Author: Momo Chan

My sister-in-law, Chloe, was trapped in a deep chasm. I risked my life, tying ropes around myself, to go down and save her. Just as I secured the rope around her waist, the support from above suddenly gave way, and we plummeted, hitting the bottom hard. I looked up, only to see my husband, Brandon Kellen, cutting the rope. His first love, Vanessa Hayes, laughed maniacally: “Do it!” Black-clad bodyguards frantically shoveled quicksand into the pit, intending to bury us alive! I desperately contacted Brandon through my walkie-talkie. “Brandon! Chloe and I are still down here!” Brandon scoffed. “Three years ago, during the earthquake, you abandoned Liam, Vanessa’s brother, in the ruins for five days to save others. Now it’s time for you to pay the price!” Vanessa instantly forced out a sob: “Brandon, thank you so much. My brother’s death is finally avenged.” As the quicksand reached our ankles, I screamed, tearing my throat: “Brandon! This is your own sister down here!” “Amelia, you’ll say anything to stay alive, won’t you?” “My sister went to Disney with her friends today. I just helped her with the itinerary last night. Next time you lie, at least try to make it believable.” Vanessa’s voice crackled through the walkie-talkie: “Amelia, what goes around comes around! The way you caused my brother’s death, that’s exactly how you’ll die with that little bitch next to you!” I tried to put some distance between myself and Chloe, hoping they’d get a clearer view of her face. But I was too naive. She’d been trapped here for over a day, and her makeup was completely smeared. It would be a miracle if they didn’t mistake her for a ghost. “Brandon, you’ll regret this!” After saying that, I snapped the walkie-talkie off. There wasn’t much time left! If we didn’t get out before the quicksand reached our lungs, we would truly be buried alive. Chloe gasped for air, clutching my hand, refusing to let go. “Amelia… what’s wrong with Brandon? Does he really want to kill me? I’m his own sister!” With that, she finally burst into tears. Though my heart ached for her, there was no time for comfort now. If I didn’t make a decision, hesitating for even a second meant we’d both die here. The quicksand crept higher, slowly covering our ankles. “Hold on tight, don’t let go!” I tied us together with the rope and began to use the small shovel I carried to dig indentations, making it easier to climb. The next second, a rock the size of a sandbag grazed my ear and rolled past. Chloe yelled up, her voice hoarse: “Brandon! Are you crazy? Why are you throwing rocks at Amelia?” I covered my ears, trying to avoid more bleeding. Brandon picked up a megaphone, his arrogant voice echoing down. “Still running your mouth when death is imminent? You’re asking for it!” Rocks rained down, forcing me to stop digging. Chloe and I huddled together, dodging the barrage. And the yellow sand kept piling up; our calves were already completely submerged. The next moment, the bodyguards suddenly stopped shoveling. A package was thrown down. I opened it to find a phone and a document. The phone was on a FaceTime call with Alexander Kellen. “It’s not too late to back down. Just agree to this document, and I’ll have you both pulled out immediately.” I flipped open the document, wanting to see what could possibly make him go to such lengths to kill me. My mind went blank when I read it.

The document demanded that I surrender to the police and confess that the building collapse during the earthquake three years ago was my fault. It claimed I was responsible for trapping the Hayes siblings in the ruins, leading to one death. But at the time, I was hiking. All company affairs were handled solely by Brandon. He was the one who cut corners, and the building couldn’t withstand the earthquake, causing the casualties. Now, he wanted me to be the scapegoat, and to transfer all company shares to Vanessa. If I agreed to this contract, I’d probably spend the rest of my life in prison. Chloe read the document, then angrily tore it to shreds: “Brandon, you’re despicable!” Chloe snatched the phone, crying uncontrollably at the person on the FaceTime call: “Brandon! Open your eyes! I’m your sister!” “Didn’t you say you’d take care of me forever? Come down and save me! I won’t let Amelia sign that thing!” My heart ached. They say a sister-in-law is like a mother. After five years of marriage, Chloe and I had become inseparable, like best friends who could tell each other anything. Brandon scoffed at her. “Looking like a ghost and trying to impersonate my sister? That’s not how you beg. My sister, even if not a supermodel, has always been beautiful since she was little. How can you, a filthy bitch, even compare!” “Amelia, my patience is limited. Sign it, or die!” The bodyguards at the edge of the pit suddenly accelerated, shoveling dirt and sand down on us. Someone’s keys, mixed in the dirt, had a sharp edge that sliced Chloe’s arm. “Make your decision quickly, or next time I’ll throw knives down!” “Chloe!” I quickly tore off a strip of my clothing to bandage her wound. I glared up at Brandon. “Do you think this plan of yours is perfect?” Brandon sneered. “So what if it is? No one can save you now.” I pointed at Vanessa standing beside him. “Someone is using you to kill, can’t you see? You think you’re some knight charging for love, but you’re just a dog in someone else’s hands.” “Who are you calling a dog?” “You know who. Keep this up, and you’ll regret it, eventually.” Vanessa suddenly picked up a rock and hurled it at us. “Brandon, don’t listen to her nonsense! She’s just trying to buy time for reinforcements!” “Bury her faster!” Brandon immediately stopped thinking, his patience gone. “Didn’t you eat breakfast this morning? Shovel harder!” A dozen bodyguards furiously swung their shovels, and our thighs were almost completely submerged. I immediately pulled a spray bottle from my bag. With every ounce of strength I had, I swung it upwards, hitting the ground near the lead bodyguard’s feet. Brandon, however, burst into laughter. “Pepper spray? Hahahaha…” “Amelia, and you’re a genius from a top-tier university. Can you fend off ten people with one spray?” The sand buried us higher and higher, already reaching our stomachs. Chloe clung to my waist, tears soaking my back, filled with despair.

I watched as the nozzle of the spray automatically opened, dispersing a mist. “Brandon? Do you know how highly concentrated capsaicin spray I put in this?” Brandon’s brows furrowed slightly, but before he could answer. The ten bodyguards at the chasm’s edge suddenly collapsed, convulsing on the ground. Two even tumbled down into the pit. On the FaceTime call, the previously arrogant Brandon suddenly coughed violently, and Vanessa’s smile vanished. “Brandon? Why did they all faint?” Seizing the opportunity, I quickly began climbing up with Chloe. Ten years of mountain climbing experience made the task less difficult. But Brandon’s furious voice came through the phone. “Amelia, are you getting too cocky?” The phone screen shook as Brandon reached into his car, grabbed a water bottle, and used it to cover my spray canister. Then, he picked up a heavy-duty shovel from the ground and violently swung it down towards us. I couldn’t let go. If I fell from this height, Chloe would be smashed to death. Chloe was on my back, and there was no time to dodge. The shovel slammed directly onto her arm, a sickening crunch followed by a scream and a bloody mess. Chloe passed out from the pain. “Bitch, still trying to instigate her not to sign the contract! Let’s see how many more hits you can take.” Brandon threw two more shovels our way. I endured the searing pain in my hands, barely managing to dodge. If Chloe hadn’t been trying to help Brandon stabilize the company and manage the fallout from the disaster, she wouldn’t have been lured into this trap and ended up in such a miserable state. I roared into the phone: “Brandon! At this rate, Chloe will really die!” Brandon drew on a cigarette, slowly blowing smoke rings, unhurried. “Still trying to lie to me when death is at your doorstep? If you really want to save her, sign the document.” “Fine! I’ll sign, I admit it’s my fault.” Without hesitation, I quickly climbed down to the lowest level to retrieve the document and pen they threw. “I’ve signed it! Now let us out.” Chloe, jostled awake, saw my signature and couldn’t help but curse loudly. “You’re not human, Brandon! I’m your own sister!” Brandon used a thin string to pull the document up. After confirming my signature, he drew a throwing knife from his belt. “Still daring to curse me at a time like this? You two need a lesson.” He aimed for my head, and just as we relaxed our guard, he hurled it with force. Chloe, on my back, saw his move and lunged forward, blocking the knife with her hand. “Ah!” With a sickening thud, her hand was completely severed. “No!” I went mad, frantically pulling emergency bandages from my bag, trying to calmly stop the bleeding. “It’s okay, it’s okay…” “Amelia, keep begging me. Why didn’t you save Liam when Vanessa begged you back then?” Vanessa’s head peered over the edge, a triumphant smile on her face. “Brandon, hurry! Don’t go soft. Kill them both!” Chloe was now numb with pain, unable to even cry out, staring blankly at her severed arm. But Brandon didn’t stop. He and Vanessa began shoveling quicksand into the pit again. I swiftly tied Chloe securely to my back. This time, I had to reach the top. I climbed step by step, trying to match their shoveling speed. Brandon suddenly stopped. “Amelia, I’m tired of playing with you.” He pulled a handful of throwing knives from a bag and began aiming them at us. Vanessa, tired herself, dropped her shovel and started massaging his shoulders. “Go, Brandon! Pierce those two bitches!” There was a slope halfway up the chasm; if we could reach it, we’d have some cover and could wait for rescue. One step… A sharp pain shot through my back. I bit down hard, pushing Chloe onto the slope. Then I fell heavily, letting the quicksand engulf my body.

“Amelia!” I had pushed Chloe to safety, but seeing me submerged in sand, she jumped back down without a second thought. With one hand, she dug me out of the sand, forcing me to stand upright so I wouldn’t suffocate. I knew this couldn’t continue. I no longer had the strength to climb back to the slope. “Chloe, I… I’m not going to make it.” “Put me in front of you. You survive, then go find Alexander.” Alexander was the true head of the Kellen Corporation. With him, my innocence would surely be proven. Chloe held me tightly with her one hand. “No, Amelia! If we die, we die together! I never want to see that monster again!” Even injured, I was stronger than a pampered, one-armed young lady like her. Ignoring her struggles, I tied her securely. If only one of us could live, I would make sure it was her! Under my desperate gaze, Chloe finally stopped resisting. “Amelia, it’s okay, I still have one hand…” “I don’t hurt anymore. If he tries anything else, I’ll use this hand to block it.” I didn’t argue with her naive words, only felt a ridiculous pity for myself. After marrying into the Kellen family, I’d poured my heart and soul into their affairs, only to be killed by my own husband in the end. Just as I thought I’d be riddled with knives, Brandon suddenly appeared directly above us. A knife hovered above Chloe’s head. I was too weak to move, and couldn’t think of a better solution. I frantically turned the phone’s camera towards Chloe and shouted. “Brandon, I beg you, believe me one last time, okay?” “This really is your sister! I’m not lying! It’s your own sister!” Brandon on the FaceTime call impatiently rolled his eyes. “Amelia, you’re still so delusional, even when death is at your doorstep?” Vanessa’s simpering voice also came through. “Brandon, she’s just banking on your soft heart. Your sister is a Kellen heiress, how could she look so poor and ragged, with torn clothes?” “Exactly! I personally picked out your sister’s princess dress for Disney last night. Your sister can just go to hell with you!” “No!” Knives rained down from above. Chloe lunged forward, shielding me. “Amelia, live well for both of us.” Dozens of knives, from head to toe, pierced her body. Scalding blood streamed onto me. I met Chloe’s eyes, and they were filled with nothing but worry for me. Even in death, she was thinking of me, her sister-in-law. Vanessa laughed wildly: “Oh, what touching sisterly devotion.” “Dying with a bitch for company isn’t lonely, is it? Liam was all alone when he died!” The bodyguards, having recovered, resumed shoveling sand into the pit. I stared blankly at Brandon above me, the husband who once swore to love me forever. The demon who killed his own sister. He looked down at me, condescendingly: “Kneel and beg me, and I might leave you a whole body, and bury you two sisters together.” Vanessa tugged at his arm, cooing: “Brandon, you help dig too. Seeing her for another second just reminds me of my poor dead brother.” I watched the sand rise rapidly, already burying my chest, about to engulf my neck. Chloe’s body was right before my eyes, one hand still clutching me tightly. “Brandon, even if I die, I’ll turn into a vengeful spirit and tear you limb from limb!” Brandon clapped his hands. “That’s my wife, speaking so boldly. Well, go ahead and die now!” Just as the quicksand was about to swallow me, the sound of dozens of SUVs roared from all directions. Brandon’s voice trembled as he asked the man getting out of a vehicle. “Alexander… why are you here?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298995”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My Ex-Boyfriend Married My Best Friend, So I Married His Uncle On our fifth-year anniversary, Lucas Sterling ditched me to marry my best friend, Chloe Miller. Their lavish wedding was live-streamed, going viral across every social media platform. I was branded a homewrecker, my own family disowned me, and even the funds for my life-saving treatment were frozen. That notorious playboy, Lucas’s uncle, Julian Sterling, came knocking on my door, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “My nephew stole my fiancée. To repay him, shouldn’t I take care of his ex-girlfriend?” I gripped my phone, staring at the dozens of unread messages I’d sent Lucas, then turned to pull out the paperwork. “Know where we go to register a marriage?” “Isn’t that Eleanor Hayes? Stealing her best friend’s boyfriend? How utterly shameless!” “And look who she’s with—Julian Sterling. He’s such a player. Seriously, they’re a match made in hell.” Ever since Lucas Sterling and Chloe Miller’s live-streamed wedding, the rumors hadn’t stopped. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sterling. You’ve had to endure so much because of me.” “What did you just call me?” Julian’s face clouded with displeasure. “Since you married me, don’t you dare pine for other men. Go home, pack your things, and come with me.” Julian drove me back to my place. He held my hand possessively and greeted my parents politely. But Mom and Dad weren’t happy. They both disapproved of Julian. Dad’s face turned crimson with rage. He raised his hand, ready to strike me, but Julian swiftly intervened. “Dad, Eleanor isn’t just your daughter; she’s my wife.” His voice was a low, dangerous warning. Only then did Dad lower his hand. “Once you walk out that door, don’t ever come back. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have a daughter anymore!” I silently packed my belongings and moved into Julian’s house. “I’m busy these days. If you want anything, just say it.” He handed me a black card and, with practiced ease, typed a number into my phone, saving it as “Hubby.” I’d been so nervous, wondering what Julian would do to me, but he just said that and left. This was nothing like the rumored wastrel who only knew how to spend money and cause trouble. Before I could think too much, Lucas’s call came in. “Eleanor, I’m coming back tomorrow. Can you pick me up?” He and Chloe had immediately gone on their honeymoon after the wedding. Pictures of their ‘love’ kept popping up online. Now he remembered me? “As what? Your mistress?” “It was all a misunderstanding. I was just trying to save Chloe. Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you for our anniversary when I get back.” “No need. I have plans tomorrow.” I hung up before Lucas could respond. I actually did need to go to the hospital tomorrow; my medication was running out. My doctor spoke earnestly, urging me to have surgery as soon as possible. The success rate for heart valve disease surgery was quite high. If I kept relying on medication, it would only get worse. But he didn’t know my finances were controlled by Dad. I didn’t have any extra money for surgery. After leaving the hospital, I walked aimlessly down the street. Luxury ads played on a huge shopping mall screen. One set of jewelry, a mother-and-child design, looked familiar. I took off the bracelet on my wrist and went to the counter. Sure enough, the sales associate told me it was a free gift, worth far less than the matching necklace sold separately. Lucas had given me this bracelet for my birthday last year. I remembered Chloe wearing a similar necklace the very next day. At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it, but now, it felt like nothing more than Chloe’s discarded trash, yet I’d cherished it like a treasure. I tossed the bracelet into a nearby trash can, tears silently streaming down my face. “Eleanor? You really came to pick me up.” Lucas’s voice held a note of surprise. “You know Chloe is a benefactor to my company. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. But she was going to marry an asshole like my uncle, and I couldn’t let that happen.” Seeing Lucas, I realized I was only half an hour from the airport. “So you could just ruin me? Do you know what people are saying about me? My father even cut off all my funds.” Lucas hugged me, his expression pained. “Anything Uncle doesn’t give you, I will.” I pushed him away, shaking my head. “You should keep it for Chloe.”

I didn’t want to say anything more. As I turned to leave, I bumped into Chloe. It wasn’t a hard push, but Chloe crumpled to the ground, her eyes quickly welling up with tears. “Eleanor, if you’re angry with me, why take it out on Chloe!” Lucas harshly yanked me aside. I lost my balance and fell against a nearby trash can. A sharp pain shot through my chest, and combined with the putrid smell, my head grew dizzy. “It’s not Eleanor’s fault, I came here myself.” Chloe nestled into Lucas’s arms. “Eleanor, Lucas still loves you. He only married me to help me escape his uncle.” They embraced tightly, a picture of mutual understanding. “Fine, then I wish you both well.” I forced myself to stand up and slowly walked away. Back home, I immediately took a shower, but I still felt as if the foul smell hadn’t entirely vanished. My palm was still oozing blood, and my waist hurt with every touch. Lucas and I had been together since college. As an illegitimate child, he wasn’t well-regarded in the Sterling family. Even when he had little money, he always wanted to give me the best, spending all his part-time earnings on gifts for me. He used to be a staunch commitment-phobe. Yet, on graduation day, he took off his pinky ring—a symbol of his independence—and placed it on *my* ring finger. Later, he wanted to start his own business and needed significant seed money. To protect his ego, I secretly invested a substantial amount of money in his venture, disguised as an anonymous benefactor. Eventually, he established his company and gained a foothold in the Sterling family, but the Hayes family was in decline. I didn’t want to be a burden, but he gave me 50% of his company shares. He swore that with him, I would always remain the respected Eleanor Hayes. So what is true love? True love can change in an instant. These past few days, Julian had been coming home late. I’d drift in and out of sleep, feeling myself held close, but every morning, there was no trace of it. It seemed even a ‘wastrel’ had a busy schedule. I mechanically ate breakfast; now, eating was merely about fulfilling the bare minimum for survival. My phone suddenly vibrated. It was Dad. “Eleanor, I was wrong about you before. Your bank accounts are unfrozen. Just… be happy with Julian from now on.” “Dad, I might need to go abroad for surgery.” After much deliberation, I finally told Dad about my illness. There was a silence on the other end for a few seconds, then he burst into tears. I could feel his self-reproach, so I tried to comfort him. In that moment, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears myself. “Have you told Julian?” “No, and I don’t want you to tell anyone else. I can handle this myself.” After a brief chat, I hung up. The hospital called for a follow-up appointment, so I quickly got ready to leave. To my surprise, Lucas was at the door. “What are you doing at Uncle’s house? If I hadn’t gone to your place looking for you just now, I never would have known you were hooking up with my uncle.” Seeing my indifferent expression, Lucas started to sweet-talk me again. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have pushed you yesterday. I brought you breakfast.” He’d brought me a heavy breakfast—something rich and meaty. Not only did I despise strong-smelling foods, but my condition meant I couldn’t eat anything like that. “Just throw it away. I don’t need it.” I had no strength left to argue. “Where’s your bracelet? It’s okay if you lost it, I’ll buy you a new one. Let’s go to the mall after breakfast.” He still hadn’t changed his habit of not listening. I couldn’t win against him, so I went to the mall with him. All the way there, he kept explaining his relationship with Chloe. “Once this is all over, I’ll divorce Chloe. Just wait for me a little longer.” “Oh, and don’t get too close to Uncle. He’s been acting strange lately, targeting me in business, and he’s even started a new conglomerate.”

