Author: Momo Chan

When the zombie virus outbreak began, everyone in my family except me fell victim to it. I watched helplessly as my parents succumbed to the infection, becoming mindless walking corpses joining the zombie horde. Unwilling to abandon my only remaining family member, I made the decision to keep my zombie brother. 0 My brother had turned into a zombie. I couldn’t bring myself to kill him. So, I locked him in a room, like keeping a rabid beast. On my brother’s 18th birthday, my parents had taken him on a two-week trip abroad, splurging on the celebration. I was too busy with work to join them on the vacation. It wasn’t until the third day after they returned— A new virus outbreak was reported overseas. I panicked. I remembered my brother mentioning they had indulged in various exotic local delicacies. The ingredients were rare deep-sea creatures rarely seen. I had scolded him at the time: “Reject wild game, protect nature.” Little did I know, disaster would strike so soon. On the fifth day after their return— Late at night, I heard shuffling footsteps in the living room. I turned on the light to see my mother, blood streaming from her eyes, dark tears flowing down her cheeks and into her mouth. I let out a terrified scream. Mother’s voice sounded like a demonic chant, “Run… quickly…” Her gait was extremely twisted. “Sophia… run quickly…” Mother’s eerily quiet voice was unnaturally clear in the silent living room, sending chills down my spine. “Mom, don’t be afraid! I’ll call an ambulance right away!” I ran back to my room, trembling, to find my phone. Roar— A strange cry rang out! I suddenly turned around. Father emerged from the pitch-black room, his gray pupils like two hollow sockets. Tears streamed down my face in terror: “Dad?” He lunged at me with claws outstretched, his bluish fingernails still stained with clots of blood. I was so frightened my legs went weak. I stood rooted to the spot, my limbs stiff and immobile. Just as Father’s sharp fingers were about to grab me. Mother suddenly rushed over, biting Father’s shoulder and tightly gripping his body as she charged onto the balcony. I heard the sounds of a fierce struggle. They were howling like wild beasts. Soon. The endless night fell silent once more. I peeked out to see the empty balcony, windows wide open, chaos everywhere. A cold breeze brushed my face, the air permeated with the stench of putrid blood. 0

By dawn, the zombie outbreak was in full swing. I huddled on the couch, watching the news reports from various regions on TV. [A new virus suddenly erupted last night. The infected develop symptoms rapidly, including loss of bodily control and biting or scratching others. Once infected, there is no cure.] [The entire city is now under emergency containment. Any infected individuals found will be dealt with on the spot. We urge all residents to stay indoors, take precautions, and await rescue.] [There are still many mysteries surrounding the new virus. Medical experts are working around the clock to develop countermeasures and rescue plans, which will be announced to the public as soon as possible.] [Based on current information, the zombie virus is transmitted through bite wounds and scratches. Zombies are extremely sensitive to sound but lack cognitive abilities. We urge residents to remain as quiet as possible.] Still in shock, I walked to the balcony and looked down— Outside was a scene of apocalyptic devastation. My mother and father had already joined the zombie horde. They walked with a stiff, twisted gait, their limbs rigid. “Sis…” A hoarse voice plunged me back into the depths of fear. I turned to see my brother stumbling out of his bedroom, the door now open. His skin was starting to turn blue, his black pupils covered by a grayish fog. “Don’t come any closer! Go back!” I grabbed a mop handle, assuming a defensive stance. “Lucas, be a good boy and go back to your room. I won’t hurt you!” My brother’s footsteps halted. He opened his mouth, struggling to form words, “Mom… Dad… are they okay?” I didn’t dare get too close. “They’ve both turned into zombies. It’s just the two of us left in the family now. As long as you behave, I won’t abandon you.” My brother lifted his head, black tears streaming from his eyes. He wailed in agony, retreating step by step. When he was fully back in the room, I rushed over to close the door, lock it, and remove the key. I knew my brother would soon lose his mind completely, becoming a mindless walking corpse. To kill my own brother with my own hands – my only remaining family in this apocalypse. I couldn’t do it. So I made a bold decision: to keep a pet zombie. 0

Ten days after the virus outbreak— All cities had fallen. Zombies ran rampant. Corpses littered the streets. As the first city to discover zombies, ours had long since become a ghost town devoid of human life. An eerie silence pervaded everything. Zombies wandered aimlessly along the roads, stumbling as they walked. Occasionally a patrol helicopter would fly overhead, its thunderous roar filling the air. The zombie hordes would immediately chase after the helicopter’s direction, running in a frenzy. I watched as our food supplies dwindled, lost in thought. If things continued like this, I’d starve to death before getting bitten by zombies. I decided to discuss strategy with my zombie brother. I took out the key, opened the bedroom door a crack. I quickly tossed in a piece of raw pork. I had to keep my brother fed, otherwise if he lost control and bit me, it would be all over. “Lucas, I have a task for you,” I coaxed him like a child, carefully negotiating. My brother wolfed down the meat, his bluish face still smeared with crimson blood. A door separated us, him inside and me outside. “There’s a Walmart superstore downstairs. I don’t know how much food is left, but go grab whatever you can find. The more the better. Preferably instant foods with long shelf lives.” “Also power banks – it’s been 10 days since the zombie outbreak, so power banks should still work. Grab several if you can. In case the electricity goes out, we can use them for emergencies.” “And drones, the kind that can be remotely controlled. With one of those, we can see what’s happening outside and avoid danger if needed.” “The water supply station is on the ground floor next door. There should be stockpiles of bottled water in the warehouse. At this rate, the water will be cut off within two weeks. If we stock up on water now, we’ll have drinking water, water for washing, flushing toilets…” I rambled on and on. All the stress and anxiety I’d bottled up over these past few days came pouring out in that moment. I didn’t know how much my brother understood. I only knew that my brother still retained a shred of rationality. That tiny bit of humanity that hadn’t mutated was clinging on through our blood ties. I didn’t know how long it would last. 0

I didn’t lock my brother’s door. I hoped he could find food, so at least we wouldn’t starve to death. After venting my anxieties about facing the apocalypse, I returned to my room alone. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps. It was my brother! He had come out! Then I heard the click of the front door lock. Very faint, as if trying not to attract zombies. My heart raced – had my brother really left? I crouched by my bedroom window, peeking out. After a full ten minutes, my brother finally appeared on the empty concrete road below. He stumbled along, his gait as bizarre and grotesque as all the other zombies. The difference was, his brain hadn’t been completely ravaged by the zombie virus. I watched as he successfully entered the supermarket doors. The moment his figure disappeared, my heart pounded like a drum. I worried the supermarket would be a hellish scene of carnage inside. I worried whether my brother could make it back home safely. I even feared, what if something happened to him and he turned into a mindless walking corpse like our parents – what would I do then? I stared at the time ticking by on my watch, second by agonizing second. After a full hour, my brother emerged! Tears of joy nearly fell from my eyes. My brother was pushing a shopping cart piled high with food and various necessities! He slowly made his way back. My heart surged with emotion – my brother truly hadn’t changed. He was still my dearest family! I no longer kept my guard up against him, opening the door and quickly tidying up the living room and study to make space. Ten minutes later, my brother lugged two bags of food upstairs, drenched in sweat. His body trembled with excitement when he saw me. “Roar… Sis… for you…” he mumbled, barely intelligible. My emotions finally broke. Tears flowed freely as I said, “Good boy. Don’t worry, we’ll rely on each other to survive this.” My brother set the bags down and turned to go back downstairs for more food. He was only 18 years old. His thin frame now bore the weight of both our lives. 0

My brother worked tirelessly all day. He moved all the food from the supermarket back to our home. Thankfully the water and electricity hadn’t been cut yet, so I started sorting everything. I rewarded my brother with a big chunk of pork. He sat in the corner, gnawing away contentedly. I took inventory of our supplies. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, duck… the meat filled an entire freezer. To prepare for potential power and water outages, I decided we should eat the refrigerated food first. I organized the rest based on expiration dates. Instant noodles, self-heating hotpots, rice noodles, cold noodles, and other instant foods – over 20 boxes in total. Vacuum-packed sausages, chicken feet, pork rinds, pork knuckles, pig’s trotters, duck necks, etc. – seven large bags. These foods had long shelf lives and were easy to store, so we didn’t need to eat them right away. Canned fish, canned luncheon meat, canned braised pork, canned pork knuckle, various canned fruits – over a dozen boxes. Canned goods usually lasted about two years, so I stacked them in the closet to eat last. For vegetables, we only had pumpkins, potatoes and sweet potatoes – three large sacks. I put those on the balcony to use as needed. My brother had also thoughtfully grabbed 15 power banks, 7 charging cables, 13 packs of toilet paper, and two bags of sanitary pads. After organizing everything, I asked my brother, “How was the supermarket? Anything else left?” My brother rotated his grayish-white eyeballs, mumbling incoherently: “Roar… veggies… all rotten. Water… fruit… also rotten.” I asked him again: “Did you find any drones?” My brother shook his head stiffly, “Roar… tomorrow… look again. Getting… dark.” I felt relieved. With my brother here, our survival crisis was well-managed. This time, I didn’t lock him in his room. He had worked tirelessly to bring back food, saving my life. I would no longer be wary of him.

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When I rescued young entrepreneur Adrian Pierce from his creditors, he was in a complete mess. But it was nothing compared to how devastated I was when he ruined my family years ago. I pinned his hands behind his back against the floor-to-ceiling window of the hotel room, shattering his pride mercilessly. He cried, saying he hated me. “Hate me then,” I whispered, kissing away the tears rolling down his cheeks, as gentle as a loving partner. The Venetian Grand Hotel. Looking down from the presidential suite’s window, the streets were bustling with traffic. The streetlights below had come on, resembling a string of golden jewels winding through the vast cityscape shrouded in darkness. In the distance, neon lights reflected on the face of the man by the window, flickering like cheap makeup, both eerie and gaudy. Adrian Pierce’s face was pressed against the glass, his hands tied behind his back, half-kneeling in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, occasionally letting out a whimper. When I had brought Adrian here, he had struggled fiercely, earning himself a few punches and kicks. His expensive suit was now torn in several places. Standing behind him, I admired his disheveled state for a moment before chuckling and removing the gag from his mouth. “Does Mr. Pierce have anything to say?” I asked mockingly. As air finally rushed into his mouth, Adrian gasped for breath but still tried to put on a brave face. “You… aren’t you afraid I’ll call the police?” I laughed softly as if I’d heard a good joke. “If you dared to call the police, why have you been hiding for so long?” I leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “You can try calling them. Let’s see who gets locked up first – me, or you being torn to pieces by your creditors.” My hot breath tickled Adrian’s ear as I spoke lazily. I saw him trying to dodge away, his skin behind the ear trembling. “What do you want from me?” Adrian asked, both confused and wary. I clicked my tongue twice, feigning a grieved tone. “Mr. Pierce, why put it so harshly? This isn’t ‘kidnapping’. I merely invited you for a reunion. It’s been many years since we last met, hasn’t it, Uncle Adrian?” I deliberately dragged out the words “Uncle Adrian,” putting on a nostalgic expression. Hearing these words, Adrian’s heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, “So it’s finally come to this.” He tried to steady himself and softened his tone, “Lily, what happened back then… I didn’t expect things to turn out that way. But… the money I’ve been sending over these years was for your education. Seeing you doing well now, Uncle Adrian… can finally feel at ease.” Lily was my childhood nickname. Years ago, when Adrian worked for my father, he would occasionally see me visit and call me by this name with a smile, secretly slipping chocolates I loved into my little backpack. The gentle and refined Uncle Adrian appeared in my teenage years like a ray of sunlight in a forest, fulfilling all my fantasies about the word “beautiful.” And now I saw this beam of light kneeling in a patch of shadow, struggling to keep his back straight, trying to maintain some composure. “Didn’t expect…” I repeated softly, a smile curling at the corners of my mouth. “After my father went bankrupt, he ended up in a psychiatric hospital. My mother remarried, taking my younger brother with her, leaving 14-year-old me alone in a boarding school in America. Your ‘didn’t expect’ certainly absolves you of all responsibility, doesn’t it, Uncle Adrian?” Adrian was momentarily speechless. “But don’t worry, I’m not here for revenge,” I said, taking out a wine glass and slowly pouring some red wine. “I haven’t touched a cent of the money you sent. Just now, I used it to pay off part of your debts. As for the rest, there’s no rush. After all, there are still ten days until the deadline on the promissory note you signed for your creditors.” This confused Adrian even more. He tried to turn his head, pressing against the glass, wanting to read something from my expression. But constrained by the ropes, he could only turn half his body towards me. “You paid my debts? Why?” “I want to make a deal with you, Mr. Pierce.” “What kind of deal?” I didn’t rush to answer. Instead, I picked up the wine glass, took a small sip, then crouched down, smiling as I looked at Adrian. My gaze traveled from his long legs, narrow waist, the hint of collarbone peeking out from his shirt collar, his sexy Adam’s apple, and finally settled on his thin lips. Then, to his astonishment, I kissed him. Our lips and teeth intertwined in a passionate dance. Dark red wine trickled down the corners of our tightly pressed mouths, flowing over Adrian’s fair chin and neck, disappearing into the depths of his shirt. When the kiss ended, we were both breathless.

