Author: Momo Chan

I was in my third trimester when Natalia, Declan’s secretary, also became pregnant. In order to protect Natalia’s reputation, Declan claimed that the baby in her belly was his. As a result, my baby became a bastard without a father. When I questioned Declan, he just said coldly, “Natalia has always been timid and can’t stand the gossip of unmarried pregnancy.” At that moment, looking at the man I had loved for seven years, I realized for the first time what it was like not to love. Later, my parents felt ashamed of me and forced me to get rid of the child, but he was abroad with Natalia to raise the baby. By the time he returned, I had got rid of the baby and disappeared from his world completely. I was in my third trimester when Natalia, Declan’s secretary, became pregnant. We met at a crib store and heard Natalia say delicately: “Declan, look at this crib, the baby will love it!” Declan had a gentle look on his face and allowed Natalia to take his hand and stroke the crib rails. “I think this one’s great too, you picked a great one.” Immediately afterward, the clerk called my name and told me that the crib sample I had reserved was ready. Declan jerked back and saw me, too flustered to speak. I went over to him in anger and slapped him several times “Declan, explain!” Natalia saw this and painfully pushed me away, shielding herself in front of Declan: “I’m the one who’s pregnant with Declan’s baby, come at me if you need anything!” At that moment, my suspicions were confirmed and I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Declan, I can’t believe you cheated on me, do you not want me and the baby?” Declan saw that I was crying, ignoring Natalia, he hugged me heartily and coaxed in a low voice: “Evelyn, don’t cry, the baby in her belly is not mine. I just accompanied her to see the crib.” I choked back a sob, “Did you forget that I’m pregnant too? Who the hell is your wife?” Natalia also starts wiping her tears and looks at Declan accusingly: “Declan, you obviously promised to be my baby’s father, how can you say that?” Declan wiped my tears while shaking off Natalia’s hand. “Evelyn is my wife; she has the right to know.” Natalia immediately stopped crying and wiped away her tears and pointed at me. “Oh, does she know that the child in her belly is a bastard? Why did you accompany her in picking out a crib?” Declan’s body stiffens. I froze as well, “What do you mean?” Natalia was still beside herself with amusement: Declan is doing it all for me, fearing I’ll be gossiped about before he commits his own son.” “Evelyn, from now on my child will be Declan’s child and will sleep in the best crib.” “It’s not nice to call your child a bastard, I’ll ask Declan to take him in as an adopted son and give him a crib too.” 　I looked at the strange man in front of me and struggled like crazy in his arms. “You crazy bastard, are you really going to leave your own children alone?” The entire crib store was watching us. Declan hoarsely apologized over and over again. I cried for a long time before I asked him if Natalia was that important. So important that she wants our child to carry the stigma of being a bastard? Declan said with difficulty, “Natalia grew up well-behaved and timid, and couldn’t stand the gossip of being unmarried and pregnant.” He lifted me from the side of the crib and held me close. “Evelyn, I won’t let you carry this for long. We’ll go public with the baby’s identity as soon as we’re done with Natalia’s side of things.” That day, looking at the man I had loved for seven years, standing between rows and rows of a wide array of baby products, I realized for the first time what it was like to not be in love anymore. Declan pushed me in the car. The car was full of Natalia’s things. The seat backs were filled with thick cushions, her small bag hung from the armrest, and there were clothes and snacks for her in the back seat. “You’ve been so good to her.” I mocked. Natalia, however, squeezes right past me and gets right into the passenger seat. “Declan was afraid I wouldn’t feel well, he did it himself. You get in too, don’t be polite.” Declan frowned and coldly scolded, “Natalia, watch your words.” Natalia not only wasn’t afraid, but exaggeratedly covered her stomach and pouted: “Declan, don’t be mean to me, it will scare the baby.” Such poor acting that he actually believed it. Declan actually immediately eased his attitude, nervously touching Natalia’s stomach, his voice gentle: “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I stood still, watching the woman in the passenger seat raise her eyebrows at me smugly, bitterness tumbling through my heart. “Get in the car, Evelyn,” Declan said, looking back at me with a glint in his eyes. I shook my head and silently closed the car door. “I want to walk by myself.” Natalia said something from the car and Declan looked at me hesitantly before finally starting the car. I took a cab home. I hadn’t been home for half an hour when Declan came running back and stood in the doorway trying to explain to me: “Evelyn, you know how Natalia’s family is, and I can’t leave her alone. You’ll understand me, won’t you?” The pleading in his eyes hurts my heart, but it also makes me feel ridiculous. “Who am I to understand? Do I have anything to do with her? Why should I and my child suffer for her sake?” I asked him incredulously. “Just hear me out, okay?” He said wearily. It turned out that Natalia had run to his office in tears that day, shivering, and flung herself into his arms. Declan carried her to the couch and coaxed her gently, thinking she was just aggravated by her job. No sooner had he coaxed her than Natalia’s parents burst in angrily and questioned her: “Say, who the hell is the baby’s father?” Natalia was so scared she ducked into Declan’s arms. “She’s shaking like crazy, Evelyn,” Declan’s voice is full of helplessness. I sneer, “So you just recognized it for her?” Declan looks down and explains, “Natalia’s family is a financial family, and they are very strict with their only daughter.” “She doesn’t even have a boyfriend, yet she’s pregnant. Her parents won’t let her have the baby.” “She’s too scared to say it’s my baby in her belly.” 　Declan closed her eyes and said painfully, “In a moment of weakness, I admitted it.” “A moment of weakness?” I repeated sarcastically, “What about with our child? No more softness?” “Evelyn, I just want to protect her, I don’t mean to hurt you. You just need to suffer a little bit during this time, and afterward I’ll be sure to disclose the child’s identity, and won’t really let him be a bastard.”

Heartbroken, I ask one last question, “Why can’t you get rid of the baby?” Declan didn’t dare look at me, “Natalia …… she wanted to keep the baby.” “Once I had a biological child, she was afraid her child would have a reputation as a bastard.” I fell into a rage, and questioned him, aloud. “So, to save her reputation, my child deserves the reputation of being a bastard, right?” “We’ve been married for two years, Declan. Two years! And she’s nothing but your secretary!” Declan grabbed my hand and apologized: “When she settles down, I’ll tell everyone the truth.” I shrugged him off, “Let me guess, are you going to go public when she’s done having babies and they’re stable? How long would that take? A year? Two years? Or never that day?” “I’m sorry. But Natalia begged me and I couldn’t just stand by.” I smiled, “I see, the problem was never her, it was you.” I wiped away my tears, took a deep breath, and said, “Then get rid of my baby.” “No!” Declan’s eyes instantly became terrifying and he said angrily, “I want both your and Natalia’s children.” After saying that, he was afraid that I would say more and fled in a hurry. The next day, there were more than a dozen bodyguards around the house, and I was under house arrest. My cell phone was also confiscated, cutting off my contact with the outside world. I didn’t understand why he would keep this child I was carrying that he didn’t value if he had recognized Natalia’s child. In this way, I was stuck with him for three months and the fetus stabilized. Whenever I tried to resist, or asked to see someone, they would stop me for various reasons. During this time, Declan still came every day, even if it was late. But every time I spoke to him, my heart ached as if cut by a knife. He looked resigned, as if he felt guilty for what happened to Natalia, without ever realizing how selfish he was being. He grew colder and colder towards me, his attitude gradually becoming indifferent. And I, gradually, lost the hope I once had. Every day I stayed in this room, facing the world outside that window, I looked at my growing belly, and my heart was full of complicated emotions. That child was once my only hope for the future, but now it has become a burden I cannot escape. I was often caught up in conflicting emotions about it. I sometimes thought: if I hadn’t gotten pregnant, maybe everything wouldn’t have become so embarrassing. Natalia’s baby, Declan’s choice, his hesitation and weakness, were too much for me to bear. But every time I think of that little unborn life, my heart feels like it’s being hammered, and it hurts so much that I can’t breathe. I felt hollow inside, yet there was an overwhelming emotion that I couldn’t give up. That day Declan came to me with a tired face. I no longer expected anything to change about him; he was still wearing the same suit, his eyes full of hopelessness and anxiety. But when he saw me, his expression froze instantly and a flash of pain flashed under his eyes. “You know why I did it.” He spoke; his voice low. I smiled slightly, a little coldly, “Yeah, I know. You’d do anything for her. But can’t you look at your wife and child? What the hell were you thinking?” Declan lowered his head as if he was once again in an unresolved dilemma. After a few moments of silence, he said, “I know you’ve been wronged. But you also understand that Natalia needs me the most right now.” He looked at me nervously, “Her parents pushed too hard, and she’s in a complicated situation now, so I had to intervene. You don’t blame me, do you?” I held back my anger and said coldly, “Blame you? I stopped counting on you a long time ago.” I paused, my eyes icy cold, “By doing this, you are hurting me, you are hurting the feelings we once had between us. I always thought that marriage was about two people facing difficulties and problems together, but now, I realize that I’m just a poser.” Declan bowed his head in silence, as if he was thinking deeply about my words. I knew he still held a sense of guilt and responsibility for Natalia, but his incompetence and weakness had long since killed me. My heart grew cold. That’s when I remembered the promise he once made, “You won’t leave me alone with everything, I’ll walk with you.” But now, I realized that his vows were nothing but empty words, and that I never really existed in his world. A few days later, Declan started to become more frequent in my presence. Every time he saw me, he would feel a bit of a handful, as if he was making excuses for his decisions. I began to realize that what Declan really feared was not me, but his own conscience. He was afraid of losing Natalia, afraid of hurting her, even afraid of the reputation that child carried. I, on the other hand, had become a reality he couldn’t escape. He knows I’m enduring, and he knows I’m suffering, but he still doesn’t have the courage to stand up and make the decision he needs to make. I stood in front of the window, looking out at the grey sky, but without the slightest hope in my heart. Until one day, I stopped holding back and coldly asked him, “When exactly are you going to tell me about Natalia’s baby? Are you going to let me live with this lie for the rest of my life?” A flicker of guilt flashed in Declan’s eyes, but he said nothing.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and calmly said, “Declan, you’re still the same, choosing her, and me, I can’t even get a basic respect.” These three months of loneliness and aggravation had slowly made me numb. I never expected anything from him again, and even began to learn to stop looking forward to the future. And he, still in the name of protecting Natalia, tied up my future and that of my children. The doorbell rang and Natalia arrived with her parents and the movers. As soon as Natalia’s mother saw me, she started going through my things, casually throwing my clothing accessories to the floor, cursing all the while: 　”Some people are so shameless, carrying a bastard child and still hogging their wife’s place! My stupid daughter, how much she suffered for Declan!” Natalia’s father directly picked up my suitcase, dumped all the contents on the ground and stomped on it, his eyes contemptuously snarling at me: “This trash doesn’t deserve Declan’s house, get out of my daughter’s house!” The group shoved me roughly, kicking away my belongings as they made their way up the stairs. We were the only ones left in the living room, and Natalia sneered: “So, what if you’re married to Declan? So, what if my child isn’t his? In his heart, you are nothing compared to me.” Natalia’s smile enrages me and I slap her straight across the face, pinning her to the ground and slapping her. She lies on the ground screaming until Declan rushes back and pulls me away. Natalia’s cries attracted her parents. Natalia’s mother glares at me, forcing Declan to kick me out: “I don’t feel comfortable with Natalia living here with her around. Declan, if you don’t kick her out, I’ll take Natalia home. We can afford to raise a child, and Declan’s will live with that bastard.” Natalia is in Declan’s arms, sneaking a smug smile at me. Declan is silent for a long time, and just when Natalia’s mother thinks she’s getting her way, he lets go of Natalia and walks over to me: “I’m not kicking out my wife. Please take Natalia back first.” Natalia immediately burst into tears. 　Eventually Natalia’s father came out to intercede and she stayed. My room was changed from the best master bedroom in the villa to the dark and narrow store room downstairs. Declan said that for the sake of Natalia’s baby, I could only be entrusted with me first. “Don’t worry, I’ll change it back for you before you give birth.” This warehouse was originally a place to store sundries, and you can smell a musty odor when you enter. The walls were mottled, there were cobwebs in the corners, and the floor had visible water stains and stains that wouldn’t rub off, making it a room no maid would ever live in. But it doesn’t matter to me where I live anymore. This child who is not expected, I no longer intend to give birth and let him suffer. Natalia was probably warned by Declan. She still lives here, but she doesn’t bother me anymore and just ignores me when she sees me. I spend all day trying to find a way to contact the outside world, and Natalia is my only hope. But she refused outright and firmly. “Declan won’t let you go out; there’s no way I’m betraying him to help you.” “Evelyn, you don’t know anything about our relationship.” “I would do anything for him.” That’s why Declan prefers to condescend to his wife and children and help this secretary. Declan comes home every day and reads bedtime stories to the baby in Natalia’s womb. He also buys her a house full of baby toys. Every night he cooked Natalia what she wanted to eat with his own hands. It was after ten o’clock at night when he knocked on my door. I opened the door and they didn’t talk for a while. I turned around and lay back down on the bed. I saw the tears in his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. The room I lived in was even worse than the maid’s room, so small that it could only fit a bed, and there wasn’t even a place to sit. Whenever it rained, the roof would always leak and I had to keep a rusty metal bucket next to my bed to catch the drops. Natalia had taken all the good rooms in the house: one was her baby’s nursery, one was her piano room, and the rest she kept for miscellaneous things. Even Declan now lives with Natalia, saying it’s easier to take care of her. Declan stood beside the bed and silently took a cigarette from his pocket. In his other hand he held a delicate china plate with half a cream cake on it, the strawberry on top already half bitten off. “Natalia couldn’t finish the cake; I thought you might be hungry.” He handed me the plate. He tried to light a cigarette and realized the room had no windows, so he put it back. I didn’t take it, just said coldly, “What the hell? I’m going to sleep.” “Evelyn, do you want to get rid of our child that badly?” “Is it so hard to believe that I love you?” It was the first time he said he loved me. But I can’t tell anymore if it’s something he really means or if it’s a ploy to trick me into having the baby. I closed my eyes and shed a tear. “I will have the baby.” “Give me back my cell phone.” “You know I don’t have many people to contact.” Declan was thrilled as he hugged me. I didn’t shake his hand off, only whispered, “I just want the phone.” “Okay, I’ll give you whatever you want.” Once the phone arrived, I was always relieved. No one knew that I, as the adopted daughter of our family, was just a pawn in a marriage with Declan. In fact, I found my real parents three years ago. But at that time, I didn’t go with them in order to marry Declan. Although they were reluctant, they still respected my choice. When they were leaving, they left a phone number and said, “If you’re not having a good time in the future, mom and dad will come and get you anytime.” I didn’t take this seriously before, but now, it became my only chance to save my life.