No wonder Dad had suddenly called me. He must have heard some things about Julian. “Lucas!” Chloe waved from a distance. “Perfect timing, you’re here! I was just about to find you to take our wedding photos.” Lucas awkwardly cleared his throat. “Well, then let’s go pick out some outfits. Isn’t your birthday in a couple of days?” Chloe acted as if she’d just noticed me, graciously inviting me to her party, clearly intending to make a spectacle of me. I ignored her and stepped into the high-end boutique in front of me. The sales associate at the counter eyed me up and down, then turned back to chat and laugh with her colleagues. But when Chloe walked in, the women immediately swarmed her with fawning smiles. I wandered around by myself, my gaze drawn to a fitted dress. Just as I reached out, another hand snatched it first. Chloe’s eyes were full of scorn. She glanced at the dress. “Eleanor, this dress won’t suit you. You’re too big for something like this.” I tried to take the dress, but the sales associate firmly pushed my hand away. “Who do you think you are, trying to snatch Ms. Miller’s dress!” She then fawned over Chloe, guiding her to the fitting room. “Ms. Miller has such a great figure, this dress will look stunning on you.” Chloe took the dress, pleased, and went to change. But when she emerged, she wasn’t wearing the dress, and her expression wasn’t good. The sales associate immediately realized the dress didn’t fit and eagerly offered to find another. “Give me that one. I’ll pay double.” “With those bargain-bin clothes, you honestly think you can afford this? Stop bluffing.” The sales associate scoffed. “Just give it to her. I’d actually love to see Eleanor in it.” Chloe smiled, but as she passed me, she whispered, “I heard your father froze all your cards. Let’s see how you pay for it later.” I ignored Chloe and walked straight to the fitting room. As my condition worsened, I’d grown thinner. The fitted, tasseled dress hung loosely on me, with plenty of room to spare. When I opened the door, I distinctly heard everyone in the room gasp, followed by murmurs of admiration. Even the sales associate who’d been so rude just moments before immediately plastered on a flattering smile. “Miss, this dress was practically made for you! You look absolutely stunning!” Lucas stared at me, completely lost, not even noticing when Chloe tugged at his arm. “Lucas, Eleanor insisted on taking my dress just now and even bid against me.” Chloe clung to Lucas’s arm, her voice pitiful. Lucas’s face turned scarlet with rage. “Can’t you just let Chloe have her way? You can’t afford it anyway…” He seemed to realize he’d said too much and trailed off. I scoffed, a cold smile playing on my lips. I reached for my card, then remembered that while Dad had unfrozen my accounts, I’d forgotten to bring them. Everyone in the store was watching me. Gritting my teeth, I pulled out the black card Julian had given me and handed it to the sales associate. “I’ll take it.” “And, I didn’t steal it. She couldn’t fit into it herself. I’ve never stolen anything from anyone.” I spoke deliberately loudly, hoping to make it clear to everyone that I wasn’t a homewrecker. But Lucas clearly misunderstood. “That’s Uncle’s black card! You really *are* involved with him!” He lunged at me, his eyes red. “You shameless woman…” He didn’t finish his sentence before he was suddenly lifted off his feet and tossed aside like a rag doll. Julian Sterling’s face was livid. “Well, well, isn’t it my dear nephew, the one with a penchant for married women? And my wife is *not* someone you get to eye up.”

Lucas’s bravado instantly deflated. “Uncle, what are you doing here?” He lowered his head, not daring to meet Julian’s gaze. Julian ignored him, walking directly to my side. “See anything you like? Feel free to pick anything out in *my* store.” As soon as he spoke, the manager led a group of employees who respectfully lined up. “We apologize, Mr. Sterling. Our oversight. We didn’t know you were here.” Only then did I realize this store belonged to Julian. “How did you know I was here?” Julian shook his phone. “Text message.” I shyly smoothed my hair, but he saw right through me. “It took you this many days to finally decide to spend some money. Keep it up.” Even though we were only married in name, it still felt inappropriate to be out with my ex-boyfriend. I couldn’t help but explain, “Lucas dragged me out here.” “Nothing else you want to tell me?” I nervously looked away, then heard a faint sigh beside me. “How much longer will you hide it from me? We’re going abroad for surgery next week.” I couldn’t refuse his kindness and nodded in agreement. Just then, a SnapChat message popped up from Chloe, inviting me to her birthday party again. After some thought, I decided to go. After all, Julian and I were married, and it wouldn’t be good for him if I kept being labeled a homewrecker. I had to clear my name of these baseless accusations. I hired someone to do my makeup and wore the fitted, tasseled dress. As soon as I arrived at the venue, many people noticed me. I ignored their probing stares. If I remembered correctly, I had originally booked this venue under Lucas’s name. It was meant for our fifth-anniversary party, but he’d apparently used it to impress Chloe. “Eleanor, what are you doing here? Are you trying to ruin Chloe’s birthday party? Just leave her alone; she can’t handle any stress right now.” Lucas looked at me with disgust, then quickly walked to my side, as if afraid I might do something to Chloe. “Didn’t I say we’d get divorced in a couple of days? Are you in such a hurry?” I pushed him away a bit. “Nephew, please show some self-respect.” Lucas’s face immediately darkened. “Don’t put on an act for me. You used to beg me to touch you.” “I know you’re deliberately using Uncle to make me jealous. Just wait for me, okay?” “How long should I wait?” I couldn’t help but retort, but he hadn’t expected the question and was momentarily speechless. “Eleanor, you’re here too! I was just wondering if I should invite you.” Chloe’s words drew everyone’s attention. The unbearable insults came flooding in again. Everyone believed I was the mistress who destroyed their marriage. “Chloe, you’re so kind! How can you be so generous as to invite a wretch like Eleanor?” “Yeah, Mr. Sterling, say something! How are you going to apologize to Chloe?” Chloe had invited me, but now it seemed I’d crashed the party. “Eleanor and I have nothing going on. Everyone, please don’t misunderstand.” Lucas hastily tried to distance himself from me. The man who had just asked me to wait for him was abandoning me so quickly. “What do you mean, ‘nothing going on’? I’m your aunt, you know.” At my words, the venue fell silent for a few seconds. Lucas’s expression was a mix of shock and disbelief. “Eleanor, you can’t just say things like that.” “You’re the one who shouldn’t be talking out of turn.” The main doors opened again. Julian Sterling stood there in a perfectly tailored navy suit, which highlighted his athletic build. Julian stopped about half a meter from me, knelt on one knee, and pulled out a ring box, all in one fluid motion. “Eleanor, will you marry me? Give me a chance to take care of you.” I hadn’t expected Julian to propose so suddenly. A long-forgotten flutter of emotion stirred within me. I didn’t know his true intentions, but I could feel he was helping me. It was Chloe’s meticulously planned birthday party, yet Julian and I had become the center of attention. I had no reason to refuse. I gave my hand to Julian.

“Isn’t that Julian Sterling, the wastrel who only knows how to party? I heard he’s gained a lot of power in the Sterling family recently, even Lucas can’t stand against him.” “He was just hiding his true strength. They say he has a ton of private businesses. The Sterlings are practically begging him to come back and inherit the family fortune.” Listening to the whispers around me, I increasingly felt like I’d gotten involved with someone incredibly powerful. Julian drove with one hand on the steering wheel, the other gripping mine. “Are you scared of me?” I shook my head. “You’re helping me. Why would I be scared of you?” In fact, I started to wonder if I was just a burden to him. Without me, he might find someone better. Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt. I looked up and saw Lucas standing in front of the car, arms outstretched. I rolled down the window. “Are you crazy? Get out of the way.” “Eleanor, you can’t go with him! Don’t you love me most of all?” I rolled my eyes, feeling a sense of helplessness, like I was stuck with a bad record. “Well, I don’t love you anymore. You can marry someone else, so why can’t I?” Something I said must have hit a nerve because his eyes suddenly widened. “You won’t be happy with a monster like him.” Just as I thought he was about to lose it completely, Chloe appeared from somewhere and hugged him. “Lucas, aren’t you supposed to be with me for my birthday? What are you doing here? Have you forgotten that you only get the inheritance if you marry me?” Lucas slowly calmed down. “Eleanor, I’m giving you one last chance. Come back to me.” I signaled Julian to drive away. I wasn’t coming back to him. Julian booked flights for tomorrow. From Julian, I learned that Mr. Sterling Sr. had declared that only married heirs would be eligible to inherit the family fortune. “But that’s not why I asked you to marry me,” Julian added afterward. The smile on my face froze, like a blurry, out-of-focus photograph, indistinct and panicked. Julian, however, wasn’t about to let me off the hook. “I’m serious. My reputation wasn’t the best before, but now I can give you everything you want. We’ll have our wedding after your surgery.” I didn’t answer him, my mind still reeling. Meanwhile, Lucas, though Chloe had dragged him back to her party, remained distracted. He still couldn’t believe Julian and I were married. He went to my father again, seeking clarification. “You have the nerve to come to me? You abandoned my daughter to marry someone else. What more do you have to say?” Lucas anxiously grabbed my father’s arm. “Did Julian tell you that? I was just repaying a debt. I didn’t have much money when I started my company, and Chloe anonymously donated to me.” My dad looked confused. “What are you talking about? That money was Eleanor’s own secret savings. She even told me not to tell you, afraid you wouldn’t accept it.” Lucas stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. His throat tightened, and he could only manage short, ragged breaths. All the innocent, warm memories from college flooded his mind. Only then did he realize he had been deceived all along. He thought I would always love him, so he’d shamelessly squandered my affection. “Where’s Eleanor now? I need to find her.” “Eleanor has already gone abroad for surgery. You won’t find her.” Lucas’s temples throbbed. “She’s sick?” My dad looked at him with disdain. “You say you care so much about Eleanor, yet you didn’t even know she had heart valve disease! While you were on your honeymoon, Eleanor was in the hospital!” Lucas’s knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, repeatedly muttering, “Impossible…”

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My mother-in-law, Martha Evans, was worried sick about how worn out I looked after giving birth. For Thanksgiving, she took me to this aesthetic clinic my husband, Liam Evans, had invested in, hoping to help me feel like myself again. But just before the injection, I happened to glance at the vial. The expiration date was six months ago! I froze, my blood turning to ice, and immediately screamed for them to stop. Martha was furious and confronted the clinic’s director, Dr. Evelyn Reed, on the spot. But Dr. Reed just shrugged, completely unconcerned. “What’s the big deal if it’s expired by six months? Just pump up the dosage, the effect will be just as good! What makes a hag like her think she deserves top-tier products anyway?” I was absolutely outraged, pointing to the door. “Your ads promise all products are the latest EU imports, yet you’re giving clients expired drugs! Aren’t you afraid your boss will find out?” She just laughed as if I’d said the funniest thing. “I *am* the owner’s wife! My husband bought me this place as a little trinket, a plaything! And let me tell you, even if you two dropped dead on the operating table today, my husband would smooth everything over for me. Now, pay up, or you’ll regret it!” I glanced at the price. Sixty-eight thousand for an expired injection? My mind raced, not just about the outrageous cost, but simmering with anger that Liam would dare to mess around behind my back like this! Before I could even think about confronting him, she was already on the phone, her voice dripping with sickly sweetness. “Oh, hubby, someone’s bullying me here at the clinic! If you don’t come soon, your little baby is going to be bullied to death!”

“You two just wait! My husband is on his way to deal with you two freeloading nobodies trying to skip out on the bill!” Hearing her absurd accusations, my entire body trembled with rage. “What are you talking about? We never said we couldn’t pay! We’re questioning you for using expired medicine to harm people!” She gave me a cold, dismissive glance. “You? You think you’re in any position to question us? Look at you, all bloated and ugly after childbirth, saggy skin, stretch marks all over your belly. You can’t even afford basic care, and you dare to come to a high-end establishment like ours?” Martha saw my face drain of color from her insults and immediately stepped in front of me. “How dare you speak to my daughter-in-law like that? She became this way because she gave birth! What right do you have to mock her? Besides, this is *my son’s clinic*! Even if it were just a regular place, you’re using expired medicine, and we have every right to question it!” Hearing Martha’s words, her face instantly darkened. “You old hag, who do you think you are? Your son’s clinic? This place was opened for *me* by *my husband*! Look at the rags you’re wearing! Who do you think your son is to even *compare* to my husband? I’m telling you, whether you get the injection or not, if you don’t pay me that sixty-eight thousand today, you’re not walking out that door!” Martha was always modest, used to wearing custom-made clothes that most people wouldn’t recognize the value of. I never imagined she’d be underestimated because of it. But Sera wasn’t done. Still seething, she shoved Martha hard. Martha was older, and the push sent her sprawling to the ground. “Mom!” I rushed to her side, helping her up. Martha’s face turned ashen, and she clutched her chest, gasping for air. “Mom, what’s wrong? Is your asthma acting up again?” Martha’s asthma was a chronic condition, easily triggered by excitement or stress. As I asked, I frantically pulled her inhaler from my bag, just as Dr. Reed snatched it away. “What an act, truly well-prepared!” “Call… call 911…” Martha stammered, barely coherent. Seeing Martha’s worsening condition, I had no time to deal with Dr. Reed. I quickly pulled out my phone to dial for emergency services. But Sera was lightning-fast. She lunged, grabbed my phone, and smashed it violently to the ground. *CRACK!* The screen instantly shattered into a spiderweb of cracks. “What a performance! When the expired meds didn’t work, you decided to fake an injury and call an ambulance, hoping to scam me out of money!” she sneered. “I’ve seen countless poor people like you! First, you nitpick and refuse to pay, then you fake illness, then you pretend to call an ambulance – it’s all just a ploy to extort money from me! Let me tell you, I, Seraphina Thorne, wasn’t born yesterday! I’ve seen through all these tricks before!”

I stared at the broken shards of my phone on the floor, then at Martha, who was struggling more and more. Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable. “Do you even know who she is? She’s your husband’s mother!” I screamed, completely breaking down. But instead of believing me, Sera just got even worse. “Oh, really, you pathetic hussy? I haven’t even said who my husband is, and you’re already trying to impersonate his family here? And you call her ‘Mom’? Clearly trying to be the mistress! You filthy slut, I’m not going to let either of you get away with this! Security! Get over here and hold this tramp down!” The words were barely out of her mouth before four burly men rushed over and pinned my arms and legs. Struggling was useless. I screamed at the top of my lungs. “Liam Evans! Liam Evans! Is your husband Liam Evans?! She really is Liam Evans’ mother! Please, I’m begging you! My mom truly has asthma, she’s in danger right now! Please, just let us call an ambulance!” Sera stood with her arms crossed, her eyes blazing with malice. “You actually know my husband, huh? Ha! I knew you wanted to be the mistress! No problem, I’ll make sure you never dare to covet someone else’s property again.” The moment she admitted she was with Liam, I heard my heart shatter. The last sliver of hope I clung to vanished. The man who’d promised to love and protect me for a lifetime had taken a mistress right after I’d given birth. And by the looks of it, it hadn’t been a short affair. “You four, have you ever slept with a woman?” Sera’s voice slithered in my ear, chilling me to the bone. “You’re in for a treat today. This woman likes to steal other women’s men. She’s all yours to ‘discipline.’” Before I could even process the fresh heartbreak, their disgusting laughter filled the room. I fought back with all my might. “Stop it! No! If you dare touch me, Liam Evans will never let you get away with it!” Sera laughed, a triumphant, mocking sound as she covered her mouth. “Liam Evans? He’s *my* husband! Why would he protect *you*? You guys, hurry it up!” With her command, I watched in horror as those repulsive faces loomed closer. Rough hands tore at my body, still weak and vulnerable from childbirth. The ripping sound of my clothes, interwoven with the men’s crude gasps, became the most terrifying symphony in my ears. “Stop! You beasts! Let my daughter-in-law go!” Martha was screaming beside me, struggling to get up from the floor, but her asthma attack made every breath a torturous battle. Sera slowly walked over to Martha, her face etched with utter disdain. “You old hag, you think you can play hero in your state? You’d better worry about yourself first!” *SMACK!* A loud, stinging slap echoed through the room, landing squarely on Martha’s aged face. “MOM!” My eyes widened in terror, and I let out a gut-wrenching scream. My heart, in that single deafening slap, completely shattered into a million pieces. I struggled with all my might, but I was held down firmly on the cold ground. Despair, like a tidal wave, completely engulfed me. I don’t know how long it lasted. Finally, the men stood up, satisfied. They adjusted their clothes, muttering insulting words about me, and then moved to stand behind Sera.

