. Late that night, I woke up, parched, and decided to get some water. But the moment I opened my bedroom door, I froze. The door to the next room was wide open, and the moonlight, stark and unforgiving, cast a harsh glow on two naked bodies tangled on the bed. “That necklace today was worth a fortune, and I’ve practically begged you for ages, and you never got it for me. Eleanor didn’t do anything, and you just handed all the good stuff to her.” After their passion, Serena’s legs were still wrapped around his waist, her words dripping with bitterness. Adrian frowned, pulled away, and sat on the edge of the bed, lighting a cigarette. “Have you forgotten your place? I told you I only love Eleanor.” “If you want to keep this arrangement going, it has to be in secret. If she finds out, you know what will happen.” Serena’s face paled. She climbed up, her naked body embracing him from behind, whimpering. “I know you love Eleanor, but I love you too! Can’t I even be a little jealous?” Adrian said nothing. He simply bent down and pulled out a necklace from the drawer—the exact same style as mine, but a different color. “Don’t give me that teary act. I bought you one too, but you can only wear it in secret. If Eleanor ever finds out, our arrangement ends immediately.” Serena’s face lit up. She quickly took the necklace and held it against her neck, which was already covered in bruised hickey marks. “Thank you, Adrian! I knew you still cared about me! But are you really that scared of Eleanor leaving you?” He didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I can’t live without her. If she left, I would go insane.” As his words faded, he pushed her down onto the bed, beginning another round of their twisted game. The bed creaked loudly with his movements, and Serena’s moans echoed through the air. Standing in the distance, I was silently weeping. Red-eyed, I stared at Adrian’s face in our wedding photo on the wall. Adrian, in fifteen days, I’ll be waiting for you to go insane. The next morning, I was woken by a sudden commotion. I pushed open my door and saw a disheveled woman in the garden of the adjacent villa, clutching a man’s shirt, screaming hysterically. “Mr. Jones, I loved you for ten whole years, and I even had several children for you!” “When we got married, you promised you’d love me forever.” “It’s only been a few years, and you dare to have an affair behind my back!” Though it was early morning, many people were out for their lakeside strolls and happened to overhear the dramatic outburst. As more people gathered in the villa area, the man, a prominent figure in the community, instantly changed his expression. He grabbed the woman and dragged her back into the villa. “What are you doing? I’ve told you countless times, every man strays eventually!” I watched, lost in thought, when a warm hand suddenly covered my ears from behind. “Elly, don’t listen to that filth.” I didn’t turn around, simply whispered, “Tell me, do all men eventually change?” Adrian’s body stiffened. He turned me to face him, his eyes filled with earnestness. “I don’t know about other men, but I won’t. Elly, I will only ever love you.” “You’ll only ever love me? But life is so long.” Adrian gently hugged me, his warm breath caressing my ear. “Life is long, and I only want you.” I finally laughed, but a bitter edge laced my voice. “What if? What if you betrayed me?” “If I ever betrayed you, then may I be struck by lightning and cursed to hell.” Hearing those words, knowing the full truth, a sharp pain pierced my heart. “Adrian, you dare to make such a terrible vow? Aren’t you afraid it will actually come true?” Adrian chuckled softly. “It won’t, because no one knows how much I love you more than I do. If you don’t believe me, I’ll cut out my heart and show it to you. If you still don’t believe me, I’ll give you my entire life.” My entire life? Then why couldn’t he control himself? He still smelled of another woman, yet he whispered the most beautiful words of love to me. “Eleanor, Adrian, what are you doing?” A voice suddenly broke the silence from the doorway. We both turned to see Serena Reed, in a red strapless dress, leaning against the doorframe. The next moment, I distinctly felt Adrian’s body stiffen. Then, he frowned. “Isn’t it a weekday? Where are you going, dressed like that?” His tone wasn’t like a brother’s concern for his sister; it was more like a husband questioning his wife about to go out, clearly jealous of her attractive attire. Hearing the possessiveness in his voice, Serena giggled coyly. “My company is having a networking event, and I’m going to find myself a boyfriend. I won’t be back tonight.” At her words, Adrian’s face instantly darkened. Serena’s smile widened. “Oh, by the way, Eleanor, do you two have any plans today?” Adrian snapped back to attention, gripping my hand. “Eleanor and I are going back to the family estate today.” Serena smiled, left a quick “Say hello for me,” and turned to leave. Half an hour later, Adrian drove me to the family estate. Adrian’s parents weren’t particularly fond of me. They felt their son had been utterly infatuated because of me, almost losing his life for her. Plus, after years of marriage, we still had no children. Every time we met, they greeted me with cold, disapproving stares. Adrian felt for me and tried to minimize our visits, but this time, word came from the estate that his mother hadn’t been well. He had no choice but to bring me to see them. The moment we walked in, Adrian’s parents, who had been laughing moments before, suddenly grew cold. Adrian saw their cold expressions were directed at me and instantly flared up. “If you keep this up, Eleanor and I won’t come back anymore.” At his words, Mr. Thorne angrily slammed his hand on the table. “Impudent! What are you saying? Are you abandoning your parents for a woman?” Adrian gripped my hand, refusing to back down. “I told you, Eleanor is the love of my life. I’m afraid to even raise my voice around her. Treating her this way, are you trying to tear out your son’s heart?” “If this happens again, I’ll consider myself without a family!” No one expected Adrian to be so resolute. The entire living room fell silent. But as I looked at the man fiercely defending me, I felt no warmth, no gratitude. Seeing that their son was serious, Mrs. Thorne conceded. “Alright, let’s just eat.” At the dining table, apart from the clinking of forks and plates, there were only Mrs. Thorne’s occasional cold snorts. My hand, holding my fork, stiffened. I knew this was a prelude to Mrs. Thorne lecturing me. Sure enough, the next second, Mrs. Thorne put down her fork. “We don’t care about anything else, but you need to give us a grandchild, don’t you?” “You can’t let our family line end.” Adrian immediately put down his fork. “I’ve told you, Eleanor is afraid of pain. I won’t let her endure unbearable pain for me. I’d rather never have children!” Mr. and Mrs. Thorne lost their appetite instantly. Just as the argument was about to escalate, I suddenly spoke up. “In half a month, Dad, Mom, in half a month, you’ll have a grandson.” At my words, everyone looked at me in astonishment. “Elly?” Adrian grabbed my hand. “Didn’t we agree not to have children? You don’t have to sacrifice for me.” I looked at his self-righteous expression and gave a slight, bitter smile. I said they would have a grandson, but I didn’t say it would be *my* child. In half a month, I’d be out of the country. Since he loved Serena so much, and apparently slept with her so many times a day, it would be only natural for *her* to bear his child. So, I smiled. “It’s our elders’ wish. It should be fulfilled.” Adrian looked at me, so understanding, and a strange unease flickered in his heart. I was being a little too understanding, too strange. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne’s faces shifted from anger to joy. “That’s more like it.” Adrian still felt something was off and was about to ask more, but his phone suddenly vibrated. He glanced at it, and his expression subtly changed. I was sitting close, and with just a glance, I saw it was from Serena Reed. [Adrian, a guy just hit on me and asked for my number. Should I give it to him?] I silently counted down. One second, two seconds, three seconds… Finally, on the third second, Adrian stood up. “Excuse me, Elly, I have something to do at the office. You eat slowly here; I’ll come pick you up when I’m done.” He didn’t wait for my reply, grabbed his jacket, and rushed out. As soon as Adrian left, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne instantly lost all restraint, glaring at me and launching into a tirade. “Tell me, how many years have you been married? Your belly is still empty. Aren’t you ashamed?” “You come from a small family, and your parents are both gone. If Adrian hadn’t liked you, do you think you’d be Mrs. Thorne? Marrying you brought us nothing but endless misfortune.” “Why are you crying? Don’t even *think* about running to Adrian with your complaints later. Every wife gets criticized; my son is far too busy for your petty grievances!” From morning until afternoon, I was scolded for five solid hours. It wasn’t until evening that Adrian finally returned to pick me up. The car drove smoothly on the way home when I suddenly spoke up. “Are you done with everything at the office?” Adrian paused, then said gently, “Yes, it’s all handled.” As he spoke, his index finger tapped the steering wheel. It was an unconscious habit he had when he was pleased.