When Natalia was six months pregnant, she asked to go abroad to raise her baby. Declan hadn’t planned to go there so early. But Natalia whispered in his ear every day, and Declan had no choice but to agree. Before he left, he told me: “Evelyn, before our child is born, I will definitely come back to be with you. I know I’ve gone a bit overboard this time, I’ll make it up to you twice as much in the future once Natalia’s business is over.” I dutifully nodded my head at whatever he said. Declan stares at me for a while and I wonder if he sees something. It wasn’t until Natalia called out to him that he slowly took his eyes off me. Declan walks slowly and looks back at me again standing in the doorway. Suddenly, he turned and ran back to me, hugging me as tightly as he could. The tone of his voice was panicked in a way it never had been before. “Evelyn, I’m not leaving, and I don’t care about Natalia’s baby, I’m staying with you and the baby.” I let him hold me, with little expression on my face, and said calmly: “You wouldn’t be Declan if you could really leave Natalia alone. Don’t test me, you’ll have to go whether I’m angry or not.” I could feel his tense body loosen up a little, and I snuck a sigh of relief. Just then Natalia pretends to fall and lets out a scream. Declan immediately let go of me and ran over to help her. “Are you alright? Be careful, don’t hurt the baby.” Declan nervously checked Natalia’s condition. Natalia leans back in Declan’s arms and throws a smug look at me. It was as if she felt she knew she had won. But just as they were about to get into the car, the babysitter next to me suddenly called out to Declan. “Sir, let madam move upstairs, the room she’s in now is too damp.” Natalia pulled Declan’s sleeve, Declan thought about it: “Evelyn, then you move to the guest room first, don’t touch Natalia’s things, I’m afraid she’ll come back angry.” I said back, “Okay.” Once Declan’s plane took off, I was finally relieved. I couldn’t help but laugh in the empty living room. The babysitter saw me laughing and was happy for me, and hurriedly asked the kitchen to make my favorite steak. Looking at the time on my cell phone, in another twelve hours, my parents would be here to pick me up. Within half an hour of receiving my call, they took a private jet to come here. I told them that Declan had sent a dozen bodyguards to watch me. On the other end of the phone, my dad laughed disdainfully, ”Evelyn, not to mention one Declan family, even if it’s a hundred, we don’t put it in our eyes. You’re the only successor of the family, and when you come back, all of this will be yours.” Although I don’t know if my own father, whom I’ve only met once, is bragging, his words do put me at ease. Before the meal was finished, Natalia’s parents, Declan’s parents, and my adoptive parents, a group of people barged in. They all looked at me with that condescending look, their faces full of disgust and contempt. “You still have the face to eat here?” Natalia’s father sneered. “How does a despicable woman like that deserve to enter our house?” Declan’s mother spat at me. She flung a divorce agreement at me and asked me to sign it. “Get rid of the child, sign it, and our family will leave you alone.” Natalia’s mom babysitter, “If it were up to me, I’d have to let everyone know and make her lose her reputation! Your family has really raised a good daughter!” My adoptive father felt ashamed and came up and slapped me. “Damn girl!” My adoptive mother also rushed up and kicked me hard, “Something with no shame, how could I raise a daughter like you!” The babysitter, who wanted to defend me, was pressed to death. I sat at the table, feeling deeply powerless. That day, I made a note of every one of their faces. I picked up a pen and signed the divorce papers. Being forcibly dragged to the operating table, I said coldly, “If it’s Declan’s that’s in my belly, and Natalia is carrying something that isn’t at all, will you regret it?” I was really looking forward to the day they would regret it. Without waiting for their reaction, I was escorted into the hospital. The moment the baby was gone, I cried uncontrollably. It was obvious that even I hated the baby, so why was I still so upset. When I woke up, there were two people standing beside the bed, one on the left and one on the right, crying unusually hard, not even realizing that I was awake. Or the passing nurse reminded them, “Two people, stop crying first, the patient has been awake for half a day.” Only then did the two stops, and I smiled at them. My dad took a look at my weak appearance and became angrier and angrier: “Daughter, I won’t spare anyone who bullies you!” My mom gently stroked my head, “Baby, don’t be afraid, mom and dad will always be by your side.” “Are you hungry and thirsty?” Then my mom was busy pouring water for me, and my dad was on his hands and knees feeding me food. They asked me if I was cold one moment, and asked me if I was hungry the next, wishing they could give me all the goodness in the world. My foster parents never treated me like that. There, I had to brace myself when I got sick, and at most the nanny would sneak me some medicine. Once when I had a high fever for three days, my adoptive mom even complained that I was delaying my classes, saying that all that money to train me was not for me to lie around and waste time. From the day I was adopted by my adoptive parents, I always wondered what it would be like to have my mom and dad by my side. The kids at my foster parents’ house could skip a bunch of classes just by pampering themselves. I, on the other hand, didn’t even have a break from school, rain or shine. My foster parents always said, “Other people’s kids are just charity, so if you don’t perform well, how can you live up to the favor?” Later, they raised me to be a qualified marriage tool as they wished. If Declan hadn’t said he wanted to marry me, I would have been sold to the highest bidder. The man I’ve been in love with for so many years suddenly said he wanted to marry me. I was so excited that I didn’t close my eyes for two days and nights, and I couldn’t even hide the pleasure in my heart. Yet at the time I didn’t think it would end like this. After my body got better, my parents took me, got on their private jet, and started my new life. Declan’s POV. Declan, who was far away from home with Natalia to nurse her fetus, suddenly felt a dull ache in his heart. Since the day he left, an indescribable feeling of unease had babysitter him.

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David, my childhood sweetheart who promised to have a Mark ceremony with me when I turned 18, proposed to my cousin Violet at my coming-of-age party. That wizard Andrew, who was said to be uninterested in women, put a silver ring carved with mystical runes onto my ring finger at David’s celebration. For five years after our mark ceremony, he was gentle and devoted to me. I believed that it was my true love. Until I overheard his conversation with a friend. “Andrew, Violet’s already become the pack healer. How long will you keep pretending with Morgan?” “Since I can’t be Violet’s mate anyway, it doesn’t matter who I mark. Besides, with me here, Morgan can’t interfere with Violet’s happiness.” The rune stones he carved in secret all bore Violet’s name with his blessing to her. “Bless Violet could rid of bad dreams” “Bless Violet could obtain all she wants, and needn’t worry anything.” “Violet, I can’t be your mate, hope you have a wonderful life.” Five years of reaming. One moment of awakening. I arranged a fake identity and planned my staged death.

After confirming the final arrangements for my fake death, I hung up the phone. In two days, I would disappear forever, just as they wished. The door opened softly. I looked up to see Andrew. He embraced me, his voice gentle. “Who were you talking to?” “Nothing important. Pack hospital business.” I smiled, trying to sound natural. He kissed me. “You’ve been so busy lately. I’ll cook something special for you tonight.” During our five-year mate bond, Andrew had always been gentle with me. Everyone said wizards never fell for women, but once they did, it was for life. I thought this was my happiness. Now I understood this mate bond wasn’t my happiness—it was his protection of Violet. Andrew gently stroked my shoulder and said, “The Silverton family is throwing a party tomorrow. Celebrating Violet’s three-month pregnancy and her promotion to pack healer. You should rest at home. I’ll drop off a gift and come back.” “I’d like to go too…” He interrupted with a gentle but undeniable tone. “You should skip the party. Haven’t you been wanting a baby? This is a good time to rest and prepare your body.” I lowered my eyes, hiding my complex emotions. I was marked for years without baby. I had consulted healers, tried fertility treatments, prayed to every deity I could name. I once thought it might need some luck. But recently I found the truth. After each time we were intimate, he secretly put the special herbs in my food to prevent pregnancy. He didn’t want children with me because that would make our bond too real, too permanent. After all, how could he let me bear children that would taint his true love? He probably didn’t want me at the party because I might overshadow Violet. The pack healer’s celebration would be her moment to shine, her chance to bask in the admiration and respect that should have been mine. My presence would only remind everyone that she had built her success on stolen research, stolen dreams. He kissed my forehead, seemingly unaware of my sadness, his lips gentle against my skin in a mockery of true affection. “The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I’ve prepared a surprise, Evangeline.” “The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I’ve prepared a surprise, Evangeline.” Evangeline. I repeated the word, suddenly finding it harsh. All these years, his blessings always included “Evangeline.” Only now did I understand its true meaning. Violet Evangeline Silverton. He’d been blessing me with his beloved’s secret middle name. All those blessings from his lips were never meant for me. “Sounds wonderful. I’ve planned some activities too. Make sure you’re free to spend time with me.” He nodded. “Of course. Whatever my Morgan wants.” I looked up and smiled. Andrew, how painstaking you are. That night, I couldn’t sleep. I carefully moved his arm from around me. I accidentally knocked over the bracelet he always wore. When I picked it up, I felt something strange on the beads. In the dim light, I saw letters carved on each glass bead. V.E.S. Violet’s initials. That moment, I gave up completely.

The next morning, I told Andrew, “Let’s go to the Silverton house together.” His expression froze briefly, then returned to normal. “Fine. We’ll leave after giving our gift.” I knew he didn’t want me there, and afraid I’d disturb Violet. But I just wanted to see my family one last time. Tomorrow, I would be faked died and left. At the Silverton estate’s ballroom, Violet wore a champagne dress. David, who should have been my mate, now look at her full of love. The sight of them together should have hurt more, but I found I felt nothing. David seemed like a stranger now. “Dr. Violet’s healing potion is miraculous!” someone was saying near the refreshment table. “It healed silver wounds that left werewolves scarred for life.” The crowd murmured appreciation, voices rising in praise for Violet’s incredible breakthrough. They mentioned the potion had earned the Elder’s recommendation and was now popular throughout Hethrgard, bringing honor to the Silverton name and establishing Violet as a healer of renown. When Violet saw me enter, her expression flickered—surprise, annoyance, calculation—before returning to its practiced smile. Her smile was polite but mocking as she approached us, her voice carrying just far enough for nearby pack members to hear: “Morgan came too? What a rare guest.” I ignored her barbed greeting, my attention focusing instead on the potion bottle in a guest’s hand. The distinctive cobalt blue glass, the silver stopper, the elegant label with flowing script—every detail was familiar. This was my research, years of work, still in clinical trials, never shown publicly. How had my creation become her “masterpiece”? Violet smiled coldly, leaning close so only I could hear her next words. “Is Morgan interested in this potion too?” I stared at her without any expression, my face a mask of calm while inside I seethed. I was about to speak, to challenge her publicly, to demand answers, when she suddenly cried out: “No—” Before I could react, she fell backward, stumbling and clutching her abdomen with a pained expression. Chaos erupted around us like a disturbed beehive. “What happened?!” “Violet is pregnant! How could you push her!” “Call the healer!” “Someone help her!” In the chaos, I heard a tense shout: “Violet!” Others might not recognize it, but I realize immediately. It was Andrew’s voice. The tenderness in his eyes was obviously, shattering my last hope. Realizing my attention, Andrew quickly calmed himself down. He looked at me, his tone softly but condemning: “Regardless, Violet is pregnant. You shouldn’t have pushed her.” Just then, the butler rushed in: “The Alpha thinks Dr. Violet’s potion is special. He’s promoting her to the Royal Pack Hospital!” Joy flashed across Andrew’s face—an expression I’d never seen in five years. I asked quietly, “Why is Violet’s potion the same as my research?” He stiffened but quickly recovered, pretending innocent: “Maybe it’s a coincidence. Perhaps you both researched similar things…” I laughed with no emotion and didn’t know what to say. All my experiments were done alone, the results locked in my safe. It only had two keys, one is for me, and the other saved by him. Though Andrew hid it well, after years together I’d discovered he was the mysterious Elder. How the potion appeared here was obvious. This potion was meant as our fifth anniversary gift, developed for his silver-wounded knee. Now I realized even our mate bond was fake. This gift had become meaningless. My expression was calm and others couldn’t know what I was considering. Andrew seemed to notice my change and quickly suggested, “Should we leave now? Find somewhere to relax?” I looked at him, say the words in calm: “Let’s take the yacht. Night cruise, watch tomorrow’s sunrise.”

In the car, he discussed tomorrow’s plans with the enthusiasm of a man who believed his lies were still intact: “I’ve prepared a birthday surprise. Once things settle down, we’ll plan for a baby, okay?” The casual way he mentioned children made my stomach turn. His phone rang, the sound sharp in the enclosed space. He answered, frowning with obvious difficulty, his voice carefully neutral. “Hello?” I couldn’t hear the other voice, but I didn’t need to. The way his jaw tightened, the way his free hand gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles went white—I knew who was calling. I turned to him, voice calm and understanding: “If you have business, go handle it.” He hesitated, conflict written clearly on his features: “Morgan, I…””It’s fine,” I assured him, my voice gentle and accepting. “I’ll wait on the yacht.” I didn’t need to see the caller ID to know it was Violet. The yacht was exactly as I remembered it—sleek white deck, comfortable seating areas, the small cabin below where we had spent our honeymoon five years ago. Everything looked the same, but I felt like a stranger boarding it, like I was viewing someone else’s memories through glass. Alone on the yacht, I turned on Violet’s Tiktok. Her latest post was less than an hour old, clearly posted while we were driving here. A fresh post showed a photo with text: “Having someone celebrate with me, bringing treats and chatting. Thank you for always caring for me, my best friend.” The image showed Violet in her champagne dress, but now she was in what looked like a private room, her expression softer and more genuine than it had been at the party. There were flowers on the table, expensive chocolates, and an intimate atmosphere that suggested a romantic encounter. Comments flooded in from her followers: “Your friend is so good to you!” “What friend? Looks like a lover!” “Someone’s being treated like a princess!” “Lucky girl to have such a devoted friend!” But my attention fixed on a hand visible in the corner of the photo, reaching for one of the chocolates. The hand wore a familiar bracelet—woven leather and glass beads. Undoubtedly, the bracelet on the wrist was Andrew’s. So while I had been sitting in the car believing his gentle lies, while I had been graciously giving him permission to handle his “business,” he had been with her. I called his number, my fingers steady on the phone despite the storm raging in my chest. The phone rang once, twice, and then a familiar voice answered. “Why is Morgan calling so late? Looking for Andrew?” Violet’s voice dripped with mockery and satisfaction. The sound of her voice answering his phone was like a final nail in the coffin of my old life. “Give up,” she continued, her voice sickeningly sweet. “He won’t come back tonight. You can’t keep a man interested, can you? I gave him to you, and you still can’t hold him.” The casual cruelty of her words, the implication that Andrew had been hers to give in the first place, should have hurt more than it did. Instead, I felt a strange sense of liberation. The last illusion was finally shattered. I hung up without saying a word and turned to the yacht crew: “Set sail.” “Aren’t we waiting for someone?” the captain asked, looking confused. I said smoothly, my voice carrying the authority of someone who had made a final decision: “No need to wait for anyone. Just me.” The yacht slowly departed, cutting through the dark water with a gentle rumble of engines. The harbor lights grew distant, then disappeared entirely as we headed toward the deep waters where my old life would finally end. All night, he never came. I leaned against the deck railing, staring emptily at the water, my mind drifting over the past five years. Before dawn painted the horizon, I called him one last time. This time, his phone was off—not busy, not ringing, just dead silence that spoke louder than any words. I stared at the blank screen for a long moment, then made my final preparations. I set the call recording and my research videos to upload automatically to TIktok, timed to release after my disappearance. After that, I walked to the stern of the yacht, taking one last look at the light breaking on the horizon. The sunrise was beautiful, painted in shades of gold and rose that reflected off the water like scattered gems. It was the kind of sunrise Andrew had promised to watch with me on my birthday. Then I leaped into the icy seawater. The carefully planned details of my fake death would ensure my survival—a boat waiting just out of sight, a team ready to pull me from the water, new clothes and documents prepared for my new life. But as far as this world knew, as far as Andrew and Violet knew, I was gone forever. Much later, I learned what happened that morning. Andrew had finally left Violet’s side as dawn approached, guilt and duty warring in his chest as he remembered his promise to me. “I have to go,” he had said, gathering his things with obvious reluctance. “It’s her birthday tomorrow. I promised to watch the sunrise with her.” Violet had stopped him, her voice petulant and demanding: “Andrew, I need you now too…” Andrew had shaken his head, some vestige of conscience finally asserting itself: “Not today.” But it was too late. His friend found him before he could reach the yacht, the news hitting him like a physical blow. “Andrew, your luna committed suicide!” Andrew’s POV Andrew was stunned. His voice came out hoarse, almost unrecognizable to his own ears: “Impossible! We had plans, and her birthday is coming. She was fine. How could she commit suicide?”

