Author: Momo Chan

The SAT Showdown: They Called Me Wretched The SATs were just around the corner when they finally brought me home – the real daughter. On SAT day, I was the first one to hand in my paper and walk out of the exam hall. A reporter asked how I felt I did, and I frankly told him the questions were super easy. The reporter gasped, “Are you, by any chance, Ashley Montgomery, the genius academic star?” Just then, the fake daughter, Ashley, also finished her exam and came out. My parents, Richard and Eleanor, and my brother, Blake, immediately surrounded her, showering her with affection and declaring that *she* was the real genius. Ashley pretended to speak up for me, but her words were laced with mockery. “Sister, it’s okay if you didn’t do well. But you shouldn’t lie, you know? I heard your scores are barely enough to get into a community college. You can always retake them!” My parents and Blake glared at me, their faces dark, as if I had brought shame upon them. I just crossed my arms and smiled confidently. I was the first person to walk out of every single SAT subject test. When I confidently declared that Harvard was a sure thing after the last exam, the live stream chat absolutely exploded. My mother, Eleanor, was so furious she practically shrieked, “We don’t have such a delusional daughter!” My father, Richard, proclaimed, “If she can get into Harvard, I’ll give her my entire fortune!” People in the live stream had already dug up my previous scores, frantically spamming the chat: “If she gets into Harvard – no, even just undergrad – I’ll eat my own socks on live stream!” I looked at my father and shook my head. “Dad, your fortune? I wouldn’t even touch it!”

The words had barely left my lips when my parents’ faces grew even darker. Blake looked utterly livid. ““*Jian-nü*,” I think you’ve lost your mind. We should send you to a mental hospital right now.” Eleanor looked disgusted. “I don’t know what on earth you told your grandmother to make her bring you back, but now you’ve completely disgraced the Montgomery family.” “If it weren’t for the DNA test, I’d never believe you were my daughter.” The next second, her gaze softened, falling on Ashley. “Our Ashley is so sensible, so graceful and poised. She doesn’t pull these attention-seeking stunts.” Ashley let out a soft “Oh dear.” “Sister, are you short on cash or something? Is that why you’re trying to go for a controversial route, then just go into live streaming sales? If you need money, just ask Mom and Dad! They wouldn’t deny you. Making such a spectacle of yourself outside, people might think Mom and Dad are abusing you.” She finished, leaning sweetly against Eleanor’s shoulder, her eyes fixed on me with disdain and mockery. Richard, who always prioritized appearances, snapped, “Nonsense!” “When we get home, confiscate all her electronics. Lock her up! She’s not coming out until she apologizes!” I watched them – a picture of a united, harmonious family of four, all against me. My heart didn’t stir an inch. I even smiled. Blake’s face was grim. ““*Jian-nü*,” what are you smiling at?” I shrugged. “SAT scores will be out soon. Why are you all in such a hurry?” “Anyway, you’ve never cared about me, have you?” Blake had zero patience. “Who doesn’t know you used to score two, three hundred? Don’t blame others for not caring if your grades are trash!” I was the real Montgomery heiress, swapped by the Roberts family. From childhood, my grades were absolutely terrible. They only brought me back two months before the SATs. My last mock exam before the SATs was just as bad as before. They completely gave up on me. They simply ignored that I was also taking the SATs, showering Ashley with attention and care every single day. On SAT day, my father, Richard, who was always swamped with work, canceled everything. My mother, Eleanor, who had daily appointments with socialites, canceled all her engagements. My brother, Blake, who was busy with various university activities, also cleared his schedule. All for Ashley’s SATs. Not only that, they thought I was bad luck, fearing I would jinx Ashley’s performance. They only dropped her off at the exam hall. Every time they saw me walking out of the exam, they’d look at me as if I were some unlucky charm, and when we got home, they’d even try to ward off bad luck around me, as if I were contaminated. Ashley stepped forward, playing the good person. “Mom, Dad, *Jian-nü* probably just hasn’t experienced this much attention before. It’s probably just vanity acting up.” “Besides, the SAT scores will be out soon. Just let her have her little moment for a couple of days.” ““*Jian-nü*,” just apologize to Mom and Dad. We can let this go.”

The live stream chat was scrolling furiously: “Now THIS is a true genius, so graceful!” “But what’s with *Jian-nü*? What kind of parents give their daughter such a name in this day and age?” “To the commenter above, word on the street is *Jian-nü* is the Montgomery family’s real daughter who was swapped at birth. They just found her, but she looks like a lost cause.” “She looks so provocative, just begging for a punch! Whoever named her that is a genius!” I ignored the immense malice directed at me in the live stream and spoke directly: “Please, everyone, be my witness. I hope my parents keep their word when the scores come out.” “Oh, and everyone in the live stream too.” The live stream chat collectively spammed: “I think she’s truly lost it.” The day the SAT scores were released. The reporter who interviewed me before showed up again. He had become an overnight sensation because of me. Unwilling to let go of this massive buzz, he had privately contacted me, worried I wouldn’t make outrageous claims like I did on SAT days. He insisted I maintain that persona. He even offered me a cut of the profits. Not just him, many big PR firms also sought me out, ready to tailor a public image for me. The moment the SAT scores were out, they wanted me to go live and simply announce I was the SAT top scorer. No one believed a word I said. While waiting for the scores, the reporter interviewed my parents, asking why I was so extreme. Eleanor forced out two tears. “Today, after she faces reality, we’ll send her to a mental hospital. After all, she’s still my daughter.” Richard, meanwhile, put his arm around her, said a couple of comforting words, then immediately diverted the conversation to his company’s new product. I watched them coolly from the side. If they truly considered me their daughter, they wouldn’t have only brought me back right before the SATs. Ten minutes before the scores were released, they put on a show of caring. Richard said, ““*Jian-nü*,” apologize in the live stream now, it’s not too late. Afterwards, we can just say you had a mental breakdown.” Eleanor added, ““*Jian-nü*,” must you bring shame to the Montgomery family? I swear, you’re nothing but trouble since you came back. I wish I had never given birth to you.” Blake was as impatient as ever. “Are you really going to be a complete clown today? Have we been too good to you?” I spoke up, genuinely surprised. “Good to me? With your words? I haven’t felt it. Being good to me means making me live in the storage room, not giving me pocket money or even a ride, making me walk ten miles to school? And ignoring me when I was bullied?” A flicker of awkwardness and discomfort crossed their faces. Because after they brought me back, they literally never cared for me. The staff were quick to follow their lead; if the Montgomerys didn’t say anything, the staff wouldn’t do anything. Ashley, however, had red eyes. ““*Jian-nü*,” don’t blame Mom and Dad. After the SAT scores come out, I’ll give Mom and Dad back to you. I’ll leave the Montgomery family.” The live stream chat exploded again: “Is *Jian-nü* really having such a hard time? The Montgomery family didn’t handle that well.” “Heh, serves her right! If I had a daughter like that, I wouldn’t even bring her home!” Richard, Eleanor, and Blake immediately rushed to comfort Ashley. “Ashley, don’t apologize to her. She’s not worthy!” “If you leave the Montgomery family, you’d be killing us!” “Ashley, I’m not someone who values blood ties. I only recognize you as my sister.” I spoke lazily. “You keep calling me ‘“*Jian-nü*”’ – ‘Wretched Girl.’ But that name was truly meant for Ashley. It’s what *her* birth parents, the Roberts, named her.” My parents and Blake immediately glared at me. Ashley’s tears fell even faster. ““*Jian*”… Sister, I know you’re upset with me…” I had no patience for it. I cut her off directly. “Ashley, let’s make a bet. If you score worse than me, how about you take the name ‘“*Jian-nü*”’?” “If I score worse than you, I’ll get out of the Montgomery family.”

No sooner had I spoken than someone shouted: “Time’s up!” Ashley, however, glanced at me, barely concealing the triumph in her eyes. “Sister, so you don’t upset Mom and Dad any further, I accept your bet.” Everyone crowded behind Ashley, impatiently waiting for her to check her scores. The viewers on the live stream also stopped spamming, waiting in silent anticipation for the results. However, Ashley’s score kept loading, loading, loading. Suddenly, the entire house went dark. Only the glow from Ashley’s computer screen remained. “A power outage? No wonder the internet’s so bad!” Blake’s angry voice boomed, “What’s going on? Why is the power out? Send someone to check the lines now!” Ashley’s computer, without internet, continued to spin its loading circle. In the darkness, someone muttered, “The Montgomery villa has never had a power outage before. Could it be *her* doing?” “Now that you mention it, it makes sense! If you’re scared, don’t talk big!” I pursed my lips. I told them before that the circuit had issues, but they didn’t believe me. Now they were blaming me. Soon, someone reported, “Sir, Madam, there’s a slight issue with the wiring.” Blake became agitated again. “If there’s a problem, fix it! How many minutes will it take?” The person stammered, “Five minutes.” Blake barked, “You have three minutes!” Even in the dark, I could feel impatient stares on me. ““*Jian-nü*,” do you really have to pull so many stunts?” “Are you that desperate for attention that you’d resort to this?” It was Blake’s voice. I rolled my eyes. “We could just check on our phones! You’re the ones who insisted on using the computer!” “This is so you’ll admit defeat, and so the live stream viewers know not everyone in the Montgomery family is as shameless as you!” “You have no proof, so why are you barking like a dog?” I retorted, annoyed. Blake was about to speak again when the power suddenly came back on. Ashley’s page was still lagging. “Scores are out! English 121, Math 104, History 130, Physics 79, Chemistry 80, Biology 83, Total 597!” Those who hadn’t seen it yet gasped. Because, given Ashley’s usual genius persona, she couldn’t possibly score so low. “Not Miss Ashley, it’s just someone in the live stream whose scores came out. I just read it aloud.” The next second, the reporter quickly apologized. “My apologies, it’s an old habit, reading the comments!” Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Ashley’s hand, clutching the mouse, began to tremble. The next second, the page refreshed! Everyone stared at Ashley’s computer. “The scores are out! This time, it’s really Miss Ashley’s scores!” someone shouted. *That’s it?* I thought to myself. I’d expected Ashley’s scores to be invisible or something. Someone read out her scores: “English 132, Math 140, History 141, Physics 80, Chemistry 85, Biology 86, Total 664!” Ashley’s face instantly turned ugly. She refreshed repeatedly, unwilling to believe those were her scores. The Montgomerys were initially in disbelief too, but quickly adjusted, comforting her: “Ashley, you did great! We heard this year’s exam was really tough.” Blake, meanwhile, blamed everything on me. ““*Jian-nü*,” if you hadn’t come back, Ashley wouldn’t have been distracted and scored poorly.” The live stream also began to doubt. “Didn’t they say she was a genius girl? While that score is high for me, it’s not exactly ‘genius’ material, is it?” “If even the genius girl scored this low, then *Jian-nü* must have done even worse, right?” The moment Ashley looked up, her eyes were red, brimming with tears. “Mom, Dad, Blake, I didn’t do well. I disappointed you. I’ll go pack my things and move out of this house.” No sooner had she spoken than a perfectly timed, sparkling tear rolled down her cheek, making her look utterly pitiful. Richard comforted her, “Ashley, what are you talking about? Even if you scored zero, you’d still be my daughter, a Montgomery!” “Your scores are already excellent. Getting into a good university won’t be a problem.” “It’s Dad’s fault. I shouldn’t have brought that wretched girl back. She affected your performance! How about this, Dad will buy you that island you’ve been eyeing, and you can go relax there with your friends.” Eleanor quickly added, “Ashley, Mom already bought you a twenty-million-dollar diamond necklace. It’ll be delivered soon.” Blake wasn’t to be outdone. “Ashley, I’ll buy you a villa and luxury cars. Don’t be sad!” Thankfully, I’d seen my adoptive parents, the Roberts, play favorites since I was little, so facing this moment, the slight pang of bitterness I felt quickly vanished. Richard’s gaze at me was like looking at a plague. He frowned. ““*Jian-nü*,” before you came back, Ashley always scored over seven hundred!” I pursed my lips. “She’s just not that good.” “You!” Richard exploded in fury. “Even now, you show no remorse! I will not allow you to destroy our family. I see nothing of the Montgomery family’s fine qualities in you. From today, I’m sending you out of this family!” I looked utterly composed. “Why the rush? My scores haven’t been checked yet.” Mocking laughter erupted from the crowd again. “The exam was so hard this time, even Miss Ashley didn’t do well. She must have done even worse!” Blake, as usual, was impatient. “Then check your scores quickly!” I pouted. “Isn’t Ashley checking them already?”

Ashley’s face changed, and she quickly explained, “I was just checking how you did, so I could help you figure out which university you could get into.” I retorted mercilessly, “Caring enough to memorize my exam ID number?” She was choked speechless. The next second, someone burst out laughing: “Zero? How can anyone get a zero? Even if you threw the answer sheet on the ground and stepped on it, you’d get a higher score!” A flash of triumphant smile quickly crossed Ashley’s face. She glanced at the computer, confirmed it, then looked up at me provocatively. “Sister, if you had scored two or three hundred, Mom and Dad might still have thrown money to get you into a university. But you scored zero. Mom and Dad can’t even pay for you to get in.” Too bad she didn’t look closely. My parents’ faces were incredibly grim. “Disgraceful.” Blake seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, watching me with cold eyes. “Send her to a mental hospital.” The live stream chat erupted in cheers. It was as if a farce had finally ended. I understood instantly. So, Blake Montgomery had never scored in the top fifty either. Richard fully agreed with Blake. “Yes, send her to a mental hospital. Don’t let her out until she’s cured.” As he spoke, people quickly moved to my side, ready to take me away. I frowned and spoke up. “Don’t you know that the top fifty scores are initially blocked?” Everyone seemed to freeze for a moment. Then, a chorus of laughter erupted. As if they had never heard anything so funny, they laughed until tears streamed down their faces. “Top fifty? Her? Someone who scored a big fat zero claiming top fifty! Young Master Blake is right, she’s truly lost her mind!” Only my parents and Blake had ashen faces. Ashley’s hostile gaze, which had been fixed on me since I arrived at the Montgomery home, softened into a hint of pity, but mostly the triumph of a victor. She also thought I was crazy. She even thoughtfully comforted my parents. “Mom, Dad, Blake, Sister might have a mental problem. While she’s recovering, I’ll take her place and be even more filial to you.” Richard seemed unable to bear it another second and roared, “Get that ‘“*Jian-nü*”’ to the mental hospital immediately!” “Who dares!” Everyone turned towards the source of the voice. And when I heard that voice, my eyes finally welled up. I, who had never felt wronged until now, suddenly began to feel a belated sense of grievance. And it grew stronger and stronger. “Mom, why are you here?” Richard’s voice even held a hint of fear. Eleanor and Blake, initially flustered, quickly calmed down, their approving gazes falling on Ashley. Eleanor said, “Mom, I was going to have someone inform you of Ashley’s scores. You shouldn’t have had to come yourself.” “But this child certainly didn’t disappoint us.” Ashley looked somewhat overwhelmed but flattered, sweetly calling out, “Grandma, I just checked my scores, 664 points.” There was even a hint of pride in her tone. Grandma Margaret Montgomery coolly swept her gaze over them. She sat down on the sofa and beckoned me to her side. I immediately ran over. “Who are you sending to a mental hospital?” Her voice, though not angry, held an undeniable authority. My parents chuckled awkwardly. “Mom, it’s one thing that *Jian-nü*’s scores are terrible, but she’s spouting nonsense, not a single truthful word. We suspect she’s gone mad, so we thought of sending her to a mental hospital for treatment.” ““*Jian-nü*?”” Grandma Margaret looked directly at Richard, repeating the name. Richard opened his mouth, then belatedly realized, unable to speak, fine beads of sweat already appearing on his forehead. Blake stepped forward, appearing to champion justice. “Grandma, it’s not Dad’s fault for not changing *Jian*… my sister’s name. It’s just that it was so close to the SATs, and we were busy worrying about Ashley, we didn’t have time to change it.” My parents quickly chimed in, “Yes.” Grandma Margaret looked at Ashley, then at my parents, a look of disappointment in her eyes. She caressed my hand, but I shook my head, indicating I was fine. Before, only my high school homeroom teacher cared for me. Now, with Grandma Margaret, it was my good fortune. “Excuse me, is this the Montgomery residence?” A few people walked in, asking. After confirming, those individuals immediately locked onto my parents, and after saying, “Congratulations on your daughter becoming the top scorer in the state,” they eagerly introduced themselves:

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My Eight-Year Marriage: A Scapegoat No More! I’d been with my husband for eight years. He was the perfect husband, attentive to my every need. Until the news broke that my best friend was back in the country and had been hurt. At the grand opening, he ditched me and ran to the one who truly held his heart. The next day, I received the divorce papers. Eight years of devotion, and it all meant nothing the moment his ex came back. I finally got it. I’d loved Julian Thorne for a full decade. But he, he never knew. The day he married me, I didn’t sleep a wink. I’d longed for this day for so, so long. The day Julian Thorne and I got married, it poured outside. Originally, the one Julian was supposed to marry was Blair Thompson. But on their wedding day, Blair took the wedding funds and ran, abandoning the ceremony. Blair, she was my best friend. Back in university, she was incredibly introverted, barely spoke, and came from no significant background. Nobody wanted to hang out with her. Our university was an elite one, full of students from old money and powerful families. Later, I learned Blair had forced her parents to borrow money from everywhere just to get into the school because she was determined to bag a wealthy husband. The lazy afternoon sun spilled onto the garden path. I was heading to the office to go over a paper with a professor when I heard a commotion around the corner. A few entitled brats had cornered a young girl. They were spewing all sorts of filthy language. The girl had a large backpack, her body curled into a ball, eyes filled with tears, staring timidly at the aggressive faces surrounding her. Liam Hayes ripped off the girl’s hat, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it. Lucas Thorne snatched her phone, fiddling with it, letting out strange cackles now and then. The girl pleaded, her voice trembling, “Please, give me my things back, I’m begging you…” But they ignored her, continuing their torment. “Cole Hayes, is bullying part of the Hayes family’s values?” I said, my voice cold, staring at Cole. Cole Hayes, the sole heir to the Hayes family, their future successor. In this city, the Hayes family ranked first, the Millers ranked second. “Maybe Miss Miller should mind her own business first?” Lucas glared at me, annoyed. “You know the consequences if you don’t leave now.” I twirled my pen, speaking casually. Cole gave me a deep look, then slightly raised his chin, signaling them to leave. “Since when did Miss Miller start being so nosy?” they muttered as they walked away. It was true, I was known in our circles for being aloof and reserved, yet that day, I stepped forward anyway. My parents were always busy with business abroad, maybe I was just lonely too. “My name is Blair Thompson, thank you for saving me just now.” Blair extended her hand to me. “Seraphina Miller. Don’t be such a coward in the future.” I glanced at her. But she just grinned and hugged me. “From now on, you’re my best friend!” I didn’t like unfamiliar people getting too close, but that day, I don’t know what possessed me, but I didn’t push her away. From then on, Blair followed me everywhere, every single day. She chattered constantly, incredibly noisy. But I never once cut her off. Julian Thorne, he was utterly, madly in love with Blair. At the most luxurious private club in the city, it was covered in Ecuadorian Royal Roses and Japanese Alpine Peonies. A globally renowned wedding dress designer had custom-made a dream gown for Blair—gossamer-thin French lace, dazzling Swarovski crystals, every stitch radiating luxury. The lavish wedding he gave Blair was the talk of the entire city. That day, everyone who was anyone was there. I watched it all in a daze. Ten years of unrequited love, maybe it was finally time to end it. Like a shell of myself, I escaped into the lounge. Afraid that in the next second, I’d just completely break down. “Sera, could you do me a favor?” Blair had followed me in, I hadn’t even noticed. I looked at her, gesturing for her to continue. Blair ran over, shaking my arm. “Could you help me elope? I don’t want to marry Julian.” “Why?”

Julian and Blair had been together for five years. In those five years, his doting and favoritism towards Blair drove me insane with jealousy. I had never seen Julian like that. I forced myself to bury those feelings deep inside. “I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love, please, Sera,” she pleaded, whining. “Stop messing around, the wedding’s about to start.” I said, a little annoyed. “Alright, fine, I’ll go get ready then.” Blair skipped off. My thoughts drifted back to the past. I absolutely hated horseback riding. But I heard he loved equestrianism, so I signed up for riding lessons too. On my first lesson, I was nervous and clumsy, trying to approach the restless horse, but I couldn’t calm it down. Just as I was at a loss, Julian, wearing a dashing riding helmet, walked over with a confident stride. He gently patted the horse’s neck, whispered a few words, and the horse immediately settled down. Then he turned and looked at me, a smile in his eyes. He patiently taught me how to properly hold the reins and mount the horse. As he guided me hand-in-hand, I caught a faint scent of his cologne. His proximity made my cheeks burn. “Thank you, Julian,” I said, blushing. I’d liked him since childhood, but this was the first time I’d ever called him by name to his face. The reason I liked him was simple: he was incredibly handsome. “It’s nothing, Sera. Feel free to ask me anything you don’t understand.” When he looked at me, his eyes seemed to sparkle. I nodded. In that instant, my heart felt like it burst with fireworks. Maybe he liked me a little too. Was I really Julian and Blair’s matchmaker? I asked myself countless times. At a lavish private yacht party, I didn’t like crowds, so I stood alone on the deck, enjoying the breeze. The sea wind gently lifted my hair. As I was lost in thought, a magnetic voice suddenly came from behind me: “Standing out here in the wind, aren’t you cold?” I turned, and Julian Thorne, dressed in a white casual suit, appeared before me. He stood tall, his presence extraordinary, the limited edition Rolex on his wrist glinting dazzlingly in the sunlight. “It’s alright, the view here is beautiful,” I replied calmly. He smiled, walking to the railing and standing beside me. “Indeed, this sea always lifts one’s spirits.” “I remember you don’t really like attending parties.” “I came with a friend.” I glanced at Blair, who was flitting between various wealthy young men. “Your friend? She’s quite beautiful.” Julian followed my gaze. Blair that day was in a custom gown, its train spilling like a river of stars, her exquisite makeup highlighting her striking features. Yes, I bought it for her. “Sera, I’ve never been to a yacht party!” she looked at me pitifully. “Please, please, take me!” My heart suddenly softened, I gave her a makeover and brought her along. “So, Mr. Thorne, is she your type?” I asked him boldly, secretly testing the waters. “Do you want me to introduce you?” I waited for a long time, so long I thought Julian wouldn’t answer. “No.” He waved his hand at me. “Let’s go, Miss Miller. Get back inside, it’s cold.” He said he didn’t like her, Yet his eyes never left Blair. The next day, he began his relentless pursuit. He pursued her relentlessly and patiently for almost a year, making sure everyone knew it.

“Sera, I said yes to Julian’s proposal!” Blair smiled, as innocent and charming as a child. “Hm, congratulations.” I unconsciously tightened my grip on the book in my hand, my fingertips turning white, but I didn’t even notice. Back then, I naively thought Blair truly loved Julian. I refused to be the villain who tore them apart. I’d consider my feelings for him just a long, beautiful dream. Now that I was awake, I’d pay the price for indulging in it. But in the end, Blair still ran away from the wedding. And, she even took the wedding funds with her. At the wedding venue, guests filled the seats, flowers and crystal chandeliers shimmered, everything arranged to the most luxurious specifications. Julian, in his Italian custom suit, stood tall, but as he waited for Blair, he received the news of her elopement instead. In an instant, his eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the empty end of the red carpet. The composure on his face vanished, replaced by anger and panic. “Where is she?!” Julian roared, his voice echoing through the entire hall, making the surrounding staff tremble. Julian tore off his tie and flung it at the elegant dessert table, scattering pastries everywhere. Then he stormed into the bride’s dressing room, and seeing the empty space, he became even more enraged. He clenched his fists, veins throbbing on his forehead, muttering through gritted teeth, “How dare she!” Julian rushed out the door, completely abandoning his usual image, his uncontrolled appearance a stark contrast to his usual self. A few hours later, Julian returned, defeated. He walked straight to me. “Sera, will you marry me?” Julian clutched my hand, as if afraid I’d refuse. I knew he needed a bride today. Whether it was to get back at Blair or save face. “I…” “Seraphina Miller, are you crazy? Can’t you see he’s just using you to clean up his mess?” Cole Hayes interrupted me. “Miss Miller, so desperate to get married? You’re so desperate to get married you’ll take anyone, even a hand-me-down? Why not consider me instead?” Cole said casually, a cigarette between his fingers. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Hayes? Are you openly opposing me?” Julian stared at him intently. “Exactly what it sounds like.” Cole didn’t even spare him a glance, smiling. “So, Miss Miller, what do you say?” “Yes, Julian.” I completely ignored Cole. “Damn it! Seraphina Miller, you’re just determined to suffer, aren’t you?!” Cole smashed the champagne bar and the flower arch. Then he turned and left. Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall. The wedding venue was ruined. And just like that, in such a miserable state, I married the man I’d loved my entire youth. That wedding night, I didn’t sleep at all. I was overjoyed, after all, I had waited for this day for so, so long. I knew why Julian chose me. His first love ran away, so naturally, he chose the next best option—the one who could help him the most. He needed me to help him save face. I didn’t care about any of that. I just wanted him. My parents were exasperated, but they spoiled me rotten and let me do as I pleased. After all, we had the means, so what was there to fear?

Actually, during our eight years of marriage, Julian was very good to me. In hazy moments, it felt as though Blair had never even existed. He became known in our circles as a total doting husband. I even started to believe he had fallen in love with me. Julian frequently took me to various galas, openly marking his territory. It was as if he couldn’t bear to be apart from me for a second. Every time, he’d prepare a gorgeous gown for me in advance. Watching me put it on, his eyes would be filled with tenderness and adoration, and he’d softly say, “My Sera is truly beautiful.” At banquets, when others toasted, he would subtly shield me, take the glass, and drink it all down, whispering, “I’m here.” When I stumbled accidentally, he’d quickly catch me, his concerned gaze fixed. “Sera, are you hurt?” His anxious look made the other rich kids tease, “Julian, you’re still so sweet on Sera after all these years.” When Julian wasn’t busy, he’d take me on vacations to a private island. In the island villa, he’d personally cook breakfast for me, the apron softening his usual sharp business edge. Sunlight streamed into the kitchen as he served the fried eggs onto a plate, smiling as he called out, “Come, try it. I hope it’s to your taste.” Walking on the beach, I spotted a seashell. Me, Miss Miller, the heiress to such a powerful family, what expensive trinket haven’t I seen? Suddenly, a playful thought sparked in my mind. “Julian, I like this shell.” Julian didn’t care for his expensive suit getting soaked by the seawater. He stepped into the shallows, picked it up, wiped it clean, and handed it to me. “You’re like a little kid.” But who wouldn’t turn into a child when they feel loved? At night, when nightmares startled me awake, he’d immediately pull me gently into his arms, murmuring like he was soothing a child, “It’s okay, Sera, I’m right here.” Once, a project I was in charge of ran into trouble, leaving me frowning with worry. I didn’t want to tell my parents; I wanted to prove my own capabilities. When Julian found out, he immediately used his connections and even personally got involved in the planning. He gently stroked my hair, coaxing, “Don’t worry, Sera, I’m here.” In that moment, tears welled up in my eyes, brimming with gratitude. I knew that from the moment I agreed to marry him, I’d been burdened by the heavy shackles of being a “stand-in.” Whenever night fell, those doubting voices echoed in my heart, yet I stubbornly searched for a flicker of love in the darkness. Perhaps, Julian’s intentions weren’t pure at first. But in the years of our marriage, every little moment was real. Eight years had accumulated, perhaps he had long forgotten Blair. I immersed myself in Julian’s favoritism towards me. This exception was real and tangible. I tried to break free from the constant cycle of searching for evidence of his love for me in every detail, every day. I gradually stopped thinking about the past. Their past. It would get better. Everything was slowly getting better. But then, Blair came back. And my love story came crashing down. Turns out, my proud marriage was so fragile, so easily shattered.

The next day, the art exhibition opened grandly. I wore a floor-length gown, its tailored cut highlighting my slender waist, the diamond necklace around my neck dazzling brightly. Every movement exuded nobility, captivating the entire room. I saw the awe in Julian’s eyes. And pride. But just then, a sudden car accident shocked the entire city. The moment Julian glimpsed the injured person on someone’s phone, He trembled all over, his eyes bloodshot. He didn’t care that we were at the exhibition, he abandoned me and rushed off. After excusing myself to the organizers, I drove to follow him. Julian was holding Blair, leaving without a backward glance. I was completely blindsided. Blair? When did she come back? Right, only she could make Julian act so recklessly, so utterly without a care. Blair was critically injured, in a coma, her life hanging by a thread. When Julian saw me arrive, his face was filled with rage. He grabbed my collar, roaring, “Was it you? When did you know she was back?!” My eyes widened in shock, tears streaming down my face. “Julian, we’ve been married for eight years. Do you really not know me at all?” Julian was blinded by fury, not listening to any explanation, and he violently flung me away. The next day, I received the divorce papers. I was sitting on the living room sofa, still holding a freshly brewed cup of hot tea. When the assistant handed me the divorce papers, my hand shook uncontrollably, splashing hot tea that scalded my skin, but I didn’t even feel it. My gaze fell on the agreement, my lips trembled, tears streamed down my face. My heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, our past affection shattered to pieces. After steadying myself, I signed without hesitation. Let it be. No more fear, no more anxiety. It was time to return what didn’t belong to me. What wasn’t mine had no need for entanglement. It was pouring outside, and I took nothing with me. I sat by the door all night long. Julian never came home. “Let’s meet, my dearest best friend.” Blair’s provocative message came through. I thought it over and over, then decided to go. Some things, I needed to get clear.