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For three years, Aubrey Hayes had tried to end her life over a hundred desperate times. When she woke again, she found herself in a hospital bed, her mind a complete blank. A middle-aged couple sat by her bed. Seeing her eyes open, they immediately frowned. “How much longer are you going to keep this up?” “Liam was supposed to marry Clara. You were just a consequence of a drunken mistake, an accident that forced his hand,” the woman said, full of impatience. “It’s normal that he doesn’t love you, or come home. But you? You constantly threaten him with suicide. After all these years, can you name one time he’s visited you after any of these attempts?” “If you weren’t our biological daughter, we honestly wouldn’t bother with you,” the man sighed, shaking his head. “You’re simply no match for Clara, not in the slightest.” Aubrey stared at them, bewildered. She’d lost all her memories, didn’t even know who she was. All she could piece together about her shattered life came from the accusations of this couple who claimed to be her parents. She was once the Albright heiress, kidnapped as a child. When she was finally found and brought home, she discovered her family had adopted a girl named Clara Miller. Her parents, who should have doted on her, now only had eyes for their adopted daughter. The place that should have been hers was completely taken by another. Later, she fell in love with Liam Sterling, the CEO of Sterling Enterprises. But his heart, too, belonged to Clara Miller. Then came that party. Liam, drunk, mistakenly ended up in her room, and he took her. After a night of reckless abandon, he was forced to marry her. But he also reserved all his coldness and resentment for her. Her parents didn’t love her, her husband didn’t either. Overwhelmed by despair, powerless to change her fate, she resorted to desperate acts, hoping they might finally notice her, finally care. “Alright, we need to go back and cook for Clara,” Mr. and Mrs. Albright said, rising from their seats. “You stay here and reflect on your actions.” The moment the hospital room door clicked shut, a sharp pain pierced Aubrey’s chest. Even without her memories, the sense of being abandoned by the whole world felt chillingly real. She couldn’t understand. How could parents not love their biological daughter, but instead lavish affection on an adopted one? And that man, Liam Sterling… It was *his* mistake. He went into the wrong room, he misidentified her. If he was forced to marry her, why couldn’t he treat her well? Why did he push her to the brink with such cruel indifference? She dared not delve deeper. Just listening to these unfamiliar past events made her heart ache as if being carved by a blunt knife. What about her former self? How utterly soul-crushing it must have been, day after day, living with parents who couldn’t care less and a husband who outright ignored her? Aubrey slowly pushed herself up, silently completing her discharge paperwork. But standing at the hospital entrance, she didn’t know where to go. She couldn’t recall her parents’ address, nor Liam Sterling’s. Even more tragically, neither home welcomed her. Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the hospital entrance. Aubrey looked up, seeing a tall, lean man striding purposefully, cradling a delicate figure in his arms. He wore a sharp black suit, his shoulders broad, incredibly handsome, exuding an undeniable presence with every step. The girl in his arms was carefully protected, her pale face pressed against his chest. He looked down at her with a tenderness that stung Aubrey’s eyes, his arm tightening possessively, his steps instinctively softening, as if afraid to jostle her. “Clear the way!” His voice wasn’t loud, but the onlookers instinctively parted, creating a path. “Oh my God, is that Liam Sterling?” someone behind her whispered in awe. “Who else could it be? Who in this city commands such a presence? He’s so impossibly handsome, my knees went weak just looking at him…” Aubrey froze. So this was Liam Sterling, her husband. And the one in his arms was likely Clara Miller, her adopted sister. As he passed her, his steps faltered almost imperceptibly. His eyes, dark as midnight, swept over her, cold as an ice blade against skin. But in an instant, he pulled his gaze away, hurrying towards the emergency room with the girl in his arms. Aubrey’s slender frame trembled slightly. She didn’t follow, still pondering where she was supposed to go— The next second, footsteps sounded behind her. She turned, only to find it was Liam Sterling, who had returned. He grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight she winced. “You’re Rh-negative, aren’t you?” Without waiting for an answer, he dragged her towards the blood donation room. “Clara was in a car accident and lost a lot of blood. The hospital blood bank is low. Donate some blood for her.” “I…” Aubrey was about to speak when Liam suddenly gripped the back of her head. He leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was cold and brief, a mere touch before he pulled away. “Can you donate now?” His voice was low, devoid of any warmth. Before Aubrey could fully process it, she was pushed into the blood donation room. Outside, the nurses’ whispers drifted in clearly: “That’s Liam Sterling’s wife? The one who tried to end her life over a hundred times? I heard the first time she tried to make him kiss her, the second time for a date, the third time to sleep with him… Always rejected. She’s truly shameless.” “And now Liam Sterling finally kisses her, but it’s only to make her donate blood for Clara Miller…” “She’s probably happy and heartbroken at the same time, right? Happy to finally get his kiss, but sad that it’s all for someone else…” Aubrey lay on the donor chair, watching through the glass window as Liam stood by Clara Miller’s bed, his long fingers gently enveloping her pale hand. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. Strangely, she felt neither happiness nor heartbreak. The pain of the needle piercing her vein felt muffled, as if through a thick veil. Even the emotions that should have been gut-wrenching were dulled by her memory loss. Perhaps forgetting everything was the universe’s mercy to her. After donating 400cc of blood, Aubrey emerged, her face pale, her vision blurring in and out. After struggling for a moment, she finally walked up to Liam. “Liam, can you tell me… our home address? In exchange, I can give you a gift.” Liam frowned. “What game are you playing now? Too many attempts, and you’ve forgotten where you live?” “No, I have amnesia…” “The driver is waiting outside,” Liam cut her off. “Have him take you back.” “Thank you,” Aubrey said softly. “I’ll prepare the gift.” “Don’t bother,” Liam’s tone was icy. “I’m not interested in any gifts from you, and you don’t need to try and win my affection.” Aubrey lowered her gaze, a faint, fleeting smile touching her lips. Is that so? But this time, you *will* like the gift. Once in the car, she found her lawyer’s number in her phone contacts and sent a message: 【Hi, I want a divorce and to sever parental ties. Please prepare a divorce agreement and a declaration of severed parental ties for me.】 The lawyer’s reply came quickly: 【Of course, Ms. Hayes. I’ll draft them as soon as possible.】 Aubrey put away her phone, watching the fleeting scenery outside the window. Amnesia was the universe giving her a chance—a chance to completely escape and start a brand new life. “Don’t go home yet,” she suddenly told the driver. “Take me to the immigration office.” The driver clearly paused, looking at her in surprise through the rearview mirror, but still respectfully said, “Certainly, ma’am.” The immigration procedures went smoothly. The staff informed her that all her documents would be ready in two weeks. When she got back into the car, Aubrey hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Please don’t mention today’s events to Mr. Sterling.” The driver’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Ma’am, Mr. Sterling has always… forbidden us from mentioning you in his presence.” Aubrey forced a bitter smile. So Liam Sterling detested her to such an extent that he didn’t even want to hear her name. Back at the mansion, Aubrey stood in the entryway, looking around. This home felt both familiar and alien. Familiar because every detail matched her aesthetic, yet alien because it was so cold and quiet, as if no one truly lived there. She gently traced the embroidered throw pillow on the sofa, thinking that when she had decorated this home, she must have been full of hopeful anticipation for a happy life with Liam. In the wedding photo hanging on the wall, her eyes were filled with love as she looked at Liam, but his handsome face only showed indifference. Aubrey shook her head and turned to go upstairs. Entering the bedroom, Aubrey instinctively pulled open a drawer. A leather-bound diary slipped out and fell to the floor. She opened the first page. The messy handwriting looked as if it had been written while drunk: 【Today is the first day of my marriage to Liam. He went to his study without saying a word. It’s okay, I’ll wait.】 Flipping through the pages, each entry felt like a knife plunging into her heart: 【My 37th attempt. He still didn’t come to see me. His assistant said Clara had a fever, and he stayed by her bedside all night. I lay in the emergency room, counting the drips until dawn.】 【My 89th attempt. I took sleeping pills. When I woke up, I heard him on the phone in the hallway, saying, “Let her die.” It was then I understood. What hurts more than death is hearing the person you love most wish for your death.】 【My 108th attempt. I’ve decided to give up. If this one doesn’t work, I’ll simply vanish for good. After all, no one in this world cares if I exist.】 Aubrey slammed the diary shut. Her chest felt as if it had been brutally torn open. The scars on her wrists suddenly burned, each one silently screaming of past despair. She slowly sank to the floor, hugging her knees. For three years, she had lived so humbly, like a dog begging for scraps, just for a glance from him. “It’s okay,” Aubrey whispered, wiping away her tears and placing the diary back in the drawer. “Aubrey Hayes, it’s okay if no one loves you.” The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a small pool of light at her feet. “As long as you love yourself, you haven’t lost.” Aubrey lived in the empty mansion for several days. Liam Sterling never returned. Without memories, without love, she didn’t find the solitude difficult to bear. In fact, she thought it was quite nice to quietly wait for her immigration documents to be processed. Until her mother’s call shattered the peace. “Tomorrow is Clara’s birthday. Seven o’clock in the evening, at the Grandview Hotel.” Her mother’s voice was cold and distant. “Don’t be late.” “I don’t…” “That’s settled.” The call was abruptly cut off, not even giving her a chance to refuse. On the day of the party, Aubrey chose the simplest black dress. Upon entering, she saw Clara Miller, surrounded by admirers, and Liam Sterling, whom she hadn’t seen in days. “Clara Miller is so lucky,” two women whispered nearby. “Her adoptive parents dote on her like the apple of their eye, and even Mr. Sterling is so attentive to her.” “Isn’t she? I heard Mr. Sterling personally arranged this party. Look at that champagne, specially flown in from France, each bottle costs six figures. And those flowers, freshly flown in from Holland this morning. The entire ballroom is decorated like Clara Miller’s favorite Monet garden, costing millions.” The guests’ murmurs continuously reached her ears. Aubrey took a sip of her drink, her gaze fixed on Liam Sterling not far away. He was wearing a black suit today, his shirt collar casually unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone, exuding a hint of lazy aristocracy. Yet this very man was now half-kneeling, adjusting Clara Miller’s skirt. His usually cold face even bore a smile. “And now, let’s invite Mr. and Mrs. Albright to offer their blessings to their beloved daughter!” No sooner had the host’s voice faded than Aubrey’s parents walked onto the stage with Clara Miller. Mr. Albright cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Today, I have an important announcement. Sixty percent of Albright Industries’ shares will be inherited by Clara Miller.” A gasp rippled through the audience. Aubrey’s hand tightened around her glass. At that moment, Liam Sterling also walked onto the stage, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. When he opened it, inside lay an antique emerald ring. “Isn’t that the Sterling family heirloom?” someone in the crowd exclaimed. “I heard that emerald ring was left by Mrs. Sterling Senior for her eldest grandson’s wife.” “Oh my God, giving the family heirloom to his wife’s sister… Mr. Sterling is openly humiliating Aubrey Hayes…” The ring slowly slid onto Clara Miller’s ring finger, a perfect fit. “Dad, Mom, Liam, isn’t this… a bit much?” Clara Miller suddenly looked towards the corner, her voice filled with feigned hesitation. “After all, big sister is the biological daughter of the Hayes family, and Liam Sterling’s wife. These things should belong to her, shouldn’t they?” Hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Albright immediately grasped her hands. “Nonsense! Aubrey is well-married, with the Sterling family backing her. We naturally need to plan more for you. Giving you the assets is only right.” Liam Sterling merely stated calmly, “If it weren’t for that accident, this ring would have been yours.” Aubrey stood in the middle of the crowd, feeling like she was being stripped naked in public. Her parents’ words were like slaps, Liam Sterling’s words like knives, striking her face repeatedly. The gazes of the surrounding guests were like spotlights, leaving her nowhere to hide—pitying, mocking, gloating. Every single one of them screamed “pathetic.” She could even feel Clara Miller’s triumphant gaze, like a victor flaunting her spoils. In the past, she would have been so heartbroken she’d want to die. But now, she felt only peace. Aubrey gently set down her glass. As she turned, she heard someone whisper: “Look, her eyes are all red…” “She must be heading to the restroom to cry…” “How pathetic. Her biological parents and husband both favor the adopted daughter…” She didn’t stop, walking straight to the restroom. Her reflection in the mirror showed perfectly applied makeup, not a single tear shed. Because she had forgotten everything. She had forgotten how humbly she once begged for her parents’ affection, for Liam Sterling’s love. She no longer remembered how many times she had cast aside her dignity, just for a fleeting glance from them. These people, whom she once humbly looked up to, were now no different from strangers. Now, she simply needed to quietly wait for her immigration documents to be processed, and then learn to love herself properly. Aubrey reapplied her lipstick. Just as she was about to leave the restroom, she suddenly froze at the corner of the hallway. Not far away, Liam Sterling was pinning Clara Miller against the wall, kissing her deeply. His long fingers threaded through her hair, his other hand tightly gripping her waist, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones. Clara Miller’s head was thrown back, her fair neck forming an elegant arch. After what felt like an eternity, Liam Sterling finally released her, gently caressing her slightly swollen lips with his thumb. His voice was low, “Satisfied?” Clara Miller leaned into his embrace, her voice soft and sweet. “Liam, do you think I’m being too demanding? I’ve already accepted your family heirloom, but I still asked for a kiss… If big sister saw us, she’d probably be sad again.” “I’m just in so much pain. If that accident hadn’t happened back then, we would have been together…” Liam Sterling’s eyes were calm as he held her even tighter. “Her sadness has nothing to do with me.” “I never liked her, and I never will in this lifetime.” “It’s always been you, Clara.” With that, he lowered his head and kissed her again. Aubrey stood frozen, her heart clutched by an invisible hand, making it almost impossible to breathe. She raised a hand to her chest, thinking: *This must be the lingering warmth of my past love for him.* *Once this last ember dies out, there will be nothing left.* Liam Sterling and Clara Miller kissed for a full three minutes before turning to leave. Only after their figures completely vanished did Aubrey emerge from the shadows. She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and prepared to return to the ballroom to get her bag and leave. But just as she entered the main hall, Clara Miller rushed over and grabbed her wrist. “Big sister, if you liked the ring Liam gave me so much, I could have given it to you. Why did you have to steal it?” Aubrey froze. “Steal what? What are you talking about?” “Don’t pretend!” Clara Miller’s eyes were red. “I just went to the restroom, and the ring was gone! The waiter said only you came near my bag!” Mr. and Mrs. Albright arrived, hearing the commotion, and without a word, Mrs. Albright slapped Aubrey. “Aubrey Hayes, you just can’t go a day without causing trouble, can you?!” Aubrey’s cheek stung, and before she could react, her mother shrieked, “Someone, search her!” Several waiters immediately surrounded her, roughly tugging at her dress. Aubrey struggled desperately. “I didn’t steal anything! Let go of me!” “Rip!” The sound of tearing fabric filled the air. Aubrey’s shoulder was exposed, and gasps and snickers immediately broke out among the guests. “Found it!” A waiter pulled the emerald ring from her bag. “It was in here after all!” Clara Miller took the ring, tears streaming down her face. “Big sister, what do you have to say for yourself now?” Aubrey trembled, about to speak, when the crowd suddenly parted— A steady footsteps approached from afar. She looked up to see Liam Sterling walking towards her, his polished dress shoes echoing on the marble floor. Each step felt like it landed directly on Aubrey’s heart. “Why would you steal it?” His voice was soft, yet it silenced the entire ballroom instantly. “Don’t you know I never considered you my wife?” Aubrey looked up, meeting his icy gaze. “Aubrey Hayes, some things don’t belong to you,” his thin lips parted, each word like a poisoned blade. “They never will.” Aubrey suddenly smiled. That smile made Liam Sterling’s brow furrow almost imperceptibly. He had seen her cry, seen her throw tantrums, seen her become hysterical, but he had never seen her smile like this—a smile of release, or perhaps mockery. “I didn’t steal it.” Her voice was soft, yet every word was clear. The ballroom chandelier cast tiny lights in her eyes, like tears, or perhaps stars. “And—” She took a deep breath, enunciating each word: “I don’t love you anymore!” Silence descended upon the hall. Everyone’s eyes widened, disbelieving their ears. Aubrey Hayes, the woman who had been desperate for Liam Sterling, saying she no longer loved him? All eyes focused on Aubrey, faces etched with shock. Only Liam Sterling stood before her, impeccably dressed, his expression cold, not a ripple in his eyes. “How many times have you played this game of push-and-pull?” His voice was low, laced with undisguised mockery. “I’ve told you, it doesn’t matter how much you act out.” He leaned slightly, his thin lips barely moving, each word designed to crush her last shred of dignity— “I don’t love you, and I never will.” With his words, the surrounding guests finally snapped out of their shock, and whispers erupted like a tide. “I knew it! How could Ms. Hayes suddenly stop loving Mr. Sterling?” “Right? She used to try to end her life over a hundred times just to get him to look at her!” “Tsk, tsk, how pathetic and tragic…” Aubrey clenched her hands, her nails digging deeply into her palms, but she felt no pain. She opened her mouth, wanting to say it again— She wasn’t playing games. She truly, deeply, didn’t love him anymore! But before she could speak, Mr. Albright sharply interrupted. “Excuse me, everyone. It’s our fault for failing to raise our daughter properly, allowing her to commit such a shameful act of theft!” He waved his hand coldly, instructing the bodyguards, “Take her and throw her in the hotel’s cold storage. Let her freeze there overnight to clear her head!” Aubrey’s pupils contracted sharply. She suddenly looked up. “I told you I didn’t steal anything…” But no one listened to her explanation. Two bodyguards stepped forward, roughly seizing her wrists. She struggled desperately, but then a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck! She stumbled backward, her vision blackening, after being struck by the bodyguard’s bat. In the last second before losing consciousness, she met Liam Sterling’s eyes. He stood there, watching her coldly, not even a flicker of emotion on his face. Later, Aubrey was awakened by a biting cold. Frost coated her eyelashes, and her breath misted in the air. Her limbs were stiff with cold, her blood felt like it had congealed. The cold storage unit was minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit, and she was only wearing a thin slip. Her exposed skin was already turning blue-purple. “Can’t die…” She struggled to move her body. “I can’t die…” Her immigration documents would be ready soon. She had to leave this place. Soon, she could start a new life. She used all her strength, inching her way to the cold storage door. Her fingers, purple with cold, desperately pounded on the heavy metal door. “Help… me…” “Is anyone out there… help me…” Her voice was hoarse and unrecognizable, but there was no response from outside. Until— “Stop knocking.” A soft, laughing voice drifted from beyond the door. Aubrey froze. It was Clara Miller. “Everyone’s celebrating my birthday party right now, who has time to bother with you?” Clara Miller chuckled, her voice laced with unconcealed triumph. “Oh, and here’s something funny—” “Today’s your birthday too, isn’t it?” “Too bad no one remembers.” Aubrey bit down hard on her lip, the taste of blood spreading in her mouth. “I’m being celebrated in a lavish ballroom, while you’re freezing to death here…” Clara Miller laughed softly. “What if you’re a real heiress, Aubrey Hayes? What if I was just an orphan adopted from a welfare home?” “You’re still beneath my heel.” Aubrey closed her eyes, a metallic taste rising in her throat. Just then, Clara Miller’s phone rang. She seemed to intentionally put it on speaker, allowing Aubrey to clearly hear the voice on the other end— “Clara, where did you go?” It was Liam Sterling. His voice was low and gentle, with a tenderness Aubrey had never heard directed at her. “I feel a little dizzy…” Clara Miller’s voice immediately turned delicate. “I’m in the lounge…” “Wait there, I’ll be right over.” The call ended, and silence returned to the cold storage. Hearing Liam Sterling’s tender voice towards Clara Miller, Aubrey slowly closed her eyes. For some reason, she suddenly recalled the long nights she had written about in her diary. On the yellowed pages, the words were blurred by tears, each stroke her own despair etched onto the paper. She wrote about Liam Sterling booking an entire revolving restaurant for Clara Miller’s birthday, just so she could see a snowfall; She wrote about him staying by Clara Miller’s bedside all night when she had a fever, even missing his company’s IPO bell-ringing ceremony; She wrote about the tender warmth in his eyes when he looked at Clara Miller, like melting spring snow, while his gaze on her was only icy frost. So many days and nights, she had been like a pathetic voyeur, hiding in the shadows, watching them fall in love. Thankfully, now, she finally no longer loved him. This realization made Aubrey’s lips twitch, and she succumbed completely to the darkness. When she next awoke, Aubrey found herself in her mansion bed. Loud, exaggerated laughter and cartoon dialogue drifted from outside the door, the volume so high it seemed to shake the walls. She propped herself up and, pushing the door open, saw Clara Miller sitting cross-legged on the living room rug, snacking on chips, laughing uncontrollably at the TV. “Big sister, you’re awake?” Clara Miller turned, still smiling. “Oops, sorry, was my anime too loud?” She deliberately crunched her chips loudly. “I’ve felt a bit stuffy these past few days, and the air here in the mansion is so good. Liam said I could stay a few days to recuperate… You don’t mind, do you, big sister?” Aubrey instinctively looked at the sofa— Liam Sterling was sitting there, his long fingers flipping through financial reports, his expression cool and focused behind his gold-rimmed glasses. The TV was blaring, yet he didn’t even frown. Aubrey suddenly remembered something written in her diary: 【He lost his temper again today because I was eating an apple beside him. He said the chewing sound bothered his work and told me to leave.】 【Remember, from now on, when he’s in his study, even my breathing must be quiet.】 And now… Clara Miller rustled her chip bag loudly, exaggerated battle sounds boomed from the anime, but Liam Sterling didn’t even lift his head. The difference between love and not loving was so stark. She was about to speak, but Liam Sterling suddenly spoke first. “If it weren’t for that accident back then, this home would have been yours.” His tone was cold, his gaze still fixed on his documents. “She’s merely taken what isn’t hers. You don’t need to ask her permission.” “Right, no need to ask my permission,” Aubrey said calmly. “You can stay as long as you like.” Liam Sterling’s finger, turning a page, paused slightly. He finally looked up at her, his gaze behind his glasses subtly narrowing. This wasn’t like her. Normally, she would either cry hysterically or suppress tears with red eyes, never this… calm. But this slight anomaly only lingered in his mind for a second. He returned his gaze to his documents. After all, he never dwelled on anything related to her, much less cared. Aubrey didn’t care what he thought, simply closing her bedroom door. All day, Aubrey locked herself in her room, listening to the incessant, grating noises from outside. Clara Miller cranked the TV volume to maximum to watch variety shows, walked around on the hardwood floors in high heels, and even opened one of Liam Sterling’s treasured bottles of red wine to go with fried chicken. Every single one of these actions was typically a huge trigger for Liam Sterling. Once, she had accidentally bumped his bookshelf and earned a cold glare; walking too loudly in slippers would earn her a frown and a sharp correction; let alone touching his red wine… But now, she clearly heard Liam Sterling merely say, “Eat slowly, no one’s taking it from you.” Aubrey finally emerged for dinner. The dining table was already laden with dishes. Clara Miller sat beside Liam Sterling, her eyes curved in a radiant smile. “Liam, these are all my favorite dishes!” “Yes,” Liam Sterling’s gaze was tender. “I haven’t forgotten a single one of your preferences.” Clara Miller’s face flushed. She turned and saw Aubrey standing by the door, immediately calling out, “Big sister, come eat!” Aubrey silently walked to the opposite end of the table and sat down. At this moment, Clara Miller seemed like the lady of the house, and she, Aubrey, merely an uninvited guest. She took a forkful of the dish in front of her. After two bites, her throat suddenly felt itchy. She frowned, tried another dish, but the discomfort only grew more intense. “Big sister, what’s wrong?” Clara Miller suddenly exclaimed. “Why do you have red spots on your arm? Are you having an allergic reaction?” Aubrey looked down to see her arms indeed covered in red rashes. Her breathing became increasingly rapid. She tried to speak but no sound came out. She struggled to point to her bag, where her emergency medication was. Clara Miller frantically rose to check, but accidentally knocked over a steaming hot soup bowl— “Ah…” The scalding soup splattered all over Aubrey’s already rash-covered arm, and the intense pain brought tears to her eyes instantly. She saw Liam Sterling rush forward in a single stride, but it was— To shield Clara Miller in his arms! “Did you get burned?” He anxiously checked Clara Miller’s hand, his voice dripping with tender concern. “How could you be so careless?” Aubrey’s vision blurred in and out. Before losing consciousness, the last thing she saw was Liam Sterling’s retreating back, cradling Clara Miller… When she woke again, she was in a hospital bed. A nurse was changing her IV drip. “Your allergy was so severe, you almost died. And you have second-degree burns. Why haven’t any family members come to see you in two days?” Aubrey opened her mouth, but then heard whispers from outside the door: “I heard Mr. Sterling booked the entire floor?” “Yeah, all for Ms. Clara Miller’s minor burn.” “He spoils her so much. By the time he gets here, her wound will have already healed…” Aubrey slowly closed her eyes. “I don’t have any family.” The nurse looked as if she wanted to say more but eventually left silently. No sooner had the room quieted than her phone rang. Aubrey fumbled to answer it. A voice, old but full of vigor, came from the other end: “Girl, it’s Grandpa.” Aubrey froze. In her diary, Liam Sterling’s grandfather seemed to be the only elder who had been kind to her. “Girl, I know all about what’s been happening recently,” Grandpa Sterling’s kind and concerned voice came through the phone. “You’ve suffered. Since Liam married you, he should treat you well. Don’t worry, Grandpa will stand up for you.” This was the first time since losing her memory that Aubrey felt genuine concern and affection. Her nose stung, and she almost shed tears. “It’s okay, Grandpa, I’m fine.” “You always make my heart ache, girl,” Grandpa Sterling sighed. “You’re an heiress, but after being kidnapped, you suffered so much. Your parents don’t care about you, in fact, they’re better to their adopted daughter. And Liam, too…” “All these years, you’ve given so much for him. He’s picky and hard to please, yet you learned a whole set of massage techniques; for that limited edition tea set he loved, you traveled to over a dozen cities to find it; when he was hospitalized with a stomach ulcer, you cared for him sleeplessly for three days and nights; when his mother passed away, you handled the entire funeral… Yet he treats you so coldly, unable to give you his true heart. He *will* regret it!” Aubrey stared blankly at the sterile white ceiling. She didn’t remember any of these things, but just hearing them made her heart throb with pain. “Alright, Grandpa needs to go for a check-up now,” the old man finally said. “Remember, if you ever need anything, just call Grandpa to back you up.” Shortly after the call ended, the hospital room door was violently pushed open. Liam Sterling stood at the doorway, impeccably dressed, his eyes icy. “First, you have an allergic reaction and attempt to end your life, then you go running to Grandpa for help. Aubrey Hayes, besides ending your life and calling Grandpa, do you have any other tricks to get my attention?” Aubrey wanted to explain, but seeing his mocking gaze, she ultimately just said softly, “I didn’t deliberately attempt to end my life. I forgot I was allergic to peanuts.” “Forgot about a peanut allergy?” Liam Sterling sneered. “Why don’t you say you forgot who you even are?” Aubrey quietly looked at him. Yes, she had forgotten who she was. She had forgotten the Aubrey Hayes who had been so humble for love, forgotten the profound despair of those years, and forgotten… the deep-seated love she once had for him. But she didn’t say a word of it. Perhaps due to Grandpa Sterling’s pressure, Liam Sterling grudgingly stayed to “care” for her. But it was less care and more a form of torment. When her IV dripped blood back into the tube, he ignored it. When hot water scalded her hand, he remained indifferent. Even when she struggled to breathe and pressed the call button, he was only concerned with calling his assistant: “Has Clara Miller’s burn been redressed?… Hmm, send over the best scar cream.” The most ironic part was that even though she no longer loved him, Aubrey still felt suffocated. She couldn’t imagine how her former self, who had been so desperately in love with Liam Sterling, had endured years of this daily torment. Sycamore leaves drifted outside the window. She suddenly remembered the words written on the last page of her diary: 【If one day I stop loving you, it will be because my heart has died.】 Now, she realized, the Aubrey Hayes who wrote that line had probably died long ago, in countless nights of neglect. On the day of her discharge, the hospital room was empty. Aubrey knew Liam Sterling had gone to Clara Miller again. In three years of marriage, the days he spent by her side could be counted on one hand. She was used to it, silently waiting for her immigration documents to be approved. During this time, Clara Miller’s Ins feed was constantly updated— Swiss skiing, the Eiffel Tower, island sunsets… In the photos, Liam Sterling’s gaze was blindingly tender. The latest post showed Liam Sterling at the foot of a snowy mountain, his long fingers gently adjusting Clara Miller’s scarf, bending down to tie it tightly, while Clara Miller leaned into his embrace, her smile radiant. The caption read: 【He said he wants to show me the whole world.】 Aubrey calmly scrolled past, as if looking at a stranger’s feed. Three days later, the immigration office finally called, informing her that her documents were ready. She immediately took a taxi, picked up her passport and visa, and then went to the law firm to collect her divorce agreement and declaration of severed parental ties. Everything was in order. She could finally leave this place for good. Aubrey carefully folded the divorce agreement and the declaration, tucking them into the innermost pocket of her bag. Just as she zipped it shut, her phone screen lit up. Clara Miller: 「Big sister, let’s talk.」 Aubrey: 「About what?」 Clara Miller: 「You’ve occupied the position of Mrs. Sterling for three years. Isn’t it time you gave it back to me?」 Aubrey let out a cold laugh, and replied directly: 「It’s already yours.」 She sent the message, then tossed her phone into her bag and walked home without a backward glance. When she pushed open the front door, the motion-sensor light in the entryway didn’t come on. She frowned, fumbling for the switch on the wall. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through the back of her head— Before consciousness fully faded, she heard Clara Miller’s voice talking to a man. … When she next awoke, a biting wind lashed her face. Aubrey’s eyes snapped open, and she found herself dangling over a cliff edge! Rough ropes dug into her wrists, and below her was a bottomless abyss. She struggled to turn her head, realizing Clara Miller was also suspended not far from her, her face deathly pale, trembling violently. “Awake?” The kidnapper stood nearby, a cigarette dangling from his lips, sneering. “Don’t worry, your men will be here soon.” No sooner had he spoken than the roar of an engine echoed from a distance. Several black SUVs sped towards them, braking sharply at the cliff edge. The car doors opened, and Liam Sterling strode out. He wore a black trench coat, his expression grim, his presence chillingly oppressive. “Here’s the money, release them,” his voice was low, carrying an undeniable command. The kidnapper grinned. “As expected of Mr. Sterling, straight to the point.” He took the box handed to him by a bodyguard. After confirming the amount, he waved his hand. “I’ve given you the people. Mr. Sterling, you can save them yourself.” With that, he and his crew left without another word. Aubrey hung suspended in mid-air. The rope was already starting to fray, and loose stones crumbled from the cliff edge, falling into the bottomless darkness. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay calm. “Liam! I’m so scared!” Clara Miller cried, tears streaming down her face. “Save me…” A bodyguard quickly assessed the ropes, his face grave. “Mr. Sterling, the ropes won’t hold much longer. We can only save one person right now.” Liam Sterling didn’t hesitate for a second, walking directly towards Clara Miller. At the same time, Mr. and Mrs. Albright’s car arrived. They scrambled out, seeing the scene at the cliff edge, and immediately cried out, “Clara!” “Save Clara first! Quick! She’s fragile, she can’t take this kind of ordeal!” Mrs. Albright’s voice was shrill, almost breaking. Mr. Albright rushed over to help. The three of them worked together, quickly pulling Clara Miller up. Meanwhile, on Aubrey’s side, the rope had begun to make a groaning, snapping sound. “Crack!” She suddenly plunged down a section, the loose stones at the cliff edge tumbled down, disappearing into the bottomless darkness! “Ma’am!” A bodyguard lunged forward, desperately gripping the rope. The rough hemp rope dug into his palm, blood dripping between his fingers, but he finally managed to drag her up.

