The very first time Julian saw me, his mind already conjured countless intimate scenarios between us. And tonight, his darkest fantasies became reality. “Having an affair with me, are you serious?” In the dim room, the man hovered above me, his voice rough with suppressed desire. I leaned in, pressing my lips to his. “Uncle Julian, I’m sure.” “Aren’t you afraid Rhys will find out?” My lips were warm, and Julian’s eyes darkened further. Rhys, my husband. “You’re doing this to use me? To get back at your cheating husband?” Julian’s fingers dug into my waist. I let out a soft gasp, my hand caressing Julian’s chiseled jaw, my voice a seductive whisper. “Uncle Julian, are you hesitant to touch me because you’re afraid our affair will come to light and strain your relationship with your nephew?” “Heh.” Julian lowered his head and claimed my lips. “There’s nothing in this world that frightens me.” His kiss was fervent, possessive, his tongue exploring every corner. “Mmm… Uncle Julian.” “Don’t rush it,” he murmured, his voice a low growl. “You’ll be screaming my name soon enough.” Julian tore my dress, his blazing hand exploring every curve… Three hours later. My legs were shaking so hard I could barely walk out of the room. The party downstairs was still in full swing. It was Grandpa Hawthorne’s eightieth birthday today, and all the Hawthorne descendants had traveled from far and wide to celebrate. The downstairs was bustling with people, a lively scene. Julian had been relentless, and now my walk was a little off. If anyone saw me, they would definitely notice something amiss. I took another stairway to leave. The exit led to the dimly lit garden. “Mmm… Rhys, didn’t you say you were breaking up with me?” A woman’s breathless moan echoed from behind a stone sculpture. My steps froze. “How could I ever leave you when I love you so much? That was just something I told my wife to appease her. We just need to be more careful and make sure she doesn’t find out again.” Rhys’s low, husky voice drifted faintly through the air. “And one more thing, be a good girl. Don’t try to let Sera find out. No matter how many women I have on the side, she’s my wife, and her position is unshakeable. Understand?” The man’s voice carried a warning. “Mmm, I understand…” I stood not far from the stone sculpture, my nails digging hard into my palms. My heart felt as if it were being brutally squeezed, the pain so intense I could barely breathe. It wasn’t the first time I’d caught him, so why did my heart still ache uncontrollably? The couple sneaking around behind the stone sculpture was none other than my husband and his mistress. No one was more familiar with those two voices than I was. A month ago, I went to Rhys’s office to deliver him a nourishing broth and witnessed my husband cheating with his assistant, catching them in the act. After my initial heartbreak, I dragged our families’ elders into it, determined to get a divorce. But our families, the Hawthornes and the Sterlings, were bound by a strategic alliance, our empires too deeply intertwined to ever break free. No one agreed. Grandpa Hawthorne simply subjected Rhys to the family’s stringent discipline, demanding an apology and a promise to never repeat his mistake. My own family, the Sterlings, also advised me. Men will be men, they said. Just turn a blind eye, especially since Rhys promised it wouldn’t happen again. I refused, insisting on the divorce. Rhys wouldn’t agree, kneeling and apologizing to me. He pleaded for my forgiveness, claiming I was the only woman he loved, and that his assistant had seduced him, making him momentarily lose control. He promised if I forgave him this one time, he would never make the same mistake again. No one knew how much my heart truly ached. Though Rhys and I were in an arranged marriage, we had grown up together and genuinely loved each other. We’d been together since childhood, dated for four years, and married for three. I had never imagined that Rhys, who had once rejected countless women for me, would also cheat like other men. The seven-year itch, it seemed, spared almost no one. I wanted a divorce. I cried for three days and three nights, begging my family, begging the Hawthornes, begging them to allow me to divorce. But daughters in these elite families were often nothing more than pawns in strategic alliances. I cried until my tears ran dry, even went on hunger strike, yet they still wouldn’t agree. The day I woke up in the hospital, Rhys gripped my hand. “Sera,” he said, his voice soft, “if you really can’t stand it, why don’t you cheat too? We can just call it even.” My eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, and my voice, dry and hoarse, responded. “Okay.” Rhys hadn’t expected me to say that, and he immediately looked a little uncomfortable. But he quickly dismissed it. He thought I loved him too much to ever do such a thing. He assumed I was just angry and said it to spite him. But I was serious. No one truly loved me. Everyone sacrificed my happiness for their own interests. So, I decided to get my revenge on everyone. By cheating with Julian. The Hawthornes’ golden boy.
“Mmm… Rhys, what if I get pregnant?” Chloe asked, her voice broken, leaning against the stone sculpture, her cheeks flushed. “You know my rules.” Rhys suddenly stopped. “Take your pills. The only child I’ll ever acknowledge is the one Sera carries.” Chloe’s voice was filled with grievance. “You really love her…” “Yes, I only love her.” Rhys admitted it without hesitation. “You’re just my sexual partner. Don’t wish for anything you shouldn’t, understand?” “Then aren’t you afraid she’ll find out again?” Chloe turned, hooking her arms around his neck, and said wistfully. “This is your family’s garden, and you still called me here…” “She had too much to drink and went back to her room early. She won’t find out.” With that, he grabbed her waist and started moving again. Listening to the intimate sounds, I couldn’t help but let out a mocking laugh. Rhys, your love is cheap and disgusting. This time, I didn’t confront them. Because confronting them wouldn’t matter. I still wouldn’t be able to get a divorce. But I wouldn’t compromise. I would never spend the rest of my life with a filthy man who didn’t love me. I already had other plans for a divorce… And Julian was the key to my plan’s success. A flash of determination crossed my eyes, and I walked away from that dirty place. I didn’t notice the pair of deep, dark eyes watching me from behind. After my slender figure disappeared, Julian emerged into the moonlight. He watched the direction where I had vanished, a faint, meaningful smile playing on his lips. Sera, this time you’re the one who provoked me. You can’t escape now. The birthday banquet concluded. Rhys returned to our matrimonial villa. When he opened the door, he saw me already lying in bed. “Sera.” He walked to the bedside and gently called my name. I didn’t respond. Seeing that I was sound asleep, Rhys quietly left the room. He went to the guest bedroom to shower, instructing the housekeeper to immediately wash the clothes that smelled of perfume. Only after ensuring there was no lingering scent on him did he return to the room. He gazed at my innocent face, his eyes brimming with love. Even though he couldn’t control his desires and slept with other women, he knew, deep down, that I was the only one he truly loved. It was just that they had been together for too long, and the monotony of married life had become too boring. He needed some excitement, a taste of something wild. This didn’t diminish his love for me. As long as he was more careful and I didn’t discover his continued contact with Chloe, their marriage would be fine. Besides, I loved him so much. Given enough time, my wounds would heal, and I would forgive him. Couples in their circle were all like this. We could still have a good life together. Then, we’d have a child, and we’d be a happy family of three. Rhys fantasized, holding me as he gradually drifted off to sleep. After he fell asleep, I slowly opened my eyes, expressionlessly pushing him away and creating distance between us. I didn’t want to lie in the same bed as him, but the villa was full of housekeepers sent by both the Hawthornes and the Sterlings—ostensibly to serve, but in reality, to monitor. If Rhys and I slept in separate rooms, the elders from both families would take turns talking to me the next day. I felt suffocated. For now, apart from temporary compromise, I had no other choice. I touched my flat stomach, my feelings complicated. I hoped today’s indulgence would lead to a good result, helping me break free from the Hawthornes and Sterlings, and escape to freedom. To finally be free.