Time seemed to freeze. I lay there like a broken rag doll, my clothes torn, every inch of my body screaming in pain. But the deepest agony was in my heart, already riddled with a thousand holes. Still, I couldn’t give up. I mustered every last ounce of strength, scrambling on my hands and knees towards Martha. Her face was already turning purplish-blue, her breath so faint I could barely detect it. “Mom… Mom…” My trembling hand reached for hers; it was terrifyingly cold. No, Martha couldn’t die. She’d always treated me like her own daughter. I couldn’t let anything happen to her. I whipped my head around, glaring at Sera, who looked like a demon. I fell to my knees, humiliatingly crawling towards her feet, and clutched at the hem of her pants. “Please…” My voice was raw, like sandpaper. “Please… save my mom, she’s really dying…” Sera looked at my pathetic state, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face. “You want me to save this old hag?” She crouched down, her finger lifting my chin. ” It’s not impossible. But first, you have to agree to one condition.” A flicker of hope ignited in my eyes. “What condition? Tell me! Anything! As long as you save my mom, I’ll agree to anything!” Sera pointed to the expired syringe resting on the counter. “It’s simple. You inject that expired medicine into yourself, and I’ll *consider* calling an ambulance.” I froze. That was medicine expired by six months! God only knew what side effects it would have; it could easily kill me! “I… I…” I looked at the syringe, then at Martha, who was on the verge of dying. A fierce battle raged within me. Seeing my hesitation, Sera sneered. “How pathetic? Didn’t you just say you’d agree to *any* condition? Changing your mind already? Let me tell you, this is your *only* chance. Miss it, and you can start preparing the funeral for this old woman!” I looked at Martha’s increasingly faint breathing, tears streaming down my face. “Fine, I agree,” I bit out. “But you have to promise that as soon as I’m injected, you’ll call an ambulance immediately!” Sera’s smile widened even further. “Of course, I always keep my word.” She motioned, and a woman dressed like a nurse approached, holding a syringe and the expired vial. “Come on, arm out,” Nurse Davis said, her face devoid of emotion. My arm trembled as I extended it. The needle pierced my skin, and I felt a sharp sting as the cold liquid was pushed into my vein. I had no idea what effects these expired chemicals would have on my body, or if my life was even in danger. But as long as it saved Martha, none of that mattered. As soon as the injection was done, I looked at Sera. “There, I’ve done what you asked. Now will you call an ambulance?” But Sera just smiled and shook her head. “I said I’d *consider* calling an ambulance, not that I definitely would. And now that I’ve considered it, I’ve decided not to.” I stared at her, utterly incredulous. “You! You’re breaking your word? You explicitly said that if I got the injection, you would call an ambulance!” Sera crossed her arms, completely nonchalant. “So what? This is my place, I make the rules. I call the shots. I told you that even if you two died here today, my husband would sort it out for me!” I had believed I’d grasped the last straw of hope, only to find myself drowning in even deeper despair.

“You can’t do this!” I shrieked, my voice hoarse. “You promised! I’ve already injected the expired medicine as you demanded, now you have to uphold your end of the bargain!” Sera looked at me coldly. “And what if I don’t? What are you going to do? Sue me? Do you have any proof? All the surveillance cameras here are under my control. Everything that happened today, I can easily frame as an accident. You two barged in, caused a scene, and the old lady’s asthma flared up from over-excitement. What does any of that have to do with me?” Seeing my desperate face, Sera’s eyes suddenly lit up, as if she’d thought of some amusing game. “However…” she deliberately drew out her words. “I’ve actually thought of an even more interesting idea.” “If you’re willing to cooperate and play a little game with me, I might reconsider.” Hearing her, a glimmer of hope sparked within me again. Whatever the game, as long as it could save Martha, I was willing to cooperate. “What game? Tell me!” I asked urgently. Sera walked to the reception desk, scrawled a few large words on a piece of paper, and then waved it in front of me. “See this?” I squinted. The paper read: “I am a shameless home-wrecker.” “The game is simple,” Sera grinned triumphantly. “You hang this sign around your neck and crawl around the entire clinic. As you crawl, you have to shout loudly: ‘I’m a slut who seduces other women’s husbands, I deserve to die, I’m guilty!’ If you can complete this game, I’ll truly call an ambulance.” As she spoke, she pulled a string from a drawer, preparing to make the sign wearable. I looked around. There were quite a few other clients and staff in the clinic. If I actually did that, the video would definitely be uploaded online, and I’d never be able to show my face again in this lifetime. But then I looked at Martha’s purplish face, at her increasingly weak breaths. My heart ached so much I could barely breathe. “Okay…” I gritted my teeth. “I agree. But you *must* promise that after I’m done, you’ll call an ambulance immediately!” Sera’s smile was even brighter now. “Of course, this time I absolutely mean it.” She handed me the finished sign. “Here, put it on.” My hands trembled as I took the sign and hung it around my neck. I began to crawl, my voice barely a whisper. “I’m… I’m a slut who seduces other women’s husbands…” “Louder!” Sera yelled, dissatisfied. “Who can hear you with a voice that small?” I took a deep breath, and with all my might, I screamed, “I’M A SLUT WHO SEDUCES OTHER WOMEN’S HUSBANDS! I DESERVE TO DIE! I’M GUILTY!” My voice echoed through the entire clinic, drawing laughter from everyone. “Hahahaha, look at this woman, she’ll do anything for money!” “Shameless! She’s actually admitting she’s the other woman!” “This is going to be good! Record it and post it on Ins!” Amidst the mocking laughter, I crawled step by painful step through the entire clinic. Each step felt like walking on knives, each shout like tearing open my own heart. “I’ve done what you asked. Now will you call an ambulance?” Sera looked at my humiliated state and clapped her hands. “Bravo, absolutely brilliant!” At that moment, complete despair washed over me. She had never intended to save Martha from the start. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the door. “What’s going on here?”

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Seven Years Was Enough: I’m Done Chasing Her. After seven years of being a pathetic admirer to the campus queen, I finally decided I was done chasing. I blocked her number, left her city, and made up some lame excuse to break up with her. “Eleanor Vance, you only eat medium-rare steak, I like well-done. We’re just not compatible, so let’s break up.” Seven years of chasing, I was so damn tired. Later, I heard the most sought-after girl at Harvard had a complete change of heart. She started eating only well-done steak. Training finished. I put away my racket, sat on the locker room bench, and held my phone, praying with my eyes closed for three seconds. Good. Eleanor still hadn’t replied to my messages. “Eleanor, breakfast’s warm in the kitchen, don’t forget to eat. I’m heading out.” “Eleanor, I won first place in the league this morning. Want to celebrate tonight?” “Eleanor, what time are you off work today? The forecast says rain, did you bring an umbrella?” My chat log was just a long stream of my messages, not a single reply. I took a deep breath and put down my phone. I told myself she must be too busy to have seen them. But they say in psychology: if someone truly cares about you, they’ll find a minute to reply, no matter how busy they are, because they know you’re thinking of them. I showered and changed. Then I headed to Eleanor Vance’s office building to wait for her. Afraid she’d mind, I deliberately stood a little far from the entrance. I remembered one time I picked her up and called her name loudly in the lobby in front of her colleagues. She got angry. So I learned my lesson. I’d just wait at the street corner until she appeared. As the lights in the building flickered on one by one, I finally spotted her. Her radiant beauty made her stand out, even in the biggest crowd. Beside her was a man in a suit, eagerly opening doors and holding an umbrella for her. It looked like Derek Miller, her boss, who’d been relentlessly pursuing her for a while. Eleanor Vance never lacked men around her, and always the high-quality kind. “Eleanor.” I jogged over, unceremoniously brushing past him, stepping in between them. I held up my umbrella. “We have an umbrella, thanks, Mr. Miller.” Derek looked a bit awkward, his hand tightening around the umbrella handle. Eleanor’s gaze fell on me, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. “What are you doing here?” Her tone was sharp, almost accusatory. I felt like I’d annoyed her again. A hundred questions were swirling in my head. Why didn’t she reply to my messages? Why couldn’t she keep other men at a distance? Why had she forgotten our plans again? But what came out instead was: “You’ve been working all day, Eleanor, are you hungry?” Her eyes were indifferent. After a long moment, she spoke softly: “Let’s go.” I smiled, extending the umbrella towards Eleanor. Rain chilled my shoulder, but I didn’t feel it. Everyone has that one person they fall for the moment they see them. Eleanor Vance was that person for me. At the high school sports day, I was a tennis player, and Eleanor was the cheerleading captain. “Here, have some water.” She smiled sweetly, handing me a bottle of water. Her eyes were clear, impossibly beautiful. She just smiled at me like that, and my heart did a little flip. She probably had no idea then that a single bottle of water would be enough for me to get so completely wrapped around her finger. Eleanor eventually agreed to celebrate my league victory with me. But the restaurant was packed, with a line stretching out the door and every waiting spot taken. I knew how impatient she could get, so before she could even say anything, I grabbed her hand, ready to leave. “It’s too crowded. Let’s go somewhere else.” But to my surprise, Eleanor was unusually patient. “Haven’t you been wanting to try this place for ages? It’s fine, we can wait.” So she *did* know. Just one small gesture of kindness from her, and I’d be ecstatic. She had dark hair, a simple dress. I watched her, she watched her phone. For me, that was enough. The world felt perfect. But I’d celebrated too soon. I just stepped away to the restroom, and when I came back, she was gone.

I called, she didn’t answer. I messaged, she didn’t reply. I looked at my phone and let out a self-deprecating laugh. In three years, this was the seventy-eighth time she’d left me behind. It wasn’t as crushing as it should have been. I chose this, so I had to live with the disappointment. Who told me to be so helplessly, hopelessly in love with her? In my senior year of high school, Eleanor got a direct scholarship to Harvard, while my grades were okay, but my future felt vague. I stopped her by the school building and confessed for the first time: “Eleanor Vance, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?” She glanced at me, her voice cold. “I don’t like guys with bad grades. Can you get into Harvard?” I stood in silence for a long moment, then clenched my jaw and replied: “Yes.” So I studied day and night, trained day and night, and finally got into Harvard on an athletic scholarship. I saw her at the campus gates and confessed for the second time: “Eleanor Vance, I did it. Will you date me now?” She just frowned, and simply, decisively, threw five words at me: “I don’t like you.” I guess, even after three years of us being together, she still didn’t like me that much. I finished three huge well-done steaks, just how I liked them. I touched my eye, and tears were streaming down, tasting oddly sweet and bitter as I ate. I wiped them away with a bitter laugh. Why should I be sad? It wasn’t the first time she’d abandoned me. If I had to be upset every time, life would be unbearable. I curled up on the couch and waited until past midnight for the doorbell to ring. My heart leaped with a desperate hope. I opened the door, only to see Derek Miller supporting Eleanor, standing at my doorstep. “Liam, uh…” “The company had a last-minute business meeting, I called Eleanor myself. She seemed pretty drunk, so I just brought her home. You don’t mind, do you?” Derek’s apology seemed sincere, but there was a smug, mocking glint in his eyes. I ignored him, took Eleanor from him, and swallowed my irritation. “Thank you, Mr. Miller.” Eleanor was indeed quite drunk. As I helped her to the couch, she still clung tightly to my arm. “Eleanor, we’re home.” I leaned in to brush a strand of hair from her cheek. Her face was flushed, her skin warm to the touch. Her clear eyes stared straight at me. As I started to stand up, she suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck, showering my face with fervent kisses. The scent of red wine and her delicate perfume flooded my senses. “Eleanor Vance, do you remember what day today is?” I gently pushed her away and straightened my collar. She frowned, looking at me. “It’s just your league day. Congratulations on winning first place.” My heart plummeted. Fine, she forgot. What would blaming her change? I pulled out the takeout container of lobster from the restaurant. “Today is our three-year anniversary. This is your favorite lobster.” “You promised me we’d celebrate together. Why did you disappear just because Derek called?” I remembered everything about her. Why couldn’t she care about me, even just a little? Eleanor rubbed her temples, then opened the takeout box. “Well, we can celebrate now, can’t we?” “It’s not the same.” “Liam, why are you being so dramatic?” She frowned at me, a hint of impatience in her voice. I froze for a second. If only I could fly into Rose’s heart like Jack did, and make her love me. Why was she always so reasonable, and I was the one making a scene? Maybe my biggest flaw was simply being unloved by her. I sighed. “I’ll shell the lobster for you.” She wouldn’t know how utterly defeated I felt. I’d pushed myself so hard in training, all to lay this medal at her feet today. I held out the lobster meat to her, then suddenly smiled. “Eleanor Vance, do you think I’ll never leave you?”

She didn’t answer, and I didn’t want to ask. At least for now, I didn’t have the answer myself. Eleanor was like an alluring viper, drawing me closer, leaving me scarred but unwilling to give up. Maybe one day I’d just snap out of it, turn my back, and never look back. No matter how she called out, I wouldn’t look back. When I woke up the next morning, breakfast was set on the table. It took me a moment to realize it must have been Eleanor’s belated peace offering. Heart-shaped fried eggs, and warm milk. So, did Eleanor care about me, or not? Chances are, she didn’t care at all. Even if I left, she’d probably just feel relieved. When I arrived at the court, my coach, Coach Thompson, pulled me aside. “Liam, have you thought about that advanced training opportunity in Australia?” “You’re our best player here. If you go, your skills will definitely hit the next level.” “This is a rare chance. Chloe and I are both really rooting for you.” Chloe Davis was our professional manager. She always wanted to expand the gym’s reputation, and I was her chosen star athlete. Going for advanced training would be all gain, no downside for my career, but… If I agreed, it meant crossing oceans, and I wouldn’t see Eleanor for a long time. Leaving might not hurt her at all, but for me, it would be a tough hurdle to overcome. Thinking about it, I was pretty pathetic, actually. “Coach, I might have to let you down…” I squeezed the racket in my hand, feeling defeated. Coach Thompson patted my shoulder. “I get it. Great men have always fallen for beautiful women.” “I had a player almost jump off a building for a girl once. This is nothing.” I blinked. “…” “Just focus on your training. Chloe will be here later. Think about what you’ll tell her.” My mind was a mess, and my game was off during training. I put away my racket and started picking up balls for my teammates instead. I looked up and saw Eleanor. She wasn’t there for me, of course, because Derek Miller was with her, along with a well-dressed, distinguished-looking middle-aged couple. Derek was practically their personal assistant, diligently setting everything up for their game. As he walked past me, he frowned. “Liam, what are you doing here?” “Didn’t realize you were working as a ball boy here. Perfect, come pick up balls for us.” I didn’t say anything, just looked at Eleanor. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to stand up for me. Over the years, she was most accustomed to ignoring me. Sure enough, this time was no exception. “Liam, what are you waiting for? Don’t worry, you’ll get your tip.” Derek pulled a few bills from his wallet and handed them to me, urging. “Hurry up.” There was no way I was agreeing to that. I pushed his hand away. “I’m busy. Find someone else.” My refusal clearly left Derek a bit embarrassed. After seeing the couple off, Derek came back to find me. He probably wanted to show off his game and humiliate me a bit to regain his pride. He walked up to me. “Liam, if you’re working as a ball boy, you probably play, right? Care to challenge me?” I admitted he played well enough, but compared to a pro player, he was lacking. Let alone a *good* pro player. Unfortunately, he was too arrogant. “I’m not afraid of anything. What’s the stakes?” But he was even more shameless than I thought. He pulled Eleanor closer. “Mixed doubles. Eleanor and I against you and… well, whoever you can find. The loser has to shout ‘I’m a loser’ in front of everyone.” The bet was ridiculous, even pathetic. Derek was clearly trying to humiliate me. I stared at Eleanor, wanting to see her reaction. But she just said, flatly and coldly: “Liam, stop playing games.” A subtle chill crept into my heart. Derek was the one who challenged me, not I. Seeing my silence, Derek put on a victorious air. “Liam, you can’t find a partner, can you? So are we playing or not? If not, I’ll take it as you surrendering.” His nerve was astounding. Just as I clenched my fist, about to retort, a clear voice spoke up. “We’ll play.” A soft, slender hand gently rested on my shoulder. “Liam, I’ll be your partner. You don’t mind, do you?”