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While clearing out the room’s trash, I found a pair of pantyhose my girlfriend had discarded after her flight. I was bewildered—she went to work, not to battle, so why were there so many rips in the pantyhose? Moreover, these were issued by the airline, known for their superior quality. Retrieving it from the bin, I saw that even the sections near the intimate areas were torn. My heart plummeted. There was no doubt left; she had betrayed me. I sat rigid on the bed, growing angrier the more I thought about it. At that moment, Vanessa’s voice came from the bathroom. “Sweetheart, remember to wash my clothes for me. I have flight duties all week and won’t have time to change.” Instinctively, I wanted to agree, but my words turned into confusion at the last second. “You’re leaving again right after coming home?” “Yeah, I just came back to have dinner with you. I have to work tonight and also cover the early shift tomorrow.” I immediately sensed something was off. Vanessa was a flight attendant, and we met on a plane. I fell in love at first sight with this beautiful and gentle flight attendant. For a month afterward, I would take flights with her airline just to run into her. Finally, through my efforts, she gave me her contact information and agreed to date me. After we got together, I didn’t want her to be so tired, so she promised to ask the scheduling department to reduce her flying hours. She even proposed switching to a less demanding job after we got married. But recently, her workload had noticeably increased. I asked her about it, and she said it was peak tourist season, and the schedule was very tight—it couldn’t be helped. I understood that, especially since the route she flew to was a beautiful city where there were many passengers. But her shifts were always at night, which made me increasingly unhappy. Now it seemed things weren’t as simple as they appeared. Suppressing my anger, I asked her, “Honey, when do you plan to quit? This job is too exhausting; you can’t even rest properly.” She hesitated, her voice tinged with unnaturalness. “Not now, and I have an opportunity to get promoted to first class. I don’t want to give that up.” Really? Was it just that? I wasn’t convinced, but I still loved her too much and hoped my suspicions were just illusions. After dropping Vanessa off at the airport, just as I was about to leave, I saw her walking in the opposite direction of the airport. I immediately followed her, taking a long detour to a very secluded corner. Before I got close, I heard suggestive sounds coming from the corner. It felt like my head exploded. “Oh, be gentle, you’ve torn my pantyhose.” “But don’t you like it? How exciting. Don’t hide, let me kiss you properly.” “You’re so annoying…” Though she said this, she looked thoroughly enjoying herself. “Manager, not here, what if someone sees us?” “Oh, don’t worry, everyone has gone home. Let’s stay here for a bit, then we’ll go to the hotel—I can’t wait!” “You’re so naughty…” As she spoke, she lifted her shirt and cupped the man’s hairy head with both hands. Standing not far away, I was paralyzed, unable to move. This scene felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my head. I clenched my fists, suppressing the urge to rush over and beat those two to death. I took out my phone and recorded everything under the moonlight. On my way out, I deliberately threw some stones to make noise. Hearing the suggestive sounds suddenly stop, I felt a sudden sense of satisfaction. Those two must have been scared. A wild cat ran out of the bushes. The man’s voice sounded again, “Just a stray cat, darling, let’s continue…”

On the way home, I drove mechanically while trying to recall who that man was. Suddenly, it hit me. This was Vanessa’s flight manager, an old man over twenty years her senior. Not only was he balding, but he was also as fat as a pig. It was hard to believe how someone like him became a manager. From what Vanessa had mentioned, this manager was married but had a troubled relationship. He wasn’t happy in his own marriage, yet he wanted to ruin others’ relationships—what a scumbag! Once home, I immediately contacted a private detective. “Help me find out everything about the man in this photo, and keep an eye on their activities.” After looking at the photos, the detective sighed repeatedly. “Modern women really have strange tastes.” I couldn’t agree more, but for Vanessa to be involved with him, he must have some special charm. “I’ll send you the results as soon as possible.” I barely slept all night, staying awake until dawn. Just then, the door opened, and Vanessa walked in. Pretending to have just woken up, I asked, “Didn’t you have an early shift?” Her gait was odd, but she still managed a smile at me. “Someone covered for me last minute. I was exhausted from the night shift and didn’t feel like flying.” I sneered inwardly: Probably not tired from work, but from being worn out by that fatso. She went straight into the bathroom to shower, as usual tossing her pantyhose into the trash. Suppressing my disgust, I picked them up and found they were intact this time, but there were several patches of milky white stains in one area. “Gag…” I couldn’t help but retch. Shortly after, Vanessa, naked, crawled into bed. “Honey, I missed you…” As she spoke, she hooked her arms around my neck to kiss me. Thinking about where those lips might have been, I felt another wave of nausea. Turning away, I made up an excuse. “I haven’t brushed my teeth since waking up. Rest well; I need to take care of some work.” “Okay, darling, I want codfish. Can you make it for me when I wake up?” I closed my eyes, struggling to control the urge to punch her. She betrayed me just now and now expects me to cook for her? Am I that pathetic? But I held back and nodded, “Sure, sleep well.” No sooner had I spoken than Vanessa fell asleep. Clearly, last night had taken a toll on her. Once I confirmed she was sound asleep, I grabbed her phone to check it. To my dismay, she had changed her password. Since we started dating, we knew each other’s phone passwords and even recorded each other’s fingerprints. But now, neither the password nor the fingerprint worked. Reluctantly, I carefully pressed one of her fingers against the phone, unlocked it, and opened the chat app. There was nothing unusual. I checked her contacts—colleagues, classmates, close friends, family, and me—but found nothing suspicious. This frustrated me; she must have deleted any incriminating messages. As I scrolled through her contacts, a symbol caught my eye. Vanessa had added prefixes to most of her colleagues’ names, but one name stood out because it lacked any prefix. Opening it, I saw their chat history. Instantly, my scalp tingled, and my hands trembled.

“Sweetheart, did you have fun today? I’m still the best, right?” “Oh, stop it, you tore my stockings. Next time, don’t be so rough.” “But didn’t you enjoy it? Am I not more exciting than your useless boyfriend?” “Of course, he’s just a block of wood, always saying he’s tired or that he understands how hard I work. I don’t need his understanding.” “I’ll break up with him once he adds my name to the house before marriage. I’ll always be yours.” So Vanessa was only with me for this villa. I never imagined that while I gave her my whole heart, she only saw me as a means to an end. She had never loved me. Further down, there were disgusting photos they exchanged. My vision blurred, and I closed my eyes, unable to bear looking any longer. Who would have thought that my shy girlfriend had such a promiscuous side? I quickly scrolled through the chat history, realizing there was too much to read. This man was Vanessa’s flight manager. It seemed she was willing to sleep with him for a promotion and salary increase, along with some fleeting excitement. Thinking about this, my heart began to ache intensely. Everything she did was calculated. I almost considered her the one and only in my life. The promotion to first class she mentioned must have been achieved by pleasing this manager. It took me a long time to calm down. I took photos of the chat records and placed her phone back beside her pillow. After doing all this, I couldn’t stand sleeping next to her anymore. Such a disgusting woman—just thinking about her made me nauseous. I lay down in the guest room but couldn’t fall asleep, my mind planning my next move. Before I knew it, dawn broke. I left without waking Vanessa and went straight to work. On the way to the office, the private detective called. “Mr. Gerry, I’ve found a lot about the person you asked me to investigate. You won’t believe what kind of person he is.” Listening to the detective, I felt increasingly humiliated that someone like him had taken my girlfriend. The flight manager Vanessa was involved with was named Richard, fifty years old, with a two-year-old grandson. He got his position through his wife, living off her for years. Initially, he was merely lecherous but feared his wife too much to act on it. But as his position rose, his wife lost the energy to control him, allowing him to indulge himself. Vanessa wasn’t his first conquest. Richard also had peculiar fetishes, even causing a college student to become disabled. He was nothing short of a beast. “Mr. Gerry, you can’t imagine—he even attends those depraved swinger parties, including group activities…” The detective couldn’t continue, but I already understood everything. “Most importantly, he injured that girl and didn’t care. Because his wife is powerful, the girl’s family could only endure…” “That girl’s life has been ruined.” Listening to the detective, I remained silent for a long time. That damned Richard was barely human. “Mr. Gerry, are you okay?” I paused for a long time before responding, “I’m fine, go on.” “The captain of their flight is Richard’s brother-in-law, and they’re in cahoots, though his wife doesn’t know about this.” I didn’t want to ask if Vanessa had participated in these parties. To me, it didn’t matter whether she did or not. After hanging up, I rubbed my chest, drinking a large bottle of ice water to suppress the nausea. Richard was no different from an animal. But the worse he was, the easier it would be for my plan to succeed. The private detective sent me all the collected evidence, including the captain’s and his wife’s contact information. Apparently, Richard’s wife was a very fierce woman, and her over two hundred pounds of weight alone was enough to instill fear. Good, very good! Within a short time, I devised a perfect revenge plan.

All day, I couldn’t focus on work. Vanessa called me several times, but I ignored every call. When I finally got home, Vanessa pounced into my arms wearing a very sexy nightgown. I pretended to be attracted to her, though inside, I felt utterly disgusted. Looking at her fake smile, I wished I could rip off that filthy mask she wore. “Honey, why didn’t you answer my calls during the day?” I pushed her away and went to the bathroom to wash my hands, feeling unclean myself. “I was in meetings all day. The company has a five-million-dollar project recently, so it’s been hectic.” At the mention of five million dollars, Vanessa’s eyes lit up. “Really? Don’t overwork yourself, okay? I’d be heartbroken if you did.” With that, her hands began to wander. Suppressing the urge to punch her dead, I walked into the kitchen. “What do you want to eat tonight?” Vanessa didn’t notice anything unusual; instead, she winked at me with regret. “Sorry, Gerry, I have a night shift tonight, so I can’t have dinner with you.” Feigning disappointment, I spread my hands. “Alright, do you need me to drive you to the airport?” Vanessa shook her head. “No need, I don’t want you to be so tired. I’ll go now, bye.” As she changed her clothes and tried to kiss me, I dodged. “I haven’t even washed my face yet. Go quickly, don’t be late.” Watching Vanessa leave, I immediately followed her. No wonder she said she didn’t need a ride—Richard had driven his car right up to our villa’s gate. These two were getting bolder. I switched to my newly purchased phone, zoomed in, and took pictures of Richard’s car and their backs, then sent them to Richard’s wife. “Hey, ma’am, your husband is mine tonight. Lonely at home? Want to know who I am?” The moment I sent the message, she called back instantly. I answered, picking up the voice changer I had prepared earlier. “Who are you?” “That, I can’t tell you, ma’am. You’re truly pitiful; Richard says he has no interest in you anymore.” “Please lose some weight, will you? He says you’re as fat as a pig now.” As soon as I said this, roars erupted from the other end of the line. “Who are you? Tell me, or see what happens!” Mission accomplished, I hung up and turned off my phone. What happened after turning off the phone would be left for Richard’s wife to imagine. I calmly followed Richard’s car. Suddenly, he slammed on the brakes, nearly hitting me. Pretending not to know, I sped past him, taking the opportunity to glance quickly into his car. Richard’s balding head was covered in sweat, his face red as he frantically explained something on the phone. Before Vanessa noticed my car, I took another route and drove back home. Not long after I arrived, Vanessa appeared back on the road. She returned alone, and I opened the window, faintly hearing her on the phone. “How could you leave me alone on the road! Didn’t you promise to be with me tonight?” “What phone call? Richard, you stood me up and still think you’re right?” From those few sentences, it was clear they were arguing. Pretending to know nothing, I sat at my computer working. Soon, the door opened. Seeing me, Vanessa immediately put on a happy face. “Gerry, I’m back. There was a sudden storm at the destination city, so the flight was canceled. I came back to be with you—are you happy?” I gave a fake smile. “Of course, I’m happy.” I wondered if she was stupid; checking whether a flight was canceled was easy, yet she used such a clumsy lie to deceive me. Vanessa moved closer, resting her head on my shoulder. “Honey, my parents say they want to come here for a vacation. They might stay for a while. Is that okay?” My instinct was to refuse, but I changed my mind. “Of course, I’ll make sure to treat Uncle and Aunt well.” Inside, I sneered. “Vanessa, you brought this upon yourself.” Vanessa, hearing my words, had her unhappy mood from the failed date instantly lifted. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek.