Morning. I woke up early and began my morning routine in the bathroom. Rhys’s young face appeared in the mirror behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, rubbing his cheek against mine. “Sera, why didn’t you wait for me last night? You just came back on your own.” I brushed my teeth, my tone flat. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.” “…” In the mirror, Rhys’s eyes dropped, a hint of guilt in them, avoiding my gaze. “I had too much to drink and felt dizzy, so I just found an empty room to rest. Maybe the housekeeper couldn’t find me.” “Oh.” I responded indifferently. Rhys looked at my makeup-free face, and remembering his indulgence with Chloe last night, a wave of guilt washed over him. “Sera, let’s live well together from now on.” He hugged me tight, as if afraid I would run away. “I promise I won’t ever make you sad again.” Men were truly masters of deception, lying with an unnerving calm, not a single flush on their face, not a single beat of their heart out of place, even though he’d been with another woman just last night. A sudden wave of sorrow washed over me. How many times had I been deceived… Hah, well, it didn’t matter anymore. Finishing brushing my teeth, I pulled Rhys’s hands away. “You should get ready. I’ll go check if breakfast is ready.” I turned and walked out of the bathroom. As I turned, a small red mark on my pale nape caught Rhys’s eye. My skin was very fair, making the small red mark stand out glaringly. Rhys’s gaze froze. “Sera, what’s that red mark on your neck?” An inexplicable unease welled up in his heart. I instinctively reached up to touch it, and last night’s wild moments replayed in my mind. It must have been Julian, during one of those moments when my mind had gone blank. Men were all alike, always chasing thrills. I mimicked Rhys’s calm expression, saying flatly. “I don’t know, maybe I scratched myself by accident.” “Is that so?” But it looked so much like a hickey. Rhys’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat, a strange feeling nagging at him. Then he quickly dismissed the thought. It couldn’t be a hickey. Not only did I love him deeply, even if I wasn’t quick to forgive his mistakes, I would never actually cheat and sleep with another man. Besides, I was a very traditional woman. During our four years of dating in college, I had only ever allowed him to kiss me. I wouldn’t even let him touch me, and our first intimate moment was on our wedding night. That’s why he had said those words about me cheating to make things even. He’d said it precisely because he knew I wouldn’t do it, which would alleviate his guilt. “Do you want to put some cream on it?” Rhys, having reassured himself, asked with concern. I continued walking. “No need.” I finished breakfast without waiting for Rhys. Right after, I received a SnapChat message from Julian. He told me to come find him, the address was a high-end thermal spa and wellness center. As soon as Rhys arrived, I stood up, ready to leave. A housekeeper handed me my white handbag. Rhys grabbed my hand. “Sera, where are you going?” “To my sculpting class.” As a wife in this family, my career wasn’t a priority. Even getting a degree from an elite university was just to prove I had the pedigree to produce worthy heirs, not for any personal ambition. My primary role was to maintain appearances and, of course, ensure I was ready to bear children. So, when I said this, Rhys naturally didn’t suspect anything. “Sera, your figure is already perfect.” Rhys smiled, complimenting me. “Better than any model. You don’t need to go to sculpting class every week.” I pulled my hand free and walked quickly out the door. Watching my retreating figure, Rhys’s brows furrowed slightly. For the past month, my attitude towards him had remained distant. It was his fault for hurting my heart. He would just have to make it up to me slowly. He pulled out his phone and made a call. “Is that Hermès bag Sera likes in stock yet?” His assistant replied. “I was just about to call you. It arrived this morning. I’ll go pick it up from the store in a bit.” Rhys nodded. “Good, don’t mess anything up. Sera’s birthday is in two weeks. This is her surprise from me.” “Understood.” Half an hour later, I arrived at the thermal spa.