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The year I loved Julian Thorne the most, I was forced to personally attend to his pregnant mistress. When his mistress faked an illness, Julian was convinced I’d tampered with her soup. He condemned me to three days and three nights kneeling in the freezing snow. While he was inside the mansion, doting on his mistress. I could hear them, for three days and three nights, their passionate sounds echoing. At one point, I heard Melody Hayes say: “Julian, if you treat Aubrey like this, what if Aubrey stops loving you?” Julian scoffed, a cold sneer on his lips: “Impossible. She loves me so much she’d throw her life away for me.” He was right, I did love him desperately. But what he didn’t know. This love had an expiration date. The doctor said I had ten days before I would completely lose my memory. Julian Thorne slapped me across the face, leaving my left cheek burning. “You jealous witch! If you can’t have children yourself, fine!” “But now Melody’s pregnant, and you’re trying to harm her!” Behind Julian, Melody Hayes wore a triumphant smile. “Julian, what if I told you she did it to herself? Would you believe me?” I pressed a hand to my cheek, my voice barely a whisper. Julian’s cold eyes narrowed, his anger mounting, as he let out a harsh snort. “Are you saying she harmed herself?” “Do you even believe that nonsense coming out of your own mouth?” “Aubrey Sinclair, when did you become this kind of person?” Melody stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Julian’s arm, her voice deliberately sweet: “Julian, it’s my own weak body, don’t blame Aubrey.” Julian sighed in exasperation, then tenderly stroked her head. “My little Melody is always so kind.” Then his voice hardened. “But that doesn’t mean I am.” “Aubrey Sinclair, you should be grateful Melody is unharmed. If anything had happened to her, I’d have made you pay with your life!” “But since you made a mistake, you must accept your punishment.” “I’ll sentence you to kneel in the snow for three days and three nights. No standing.” Melody gasped at his words, feigning concern. “Julian, that’s too harsh! Our wombs are so delicate, what if…?” Julian sneered. “She doesn’t even *have* a womb, what’s there to fear?” At his words, my hand instinctively went to my flat abdomen. Yes, I didn’t have a womb. And I couldn’t bear children. But Julian seemed to have forgotten that if I hadn’t been stabbed in the abdomen while saving him years ago, forcing a hysterectomy, I wouldn’t be without a womb now. “What are you waiting for? Guards!” At his command, two bodyguards grabbed me and dragged me out into the snow. Following Julian’s unspoken signal, they used electric batons to brutally strike the back of my knees. I cried out in pain, forced to my knees in the biting snow. Julian simply uttered, “You reflect on your actions here,” before wrapping his arm around Melody and leading her into the mansion. Soon after, passionate sounds began to emanate from within. Night fell quickly, but the sounds from inside showed no sign of stopping. The sub-zero temperatures, dropping to minus ten degrees, froze me until I was numb. Every time I tried to stand, the guards watching on the security cameras would spot me and strike my knees again. After a while, I lost all strength to even attempt to stand. I shivered uncontrollably, a thick layer of frost coating my face. Inside the warm mansion, Julian ceaselessly took Melody, again and again. At one point, I heard Melody Hayes say: “Julian, if you treat Aubrey like this, what if Aubrey stops loving you?” Julian scoffed at her words. “Impossible. She loves me so much she’d throw her life away for me.” He was right. It was common knowledge among our set: I was utterly, hopelessly devoted to Julian Thorne. Three years ago, when he was attacked at a gala, I didn’t hesitate to shield him from a fatal blow, leading to the removal of my uterus. Two years ago, when his car plunged from a bridge into a lake, I rushed into the freezing water without a second thought to find him, leaving me with a chronic illness that makes my entire body ache every winter. Five months ago, when Melody Hayes discovered she was pregnant, Julian brought her back to the mansion, and I was expected to cater to her every whim, on call 24/7. I even had to go out in the middle of a storm-lashed night to buy their condoms. But what no one knew was that this love had an expiration date. Due to the complications from my hysterectomy, my doctor had told me I had only ten days before I would completely lose my memory.

I knelt in the snow for as long as Julian and Melody were together. Three days and three nights passed, and I had completely lost all sensation. When the staff carried me into the mansion, Julian was getting out of Melody’s bed, looking utterly satisfied. Seeing me, his brow furrowed, and a rare flicker of worry and unease crossed his usually indifferent eyes. He lost control, shouting at Mr. Charles, the butler: “Where’s the doctor?! Get the doctor here now!” By the time the family doctor, Dr. Miller, arrived, I was on the brink of death. Just then, a loud crash came from Melody Hayes’s room. Followed by her cry of pain: “Julian, I accidentally fell! It hurts so much!” Julian instantly panicked. “Dr. Miller, come with me, quickly, to help Melody!” Dr. Miller hesitated for a moment. My skin had taken on a waxy, grayish-white pallor. If I wasn’t treated immediately, I would surely die. He explained my critical condition to Julian, but Julian simply brushed it off. “Her life’s a tough one.” I fought to remain conscious until Dr. Miller returned, though by then, my awareness was fading. Julian and Melody came in with him. Melody looked at my frostbitten body, a flash of surprise in her eyes. Then she abruptly pushed Dr. Miller aside and began rubbing my hands together. Dr. Miller frantically called out to stop her, but it was too late. A large patch of skin had already been rubbed off my left hand. With severe frostbite, rubbing the skin is strictly forbidden; it only causes secondary damage. I found it hard to believe Melody didn’t know this basic first aid. Excruciating pain shot through my left hand, and I bit down hard, clenching my teeth. Dr. Miller immediately rebuked Melody. “Ms. Hayes, what are you doing?! This will only make her condition worse!” Julian watched my tormented expression, his brow furrowing, and for once, he even criticized her. “Melody, couldn’t you have waited for the doctor?” Melody’s eyes instantly welled up. “But I didn’t know it would be like this! I just wanted to help Aubrey!” Hearing her, Julian’s heart immediately softened. He pulled the crying Melody into his embrace, comforting her. “Don’t cry, Melody. It’s not your fault. Did it scare you?” Then he turned to me, his voice dismissive. “I’ll get you the best medicine and resources to save you. Just forgive Melody; she meant well.” “Anyway, you survived the pain of having your uterus removed. This is nothing.” With that, his warm fingers wiped away Melody’s tears. Melody, fresh from crying, looked utterly pathetic and adorable. Julian’s voice was a little husky, teasingly caressing Melody’s nose. “Such a cute little crybaby, is someone getting a little… aroused?” Melody’s face flushed crimson, and she clenched her fists, playfully punching Julian’s chest. “Someone’s here, Julian, don’t be like that!” “This mansion, I call the shots.” When the ambulance Dr. Miller called arrived, Julian swept Melody into his arms and hurried into the master bedroom.

When I woke up in the hospital, Julian was beside me, engrossed in paperwork. “You’re awake?” Julian looked at my weak state, a flicker of tenderness in his eyes, and his voice softened in a way I’d never heard before. “What do you want to eat? I’ll go get it for you.” “Tiramisu.” The word slipped out instinctively. Julian paused for a moment, then said, “Okay, I’ll go buy it for you right now.” I shook my head. “I want the one you make.” That single sentence pulled us back three years. Those were the days I was hospitalized after shielding Julian from that knife. Julian was constantly by my side, tending to my needs. He even learned to make tiramisu himself, just because I loved it. Back then, he’d replay a single cooking tutorial video a hundred times, meticulously researching different ingredients and combinations. He was a quick learner; within days, he’d mastered it. The tiramisu he made was perfect, even better than anything from a bakery. But ever since Melody appeared, he’d never made it for me again. Julian hesitated, then finally agreed. “Alright, I’ll go back and make it immediately. You wait here, okay?” I forced a smile through the pain, replying, “Okay.” For some reason, my smile seemed to freeze him, leaving him stunned for a long moment. After he left, I finally stopped pretending. The pain made me weep. Especially during the dressing change. My left hand was almost completely raw. I had deliberately sent Julian away. My heart had died completely for him; I no longer cared for his sympathy. Wanting tiramisu was a lie; I just wanted to smash the one he made right in front of him. But it was a chance I was destined not to have. About thirty minutes after Julian left, I received a call. It was Melody Hayes. Over the phone, I heard the woman’s unbearable moans and the man’s heavy grunts. I knew then that Julian wouldn’t be making me any tiramisu. Julian pushed open the hospital room door, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. But he quickly composed himself, his voice carefully neutral. “Aubrey, I made this myself. Taste it, is it still the same?” I knew perfectly well, but I took a bite. I feigned a smile. “Mmm, it’s delicious.” Julian’s voice still held a hint of post-intimacy raspiness. “Good, glad you like it.” Just then, my attending physician came in for rounds. He asked if I wanted to take Torrusin. I knew he was referring to the memory recovery drug. They had recently developed a new medication to prevent memory loss. We had discussed it on SnapChat. I observed Julian; he showed no reaction. If only he’d bothered to ask what medication I was taking, he would have known everything. But he didn’t. I decisively refused the doctor. The doctor asked me one last time: “Ms. Sinclair, are you sure? You only have five days until you completely lose…” I gave him a look, and the doctor immediately fell silent. Julian finally frowned, raising his eyes, and asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice: “Lose what?” I suddenly spoke up. “Melody just Snapchatted me saying her stomach hurts, and she couldn’t reach you by phone.” At my words, he immediately grabbed my hand, anxiously saying: “What did you say?!” “How could she not reach me?” I couldn’t help but cry out in pain, and only then did he realize he was gripping my freshly operated-on left hand. Blood soaked through the bandage, staining it crimson. Julian gave me a apologetic look, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. But in the end, he grabbed his documents and hurried out of the hospital room, rushing towards the mansion. The next day, Julian came to visit me again. This time, he brought another tiramisu. I opened the box, about to scoop a spoonful, but he stopped me. “You just had surgery, you can’t eat too much sweet stuff. You need to moderate.” “You definitely won’t stick to it yourself.” “Let me feed you.” I was suddenly reminded of when we first got married. I loved ice cream, and our fridge was always stocked with several tubs. But whenever my period approached, Julian would eat all the ice cream in the fridge. He’d only buy more after my period was over. Because we had an agreement that I wouldn’t eat cold things during my period, but I never stuck to it. As he said this, his expression was a little distant, as if he was thinking of something, and his eyes softened for a rare moment. He scooped a spoonful and held it to my mouth. But I didn’t open it. “Are you upset with me?” Seeing my silence, he wore an “I knew it” expression. “I know you’ve been feeling suffocated lately.” “But Melody is pregnant with our child, can’t you just make allowances for her?” “Melody is only twenty-two, and you’re a thirty-year-old woman. Why are you always bickering with a young girl? Melody even sees you as a sister.” “Anyway, you can’t have children, can you? Just let Melody give birth to my child. For my sake, Melody will let you be the child’s godmother.” I scoffed. “No thanks, I find that repulsive.” Julian instantly became enraged, slamming the spoon onto me. “You truly are stubborn!” Just then, Melody Hayes pushed open the hospital room door and entered. Seeing the scene before her, she immediately rushed forward and grabbed Julian. Feigning anger, she said: “Julian, what are you doing? Aubrey just had surgery!” Julian frowned. “She’s an ungrateful wretch.” “Forget her, Melody, why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to rest?” Melody pouted, looking remorseful. “Aubrey’s skin peeled off because of me. It’s only right that I come to take care of her.” Julian’s face darkened, his eyes like ice. “Nonsense! This is entirely her own fault!” “Not to mention she didn’t take proper care of you, she almost caused you to miscarry! I haven’t even settled that score with her yet!” “Now she’s using her surgery as an excuse to make you wait on her?” With that, he pulled Melody away and left. 5 Melody Hayes sent me a few more explicit pictures. I felt a surge of disgust. My gaze inadvertently fell upon Julian’s left ring finger and I noticed the diamond ring wasn’t his original wedding band. It was a matched set with the one Melody wore. A ring from a brand famed for its ‘one love, one life’ promise. I closed my eyes and turned off my phone. A short while later, another call came in. Mr. Charles, the butler, said Julian wanted a simple wedding for Melody, and Julian had specifically asked me to be the chief planner, claiming I had experience. The reason was Melody’s prenatal depression; she was constantly terrified Julian would abandon her, and he wanted to prove his love for her. They were taking their wedding photos at the beach.

