Author: Momo Chan

Fake daughter Tiffany Reed sneered, offering me a pastry: “Here, sis, try this. It’s specially for you.” I swallowed it without a second thought. That night, she was assaulted by the janitor, her reputation utterly shattered. My brother, Jesiah, wanted to get revenge for his precious Tiffany and tried to push me down the stairs. Instead, I grabbed him and jumped with him. He ended up with two broken legs, condemned to a wheelchair for life. Later, the fake heiress led her crew to bully me at school, brandishing a small knife at my arm. I just gave a chilling smirk and, with a swift move, slashed my own arm. “Elara, here, this pastry is specially for you. Go on, try it.” I just smiled, looking at Tiffany’s face, plastered with fake concern, and the plate of delicate yet ‘enhanced’ cupcakes she held. I was reborn. Back at the recognition party that sealed my tragic fate in my previous life. In my last life, it was this very pastry that led to my defilement, exposed to her mocking onlookers, my reputation ruined. That recognition party became my public trial, and I lived a miserable life with the Hayes, abused to death by her. “Elara, why aren’t you eating? Do you… hate me or something?” Seeing me just staring at the pastry, Tiffany’s eyes instantly welled up, her voice thick with a fake sob. Her pitiful act immediately drew the attention of several guests nearby. They whispered amongst themselves about how the recently acknowledged true heiress was obviously trashy. I reached out, took it, a small smile playing on my lips. “Tiffany, what are you talking about? How could I hate you?” Under her expectant gaze, I opened my mouth and swallowed. At the same time, I silently chanted in my mind: “System, activate damage transfer. Target: Tiffany Reed.” [Command confirmed. Damage transfer activated.] Seeing me eat it, Tiffany’s face immediately bloomed with a vicious, satisfied smile. She affectionately linked her arm through mine. “That’s more like it! We sisters must get along well from now on.” I nodded compliantly, silently calculating the time. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I feigned a sway, clutching my forehead. “Tiffany, I feel a little dizzy.” A flicker of wild glee crossed Tiffany’s eyes. She quickly steadied me, her voice laced with feigned concern. “Are you tired? The party’s too loud. Let me help you to a room upstairs to rest.” I leaned weakly against her, allowing her to guide me out of the ballroom. Just like in my previous life, following the exact same path. She led me to the pre-arranged guest room on the second floor.

Tiffany helped me towards the bed, her voice sickly sweet. “Elara, you lie down for a bit. I’ll get you some water.” But then, her words abruptly stopped. Because she realized that I, who should have been collapsing into her arms, was now standing perfectly straight, looking at her with an icy, piercing gaze. And she herself was suddenly hit with a wave of intense dizziness and a strange, burning heat. “You… how can you be…” She stumbled, then started uncontrollably tearing at the neckline of her elegant dress. I walked up to her, a faint smile playing on my lips. “Tiffany, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Her voice trembled, full of terror. “What… what did you do?” I leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I merely returned what you so thoughtfully prepared for me, Tiffany.” Tiffany tried to say more, but the drug had already clouded her mind. I watched her grotesque display with cold detachment, feeling only pure satisfaction. Footsteps approached from outside. Tiffany’s arranged guest had arrived. Without hesitation, I turned, closed the door, and locked it. Inside the room, only Tiffany, writhing under the drug’s effects, and the newly entered janitor remained. The show had only just begun. Midway through the party, Mrs. Hayes frowned, glancing around. She grabbed my wrist. “Have you seen Tiffany? She said she was going to get you a pastry, but she’s vanished in the blink of an eye.” Mr. Hayes also looked over, a hint of displeasure on his face. “With so many guests here tonight, why is she running off?” I blinked, showing just the right amount of worry. “Tiffany mentioned she wasn’t feeling well earlier, really dizzy. I think she went back to a room to rest.” Mrs. Hayes instantly tensed. “Not feeling well? Why didn’t she say anything sooner?” Mr. and Mrs. Hayes exchanged worried glances and headed straight for the second-floor rooms. Watching their hurried retreat, I mimicked Tiffany’s actions from my past life, raising my voice, my tone overflowing with concern. “Everyone, Tiffany isn’t feeling too well, and my parents are really worried. Should we all go up and check on her? The more people, the better to help out, right?” My words immediately piqued the guests’ interest. The true and fake heiress drama – and the real one is already unwell after just being recognized? Clearly, there’s a story brewing. “Yes, yes, let’s all go see!” “The Hayes sisters truly have a deep bond, don’t they?” A large group of people followed them upstairs in a bustling procession. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were so focused on their precious adopted daughter that they paid no mind to the commotion behind them. Mr. Hayes didn’t even think twice; he just twisted the doorknob to the bedroom. 3. A heavy, cloying scent hit them first. Then, scattered clothes on the floor and two figures entangled on the bed came into view. Tiffany’s hair was disheveled, her face flushed crimson, as she lay intertwined with a man in a janitor’s uniform. Mrs. Hayes’s face went chalk-white. Mr. Hayes roared, “Tiffany, what in the world are you doing?!” Tiffany flinched, startled by his shout, and frantically pulled the covers around herself, while the surrounding guests’ phone cameras flashed incessantly. “Oh my god, it’s actually Tiffany Reed!” “She usually acts so refined. Who knew she was into this kind of wild stuff in private?” “And with a janitor! The Hayes family is going to be a complete joke!” Tiffany’s gaze pierced through the crowd, fixating on my face, her eyes burning with venom. Mr. Hayes trembled with rage, forcing himself to suppress it as he tried to disperse the crowd. “Stop filming! Everyone out! This is a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding!” Mrs. Hayes rushed forward, desperate to close the door, but was blocked by several guests who just wanted to gawk, tears streaming down her face in frustration. After finally managing to clear out the guests and close the door. Mr. Hayes yanked Tiffany off the bed and raised his hand to strike her. “Dad, it wasn’t me! It was Elara! She set me up!” Tiffany cried out, scrambling away, her clothes disheveled as she lunged towards my fiancé, Blake Harrison. Blake instinctively caught her, his brow furrowed deeply. Tiffany buried her face in his chest, sobbing, her face streaked with tears. “Blake, you have to believe me! It was Elara! She hates me for taking her place for so many years, for Mom and Dad loving me, for stealing her fiancé – who was supposed to be hers! That’s why she deliberately framed me, she drugged my drink!” Blake looked up at me, his eyes cold and accusing. “Elara, I know you hold a grudge, but using such vicious methods… that’s truly wicked.” Mrs. Hayes also looked at me, her eyes red-rimmed, her voice utterly drenched in disappointment. “Elara, we brought you home to make amends, to compensate you. How could you set up Tiffany like this? How can you be so malicious?” Hah. How familiar those words sounded. In my previous life, when I lay there, my clothes torn, enduring everyone’s contemptuous stares, they had said the exact same thing. They said I was indecent, that I’d seduced the janitor. They asked why, if I was truly innocent, I hadn’t proven it by dying during the assault. Now, with their precious adopted daughter, it’s suddenly *my* malicious heart? I looked at them and suddenly laughed, my voice cutting through the silence. “Tiffany, you say I framed you? I’ve been back with the Hayes family for less than three days. I haven’t even recognized all the staff yet. How could I possibly frame you?” I took a step towards Tiffany, my gaze locked onto her. “You say I drugged you? Where’s the drug? How was it administered? Where’s the proof?” Tiffany was speechless under my barrage of questions, only able to point at me frantically. “It was you! It had to be you! You’re just jealous of me!” “Jealous of you?” I stopped, pulling a tiny USB drive from a hidden pocket in my dress. “Fortunately, the house’s security cameras caught something… special.” Mr. Hayes’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?” I connected the USB drive to the smart TV in the living room. Soon, the screen displayed a clear image. It showed Tiffany, before the party began, sneaking into the kitchen and shaking a small packet of powder into that plate of pastries. Immediately after, there was a crystal-clear audio recording of her whispering in my ear as she helped me upstairs: “Let’s see how you’re going to compete with me for Mom, Dad, and Blake once you eat this and turn into a total mess.” When the video finished, a deathly silence filled the living room. Tiffany’s face was ashen. She shook her head frantically. “Fake! This is fake! She fabricated it!” I lowered my head, my shoulders subtly trembling. “So, Tiffany, you really don’t want me here. If this home can’t make room for me, then I suppose I’ll leave.” I turned, pretending to walk away. Mr. Hayes stopped me, then turned and delivered a stinging slap across Tiffany’s face. Tiffany clutched her cheek, her face a mask of disbelief. “Dad, you hit me… for this bitch?” “Shut up! You still don’t see what you did wrong?!” Mr. Hayes’s face was livid. He pulled out a black card and pressed it into my hand. “Elara, Tiffany was out of line. Take this card. Don’t talk about leaving again.” Mrs. Hayes quickly clasped my hand. “Tiffany was just momentarily confused, playing a prank on you. You’re fine, aren’t you? Let’s not make a big deal of it, girls.” I nodded obediently, tucking the card away. “Thank you, Dad. I’ll listen to both of you, Mom and Dad.” I looked at the cold black card in my hand, a cold laugh bubbling up inside me. “Fine?” “Not make a big deal of it?” In my last life, I paid with my life. I knew Mom and Dad still favored her. But it didn’t matter. The days were long.

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“The test results confirm late-stage stomach cancer. It’s terminal.” My husband Mark didn’t even wait for me to process the news before he shoved me to the floor. “Why waste money on you? Chloe needs it for her business!” I never imagined that on the day I received my terminal diagnosis, my husband would be transferring our life savings to another woman. In desperation, I tried to sell my jewelry, only to learn every piece was fake. “Of course I swapped them out,” Mark sneered. “Did you think I’d let you waste our future on a corpse?” Just as I reached my lowest point, the hospital called. There’d been a system error in the lab. “You’re perfectly healthy, Ms. Miller. The cancer is your husband’s.” “Mark, my hospital admission is tomorrow. Is the money ready?” My husband walked out of the kitchen eating fruit, ignoring me completely. “What money? It’s gone.” I stared, frozen. He’d never spoken to me like this in all our years of marriage. “What do you mean,gone?” “I gave it to Chloe.” He didn’t care about my reaction, already sitting down to continue his meal. Hearing that name stunned me. That was my life savings, my medical fund! How could he do this? And for Chloe Davis! What the hell was happening? Under my frantic questions, he lost his patience. “To fund her business, obviously! It’s an investment! Don’t you know what that means?” Days of psychological torment had left my nerves in shreds. That was the final straw. That broke me. I lunged at him, hitting and kicking, even knocking over the fruit plate. “Mark Thompson! That’s my life savings! How dare you!” The next second, he pushed me hard to the floor, where I landed with a painful thud. “You crazy woman! Chloe needs money for her shop! What’s wrong with me giving it to her?” “You’re in late-stage stomach cancer, it’s incurable! What’s a dying woman fighting a living one for? You can’t expect Mom and me to lose everything, can you?” I sat there, stunned on the floor, seeing my husband as a complete stranger for the first time. Before this, Mark would never have treated me this way. We met in college, navigated our student years together, and eventually walked down the aisle. He never cared that I was an orphan; he even sympathized with how hard I’d worked over the years. Friends and classmates always praised him. How could he have changed so completely? These past few years, he’d been nothing but attentive. We’d never even had such a fierce argument. His drastic change started after our recent routine physical exam. The same exam that found my stomach cancer. Right after that, he gave our entire twenty-thousand-dollar savings to an outsider to start her business. It made me wonder what kind of man I had truly married all these years, or if he was merely wearing a human facade. Mark saw my dazed expression and softened his tone, continuing to explain his reasoning. “We only have twenty thousand dollars saved up. It’s not enough to cure you anyway.” “Better to invest the money in Chloe’s business. Once her capital returns, the money she makes can definitely save you. Sarah, just hold on a little longer. Would I really joke about your life savings?” I scoffed, saying nothing. It was all garbage. After years together, I knew exactly what Mark looked like when he was lying. Mark and Chloe Davis had probably been having an affair for a while. Now that I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he clearly couldn’t be bothered to keep up the charade of a loving husband anymore. I felt a chill of disgust. Just then, Mrs. Thompson walked out from the back room, eyeing me disdainfully. “My son works so hard to keep this family afloat! What have you done all these years?” “And now you’ve got this money-pit disease! Dying is what you deserve!”

“What have I done?! Mom, you haven’t forgotten, have you? I paid half the down payment on this house!” I stood up, looking at the two of them and laughing out loud, finding the whole situation utterly absurd. “What have I done all these years? Why don’t you ask what you and your son have been doing!” “And I won’t even start on his relationship with Chloe Davis!” “Your son’s been jobless, all he does is some light cleaning! A grown man, and sometimes I even have to help him with that! Where exactly has he been ‘working hard’? Do I not have a job? My salary is barely enough to support all of us! So tell me, what have I done?!” Mrs. Thompson’s face was a stormy mess, flickering between expressions, as if she wanted to say something but was silenced by Mark’s glare. I gave a cold laugh and continued, “As for you, Mom, I always thought you were fair, that you’d side with me. But now, it’s clear you’re all cut from the same cloth! You’re the real family! And I guess I’m just…” Before I could finish, Mark slapped me across the face. My ears rang, and I clutched my cheek, glaring at him with fury. Since Mark lost his job, our entire household had relied on my income. He merely tidied up a bit, and suddenly it was his hard work? Where did he even work hard? And now he had the nerve to hit me?! “By rights, half the money in that savings account belongs to me!” They probably expected me to cry, but I stood my ground, protesting loudly, not a trace of fear in my eyes. Are you kidding me? I’m already dying! What do I have to be afraid of?! Hearing me say that, their faces were a sight to behold. They couldn’t refute it, as it was the truth, and couldn’t find an excuse to argue. I pressed on. “You have to give me the money! Otherwise, we’ll go through legal channels. Even if I can’t be saved, I’d rather see the money incinerated than let Chloe Davis touch a single cent!” “No way, Sarah. You can forget about it.” “I won’t give you a single penny.” Mark stared at me with chilling indifference. In his eyes, I couldn’t see a shred of affection for me. “Go ahead and sue for divorce if you’re so brave. But I’m telling you, Sarah, even if you do, I won’t agree. It’s just a cooling-off period, right? I can afford to wait you out!” “Since you’ve pushed it this far, I’ll just wait until you die! Then the money will still be mine!” I fell silent, looking at him in disbelief. Mark thought I was backing down and decided to offer a false comfort. “Sarah, why make such a fuss? Just be a good wife, and I’ll take care of you until the end.” Listening to his absurd words, I only felt regret. How could I have ever fallen for such a man? How could I have been so deluded as to use all my savings to buy a house and marry him? I looked around. This home, once so full of warmth, now felt chillingly cold.