This spa was one of Julian’s properties. The front desk staff immediately greeted me with a warm, professional smile. “Miss Sterling, you have an appointment with Mr. Hawthorne, correct? Please follow me.” I nodded slightly and followed the attendant into the spa. After several turns, we finally reached the destination. The attendant smiled. “Mr. Hawthorne is inside. Miss Sterling, please go in. I’ll leave you now.” After she left, I hesitated for a moment before raising my hand to knock. “Come in.” A low, magnetic voice came from inside. I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. To my surprise, the moment I looked up, I was met with a tantalizing sight. Julian stood by the edge of the large bath, his tall, lean frame naked from the waist up. His taut, muscular physique was subtly revealed through the swirling steam, and a few drops of water trailed down his broad chest, disappearing into the white towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was damp, a few strands clinging to his forehead, adding to his raw sex appeal. Julian saw me enter, a playful smirk curving his lips, his eyes burning with intense desire. He spoke slowly. “Sera, you’re here. I’ve been waiting.” My face flushed slightly, and my eyes instinctively darted away from his body. I tried to sound calm as I asked, “Uncle Julian, what do you need?” Julian took a slow, deliberate step towards me, his long legs moving with an almost predatory grace. Each step carried a sense of pressure. “Are you feeling alright?” I immediately understood his meaning. Images of last night’s passion flashed through my mind, and my cheeks involuntarily deepened in color. “Uncle Julian, I’m fine.” “Is that so? Then it seems we can go for another round today?” Julian stopped in front of me, leaning down so his warm breath ghosted over my face. I froze. “What?” “Last night was incredibly sweet. I’m addicted.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling my body flush against his, and whispered into my ear. “If we’re having an affair, let’s go all the way.” With that, he kissed my lips. My handbag slipped from my fingers to the floor, and my hands wrapped around Julian’s waist. I didn’t resist him; instead, I met his kiss. Because, I needed to get pregnant by him, to break free from this gilded cage of a strategic marriage. We kissed for a long time, entangled, before Julian swept me into his arms and carried me towards the steaming bath. After another round of passionate kissing, Julian reached for a condom lying by the edge of the bath, tearing open the wrapper with his teeth. I noticed his action and gasped, “Don’t use it.” “Don’t use it?” Julian lifted my chin, his dark eyes glinting with a knowing smirk. “Aren’t you afraid of getting pregnant with my child?” That was precisely what I wanted. But I shook my head. “It’s uncomfortable. I’ll take a pill afterward.” Julian leaned closer, chuckling softly. “You’re quite daring.” “Come here.” I hooked my arms around his neck, my eyes hazy with allure, openly seducing him. Julian’s throat bobbed, and he nuzzled my lips. “They say Rhys’s wife is the most dignified and traditional. Your behavior now hardly matches what people say about you.” “Don’t people always have two sides?” I tilted my head, smiling softly. “Besides, don’t men always crave a woman with a bit of a wild side?” Just like Rhys, who outwardly claimed to love me to death, yet couldn’t resist the allure of his flirtatious assistant. I was smiling, but my eyes held a hint of sorrow. Julian didn’t like the sadness in my eyes. His warm lips slowly moved from my cheek to my brow, and his large hand gripped my waist. “Wild or not, I like you just the same.” In his eyes, I was a walking temptation, even if I did nothing. He gave me no chance to linger in my melancholic thoughts, sealing my lips with his. They indulged in a prolonged embrace in that private space, until the passion finally receded. Julian carried me, boneless and exhausted, out of the thermal bath and into the adjoining lounge, placing me gently on the large bed. Then he turned and left. Once I regained some strength, I crawled up, then propped my slender legs onto the headboard, placing a pillow under my hips. This position, I knew, was more conducive to conception. After doing all this, I gazed at the ceiling, a sudden wave of sorrow washing over me. It was truly pathetic that I so desperately craved to be pregnant with another man’s child, all just to escape an unhappy marriage. How truly pitiful. I started to laugh, and as I laughed, two lines of tears streamed from my eyes. My heart felt as though it had been filled with sand, a suffocating ache pressing down. Julian came back in carrying a tray of food, just as he caught sight of me lowering my legs from the headboard. “What are you doing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing,” I lied. “My legs were tired, just resting them for a bit.” My true intentions couldn’t be exposed, otherwise, Julian would never cooperate with me. Julian’s deep, dark eyes lingered on me for a moment, a half-smile playing on his lips. Those dark eyes seemed to see right through me, and I felt a shiver of unease under his gaze. Barefoot, I stepped onto the floor, feeling awkward. “Uncle Julian, I should go now.” “Not going to eat something?” Julian offered me the sandwich in his hand. “You’ve exerted a lot of energy. You should replenish it.” “I’ll eat it on the way.” I grabbed it and hurried out. Except when seducing him, I actually wasn’t very comfortable being alone with Julian. His eyes were too sharp; I always felt like there was nowhere to hide, as if he could see right through me. “I have to go on a business trip abroad. Pick me up at the airport in ten days. I’ll send you a message.” His low voice drifted to me. My steps faltered for a moment. “Understood.” I arrived back at the villa close to two in the afternoon. The housekeeper saw me and asked, “Madam, should I send Mr. Hawthorne his nourishing broth today?” Nourishing broth. I used to send Rhys a nourishing broth every day. The day I discovered his affair, I was late delivering the broth. Rhys, thinking I wasn’t sending it, felt safe enough to indulge in some office play with his mistress. That’s when I realized that after drinking the tonic I meticulously prepared for him every day, he would then get intimate with his assistant. He was always so busy with work, and I worried he was losing weight. So I traveled far and wide to find a reliable herbalist to get a restorative herbal brew recipe. I personally selected all the ingredients and herbs, pouring my heart into preparing it to keep him healthy. Yet, he turned around and expended all that energy on his mistress. My concern now felt like a cruel joke. I said flatly, “Pack it up. I’ll take it over now.” The ironic thing was, despite everything, I still had to pretend nothing was wrong and dutifully deliver it. Because if I stopped, both the Hawthornes and the Sterlings would assume there was friction in our marriage and send elders to “mediate.” I was a woman living under constant surveillance. A mere link binding the interests of the Hawthornes and Sterlings. No one cared if the ‘item’ was happy or not. As long as the item served its purpose, that was enough. So, no one truly cared about me. The broth was packed, and I picked it up, heading out. Hawthorne Group. When the front desk called, Rhys was pressing Chloe against his office desk. Upon hearing I was on my way, he immediately pulled away from Chloe. “Find somewhere to hide. Don’t let Sera see you.” Rhys frantically straightened his rumpled shirt, then opened the window to air out the lingering scent of their encounter. He had originally fired Chloe after Grandpa Hawthorne’s lecture, but he and Chloe were so used to their office trysts that he couldn’t stand it after just a few days. He secretly brought her back, then specifically instructed the front desk to call him immediately if they saw me coming. As long as I didn’t know Chloe was back, everything would be fine. Chloe picked up her scattered clothes, putting them on, and looked at Rhys with a resentful gaze. “If I’m such a secret, why bother calling me back?” Rhys, seeing her unhappiness, cupped her face and kissed her, trying to appease her. “This is for the good of all three of us. If Sera finds out, she’ll just cause another scene. Then Grandpa Hawthorne will personally step in, and I worry it might be bad for you.”