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“Summer, your resignation has been approved by Kieran, but he didn’t seem to notice it was *you* leaving. Should I remind him?” Hearing the news over the phone, Summer slowly lowered her gaze. “No, it’s fine as it is.” “But you’ve been his secretary for four years. You’re the one he’s most satisfied with, the one he can’t do without. Are you really sure you don’t want to reconsider?” Ms. Albright pleaded earnestly, but Summer just smiled. “No one is indispensable in this world. My parents aren’t in good health, and I’m busy heading back home to settle down, maybe finally find someone. Since Kieran approved it, I’ll follow the procedure and hand over my work. I’ll be gone in a month. Thanks.” After hanging up, Summer continued to clear out her belongings. She had lived in this villa for three years. She didn’t have too many things, nor too few. Aside from the essentials, she was throwing everything else away. As she watched the room slowly empty, she felt a momentary lapse, and countless memories surged forth. Eight years ago, Summer, an ordinary small-town girl from a modest background, got into the University of Northwood. She quickly became best friends with Isla, the heiress of the powerful Thorne family, a prominent name in Newport City. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two girls instantly clicked. They were inseparable, attending classes, eating meals, and shopping together every day. Slowly, Summer was drawn into Isla’s circle. She met her family, and that’s when she fell for Isla’s older brother, Kieran. But she buried this secret deep in her heart, never telling anyone. After graduation, Isla went abroad to study. Summer stayed in Newport City, applying for jobs, and eventually became Kieran’s secretary, just so she could see him regularly. Until one unexpected incident, when Kieran was drugged. Summer was about to call for an ambulance, but he, unable to control himself, pushed her against the wall, his kisses raining down upon her. After a passionate night, she woke to find him by the window. His sharp, defined profile was partly obscured by the lingering cigarette smoke, making him seem both composed and utterly alone. Hearing her stir, he turned around, asking only one question. “Do you like me?” Summer instinctively wanted to deny it, but he spoke calmly. “Every time you see me, you blush. You remember every single preference and pet peeve I have. The moment you graduated, you came to work as my secretary…” “Don’t tell me all of that is a coincidence.” Every word he uttered made her face flush even deeper, whether from shame or guilt, she couldn’t tell. In the dead silence, he suddenly handed her a card. “Last night was an accident. I love someone else, I won’t reciprocate your feelings, and I can’t be responsible for you. Isla mentioned your family isn’t wealthy, so the money on this card should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Just forget everything that happened.” Summer was stunned. Only then did she remember that last night, in bed, he had been repeatedly calling out a name. Seraphina, Xu Qingyao. According to Isla, Seraphina was Kieran’s unforgettable first love. He loved her so deeply that even when she broke up with him and went abroad, even with a string of rumored boyfriends, he insisted on waiting for her to come back. Summer remembered Isla once complaining. “Our Thorne family is usually so cold and unfeeling, how did my brother turn out to be such a hopeless romantic? He’s waited all these years, saying that anyone else besides her would just be settling, and he refuses to settle.” She deeply resonated with those words. Remembering them now, she suddenly mustered her courage and called out to Kieran, who was about to leave. “I don’t want your money. I just want you to give me a chance. Kieran, please, try being with me. If she doesn’t come back, or even if… she does come back, but you still haven’t moved on from her, then on that day, I will leave on my own.” Facing her eyes, which were filled with love, Kieran paused for a few seconds. He simply said, “Suit yourself,” and left. From then on, Summer was his secretary by day and his private bed partner by night. Their countless scandalous moments were left in his office, his Maybach, and even against the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Four years passed. No one knew about their hidden relationship, and she accepted it, content in her role. Until a few days before his birthday. Summer had prepared many surprises, wanting to celebrate with him. But by midnight, she didn’t see him. Instead, she saw an Ins post. “The best birthday gift is to find what was lost.” Kieran, who never posted on Ins, had shared a photo of himself kissing Seraphina under a sky full of fireworks. Seeing that picture, the color drained from Summer’s face, and her heart clenched. She clung to one last sliver of hope and called him. It was Seraphina who answered. After Summer said “hello” several times without a reply, Seraphina called out to Kieran. “Kieran, who’s this Summer calling you, not saying anything?” A moment later, his deep, soft voice came through the speaker to Summer. “No one important. Don’t worry about it, honey. Go back to sleep.” In that moment, Summer knew it was time for her to exit the stage. She packed her belongings, planning to leave, but ran into Kieran at the door. Since they used to sleep together every day, Summer stayed in his villa for convenience. But now, she couldn’t stay any longer. Seeing her holding her things, his gaze tightened slightly, but he didn’t try to stop her. “Found a place?” “Yeah, my old rental. I talked to the landlord, just for a month.” At that, Kieran’s brow furrowed slightly. “A month? Why?” Summer was about to explain, but he seemed uninterested, stating flatly, “I’ll drive you.” She wanted to refuse, but Kieran insisted. “The snow is too heavy, and it’s late. If anything happened to you, Isla would be upset.” Summer had no choice but to get in the car. They had been intimate countless times in this very car, but now, she almost didn’t recognize it. The car was filled with all sorts of cute stuffed animals. The seat covers had been changed to Hello Kitty, and snacks were everywhere… Summer could barely imagine that a man as decisive, stern, and self-controlled as him would decorate his car like this. Perhaps noticing her gaze, Kieran offered an explanation. “Seraphina likes these things.” Summer understood what he meant. After a long silence, she replied softly. “You finally got her back, Kieran. I’m truly happy for you.” Kieran hadn’t expected her to say that. His eyes darkened slightly, and he said nothing more. Midway, Seraphina called, saying she wanted to build a snowman with him. He pulled over, wanting to rush to her, but then hesitated, looking at Summer beside him. Summer knew what he was worried about and opened the car door herself. “Kieran, I’ll take a taxi home.” Kieran grunted, getting out to help her with her things. Her hand slipped, and the box fell to the ground. He bent down, and under the streetlight, his body stiffened for a moment as he saw the scattered items on the ground: love letters with his name on them that were never sent, candid photos of him taken at who knew when, and things he’d casually discarded that she’d secretly picked up and kept… Summer’s heart pounded, and she frantically gathered the items. “I’m so sorry.” Kieran said nothing, just got back in his car, and sped away. Summer waited alone in the snow for a long time, but no taxi came.