I stood in silence, clenching my fists so tightly that my fingernails almost dug into my palms. Wait for death? No. I absolutely refused to accept such a fate, and I would never allow my money to simply go to Mark and Chloe. I forced myself to calm down, then suddenly remembered I still had gold jewelry. That meant I still had a chance to turn things around. For now, I had to pretend to back down. I claimed I’d been too emotional earlier, that I needed to calm down. The pressure was just too much. I’d even admit that maybe they had a point. After some careful maneuvering, my feigned emotions seemed to sway them. They probably thought, as an orphan, I had no one else to rely on but them. I sat on the bed in the bedroom, scanning the room, waiting quietly, searching for any possible opportunity. Sure enough, Mark had to leave in the afternoon. The moment Mark stepped out of the house, I knew this was my only chance. I quickly and stealthily searched the room, my heart pounding like a drum. However, just as I found the gold jewelry, Mrs. Thompson’s figure abruptly appeared in the doorway, her eyes filled with suspicion and wariness. “What are you doing in here?” Her voice was sharp and grating, like a knife piercing my heart. My mind raced. I quickly tossed the jewelry into the trash can in the corner of the room, then feigned composure, picking up a bag of garbage. “Oh, nothing. Just saw the trash can was full, so I’m taking it out. Mom, didn’t you say Mark works hard? While I’m not feeling too sick, I thought I could help a little.” “After all… I’ll still be relying on the family for my treatment.” Mrs. Thompson stared at me, half-believing, half-doubting, but seemingly found no further evidence to challenge me. She turned and left. I seized the opportunity to escape the room, with only one thought in my mind – to convert these jewels into cash, to at least buy myself a sliver of a chance at life. I walked into the jewelry store full of hope and handed my jewelry to the clerk. The clerk’s verdict was a lightning bolt. My jewels were all fakes, just gold-plated silver with almost no value. My heart plummeted, all hope vanishing in an instant. But I had personally bought these pieces for our wedding! How could this be? The gold-plated silver looked exactly the same! As I stood there, stunned and at a loss, Mrs. Thompson and my husband walked into the jewelry store, their faces alight with triumphant smiles. Mrs. Thompson’s tone dripped with mockery. “I knew you were up to no good! Good thing we were clever enough to have Mark swap out all the jewelry.” Mark, looking smug and calculating, stepped forward, grabbed my arm, and growled, “Good thing I was prepared, or you would have ruined this family! These jewels? I’ve already invested them with Chloe. She’ll make us even more money.” “And these gold-plated trinkets? Consider them your final farewell gift. Our last ‘kindness’ to you. You’re welcome.” His words were like sharp knives, slicing into my heart. I struggled in a rage, trying to break free from his grip. But my body, overcome by a sudden surge of anger, felt weak and powerless. My vision blurred, my ears filled with their mocking laughter and sneers. No! I can’t collapse here! I tried to clench my fists, to gather my strength. But overwhelmed by an indescribable hatred, I suddenly lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, everything around me felt both familiar and strange. I blinked, as if caught in a long dream, unable to discern the line between reality and illusion. All the furnishings in the room remained the same, but I could no longer find the warmth and peace of yesteryear, only a chilling emptiness and endless heartache. This so-called “home,” which I once believed was my safe haven, the final resting place after twenty years of turmoil, had now become the greatest torment of my life. From the moment I was diagnosed with a terminal illness, the atmosphere at home had completely shifted. Laughter and joy were replaced by coldness and distance; I felt like an outsider in my own house. Thinking about this, I let out a self-mocking laugh. Now, in this house, even my collapse wasn’t worth the extra expense of sending me to the hospital. My value, it seemed, had vanished along with that cruel diagnosis. My husband’s voice drifted from the living room, tinged with mockery. “Well, well, awake are we? I thought you’d sleep for days.” His tone carried no trace of concern, only indifference and disdain. He couldn’t even bother to pour me a glass of water. In the past, he would have brought me warm water without a second thought. I lay in bed, closing my eyes, unwilling to engage with his words. Mrs. Thompson joined the emotionless conversation, her laughter harsh and shrill. “You woke up just in time for dinner. You truly are a parasite, good for nothing but eating.” The spicy aroma that had been assaulting my nose told me exactly what was for dinner tonight. Sure enough, when I stepped out of the bedroom, I saw the dining table laden with various chili-loaded dishes. It was their silent taunt, their torment. I took a deep breath, forcing down my discomfort, and approached the table. On the table, red and green chilies intertwined, as if mocking my fate. I gave a cold glance, said nothing. Whether it was psychological or something else, I simply felt nauseous. I turned and went back to my room, leaving their triumphant laughter echoing behind me. In the living room, outside my door, my husband ate with gusto, making loud slurping and smacking sounds, which were particularly grating. He seemed completely oblivious to his own crudeness, and even began to complain. “Mom, next time don’t make the food so spicy. You’re so focused on tormenting your daughter-in-law, you forget about your own son. My stomach’s burning!” Mrs. Thompson, though reluctant, grumbled an acknowledgment. They’re openly saying they’re “tormenting” me now?! How badly do you want me dead! I stood behind the door, listening to everything, my rage and despair intertwined. I couldn’t stand this life anymore. I yelled, “I want a divorce!” My husband’s voice immediately responded, laced with amusement. “Go ahead. I’m not signing anything anyway. Just drag it out. Let’s see how long you can last.” His tone was full of confidence and coldness, as if he had seen right through my intentions. I froze, staring at the closed door, a swirl of emotions churning inside me. I knew that this path-divorcing through legal means-was clearly blocked. Mark’s message was clear. He would torment me like this, waiting for the sickness to sap the last of my strength. But I refused to simply wait for death. If one path was blocked, I would have to forge another.

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Jason’s mistress slid the stock transfer agreement across my desk. “Sign it, Skylar.” The irony wasn’t lost on me. Here I was, a top divorce attorney, personally handing my husband’s shares to his mistress. Jason pulled her closer, his voice a condescending sneer. “Be a good girl, and you’ll still be my wife.” I just smiled. He didn’t know that his mistress would return to me that night with the newly acquired shares. “Skylar, our revenge plot just got one step closer to success.” My gaze lingered on Jason’s signature, a flamboyant mark on the stock transfer agreement. There was no doubt. He was truly in love with Maya Evans. She was a living replica of the woman I once was. Every mannerism, every smile, was a perfect echo of my past self. My six months of training her had paid off. In just one month, she’d gotten him to hand over 20% of his shares. Over the years, every woman Jason had found always had something that reminded him of me. When things were passionate, he’d shower them with jewelry and designer bags, as if money was no object. But he’d always insist I approve them, sending them out under our names, as if from a loving couple. I’d gone crazy, made scenes, demanded to know why. He’d just shrug it off, always indifferent. “Relax, I’m just having fun. You’re still the one I love most, why else would I find so many replacements?” “After all, you’re so busy. So busy you didn’t even notice our son being abducted right under your nose. How could you possibly have time for me?” He conveniently forgot that he was there too, the night Leo disappeared. But that didn’t stop him from using these “replacements” to twist the knife, aiming for my heart. For years, guilt made me endure his every abuse. “Skylar, are you getting soft?” Maya, seeing me lost in thought, stopped joking around, her voice cautious. “How could I be? Next step is finding the solid evidence, then getting the divorce agreement signed, and finally, leaving him for good.” “Skylar, I’ll take care of the agreement!” Maya picked up the divorce papers I’d already signed, thumping her chest in assurance. But I still worried Jason would lash out at Maya if he discovered we were working together. She just shrugged, unconcerned. “Unless he’s brave enough to kill me like he did my sister! Otherwise, I’m ready to take him down with me.” I quickly grabbed some tissues, wiping her tears away. “I bear some responsibility for what happened to your sister, Sierra…” If it wasn’t for his twisted desire to get back at me, Jason wouldn’t have sought out Sierra, who bore such a striking resemblance to me. And she wouldn’t have died so tragically, still carrying his child. Jason’s story to the police was that she was unfaithful, pregnant with his baby, and seeing other guys-that’s why she ended up dead. But Maya and I both knew that was a lie. Because right before she died, she told Maya she loved Jason, which was why she’d stooped to being his mistress, a role she hated. And in her final moments, she’d called me. She said she had a secret to tell me, a secret to ensure her unborn child would be safe… But by the time I arrived at the location she mentioned, all I found was a pool of blood. After that, Jason’s womanizing only got worse, more blatant, more cruel. At the mention of Sierra, Maya began to cry. The sound woke Jason, who was getting water. He pushed the door open with a bang. Taking in Maya’s swollen, tear-streaked face, he stormed across the room and slapped me hard across the cheek. “Skylar! You really have some nerve! Bullying Maya right under my damn nose?” “Skylar!” he snarled. “You have some nerve! Bullying Maya right in front of me?” I stared into his eyes, unable to hold back the rage churning in my chest. “These years, you truly found no trace of Leo?” Jason bristled, a flicker of guilt so quick in his eyes, I almost missed it. “What, you’re questioning me? You know how much I’ve suffered, how much it hurts not finding Leo, don’t you?” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. His so-called suffering just meant him screwing around with different women. At first, I believed him. I thought he was hurting and blaming himself, just like me. But he was also the first one to give up looking for our child. Jason didn’t want to continue talking about Leo, so he turned and scooped Maya into his arms, kissing away her tears. Maya, whose emotions hadn’t quite shifted yet, stiffened in his embrace. To cover her unease, she bit down hard on his shoulder. “Jason, honey, I’m so upset. I just came to tell Skylar that I’m not like those other women, I would never try to take her place as Mrs. Blackwood. But she cursed me…” “She said she’d rather die than let any woman disrespect her.” “She also said-” Maya didn’t elaborate on the rest, but it was enough to make Jason’s eyes burn with an intensity that promised to tear me apart. He looked at me coldly, a sneer twisting his lips. “Skylar, all you have left is the title of Mrs. Blackwood. If you ever lay a hand on Maya again, I can’t guarantee you’ll even keep that!” That threat, in the past, might have sent me into a furious frenzy. But now, I merely scoffed in response. “Oh really? Then let’s wait and see, shall we?”

Because of that comment, Jason went ballistic, showering Maya with every luxury he could think of. One day a mansion, the next a diamond set, the day after a private yacht. Each gift deliberately passed through my hands. He’d call it “proper” because “Mrs. Blackwood handled it.” It was just a twisted way to rub it in. I knew he wanted to see me suffer, to watch me descend into hysterics. I gave him what he wanted. When he once again ordered me to deliver a ten-million-dollar diamond necklace to Maya, I snatched the jewelry box and smashed it to the floor. Shards of diamonds glittered on the floor, a perfect mirror of our shattered marriage. “Jason Blackwood, do you enjoy humiliating me this much?” I glared at him, my eyes red, my acting Oscar-worthy. He leaned back on the couch, legs casually crossed, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Already can’t take it? Skylar, think of Leo. What’s a little pain compared to that?” He brought up Leo again. He always did this, twisting Leo’s disappearance into a knife he’d plunge into me, again and again. I grabbed the ashtray from the table and hurled it at him. He dodged, and the ashtray shattered against our wedding photo behind him. “You’re insane!” He sneered, standing up to adjust his suit. “I’ll have a new necklace sent. You will deliver it to Maya and apologize to her in person.” “From now on, I’ll come home once a week. I can’t stand looking at your face every day.” He walked out, genuinely looking disgusted to spend another second with me. I stood there, trembling, until his footsteps faded down the stairs. Only then did the savage expression on my face slowly melt away. Picking up my phone, I sent a message to Maya. “Plan’s still on.” The next day, I personally delivered the new diamond necklace to Maya’s villa. Jason was there too, spoon-feeding her grapes. Seeing me enter, Maya immediately flinched, burying herself deeper into Jason’s embrace. “Jason, honey, I’m scared.” Jason soothingly patted her back, then shot me a cold glare. “Leave the necklace, apologize, and then you can go.” I didn’t move, my gaze fixed on Maya’s face, so eerily similar to my younger self. Suddenly, I snatched a fruit knife from the table and lunged at her! “Skylar, don’t you dare!” Jason’s face contorted, and he lunged to stop me. I hadn’t intended to actually hurt her, but Maya, wanting to make it look real, deliberately extended her arm. The knife sliced her forearm. Blood welled up instantly, and Maya screamed, her cries like falling rain. “Jason, honey! It hurts so much!” Jason shoved me away, rushing to check her wound. I stumbled back a few steps from his push, hitting the wall. A sharp pain shot through my lower back. “Skylar!” He turned to me, his eyes murderous. “You are truly beyond redemption!” I steadied myself against the wall, laughing until tears streamed down my face. “Yes, I’m crazy! You drove me crazy!” He ignored me, sweeping Maya into his arms and heading for the door. As he passed me, he paused, his voice like ice. “Let’s get a divorce.” I had finally heard the words I’d been waiting for. Jason came home that night with the signed divorce papers. The property settlement wasn’t what I had expected. I wasn’t walking away with nothing. He called it his “benevolence” toward me. It seemed he was truly fed up with this “crazy woman” and desperate to make room for his new love. I picked up the pen and, without hesitation, signed the agreement. Leo had been missing for three years. I could finally be free. But the slight smile playing on my lips made Jason’s eyes blaze crimson. He snatched the divorce papers and tore them to shreds. “Skylar Vance, does leaving me make you that happy? You won’t get away from me that easily!”

He flung the shredded paper at my face, his jaw tight, as if *I* was the one who had betrayed *him*. I sat on the bed, calmly watching him. “Didn’t you want the divorce?” His breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as he glared at me. “I changed my mind.” “Just letting you leave like this is too easy.” “I want you to spend the rest of your life trapped in the empty shell of Mrs. Blackwood, watching me and Maya be happy until we’re old!” With that, he stormed out, slamming the door. Later that night, I received news that he had taken Maya to Switzerland. It was where we had spent our honeymoon. He’d promised me there that he would love and protect me forever. Now he was back at those same places with another woman, constantly posting their intimate photos and videos on Instagram. There he was, carrying Maya in his arms at the foot of snow-capped mountains. Then, sharing a romantic dinner on a hotel balcony. And most painfully, a video of him on one knee, sliding a ring back onto her finger. Our friends cheered them on in the comments, envying Maya and laughing at my loss. Mrs. Blackwood even showed up at my door, flaunting those pictures. “Skylar, a woman like you should just disappear, go somewhere no one knows you and end it.” “I know you don’t want a divorce because you’re hoping to cling to my Jason and bleed him dry for the rest of your life!” “Here’s a blank check. Fill in any amount you want, as long as you leave my son.” Compared to Jason, Mrs. Blackwood hated me more for losing her precious grandson. But she never once considered that Leo was the son I carried for nine months – I felt his loss even more profoundly than she did! Now, she actually thought I wouldn’t divorce Jason because I was clinging to the Blackwood family fortune. She had no idea that if it weren’t for my secret help, how could Jason’s career have achieved its current brilliance? I casually tore up the check, telling Mrs. Blackwood coldly, “It’s not that *I* don’t want a divorce. It’s your son who wants to trap me in this marriage as ‘Mrs. Blackwood’ just to torment me!” The next second, Jason sent me a SnapChat message. “Skylar, look how sensible Maya is? If you cause any more trouble, I won’t tear up the divorce papers next time.” Mrs. Blackwood saw the message and strutted out like a triumphant peacock, chin high. I stared at Jason’s smiling face on the screen, remembering how he’d knelt before me ten years ago, crying and begging me to marry him, so full of passionate promises. He thought Maya would be the love of his life, but he didn’t know that half a year ago, Maya had also knelt before me, pleading on her knees, desperate. “Skylar, I’ll do anything, just let Jason Blackwood pay the price!” Her acting skills had certainly improved. I turned off my phone, not bothering to reply. Jason thought I’d be devastated, that I’d call him in a furious rage. But he was wrong. During the days he was away with Maya, I contacted a private investigator. “Focus on Jason Blackwood’s whereabouts over the past year.” “Specifically, look into a six-year-old disabled beggar and Sierra Evans.” After sending that message, I opened my phone’s encrypted photo album. The first image was a chubby little boy in a blue dinosaur onesie, smiling widely for the camera. I’d taken it on Leo’s third birthday. He would be six now. For three long years, I never stopped searching for my son. Not for a single day. And Jason… I closed my eyes, remembering the encrypted message I’d accidentally seen on his phone last month. He’d deleted it instantly, but a few words were burned into my memory. “Deal with the kid. Don’t let Skylar find out.” Jason would never know. The day before I discovered that message, he had mumbled something in a drunken stupor. “Even if Leo was standing right in front of you, you wouldn’t recognize him. Just forget about him.” At the time, I’d dismissed it as the drunken ramblings of a grieving father. Now, it was full of red flags, every word a dagger to my soul.

