Author: Momo Chan

My wife’s older cousin, Isabelle, had married a Middle Eastern tycoon. She was almost forty, and they still hadn’t had children. One day, Isabelle came to our door, explaining she was infertile and hoped my wife could help her have a baby. I rejected the idea instantly, without a second thought. I told my wife, straight up, that if she dared to agree, I’d divorce her. A year later, Isabelle suddenly invited me to her baby’s first-month celebration. But Isabelle couldn’t have children, could she? Had my wife actually agreed to that Middle Eastern tycoon’s request behind my back? … This past New Year, my wife’s older cousin, Isabelle, came back from overseas with her husband for the first time in over ten years. My wife’s parents had passed away early, and her aunt (Isabelle’s mother) had taken great care of her. So, Chloe and Isabelle had practically grown up together, and they were very close. When Chloe heard Isabelle was back, she dragged me along, eager to visit them the very next day. Isabelle said their house hadn’t been lived in for a while and wasn’t ready, so she arranged to meet us at a fancy restaurant instead. The moment we stepped into the private room, a man over six feet tall, with a long beard, extended his hand. He greeted us in fluent English. “Hello, I’m Isabelle’s husband. Just call me Omar. I’m from Saudi Arabia!” I only knew my cousin-in-law had married a rich and powerful foreigner. I just hadn’t expected him to be a Middle Eastern tycoon, wearing a traditional head covering. “Hello, Omar. I hope you’ll stay for a few days this time.” “Absolutely, absolutely.” Omar was speaking to me, but his gaze kept drifting to my wife. His eyes held an unmistakable, raw possessiveness. It was no surprise. My wife, Chloe, was incredibly beautiful, with a stunning figure. Her generous E-cup bust always turned heads wherever she went. I frowned, a flicker of annoyance passing through me. Even if we were family, that was incredibly rude. My name is Alex. I worked a demanding corporate job, and overtime was the norm. I was living paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet. No silver spoon, no lucky breaks. All I could do was work harder. It took years of savings, but I finally managed to buy our small house with a mortgage. I met Chloe through a mutual friend. Our daily lives weren’t luxurious, but they were calm, peaceful, and truly happy. This year, I’d finally managed to save up a bit, and we were planning to start a family. We were currently trying to conceive. … “Come, sit, sit! Waiter, bring the food!” Omar ushered us to our seats, pulling out gifts he’d brought from overseas. “Wow, is this for me?” Chloe’s eyes lit up with delight as she excitedly hugged a white, deep-V, ultra-low-cut evening gown. Isabelle smiled. “Of course! Omar specifically commissioned a renowned designer for royalty. It took two months to design, and every stitch was hand-sewn. It’s pure couture!” Chloe excitedly hugged Omar’s arm. “Thank you so much, cousin-in-law! You’re the best!” Seeing that, I felt a pang of jealousy. What man could stand seeing his wife so intimate with another man? But then I remembered how, when we got married, we were so broke we had to rent her wedding dress. So, seeing Chloe so genuinely happy, I swallowed my resentment. At the dinner table, Chloe and Isabelle were whispering, gossiping about something. I tried to listen in, but Omar kept pulling me into conversation, urging me to drink. A few shots of hard liquor later, I, who wasn’t much of a drinker, started to feel lightheaded. I excused myself to the restroom. After splashing cold water on my face, I was about to step out when I heard Chloe and Isabelle’s voices. “Chloe, please, think about this carefully. I’m begging you. In my husband’s country, not having children is a huge dishonor. Besides, Omar is so wealthy, he needs an heir! If I can’t give him a child, he’ll divorce me sooner or later. Please, think about my future.” “Isabelle, I’ll… I’ll think about it.” I chose that exact moment to walk out, smiling. “What are you two talking about?” A blush immediately spread across Chloe’s face, and her eyes darted away from mine. She playfully shoved me. “Go on, shoo! It’s girl talk, none of your business!” I knew my wife too well. She was clearly feeling guilty. Instinctively, I felt something was definitely off! Isabelle hadn’t been back in so many years, and her sudden return definitely had some hidden agenda! “Honey, honey, do I look pretty?” The moment we got home, Chloe changed into the white evening gown and twirled around, showing it off. The dress was cut perfectly. It beautifully showcased Chloe’s full curves and generous bust, making my eyes light up. No wonder Chloe was so excited; the dress truly looked high-end. But my wife’s cousin hadn’t been back in years, and the moment she returned, she gave such an expensive gift. Who would believe there wasn’t a motive behind it? 2 Remember, before this, Chloe had often mentioned wanting to visit Isabelle, but Isabelle kept making excuses. Her words were laced with impatience, hinting at disdain for her less fortunate relatives, as if she wanted to cut ties. Now, she had suddenly changed her tune, showering us with attention. What was it all for? But then, what could we, an ordinary family, possibly have that they would want? After much thought, I decided I should warn Chloe, give her a heads-up. “Honey, your cousin is back, inviting us to dinner, giving us gifts… is she looking for a favor?” Chloe was happily admiring herself in the mirror. She instinctively denied it. “You’re overthinking it. Isabelle and her husband are so rich; what could we possibly do for