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0″Lucas, it’s your turn to choose,” my father said weakly from his hospital bed. I stood there, looking at his pale face, and replied softly, “Dad, I’m not choosing anyone.” My words, though quiet, sent ripples through the room like a stone thrown into still water. Ethan jumped up from his chair, his face a mask of disbelief. “Lucas, are you insane? Do you know what’s at stake here?” He strode over to me and hissed, “Dad’s company is going bankrupt. The Summers and the Song families are our only lifelines!” “I chose the Summers. You have to marry Sophia from the Song family. It’s your duty!” My duty? In my past life, I believed that too. I had married Sophia Song, the amnesiac heiress of the Song family, and cared for her for five long years. I treasured her, but when Ethan and I were kidnapped, she didn’t hesitate to push me towards the kidnappers’ knives. The pain of that cold blade piercing my heart still lingered in my body. Seeing that I remained unmoved, Ethan grew desperate. He turned to our father’s bedside, his voice rising with emotion. “Dad! Look at him! He’s deliberately trying to destroy our family!” “He’s always tried to take everything from me! Now he’s going to ruin us all!” My father’s face turned purple with anger. He pointed at me, struggling to speak. “You… you ungrateful child,” he wheezed. “Your brother has sacrificed so much for this family. Why can’t you just do your part!” I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. Yes, my brother had sacrificed his freedom for the Summers family’s financial support, gaining fame and fortune. And I was supposed to sacrifice my entire life to fill that bottomless pit? I glanced out the window. Sophia was leaning against the wall in the hospital corridor, her head bowed like a lonely statue. Even through the glass, I could sense the aura of brokenness she was deliberately projecting. Seeing my silence, my father thought I had given in. His face showed a hint of relief. “Then it’s settled. After your brother gets engaged to the Summers girl, you’ll…” “I said, I’m not choosing anyone,” I interrupted coldly. My voice was like a slap across everyone’s face. I turned to leave without another glance at them. “Stop right there!” My father issued his final ultimatum. “If you walk out that door today, you’re no longer my son!” I paused at the threshold, not looking back. “Good riddance,” I said. As I came out, Sophia looked up. Those eyes, feigning confusion and innocence, seemed to show a hint of genuine concern and pain. In my past life, those eyes had fooled me into utter ruin. I walked past her without a sideways glance. But she grabbed my wrist. “Don’t go,” she pleaded. “If they don’t want you, I do.” I looked at her, then suddenly raised my hand and gently tapped her forehead with my index finger. “You know what?” I said in a voice only we could hear. “Your act of pretending to have amnesia is really pathetic.” Her pupils contracted sharply. I watched as her eyes instantly turned sharp and cold, and I smiled. “Miss Song, your undercover game is over.” With that, I walked out of the hospital, leaving her rigid form behind. 0