With Jason out of the picture, the private investigator could dig into his past affairs without any obstacles. Soon, he sent me two files. After reading about Sierra’s true cause of death, my blood ran cold. I never imagined Jason could be so heartless. After realizing Sierra knew his secret, he actually, despite her carrying his own flesh and blood, killed her-a double tragedy! The detective told me that it all started because Sierra had tracked him and discovered him meeting a young beggar. The beggar the detective mentioned, if my suspicions were correct, was my Leo. I took several deep breaths before clicking on the video. But when I saw that small and emaciated figure with missing limbs and a body caked in grime, my heart shattered. The child in the photo had a face scarred beyond recognition. He was crawling on the ground, begging. Though Leo was terribly changed, I still knew him. He was my son. “Mr. Blackwood located him six months ago,” the investigator reported. “He said the boy was useless now. That bringing him home would be a burden. I collapsed into my chair, my body turning to ice. Even a wild animal wouldn’t do this to its own offspring. Jason Blackwood, how could you be cruel enough to destroy two of your own children? Outside, a sudden downpour began, thunder booming. It was just like the day Leo disappeared, three years ago. That day, the rain was pouring. Jason had come to my law office to pick me up, but then claimed an urgent matter and shoved a crying Leo into my arms. He locked himself in a conference room for a meeting. Leo, thinking his dad was playing hide-and-seek, slipped out the door while I was on a call. And then… I closed my eyes, tears streaming down. I picked up my phone and sent Maya a message detailing Sierra’s true cause of death. It was time to close the net. I leveraged all my connections, orchestrating a crisis for Jason’s company. His core project approval was stalled, and his cash flow was on the verge of collapsing. His sweet trip to Switzerland was cut short; he and Maya rushed back to the country. In his office, he was frantic, smashing his third coffee mug. “A bunch of incompetents! You can’t even handle this much!” I pushed the door open, ignoring the mess, and went straight to the point. “Perhaps, I can help you.” He looked up at me, his eyes mocking. “You? A crazy woman who only knows how to fight for attention?” I wasn’t angry or flustered. I simply uttered a name. “Mark Peterson. He’s in charge of the approval for this project.” “His sister’s divorce case last month? I handled it.” Jason narrowed his eyes, re-evaluating me. “What do you want?” “Ten percent of the shares. That’s not much for you.” He was silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and nodded. “Fine.” With that 10% of the shares, I would completely control Blackwood Industries. I took Mark Peterson out for dinner, and the next day, the project approval went through. Jason was extremely pleased, looking at me with less contempt. “I never thought you’d be useful for this.” I lowered my gaze, hiding the cold glint in my eyes. From that day on, he continued to throw several other challenging projects my way. I handled every single one flawlessly. He gradually let down his guard, no longer scrutinizing documents when he signed them. One day, he was rushing to take Maya out for her birthday. He hastily glanced at a contract and signed it. I watched him disappear out the door, then reached for the very bottom of the folder. That’s the divorce agreement. Three days later, they were finalized. The weight of the paperwork felt heavy and final in my hand. Ten years of marriage had finally come to an end. I sent a message to Maya. “Tonight, see you at the airport.” The next day, Jason was woken by the delivery driver. He was hungover and irritable as he tore open the envelope. When he saw the divorce certificate, he sobered up instantly. His hands trembled as he flipped it open. The date was yesterday. He froze for a few seconds, then erupted in a furious rage. “Skylar Vance, you played me!” My phone was ringing off the hook, but Maya and I were in a coastal town in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun was warm, the ocean breeze gentle. “Turn it off, Skylar.” Maya handed me a glass of juice. “Let him go crazy.” I nodded and complied. Jason then started frantically calling Maya. I picked up and put the phone on speaker. “Maya! Let’s go to City Hall now! I’ll make you Mrs. Blackwood!” His voice was urgent and brimming with confidence. As if he’d just offered her the greatest honor, Maya let out a soft laugh. “Okay.” The line went dead. We looked at each other and smiled. Jason waited all day at City Hall. A steady stream of happy couples flowed in and out of the hall. But Maya never came. He called her again and again, his voice twisting from a gentle coax into raw, unfiltered rage. “Maya Evans! What the hell is this? You don’t want to be Mrs. Blackwood anymore?” On the other end, Maya stretched under the sun, a mocking smile curling her red lips. “Is being ‘Mrs. Blackwood’ really such a prize?” She chuckled. “Skylar didn’t want it. What makes you think I would?”

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“She’s selling herself.” My adoptive sister, Seraphina Hayes, publicly ripped open my clothes, revealing my body covered in hickeys. “I saw her with my own eyes, on her knees, serving men in a nightclub.” My adoptive brother, Julian Sterling, choked me, roaring, “You disgraceful slut!” Three days later, he personally escorted me into a correctional center. The moment the iron gate slammed shut, he pinched my chin and said, “Remember, even if you’re completely ruined, I’ll make you clean again.” A year later, Julian came to pick me up. With red-rimmed eyes, he opened his arms wide: “Cassie, come home with me.” I smiled and told him: “I’ve been doing great in there, I’ve learned so many rules!” Oh yes, especially the rules of “serving” men… Julian nodded with satisfaction, intending to pull me into his embrace. I took a step back. He immediately frowned: “Cassie, why are you avoiding me? Were you mistreated in there?” He forcefully pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. “It’s okay now, it’s all over. I will take you home right away.” His scent felt foreign and disgusted me. Then, he stroked my back to comfort me, but through the thin uniform, his hand brushed against a scar. His hand suddenly froze on my back, his voice filled with shock and uncertainty. “What is this?” My body stiffened at his touch. I recalled the image of several female instructors pressing me onto the cold concrete floor, savagely whipping my back with a spiked cane. Their curses still echoed in my ears, “That’s what you get for being disobedient. That’s what you get for talking back. That’s what you get for refusing to sing the repentance song.” The raw, bloody pain seemed to seep out from the depths of that scar once more. I pulled myself out of that dark memory, and in his arms, I suddenly let out a soft laugh. “Julian, this is a ‘medal’ the instructors left me. Pretty, isn’t it?” Julian’s body completely stiffened. I could feel the muscles in the back of his neck instantly tense. “Besides, the instructors’ bodies were much better than yours. Their abs were hard, not soft like yours, Julian.” “Do you have any idea what you’re saying?” He pushed me away abruptly, his eyes bloodshot, grabbing my shoulders and roaring. Faced with his roar, my shoulders involuntarily tensed. That was the conditioned reflex left from every time the bell rang before an electroshock at the correctional center. But after just a second, I immediately lifted my head and gave him a bright, yet eerie smile. That smile choked back all his ready anger, leaving only shock and disbelief in his eyes. He tried to use his old commanding tone to suppress me, to regain control. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting?” I blinked innocently, the smile fading from my face, my tone returning to its former obedience and meekness. “Wait for me, I’ll go pack my things first.” Finally, I carried a few worn-out clothes and got into the car with Julian. In the car, he began to warn me again: “When we get home, you need to be obedient, okay?” “Okay.” I agreed with my mouth, but in my heart, I thought, Axel always said, true rules are always made by oneself.

Back at the mansion, my adoptive sister, Seraphina, greeted me with feigned delight. She ran up to me intimately, linking her arm through mine, her eyes full of apparent concern. “Cassie, you’re finally back. I missed you so much.” Her act was flawless, as if she wasn’t the one who had cried to Julian about me “earning money by escorting men and ruining the family’s reputation.” She pulled out a gift box from behind her back and opened it in front of me. Inside was a black slip dress with barely any fabric and a bottle of champagne. She smiled, her voice sweet yet malicious: “Cassie, from now on, if you want to wear or drink something, just tell Julian directly. Please, don’t go to places like that to degrade yourself again.” Even more sickeningly, as she spoke, she actually reached out to unbutton the gray uniform I was wearing. She said with disgust, “Hurry and take off this filthy outfit, it looks dirty. Cassie, let me help you change into this new dress.” Her sharp nails deliberately grazed a shallow scar on my collarbone. Underneath that uniform, my body was covered in scars, some deep, some shallow. Just as Seraphina’s hand was about to touch the second button. I clamped down on her wrist, using a self-defense technique I’d learned in there, twisting it outwards. “Ah—.” Seraphina let out a piercing cry of pain, her face pale. She stared at me in shock, her eyes filled with the horror of “how dare you,” utterly unable to believe that the pushover she used to bully would possess such startling strength and reaction. I stepped back, flung her hand away, and created distance between us. It was then that Julian spoke, his voice carrying clear displeasure and favoritism. “Seraphina was only trying to help you, Cassie. Be good, go change your clothes now.” He paused, his gaze falling on my uniform, and added a sentence. “Don’t bring your dirt from outside into our home.” Those words, “your dirt,” pierced my heart. My mind immediately replayed the scene at the correctional center, where several female instructors held my head down, forcing me to scrub toilets full of filth and vomit with a toothbrush. They hosed down my body while laughing wildly. “Clean up. Wash all that depraved filth out of your bones.” That revealing slip dress, Julian’s cold words, instantly triggered my most humiliating memories. Flashes of being tied tightly to a chair because I refused to admit to those baseless “mistakes” crossed my mind. Icy electrodes clamped onto my temples, powerful currents coursing through my body, the agonizing pain making me almost bite through my molars, convulsing uncontrollably. And Julian’s assistant would appear at the visitation window every month. He would ask me the same question, expressionless: “Miss Sterling, have you admitted your wrongs? As soon as you do, Mr. Sterling will take you out immediately.” Just as I was punished with three days without food, my stomach cramping from hunger, cowering in a corner, almost fainting. A man in an instructor’s uniform, during his patrol, found a blind spot in the surveillance and tossed me a piece of bread from his pocket. His voice was cold, yet it was the only decent words I heard in that hell. “Eat it, don’t let anyone see.” “Cassie, why aren’t you happy? Don’t you like the dress I gave you?” Seeing my prolonged silence, Seraphina rubbed her reddened wrist and provocatively waved the dress at me, trying to irritate me. I didn’t break down or yell in anger as she expected. I simply, slowly, picked up that expensive bottle of champagne from beside the gift box she had offered. I forced a smile at her hypocritical face, then slowly raised it.

I didn’t splash the champagne on Seraphina. I bypassed her and walked over to Julian. Under Seraphina and Julian’s stunned gazes, I poured the champagne over his head. “Oh, Miss Cassie, what are you doing?” Mrs. Jenkins, the housekeeper, seeing this, was startled and rushed forward to stop me, her voice full of anxiety. “Cassie, don’t do this, talk it out with your brother…” Before she could finish, Julian, in a fit of rage, pushed her away. “Get out. You have no business speaking here,” he roared at Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins stumbled back a few steps, nearly falling to the ground. I stepped forward and steadied her firmly. “She watched us grow up. How dare you push her?” In my eyes, there was only coldness and detachment. The champagne dripped down his cheeks, wetting his shirt, making him look utterly disheveled. But I smiled and asked him, “Julian, do you like this smell too?” “It smells exactly like that rotten stench of ‘doing it for my own good’ you had a year ago when you sent me away.” Julian exploded in rage, grabbing my wrist. “Cassie. Are you out of your damn mind? Apologize to Seraphina now.” Seraphina also seized the opportunity, screaming and pouncing on me, raising her hand, ready to slap me. “Cassie, you lunatic! How dare you treat Julian like this?” I easily sidestepped her slap, grabbing her wrist in return. The force I used was so great that she cried out in pain. This was what Axel taught me. He said, when faced with any form of attack, your first reaction should be to subdue the opponent, not to cry and beg for mercy. Julian stared at me in shock, seemingly unable to believe I had such fighting skills. I flung Seraphina away, making her grimace in pain, then turned to him with a cold smirk. “Apologize? The first rule I learned in there was: anyone who makes my life hell, I’ll drag their name through the mud.” “Julian, isn’t that what you care about most?” After saying that, I didn’t spare them another glance and turned to walk toward the mansion’s front door. Julian came to his senses, roaring as he chased after me, grabbing my arm at the door. He furiously suppressed his anger. “Cassie, do you think you can survive walking out that door?” “I swear, with just one word, I can make sure you won’t even find a dishwashing job across the entire city.” His threat struck me as utterly laughable. My mind flashed back to the correctional center, fighting tooth and nail with two women much larger than me for half a piece of moldy bread, ending up with a bloodied head. A dishwashing job? That would be paradise to me. I forcefully shook off his hand, turned around, and facing his face distorted by rage, I deliberately ran my tongue suggestively over my chapped lips. “Family? Julian, the instructors also said that family doesn’t push you into hell with their own hands.” I winked at him, my smile both sweet and malicious. “He even said he’d be my family.” 4. The next morning, Julian surprisingly lowered his guard. He placed the latest model of a smartphone and a black card in front of me. His tone was still stiff, but carried a clumsy attempt to appease me: “Yesterday, I was too impulsive. Take these. Don’t ever let me lose track of you again.” He tried to use material possessions to erase the deep, bone-deep chasm he had carved with his own hands. Seeing me smile and obediently take the phone and black card, his expression relaxed slightly. He thought everything was water under the bridge. However, before the curve of his lips could fully form. The first thing I did after turning on the phone, right in front of him, was to type “Ironclad Boxing Club, West End” into the search bar. As the search results popped up, I silently memorized the address. Seraphina, in her pajamas, rushed downstairs crying, her hair disheveled, looking utterly pitiful. She threw herself beside Julian, pointing at me, her voice choked and full of grievance. “Julian. Cassie… she not only ruined the new dress I gave her with scissors, but she also stole the Patek Philippe watch I had in my drawer, the one I planned to give you for your birthday.” Julian’s recently softened face turned ashen again. Without a word, he stormed into my room. He frantically searched through my things, throwing all the clothes from the wardrobe onto the floor, making the bed a complete mess. When he found the watch under my pillow, he trembled with rage. He had seen that watch at an auction a few months ago and only casually mentioned he liked it. He looked at me with utter disappointment, the last warmth in his eyes completely extinguished. “Cassie, I thought you would at least change. I thought you were just misguided.” His voice was filled with anger. “Are you inherently so twisted? Do you enjoy being a thief?” “Enjoy stealing things from your own home?” I laughed. At that moment, the thread of kinship in my heart snapped completely. “Yes.” I looked at his face, flushed with anger, and nodded, still smiling. “Not only do I enjoy stealing things, but I also enjoy stealing people.” I watched his stunned expression, then pulled out an old burner phone from my pocket. I calmly pressed the play button. “Julian, want to see the evidence?” From the phone, Seraphina’s smug and malicious voice clearly played. It was late one night. She thought I was asleep and secretly called her friend to brag. “…Yeah, that idiot really got sent in… Julian doesn’t believe her at all, he only believes me…” “…I just want to ruin her reputation so she can never recover. Stealing things is nothing, next time I’ll put a man in her bed and record it. Let’s see how she can even face living in this world after that…” The recording finished. Seraphina’s face turned deathly pale, and she trembled all over. She pounced, hugging Julian’s legs, and began to frantically defend herself. “Julian. No, it’s not true. She forced me. Cassie forced me to say that.” She pointed at me, screaming hysterically: “She somehow got photos of your business gatherings, and she threatened me with those photos. She said if I didn’t record that message as she demanded, she would send all your photos to the media and ruin your reputation and the entire Sterling Group. Julian. I was just trying to protect you!” Hearing Seraphina’s convoluted explanation, Julian actually wavered. He looked at me, seemingly still hoping I could give him an explanation. I met his pathetic gaze, but my mind clearly flashed back to that afternoon a year ago. He sat in the chair, his cold, resolute profile as he personally signed his name on that “Consent Form for Behavioral Correction.” I smiled mockingly. That smile completely shattered the last trace of his unrealistic fantasy. Julian looked at the watch in his hand, then at Seraphina kneeling on the floor, and finally at me. His worldview, at that moment, utterly collapsed. I knelt on the marble floor before him. I bowed my head deeply to him. “Julian, the electroshocks, physical abuse, starvation, and humiliation of this past year – consider them my repayment for all the years the Sterling family raised me.” “From today on, our sibling bond is broken. From now on, we are strangers, dead to each other, with no further connection.” With that, I stood up from the floor and walked out the door without looking back.