Chloe Davis smiled at me, holding out a racket. “It would be my honor.” I took the racket and turned to Derek. “Let’s start then.” I quickly glanced at Eleanor beside him. Her gaze lingered on Chloe’s hand on my shoulder. For a moment, I actually thought she looked angry. Derek must have been kicking himself. After a few rounds, he was like a mouse being toyed with by a cat, finding no opportunity to catch his breath. Finally, exhausted, he yelled, “Liam, you’re messing with me!” “You asked for it.” I wasn’t going to humor him. I delivered a brutal smash, the ball whistling past his shoulder. He fell flat on his backside, utterly humiliated. I walked up to them, racket in hand. “Mr. Miller, you lost.” “Time to honor your bet.” He glared at me, unwilling, but couldn’t utter a single word. Eleanor glared at me, a hint of anger in her eyes. “Liam, are you done playing games?!” She hadn’t said anything when Derek provoked me, but now she was questioning me for his sake. It hurt, even though I denied it. I was her boyfriend, for crying out loud. I felt like I had nothing left to lose. “Eleanor, can’t you just once stand by me? Just once?” I looked at her, pleading, hoping for an affirmative answer. But there was none. “Mr. Miller was just joking, why are you taking it so seriously?” She frowned, impatience etching itself onto her features. I clenched my fist. This time, I refused to back down. “A bet is a bet. Derek, are you really that sore a loser?” I didn’t get a reply from Derek, but Eleanor pushed me. “Liam, what is the point of this?!” She was always so proud and cold, rarely raising her voice, let alone laying a hand on me. But now, for Derek… A dull ache throbbed in my chest. I took a deep breath. Just endure it, and the pain would fade. I bit my lip, tears stinging my eyes: “No, it’s not worth it…” I didn’t know if she heard me as she walked away, but even if she did, what difference would it make? She never saw how pathetic I was. “Is she the reason you wouldn’t go to Australia?” Chloe looked at me with a complex expression. “Is she worth it?” I had no answer. Falling for Eleanor had always been my choice. Chloe didn’t press. She just reminded me that tomorrow was the deadline, and to give her my answer after I’d thought it through. Eleanor came home very late. I stopped her at the entrance and asked the question that gnawed at me. “Do you like Derek Miller?” She glanced up, answering casually. “No.” “Then why?” “Why what?” She frowned at me, then after a long moment, said: “He’s my boss.” “So, you protected him, not me?” “Did I?” Her tone was cold, dismissive. She didn’t understand, and I was used to it, but I didn’t want to be anymore. I stubbornly held onto her. “Eleanor Vance, did you ever really like me?” All these years, I hadn’t dared to ask, afraid of an answer I didn’t want. So I never truly knew how she viewed our relationship. She agreed to be my girlfriend after my seventeenth confession. I held a bouquet of red roses. “Eleanor Vance, let’s be together.” This time, she didn’t directly refuse. After three seconds of thought, she took the flowers from my hand. “Okay.” I couldn’t believe it, pinching my thigh three times to confirm I wasn’t dreaming. Later, I found out. At the time, a rich kid at school was pursuing her, and she found him annoying, so she put me forward. Said she had a boyfriend. Now we’d been together for three years, I deserved an answer. Eleanor stiffened for a second. “Does it matter?” “Yes, it matters.” “I’m tired. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.” Eleanor walked past me towards the bathroom. She chose to ignore me again. No answer was probably the best answer. Watching her retreating back, I shook my head in disappointment, feeling ridiculous and pathetic. Everyone hits a wall eventually, learning the hard way when to turn back. Eleanor was that wall for me. I’d smashed into her, bleeding and broken, only to never get a second glance. I sat alone in the living room for a long, long time, until the first hint of dawn crept through the window. Only then did I pull out my phone and send a message. “Chloe, I agree to the advanced training in Australia.” I packed my bags, erasing every trace of my life there, and left Eleanor without a word. As I passed our favorite restaurant, I sent her a message. “Eleanor Vance, you only eat medium-rare steak, I like well-done. We’re not compatible, so let’s break up.” The weather in Australia was dry, and it took me three years to finally get used to it. I held my coffee, looking at Chloe Davis across from me. “What brings you here?” Chloe leaned back, arms crossed, smiling. “To bring our champion home, of course.” “You’ve been winning awards non-stop these past few years. Once you’re back in the States, everyone will be scrambling for you. Don’t forget about us old folks then.” “Stop teasing me. Without you, Chloe, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Besides…” “We have a contract, I can’t afford to break it.” “Haha.” Chloe laughed heartily. “Why choose to come back now?” I took a sip of coffee. “All my competitions here are done, and my alma mater sent an invitation for their 70th anniversary. My old college professor has called me a dozen times. Can’t really turn down my mentor, can I?” Chloe looked understanding. “Right, you’re a big name now, a truly accomplished alumni. Gotta show up and bring some prestige to your old school.” I chuckled awkwardly. “All thanks to you, Chloe, for giving me the chance back then.” “So… Eleanor Vance? Have you thought about going back to find her?” Hearing that name again, I felt a strange sense of unreality. Time had flown by. Three years, just like that. And time was so amazing. The person I once couldn’t stop thinking about now felt… optional. I smiled. “Never thought about it. A career-focused brain is much more appealing than romance.” That was the honest truth. From the moment I left her, I decided to let go, and that’s how I achieved what I have today. Chloe nodded in agreement, raising her cup to mine. “To careers.” Eleanor Vance was also invited to the Harvard anniversary celebration. Of course. She had always been exceptional, and now she had worked her way up to become a successful CEO. From a distance, she was still stunning, a goddess who caused a stir the moment she appeared. I had mentally prepared myself to see her again when I returned home, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I wondered if she felt even a ripple of emotion seeing me. Probably not. After the ceremony, I wandered alone through the familiar track and field stadium. Every now and then, some younger students would come up to ask for my autograph. I happily obliged each one. As I handed their pen back, I looked up and saw Eleanor standing in front of me. She was dressed simply but sharply, her outstanding aura unmistakable. It was a striking, almost aggressive kind of beauty. I was surprised she initiated contact. “Liam Hayes, long time no see.” I smiled. “Long time no see.” Not that long, really. Only three years. I started to walk away. I wasn’t sure why, but seeing her made me feel a little uneasy. But she reached out and stopped me. “Don’t you have anything to say to me?” I thought seriously for a few seconds, then shook my head. “No.” Eleanor seemed disbelieving. Her face, usually so composed, showed a flicker of something I couldn’t quite decipher. My immediate thought was that she couldn’t possibly be looking for an explanation for our breakup three years ago. With her personality, how could she bring that up herself? But I underestimated the power of time. It could erase some things and change others. Even someone as proud and cold as Eleanor Vance. Her eyes were slightly red. “Why did you leave without a word three years ago?” I thought I heard a tremor in her voice. I frowned. “I sent you a message.” “I didn’t agree to it.” “I asked everyone around me, they said you went to Australia. Everyone knew, why didn’t you tell me?” “What would telling you change? Would you have tried to stop me?” I took her hand off me, ready to leave, but she held on even tighter. “Why did you break up with me back then?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298992”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

My best friend and I somehow found ourselves pulled into an apocalypse novel. The system’s mission for us was to save this world. I was assigned to work alongside a brilliant doctor researching an antidote, enduring experiment after experiment. Over time, the usually cold and aloof doctor pulled me into his arms, promising to marry me. My best friend, meanwhile, was with the leading military officer, suffering serious injuries repeatedly to save him. The usually stoic and mighty officer swore he’d treat her well for life. Ten years into the apocalypse. The antidote was successfully developed, and the zombies, humanity’s greatest threat, vanished. Just as my best friend and I thought we could finally enjoy a good life in this world, Two men, hailed as “saviors” by the world, suddenly had other women by their sides. They held these new women’s hands with fervent devotion, whispering words of intense love. My best friend and I exchanged a look. It was time to leave this world.

“Serena didn’t mean it, Jordan. When did you become so petty?” “So what if she broke your medicine? Missing one dose won’t kill you. Why are you making such a big deal out of it and bullying her?” Dr. Julian Hayes shielded Serena behind him, his face etched with displeasure as he glared at me. The woman beside him clutched his sleeve, gazing up at him with pitiful eyes. The scene made it seem like *I* was the one who had done something wrong. “Julian, please don’t blame Jordan. It’s my fault for not handing her the medicine with both hands. I didn’t realize Jordan would be so clumsy.” My face was pale, large beads of cold sweat trickling down my forehead. The pain radiating through my limbs made it impossible to stand properly; I could only lean weakly against the wall. Ever since I became a test subject for Dr. Julian Hayes, my body had been riddled with all sorts of toxins. The side effects and complications were countless. The medicine that had just shattered on the floor was my mandatory monthly dose to suppress the toxins. Without it, I’d have to endure this entire month, suffering through alternating chills and fever, as the virus spread through my internal organs. “She deliberately smashed it on the ground!” I shrieked the words, using almost every ounce of strength I had. Dr. Julian Hayes scoffed, a look of disdain on his face. “You don’t trust me?” He sidestepped my question, instead looking at Serena with tender affection, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Serena would never accuse someone falsely.” His single sentence delivered my death sentence. Dr. Julian Hayes turned away, no longer looking at me. He took Serena’s hand and left the dark, cramped basement. I could no longer hold myself upright and collapsed heavily to the ground. My body instinctively curled into a ball, pain spreading from my limbs to my heart. I lay there, gasping for air. As consciousness began to fade, I thought of my last ten years. My best friend and I had been pulled into an apocalypse novel. All to save this world. For ten years, I had been utterly submissive to Dr. Julian Hayes. I’d proactively shared his bed in the dead of night, offering him solace and comfort, easing his desires. Then, when he struggled with his research, I agreed to be his test subject. After that, I was confined to the dark, cramped lab day and night, repeatedly enduring the agony of injections. There were even a few times when Dr. Julian Hayes increased the dosage to speed up the research, nearly causing me to faint and die. When I awoke, he was ecstatic, his hands trembling as he held me, his voice firm as he promised to marry me. I forced a painful smile, letting out a soft, cold laugh. The apocalypse ended, and Dr. Julian Hayes had a new woman by his side.

“Jordan, wake up, please don’t die! What will I do if you die?” “I’ll feed those bastards to the zombies sooner or later!” I woke up groggily, opening my eyes to see my best friend, Cassidy, sprawled over me, her eyes brimming with tears. I slapped her head, signaling her to get off; she was crushing the air out of me. Cassidy immediately wrapped her arms around my neck. “Jordan, I’m so glad you’re not dead! If you died, I wouldn’t want to live either!” She slowly helped me up from the floor. I rubbed my throbbing head, offering her a comforting look. Suddenly, I frowned, pulling her closer, my eyes fixated on a spot on her wrist. “How did this happen?” Over the past decade, Cassidy had trained relentlessly in combat under Officer Ryder, becoming virtually invincible. Before she could speak, I rolled up the sleeves of both her arms. A sharp gasp escaped me at the sight of numerous knife cuts, scars, and dense purple bruises. Cassidy, who had just managed to compose herself, immediately burst into tears again, becoming a complete sobbing mess. It dawned on me instantly. She was formidable; no one dared to harm her. But what if the person who hurt her was the man right by her side? “Today, Serena insisted on coming to the training grounds, claiming she wanted to spar with me. My blade hadn’t even touched her when she threw herself onto it! And Officer Ryder walked in right at that moment.” The rest didn’t need to be said. Officer Ryder must have accused Cassidy without even investigating, eager to avenge Serena. At that thought, I forced my weak body to stand, gritting my teeth as I looked at her. “I’m going to kill him!”

I dragged Cassidy to the training grounds, where we found Serena. But she wasn’t alone. Dr. Julian Hayes and Officer Ryder stood on either side of her, like personal bodyguards. The three of them were laughing and chatting. Dr. Julian Hayes spotted me and suddenly frowned, his face tight with anger. “What are you doing here? This isn’t where you belong. Get back to the lab. Your body can’t handle this kind of strain.” I sneered at him, cursing myself for not seeing through his hypocrisy sooner. If he cared so much about my body, why did he leave me alone in the lab last night to fend for myself? Or was it simply that when Serena was around, I would always be second? I avoided his gaze, took Cassidy’s hand, and looked at Officer Ryder with cold eyes. “I’ve come to demand justice.” Before I could continue, Cassidy suddenly pulled her hand from mine and rushed forward. “Blaze!” Blaze was Cassidy’s warhorse. For ten years, he had accompanied her into battle. From a weak, scrawny pony, he had grown into a strong, magnificent lead stallion, accompanying Cassidy through days of blood and sweat. But now, Blaze lay on the ground, his bright mane stained red with blood. His eyes were wide, as if proclaiming his brutal death. Cassidy knelt beside him, weeping until she retched. I knew how important Blaze was to her. “Who did this?!” Cassidy’s eyes were bloodshot as she glared at the three of them, her hands trembling uncontrollably with rage. Serena instinctively flinched, intimidated by Cassidy’s fury. I seized the moment, pulling Serena out from between the two men. I wound up my arm and slapped her directly across the face. “That’s for falsely accusing others! We had no quarrel, so why did you keep trying to frame us?” “And that’s for your cruel heart, for not even sparing Blaze!” Dr. Julian Hayes lunged forward and roughly shoved me to the ground, his eyes filled with a ruthless malice I had never seen before. “Who gave you permission to touch her?! It’s just a horse. Are you really making such a scene over an animal, Jordan?!” The rough concrete scraped against my skin, leaving my arms and shins instantly bruised and swollen. I gritted my teeth and struggled back to my feet. Serena hid behind Dr. Julian Hayes and Officer Ryder. Only her eyes were visible, glaring at us with a sly malice, like a perfectly sheltered princess. “Julian is right, Jordan. No matter how much affection you have for it, it’s just an animal. If an animal is disobedient, shouldn’t it be gotten rid of?” She stared at me with gleaming eyes, a clear implication in her words. Hearing her, my anger surged again, and I lunged forward, trying to grab her. My fingers barely brushed her clothes when her face suddenly twisted in pain. Then, she coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed into Dr. Julian Hayes’s arms. “Serena!” Both men cried out simultaneously. Dr. Julian Hayes awkwardly scooped her up and rushed towards the lab. Before leaving, he turned, giving me a cold, chilling look. “If anything happens to Serena, you’ll join her in hell.” I stood there, feeling utterly drained, in silent despair. The murmuring voices of the surrounding crowd drifted into my ears. “It’s just a horse. Why can’t she be more understanding? Serena’s right, no matter how good you are to it, it’s just an animal.” “I think Dr. Hayes was so sweet to Serena just now. Are they getting married soon?” “Yes, Serena said their wedding is just around the corner.” I woke up again to find myself confined in that dark lab. I looked down to see my hands and feet bound tightly to a chair, unable to move. Dr. Julian Hayes walked in, wearing a white lab coat and safety goggles, a syringe in his hand. The sight of the needle sent me into a desperate struggle, painful memories flooding over me like a tidal wave. I recalled the repeated agony of needles piercing my skin. The helpless inability to control my body, and the dizziness, vomiting, fever, and spasms that followed. I twisted my body, trying to break free from my restraints, despair etched on my face. “Julian, what are you doing? The apocalypse is over, isn’t it? The antidote has been developed, right?” My wrists were raw and chafed from struggling. Dr. Julian Hayes looked down at me. Perhaps my sudden submission stirred a flicker of pity in him, or perhaps mentioning the apocalypse reminded him of my sacrifices. He gently patted my head, a gesture meant to be comforting. His voice was no longer as harsh as before, yet the words he spoke sent a chill through me, like being plunged into an ice-cold abyss. “Jordan, Serena has a very rare disease, and there’s no known cure on the market yet.” “People have to be responsible for their actions. You hit her, so testing experimental drugs for her could be considered evening the score between you two.” “As for your best friend, Officer Ryder threw her into the stables. Since she loves horses so much, she can just live and eat with them from now on.” “Just bear with it a little longer, Jordan. Once I develop the medicine, we’ll get married, okay?” I stared at him in disbelief, unable to fathom that those words had just come from his mouth. I hit her, so I have to pay with my life? “Get out! I’d rather die than ever marry a man like you!” I weakly raised my arm, trying to swat him away. Dr. Julian Hayes held my struggling hand, seemingly unfazed by my words. “Jordan, don’t say such things out of anger. Just be a good girl and be quiet. We can finish this sooner.” My heart pounded with dread; I was utterly terrified. “No! Please, no! Julian, I don’t want anything anymore. I won’t marry you. I’ll stay far away from you, okay? I just beg you, let me go.” Tears streamed down my face. My desperate struggles were futile. Dr. Julian Hayes covered my eyes, and the cold needle pierced my skin. My body began to shiver uncontrollably, my teeth chattering. Finally, I couldn’t bear it any longer and passed out.

I woke up again on the cold floor. This time, however, I was roused by the system’s alert tone. “Host detected attempting to exit. Due to excellent mission completion, system will automatically approve exit request. Upon exit, you may return to the real world.” Tears welled up in my eyes. I could finally go home! I immediately contacted Cassidy. She was still being tormented in the stables. “We can finally go back!” Cassidy cried out tearfully on the other end. I knew her days had been rough. “Then let’s go back now, Jordan! I really can’t stand it anymore.” I thought of the pain of these past days, and the decade of sacrifice we had made for them in the apocalypse. “Not so fast. Before we leave, we have to give them a grand parting gift.” Cassidy, thrown into the stables, wasn’t in good shape. Bloodshot veins spread across her eyes, and her face was smudged with dirt. As soon as Officer Ryder entered, he instinctively covered his nose, frowning. The overwhelming stench almost made him gag. “Do you regret what you did?” He looked at the woman huddled in the corner, his voice softening slightly. I watched Cassidy’s live stream through the system, secretly marveling at her acting skills. Cassidy slowly lifted her head from her knees, forcing a painful smile with her bruised lips. “Regret? I regret nothing!” “I think you haven’t spent enough time in this stable. If you want to come back, apologize to Serena. She’s magnanimous; she won’t hold a grudge.” “Yes, Jordan,” Serena chimed in, idly fiddling with her hair. “I just want to see some remorse from you. I’m not the type to hold a grudge.” “Is there any point in me going back? Wouldn’t it be exactly what you want, finally, no one to bother you and your Serena?” Officer Ryder stepped forward, pulling Cassidy up. He gripped her wrist tightly. “What’s happened to you? You never used to talk to me like this.” Cassidy winced in pain, pulling her hand away. She looked at Officer Ryder with despair, her voice firmer than ever before. “Because I don’t love you anymore, Ryder. I’ve given up on loving you.” Officer Ryder snorted, his face filled with suspicion and disbelief. “How many times are you going to pull this trick? Stop playing games, okay? Just go apologize, and we can still…” Before Officer Ryder could finish his sentence, a dark shadow flashed outside the stable. A long, whistling sword flew straight towards him. Everything happened too fast. Officer Ryder couldn’t dodge. He could only watch as the sword tip tore through his clothes, aiming for his heart. A small figure suddenly moved in front of him, taking the fatal stab to the chest for him. The person in his arms rapidly lost color, a large mouthful of blood spilling from their lips. Officer Ryder’s pupils constricted, his face a mask of disbelief. He never expected that the person who, a second ago, had adamantly declared she would never love him again, Would, in the next second, rush forward without hesitation to block that deadly blow for him. Serena, meanwhile, had found an opportunity to flee the moment the assassin appeared. Cassidy lay in Officer Ryder’s arms, weakly gasping for breath. “Ryder, from now on, we are even. In our next life, I will never love you again.” Officer Ryder clutched Cassidy’s hand tightly, his eyes wide and unblinking, terrified that she would disappear at any moment. “No! Don’t! I’ll get someone to save you right away, okay? You’ll live!” The only response was the growing coldness in his arms. I glanced at Dr. Julian Hayes, who had just entered the lab. It was my turn to perform. As Dr. Julian Hayes, as usual, prepared his reagents, I looked at him with feigned tenderness. “Can you please stop using me for experiments, Julian?” Dr. Julian Hayes said nothing, a cold, hard refusal. “If I had another chance, I would never fall in love with you again.” Dr. Julian Hayes’s hands paused. “You won’t have a chance to leave me.” I curved my lips into a slight smile, then plunged the syringe next to me into my body. Moments later, I began to tremble violently and then passed out. The last thing I saw before my eyes closed was Dr. Julian Hayes smashing the reagent bottle to the ground and frantically rushing towards me.