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On my wedding day, a sex tape of Julian Hayes and my cousin, Sera Reed, suddenly flashed across the big screen. Every friend in the industry, every media reporter, spun around to stare at me, camera flashes going off like crazy. The air froze. Everyone waited for my reaction, expecting me to go ballistic right there. But I just curled my lip into a cold, contemptuous smile and motioned for the staff to cut the video. “Let them enjoy themselves. We wouldn’t want to interrupt.” The big screen went black, cutting off the sickening images. Looking at the timestamp and location, the video was taken just last night, at Julian’s hotel. My industry friends and staff who had come to the wedding with me held their breath, cautiously watching my every move. I fought to contain the agony twisting inside me, desperately trying to maintain the composure of a true professional. “My apologies, everyone. Today’s wedding is canceled.” I said it as calmly as I could, but my voice still trembled slightly. The words barely left my lips when Julian burst from the back room, his face a mask of disbelief. “Cancel the wedding? Aurora, what do you mean by that?!” I turned and looked at him, noticing a disheveled woman following close behind him—Sera Reed. “Yes, Aurora, are you perhaps misunderstanding something?” Sera asked, feigning innocence, her eyes, however, glinting with a defiant challenge. “It’s all my fault. Last night was Julian’s bachelor party. We, a bunch of girls, got a little too wild and pushed him to have a few extra drinks. We did lie on the same bed, but nothing happened. This video is fake.” Watching the scene unfold before me, my heart felt like it was being twisted and torn, yet I was powerless. Julian always had a soft spot for Sera, and her words instantly turned his grim expression into a furious snarl. He pointed a furious finger at my face, “Aurora Vance, I can tolerate your jealousy on normal days, but today is our wedding! How can you be so unreasonable? You’re canceling the wedding over *this* little thing?!” Before I could even open my mouth, they just kept piling on the accusations. My hands clenched into fists, my heart felt like it was being sliced open, and my voice turned ice-cold. “Julian Hayes, you know it’s our wedding today? Then tell me, what kind of groom lies in the same bed as his fiancée’s cousin the night before his wedding?” “My husband would never be that kind of man. And he never will be!” I looked at him and Sera. Standing together, their faces and necks were covered in matching hickeys! “I get it. After all these years, she’s always been first in your heart. Since you two are so deeply entwined, then I’ll make it happen for you right now! From today on, you two can openly sleep together. May you both grow old together!” With those words, I left Julian and Sera stunned, turning and walking away. Julian had never seen me so resolute. For a moment, he froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. He even forgot to stop me or the guests leaving behind me. After leaving the hotel, I apologized to my accompanying staff and friends, then called my agent to explain the situation. When Ms. Albright heard I’d canceled the wedding on the spot, she was first shocked, then let out a deep sigh. “You’re a public figure, you have to be responsible for your decisions. I’ll respect your choice.” Ms. Albright said solemnly. I fought back tears, choking out an apology to my agent, assuring her I’d handle all the follow-up PR matters. Only after I’d dealt with everything did I hide away in the dressing room, carefully wiping the makeup from my face. The woman in the mirror, Her eyes were filled with exhaustion and disappointment, Yet she still maintained the dignity expected of a celebrity. My reflection in the makeup mirror showed a smudged face, vacant eyes. Once a dazzling award-winning actress, I now looked like a discarded extra. So pathetic. There was nothing left of the celebrity I was supposed to be. It was just like the past few years of my relationship with Julian. Julian and I met at an award ceremony. Back then, his acting was brilliant, he was dedicated, professional, and kind to everyone. I secretly admired him for a long time and confessed my feelings multiple times. It wasn’t until the fourth movie we worked on together wrapped filming that he finally accepted my pursuit. I knew he grew up in foster care and lacked a sense of security, so I was completely open about my finances and shared all my financial details and assets, and I was completely transparent about my schedule, giving him all the trust and security he needed. In the beginning, our relationship was sweet and happy. We often attended events together, hailed by the media as the model couple of the entertainment industry. But after Sera returned from abroad, our conflicts grew daily. Sera is my cousin; she and Julian attended the same performing arts academy and grew from green newcomers into popular stars. Later, Sera got the chance to develop her career in Hollywood and abandoned Julian without hesitation. Julian was heartbroken then and, during his career low point, accepted my invitation to work on a film. He used to say gratefully that my encouragement helped him rediscover his passion for acting. But as soon as Sera reappeared, he forgot all my sacrifices. On our three-year anniversary, I booked a Michelin three-star restaurant. He, however, brushed me off, claiming he had to film, only to turn around and take Sera to that very restaurant. They later posted romantic candlelit dinner photos on social media. I was so furious I confronted him. “How could you have dinner with another woman? That was the place I specifically booked for *us*!” He looked utterly annoyed at the time and snapped, “Why are you so petty? It’s just dinner, why are you making such a big deal out of it?!” Sera also feigned innocence, mediating between us, “Aurora, Julian and I just have a professional working relationship. We were just practicing a scene that day. If it caused a misunderstanding, I’ll keep my distance from him in the future.” Julian immediately flew into a rage, “Why should I cater to her? She’s such a high-maintenance drama queen, always making a scene!” I was shaking with anger, but Julian’s fury was even greater than mine; he caused a huge commotion on set. In the end, under pressure from the director, and to avoid affecting the filming schedule, I was the one who backed down first, going to his dressing room to apologize. I pleaded and coaxed, and even agreed to take on some less desirable projects for him, before he finally calmed down. Another time, Julian told me he was injured and asked me to bring some nourishing food. I thought he was badly hurt, so I specifically consulted a holistic practitioner and brewed a nutritious stew for four hours. Braving a heavy downpour, I drove to the studio complex where he was. To save time, I ran a red light on the way and almost got hit by a big truck. Although I managed to brake in time and avoided a crash, my car still skidded and hit the guardrail on the side of the road. When passersby took me to the hospital, I was still clutching that insulated container tightly. The doctor said I had a mild concussion, but I insisted on being discharged. When I arrived on set, I saw Julian and Sera laughing and going over the script together. His “injury” was just special effects makeup, purely for the shoot. Seeing my disheveled state, Julian showed no reaction, nonchalantly taking the insulated container. Sera, however, gave me a meaningful look, a faint smile playing on her lips. She complained, “What took you so long? Julian was practically starving by the time you arrived!” “Oh, forget her. Come on, let’s eat…” All these years, he repeatedly ignored me for Sera. I tolerated and compromised again and again, until finally, I was utterly exhausted by love. But our wedding date was set, and after so many years of dating, my love for him had become a habit. To maintain the relationship, I gave up many good roles, even turning down invitations from international acclaimed directors. But Julian didn’t seem to appreciate it. He always used work as an excuse to get involved in rumors with other actresses. Every time I confronted him, he would put on an innocent act, saying it was all just publicity, for the buzz. I chose to believe him because I didn’t want to admit that all my efforts were in vain. So I always fantasized that maybe our relationship would improve after marriage. After we were married, Julian would perhaps realize my importance and curb his womanizing tendencies, and we would rediscover the feeling of when we first fell in love. But I failed. He not only didn’t settle down, he even escalated, Sleeping in the same bed with my cousin, Sera Reed, the night before our wedding! It had come to this. I had no more illusions about him. I had naively thought marriage would settle him down, but reality slapped me hard in the face. The man who once made my heart pound now left me with nothing but disappointment and a sense of strangeness. Looking at my exhausted reflection in the mirror, I decided I wouldn’t waste another tear on someone undeserving. I wiped away the tear stains with a cotton pad, adjusted my makeup in the mirror, making sure I still looked radiant. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into my luxurious apartment. However, I never expected Julian to already be waiting for me there. He was sitting on my favorite leather sofa, looking at me apologetically, holding a large bouquet of roses. The company had found a wedding home for us last year, but Julian had been unwilling to move in because the apartment was too far from Sera’s studio. And the place we rented before was only a fifteen-minute drive from Sera’s studio. So, even though the new house had been renovated for over a year, it remained empty. We had planned to move into the new house after the wedding, but now that the wedding was canceled, this place had no purpose. So when I stepped into the living room and found Julian already there, my first question was: “What are you doing here?” Julian’s expression instantly stiffened, but he quickly forced a smile and walked towards me. “Aurora Vance, can we talk?” he said softly, a hint of plea in his eyes. “I just had my assistant order all your favorite dishes.” The dining table behind him was laden with exquisite food, the aroma wafting through the air. “Even though you misunderstood me, I forgive you. I won’t hold it against you for canceling the wedding. Let’s just eat.” If it were before, seeing Julian so humble, I would have softened and agreed, then we would have reconciled. But now, looking at him, I felt my heart growing colder and colder. The man who once made my heart race now seemed nothing but hypocritical and ridiculous in my eyes. “Julian Hayes, I made myself very clear today. We are broken up.” I said icily. His smile faltered, and his voice took on a hint of impatience. “I already apologized to you, what more do you want?” For years, I had always been the one to coax him, so he couldn’t accept my cold words. His expression crumpled into one of self-pity. “I even had my assistant prepare a table full of your favorite dishes. See, I rushed here so fast, I even left the company without–” “Julian Hayes.” I cut him off. “Do you remember that I’m allergic to seafood?” *** That table, besides the steamed lobster, also had abalone rice. I’m allergic to seafood; I can’t eat a single bite. But Sera’s favorite food is seafood! Julian didn’t remember my preferences or allergies at all, but he knew all of Sera’s quirks inside and out. Or rather, it wasn’t that he didn’t remember; he just didn’t care about me.

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When the doctor told me I might never be able to have children again, Julian’s first reaction was pure agony: “How could this happen to Scarlett? She wants a child so badly!” Scarlett. She was the one he’d always yearned for, the unattainable ideal. Even my five-year-old son ran up to me, his voice sharp with accusation: “Mommy, did you do this on purpose? Daddy says if Aunt Scarlett could have a baby, she’d be way better than you!” A cold realization hit me. In this house, my worth, even as a potential mother, couldn’t measure up to the ghost of his past, the shadow of a woman who wasn’t even here. I was done. I left a divorce agreement and vanished from their lives. I gripped the thin, yet ton-heavy diagnosis – “Unlikely to conceive again.” My hands shook so violently I could barely hold the paper. The sterile white of the hospital corridor blurred, the world spun, leaving only those crushing words, like ice picks tearing through my heart. Why me? Fighting back the torrent of tears, I floated home like a phantom. He glanced up as I walked in, casually asking, “How was the check-up? What did the doctor say?” His tone was light, dismissive. My movements froze. I took a deep, shuddering breath, walked up to him, my voice trembling uncontrollably. “Julian, the doctor said… I might… I might not be able to get pregnant again.” His smile shattered, freezing on his face. After a few seconds of stunned silence, his brows furrowed, tightening into a worried knot. Then, almost a reflex, the words burst out, a bombshell that rocked my world: “How can that be? What about Scarlett? She wants a child so badly…” Scarlett. Scarlett Davies. The woman he’d held in his heart for years, the unattainable ideal he always craved. My blood seemed to turn to ice, chilling me from head to toe. My fingertips quivered uncontrollably. I stared at the man before me, disbelief clawing at my throat. “…What did you say?” My voice was raspy, like sandpaper, every word a struggle to force out. Julian seemed to realize he’d spoken out of turn, but there wasn’t a trace of apology in his eyes. He just turned away, his face etched with annoyance, avoiding my piercing gaze. He tried to backtrack, his voice clipped and stiff: “That’s not what I meant… It’s just… Ugh, this is so sudden, I…” Here I was, just delivered the devastating news that my hope for more children was almost gone, my body and soul in tatters, desperate for comfort and support. And his first reaction wasn’t to worry about my health, or to share my pain and despair. No, it was for Scarlett Davies, a woman who had absolutely no place in our family – *she* wanted a child? So, my inability to conceive again, was first and foremost a betrayal to *his* unattainable ideal? My mouth opened, but no sound came out. The man before me, so familiar yet utterly a stranger, sent a chill so profound it settled deep in my bones, alongside an absurd, cutting irony. These past five years, a colossal, cruel joke. I watched him pace irritably in the living room, then walk onto the balcony, pulling out his phone to make a call. His voice was low, but I clearly caught a few phrases: “…Don’t even ask. My wife’s body isn’t cooperating… Yeah, it is… Ugh, such a hassle…” My body isn’t cooperating?

The next morning, the house was a frozen wasteland. His attitude towards me was noticeably colder, his eyes holding an unspoken distance and a barely disguised disappointment. On the wall hung our family portrait, the three of us. In the photo, my smile was radiant, nestled beside Julian, who held little Leo. The scene was as warm as a meticulously painted oil canvas. Now, looking at it, all I felt was bitter irony. I silently picked up the toys scattered on the carpet, Leo’s masterpiece from last night. Just as I bent to grab a Transformer, Leo’s bedroom door opened. “Mommy!” My five-year-old son, Leo, dashed out. He ran up to me and delivered a blow that felt sharper than any knife: “Mommy! Why can’t you have a baby sister anymore? Daddy says Aunt Scarlett would be better than you if she could have a baby!” My brain exploded. Spots danced before my eyes, my ears rang, and I swayed, almost losing my balance. Aunt Scarlett… Scarlett Davies… He didn’t just feel sorry for Scarlett himself; he’d poisoned our innocent five-year-old son with such vicious, twisted ideas! My face went ashen, my entire body shaking uncontrollably. “Leo…” My voice was horribly hoarse, like an old bellows. “Who… who taught you to say that? Tell Mommy, who was it?” Leo was startled by my pale face and trembling voice. His little lip trembled, and tears welled up, threatening to spill over. “Leo!” Julian’s voice boomed from the study, laced with obvious impatience and a hint of… guilt? He strode over quickly, yanked our son away from me, pulling him behind him as if shielding a precious treasure, cutting off my view of Leo. He didn’t even spare me a glance, only addressed our son, but his words were clearly a “defense” aimed at me: “What does a child know? Don’t scare him!” His eyes were cold as ice, his tone scathing: “It’s the truth, your body isn’t well, so why blame others for saying it? Leo just spoke the truth, why are you so upset?!” He stood on a pedestal of moral superiority, mercilessly judging me. In that moment, I clearly felt the chasm between me and my son being forcibly widened by the man I once loved so deeply.

It felt like my heart had died; there was no greater sorrow. Just as I thought I would slowly numb in this silence, a message from Scarlett arrived, unexpected. “Clara, I heard you’re not doing well? How are you lately? I’m a bit worried about you, thought we could grab coffee and clear your head.” Her tone was gentle, oozing with “concern” and “sisterly affection.” *Ha*. Worried about me? More like eager to see me suffer. Julian’s words, “What about Scarlett?” still echoed in my ears. My instinct was to refuse this hypocritical invitation. But then, a perverse curiosity took hold. I wanted to see what kind of game this “white moonlight,” whom Julian cherished above his own wife and son, was planning to play. “Sure, Scarlett, you’re too kind. Just tell me where.” I replied with a calmness that surprised even myself. The café she picked was a chic, expensive, trendy spot. Scarlett was already there, seated by the window. The afternoon sun filtered through the glass, softly outlining her perfectly delicate profile. She was impeccably dressed today, radiating an air of delicate charm. A brand-new luxury designer bag lay casually beside her. Seeing me approach, she instantly stood, gracefully stepping forward. “Clara, you’re here. Please, sit.” She took my hand. Her fingertips were warm and soft, making my own, cold and stiff from days of shock and heartbreak, feel even more pathetic. “Clara, I’m truly sorry to hear… Julian told me. Don’t be too sad. It’s tough for a woman, you know, if you can’t have children anymore. It’s quite a shame.” A flicker of triumph, quickly masked, danced in her eyes. Beneath that seemingly sincere expression of regret, her schadenfreude was unmistakable. Three pleasantries in, and her real “performance” began. “But don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Julian… he still cares about you, you know.” Her voice held a seemingly “innocent” sigh, yet every word was designed to wound. “It’s just, you know how Julian is; he’s always loved children. He always said he wanted a bustling home, preferably three or four kids. If it hadn’t been for your ability to have children back then…” She paused deliberately, lifting her gaze to me, her eyes filled with feigned sympathy: “Ah, what a pity… He so desperately craved a complete family with children around him. If only back then…” She let the sentence hang, unfinished. If only what? She was blatantly implying that my body’s failure had left an irreparable “void” in his life. And she, Scarlett Davies, was the one who could fulfill his dreams. My heart was cold, my blood seeming to cease its flow. Yet, I struggled to maintain a semblance of composure and dignity. She elegantly raised her hand, gently stroking the exquisitely delicate, diamond-studded bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet shimmered, catching the afternoon sunlight in dazzling, almost blinding flashes. She noticed my gaze on the bracelet, explaining with a touch of coy bashfulness: “Oh, this? Julian just gave it to me. He said he specifically got it from a renowned spiritual retreat; it’s called a ‘fertility bracelet’ and brings good luck for conception… he said it would surely help me realize my dream of becoming a mother.” She continued, turning her “sympathetic” gaze back to me: “Ah, I was going to offer to get you one if you liked it. But it’s a shame, now that you… probably wouldn’t need it.” At the very moment I was diagnosed with a potentially barren future, Julian, my husband, bought *her* a “fertility bracelet”? And he wished *her* to “realize her dream of becoming a mother soon”?