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My father hired Ivy League twins to be assistants for me and my sister, Blair. The younger twin, Leo, was everything. He was brilliant and a star athlete. He fell for the perfect Blair on sight. And me? I was 220-pound Riley Sterling. I got Alex, the older twin, the one who had lost an arm in an accident. Alex, to his credit, was always kind. He never made me feel ashamed of my body. In the end, Blair got the family empire. I thought I got love. But I was wrong. When the building collapsed, Alex ran past me. He used his one arm to shield Blair. “I’m sorry, Riley. I have to save Blair.” It turned out Alex had always loved Blair. I was buried beneath the rubble. Then I opened my eyes. I was back. Back to the day it all began. I stood frozen, trapped in the familiar scene. Then Blair’s voice echoed from my past life. “Let Alex be my assistant. Riley’s so quiet. She needs someone more outgoing like Leo.” But Leo, the Harvard football star, wanted no part of it. He only had eyes for Blair, the cheer captain. She was repeating her lines from our past life, word for word. Back then, I believed she genuinely cared. Now I recognized her manipulation. In my past life, when the building crumbled, both men rushed towards Blair, leaving me buried in the rubble. Blair, pretending to be concerned, declared she wouldn’t leave without me, even as she willingly let them whisk her to safety. Leo had already gotten her to the doorway, but she feigned fainting. This prompted Alex to recklessly push himself out of his wheelchair, throwing caution to the wind. And just like that, I was crushed beneath the debris, dead. After that, Blair not only solidified her position as heir, but also had two handsome, capable men managing the company for her. This time, I didn’t refuse Blair. “Fine, then I choose Leo!” With that, I looped my arm through his before anyone could object, ignoring the way he stiffened at my touch. Blair’s smile wavered, a flicker of unease in her eyes. “Riley, are you sure?” “Absolutely!” I affirmed. Just then, my stepmom chimed in. “Blair, Alex is far more gentle and considerate. He’d suit you better.” I glanced at Alex, leaning on his cane. A cold smirk played on my lips. My stepmom would use any excuse to favor Blair. “Besides,” my stepmother added, “Blair is the cheer captain. She and Leo simply…match.” Just then, Alex rolled up his sleeve. Light glinted off the polished surface of his mechanical arm as he stared directly at her. “Mrs. Sterling, I’ve actually had the most advanced prosthetic arm installed. I’ve also joined the football team.” My attention had been so fixed on Leo that I’d completely overlooked Alex. Unlike my previous life, he now had a mechanical arm! He wasn’t slender anymore. His chest muscles now strained against his shirt fabric. It hit me then. Alex had been reborn too. In our last life, he never married Blair, so this time, he’d prepared. He got a mechanical arm and sculpted himself into a formidable athlete! I scoffed, a bitter curve to my lips. In my past life, I’d sacrificed everything to boost his self-esteem, refusing parties and spending my youth in his lab, working on research projects. I’d freely given him all my findings. All so he wouldn’t feel inferior to Leo. I even turned down proposals from many incredible men before marrying him. Yet, even after all that, even after he was reborn, he still chose Blair. My stepmom pressed Alex. “Are you truly willing to protect Blair for life?” Alex’s voice was firm. “I am.” A flicker of approval crossed my stepmother’s face. Blair, too, seemed moved by Alex’s quiet determination. Sure, Leo was the kind of athlete every girl dreamed of. But with that new arm, Alex looked undeniably compelling. My stepmom nodded. “Alright, then Leo will be Riley’s assistant.” But Leo quickly jumped in. “No! Riley and I would be a terrible match!”

My stepmom’s face hardened. There was no way she didn’t see through Leo’s intentions. But she remained silent, deep in thought. Leo pleaded with her. “Mrs. Sterling, I’d rather work as a regular employee at a branch office.” My stepmom looked down at him. “Are you really so unwilling to be Riley’s assistant?” “Yes.” Blair pressed him further. “Leo, why are you so disgusted by Riley?” Leo shot her a quick glance, his voice tinged with youthful frustration. “Blair, don’t you know why I’m doing this?!” Blair’s expression softened with feigned concern. “How can I let you go to a branch office?” I quietly watched the twin brothers openly declare their devotion to Blair, then spoke up. “Blair, why don’t you just have both of them as your assistants?” Blair looked at Leo with a hint of greed. From their looks, their physique, to their intelligence, both brothers were undeniably impressive. “This… I don’t know.” My stepmom turned to me. “You know they’re meant to support you two. Are you really not going to choose either?” “No, I’m not choosing.” My stepmom raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be impulsive. You might regret it.” “I won’t regret it.” My answer was so quick and definite that everyone in the room turned to stare at me, especially Alex. From the moment I spoke, his gaze hadn’t left me. His brows were tightly furrowed, as if trying to understand the drastic change in me. My stepmom asked, “Didn’t you say you wanted to travel to Iceland? Don’t you need Alex to help you with translations?” I slowly shook my head. “I’m not going on a trip. I’m going to the gym.” Last time, I believed my parents loved me, and Blair looked out for me. I thought the inheritance rightly belonged to the more capable Blair. So I devoted myself to our home, making Alex the center of my world. This time, I wouldn’t make that mistake. First, I designed a rigorous fitness plan for myself. In my past life, Alex always said I was beautiful to him, no matter my weight. But even after we married, we never truly shared intimacy. I thought he was just naturally reserved, but in reality, he secretly found me repulsive. After setting up my fitness plan, I called Grandpa Sterling. The true controlling shareholder of our family’s corporation was Grandpa. Though elderly, his business acumen far surpassed my parents’. My parents worried Blair and I lacked the ability to manage the company, which was why they selected these excellent assistants for us. In my past life, after Grandpa died, Blair seized control of our family business. Eventually, even my living expenses and Alex’s required Blair’s signature before the butler would release them. But back then, my insecurity made me believe it was only right for her to manage the family business. When I found Grandpa and expressed my desire to learn corporate management, he hugged me, tears in his eyes. “Riley, I always knew you were smart, but who knew… ” “Never mind, let’s forget the past. From now on, you’ll work hard with me.” “Yes, Grandpa.” Grandpa suggested I start as a manager, but I declined. I chose an entry-level position, starting from the ground up. Blair was busy preparing for a university talent show, with those handsome twin brothers constantly hovering around her. Meanwhile, I closed my first project. I was promoted from a regular employee to a team leader. Grandpa was overjoyed, praising me to everyone he met. One evening after work, Blair was waiting for me at the building entrance, blocking my way. “Working for the company behind my back, Riley?”she said, her voice sharp.”You told me you weren’t interested in inheriting the Sterling Group. When did you become so deceitful? But don’t even think about it. Our family would never allow a fat, clumsy woman to become the heir!” I hadn’t expected Blair to resort to body shaming.

I lowered my gaze, not wanting to engage with her. But she sidestepped, blocking my way again. “Riley, someone like you should just stay home and be pampered. Why bother going out and embarrassing our family?” I met her eyes. “Why I’m this heavy, have you forgotten?” She froze, staring at me in shock. When I was little, Grandpa adored me the most. He’d tell anyone who’d listen how smart and level-headed I was, always saying the Sterling Holdings would be mine one day. But one day, Blair claimed she heard a kitten crying in an old, abandoned well near the property line. She begged me to go with her to rescue it. While trying to save the kitten, I fell in. Blair promised to find help, but she never came. My leg was broken in the well, and I screamed for help, covered in crawling insects. It wasn’t until the next day that she finally returned with our parents to pull me out. Blair said she’d gotten lost, which was why she was so late. But the incident gave me severe PTSD. I woke up struggling to breathe every night. The trauma caused a hormone imbalance, and the medication made me gain weight. “I told you,” Blair stammered, her voice trembling, “I was lost that day! That’s why it took me so long to find you! I was scared too! How can you blame me for that?” Watching her grow pale, Alex frowned, his voice softening with concern. “Riley, what happened when we were kids was a long time ago. You can’t hold a grudge forever.” At that moment, Blair tightly grasped his hand, gently telling Alex, “It’s okay. What can I do? I’m Riley’s older sister. I won’t hold it against her.” Then, Blair feigned distress again and turned to me. “If you’re only trying to claim the inheritance because of what happened back then, I’ll just give it to you.” Just then, Dad returned. “What are you all talking about?” Blair, afraid I’d reveal the truth of that day, quickly interjected. “Riley’s still upset about falling into the well back then. Dad, I don’t want our family to have any discord. Why don’t we just let her- ” Before Blair could finish, Dad cut her off. “Riley, are you still blaming Blair, and even playing dirty tricks to seize power?” My face burned with fury. I was about to explain, but Alex jumped in to defend Blair. “It’s true that Riley started the trouble. She’s been holding a grudge about what happened all these years.” I stared at Alex. I’d known him for two lifetimes, he should have known me best. But to protect Blair, he would slander me. I always thought that even if Alex didn’t love me, he’d at least be grateful for everything I’d done for him in my past life. How utterly laughable, I sneered inwardly. Slam! I slapped Alex across the face. My palm stung, bright red. Alex stared at me, stunned. My father also barked. “Riley! How dare you become so unreasonable!” Then, he turned to two bodyguards. “Take her to the basement and lock her up. She’ll stay there until she learns some manners.” I trembled, looking at my father. Since that incident in my childhood, I dreaded enclosed spaces more than anything. But the bodyguards seized my shoulders, dragging me towards the basement. As I passed Blair, I clearly saw a triumphant smirk on her face. Alex, meanwhile, avoided my gaze. That night, Blair came, with Alex in tow. As soon as she entered, she switched off all the lights. My body reacted to the terror faster than my mind could comprehend. That childhood night’s experience had deeply scarred me. My voice trembled uncontrollably. “Turn on the lights.” “Heh, so big, and you’re still scared of the dark, huh?” “You were so tough just now, weren’t you?” I instinctively reached for the bedside lamp, but Alex was faster. He swept it to the floor and kicked it under the bed. Then he snatched my phone. That suffocating feeling instantly enveloped me. I struggled to open my mouth, but no sound came out. I knew I was having another attack. I frantically fumbled in my pocket for my medication. But the next second, Blair snatched the pill bottle away. “Want your meds? I’ll give them to you.” With that, she emptied the contents of the pill bottle onto the floor. I stumbled to the floor, instinctively fumbling around. But Blair stepped on my hand. “You want your medicine? Fine. Give me the project you just secured.” I struggled to breathe, unable to speak, so I just patted the foot she had on my hand. She shone her phone’s flashlight on my face. “You agree?” I nodded. Throughout this, Alex watched me, his brows tightly furrowed. Finally, when I agreed, he he left me with one parting shot. “You shouldn’t compete with her, Riley. These things inherently belong to her.” I never said word. I had built that project from the ground up. Every detail was mine. I wanted to see if Blair could actually handle this “easy win” that she stole from me.

Blair took over my project, and I moved out of the Sterling family mansion into my small apartment. I started actively seeing a therapist. Such things would never happen to me again. I was going to slowly wean myself off the medication and conquer all my fears. Meanwhile, the project Blair had stolen from me imploded a month later. After a vengeful rant about how Blair had ruined her life, project manager Ms. Miller kidnapped her and started a dark web live stream, threatening to kill them both. I scoffed. This was Blair’s own doing. She’d spent all her energy on her appearance, a big star at school, but she knew nothing about business. But I hadn’t expected Alex to show up at my apartment. “That project was yours. You were the main lead. Only you can save her.” Alex directly stated his purpose. Bodyguards, who had been hidden in the shadows, swarmed forward, and I was bundled into a car. My mind raced. Alex, sitting beside me, calmly said, “You were reborn too, weren’t you? Withdraw from the heir competition and go live in Europe. For the sake of our past life as husband and wife, I’ll ensure you a lifetime of wealth.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You owe me so much from our past life. Why should I agree to that?” Alex replied, “If you can rescue Blair today, I’ll be at your complete disposal from now on.” Soon, we arrived at the warehouse. I negotiated with Ms. Miller, promising that the company would compensate her for all her losses, reinstate her to her original position, and resume the project. When Ms. Miller demanded a hostage, Alex didn’t hesitate to push me forward. Before leaving, Alex said, “I swear, I’ll come back for you after I take Blair home safely.” I scoffed inwardly. I no longer trusted him. Yet, his cold resolve still stung. “Alex, does nothing I go through matter to you?” He avoided my gaze. “In this life, I’m not your husband. I’m Blair’s husband.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He took two steps, then turned back to me. “I’ll definitely come back. If anything happens to you, I’ll just pay with my life.” I didn’t look at him. Ms. Miller locked me in an enclosed room. There were no windows; the only light source was the phone streaming live. She dragged my almost-broken body in front of the camera. “It’s been a day! Why hasn’t the company done anything?!” “Do you think anyone’s watching this live? If I inflict some pain on her, will they work faster?” With that, she faced the camera and started pulling out my fingernails. In the dim room, blood slowly seeped out. My screams went from loud to soft, until I couldn’t make a sound from the pain. Just then, a comment appeared in the live chat: “Hands $10k, legs $30k, other body parts negotiable. You just want money, right? No one’s going to ransom her. Might as well make some cash.” I stared at the screen name of that comment, a cold laugh bubbling in my heart! I sank into despair. In less than three days, I was already a broken mess. On the third day, while Ms. Miller stepped out to buy more tools to torture me, I tried to use the live-streaming phone to call 911, only to find it had no SIM card. I returned to the live stream. Pleading into the screen again and again. “Alex, I know you’re watching. Please, save me.” “For all the times I saved you in our past life, save me just once.” “You said you’d definitely come back.” “Alex… ” My voice grew hoarser. Finally, I saw Alex’s reply in the public chat. Alex: “He won’t kill you now. Blair takes over as CEO tomorrow. Just get through tomorrow, and I’ll come get you.” Takes over tomorrow… “My grandpa? Alex, what have you done to Grandpa?” Alex: “Grandpa’s old. He can retire now.” After that, no matter how much I called out to Alex, he never said another word. Just then, Ms. Miller returned. She kicked me in the head. “Damn it, trying to play smart with me.” A torrent of punches rained down on my body. The chat was filled with cheers, but Alex remained silent. The next second, Ms. Miller ended the live stream. I lay on the ground, thinking of Alex’s attitude. All my emotions morphed into pure hatred. Ms. Miller quickly helped me up. “Are you hurt?” “I’m fine. You played your part perfectly!” I patted Ms. Miller’s shoulder, a smile playing on my lips. All the camera angles had been set up in advance; they wouldn’t see through the deception. I pushed the door open and paused, casting one lingering look back at the building. I wondered if Alex recognized this place. It was the same building that killed me in my past life. Now, it was the stage I had chosen for this grand performance. “Stick to the plan, Ms. Miller,” I instructed calmly. “When this is over, take the first flight to Europe. Do not return.” The moment after I walked away, a deafening roar filled the air. The building collapsed. Alex must have thought I was buried in the rubble, just like last time.

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Last life, he called out the wrong name at our wedding, and his first love tragically jumped from the building during the ceremony. Her suicide note was exposed, branding me as the undeniable homewrecker. I was fired, subjected to relentless online abuse, received death threats, and ultimately died tragically on the streets. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day his first love was threatening to jump. This time, don’t be in such a rush to die. I’ll personally drag you both to hell. “Chloe! What are you spacing out for?! Explain your relationship with Daniel right now!” A sharp, urgent female voice pierced the air. I snapped back to reality, realizing I was standing on a rooftop. Before me was Brittany, in a wedding dress, swaying precariously on the edge in the fierce wind, her eyes brimming with tears. Everyone was staring at me, their faces etched with anxiety and confusion. I suddenly realized I was back at the critical turning point of my life. Any second now, Brittany would leap, using her own death to firmly place the monumental blame squarely on my shoulders. She would falsely accuse me of being the mistress who drove her to her death. “Chloe! What are you doing staying silent at a time like this! Are you deliberately trying to kill Brittany?!” Sarah, the bridesmaid, urged again. “Chloe, please… save Brittany!” Daniel, the groom, pleaded, his voice trembling. I said sharply, “Brittany, Daniel and I have had absolutely nothing to do with each other for a long time.” “I have a boyfriend, and you know him too.” I pointed to the man, “Your brother, Julian!” The four of them looked astonished, but Brittany quickly snapped back, screaming through her tears. “You’re lying! You just got back from abroad, how could you know my brother! You’re just trying to fool me!” “I knew you wouldn’t admit it!” The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, leaning out further! In a flash, I spoke quickly, “Julian. Graduated from Berkeley College of Music, a traveling violinist, loves to fly all over the world. He owns two golden retrievers. He’s two years older than you, but he’s not your biological brother.” “We’ve been together for two years. Believe it or not.” “Really? Julian?” Julian responded calmly, “It’s true. Come down, and I’ll explain everything to you.” After a prolonged standoff. Brittany finally jumped back into Daniel’s arms. I sank to the ground, drenched in a cold sweat. However, it wasn’t over yet. Julian, who had left and then returned, suddenly stood in front of me. Silhouetted against the light, he asked in a deep voice, “Ms. Xu… I mean, Chloe, who are you? How do you know all these private details about me?”

