Author: Momo Chan

My name is Lydia, and on the day my sister Leila and I were waiting for adoption at the orphanage, two people arrived—a man and a woman. Leila had always been proud and arrogant, and she immediately set her sights on the well-dressed lady, Phoebe Schmidt, while I was taken away by a plainly dressed man named Jason Smith. Little did I know that Jason was actually a low-key wealthy man. After adopting me, he publicly announced my identity in front of everyone. In contrast, Leila was strictly disciplined by Phoebe, constantly facing beatings and punishments for the slightest mistakes, and eventually even being bullied at school. When she was drenched with dirty water and shivering, I was being escorted away surrounded by admirers. She hated me to the core and pushed me off a high building when I wasn’t paying attention. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day of adoption. Watching Leila unhesitatingly choose Jason, I knew she had been reborn too. On the day we parted, Leila smiled meaningfully. She said, “Lydia, from now on I’m going to live the high life. If you can’t find food to eat, I might even spare you a bite or two.” I appeared furious on the surface, but inside I was already bursting with joy. In this lifetime, let Leila thoroughly enjoy her wealthy lifestyle. ***** “Can I call you daddy? You look just like my father from my memories.” “I really miss my daddy so much.” When Leila tearfully grabbed Connor’s hand, I knew she had been reborn too. Her eyes were misty with tears, and though her face was still childish, it already showed the outline of a future beauty. Sure enough, Connor’s eyes lit up, and he quickly helped her up with concern. “Ms. Hanson, this little girl and I are meant to be. I’ll take her.” Director Caroline Hanson, witnessing this scene, couldn’t help but look at Leila a few more times, seemingly puzzled by her sudden change of mind in giving up such a good opportunity to someone else. Seeing this, Phoebe coldly pointed at me: “Then I’ll adopt her.” On the day we parted, Leila smiled meaningfully. She said, “Lydia, from now on I’m going to live the high life. If you can’t find food to eat, I might even spare you a bite or two.” I appeared furious on the surface, but inside I was already bursting with joy. In this lifetime, let Leila thoroughly enjoy her wealthy lifestyle. In my previous life, Leila had unhesitatingly chosen the well-dressed Phoebe. She had always been materialistic, learning to judge people by their appearance from a young age. So on adoption day, she had rushed to kneel before Phoebe just like today, leaving me to be adopted by Connor. But when she truly entered the Schmidt family villa, she discovered it wasn’t the paradise she had imagined. Leila had expected a princess life of being waited on hand and foot, but Phoebe educated her in the harshest way possible. Any slight mistake would result in scolding and physical punishment. And because of her arrogance, thinking that becoming the Schmidt family’s adopted daughter made her superior, she acted high-profile at school and offended many people. But Phoebe didn’t stand up for her; instead, she watched coldly from the sidelines. Combined with the fact that the other Schmidt family relatives were no pushovers either, Leila was bullied by classmates at school and had to endure cold mockery from relatives at home. Her days were unbearably miserable. Meanwhile, after being adopted by Connor, I was showered with love. My face, originally gaunt from malnutrition, gradually revealed stunning beauty under careful care. By my sophomore year in college, I transferred to Leila’s school. When she was drenched with dirty water and shivering, I was being escorted away surrounded by admirers. At the evening party, I performed a piano piece on stage, stealing all the spotlight. Students in the audience, looking at our similar faces, couldn’t help but whisper: “Leila really looks like Lydia, but their fates are worlds apart.” Leila clenched her fists so tightly that her nails nearly dug into her flesh. Later, Connor formally acknowledged my identity in front of all the wealthy families in the city, calling me his long-lost biological daughter. At that moment, Leila’s jealousy reached its peak. She found an opportunity to kill me, pushing me off a high building. That face full of hatred is something I’ll never forget. Only after my death did I finally understand how wrong I had been. I had once thought that my mother’s dying words were asking me to take care of Leila, so I protected her in every way, even though I was only one year older than her. Whatever good things there were at the orphanage, I gave to her. She grew plump while I remained thin. To take care of her, I even deliberately held back a grade just to be in the same class as her. But in Leila’s eyes, all of this was taken for granted—she never felt a trace of gratitude. And in this lifetime, she rushed to choose Connor, hoping to live a life of unlimited glory. But what she doesn’t know is that to possess anything, one must pay the corresponding price. What she sees as suffering might just be the opportunity for my rebirth.