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I used to be the Empire’s strongest Alpha general. To avoid scaring my sweet little puppy, I desperately hid my true identity, pretending to be gentle and kind in front of him. Until one night, I saw him twist his slender waist and effortlessly climb onto an enemy’s back. With a flick of his wrist, the man was dead. That familiar figure made me instantly recognize him as the enemy general I had been fighting for so long. I was stunned. Injured, I tried to escape on the spot. But to my surprise, he clung to me, his fingers teasing my waist. “Babe, I’m already pregnant. Are you really going to abandon your wife and child?” As soon as I entered the room, a rich milky scent overwhelmed me. I stared at the man I had just rescued lying on the bed. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes gazed at me dreamily. He was a poor little thing I had picked up at a nightclub. Seeing him being bullied, I had my subordinate arrange a hotel room for him and give him suppressants. I don’t know if my subordinate misunderstood my instructions or was distracted by urgent matters, but they left him alone in the room. As I approached, he grabbed my arm, tears welling up in his eyes. His fluffy hair nuzzled against my chest, exposing his delicate neck. “Please, help me,” he begged, his voice soft and tearful. Combined with the rich milky scent, it was hard for me to control myself. I resisted the rising heat and pushed him away, “Didn’t you take the suppressants?” Although this poor Omega was now begging me to mark him, it was just the instinct of all Omegas in heat. I didn’t want to take advantage of someone in a vulnerable state. He opened his hazy eyes, the corners slightly red, and reached out to hook my neck again, his grip surprisingly strong. “No, I couldn’t find them. Babe, I only want you. Please.” I took a deep breath and gripped his chin, “Are you sure?” He frowned, whimpering constantly as if in pain, and wrapped his arms around me, rubbing against me restlessly. I chuckled and pulled out a bunch of suppressants from under the pillow. “Aren’t these right here?” His face paled, a flash of panic crossing his features. He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt and bit his lip, looking at me. “I only want you, babe.” Tsk, tsk. What a cunning little cat. But I didn’t mind. Having gotten my answer, I didn’t hesitate to bite down on his delicate neck. The taste was indeed as delicious as I had imagined. He cried out in pain, clutching my collar tightly, staring at me in a daze as tears rolled down his cheeks. “Amelia, I like you.” My heart skipped a beat, the heat in my body rapidly subsiding. I immediately pulled away from him and swiftly pinched his pressure point. I knew very well that without my permission, my subordinates wouldn’t casually reveal my name, and I hadn’t exposed my identity just now. “Sweetheart, what did you just say?” I watched him warily, trying to search my memory for this face. But I couldn’t recall ever seeing him before. As if frightened, his face paled slightly. “Isn’t Amelia your name?” He pointed to my lighter that had fallen nearby. Indeed, my name was engraved on it. It was my habit to mark all my belongings. I felt slightly relieved, but still suspicious. My hand traced from his arm to his fragile scent gland, pressing lightly. I could destroy it at the slightest sign of danger. His body trembled, but instead of shrinking away as I expected, he moved closer, seemingly without any defense against me. I narrowed my eyes, caressing his vulnerable scent gland. He looked up at me, his eyes red-rimmed and glistening with tears. Soft moans escaped his lips. “Babe, my pheromones really like you.” “And what about you?” I chuckled, my fingers lifting his shirt inch by inch until I was sure there were no dangerous items on his body. “I like you too.” The tips of his ears turned red as he pressed his chest closer to my hand. I smirked and indulged myself without hesitation. He responded as I wished, crying beneath me. But lost in this blissful moment, I failed to notice the triumphant smile on his face.

Early the next morning, after tucking him in and wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes, I headed to the military headquarters. My subordinate handed me the information they had gathered about him. This man called Ethan had a simple background – just an orphan struggling to survive in society. I smiled, guessing that Ethan might be following me for money. But I didn’t mind. After all, I had marked him. He couldn’t escape even if he wanted to. He was destined to be mine for life. “General, I still think we can’t keep this person,” my subordinate suddenly spoke up. I shook my head, indicating that I didn’t mind even if he came for money. The subordinate hesitated for a moment, then handed me a photo. “Ethan bears some resemblance to that masked general. I suspect he might be here to steal our military secrets.” The photo showed the side profile of the enemy general after removing his mask. Although the image was blurry, there was indeed a resemblance to Ethan. In an instant, I became alert and rushed back to the hotel. The moment I opened the door, I was stunned. Ethan’s fair skin was exposed, wrapped in red rope that snaked up to a bow at his neck. He wore fluffy cat ear accessories on his head and was kneeling on the bed, his pristine thighs on display. Perhaps due to embarrassment, his fair skin had taken on a faint reddish hue, incredibly alluring. He kept his head lowered, his eyelashes fluttering, the tips of his ears red. He didn’t dare look at me. “Babe, I’ll be very good. Please don’t abandon me.” His voice was timid, with a hint of tears. I hugged him tightly but didn’t rush to untie the bow. Instead, I caressed his fingers. His fingers were beautiful – slender and fair, with a thin layer of calluses between them. Not like someone who often handles guns. “Babe, what’s wrong?” Ethan tilted his head, looking at me with a blushing face, as if he didn’t know what I was doing. I traced from his fingers to his arm, gripping his joint tightly. My teeth grazed his scent gland. “I really want to dislocate all your joints, so you can only lie in bed at my mercy.” I figured that if he really was the enemy general, he would have lashed out by now, given how much I was provoking him. But Ethan only breathed heavily for a moment, his heartbeat quickening slightly. The pheromones he emitted remained gentle, without a trace of fear or anger. “As long as you’re willing, I’ll be your plaything,” Ethan licked his lips, his voice tinged with excitement. Feeling the changes in his body, I chuckled and bit down hard on his scent gland, mumbling, “You’re quite the pervert.” Ethan let out a soft moan, seemingly accepting this label. His body trembled as he panted heavily, “Help me, babe.” I untied the rope, staring at the red marks left by the tight binding, and pressed down hard on them. Tears immediately welled up in Ethan’s eyes. He grabbed my hand, his voice hoarse, sounding both pleading and delighted, “It hurts.”

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I Bought a Mystery Box for Fun, But It Turned My Life Upside Down I impulsively bought an expensive mystery box just for fun. To my disappointment, I only got a black collar. Frustrated, I was about to leave a bad review for the seller when I suddenly realized that my actual package was still in transit. Suddenly, the classroom door burst open. “Don’t touch my package!” Lucas, the campus heartthrob, rushed in and tried to snatch the package from my hands. “Put it down!” I shouted angrily. Lucas’s body trembled, and he stumbled backward, almost falling to the ground. Instinctively, I grabbed his hand to steady him. However, I pulled too hard, and Lucas crashed into me. My hand accidentally touched his firm backside. Damn! So perky and bouncy! Lucas pushed me away abruptly, his face turning red. He glared at me, biting his lip in a way that made my heart race. But I quickly came to my senses. He was Lucas, the untouchable golden boy of our school. Rich family, decisive personality, every girl’s dream guy. I was just a student from an ordinary background, with my only claim to fame being my identity as a cosplayer. He was someone I couldn’t afford to offend. I fingered the collar in my hand and looked at him playfully. “This is…” His face turned bright red, and his eyes darted around. He snatched the collar from my hand. “It’s for my dog.” I raised an eyebrow. “Really? What kind of dog? This collar seems too big.” “My Poodle has a thick neck,” he explained hastily, gesturing around his own neck. So, he was into the same kind of thing as me. I licked my lips, a determined smile crossing my face.

How adorable. He could have said nothing, but instead, he exposed his true nature. What an innocent puppy. But I didn’t intend to call him out. I just silently watched as Lucas hurriedly grabbed the leash from the package as well. As I watched his retreating figure, I glanced at the discount coupon left in the box and chuckled, “Don’t you want your cashback?” He rushed back to snatch the coupon, his face turning an even deeper shade of red, completely unlike his usual cool demeanor. Seeing his flustered state, I decided not to tease him further and handed him the coupon, complaining, “Geez, these discount coupons are so ridiculous nowadays.” Just as I was about to leave, his cold fingertips brushed against my palm. The sensation was like an electric current running through my heart, making me shudder. I clearly saw Lucas’s Adam’s apple bob up and down, and faint red marks were visible on his fair neck. I couldn’t help but swallow hard. “Anything else, Lucas?” I asked. He narrowed his eyes, blocking the light from the window, exuding a dangerous aura. “Do you know how to use it?” I licked my lips, sensing this might be a test from Lucas. “I used to, but not since my dog ran away,” I replied. Lucas stared at me for a moment before taking a few steps back. “Keep this a secret. The school doesn’t allow pets.” Watching his calm departure, I raised an eyebrow, wondering if I had misjudged his preferences. Still, knowing his secret could be useful. It might help me get his assistance with my graduation thesis later on.

A few days later, I saw him in the lab, soaking wet from head to toe. He was scolding my younger brother, Jack. Through his wet clothes, I could clearly see his milky white skin, slightly defined abs, and cute little marks on his chest. Perhaps my gaze was too intense, as he frowned and looked in my direction. He seemed to remember something, and the tips of his ears turned red. Jack, upon seeing me, tried to hide behind me. But I didn’t want to reveal that I had such an embarrassing brother. “Shut up!” I snapped. The lab fell silent. Jack gave me a resentful look and reached for the experimental materials on my desk. “Put that back and get over here! Are you asking for trouble?” I tapped the desk, my tone unconsciously becoming harsher. “Thud—” A loud noise drew my attention. I looked up to see Lucas kneeling on the ground, picking up papers, the tips of his ears bright red. My heart leaped with joy, and I was about to approach him, but he quickly grabbed his backpack and hurried away. Since we weren’t in the same group, I asked Jack for Lucas’s contact information. To my surprise, Jack told me that Lucas had already added me after seeing my cosplay photos as Yan Yu from “Love at First Sight.” I was secretly delighted and sent him a message apologizing for startling him earlier, actually hoping to gauge his reaction. To my disappointment, he flatly refused. I felt frustrated by my own clumsiness in scaring him off. Unexpectedly, when our advisor invited us out for dinner, I ran into Lucas, who had claimed to be sick at home. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were hazy, clearly having had a bit too much to drink.

I didn’t want to bother with him, but my friend called me over. As I approached, I saw Lucas skillfully mixing drinks. With his expressionless face and tightly buttoned shirt, he was the epitome of restrained allure. My friend teased, looking at him, “Lily, do you think someone so perfect might have any weaknesses?” The other students around us started joking, “What, are you planning to blackmail the handsome guy with his secrets?” My friend glared at them before turning back to me. Lucas was also staring at me intently. Considering his prominent family background, I decided to play it safe. “I don’t know him well enough to say,” I avoided his gaze, looking down at my glass, feeling inexplicably dejected. Suddenly, a drink was placed in front of me. Remembering that this cocktail contained raw egg white, I felt a wave of nausea. My friend quietly asked why I wasn’t drinking. “It’s disgusting, makes me sick,” I said, only realizing how it sounded after the words left my mouth. I looked up to see Lucas’s face turn pale. I wanted to explain, but before I could open my mouth, he excused himself, claiming to feel unwell. After the meal, when everyone else had left and I was about to head home, I suddenly heard soft crying. I walked over to find Lucas crouching on the ground, sobbing quietly. His face was still flushed from the alcohol, his entire face rosy, with tears hanging from his eyes. He looked like an abandoned puppy, gazing at me with such a pitiful expression. “Will you be my mistress?” he asked abruptly. His sudden frankness caught me off guard. Before I could answer, he curled up like a snail retreating into its shell and started muttering to himself. “I knew you’d be disgusted by me too. I disgust myself, but I just can’t control it…”

He clutched his hair tightly, whimpering like a helpless puppy without shelter. It was a complete contrast to his usual demeanor, and I couldn’t help but reach out to pat him. The soft strands of his hair made my heart melt. His body suddenly trembled, and he looked up at me, his eyes still misty. I knew he had misunderstood, but I didn’t want to explain too much. In a similar situation before, I had been tricked and even recorded, so I decided to be more cautious this time. Although I did have feelings for him, I decided to test the waters first. There were always fake dominants in the scene, and I was afraid of falling into another trap. I slowly asked, “Why do you have those kinds of thoughts about me?” His voice was still hoarse as he stammered out his reason, “From the first time I saw you, I thought you were like the sun, so bright and brave. You dared to stand up to your parents and live freely.” He sniffled and nuzzled against my hand, smiling bitterly, “I’m perverted, aren’t I?” I suddenly felt that he was very similar to me. It was because of my parents’ lack of understanding that I had a huge fight with them, and even faced repeated attacks from relatives around me, falling into self-doubt over and over again. My nose tingled with emotion as I ruffled his hair, looking at him seriously, as if I was looking at my past confused self. “Humans are all perverts to some degree, otherwise where would the Seven Deadly Sins come from?” His eyes immediately lit up, and he nodded vigorously, looking at me cautiously, “Can you accept me? I know you’re in the scene too.” I withdrew my hand, shrinking my neck and touching my nose. “We’ll see how you behave.” In truth, it wasn’t that I couldn’t accept him, but I wanted to test his sincerity. He immediately jumped up excitedly and knelt before me. “Mistress, do you want to play a game?” I shook my head, refusing him. It wasn’t the right time yet; I needed to make sure he wouldn’t pose a threat to me before making a move. After all, in my years in the scene, I knew the negative impact an unruly sub could have on their dominant. Before leaving, I smiled and told him to call me “sister” from now on. Even though I was younger than him, I preferred being called “sister.” He nodded and softly called me “sister.” His sweet voice made me feel a little tipsy, and I gently kissed his forehead.