Who am I? I am Chloe, the woman those two dogs drove to a tragic death. In my last life, Brittany’s leap from her own wedding shocked the entire society. News of the pregnant bride’s tragic death rocked society. And in her suicide note, she turned all accusations squarely on me. Overnight, I became the mistress who drove the original wife to her death, hated by everyone. “Hope every homewrecker in the world rots in hell!” Furious netizens ceaselessly cursed me on all my social media accounts. I clarified, I called the police, I filed lawsuits. But to little effect. After all, who can win against a dead person? Later, with the public release of Brittany’s secret Ins account, I spiraled into an irredeemable abyss. Finally, on my way to therapy, a severe depressive episode hit, and I rushed into traffic, dying tragically on the streets. Shaking off the painful memories. I opened Brittany’s secret Ins account. “He was completely out of it tonight… It turns out, she’s back.” “I saw her. Why didn’t she just stay abroad? Why did she have to come back and mess up my peaceful life?” “He called out her name in his sleep. I know he never truly got over her…” “We promised to get married, but he hesitated. She must be meddling.” “The night before my wedding, my fiancé actually messaged another woman, asking if there was still a chance between them… What should I do?? My heart is a mess.” The latest post stopped at, “One last chance for him. I want to be his most beautiful bride…” Heartfelt and dripping with sorrow, every word. Between the lines, she painted herself as a humble, fragile woman, enduring for love. But she never mentioned my clear boundaries or my deliberate efforts to avoid him in front of her. Nor did she mention my firm “No” and blocking him after his “Is there even a tiny chance?” message. With a cynical smirk, I posted my first thought on a newly registered Ins account. “I didn’t want any involvement with them, but she still threatened to die if I didn’t show up on the rooftop. I really don’t want them to disturb me anymore. Can anyone save me?”

Standing in the cubicle, I listened to the whispers outside. “Did you know? That day, Daniel called the bride’s name Chloe during his vows! Brittany freaked out right then and there, grabbing her dress and threatening to jump…” “Oh my god, seriously? That’s so dramatic! I always thought Daniel’s gaze toward Chloe was weird…” “It’s true, I was there. Those two had a thing back in college. Otherwise, why do you think Chloe suddenly came back to the country and joined our company?” “That bride is really unlucky, getting her ‘one that got away’ coming back to interfere right before the wedding…” “You just pray Chloe dares to come to the team-building event! Then we’ll have a real show.” The next second, I pulled up my phone’s chat window and replied to HR. “Available to attend.” To clear my name, the first step is to shut down these gossipmongers! On camping day, a dozen or so people sat around picnicking on the lawn. I was the first to grab a drink, proposing a toast with my soda, “Let’s all toast to the happy couple!” Amidst everyone’s congratulations, Daniel downed his drink in one gulp. Brittany, clinging to Daniel, shot me a hostile glance before taking a tiny sip. I looked directly at Brittany, “Brittany, you misunderstood me at the wedding that day. I’d like to use this opportunity to formally clarify: Daniel and I are completely innocent, and we are, and will only be, colleagues.” “Some might bring up our three-month college romance,” I deliberately glanced at Sarah, “but that ended a long, long time ago.” Perhaps not expecting me to tackle the rumors head-on, my colleagues’ faces were a mix of awkwardness and curiosity. Just then, a voice cut in, “But I’m really curious, Chloe, why did you choose to join our company right after returning to the country?” Sarah paused suggestively, “Wasn’t it because of Daniel?” “Because the general manager is an alumnus from our university. I joined the company at his invitation.” She pressed on, “Then how come it’s such a coincidence that you happen to live right across the hall from Daniel and Brittany?” I stared at this former college classmate, Brittany’s best friend, and the bridesmaid at the wedding. In my last life, she was the one who made Brittany’s Ins account public. I wondered how much of Brittany’s supposed ‘evidence’ of me seducing her husband was fabricated and spread by Sarah? Sarah flinched under my gaze. I said, word for word, “Listen closely. I bought my place shortly after graduation. When I returned this year, I discovered they were living across the hall.” “So, you should ask Daniel and Brittany why they moved in.”

Amidst the quiet, the female lead, Brittany, finally spoke. “Chloe, since you want to clear the air, let’s clear it all.” “This past week, the ‘love porridge’ Daniel brought you–the one you posted on SnapChat – was it tasty?” “I made it.” Under everyone’s surprised glances, she looked at me with a sinister glare, her voice calm. “You wear that niche Guerlain perfume, don’t you? Every day my husband comes home, he smells of it.” She pulled out an earring, “And, you accidentally left an earring in Daniel’s car.” “It’d be a shame for it to be unpaired, so here you go.” The evidence was undeniable. Everyone’s gaze shifted back to me. I smiled, my tone light. “Porridge? I bought it from the 7-Eleven downstairs from the office. I can post the receipt if you need it.” “Perfume? My apologies, I have allergies, so I barely wear any.” “As for the earring… Hmm, it looks familiar, but it’s definitely not my style.” Her face instantly turned pale. Suddenly, I had an ‘aha’ moment, “Ah, I remember. Isn’t this the earring Sarah asked about in the group chat?” “The porridge and perfume… I think I saw them on Sarah’s desk too.” Brittany’s head snapped towards her best friend. Sarah, who had been enjoying the show a second ago, was instantly flustered, “Brittany, don’t believe her nonsense!” “I didn’t drink any porridge, and the earring is mine, but I’ve been looking for it for days!” “Even the perfume, someone just inexplicably left it on my desk, and it smelled nice, so I started using it…” She explained frantically. But she was interrupted by a recording from the bathroom, played loudly from my phone. Watching her reddened face, filled with humiliation, I asked softly, “Sarah, I originally didn’t understand why you were spreading baseless rumors behind my back, but just now, I had a wild guess…” “We were classmates, now we’re colleagues. How come you’ve always been following Daniel so closely?” “Are you the one who actually likes him?” Facing Brittany’s dagger-like gaze, Sarah completely panicked, her words coming out in broken fragments. I secretly chuckled, watching her struggle desperately to prove herself. Last life, you were the executioner who pushed things along. This life, I’ll make you pay first!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “306751”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #校园School

It was the third year of me being his stand-in when Alexander’s first love returned. Before he could even open his mouth to dismiss me, I dutifully packed my bags. With all the money Alexander had given me over the years, I left the country to study. Five years later, I earned my Ph.D., joined a top-tier law firm, and fulfilled my youthful dreams. But I never expected my first case to be Alexander. It was his divorce from his first love, Seraphina. I skimmed through the thick stack of documents; things didn’t look good for him. Alexander didn’t recognize me. He rambled on about asset division, debt classification, and other such matters. Mid-sentence, his voice suddenly hitched, his gaze fixed on a long scar beneath the collar of my shirt. I met his eyes directly, my voice light and easy. “Long time no see, Alexander.” “Long time no see… Anya.” I raised an eyebrow, following his gaze, and looked down myself. This scar across my chest—I once saw it as my shame. It was about six or seven years ago, back when I was still Alexander’s mistress. To make me more like his first love, he demanded I replicate even Seraphina’s heart condition. For that surgery, I was practically forced onto the operating table. I resisted, I struggled, but he threatened me with my gravely ill mother. He watched as they forcibly injected me with anesthesia, watched my humiliated tears. I still remember how he looked at me back then, full of appreciation. “That defiant spark in you, it’s just like hers.” When I woke up, he was sitting by my bed, smiling as he congratulated me. “The surgery was a success, Anya. You’re more and more like her, and I’m very pleased.” “I’ve had the special medication for your mother flown in from abroad, and your brother’s tuition is paid. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.” A congenital heart condition, yet he made me acquire it. That scar was carved onto my chest, and I always found ways to hide it. Alexander was very pleased. Seraphina had the same scar, and she hid hers too. I was more like her. But now, I wore a revealing low-cut blouse, openly displaying that scar. “Anya, you’ve changed so much, I didn’t recognize you at all.” Alexander’s voice had aged considerably too. In my memory, he always spoke with full confidence, often with a hint of menace. I smiled politely, responding with decorum. “Mr. Blackwood, you as well.” The door opened, and my mentor walked in, smiling as he looked at me. “Anya, don’t be nervous. Although this is your first official case, you’re my most brilliant student. I’m confident you’ll win this perfectly.” Alexander stood up, extending his hand politely to my mentor. “Mr. Harrison, I’ve heard so much about you. We’ll be relying on you for this case.” My mentor took his seat, and Alexander sat down right after. My thoughts slowly drifted. In my memories, I had never seen Alexander so polite and cautious. It was as if, when he was around me, he had always been ruthlessly unyielding, never so subservient. I shook my head, trying to clear those messy thoughts. Finally, I lowered my gaze and began to read through the documents. His wretched marriage with Seraphina was now laid out before me. I couldn’t help but recall. Actually, after I left the country, I had heard some things about him and Seraphina. Grand declarations of love, a wedding of the century, and him lavishly spending millions at auctions to dote on her. What surprised me most was two years ago, when he transferred all his shares to Seraphina. I was graduating with my master’s then, thinking I had moved past all the old memories. But seeing that news, I was stunned for a long time. During my three years by his side, I understood better than anyone how much he cared about his career, about his company’s interests. Once, someone secretly approached me, trying to turn me against him, to provide them with inside information. When Alexander found out, he first broke the limbs of their people and committed them to a mental institution. Then he locked me in the basement, strapped me to an electric chair, and warned me again and again: “If you dare to betray me, I swear I’ll make your life a living hell.” Even though I cried and explained that I wouldn’t, absolutely wouldn’t. He still showed no mercy. That time, he tortured me half to death, until blood flowed from beneath me – that’s when he stopped his brutality. That was my first child with him, and my last. The continuous torment cost me my uterus. But after my surgery, he merely said casually: “This punishment was a bit heavy, but it’s also to make you remember that the company is my bottom line. Don’t get any wild ideas.” “As for your uterus… Seraphina is child-free, so you being unable to conceive just makes you more like her.” That company, which he considered his bottom line, his treasure, and for which I lost my uterus without even touching it. Yet, he so easily bestowed it upon Seraphina. I didn’t know what to think, only that I felt pathetic. But now, looking at the divorce papers, written in black and white, demanding Seraphina return the shares. I suddenly couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Realizing my lapse, I immediately apologized. Looking up into Alexander’s uncomfortable eyes, I stiffly controlled my inexpressible emotions. “Anya, about what happened before, I apologize to you.” “I should find another law firm for this case. I’ve bothered you enough.” He stood up, just about to reach for the documents on the table. Quick as a flash, I pressed down on them. “Oh, don’t be silly, Mr. Blackwood.” “Didn’t you used to tell me often not to let emotions affect work? I’m sure you’ve researched it; my firm is the top in the industry. Entrusting it to us is the most reliable choice.” “Don’t worry, I’ll handle this strictly professionally for you.” I stared directly into Alexander’s eyes. These eyes, now tired, withered, even utterly defeated. But eight years ago, it was these same eyes, sharp as blades, that flayed me alive. My relationship with him, actually, I had pursued it. For a girl from a small town with nothing but her looks, landing a wealthy, eligible bachelor like him was the best possible outcome. Not to mention, Alexander had a handsome face and a great physique. Noble and reserved, he was even more attractive than a movie star. In the private club room, one girl after another was sent in and then dismissed. Only I, he chose me to stay. The reason was simple: I was the most like Seraphina. I had done my homework long ago – the same mole, the same hairstyle, the same white dress. Even the curve of my smile, I practiced it again and again, mimicking Seraphina’s photos. He took me home and methodically signed a contract with me. A three-year term. I would be his secret lover, and he would pay me a monthly salary. He told me I was just his distraction, warning me not to harbor any ulterior motives, just to stay by his side obediently. I looked at that long string of zeros on the contract, so delighted I could barely hold the pen steady. Three years. With that much money, I would have enough to start a new life. I was too naive then, not understanding what kind of nightmare awaited me. From that day on, I began diligently acting as a stand-in. Seraphina, at the time, was dead set on pursuing her art and wandering the world with a painter. She promised Alexander that if things didn’t work out after three years, she would return and marry him. So Alexander signed the contract with me, knowing that after three years, he wouldn’t need my comfort anymore. I thought, “Isn’t it just learning to impersonate someone?” It seemed so straightforward. But I never expected the first thing Alexander made me learn was being sent to a private cosmetic surgery clinic. “To be like her, it couldn’t just be about external appearances.” “You’re my lover, you have your purpose. I want you to be like her in every aspect.” The anesthesia took effect. I could only feel the knife moving back and forth over my body. I shouldn’t have felt pain, yet tears kept falling. Humiliation, pain, helplessness, until after the surgery, Alexander meticulously inspected and compared. “It’s perfect.” From then on, he became increasingly obsessed with me. Often, I wouldn’t leave the bed for days and nights. I told myself repeatedly that he and I were just a contract. But so many years have passed, and those marks are like brands, indelible on my skin. It took me five years to truly let go. Sitting here now, with such a brilliant life, I think perhaps I should thank him. He stood frozen, as if unsure how to react, the thick stack of documents still pinned to the table by my hand. I tilted my head slightly. “Mr. Blackwood, my being here today owes something to your support as well.” “I will do my utmost to win this case for you. Trust me.”

Alexander was stunned for a long time, but finally signed the retainer agreement. This case offered a substantial fee. The firm took it seriously, my mentor took it seriously, and so did I. My mentor shrewdly noticed the unusual connection between Alexander and me. “Do you and Mr. Blackwood have a history?” I answered without hesitation. “I used to be his mistress.” My voice wasn’t loud, but the atmosphere clearly went silent for a few seconds. Facing my mentor, I offered a slight curve of my lips. “It’s not a bad thing. At least, my being able to stand here today is partly thanks to him.” The year I left Alexander, my account balance grew by over four million dollars. As I boarded the flight abroad, my parents’ calls nearly blew up my phone. In those three years, relying on the money Alexander gave them, they clawed their way from poverty to a comfortable middle-class life. My mother’s illness wasn’t just cured; nourished by money, she was radiant and full of vitality. My brother not only attended a good school but also underwent a complete transformation, acquiring the latest Apple products and luxury brand sets he’d never dared dream of before. Desire is insatiable. Their calls for money grew more urgent, their tone increasingly entitled. “The Blackwood family is rich anyway, so you should ask for more. Help your brother get ahead, and you’ll have more support later.” Until the three-year term ended. I excitedly told them I could finally leave Alexander. What I got in return was a torrent of insults. My parents asked me: “What else can you do? What kind of job can a girl do to earn this much money?” My brother asked me: “Did Alexander dump you? Did you upset him? Anya, go back and beg him! Men are soft-hearted but hard-mouthed. If you really break up with him, how will I ever find a wife?” I didn’t know how to respond. Three years was so long; the scars Alexander left on me had already healed. With time, I almost forgot how much it had hurt. They all took it for granted that money could heal all wounds, believing I shouldn’t let Alexander, this big catch, go. But I was still glad I had been resolute back then, leaving the country alone. When I first arrived here, it was unfamiliar territory, everything frighteningly strange. I endured the most helpless days all by myself. Back then, Alexander had contacted me too. He transferred a sum of money and sent a particularly jarring message. “Seraphina’s return doesn’t mean I’ll kick you out. There’s still a place for you by my side.” “She’s too precious; I can’t be rough with her. Anya, just stay with me. I need you, and I’ll pay you well.” I didn’t reply. A strong wave of nausea made me toss my phone straight into the trash. Another five years passed. I completed my studies and returned home; everything had changed irrevocably. I always congratulated myself for stopping just in time, until today, standing in court, I had the confidence to face Alexander and Seraphina directly. The two were at loggerheads, no longer the picture of a match made in heaven, celebrated by all. Alexander’s face was grim, but his gaze kept darting uncomfortably in my direction. Seraphina didn’t recognize me, glaring coldly at Alexander. “You gave all that to me yourself. How dare you want it back now? Alexander, are you really that heartless?” Alexander’s voice was hoarse. “Yes, I once loved you, cherished you, wanted to give you everything best.” “But what about you? You used my money to support that struggling painter, and even… to have his child.” “You said you were child-free, afraid of pain. For years, I’ve touched you so carefully, but you…” Alexander’s words stopped here, and he inexplicably turned his gaze to me. I understood the guilt in his eyes. I once had a child with him too. When I miscarried due to his torment, I was in agony, devastated. But he told me coldly: “You’re just a contract mistress; you were never meant to have my child.” He even said it made me more like the child-free Seraphina, and he was very pleased, paying me a large sum in compensation. With that money, I hesitated for a long time, ultimately choosing to compromise. But I never expected that a month later, I would see my child again with my own eyes. It was at Seraphina’s art exhibition. Holding the microphone, she thanked, word for word: “Here, I must thank my good friend, Alexander, who provided me with inspiration.” “He specifically prepared a painful recording of a mother losing her child, allowing me to fully grasp the model’s anguish, which enabled me to create this painting.” On the canvas, I lay on a hospital bed, crying uncontrollably as I looked at the bloody remains. Displayed right next to the painting were images of my lost child and my uterus, presented starkly for everyone to see. I should have broken down, but back then, I just laughed blankly. My phone rang—a call from home again. I numbly answered; it was my brother, hounding me for money as if I owed him: “Anya, I heard Alexander gave you a lot of money again. Why haven’t you transferred it to Mom? Her health hasn’t been good lately; she needs supplements. I know you’re busy, so just transfer the money, and I’ll go buy them.”