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When Love Becomes Lie, Stars Fall into The Deep Sea I didn’t want to have a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend, so I gave up the offer from the jewelry company and returned to the pack. But I found out that my boyfriend had married Bethany, a poor student he sponsored. I couldn’t more embarrassed that all guests laughed at me, except him. Dante, Silver Moon Pack Alpha, gave me his favorite cross necklace and asked me to marry him. For three years after the wedding, he always spoiled and clung to me, not wanting to be separated from me for a single day. The day I was diagnosed pregnant, I wanted to surprise him, but I heard my friend ask him. “Dante, Bethany is already a master of jewelry design, are you still not divorcing Sienna?” Dante’s indifferent voice came through. “I have to trap her forever to keep her away from influencing Bethany’s position in the jewelry world.” “Although I can’t get Bethany, at least, I can give her a successful career.” “I will spend my life guarding Bethany.” It turns out that the love I’d believed in is a cage used to trap me. I dialed a number and ordered a “fake death” service.

“Don’t worry Ms. Sienna, I’ll make sure your departure is seamless and won’t arouse anyone’s suspicion.” The staff spoke confidently. “Okay, let’s start as planned then.” Hanging up, my heart ached as if pierced by silver bullets. Now I understood why Dante never marked me—his heart only belonged to Bethany. In two days, I’ll disappear from Dante’s world forever. “Baby, look what I brought you today.” Dante’s steady voice sounded behind me, his eyebrows smiling as he tenderly kissed my cheek. He held an opened box containing a full set of sapphire jewelry. He knows that I am most interested in jewelry, so he always gives me such gifts. A card next to it read, “To my favorite baby, Dante.” I thanked him softly, placing it aside. This was the way he remedied me that I turned down a jewelry contest for him yesterday. I’ve received too many gifts like this over the past three years. Every time I’ve wanted to go to a jewelry show or received a job offer from a master of the trade; he’s stopped me. “I can’t let you go; I’ll go crazy if I don’t see you.” “But I only need five days ……” “No, not to mention five days, five hours could kill me.” Every time I compromised, then, I would receive all kinds of jewelry from him. I thought it was his unique love. Instead, it’s just a cage he built to me for pleasing another woman. Dante sensed my silence and frowned slightly, hooking my chin with his finger and leaning down to ask. “Why you unhappy today, baby?” He’d always read my moods perfectly. Dante always captures my moods with precision and sorts them out for me in time. And that’s why I’m convinced of his affection. Putting away the hidden pain that filled my heart, I smiled at him. “It’s nothing, maybe I’ve been going out less lately, my spirit is not good.” He scratched my nose dotingly. “Tomorrow there’s a promotion party Jaxon’s throwing for Bethany, and there’s going to be a display of her jewelry from the past few years, want to go?” Jaxon, my ex-boyfriend and Bethany’s husband, was Dante’s best friend. Originally, I didn’t want to act with Dante in front of others, but Bethany’s works attracted me. I’d like to see how much this flower that blossomed from the dust is capable of now. Seeing me nod in agreement, Dante kissed my hair. “The day after tomorrow is our third wedding anniversary, so I’ll make time and take you on a honeymoon to make up for it.” I nodded, “Good, I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time, you can’t miss your appointment.” On that day, I had carefully arranged an event that I wanted to invite him to witness with my own eyes. I touched his ring with my fingertips, and felt a slight bump, which was the letter “BB” engraved on the ring. He likes to call me “baby” and says “BB” is my pronoun. Now, I suddenly realized– It was the initials of Bethany’s full name, Bethany Blake! I mumbled those two simple letters, but in my mind’s eye, I was overwhelmed by the images that flashed before my eyes. “BB” embroidered in silver on the collar of every piece of clothing he wore, saying he wanted to feel me every moment. On the box of every gift, he sent me, he wrote “To Baby” in his own handwriting, followed by a heartfelt confession. Every night before he goes to bed, he routinely posts a picture of his life on TikTok, talking to “BB” and telling her to take care of herself. I was lying right next to him. I used to make fun of him for looking like the big boy who claimed love but couldn’t get it, and he always looked at me seriously and spoke. “Baby, you don’t understand how much I love you, even when you’re next to me now, I feel uneasy.” Yes, I did not understand that it was possible to tie himself to me in order to love that woman. Dante, what an aggravation. Completely heartbroken, I stroked my not-yet-bumpy belly and made a dark decision. My child, does not need a father who does not love it.

The next morning, Dante brought me to Jaxon’s territory. Although he tried his best to hide his emotion, he still couldn’t hide the anticipation between his eyebrows. Obviously, his excitement wasn’t for me, but for Bethany. I suddenly remembered that every time he said he was going to a party at Jaxon’s house, he always acted especially excited, as if that was what he was really looking forward to. Somewhere in the back of my mind, unspeakable emotions flared up, but I quickly suppressed those complicated thoughts. Bethany was already at the party, dressed in all kinds of luxurious jewelry, walking in style as if she were the star of the crowd. Seeing me, a hint of complacency flashed in her eyes, and then the corner of her mouth brought on a contemptuous smile, lowering her voice and deliberately saying, “Ms. Sienna, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, seeing what I’ve accomplished today, are you jealous?” Her words pierced my heart. I remembered very clearly that when Bethany had just graduated and couldn’t find a job, Jaxon had begged me to let her be my design assistant. At that time, I taught her how to draw designs, brought her along to find inspiration, and even gave her encouragement when she was lost. But what I got in return was betrayal from Jaxon and her, and everything I once valued was mercilessly stomped on by her. Now, Bethany had gone from the little assistant that I’d looked down on to the designer that everyone looked up to. She had taken everything away from me that I once had, and I, for one, could only stand here and watch her walk through the crowd covered in jewelry and smiling. I didn’t want to say anything more to her, but she purposely pouted with a hint of aggression and pretended to be innocent, and said to me: ”I’m not like Ms. Sienna who was born noble and can get everything easily. Everything has to be done by myself step by step. It doesn’t matter for you to despise me, but my efforts were valued” The surrounding guests agree with her, “That’s right, how strong and brave Miss Bethany is, truly a role model for all girls!” “Even though Ms. Sienna is so learned, isn’t she a housewife now?” Hearing Bethany’s words, Jaxon threw an angry glare at me and quickly kept Bethany away from crowd. Dante glanced at me, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, and immediately chased after me, hurriedly apologized to Bethany and tried to diffuse things as much as possible. I just stood in place, but my heart sneered coldly. It turns out that Dante took the initiative to bring me to this kind of party because Bethany requested it. Appeased by the two men, Bethany finally broke into tears and smiled, quirking her lips provocatively at me. She seemed to enjoy this strong contrast, and enjoy my powerlessness and decadence in front of her. I ignored her provocation and walked alone to the exhibition area, looking around at the designs. My eyes were drawn tightly to a familiar design – it was the work I had just completed, The Stars. Although I didn’t go out for work, my love for jewelry design never faded, and I would always do some designs at home in my free time. But how did this piece of work appear here? What angered me even more was that the name of the piece had been changed to “The Stary Sky” and the signature in the bottom right corner was Bethany. My blood was practically boiling and my anger spread throughout my body at once. I couldn’t believe my eyes and impulsively found her. “Bethany, how dare you copy my work?” I questioned her coldly, my anger undisguised. She glanced up at me and pressed her finger to her lips, smiling unconcernedly, “So what? Yes, I did. Do you dare to kill me?” My anger instantly turned to shock as she was unafraid of it, instead she voluntarily leaned back and collapsed into the pool behind her. “Help! I can’t swim!” She screamed, her voice detonating the entire atmosphere of the party like a bomb. “Hurry! She can’t swim!” Someone shouted in panic. “Does she try to start a scene with this?” “Sienna is horrible ……” some people murmured, their voices laced with fear and sarcasm. I stood by, my heart mingling with anger and unease, but what was in front of me brought a sudden calmness to my heart. Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice yell, “Bethany, don’t be afraid!” The man leapt down, flopping and quickly leaping into the pool. It was Dante. He swam to Bethany, and his face was full of heartache, guilt, and helplessness. I finally realized that the man who was always calm and gentle was so affectionate when it came to Bethany. Bethany was so shocked that when she came ashore, tears were pouring out of her eyes. Dante hugged her and comforted her gently, seemingly whispering something tender in her ear. That scene was truly like a perfect drama of a hero rescuing a beautiful woman, making everyone feel envious. I looked at them without any expression. If that man wasn’t my husband, then this scene might have been really moved for me. However, precisely because he was my husband, this scene, made me very sad. Dante finally realized what he was doing and left hold of Bethany slightly, directing the maids to take care of her; then, he turns towards me with a frown, “Sienna, I know you’ll be upset to see Bethany’s accomplishment, but you can’t push her……” I couldn’t help but laugh at him “Joke, what has she accomplished that I should be jealous of?” I closed my eyes and held back the sourness and pain that welled up in my heart as I slowly spoke, “Dante, why does my artwork turn into Bethany’s?” Dante’s movements stalled, rubbing his hands together slightly, avoiding my gaze, “I’m sorry, I didn’t notice this, I’ll check it for you when I get back.” He said it easily, as if it was nothing, but it was deeply hurtful to me. I smiled bashfully, “Fine, investigate. You can find out just how much more hurt is hidden between us.” In my studio, I have always not allowed any maids to come close, and the one who knows about my latest work was Dante who occasionally looks at my designs, so who else could it be? I slowly turned around with an unmoving smile on my face, “I’m tired, take me home.”

Dante sighed in slight relief and resumed that thoughtful demeanor. “Or, tonight, we’ll leave for our honeymoon, and you can go home and get some rest.” He put his arm around me and gently led me by the hand towards the parking lot. I should have felt happy, after all, this was our first vacation in three years of marriage, but there was a cold silence in my heart. Halfway there, a panting maid suddenly rushed over and stopped us in our tracks, a trace of unconcealable anxiety on her face, “Mr. Dante, Bethany says she’s scared and wants to go out for a break.” I sneered, but in my heart, it was already clear: “If she’s scared, why is she looking for my husband?” The maid lowered her head, not daring to meet my eyes. Dante frowned, clearly embarrassed. His eyes held a hint of uneasiness and ingratiation, “Baby, Jaxon has a group of important guests today and can’t get away.” He paused, as if afraid I’d misunderstand, and explained softly, “After all, you’re the one who pushed Bethany into the water, so I’ll go take care of her for a bit.” “Heh,” I couldn’t help but grunt softly, a wave of sourness welling up in my heart. “I knew that between Bethany and I; your choice would never be me.” Dante seemed to see my upset and quickly leaned over to kiss me on the forehead, his tone gentle but tinged with urgency, “Don’t worry babe, I’ll be sure to pick you up on time tonight, our honeymoon won’t be delayed.” He hurriedly got into the car, waved at me with the window open, and then hurriedly left with the maid. I sat in the car, my steps, which I had intended to leave, stalled, and I did not start the car immediately. I wasn’t angry, rather it was like an indescribable exhaustion. A short while later, the car pulled up in front of Bethany, and with a smug smile, she walked up and leaned over to Dante, taking his arm, the one that had belonged in my place. I started the car without any words and quietly followed where they were going. They arrived at the lake and Bethany took off her shoes and stepped barefoot on the wet grass while Dante got down on one knee and carefully cleaned the blades of grass off her feet like he was serving a goddess. My heart pumped hard as I watched his meticulous demeanor. His gaze was firmly locked on Bethany’s body, with a look that I had never seen before. The focus, the depth of feeling, as if I’d never seen it in his eyes before. My phone vibrated and my fingers slid across the screen, but my heart was heavy. Bethany sent a photo with a sweet selfie of her and Dante. In the photo, Bethany’s smile was wide while Dante seemed to find warmth and dependence in her embrace. “Sienna, see?” Bethany’s text is simple, yet provocative. “Dante doesn’t look like an Alpha to me at all yet. He’s already promised to go stargazing with me tonight, so your honeymoon will have to be postponed, I guess.” I sneered, a sense of anger and powerlessness rising in me. I quickly deleted all my messages and blacked out Bethany. Postpone the honeymoon? I didn’t want to watch them love each other anymore. I suddenly decided to stop waiting and go my way alone tonight. Instead of going to Dante and returning to our home, I quietly began making my final arrangements. I looked up out the window at the night as I unpacked my bags. Soon enough, night fell and I drove my car, onto the ring road. I pulled into a silent area with no one around me in all directions. Dante hadn’t given me any news all afternoon, and the man who had once held the most important place in my heart was now so far away. The light of dusk reflected off the windows of my car as I stopped at the edge of the cliff. This was the first and last time I looked in the direction of the Silver Moon Pack from this angle. It had been my home; the place Dante and I shared. But now, all that was left there for me was endless pain and memories. I opened the car door and stood at the edge of the cliff, taking a deep breath. The employees of Fake Death Services had finished their setup and the car was pushed to the edge of the cliff with precision. I closed my eyes and the last thought in my mind was – get out of here, forever. With that, I pushed the door open as hard as I could and let the car fall off the cliff. The car tumbled down, making a loud noise the moment it hit the rocks. It sounded like the sound of my three-year marriage crumbling and shattering, as if the scattered bodywork was in pieces. As Dante and Bethany finished stargazing and stood by the lake enjoying the beautiful night, Dante hurried home and received a call from the police department. “Mr. Dante, your wife was abducted by a Rogue and fell off a cliff.” The voice on the other end of the phone seemed a bit rushed, Dante’s heart lifted and his face instantly turned pale. He rushed to the window and yelled, “How’s Sienna? Is she injured?” The caller was silent for a moment, as if he was organizing his wording, “I’m sorry, the lady was hit by multiple silver bullets, and her injuries were too severe to be resuscitated …… Now confirmed dead.” Dante was struck by lightning, his body shook and his eyes were blurred. He was trembling and staring, unable to accept the news: “No! it can’t be! Sienna won’t die!” He practically roared, his voice choking and gasping for air, as if he were a man who had lost his soul. But no matter how much he shouted, the silence on the other end, had made it clear to him. Sienna, was really gone. Dante’s face was pale that he could barely stand. “No way! She promised me she wouldn’t go out without me. You must be mistaken!” But the police said that the body had been identified and there could be no mistake.