The sky outside the hospital was gloomy, the cold wind cutting like a knife against my face. I took a taxi home, intending to pack up my belongings. As soon as I opened the door, the phone rang. It was the hospital. “Mr. Lu, your father… he just passed away.” I held the phone, feeling utterly calm. All the tears I had to cry were shed in my past life. I hung up and continued packing my things. Soon after, my phone started ringing incessantly. Annoyed, I picked up. Sophia’s voice came through, barely containing her fury: “Where are you? Your father is dead, and Ethan is so distraught he’s threatening to jump from the hospital roof!” “He’s asking for you specifically. Get over here right now!” I almost laughed. Ethan valued his life too much to ever jump. “If he wants to jump, let him,” I said coldly. “What’s that got to do with me?” “Lucas!” Sophia’s angry voice came again. “If it weren’t for your tantrum, your father wouldn’t be dead! I don’t care what you’re doing, get to Central Hospital now! Or face the consequences!” I couldn’t be bothered to deal with her anymore and hung up. Half an hour later, the villa’s door was kicked open. Sophia stood in the doorway, backlit, with over a dozen menacing bodyguards behind her. She saw the suitcase at my feet, and her eyes instantly turned vicious. “You’re leaving?” she asked. “None of your business,” I replied. She walked towards me step by step, those eyes that once entranced me now filled with terrifying anger. She grabbed my wrist, yanking me towards her. “Come with me to the hospital,” she demanded. “I said, I’m not going,” I repeated. She narrowed her eyes, the chill in them intensifying. “Lucas, don’t push me,” she warned. She forcibly dragged me out and shoved me into the backseat of a car. On the hospital rooftop, the wind was strong, making it hard to keep my eyes open. Ethan stood at the edge in a white shirt, looking down emotionally. “It’s all your fault, Lucas!” he screamed when he saw me. “You killed Dad with your selfishness!” “Why don’t you just die!” he shrieked. He shuffled towards me as he yelled. Sophia nervously followed behind me. “Ethan, calm down. Watch your step,” she cautioned. Just as Ethan passed by me, a flash of malice crossed his eyes. He deliberately rammed his shoulder into me hard, while pretending to stumble. “Ah! Sophia, save me!” he cried out. It all happened so fast. Sophia, without thinking, reached out and pulled the seemingly faltering Ethan into her arms. The force of his “stumble” knocked me off balance. My body tilted backwards uncontrollably, over the roof’s railing. “No!” I heard Sophia’s horrified scream. The sensation of falling from the fourth floor felt exactly like the moment of death in my past life. I closed my eyes, but a mocking smile tugged at my lips. Sophia, you chose him. Again. When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. I looked at my right leg in a cast, feeling the excruciating pain inside. The door opened, and Sophia walked in, a hint of guilt on her face. “Ethan’s fine now, just a bit shaken up,” she said. “The doctor said your leg has a comminuted fracture. You’ll need to rest. I’ll take care of the medical bills and compensation.” I looked at her and suddenly laughed. “Sophia Song, do you think all the harm you cause can be fixed with money?” 0

Sophia seemed hurt by my laughter. Her brows furrowed. “Lucas, I know you’re angry, but Ethan didn’t mean to…” “Enough!” I cut her off. “I don’t want to hear anything about him. Please leave.” Just then, her phone rang. She answered, and her face instantly changed. “What did you say? Ethan’s been kidnapped?!” I laughed coldly to myself. What was bound to happen had finally come. In my past life, the international crime syndicate kidnapped Ethan to get revenge on Sophia for her undercover work. And to save her true love, she had used me as a scapegoat. Sophia hung up the phone and looked at me, struggling to speak: “Lucas, I’m sorry, but he can’t be harmed. He’s the only reason for my existence.” She suddenly seemed to make a decision, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. “Lucas, help me one last time,” she pleaded. “The kidnappers want Ethan, but they don’t know what he looks like. Go in his place.” I stared at her in silence, as if hearing the biggest joke of my life. She grew uncomfortable under my gaze and avoided my eyes. “I’ll give you a large sum of money, enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life…” “I’ll arrange everything, ensure your safety…” “And if I refuse?” I asked coldly. The last bit of warmth vanished from her eyes. “Then you don’t have a choice,” she said. She made a gesture, and two burly bodyguards entered, roughly lifting me from the bed and forcing me into a wheelchair. “Sophia!” I struggled, the pain in my broken leg making me see stars. “You’ll regret this!” I warned. She didn’t look at me, just stood with her back to me, her voice hard as iron. “I never regret anything.” The exchange point was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. I sat in the wheelchair, pushed by Sophia herself. She told the kidnappers, “This is the Ethan you’re looking for. He’s the one I love.” Ethan was tied to a pillar. When he saw us, he immediately started crying dramatically. But I caught the flash of glee in his eyes. The lead kidnapper walked over with a sinister grin. “Well, Miss Song keeps her word. You’ve brought your precious sweetheart, so you can take this man back.” Sophia pushed me forward without hesitation. The kidnapper, true to his word, started untying Ethan. As the kidnapper grabbed my wheelchair and released Ethan, Sophia rushed over, pulling him into her arms and shielding him behind her. Seeing Sophia’s triumphant smile, the kidnapper instantly realized he’d been tricked. He yanked me out of the wheelchair, pressing a knife to my throat. “You dare play me?” he snarled. “Want to see him die right now?!” However, Sophia looked utterly unconcerned. “Do what you want. I don’t love him anyway.” The kidnapper’s eyes bulged with rage. The sharp blade pressed against my skin, drawing a line of bright red blood. Just then, the warehouse doors were smashed open from the outside. Dozens of blinding flashlight beams shot in, momentarily blinding everyone. In the split second the kidnapper was stunned, a bullet whizzed by, precisely hitting his knife-wielding hand. Blood splattered as the kidnapper screamed in pain, the knife clattering to the ground. Immediately after, a figure dashed over, kicking the kidnapper away with one swift move. A clear, urgent voice rang out beside me: “Lucas! Don’t be afraid! I’m here!” 0

I turned towards the voice, meeting a gentle gaze. It was Olivia. She knelt before me, carefully cradling my hand, her voice trembling. “Lucas, I’m so sorry I’m late.” Looking at this face, both familiar and strange, my tears finally broke free. She was my best childhood playmate. Years ago, when Olivia’s family fell on hard times and had to move abroad, she had woven a ring from a blade of grass and put it on my finger, solemnly vowing, “Lucas, I’ll come back to marry you when I grow up.” After my rebirth, the first thing I did upon leaving the hospital was to send that ring overseas. I was betting that she still remembered that promise. It seems I won that bet. Olivia slipped that grass ring back onto my finger, then lifted me into her arms. Her sharp gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Sophia. “You’re Sophia Song, right?” Olivia’s voice was cold as ice. “What did you do to my man?” She took my hand, leading me forward. As we passed by Sophia, the dried grass ring on my finger, now clearly visible, flashed before Sophia’s eyes. Her pupils contracted sharply! She suddenly remembered, years ago, a little boy with a dirty face but the brightest eyes she had ever seen. He wore an identical grass ring on his finger. She had teased him then, “Who gave you this? It’s so ugly!” “When I grow up, I’ll give you one covered in diamonds!” she had promised. But the little boy had hidden his hand behind his back protectively, saying in his childish voice: “Big sister Olivia made this for me. It’s not ugly at all!” Later, Sophia had gone to great lengths to investigate, and all clues had pointed to the younger son of the Lu family. From that moment on, she had mistaken Ethan for that boy from her memories, her childhood’s only pure love. But now… That grass ring had appeared on Lucas’s finger, and his “Big sister Olivia” turned out to be Olivia herself! She had been wrong about everything from the very beginning! “No…” A desperate cry escaped Sophia’s throat. “Lucas!” She let go of Ethan and walked towards me. I looked back at her one last time and smiled gently. “Sophia Song, it’s too late for you to realize now!”