So, Julian didn’t just feel for his unattainable ideal with words; his actions had already been this “thoughtful” and “far-sighted.” Enough. Just *enough*. The last shred of illusion I held for this marriage shattered, completely and utterly, under Scarlett’s meticulously orchestrated “performance.” I placed my water glass down. It hit the polished tabletop with a sharp, clear *clink*, successfully cutting off whatever more “dramatic” lines Scarlett had planned. I tugged at the corners of my mouth, forcing out a cold, hollow smile, staring directly into her eyes, which were brimming with hypocrisy: “Miss Davies, you’ve gone to great lengths. But my affairs are none of your concern. As for your ‘fertility charm,’ keep it and enjoy it all to yourself.” “You can finish that coffee on your own.” With that, I grabbed my bag from beside me and walked out of the café without a backward glance. Outside, the sunlight was intense, almost blinding. I returned to the place I called “home,” which felt more like a cage now. The sprawling house was empty. I didn’t turn on any lights, walking directly to the living room sofa and sinking down. Darkness gently enveloped me, amplifying the emptiness and resolve within my heart. My husband’s slip of the tongue, my son’s accusation, the “white moonlight’s” sickening display… The scenes of the past few days replayed in my mind, slow-motion, painfully clear. Every image, every word, felt like a thousand cuts to my soul. I sat in the dark for a long, long time, until the sky outside the window began to show the first hint of dawn. I stood up, still no lights on, and walked straight into the master bedroom. I only took a few casual outfits from college, comfortable though rarely worn now, along with essential undergarments and basic toiletries. My movements were frighteningly calm, as if I were merely packing for a short trip. But now, I was saying goodbye to that identity, forever. From the dusty depths of a drawer in his study, I pulled out a long-forgotten document – the divorce agreement. I’d actually printed it out a long time ago, in a fit of impulse after a furious argument with Julian about Scarlett. Back then, I just wanted to force Julian to make a choice, or perhaps, to childishly scare him into realizing I had boundaries. Laughably, when he saw the agreement, he merely scoffed, dismissively asking what “drama” I was causing now, then casually tossed it into the bottom of the drawer and never mentioned it again. Looking back, he must have been utterly convinced from the start that I couldn’t leave him, couldn’t abandon this privileged life, or the prestigious title of “Mrs. Julian Harrison.” I picked up the pen. Without a single hesitation, I signed my name, Clara Bennett, clearly and firmly, on the “Wife” line at the bottom of the dusty agreement. Next to it, I took off my wedding ring and gently placed it on the document. Finally, I took one last look around the house I had called home for five years. Pulling a simple suitcase, I silently walked out of that house, out of that suffocating marriage. I blocked and deleted Julian and everyone in his circle.

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My mom was a DEA agent, lost in the line of duty. Since I was a little kid, I had one dream: to reclaim her badge number. The moment I found out my scores were high enough for the police academy, I called my dad, buzzing with excitement. But he blew up. “You, a good-for-nothing loser like you, want to be a cop? Reclaim your mom’s badge number?! Don’t you dare shame your mother! Get lost!” My heart froze solid, my world crumbling around me. I stumbled home, only to be surrounded by a gang of addicts in a dark alley. “Heard your mom, Sergeant Dana, was a narcotics expert, trained a bunch of hotshots, made it impossible for us to even get a fix? Come on, let’s talk!” Naturally, I fought back with everything I had. But they were ready. A sharp knife plunged into my lower back, draining all my strength. Before I blacked out, my dad’s last words echoed in my mind. Dad, did I really disgrace Mom…? It was the dead of night when the police got a call. A large pool of blood was found in a dark alley in South Bayport, but no one was around. The caller thought it was just some drunk fight and quickly reported it, hoping the police would find the injured person and get them to a hospital fast. The police rushed to the scene, only to find the heavy rain had already washed away most of the blood, making it a chaotic mess! There wasn’t a trace of the injured person nearby. They immediately launched a carpet search and soon found dismembered body parts in an abandoned factory nearby. The morgue lights flickered on. “What’s the situation with this case?” A calm, steady male voice broke the silence. A man in a crisp forensic uniform walked in with two young police officers. This was my dad, Dr. Miles, the top forensic pathologist in Bayport. “Dr. Miles, the victim’s condition is pretty grim. Maybe you should prepare yourself…” Dad waved a dismissive hand. “What kind of body haven’t I seen? Just start the autopsy. Let’s solve this case as soon as possible!” He was right. Dad had been practicing for nearly twenty years. He’d seen it all: bloated bodies, headless corpses, dismembered remains, even bodies encased in concrete or reduced to fluid. When it came to forensics, he was a pro. But Dad, did you ever think that the body on that autopsy table… would be your most disregarded daughter? I floated in the air, watching my dad work with a strange detachment. The moment he unzipped the body bag, his brow furrowed. It wasn’t just the jumbled mess of flesh and bone inside; it was the missing, most crucial part. “Where’s the head? Where did it go?” “Uh… Dr. Miles, we searched that abandoned factory thoroughly, but we couldn’t find it. Most likely, the suspect took it.” “Forget it! Let’s start the autopsy.” Dad put on his gloves and began his professional sorting. Bone fragments, tissue, finger pieces… Everything he could identify was carefully laid out. “The victim is female, growth plates were narrow, not yet fully fused, estimated age between eighteen and twenty-three. Height between 5’3” and 5’7”. Probably a student.” “Based on the vitality of the cuts, the culprits must have first brutally broken this kid’s finger bones, radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, and femur while she was still alive. Then they dismembered her limbs. It seems that wasn’t enough for them; they used other blunt objects. Her ribs and spine are almost entirely fractured into tiny pieces…” Dad reported the findings professionally, while the young officer in charge of recording had already gone paper-white. Just hearing the description made him want to throw up! It was even harder to imagine the pain and despair the victim must have experienced! Dad suddenly turned. “Was a murder weapon found at the scene?” “Uh, yes, sir.” The young officer quickly handed a set of photos to Dad. It showed a saw covered in rust and blood, and a large sledgehammer caked with blood and tissue. A dull saw, used to savagely cut off every one of the victim’s fingers, every joint… The pain such weapons would inflict on a living person was beyond words!

Dad frowned deeply. “This wasn’t a random attack, was it? How much hatred could they possibly have for this kid?” Normally, even in a revenge attack, the assailants wouldn’t go to such extremes. The young officer respectfully replied, “Dr. Miles, preliminary investigations by Detective Reed’s Serious Crimes Unit have ruled out robbery and random attacks. It’s definitely a vendetta. Detective Reed and his team are now checking all newly reported missing person cases across the city.” “Understood.” Dad quickly pieced together the body parts, hoping to find some useful information to help solve the case. But it was all in vain. Even teeth, which can identify a person no matter how disfigured, had been taken by the criminals along with the head. Identifying the true identity of a nearly pulverized body, without any clothing, was almost impossible! I floated in the air, half relieved, half wistful. Good, Dad didn’t recognize me. Otherwise, he’d probably call me a loser again… Dad sighed. “What a pathetic kid! Why inflict such cruelty on a child because of their parents’ feuds…” There were tears glimmering in Dad’s eyes. Dad, meticulously piecing together every inch of bone. Dad, desperately searching for every bit of useful information. Dad, showing sympathy for a stranger, a headless female corpse. He felt so… unfamiliar. I knew Dad didn’t like me. When I was in elementary school, I had a fever on a rainy night. He took me to the emergency room alone. Dad thought Mom, who worked tirelessly day and night, deserved some rest, so he didn’t wake her. But Dad didn’t know that Mom got an urgent mission notification shortly after. She didn’t even wash her face before rushing to the scene. And it was that rainy night that Mom died in a shootout with The Viper. Mom’s body… Dad handled that one too. I was too young then to understand what death meant, what it felt like. Now that I think about it, even Dad wouldn’t want to personally send off his own wife, right? It was all my fault, for getting that strange fever on that particular night. It was only natural for Dad to hate me. If I hadn’t been sick, Dad would have fought to stop Mom from going on that mission, and if she hadn’t gone, Mom wouldn’t have died. It was all my fault… I looked down at Dad, who still hadn’t recognized me on the autopsy table. I glanced at the body again, fragmented and soiled. Covered in what looked like mud or blood, each piece of flesh looked gray and black, no different from leftover food dumped in a sewer. Even I couldn’t have recognized myself. No wonder Dad didn’t. The tranquil morgue was suddenly pierced by a ringing phone. Dad stopped, frowning, and looked at the two young officers. They shook their heads quickly. “Dr. Miles, we didn’t bring anything in!” Dad then realized it was his own phone. He pulled off his gloves to check. It was Aunt Sarah. “Hello? I’m busy…” “Oh, Miles, I don’t know… Chloe, have you seen her? I can’t reach her phone…” “Chloe?” Hearing my name, Dad’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know! I disciplined her yesterday. She’s probably out messing around. Just ignore her!” Aunt Sarah sounded anxious. “Why did you scold her again? I heard Chloe scored really well on her college entrance exams, enough for the police academy! She was so happy yesterday!” “Police academy, my foot! Someone as worthless as her? She should just pick some easy major, get a regular job, and make money! Becoming a cop would be an insult to the entire profession!” Dad’s voice was as sharp as ever.

Aunt Sarah was silent for a moment. “That’s been Chloe’s dream for ages. She finally did so well on her exams, and I was planning to invite her over for a big dinner. I bought so much seafood…” Dad was furious. “I forbid her from applying to the police academy! If she does, then she’s no daughter of mine! She can go die for all I care!” With that, Dad hung up. He seemed to forget he wasn’t alone, his chest heaving with anger as he stood by the autopsy table, speechless for a long time. I’m sorry, Dad. I won’t apply to the police academy. Please don’t be angry; it’s not good for you. I wanted to say that so badly, but all I could do was float in the air, watching everything unfold, utterly powerless. I wanted to cry, but as a spirit, I had no tears. By now, Dad had pieced together most of the body, but he couldn’t put my ten fingers back together. He frowned deeply, instructing the young officer to record. “Right ring finger and pinky are missing. Have the officers at the scene search again. If they can’t find them…” My heart clenched. When I was little, I was mischievous and went to tease a police dog. It bit through the flesh of these two fingers, leaving terrible scars. That dog, because of my accidental injury, was forced into early retirement. Dad scolded me relentlessly for that incident. Had he forgotten? Of course, Dad didn’t care about me at all… No! It’s better if Dad doesn’t remember! I don’t want Dad to know that he personally sent off both his wife and daughter! The young officer saluted. “Understood! If they’re not found, it means those two fingers have distinct identifying features!” Dad nodded. “Exactly. To find the victim, look for individuals with old injuries or tattoos on their hands!” He cut a small piece of flesh. “Get a DNA test done. Compare it with the database. Find the direct relatives as soon as possible!” Hearing Dad say that, my heart clenched. If they checked DNA, wouldn’t I be exposed quickly?! Dad! Don’t check the DNA! Dad! Let this case go! Don’t investigate further! I screamed silently, but Dad heard not a single word. Dad worked in the morgue for over ten hours. He’d arrived at dawn, and by the time he emerged, night had fallen again. “Dr. Miles, you’ve worked tirelessly.” Dad nodded, about to head home for rest, but then he saw Aunt Sarah waiting anxiously at the police station entrance. “Miles, Chloe’s been missing for a whole day and night! I asked her classmates; no one’s seen her! I checked all the entertainment spots near the school, couldn’t find her! What do we do?!” Dad looked annoyed, his brows tightly knit. “This is just her using petty tricks to make me agree to her joining the police academy! Impossible! Someone as worthless as her just needs to be law-abiding. What, she wants to uphold justice too?!” Aunt Sarah was on the verge of tears. “Forget about college applications for now! Our child’s safety is more important! I just came here and heard about a major case! A young girl, just turned adult, was dismembered, right?! Aren’t you worried Chloe might have run into those people?” Dad snapped back. “Don’t pry into cases that haven’t been announced! Chloe is eighteen; she can take care of herself! If something happened to her, she can only blame her own bad luck! Knowing how dangerous it is out there, why did she have to go running off?!” Aunt Sarah paused. “I’m not prying, I… I’m just afraid something happened to Chloe!” Dad’s eyes held contempt. “If she can’t even manage basic risk assessment or know how to avoid danger, then what good is she for the police academy? She might as well go get a job!”

“Miles Chen! Listen to yourself! Chloe lost her mom when she was little; she’s already had it tough enough! She didn’t let it get her down; she became even more driven, and you keep knocking her down every single day! Are you even human?!” Aunt Sarah shrieked, tears streaming down her face. “I’m telling you, you’d better pray to God the victim in this case isn’t Chloe! Otherwise, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!” My heart leaped. Had Aunt Sarah found out? But looking at her expression, it didn’t seem like she knew the truth. It was more like she was deliberately trying to provoke Dad. Sure enough, at her words, Dad’s face instantly changed. “Impossible! Don’t you think I’d know my own daughter?! The victim in there absolutely cannot be Chloe!” Aunt Sarah bit her lip. “If it really is Chloe, don’t even think about claiming her body back! You never liked the kid anyway; let her come back to our family!” Dad raised his voice. “Fine! Take her! Do you think I care?! I’ve wanted that bad luck charm out of my life for years!” Aunt Sarah trembled with rage. “You rotten Miles Chen! If you don’t want Chloe, I do! Such a good kid, she’s suffered enough injustice living with you! You cold-blooded, heartless bastard! Ugh!” I floated in the air, a little overwhelmed. I knew Aunt Sarah was incredibly good to me. After Mom died, Dad rarely paid attention to me. Beyond making sure I ate, he ignored everything else. I still remember Aunt Sarah being the one who bought me my first bras and sanitary pads during my teenage years. I wanted to study hard and get into the police academy, but Dad wouldn’t pay for tutoring classes. In the end, it was Aunt Sarah who secretly took me to enroll. From the smallest daily necessities to tutoring, smartphones, tablets, and computers, Aunt Sarah almost always paid for them out of her own pocket. To Aunt Sarah, I was practically her own daughter. Aunt Sarah, fuming, stormed out of the police station, her trembling fingers typing a message on her phone. I floated over, peering at the screen. ‘Chloe, it’s not safe out there right now. No matter how angry you are at your dad, you still need to come home! If you don’t want to come home, that’s fine. Come to Aunt Sarah’s. I’ll send you to college and pay your tuition! We don’t need your dad. Aunt Sarah’s place will always be your home, sweetie. Be good.’ I blinked, feeling tears well up. Aunt Sarah had lost her only sister on that rainy night years ago too. Yet, she didn’t hate me like Dad did. Instead, she poured all the love she had for her sister into me. I’m so sorry, Aunt Sarah. I’m afraid I’m destined to disappoint you. It seemed that because my body was inside the police station, I couldn’t follow Aunt Sarah further than a certain distance. I could only watch helplessly as she left. When I floated back into the station, I found Dad slumped in a chair, looking exhausted. Officer Miller saw him and couldn’t help but advise, “Dr. Miles, you’ve worked for twenty hours straight. You should go home and rest!” But Dad shook his head. “No, I’m a bit uneasy about this case… I’ll just rest here briefly, then go back and see if there are any more clues on the body.” “Uh… alright.” I watched Dad’s swaying body, both admiring his dedication and wishing he’d get some proper rest. … “The DNA results are in!” A shout echoed through the police station, instantly energizing everyone! Even I couldn’t help but feel a surge of tension! Dad, who had been staying at the station for two nights, rushed to the data room. “The database, has it been checked? Have you identified the victim?” “Still comparing. It’s taking a bit. Don’t rush!” Everyone gathered around the computer, nervously watching the progress bar crawl forward. 75%… 88%… 95%… 100%! Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final result.