Phoebe had never married and was the only daughter in her family. After her father died in a car accident, she single-handedly became the head of the Schmidt family. In just ten years, the Schmidt family’s assets multiplied several times under her leadership, transforming from an established capitalist family into a formidable force in the business world. No wonder Leila became so arrogant after becoming the Schmidt family’s adopted daughter. However, precisely because Phoebe was so decisive in her actions, she had offended quite a few relatives both openly and behind the scenes. Those people who only cared about money all coveted her wealth. After learning that Phoebe had no intention of marrying, they tried every means to push their children in front of her, hoping to win her favor. But Phoebe always kept these people at arm’s length, and eventually went straight to an orphanage to adopt a child. This was the reason Leila suffered so much bullying in her previous life. Even though I was mentally prepared, I only realized after actually entering the Schmidt mansion that life would be far more difficult than I had imagined. Phoebe enrolled me in a nearby school. I studied during the day and had to take additional tutoring for two hours every evening when I returned home. On weekends, I was arranged to learn various skills—horseback riding, archery, piano, and dancing. Whenever I had free time, Phoebe would personally supervise me. The moment she noticed me getting distracted or tired, she would immediately make me stand until I was alert again. By the time I returned to bed each night, the moon was already high in the sky. This lifestyle continued for two full years before Phoebe’s attitude toward me gradually became less distant. In our interactions, there were also moments of unintentional intimacy that would slip through. Although Phoebe was strict, under my efforts, my grades kept improving and my body became stronger due to the regular routine. I was grateful to her. However, Phoebe’s change in attitude toward me became a naked threat in the eyes of other Schmidt family members. Phoebe had many relatives, but after two years of living together, I clearly knew that these people only cared about profit. Initially, they thought Phoebe’s attention to me was just novelty, until they witnessed Phoebe showing me genuine tenderness—then they panicked. If I could really establish myself firmly, what would be left for them to share? So they began using any means necessary to drive me away. When Phoebe wasn’t around, they deliberately withheld my meals and soaked my bed sheets. At school, their children widely publicized my orphan status, stirring up public opinion and making people point fingers at me. I endured it all but never paid them any attention. I had suffered much more in my previous life—what did this little torment matter? Seeing that I showed no reaction, they chose to get physical. A group of girls led by Phoebe’s eldest niece, Amber Schmidt, surrounded me, their faces filled with anger and contempt. Amber said, “My diamond necklace is missing. Did you steal it! “It must be you! A child from an orphanage—what good things have you ever seen? Don’t think that just because Aunt Phoebe shows you a kind face, you’re really the Schmidt family heir! “Either hand over the necklace or get out of our house!” She shouted while trying to search me. I looked at this group of teenage girls with a light laugh. Well, to drive me away, they really would use any method. I shook my head, my tone calm: “I didn’t take your necklace. You’re just jealous because Ms. Schmidt treats me well. “You bully me at home and isolate me at school, but unfortunately, I don’t care. I’m not as low as you are.” The girls turned red in the face after I hit their sore spot, glaring at me furiously. Amber raged, “Don’t waste words with this b*tch—let’s do this! When Aunt Phoebe finds out, she’ll definitely kick her out!” Before she finished speaking, four girls pounced on me, forcefully tearing at my clothes, pulling my hair, forcing my head up as slap after slap landed heavily on my face, sending waves of dull pain through me. Amber said contemptuously, “Hmph, you still dare to glare at me? Beat her up!”

I glanced at their phones recording the whole thing—finally, I had solid evidence. I’d chosen to endure until now, waiting for the right moment to strike back. I didn’t want to cause trouble, but I sure wasn’t afraid of it either. The next second, I slammed my head into one girl’s stomach, then kicked her leg hard. When another girl tried to help, I grabbed her hair first and threw her against the desk. Then it was Amber’s turn. She’d hit me the hardest, so I tackled her and pounded my fists into her body, targeting spots that wouldn’t show. The last girl stood frozen in shock. When she finally snapped out of it, she kicked me in the back and punched me twice in the face, making my nose bleed. There were no winners in this fight. I got beaten up, but those four weren’t much better off. They were pampered rich girls who didn’t fight with the same desperation I did. All five of us ended up in the hospital. With the video as evidence, I was acting in self-defense, while they received official reprimands. Afterward, Phoebe came to see me. She asked, “Someone was bullying you? Why didn’t you tell me?” I said, “Telling you wouldn’t have helped. They just wanted to bully me and force me to leave.” I looked up, jumped down from the bed, and knelt in front of her, meeting her eyes directly. “Ms. Schmidt, I know why you adopted me. You hate the Schmidt family, hate those relatives who only care about profit, so you want someone to deal with them for you. I’ll be the sharpest blade in your hand.” Phoebe stared at me for a long time—so long my knees went numb—before she suddenly chuckled softly. “Get up. Don’t call me Ms. Schmidt anymore. Just call me Mom. Hope, don’t let me down…” I lowered my head, a slight smile crossing my face. I’d guessed right. As the head of the Schmidt family, how could Phoebe not know everything I’d been through? She was just testing me. She’d seen my patience, and she’d seen my ruthlessness when I fought back. I knew I’d passed this test. From that day on, I clearly noticed Phoebe’s attitude toward me change. She looked at me more often, and her smiles became more genuine. When I saw Leila again, it was on exactly the same day as in my previous life. She wore expensive haute couture and carried herself with commanding presence. Her skin was flawless as jade, and her shy, hesitant eyes made her look particularly endearing. At that moment, I was hunched over the client requirements Phoebe had given me two days earlier, scratching my head in frustration. If I couldn’t come up with a good proposal, Phoebe would definitely pile on more work tonight, and I didn’t want to pull an all-nighter. On the platform, Leila was introducing herself to the class: “Hello everyone, I’m Leila Smith. I’ve been studying abroad, and I hope we can all get along well for the next two years.” I looked up just as our eyes met. Hers were full of smugness and challenge. She even showed off in front of everyone, deliberately having the principal accompany her on a full tour of the campus. After school, I stood at the gate waiting for Phoebe to pick me up. A luxury sedan pulled up in front of me, the window slowly rolling down to reveal Leila’s face. She got out and stood before me. “Lydia, how have you been lately? Does that woman beat and scold you? How does it feel to be bullied?” I pulled out my phone and texted Phoebe without looking up. I said, “If I’m not doing well, are you doing any better? I heard the Smith family absolutely dotes on you.” Leila’s face instantly turned pale at my words. Connor had an only son named Jason Smith, who had a twisted personality. The reason he adopted a girl was to find Jason a companion. In my previous life, after I was adopted, Jason bullied me relentlessly. He wouldn’t let me go out or attend school. What I ate, what I wore—he decided everything. In my life, there wasn’t a shred of personal space. It was a life filled with humiliation that I couldn’t escape.