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My Abusive Husband’s Mad Obsession For seven years, I was trapped in my marriage to Alex Thorne, confined within a gilded cage. He remained cold, letting other women waltz right into our home, flaunting their presence and humiliating me. He even forced me to be a silent observer. His friends, they were all used to it. Some even tried to push their luck, to bully me right in front of him. His cruelty, the constant emotional torment, it all became too much. I was driven to the brink, suffered a miscarriage, and eventually, I died while pregnant. Later, Alex Thorne found a witch. He deliberately burned himself alive, wide awake, to trade his life for mine, to bring me back. And I did come back. I was reborn. But now, all I want is to never see Alex Thorne again. Alex Thorne, the man who, since childhood, had only ever been kind to me, hated my guts. It was because on our wedding day, his first love, Brooke Miller, had been heartbroken, flown overseas, and then gotten into a car crash, dying tragically on the streets. My grief had consumed me, plunging my consciousness into darkness. When I finally opened my eyes again… The colorful lights before me swayed. It was our engagement party from all those years ago! “Evie Reed, what kind of stunt are you pulling now?” Alex Thorne’s impatient accusation rang in my ears. When he looked at me, he always subconsciously frowned. After so many beatings, my body reacted to his presence with an immediate, phantom ache, a ghost of the pain he’d inflicted. I knew I shouldn’t be afraid. But I couldn’t control it. The tearing pain made me unsteady, and I nearly swayed right into him. Seeing his impatient expression, I instinctively stiffened, pulling myself away from him, terrified that any contact would only bring more punishment. In my previous life, the relentless emotional abuse, his cold indifference as everyone else trampled all over me, the constant wear and tear on my spirit, and the brutal beatings whenever I dared to disobey – it all left deep, festering scars. So, whenever Alex Thorne showed that cold expression, a chill would creep through my entire body, and I’d tremble uncontrollably. I’d be plunged into an uncontrollable, endless fear. The emcee was about to announce the happy news of our two families’ engagement. I took a deep breath, quickly snatched the microphone from the emcee’s hand: “I apologize, due to a personal issue, today’s engagement ceremony is canceled. If you wish to stay for dinner, please do. Otherwise, you may collect your gifts and leave.” Suppressing the tremor in my voice, I bowed slightly. “I apologize for any inconvenience. The fault for today’s events lies solely with me, and Mr. Thorne is not to blame.” In the distance, the invited media were furiously snapping pictures, their camera flashes exploding like fireworks. I slowly lowered my eyes, my racing heart finally settling. Alex and I had grown up together, a match made through a business alliance. After college, I chose to become an actress. He, meanwhile, inherited his family’s empire. In everyone’s eyes, we were a match made in heaven, the perfect couple. But now, my public rejection of the marriage had shamed the Thorne family and created a massive news scandal. Alex Thorne’s face was a stormy mess, his fists clenching so hard I could hear his knuckles crack. “Evie Reed, you… don’t you dare regret this.” He cursed under his breath, then turned and strode away. His malice froze me in place. I didn’t dare, didn’t even want to look back at him. Alex Thorne, I wish you and the first love you cherished so dearly a lifetime of happiness. Lucky for me, I got a second chance. I will never again be a sacrifice to secure your position. In this life, I won’t abandon my career for you. We will never cross paths again.

After all the guests had left. I stripped off the gown I had personally designed and drove aimlessly through the city. My agent and parents called relentlessly, almost blowing up my phone. I didn’t answer a single call until the battery died. The engagement ring on my finger was a bit small, and the evening swelling made my finger ache painfully. I struggled to pull the ring off my ring finger. In my previous life, I only accidentally found out during my pregnancy that the engagement ring didn’t fit because its size was custom-made for Alex Thorne’s first love, Brooke Miller. I sneered, a sarcastic twist on my lips, and casually tossed the ring out the car window. A dull, heavy ache settled in my chest, a pain that clawed at my throat. I pressed a hand to my chest, biting back the tumultuous emotions, but tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I pulled into a random parking lot. After turning off the car, I cried until my emotions finally calmed. Then, I picked up my phone. I sent a message to my agent. `Ms. Jenkins, find me some work.` In my previous life, at this very moment, I had just starred in a hit show and was in the prime of my career. But because Alex Thorne told me he needed me to manage his household, I gave up working. God knows how many times in my past life I’d woken up in the dead of night, tears streaming, consumed by the crushing weight of my regrets. It still hurts to think about it. No wonder women online always say that losing your job means losing everything. Now, I’m desperate to get back on screen.

Ms. Jenkins sent me a script. The message read: `This project is perfect for you, a real career-maker, but if you want the role, you’ll have to audition in person.` I steadied myself and replied with a simple “Okay.” The audition was in five days. But at the audition site, I saw two familiar faces. “Evie, you’re here to audition too?” Brooke Miller smiled and nodded at me. Then she tightened her grip on Alex Thorne’s arm, deliberately pressing her chest against his, a clear provocation. I glanced at the two of them, tightly intertwined, and felt not even a ripple in my heart. I lowered my eyes and continued to silently recite my lines. Brooke tugged at her collar, as if there were pins inside. Marks, a mix of blue and purple, accidentally flashed before my eyes, showing me just how wild these two had been together. Alex Thorne instinctively snapped, “Evie Reed, do you have any manners? “Brooke greeted you, why didn’t you respond? Can’t you even say ‘sister-in-law’?” I looked up at the man who always acted so arrogant and scolded me with such disdain. In my previous life, because I was in love, I believed no one was perfect. Alex Thorne, the heir to the Thorne empire, with his prominent family background, a little arrogance was normal, I thought. I just put up with it. But Alex Thorne actually thought I was truly timid and weak. He became more and more reckless in front of me. We weren’t even engaged. What right did he have to lecture me like this? Sister-in-law? What sister-in-law? My actual brother, Dan, is busy with business overseas. And Alex Thorne’s girlfriend? What the hell does she have to do with me? My expression must have shown too obvious a disdain. Alex Thorne’s face turned green with anger, and he instinctively started to scold me again. But Brooke, at that moment, whispered something soothingly to him, then smiled sweetly and linked her arm through mine. “Evie, don’t be mad at Alex. He just has a bad mouth, he doesn’t mean anything by it. “I apologize to you on his behalf, he didn’t… Ah!!!” Smiling and apologizing one second, Brooke’s piercing shriek the next left me stunned. I hadn’t even moved. Yet Brooke sat pitifully on the ground, clutching her ankle and weeping. Brooke’s clumsy, self-directed act… Anyone with a shred of sense could see right through it, couldn’t they? But apparently, Alex Thorne possessed no such sense. He was utterly blind. He was standing right behind Brooke, watching the whole thing unfold. “Brooke!” He rushed forward, anxiously helping the fallen Brooke to her feet. The next second, his hand, filled with fury, landed squarely on my face. “Evie Reed! How can you be so vicious? “You’ve tormented Brooke so many times, yet she’s never once blamed you, always defended you. And you? You dare to push her right in front of me? You’re the one who called off the engagement, why are you taking your anger out on her? You’re completely out of your mind!”

I had never imagined I’d be slapped so mercilessly by Alex Thorne in public. He put his full, unforgiving strength into that blow. My cheek instantly swelled and turned crimson. A sharp ringing filled my ears. All sounds seemed distant and unclear. As I stumbled, Ms. Jenkins caught me. Tears of pain streamed down my face. The memory of him choking me in my past life felt terrifyingly real. I was shaking uncontrollably from fright. After a while, I regained my composure, forced myself to stand steady, and tried to calm down. “Alex Thorne, when have I ever tormented Brooke Miller?” A vein pulsed on Alex Thorne’s forehead. He was about to say something more, but Brooke, limping, quickly walked over and held him back. “No, you’ve never tormented me, Evie. Alex is just… too worried about me.” “I don’t hold past grudges… Evie, please don’t be angry with Alex.” Her voice was full of feigned grievance. I listened, utterly bewildered, even beginning to doubt if I had really bullied her. Brooke was helped away by Alex Thorne. Watching their backs, my rationality slowly returned. The throbbing in my cheek stung my nerves. I instinctively raised a hand to touch it. The pain on contact sent a jolt of urgency through me. “Ms. Jenkins, quick, get some ice packs.” Right now, nothing was more important than the audition. The cold touch made my fingertips redden. I lowered my eyes, looking at the lines I had memorized, and my thoughts drifted back to my previous life. When we were children, Alex and I had been close. We grew up together, he always put me first, treated me like a princess. At our high school graduation, some guy, drunk, made a few inappropriate jokes about me. When Alex Thorne heard it, his face instantly changed. In front of a crowd of people, he nearly beat that guy to a pulp. He told me then, “Evie, as long as I’m here, no one will dare to bully you.” After that, everyone knew I was his untouchable. But later… It was also him who felt I had cost him his true love, and so, in retaliation, he dragged my dignity into the public eye, shattered it, and trampled it underfoot. Thankfully, in this life, I’m not his fiancée. I haven’t stood in the way of his love. Just a little more time, and I’ll be able to completely cut ties with him.

After all, the engagement was made with the consent of both sets of parents. Even if it was to be broken, the elders of both families needed a formal discussion. This directly led to Alex Thorne and me having to meet again. At the Thorne estate. I silently held a glass of plain water. Across from me sat Alex Thorne, his face composed but his eyes betraying a deep annoyance. Seeing that man’s face, my cheek seemed to throb again. At once, I felt nothing but irritation. “Evie Reed making such a scene at the engagement party,” Mrs. Thorne’s sarcastic words dripped from her lips, “It seems she thinks our Thorne family isn’t good enough for the Reed family.” Mrs. Thorne’s unsettling gaze slanted at me, silently exerting pressure. In my previous life, after I married Alex, this mother-in-law constantly found fault with me. She actively poisoned Alex’s mind against me day in and day out. Alex Thorne’s intense dislike for me was, in no small part, a result of her manipulation. I had absolutely no fondness for Mrs. Thorne. Unfortunately, this was a discussion between elders, and it wouldn’t be smart for me to jump in. My parents were elderly. In my previous life, they both passed away shortly after I married. I… didn’t want to cause them any more distress. So, no matter how much injustice I faced today, I would swallow it all. My phone screen lit up. I instinctively tapped on Ms. Jenkins’ flashing chat bubble. `Evie, you passed the audition!` `You’ll be on set in less than two months – hurry up and prepare, familiarize yourself with the script the director sent you!` The smooth progress of my career finally eased my troubled mood. I lowered my eyes, trying my best to suppress the slight upturn of my lips. I didn’t notice that Alex Thorne, sitting across from me, had been watching me intently. My expression made his eyes darken. His long fingers toyed with the wedding ring he hadn’t yet taken off. He seemed lost in thought, pondering something.

The conversation, rather than discussing the annulment of the engagement, was more about the strategic alliance between the two families. After it concluded, my parents offered a few words of comfort before rushing back to their company. I let out a small sigh of relief, watched them leave, and then headed towards my car. Before I could open the car door, Alex Thorne’s tall figure blocked my path. “Evie Reed, breaking off our engagement isn’t a good decision for you.” His long eyelashes lowered, casting shadows on his cheeks. “Our two companies have deep ties. If we marry, it would be beneficial for everyone involved.” “If you’re willing to apologize in person, I’m willing to reluctantly marry you…” Reluctantly? I looked up at his self-righteous face. Alex Thorne’s face was undeniably handsome. But now, in my eyes, that face had lost all its previous appeal. His proposition was truly… So shameless it made you want to sigh with exasperation. I didn’t immediately expose his true intentions. Instead, I feigned hesitation, pondering his words. After a moment, I slowly opened my mouth. “What about Brooke Miller, then?” He chuckled softly. As if he’d heard something unbelievable. “You’ll quit acting after we get married. I won’t let you see her.” “Besides, with our family’s wealth, marriage is just a formality. You don’t actually think I’ll be like other men, dedicated to just you for life, do you?” “Wake up, Evie Reed.” His matter-of-fact attitude made it seem as if I were a foolish, ignorant woman, incapable of living without depending on him. “Is that so?” I chuckled lightly, meeting his gaze head-on, and said, word for word, “It’s you who needs to wake up, Alex Thorne.” “Marrying me, you’re clearly the one benefiting more, aren’t you? Don’t forget, while the Thorne family only has one child on the surface, behind the scenes…” I watched his face turn green at my words. I curled my lips into a sneer, rolling my eyes dismissively. Ultimately, the Reed and Thorne families had been equally powerful for years, but who was truly stronger was anyone’s guess. I only learned after marrying him in my past life that despite his deep love for Brooke Miller and his intense dislike for me, he still married me. Only a wife with a sufficiently prominent family background could solidify his position as the head of the Thorne family. These past few days, His cunning, manipulative mother probably hadn’t given him a moment’s peace. That was probably what drove him to pull me aside and try to win me over. “Evie Reed, don’t you dare be ungrateful!” Alex Thorne’s ears turned bright red. I wasn’t sure if it was from anger or if he still possessed some shred of shame. Seeing him clench his fist again, about to strike me once more, But before he could even register my defiance, I swiftly lifted my hand and delivered a stinging slap across his face. “Alex Thorne, consider that my return gift for the slap you gave me.”

I fixed him with a cold stare, rubbing my slightly aching wrist, glaring at him out of the corner of my eye. Years ago, when I first started acting, I underwent specialized combat training to perfect my fight scenes. I guaranteed that slap would be painful and leave a nasty bruise. Seeing Alex Thorne’s stunned expression, I scoffed, no longer bothering to spare him another glance. Who knew, the next second, he suddenly grabbed my neck, shoving me forcefully against the car door. “I gave you an inch, and you took a mile, didn’t you?” Alex Thorne’s sinister gaze swept over me from head to toe. The terror of being beaten in my past life rushed back. I gritted my teeth, refusing to show fear in front of this scumbag. “Alex Thorne!” An enraged roar echoed from the distance. The grip on my neck loosened. I saw my older brother, Daniel Reed, dart in front of us, landing a forceful punch on Alex Thorne’s jaw. Alex Thorne was forced to release his hand from my throat. “Dan…” I clutched my throat, gently pulling back his arm, which was still poised to strike again. My brother, consumed by rage, almost broke free. “Evie, don’t stop me! I’m going to kill this bastard!” My throat was terribly swollen, and even speaking caused intense pain. I was about to force out words, risking my voice, to persuade my brother to stop, when A man with a face five parts similar to Alex Thorne’s grabbed my brother’s raised fist. He said, “Don’t be impulsive. We’re outside. It won’t look good for you or Ms. Reed if this is filmed.” My brother, though hot-headed, was usually amenable to reason. He released Alex Thorne, whose lip was now split, and grumbled, affectionately ruffling my hair. “Didn’t I tell you? If someone bullies you, call your brother! If I hadn’t come to get you, he would have killed you!” My eyes welled up. In my past life, after marrying Alex Thorne, I was cut off from the outside world. Not just my agent, but my brother and parents too, were forbidden from meeting me or even calling. My parents died, and I was confined to the house, unable to see them one last time. Until my own death, I hadn’t seen my only remaining relative, my brother, either. My brother pulled my hand. “Come on, let’s go home. I brought you a gift!” As he opened the car door. Alex Thorne struggled to his feet from the ground, shouting loudly, “Evie Reed! I’m giving you one last chance. As long as you’re obedient, I won’t hold it against your brother for hitting me. I advise you to know your place, otherwise, don’t blame me if…” His words caught in his throat. His gaze fell on the man whose face was similar to his own, and he couldn’t utter another word. I calmly got into the car. Before closing the door, I said coldly, without a trace of emotion, “Alex Thorne, I’m giving you one last warning too. Stop bothering me, or else, you’ll be the one to regret it.” With that, I slammed the car door shut.