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My wealthy wife would ‘gift’ me an investment property every time she spent the night at her male assistant’s place. Two years into our marriage, I held titles to 96 properties scattered across the city. Each one a stark reminder of the 96 times she’d wounded me. When the 97th property deed landed in my hands, her male assistant immediately sent me a taunting video. “So what if Celeste gives you money? I have her heart, her very being. What good is being an international supermodel if you still can’t even get your own wife into bed?” I didn’t stoop to his level. Instead, I thoughtfully mailed him a new, high-fashion outfit straight from the latest runway. When my wife found out about my generous gift, she rewarded me by inviting me to an exclusive high-society party with her. During a party game, her male assistant lost three times in a row and was dared to lick the cream off Cassie Vane’s thigh. He shattered a wine bottle, pressing the jagged edge to his throat, vowing not to comply. “Celeste, I refuse to let anyone humiliate me!” My usually aloof wife instantly panicked. She pleaded with me to take the punishment for him. “It’s just licking some cream. I promise that after this, I’ll go home and spend some quality time with you.” Everyone waited for me to make a fool of myself, but I quietly accepted without a fuss. She didn’t know this was the 97th time she’d hurt me. And I no longer wanted to be her plaything. I was simply waiting to repay her kindness for saving me. Once that was done, we’d have nothing left between us.

“Oh, the international supermodel actually agreed to lick it? What a woman Celeste is, she really knows how to handle her men!” “What if he doesn’t lick it, then? Are we really going to let Leo do it? That’s Celeste’s precious Leo, the one she’s always pined for!” The mocking chatter around me was incessant, and I felt nothing but humiliation amidst it all. Yet, amidst this sickening display of condescension, Celeste Kingston half-knelt in front of Leo Thorne, carefully applying a bandage to his neck. Then she turned, her eyes cold as she gestured at me. “Asher Hayes, don’t play games. Leo is waiting for you to finish so we can continue the game.” Leo, Leo… She only cared about Leo, never once asking if I was willing. She completely forgot I was her husband. Seeing me frozen, someone abruptly shoved me. “Why are you just standing there? Go on, lick it! You’re not backing out, are you?” I stumbled, regaining my balance, and looked at Celeste again. Her gaze was already fixed entirely on Leo once more. “Ninety-six times. This is the ninety-sixth time.” I silently counted, stiffly walking towards Cassandra Vane, the notorious socialite who had cream on her leg. But just as I stooped down, her hand suddenly clamped onto my chin. She looked at Leo. “Mr. Thorne, this isn’t right. You lost three rounds to me. Just one lick won’t do.” “How about the ‘Egg Challenge’? If you can convince him to do it, the punishment is null and void.” The ‘Egg Challenge’? What in the world was that?! An unknown dread immediately surged through me. I quickly looked to Celeste. But the next second, Leo was already looking at Celeste with pleading eyes, clinging to her arm, whimpering playfully. “Celeste, it’s just a dare. Can you get Asher to agree just this once…?” Seeing Leo’s fragile body trembling, Celeste was filled with nothing but tenderness. Her eyes blazed as she looked at me. “Asher, you’re willing to lick cream, so you won’t mind taking another dare for Leo, right?” “Yay! Thank you, Celeste!” Leo jumped up, beaming with triumph. Watching Celeste gently ruffle Leo’s hair, her expression doting and indulgent, I started to laugh. My dignity had been trampled. I was nothing but a toy, to be tormented and played with. Celeste, how could you be so heartless as to make me perform some twisted act, to be humiliated for him again? Oh, right, I almost forgot. Leo was her unattainable moon. She’d pursued him for years with no success. Then, their families had torn them apart, and Leo had left the country overnight. Now that she finally had what she desired, how could I possibly compete? Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I spoke stiffly. “So, does that count as a forgiveness voucher?” A forgiveness voucher? Everyone laughed at my strange question, but Celeste suddenly looked at me. She knew what I was talking about. After a moment, she nodded. “It counts!” I gave a bitter laugh. “Alright, I agree.” Eight years ago, I had just entered the modeling world when I was noticed by a powerful, ruthless circle of women, who essentially confined me on an island. There, alongside other young men, I became their… ‘entertainment.’ I was lucky. Celeste Kingston was the first woman I met there, and she fell for me instantly. For my sake, she systematically took over their businesses, ensured they ended up behind bars, and rescued me from that life. Only later did I learn that my features bore an uncanny resemblance to Leo’s. But on the night I was rescued, I asked her how I could repay her kindness. Her eyes were sincere. “Marry me.” I gave her a playful squeeze. “I’m serious.” Her breath hitched as she clung to me, her words a tangled whisper: “Then… give me ninety-nine forgiveness vouchers.” “Forgiveness vouchers?” I was curious, clinging to her, not understanding. At that moment, she smiled. “Silly boy. If—and I mean *if*—if one day, I hurt you ninety-nine times, I’ll use these vouchers to make you forgive me ninety-nine times. Once the vouchers are used up, this debt of gratitude will be paid off.” For the next five years, she poured massive resources into my career, turning me into an international supermodel. She cherished me like precious treasure. Until two months ago, when Leo returned. Everything changed. This was the 97th time. Just two more. My debt would be repaid. Seeing Celeste agree, Cassie Vane pulled me into her private VIP room, a dimly lit chamber draped in silk. Boiled eggs were scattered across a low table, and on the floor, two or three men lay in disheveled heaps, a cloying scent of decay and degradation hanging in the air. A shiver of dread crawled up my spine. My blood ran cold. So the “eggs” Leo talked about meant… stuffing them into a private place… Celeste, who had followed us in, suddenly stiffened, her pupils constricting. She turned to Leo. “Wasn’t it about eating eggs?! What is this?” But Leo ignored her. He simply pushed me forward. “Cassie, Mr. Hayes used to be a dancer, his flexibility is sure to… impress you.” “Don’t you want to try it yourself? Challenge the limits?” As Leo’s words fell, I, already terrified, trembled violently and immediately looked to Celeste for help. At the very least, I was still her husband. She had loved me once. Though she’d put me through a lot for Leo, she wouldn’t really hand me over to a pervert, would she? But to my shock, the next second, Celeste walked to the table, poured a glass of wine, and pressed it into my hand. “Why don’t you offer Cassie a toast? Get this party started, Asher.” Get the party started? Was she serious? She… she actually agreed? In a daze, I saw Leo give me a strange, knowing smile. “Asher! Didn’t you hear Celeste?” As I watched Leo approach, unsure what to do, he suddenly kicked me in the knee. My body instantly lost balance, and the wine in my hand splashed across Cassie Vane’s face. Then I fell onto the shattered glass, my arm instantly gushing with several cuts. My eyes met the twisted, pale face of one of the men on the floor. Leo’s sharp accusation rang in my ears: “Asher, if you don’t want to toast, just say so! There’s no need to pretend to be crazy to provoke Cassie. Is that how Celeste’s husband acts? You’re just trying to embarrass Celeste!” Cassie’s expression froze for a moment, then she reacted, her eyes widening as she looked at me. “You… you’re the rumored husband of Celeste Kingston?” I was speechless, slumped on the floor, my body and heart aching almost to the point of suffocation. Cassie reached out to grab my arm, but Celeste immediately caught her wrist. Celeste’s gaze swept over my blood-soaked face. Her eyes suddenly turned dark and chilling as she looked at Cassie, gritting her teeth. “Get out!” Cassie was intimidated. She could only swallow her anger and slink away, muttering under her breath as she left. “Celeste Kingston! You’re crazy! If I’d known you were this lunatic’s husband, I wouldn’t have touched him!” As Cassie disappeared, I tried to get up, but a large hand clamped onto my arm again. “Asher, you’re happy you didn’t have to take the punishment, aren’t you? Did those two years on the island teach you nothing about obedience?” “All you had to do was offer a toast, and this whole thing would’ve been over. Why did you have to play crazy? You knew perfectly well that by asking you to toast, I wanted to end this! Are you blind?” As I stared at an enraged Celeste, my bloodshot eyes were my only answer. This time, I finally didn’t hold back. I retorted: “Celeste Kingston! I’m your husband! If you had just stated my identity, this whole thing could have been resolved just as easily!” My words were clear. It was *her*. It was her vanity, her desire to protect Leo at that moment, that made her keep my identity secret. My accusation hit a nerve. Celeste looked momentarily flustered. Seeing this, Leo tried to interject on her behalf. But Celeste, unusually, frowned and cut him off. “Enough! Shut up, go wait for me in the car.” Once his footsteps faded, she sighed. “I’m sorry, but I still need to explain. I genuinely didn’t know what the ‘Egg Challenge’ meant. If I had, I never would have agreed in the first place.” “As for Leo, I hope you can understand. After all, he just returned to the country and saw that I was married…” Celeste’s words trailed off, but I could still guess the rest. She wanted to say that Leo was upset about her marriage and deliberately made things difficult for me, so I should forgive him. Our eyes met. Celeste seemed to grasp the mockery in my gaze, and she sighed again. “Alright, I see you’re hurt. I’ll have the driver take you to the hospital. Leo’s not doing well, I need to check on him. We can discuss this more when I get back.” Without waiting for my reply, she added, “Even though you didn’t complete the task, I’ll allow you to count it as a forgiveness voucher.” With that, she turned and left. Watching her walk away, I touched my still bleeding forehead and laughed out loud. But I didn’t care anymore. Two more times. Once the debt of gratitude was paid, I would leave. From then on, I wouldn’t suffer her indignities anymore.

The driver took me home. It was late, and Celeste hadn’t returned. I didn’t ask. The next day, her assistant delivered her gifts: two commercial property deeds. She had specifically emphasized that one was compensation for forcing me to lick the cream, and the other was an apology for making me do the ‘Egg Challenge.’ I expressionlessly labeled the deeds 96 and 97, then casually tossed them into the safe. Next to me, Mrs. Davis, the servant, gave a knowing, doting smile. “Madam Kingston certainly spoils you, Mr. Hayes. These gifts are becoming more and more frequent.” I smiled without a word. She didn’t know these were just Celeste’s compensations each time she hurt me. Looking at the overflowing safe, I knew I would be leaving soon. But before I left, I only wanted to take one thing: a camera containing something I had to destroy. Celeste had a strong exploratory curiosity when it came to intimacy. In moments of passion, she would impulsively use the camera to record us. Before, those videos were just a part of our marital fun. But now, I didn’t want them to remain. If they were ever exposed, my life would be ruined. I searched every corner of the room, but I couldn’t find the camera. Just as I was about to search again, Mr. Harrison, my agent, called, his voice booming with rage. “Asher Hayes, have you lost your mind? Look online, private photos of you are everywhere! How dare you secretly accompany other wealthy women behind Celeste’s back? If you want to die, don’t drag the whole company down with you!” In an instant, my mind exploded. I only heard my agent’s last line. “You’d better give me an explanation for the online videos immediately! And Celeste’s fury… otherwise, we’ll haunt you even from the grave!” The call ended. I quickly opened my phone. The top trend was a series of my private videos. And the bold, explosive headline: **[International Supermodel Asher Hayes Sleeps His Way To The Top]**. Celeste was pixilated, but my face was clearly visible in the center, flushed with desire. Millions of netizens were online, spewing hateful comments, calling me a slut for sleeping with multiple wealthy women for resources, a man who could be used by anyone. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the floor. But in the last moment of exhaustion, Celeste, who had suddenly appeared, firmly caught me in her arms. “Don’t look at those. It’s okay. I’ll handle it. Trust me!” Her comforting words had barely faded when she turned, her face cold, and roared at everyone in the room. “Who did this! Tell me! Who did this!” Seeing her raw, unbridled fury, my eyes instantly stung with tears. At the same time, Leo’s casual voice drifted into the room. “Celeste, you mean the videos? I uploaded them!” The hand wrapped around my waist tightened abruptly. Celeste and I simultaneously looked at Leo. “Don’t look at me like that! I just happened to see them and thought Asher’s body was too amazing to be seen only by you, Celeste. What a waste! So I took it upon myself to share them!” “After all, beautiful things are meant to be shared for everyone to enjoy, right?” Immediately, blood rushed to my head. I stood up to slap Leo, but Celeste firmly caught my hand. “Asher! That’s enough!” I was grief-stricken and furious. I shouted, “But he…” To my surprise, before I could finish, Celeste glanced at a triumphant Leo, then turned back to me, frowning. “I’ll have the trending topics taken down. This matter ends here. Don’t cause trouble for Leo, okay? You know, he’s just…” “No! Celeste, why should I let it go?! He’s ruined my reputation! Why should I let it go?!” “I’m going to sue him for defamation! He has to pay for this!” My bloodshot eyes met Celeste’s, refusing to back down even an inch. “Asher! You!” Celeste took a sharp breath, about to continue persuading me. But Leo tugged at Celeste’s sleeve, feigning sobs, his eyes red. “Celeste! Don’t say anymore. I know I was wrong. Just let Asher sue me. It’s my fault for being jealous, jealous that Asher married you. It’s all my fault! If only I had tried harder back then!” As he spoke, Leo’s eyes turned red, and he actually started to sob. “Asher, I truly know I was wrong. I’ll get on my knees and apologize to you. Please, don’t make things difficult for Celeste.” “Whatever makes you happy. I’ll go confess right now and clear your name! What’s the worst that can happen? I’ll be ruined too. But please, don’t let this ruin your relationship with Celeste.” Seeing Leo about to kneel to me, Celeste’s eyes turned icy again, and she said to me in a low voice: “Asher! Leo already knows he made a mistake. It’s best to be merciful when you can.” “Anyway, your reputation is already gone. Why don’t you just retire from the industry and live a life of leisure as a wealthy young man at home? Wouldn’t that be better?” I was shocked by her blindness, disbelieving that Celeste would still indulge him to this extent. I was about to say more, but the next second, I received a stinging slap across my face. My cheek burned. Her knuckles were red, her breathing ragged, and a never-before-seen violence surged in her eyes. She threw a disclaimer at me. “Be a good boy and sign this. Once the storm passes, I’ll help you make a comeback.” “But if you dare to call the police again, don’t even think about stepping out of this door!” “I won’t sign!” I gritted my teeth, staring fiercely at her. But no matter how I struggled, how I refused to sign, Celeste forcibly pressed my handprint onto the disclaimer. The moment I collapsed to the floor, exhausted. An unprecedented sense of powerlessness and piercing pain swept over my entire body, like a thousand needles pricking my heart. They left, their casual conversation like venomous insects burrowing into my ears: “Celeste, is Asher okay…?” “He’s fine. As long as he wants to make a comeback, he’ll listen to me. At worst…” “I’ll give him a forgiveness voucher. There are still dozens left anyway. He’ll be obedient.” No, there weren’t. Only one last one remained. Celeste Kingston, I won’t be your puppet anymore. I lay stunned on the floor for a long time before returning to my room and retrieving my journal. Though everyone said the modeling industry wasn’t much cleaner than entertainment, I truly loved my career. Standing on that runway, enveloped by the spotlight, that surge of confidence was where I found my worth. But now, it was utterly destroyed. Perhaps even fate was telling me it was time to leave, to let go. Tears streaming, I wrote about the day’s events in my journal, ending with “98.” Each time she hurt me, I would record it in my journal, reminding myself not to soften. But then, Celeste’s voice suddenly came from behind me. “What does 98 mean?”