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I’m Kenny Daniels, the nation’s top hypnotist and Valerie Nichols’ boyfriend. For five years, I’ve used my professional skills to help her navigate crisis after crisis, propelling her to the pinnacle of her career. But she’s always avoided discussing marriage. She tells me “I love you forever” one moment, then mocks me in front of her best friend Dianna Griffin the next: “Kenny’s terrifying. Who would dare marry a man like that? I even wonder if my feelings for him are just the result of his manipulation.” Finally, I grew tired of it all. Breaking my vow, I used hypnosis on her for the first time. She was horrified, knowing that if I wanted, she could willingly do anything. But I simply said calmly: “Valerie, look into my eyes and forget me.” ***** Valerie loves me deeply. But she doesn’t trust those feelings. Because I’m the nation’s top hypnotist. If I hadn’t helped her eliminate one business rival after another, her company could never have grown to its current scale. So she depends on me while remaining wary of me. I know it all. She once caressed my face tenderly, her voice soft and lingering: “Kenny, promise me you’ll never use your abilities on me. You’re the person I trust most—never lie to me.” My body trembled at her touch, and in that passionate moment, I looked into her eyes and solemnly promised: “Alright, Valerie. Unless you ask me to, I’ll never use hypnosis on you.” My voice carries a natural allure—a habit developed over more than a decade as a hypnotist. She melted in my embrace, intoxicated by my charm, unable to resist. I love her too, so I kept my promise and never used hypnosis on her. I even went back to study psychology, just so I wouldn’t need to rely on my professional abilities to understand her feelings. I held nothing back from her, hoping she would trust me completely. Until that young man appeared. She was unusually protective of the young man named Noah Harvey, refusing to let me meet him or even show his face. Dianna told me: “He’s Valerie’s new assistant, twenty-five years old. He’s always hovering around Valerie. She seems to have feelings for him.” I had promised never to hypnotize Valerie. But I never said I wouldn’t hypnotize Dianna. With a simple snap of my fingers, I put her into a deep hypnotic state. To anyone watching, she was just sitting on the couch having a normal conversation, her eyes showing no signs of being unfocused. Only I knew she was completely under my control. I stared into her eyes, my voice gentle: “Tell me, yesterday in the private room, why did you and Valerie immediately stop talking when you saw me come in? What exactly were you discussing?” I held my breath as I listened, but her words made my expression darken. She said: “Valerie said Kenny’s terrifying. Who would dare marry a man like that? Who knows if my current feelings for him are just the result of his manipulation?” This wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear. Five years ago, I first met Valerie when she was my patient. She had been framed in a business war, struck hard on the head with a thick rod. Though she survived, blood clots in her brain compressed her nerves, causing temporary memory loss. So she came to me, hoping I could help her recover those lost memories. She said: “You’re the nation’s most skilled hypnotist, charging a million dollars per hour. I hope you’re worth that price.” She had a stunning figure, an aloof temperament, and exquisite features—unforgettable at first sight. Who wouldn’t take a second look at a beautiful woman? Especially such a thorny businesswoman. Hypnotists are human too, so I was no exception. I flipped through her medical records. Valerie Nichols, twenty-seven years old, suffered severe head trauma with nerve damage, losing a year’s worth of memories. I twirled the pen in my hand, the corner of my mouth lifting: “Please, have a seat.” A flash of wariness crossed her eyes—clearly she was on guard against hypnosis. But the moment she sat down, the hypnosis had already quietly begun. Half an hour later, the session ended. When she awoke, her eyes were clear and her brow furrowed—she had obviously remembered everything. I handed her a slip of paper with my bank account number: “Half an hour, five hundred thousand dollars. Just transfer it to this account.” But she didn’t take it. She lifted her clear eyes to look at me, emotions swirling in them, unable to hide her admiration. After a moment, she placed one hand on the desk, leaning forward slightly, her red lips curving upward: “What would you charge for a monthly retainer?”