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The night my husband brought home the one he truly loved— Anna— I got everything ready for them. He cut ties with his family for Anna，I fixed what he broke. When he finally married her, I was already gone from his life. Later he searched everywhere for me. “Stop this, I was wrong.” I pushed him away coldly:” You’ve got it wrong, Mr. Wilson. I’m the one who was wrong. Three years ago, I came out to you for a heart— but the doctor told me your heart wasn’t from that man.” That night, Andrew drove 200 miles like a madman— chasing after the wife he’d lost. Andrew stumbled in past midnight, reeking of booze. I moved to steady him. Then I saw her—Anna trailing behind. “Sorry, ” she smirked. “He insisted I help him home.” My hand froze mid-air. A fresh hickey bloomed on his throat—right over the Adam’s apple. The exact shade of Anna’s lipstick. I backed away silently. Suddenly Andrew blinked awake. His eyes scraped over me. “Get me water.” His voice impatient, as if ordering a servant. I stood rooted, my unspoken question hung in the air: “What am I to you after three years?” Tension crackled. Anna shifted. “Let me—” Andrew yanked her against his chest. “Why be nice? If not for her, you’d rule this house.” He shoved past me, dragging her toward our bedroom. Correction: his and Anna’s playground. Three years ago, when Andrew and Anna were engaged, I did everything in my power to marry him. Since then, Andrew has never given me a kind look. Three years of servitude: Bringing water when he’s drunk, delivery midnight meals to his office, even arranging stuff for their dates. When I was stunned, ambiguous sounds came from the master bedroom. Accompanying them, there was also the thumping of the bed. Anna’s voice’s was loud, like silent provocation. A feeling of embarrasment spread from the bottom of my heart. I could do nothing but tighty cover my ears. Until daybreak, his text blazed: “Make breakfast. Anna wants your shrimp congee.” Before dawn broke, I finished cooking the porridge. Then I found Andrew had walked in at some unknown time. His figure was tall and slender, silhouetted against the light leaking through the door. I had no idea how long he had been staring at me. When our eyes met, Andrew snapped impatiently:”Did you mean to wake Anna on purpose? Louise, I have no feelings for you. How many more times will you use these tricks?” Before I could speak, Anna came out of the room, hooked her arm around Andrew, and gave him a morning kiss. A possessive one. Her eyes swept over me, fake surprise plastered on her face. “Oops, Louise, didn’t see you there.” Toward Anna’s little tricks, I was long unsurprised. But seeing the bite marks over Andrew’s heart, my heart sank without warning. In the past, that heart of Andrew’s had also beat for me. But now, it didn’t belong to me anymore. It was okay. As long as it was still by my side. “Crying over what? You think this way I’ll feel pain for you?” Until Andrew snorted coldly, I realized I was already tear-streaked staring at his heart’s position. I turned around helplessly; in my panic, a stack of tissues got thrown into my arms. “Louise, initially it was you who ruined me and Anna first, what right do you have to feel wrong?” Andrew abruptly grabbed my arm, his cold fierce eyes blazing undisguised disgust as they locked onto me. Suddenly pulled by him, I felt dizzy immediately, my vision began spinning without warning, blurring the world around me. My legs gave way and I actually fell straight toward him in a helpless, headlong collapse against his chest. “Hey, stop faking it！” “Louise? Wake up?” “Louise!” Andrew lifted me without a word, until Anna’s shout came from behind, “Andrew, tonight the gathering…” “Go without me.” As she watched Andrew striding away, his figure receding with my body cradled in his arms, Anna’s face abruptly darkened with a mixture of rage and dismay.

I never expected to be pregnant now. Even less expected, Andrew completely didn’t remember having me recently. “Sign the divorce papers if you want that bastard.” Rooted to the spot as if paralyzed, I stood frozn for what felt like an eternity, a strangled sound catching in my throat, when speech finally came, “Andrew, this is truly your child. Try to remember—Months ago, when you drank—” “Enough!” He interrupted me ruthlessly. “I don’t care if I was blind drunk or stone sober—my heart belongs only and forever to Anna! “Louise, drop these disgusting games. Did you really think trapping me with another man’s baby would keep you here? If not your parents forcing me to mary you with their power, do you think I’d spare you a glance?” With that final blow, Andrew denied me even a sliver of rebuttal. Before I could draw another breath, the rustle of paper sliced through the silence—then the cold sting of divorce papers struck my cheek. From the day I married him, I knew he’d never love me. But it was fine. As long as I could guard that heart, I was satisfied. Three years ago, I’d forced him to marry me. With my family’s power, with money. But the truth was: Edward’s heart beat in his chest. My Edward. The one who loved me to death—literally. In his last moments, holding me, he whispered: “Even gone, my heart will beat for you.” So I married Andrew without hesitation. Because he was Edward’s donor. But now—… my palm pressed over my lower belly. Three months ago. Edward’s death day. I sat at his grave. Stone cold beneath me. Wind whispering. One full day. One full night. I didn’t move. Couldn’t. Then Andrew came for me. He shoved me against the wall, howling:” Louise! You ignore my calls! My texts!” Drunk. Wild. Eyes blazing—like Edward at eighteen. My hand touched his face, trembling. “I’ve missed you so much.” The man froze for a second. Then— He carried me to the car. Rain lashed against the car windows as I let myself drown in the moment. Just let me… get close. Near the heart, his heart, thumping clearly even through the rain. One more time. That was all. One last time. The sharp clack of heels snapped me back to reality. Anna stormed in, eyes blazing. “You! Playing the cool girl while scheming to trap him with a baby? “Did you think knocking me off his radar would let you steamroll over me? “Her voice high and shrill, “Andrew’s lawyer drafted divorce papers weeks ago! His family sees me as his real wife!” Her loud and harsh voice grated on my nerves, making me impatient. “If that’s the case,” I snapped, “why hasn’t he married you yet?” “You—!” She choked back, speechless for a moment. “Don’t push me! You think forcing that sham wedding means anything? Face it—you’re a nobody in that house! His grandma’s birthday gala tonight? He’s taking ME.” She flung a gold card onto the seat. “Five million dollars. Sign. Or you and that bastard disappear forever.” The door slammed. I let out a slow breath. They really were two of a kind, him and her. Back when Andrew and I married in secret, he was still under my parents’ thumb. But things had changed. Over the years, he’d grown stronger, bolder. Now he thought he’d slipped their control. What they all seemed to forget was this: I was the mastermind behind the empire. Five million dollars. Probably the last coin in Anna’s purse. Andrew and I had a secret marriage. Publicly, he kept playing the rich playboy, swarmed by flocks of pretty women. The Wilsons hated me and I stayed scarce at his events. But today was different. At the old lady’s birthday banquet, when I showed up draped in crimson, not just the Wilsons froze—Andrew too lost his grip. Step by step, I walked the red carpet. Andrew’s icy eyes flashed hot, then froze dead cold. He strode over, yanked my wrist:”Grandma’s birthday is no place for you to crash this party.” The crowd buzzed:”Rumors said Andrew kept a woman hidden—her?” “That secret marriage gossip… real after all?” “Impossible! Only Anna’s by his side! Gatecrasher here for drama!” Footsteps echoed. Heads turned. Then— silence. The old lady rolled out in her wheelchair. “I invited Louise.” “Grandma?” Andrew choked. Her eyes, cold and ancient, locked on him. “Louise carries the Wilson heir. My birthday—shouldn’t she celebrate?” The hall exploded. Anna’s face curdled like spoiled milk. By Andrew’s side for years—never named, never claimed. Andrew exploded: “Louise! Your cheap trick? Sick! Even using Grandma, you’ll never get my heart!” I breathed smoothly. Steadily. Knew he’d say that. Knew he’d choose her. My pressed down the dumb ache beneath my ribs. Then I moved, pulling a piece of paper from my bag. “Grandma promised: the child stays, being the grandchild to the Wilsons.” Andrew froze. Confusion ripped across his face. “I know you love Anna. After three years… I’m tired. I’ll sign the divorce papers—now—on one condition. “You leave this house with NOTHING.” White. Sheet-white. Andrew’s face drained of blood. Anna swayed, shrill: “How dare you?!” “Because I documented every cheat of his. Every lie. Because I bought the empire.” Years of ignoring business for Anna— Meetings skipped. Deals collapsed. Empire crumbling… Only I could save it. Grandma’s eyes met mine. No words needed. We both knew: Useless heir? Or legacy? She chose Wilson blood. She’d sent for me yesterday. We had a deal. “Louise! You viper!” Andrew spat. I just smiled lightly, concealing the tears in my eyes. “You claim to love Anna… yet won’t be poor for her?” I clapped. An assistant thrust a wedding ring at him. “It was from Andrew’s family when we got married. Never worn it. Put it on Anna now—before everyone—and I’ll vanish forever.” Exactly as he gave me a choice then, I gave him one now. The hall swallowed its own breath. Tense. Waiting. Andrew stood paralyzed. Time stretched. Anna’s eyes flickered with doubt, then panic. “Andrew? Don’t you want us? Eight years I’ve waited… If it’s money… I have savings. We… we can start from zero…” Her voice wavered. Weak. “Waiting, Mr. Wilson?” I let out a short, mocking laugh. “Can’t it be that you actually… want me?” “Enough!” He grabbed the ring and rammed it onto Anna’s finger. And my pen shredded the divorce papers. Anna’s chin lifted and triumph flushed her cheeks. I turned away— Loved Edward? Yes. Wanted to guard his heart? Yes. But compared to a child bonded to my blood, for the company of my rest years, I would to choose to let go of Andrew— without a blink. Yesterday after Anna came, the phone rang: “Louise, we regret to inform you—three years ago, your boyfriend Edward’s donated heart… was misidentified. It never went to Andrew Wilson.” So—keep the child. Cut the man. My heels hammered the marble. Almost at the doors, his voice ripped through silence: “LOUISE! I REGRET THIS!”

Andrew suddenly ripped the divorce papers apart. The sound tore through the room. Shreds flew, with a few white flakes landing on Anna’s face. “Vicious move!” he spat, voice thick with anger. “You knew I’d die for Anna! Knew it! Yet forced this choice on me! Think I’d let you win? “Divorce is DEAD! Bury that hope!” Anna stood frozen, pale. Trembling, she finally found her voice: “Andrew, you… you… promised me forever.” He gripped her shoulders: “Anna, listen, I love you— more than anything. But how? How can I give you a future with empty hands?” “I can work! I’ve got savings— my own money! We can start over—” “No! I won’t let you suffer! Not like that. I won’t see you struggle.” He cut her off. But his eyes dodged hers, looking everywhere but at her hurt face. “Why should Louise steal what’s yours? She’s playing head games, trying to trick us— to get—” I almost laughed out loud. The sheer cowardice of it. Hiding behind money, calling it love. “Andrew,” I said, “You stand there and claim to love her deeply, yet… you fear building a life with her from scratch? Afraid a little hard work? Or…” I paused. “…truth is, you’d rather stay here? Stay trapped… with a woman you hate?” “Shut up!” Anna shrieked, her face flushing red with rage. “Stop poisoning us with your venom! I trust him! “I’ll wait!” Applause erupted suddenly from some corners of the room. “Brave Anna! ” Someone yelled. “Since when does real love need a piece of paper?” “True love conquers all!” Andrew seized the moment. He pulled Anna tight against him. “I’ll never fail you, darling!” Can’t save fools begging to drown. I simply turned and walked out. Three days passed. Andrew gone. No word. Anna’s social media feeds exploded. Picture after picture: sunset proposals, diamond rocks, Parisian kisses. All captioned: #TRUELOVEWINS. Probably bought bots and trended it. I didn’t pay attention. Until one midnight, my phone buzzed and lit up with eleven missed calls. All from Andrew. His voice cold and deep when I answered: “Get to the Starlight Bar. Now.” “…?” “You got 30 minutes.” “Why on earth should I wreck my sleep for you, Mr. Wilson?” “Because I’ve got new divorce terms…with lethal clauses for YOU.” The lounge door crashed open. Laughter died mid-air. “Well look—the loyal little wifey come to fetch her man!” “Missed your hubby’s attention that much?” Rich boys—Anna’s pack, Andrew’s buddies— Always blamed me for stealing Anna’s spot. Seeing Andrew silent, Anna’s die-hard simp lunged up:”MILFs are my jam! C’mere sugar!” His paw grabbed my wrist—dragging me toward couch. My kick hit something. Screech—Anna’s shriek froze the room— Red wine bled down her white dress. Andrew moved like lightning to Shield Anna and shove me down. Glass shards bit my palm. Pain came second, his slap coming first. “Apologize. NOW.” His eyes were black fire. Three years as his wife… less than spilled wine. “Let me handle her, Andrew! Hard mouth? We’ll play a game.” The simp whipped off his belt, lassshing my ankles raw. My dress tore. “Damn— married women do have a diferent weight to them!” His sandpaper fingers found my ankles, inching upward. Bile rose. “Andrew! I’m carrying your child!” His turned a stoney back. Anna’s eyes gloated: “Worth it.” Beer bottles clanked. Wolf whistles pierced. My begging turned to howls— Their laughs got louder. When my blouse tore, the man in front of me let out a cry of surprise. “Pregnant women are choice—” THUD! The simp flew like a broken toy—crashed against the glass table. Andrew hauled me up, wrapping me in his jacket. Carried me out. “Andrew…” Anna’s face bleached white.   Andrew drove me all the way back to the villa. He dumped me in the bathroom. Feral. Tore my clothes. Scrubbed me raw with the showerhead. Every spot touched tonight was rubbed raw by him. This man, a stranger now, scarlet-rimmed eyes, anger within. But why the fury? He let them do this to me. Outside thunder cracked. Knock knock knock. Nanny’s voice shook: “Master… Miss Anna’s here.” He threw a towel at me. “Clean up. Wait for me.” First time he left Anna at the door. Rain pounded the windows. The rain outside was very loud, but the silence inside the villa enabled me to clearly hear their conversation. “Andrew, what’s wrong? Can’t let her go?” “I didn’t say that.” “You promised to marry me. Still?” “Give me time.” Anna’s voice shook: “I’m freezing… hold me?” Before, he’d have cradled her till dawn. But tonight:”Driver’s taking you home.” Anna looked like she was beside herself with anger and slammed the door hard. But this time, Andrew didn’t chase her. He stalked back into the bathroom. Hands braced on tub edges, he trapped my gaze:”Satisfied, Louise? Your vicious game worked.” I nearly choked on rage:”Your mess with Anna—my fault?” “The whole banquet knows you’re pregnant!” His reply was off the point, “Divorce now? Anna branded mistress forever! I won’t feed your scheme!” “Mr. Wilson, who shoved her into mistres’ skin? You.” “Shut it!” He yanked me from water and threw me onto bed. First time in three years, he slid in beside me. The thick reek of spirits hung in the air. When his heat pressed my spine, I jolted like shocked deer. “Hate sharing beds.” “I’m your husband. Father of that accident inside you.” “So? Need relief? Call Anna.” Something snapped. He yanked my arm and forced me to meet his eyes directly:”You schemed to marry me! Why occupy my wife’s place… Refuse the duty?!” “Duty?”I spat the word, “Anna’s serviced your ‘duty’ for years! Or…” My smile cut deep. “…suddenly fall in love with your ‘wife’?” He crushed my mouth. No kiss—a punishment. The more I fought, the deeper he invaded. Burning. Also fury. Just as breath failed— BRRRRT! BRRRRT! His ringtone shattered the haze. He killed the call—it raged back louder. Until nanny’s wail pierced the walls:”Master! Miss Anna—she’s slashed her wrists!” Anna’s fake suicide blew up online. Overnight, hashtags painted two characters: me—the :witchy ex-wife” who’d driven her to despair—and Anna, the tragic “love victim.”