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To repay Aunt Clara for her kindness in raising me, I stepped in for my cousin. I married Mira Sterling, the eldest daughter of the prominent Sterling family, who suffered from autism. For seven years, she was nothing but cold to me. I swallowed my pride, even tried to climb into her bed. But all I got in return was endless ridicule and scorn. Later, I successfully organized a painting exhibition for her. Yet, in front of me, she took another man’s hand. I knew then. My mission was complete. It was time to leave. To outsiders, my marriage into the Sterling family was an act of destiny, a stroke of good fortune. As one of the most renowned old-money families in the city, the Sterlings typically arranged strategic business marriages. And I? I was just a discarded orphan, living under someone else’s roof. I was only six when my parents died. More than sadness, I felt a gripping fear for the future. My uncles, caught in a bitter fight over the family inheritance, couldn’t stand the sight of me. They claimed I was cursed, a jinx, and none of them wanted the responsibility. So, they decided to send me to an orphanage. I didn’t want to go. I’d heard stories of a monster there that ate kids who didn’t sleep. Desperate, I found my father’s old phone and tried calling Aunt Clara. It was my first time reaching out to any of my father’s relatives. He’d been a scion of a wealthy family himself, but he’d cut ties with them all to marry my mother. Aunt Clara listened to my plea, then hung up without a word. I tried to console myself. My father had hurt her deeply; it was only natural she wouldn’t want to deal with me. But for some reason, the tears just wouldn’t stop flowing, no matter how much I wiped. The next morning, I woke up early, packed my backpack, and prepared to run away. I’d rather go hungry and sleep under a bridge than be eaten by some monster. But the moment I slipped out of my room, I bumped into a woman. I recognized her instantly—it was Aunt Clara. She looked so much like my father. Aunt Clara gently touched my head and asked if I’d had breakfast. I shook my head. She picked me up, carried me to her car, and drove me back to her home. My grandparents had passed away long ago. Aunt Clara frowned, looking at my thin, gaunt frame. “I have Liam and Lily to look after; I don’t have time for him. You brought this trouble home, you deal with it yourself,” my uncle snapped. “Don’t worry, he’s a good kid. Just give him food, and he’ll manage everything else on his own,” Aunt Clara replied, though a little hesitantly. To prove Aunt Clara right, I started teaching myself to eat, dress, go to school, and sleep independently. Beyond that, I proactively helped look after my younger cousin, Lily. My cousin Liam, who was only two months older than me, was a proud young master. Growing up, he never called me his younger brother. Instead, he treated me like a servant, barking orders. But I never got angry. Everyone has their fate. He certainly had reasons to be proud. For me, just growing up safely and healthily felt like a miracle. After high school, Aunt Clara wanted to send Liam and me to study in the UK. But Mira Sterling’s appearance completely derailed all our plans.

She came with Mrs. Sterling to propose marriage to Liam. My grandfather, when he was alive, had indeed arranged a childhood engagement with Mr. Sterling. It was a casual remark made over drinks, a jest, and I never imagined Mrs. Sterling would take it seriously. The atmosphere in the living room grew awkward. Mira, who had been silently staring at the floor, suddenly stood up and walked towards the backyard. Aunt Clara quickly told me to follow her, instructing me to look after her carefully. At first, I didn’t know she had autism. I just found it odd how rude this Miss Sterling was. It was late spring, early summer, and the roses in the garden were blooming in vibrant, delicate hues. Mira, as if by magic, pulled a canvas and easel from her backpack and began to paint with intense focus. I didn’t dare disturb her, so I stood silently behind her, just watching. It’s no exaggeration to say Mira was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She had stunning bone structure, flawless, porcelain skin. Her eyes, deep enough to make your heart skip a beat, exuded an aristocratic aura. Just as I was silently marveling at how some people just hit the genetic lottery, something dramatic happened. Mira seemed intensely dissatisfied with her painting. With a frustrated growl, she crumpled the canvas into a ball. I wanted to offer some comfort, but she suddenly reached out and squeezed the sharp thorns on a rose stem. Blood instantly welled up and trickled down her hand, but she didn’t seem to feel any pain. Instead, she tilted her head, looking thoughtful, as if observing something profound. “Let go! Please, let go!” I was frantic, like a cat on a hot tin roof. Miss Sterling was a distinguished guest of the Sterling family. If she got hurt under my watch, who knew how much trouble it would cause Aunt Clara. I yelled loudly, but she didn’t react at all. Left with no choice, I reached out to grab her arm. The moment my hand touched her sleeve, she suddenly flew into a rage, shoving me hard to the ground. I was terrified. Her expression was absolutely horrifying. I even thought she would hit me. But she didn’t. She just turned back and continued painting. Mrs. Sterling, hearing the commotion, rushed over. She was clearly used to such incidents and quickly led her daughter away. After they left, Liam burst into tears. “I don’t want to marry her! I want to go to the UK! If you dare force me, I’ll end it right here!” Aunt Clara’s heart ached, but beneath it was a profound sense of helplessness. The bulk of our family’s business relied on the Sterlings. Offending Mrs. Sterling would have unimaginable consequences. Aunt Clara tried to comfort her son while secretly glancing at me. “The family doesn’t have just one son, why are you always looking at Liam?!” my uncle questioned. Liam nodded furiously. “Exactly! Let Owen marry her! Mom and Dad have raised him for so many years; it can’t be for nothing.” “What nonsense are you talking about? Miss Sterling has autism! How could I possibly push Owen into such a difficult situation?!” Aunt Clara retorted, her voice strained. “So you’d rather your own son jump into that difficult situation…”

Aunt Clara and my uncle argued all night. I hid in my room, listening in silence, my decision already made. The next day, I told Aunt Clara that I was willing to take Liam’s place and marry into the Sterling family. “Liam is right. You and Uncle have been so good to me. Now it’s my turn to repay you.” Aunt Clara’s eyes welled up. She took my hand, wanting to say something, but ultimately, no words came out. Because Mira had special needs, the wedding was very simple. I thought her willingness to marry meant she was ready to share her life with me. But I was wrong. On our wedding night, the moment I stepped into the bridal room, her face hardened. “Get out!” “This is my room,” I protested. “You are not allowed to sleep here.” I tried to reason with her, to explain the meaning of marriage. But she wouldn’t listen. Instead, she tore down all the red wedding decorations plastered around the room. I was filled with helplessness and had no choice but to turn around and leave in shame. My mother-in-law, seeing the scene, sighed deeply and called me into her study. She told me that Mira wasn’t inherently bad, just reclusive and unwilling to interact with people. Since I had married her, I had to take on the responsibility of caring for my wife. She believed that if I was devoted enough, I could definitely help Mira open up her heart and accept me. I decided to try. Caring for someone with autism was both mentally and physically exhausting. Every day, I personally cooked her three meals, reminded her to take her medication on time, and accompanied her to her follow-up appointments. To understand her more thoroughly, I bought every book I could find on autism, immersing myself in them until the early hours of the morning. My efforts gradually yielded results. Mira slowly adapted to my presence, no longer resisting me as she had at first. I was allowed to ride in the same car as her, or sit at the same table for meals. Knowing I liked fruit, she would meticulously arrange a beautiful fruit platter for me with her own hands. I had low immunity and often caught colds or fevers, so she would bring me ginger tea and force me to drink it. Time passed quickly, and the seasons flowed by. We both grew accustomed to this routine. The only dissatisfied person was my mother-in-law. Every few days, she would call me for a talk, her sole purpose being to pressure me to have a baby. Forced into a corner, I had to be direct. Mira was completely unaware of intimate matters, and she wouldn’t even let me sleep in the same bed as her. My mother-in-law, exasperated, sent Mira to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor said there was nothing wrong with her physically; she just couldn’t overcome her psychological barriers and accept such intimacy. “It all comes back to you,” my mother-in-law fumed. “Can’t you find a way to make her fall in love with you?!” I was lost and bewildered. What was love? I didn’t even know myself, let alone Mira.

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Five months pregnant, my husband, David Miller, secured approval for family relocation on base, yet he had no intention of bringing me. “Audrey, Leah’s husband died saving my life. I owe them everything.” “Just wait a little longer. In six months, I promise I’ll come for you and Mom.” I waited year after year. At first, my husband would still send letters, but then, complete radio silence. The local scoundrel, seeing my family’s vulnerability, came to force me into becoming his woman. To protect me, my mother-in-law, Martha, was beaten to death with a wooden club. My daughter was thrown into a well and drowned. David finally came back, only to curse me, calling me a loose woman who had caused our whole family’s demise. He forced me to sign divorce papers, then turned around and held a city-wide sensational wedding with his ‘benefactor’s’ widow. While they feasted in their sprawling mansion, I was left to starve to death. When I opened my eyes again, I was back—the day before that scoundrel showed up. This time, I vow to lead Martha and Daisy to the life that should have been ours!

“Audrey, why don’t you go hide somewhere?” “When Butch comes tomorrow, he’ll see it’s just me and Daisy. He won’t touch us.” Mom, her back stooped, looked at me with a worried expression, pleading. I shook my head, hearing her words. “No, Mom.” In my last life, I listened to Mom and hid in the mountains. Who knew that monster, Butch, would fly into a rage when he didn’t find me? He beat Mom to death with a wooden club. Neighbors said Mom was bleeding all over, and before she closed her eyes, she was still thinking of me: “If I’m gone, how hard will it be for Audrey to take care of the child alone?” And Daisy, for biting Butch, was directly thrown into the well. Her heart-wrenching screams abruptly ceased. Daisy was gone, her body swollen from the water. This time, I would never allow such a tragedy to happen again. I looked at my daughter, gaunt and pale from malnutrition, then at Mom, barely fifty but looking eighty. A decision solidified in my heart! “Mom, we’re going to the base to find David!” “Otherwise, even if Butch doesn’t come for us, we’ll starve to death anyway!” “Alright… alright.” Mom roughly wiped away her tears with her threadbare sleeve. “Since you’ve decided, Mom supports you.” “Are we going to find Dad?” A spark of excitement lit up Daisy’s eyes. “Yes!” I nodded firmly. No sooner said than done. I packed the last three potatoes we had in my pocket and set off with Mom and Daisy. We walked and rested, asking for directions until we finally found Major Miller’s unit, the 211th. Staring at the solemn, imposing gates of the military base, a sarcastic smile touched my lips. So, the 211th Unit’s base was this close. Barely a ten-mile distance, yet David hadn’t come home in three years, not even a single letter. Did he know that, in those three years, our home had run out of everything? Mom and I lived by digging wild vegetables and begging every day. My poor daughter, so young, suffered countless stares and insults alongside us. The entire village bullied us. Butch tried every trick to take advantage of me. And my husband… was ‘serving his country with utmost loyalty’ barely a stone’s throw from home! How… ironic! I held my frail daughter in one arm and supported my limping mother-in-law with the other, walking towards the guard post. “Officer, who can I help you with?” “David Miller.” “Major Miller?” The guard’s eyes flickered with surprise. “Strange, isn’t the Major an orphan?” The guard mumbled softly, then as if something clicked, a look of realization flashed in his eyes. “Ah, I get it! You must be relatives of the Major’s wife!” I froze. The Major’s wife? Then who was I? Just as I was about to ask, a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind me. “Audrey!” I turned to see David Miller. Compared to when he left, he seemed stronger and more handsome. “What are you doing here?” David’s face was filled with shock as he quickly walked towards us. “Major Miller, they’re relatives of your wife.” The guard eagerly explained. Hearing this, David’s face turned grim. He pulled us aside. “This is outrageous! Showing up without a word, acting on your own! What gave you the nerve?!” David looked utterly displeased. Mom was stunned, her face etched with confusion. “Son, who is he talking about? Whose wife?” David’s face stiffened. Daisy, oblivious to the tension, excitedly hugged David’s leg: “Are you my dad?” “Shut up!” David barked, glaring fiercely at Daisy. Just then, the guard not far away suddenly called out, “Mrs. Miller, you have visitors!” David quickly pushed Daisy away. He pushed too hard, and Daisy fell heavily to the ground.

Thud! Daisy’s head hit the ground, and instantly, blood welled up. “It hurts so much! Mom!” Daisy wailed. Watching her forehead swell rapidly, my heart ached. I quickly knelt down, gathered Daisy into my arms, and gently comforted her: “It’s okay, Daisy, Mom will make it feel better.” “David! How could you?! Why would you hit a child so hard?!” Mom’s eyes flashed with resentment. For the past three years, Daisy had been her precious little girl. She’d rather starve than let Daisy go without, always giving her the last potato. Now seeing her granddaughter injured, a flicker of anger ignited towards her son, who hadn’t returned home in so long. “David, who *are* these people?” The woman sashayed over to us, her eyes openly contemptuous. I looked up at her. She wore a designer dress, the form-fitting waistline accentuating her perfect figure. Her makeup was exquisite, her hair fashionably curled, and a faint sweet scent wafted from her. As for the white heels she wore, I’d seen them in town—they cost a fortune, easily twenty dollars. Then I looked at myself: a faded, patched, and worn old dress, my canvas shoes torn at the front, my big toe peeking through. My sun-baked face was covered in burn marks. No wonder… David hadn’t wanted to come home in three years. With a beauty like her by his side, he probably long forgot about his long-suffering wife. “Leah, what are you doing here?” David looked a bit awkward. “I was just heading to the daycare to pick up Leo.” Then, she pointedly glanced at me: “Aren’t you going to introduce us, David?” “This is… my mother, my daughter, and… my wife.” David’s voice grew softer with each word, the last two barely a whisper. Hearing this, Leah’s face stiffened, a flicker of displeasure flashing in her eyes. “Audrey, this is Captain Miller’s widow, whom I’m looking after.” David looked at me. But I didn’t respond. I’d known who she was all along. In my last life, after David forced me to divorce, he turned around and threw a city-wide sensational wedding with Leah Stewart. Leah, adorned in an expensive Western-style wedding gown, dripping in gold rings, earrings, and necklaces, shone like a movie star. Meanwhile, I was barely clothed, collapsing on the street after three days without food. How could I forget her? “Mrs. Miller, why didn’t you notify us you were coming?” Leah spoke politely, as if she were the lady of the house, exchanging pleasantries. A sarcastic smile touched my lips. “Do I need to notify someone to visit my husband?” “And please, don’t call me ‘Mrs. Miller’. What if those guards over there misunderstand?” Hearing this, Leah’s face turned grim. Seeing her expression, David quickly explained: “Audrey, you know military regulations are pretty strict. Only official family members can live on base.” “That’s why I asked Leah to pretend to be my wife. But we’re completely innocent, you have to believe me.” “That’s right, Mrs. Miller. It’s thanks to David’s help all these years. I truly don’t know how to thank your family enough.” Watching their sickening charade, my stomach churned. I was utterly disgusted. I really didn’t want to say another word to Leah. I looked at David, my voice cold: “Daisy’s head is bleeding. Take us to the base clinic to get it bandaged now.” “But…” David looked hesitant. “What’s wrong? You can’t even do this small thing?” I was getting angry. Leah, seeing my frustration, smiled sweetly and pulled David behind her: “Mrs. Miller, let me explain this to you.” **截断点**