With my assistance, Valerie’s company leaped from second-tier to top three nationwide within five years. Those five years also brought us closer, gradually nurturing romantic feelings between us. Two years ago, I began eagerly hinting to Valerie that I hoped she would marry me. But she always had reasons to deflect, from the initial “the company is still in its growth phase” to increasingly dismissive “let’s wait a bit longer.” I had always kept my promise, never attempting to use hypnosis to peek into her true thoughts. Even though I knew she remained wary of me, I never considered using this to lure her into dropping her guard. She loved me, but she was also guarded against me—these two things weren’t contradictory. Those in positions of power always eliminate all potential threats, even if that person is someone they plan to spend their life with. When I first fell in love with Valerie, I had anticipated such consequences, so everything was within my expectations. Valerie needed me greatly, and I once thought I had her in the palm of my hand. However, that boy who suddenly appeared by her side became the biggest variable. I had to know what kind of person he was, whether he would be easy to deal with. What surprised me was that Noah was neither a rich kid nor particularly exceptional in any way. He was just an ordinary boy. He was so ordinary that when I first laid eyes on him, I even fell into self-doubt. I actually lost to him? My prized hypnosis skills, the five years of fighting alongside Valerie—all of it couldn’t compete with an ordinary boy who had appeared less than two months ago? Noah and I stared at each other for a long time. That day I had made a sudden visit to the company, and he hadn’t had time to avoid me before I called out to him. The moment he saw me, he seemed flustered, but quickly composed himself, his eyes even showing a hint of defiance. He was also sizing me up—after all, everyone in the company knew I was Valerie’s future husband. After quite a while, Valerie finally appeared. Seeing me, she froze slightly, then calmly positioned herself in front of Noah, blocking our line of sight, looking at me with obvious wariness. “What brings you here?” she asked. Without waiting for my answer, she said quietly to Noah behind her, “You can go now.” Noah was very obedient, turning to leave almost immediately, like a dog following orders. Valerie’s and my gazes met in the air. She pressed her lips together, her expression far from pleasant. The atmosphere grew tense, neither of us speaking. After a moment, I suddenly smiled, raising the lunch box in my hand, my tone as casual as always: “I made lunch, including that fish you love. Thought I’d bring it over.” In that instant, she visibly relaxed, and despite her efforts to hide it, I caught it. “Thank you, Kenny.” She smiled and took my hand. “Come on, let’s eat together.” We walked into her office. After sitting down, I looked at her and thoughtfully brought up: “Who was that boy just now?” Valerie’s hand paused as she was opening the lunch box, then she smiled. “A new assistant.” She arranged the food and handed me a fork, her tone still gentle: “You made so much delicious food—aren’t you tired? You could just have Camila do this kind of thing.” I said, “Not tired. Now that the company’s stable, I don’t have much to do. I’m so idle every day that I can only spend my time making good food to keep you hooked.” I joked, “Otherwise, what if you decide I’m useless someday, fall for someone else, and break up with me?” Valerie’s expression stiffened slightly, then she reached across the desk to hold my hand. Her gaze was firm and serious as she looked at me: “Kenny, I will never leave you.” I looked back at her, smiling as I asked, “Then when will you marry me?” She slowly frowned: “Now isn’t the right time. I told you, I want to make Nichols Group the biggest, so they won’t dare look down on me. Kenny, you understand me, right? Even without marriage, we’re together every day now anyway. It’s no different from being married.” Her expression was earnest. If I hadn’t hypnotized Dianna and learned her true thoughts, I probably would have been fooled by these words. I calmly withdrew my hand, my smile polite and flawless: “Of course I understand you. It’s fine, I’ll wait for you.” Valerie finally relaxed and smiled too. She picked up a piece of fish, carefully removed the bones, and brought it to my lips. She said, “Kenny, this is why I like you—you always understand me.” Looking at her beautiful features, for that instant, I was indeed tempted to ask her what her true feelings for me were. But I held back. Now wasn’t the time. Her thoughts about me weren’t important—what mattered was her attitude toward Noah. I ate the fish she fed me, chewing slowly. I would wait, wait until the timing was right. Everything Valerie possessed, I had given her. If she dared betray me, then I would make her lose it all.