“Fine,” Chloe huffed lightly, tracing circles on his chest with her finger. “She’s bringing broth. I’ll feed it to you myself later.” Imagining her “feeding method,” Rhys grinned mischievously. “Good, I’ll wait for you to ‘feed me’ yourself.” Chloe gave him a flirtatious look, then reluctantly pulled open the office door and left. She didn’t hurry away. She waited until the executive elevator opened and the person inside exited before turning and walking towards the regular employee elevator. I saw Chloe’s back. I watched silently, my face devoid of emotion. It wasn’t surprising that Rhys couldn’t resist being with Chloe, even at Grandpa Hawthorne’s birthday party, and now he had secretly brought the previously fired Chloe back to the office. It was a good thing I had never believed Rhys would change. A leopard never changes its spots. “Sera, you’re here.” Rhys saw me enter the office, happily walked towards me, and reached for the food container in my hand. My nose wrinkled slightly. My sense of smell was very keen. Even with the window open and much of the scent dispersed, I still caught a whiff of it. It seemed he and Chloe had been at it again. Fortunately, I no longer cared. “Here’s your broth. Drink it while it’s hot. I’m leaving now.” I didn’t even sit down for a moment, turning to leave immediately. Rhys grabbed my wrist. “Sera, aren’t you going to stay with me for a bit? Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” I turned to look at him, saying flatly, “Do you need me to?” For some reason, Rhys felt there was a double meaning in my words, and unease welled up in his heart again. “Sera, of course I need you to stay with me.” He put down the broth and pulled me into his embrace. “Why don’t you just stay for the afternoon?” He lowered his head, intending to kiss me. I thought of what he and Chloe had just been doing in the office and felt a wave of nausea, pushing him away. “I have to go to the clinic this afternoon. I can’t stay.” Rhys felt a little uncomfortable being rejected, but he rationalized that I hadn’t forgiven him yet, so my unwillingness to be intimate was normal. In fact, it meant I still cared about him, because only if I cared would I be angry. Rhys reassured himself, then held my shoulders. “Why are you going to the clinic?” “A check-up. To prepare for pregnancy.” He remembered. Our families were already pressing us to have children. We had been married for three years without a child, and the elders of both families were subtly showing their displeasure. This year, they had been particularly insistent about us having a baby, almost bringing up the topic at every family dinner. Actually, both my body and his were fine; it was just that he hadn’t been interested in having children these past few years. He wasn’t ready to be a father, so he had been using contraception. Of course, more than that, he wanted more time alone with me. However, he had changed his mind now. He needed to get me pregnant as soon as possible. Once we had a child, the bond between us would deepen, and the Hawthornes and Sterlings’ alliance would be even stronger. Then I would never be able to leave him. “I’ll go with you after work.” Rhys offered eagerly. I shook my head, refusing. “No need. You’re so busy with work; there’s no need to take time out just for me. I won’t say more; I’m leaving now.” I walked out of the office. Rhys watched my retreating figure, and a sudden tightness seized his chest. I was still being distant with him. In the past, if he suggested doing something together, I would be as delighted as a child. Unlike now, where my words were flat, my emotions muted, everything about me was muted. Completely different from the lively, sweet woman I used to be. Rhys clutched his chest, a sharp pang of guilt piercing his heart. It was all his fault; he had hurt me. Just then, the office door opened again. Chloe walked in. Seeing him clutching his chest, her face immediately showed concern. “Rhys, what’s wrong?” she asked worriedly. Rhys looked at her face, unable to stop himself from questioning. Was chasing thrills with Chloe really that important? Was the fleeting satisfaction of physical desire truly more important than his relationship with me? The pleasure was momentary, but that moment caused me pain, disappointment, and a lack of passion for him. Was it truly worth it? He asked himself repeatedly, but still found no definite answer. “Rhys, what are you thinking?” Seeing that he seemed less distressed, Chloe’s hand stroked his chest, and she pressed her body against him. “Don’t think about it. Let’s continue our ‘game’ from before.” She initiated, kissing him. Rhys wanted to resist, feeling a wave of guilt towards me, but gradually, desire triumphed over reason. He swept Chloe into his arms and pressed her onto the sofa. At the same time. I had arrived at the clinic. After a check-up, the doctor said. “Your health is excellent; you can conceive directly. You’re currently in your ovulation period these few days. Have you been intimate with your husband?” Sera nodded. “Yes.” “You can be intimate more frequently; it will make conception easier.” I asked, “If I get pregnant, how soon can I find out?” “Ten days after intercourse.” the doctor said. I touched my stomach. The first time with Julian last night, he used protection. The next two times, I coaxed him out of it. This morning, we didn’t use protection either. Julian looked very strong. He didn’t smoke or drink much, so his ‘seed’ quality should be excellent. I hoped there was already a result in my belly. Otherwise, in ten days, I would have to go find him again. That evening, I went to bed early again. Rhys, fresh from his shower and thinking about having a baby, hugged me from behind, his hand caressing my body. He whispered into my ear, “Sera, aren’t we trying for a baby? We should…”
I pulled his hand away. “Let’s just go to sleep early.” “Sera, are you still angry with me?” Rhys sat up, pulling me up with him. We faced each other. I lowered my eyes slightly, saying flatly, “Do you expect me to forgive you right now? Do you think that’s possible?” Rhys gripped my hands, his voice heavy with guilt. “Sera, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have given in to temptation and betrayed our love. Believe me, I’ve truly changed.” His eyes were incredibly sincere, as if he had truly repented. If I hadn’t caught him cheating a second time, perhaps I would have foolishly believed him. I looked at his incredibly familiar face, yet felt it was utterly foreign. As if I had never truly known him. Because the old Rhys would never lie to me, but now, his mouth was full of deceit. His love for me was filled with sickening falsehoods. I suddenly didn’t want to see his face. I averted my gaze, looking out at the dark night sky. “Just give me a little more time,” I said softly. A little more time, and I would finally escape this cage, finally be free. Rhys, however, mistook my softening attitude. After all, time was the best healer, and since divorce wasn’t an option, I had no choice but to compromise. A look of joy spread across Rhys’s face, and he hugged me tightly. “Sera, I know I made a huge mistake. Your coldness towards me now is a punishment, and I deserve it. I don’t blame you. I’ll wait until the day you’re willing to forgive me.” That day would never come. I would never forgive betrayal. I let him hold me, my eyes fixed on the darkness, devoid of sorrow or joy. Time flew by. Julian, who was supposed to be on a ten-day business trip, returned early. I had just finished dinner when my phone buzzed with a message from Julian. He told me to pick him up at the airport. I stared at the message, lost in thought. I had gone to the clinic this morning for a check-up; I wasn’t pregnant. If I couldn’t get pregnant with Julian’s child, my escape plan would fail. I would be forever trapped in this cage of an arranged marriage. I had to keep seducing Julian. “Sera, what are you looking at?” Rhys put down his forks, looking up at me. I put away my phone, stood up, and said, “I have something I need to go out for.” “Where are you going?” Rhys frowned. “It’s so late now. Should I drive you?” I shook my head, already moving towards the door. “No need. A female friend suddenly came down with a fever, and there’s no one to take care of her. I’m going to check on her.” “Who is it?” Rhys asked. He and I had grown up together; we knew all of each other’s friends. I casually made up a lie. “A new friend I met in baking class a few days ago. You don’t know her. I won’t say more.” I hurried out the door. Rhys didn’t think much of it and left the dining room as well. Just then, he received a FaceTime call from Chloe, asking him to pick her up at the airport. Chloe’s mother had been ill a few days ago, and she had gone home to visit her. She was back today. She had already landed and was waiting for him to pick her up. Rhys thought that since I wasn’t home anyway, he’d be bored alone, so he agreed. Chloe had been away for a few days, and I wouldn’t let him touch me, so he was feeling particularly pent-up.