“Mrs. Miller, the medical clinic on base has a limited supply of medicine. David’s quota for this month has already been used for my son, Leo.” “So it’s not that he doesn’t want to take you, it’s that there’s no point.” Leah pretended to be helping David, but her eyes were filled with triumph. My anger flared. “Daisy is your own daughter!” I roared at David. “Keep your voice down!” “Come home with me first! We’ll talk there!” With that, David scooped up Daisy and strode forward. Seeing this, I had no choice but to help Mom follow. “Wow! Dad, is this where I’m going to live? It’s so big and beautiful!” As soon as we entered the house, Daisy excitedly exclaimed. I looked around. There was even a black and white television in the living room. Even though I already knew David was living a comfortable life, I was still stunned. Even the wealthiest families in our village didn’t have a TV. After all, it was a luxury money couldn’t always buy. I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch it, but David quickly snapped: “Don’t touch it! If you break it, Leo won’t be able to watch cartoons tonight.” Hearing his words, my heart ached. Leo? He’s so ‘dedicated’ to raising someone else’s son. But what about his own biological daughter? Daisy is three, and she’s barely had a proper meal. Is he even human? I looked at David coldly: “Didn’t we agree that you’d send your military pay and allowance home every month? Why didn’t you do that?” “Audrey, you need to be more understanding.” David frowned. “It’s tough for me on base. I have to take care of Leah and her child, and I also have to spend money to grease the wheels with my superiors. I don’t have any extra.” “Besides… you three don’t really have any expenses in the village anyway!” “You shouldn’t be so demanding!” Hearing this, Mom’s eyes flashed with disbelief: “David, are you even speaking like a human being?” “Do you have any idea how hard Audrey worked? She was out in the fields, working back-breaking hours, even right after giving birth to Daisy, and you call her demanding?” “If we hadn’t come to find you today, the three of us would have starved to death!” Mom’s old tears streamed down her face as she spoke. Just then, Leah returned with her son, Leo. “Who are you? Why are you touching my toy!” Seeing the toy car in Daisy’s hand, Leo yelled unhappily. Daisy flinched, her voice trembling slightly: “Dad let me play with it.” “You little brat, who’s your dad?!” With that, Leo lunged forward, trying to snatch the toy car from Daisy’s hands. I looked at Leah with cold eyes: “Is this how you teach your child?” “Mrs. Miller, kids say the darndest things, don’t take it to heart.” Leah smiled sweetly. Just then, Leo suddenly bit Daisy. Daisy cried out in pain and instinctively pushed Leo. Leo tumbled backward and sat on the floor, wailing aggrievedly. “Dad, Mom, she bullied me!” Leo looked at Leah and David. Their hearts immediately ached. “Daisy! Who told you to hit people?!” David roared. Leah, hugging Leo, looked utterly wronged: “David, since your family is here, Leo and I will just leave. Why would you let your daughter bully Leo like this?” “I… I didn’t.” David stammered, trying to explain. Leah said nothing, just silently let the tears fall. Seeing this, David actually turned his anger towards Daisy. “You brat! Who told you to hit people!” With that, David raised his hand and harshly slapped Daisy across the face. *Smack!* Daisy flew backward, her head hitting the television cabinet with a sickening thud. “Daisy!” I cried out in alarm! “David Miller! You monster! How could you hit your own daughter like that!” I shrieked, rushing towards Daisy.

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It was almost eleven PM when Jaxson Hayes announced he wanted homemade soup. Despite a raging fever, I dragged my exhausted body, carrying the hearty corn and rib soup that had simmered for three hours, to the entrance of the bar. The moment I stepped inside, a bucket of water splashed all over me, chilling me to the bone. “Hahaha, I told you Simp Aubrey would show up! What’s a fever? She even came rushing over like a loyal puppy when she was in the hospital with a broken leg, just because Jaxson called.” “Simp Aubrey, heard you’re running a fever. We’re just helping you cool down, so you really ought to thank us.” Jaxson took the thermos from my hands, then, right in front of me, poured the soup into the trash bin. “Aubrey Miller, what you make is so bad even a dog wouldn’t touch it. You seriously expected *me* to eat it?” Listening to their collective mockery, it finally hit me: this was just another one of his cruel little charades, all to amuse his delicate childhood sweetheart. Seeing my silence, Jaxson tossed our engagement ring into the cheering crowd: “Aubrey Miller, I won’t be showing up to our wedding in three days. Either find some random guy to marry, or get ready for the ultimate public humiliation with your power-hungry dad.” But later, when I truly walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm with my new groom, Jaxson Hayes was on his knees, sobbing, begging me to come back. 0

I knocked on the VIP room door, holding the hearty corn and rib soup that had simmered for three hours. Maybe the music was too loud, or maybe they were intentionally trying to humiliate me, but I had to knock for five minutes before they finally let me in. The moment I stepped inside, a bucket of water splashed all over me, chilling me to the bone. “Hahaha, I told you Simp Aubrey would show up! What’s a fever? She even came rushing over like a loyal puppy when she was in the hospital with a broken leg, just because Jaxson called.” “Simp Aubrey, heard you’re running a fever. We’re just helping you cool down, so you really ought to thank us.” “Simp Aubrey is really something, huh? Always good for a fresh laugh.” Wave after wave of mockery hammered at my ears, making me clench my hand around the insulated container. Water dripped from my dress, and drops from my hair clung to my lashes like unshed tears. I bit back the chattering of my teeth, swallowing the bitter lump in my throat, and said softly, “Jaxson Hayes, your soup.” “Ohh~ Jaxson Hayes, *your* soup~” Listening to their passive-aggressive jabs, Willow Jenkins, Jaxson’s childhood sweetheart, who was practically glowing in the center of their adoration, chose that moment to flash a mocking smile. Jaxson finally stood up from the VIP booth and slowly walked towards me. He casually brushed the damp hair from my cheek, his tone almost too light. “Really, Aubrey, that was too much trouble for you. You’re not mad, are you?” “Look, guys, you went too far with that joke. Aubrey’s sick, and she still dragged herself here to make soup for everyone. We should be thanking her, not this.” I thought he was genuinely realizing he’d gone too far and was about to say it was nothing, when Jaxson, right in front of me, poured every last drop of the soup into the overflowing trash bin. His voice was gentle, but his words felt like a knife twisting in my gut. “But Aubrey, didn’t I tell you? What you make is so bad even a dog wouldn’t touch it. How could *I* possibly eat it?” I silently met Jaxson’s gaze. My fever-addled brain spun, making me stumble two steps back. Jaxson instinctively flinched away, leaving me unsupported. My head slammed hard against the doorframe, a dull thud echoing in the sudden silence. Jaxson’s expression was laced with mockery. “Stop acting all delicate with me, Aubrey. You gave a speech steady as a rock even with a broken leg, and you’d rush to my side after a car crash with just one call. Now you’re just running a fever, so why the sudden damsel-in-distress act?” “If you think this little stunt will grab my attention, you’ve got another thing coming. I’m not feeling any sympathy.” “So, Aubrey, if you know what’s good for you, tell your dad to call off our engagement himself. You’ve been clinging to me, begging me daily. You might not have any shame, but *I* do. Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to have you following me around all the time?” It felt like a giant hand was squeezing my heart, draining the color from my face. I knew Jaxson resented me because of our arranged engagement. But this was the first time I’d truly realized that the person who stood before me as a child, promising to protect me forever, had vanished into the unforgiving currents of time. I braced myself against the wall, barely managing to stand steady. Before I could even speak, amidst their jeers, Jaxson tossed the ring I had lovingly made for him into the screaming crowd: “Aubrey Miller, I won’t be showing up to our wedding in three days. Either find some random guy to marry, or get ready for the ultimate public humiliation with your power-hungry dad.” I watched his smug grin, and a genuine, almost relieved, laugh bubbled out of me. “Good.” *** 0

“What?” “I said, ‘Good.’ I’ll find a new groom.” Everyone immediately burst into laughter. “Aubrey Miller, everyone knows you’ve been so obsessed with Jaxson, you haven’t even had a male mosquito buzz near you! And you think *now* you’ll find a new groom? What, do you think this will make Jaxson regret it?” “I think she’s been reading too many romance novels, her brain’s fried. Seriously, you think if you just marry some random guy, Jaxson will suddenly regret it and chase you down like in those ‘chase-the-wife-to-the-crematorium’ plots? Is that it? You actually believe there are that many ‘gonna-regret-it-and-grovel’ storylines in real life?” “Seriously! You think this will threaten Jaxson? Aubrey, don’t flatter yourself.” Jaxson paused for a second, then, hearing everyone’s comments, he too started laughing. “Aubrey Miller, you actually *said* that fake nonsense? Fine, go find a groom. I’d like to see who in high society would dare marry you. Or are you planning to hire some actor to put on a show so your family doesn’t look too bad? No way, no way, the supposedly most brilliant socialite of the city, Aubrey Miller, can’t even find a man willing to marry her?” Amidst their rising tide of mockery, Willow Jenkins lightly coughed twice and walked to Jaxson’s side. “Jaxson, how can you talk to a girl like that? Aubrey is still a girl, after all. Aubrey, I’m so sorry, Jaxson just isn’t very good with words. Please don’t hold it against him. Your families’ engagement was decided by your parents, so no matter how upset you are, you can’t joke about something like this.” “Aubrey, honestly, what happened today… it’s partly my fault too. I didn’t know you had a fever. I thought you just didn’t want to see me, and Jaxson and the others were just trying to defend me. I’m so sorry. Can you please not blame them?” I watched Willow’s eyes well up before I’d even said a word, and I just found her hypocrisy utterly laughable. She was the one who orchestrated this entire scene, yet now she was pretending to apologize to me. Before Willow Jenkins came back, I was still Jaxson’s fiancée, someone he needed to cherish and protect. He used to brave three hours in a freezing winter storm to buy me that artisanal pastry I’d casually mentioned wanting. He used to drive five hours, exhausted, just to be by my side and meticulously care for me when he knew I was sick. He used to unwaveringly stand in front of me, declaring to everyone that hurting me meant hurting him. It was his consistent kindness, day after day, that made me accept his proposal. Yes, our marriage wasn’t some arranged alliance, as the rumors claimed. Jaxson actually had to work hard to earn my parents’ approval before he even *dared* to propose. But ever since Willow Jenkins returned, everything changed. Honestly, at first, I even wanted to get along with Willow. I even rushed around, getting her appointments with the best doctors when I heard she was sickly. But all my good intentions were shattered by one of Willow’s dramatic outbursts: “Just because I’m not strong, does that mean I don’t deserve to hang out with you all?” After that, Jaxson and I somehow reached a point of mutual disgust. I can’t even count how many times we argued over Willow this past year, or how many times I watched Jaxson’s retreating back, filled with absolute resolve. At first, I even thought Jaxson had suddenly gotten amnesia, like some cheap plot twist in a bad romance novel, which was why his attitude towards me had plummeted. So, I had indulged his every whim during this time, just to keep our shaky relationship afloat. But then, yesterday, I overheard Jaxson complaining to his friends: “Aubrey Miller’s fine, I guess, but constantly doting on her? It’s exhausting. And we’re engaged, but she still won’t let me touch her, like I was from the 18th century. What if she’s a dead fish in bed once we’re married?” “Besides, I’ve been spoiling her for so long, it’s about time I broke her a little, taught her who wears the pants in this relationship. Wouldn’t want her walking all over me once we’re married.” I don’t remember how I left the Hayes’ mansion that day. All I remember is regaining consciousness to find myself getting an IV drip. Coming to the bar with the insulated container was purely out of habit, pure instinct. But that bucket of water just now splashed my dazed brain awake. Jaxson can already openly use my humiliation as entertainment for Willow Jenkins. What about the future? Maybe when you hurt enough, the pain just goes numb. My hand drifted to my slowly beating heart. The water dripping from my dress, like my love for Jaxson, slowly pooled on the floor, then vanished completely. 0

Unlike his passive-aggressive jabs at me, Jaxson’s gaze towards Willow Jenkins was laced with genuine concern. He draped his jacket over Willow’s shoulders. “Why are you apologizing to her? She brought this on herself, didn’t she? If she wasn’t so utterly intolerant, how could your health, which was already improving, have deteriorated so badly?” “But since Willow’s pleading for you, I’ll begrudgingly forgive your rudeness towards her. Just kneel down and apologize to Willow right now, and maybe I’ll even consider showing up at the wedding…” “I won’t kneel.” I calmly ran a hand through my wet hair, trying to look less like a drowned rat. “Jaxson Hayes, I won’t kneel, and I won’t marry you. Don’t show up at my wedding in three days. I don’t want to cause any trouble for myself or my husband. Since neither of us intends to honor the engagement, I hope we can both inform our families.” “From now on, the Millers and the Hayes are officially done. We go our separate ways.” Jaxson frowned, his arm, wrapped around Willow Jenkins, suddenly tightened. “Aubrey Miller, what do you mean? I’m telling you, my patience has limits. You better not test me. This is your last chance. Are you sure you want to talk to me with such attitude?” I pulled my gaze from his hand, scoffing softly. “Jaxson Hayes, though nothing but poison has come out of your mouth this past year, you did say one thing right.” “As the city’s most sought-after woman, I’ve never lacked for suitors.” So, Jaxson, do you understand? I was never indispensable to you. I took one last look at the varying expressions on the faces in the private room, then turned and walked towards the bar exit. “Aubrey Miller, if you leave, we’re really over!” My steps never faltered as I left the bar, leaving Jaxson’s infuriated barks behind me. Back home, the adrenaline that had kept me upright finally crashed. My body, which hadn’t fully recovered, had been doused with cold water and then walked for so long in the night. I burned with fever for two days straight before I barely felt human again. When I finally woke up, I saw my dad, a hesitant, almost uncomfortable look on his face. I propped myself up, took a sip from the water a housemaid handed me. “Dad, is there something you want to say?” My dad silently watched me, then, fingering the pack of cigarettes for a moment. “Your engagement with that Hayes boy…” I finally remembered what I had forgotten. My gaze fixed on him, unwavering. “Dad, I don’t want to marry Jaxson Hayes.” My dad looked at me in astonishment. His favorite cigarette pack slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor. “Aubrey, are you serious?” I nodded, then handed him the marriage certificate from my bedside table. “Dad, I’m not throwing a tantrum. I’ve truly moved on from Jaxson. Sorry, I was afraid you wouldn’t agree, so I acted first and asked for forgiveness later.” My dad looked at the man’s name on the marriage certificate, falling silent for a moment. “Aubrey, you still say you’re not throwing a tantrum. If you wanted to Photoshop something to piss off that Hayes boy, you should have found someone believable! It’s not that I’m looking down on you, but the chances of Darian Thorne from Thorne Industries marrying you are lower than the Earth exploding tomorrow.” I watched him in silence. Okay, if I wasn’t the one involved, I probably wouldn’t believe it either. After all, who would have thought that Darian Thorne, a titan in the business world, secretly loved reading alpha billionaire romance novels? And even more surprisingly, he loved the ones written by an obscure writer like me. But before I could explain, a mocking voice interrupted me. “Darian Thorne? Aubrey Miller, you’re not saying your new groom is Darian Thorne, the CEO of Thorne Industries, are you?” 0Jaxson Hayes held the marriage certificate, scrutinizing it for a moment, then carelessly tossed it aside. “Aubrey Miller, if you’re going to lie, at least come up with something more convincing. You seriously expect me to believe this level of nonsense? Who is Darian Thorne? He’s someone you could ever hope to ‘climb up’ to?”

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