Because I visited Valerie’s company and met Noah, she finally became wary. So when she came home that evening, she was particularly clingy. Psychology tells us that people don’t do things without reason—there’s always a motive behind their actions. So when she initiated intimacy and wanted to go for a second round, I stopped her. I pressed against her approaching lips, looking into her flushed eyes. “Valerie, didn’t you say you’ve been exhausted lately?” She grabbed my hand, kissing me with urgent, forceful movements. “Kenny, when I’m with you, even when I’m tired, I still want this.” I smiled and rolled over, leaving Valerie kissing empty air. She tried to continue, but I turned my head away again. Because I kept dodging her advances, she finally began to frown. I stared at her, raising an eyebrow slightly. “This battle with Scott Group won’t be easy to win. Let’s sleep—you have meetings tomorrow.” The moment I mentioned work, Valerie finally stopped. She rubbed her temples, her voice weary. “Yeah, it’s been two years already. They have quite a few domestic enterprises—it’s hard to uproot them completely.” She took my hand. “Kenny, maybe now’s the time for you to step up.” I chuckled. “Who doesn’t know you have a hypnotist boyfriend? Scott Group won’t even meet with me. To get their secrets, I’d have to hypnotize their leader Joanna Scott, but we have no way of getting close to her.” Valerie’s frown deepened. After a moment of silence, she suddenly looked up and blurted out, “What if you tried approaching Joanna?” She shouldn’t have said that. Joanna, like her, was a powerful businesswoman. The intimate atmosphere vanished instantly. My expression darkened, and my voice unconsciously turned cold. “Valerie, are you asking me to seduce her?” “Just temporarily!” She grabbed my hand, explaining urgently. “As long as we can find a way to meet her outside the company and get her to lower her guard, with your abilities, you could hypnotize her. Sure, Joanna’s cunning and ruthless, but even if something goes wrong, I’ll save you when it matters!” My expression grew colder, and my heart sank bit by bit. Valerie’s words caught me completely off guard. In all these years, I’d dealt with so many people for her, yet she’d never said anything like this before. I said, “You could have Noah do it. As long as he can lure Joanna out, I can hypnotize her.” Valerie’s gaze suddenly flickered, her voice hesitant. “How could Noah be as experienced as you? He’s just a young man fresh out of college. This is dangerous—if Joanna discovers we’re behind it, Noah won’t be able to escape.” Watching her reaction, I finally became certain that her feelings for Noah had long since moved beyond mere attraction—she was probably already deeply involved. A woman liking two men at once—I’d seen it happen plenty of times. But I never thought it would happen to me. I let out a cold laugh, and with just one sentence, I made her face change color. “Valerie, even if you’re using me while guarding against me, you don’t have to make it so obvious.” I was never the type of weak man who depended on women. She knew this, of course. In these five years, though I loved her, I never lost myself. I’d do what I could, but things I couldn’t do—even if she got on her knees and begged—I wouldn’t agree to. I loved her, but I loved myself more. Therefore, she couldn’t completely control me, which naturally left her feeling insecure. She even worried constantly that I might hypnotize her. I refused Valerie’s request. I’d encountered Joanna long before I met Valerie. She’d built Scott Group into the nation’s second-largest company single-handedly. During the pandemic these past few years, even Valerie’s company saw declining productivity, but Scott Group remained standing strong. She wasn’t a simple character. She’d known for a long time that Valerie was targeting her, and might have already figured out how to deal with me. I couldn’t take that risk. Valerie was very displeased with my refusal. Perhaps because I’d been her equal all these years, unwilling to submit to her authority, she finally exploded.

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On the day George Watson convinced me to run away from our wedding with him, I saw a flood of comments appearing before my eyes: [Don’t do it, Hallie Taylor! The moment you leave, your brother Benjamin Duncan will kill himself.] [George can go to hell! You clearly have someone you like, yet you’re still messing with Hallie. You’re so vicious!] [Listen to me, Hallie, even if you stepped on Benjamin’s back, he’d be happy about it.] [Do you know how much pain the restrained and controlled Benjamin endures to avoid sleeping with you? I’m dying to see you two together.] [Hallie, look back. Benjamin is falling apart.] [Go to the basement now! Benjamin is already cutting his wrists.] I quickly let go of George’s hand and ran back. Benjamin looked at me in shock. “Hallie, you…” I hugged him. “Benjamin, do you like me?” The comments before my eyes were filled with excitement. [Yes! It’s non-blood-related sibling romance! We’re saved!] “What did you say?” Benjamin looked at me with disbelief. The basement was full of my photos, along with various strange props.

On the third Christmas after being brought back home, I jumped off the building and killed myself. My soul floated in the air, wanting to see how my father Matthew Ruiz, mother Serenity Ruiz, and brother Jackson Ruiz—who had always despised me—would cry in anguish and regret their past coldness toward me. But Matthew just shook his head coldly, telling my corpse that I was childish. Serenity pressed her lips together, looking relieved as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Jackson shielded Claire Ruiz in front of him, preventing her from seeing my gruesome death. Still, Claire was frightened to tears, and the whole family rushed over to hold and comfort her. I stood there stunned for a long time, then laughed at myself mockingly before finally finding peace. When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day I was first brought back home.

Prologue Bid Farewell to the Past I traveled through time and space and became the heroine of sad romance fiction. On the day I cut my wrist, the hero of the fiction brought his first love home from abroad. He sneered and said, “Didn’t you say that you could tolerate anything as long as you could marry me? It’s just an appetizer, but you can’t stand it.” His first love said, “It was me who he loved. If you hadn’t threatened him with his mother’s life, he wouldn’t have been with you. Now it’s time to return him to me.” My mother-in-law, who has been saved by me, said coldly, “I will return the money to you. Can you let go of my son? It’s good for everyone if you get divorced.” I was not going to divorce. Because he was about to die.