I rushed to the airport and quickly spotted Julian in the arrivals hall. Julian stood tall and handsome in a sharp suit. When he saw me, a flicker of something imperceptible, something akin to tenderness, crossed his eyes. “Uncle Julian, why are you back early?” I asked softly. Julian gave a slight smile and leaned in, whispering, “I missed you, so I couldn’t wait to come back.” My face flushed slightly. Julian naturally took my hand. “Come, let’s get out of here first.” As we walked side-by-side towards the exit, Rhys’s car also happened to pull up. The car door opened, and a long, straight leg stepped out. Facing a potential face-to-face encounter, my heart instantly leaped into my throat. I instinctively looked at the man beside me, a wave of tension washing over me. Julian swiftly took off his overcoat and gently draped it over my shoulders. His arm naturally wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me close, shielding me tightly in his embrace. The hem of his coat cleverly concealed my figure, and his strong arm discreetly hid most of my face. Rhys saw Julian, first愣 (froze), then a wide smile spread across his face as he walked over to greet him. “Uncle Julian, why are you back early?” Julian maintained a calm expression, nodding slightly. “Yes, the business trip wrapped up faster than expected, so I came back early.” He was clearly holding someone close, and Rhys naturally noticed, his eyes instantly becoming meaningful. “Uncle Julian, who is this…?” Julian curved his lips. “Your future aunt.” “Really?” Rhys had assumed it was just a casual fling, never expecting it to be Julian’s girlfriend. His proud uncle had never dated before. What kind of woman could make Julian even consider marriage? He was suddenly very curious, trying to peer into Julian’s embrace, but couldn’t make out her face. “Is my future aunt really that shy? She won’t even say hello to me,” Rhys joked. Julian, still holding the woman in his arms, changed direction slightly. “She’s quite shy, indeed. I’ll bring her to the family estate soon; you’ll meet her then.” “Uncle Julian, you’re full of surprises!” Rhys chuckled, retracting his gaze. “Anyone Uncle Julian picks must be extraordinary. I truly look forward to that day.” “What are you doing at the airport?” Julian diverted the topic. Rhys scratched his head. “Just picking up a friend. Well, Uncle Julian, I won’t bother you any longer. Goodbye.” Only after Rhys turned and walked towards the waiting lounge did Julian slowly release me. He looked at my slightly nervous face and chuckled softly. “What, afraid our affair will be exposed?” I pursed my lips. “Aren’t you?” “Me?” Julian gripped my hand, fingers intertwining, tightly laced together. “At most, I’ll get a scolding from Grandpa Hawthorne. What’s there to be afraid of?” “…” For men, it was certainly not frightening. Because the crime of infidelity was judged by two different standards for men and women. For men, it was called a ‘fling,’ something not worth dwelling on. For women, it was called being ‘loose’ or ‘promiscuous,’ and was something to be condemned. I let out a laugh, a mocking, bitter sound. “What are you laughing at?” Julian asked, raising an eyebrow. I said flatly, “Nothing. Let’s go.” Julian took my hand and we left the airport. Meanwhile, Rhys, who had already entered the main hall, suddenly turned back, his gaze fixed on our retreating figures. He saw the woman hidden in Julian’s embrace. Only her back was visible: long black hair, a blue mid-length skirt, a slender, graceful figure. That skirt… wasn’t it exactly like the one I was wearing today?! And her back looked so much like Sera! At this thought, Rhys felt his temples throb twice. He instinctively took a step to follow. Chloe, who was nearby, saw him and happily ran into his arms. “Rhys, you came to pick me up!” He paused, then looked up again, but our figures were already gone. Rhys averted his gaze, affectionately ruffled Chloe’s hair. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to dinner, then drop you home.”