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I was William’s childhood friend who couldn’t speak. He got into trouble, and I took the fall for him, spending over a decade in prison. Before I went in, he cried and said, “Lily, I’ve wronged you. I’ll wait for you to come out and treat you right.” During those years, William only visited me for the first three. He had no idea what kind of life a mute country girl led in prison. The tough inmates came and went, but I remained, enduring it all. When times got tough, I’d think of him. I’d remember the candy he bought me from town, how he said I was his girl even though I couldn’t speak. On the day of my release, William showed up in a crisp suit, driving a fancy car. Next to him was a girl, dressed elegantly like a fairy tale princess. That’s when I learned she was his business partner’s daughter. She liked him, and he couldn’t turn her down. So today, he said he was here to pick up his orphaned cousin from the countryside. I remembered then – my parents had died saving him from a flood. I was indeed an orphan. I just nodded, neither crying nor making a fuss. I played along with his act of us being cousins. The truth was, I had cancer. My dying wish was to see William one last time. I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to let me go. Now I wasn’t afraid anymore. Later, he would lose everything trying to save me, saying he wanted nothing but his Lily back. I shook my head, clumsily using my last bit of strength to sign: William, I’m leaving. Take care.

“Try to stay out of trouble when you get out,” the guard advised as the iron gate clanged shut behind me, cutting off the sky that had confined me for fifteen years. The sunlight stung my eyes, making me squint as I greedily breathed in the air of freedom. It didn’t smell of the familiar earth I remembered, just the cold scent of car exhaust. I waited for a long time, until the sun began to set, until I thought he wasn’t coming. But I didn’t know where else to go. This world of bustling traffic was so foreign; I’d long forgotten the way home. So I could only sit by the roadside and keep waiting. I seemed to be good at waiting. I’d waited for fifteen years. At first, I waited for William to visit me again. Then I waited for my bullies to be released. Now I was waiting for William to pick me up. When they contacted my family, he said he’d come for me. He promised, so I believed him. Until a glossy black sedan silently pulled up in front of me. The window slowly lowered, revealing a face etched in my memory, yet somewhat unfamiliar. It was William. He had lost some weight, his features sharper now. The boyish charm was gone from his brow, replaced by a depth and distance I couldn’t quite read. He wore an impeccable suit I’d never seen before, and on his wrist, a silver watch gleamed aristocratically in the sun. “Lily,” he said, his voice hoarse. I tried to smile at him, just like I had fifteen years ago. But my muscles, long unused to such expressions, probably twisted into something uglier than crying. I walked towards him, my steps unsteady as if I were treading on cotton. The car door opened, but he didn’t get out. The passenger door opened first, and a girl in a champagne-colored dress stepped out. Her hair was slightly curled, her makeup flawless, like she’d stepped out of a painting. She naturally walked around to the driver’s side, opening the door and affectionately linking her arm with William’s. “Will, is this the country cousin you mentioned?” her voice was as sweet as a oriole’s song, her gaze holding a barely concealed curiosity and assessment.

The girl’s voice was as melodious as a songbird, her gaze holding a barely concealed curiosity and assessment as she looked at me. My feet suddenly froze in place. Cousin? William’s body stiffened slightly. He extracted his arm from the girl’s grasp and quickly walked over to me, his eyes complex as he looked at me. His tone carried guilt and a hint of pleading. “Lily, this is Olivia, my… ” he paused, seeming to choose his words carefully, “my business partner’s daughter.” He turned to Olivia and introduced me: “Olivia, this is my cousin, Lily. She grew up in the countryside and hasn’t been out much.” That’s when I remembered. Yes, that flood years ago. My parents had died trying to save William from being swept away. I became an orphan, taken in by his family. So wasn’t I indeed just a lonely orphan with no relatives? So, I was just his cousin now. I looked at them, one in a tailored suit, the other in flowing silk, a perfect couple. And me, wearing the faded old clothes issued by the prison, my hair dull and my face pale, like a ghost crawled up from underground. I lowered my head, looking at my own dry, rough hands. These hands had been soaked in icy water through countless winter days in the prison laundry, burned by hot oil countless times in the kitchen. They had also been clenched into fists, nails digging into flesh, enduring the blows that fell on my body when I was bullied. But I had never thought these hands were ugly before, because William had once held them, saying he would give me a good life. Now, I felt they were too ugly to even belong in the same air as him. I didn’t cry or make a scene. I just nodded to him, showing I understood. William let out a sigh of relief. He was probably afraid I’d cause a scene and embarrass him. Sitting in the car, the soft leather seats made me uncomfortable. The car was filled with a pleasant scent, coming from Olivia. She sat in the front with William, chatting easily about stocks, wine, and dinner parties – things I couldn’t understand. “Will, are you really not going to Mr. Wang’s party tonight? He organized it especially for you,” Olivia said. “Not tonight. I just picked up Lily, I need to get her settled,” William glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes evasive. “Oh come on, it’s just a cousin. Mrs. Johnson can take care of her. Your business is important,” Olivia pouted, her voice sickeningly sweet. I shrank into the corner of the back seat, trying to make myself invisible. The cancer in my stomach started to ache again. I quietly pressed my hand against my abdomen, taking deep breaths. The car pulled into a place I couldn’t have imagined even in my dreams. A huge wrought iron gate, a garden with fountains and neatly trimmed lawns, and a mansion that looked like a castle stood before us. A middle-aged woman wearing an apron came out to greet us. William called her Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson took the small bag from William’s hand – all my worldly possessions. She weighed it, a fleeting look of contempt crossing her face, then her gaze fell on me. I was familiar with that look. Many people in prison had looked at me that way. After all, I was just a mute country girl. “Sir, is this…” “My cousin, Lily,” William interrupted her. “Mrs. Johnson, take her to the guest room on the first floor and help her get settled.” “The first floor?” Mrs. Johnson hesitated. “But sir, that room is for the staff…” “That room,” William’s tone left no room for argument. He didn’t want to dwell on the topic. I followed Mrs. Johnson, walking across the mirror-like marble floor, past the enormous crystal chandelier, and finally to a small, dark room at the corner of the stairs. It had only a single bed and a small wardrobe, with a window facing the back wall of the yard. But it was clean, and just for me. It was much better than prison. This was my new home.

That evening, William didn’t stay for dinner. Olivia laughed coyly, saying she wanted to take him to a new French restaurant, claiming their foie gras was exquisite. I sat alone in the vast dining room. Mrs. Johnson had made me a bowl of noodles. Plain boiled noodles with two pieces of green vegetables floating on top, not even a drop of oil. I ate silently, the pain in my stomach growing more intense. I remembered the times in prison when life got unbearably tough, I would think of William. I remembered how he had saved his allowance for half a month to buy me a pack of fruit candies from town. He had handed them to me like a treasure, smiling and saying, “Lily, when I make big money, I’ll let you eat candy every day.” I remembered when the village kids made fun of me for not being able to speak, it was William who beat them up one by one, then turned to me with red eyes saying, “Don’t be afraid, Lily. Even if you can’t speak, you’re still my girl.” For fifteen years, these memories had kept me alive. Night fell, and I was curled up on the bed, my stomach pain so severe that cold sweat soaked through my thin clothes. I couldn’t bear it anymore. I stumbled out of the mansion in the dark, relying on my faint memory to find a 24-hour convenience store. I searched the shelves for a long time before finding the cheapest fruit hard candies, colorful and exactly like the ones in my memory. I clutched that pack of candy like a lifeline. The next day, I saw William coming downstairs. He was dressed casually but still looked elegant. I gathered my courage, walked up to him, and opened my palm. In it lay a translucent orange candy. I looked at him expectantly, perhaps with a light in my eyes that I wasn’t even aware of. I wanted to tell him, “William, look, I found our candy.” He froze. Before he could say anything, Olivia came downstairs in her slippers. Seeing the candy in my hand, she laughed dramatically: “Oh my god, Will, you still eat this stuff? It’s all artificial colors and sugar, so unhealthy.” William’s face instantly turned red. He seemed to have been reminded of some embarrassing past, and suddenly swatted my hand away. The candy rolled from my palm, scattering across the floor with a series of tiny clinks. I stood there, frozen, looking at those colorful candies on the expensive floor, feeling how cheap and ridiculous they looked. I silently crouched down, reaching out with my rough hands to pick them up one by one. But my hands were shaking so badly, I couldn’t grasp them. I heard Olivia cooing nearby, “Will, don’t be angry. Your cousin meant well. Mrs. Johnson, please clean up this mess, it’s an eyesore.” I finally managed to pick up one candy, clutching it in my palm. The cheap sweetness seeped through my skin, but it felt bitter in my heart. Days passed. William was busy with his business and with Olivia. He would occasionally ask me if I was “settling in okay,” but wouldn’t wait for my nod before being called away by another phone call. I was like a weed forgotten in a corner, silent and unnoticed. Later, Olivia’s friends came to the mansion for a party. They decided to play hide and seek. I had played this as a child. They invited me to join. But someone, as a prank, pushed me into the second-floor storage room and locked the door. The small, enclosed, dusty space instantly pulled me back into the nightmare of those fifteen years. In prison, because I refused to “pay respect” to a new top dog, she and her gang had locked me in solitary confinement. No windows, no light, just endless silence and the scratching sounds of rats gnawing on things. That time, I was locked up for three days and three nights. When I came out, I was half dead. I opened my mouth silently, immense fear gripping my throat. But I could only tremble, curled up in the corner, my arms tightly wrapped around my head. My stomach churned, and I started to dry heave uncontrollably. I don’t know how long it was before I heard Olivia’s impatient voice outside the door: “Who locked this? The game’s over!” The door opened, and blinding light poured in. William and Olivia stood in the doorway, both stunned to see me curled up on the floor, my face streaked with tears. “What’s wrong with her? It was just a game, why is she crying?” Olivia complained, her tone full of disgust. “Such a mood killer.” William’s brows furrowed tightly. He walked over and roughly pulled me up, his grip so tight it hurt my wrist. “Lily, what the hell are you doing? Can’t you stop causing trouble for everyone?” “I’m already stressed enough with my business. I don’t have time to coddle you like a child every day!”