True Love I had expressed my love to Ethan Grant, my brother, while I was slapped and left by him abroad. He left me to fend for myself. Eight years later, he drunkenly knocked on my door in the middle of the night. He hugged me and cried, “Jenny, don’t leave me behind.”

When my mom Sophia Barnes came to pick me up from school, that girl who’d been bullying me, Aurora Palmer, was standing on my head. “Could you tell me your name, young lady?” Sophia flashed her a composed smile. “Please don’t,” I desperately shook my head at Aurora. Unfortunately, she completely ignored my warning and smugly announced that her father was New York’s wealthiest man, Raymond Palmer. A week later, Sophia and Raymond’s wedding hit the trending topics.

On the day I, Zoey Snyder, left to study abroad, my boyfriend Joel Lakin personally drove me to the airport. On his way back, he hit someone. The victim was a terminal cancer patient who deliberately rushed in front of his car to scam him, but ended up losing her life. Joel, being kindhearted, not only took the initiative to compensate but also secretly brought the victim’s daughter, Isla Reid, home to care for her without telling me. Three years later, I returned after completing my studies. The first time Isla saw me, she frantically threw herself into his arms, as if she was terrified of me. When I questioned Joel, he said, “If I hadn’t driven you to the airport, I wouldn’t have killed her mother. We’re both responsible.” So I proposed breaking up and chose to marry my adoptive brother Kaleb Snyder, arranged by my grandfather Carlos Snyder. At the engagement ceremony, Joel acted like a madman trying to take me away, saying I was the only person he’d ever love in this lifetime. I sneered, “Joel, what makes you think I could possibly want you back?”

I’m the illegitimate daughter of a powerful figure in Washington, and my mother was his first love. To provide a kidney transplant for his other daughter, he brought me back from overseas. The first time I met her, she cried and threw herself at me, but whispered in my ear: “You bitch!” Then she pushed me away and deliberately fell down the stairs. My biological father slapped me hard across the face: “You’re as vicious as your mother.” He still doesn’t know that my mother is already dead.

Eight Christmases ago, my boyfriend Liam Mitchell held my hand and said, “Once I make it with my startup, I’ll give you the good life you deserve.” To support him, I gave him all my savings, sold my house, and even racked up millions in debt. We crammed into a rundown rental that cost fifteen dollars a day, surviving on three part-time jobs. Until one day, I collapsed at the factory and was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. Just as I was debating whether to tell him the news, I received a livestream link from Eleanor Baker, his childhood friend. I clicked on it and saw Liam in a custom-tailored suit, slipping a ten-million-dollar diamond ring onto Eleanor’s finger under dazzling fireworks. The screen was flooded with comments. [Mr. Mitchell spoils Ms. Baker so much. That diamond ring on her hand could feed that beggar Caroline Thompson for ten lifetimes.] [When will Caroline’s livestream shut down? I just want to see her face when she learns the truth.] [Soon. They’ve already changed the stream’s name. Then we’ll get to watch her get brutally dumped.] With trembling hands, I clicked into the stream they mentioned, only to discover the camera had been focused on our cheap rental all along. Even the stream’s name had been changed to [Breakup Countdown: 3 Days]. It turned out Liam was never poor at all—he was the heir to Mitchell Group. These eight Christmases of my desperate sacrifices were just his carefully orchestrated reality show for the entire internet’s entertainment. But now, it was my turn to direct the ending. ***** My hands wouldn’t stop shaking as I held my phone, watching the viewer count for the three-day countdown stream skyrocket. Liam had his arm around Eleanor, speaking with casual indifference: “Time’s almost up—just a few days left. When the moment comes, I’m going to dump that stupid woman without mercy. Want to make a bet? Let’s bet on whether she’ll jump off a building when she learns the truth. After all, she has nothing left now except me.” Every word pierced my heart with surgical precision, the pain so intense it triggered spasms in my stomach. Since Liam wanted to put on a show, I’d play along for these final fourteen days. Only this time, I wouldn’t let things unfold according to his plan. I didn’t return to the factory. Instead, I clutched that diagnosis and walked along the riverbank before heading back to the rental. The moment I pushed open the door, I was hit by the stench of mold mixed with dampness. Several cockroaches scurried away from the light, leaving tiny tracks across the moldy bedsheets. Liam hadn’t come back, as expected. Before, I thought he was busy with business meetings and deals. Now I realized that every time he stepped into this dump, his eyes held not exhaustion, but barely concealed disgust. Familiar stabbing pain shot through my stomach, but it couldn’t compare to the tearing agony in my heart. Eight Christmases ago, when I withdrew all my family’s savings to help Liam, my parents Matthew and Audrey Thompson were so furious they cut ties with me. Later, I even sold the downtown riverside apartment Matthew had given me when I came of age, transferring every penny to Liam’s account. That day, he held me with tears in his eyes: “Caroline, once my startup succeeds, I’ll buy you ten houses better than this one.” But through the livestream replays, I learned he’d immediately taken Eleanor to luxury boutiques and blown through all my money. He’d even said, “It’s not much, but we’ll make do.” Thinking about it now, I let out a bitter laugh. Last night’s livestream clips had gone viral. Liam became the “public’s ideal boyfriend,” and Mitchell Group’s stock price had doubled. My phone’s vibration snapped me back to reality. I realized the livestream in my room had been activated without my knowledge, with over a hundred thousand viewers. The screen was flooded with comments. [How did this woman get so filthy? She must actually be begging on the streets.] [Pay attention everyone, because there’s about to be a good show. Though I have to say, she’s got a nice body.] I clutched my clothes tighter, trembling uncontrollably. Following the camera’s angle, I looked toward the piggy bank on the broken wooden desk. It was the birthday gift Liam had given me on our first Christmas together. Just a clay piggy bank, worthless really. But I’d treasured it as a token of our love, carefully carrying it with me through every move. I never imagined it contained a livestream surveillance camera, clearly recording eight Christmases of my pathetic existence. Just then, urgent, violent pounding erupted from outside the door. The voice shouted: “Bitch! If you don’t pay rent today, get the hell out!” My heart seemed to stop, but searching my entire body, I found only a few dollars. Last week’s wages had been transferred away by Liam the moment they hit my account—he said the company needed them. When I didn’t respond, even more violent kicking and cursing came from outside. “I saw you come back with my own eyes. How dare you hide from me?” Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around myself and cowered in the corner, shaking. The pounding suddenly stopped, replaced by the sound of keys turning in the lock. The door opened. I stepped back twice, then saw Liam appear before me. He’d changed from his custom suit into a worn T-shirt, waving several crumpled bills in his hand. Liam said, “Caroline, I picked up a side job today and made three hundred dollars. I just paid the rent. You can spend whatever’s left however you want.”