The next day when we met again, I saw him helping a senior girl fix a printer. A feeling of possessiveness washed over me, uncomfortable with someone else monopolizing what I considered mine. I decided to send him a message and wait for him in the break room. Time ticked by slowly, and just when I thought he wouldn’t come, he burst into the room. Due to his rush, his cheeks were flushed, his hair half-dry, clearly just out of the shower. He smelled faintly of camellia. I sat with my legs crossed, surveying the nervous Lucas in front of me. “I’m sorry, I wanted to make a good impression on you, sister,” he said. I stood up, and although I was displeased with his tardiness, I didn’t show it. I handed him a blindfold, my voice calm, “Put this on.” Seeing him obey without question, my mood improved. I grabbed his tie and led him to the full-length mirror. He stumbled along, as if I were his only support. I enjoyed this feeling of being in control. I stroked the black mole under his left ear and gently bit it. His body shuddered violently, his face turning bright red. He moved his lips as if to speak. I lightly touched his lips, chuckling, “Be good. Stand still and count to five minutes silently. This is your punishment for flirting with others!” He shook his head, “I didn’t…” “You’re being naughty!” He immediately fell silent. But I couldn’t let him off so easily. I ran my hand down his abs, and his body instantly stiffened.

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My boyfriend always gushed about my figure, saying it was a *crime* I wasn’t a model. After I graduated and couldn’t find a job, he kept pushing me to audition for modeling gigs. He even picked out the scantiest bikini for me. Once I landed the job, I called him, excited to share the news. But then I overheard him telling someone, “A girlfriend this hot? Five grand is *my* loss for her.” My name is Skylar, and I’m 22. After graduating, I couldn’t find a decent job, so I decided to audition at an advertising agency my boyfriend recommended. He said it was for modeling. Before I went, he gave me detailed instructions, “Go find Derek. Do exactly what he says.” “Once you get the job, you’ll make at least this much.” He mouthed ‘fifty thousand.’ Fifty thousand a month. Chasing that kind of money, I bit the bullet and bought a form-fitting outfit. My boyfriend had an urgent matter come up. He sounded apologetic, “Skylar, I really can’t get away. You’ll have to go alone, I’m so sorry.” I knew he was busy, so I found the audition location myself. Only when I got there did I realize it was in a remote suburb. “Is Derek here?” I pushed open the door but saw no one. Suddenly, a large hand clamped over my mouth from behind, dragging me deeper inside. I bit his hand, trying to escape. But another person was blocking the exit, cutting off my escape route. Just as despair washed over me, the man in front suddenly spoke, “Jason, what the hell are you doing? You’re scaring your girlfriend half to death!” I turned my head to see it was my boyfriend, Jason, who had covered my mouth. He was clutching his bleeding hand. “You’re ruthless, Skylar.” “Serves you right,” I glared at him fiercely. The man who had just spoken up for me was Derek. He was a burly man with a full beard. He looked me up and down, nodding repeatedly. “Good bone structure. You’re Skylar, right? Follow me.” I followed Derek to the dressing room door. He took a tiny black bikini from a nearby hanger. “Put this on.” I felt a blush creep up my neck. “Do I really have to wear this?” Seeing my hesitation, his expression hardened. “Fine, don’t. You can leave with Jason right now.” Jason quickly stepped in, trying to smooth things over, pushing me into the dressing room. I didn’t dare waste time. Trembling, I changed and came out. “Alright, do a catwalk for me,” Derek instructed. It was my first time wearing something like this, walking in front of a group of men. I felt incredibly self-conscious and awkward. Derek saw my rigid posture and started yelling at me. “You’re here to model and show off your body! Head up, chest out!” When I didn’t get it right, he even smacked me hard with a thin stick. The spot where he hit me immediately swelled and turned red. I forced myself to straighten, trying desperately to meet his demands. He continued to criticize me from head to toe. All my previous confidence was completely gone. Finally, I was utterly exhausted, but he still shook his head. “Your basics are terrible. If you want to pass this audition, you’ll have to take a ten-day crash course.” “Okay,” Jason quickly agreed for me while I was still debating whether to continue modeling. “Alright then, come in and pay up.” I clutched my bank card and walked in, quietly asking Jason on the way how much it would cost. He mouthed ‘one hundred thousand.’ What? A hundred thousand? I only had exactly a hundred thousand in my card. It was all my savings, accumulated over a long time. I hesitated, unable to make up my mind. But Jason snatched the card and swiped it. “Skylar, you’ll earn this back in just a month.” There was nothing I could do. The money was paid, so I moved into the company’s dormitory. The three girls I shared the room with weren’t exactly friendly. That very night, one of the girls, Ashley, doused me with water and locked me in the bathroom.

The next morning, I woke up in bed, my body burning with fever. Derek cursed at me, saying incredibly cruel things. “You’re too delicate for this; go be a glorified escort at a club instead.” Ignoring my discomfort, I still got dressed and went to the training area. “Perfect, we have a drink commercial. Time to cool you down.” As soon as I stood under the canopy, someone turned on a massive water hose. A deluge of icy water cascaded over my head. A wave of freezing cold made me shiver uncontrollably. I didn’t know who was pulling a prank, but my head felt fuzzy, and I collapsed to the ground, only to be helped up and led away. But I remembered the dorm wasn’t in this direction. I forced my eyes open, and next to me was a creepy, balding man. He had a vice-like grip on my arm, and I couldn’t break free. “Who… who are you? Where are you… taking me?” I asked, my voice weak. The man just said, “You upset Derek today and delayed things. He told me to give you private lessons.” I didn’t quite believe him, but I was forced to follow along. We walked down a long corridor to the furthest room in the corner. I felt an inexplicable dread about that room. So I clung tightly to the doorframe. “Sir, can we just have the lesson here?” The man loosened his grip and chuckled. “Alright. Wait here; I’ll go get the props.” Seeing him actually release me, I started to think maybe I was overthinking things. The man came out carrying a basket of items, picking out a fluffy fox tail and handing it to me. “Put this on. You’re playing a fox now. We’ll be shooting an ad for a gaming company soon, and if you do well, this role is yours.” He made it sound so official, so I tried my best to follow along. “Let me help you put it on,” the man offered, unexpectedly enthusiastic. But I dodged his hand. “No, thank you.” With the fastest movements of my life, I slipped the fox tail over my red swimsuit. When the man realized he couldn’t take advantage, his attitude shifted. “Lie down and wag your tail.” I obeyed, lying on the floor and wagging my tail. “Your movements are too weak; the tail barely moved.” As he spoke, he placed his hand on my waist, trying to make me move more. My whole body was burning with fever, and I just felt tired. After a few attempts, I couldn’t hold myself up anymore and collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. But the man harshly cracked a whip. “Get up! You think you can rest after that little bit of effort?” I quickly pleaded, “Sir, I’m really sick and have no strength left. Can we stop for today?” The man’s eyes flickered. “Alright, I’ll help you back to rest.” Seeing him being so reasonable, I quickly thanked him. “Thank you, Sir.” I don’t know how long we walked, but then I heard a door open. I felt myself being helped into a room and laid down on a bed. “I’ll help you take your clothes off,” someone said. I tried with all my might to refuse, but I couldn’t even lift a finger. I could only feel my clothes being removed. A cold draft from somewhere made me shiver uncontrollably. Suddenly, someone tucked a warm, soft pillow into my arms. The pillow was large, and I hugged it, drifting off to sleep. But for some reason, the pillow kept moving, making me itch. I hugged it tighter and scolded it softly, my voice slurring, “Stop moving…”

As I lay in a hazy state, there was a knock on the dorm door, and the thing in my arms pulled away. I woke up in the middle of the night to a cool fever patch on my forehead. Only one girl was in the room, on a video call, not wearing any clothes. I blushed as I listened to her sweet talk her boyfriend. When I heard her walking towards me, I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep. She was the one who poured cold water on me, making me sick, and now she was changing my fever patch. She was muttering to herself, “Why isn’t she waking up? If she doesn’t, she won’t be able to leave.” “What exactly do you want?” I suddenly opened my eyes. The girl jumped. “Hmph, do you even know what kind of place this is? If you get a chance, run.” My heart skipped a beat. “What? Isn’t this an advertising agency?” I heard footsteps outside the door. The girl instantly reverted to her previous cold demeanor. “Don’t think you can play sick and slack off just because you’re new!” The door opened, and Jason walked in, anxiously feeling my forehead. “Skylar, why did you suddenly get sick? Did one of them bully you?” I shook my head. “No, I just suddenly got sick. Jason, I want to go out and get an IV drip.” Jason glanced at Derek by the door. Then he picked me up and carried me out. That night, I was hooked up to an IV in the infirmary, and Jason stayed by my bedside, his eyes filled with worry that didn’t seem fake. So, when he asked me again who had bullied me, I told him, “There’s a bald, heavy-set man around Derek. He almost… harassed me.” Jason’s eyes widened in fear for a split second when he heard about him, then he said, “That bastard! I’ll teach him a lesson!” I wondered if I’d seen wrong, so I just went back to sleep. When I woke up again, Jason asked me, “Skylar, do you still want to be a model?” Seeing my hesitation, he didn’t say anything. But soon after, I ran into Brittany, my high school arch-nemesis, the former queen bee. She had become a model and started dating the company’s owner. They fell in love at first sight, got married, and had kids. When she saw me again, she sneered, “Oh, still cramped in a tiny apartment with your poor boyfriend, I bet.” A surge of anger immediately burned through me. I immediately told my boyfriend, “I’m still going to be a model, and I’m going to make a name for myself!” My boyfriend hugged me tightly. “Skylar, you’ll definitely become an amazing model!” Fueled by determination, my recovery from this illness was faster than ever. After only half a day on the IV, I voluntarily asked to return to work at the agency. That afternoon, when Ashley saw me, she looked surprised. “You’re back?” she blurted out. Seeing everyone looking at her disapprovingly, she quickly tried to cover it up. “I mean, you got better so fast.” I walked up to Derek. “Derek, I’ve thought it through this time. I won’t leave until I make something of myself!” Derek’s plump face beamed with joy. He held my hand, stroking it repeatedly. “Good, it’s good you’ve come around.” I promptly said, “Please assign me some work!” Derek happily assigned me a trainer. “Go find Lenny. He’s been here forever, and he’s excellent at what he does. Just listen to him.” I smiled and turned to greet Lenny. “Lenny, you… it’s you!” It turned out to be the man who had harassed me that night. Derek’s eyes swept over us. “What’s wrong?” I quickly walked over to Lenny. “Oh, Lenny was the one who brought me back when I fainted that day. Thank you, Lenny.” Jason, seeing my swift change in attitude, left feeling completely reassured. Ashley couldn’t understand why I had suddenly returned and why my attitude had changed so drastically. That evening, while I was showering, she squeezed into the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and started talking to me. “Why did you come back?” I smiled as I undressed. “To be a model and make a ton of money, of course.” “You… forget it, you’re hopeless.” Ashley left. Of course, I knew what she meant. She wanted to tell me, “This place is a deep hole; once you’re in, it’s nearly impossible to get out.” She probably wanted to tell me even more: “Your boyfriend, Jason, sold you out.” I knew that too. That day, bored in the infirmary, I went to look for Jason. He was smoking in a corner. Talking on the phone. I planned to sneak up and surprise him. But then I heard Derek’s voice on the phone. “How could you take the girl away after you took the money?” Jason said casually, “You don’t get it. I have a plan. Later, get her high school classmate to provoke her. Skylar has strong self-esteem; she needs to make the decision herself.” “A hundred thousand is too much? Fifty thousand came from her card, we split that. The other fifty thousand is for her services. Aren’t I being a loyal brother, bringing in such a prize?” So, that was the truth. My burning heart instantly plummeted into an ice-cold abyss. I don’t know how I made it back to the infirmary. While he was buying me food, I finally made up my mind and dialed a number: “I’m willing to work with you…” The next morning, I woke up early to practice my catwalk. Derek saw me as he was leaving. “Come on, stop practicing. Let’s go make some money.” Behind him were three or four girls I didn’t recognize.