hys took Chloe to dinner, and then, naturally, drove her home. Two hours later, Rhys disentangled himself from their passionate encounter and went to the bathroom to shower. He made sure to leave no scent of another woman on him, to avoid me discovering it when he returned home. Once he entered the bathroom, Chloe glanced at the plush toy on the windowsill. A hidden camera was inside, having recorded their entire intense tryst. A smile played on her lips as she sent the video to me. At that moment, I had just left the movie theater with Julian. I didn’t know what this man was thinking; after leaving the airport, he didn’t eat but dragged me to watch a movie first. It was a two-hour art-house film, and I was half-asleep, yet Julian seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As soon as I sat in the car, my phone buzzed. It was an anonymous sender, a short video clip lasting several tens of seconds. I opened it and watched. In the video, my husband was having an affair with his mistress. I gripped my phone tightly, my face turning pale. Immediately after, a provocative text message popped up. [Sera, you knew Rhys never broke up with me, didn’t you? We just finished sleeping together. You’re probably still waiting for him at home, aren’t you? Poor lonely wife.] [What about your twenty years of history? He’s still completely obsessed with me. Rhys doesn’t love you anymore. He only stays married because of your family status. Every time he sleeps with me, he complains about how bored he is with you, says sleeping with you is like a tedious chore, not nearly as satisfying as being with me.] [If your family went bankrupt, he’d dump you without hesitation and marry me.] [Oh, by the way, I have good news for you. I’m pregnant, and Rhys says he wants to keep it. When the time is right, he’ll bring the child into the Hawthorne family under the guise of adoption, to raise our child himself. You get to be a mother without the pain. Happy?] Immediately following that, an ultrasound report was sent. It showed Chloe was four weeks pregnant. This was her confidence in openly challenging me. I took a deep breath, gripping my phone even harder. “What are you looking at?” Julian sensed my distress, leaned over, and looked directly at the content on my phone. I quickly pressed the screen, taking a few deep breaths to suppress the surging emotions. “Nothing.” “You look unwell.” Julian cupped my face, examining it closely. “Are you feeling sick?” I grabbed his hand, slowly pulling it down. “Then, Uncle Julian, do you want to check on me?” To get pregnant, I had to go all in. “What, you want to try some car sex?” Julian’s hand slowly moved to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. I looked up at him, my beautiful eyes shimmering with seductive charm. My hand rested on his chest, slowly tracing circles. “Would you like to try it, Uncle Julian?” “Anything you want to play, I’m in.” Julian lowered his head and kissed my lips. I don’t know how long passed, but just as the tension in the car reached its peak, my phone received a FaceTime call from Rhys. I lay on the reclined seat, my face flushed, my soft hand almost unable to hold the phone. I wanted to hang up. His fiery chest pressed down, tight against my back, and his husky voice whispered in my ear. “Sweetheart, answer the phone.” He pressed the answer button for me. Rhys’s voice immediately came through. “Sera, it’s so late. Why aren’t you home yet?” “I…” My voice was already strained as I spoke. “I… I need to take care of my friend.” The man behind me, as if afraid of not being discovered, continued his relentless movements. I tried my best to hold back, but my voice still came out fragmented. “I… won’t be back tonight.” “What’s wrong? Your voice sounds strange.” An unsettling feeling swelled in Rhys’s heart, and a terrifying thought crossed his mind. “Does it? Maybe it’s just the wind being too strong outside. Anyway, I have to go now.” The call ended. Rhys stared at the phone screen, an inexplicable, intense unease washing over him. And that terrifying suspicion. During the call, he had heard an unusual sound, very much like… *that* sound. Could I really be having an affair with another man? No, it couldn’t be. Rhys immediately dismissed the thought. He refused to believe it. I loved him so much and was a very traditional woman; how could I possibly cheat? That was something rebellious women did. I was a well-bred woman; I wouldn’t do such a thing. He must be overthinking it. Rhys reassured himself, put down his phone, and rested. That night, he had a dream. He dreamt of seeing Julian at the airport again. He was desperately curious about what Julian’s girlfriend looked like. Just then, a gust of wind blew, lifting the woman’s hair and revealing her entire face. She looked exactly like me! Rhys suddenly woke up. At that moment, the bedroom door opened.
He looked over, still startled, and met my gaze. “Sera!” Rhys jumped out of bed and strode towards me, grabbing my wrist. He gripped my wrist so tightly that I winced. “You’re hurting me.” Rhys seemed not to hear, his eyes fixed on me. “Sera, were you really with your friend yesterday?” “What else?” Unconsciously, I had learned the same composure after cheating that Rhys displayed when he lied. I looked at Rhys calmly, without a hint of guilt. Rhys stared at me, trying to catch the slightest change in my expression. But he saw nothing. “I’ve been at the clinic all night. I need to change.” I motioned for him to let go. Rhys slowly released me, watching me turn and head into the walk-in closet. Suddenly, he took a step closer and gently pushed open the closet door. I had just taken off my clothes. My pale skin was exposed, as delicate as fine jade, without a single blemish. And no traces of intimacy. Rhys breathed a sigh of relief. He had been overthinking it. How could I possibly be involved with Uncle Julian? Julian was naturally distant, keeping everyone at arm’s length. At previous family dinners, I used to be quite intimidated by Uncle Julian, barely daring to say more than a few words. Later, I even accidentally broke one of Uncle Julian’s favorite antique vases. Although he didn’t pursue it, I often complained to Rhys that Uncle Julian pretended not to care but always looked at me with devouring eyes. It scared me so much that I was even more afraid to speak to him. In Rhys’s mind, my interactions with Uncle Julian were almost non-existent. How could the two of them possibly get together? It was impossible. Rhys reassured himself, but for some reason, a lingering unease still stirred within him. Afraid of being discovered, he quietly closed the door and left. At that moment, my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the doorway. I knew Rhys had been watching me. I had prepared for this; last night, I hadn’t let Julian leave any marks on my body. Rhys, are you finally experiencing the anxiety of suspecting your loved one of cheating? That unsettling feeling isn’t pleasant, is it? I let out a mocking laugh. The following days of my life remained calm. Except for the occasional rendezvous with Julian, continuing our illicit affair. I worked hard to entice him, and Julian willingly succumbed. Finally, ten days later, I got the result I wanted. I walked out of the doctor’s office, clutching the report tightly in my hand. My lips curved upward, unable to stop smiling from excitement and joy. I was pregnant. With Julian’s child, the cage of this arranged marriage could no longer hold me. My mood was exceptionally good; I even had a smile on my face when I returned to the villa. “Sera, what has you so happy?” Rhys smiled too, pulling my hand to sit on the sofa. “Is it because your birthday is coming up? Oh, by the way, the family estate called. They said you should celebrate your birthday there this year. They want everyone back to make it lively. Grandpa Hawthorne also said he has a gift for you, one he’s sure you’ll love.” Only Grandpa Hawthorne typically celebrated his birthday at the family estate; younger generations weren’t usually eligible. The fact that an exception was being made for me, I knew the reason without much thought. It was merely a gesture to compensate me. I didn’t care or mind in the least. However, celebrating my birthday at the family estate presented an excellent opportunity. My lips curved slightly. Because that day would be the day I would be reborn.