Liam looked incredibly excited, as if he was genuinely thrilled about these three hundred dollars. With trembling hands, I took the three crumpled bills, tears blurring my vision. Eight years had passed. Now, his acting skills had become even more refined—I had never seen through them. Liam seemed to notice something was off with me, his tone almost deliberately enthusiastic. He said, “I earn money just to spend it on you, don’t I? Once my company takes off, forget this little amount—I’d give you three million dollars without hesitation.” I looked up at him, suddenly remembering a comment that mentioned Liam had spent thirty million dollars on Eleanor’s personal exhibition tomorrow. I stared into Liam’s eyes, my voice barely audible: “Could you stay home and spend time with me tomorrow?” Liam froze for a moment, instinctively glancing around the room. Just then, moldy wallpaper fell from behind me, crumbling into black debris at my feet. I clearly saw him frown slightly, a hint of impatience flickering in his eyes. He said, “Baby, I have to meet with investors tomorrow. This is crucial—it’s a matter of life and death for the company.” For all these years, Liam had used this same excuse, and he’d gotten increasingly smooth at it. He would disappear for a week at the shortest, sometimes for months. Yet after eight years of these “critical periods,” his company still hadn’t made any progress. If it weren’t for those livestream recordings, I would never have known that his so-called business trips were just shopping sprees, vacations, and even studying abroad with Eleanor. Now Liam couldn’t even remember my birthday, just habitually brushing me off. This familiar attitude broke my heart. I forced a smile and said, “It’s okay. Focus on your work.” “Alright, I’m going to take a shower first.” Liam nodded as if he’d been granted a reprieve, hurrying into the bathroom as if staying here another moment disgusted him. My phone buzzed—Eleanor had started a livestream. As if possessed, I clicked in and saw her sitting surrounded by luxury shopping bags. She laughed softly, “Someone’s asking what’s special about today. Actually, it’s not really a special day. “Liam just loves giving me gifts. He says every day we’re together is an anniversary.” She suddenly leaned closer to the camera, blinking sweetly: “He even mysteriously told me this morning that he’s preparing a huge surprise for me.” The screen instantly filled with comments full of envy and well-wishes. But a few harsh comments slipped by. [Just came back from that beggar woman’s stream. I’m dying laughing. She actually thinks Mr. Mitchell would spend a whole day with her in that dump.] [I’m so embarrassed for her. Mr. Mitchell is helping Ms. Baker with her exhibition tomorrow—how could he possibly have time for her?] I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to bear reading those cruel comments. I had spent eight years of my youth with him, exhausted my family’s fortune, and this was what I got in return. While I was lost in thought, the bathroom door suddenly burst open. Liam emerged, toweling his hair, carrying the scent of an unfamiliar body wash. He said, “Caroline, didn’t you complain about me not spending time with you? Tonight, I’m taking you to meet the investors.” Before I could process my surprise, a wrinkled dress was thrown into my arms. There were obvious foundation stains on the neckline—clearly Eleanor had worn it. My heart ached, but he simply helped me put on the dress. Liam took me to a luxurious banquet hall, then skillfully pushed open the door to a VIP room. Instantly, I was hit by the overwhelming smell of smoke and alcohol. I instinctively frowned and started coughing, but Liam pushed me forward. He said, “Go say hello.” Several sleazy men sat on the sofa. Their gazes roamed shamelessly over my body, making me tremble uncontrollably. Liam shoved a wine glass into my hand, saying, “Go toast them. Whether the project succeeds depends on tonight.” One of the men approached and refilled my empty glass. He leered, “How much we invest in Mr. Mitchell depends on your performance.” Amid the raucous laughter, I was forced to drink glass after glass. After two bottles, my consciousness began to blur. When rough hands reached for my thigh, I finally broke down. I pushed through the crowd and stumbled into the bathroom. I vomited until I nearly passed out, my stomach feeling like it was being stabbed with blades, the pain making me break out in cold sweat. Humiliation and despair overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t stop crying. After what felt like forever, my phone rang. I answered, and a man’s voice came through: “Is this Caroline? This is the oncology center at Central Hospital. “We’re currently recruiting stomach cancer patients for paid human trials of a new treatment. Would you be interested in participating?”