My thoughts abruptly halted again. In court, Seraphina’s voice was slightly choked: “Alexander, don’t think I don’t know that you could never forget your previous little mistress. You say you couldn’t bear to touch me, but I saw you with her photos… Sometimes in the middle of the night, you’d even call out her name in your dreams.” “You lie beside me, but your heart holds someone else. What right do you have to accuse me of betrayal?” Her voice grew more confident. She pulled a notebook from her purse, opened it in front of everyone, and read aloud. “I don’t know why I thought of you again, Anya. I always regret how I treated you back then. If I could do it over, I would never let you go.” Seraphina looked up, her eyes red, almost screaming her accusation at Alexander. “You just couldn’t find her! Your heart hasn’t been with me for ages. I couldn’t feel your love, so what’s wrong with me seeking other comforts? What did I do wrong!” Seraphina continued her self-indulgent breakdown, but my mentor’s gaze quietly shifted to me. I remained impassive, calmly proceeding with the formalities, and ignoring Alexander’s repeated glances. For the rest of the hearing, Alexander didn’t say another word. Only I rationally argued and debated, ultimately securing victory in that case. Seraphina was still breaking down, but Alexander didn’t spare her a glance. He followed me all the way back to the law firm. I offered him a polite smile. “Congratulations. Your demands have been met.” He smiled too. “And congratulations to you on your first professional victory.” I nodded unreservedly. “Thank you. I earned it.” He paused, opened his mouth, hesitated for a long time, and finally said: “That diary… I wrote it haphazardly when I was drunk. I never thought she’d find it. Don’t overthink it.” I waved my hand dismissively, responding casually: “It’s nothing. I’m not overthinking it.” He gave an awkward laugh, and I politely nodded, my voice indifferent. “Is there anything else?” Alexander’s gaze darted around a bit, then he pulled out two amusement park tickets. I couldn’t quite describe the sudden rush of emotions tearing through me. “I don’t know if there’s still a chance to invite you.” His voice was soft, but it ripped a huge chasm in my heart. It hurt, deeply. Many years ago, Alexander had also taken me to an amusement park. It was my first time ever at an amusement park. Everything seemed fascinating. I chattered excitedly, pulling Alexander along, talking non-stop. Until we rode the roller coaster together. He initially held my hand tightly, his eyes crinkling in a smile, telling me not to be afraid, that he would stay with me. To be honest, in that single moment, looking into his eyes, my heart pounded so fast. I even secretly wondered if, at some point, he might have loved me too. Excitement, exhilaration, and a hint of love enveloped me, so tightly that I didn’t even feel fear. Everything just felt wonderfully perfect. I never expected Alexander’s face to darken the moment we got off the roller coaster. “Anya, you’re smiling so happily, you’re not like her.” I was startled by his sudden coldness, tried stiffly to explain, but he cut me off. “Seraphina is timid; every time we rode a roller coaster, she’d burrow into my arms and even cry from fear afterward. She wouldn’t be as excited as you; this isn’t right.” So he took me for a second, then a third ride. For some reason, I just couldn’t cry. All those self-important, ridiculous feelings instantly turned into a joke. I only felt humiliation. Finally, he got angry and took me straight to his company. On a hundred-story building, he tied me directly outside the window and slowly, bit by bit, cut the ropes holding me with a dagger. I finally became afraid, starting to cry hysterically. I cried for a very long time, but he never stopped until the rope was completely severed. I thought I would truly fall to my death, but then he violently yanked me back. I was so terrified I lost control of my bladder. I couldn’t even cry anymore, just trembled uncontrollably from extreme fear. Alexander was finally satisfied. He smiled and spoke. “Now you’re like her.” He then pulled me into his arms. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. How could I let anything happen to you?” Yet now, he stood there with two amusement park tickets, shamelessly saying to me. “Anya, I still remember you once told me you longed for an amusement park, and I remember your happy expression.” “I just didn’t appreciate it back then. If I could, I want to take action to help you overwrite those bad memories.” His eyes were so sincere. I looked and looked, unable to find a trace of guilt. “Anya, will you give me another chance?” But as soon as he finished speaking, someone violently pushed him aside. The man who stepped in front of me spoke with an icy tone. “Who allowed you to approach her?” Alexander, perhaps never having been treated so roughly, struggled to his feet, his face full of fury. “Who are you? I’m speaking with her. What right do you have to interfere?” The man calmly adjusted his suit cuff, impossibly elegant. “Me? Who I am, Anya will tell you herself.” He turned to look at me, his eyes tender and affectionate. I immediately linked my arm through his. “Allow me to introduce you. This is my fiancé, Julian.” I stood on my tiptoes and unhesitatingly kissed Julian’s cheek.

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I was applying a face mask when my son suddenly burst into tears, shoving his dad’s phone right into my face. “Mom, Dad’s chatting with another woman! He called her ‘baby’! Am I… am I going to lose my dad?” I quickly clapped a hand over his mouth, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom. I snatched the phone, putting it back exactly where it was. “Shh, don’t make a sound. That lady is a good person. The prestigious private school you go to? She arranged all of it. Our house and car? She bought them. Your dad and I even got promotions thanks to her. You absolutely can’t let your dad know we found out, got it?” My son looked up at me, his eyes brimming with tears. “Mom, are you… are you out of your mind?” I led my son to the balcony, wiping his tears dry. “Sweetheart, all you need to do right now is focus on your studies. Your dad and I aren’t getting a divorce, and you’re not losing your dad.” “That lady is truly a wonderful person. She’s not here to break up our family. Everything we have now, it’s all because of her, you understand?” “So, just relax, okay? Focus on your schoolwork.” He was still a bit confused; he was only ten, after all. But seeing how serious I was, he wiped his eyes and stopped crying. “Mom, I get it. I’ll pretend I don’t know anything.” I patted his head. “Good boy. Finish your homework, then go to bed. “Mom has to go to work tomorrow, too.” My son suddenly asked another question: “Mom, you said your and Dad’s promotions were arranged by that lady. Is she really that powerful?” I smiled. “Oh, she’s incredibly powerful. “Because she’s your dad’s boss… and mine.” He looked surprised, then a flicker of worry crossed his face. “Will she… will she bully you?” Now it was my turn to be shocked. “Why would you think that?” He bit his lip. “I just feel like you two should be enemies, and since she’s your boss, she’d definitely bully you.” I chuckled. “Don’t worry, Leo, she won’t. “Now, go do your homework.” He didn’t ask any more questions, turning and running back to his bedroom. I stood alone on the balcony, a gentle breeze blowing, my mind a complete blank. I mean, I never imagined that one day, discovering my husband’s affair would actually lead to so many benefits.

Finding out Daniel was cheating was completely unexpected. We worked at the same company, started at the same time, and had similar abilities, yet his promotions were much faster than mine. At first, I thought it was because I’d gotten pregnant and had a child, which put me behind. But later, I found out that wasn’t it at all. Daniel had slept his way into Eleanor’s bed. It was the annual company gala. Eleanor not only gave Daniel numerous awards but also a whopping $500,000 bonus. Even during the group photo, she made sure Daniel stood center stage. She herself retreated slightly, standing intimately close to him. This didn’t necessarily mean anything, until dinner when Eleanor suddenly came to sit at our table. As drinks flowed freely, she took a sip from Daniel’s glass. After drinking, she handed the glass back to Daniel, who immediately picked it up and drank from the exact spot with her lipstick print. Everyone was enjoying themselves and didn’t notice this small detail. But I did. My whole body was trembling at the time. A few minutes later, Eleanor seemed to get tipsy, and Daniel was the one who helped her up, saying he’d take her home. No one objected, and neither did I, of course. But after they left, I secretly followed them, wanting to find out what was really going on. I thought it would be hard to get answers, but it turned out to be incredibly easy. They assumed no other employees had followed them, so as soon as they exited the hotel banquet hall, Daniel pressed Eleanor against the corridor wall. “Eleanor, you were deliberately trying to provoke me tonight, weren’t you? “Drinking from my glass in front of everyone, and purposely leaving your lipstick mark.” Whether it was because of the alcohol or because of Daniel in front of her, Eleanor’s face was flushed, glowing with excitement. “Yes, you caught me.” Daniel fiercely kissed her cheek. “Aren’t you afraid someone will see? “What if someone tells your husband? That would be trouble. “Especially since Mina was there.” Oh, the Mina he was referring to was me. Eleanor just chuckled softly. “I know. Isn’t that just more thrilling?”

My hands and feet began to tremble, a wave of anger surging from my core. Just as I was about to rush out and confront them, Daniel spoke again. “You little temptress, you’re so daring. But I absolutely love it. Even knowing your husband could kill me if he found out, and knowing this is like a moth to a flame, I’m still completely hooked. “Though, doing this, I feel terrible about Mina and Leo.” Eleanor, however, cupped his face, pouting. “Just make it up to them, you know? If there’s no love, there’s always money. “And I’ve got plenty of that. “You can’t divorce now, and neither can I. We just have to keep them pacified for now. “Tonight’s bonus? I got it for you by handing you a project I negotiated myself. Give it all to Mina. “I’ll transfer another $500,000 to your personal account, and your salary will go up to $15,000 a month. You can give Mina more of that. “Also, your car and house need an upgrade. I felt uncomfortable last time I was at your place. “The VP of the projects department is leaving soon, and I’m considering Mina for the position. It’ll be a good way to compensate her. “I’ve already arranged for your son to attend a prestigious international private school, and I’ve paid all the tuition. You can find an excuse to enroll him when the time comes.” My foot, which had just stepped forward, instantly pulled back. I suppressed the storm raging inside me and continued to listen. Daniel was clearly shocked too. “Eleanor, you’ve done so much for me. I don’t know what to say. “I’m truly overwhelmed.” Eleanor pinched his cheek. “It’s nothing. As long as you stay with me, I’ll take care of your wife and child, too. “Only by keeping your home front secure can we truly be together. “After all, I don’t want a big scandal. If I end up walking away with nothing in a divorce, it won’t be good for any of us. “Mr. Thorne won’t let me off the hook.” Daniel nodded. “Being together is definitely difficult. We just can’t risk being discovered. “Eleanor, when can we finally be together openly? “I hate this sneaking-around feeling.” Eleanor’s eyes narrowed, a flash of ruthlessness crossing her face. “Mr. Thorne is paralyzed, but he’s not going to die anytime soon. “Not only that, he’s worried I’ll cheat, so he’s got a few people watching me. “He even sent Chloe, who pretends to be my husband’s sister. She’s not family, but she’s incredibly obedient. “She’s in Mina’s department. “So, tonight, I truly let my guard down. “If any of them had found out, we’d both be finished.”

Daniel’s face showed some helplessness. “It’s a shame we can’t both just quit our jobs; then we could be together.” Eleanor just smiled. “What are you talking about? “Quitting is definitely not an option. Mr. Thorne is still the biggest boss in the company. If I quit, how would I get money from him? “If you quit, how would you earn his money? “Actually, this is pretty good. We work hard to earn his money, and that makes me feel a little better.” Daniel agreed wholeheartedly. “You’re right. In another company, I might not have the position I have now. “Mina certainly wouldn’t be benefiting from my success.” Eleanor chuckled softly. “Well, what can I say? I fell for you. “So, I guess I just have to accept your family, right? “I’ve thought about it – why are you married? If only you were single. “But then I think, if you were single, I might not have even noticed you. “I’ve seen plenty of single, fresh-faced guys, many of whom approached me with an agenda. You, on the other hand, needed me to hint and pursue you to finally get you.” Daniel clearly loved hearing this. He suddenly lifted her chin and kissed her. “I never thought you’d even look at me back then. I actually thought I was misinterpreting your signals.” What followed was a passionate kiss. I quickly retreated, then quietly slipped away. Standing on the hotel balcony, I slowly began to calm my heart, which had almost leaped out of my chest. I never, ever thought Daniel would cheat on me. And I certainly didn’t expect it to happen this way. Thinking about the $500,000, and my son’s international private school, and Eleanor raising Daniel’s salary, and then preparing to promote me… My initial anger morphed into a strange excitement. After all, these were things I wouldn’t even have dared to dream of in my entire life. But now, they were all about to come true, and in such an unexpected way. It left me utterly stunned. For a moment, I felt only exhilaration and happiness about Daniel’s affair, not a shred of sadness. Even if he divorced me later, I would still have plenty of money. But then, Eleanor’s words made me feel a touch of worry. Mr. Thorne was her husband and the ultimate boss. He even had several spies watching Eleanor in the company. One of them, Chloe, was in my department, closest to me. What should I do to avoid her suspicion?

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A bombshell hit my wedding. The Harrington heiress Seraphina was back and she was dying. Terminally ill, covered in sores, with two weeks to live. My stepbrother Jeff collapsed, sobbing. “Take my place or I’ll kill myself!” I calmly brushed off my formal suit, unmoved. “Seraphina chose me. You begged Dad to switch our names. You stole my wedding. Now she’s dying, the money’s gone, and you have regrets? I’m married, Jeff. You think I’d walk into hell for you? Dream on!” To my utter disbelief, my fiancée, Celeste Blackwood, rushed to embrace Jeff. Then she turned on me, her eyes full of scorn. “The wedding hasn’t started! The papers aren’t signed! None of this counts!” “I can’t bear to watch Jeff suffer. He has to be the groom today. You’re his older brother. You should sacrifice for him!” I stared, struggling to process her words. My father and my stepmother, nodded in frantic agreement. They threw my identification documents at my feet. “Seraphina’s notorious for her wild parties and reckless behavior. She swore to have one last fling as a bride before she dies. Jeff’s too delicate to risk sickness or become a widower. The Harringtons will destroy us if we back out. You will marry into that family.” The people closest to me in this world were shoving me straight into a death trap. I closed my eyes, my heart shattering, and let out a cold, bitter laugh. “Fine. Have it your way.”

The moment I gave my groom’s suit to Jeff, he slid his arm around Celeste. “Celeste,” he asked, his face flushed, “Do I look good?” Celeste’s gaze was full of open admiration. “Perfect,” she said softly. “When I was designing this, I must have been thinking of your measurements. It fits you like it was always yours.” I flinched. So that explained the tight waist. She’d designed the suit herself. I’d thought I’d gained weight. She was always sewing it for him. Seeing my compliance, my stepmother Veronica held back her usual eye-roll. For once, even my father Robert offered a shred of approval, stating I was finally starting to act like an older brother should. I watched the four of them laughing together. I let my voice drip with cold sarcasm. “You didn’t honestly think I’d marry into the Harringtons for free, did you?” The laughter died. “What do you want?” Robert asked, his tone strained. “Ten percent of Sterling Corp.” My father’s face darkened. “You greedy bastard! That’s your brother’s legacy! I thought you were finally being reasonable, and now you’re trying to steal from him? You don’t deserve a cent!” I’d always known his bias, but the words still cut deep. “That company was built by my mother,” I shot back. “If your bastard child gets a share, why shouldn’t I? Or have you forgotten I’m also your son?” Robert’s face turned purple. If he weren’t terrified of delaying the wedding, he would have struck me. He forced the rage down. “Your mother was my wife! Everything she had belonged to the Sterlings, including that company! I decide who gets shares! I’ve fed and clothed you your entire life! You should be on your knees with gratitude!” He had been saying that ever since he brought Veronica and Jeff into our home. I used to wonder why other fathers saw providing for their children as a given, while I was expected to grovel for it. Eventually, I stopped thinking about it. What could you expect from a man who installed his affair partner before his wife’s body was cold? Celeste saw the redness in my eyes. She stepped closer, linking her arm with mine, her voice softening to a venomous purr. “Alex,” she cooed, “are you afraid of being alone after Seraphina dies? Or are you just scared of getting sick with no money?” “Don’t worry. When it’s all over, I’ll take you back. I’ll find you a doctor. It’s not that I’m cruel. Jeff is just so… sensitive. I can’t bear to see him suffer.” A wave of nausea hit me. I ripped my arm from her grasp. Then, mimicking Jeff’s earlier pathetic display, I pressed a knife to my own wrist. “No shares?” I sneered. “Then I’ll end it right here. You’re the ones who said the Harringtons can’t be crossed. Seraphina chose a Sterling. If I’m dead, Jeff can face the consequences himself!” On hearing this, Veronica quickly tugged on Robert’s sleeve. “Honey, we absolutely cannot let Jeff go into that hellhole!” “Seraphina is dying. The Harringtons will pick a new heir. Do you want Jeff to become a widower? To catch her disease? His life would be ruined! If anyone’s going to die from that illness, let it be Alex. He’s expendable. But not our Jeff!” Jeff’s eyes welled up with tears again. Robert immediately snapped for his assistant, who produced the share transfer agreement. He signed it without another word, then turned to reassure a trembling Jeff that he’d compensate him with even more shares later. A cold laugh echoed in my mind. Go ahead. Give him whatever you want. I’ll be taking it all back in the end. My mother’s life’s work would not remain in the hands of these vultures. The officiant urged. “The ceremony is ready to begin. Groom and bride, to your positions.”