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It took me five minutes to turn my arrogant, self-proclaimed elite wife into a penniless woman, saddled with a debt of eight hundred million dollars! Just five minutes ago, for her brother who had recently undergone a minor procedure, she was gripping my hair, forcing me to kneel. She claimed the wedding anniversary cake I made had upset her poor brother. What a cruel irony. She wanted me to mourn the very scandal she had orchestrated and buried herself. She demanded I kneel and repent, but every time I had bent my knee in my past life, it was paid for with the blood of my entire family. This time, I was reborn. I wiped the cream from my face and made just one call. “Dad, I’m done playing.” Game over. The reckoning begins. *** My eyes snapped open again, my face covered in cold, sticky cream. From beside me, my brother-in-law, Bryce, wailed shrilly, “Chloe! He did it on purpose! He knows I just had surgery and I’m in a bad mood, and he still made this to provoke me!” I was back at our third wedding anniversary party. Back to the moment my nine-tiered fondant cake, which I had made with my own hands, was smashed into my face. In my previous life, it was from this very day that my life spiraled into hell. To prove I wasn’t trying to steal the spotlight, and to avoid putting Chloe in a difficult position, I had knelt before Bryce and apologized in front of all the guests. I told myself he had just had a procedure, his emotions were unstable, and I should be understanding. But my tolerance only emboldened their bullying and contempt. This life, I wouldn’t. Chloe rushed over, not to help me, but to immediately shield her brother, Bryce, in her arms, anxiously checking his hands. “Bryce, are you okay? Are you hurt?” She spun her head towards me, her eyes like poisoned daggers, and roared, “Daniel, get down on your knees and apologize to Bryce!” Her voice was exactly the same as when she’d announced my parents’ deaths in my memory. I didn’t move. I simply reached up, scraped a bit of cream from my cheek with my fingertip, and then slowly, deliberately, put it into my mouth to taste. It was sweet. My favorite white chocolate. I had spent three months learning to make this cake. My silence and this bizarre gesture plunged the entire ballroom into an eerie, suffocating stillness. All eyes focused on me, filled with the casual disdain of people watching a good show and a hint of confusion. Chloe’s brows furrowed. She felt I was challenging her authority. “I told you to kneel! Are you deaf?!” She stepped forward, just like in my past life, reaching out to grab my hair, intending to shove me to the ground. A sharp pain shot through my scalp. This familiar ache instantly cleared my head. The surrounding guests began to whisper: “This Daniel is truly uncouth. Look at him, he looks like an idiot.” “Exactly, he’s from an orphanage. Just no manners.” My mother-in-law, Beverly, that vicious woman who, in my past life, had simultaneously urged me to be magnanimous and helped her daughter scheme against me, now played her usual ‘peacemaker’ act. She walked over, tugging on Chloe’s sleeve, her tone, however, clearly blaming me. “Daniel, just give in. Bryce isn’t feeling well. Apologize, and this whole thing will blow over. We’re family. Don’t let outsiders laugh at us.” I looked at these three culprits, watching their sickening performance of ‘loving siblings’ and ‘doting mother,’ and I smiled. I pulled out my phone from my pocket, unlocked it for everyone to see, and dialed the number etched into my very soul. In my past life, the owner of this number died on a highway in Ocean City, trying to save me from my misery. The phone rang only once before it connected. “Hello?” It was my father’s voice. Deep and steady. It took all my strength to keep my own voice perfectly even. “Dad.” “Hmm? Daniel?” The voice on the other end immediately became surprised and gentle. “What makes you suddenly call your dad?” I spoke each word deliberately, with every ounce of restraint, uttering the code I had buried for two lifetimes. “Dad, I’m done playing.” This game of love I had deluded myself into believing, this marriage that had destroyed my family, I wasn’t playing anymore. Chloe’s face darkened when she saw me on the phone. She thought I was calling for help, which made her feel utterly humiliated. “What are you doing? Who are you calling? I’m telling you, no one can save you today! You have to kneel before Bryce!” On the other end of the line, my father fell silent for two seconds. With his intelligence, he instantly grasped the immense crisis hidden behind my words. His voice immediately became calm and authoritative. It was the powerful aura of the Global Capital founder. “Got it. Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Do as I say.” Just one sentence, telling me to hold steady. I understood. The game was changing. And this time, I was the dealer. “I’ll kneel to your brother once I hang up the phone,” I told Chloe, my voice so calm it felt foreign to her. She thought I was giving in, a triumphant sneer spreading across her face as she released her grip on my hair. The call wasn’t disconnected. I heard my father calmly giving instructions on the other end. I held the phone to my ear, spoke into the receiver in a low voice – just loud enough for my father to hear, and for Chloe and Bryce standing nearby to catch every word. “Chloe, you want me to kneel, are you asking me to mourn the illicit child you had with Bryce?” My words dropped like a bomb into a deep pool, creating not chaos, but a dead silence. A silence more profound, more suffocating than before. The guests’ murmurs were cut off as if by an invisible hand. Everyone’s expressions froze. The triumph and malice on Chloe’s face shattered instantly, replaced by a bone-deep terror. She instinctively took a step back. “You… you’re spewing lies! Daniel, you’re crazy!” Her voice became shrill and piercing, betraying her guilt. “Crazy?” I smiled, but the mirth didn’t reach my eyes. “Am I crazy, or do you think everyone else is blind? Do you dare, in front of all these prominent figures in Ocean City, to point at your brother beside you and swear that the child you were carrying was in no way related to him?” Bryce’s wailing stopped abruptly. He shrieked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, “You B-word! You’re talking nonsense! Chloe, tear her mouth out!” His reaction was too extreme, only confirming his inner panic. My father-in-law, Richard, the CEO of Horizon Group, finally couldn’t maintain his composure. He abruptly rose from the main table, his face turning a furious shade of purple. He pointed at me, his finger trembling violently. “This is outrageous! Our Parker family must have been blind to let Chloe marry a rabble-rouser like you! Security! Where’s security?! Get this lunatic out of here!” Several security guards moved at his command, their eyes hostile as they approached me. Chloe also reacted then, her fury making her lose all reason. Like an enraged bull, she charged at me, aiming for the phone in my hand. She thought I would cower and tremble at her roar, as I had in the past. But I simply watched her with cold detachment. The moment she lunged, I didn’t retreat. Instead, I swiftly spun to my left, subtly extending my foot to trip her. Chloe’s momentum carried her forward uncontrollably. With my trip, she completely lost her balance, stumbled awkwardly for several steps, and then crashed headfirst into a nearby table laden with champagne towers. *Smash!* The sound of shattering glass was sharp and piercing, echoing exceptionally loud in the silent ballroom. Golden liquid and glass shards flew everywhere. Chloe’s forehead was instantly gashed open, blood mixing with champagne trickling down. Her expensive dress was stained with wine and cream. She looked like a rabid dog. This sudden scene made all the guests gasp. “Chloe!” Bryce’s scream pierced the silence. He rushed over to help Chloe up. Seeing the blood on her forehead, he immediately pointed at me and shrieked furiously, “You B-word! How dare you hit my sister! You even laid hands on her!” Chloe steadied herself with her brother’s help. She wiped a hand across her bleeding forehead, and seeing the crimson on her fingertips, any remaining reason in her eyes was completely consumed by rage. “You’re dead!” She growled, tearing off her pretense, and once again charged at me recklessly. This time, the two security guards behind her followed closely, forming a crescent-shaped encirclement, completely cutting off my retreat. Father-in-law Richard’s face was ashen. He watched everything with a dark, tacit approval in his eyes. In his view, they had to use the toughest methods today to completely suppress my spirit and violently stifle this shocking Parker family scandal in its infancy, using fear and brute force. “Mr. Parker, what’s going on here?” A leisurely voice, clearly enjoying the drama, cut through the crowd. It was Mr. Davies, the CEO of Vanguard Group, Horizon Group’s arch-rival. “On such a joyous day, why does it look like an all-out brawl? Anyone who didn’t know might think Horizon Group has cash flow problems, making the CEO resort to public bullying of his son-in-law.” His words were like a subtle jab, hitting Richard right in the gut. Richard snapped, “Mr. Davies! This is my family’s private matter, it’s none of your business!” “Family matter?” I clutched my cold phone, a chilling smile playing on my lips. “Mr. Parker, are you sure this is just a family matter? I believe everyone present clearly heard what I just said. Chloe and Bryce, secretly pregnant with his child. If that gets out, it won’t just be a family matter; it will be social news, an incestuous scandal shocking enough to send Horizon Group’s stock price freefalling!” Every word I uttered was like a heavy hammer, striking fiercely at the Parker family’s nerves. My mother-in-law Beverly’s face was already ashen white. She rushed forward, fully revealing her true colors as a shrew. “You’re lying! Don’t waste words on him, tear his mouth out! Grab that damn phone and smash it!” Given her mother’s command, Chloe’s movements became even more frantic. I was forced to retreat repeatedly, my back quickly pressing against the cold wall. I had nowhere left to go. Chloe smirked, her voice squeezed out through gritted teeth, “Daniel, I’m giving you one last chance. Kneel, and hand over your phone!” I looked at her, and at the gloating eyes behind her. I gripped my phone tightly in my palm. My other hand, swift as lightning, grabbed a heavy bronze statue from the decorative table behind me, aiming it without hesitation at the nearest security guard. “Anyone who takes another step forward, I’ll smash his head in.” My voice was low, but carried a desperate, do-or-die resolve. The security guard was shaken by the unfeigned determination in my eyes, and instinctively froze. My gaze swept past them, like two sharp swords, directly piercing the root of all evil: Richard Parker. “Mr. Parker, have you really thought about the consequences? Stop your rabid children now, and there might still be room for maneuver. Once they truly lay a hand on me, I promise you, every scream heard from the other end of my phone will become a death knell for your Parker family, for your Horizon Group.” I raised my phone. The screen was still lit, the call duration ticking mercilessly, second by second. This gesture made Richard’s pupils constrict sharply. But if he backed down now, the Parker family’s reputation would be utterly ruined! The immense sense of humiliation and the long-standing contempt he felt pushed him to make the most foolish decision. Richard finally gave his last command, his voice hoarse and venomous, “Grab him! I’ll take full responsibility for anything that happens!” Just at this critical moment, the heavy double doors of the ballroom were leisurely pushed open from outside. A devil-may-care, yet incredibly soothing, voice drifted in: “Well, well, what’s all this commotion? Mr. Parker, are you hosting a wedding anniversary, or a family martial arts show?” It was Scarlett Davies! She walked in like a socialite strolling through her private garden, clad in a show-stopping, floor-length pink dress, an unlit cigarette dangling from her lips, her hands casually tucked into her pockets.

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His 99th Broken Glass When Julian smashed his ninety-ninth glass, I finally broke up with him. He exploded in rage. “Just because of a broken glass?” “Eleanor Vance, don’t forget you were the one who came begging!” I hadn’t forgotten. He was the one who broke the deal first, forgetting what he’d promised me. For the past two years, playing his trophy girlfriend, he thought I was obedient and docile. He had no idea. His ‘one who got away,’ his childhood sweetheart, his trophy girlfriend – none of them wanted to stay by his side. When Grandma Helen was hospitalized, Julian found me and offered a deal: be his girlfriend for three years, and he’d get Grandma Helen the best specialist. I couldn’t refuse. The doctors had said Grandma Helen’s illness was critical. I begged Julian to keep his word. Grandma Helen was the only family I had left. He agreed immediately, a smug, self-satisfied look on his face. “Right, what was your name again?” “My name is Eleanor Vance.” His expression shifted. A subtle, scrutinizing gaze, a condescending judgment washing over his face. He asked, “Is that… like *her* name?” I replied, “It’s from an old poem my grandma loved, about spring and renewal. Like ‘verdant green,’ but with a deeper meaning.” He scoffed. “Lost on me.” “Like ‘green,’ but not just the color.” He snorted. “Sounds awful.” He clearly had no taste. I loved the name Grandma Helen had given me. Julian took me to a bar, parading me in front of his friends like a new toy. “You’ve still got it, Julian!” someone flattered him. “You snap your fingers, and they come running!” He puffed out his chest, smug. “Women? Easy pickings.” The only one who actually greeted me was Brandon Miller. He smiled. “Good evening, future Mrs. Hayes.” Julian corrected him, sneering that I was just a mistress, not worthy of such a title. His attitude was so rude, I almost thought I’d misheard him earlier. But no, my hearing and memory were just fine. He’d simply decided he no longer wanted to acknowledge me as his girlfriend. I didn’t argue. I was terrified of angering him, of him backing out on our deal. “Hey, Julian, does she even drink?” Julian looked utterly confident, as if a simple drink was something everyone naturally knew how to handle. But I didn’t. Grandma Helen had always said drinking was bad for your health. “Julian, you’ve got yourself a real trophy girlfriend here!” Julian, for no apparent reason, exploded. He smashed the glass in his hand. “You can’t even drink! You’re an embarrassment!” I figured the only thing Julian was good at was drinking. Every time I went to a bar with him after that, he’d down more drinks than I could count. I’d occasionally worry he’d get alcohol poisoning, but he never did. When Julian got drunk, he’d suddenly start looking for me. “Sera… Sera—” Surprised, I hesitantly walked over, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Sera! Where did you go…” I was completely flustered when Brandon Miller walked over, coolly looking down at me. “Future Mrs. Hayes.” I looked up. Brandon sighed dramatically. “Julian’s not calling you. He’s calling his ‘one who got away’ ex-girlfriend—Seraphina Lockhart.” Seraphina Lockhart. The one he’d never truly gotten over. It clicked in an instant. I finally understood why Julian had asked about my name earlier – he was thinking of his ‘one who got away’ ex-girlfriend. “Three years ago, Seraphina went abroad for her studies, and they broke up. He’s never gotten over her.” Brandon said this, looking utterly moved. I didn’t quite get it. Julian didn’t strike me as the ‘deeply in love’ type. Anyway, if he wasn’t looking for me, but Seraphina, there was no point in me staying. “Brandon? I need to get back to the hospital to look after Grandma Helen. Could you keep an eye on him?” When I walked into her hospital room, Grandma Helen was knitting a scarf. It was the middle of summer, but I knew she was knitting it for me. She was afraid she wouldn’t live to see winter. She smiled when she saw me, immediately putting down her knitting to peel an apple for me. I didn’t want her to overexert herself. I gently moved both the apple and the scarf out of reach, then, under her slightly resigned gaze, I put a hat on her head. Grandma Helen’s hair had been shaved off, and I worried she’d be cold. “Grandma, don’t rush the scarf. Winter’s still a long way off.” “The doctors said a brilliant specialist is coming for your surgery. My Grandma Helen is going to live to be a hundred!” Julian was truly a high-handed jerk, always smashing glasses, but when it came to Grandma Helen’s illness, he was more attentive than I’d expected. He brought in the specialist, scheduled the surgery for three months later, and even hired two nurses to help me care for Grandma Helen. So, when he told me to move into the Hayes estate and learn household duties with Mrs. Gable, and how to cater to him, I acted perfectly obedient. He seemed satisfied. “A woman should know her place,” he said. I started learning how to be Julian’s trophy girlfriend – like always bringing him a glass of warm water after one of his hangovers. Under the nurses’ diligent care, Grandma Helen’s condition improved day by day, and I gradually caught up on my missed studies. At that point, I was truly grateful to Julian. I even thought I’d be a good trophy girlfriend and keep him satisfied.