I stepped into the old estate, elegantly dressed in a delicate blush-pink gown. The estate was adorned with festive decorations, adding a celebratory atmosphere to my birthday dinner. The spacious living room was already filled with people; close relatives from both the Hawthornes and the Sterlings had arrived. Everyone gathered, chatting and laughing, creating a harmonious atmosphere. When they saw me, everyone greeted me. Mrs. Sterling took my hand and pulled me to sit on the sofa, saying kindly, “Your sister-in-law is already pregnant with her second child. You and Rhys should also hurry up. Any news yet?” At every family gathering, the topic of having children was unavoidable. Others, hearing this, also began to “care” about my situation. “That’s right, Sera. You and Rhys have been married for three years now. How come you still haven’t gotten pregnant? In another two or three years, you’ll be thirty. You’ll be an older mother then.” “If you have a daughter, you’ll have to have a second child anyway. It’s better to have them early, while you’re young and your body recovers well.” “Are you not feeling well? In a couple of days, I’ll have my sister-in-law tell you about the herbal brew she takes. It’s very effective. She only took it for a month before she got pregnant. If you take it, you’ll surely have good news soon.” I looked at their “caring” eyes, a smile on my face, but my own eyes were cold and devoid of mirth. In that moment, everyone seemed to have forgotten about Rhys’s infidelity, casually urging me to have children. Of course. When a man cheats, the only one who truly suffers is the wife. No one else cares; they might even secretly gloat. A hand landed on my shoulder. Rhys sat beside me, smiling as he responded to the relatives, “Sera and I are working hard. I’m sure we’ll have good news soon.” With that, he kissed my cheek, his eyes smiling. “Right, Sera?” I was about to answer when someone called out, “Uncle Julian, you’re here!” Everyone’s gaze turned to the living room entrance. Julian strode towards us, his long legs moving with purpose. He wore casual black clothes, his handsome face expressionless, still retaining his cool, almost ascetic demeanor. Only I knew that he was deeply passionate, despite pretending to be indifferent to women. His gaze subtly swept over my face, meeting mine for a fleeting moment. I instinctively touched my flat lower abdomen, guiltily averting my eyes. Julian was a star in the Hawthorne family. The moment he arrived, no one cared about whether I was having children anymore. Everyone sought an opportunity to speak with Julian. Julian sat on the sofa, leaning back casually, occasionally answering a relative’s question. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I felt his gaze subtly returning to me from time to time. When he looked at me, a faint smile seemed to play on his lips. My heart felt hollow, having his child secretly growing inside me. After sitting for a while, I found an excuse to leave the living room. I went to Grandpa Hawthorne’s study. I stood outside the door, taking a deep breath to calm my nervous heart, then raised my hand to knock. “Come in.” I pushed the door open. Grandpa Hawthorne was sitting behind an antique desk, holding a calligraphy brush and practicing his writing. Seeing me enter, he looked up slightly, put down his brush, and slowly spoke. “Sera, it’s your birthday today. Why are you here?” “Grandpa, I have something I need to show you.” I took out the ultrasound report and gently placed it on his desk. Grandpa Hawthorne’s eyes immediately lit up with joy. “Sera, you’re pregnant? Excellent, excellent! Our Hawthorne family is gaining a new member. Sera, you’ve done a great service!” “This child isn’t Rhys’s.” I said.
“What?” Grandpa Hawthorne thought he misheard. I looked directly into his eyes, stating each word clearly. “The child in my belly isn’t Rhys’s.” Grandpa Hawthorne’s smile completely froze. He pressed his calligraphy brush down heavily. “You dare…” Before he could finish, I interrupted him. “I’m pregnant with Julian’s child.” One second, two seconds… A full minute passed. Grandpa Hawthorne stared wide-eyed, as if he had just heard the most preposterous thing in the world. “What did you say? Say it again!” “I said, I’m pregnant with Uncle Julian’s child.” I deliberately emphasized “Uncle Julian,” making it undeniably clear. “You’re talking nonsense!” Grandpa Hawthorne absolutely refused to believe it. How could this be? “I know what you’re trying to do. You just want to trick me, to get me to agree to your divorce from Rhys!” I calmly opened my handbag, took out a stack of photos, and placed them in front of Grandpa Hawthorne. “If you don’t believe me, you can look at these pictures.” A dozen or so photos lay on the table. Grandpa Hawthorne, barely suppressing his rage, flipped through them. These photos were all of my daily interactions with Julian: eating, watching movies, holding hands, kissing. Grandpa Hawthorne’s face grew increasingly dark. The last photo was taken in Julian’s apartment. He was bare-chested, holding me in his arms, his body covered in intimate scratch marks. He was looking down at me, his eyes tender as water. Grandpa Hawthorne’s composure finally shattered. “You… you shameless woman, how dare you seduce Uncle Julian? This is a scandal of epic proportions!” A mocking smile touched my lips, but my eyes held fierce determination. “If all of you hadn’t so stubbornly blocked my divorce, how would I ever have become involved with Uncle Julian? Everything that happened today is because of your selfishness!” Grandpa Hawthorne’s face turned beet red with anger, and he slammed his hand on the desk. “You must get rid of this child! The Hawthorne family will never allow such a disgrace to occur!” “I can abort the child, on the condition that you agree to my divorce from Rhys. If you don’t agree, I’ll expose this to the public.” I stood unfazed by Grandpa Hawthorne’s fury, calmly stating my terms. “Think carefully, Grandpa. Once this matter is exposed, what kind of scandal and public outcry will the Hawthornes and Sterlings face? The Hawthorne family’s decades of reputation will be ruined. Julian will also be embroiled in scandal, and his Veridian Corp. will undoubtedly suffer.” I paused, then smiled. “My freedom, your immensely valued power and interests, and Julian’s reputation—you can surely weigh which is more important.” Grandpa Hawthorne trembled with rage, his face ashen. If I were carrying the child of some other man, it might be manageable. At most, they could get rid of it and pretend nothing happened. The Sterling family might even owe the Hawthornes, allowing them to gain more advantage in their collaborations. But no, the man I had cheated with was Julian! There was no way to untangle whose fault this was. Julian was his youngest, most doted-on son, and incredibly talented. He had built Veridian Corp. single-handedly and was his father’s greatest pride. And he had committed such a disgraceful act! Grandpa Hawthorne was practically dying of anger. But he still cared most about Julian and would never allow his exceptional son to carry such a stain on his reputation! After a long silence, Grandpa Hawthorne seemed to deflate, sinking back into his chair, defeated. “Fine, fine. I agree to your divorce from Rhys.” I smiled faintly, just as I had expected. I swiftly took out a pre-prepared divorce agreement from my bag and handed it to him with both hands. “Then please find a way to get Rhys to sign it, Grandpa.” Grandpa Hawthorne reluctantly took the document. “Are you truly determined to divorce? He just made a mistake that many men make. Must you cling to it so fiercely?” “There are plenty of men in the world. I don’t need a spineless man who can’t keep it in his pants.” My expression was calm, but my words were sharp. With that, I walked straight out of the study. Just then, my phone vibrated. I pulled it out and saw a message from Chloe. [It’s your birthday today. Want to know who’s more important in Rhys’s heart, me or you?] [You’ll find out soon enough.]