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My car crashed, and I ended up in the hospital. Suddenly, I had this idea to mess with my boyfriend. “Who are you?” Julian’s face froze. I was about to burst out laughing. But then Julian pointed at his best friend, Caleb. “I’m your boyfriend’s brother, and he’s your boyfriend, Caleb.” My expression stiffened. Caleb, however, stepped forward. “Yes, I’m your boyfriend.” I forced a smile. “Then take me home.” Caleb took me home. He said I’d always lived here. I looked at this place that bore absolutely no trace of my life, and nodded, playing along as if I were as blind as he was. I slept on his bed for a while, then went to get some water, but I heard a FaceTime conversation from the living room. “Caleb, do your brother a favor and pretend to be Sera’s boyfriend for a while.” “Aren’t you afraid she’ll suddenly regain her memory?” “If she gets angry when her memory comes back, I’ll just coax her into it. She loves me so much, she’d never truly leave me. It’s just… between her and me, it’s gotten a bit boring. This is a good chance for me to breathe, to have some fun outside the relationship.” “So you really hooked up with Chloe, huh? Just using this as an excuse to mess around with her.” “You know it. But I definitely love Sera more. Make sure you don’t touch Sera during this time she’s with you, alright? Though, among my buddies, you’re the one I trust most. And you always seemed to hate Sera, anyway.” My bare feet retreated. I made some noise at the door, then walked back towards the living room. Caleb quickly ended the call and stood up when he heard the noise. “The floor’s cold. Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” Caleb quickly scooped me up into his arms and set me down on the couch. “I’m thirsty.” I said, realizing I couldn’t find where the water was. “I’ll get it for you.” Caleb walked to the water cooler and brought me a glass of water. He sat beside me, looking at me, “Are you uncomfortable anywhere else?” I shook my head after drinking the water. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, then leaned in to kiss my forehead. My eyes widened slightly. I’d just heard Julian tell him not to touch me like that. I also thought Caleb hated me. Yet now… When his lips touched mine. I turned my head away. He calmly stroked my face. “You don’t remember, so we’ll take it slow. You’ll get to know me again.” Caleb, this man, seemed to be deceiving his own brother too. 2 When Caleb brought me to the private room, it was already lively. A bunch of privileged kids from the city’s elite circles fell into a strangely synchronized silence the moment they saw me, their gazes turning to Julian. “Oh, Sera’s here! Do you still remember me? I’m Chloe, your college roommate!” Chloe, sitting next to Julian, waved, calling out. Caleb led me to a seat. I looked at her and shook my head. “Sorry.” “It’s okay, we can all just get to know each other again.” Chloe said, linking her arm through Julian’s, leaning intimately against his shoulder. This former college roommate, then friend, now that she thought I had amnesia, leaned on Julian like she was subtly staking her claim, a smug satisfaction hidden in her smile. Julian, too, seemed to enjoy the perverse thrill of being intimate with another woman right in front of me. “Yeah, yeah, it’s great, isn’t it? Both of you best friends have boyfriends in this circle.” “You can always hang out together. Whether she has amnesia or not, it doesn’t really matter.” The other friends echoed similar remarks, a malicious glee apparent in their eyes, watching an unwitting victim get publicly humiliated. Everyone continued playing games. Julian and Chloe shared a single cookie, their mouths getting closer and closer with each bite. “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” The shouts of encouragement. Julian and Chloe kissed in the charged atmosphere. Afterward, Chloe playfully buried her face in Julian’s chest, then subtly shot me a triumphant glance. Julian, too, looked pleased as he wrapped an arm around Chloe. Then, I lost the game and the penalty was to choose someone to kiss for thirty seconds. Everyone fell silent, looking at me. They were curious who I would pick. Would I instinctively pick Julian, like I used to? Julian seemed a little nervous, avoiding my gaze. He apparently didn’t want me to show any instinctive reaction so soon. Caleb, sitting next to me, also seemed tense. I smiled. “I’ll pick my boyfriend, of course.” 3 I said, then turned to Caleb. “Shall we?” I could distinctly feel Caleb relax. He gazed at me steadily, then leaned in. I proactively wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “Whoa!” Another chorus of “Whoa!” erupted. These people might have seen Julian with other women, kissing other women, but they certainly hadn’t expected *me* to act this way with another man. So their surprised “Whoa!” was particularly novel, but then it suddenly died down. Caleb seemed to kiss me back fiercely, his lips hungry. Thirty seconds later, I pulled away, only to see Julian’s face was a thundercloud, which was why everyone else had suddenly fallen silent. How laughable. Caleb gently wiped a stray trace of moisture from the corner of my mouth. “What’s wrong, everyone? Didn’t I just complete my penalty?” I asked, feigning confusion at the strange atmosphere. “Even with her amnesia, Sera’s certainly not awkward with her boyfriend.” Chloe’s words were clearly mocking my ‘amnesia’ and calling me a fool. Julian’s face was even more displeased. I went to the restroom outside, but on my way back, I overheard a conversation from the staircase landing between the two men waiting for us. “Caleb, I told you not to mess with her. What you did just now was out of line.” Julian’s voice was cold. “It was just a game. She has amnesia. Is she supposed to look for her boyfriend or for you, who’s already with another woman? That’s not realistic, is it? And I’m her boyfriend, chosen by you.” Caleb replied with a smile. Julian was silent for a moment. “Fine, just be mindful of your boundaries. Even though I don’t believe you’d genuinely fall for Sera and get serious with her, you should still avoid overly intimate contact whenever possible. Otherwise, it would be unbearable for you, and I’d feel terrible about it, right?” “Ha, you really know me, don’t you?” 4 Back at Caleb’s villa, as I was about to enter my room, he grabbed my arm. Without a word, he lowered his head and kissed me. “Mmm—” I tried to pull away, but he held me tighter. After a long moment, he finally pulled back, stroking my cheek and murmuring. “We took a step forward today, didn’t we? We can get to know each other even better, gradually.” I looked up at him, stunned. He seemed to be doing the opposite of what he’d told his brother. I didn’t understand him. My family background and Julian’s were worlds apart. He worked tirelessly, step by step, to win me over. Later, I met some of his friends, a whole crowd of wealthy kids, especially Caleb. Caleb despised me, looked down on me, and that was a well-known fact within their circle. He always had sarcastic remarks about my relationship with Julian. In the past, I avoided him whenever possible. But after my ‘amnesia,’ and Julian forcing us into a couple, he’d repeatedly taken advantage of the situation to do things like this. Was he doing it to get back at Julian for making us a couple? As a designer, my work was pretty flexible, so I often worked from home. Caleb knocked and came in. “You’ve been working hard. There are fireworks tonight, let’s go watch them.” When we arrived at the lake where the fireworks were being set off, Julian and Chloe were already standing in the best spot, watching the magnificent display. Chloe, leaning against Julian, suddenly jumped up happily and gave Julian a quick kiss on the cheek, looking absolutely adorable. Julian smiled back at her, playfully tapped her nose. Then, he turned around and saw us. Julian saw me, and there was a flicker of stiff panic, but he quickly composed himself, acting as if nothing was amiss. Chloe also saw us. “Oh, you’re here!” “Sera, perfect timing! Help me take some photos with Julian!” Chloe called out, coming over and handing me her phone. Julian’s face faltered for a moment, then he glanced at me again. “I’m so happy today! These are the fireworks Julian set off just for me. I want to capture this moment forever.” Chloe walked back to Julian’s side, gazing at him with deep affection as she spoke. Julian’s expression softened, and he wrapped an arm around her. My hand, holding Chloe’s phone, faltered. So, this grand fireworks display was all for Chloe, arranged by Julian. 5 I watched the scene of them embracing in the camera’s frame. Julian gently held Chloe, and she nestled against his chest, a look of blissful satisfaction on her face. Behind them, the magnificent fireworks exploded, creating a picture of breathtaking romance. I quietly took their photos. Once, on my birthday, Julian had also set off fireworks, lighting up the entire lake just for me. Chloe had eagerly offered to take our photos then. I was probably as happy and blissful as Chloe was now. Chloe had even wistfully said, “I’m so jealous of you two. I truly hope one day I’ll have someone who treats me like that.” I had even comforted her, assuring her she would. Now, she certainly made it happen. Caleb took the phone from my hand. “Alright, you’re not here to be their personal photographer.” Caleb tossed the phone back. Julian caught it and handed it to Chloe. After the fireworks display, Chloe and I went to the restroom. The restroom was too crowded, so I decided not to bother. But on my way back, I again overheard the two of them waiting there for us. “Seems like you’re having a great time with Chloe, huh? You and Sera haven’t had this much fun in a long time, have you?” Caleb said. “Indeed. Lately, Chloe and I feel just like how things used to be between Sera and me. Chloe is more obedient, thoughtful, and considerate. She makes me feel comfortable and happy.” Julian replied. “Then why not just let things play out? Chloe does seem to suit you better. Sera… you said she can be stubborn sometimes, and that really frustrates you, didn’t you?” Caleb said. “Caleb, years of history with Sera isn’t something I can just throw away.” “Chloe even said she’s not looking for anything serious; as long as she can be happy for a while, she’ll be content. Such a sweet girl.” Julian remarked wistfully. “Heh.” 6 Back at the villa, Caleb suddenly wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. Then he pulled back slightly, looking at me intently. “Sera, you know what? You’re the best Sera, and you don’t need to be compared to anyone.” I stared at him, stunned, as if he were responding directly to Julian’s comparison of me and Chloe. How… how could he know me so well? My little habits that even Julian had forgotten – what candy I liked, what dishes, what movies… He pushed the boundaries a little further than before. I didn’t object. He stared at me for a moment, then he scooped me up into his arms and carried me into his bedroom. Julian had always been the only man I’d been with. When Julian first pursued me, I was full of distrust. But his seriousness and determination, his respectful attitude towards my grandmother, and the discreet help he offered behind the scenes – they all moved me. Later, his parents disapproved and cut off his allowance. I thought that would be the moment he’d realize the gap between us. But he didn’t compromise; instead, he worked odd jobs while attending classes with me. Eventually, his parents’ hearts softened, and they relented. That’s when we truly settled into our relationship. When my grandmother, my only family, passed away, he held me close, comforting me and assuring me I still had him. He’d always be by my side. Such a deep connection, and now it was completely unrecognizable. If that’s how it was, then maybe it was time to learn to move on to another man. On Friday, a group of us went to a resort for the weekend. When we were assigning rooms at the resort, Julian’s face was displeased. He privately spoke to Caleb. “Are you two really planning to share a room? Get separate rooms.” “It’s just sharing a room. You know I hate her, so what are you worried about?” Caleb replied. I suddenly appeared, and Julian’s disgusted expression froze, the words he was about to say swallowed back down. The next morning, Julian, his face ashen, called Caleb away. I was on the balcony upstairs and heard their voices below. “Did you two… sleep together last night?” Julian demanded, full of anger. “You didn’t spend the night with your ‘sweet’ girlfriend, but came to listen in on our room instead? Julian, are you a pervert?” Caleb retorted. “Caleb! Are you messing with me?!” Julian fumed. “Enough! I don’t need you to pretend to be Sera’s boyfriend anymore!” 7 “Ha, and what exactly are you going to tell her? That you’re her boyfriend? That you wanted to mess around and hook up with her friend, so you lied and told her I was her boyfriend?” Caleb sneered. “Do you dare to say that?” “You!” Julian choked. “Besides, what about your new girlfriend? Don’t you like her a lot? She’s right there, you know.” Caleb said. “Chloe and I agreed from the start that it was just a temporary thing!” “I never intended to give up on Sera, and Sera loves me!” “She’ll regain her memory eventually, and I’ll apologize sincerely. I’ll propose to her, swear I’ll only ever have her, and she’ll forgive me. And you, ignoring the code of brotherhood, took advantage and slept with her?” Julian was furious. “Caleb, didn’t you say you hated her?” “Hmph, when did *I* ever say I hated her? Wasn’t that just what *you all* assumed?” Caleb scoffed. Julian clenched his fists, glaring at him. “I truly never expected that my best friend, you, would set such a huge trap for me! You’ve been harboring dirty intentions for Sera, and you used this opportunity to get your hands on her!” “Julian, you orchestrated all of this yourself. You’re the one who said I was her boyfriend.” Caleb said calmly. Julian’s face paled, filled with panic. “Since Sera and I have already… become intimate, and you also think Chloe is so great, just like I said last time, wouldn’t it be better to just let things play out like this?” “When Sera regains her memory, you won’t have to beg for forgiveness; I will. Wouldn’t that make everyone happy?” Caleb said. Julian looked at him, then let out a cold laugh. “I don’t care about what happened between you and Sera. Perhaps it’ll even make her more likely to forgive me. I’ll break up with Chloe immediately, and I’ll do everything to make amends. We’ll see who Sera’s heart ultimately chooses!” I was idly fiddling with the flowers in a pot on the balcony upstairs. But I saw Chloe, who had been hiding behind the wall, listening to their conversation. After hearing Julian’s words, she frantically ran off. 8 That afternoon, while the men were fishing, Chloe suddenly called out to me. “Sera, let’s go pick grapes! It looks like so much fun.” I gave her a meaningful look, then smiled and went with her. Inside the vineyard. Chloe suddenly handed me her phone. “Sera, I want to show you something.” I took it and looked. “There are a lot of pictures; you can take your time looking. I took these from Julian’s phone.” Chloe said with subtle mockery. On her phone, there were countless intimate photos of Julian and me: kissing photos, photos taken in bed – they were all there. I handed the phone back to her, looking at her. “What’s the meaning of this?” She flinched, then sneered. “What do I mean? Julian says you’re Caleb’s girlfriend, yet you have so many intimate photos with Julian, spanning from our college days until now. What do you think that means?” “Oh, but everyone says my boyfriend is Caleb.” I replied, my face utterly calm. “Sera, are you really that stupid? Can’t you see from these photos? Julian is lying to you! Your boyfriend has always been Julian! Never Caleb! Julian only lied because you had amnesia. He didn’t want to keep being your boyfriend, so he took the opportunity to trick you into thinking Caleb was your boyfriend, so he could go off and mess around!” “Caleb is also helping Julian deceive you. You’re being played for a fool, spun around in circles, and everyone’s laughing at you behind your back! As your friend, I couldn’t stand by and watch, so I’m telling you this out of kindness!” Chloe impatiently blurted out the entire truth. My face remained calm. She stared at my unchanging expression, stunned. I simply smiled. “So what? Is there anything wrong with my situation now? Is Caleb not treating me well? Or is he worse than Julian was?” Her eyes widened in disbelief, staring at me. “You… you knew all this and can still be so calm?” She seemed to realize something. “You… you weren’t faking amnesia, were you?” I picked at a grape in my hand. “Oh, you caught me. Well, as my ‘friend,’ you can’t tell anyone, right?” “You… you…” She stared at me, utterly shocked. “You never had amnesia, yet you’re still with Caleb like this!” “Sera, you’ve been hiding such a deep secret!” “I’m going to tell Julian, I’m going to tell Caleb! You were never actually amnesiac! You’ve been lying to them from the start!” 9 I popped a grape into my mouth, watching her with amusement. “Are you sure you want to rip everything open? Do you really think Julian will keep you around then?” She froze, her face flickering with panic, seeming to recall Julian’s words about ending their relationship from earlier that morning. Then she scoffed. “If I tell Julian you were faking amnesia, and he finds out you’ve been lying to him and even deliberately slept with Caleb, do you think he’d still want you? Won’t he just choose me instead?” “Oh, I’m sorry, but I can’t let you ruin the image I’ve carefully cultivated in front of them. I’ll simply say, with a heartbroken sigh, that Julian’s deception made me believe he didn’t want me anymore. I was so hurt that I fell into Caleb’s arms.” I smiled at her. “Do you think he’ll believe I deliberately lied to him, or that my heart was utterly broken? Do you think he’ll feel more guilt and pity for me, or will he abandon me?” Earlier, she had heard Julian say he didn’t care that Caleb and I slept together, right? Ha. Chloe looked at me like this, recoiling a step, staring at me in disbelief, as if she was seeing me for the first time. “Sera, I never thought… I never thought this was your true face! You’re nothing like you pretended to be…” “What was I like before?” I looked at her, amused. “Chloe, you went to such lengths to be my friend, to scheme your way closer to Julian – what do you think you were after? Why are you so obsessed with what I might be thinking?” Chloe’s face flushed. “I… I truly love Julian! And you, you’ve been faking it all along, and you knew exactly what was going on, yet you still went to bed with Caleb! You’re nothing like everyone always thought you were – strong, brave, kind, sincere, and deeply in love with Julian! You’re not like that at all! You don’t love Julian at all!” “Ha, who said I don’t love Julian?” I found it ironic. “If he hadn’t pushed me into Caleb’s arms, wouldn’t I still be loving Julian? Did I ever betray him the way he betrayed me?” 10 I looked at her strangely. “How can you be so self-righteous with me? If Julian had nothing, would you still be able to say you truly loved him? Ha.” Chloe’s face turned green, then white. “You… you… Sera, you’re terrifying!” “I’m terrifying? The man who pushed his girlfriend into another man’s arms isn’t terrifying, but I am? The man who cheated with his girlfriend’s friend isn’t terrifying, but I am?” I smiled at her. “Chloe, you should be glad that between Caleb and Julian, I’ll only keep one, and I have no intention of fighting you for anything else. Julian is tainted in my eyes now. If you want him, go ahead and keep him, if you’re capable. I won’t sabotage you, don’t worry.” Chloe trembled as she looked at me. “So, you, Sera, don’t love Julian, and you don’t love Caleb. You… you just want to bag a rich guy, whether it’s Julian or Caleb, as long as they can give you a good life, either one will do!” A flicker of impatience crossed my face. “I said I loved Julian, but what did I get? Why should I still love a man like that? Caleb also deceived me, so why should I give him my whole heart? It’s just that, compared to Julian, Caleb isn’t as tainted in my eyes. As long as he treats me well and gives me what I want, I’ll treat him well in return.” Chloe looked at me. “Are you so sure Caleb will be yours to control? He’s widely known as the most ruthless one among that group of friends.” I played with the grape in my hand. “You rely on your abilities, I’ll rely on mine. You and I both know what it’s like to live in poverty. What you choose to do, the decision is yours.” If Chloe didn’t do anything against me, I wouldn’t do anything to her. But if she was foolish enough to treat me as an enemy, like before… I suddenly felt a figure lurking as if eavesdropping outside the vineyard. I turned my head, but only saw the leaves rustle.

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Company dinner. My fiancée’s junior assistant, Leo, threw a half-eaten eggplant he didn’t like into her bowl right in front of everyone. Without a second thought, Chloe picked it up with her forks and ate it. That night, when we got home, I told her I wanted to call off our arranged engagement. She irritably pinched the bridge of her nose. “Just because I ate the eggplant he gave me?” “It was *his* half-eaten eggplant, one he didn’t like,” I corrected her. “Lucas, you’re seriously so petty. You always have to make such a scene over the smallest things.” “Fine then. You want to break up? I’m okay with that. Just don’t come crawling back begging me to get back together later.” She just *knew* I’d never leave her, that I loved her too much to let go. But what she didn’t realize was that even the deepest love can erode away with constant pain and disappointment. This time, I was truly done. That same day, I talked to my parents about finding a different fiancée. They were a little surprised but respected my decision. After that, Chloe went into her usual silent treatment mode. My phone number, all my social media accounts, even our shared gaming friends list – she deleted and blocked me from everything. It was her go-to move whenever we argued. She was so sure I couldn’t live without her, that I’d be the one to swallow my pride and win her back. But this time, I stared at that ‘send friend request’ button, and for once, I didn’t hit it. A week later, a notification popped up in the company’s WhatsApp group chat. “It’s Chloe’s birthday today! She’s treating everyone, so full attendance is mandatory. No excuses, no days off!” To avoid making things awkward, I went. As I entered the private room, I immediately spotted Chloe sitting at the head of the table, with Leo right beside her. Leo’s lips were pressed close to Chloe’s ear, as if he was sharing some secret. It was like they were inside an invisible bubble; no one else could enter their world. Moments later, they both chuckled, their faces so close they were almost kissing. I couldn’t stand to watch anymore and found a corner to sit in. Everyone started giving Chloe their gifts, but I ignored it all. I just kept drinking my wine, only to find a shadow falling over me a moment later. I looked up to see Chloe’s excessively beautiful face. But her expression was still etched with that familiar impatience. “Lucas, why didn’t you get me a gift?” In the past, for an important occasion like Chloe’s birthday, I would have started preparing weeks in advance. One time, I spent over six months meticulously building her a life-sized replica of the flying house from her favorite animated movie, “Up.” The moment the hot air balloon lifted off, she told me we’d grow old together, just like the characters in the film. I believed her then, never imagining her promise wouldn’t even last three years. Faced with her persistent questioning, I simply replied, “I forgot.” My attitude clearly infuriated Chloe. She completely lost her patience. “Lucas, are you done with your little tantrum?” “Is this tiny thing really worth you sulking for an entire week?” I looked at the lipstick smudge on her ear, caused by Leo, and my stomach churned with disgust. “I’m not sulking. And I was serious about calling off the engagement.” At my words, Chloe’s expression stiffened for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure when Leo reached out and held her hand. “Lucas, please don’t misunderstand. I just didn’t want to waste food, that’s why I gave Chloe my leftovers. If you hate me that much, Lucas, I’ll just sit at a different table next time, or wait and eat whatever’s left over after everyone else finishes.” Leo’s words immediately tugged at Chloe’s heart. “Leo, don’t say things like that! You deserve the best things in the world. Lucas is the one who shouldn’t be here. Who does he think he is? Does everyone have to cater to his preferences?” “Chloe, don’t talk like that. Lucas might be a bit dramatic, but he’s still your fiancé. You should try to smooth things over with him. I really don’t want you two to argue because of me.” “Smooth things over with him? Who does he think he is? If my parents hadn’t begged me to get engaged to him, I wouldn’t be with him. He gets mad over every little thing; he’s so petty, not like a mature guy at all.” Leo walked over to me, patted my shoulder, and spoke in a seemingly earnest tone. “Honestly, Lucas, from one guy to another, you’re being a bit over the top this time. Chloe hasn’t been able to sleep because of you these past few days. Even though I also think your personalities don’t match, you two are engaged, so maybe just meet each other halfway.” I slapped his hand away and sneered. “Leo, you know what I admire most about you?” “It’s your blatant lies, and the way you shamelessly try to steal someone’s girlfriend while spouting all that sickening crap without an ounce of shame.” Leo’s triumphant expression instantly froze. Chloe completely flipped out. “Lucas, who gave you permission to slander Leo like that?” “Slander? Then tell me, why does he own a duplicate of every gift you’ve ever bought me, and then flaunts them at work? Why does he specifically spread rumors in the company break room every time we argue? And why does he know where your mole is?” “Enough!” *Slap!* Chloe, right in front of everyone, slapped me hard across the face. My ears rang, and everything went hazy, but my vision was disturbingly clear. I saw everyone in the private room staring at me with expressions ranging from pity to mockery and disgust.