Two months later, Julian’s ‘one who got away,’ Seraphina Lockhart, came back for a vacation. She’d heard Julian had a mistress, and she was curious. So Julian brought me out to show me off to her. “So, you’re Eleanor Vance?” Her hair was styled in soft curls. In the flashy, vibrant bar, she wore a simple white dress, looking every bit the pristine ‘one who got away.’ Brandon introduced her to me: “Future Mrs. Hayes, this is Seraphina.” Seraphina raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You call *her* Mrs. Hayes?” “Brandon,” Julian snapped, his face sour. “I told you, she’s not worthy of any title.” “Julian’s right. Not just anyone can be compared to Seraphina.” “What are you saying? Does Seraphina even *need* to be compared to anyone? She just has to stand there, and everyone will hand her whatever she desires.” “An international elite like her is just different. Some people will never leave their hometown. Guess that’s just fate.” It sounded like deriving superiority from me made them very happy. I looked at Julian. He was staring at Seraphina, as if he were deaf, or perhaps he just didn’t care. Seraphina, however, remained perfectly composed. “I hear you’re a student at a top university? You attend classes during the day and sleep at night. I’m just curious how you manage to care for Julian.” With just that one sentence from Seraphina, Julian’s face immediately darkened. I frowned, confused. “I don’t just sleep as soon as I get home from school…” Julian cut me off, his voice cold. “Enough! Seraphina has a point. You’re always going to school, running back and forth between here and there. It’s a waste of time!” “Tomorrow, you’re going to drop out!” I stared at Julian, utterly disbelieving. Just because of one illogical comment from Seraphina, he wanted me to drop out of a top university?! Brandon Miller actually started applauding, saying it was a great idea. I thought they were all insane. I looked at Julian defiantly. His brows furrowed in fury. “What kind of impression are you making, running around outside all day?!” “Besides, if you drop out, won’t you have more time to look after that old woman? I’m doing this for your own good!” His words did remind me. Grandma Helen hadn’t had her surgery yet. I heard my own voice, trembling. “…Fine.” I dropped out. Julian didn’t come back until the third morning. The moment he walked in, he started throwing my belongings out. “Didn’t I buy you clothes? Do you think your own rags are presentable?!” What counted as ‘presentable’ clothes? I didn’t get it. Julian, dressed in thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes, was throwing my things around, looking anything but dignified. He started tossing things off my desk. “Wait! Julian, that’s the necklace Grandma Helen gave me. Throw out whatever else you want, just not this!” I lunged forward, snatching the necklace from his hand. He looked absolutely enraged. I suspected he wanted to hit me, but he opted to just smash another glass instead. “Don’t play the victim. Do whatever you want, just don’t let me see you wearing it.” I clutched the necklace tightly, promising I wouldn’t wear it out. But Julian wasn’t done with me. “Who said you could even go out? As long as Seraphina is here, you’re not leaving this house!” I couldn’t help but argue. “What does Seraphina have to do with this? Besides, I need to go with Grandma Helen for her surgery in a few days!” “You’re not a doctor, what good would you be there? Just stay put! As long as Seraphina is here, you’re not going anywhere!” When it came to Grandma Helen, I wouldn’t make any concessions to Julian. He locked me in my room, but on the day of the surgery, I jumped out the window. Luckily, Grandma Helen’s surgery was a success. The bad news was, I’d sprained my ankle. While the doctor was wrapping my ankle, Julian stormed into the hospital, with Brandon Miller trailing behind, clearly enjoying the drama. “Eleanor Vance, are you insane?! Jumping from that high building, do you think that makes you look impressive?!” I was actually more afraid his shouting would wake Grandma Helen. Julian was about to continue his tantrum when he suddenly got a call. The fury on his face melted away like butter. “Sera? You’re leaving? Okay, I’ll drive you to the airport right now.” He turned and left. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Brandon Miller, surprisingly, didn’t leave with him. He found a seat nearby. He smirked. “Your ankle looks lovely, future Mrs. Hayes. Julian clearly doesn’t appreciate it.” I didn’t want to engage. I put my shoes back on. Brandon immediately offered a feigned apology. “Sorry about that, future Mrs. Hayes. Oh, by the way, did you know Julian has a childhood sweetheart fiancée? Briar Rosewood.” “What’s that to me, Mr. Miller?” He clicked his tongue. “Looks like you don’t care for Julian at all, future Mrs. Hayes.” “What’s that to *you*, Brandon Miller?”

When I dropped out, my professors were truly disappointed. But I didn’t let it get me down. I used my free time to self-study and write business proposals. Julian was spending a lot of time at home then – well, it *was* his home. Anyway, he found my messy proposal drafts and dismissed them as childish nonsense. I tuned out his cutting remarks. As long as he didn’t interfere, I was fine. Two days later, he suddenly had his female secretary bring me a stack of case studies that weren’t available to the public, saying they were to broaden my horizons. His secretary, Ms. Reid, was very straightforward. “These proposals are excellent. Just ‘broadening your horizons’ would be a waste.” I actually smiled, genuinely. I really did like these, far more than the flashy, impractical clothes Julian bought me. Julian watched me, sipping his water, and somehow, his hand slipped, smashing another glass. He covered his awkwardness by bringing up a fireworks display that night, asking if I wanted to go with him. I was genuinely unaccustomed to him acting… normal. The short period between Seraphina leaving and Briar arriving was one of the few times I could call peaceful, almost lulling me into complacency. Julian still occasionally drank with his friends. When he got drunk, he’d barely recognize anyone, calling me “Sera,” and saying he wanted to be with “Sera.” I felt a flicker of something, and then confusion. I wasn’t sure which ‘Sera’ he was calling for. The drunk wouldn’t listen. He just kept repeating, “Sera, we’re going to be together forever.” I thought about it, then patted his hand, promising that as long as he didn’t do anything to betray me, I could try to be with him. Julian seemed to smile. But I didn’t notice, continuing, “Still, forever is too long. We only have three years.” The next morning, Julian left, looking absolutely furious. I thought he was feeling unwell, but he didn’t drink the honey water I’d left on the table for him. I tidied up the table, then went to accompany Grandma Helen for her follow-up. The doctor said her illness had a chance of recurrence and it would be best for her to stay for observation. As soon as I got back to the Hayes estate, I saw a strange woman, wearing a pink sundress, laughing playfully with Julian. Julian, currently, looked utterly delighted. That girl was Briar Rosewood, the childhood sweetheart Brandon Miller had mentioned, the one engaged to Julian. “Julian, darling, who is *she*? How can just anyone walk in here?!” Briar saw me before Julian did. She tightened her grip on his arm. Julian replied coldly, “She’s nothing.” I didn’t want to be ‘nothing,’ so I told Briar directly that I was Julian’s mistress. “What?! How could Julian, darling, be interested in *you*? Is your family incredibly rich?” “No, I’m from a very modest background.” “Then… are you a brilliant student?” Her words truly stung. I glanced at Julian; he was gazing at Briar with doting eyes. “…I didn’t finish college.” Briar refused to believe I was so utterly useless. She turned to Julian for confirmation. Julian said, “Alright, Briar, she really is just someone I keep around for fun.” Briar’s gaze turned hostile as she looked at me. “Oh, I see. My apologies for earlier, Eleanor dear.” Briar was clearly calling me that on purpose. Julian glared at me, displeased, then ruffled Briar’s hair. “Just call her by her name. Seraphina doesn’t like being mimicked.” “But that’s so rude, Julian, darling.” “Hmm… I’m a little hungry. Would Eleanor, um, be upset if I asked her to make me dinner, Julian, darling?” Julian gestured at me with a flick of his head. “What are you waiting for? Go!”

Briar was truly like a songbird. The moment she arrived, the entire Hayes estate filled with laughter. I silently listened as I chopped vegetables in the kitchen. Distracted, I sliced my index finger, staining the entire cutting board red with blood. I walked out of the kitchen and heard Julian inviting Briar to stay over. “Julian, darling, Eleanor, um, won’t be unhappy if I stay here, will she?” Briar, again, saw me first. She asked Julian the question, but her eyes were deliberately fixed on me. Julian replied, “Of course not. What’s wrong with a little sister staying at her big brother’s house for a night? Let her try to frown, I dare her!” Briar tilted her head, a smug smile on her face. “Oh, Eleanor dear, why are you out here?” I replied flatly, “Cut my hand.” Julian immediately jumped in to defend Briar. “I bet you just don’t want to cook for Briar! Such a tiny cut, and you’re already being dramatic!” I thought Julian must have bad eyesight. Briar had clearly seen my blood on the floor. “Alright, Julian, darling, let her deal with it. It doesn’t look good to have blood everywhere. I’d rather go out to eat with you~” Hearing Briar say that, I started walking upstairs. Julian roared, furious. “Eleanor Vance, stop right there! What’s with the attitude?! And don’t you dare give me that look!” Heaven knows, I wasn’t. “Julian, you two go out. I’m going to bed.” “Eleanor Vance! If you go back to your room, don’t you *ever* come out again!” Forever again. He always uttered ‘forever’ so casually. Anyone with a modicum of sense would know he couldn’t actually lock me up forever. If I wanted to leave, even if it meant jumping out a window, I would do it. Briar came to find me privately, telling me to leave Julian quickly so she wouldn’t have to deal with me. I was curious. Had she really loved Julian for twenty years just because of a verbal engagement? “What business is it of yours?!” Of course, it wasn’t my business. I told her I wouldn’t be leaving Julian for now. I’d promised to be Julian’s girlfriend for three years. I always kept my word. Integrity wasn’t a mistake. She scoffed. “I think *you’re* the one who’s been in love with him for twenty years.” She walked away, then suddenly turned back. “Oh, right, Julian, darling, asked me to call you downstairs.” I didn’t know what Julian’s latest fit was about. He pulled me into his car, said nothing, and floored the accelerator harder than he did when racing. “Where are you taking me?” He didn’t answer. The car screeched to a halt in front of a hotel. His face was grim. I had a creeping sense that something bad was about to happen. The next second, I heard him ask, “Eleanor Vance, do you like me?” I countered, “What about you, Julian? Do *you* like me?” “…How could I possibly like you?” “I like girls like Briar. As for you, no education, no background – don’t be delusional.”