Celeste’s eyes shone with triumph as she locked arms with Jeff, leading him away like a prize. My father forced me to stay for the wedding, claiming it was about family respect. A last-minute groom swap was the joke of the season among the city’s elite, and I felt the weight of every mocking, curious stare. As soon as it was over, I tried to slip away. Celeste stopped me. “Alex, I’m sorry about today.” “I know I wouldn’t be where I am without you. The moment Seraphina is gone, I’ll bring you home and make it right. Jeff won’t mind.” Celeste and I were college sweethearts. Back then, she was a broke student. and I was disowned by my family. We were each other’s only support. We dreamed of building our own empire, without the Sterling fortune. For her, I humbled myself, gathering investors for her startup. I studied relentlessly to be her advisor, her shield against a cutthroat world. She had once held my hand and sworn she would give me a home, that I would never be bullied again. But she broke her promise. I had no patience left for her hollow apologies. I turned and walked away. I bumped into Jeff, who was holding a glass of wine. “Alex,” he said timidly, “let me propose a toast. Thank you for stepping aside for Celeste and me… and for taking my place with the Harringtons.” Celeste gently praised him for being considerate, then looked at me. “Alex, Jeff means well-” I cut her off coldly. “Celeste, do I need to remind you that I’m allergic to alcohol?” “And you. You knew his exact size. You knew his body well enough to tailor that suit blindfolded. Tell me, how long have you been sleeping with him? Save your toast. I don’t accept drinks from a bastard and his mistress!” I didn’t bother to lower my voice. The remaining guests turned to stare. Jeff’s face instantly paled. He covered his face, sobbing. “I know you’re angry, Alex. If slandering me as a homewrecker and ruining my reputation makes you happy, then so be it. It’s my fault for not knowing my place.” The moment he finished, Celeste’s face turned glacial. “Alex, just drink the wine. Or I’ll have someone pour it down your throat.” When I met her threat with a cold stare, she let out a scornful laugh, snatched a full bottle of hard liquor, and slammed it on the table between us. “Drop the act. I know about all those nights you spent drinking with your rich cougars. Since when are you suddenly allergic?” “You embarrassed Jeff in public. A glass won’t cut it. You’re not leaving until you finish this entire bottle.” Whispers and sneers spread through the crowd. “How much do you think Alex Sterling charges for his services? Those old women must pay well.” “No wonder Celeste switched grooms. Who would want used goods? He’s perfect for that promiscuous Harrington girl. Jeff, at least, is pure.” My eyes widened in disbelief, my nails digging deep into my palms. Celeste had always prided herself on being above begging for favors. To secure projects and investments, I had no choice but to schmooze, drinking until my stomach bled. Yet, I had always remained pure. Coupled with long hours and irregular meals, my immune system broke down, and I suddenly developed an alcohol allergy. I hadn’t told her, afraid she’d worry. Before I could speak, Celeste lost patience. She turned and ordered her bodyguards, “You have three minutes. Force that bottle down his throat. Jeff is tired and can’t stand here much longer.” My arms were pinned, my mouth forcibly pried open. The fiery, acrid liquid poured down my throat, making me choke and bringing tears to my eyes. Almost visibly, my face and neck erupted in a rash. I clutched my throat, collapsing to my knees, suffocating. Celeste’s face changed drastically. She kicked away the bodyguard who was trying to force more alcohol down my throat. “Get out! Don’t touch him!” “Call 911! If Alex suffers any harm, I’ll end you all!” When the ambulance arrived, Celeste rushed over, trying to get into the vehicle with me. “Alex, I’m so sorry, I thought you were lying to me, I…” Despite the doctor’s repeated objections, I pulled off my oxygen mask. I spat directly into her face, enunciating each word. “Trash. Don’t touch me. You’re disgusting!” Celeste froze. Behind her, Jeff cried out, “Celeste, I twisted my ankle, it hurts so much, hurry and help me up…” She hesitated for a moment, then turned and ran to Jeff. I was taken to the hospital. After treatment, I could finally breathe normally, and the rash gradually faded. The next day, Celeste and Jeff went shopping. Pictures of their interlocked fingers flooded social media, a grand romantic gesture for all to see. No one came to see me. Only my father’s assistant stopped by, on his own accord. Seeing my pale face, Mr. Davis sighed with compassion. “Mr. Alex Sterling, you’ve been through a lot.” “It’s just a pity that beyond secretly visiting you, I can’t stop you from falling into the Harrington family’s hellhole seven days from now.” He was trained by my mother and stayed to help protect the company. After my mother passed, he remained by my father’s side, assisting him, and often looked out for me in private. I curved my lips into a knowing smile. “You’re wrong. That won’t be a hellhole.” “Mr. Davis, interested in a partnership?”

No sooner had I been discharged from the hospital than I heard my father had given Jeff another 15% of Sterling Corp. He even complained that Jeff and Celeste’s new home was too far from their mother’s family, fearing he would miss his son, and insisted on buying Jeff another mansion nearby. He and Veronica spent their days busy decorating Jeff’s new place. The entire social circle mocked me, the son of the first wife, saying I was worth less than the illegitimate child born of the mistress who climbed her way up. I didn’t care. With them gone, I was happy to have some peace. While I was replying to Mr. Davis’s messages, when Jeff suddenly pushed the door open, carrying a bowl of something dark and murky. He placed the bowl on the coffee table, sat beside me, and linked his arm through mine, smiling. “I heard you were in the hospital by yourself for two days, brother?” “It’s all Celeste’s fault. She kept dragging me to lavish auctions for my wedding gifts. I thought it was a waste, but I couldn’t bear to spoil her fun, so I didn’t have time to visit you, brother. Don’t be angry.” I stared at his theatrics with cold eyes. “What do you want, Jeff?” Jeff’s gaze swept over the safe in my room. His face flushed as he smiled. “Celeste also wants us to have a baby so soon after marriage. I heard a Blessed Mother painting can help with fertility, and I wanted to get one for our living room, but I haven’t found one I like.” “I heard your mother was a devout believer and an excellent painter. She once painted a Blessed Mother. I was hoping you’d let me have it, brother…” “I won’t take it for free. I told Celeste that if you stay healthy, she should take care of you on the side. After all, successful women always have men chasing them, so instead of letting some unknown creeps have you, it’s better if brother…” I violently yanked my hand free and grabbed his collar, yanking him closer. “That Blessed Mother painting is the only relic my mother left me! My father, the company, women-I can give all of that up, but that painting, no one touches it!” “Only you and your mother, you despicable opportunists, would eagerly become mistress and illegitimate child. I, Alex Sterling, wouldn’t stoop so low!” When I was six, I fell gravely ill, and nothing seemed to cure me. My mother, desperate, turned to faith. She painted a sacred image, had it blessed, and knelt before it. For three days, without food or water, she prayed without ceasing, begging a higher power to spare her son. n the end, my health returned. But not long after, my mother was taken from me. Her final act was one of courage, a sacrifice that took her from me. That painting embodies my mother’s love for me. No one can take it away! Jeff was thrown to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. “Brother, you misunderstand me. I just wanted to repay you.” Celeste suddenly appeared, pulling Jeff into her embrace. She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. Her eyes were as cold as ice. “I’m the one who chose the new groom. Jeff was never a homewrecker. He was even worried you might get sick, that the Harrington family wouldn’t care for you as a widower, and no one else would want you. That’s why he begged me to find you a doctor and care for you for the rest of your life.” “You can bear to lay a hand on such a considerate brother, yet you care so much about a painting from a dead person. You’re truly unreasonable!” Celeste pinned me down with one hand and ordered the bodyguards, “Since he won’t hand it over willingly, saw open the safe now and get the painting.” Her words stabbed at my heart like a thousand knives, hurting far more than the slap. Soon, they retrieved the painting and handed it to Jeff. I stared at Celeste, a cold laugh escaping my lips. “So, you’re completely on Jeff’s side now, helping him steal my things, is that right?” Celeste knew my history. Her past sympathy was now replaced by a barely concealed guilt. She released me, her tone softening slightly. “Alex, it hurts me when either of you is sad.” “Anyway, your mother isn’t coming back. It’s just a worthless painting. Just let Jeff have it. If you like, I’ll buy you a hundred more, okay?” I grabbed the glass from the table and smashed it against Celeste’s head without hesitation. “No!” Seeing blood stream from Celeste’s forehead, Jeff screamed and ran over, shoving me hard. “How dare you hit her?! It’s just a painting! We don’t want it anymore, take it back!” The scroll suddenly unfurled in his hands. The next second, the Blessed Mother painting was torn into two halves. One half was in my hand. The other half, Jeff tossed into the nearby fish tank.

“Ah, brother, I… I didn’t mean to…” I ignored him, rushing to the fish tank to retrieve the half of the painting. The colors were already ruined by the water, beyond repair. I couldn’t even protect the last memento my mother left me. My heart felt torn to shreds, tears falling onto the floor. Celeste’s eyes flashed with pity. She gave Jeff a reproving look. “Alex…” Jeff suddenly remembered something and quickly handed me the bowl from the coffee table. “This is a folk remedy I found for you. They say it can prevent all kinds of illnesses. Drink it and you’ll forgive me~” A pungent, fishy odor emanated from the black liquid, and I could vaguely make out the corpses of scorpions and maggots. I snatched the bowl and smashed it against Jeff. “You want me to forgive you? Over my dead body!” It had been sitting out for a while, so the liquid in the bowl was already lukewarm. Yet, Jeff clutched his arm and shrieked, “Ah, it’s so hot…” Veronica burst in. Taking in the scene, she rolled up Jeff’s sleeve, revealing the red patches on his arm. They exchanged a knowing glance before she pulled him into a hug, sobbing. “My poor Jeff! Why trouble yourself over that ungrateful wretch? Has he ever treated you as a brother?” “You’ve been delicate since birth. What if it leaves a scar? Daughter-in-law, are you just going to stand there and watch your husband get bullied?!” Celeste looked at me with immense disappointment. She closed her eyes, then spoke in a deep voice, “Get a basin of boiling water.” At her signal, the bodyguards pinned me to the ground. A basin of scalding water was placed before my eyes, the steam stinging them shut. A sense of foreboding instantly filled my entire being. “Celeste, what are you doing?!” She looked down at me from above. “Alex, you’ve repeatedly betrayed Jeff’s good intentions and hurt him. You have to pay the price.” Vaguely guessing her intent, I struggled desperately. “The liquid in that bowl was already cold! Jeff is just acting with his mother! Can’t you see?!” At my words, Jeff immediately began to wipe away tears. “Brother, it’s bad enough that you bully and target me, but Celeste has been so good to you, how could you bear to lie to her?!” “Are you saying my injury isn’t severe enough? Fine, I’ll scald myself with boiling water again right now, as compensation for your mother’s painting!” He had barely lifted his foot before Celeste pulled him into her arms. “Jeff, you’re just too innocent. That’s why he always slanders and bullies you. I believe you.” Jeff whimpered pitifully. “Actually, since Seraphina is so promiscuous, perhaps ruining your skin with boiling water would be a good thing, brother. Maybe she won’t want to touch you then? At least you wouldn’t get sick.” Celeste actually nodded in agreement at such an absurd suggestion. “Jeff, you’re so clever.” I burst into maniacal laughter, tears streaming down my face. “Celeste, I misjudged you completely. You and Jeff truly are a perfectly vile pair, a match made in hell!” Celeste frowned, her expression grim. “Alex, if you’re angry, you can curse me, but do you really need to target Jeff at every turn? He’s thought about you enough. You can’t be so heartless!” “Jeff is right. Perhaps this is also a way to protect you. Besides, you owe him this!” “Don’t worry, even if you’re covered in scars, I won’t abandon you. The moment Seraphina passes, I’ll come take you away!” As her words fell, the entire basin of scalding water was poured onto my back. The pain was excruciating, tearing through me, yet I couldn’t move. My whole body convulsed and trembled uncontrollably. My father rushed in, his voice anxious. “Stop, all of you! The Harrington family is here! Their heiress is critical. The doctors say she has three days left, tops. She wants a wedding, right now. She’s determined to go out with a bang.” “The Harrington family wants to take him now. They said they’ll hold a small ceremony at home first, so Miss Harrington won’t have any regrets!” When the butler changed my clothes, he was terrified by the shocking blisters covering my back, afraid of bursting them and causing bleeding or infection. My father, upon hearing this, showed no pity, only blame. “It was I who told Jeff to get the Blessed Mother painting from you. I can’t believe how disobedient you are, even slandering Jeff. You’ll never change!” I violently looked at him, hatred practically spewing from my eyes. So, he was the one who told Jeff about the painting! “Don’t look at me like that. Are you regretting it? Do you think being injured will get you out of the wedding?” “Let me be clear,” my father snarled, “the Harringtons have promised Sterling Corp a substantial reward for this. A single project from them is worth a decade of our profits. I’ve fed and housed you all these years. Now, you will repay me. You will marry into that family today!” He ordered the butler to suit me up, injuries be damned. “Dark fabric hides blood.” My back was raw, the pain blinding. When the car moved, the suit was already stained dark. Through the window, I saw Celeste silently form the words. “Alex, just endure it. I’ll come for you.” Three days later, news came that a Harrington had died. Celeste, counting the days, was certain it was Seraphina, the city’s darling heiress. She rushed to the funeral home with Jeff to pay their respects. But when she looked into the coffin, she froze. The body lying there wasn’t a young woman at all. It wasn’t the heiress. It was 102-year-old Grandfather Harrington, with a shock of white hair.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “306748”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic #重生Reborn #校园School

I always thought Ethan hated my guts. That’s why, when thugs dragged me into a dark alley and assaulted me, he was the last person I’d call for help. I ended up in the hospital, my body a map of pain. A doctor looked down, his voice thick with pity. “Any last words for your family?”. “Tell Ethan I’m dying. He’s finally free.” For three years of marriage, Ethan had demanded a divorce ninety-nine times. He once even drugged me and left me in another man’s bed, all just to be rid of me. Now, with me gone, he was finally free. But at my funeral, Ethan’s eyes burned crimson. He beheaded my killers, offering their heads at my coffin. His bloodstained hands trembled, crumpling the hidden cancer diagnosis. Then he swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and lay beside me. “Aubrey, I’m coming with you.” My eyes snapped open. Time had rewound. Ethan stood before me, thrusting the divorce papers at me for the ninety-ninth time. “She’s pregnant. She needs me to do right by her. Don’t be a roadblock. Sign it.” I snatched the papers and tore them to shreds. I grabbed him, pulling him close, my voice breaking. “You’re sick! And you didn’t tell me? You think this is noble? Suffering alone? Waiting to die?”