I agreed almost without hesitation. At Central Hospital, Wyatt Hughes showed me around the treatment facility and patiently explained the feasibility of the treatment plan. He said, “This treatment will take about a year. In return, after the experiment ends, we’ll pay you two million dollars in compensation.” I nodded quietly, my voice hoarse as I said, “I have only one request. Before the project begins, I need you to help me fake my death from stomach cancer.” Wyatt frowned slightly but eventually nodded. When I left the hospital, dawn was breaking. I looked around in confusion, suddenly unsure where to go. Just then, my phone, clutched tightly in my hand, began to vibrate. I answered the call, and Ellie Morris’s cautious voice came through: “Caroline, are you free today to help me with something?” These past few years, Ellie had found me many odd jobs, barely allowing me to make ends meet. “Sure, I’ll be right over.” I swallowed the words of refusal. I wiped the tears from my face and headed to the agreed location. The moment I stepped into the art gallery, an uneasy feeling washed over me. Walking into the exhibition hall, I saw Eleanor’s life-size standee. So this was where her solo exhibition was being held. She was like a ghost I couldn’t shake off. I stopped in my tracks, instinctively turning to flee. But then I saw Liam at a nearby display, struggling to move a massive painting. Sweat trickled down his jaw, soaking the custom suit I had bought him on installments over a year. Yet he didn’t seem tired at all, his face showing barely concealed joy. This was completely different from his attitude when I’d asked him to help hang laundry. Eleanor suddenly looked up and met my gaze, flashing a provocative smile. “Liam, don’t move,” she said, standing on her tiptoes to tenderly wipe the sweat from his forehead with her handkerchief, her movements gentle and lingering. Liam obediently bent down, letting her fingertips trace suggestively across his brow and lips. Watching this scene, a dull pain shot through my chest. Eleanor deliberately raised her voice while staring straight at me. She said, “Liam, if that beggar woman saw us like this, would she make a scene with you right here?” Liam hadn’t noticed my presence and only indulgently pinched Eleanor’s nose: “That would be perfect—saves me from planning how to break up with her.” My heartbeat and breathing suddenly became very light, as if something was slowly being stripped away from my body. The exhibition opening began. The crowd suddenly surged forward, pushing me back step by step. A woman said, “Look, everyone. That’s Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Baker. They’re so sweet together.” A man excitedly said, “Mr. Mitchell is going to livestream his breakup with that beggar woman tomorrow, right?” Another man said dismissively, “Yes. Over a million people have already signed up to watch. I really want to see that beggar woman who won’t leave Mr. Mitchell alone make a fool of herself.” The people around me were chatting excitedly. Every word pierced straight through my chest. I covered my face, afraid they’d recognize me. But as I turned to leave, someone deliberately tripped me, and I crashed onto the marble floor. At the same time, a bucket of dirty mop water beside me was knocked over in the chaos, and the filthy water splashed across my face. The dirty water ran down my hair into my collar, gradually soaking my entire body. When I tremblingly opened my eyes, everyone around me had stepped back, but they were all holding up their phones, frantically filming me. A woman said in shock, “Oh my God! How dare she show up here?” Another woman said, “She deserves it! She still dares to appear looking like that!” Their undisguised mockery drew a burst of laughter. I tried to struggle to my feet, but someone in the crowd shoved me again, and I fell heavily back to the ground. My palms burned with pain, and the marble floor beneath my hands was now stained with blood. A man shouted, “Look over there, everyone!” A piercing cheer suddenly erupted from the front, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Through my vision blurred by dirty water, I saw Eleanor smiling radiantly like a flower, actively kissing Liam’s lips under the soft silver spotlight. Liam’s hands gripped her waist tightly. The two of them kissed passionately under the spotlight, like the perfect ending of a fairy tale. And I was covered in filth, like a discarded rag. Only after witnessing all this did I finally realize that we were never from the same world. My nails dug deep into my palms, but my mind was unusually clear. This absurd reality show had just one more day before it would finally end.

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