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This year, the weather authorities had issued multiple extreme heat alerts. Our company’s new CEO Assistant suggested we all go to a forest in the wilderness to escape the heat. But I’d been reading the news. The place she suggested had recently seen a surge in Chikungunya fever cases. This disease is primarily spread by mosquitoes, and the area she picked was swarming with them. Going there now would be a death wish! I immediately rejected her proposal and shared the news report in the company chat. Everyone was furious, accusing the assistant of ill intent, saying she wanted to send them to their deaths. The assistant was shamed into not coming to work. Then, she live-streamed her suicide attempt, leaping from a high-rise. In the live stream, she cried desperately, explaining that she hadn’t seen the news, and her suggestion to go there was genuinely for everyone’s well-being. Her death shocked the entire company. Later, my CEO husband teamed up with all our colleagues, stripped me bare, tied me up, and left me in the wild forest. I was bitten by countless mosquitoes, suffered a severe infection, and died. When I woke up again. I was back to the day the assistant, Chloe Miller, suggested we go to the wild forest to escape the heat. This time, I smiled and agreed. “That’s a great idea.” … “I see everyone’s been looking so drained from the heat lately, and work efficiency is terrifyingly low. How about I talk to the CEO and ask him to take us on a trip to escape the heat?” “I’ve already picked out the perfect spot! I did so much research to find this untouched, pristine forest. I heard it’s really cool and comfortable there.” “Much better than just blasting the AC here, don’t you think, Alice?” Her words jolted me awake. It finally hit me—was I reborn? I was back on the day Chloe Miller suggested that summer retreat in the wild forest. The weather this year was abnormal. Temperatures soared past 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with constant heat advisories. Even with air conditioning at the office, my colleagues were still miserable from the heat, completely unmotivated to work. As the company’s Vice President, all I could do was try to shorten their work hours. Chloe Miller, the new assistant, wanting to win everyone over, suggested a company-funded summer outing to beat the heat. The proposal was met with unanimous support, but I flat-out rejected it. I had just seen the news: the place Chloe Miller suggested had a high incidence of Chikungunya fever outbreaks. And since this disease is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, her idea of going to an undeveloped wild forest meant it had never been treated for insects. It would be swarming with mosquitoes. Going there now would be no different from signing our own death warrants. My rejection drew some不满 (displeasure) from my colleagues, but constrained by my Vice President title and the difficulty of finding jobs these past few years, they swallowed their resentment. Seeing their resentful expressions, I sighed and shared the official health report about the outbreak in our company WhatsApp group. Only then did my colleagues understand me. They immediately turned around and accused Chloe Miller of ill intent, saying she knew how dangerous it was but still wanted to lead them to their deaths. Chloe Miller was ostracized and live-streamed her suicide attempt from home. She lost her footing, slipped, and actually fell to her death. In the live stream, she cried, explaining that she hadn’t seen the news, didn’t know there was an outbreak there, and that her intentions were good. She even claimed I was intentionally targeting her because she was prettier, and I was afraid she’d steal my husband. Afterward, I tried my best to explain. But my CEO husband, David Cheney, stripped me bare, tied me up, and threw me into the wild forest teeming with mosquitoes. “You said mosquito bites would kill you? Then I’ll wait and see if you die. If you do, I’ll believe you’re innocent. But if you don’t, I’ll personally make sure you go down to apologize to Chloe.” Remembering the agony of the mosquito bites, the despair before my death, I decided this time, I wouldn’t save these cold-hearted bastards. I looked down, adjusted my clothes, and composed my expression. My smile had never looked so genuinely sincere. “I think Chloe’s idea is really good. I see everyone’s been working so hard. So, Chloe, why don’t you go talk to the CEO?” Chloe hadn’t expected me to agree so readily. She was ready to argue her case, to put on a grand show of fighting for everyone’s well-being. My easy agreement forced her prepared speech back down her throat, her face twisting into an unreadable, almost pained expression. But it lasted only a second. Then she was smiling like an innocent little sweetheart, practically skipping past me. “David, I was just about to look for you.” “Look how hot it is, and everyone’s still working so hard, lots of people are getting sick. So I suggested we take everyone to a wild forest to escape the heat. What do you say?” She clung to David’s arm, playfully shaking it, a sugary sweetness in her voice. Completely ignoring me, his actual wife, standing right there. A rare gentle smile appeared on David’s usually stern face, his voice helpless yet doting. “Our Chloe is just so kind, so thoughtful. Unlike some people who only care about money.” “Since you’ve said so, I have no reason to refuse. I’ll leave all the arrangements to you. We’ll follow your lead.” I scoffed internally. They completely disregarded the fact that I was David’s wife. And I knew David’s comment about “some people” was directed at me. After all, I was the one who worked day and night to build the company to its current scale. I only let him be CEO and took the VP role to make him look good, to save his pride. In reality, I handled all the work, and he just enjoyed the good life. And now he was blaming me for only caring about money? In my last life, I would have furiously argued with him. But now, I simply maintained a polite smile, tacitly accepting everything. Chloe saw I wasn’t jealous or angry, which seemed to annoy her even more. But just for a second. Then her eyes darted around, and she came over, linking her arm through mine, acting like we were the best of friends, all sweet and bubbly. “Alice, you’ll be coming too, right?” Before I could say anything, David frowned and cut in. “She’s not going.” “Seeing her just ruins the fun.” “You won’t have a good time if she’s there.” A flicker of triumph crossed Chloe’s eyes, and her smile became even more provocative. “David, everyone’s going. It’s not right to leave Alice behind. You two are married, after all.” I smirked. *Now* you remember we’re married? I didn’t want to go anyway, and was just about to refuse. David’s face hardened, and he impatiently ordered me. “Fine, then you come along. But let me make one thing clear: don’t cause Chloe any trouble, or don’t blame me for not giving you face.” On the day of the outing, the weather continued to heat up. My colleagues wore light clothing, a lot of skin exposed. Only Chloe and I were completely covered in long sleeves and pants. After a three-hour drive, we arrived at the spot Chloe had described. City-dwelling corporate drones rarely got a chance to experience nature. My colleagues were immediately captivated by the scenery. “Chloe found a truly beautiful spot.” “Yeah, and it’s so cool and comfortable here. The office AC can’t even compare.” “Look, there are so many small lakes over there! We can play in the water soon.” Everyone joyfully ran into the forest, heading towards the lakes. But I stayed in the car, not wanting to get out. Chloe saw I had no intention of leaving the car, and her face immediately fell, looking crestfallen. “Alice, are you unhappy with my arrangements?” “But you agreed back at the office.” “I spent days putting together this plan. It’s really a wonderful place. You should come down and join us.” I could tell she wouldn’t give up until she’d dragged me into this. And many colleagues were starting to look over, their faces showing a hint of displeasure. This was Chloe’s goal: to undermine my standing in the company. I sighed and gave her a big smile. “I didn’t say anything. I just wanted to rest a bit before joining you all.” I doused myself in mosquito repellent, pulled my collar high, and tightened my pant legs before finally getting out of the car and heading towards the main group. By the time I arrived, some people had already taken off their clothes and gotten into the water. I frowned, watching the mosquitoes dancing on the water’s surface. That’s when Chloe walked up to me, enthusiastically inviting me to join them in the water. “Alice, it’s so hot, you should take off your clothes and play with us too!” I shook my head, refusing. Chloe immediately looked crestfallen, her eyes welling up like she was about to burst into tears. Just then, David walked over. “Alice, didn’t I warn you not to bully Chloe?” “Get back to the car right now! You’re annoying me.” I let out a sigh of relief, about to turn back to the car. Chloe spoke up again. “David, don’t scold Alice like that. We’re all out here together. How can we just leave her alone in the car while we play?” The surrounding colleagues also gathered around, a cacophony of voices trying to mediate, though their main point was still that I was being a killjoy, practically wanting to rip my clothes off and drag me in themselves. But I wasn’t angry. Once they had said their piece, I pulled out a pregnancy test report from my pocket. “Sorry, I’m pregnant. I can’t join you in the water.” Chloe hadn’t expected this. She stared at me in disbelief, then turned to glare at David, her eyes full of accusation. Before they could react, I continued. “I came today because I didn’t want to spoil everyone’s fun. So, I’ll just go back to the car and wait for you all.” With that, I turned and headed for the car. My colleagues didn’t know what else to say. After all, she was pregnant; if anything happened, no one wanted to be responsible. Chloe’s face went absolutely ashen. She’d clearly planned to trap me, but I hadn’t fallen for it. And now, she’d heard the one thing she never wanted to hear: I was pregnant! David finally snapped out of it, rushing forward to pull Chloe into his arms. Then he whirled around and roared at me: “Why didn’t you say you were pregnant sooner?” “You had to wait until now to say it, making us look like heartless villains who forced you despite your condition! How could you be so cruel? Chloe’s plans were well-intentioned. Your stunt makes her look bad, like she intentionally tried to harm you, leaving her caught between a rock and a hard place.” Listening to his accusations, a bitter taste filled my mouth. He knew I was pregnant, but his first thought wasn’t concern for me or our child. Instead, he blamed me for the timing of my pregnancy, all for another woman. We were once the perfect couple, envied by everyone. When we were broke, we shared every meager meal. When our startup failed, we encouraged and supported each other. Even before Chloe came along, our relationship was still very strong. We never fought; he barely ever even raised his voice at me. When did he start to change? Perhaps the first time Chloe cried in front of him? Or when Chloe hugged him and called him ‘big brother’? Or maybe even earlier, the first time he saw Chloe. That explained why Chloe, someone who hadn’t even finished a decent college degree, had climbed to the position of CEO Assistant in just half a month. I’d tried to tell him many times that Chloe wasn’t suitable for her job; she did nothing but cry. David would just brush me off. Then he’d get a cold look on his face, furious, telling me to mind my own business. Later, he grew colder towards me, showering more attention on Chloe. That’s why he didn’t even know when I’d found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want to look at them anymore and just got into the car. The weather grew hotter. Soon, it would be prime time for the virus-carrying mosquitoes to be active. I watched my lightly dressed colleagues still playing joyfully by the water, while Chloe remained far away, bundled up. Their cheerful shouts occasionally drifted over. “Chloe’s choice of place is truly amazing! I feel alive again.” “Yeah, Chloe is really our lucky star!” “Chloe, anything you need in the future, just say the word. If you say east, I won’t go west.” Seeing the red bites all over their skin, I found it ironic. They were having fun now, and the water was cool, so they didn’t feel much. But staying in there would only increase their risk of infection. Plus, constant movement speeds up blood flow, allowing toxins to quickly spread throughout their bodies. Just as I thought this, as if to confirm my prediction, A frail colleague was the first to feel unwell. He suddenly vomited, then collapsed to the ground, crying out in pain… I rushed over to check on him. His entire body was covered in red rashes, and he was writhing on the ground, screaming in agony… Soon, one after another, colleagues began to collapse, vomiting non-stop, and screaming in pain… I stepped forward, calmly observed them, and said evenly, “They seem to have contracted a virus.” A few female colleagues who hadn’t gone into the water due to their positions stood there, their faces pale. “Sir… Mr. CEO… they really do seem to have contracted a virus!” David looked panicked, and Chloe’s face also went white. “How… how could they get infected so easily…” Unlike David, my expression remained calm.

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My fiancé, Julian, hired a new assistant while I was away on a business trip. She was his junior mentee from college, a classic sweet-faced nuisance. She swapped Julian’s black coffee for a sugary kiddie drink and decorated our professional conference room with giant cartoon pillows. I tried to tell her how unprofessional that was. But Julian frowned, his voice laced with an indulgence I’d never heard directed at me. “Skylar is still just a kid, with a pure heart. You’re older, Anya, be more understanding, don’t be so harsh.” My fingertips went instantly cold. Ten years of dating, seven years building this company side-by-side. I thought we were equals, soulmates, building an empire together. He saw me as a bitter old woman. Fine. A kid, is she? Then I’ll spoil her with you. I swallowed all my advice and just watched Skylar’s little performance unfold, a smile plastered on my face. Until that day, when I watched her personally escort a client, dressed in a bespoke suit, into a rustic farm retreat’s goose pen…

The second round of financing was finally done. I had just landed when my assistant, Chloe, called. “Ms. Stone, Mr. Hayes fired me. He said I was incompetent.” I was stunned. Chloe had been my assistant for three years, always my right hand. Julian, as the company’s co-founder and my fiancé, knew this better than anyone. Why would he suddenly make such a decision? “Chloe, don’t panic. Tell me clearly, what exactly happened?” On the other end, Chloe’s sobbing choked, and her voice became unusually hesitant. “Ms. Stone, you should see this first.” Before she finished speaking, a notification chimed: An unfamiliar social media account, with a small line of text: “Ms. Stone, you’ll understand once you see it.” The moment the avatar popped up, my heart pounded a few frantic beats. That avatar, adorned with a KITTY cat sticker, I had seen it before. Late one night, before my business trip, she had FaceTimed Julian. He hadn’t answered, merely saying dismissively, “I don’t really know this person, must be a wrong number.” As he spoke, he showed me his SnapChat history; it was completely clean, totally blank. I didn’t think much of it. Ten years of shared history, that much trust was a given. But how could this avatar be connected to Chloe getting fired? With a tremor I could barely detect, I tapped into the account. The first pinned post was like an icy needle, piercing directly into my eyes: **[Office Day 1 Check-in!]** **[Making coffee for the CEO, I secretly swapped it for a kiddie drink! (nervous.jpg)]** **[He didn’t even get mad! He even smiled and said I was like a child. He told me to buy two bottles every day from now on, so we can drink them together!]** **[Wuwuwu, another day pampered by the CEO, go go working girl!]** **[Image: A bottle of kiddie drink with a cute straw, sitting on Julian Hayes’ expensive mahogany desk.]** *Boom!* Something exploded in my mind. Kiddie drink? Julian? After ten years together, I knew better than anyone how much he avoided sugar. His family had a severe history of diabetes; his father had passed away early because of it. For years, I hadn’t even dared to buy high-sugar fruits, terrified he might accidentally eat them. He was disciplined to the point of being harsh; candy, cake, and all sugary drinks were strictly forbidden. He always said, “I need to live a long time, to be with you.” But now, he not only agreed to drink a sugary drink with someone else, He even… used that indulgent tone, calling her “a child”? My chest felt squeezed by an invisible hand. I picked up my phone and dialed Julian’s number directly. The long busy signal in the receiver felt like a dull knife sawing at my flesh. Just when I thought it would automatically hang up, it connected. “Hello?” A sickly sweet voice, so saccharine it could make you cringe, answered. “Who are you looking for?” My blood instantly rushed to my head. “Where’s Julian?” “Who are *you*? Didn’t your mother teach you not to call people by their full names? So rude!” *“Click!”* The phone was hung up directly. I gasped for air, my fingertips icy, my palms slick with sweat. Ten years. The awkward teenager who carried me across campus in the pouring rain, the confident man who crammed into a tiny rental with me, eating instant noodles while talking grand ambitions, the steadfast figure who stood in front of me when competitors maliciously attacked us… One image after another, all the trust and warmth I thought were unshakeable, were now thoroughly doused by that phone call and that ridiculous children’s drink. I took deep breaths, trying to convince myself there must be some misunderstanding. After a long while, my trembling body finally calmed, and I hailed a cab to the company. As I stepped out of the executive elevator, I heard a fierce argument.