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Six years of constant companionship and tender care made me believe I’d found my soulmate. Until my twenty-second birthday. That’s when he mercilessly exposed me, naked and vulnerable, to his family. The icy, emotionless look in his eyes shattered me. Only then did I realize that everything, *every single thing*, had been a meticulously planned act of revenge. Damien hated everyone connected to the Davies family. Since a broken mirror can never be whole again, it was time for us to never meet again. Eight PM. Silverwood City General Hospital. It had been three years since I last stepped foot in this city I’d called home for over two decades. Grandpa Arthur was seriously ill. The moment I got Mom’s call, I booked the first flight back. Looking at Grandpa Arthur in his hospital bed, his face pale and frail, he seemed to have aged years overnight. “Audrey, you’ve suffered so much all these years.” I squeezed his weathered hands, trying to reassure him. “Grandpa, I haven’t suffered. You just need to get well, fast.” Grandpa Arthur had a long-standing heart condition, kept stable by medication. This time, a crisis at the company had overwhelmed him, causing his heart condition to flare up and leading to his collapse. Outside his room, on the hospital ground floor, I saw a familiar figure I hadn’t seen in three years. Damien leaned against his car, a cigarette dangling from one hand, a suit jacket slung over the other arm. He looked effortlessly elegant, so arrogantly refined. “Audrey, have you been well these past few years?” His voice was low and hoarse, betraying no emotion. “Thanks to my dear Uncle, I’ve been living a life worse than death.” I met his gaze head-on, deliberately emphasizing the word “Uncle.” He extinguished his cigarette, acting as if he didn’t see the fury blazing in my eyes. He opened the passenger door, turning his head slightly. “Get in. I’ll take you back.” Hearing his calm, almost indifferent tone, a wave of repressed anger choked me. “My dearest Uncle, where exactly are you taking me back to? The old Davies family estate or your Waterside villa?” Yes, I had nowhere else to go. My dad had an affair, my mom remarried, and I’d lived with Grandpa Arthur since birth. Even my last name was Davies. Three years ago, Damien’s meticulously planned revenge made it impossible for me to stay at the Davies family estate. His mother, Grandpa Arthur’s second wife, couldn’t tolerate me there for a second. Damien’s shirt sleeves were half-rolled up, his hands resting loosely on the steering wheel. He ignored my self-deprecation, speeding through the night. The car stopped in front of his Waterside villa, but I made no move to get out. “Is my Uncle planning another grand performance?” As if sensing my resistance, he softened his tone. “You’ll stay here. I’ll go back to the estate.” He always had that composed, calm expression, as if the shameful scheme from three years ago had never happened.

Three years ago, on the night of my twenty-second birthday. It was late when I finished celebrating with friends. I returned to the Waterside villa, and before I could even reach for the light switch, the room slowly filled with soft, twinkling lights. Candles flickered to life, one by one, and rose petals were scattered everywhere. Damien stood there in the warm, yellow glow, holding a bouquet of flowers, gazing at me with such deep affection. “Happy Birthday, Audrey.” His eyes were filled with gentle adoration, completely captivating me. Yes, I loved Damien, from sixteen to twenty-two. Six years of almost crazy infatuation, and he had never once reciprocated my feelings. He’d always just pat my head, telling me I was too young, like he was comforting a child. But that night, he stood before me like a prince, and I could no longer suppress the intense love bubbling within me. “What do you want for your gift, my Audrey?” Fueled by the last whispers of alcohol, I wrapped my arms around his neck, closed my eyes, and pressed my lips against his warm ones. “Damien, I want you.” Whether it was the numbing effect of the alcohol or the incredibly暧昧 atmosphere in the room, he didn’t push me away as he usually did. Instead, he spun me around and pinned me against the wall, deepening the kiss. Some things, once they begin, can’t be stopped. The flickering candlelight, the flowers scattered on the floor, and clothes strewn everywhere… I whispered, over and over, into his ear, “Damien, I love you.” But he, in a perverse twist, made me call him “Uncle.” Lost in the euphoria of my long-standing unrequited love finally being returned, I didn’t notice the fleeting, cold glint in Damien’s eyes. The next morning, I was woken by an urgent pounding on the door. I lay naked on Damien’s bedroom bed, covered by a thin sheet, barely concealing the unmistakable marks on my skin. Damien, fully dressed and at ease, sat on the low couch by the bed. Seeing me wake, he smirked. “Audrey, you’re about to witness quite the show.” He swept away any hint of tenderness from his gaze. When he looked at me, his eyes were sharp, merciless, and utterly cold. No sooner had he spoken than the door was kicked open from the outside. Grandpa Arthur and Celeste, Damien’s mother, rushed in. Before my brain could even process what was happening, a hand swung up and slapped me hard across the face. My head reeled. All I could hear was Celeste’s vile curses, “Audrey Davies, have you no shame? You’ll crawl into anyone’s bed!” Grandpa Arthur stopped her from saying more, closed the door, and turned to Damien, who remained seated and unmoving. “Damien, you called us here just to see this? Is this your objective?” Damien calmly adjusted his sleeve, stood up, and sneered, utterly unconcerned. “Nothing to explain. As you can see, your granddaughter loves me. Tell me, how should I address you from now on?” I looked up at him in disbelief, as if the tenderness of last night had been nothing but a cruel illusion. Grandpa Arthur, fuming, sat down on the bed, steadying himself. After a long moment, he said, full of disappointment, “You’re her uncle, Damien. Audrey is just a child. How could you be so heartless?” “Why wouldn’t I be heartless? If it weren’t for you, my dad wouldn’t have died in that car accident. I hate everyone in your Davies family.” His brows subtly twitched, and his deep, dark eyes held only indifference and distance. “This is the retribution you deserve.” His cold, mocking tone left me frozen, like a lightning strike, shattering my heart into a million pieces. In that moment, I realized I had never truly known the man before me. That day, Damien didn’t spare me another glance. He finished speaking and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. He left only one sentence: “Clean up this mess yourselves. I’m done.” Watching his figure disappear beyond the door, a flood of memories rushed into my mind. All those moments where Damien had shown me such extreme indulgence, almost like affection. And now, I finally had an answer. I also learned that day that Damien’s father had died in a car crash while drunk, after discovering his wife’s affair. Celeste, Damien’s mother, married into the Davies family when Damien was twenty-six. Grandpa Arthur had given her a grand wedding. Everyone thought it was a love match after Damien’s father died. But it turned out there was such a deep-seated hatred, fueled by the death of a loved one. So, all these years, Damien had been systematically seeking revenge on everyone in the Davies family.

After a restless night, I woke up early the next day. This return trip meant a tough battle ahead, and I had no time to dwell on the past. Over the past few years, Damien had leveraged the power of Davies Group to establish his own company. Bit by bit, he snatched away resources that rightfully belonged to Davies Group. Now, the Davies Group was little more than an empty shell, almost completely dismantled by him. Grandpa Arthur couldn’t bear to see his life’s work vanish. He also couldn’t believe Damien could be so utterly ruthless. That’s why he hoped I could return to Davies Group and try to salvage what was left. Grandpa Arthur truly overestimated me. I had already experienced Damien’s methods. Against him, I stood no chance. Composing myself, I walked into the CEO’s office at Davies Group. Damien stood with his back to the door, hands in his pockets, gazing out the bright, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. From the 32nd floor, the city’s most bustling panorama stretched before him. He was like an ancient emperor, surveying the empire he had conquered. Hearing the door open, he turned, unsurprised by my presence. “Here to start your new job? You can begin as my assistant.” He knew my intentions, yet he deliberately made things difficult. “Do I have other options?” “I want to go to the tech department.” He chuckled softly. “Audrey, some things can’t be rushed. Why don’t we take our time? We have all the time in the world.” But I didn’t have much time left. Davies Group wouldn’t last much longer. “Then I want to attend all company executive meetings.” “Also, I need to see the company’s financial reports from the past few years.” Damien casually shuffled some documents on his desk, saying indifferently, “Naturally.” Perhaps he truly didn’t need to care much about me. By now, no one could pose a threat to him. Despite being given the title of assistant, I wasn’t assigned any real work. I wasn’t sure what his intention was, but my desk was placed right next to Damien’s. This was the spot I used to frequent, the place where I could look up and see Damien’s perfect profile. Memories drifted like smoke. After three years, we were somehow coexisting peacefully in the same space. Damien was busy, glued to his computer all day, working. Aside from occasionally taking calls and ordering me to bring him tea or water, he was silent. He wore a crisp suit, with short bangs falling over his forehead, and his usual faint smile was gone. His composed, serious demeanor added a chilling edge to his handsome face. He was no longer the Damien I remembered.

When I first met Damien, he was aloof and arrogant, with an inherent coldness that kept people at a distance. Uncle Ryan, my mother’s older brother, had no interest in business and worked as a surgeon in a military hospital, rarely coming home. So, Grandpa Arthur wanted Damien to work at Davies Group. Damien showed no resistance then. He unhesitatingly turned down high-paying offers from international corporations and readily joined Davies Group. From a junior employee to a branch manager, and then to the CEO of Davies Group, it only took him two years. At twenty-eight, Damien, with his innate decisiveness, took over from Grandpa Arthur, officially becoming the successor to Davies Group. It was from that day on that he gradually replaced the veterans who had worked with Grandpa Arthur for years, installing his own people. Now, Davies Group was entirely under Damien’s control. Grandpa Arthur had always known about this but never pursued it. “They’re family, let him do as he pleases,” was the comfort Grandpa Arthur offered himself. My story with Damien began the day he joined Davies Group. The Davies family estate was in the suburbs. To avoid the hassle of daily commutes, I moved into the Waterside villa near my school with Damien. The Damien who was cold and distant in public was incredibly doting towards me, even though we had no blood relation. Outside of work, he’d take me out to dinner and movies, accompany me to amusement parks to ride the Ferris wheel, and even childishly play in the snow with me on cold winter days. He patiently indulged all my whims and unreasonable demands. He often brought me to his friends’ gatherings, proudly introducing me as his young niece. Gradually, everyone in the circle knew that Damien had a beloved young niece he doted on. In my youth, when my heart was first awakening to love, I naturally couldn’t resist his thoughtful, caring favoritism. Moreover, he was a man of undeniable charm, inherently attractive. My love for Damien was intense, almost to the point of madness, and I didn’t know where it stemmed from. Perhaps it was the warm milk he handed me before bed, or his embrace as he shielded me from the rain. Or maybe it was his tender gaze at the top of the Ferris wheel on Valentine’s night. … I desperately sought out every trace of his love for me, yet after that one night, he brutally dragged me into hell. After that day, Grandpa Arthur sent me abroad for three whole years. Before I left, Grandpa Arthur said to me, his voice heavy with heartache, “Audrey, go clear your head. I’ll handle things here.”

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The day before I was set to marry the city’s most sought-after heir, Blake Davies, his first love, the girl he never truly got over, came back home. He completely ditched me, rushing off to be with her, leaving me stranded at our engagement party. Utterly heartbroken and disillusioned, I finally decided to walk away. But then, with his eyes red-rimmed, he gripped my arm and asked, “Skylar, are you really going to abandon me?” 0 Blake Davies and I were engaged. Everyone in our social circle said I was incredibly clever, that I’d managed to make the notorious playboy heir finally settle down. I just smiled. I hadn’t played any games; I’d simply laid my heart bare, offering it to Blake without holding anything back. I was mid-face mask when I heard the news that Seraphina Lawrence was back in the country. Blake was in the shower, and his phone was buzzing relentlessly on the coffee table. I picked it up and saw it was an unknown number. I answered. Before I could even speak, a soft, gentle female voice chimed from the other end. “Blake, I’m back.” My heart lurched. I quickly hit the end call button. There was a moment of silence on the other end, then the phone rang again. I immediately silenced it. 0

I knew Blake had a first love who’d moved abroad. Her name was Seraphina Lawrence, and she was his high school girlfriend. But they’d broken up right after graduation, and she’d promptly left the country. Blake, the Davies family heir, had been a wreck for a while after that, becoming even more of a playboy, living life like it was one big game, a pure reckless rich kid. All of this was what I’d heard from others. Before I knew Blake personally, my impression of him was just that he was the talk of the campus among my university classmates. Blake’s striking looks, privileged background, and that dangerous, laid-back vibe made him a hot topic, attracting countless admirers. He went through girlfriends one after another. This made my initial impression of him less than stellar. Then one day, my roommate and I went to a bar for her birthday and ended up getting harassed by a few guys. They blocked our way, insisting we have a few drinks before we could leave. Caught in a standoff, I was about to pull out my phone to call the cops when someone walked up beside us. Blake stood in front of us, tall and imposing. He looked down at the guys, a single cold word falling from his lips. “Beat it.” One of the guys, seeing how arrogant he was, threw a punch at Blake’s face, but Blake caught his wrist with a swift move. Blake’s other hand clenched into a fist and he slammed it hard into the guy. The man yelped, stumbling backward and knocking over a bottle from the table. The sound of shattering glass drew many eyes from around the bar. A server noticed the commotion and quickly came over with security. He paused when he saw Blake. The guys were still yelling, threatening to make Blake pay. Blake looked at the server and said, “These guys are causing trouble. Get them out of here.” The security guards nodded and dragged them outside. Blake exchanged a few more words with the server, then glanced at us before leaving. The server told us our entire tab for the night was on the house. Later, I found out Blake was a co-owner of that bar. From that day on, I seemed to see Blake everywhere at school. 0

When Blake came out of the shower, I handed him his phone and told him what had just happened. He took it, stared at the number for a few seconds, then tossed it aside as if it were nothing. I cautiously asked, “Aren’t you going to call her back?” Blake looked at me, giving a nonchalant smile. “It’s nothing important.” My heart, which had been in my throat, finally relaxed. I was so excited for our engagement party the next day. The next morning, I woke up early and started getting my hair and makeup done. I had been waiting for this day for a long time. By the time everything was ready, it was already noon. When I arrived at the venue, it was already packed. Relatives, friends, and everyone from our social circle were there. In the center of the hall, stood Blake, sharp in his suit. I walked toward him, step by step, toward the man I had loved for six years. Blake’s eyes were full of warmth, gazing back at me. I can’t remember exactly when I started pursuing Blake. I only remember the night we officially got together, the bar table covered in empty glasses. Blake was sitting on the sofa, surrounded by his friends. His eyes were deep, and he pointed at the drinks on the table, saying, “Drink all these, and I’ll be with you.” My head was hot from the alcohol, and I grabbed a glass, pouring it down my throat. By the third glass, Blake grabbed my wrist and took the glass away. Then, amidst the cheers and catcalls of his friends, he pulled me up and led me out of the private room. He pinned me against the wall in the hallway, his intense gaze fixed on me. “You like me that much, huh?” The alcohol was hitting me hard. My eyes were blurry, and I seemed to be processing his words slowly. After a long moment, I nodded. He cupped the back of my head, making me tilt my head back to look at him. I mumbled, “I like… Blake.” As soon as the words left my lips, they were covered by something warm. When I was about to run out of breath, he let me go. I gasped, watching his Adam’s apple bob. That night, it felt natural for us to become a couple. That was one year and three months into my pursuit of Blake. 0

Halfway through the engagement party, Blake’s phone rang. Standing beside him, I watched him pull out his phone and frown. He immediately hung up. But then, the call came in again. Once, twice, three times. On the fourth call, Blake finally answered. As soon as he picked up, a girl’s tearful voice rang out. “Blake, I was in a car accident.” In an instant, all the color drained from Blake’s face. Ignoring the astonished gazes of everyone present, he bolted out of the hall in a desperate rush. I stood there, utterly helpless, the pain in my chest feeling like a black hole, threatening to swallow me whole. I clutched my stomach, feeling a wave of nausea. I rushed to the restroom and dry heaved. I turned on the faucet, not caring if my makeup would run, and splashed water on my face. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead. I looked at myself in the mirror, my hair disheveled, on the verge of breaking down. After a long while in the restroom, I finally emerged. Most of the guests had already left the engagement party; only my parents and my best friend, Ashley Shaw, were waiting for me. Seeing my distraught appearance, they rushed over, surrounding me, their faces etched with worry. “Skylar, what happened?” My throat tightened, and I struggled to speak. “I don’t want to get married anymore.”