As my ears slowly cleared, I heard Chloe’s loud declaration. “Starting today, everyone, feel free to like my photos with Leo! If we get a thousand likes, I’m breaking up with Lucas and getting married to Leo!” With that, she grabbed Leo’s hand and walked out without looking back. Before they left the room, Leo shot me a smug, defiant glance. After they left, people in the room started filing out. Some gloated, “He shouldn’t have made such a fuss without knowing if he could afford the consequences. Now he’s gone too far, and he regrets it, doesn’t he?” Others kindly advised me, “Pride isn’t important. Just apologize quickly, or Chloe will really marry Leo.” I knew this was Chloe’s way of forcing me to apologize. But this time, I just wouldn’t back down. Not even if it killed me. The once bustling room quickly emptied, leaving just me. I picked up the remaining hard liquor and drained it. The burning alcohol seared its way down my throat and into my stomach, making my eyes water. A lifetime of shared history was truly over, and yet, it felt… strangely anticlimactic. I just hoped she wouldn’t bother me anymore once I moved to a city a thousand miles away. But I found my face wet with tears again, though I didn’t know why. Back home, I started packing, ready to leave. Chloe and I had grown up together; for more than half of our young lives, we’d been inseparable. The impact was so profound that I had an overwhelming amount of things to sort through. This little paper flower was the first prize Chloe won in kindergarten. She waddled over on her short legs and gave it to me. I vaguely remembered her saying then, “I’m going to give my best things to you, Lucas.” This photo was one I secretly took of her blushing face the first time she got her period. She’d skipped health class and thought she had a terminal illness. She ran to me, tears streaming down her face, telling me to take good care of myself in the future, to find a girlfriend but not one prettier than her. I was completely baffled. Only after pressing her did I realize what was happening. I rushed to the corner store to buy her pads and even looked up how to use them online with her. I teased her for not paying attention in class, and she bit my arm fiercely, her face crimson. But I didn’t feel any pain; instead, a strange flutter bloomed in my chest. Later, we became a couple, but different colleges forced us into a long-distance relationship. Our memories became a stack of train tickets. For four whole years, 193,700 kilometers was the distance we traveled to be with each other. Back then, her world revolved around me. She never complained, no matter how long the journey. My fingers brushed against a small, hard box containing the matching rings we’d made together. For her, I moved back to this city right after college. The day I returned, she dragged me to get these rings crafted. I still remember her slipping the ring onto my finger and saying, “Lucas, with this ring, you’re stuck with me for life. You’ll never leave me.” We never imagined that in the end, it wouldn’t be me letting go, but her.

The day Leo came for his company interview, he performed terribly. Chloe openly disliked him. I didn’t pay much attention to the underqualified candidate either. But somehow, he was still hired, despite his poor performance. And slowly, he transformed from an unnoticed junior employee into Chloe’s special assistant. The moment I truly started to suspect something was when the matching ring, meant only for Chloe and me, appeared on Leo’s finger. Initially, when I confronted her, Chloe would patiently explain things and try to make me happy. But as time went on, all I got was her impatience. My repeated reluctance to let go, my tolerance, my constant attempts to please her – They only made her favoritism towards Leo more blatant. Company dinners only featured dishes Leo liked. Leo only worked half-days a week; the rest of the time, he spent with Chloe, going out and having fun. And Chloe, in turn, dumped all of Leo’s assistant duties onto me. Chloe started mentioning him more and more frequently in front of me. At first, it was unconscious praise and admiration. But later, it became comparisons, and she’d start complaining that I wasn’t as romantic or sweet-talking as he was. Then, during a company afternoon break, Chloe mentioned her bubble tea tasted good. Leo said he wanted to try it, and without a word, Chloe handed her drink to him. He didn’t even bother to change the straw and took a big sip, his lips pressing over Chloe’s lipstick mark. What’s more, Chloe took the bubble tea back and continued to drink from the same straw. In that moment, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, a painful, bitter ache. From then on, Leo’s transgressions as her “male best friend” became more and more frequent. He went with Chloe for her skincare appointments, helped her apply lotion. When Chloe twisted her ankle, he carried her straight to the infirmary, even though I, her boyfriend, was standing right there. Even the birthday celebration Chloe had promised me was canceled because Leo caught a cold. But every time I expressed my displeasure about these things, Chloe would impatiently say, “Lucas, you’re so twisted, always seeing the worst in everything. Leo and I just have a pure friendship. Don’t project your sleazy thoughts onto him.” However, as time went on, her voice lacked conviction when she said it. What truly chilled me was a major industry event. The organizers required attendees to bring their partners, but Chloe never told me. She simply took Leo. I only found out later, after several people asked if Chloe and I had broken up. When I confronted her, Chloe was even angrier than I was. “I was just helping Leo expand his network, and also training talent for the company. Why are you, a grown man, so petty about this?” That time, we gave each other the silent treatment for a long time. So long that I genuinely thought we would break up for good. Until she sent me a text late one night: “Hubby, my stomach hurts so bad.” My carefully constructed facade of indifference crumbled in an instant. And so, the terrible cycle of me questioning, her getting angry, me trying to win her back, and her forgiving me, started all over again. I closed the ring box and tossed it into the trash. Deep in my drawer, there was also a crumpled apology letter Chloe had written to me when she was 18, because she’d forgotten to reply to one of my messages. Back then, she really cared about me. But now, she only cared about Leo. I took out the apology letter, tore it into pieces, and threw them into the trash. After clearing out decades of shared history, the apartment felt so much emptier. My heart felt as though it had been emptied along with it. The company WhatsApp group chat was still buzzing with photos of Leo celebrating Chloe’s birthday and making her laugh. Knowing Chloe’s favoritism towards Leo, colleagues were eagerly sweet-talking them. “OMG, Chloe and Leo are so perfect for each other!” “You should find a boyfriend like Leo, not like Lucas, who’s so petty and always grumpy.” “Lucas only got where he is because of his family. Unlike Leo, who made it on his own. There’s no comparison between them.” I couldn’t be bothered to look anymore. I called my lawyer directly and asked him to withdraw all my investments in the Liu Group.

The next day, I went to the office to pack my things. But in my private lounge, I saw Leo, wearing baggy shorts, his feet propped up on my desk. His belongings were spread all over my lounge, while all my things had been tossed outside the door. Chloe had specially designed this lounge for me; it was *my* private space. Everyone in the company knew it, and no one dared to step foot in that room. Leo was blatantly walking all over me, disrespecting me right to my face. I couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and just called the police. At the police station, Leo panicked. “I was just helping Chloe get some materials. Did you really have to call the police?” “That’s my private space. Did I give you permission to enter it without asking?” “Taking something without asking? Isn’t that stealing?” Leo had no rebuttal to my words. He suddenly started to cry, and I immediately knew something was off. Sure enough, when I turned around, it was Chloe, her face thunderous. “Chloe!” The moment he saw Chloe, Leo practically launched himself into her arms. “I really just wanted to help you get some documents. But Lucas doesn’t seem to like me. He insists I was stealing. I have a villa with dozens of square feet full of things you’ve given me, why would I need his measly stuff?” This small room was Chloe’s “gift” to me. It was her return gift for the small cabin I had built for her. We had so many sweet memories in this room. I always thought at least this sanctuary wouldn’t be defiled; it was like the last shred of dignity for our love. But Chloe insisted on tearing apart my last bit of fantasy with her own hands. Chloe comforted Leo while explaining to the officers, “It’s all a misunderstanding. We know each other. Sorry to bother you.” Then she turned to me, her voice dripping with disgust. “Lucas, what’s gotten into you? Why are you acting like a crazy person all the time? Do you feel great using your power to hurt innocent subordinates like Leo? You really disappoint me.” Her accusations rained down on me, but before I could retort, Leo started his act again. “Chloe, don’t blame Lucas. It’s my fault for being careless.” “Worst case, I’ll go to jail for a few days, and people can laugh at me. It’s fine. Don’t let this cause trouble between you and Lucas.” Chloe held Leo’s hand, her face full of heartache. “Leo, you’re just too soft-hearted, that’s why people always pick on you.” “Lucas, let me tell you, this isn’t going to blow over easily. You need to apologize to Leo right now.” “Chloe, he entered my private space without my permission. And you want me to apologize to him? Do you still think *he’s* the victim?” The moment I spoke, Leo started sniffling again, looking utterly wronged. Chloe sneered, “Your private space? That lounge belongs to the Liu Group. Don’t forget, the entire Liu Group is under *my* name. You only had temporary access. If you keep this attitude, I won’t hesitate to have you charged with false accusation.” With that, she pulled Leo away to sort out the paperwork. Her words were like a sharp dagger piercing my heart. The heart I thought was long dead throbbed with a dull ache. For so many years, I poured my heart and soul into propping up the Liu Group, believing I was fighting for our shared future. Turns out, all I got in return was “you only had permission to use it.” Before Chloe left the police station with Leo, she gave me a warning. “Just so you know, the likes have already hit 990. If you keep this attitude, I’m really going to marry Leo.” I looked at Leo’s sneering gaze behind her and suddenly realized how pathetic I was. Leo’s tactics had always been clumsy; the intelligent Chloe couldn’t possibly have missed it. She just chose to ignore it. The scales of her affection had already tipped. All of this was just her way of dumping me, her boyfriend. Only I was foolish enough to try and reconcile again and again. Once I saw through it, the last bit of love I had for Chloe completely died. In the days leading up to my departure for the West Coast, a bunch of annoying colleagues kept messaging me privately, giving me updates. “The likes are at 994! If you don’t grovel now, someone else is going to steal your girl!” “Tsk, tsk, tsk, 997 likes already. Looks like you’re destined to be single.” “Oh, wow, you’re holding out for a long time this time, aren’t you? Afraid you can’t measure up to Leo, so you ran away scared, huh? Hahahaha.” I just deleted and blocked all of them, ignoring their taunts. When the likes reached 999, and I still hadn’t caved, the tension around Chloe was palpable. No one else in the company dared to press that final ‘like’ button. As Chloe was pondering how to issue a second warning to me, Someone suddenly burst into her office, yelling, “Chloe! The 1000th like has been achieved!”

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At a company dinner, my fiancé’s junior assistant, Amber Stone, shamelessly placed a piece of eggplant she’d already taken a bite from onto his plate, right in front of everyone. Without a second thought, Liam Donovan picked it up and ate it. That very day, when we got home, I told him I wanted to call off our arranged engagement. He pinched the bridge of his nose, agitated. “Just because I ate the eggplant she gave me?” “It was a piece she’d bitten into and didn’t like,” I corrected him. “Chloe Miller, calling you insane is no exaggeration. You’re being absolutely ridiculous, blowing a tiny thing out of proportion.” “Fine, if you want to break up, I have no objections. Just don’t come crawling back to me begging to get back together.” He was so sure I loved him, that I’d never leave. But he didn’t know that even the deepest love can wear thin and die from repeated wounds. This time, I was truly leaving. That same day, I told my parents I wanted to change my fiancé. They were surprised, but they respected my choice. After that, Liam and I entered our usual silent treatment phase. He deleted and blocked me everywhere—my phone number, all my social media, even our game accounts. It was his go-to move every time we fought. He was confident I couldn’t bear to lose him, that I’d humble myself and try to win him back. But this time, I stared at that ‘add friend’ button and didn’t press it, not like all the times before. A week later, a notice popped up in the company group chat: “It’s Mr. Donovan’s birthday today! He’s treating, and everyone *must* attend. No exceptions.” I didn’t want to make a scene, so I went. As I entered the private room, I immediately saw Liam at the head of the table, with Amber seated right next to him. Amber’s lips were pressed close to Liam’s ear, as if sharing some secret. It was like they had an invisible bubble around them, a world no one else could enter. A moment later, they burst into laughter, so close they almost kissed. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore and found a quiet corner to sit in. Everyone started giving Liam gifts, but I paid them no mind. I was quietly sipping my drink when suddenly, a shadow fell over me. I looked up to see Liam’s overly handsome face, but his expression was the same familiar annoyance. “Chloe Miller, why didn’t you get me a gift?” In the past, for a day as important as Liam’s birthday, I would have started planning ages ago. One year, I spent over six months building a perfectly scaled replica of the flying house from his favorite movie, *Up*. The moment the balloons lifted it into the sky, he told me we’d grow old together, just like the characters in the film. I believed him then, never imagining his promise wouldn’t even last three years. Facing his persistent questions, I simply replied, “I forgot.” My attitude clearly infuriated Liam. He completely lost his patience. “Chloe Miller, have you made enough of a scene?” “Is this tiny thing really worth a week of drama?” I looked at the smudge of Amber’s lipstick on his lips, and my stomach churned. “I’m not making a scene. And I’m serious about calling off the engagement.” Hearing that, Liam’s expression stiffened for a second, but it quickly recovered when Amber gently squeezed his hand. “Chloe, please don’t misunderstand. I just didn’t want to waste food, that’s why I gave it to Liam. If you hate me so much, then next time we have a dinner, I just won’t sit at the table. I’ll just wait and eat whatever scraps are left over.” Amber’s words instantly tugged at Liam’s heart. “Amber, don’t talk like that! You deserve the best things in the world. Chloe Miller is the one who shouldn’t be here. Who does she think she is? Does the world revolve around her tastes?” “Liam, you really shouldn’t say things like that. Chloe might be a bit dramatic, but she’s still your fiancée. You should try to make her happy. I really don’t want you two fighting because of me.” “Make *her* happy? Who does she think she is? If my parents hadn’t begged me to go through with this family arrangement, I’d never be with her. She gets upset over every little thing; it’s so annoying.” Amber walked over to me, patted my back, and said in a heartfelt tone, “Chloe, honestly, from a woman’s perspective, you really were a bit childish this time. Liam hasn’t been able to sleep these past few nights because of you. While I also feel your personalities don’t quite match, you two are still engaged. You should both take a step back.” I slapped her hand away and sneered. “Amber Stone, do you know what I admire most about you?” “It’s your blatant lies, and how you say such disgusting things while stealing someone else’s boyfriend without a shred of shame.” Amber’s triumphant expression instantly froze. Liam completely lost it. “Chloe Miller, who gave you permission to slander Amber like that?” “Slander? Then tell me, why does she have one of everything you buy for me? And why does she flaunt it in front of me at the office? Why does she intentionally spread rumors in the company break room every time we argue? And how does she know about that birthmark in such a private place?” “Enough!” *Smack*. Liam slapped me across the face in front of everyone. My ears rang, and the world spun into a chaotic blur. Yet, my eyes clearly saw the pity, sympathy, mockery, and disgust on the faces of everyone in the room.

When my hearing finally cleared, I heard Liam’s loud declaration: “From today on, feel free to like my and Amber’s photos! If we hit a thousand likes, I’m dumping Chloe Miller and marrying Amber.” With that, he pulled Amber and walked out without looking back. Before they left the room, Amber gave me a smug, defiant look. After they left, people in the room started leaving one by one. Someone gloated, “She doesn’t even have the leverage to cause trouble, and now she’s gone too far, hasn’t she? Regrets now, doesn’t she?” Others kindly advised me, “Forget your pride; just swallow it and apologize. Otherwise, Mr. Donovan really will marry Amber.” I knew this was Liam’s way of forcing me to apologize. But this time, I refused to back down. Not even if it killed me. The once bustling room quickly emptied until only I remained. I picked up the remaining strong liquor and drained it. The fiery alcohol burned its way down my throat and into my stomach. It made my eyes sting. A connection spanning almost our entire lives, really ending, felt surprisingly hollow. An arranged marriage thousands of miles away in Veridia—he surely wouldn’t bother me there, right? But why were my cheeks wet again? I couldn’t tell. I went home and immediately started packing my things, ready to leave. Liam and I grew up together; we spent more than half of our short lives side by side. The depth of our relationship meant I had too many things to sort through. This gold star sticker was the first reward Liam received in kindergarten. He’d toddled over to me on his short legs and handed it to me. I vaguely remembered him saying then, “I want to give all the best things to my little Chloe.” This photo was one he’d secretly taken of my flushed face the first time I got my period. I’d zoned out during biology class, so I thought I had a terminal illness. I ran to him, telling him to take good care of himself for the rest of his life, and that he could find a girlfriend, but she couldn’t be prettier than me. He listened, completely bewildered. After he pressed for details, he realized I’d just started my period. He rushed to the drugstore to buy me some pads and even searched online with me for how to use them. He laughed at me for not paying attention in class, and I flushed crimson, biting his arm hard. Later, he told me that bite hadn’t hurt at all, but it was the first time he’d felt something different for me. Eventually, we got together, but going to different colleges forced us into a long-distance relationship. Our memories became a stack of train tickets. For four whole years, 193,700 kilometers was the distance we traveled to be with each other. Back then, his eyes were only for me. No matter how long the journey, he never complained. My fingers brushed a small, hard box containing the matching rings we designed together. For him, I moved back to this city after college. The day I returned, he dragged me to get these rings custom-made. I still remember him slipping the ring onto my finger and saying, “Chloe, with this ring, you’re stuck with me for life. You’ll never be able to leave me.” Neither of us ever imagined that, in the end, it wouldn’t be me who let go, but him.