I read it expressionlessly and turned off my phone. Meanwhile. Rhys was engrossed in the seductive photos in black lace that Chloe had sent him, a glimmer of anticipation and excitement on his face. [Last chance!] He hesitated, wondering whether to go find Chloe, but today was my birthday. Desire and reason wrestled, and ultimately, desire won. He stood up, preparing to leave. Just then, a housekeeper approached. “Grandpa Hawthorne requests your presence in his study.” Rhys had no choice but to go to the study first. On the way, he ran into me. Thinking about meeting Chloe soon, he held my hand and said, “Sera, something urgent came up at the office. I have to leave early in a bit.” He lied calmly, but his guilt was evident; his eyes couldn’t meet mine. I took in his panic and his lie, a faint smile playing on my lips. I didn’t expose him. “I understand,” I said flatly, no disappointment on my face. Then I pulled my hand free and walked away. Rhys watched my retreating figure. For some reason, his heart suddenly dropped, as if something was breaking away. He clutched his chest for a moment, then, without thinking too much, walked into the study. Grandpa Hawthorne handed him the divorce agreement. “Rhys, sign it.” Rhys’s mind was filled with Chloe’s seductive photos. He barely glanced at the document before scribbling his signature. Then he said urgently, “Grandpa, I have an emergency. I need to leave now.” With that, he quickly turned and hurried away. Grandpa Hawthorne watched his retreating back, sighing helplessly, then slumped into his chair. I stood in the old estate’s courtyard. Soon, a housekeeper found me and delivered the signed divorce agreement into my hands. Looking at the somewhat sloppy signature, I could imagine how eager Rhys had been at the time. So desperate to go find his mistress. He probably didn’t even realize he was signing divorce papers. But it didn’t matter anymore. I gazed at the few white clouds drifting across the sky, occasionally spotting a few birds flying freely. A smile touched my lips. Soon, I would be free too. “What are you thinking about?” A magnetic voice descended from above. I turned around and met Julian’s deep eyes. I instinctively tucked the divorce agreement into my bag. “Uncle Julian, it’s best we don’t meet alone at the family estate.” I took a step back, my attitude turning distant. Julian narrowed his dark eyes, a mischievous curve to his lips. “What, afraid our affair will be exposed?” “Uncle Julian, do you want to be labeled as the man who messed around with his nephew’s wife?” I asked. Julian moved closer, his tall frame looming over me. “I don’t mind.” “…” I was silent for a few seconds. “I’m leaving now.” With that, I turned to walk away. But my wrist was grabbed by the man behind me. With a slight pull, I was yanked into his embrace. “What are you doing?” I felt a surge of panic, struggling to break free. Julian held me tightly, his chest pressed against my back, his large hand slowly resting on my flat lower abdomen. “I heard they’re all pressuring you to have children. Do you think there might already be one in here?” My heart skipped a beat. I tried to sound calm. “How could that be? I always take my pills.” “If there is, you need to tell me. I’ll take responsibility.” Julian whispered into my ear, his tone serious. “Uncle Julian, you’re overthinking. That’s impossible.” I forcefully broke free from his embrace, fleeing in a hurry, as if a ghost were chasing me. Julian stood there, watching, his brows furrowed. It seemed I was avoiding him. Neither of us noticed that behind a nearby wall, a pair of eyes had witnessed everything.
This family gathering was for my birthday, but as soon as I returned to the living room, I told everyone I had an urgent matter to attend to and quickly left. I was rushing to finalize my divorce. With the divorce agreement, the process went smoothly; it didn’t even require Rhys’s presence. Grandpa Hawthorne had connections, made a call, and two divorce certificates were promptly in my hands. I walked out of the registrar’s office, and as the sunlight enveloped me, I let out a sigh of relief. I was free. I returned to the villa I shared with Rhys and packed my bags as quickly as possible. There weren’t many things: a few clothes and important identification documents. As I packed, my phone buzzed again. It was another message from Chloe, a few photos of Rhys at her place. [See? I knew I was more important to him. Why else would he come to be with me, even on your birthday?] I looked at the triumphant message, my face expressionless, and picked up my phone to type a reply. [You like picking up other people’s discards? Then he’s all yours.] Chloe replied quickly. [What do you mean?] This time, I didn’t reply. I checked the time. It was noon. My flight was scheduled to depart in five hours. I knew the negotiation today would go smoothly. Grandpa Hawthorne would definitely compromise for the sake of the Hawthornes’ and Julian’s reputations, granting me my freedom. And I was right; my gamble paid off. So last night, I had already booked a flight to the Netherlands. I wouldn’t return to the Sterlings. Because as a daughter, I had no right to inherit the family business, yet I bore the responsibility of a strategic marriage. Even if I divorced Rhys, it wouldn’t be long before I was treated as new merchandise, married off to a new man, doomed to repeat the same life. This was the tragedy of daughters in these elite families. Never lacking material wealth, yet deprived of selfhood, born merely as pawns in strategic alliances. I closed my suitcase, a determined glint in my eyes. My life was my own to command. I would never let anyone control me again. I grabbed my suitcase and headed out, just as I received a call from Julian at the door. After a moment of hesitation, I answered. “Hello, Uncle Julian.” “Why did you leave early?” His voice was still low and calm. “Something urgent came up,” I said. “When will it be taken care of?” “Probably tonight.” “When you’re done, come to my place. Stay the night.” “…” I bit my lip. “Okay, I’ll come once I’m done.” “Good girl.” The call ended. My hand touched my belly, my feelings a bit complicated. I’m sorry, Uncle Julian. Our complicated relationship has to end too. I wouldn’t have anything to do with anyone from the Hawthornes or Sterlings again. I pulled my suitcase and walked out with determination. After taking a taxi to the airport, I sat in the departure lounge, quietly waiting for the time to pass. After half an hour, the boarding announcement sounded. I stood up, pulling my suitcase. After completing the procedures, I boarded the plane. “The aircraft is about to take off. Please switch off your mobile phones. Thank you for your cooperation.” I was about to turn off my phone when a message from Rhys popped up. [Sera, something urgent came up at the office. I have to fly to a neighboring city. I won’t be home tonight. I’ll make up for your birthday privately, okay?] Another lie. I smiled faintly, indifferently deleted the message, then turned off my phone and snapped the SIM card in half. Then I inserted a new SIM card. A phone number no one knew yet, except me. The plane slowly took off, the city gradually shrinking below. White clouds filled my vision, and a genuine smile finally blossomed in my eyes. No matter Rhys, or Julian. No one would stop me from leaving.
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