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The sharp crack of a slap echoed. I crumpled to the ground, my right cheek burning. Not far off, my boyfriend was holding my ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend, glaring at me with ill intent. A pair of black leather shoes entered my blurred vision. Before I could even look up, a familiar, teasing voice reached my ears: “Only a few minutes apart, and you’re already such a mess.” I picked myself up, tugging uncomfortably at the sweet pink princess dress I wore. A sharp glint entered my eyes, completely clashing with my outfit. “You, who just got humiliated with a public betrayal, have no right to speak.” On the night of Liam’s new movie premiere, I waited backstage in a sweet pink princess dress, overjoyed at the thought of surprising him. People passing by gave me a wide berth. It was common knowledge that I had publicly attacked every rumored girlfriend for Liam and engaged in heated online battles with his fans. My reputation in the entertainment industry was utterly trashed. But what others thought didn’t matter to me. I only cared about Liam. Yet, the next second, I turned a corner and saw him passionately kissing Chloe, my long-standing rival. My mind went blank. Like crazy, I lunged forward and grabbed Chloe’s hair, only to be slapped to the ground by Liam. My boyfriend had slapped *me* for another woman. This should have been an incredibly painful moment. But I couldn’t stop my lips from curving upwards, wild joy surging uncontrollably in my chest. The obsessive adoration for Liam that I couldn’t shake off before, vanished in that instant. I was finally free from the control of that damned Obsession Protocol! Then, a tall figure’s shadow stretched over the ground, enveloping me. The black leather shoes and familiar voice told me I wasn’t the only one who had regained freedom. It was my ex-boyfriend, Julian. Julian and I broke up a year ago. At the time, I was a rising star in the entertainment industry, at the peak of my popularity, thriving in both my love life and career. But the moment I saw Liam, I was like a woman possessed, publicly declaring my love for him and completely forgetting Julian. Julian agreed to the sudden breakup without hesitation. A month later, he strangely concealed his identity and relentlessly pursued Chloe, a practically unknown actress at the time. Speaking of which, he hadn’t spoken to me in that tone for almost a year since that day. “Aria, can you stop being so unreasonable?” Liam growled, frowning. He must have been a bit drunk. Normally, he wouldn’t act so out of character for his carefully crafted public persona. I never understood why the Obsession Protocol chose Liam. After a long period of my mindless, obsessive pursuit, Liam had completely bought into my extreme infatuation with him. After several tests, he would occasionally show me his true self. After all, no one can wear a mask all the time. So, I’d seen his glamorous public facade, and I’d also seen his disgusting private self. I ignored Liam, instead shifting my gaze to Chloe, who was cowering in his arms, a knowing smirk on my face. “What about you? Getting all cozy with someone else right in front of your boyfriend? Aren’t you going to say anything?” Chloe clutched Liam’s shirt and stayed silent, just looking utterly pitiful at Julian, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill. Julian shuddered, instinctively taking a step back behind me. Having to endure a year by Chloe’s side, and pretending to pursue her… it must have been tough on him. And so did I. I slowly stepped forward. Liam boldly pulled Chloe behind him, acting all protective. “If you dare to touch her again, I’m breaking up with you.” This tactic always worked like a charm in the past. No matter how outrageous Liam’s actions were, this one sentence would instantly make me docile. But not anymore. And they seemed to forget that when I first entered the industry, my temper was known throughout the industry as being terrible. Before Liam could finish his last syllable, I landed a solid slap on him. He staggered back a few steps, clutching his face, accidentally knocking Chloe down behind him. The first slap wasn’t enough; my face still stung fiercely. Before he could steady himself, I slapped his other cheek. The next day, videos of me slapping the A-list actor twice went viral on social media.

“How dare she hit our Liam? Who the hell is Aria anyway?!” “Aria, just die already! Our Liam’s face is all red from her hitting him!” “As a neutral observer, wasn’t she head-over-heels for him before? Is this love turned to hate?” “Aria, are you crazy?! With that stunt, all of Liam’s schedules will be delayed! Can you be responsible for the company’s losses?!” In my bedroom, Marcus’s exasperated voice still echoed. I slipped on plastic gloves and took a satisfying bite of steaming hot fried chicken, my eyes narrowing in bliss. “Are you deaf?! Don’t think the company will bail you out of every mess! Do you have any idea how much we lost this time?!” “I’m listening. Weren’t you always hyping up me and Liam’s relationship before? Now I’m trending at number one for all the wrong reasons, hasn’t that saved you money on those negative PR campaigns you used to buy?” I responded sarcastically into the phone. When I first joined the company, I was a key talent they were heavily investing in. Marcus was kind and amiable to me, nothing like his aggressive, temperamental self today. But then I refused unethical demands from a high-level executive, and I tore him a new one. After that, my opportunities dwindled, my projects were downgraded, and everyone’s true colors were completely exposed. It was just my luck that before I could terminate my contract with the company, I was taken over by the Obsession Protocol and completely lost control of my body. Marcus sputtered, “You—you—” for a good while before hanging up. He must have been furious. I tossed my phone aside and took a big gulp of bubble tea. After being controlled by the Protocol, I had been constantly dieting to conform to Liam’s aesthetic. My once curvy figure had been reduced to a skeletal frame. I needed to gain some weight back soon. And no, it definitely wasn’t because I’m a glutton. The TV was playing the popular drama I had recently starred in. The moment I appeared, the on-screen comments were filled with remarks telling me to get out of the industry. My reputation was so bad not just because of Liam’s fans and the company’s insidious manipulation, but also because my portrayal of villains was so convincing it made audiences seethe with hatred. I binge-watched with relish, marveling at my own acting. The ringing of my phone pulled me back to reality as the sun had already set. I casually picked it up, and a low, clear voice instantly flowed into my ear. “Want to grab a drink?” … When I arrived at the bar, it was already crowded. But Julian seemed to possess a magical aura that made me spot him sitting at the bar instantly. “Excuse me, handsome, is this seat taken?” a girl asked softly, circling to Julian’s side. I quickened my pace, resting my hand on Julian’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, he’s already got plans.” As the girl walked away, I withdrew my hand and sank into the seat next to him. “One Vodka Lime, please.” “You just came like that? Aren’t you afraid of being photographed by paparazzi?” “Afraid of what? Another trending topic just means more exposure, and I’m all for it.” “So, what’s up?” Julian took a sip, not answering immediately. I could pretty much guess what he wanted to say. I had always been the one to initiate things, so it was normal for him to be unaccustomed to speaking first. “Since we’re both free from the Obsession Protocol, Aria, can we get back together?” He stared intently at me, his gaze deep and passionate, his voice slightly hoarse, laced with a hint of seduction. I could never resist his gaze. My eyes traced down his deep-set eyes, stopping at his thin lips. “Have you ever kissed her?” “Only you.” During the time I was controlled, the only fortunate thing was that the Obsession Protocol couldn’t make us violate our bottom lines. Julian cupped my hand and gently kissed my palm, then slowly leaned in closer until our noses lightly brushed, rubbing against each other. Just before our lips met, something suddenly struck me. I used my finger to separate our mouths. **截断点** “Julian, even without the Obsession Protocol influencing me, I would have broken up with you.”

“Why?” I thought seriously for a moment. “I guess… I’m just tired.” Our relationship started with a silly dare. I always knew, and I always pretended not to know. But he would travel cross-country to spend holidays with me, stay up all night when I was sick, and bring food to me on set when I was too busy filming. Although it began hastily, I once believed we would be like any other normal couple. But then, one day, I accidentally overheard Julian’s parents asking him when he planned to marry me. A single, casual sentence completely smashed the entire fantasy castle I had painstakingly built. “No plans for that right now.” Once the fantasy shattered, many things I had intentionally ignored became undeniably clear. On my birthday, he surprised me by traveling from another state, but before I could blow out the candles, Julian was rushed away by a phone call. The night I got sick, he rummaged through all the medicine at home, asking which one I should take, unaware I just had terrible period cramps. When filming was hectic, he secretly brought exquisite takeout to the set. That hotel’s Szechuan cuisine was my favorite, but I had stomach issues then and couldn’t eat anything spicy. I had told him this more than once. I downed the rest of the drink in my glass, feeling terrible inside, and stood up to leave. “What if I chased you instead? Can you give me a chance?” I didn’t understand what he meant by that. If he truly valued this relationship so much, how could we have ended up like this? Unwilling to think any further, I didn’t reply. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but I slept soundly that night. When I woke up the next day, my phone showed several missed calls from Marcus. “I told you to keep your phone on 24/7! Are you deaf?!” I yawned and moved the phone away from my ear. When Marcus finally tired himself out, I leisurely asked, “So, what’s up?” “That female supporting role I just secured for you? The investors want to replace you because of the trouble you caused. I’ve set up a meeting for you tonight. If you can’t satisfy the investor, don’t blame the company for playing dirty.” He spoke with such righteous indignation, but the subtext was painfully obvious. A free dinner? Might as well enjoy it. With the thought of freeloading, I went to this trap dinner. Upon entering, I didn’t immediately spot the investor, but Liam and Chloe were conspicuously obvious. Liam was humbly peeling shrimp, while Chloe, with her legs crossed, acted like some entitled king who couldn’t lift a finger, gesturing for Liam to put the shrimp directly into her mouth. Anyone who knew them would say they were a couple; anyone who didn’t might mistake them for some kind of master-servant dynamic. Wait, Liam hadn’t publicly announced their breakup, and Chloe still maintained a single persona. They couldn’t even claim to be a normal couple. “Aria, you’re here! Come over here, this is Mr. Thompson, the biggest investor in our show.” Someone stood up and enthusiastically pulled me to a seat beside a pot-bellied, middle-aged bald man, then whispered threateningly, “If you can’t keep him happy tonight, not only will you lose the female supporting role, but you won’t last a day in this industry.” Mr. Thompson, standing nearby, made no effort to hide the desire in his eyes. His gaze, thick with lechery, brazenly appraised me. “You’re even prettier in person than on screen.” “Coincidentally, I think so too.” A staff member glared fiercely at me. I remained completely unfazed, burying my head and stuffing my face. Initially, the conversation at the table was quite harmonious. The investor was particularly pleased with Liam and Chloe starring as the male and female leads, lavishing praise upon them. But when the topic of the female supporting role came up, a glint flickered in his eye, and his tone suddenly shifted. “Miss Aria’s public reputation doesn’t seem to be very good lately. I’m concerned about her playing the female supporting role…” Are you kidding? My reputation wasn’t *recently* bad; it had always been terrible. I remained completely unfazed, continuing to eat. And honestly, this place’s food wasn’t bad. “Mr. Thompson, regarding the recent events, our company’s artist will offer you a sincere apology privately.” A flash of cunning appeared in Mr. Thompson’s eyes. “But I vaguely recall that she’s A-list actor Liam’s girlfriend, isn’t she? Wouldn’t this be inappropriate?” The implication couldn’t be clearer. Liam crossed his legs, his eyes filled with contempt, a smug, detached air, as if watching a play. “Mr. Thompson, as long as you’re happy.” “Then I’ll take her.” “Be my guest.” My hands, peeling a lobster, paused. Seriously? My fate was decided in a few words without my consent. Did they really think I was his possession? “Sorry, but I never said I was going to apologize to some creepy bald man. I’m full. I’m leaving.” I hadn’t walked more than a few steps when my wrist was suddenly grabbed. I turned around to see Mr. Thompson grinning slyly. “Quite the personality, aren’t you? Do you really think you can just walk away?” I tried to struggle, but Mr. Thompson’s grip was surprisingly strong. Not only could I not break free, but it hurt. “I suggest you let go.” His flabby body slowly approached me, while everyone else at the round table turned a blind eye. Fortunately, all of this was within my expectations.