The day Amber came in for her company interview, she performed terribly. Liam was openly dismissive of her. I didn’t pay much attention to this underqualified and underperforming candidate either. But for some reason, she was eventually hired anyway, against all odds. She even slowly transformed from an insignificant nobody into Liam’s personal assistant. I only truly started to notice something was wrong when *our* matching rings, the ones only Liam and I shared, appeared on Amber’s hand. At first, when I confronted him, Liam would patiently explain things and try to appease me. But over time, he just grew impatient. My repeated reluctance, tolerance, and efforts to please him only made his favoritism toward Amber more blatant. At company dinners, he’d only order Amber’s favorite dishes. Amber only worked half a day a week; the rest of her time was spent playing around with Liam. And all of Amber’s actual assistant work? Liam pushed it onto me. Liam mentioned her more and more in front of me. At first, it was unconscious praise and admiration. Later, he’d compare me to her, complaining I wasn’t as understanding or considerate as she was. It came to a head during a company afternoon tea. Liam said his coffee tasted good. Amber said she wanted to try it, and without a word, Liam handed his coffee to her. Amber took a big sip from the straw Liam had used, without him even bothering to change it. He even took the coffee back and continued to drink from it, right where her lipstick print was. In that moment, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, a raw, aching pain. From then on, his so-called ‘best girl friend’ Amber crossed more and more lines. Afraid Liam would get sunburned, she’d brazenly rub sunscreen all over his body. I’d make him packed lunches, and she’d make them too. She’d always eat *my* packed lunches, under the pretense that my cooking was just “too good” to resist, and then make Liam eat hers. Even my birthday celebration, which Liam had promised, was canceled because Amber claimed she had a cold. But every time I expressed my unhappiness about these things, Liam would impatiently say, “Chloe Miller, your mind is just so dirty, everything looks dirty to you. Amber and I are just friends; don’t taint it with your twisted mind.” But as time went on, he said it with less and less conviction, his voice wavering. The most disheartening moment was a major industry event. The organizers required attendees to bring a partner, but Liam didn’t tell me at all. He just took Amber. I only found out afterward, when several people repeatedly asked if Liam and I had broken up. When I confronted him, Liam was even angrier than I was. “I was just helping Amber expand her network, and training talent for the company. Why are you so petty?” That time, we gave each other the silent treatment for a long time. So long that I truly thought we would part ways then. Until he sent me a text late one night: “Babe, my stomach hurts so much.” All my carefully constructed indifference crumbled in an instant. And so, the terrible cycle started all over again: I’d question him, he’d get angry, I’d apologize, he’d “forgive” me. I closed the ring box and tossed it into the trash. Deep in my drawer, there was still a letter of apology Liam had written me when he was eighteen, because he’d forgotten to reply to one of my messages. He really cared about me back then. But now, he only cared about Amber. I took out the apology letter, tore it into pieces, and threw it in the trash. After decades of memories were completely cleared out, the house felt much emptier. My heart felt empty along with it. The company group chat was still flooded with photos of Amber celebrating Liam’s birthday and making him laugh. Knowing Liam’s blatant favoritism towards Amber, colleagues eagerly chimed in with compliments. “Oh my god, Mr. Donovan and Amber are so perfect together!” “You should find a girlfriend like Amber, not a petty, moody one like Chloe Miller.” “Chloe Miller only gets by because of her family. Unlike our Amber, who got to this position all on her own. There’s no comparison between the two.” Too disgusted to look anymore, I called my lawyer and instructed him to withdraw all my investments from Donovan Corp.

The next day, I went to the company to clear out my things. But in my private office, I saw Amber, wearing a skimpy nightgown, with her feet propped up on my desk. Her things filled my office, and all of mine had been tossed outside the door. This was *my* private office, custom-built for me by Liam. Everyone in the company knew it, and no one dared to step foot in this room. Amber was openly trampling all over me, completely disrespecting my boundaries. Too fed up to argue with her, I called the police immediately. In the police station’s interview room, Amber panicked. “I was just helping Liam get some documents. Did you really have to call the police?” “That’s my private space. Did I give you permission to enter without asking?” “Taking something without permission? Isn’t that called theft?” Amber didn’t retort after my words; she suddenly started crying. That’s when I sensed something was wrong. Sure enough, when I turned around, who else but Liam, looking utterly furious, was standing right behind me. “Liam!” The moment she saw Liam, Amber directly threw herself into his arms. “I really just wanted to help you get the documents, but Chloe seems to dislike me. She insists I stole something. I have so many gifts from you, my huge mansion can barely fit them all. Why would I want her cheap, tacky things?” This small office was a “gift” from Liam to me. It was his reciprocal gift for the small wooden cabin I built for him. We had so many sweet memories in this room. I always thought at least this sanctuary wouldn’t be defiled, that it was the last shred of dignity left for our love. But Liam had to personally tear apart my last bit of illusion. Liam comforted Amber while explaining to the police officer, “This is all a misunderstanding. We all know each other. Sorry for the trouble.” Then he turned to me, his voice dripping with disgust. “Chloe Miller, what have you become? You act like a lunatic all the time. Do you get some kind of sick satisfaction from using your power to hurt an innocent subordinate like Amber? You’ve truly disappointed me.” His harsh words rained down on me, and before I could retort, Amber started her act again. “Liam, don’t blame Chloe. It’s my fault for being so careless.” “At worst, I’ll spend a few days in jail. It’s fine if people laugh at me. Don’t let this cause trouble between you and Chloe.” Liam held Amber’s hand, his face filled with concern. “Amber, you’re just too kind-hearted, that’s why everyone takes advantage of you.” “Chloe Miller, I’m telling you, this isn’t going to blow over easily. You need to apologize to Amber right now.” “Liam Donovan, she entered my private space without my permission. You’re telling me to apologize to her? Do you still think *she’s* the victim?” As soon as I spoke, Amber started whimpering again, sniffling pathetically. Liam scoffed. “Your private space? That office belongs to Donovan Corp. Don’t forget, the entire Donovan Corp. is under *my* name. You only ever had temporary permission to use that office. If you maintain this attitude, I won’t hesitate to have you arrested for making a false report.” With that, he pulled Amber away to settle the matter. His words pierced my heart like a sharp spike. My heart, which I thought had long gone numb, began to ache faintly again. For so many years, I poured all my efforts into supporting Donovan Corp. I thought I was fighting for our shared future. It turned out, all I got in return was: “You only ever had temporary usage rights.” Before Liam left the interview room with Amber, he gave me a warning. “Just a friendly heads-up: the likes have already reached 990. If you keep this attitude, I really am going to marry Amber.” I looked at Amber’s contemptuous gaze behind him, and suddenly realized how pathetic I was. Amber’s tricks were always clumsy; a smart man like Liam couldn’t possibly have missed them. He simply chose to ignore them. The scales of his affection had long since tipped. All of this was just a pathetic way to get rid of a fool like me, and I was still foolishly trying to make up with him again and again. After figuring that out, the last bit of love I had for Liam completely died. In the days leading up to my move to Veridia, annoying colleagues kept messaging me privately, giving me updates on the like count. “The likes are at 994! If you don’t humble yourself, your man’s going to be snatched away!” “Tsk, tsk, tsk, 997 likes already. Looks like you’re destined to be an old maid.” “Oh, you’re holding out for a long time this time, huh? Could it be you think you’re not as good as Amber, so you wet your pants and ran away? Hahahaha.” I blocked and deleted all of them, ignoring them entirely. When the likes reached 999, and I still hadn’t caved, the tension around Liam was so thick you could cut it with a knife. No one else in the company dared to press that final ‘like’ button. Just as Liam was considering how to issue another warning, Suddenly, someone burst into Liam’s office, shouting, “Mr. Donovan, the 1000th like has been reached!”

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I Have a Special Mind Reading Ability: I Can Hear the Thoughts of Those Who Don’t Love Me On the eve of my wedding, I suddenly heard my fiancé’s thoughts: “If she tries to hijack the wedding tomorrow, running away in dress shoes might not be the best idea.” I kept quiet and decisively boarded a flight out of the country the next day. Later, that wedding became the talk of the town – both the bride and groom had run away. ***** I’ve always possessed a special mind-reading ability: I can hear the thoughts of people who don’t love me. This ability allows me to easily judge whether someone’s love for me is genuine or fake. I can quickly distance myself from fake friendships and remain unmoved by confessions from long-time crushes. Even when buying durian, I can use the vendor’s thoughts to pick the one with the most flesh and sweetest taste. Because I can hear every single thought clearly. To avoid too much mental noise, I usually avoid eye contact with strangers in daily life. But when I first met Rock, the world became so quiet that I could only hear our clear dialogue: “Hello, may I get to know you?” No thoughts. When our eyes met, I couldn’t read Rock’s thoughts. “Hello.” During the time Rock pursued me, the sounds in my ears were simple and pure. I believed he truly loved me. So we fell in love, dated, and then talked about marriage. For two whole years, I never heard his thoughts. But on the eve of our wedding, I suddenly could hear Rock’s thoughts. Due to the wedding, Rock had been especially busy lately. He came from a wealthy family and had successfully taken over his father’s position, independently managing the family’s financial company. Because of the wedding itinerary, we had many things to handle in advance, especially in the last two months. I’ve always been an independent woman and respected Rock’s career as well. So we hadn’t seen each other much lately. But today, as we were finalizing the outfits, I couldn’t help feeling sweet at the thought of our rare time together. When I arrived at the studio on time, he was already there trying on shoes. After saying something to the staff, he walked out while talking on the phone, his tone very reassuring. I could understand his busyness; managing a company wasn’t easy, especially since the Bruce family had more than one heir. We exchanged a knowing glance. But suddenly I heard Rock’s voice in my head: “Delia says she’s going to hijack the wedding tomorrow. I should wear sneakers to run more easily.” Delia? Hijack the wedding? I froze on the spot, staring at his mouth, confirming this was indeed his inner thoughts. I didn’t know how to react. Even though it was a hot summer day outside, a chill spread through my body, paralyzing me. I could hear his thoughts now, and the implications were obvious. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the staff following his instructions, placing a pair of comfortable sneakers with the wedding attire. Rock nodded at me and prepared to walk out. This was our tacit understanding; he probably had some important matter to handle. But the words I just heard in my mind were undeniable, and I never mishear thoughts. My body almost moved on its own, following him. I called out, somewhat in disbelief: “Rock?” I was eager to read more of his thoughts, to understand what this man who bore the title of my fiancé was really thinking. Why did he suddenly have a change of heart right before the wedding?

My call made Rock pause just as he was about to get into the backseat, but it was only a brief pause. He turned back, hastily explaining to me before instructing the driver to speed away: “Sorry, a client suddenly has an urgent matter. I need to rush over there.” He was lying. At that moment, what he was really thinking was: “I can tell from her voice that Delia is angry. If I don’t go comfort her now, she probably won’t let me come home tonight.” I’ve never been one to just wallow in self-pity. Rather than overthinking things myself, it’s better to take action. I directly found an excuse to meet Rock’s secretary privately, using my mind-reading ability to gather more information. Her name was Delia. She was Rock’s first love. Delia was the illegitimate daughter of the Howard family. Mrs. Howard never acknowledged her, so her position had always been awkwardly ambiguous. Unfortunately, Rock’s family opposed their relationship. Delia had too much pride and left Rock, disappearing without a trace after being humiliated. Rock’s love at first sight for me was simply because I somewhat resembled Delia in appearance. Now that the real deal was back, he naturally didn’t need me as a substitute anymore. The timing of Delia’s return happened to coincide with Rock being exceptionally busy two months ago. The logic was clear and fit perfectly. This kind of story made me shake my head and laugh helplessly. I never expected such a cliché “substitute” plot could apply to me. Delia wanted to use hijacking the wedding as a way to declare her ownership of Rock, while also getting revenge on me for occupying the “Mrs. Bruce” position for so long. And Rock needed this occasion to prove his unwavering love for Delia, placate his angry little wife, and force his family to accept Delia. As for me and this carefully prepared wedding, we were just props in their play. This world is just one big cliché romance novel. Honestly, it was so ridiculous I couldn’t help but curse. That night, the lights in my apartment were still on. Even though the wedding was the next day, I was busy packing my luggage without a moment’s rest. Two hours ago, I had booked a first-class flight abroad. If they want to play games, I can play too. If Rock can let Delia hijack the wedding, I can naturally return the favor by pulling a “vanishing act” and running away from the wedding. Fortunately, my family had already settled abroad, and we hadn’t made a big fuss inviting relatives and friends from there to this wedding. We only invited some close friends in the country. Originally, we thought since both sets of parents had met during the engagement, we could have another ceremony abroad later, saving relatives and friends the trouble of traveling back and forth with language barriers. This plan actually made it convenient for me to run away from the wedding now. I briefly told my best friend Trista about my thoughts. She silently took the packing box from my hands, looking serious. Unable to read her thoughts, I saw her reaction was off and had to ask: “Trista, are you going to stop me?” Trista rolled her eyes and retorted: “Hell no. I brought you a sturdy bag for packing stuff.” Oh right, I forgot Trista’s family was in the agricultural business. On the wedding day, dressed in a greeting gown, I stood with Rock welcoming guests from afar. This time, Rock’s thoughts were so loud they gave me a headache: “Has Delia arrived yet?” “I can finally be with Delia. It’s been three years, I’ve waited for Delia for three years. She’s finally going to become Mrs. Bruce.” “With this wedding hijacking, Delia will believe my heart has never changed, right?”

… I couldn’t help but shudder and frown at Rock several times. But he didn’t show it on his face, still caring for me in his usual gentle manner: “Tiffany, you don’t look well. Why don’t you go rest in the lounge for a bit? I can greet the guests outside, and you can make your entrance when the ceremony starts.” That works. Actually, I should find an excuse to slip away soon anyway. I agreed, and just as I was about to change out of my little reception dress into casual clothes, I happened to run into Delia at the door. Thanks to our similar looks and my mind-reading ability, I recognized her at a glance. I held back Trista’s arm as she was about to lunge at the mistress in her bridesmaid dress, pretending to be oblivious: “You must be Rock’s friend, right? Hurry inside, our wedding ceremony starts in a few hours.” Delia’s smile froze, seemingly displeased by my intimate way of addressing Rock. Her words had a sarcastic tone: “Miss Wood, I’m so sorry, but we seem to be wearing similar dresses today. If people who don’t know better see us, won’t they think I’m the bride?” Delia’s arrogant thoughts rang out in sync: “Go ahead and smile. In three hours, your groom will run away with me. Let’s see if you can still smile then.” I maintained my smile, shaking my head indifferently. I instructed a nearby waiter to show her to her seat: “Idiot, I’ve made it this obvious and she still doesn’t realize I’m here to cause trouble?” As we passed each other, Trista couldn’t help but complain to me: “Did you see how arrogant she looked? I can’t stand it.” I nodded noncommittally: “She sees me as a joke now, after all Rock is prepared to let her hijack the wedding. Not only can the lovers finally be together, but she can also force the Bruce family to acknowledge her status in front of me. ” The wedding venue wasn’t far from the airport. I sat in the waiting lounge, staring at the time on my phone, waiting for the farce to begin. Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! My phone vibrated continuously as Trista excitedly spammed me with live updates: “Tiffany, it’s really happening! It’s really happening!” “Damn, they’re making their affair look like some epic love story. So shameless.” The official ceremony had only started five minutes ago when Trista sent me a video of the wedding scene. According to the program, after Rock went on stage and the host gave a sappy, emotional speech about their love story, the bride was supposed to make her entrance. And Delia planned to hijack the wedding at this crucial moment. Delia deliberately wore the same greeting dress as the bride, quickly went up on stage and snatched the microphone from the host. Despite the murmurs from the audience below, she poured out her love in an endless stream. Her bold and blatant words brought tears to Rock’s eyes. “Rock, will you come with me?” The guest seats erupted in an uproar. Taking away the groom on his wedding day – wasn’t this blatant wedding hijacking? The worst part was that Rock nodded in agreement with a moved expression, walking to Delia’s side and interlocking their fingers: “I will.” Delia’s vanity was fully satisfied at this moment. She even had the mood to give an “acceptance speech” to the bride separated by a large door, basically saying she knew I really liked Rock, but Rock loved her the most, and she hoped I would give them my blessing. In the video, Rock was wearing a pair of sneakers that clashed horribly with his formal suit. Delia could barely contain the smugness in her expression as she held the microphone. Delia was probably eager to see my devastated reaction. She had even prepared comforting words in her mind: “I hope Miss Wood can give her blessing to this beautiful love story between me and Rock.” “Miss Wood?” The atmosphere suddenly became extremely awkward at this point. After all, the person being humiliated wasn’t there, so this triumphant scene just became a clownish farce. “Miss Wood?” “Miss Wood?” … Delia called out several times with no response, until the etiquette officer opened the large doors. Behind them was an empty space, with only the carelessly discarded Bruce veil symbolizing the bride’s unknown whereabouts. The crowd suddenly became noisy, and someone shouted: “Holy crap, did the bride run away from the wedding too?”

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