“Assistant Skylar! This contract must be sent out before ten! Who will take responsibility for millions in losses if we miss the deadline?!” It was Mr. Davis, the Marketing Manager. Always composed, he was now frantic with rage. Immediately following was the voice I’d heard on the phone: “Mr. Davis, don’t shout, you’re scaring me…” Her cloying, sticky voice was like un-melted syrup. “The CEO just fell asleep! What’s more important than his rest? You go back first, and when he wakes up, I promise I’ll tell him right away…” “When he wakes up, things will be way past due! He can rest after signing the contract, the CEO wouldn’t be so irresponsible, now move.” “Oh, why are you like this? Hmph! I’m standing right here, let’s see who dares to go in!” I stood by the elevator door, watching Skylar, dressed in a cutesy, doll-like outfit, acting like a human roadblock, her entire body spread-eagled against the CEO’s office door. Mr. Davis’s forehead throbbed with bulging veins. He wanted to go forward but hesitated, given the gender difference. He could only raise his voice and shout into the office: “Mr. Hayes! Mr. Hayes! Sign this! It’s super urgent!” “It’s no use, Mr. Davis,” Skylar giggled, covering her mouth. “I guessed you guys would argue, so I put noise-canceling headphones on the CEO beforehand! Top-of-the-line too!” She blinked her big eyes, wearing a “Look how smart I am, praise me” expression, but then instantly switched to a pained, teary look of grievance: “Why doesn’t anyone care about the CEO? He works so hard… I’m the only one in the whole company who cares about him…” Rage instantly flooded my limbs. I took a deep breath and quickly stepped forward. “What is going on here?!” The two, who had just been at loggerheads, froze, turning to face me. In the open office area, other employees who had been watching the spectacle seemed to have been put on mute. The air was dead silent, all eyes fixed on me. I walked straight past them, staring coldly at Skylar. My voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. “Move.” Her face, which had been plastered with “grievance,” changed dramatically the moment she saw me. A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. But the next second, she somehow managed to look self-righteous again. “Ms. Stone, I’m the CEO’s assistant, even if you…” My patience ran out. I raised my hand, and without the slightest hesitation, shoved her away from the door.

The CEO’s office was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn. Julian was sprawled in his executive chair, a pair of gigantic, Mickey Mouse-shaped noise-canceling headphones on his head, sleeping soundly. On his desk, a game controller and empty snack bags lay scattered. This sight was like a resounding slap across my face. For three entire months, I had been tirelessly seeking funding and sponsorships, sleeping less than four hours a day. And him? Was *this* what he was busy with? Anger surged. I walked to his side and unceremoniously yanked off his headphones. Julian startled awake, his eyes bleary, an annoyed grunt escaping him. “Who…” When he saw it was me, his annoyance instantly morphed into surprise. “Anya?!” He shot upright, his eyes even brightening. “When did you get back?! Why didn’t you tell me? I would have picked you up at the airport!” His voice was genuinely happy, even carrying a hint of reproach. In the past, I would have thought he loved me deeply. But now, I only found him utterly fake. “Pick me up?” I forced a smile, the curve of my lips icy. “I wouldn’t dare trouble Mr. Hayes.” Perhaps he caught the sarcasm in my words, as Julian’s smile stiffened. I didn’t give him a chance to explain. I picked up the delayed contract and slapped it down in front of him: “Sign it.” “Mr. Davis is at his wit’s end outside. Are millions worth of contracts less important than the CEO’s gaming and beauty sleep?” My words stung him, his face turning an ugly shade of red and white, but he signed it immediately. I handed the contract to Mr. Davis, who looked at me with gratitude. “Go quickly.” Mr. Davis rushed out as if he’d been granted a great pardon. The office door closed again, shutting out countless probing gazes. Inside, only Julian and I remained, and… the uninvited one.

Skylar had somehow slipped back in, limping, tears streaming down her face, looking as if she had suffered the greatest injustice. “CEO…” she whimpered timidly, successfully catching Julian’s attention. “Skylar? What happened to you?” Julian frowned, his voice full of concern. Here we go. I watched with a cold eye, knowing the show was about to begin. “I… I’m fine…” Skylar said so, but then, right in front of Julian and me, she did something astounding— She suddenly bent down, grabbed the hem of her skirt with both hands, and forcefully lifted it! Two smooth legs were exposed to the air. On her left knee, a large, fresh patch of red and swollen bruising was starkly visible. It looked shocking! “Ms. Stone… Ms. Stone pushed me just now… I hit the marble floor…” She lifted her tear-filled face, looking at me accusingly, then quickly lowered her head, her shoulders subtly shaking. I scoffed. How much force had I used when I pushed her? I knew perfectly well. She had stood steady as a rock. And now, she was injured like this? Her acting was so good, it was a waste for her not to be in Hollywood. “Skylar, you…” I began, ready to expose her pathetic act. “I’m sorry! Ms. Stone! It’s all my fault!” But Skylar suddenly bowed deeply, a full ninety degrees, cutting me off. Her voice was thick with sobs and boundless “sincerity.” “I shouldn’t have blocked the door… I just… I just wanted the CEO to rest well…” “If I made you misunderstand, Ms. Stone, and think I was deliberately stopping you… then it’s all my fault! I apologize to you! I’m sorry! Please forgive me!” She remained bent at the waist, her posture utterly humble. The angle was just right for Julian to see her swollen knee and tear-stained eyelashes. My eyes immediately went to Julian. Sure enough. Those eyes, which had once looked at me with complete devotion, were now filled with pity for another woman. And… a hint of dissatisfaction directed at me, almost imperceptible. That look, like a poisoned ice pick, precisely pierced my last shred of illusion. Ten years of unspoken understanding, gone, undone by the tears of a manipulative innocent and a fake bruise. “Enough! Skylar! Get up!” Julian’s face was stern, his voice deliberately raised, sounding stiff. He walked around the desk, quickly moving to Skylar’s side. He wanted to help her up, but hesitated halfway, his hand stopping, aware of my presence. He turned to me, his voice carrying a thinly veiled “explanation”: “Anya, I was the one who gave orders not to be disturbed! It’s not her fault! You… you went too far!” What a “just following orders”! What a “you went too far”! This seemingly “explanation” was, in reality, every word a jab at me! Accusing me of pushing the door, of “disturbing” his rest, and even of “harming” this “innocent” “little assistant” who only had his well-being in mind! A massive sense of absurdity and icy anger swept over me. I didn’t want to argue with him in front of this drama queen; it would only make me look like a hysterical shrew. “Get her out.” I stared at Julian, my voice chillingly calm. Julian seemed to choke on my resolute tone. He looked at Skylar, his voice a soothing coax to a child: “Skylar, go out for now. Didn’t you say you ordered fruit salad? Go hurry them up.” Skylar’s sobbing instantly quieted. She slowly straightened up, pouting, her watery eyes looking at Julian, with a hint of a plea: “CEO… Senior Brother…” “Go,” Julian waved his hand, his voice infinitely gentle. Only then did Skylar, glancing back every few steps, drag her “injured” leg, slowly and limping, out of the office. The door softly closed behind her.

Inside, the air was as frozen as a river of ice. Only Julian and I remained, in a silent standoff. The tenderness on his face from moments ago hadn’t fully faded. When he looked at me, though his face was full of affection, there was also a hint of guilt. I looked at him, his face, familiar from ten years of being together, now felt utterly strange. My nails dug deep into my palms, using the sharp pain to force myself to maintain my last shred of composure. “Why did you fire Chloe?” I asked, my voice steady from extreme effort. “She’s been with me for three years, never made a single mistake, and she wouldn’t be ‘incompetent’ for no reason.” Julian’s eyes flickered, then he adopted a formal, business-like expression. His brow furrowed. “Anya, I know Chloe is your person. But this time, she went too far!” He paused, seemingly weighing his words, or perhaps eager to clear his name. “Yesterday morning, Skylar… oh, Assistant Skylar, was only half an hour late.” “You know, young people, occasionally oversleep, it’s understandable.” “But Chloe? She actually yelled at Skylar in the office, in front of so many people, making her cry!” “Her words were extremely nasty, saying she was ‘ill-mannered’ and ‘holding us back,’ even… even hinting she got her position through improper means!” “This is blatant personal insult! The company is a place of rules; we can’t tolerate this kind of behavior!” “That’s why I fired her. It’s to maintain the company’s image and to give newcomers a fair environment!” “Chloe yelled at her? And insulted her personally?” I almost scoffed. I knew Chloe’s personality better than anyone. If something could be solved by docking pay, she wouldn’t waste an extra word. “Julian, Chloe isn’t that kind of person. She…” “Anya!” Julian abruptly cut me off, his voice suddenly rising, filled with the indignation of his authority being questioned. “What do you mean? Do you think I’m lying? Or do you think Skylar is lying?” He stared directly at me, his gaze sharp and cold. “Skylar is my junior mentee. She has a pure heart, none of your complicated schemes! She cried until her eyes were swollen, do you think she was faking that too?!” “Pure heart? *You guys*?” I repeated his words, each one like a poisoned needle, pricking my heart. That pathetic performance just moments ago was still vivid in my mind, and he believed she had a pure heart, meaning he believed *I* had pushed her. Chloe and I were “you guys,” so, the two of them were “us”? Realizing this made my chest ache, almost suffocating me. The atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing.

Perhaps realizing his tone had been too harsh, Julian’s indignation on his face softened slightly, replaced by an almost condescending “peace-making” gesture. He sighed, his voice softening. “Alright, Anya, I know you’re protective. If you’re really unhappy… I’ll have HR call Chloe back? Just to save face for you.” His tone made it sound as if bringing Chloe back was a huge favor. “Of course she’s coming back.” I stared at him, my voice firm. “Restore her to her original position, with full compensation. Not a cent less.” “But Julian, I can handle that myself. What I want to talk to you about isn’t that at all!” He paused, surprised. “Then what is it?” “It’s *you*!” I took a step forward, glaring at him. “It’s your series of unprofessional behaviors that have fallen below all standards, ever since this ‘pure-hearted’ Skylar came to the company!” “You let her swap black coffee for sugary kiddie drinks.” “Because she was late, you fired a loyal employee who had made significant contributions to the company!” “Tell me, is this still the Julian I’ve known for ten years? I barely recognize you anymore!” Julian was nailed to the spot by my barrage of questions, his face cycling through shades of red and white. He opened his mouth, his eyes shifting with complex emotions. Finally, a familiar, self-satisfied smirk crept onto his lips. He suddenly reached out, trying to pull me closer, but I sidestepped, avoiding his touch. “Anya…” His tone was a mix of helplessness and smugness. “Are you… jealous?” He leaned closer, lowering his voice, intimately. “There’s really nothing going on between us! Professor asked me to help her find a job.” “She’s clumsy and a little clever, which reminds me of our university days… I felt a bit nostalgic, so I indulged her a little.” “I promise! It absolutely won’t happen again! I’ll handle company matters by the book from now on, okay? Don’t be mad?” “Jealous?” Those two words felt like a red-hot iron branding my heart. I looked at his face, wearing that “I’m trying to make you happy” expression, and my stomach churned. Ten years of weathering storms together, and now, at a critical moment with the company on the verge of going public. I was utterly exhausted, trying to talk to him about boundaries, principles, and his appallingly hypocritical and unprofessional conduct. And he just lightly dismissed it as “jealousy”? And blamed it on “nostalgia for youth”? This was no longer simple favoritism; this was a double insult to my intelligence and my character! I was about to make myself clearer when a sudden commotion erupted outside, mixed with a deliberately raised, overly sweet shout: “Everyone’s worked so hard! The CEO is treating everyone to fruit salad! Come and get it!” It was Skylar. Julian and I exchanged a glance, and I saw a clear look of “saved by the bell” relief in his eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he moved past me, pushed the door open, and walked out.

Skylar flitted around the open office area like a bright butterfly, dragging a massive foam box. Her face was beaming, not a trace of tears or grievance left. Even her “injured” leg seemed perfectly agile now. Seeing Julian and me emerge, her eyes lit up, and she grabbed two fruit salads, scurrying over. “Ms. Stone! CEO! Here, these are yours! They’re super delicious!” Julian took his naturally, even giving her an approving smile. I, however, didn’t move. My gaze fell on the plastic bowls in front of me—the cheap containers were almost transparent, and the bowl walls were stained with suspicious water marks. Cheap fruit, spotted with brown, was submerged in a grayish-white, sticky liquid. When I leaned closer, a strange odor, a mix of artificial flavoring and sourness, hit my nostrils. My brow instantly furrowed. “Assistant Skylar, where did you buy this fruit salad?” Skylar’s smile stiffened for a moment, then she plastered on an even sweeter one. “Just… just near the company, you know.” “Specifically which store?” I pressed, my gaze sharp as a knife. “Name? Address? Do you have a receipt?” Skylar’s face instantly paled. Her eyes began to dart around frantically, her lips trembling, and her voice immediately took on a whimper: “Ms… Ms. Stone… what… what do you mean by that?” “I… I just thought I’d get everyone something nice…” “My… my family isn’t well-off, I never had good things growing up… Maybe… maybe what I bought isn’t up to your standards…” “But you… you don’t have to… insult me like that, do you?” As she spoke, tears came on cue. Paired with that cautious, innocent expression, she looked exactly like a poor, helpless victim being bullied by a cruel villainess. “Insult you?” The anger I’d been holding back exploded! I raised my voice, making sure the entire office could hear clearly: “I’m asking you for the source! This yogurt smells spoiled! Food safety is a serious matter! Everyone, don’t eat these yet!” Silence instantly fell over the office area. The employees who had been given fruit salads froze, exchanging uneasy glances. “Anya Stone! That’s enough!” Julian’s enraged voice boomed. His face was ashen, his eyes like knives, cutting into me, filled with unbelievable fury and… deep concern for Skylar. As if to prove a point, or perhaps to spite me. He abruptly tore off the lid of his own bowl and, in front of everyone, aggressively scooped several large spoonfuls into his mouth, chewed them haphazardly, and swallowed! “I ate it! I think it’s fine!” He slammed the empty bowl onto a nearby desk with a dull *thump*. Then, his gaze, sharp as a blade, swept across every employee in the room, carrying blatant pressure and warning: “The CEO is treating, it’s a kind gesture! Everyone, don’t hold back!” The air solidified. Under immense pressure, some employees reluctantly began to eat. Skylar seized the opportunity, covered her face, and let out a loud wail, turning and running towards the fire escape. “Skylar!” Julian cried out anxiously, not even sparing me another glance, and rushed after her. As he brushed past me, a gust of wind, bitingly cold, swept by. I stood rooted to the spot. Watching the fire escape door swing back and forth, watching the employees in the office with their varied expressions, watching the cheap plastic bowl on the desk emitting that strange odor… My heart was filled with an unspeakable weariness. Ten years of a beautiful illusion, now, finally, thoroughly shattered.