The private room door burst open with a loud bang. A shadowy blur shot straight in, kicking Mr. Thompson to the ground, then swiftly unleashed a flurry of punches, landing blow after brutal blow. Immediately after, three to five tall, burly men in black suits entered. Cries for mercy filled the entire room. The others just stood by, watching helplessly, wanting to intervene but too afraid to step forward. “Mike, when did Mom and Dad hire a bodyguard with *that* kind of strength? He’s had enough, tell him to stop.” I couldn’t watch anymore, so I spoke to the head bodyguard. “Miss, he’s not one of ours.” ??? I turned to look at the figure not far away, a suspicion forming in my mind. “That’s enough. I remember you not being so impulsive.” Hearing my voice, Julian finally stopped. To be honest, it was my first time seeing such a ruthless side of him. The Julian in my memories had always been easygoing and calm, as if losing control of his emotions was an impossibility for him. This included when he confessed to me because of a dare, when we first kissed, and even when we broke up. He didn’t spare me a glance, didn’t say anything, just walked out expressionlessly. It was Chloe, however, whose expression subtly changed when she glanced at the watch on Julian’s wrist. That Patek Philippe alone could buy a luxury downtown condo. After Julian left, I knelt beside Mr. Thompson with a look of feigned guilt. “That was a bit too rough.” The next second, with a practiced twist, I snapped his hand. A shriek echoed through the room once more. “Everyone, please continue to enjoy your meal.” I waved goodbye to everyone with a friendly smile. When I walked out of the private room, Julian was already gone. He wasn’t answering his phone, and I was wondering what had gotten into him. Not long after, Chloe came running out and called out to me. “Aria, don’t be so impulsive. If you don’t apologize, not only will you lose the female supporting role you secured, but the company will completely sideline you.” She looked at me with a worried expression, but failed to control the upward curve of her lips. I was all too familiar with the true face beneath that facade. When we were both new hires at the company, she locked me in the dressing room. If Julian hadn’t arrived in time, I would have missed my audition for my debut movie. “I haven’t seen you act so well in your roles, but you’re quite good at pretending. The female lead is yours, Liam is yours, you must be very pleased.” “You misunderstood me.” Despite her words, when she leaned close to my ear, her tone turned chillingly cold. “How glorious you once were, Aria. Now you’re still crushed under my heel. You loved Liam so much, yet he still fell hopelessly in love with me.” I suddenly thought of the shrimp-peeling scene I’d witnessed earlier. Chloe truly seemed to believe she had found true love. “Then enjoy it while you can.” Once you see his true colors, I doubt you’ll be happy anymore. Walking out of the restaurant, Mike couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, are we just going to let this go?” “I have my own plans. And you guys, don’t tell Mom and Dad what happened tonight.” After parting ways with the bodyguard team, I opened my phone’s navigation and walked to a nearby alley. After several twists and turns, I finally reached my destination. A crudely placed sign stood before me, with five words written on it: Mori Private Investigations. Although the location was a bit out of the way, many wealthy socialites liked to hire them to collect evidence of their husbands’ infidelity, so I figured their capabilities must be decent. … It was late at night when I got home. The light by the front door had broken at some point, and I only saw a dark silhouette pacing back and forth. Feeling uneasy, I called a few security guards to surround the area from all sides. Getting closer, I realized it was Julian. The moment he saw me, his eyes reddened and his lips quivered, like a scolded child. “Why are you home so late?” I had never seen Julian drunk before. He reeked of alcohol; I had no idea how much he’d had. After explaining to the security guards, I practically carried him into the house. “Why did you go to that drinking party? I don’t want you to be subjected to that kind of humiliation,” he murmured beside my ear, his breath gently brushing my cheek. I jolted, and my grip loosened, causing Julian to slide quickly down, and with a thud, his head hit the coffee table. That really looked painful. As I helped him up, I faintly heard him apologize and ask what he had done wrong. I paused for a moment. “It’s not your fault. Perhaps I was just overthinking things.” The next morning, the air was permeated with the aroma of food. Watching Julian busy in the kitchen, it felt as though time had suddenly rewound to a year ago. “Breakfast will be ready soon. Don’t worry about the trending topic; I’ve already sent someone to handle it.” “What trending topic?” My heart lurched, and my hand, pulling the chair, paused.

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Caleb vanished on our wedding day. Just like that, I became a public spectacle, the discarded bride. Someone had spotted him, frantically pacing outside the hospital’s labor and delivery ward. I plastered on a smile, explaining to every single relative and friend, one by one: “Yes, it’s true. They had a baby.” Then, I turned to Caleb, tears streaming down my face, begging, “Please, just let me take care of your precious Chloe while she recovers after childbirth, okay?” **Part One** I never imagined that the wedding I’d dreamed of for eight years would be utterly ruined on this bright, beautiful day in May. The banquet hall was packed. Caleb’s mom’s nagging drone filled my ears. “Harper, did you call Caleb?” “What exactly is going on between you two? How can you not show up together on such a big day? Don’t you have any sense of what’s important?” I’d tried calling Caleb a dozen times, but he wasn’t picking up. My palms were sweating, soaking my fluffy phone case. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was the hospital. “Ms. Harper, you and Mr. Caleb had a physical exam with us three and a half months ago. Mr. Caleb’s report has been waiting.” I felt my irritation spike. “Alright, I know. Just email it to me at this number.” I hung up and immediately dialed Caleb’s number again. “Caleb’s at the hospital!” a voice boomed. I looked up. It was Uncle Roy, Caleb’s loudmouthed uncle, running in, breathless. “Big sister! Harper! My kid just told me his friend saw Caleb at the labor and delivery ward at the hospital!” What?! Uncle Roy’s voice was so loud, almost every guest in the banquet hall heard him. Everyone stopped talking. The noisy hall fell completely silent. Mrs. Carter froze for a second, then snapped out of it. Muttering curses, she grabbed Uncle Roy and rushed towards the exit, desperate to hail a taxi to the hospital. I felt unsteady on the stage, my ears ringing. I fumbled for the table to steady myself, but my vision went black, and I passed out. How dramatic. The hospital I was rushed to was the exact same one Caleb was at. I was in the emergency room, getting CPR and oxygen, while he was waiting outside the labor and delivery ward for a new life to enter the world. How incredibly ironic was that? In a daze, I heard the machine’s steady beep, my dad and Riley calling my name. Eighteen-year-old Caleb’s image blurred before my eyes. He smiled at me, then turned, running away without looking back. I blinked again, and there was only the piercing light, stinging my eyes. My eight years of youth turned to ashes in that moment. **Part Two** When I woke up, I saw the weirdest scene. My dad, Riley, and Caleb were just standing there, staring at each other. Seeing me struggle to sit up, Caleb walked to my bedside and *thump*, he dropped to his knees. “Harper, please forgive me! I really didn’t mean for this to happen, I love you so much!” Caleb was crying, snot and tears streaming down his face, looking utterly disgusting. My mind was a mess. I waved my hand, and my dad immediately yanked Caleb up from the floor and dragged him out. Silence returned to the room. Riley, peeling an apple for me, said, “He told me that woman is from his hometown. You know, back in freshman year, when you two first met, he and this woman had just broken up.” “She went abroad and came back about six months ago. They met at a class reunion, both got drunk. The organizers thought he wasn’t married, so they put them in the same room. And then…” “They originally agreed to pretend nothing happened and never see each other again, but then they ended up working together.” “Just recently, she told him she was pregnant, already past three months. This was right before you two decided to get married.” “He was planning to keep it a secret, but who knew the baby would be born prematurely.” Riley recounted the story flatly, like she was talking about someone else’s gossip. But my heart twisted in pain, as if Riley’s paring knife wasn’t slicing the apple, but my very soul. Tears dripped onto the white bedsheets. I heard my own hoarse voice, “Is it… Chloe?” Riley popped a small piece of apple into my mouth. “Why ask about something you already know? Do you want to hear it again just to make yourself feel worse?” “Caleb is truly shameless. I remember this Chloe… wasn’t she his ‘foster sister’?” I couldn’t bear to listen. I motioned for Riley to stop, covering my face and sobbing loudly. Riley probably felt irritated too. She pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, then remembered we were in a hospital room. “Harper, I warned you, but you didn’t listen. Crying now won’t help. Start thinking about what you’re going to do.” With that, she stuck a cigarette in her mouth and left the room. Leaving me sitting on the bed, staring blankly with empty eyes. My phone chimed, a new email. Face ID couldn’t recognize my tear-swollen face. I entered my password and opened it, taking one look. Just that one look, and I felt something gush out from my chest. I opened my mouth, hearing my own chilling laughter. Hahahahaha, what a ridiculous world. **Part Three** When I arrived at the labor and delivery ward, IV drip in hand, I saw Caleb standing outside the room. He had a bruise on his forehead and his lip was slightly swollen. He saw me and walked over, scratching his head. “I’m sorry, Harper. I didn’t fight back. I deserve this. I’m not a good person.” I shook my head, indicating it was fine, and asked, “Boy or girl?” Caleb was shocked by my calmness, staring at me with wide eyes for a while before answering, “It’s a… a boy.” I lowered my head. “That’s great, Caleb. The Carter family has an heir now.” “Don’t you hate me, Harper? I… I really didn’t know this would happen. I thought she’d get an abortion.” “Harper, don’t be so calm. I’m scared, Harper. You… you can hit me, Harper.” Caleb took my hand and tried to put it on his face, but I pulled it away. Hate? How could I not hate him? On the most important day of my life, after eight years of waiting, at the wedding I’d meticulously prepared for three months, I found out my fiancé had cheated on me. Not only that, he’d already had a child. So much so that I was lying in a hospital bed, making phone calls with my dad to explain to every relative. Yes, Caleb had a child with another woman. How utterly absurd. Through the half-open door of the hospital room, I saw Mrs. Carter bustling around Chloe’s bed, unable to hide the wide smile on her face. “What do you think, Caleb? Is your mom happy? Finally, she doesn’t have to worry about me not being able to have children.” Three months ago, Caleb and I had our physical exams. We agreed that if there were no issues, we’d start trying for a baby. Once I was pregnant, I’d quit my job. I even had a big fight with Riley over this. She’s been my best friend since we were seven or eight, and she’d watched Caleb and me go from college sweethearts to this. She couldn’t understand why I’d give up a job paying tens of thousands a month, and promotion opportunities, just to have a baby. I told her, “Riley, the Carter family has relied on a male heir for generations, and there’s immense pressure for me to have a son if I’m going to marry Caleb.” But who knew I’d be diagnosed with polycystic ovaries during my exam? Caleb’s exam report was delayed due to a hospital error, but Mrs. Carter didn’t care about any of that. During the proposal, she insisted on setting the ‘groom’s gift’ embarrassingly low. Meanwhile, my family’s contribution to our marriage was far more substantial: a large downtown condo where Caleb and I were living, an SUV, a few pounds of gold, and two hundred thousand dollars. I secretly asked my dad why he agreed. My dad huffed and puffed, eyes wide with anger. “You’ve been living with him for three or four years! If you don’t marry Caleb, who else will you marry? People will just see you as damaged goods!” In short, the wedding still happened. Mrs. Carter, who had stubbornly refused the marriage, finally relented after I promised I would definitely have a son to continue the Carter family line. I just never expected it to turn out like this today. Caleb’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts. “Harper, I’m so sorry. I’ll make things right.” Caleb lowered his head. “Make things right? What do you mean?” Mrs. Carter just walked out of Chloe’s room, saw Caleb’s regretful face and my expressionless one, and rolled her eyes. “Anyway, the wedding didn’t happen, so just divorce him,” Mrs. Carter said. I was shocked, biting my lower lip. “No, we can’t divorce.” How could I just divorce like this? This was the outcome I’d spent eight years of my youth on. It shouldn’t end so hastily. I took a deep breath and said, “Let’s stay together, Caleb, I don’t mind.” “I can hire a postpartum nurse for Chloe, or send her to a recovery center. I can even care for her during her recovery, as long as we don’t separate.” As I spoke, tears welled up again.

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Julian Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Industries, had a thing for dead women. Don’t believe me? Then why was he clutching my tombstone, sobbing like a lost child, just like when my sister passed? **1.** “Playing hard to get? Ellie Vance, you’ve worn that trick out. Can’t you come up with something new?” I held the divorce papers out to Julian. He didn’t take them, merely sweeping his gaze over the bold words at the top, a sneer twisting his lips. For three years, I’d seen that expression countless times. Whenever that familiar sneer appeared, the words that spilled from his sexy, thin lips would turn into poisoned daggers, piercing my soul with every syllable. I fought to ignore the dull, aching pain in my chest, stubbornly holding the papers out further. Julian snatched the document, his long fingers moving swiftly, tearing the meticulously drafted agreement into shreds. He then violently flung the pieces at my face. Paper shards fluttered, covering my hair and clothes. “You want a divorce? Over my dead body!” Those were his last words before he slammed the door shut and left. The sharp shards, carried by the force, became paper blades, slicing a red line just below my eye. Warm liquid trickled, and a searing sting spread from the wound. But Julian, I’m already dying. I crouched down, picking up the scattered pieces of paper one by one and tossing them into the trash. Blood was still seeping from the cut on my face. I grabbed two tissues and carelessly wiped it away, but the blood kept flowing. Finally, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I collapsed to the floor, clutching my head, and sobbed uncontrollably. Julian, you hate me so much, why won’t you let me go? A wave of emotions overwhelmed me, dizziness flooding my mind. Before my consciousness faded, I fumbled for my phone and struggled to make that call. When I woke, the blinding white of the hospital room filled my vision. Sunlight poured gently through the window, bathing the room in a soft glow, even gilding the perfectly blooming orchid by my bed with a gentle golden edge. I was staring blankly at the orchid when Leo Vance walked in. “So, you finally decided to wake up?” I twisted my lips into a smile. “Don’t be so grumpy.” He slammed a stack of papers on the bed – my leukemia diagnosis, medical records, and payment receipts. “When did this happen?” I tilted my head, thinking. “Early last month, I guess.” “If you knew then, why weren’t you hospitalized for treatment? Ellie, do you really want to die *that* badly?” Knowing he had a point, I shrunk my neck. “Leo, watch your tone. I’m a patient, and your own sister, for goodness sake. Can’t you be a little softer?” “Half-blood barely makes us sisters,” Leo scoffed, turning his head, but I clearly saw his eyes were red-rimmed. Leo is my half-brother, the illegitimate son of my unreliable father. His mother came from a family of prominent academics; she unknowingly became the other woman. When she learned the truth, she proudly took her own life by jumping from a building. When he was brought to our house, he was stubborn and withdrawn. My mother, naturally, had no affection for this illegitimate child, so he faced a lot of animosity from her. My father was busy with his business, rarely home, and my sister, Charlotte, was constantly shuttled between various finishing schools and social etiquette classes. The only one who would talk to him back then was me, the resident slacker. “I’ve arranged your hospitalization,” Leo said after a brief silence. “I’ve paid for three months upfront. Let me know if you need more. I’ll come visit whenever I can.” As my father’s only son, he had already started taking over company affairs, becoming Vice President at a young age. “Oh, Mr. Vance, always flaunting those deep pockets,” I teased with a laugh. “But honestly, I probably won’t live that long anyway. Three months? I won’t last that long.” “Shut up!” His eyes blazed crimson as he glared at me, furious. “Stop saying such depressing things!” I smiled indifferently. “It’s okay, Leo.” This tall young man, who seemed so strong, just stood there staring at me until tears streamed down his face. He buried his head in the covers beside me, sobbing uncontrollably. “Ellie, you’ll be okay. We can cure this. Don’t leave me…” The orchid on the nightstand gave off a faint, delightful fragrance. I reached out and gently stroked Leo’s hair. “Okay, I won’t leave you, Leo.” The big guy, somewhat appeased, still looked a bit awkward. He stopped crying and stammered about going to buy me food. I nodded, agreeing readily.

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