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My sister’s restaurant. I was just about to leave when the manager called out, “Sir, you haven’t paid your bill yet.” I looked at the unfamiliar face, thinking he must be new and didn’t recognize me. So, I politely explained, “Just put it on your boss’s tab. She knows about it.” The male manager gave me a dismissive glance. “Sir, this is a three-Michelin-star restaurant. We never allow tabs.” He finished speaking, then handed me a printed bill. I glanced down at it. A single meal, half a million dollars. Glow-up cutlery maintenance fee: $30,000. Exclusive air purification fee: $50,000. VIP emotional appeasement service fee: $100,000. And a bunch of other ridiculous charges. I had no idea my sister ran such a rip-off joint. I let out a sarcastic laugh. “I’m Adrian Hayes, Ms. Hayes’s brother. If there’s an issue, she can come home and talk to me.” But he wouldn’t back down. “If you can’t afford it, just say so. Don’t try to piggyback on Ms. Hayes’s name. I’ve seen plenty of pretty boys trying to sponge off women.” I texted my assistant: *Tell my sister: either fire this guy, or I’m pulling all my investments.*

“Sir, stop wasting everyone’s time. Just pay.” His tone was smug and cutting, as if he’d already labeled me a scoundrel trying to climb the ladder on a woman’s coattails. Several curious glances were already turning my way. I frowned, not wanting to waste time on such a ridiculous matter. I pulled out my phone and dialed my sister’s number directly. But all I got was a cold busy signal. I tried again, same result. It’s a weekday, what’s that girl up to? I put down my phone and looked straight at the aggressive man, repeating each word clearly: “I’ll say it again. My name is Adrian Hayes, and I am the biological brother of your boss, Serena Hayes.” “Her phone isn’t answering right now. You can check her card; my photo and information are linked to it.” I thought this was the most direct and effective way to solve the problem. But when the male manager heard my name, instead of verifying it, he burst into a loud, exaggerated, and grating laugh. He laughed so hard he almost doubled over, drawing even more attention. Then, he suddenly leaned in close, lowering his voice to a whisper only we could hear: “Still pretending? I’ve seen your face in Serena’s photo album a thousand times!” “You’re that persistent creep who always tries to interfere with our lives!” “And now you have the nerve to show up at her restaurant and put your tab on her? Who do you think you are?” I froze for a second, then glanced at his name tag – Brendon Miller. An overwhelming sense of exasperation washed over me. Serena’s boyfriend, the one she’d been so secretive about, the one she wouldn’t even let me see a single photo of… it turned out to be this foolish, venomous man right in front of me. How could her taste be this bad? It dawned on me then: today’s half-million-dollar “exorbitant bill” wasn’t a misunderstanding at all. It was a premeditated humiliation. Before I could even speak, he’d completely lost his patience. “If this gentleman insists on dining and dashing, we’ll have to restrain him until the police arrive!” He waved his hand, and two burly security guards, who had been standing nearby, immediately stepped forward. They were two well-trained strongmen. Two fists against four hands, my resistance was quickly subdued, and my arms were twisted tightly behind my back. I struggled violently but couldn’t break free from their professional hold. They ignored my furious gaze and the frightened looks of the other guests, roughly dragging me towards the back kitchen. Then, I was violently shoved into the storeroom in the back, reeking of disinfectant and stale, greasy slop. The door slammed shut, cutting off all light and sound from outside.

In the dark, the male manager said nothing. He simply raised his leather-clad foot and kicked me hard in the stomach. The excruciating pain made me grunt instantly, my stomach churning. “That’s for spending my woman’s money!” “That’s for meddling in her business!” He yelled, his voice twisted by jealousy and rage. He looked down at me, then ordered the two burly men: “Beat him! Teach him a lesson!” The two security guards were clearly his cronies; they didn’t hesitate, a relentless flurry of punches and kicks raining down on me. I gritted my teeth, swallowing every cry of pain. My bones felt like they were being crushed inch by inch, my internal organs dislodged. His taunts continued: “Who do you think you are, huh? Just a good-for-nothing leeching off his sister!” “I told you I’m her brother! If you don’t believe me, ask Serena! Call her now, I’ll talk to her!” I struggled to explain, but the man in front of me just ignored it. It wasn’t until I started feeling dizzy that he raised a hand, signaling them to stop. He nudged my shoulder with the tip of his leather shoe, looking at me triumphantly: “You’d better settle the bill today and cough up another half-million.” “That’s the consequence of you interfering in my relationship with Serena and spending her money.” “I’m not afraid of trouble. Serena will handle any fallout for me.” I was curled in a ball of pain, weakly trying to argue, “That’s *my* own money! I told you, if you don’t believe me, go ask her.” His face changed. He kicked me, and the two security guards immediately understood, their punches and kicks raining down on me again. I knew he wouldn’t listen to anything I said. If this continued, I could be seriously hurt. After I coughed up a mouthful of blood, I used my last ounce of strength to grope for my phone on the floor. “Stop… I’ll… I’ll pay.” He seemed satisfied with my submission, signaling the two security guards to stop. He squatted down and patted my swollen cheek. “See? Wouldn’t it have been easier to just do that from the start? You chose the hard way.” “Two million. Not a cent less.” I lay sprawled on the cold floor, gasping for breath, my lungs burning. I ignored him and dialed my friend Leo Rodriguez’s number. The phone was answered quickly. “Leo, bring two million to my sister’s restaurant. I need it now.” Leo on the other end paused, then sensed something was wrong. “Adrian? What’s wrong, man? Your voice sounds…” “Don’t ask. Just hurry.” I cut him off and hung up. Brendon’s eyes instantly lit up at the mention of “two million.” A greedy glint flashed in them. He probably thought I was beaten into submission, offering more money to beg for mercy. The triumph on his face was now impossible to hide. “Smart move.”

Leo’s speed was astonishing. Soon, the storeroom door was violently shoved open from the outside. Leo, accompanied by two bodyguards, strode in quickly. He was shocked to see the blood on my mouth, my disheveled clothes, and my pathetic posture, propped up on the floor. He rushed over to help me up. I shook my head, subtly signaling him to stay silent, then took the bank card he handed me (with the PIN attached) and tossed it to the man. The man took the card and didn’t bother me further, waving his hand. “If that’s a fake card, I have countless ways to find you. Get lost.” Enduring the excruciating pain throughout my body, I limped out of that sickening place, leaning on Leo’s arm. When we reached the entrance, I thanked Leo: “Thanks, buddy. I’ll get this sorted and pay you back quickly.” He looked at me worriedly. “Don’t worry about the money, it’s nothing. But what happened to you?” I sneered. “My sister found herself a fine boyfriend. I guess I have a score to settle with her.” I pulled out my phone and found the number for the restaurant’s Assistant General Manager, Mr. Peterson. Mr. Peterson was the restaurant’s actual manager, someone I had personally recruited, and he was quite loyal to me. The call connected. I wasted no words, my voice devoid of emotion. “You have ten minutes to fire a manager named Brendon Miller.” “Otherwise, Hayes Enterprises will withdraw all investment from the restaurant, every last cent.” Mr. Peterson on the other end was scared shitless the moment he heard my voice. He must have heard the weakness and the unusual edge in my voice, as he agreed in quick, terrified succession, not even daring to ask why. I hung up the phone and, without a moment’s pause, told Leo to take me straight to the police station. With the clearest, calmest logic, I recounted everything that had just happened to the officer who assisted me. After giving a detailed statement at the police station, I went to the hospital for an injury assessment. I held that thin report in my hand, and the fury of betrayal, as if fueled by hot oil, burned hotter and fiercer within me. I needed an explanation. I needed Serena Hayes, to give me an explanation herself. My assistant found out Serena was at her villa. My driver and bodyguards arrived, and we headed straight for Serena’s place. That villa was also a gift from me. However, when I arrived, I was greeted by blaring heavy metal music. And the raucous sounds of men and women echoing through the doors and windows. She was throwing a party. No wonder she hadn’t answered my calls. The villa’s main door was ajar, and on a strange impulse, I didn’t push it open immediately. Soon, I heard a familiar male voice. It was Brendon Miller. He was pouring out his story to everyone, painting himself as a poor, helpless victim, bullied by an arrogant third party – me – who then had the audacity to turn the tables and accuse him. “…I just asked him to pay the bill, and he threw two million dollars in my face, then found people to get me fired…” “Serena, he’s gone too far. He doesn’t respect you at all!” “He just wants to humiliate me, he just wants us to break up!” Inside, Serena’s circle of ‘friends’ — mostly hangers-on and troublemakers — echoed his outrage. Serena, in turn, was loudly comforting Brendon in her arms, her voice full of tenderness and indulgence. “Brendon, don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer this injustice!” Then, as if to prove her resolve, she promised everyone confidently: “When I get my hands on my brother, I’ll make him beg for your forgiveness on his knees!” Inside, those spoiled brats were still backing Brendon, shouting about how they would make me pay. “Serena, just say the word, and we’ll go drag that bastard out right now!” “Yeah! Let him know who truly owns this place!” I couldn’t listen anymore. I raised a hand, and my bodyguard kicked open the villa’s front door. The booming music screeched to a halt, the noisy laughter instantly vanishing. Dozens of stunned eyes, all at once, turned towards the doorway. “No need to drag me out. I’m right here. Who wants to teach me a lesson?”