“Janitorial staff, please clean this up. Everyone, back to work.” I calmly gave the instruction, then turned and went back to my office. A mountain of documents was piled on my desk. Thankfully, they kept me busy, leaving no room for sorrow. But the calm lasted only one morning before trouble struck again. After lunch, some employees turned green, clutching their stomachs, and started making endless trips to the restroom. Julian had run off, his phone unanswered, leaving me as the only one to clean up this mess. The fiasco triggered by the “CEO’s generous gesture” finally turned into a heavy burden crashing down on my shoulders. “HR! Compile a list of sick employees! Mild cases, rest. Severe cases, send to the hospital immediately!” “Legal! Report this mass food poisoning incident! Prepare all the necessary documents!” “All departments, review urgent tasks, ensure core operations continue without interruption! Minimize the impact!” My instructions were clear and cold, like a machine in motion. I forced myself to ignore the sharp pain of my nails digging into my palms, to ignore the frozen emptiness in my chest, and even more, to ignore the SnapChat notification of Skylar’s latest update: In front of a dimly lit claw machine, Julian was shown in profile, an expression of indulgence on his face that I had never seen before. Skylar’s hand was covering his larger one; they were “working together” to control the joystick. Caption: **[CEO is here playing claw machine with me instead of working]** **[Wuwuwu, it’s all my fault for being so clumsy, couldn’t win anything after dozens of tries, cried QAQ!]** **[The CEO couldn’t stand it anymore, personally stepping in to teach me! Feeling his hand over mine is just too swoon-worthy!]** **[Even though I still didn’t win the strawberry bear I wanted, the feeling of being pampered is already a perfect score!]** **[#CEOSoGentle #JuniorMentee’sExclusiveCoach]** The background sound seemed to still echo in my ears—”Skylar, don’t cry, which one do you want? I’ll help you win it.” And the background sound of reality now was the wailing sirens of ambulances approaching, the painful moans of employees, the incessant sharp ringing of phones. What an utterly absurd contrast. I twitched my lips, giving a self-deprecating laugh. In college, once, when we passed an arcade, I had impulsively asked him, “Julian, let’s try to win one too?” What did he say then? He frowned, his voice full of disdain: “Anya, how old are you, still playing this? So childish. You’d be better off reading another financial report.” It turns out, he didn’t dislike playing claw machines. He just disliked playing claw machines with *me*. Or rather, he preferred the “clumsy” girl who allowed him to play the role of “savior” and “gentle mentor.” Not me, the “older woman” who could fight alongside him, rational and calm. It wasn’t worth it anymore. Julian, and this crumbling ten-year relationship, weren’t worth another second of my effort. It was time to cut ties, decisively.

The next dozen hours felt like rolling through hell. The hospital emergency room was packed, filled with the sour stench of vomit, the sharp smell of disinfectant, and the painful groans of dozens of employees. Family members, hearing the news, arrived, their furious accusations almost raising the roof. I, along with the few remaining senior executives, moved through it like a fire brigade. Consoling families, liaising with doctors, cooperating with government investigations, handling urgent contracts… My brain was working at high speed, but my body felt like lead. My throat was already hoarse, my eyes bloodshot, my stomach empty yet without appetite, only cold coffee keeping me going. Julian’s phone? Still silent. His social media account, however, was updated—they had moved to a dimly lit dessert shop, sharing a hundred-times more exquisite-looking Tiramisu. It wasn’t until past midnight that the chaotic emergency room finally quieted down a bit. My taut nerves suddenly slackened, and an intense wave of dizziness washed over me. I leaned against the cold wall, clinging to my last shred of consciousness, and said to my equally exhausted subordinates, “You all take turns resting, I…” Before I finished speaking, my vision suddenly went black. Before losing consciousness, I seemed to hear a startled cry: “Anya!” When I woke again, the hospital room’s stark white ceiling was above me. A person sat by the bed: Julian. He looked rather disheveled.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297419”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I was the true heiress, my identity swapped. Five years after giving birth out of wedlock, my biological parents finally came to claim me. They told me I had to fulfill an engagement with the Maxwell family’s scion. I brought my daughter home, and the fake heiress, Charlotte, sneered, “Sister actually brought this burden back? How shameless!” Blake Maxwell, the family scion, publicly broke off our engagement, scoffing, “Make me raise someone else’s bastard? Do you even deserve that?” I didn’t say a word, just lowered my head and offered my daughter a comforting smile. My daughter wasn’t some bastard. She was the true heir of the Maxwell family. 0The atmosphere in the Hayes family banquet hall was dead silent. All the friends and relatives present stared at my daughter and me. This evening’s banquet was supposed to be a special event to welcome me home. But the moment I walked in with my daughter, before I could even speak, the fake heiress, Charlotte, derailed the whole topic with that single word: “bastard.” Blake Maxwell, the scion of the Maxwell family – the wealthiest family in the city – felt publicly humiliated. His face was thunderous as he broke off the engagement, then stormed out. He left behind a hall full of guests, buzzing with whispers. “What a low-class mess. I can’t believe the Hayes family would make such a spectacle of bringing her back. Don’t they have any shame?” Only Blake Maxwell’s aunt, Eleanor Maxwell, smiled and tried to smooth things over. “Blake had too much to drink; he didn’t mean any of that. How could a childhood betrothal between the Maxwell and Hayes families just be called off? I’ll make sure Blake comes to apologize tomorrow once he’s sober.” My father’s humiliated expression finally eased a bit. After the guests left, his face immediately darkened. He raised his hand and slapped me across the face. “What did I tell you yesterday?” “I told you not to bring that little brat home, or you wouldn’t be allowed through this door yourself. We’re lucky Mr. Maxwell was delayed tonight and didn’t make it to the banquet. Otherwise, with the spectacle you made, how would the Hayes family ever explain this to him?!” The Mr. Maxwell my father spoke of was Alexander Maxwell, the current head of the Maxwell family. Alex Maxwell was middle-aged and unmarried, with a naturally low sperm count. The chances of him having children in this lifetime were next to none. His nephew, Blake Maxwell, was expected to inherit the Maxwell family’s billions if nothing went wrong. So, when my mother found out that the daughter she’d raised for twenty-five years, Charlotte Hayes, was not her biological child, she desperately sought me out, her true daughter. And she forced my father to agree to my marriage into the Maxwell family. All to make up for the love I’d missed over the years. 0

Seeing my father’s rage, my mother immediately stepped in front of my daughter and me, vehemently arguing, “Aria is our biological daughter, and her daughter is your own flesh and blood! How can you call your own granddaughter a mongrel?” But my father refused to acknowledge my daughter. He eyed us with disgust. “You shameless wretch, having a child out of wedlock! You’ve completely disgraced the Hayes family. I think Charlotte should go through with this marriage instead of you.” With that, he turned and walked away. “Dad, don’t be angry; it’s bad for your health. Sister didn’t mean to—” Charlotte quickly followed him, cooing at my father while not forgetting to turn back and give me a smug smile. My mother watched her, spitting in disgust, and cursed under her breath, “That little bitch, Charlotte, she’s just like her birth mother—ungrateful vipers, both of them.” Charlotte’s birth mother was a college student my mother had once sponsored. After graduating, Charlotte’s mother not only showed no gratitude but took the opportunity to seduce my father, becoming his mistress he kept on the side. Later, she and my mother became pregnant at the same time and gave birth to daughters on the same day. While my mother was unconscious after childbirth, she bribed a nurse at the hospital and swapped me and Charlotte. Charlotte became the pampered heiress, having everything she ever wanted since childhood. As for me, Charlotte’s mother left me to be raised in a remote fishing village, hard to reach and cut off from the outside world. I didn’t even finish college. It wasn’t until a month ago that my mother learned the truth and found me. “But your father is right,” my mother’s tone softened slightly, her gaze lingering subtly on my daughter. She sighed wistfully, “You really shouldn’t have brought the child home. And it’s lucky Alex Maxwell didn’t come; otherwise, who knows how we would have salvaged tonight.” As the head of the Maxwell family, Alex Maxwell was known for being cold and ruthless. My act of bringing my daughter home tonight was undoubtedly a slap in the Maxwell family’s face. If Alex Maxwell had been present, he wouldn’t have let it slide so easily. But precisely because I knew he would be attending the banquet, I decided at the last minute to bring my daughter. I covered my left cheek, still stinging from my father’s slap, and looked at Luna’s eyes, identical to Alex Maxwell’s. I whispered, “Mom, if Alex Maxwell had been here tonight, I wouldn’t have gotten this slap. Maybe Dad would even be trying to butter us up, Luna and me.” 0

Six years ago, Alex Maxwell went deep-sea fishing, got caught in a storm, and his yacht capsized. He was swept into the waves, drifted to the fishing village, and was unconscious. I was the one who rescued him and brought him home. But when he woke up, he had lost his memory; he couldn’t remember who he was. I took him to the nearest town to report it to the police, get his fingerprints and DNA taken, and put up missing person posters, but there was no result. The countryside was cut off, and medical care wasn’t great. Alex Maxwell’s amnesia didn’t get better after several visits to the town hospital, and I didn’t have enough money to take him to a big city to see a brain specialist. He had no money and couldn’t find his family, so he stayed with me in the fishing village. Life in the fishing village was simple and fulfilling. Alex Maxwell was tall and handsome, and his temper was incredibly gentle. No matter what I asked him to do, he never complained. As time passed, the villagers would joke that I had picked up a capable and handsome husband. And as we spent every day together, we gradually fell in love. A year later, just as we promised ourselves to each other, he suddenly recovered a small segment of his memory. He remembered his name and his home address. He said he had to go back to find his family, then return with them for our wedding. Before he left, Alex Maxwell planted a peach tree outside my house. He said, “This peach tree… it’s a promise, Aria. A symbol of our future home, our family. Before it blooms, I’ll be back. Aria, wait for me.” But spring came and went, then came again. I stood under the peach tree, waiting for five years, but Alex Maxwell never returned. It wasn’t until a month ago that I found out the man I had been waiting for so long was Alexander Maxwell, the powerful head of the Maxwell family in the city. And I, once recognized by the Hayes family, was to marry Blake Maxwell, Alex’s nephew, as the Hayes family heiress. I didn’t want to marry Blake Maxwell. That’s why I brought my daughter back to the Hayes family, to make a public appearance. She was my and Alex Maxwell’s daughter, my only comfort during those five long, quiet years of waiting. I would never allow her to be a secret, a hidden existence. And I would certainly never let anyone call her a “bastard” or a “mongrel.” I knelt down, wrapped my arms around my daughter, and gently soothed her. “Don’t be scared, Luna. Mommy will take you to find Daddy. We’ll see Daddy very soon.” 0

The day after I returned to the Hayes family, news of my giving birth out of wedlock spread throughout the city, at Charlotte’s instigation. Not only did all our friends and relatives know, but there were countless gossip posts online too. My father, furious that I had disgraced the Hayes family, ordered me to move out of the Hayes mansion with my daughter. My mother tried to stop him. “Aria is your daughter too. She just came home; how can you bear to kick her out?” But Charlotte interjected, instigating, “Sister’s actions last night, bringing that bastard home, already angered the Maxwell family. This morning, Maxwell Group postponed their partnership with our family. If Dad keeps Sister at home, our family business will be ruined. Mom, you don’t want to see the Hayes family go bankrupt, do you?” The Hayes family’s finances were never as strong as the Maxwells’, and in recent years, their investments had consistently failed, losing billions. If not for the Maxwell family’s support, they would have declared bankruptcy long ago. Normally, my mother might have listened to Charlotte’s words and endured it for the sake of the Hayes family. But ever since she learned Charlotte wasn’t her biological daughter, she had come to resent my father and Charlotte, almost wishing the Hayes family would go bankrupt sooner. Just to make that father and daughter pair experience the same hardship I had endured. “Don’t call me Mom, I’m not your mom!” My mother shot Charlotte a disgusted glance, then stared directly at my father. “Are you really going to abandon your own flesh and blood, our biological daughter, and kick her out of the house?” My father’s face was indifferent. “I have no choice. It’s her fault for being disobedient and insisting on bringing that little mongrel home. If you keep nagging, then pack your bags and go with her, and that little mongrel too.” My mother froze, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she had completely given up on my father. Finally, she calmly nodded. “Fine. Don’t regret this.” That very day, my mother took me and my daughter and moved out of the Hayes family home, into a hotel. Though my mother seemed decisively resolute, she couldn’t help but be heartbroken by my father’s cold indifference. That night, she developed a high fever. I cared for her at the hotel for two days, but seeing no signs of improvement, I took her to the hospital. Only when I was handling the admission procedures did I discover my father had frozen my mother’s bank card. Living in that small fishing village all these years, and raising my daughter alone, I had only saved a few thousand dollars. After barely covering the hospital deposit and the hotel fees, I had very little money left. I had no choice but to take my daughter and seek out the Maxwell family. Unexpectedly, I ran into Charlotte and Blake Maxwell right at the Maxwell family gates.

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