Ethan looked up at me, startled. A flicker of light shone in his beautiful eyes, then died just as quickly. He lit a cigarette and leaned back lazily on the sofa, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “Aubrey, have you been watching too many cheesy dramas?” He gave a dismissive laugh, deliberately blowing a cloud of smoke in my face. “I’m completely over you. This marriage is broken. Let’s end it cleanly and make room for my new girlfriend.” The thick smoke stung my nostrils, threatening to make me cough. I had to admit, Ethan knew me all too well. He knew how much I hated the smell of smoke. Using it to provoke me while discussing our divorce was a deliberate, calculated move. I pulled out the printed copy of the cancer diagnosis. Tears welling in my eyes, I thrust it toward him. “Then explain this to me.” His gaze slowly fell on the paper. His face was emotionless, giving nothing away. After a long moment, he let out a derisive snort. Then he tore it to pieces. “A fake medical report? Late-stage cancer? Aubrey, if you don’t want a divorce, just say so. There’s no need to put a curse on me.” With a flick of his wrist, he sent the confetti of paper fluttering down around us like snow. Ethan was done. “If you tear up this agreement, I’ll just print another. When you come to your senses, you can sign it yourself.” “My girl is waiting for me for a date. I don’t have time for this.” With a final, languid look, he stood and walked away. I hesitated for only a second before chasing after him. “Ethan, don’t think you can get rid of me.” I called out. “You want a divorce? Well, I’m not signing anything. Let’s see what you do then!” I was being stubborn. Ethan paused, then shot me an icy glare. “Suit yourself.” So I went full-blown clinger. When he went to the office for meetings, I was waiting at the entrance. When he drove off to see his new girlfriend, I hailed a cab. “Driver, can you go faster? don’t lose that car.” The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Sweetheart, that young couple looks real happy together. Why are you following them?” I gritted my teeth. “That man is my husband.” The driver’s expression shifted instantly to one of sympathy. He straightened up and thumped his chest. “Don’t worry, I won’t lose them.” They pulled over in front of a shopping mall. Ethan got out first, then turned and opened the passenger door. A young girl launched herself into his arms. They laughed and chatted, linking arms as they walked into the mall. I bit my lip. Even though I knew it was all an act, a sharp, familiar pain shot through my heart. It was just like the provocations he’d used in our last life to pressure me into signing the divorce. He even brought the girl to our bed, stripped her naked, and held her close, flaunting their intimacy in front of me. It was that time that my heart truly died. I signed the divorce papers, packed my things, and planned to move out and find a new place, only to be dragged into a dark alley by a group of thugs. They abused me, treating me like a rough toy. Excruciating pain shot through me as they tore out a large chunk of my hair. My teeth felt like they’d been knocked out, as they grabbed a brick from the street and smashed it against my head. As my vision blurred, I remembered that purest year. Ethan had held me gently, setting his number as the emergency speed dial on my phone. “Aubrey, if you’re ever in danger, call me immediately. I’ll always be there.” I struggled to find Ethan’s number, but hesitated the moment I was about to dial. I remembered his disgusted look. He was probably flirting with his new girlfriend, not wanting to be disturbed by me. Later, even when I was battered and bruised, hospitalized, and clinging to life, I still didn’t contact Ethan. It became a final goodbye. Now, across the street, Ethan had his arm around the girl’s waist, whispering and chuckling in her ear. His gaze occasionally flickered in my direction. I steeled myself, getting out of the taxi and rushing towards them. Noticing my raw stare, Ethan and the girl paused, turning back to look at me strangely. “Honey, didn’t you say you’d divorce that old hag at home? Why is she chasing us again?” Ethan’s gaze slowly settled on me, his brows furrowed, but he said nothing. He seemed to be waiting for an explanation from me. I shrugged with a smile. “Don’t mind me. You two carry on.”

I remembered Ethan’s new girlfriend, her name was Chloe. She looked pure and sweet, completely unlike me, the “shrew.” Ever since Ethan started frequently mentioning divorce six months ago, he’d spent every night out with Chloe. Seeing me follow them like glue, Chloe seemed uneasy. She kept looking back at me, clinging to Ethan’s arm and whining. “Honey, is your wife crazy?” “Why is she still following us? Is there something wrong with her?” Ethan finally lost his patience, turning to glare coldly at me. “Aubrey, you’re scaring my girl.” He shielded her behind him, as if I might hurt her. But six years ago. He had protected me in the same way, without a second thought. He’d watched the stars with me, traveled to the desert with me, and even when close to dying of thirst, he saved the last sip of water for me. Even though I’d been entangled with my ex-boyfriend, betraying him many times. He still loved me. In my last life, I could never understand. Could such a devoted person suddenly change his heart? So, I went wild with jealousy, focusing all my envious hatred on that young, beautiful girl, Chloe. Jealousy can drive people mad. It blinded me to Ethan’s true intentions. But now that I knew the whole story, I crossed my arms, enjoying Ethan’s expression, and suddenly I laughed. “Ethan, your acting still needs some work. It’s really hard to fool me.” Ethan averted his gaze, saying nothing. He leaned down and kissed Chloe’s lips. The girl’s face immediately flushed. She shyly looked up at him, her eyes full of joy. I, however, stood frozen, my face pale. Ethan looked at me with a calculated stare, then casually put his arm around the girl’s waist. “Still think I’m acting?” He even pulled up hotel reservation details on his phone, shoving it in my face. “See clearly. I’ve really fallen for someone else. My heart has changed.” “Aubrey, stop thinking I’m just playing along with you, or you’ll seem incredibly narcissistic.” Seeing my silence, Ethan smiled faintly and invited me. “We’re checking into a room tonight. If you’re interested, maybe you’d like to watch?” I was so furious my eyes blurred. I turned and ran. After I furiously got into a taxi and disappeared from the street, Ethan finally withdrew his gaze, releasing Chloe with a blank expression. “I’ll have a driver take you back.” Chloe’s rosy face instantly turned white. She bit her lip hard, timidly tugging at Ethan’s sleeve. “But you promised to go shopping with me? And tonight we were going to…” Seeing Ethan’s cold expression, the girl’s voice trailed off. “Ms. Chloe, she’s gone. No need to keep up the act.” “I’ll settle today’s payment with you as planned. Go shopping on your own.” Hidden around the corner, I saw this scene and smirked. Ethan had no idea I was so clever. I pretended to get into a taxi, drove a short distance, then told the driver to turn back. I wanted to see with my own eyes how they’d wrap things up. I’d actually thought they were going to book a room, film a video, or even stream it for me. Turns out Ethan’s tricks were limited. As Ethan turned to leave, his face was a little pale. His hand was pressed to his stomach, making my expression suddenly change. No wonder he looked like he was forcing himself earlier. Was his condition flaring up? Chloe, unaware of any of this, was still caught up in her sadness, turning to walk back into the mall alone. “Chloe.” I called out to her. “It’s you again?” The girl turned back, surprised. “How do you know my name?” I stood tall and confident, handing her the investigation report from the private detective. “I know everything. Ethan is sick, late-stage cancer. He didn’t want to burden me, so he found you to act this out and force me to divorce him.” A look of guilt flashed across Chloe’s face. She stammered, “You’re lying! Ethan and I are real. Otherwise, how could I be pregnant with his baby?” She gently placed her hand on her slightly swollen belly. There was clearly a little life inside. But my smile grew wider. “That baby is your boyfriend’s, isn’t it? It’s not Ethan’s at all.” “Because he has never touched you.” The girl’s face instantly turned ashen. “All this… how did you know?”

In my last life, that girl came to me, crying, saying Ethan was spitting blood and that I should go see him. She said Ethan had always loved me. At the time, I was consumed by the anger and jealousy of betrayal. I thought she was taunting me. My gaze fell on her belly, and my tone was sharp. “If he really loved me, how could he get you pregnant?” “He hates me.” “I’ll agree to divorce him. You two ‘lovebirds’ can just be stuck together forever.” Later, I found out that was one of the worst times Ethan had bled, staining the entire bathtub red. His assistant rushed him to the hospital, tears streaming down his face, saying he wanted to call me. But Ethan weakly raised a hand to stop him. “Don’t… don’t bother her.” “She should forget me and have a new life.” It wasn’t until after my death in the last life that I realized Ethan had never betrayed me. He had hidden his love very, very deeply. Even before his death, by forcing me to divorce him, he was doing everything he could to pave the way for my future. How could I ever let down such a good man? I pulled out a bank card and handed it to Chloe. “If I’m not mistaken, you took this job because you needed money, right?” “Chloe, whatever Ethan paid you, I’ll give you double. Only one condition-” “Next time Ethan calls you, make sure you refuse him.” No one turns down money. Chloe took the bank card, hesitated for a moment, then agreed. As I was leaving, she called out to me. “Aubrey, Ethan really loves you. You’re very lucky.” “I think so too. Even if he only has a few months left, you two should be together, cherishing every precious moment.” I smiled at her, then turned and left. After sorting everything out, I took a taxi home, wanting to talk things through with Ethan. I wasn’t afraid of being a burden to him. I loved him. Even if he only had one day left to live, I wanted to be with him. But I searched every room in the villa and couldn’t find Ethan. I called his assistant, who also said he didn’t know; Ethan had gone out alone without a driver. I was frantic and scared, terrified that something might have happened to him alone outside. I searched everywhere he loved to go, but there was no sign of him. Finally, I went to the place where we first met. Ethan was there, just as I expected. He was leaning alone against an old oak tree by the river, his gaze distant, smoking a cigarette. His eyes were pale, and he occasionally winced in pain, clutching his stomach with his other hand. I knew he was hurting again. “Come on, to the hospital.” I forced back a sob, reaching out to pull him. Ethan was surprised to see me there and froze for a moment. But only for a second, then he coldly scoffed and shook off my hand. “Aubrey, aren’t you annoying?” “I told you, I hate you. Can’t you take a hint and stop constantly showing up around me?” I watched his mouth open and close. I didn’t hear anything he said. I only saw his lips, utterly devoid of color. My emotions overwhelmed me, and I stepped forward to hug him again. “Ethan, didn’t you say it? Through sickness and health, you’d be with me.” “Why, why are you pushing me away?” “You forgot how many times I betrayed you for other men, how you forgave me every time, cleaned up my messes, and continued to love me. Why are you changing your mind now?” “You went through so much trouble to win me over and marry me. Now that I’ve finally fallen in love with you, how dare you push me away?” Since my rebirth, It was the first time I’d lost control, practically screaming and crying all this out. Ethan froze. He stared at me blankly, a hint of panic in his eyes. He even started to reach out, as if to wipe my tears. “Aubrey, I’m sorry. I said some harsh things. Please don’t cry.” I didn’t give him another chance to push me away, seizing the opportunity to throw myself into his arms. “Ethan, believe it or not, if I divorce you, I’ll die.” “No way!” Ethan blurted out, without hesitation. His expression shifted. “Aubrey, don’t say that. Don’t curse yourself like that.” I let out a wet chuckle, wiping my tears and sniffles on his sleeve. But it wasn’t a curse. It was a memory. That was exactly what happened in my past life. Signing those papers was what sent me to my death. “I’m telling you the truth, Ethan.” “The moment the divorce is finalized, I will die.” “Maybe this is fate. Heaven has decided you’re only meant to be a widower, not a divorced man.”

Perhaps because I was so shameless, Ethan stopped mentioning divorce and no longer tried to push me away. He even uncharacteristically took me for ice cream and to watch a movie. We were like any normal couple again. Time felt like it had been rewound six months. During the second half of the movie, I fell asleep leaning on Ethan’s shoulder. In my sleep, I mumbled. “Ethan, please don’t send me away.” He silently watched me, his gaze gentle yet heavy, then leaned down and kissed my forehead. It got dark, and Ethan drove me home, silent the whole way. No matter how I tried to lighten the mood or start a conversation, he’d only respond with a faint “Mhm,” “Oh,” or “Got it.” That night, while Ethan was in the shower, I tiptoed into his bed. We had started sleeping separately six months ago. I’d been disgusted, thinking he was messing around outside and was “dirty.” He never bothered to explain. He’d sleep in the guest room or the study every night. But now, I was in his bed, wearing my nightgown. Ethan, fresh out of the shower, pulled back the covers and saw me. He was visibly stunned. “Aubrey, what’s gotten into you?” Seeing what I was wearing, he paused, took a step back, and looked away. “Get out.” I was a little disheartened. Tonight I’d specifically put on a revealing nightgown, Ethan’s favorite style. During the good times in our relationship, whenever I wore this nightgown. He’d instantly turn into a beast. Now he was like a different person, indifferent, and wouldn’t even look at me. “Ethan, do you really hate me that much?” “No.” “Then why can’t you look me in the eye?” I deliberately clung to him, even actively kissing him, teasing him. Ethan’s breathing grew ragged. He grabbed my hands. “Aubrey, I told you I lost interest in you a long time ago. Why humiliate yourself?” He looked me up and down with disdain. “I’m sick of this body; I don’t want to touch it even once.” I gritted my teeth, furious. This guy could be truly venomous when he wanted to. But I didn’t care. I wrapped my arms around his waist and kissed him hard. He still resisted, until I whispered something in his ear. “Ethan, if we actually divorce, this might be our last time.” “Our last time. Don’t you want to enjoy it properly?” “Who knows, after the divorce, we might be separated by life and death, never getting a chance to meet again.” I remembered my past life, how I died after signing the divorce papers. But Ethan was thinking he had late-stage stomach cancer and only a few days to live. A heavy and sorrowful atmosphere hung between us. Ethan indeed stopped resisting. His hand pressed against the back of my head, and he kissed me deeply. “Alright, then, one last time.” The next morning. My entire body felt like it had been torn apart. Ethan’s strength was so intense; who knew how long he’d been holding back? When I woke up, Ryan wasn’t in bed. I heard movement in the bathroom and walked over. In the pristine sink, there was a puddle of red blood. My body stiffened. “Ethan…” My face was pale. I wanted to go to him, but Ethan quickly turned on the faucet to rinse it away, giving a nonchalant smile. “What are you looking at? Just a nosebleed. You’re going to mock me for that?” My heart ached, but I didn’t expose him. I smiled and replied. “Probably just too much heat. I’ll make you some herbal tea to cool down later.” But there was no “later.” A few days later, Ethan slipped something into my juice and tried to send me to Ryan’s bed. What he didn’t know was that I’d already lived through this twice. I knew what was in that drink. I pretended to sip it, then rushed to the bathroom, shoved my fingers down my throat, and forced myself to vomit it all up. I was fully conscious when Ethan carried me into the hotel room. I clearly heard their conversation. “Ryan, take good care of her from now on.” Ethan’s voice was hoarse, more than I’d ever heard. “If you ever dare to hurt her again, I’ll haunt you even as a ghost.” I stood with my back to them, my body stiff, so heartbroken I could barely breathe. Ryan was my ex-boyfriend. In my last life, Ethan had forced Ryan to sign an agreement, stating that if he ever changed his mind and hurt me, he’d have to pay me ten million. I thought this time he finally understood my true feelings, but he still had this plan in mind. But I’m a person, not an object. Ethan, how dare you hand me over to someone else? Did you even ask me? Even Ryan, who usually argued with him, was too shocked to speak, pulling him back, unable to bear it. “Ethan, are you sure?” “Have you even asked Aubrey if this is what she wants?” “You’ve been married for three years, Aubrey isn’t as fragile as you think. Even if you tell her the truth, she can handle it.” “She’s not a heartless person; she wouldn’t leave you just because you have cancer…” “And more importantly, we’re ancient history. Aubrey loves you now!” Ethan looked down and smiled, his gaze gently resting on my unconscious form. “Of course, I know she loves me.” “But that’s exactly why I can’t let her grieve.” “I can endure any torment, I can walk through hell itself.” “But I can’t bear… to see her cry for me.” But Ethan, if you just looked at me, you’d see that I’m crying right now. Ethan took one last look at me, slipped a strawberry-flavored condom into Ryan’s hand, and turned away without a word. He never returned to the hotel that night. He sat in his car, lost in thought for a long time, then pulled a two-inch photo of me from his suit pocket. His thumb gently traced its surface. He smiled softly. “Aubrey, you used to love Ryan so much. You’ll fall in love with him again.” “Forget about me. Go live a happy life.” It was almost dark when he drove alone to the cross-river bridge and pulled over. No assistant or driver followed him. He only left one last message in his notes, his final letter to the world. “I don’t want to live in pain. For the rime I left, I want to be free.” With that resolve, he walked steadily toward the river. Just then, his phone rang frantically. Ethan silenced it, but it rang again almost immediately. He sighed in frustration, saw Ryan’s name, and answered, his voice tight. “Ryan?” A frantic, panicked voice answered. “Ethan, get over here! It’s Aubrey! She found out what you did, lost it, and then she got jumped by some thugs! They dragged her into an alley!”

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