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I went to prison for my girlfriend, taking the fall for her for three years. I even handed over my multi-billion dollar company for her to manage. She promised we’d get married the day I got out. I was a model inmate, and on the day I got out early, I grabbed the first bike I saw and pedaled like crazy, eager to surprise her at home. But the facial recognition system at the mansion didn’t recognize me. The property management hadn’t even had a chance to contact the owner yet. Then a man, wearing *my* pajamas, walked to the door, a three-year-old girl in his arms. He took one look at me, rolled his eyes in disgust, pulled out a crumpled bill, and flicked it at my face. “Go beg somewhere else!” “And don’t you dare try to stick around here!” I looked at the hundred-dollar bill on the ground and just started laughing. When did my mansion get a new owner? … Mr. Davies picked up the fallen bill and practically shoved it into my hand. “You’re a lucky man today, running into someone as kind as Mr. Caleb.” “Considering you just got out, I won’t call security. Just go.” As he spoke, the stranger clutched the child tighter and stumbled back several steps, his face a clear mask of disgust. “I’m looking for Serena. She’s my girlfriend.” At that, the stranger’s face instantly twisted, as if he was about to snap something back. Mr. Davies shot him a look, then turned to me. “Ms. Serena? Your girlfriend? Don’t be ridiculous. Not in broad daylight.” He was about to throw me out without another word. I struggled, ready to defend myself. “Sir, you’re back.” I looked up. It was Martha, our housekeeper, just coming out to take the trash. Martha vouched for me to Mr. Davies, and he started apologizing profusely. I gave a bitter laugh. “If Martha hadn’t shown up, I’d probably be sleeping on the streets tonight.” Martha quickly smoothed things over and ushered me inside. Inside, the stranger remained silent. Martha hurried ahead, practically sprinting, as if afraid I’d ask her something. As the door opened, Serena’s familiar voice drifted out. “Caleb, the formula’s ready. It’s time to feed…” But then she saw me. She froze, stammering, “Blake? Why are you out early? You didn’t tell me!” No enthusiastic hug, just a strange chill settling in my chest. I looked around, and everything had changed. The sofa was now my least favorite orange, piled high with baby supplies. And all my old things? Gone. Serena quickly grabbed my arm, explaining, “This is my new assistant, Caleb Stone. His wife… she passed away during childbirth. As his boss, I’m just helping him out by looking after his daughter for a bit, out of sympathy.” The next second, Caleb was practically plastered to me, fawning. “So *you’re* the brother-in-law! My apologies, I didn’t recognize greatness when I saw it.” He was a completely different person from the arrogant man who’d just been here. I ignored him, turning coldly to Serena. “Where are my things?” She said, her voice overly sweet, “I was afraid Daisy might break them, so I packed them up and put them in the study. I’ll get them for you.” I walked straight to the study and opened the door. Inside, it was filled with photos of that child: her hundred-day celebration, her first birthday, second birthday… Serena had thoughtfully written dates and loving messages on them. Meanwhile, my belongings were shoved in a dusty corner, forgotten. I turned to her. “Anyone would think you were her real mother.” Serena’s face darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m just trying to keep talented people at the company!” The air grew thick with silence, then shattered by the baby’s cries. Serena rushed over, cooing to the child and offering a bottle. Caleb murmured, “There’s no other way. Daisy’s always been fed by Serena since she was tiny.” I watched her, saying nothing. Once the crying stopped, Serena immediately handed Daisy back to Caleb, as if desperately trying to prove something to me. But Caleb turned, walking towards me. “Brother-in-law, want to hold her? She’s really cute.” I was about to refuse, but he just placed her directly into my arms. Suddenly, her little face turned bright red, and she began to wail uncontrollably. Serena instantly shoved me away, scooped up the child, and soothed her gently in her arms. Caleb, meanwhile, gave me a knowing smirk. Serena shot me a reproachful look. “Daisy is shy with strangers. For her sake, why don’t you stay in a hotel for now? I’ll have Mr. Jenkins drive you.” She paused for a few seconds. “I’ll come find you later.” Seeing the child still whimpering, clinging to Serena’s shoulder, I kept my temper. I turned and walked towards Mr. Jenkins, who was waiting. As I looked up, I froze for a moment. The car was still the business sedan I’d bought before, but it had been repainted red. “But you hate red, don’t you?” I shot back. Serena shrugged dismissively. “I lent it to Caleb ages ago. It’s easier for him to pick up and drop off Daisy.” Then, without another glance, she went back inside, already humming a lullaby to put the baby to sleep. Watching her disappear, a hot, bitter wave washed over me. That sedan was the gift I’d given her for our two-year anniversary. We’d promised each other we’d take a road trip every year, see every corner of the world. She’d completely forgotten. The car was crammed with stuffed animals, only one small corner free enough for someone to sit. I told Mr. Jenkins, “Mr. Jenkins, I need to go to the nursing home first, if you don’t mind dropping me off there.” My father passed away young, and my mother was my only living relative. I didn’t want her to worry, so I never told her about my imprisonment. Three years without seeing her. I missed her terribly. “If we go to the nursing home and then the hotel, there won’t be enough time. Ms. Serena wants me to pick them up for the amusement park later.” A doubt gnawed at me: What could a three-year-old possibly do at an amusement park? I didn’t press Mr. Jenkins. I just told him to drop me at the nursing home. He then handed me a hotel key card. I looked at it. It was for a run-down motel outside the city limits, barely even a hotel. The smallest stuffed animal in that car was probably worth more than the entire place. I gave a self-deprecating laugh and walked towards the nursing home entrance. I looked up and saw an old woman with white hair, sitting helplessly by the side of the road. Around her lay a scattered roll of bedding. It was covered in large patches of mold, dirty and torn. Bystanders nearby murmured, “Either she has no kids, or the ones she has are absolute animals.” I walked closer, focusing my gaze. It was my mother, Eleanor! The bystanders’ words echoed in my mind, filling me with a fresh wave of shame. I rushed to help her up. “Mom, why aren’t you in the nursing home?” My mother’s eyes welled up with tears when she saw me. “They kicked me out, son. You’re finally back.” I led my mother into Ms. Thorne’s office, demanding, “Don’t you know who she is? Why did you kick her out?” Ms. Thorne adjusted her glasses. “Eleanor Harrison hasn’t paid her fees in over a month. We notified her family repeatedly to come and pick her up, but no one ever showed. We had no choice but to evict her, according to policy.” I stood there, stunned, unable to speak. Before I went to prison, I had voluntarily given Serena my CEO position and all my assets. She promised she’d take good care of my mother in the nursing home. At first, she’d send me videos of Mom during every visit, which put my mind at ease. I never imagined my mother would end up in such a state. Swallowing my anger, I called Serena. She whined, “I’m so busy running the company all by myself! I’ll have accounting transfer three hundred thousand dollars over right away.” Then, I heard her whisper, “Leo, don’t tell Caleb about this money. Otherwise, he’ll say I’m making decisions behind his back again.” The line went dead, but I felt as if a giant boulder had landed on my chest, making it hard to even breathe. The nursing home quickly confirmed receiving the money. I hurried with my mother back to her old room, helping her pack her belongings. Just as I finished packing and was about to take Mom to dinner, three or five security guards burst in, demanding we leave. Without a word, the guards started throwing Mom’s clothes onto the floor. Ms. Thorne sneered, “Well, I’ve heard about folks from rough places, but you’re a special kind of trouble, aren’t you?” “We just paid the fees! Why are you kicking us out?” I demanded, furious. “The money came in, and right after that, we got a threat to send it back or face a lawsuit. Not calling the police directly was me being merciful.” As Ms. Thorne spoke, she played a recording. Caleb’s voice boomed from her phone. “On behalf of Ascend Group, I demand you return that payment immediately. Otherwise, our legal team will sue you.” “Ms. Serena is beautiful and kind-hearted; she doesn’t care about these small amounts. But *I* have to protect her interests and ensure no one tries to take advantage of her.” My hands shaking, I pulled out my phone to call Serena, but I couldn’t get through. My mother, however, collapsed onto the sofa, clutching her chest, exhausted by the ordeal. Seeing her condition, I had no choice but to plead with Ms. Thorne. “Director, I’m Blake Harrison, the former CEO of Ascend Group. The Ms. Serena he mentioned is my fiancée. Can you please make an exception and let my mother stay here for now?” “As soon as I reach her, I’ll bring the money.” Ms. Thorne gave me a dismissive look, waving her hand. “You don’t look like you’re in charge, no matter how I look at you. The person on the phone sounds a lot more authoritative than you.” “If you can’t afford to stay, then leave. This isn’t a charity, and I’m no saint.” With that, she was about to order the guards to throw us out. I slowly helped my mother to her feet and we left. The scorching sun beat down, and fine beads of sweat constantly broke out on my mother’s forehead. I looked around, desperate to find somewhere to get her out of the heat. With a soft thud, my mother’s legs gave out, and she collapsed. I immediately called 911 and rushed her to the hospital. At the hospital, we were left in the corridor, ignored. But I overheard nurses whispering, “Apparently, some big shot came in, and her assistant just has a common cold, but she’s got all the doctors tied up in a consultation for him.” Watching my mother struggle to breathe with the oxygen mask, I ran straight to the consultation room. I burst through the doors. Serena was sitting amidst a group of doctors. She looked at me, startled. Ignoring my anger, I said frantically, “My mom collapsed! She’s downstairs right now! Can someone please get a doctor to see her?” Serena hesitated for a second, then Caleb, lying nearby, suddenly started coughing non-stop. She quickly changed her tone. “What? That’s impossible! Isn’t your mother perfectly fine at the nursing home?” Then she practically dragged me towards the door. “Blake, don’t get the wrong idea. Caleb has a very serious illness, and we’re in the middle of discussing his condition.” I scoffed. “A common cold isn’t going to kill anyone, Serena.” She looked at me, utterly incredulous. “What if she catches it? Daisy wouldn’t be able to handle it!” “So my mother’s life means nothing?” I yelled, furious. She just decided I was being unreasonable, shoving a wad of cash into my hand. “Stop being dramatic, go home. Once Caleb is better, I’ll go with you to see your mother.” Then she pushed me out, locking the door from the inside. No matter how hard I knocked, she wouldn’t open it. Disheartened, I returned to the corridor. My mother had opened her eyes. A nurse nearby explained, “She’s just malnourished and has heatstroke. A good recovery at home should do the trick.” Leaving the hospital, I found a better hotel and settled my mother in. Seeing her pale, frail face, I clenched my fists, a fierce determination hardening inside me. The next day, I arrived at the company early, only to find that my former office was now Caleb’s. The door even had a keypad lock. Through the glass, I saw the office had been transformed into a gaming room, littered with action figures and gaming gear. It looked nothing like a workspace. I looked up and saw Caleb sauntering into the office, wearing flip-flops and carrying a bag of breakfast. He sat down, pushed aside the stack of documents on his desk, and casually started gaming with his subordinate, talking into his headset. “Caleb Stone, who gave you the authority to stop my mother’s nursing home payments? And where’s Serena?” I demanded, my patience snapped. He looked up at me, giving me a sneering, provocative smile. “Serena’s on a business trip. I’m just looking out for her, making sure no one can accuse her of embezzling company funds or abusing her power.” The next second, his subordinate, Troy, hurled his half-eaten breakfast at me. “Who the hell are you? You think you’re fit to lecture our CEO Caleb?” I dodged, refusing to stoop to his level. I pulled out my phone and dialed. “Mr. Harrison, I’m at the office. Can you come down here, please?” He readily agreed. After I hung up, Caleb sneered, “Brother-in-law, if you want to leave, I’ll have the driver take you.” I said coldly, “Mr. Harrison? You don’t know him? He’ll be here soon to remind you exactly who I am.” They exchanged a look, then both laughed. Troy instantly chimed in, sucking up, “Oh, if you know Mr. Harrison, then I know Mr. Harrison’s dad!” I was about to retort when I noticed a certificate — the one from when I led my team to win an international award — being used to prop up a table leg. Months of late nights and hard work, all for that honor, now treated with such utter contempt. I kicked the gaming desk aside, grabbed the certificate, and demanded, “Do you even know what this is?!” “Just some trash for the junk heap, I guess.” Caleb said, his face utterly indifferent. My patience snapped. I reached out and grabbed his collar, tightening my grip. The next second, Troy kicked me hard in the lower back. I cried out in pain and let go. I scrambled to my feet, ready to fight back, but Caleb and Troy ganged up on me, pinning me down. Caleb put his foot on my head and spat at me. “You useless leech, living off women! Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson!”

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