them?” Was I really overthinking it? Then, Chloe hesitantly walked over and hugged me, burying her head in my neck. She spoke softly. “Honey, Isabelle does have something she wants to discuss with us.” I chuckled lightly. *That* made more sense! I made myself comfortable, indicating I was all ears, and Chloe began to explain. “Middle Eastern tycoons are everywhere. Your cousin-in-law, Omar, is rich, but sometimes money can’t solve everything – like having children! He and Isabelle have been so worried about not having a baby.” Hearing that, I sighed. That was indeed a painful problem. Chloe continued, “Isabelle is almost forty. They’ve been married for over ten years, and she hasn’t had a single child. She went to the doctor, who said a past abortion when she was young damaged her uterus, and with her age, it’s basically impossible for her to have children now. So, Isabelle wants me to help her with a small favor!” At this, I was confused. “If doctors can’t solve it, what can *we* do? No one in our family, direct or distant, has been a doctor for three generations!” “Oh, just let me finish!” Chloe pouted, her face flushed. She gave me a captivating glance before hesitantly continuing. “Isabelle wants me to help her have a baby. You know my parents passed away early, and Auntie (Isabelle’s mom) took such good care of me when I was little. I don’t want Isabelle to be alone and miserable in her later years.” I suddenly understood. After thinking for a moment, I reluctantly put my arm around Chloe’s shoulders and sighed. “So that’s what it is. It’s not impossible. If push comes to shove, we can have an extra child and they can adopt them. Their family is well-off, so it wouldn’t be a disservice to the child! But they absolutely must treat my child well, no bullying.” Chloe looked troubled, biting her lip, silent for a long time. Seeing her reaction, I asked, puzzled, “What’s wrong? You don’t agree? Well, it’s your own flesh and blood, after all! If you don’t want to, we can just refuse… Honestly, I’d be sad to give up a child too!” “No.” Chloe cut me off. “Isabelle’s idea is that the child *must* be Omar’s. That way, it’s a true heir for them. So, she’s asking me to stay with Omar for a few days!” My mind reeled, trying to process what she meant. Then it hit me. *Bang!* I slammed my hand on the table. “No way!” “What kind of insane idea is that?” No wonder Omar had been looking at Chloe strangely, and Isabelle had been avoiding me. They were planning something sick, setting their sights on my wife. “I absolutely forbid this!” Chloe hugged me from behind, her voice trembling with tears. “Honey, if Omar doesn’t have a child, he could always find another young, beautiful woman and kick Isabelle out! What would Isabelle do then?” Seeing that she seemed genuinely considering helping, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I stood up abruptly, my face grim, and told her sternly: “This ends here. If you even *think* about agreeing to this, we’re getting a divorce.” Chloe’s expression froze, then she rolled her eyes at me. “I was just discussing it with you! If you don’t agree, I’ll just tell Isabelle no tomorrow. Why bring up divorce so easily?” With that, Chloe even leaned in and kissed me. Seeing Chloe’s clear attitude, I breathed a sigh of relief and softly apologized to her. I thought that was the end of it, but what happened next made me realize how naive I was. I spent days working myself silly, finally making it to the weekend. I’d planned a romantic getaway with Chloe. But she refused, claiming she wanted to spend more time with Isabelle. “Honey, Isabelle wants me to go shopping. I won’t be back for dinner tonight, so you’ll have to find something to eat yourself.” “Honey, Isabelle wants me to go out for a nice meal. Eat without me, okay?” “Honey, Isabelle’s only back for a short time. I’ll be spending more time with her lately!” Recently, Isabelle and Omar were staying in their villa in the country, and Chloe went there almost every day, not coming back until eight or nine at night. I ended up meeting a few friends to play some hoops. That afternoon, after a few drinks, one of my friends joked: “Your wife isn’t messing around with that Middle Eastern foreigner, is she?” “I heard those Middle Eastern guys are quite impressive!” “Rich and powerful… what woman could resist that?” Their words made my stomach churn with unease. The gathering broke up, and I headed straight home. 3 I called Chloe repeatedly on the way home. But no one picked up. I was about to call Isabelle to ask about her when Chloe finally called back. “Hello, honey… huff, huff… mmph…” “Where are you? What’s that sound?” “Oh… honey, I just got home. I’m jogging. When are you coming back?” Hearing that Chloe was home, my heart finally settled. “I’ll be there soon.” “Oh? Then can you pick up some ice cream for me? I’m so hot.” I didn’t think much of it and turned into the supermarket next to our complex, buying two popsicles. As I walked up to our building, I saw a luxury car driving out of the complex. Our neighborhood was for ordinary people. Most cars were pretty standard, maybe twenty or thirty grand. There were absolutely no cars worth millions like that one. I took a few extra glances. Back home, Chloe was getting off the treadmill, her face flushed. Sweating profusely, she snatched the ice cream from my hand and started slurping it. “Can you give me a foot massage? I’ve been walking all day; I’m exhausted.” To please Chloe in the past, I’d even taken a few days of foot reflexology classes. I never thought it would come in handy now. But when I came back with a basin of water, Chloe was already asleep on the couch. I shook my head, chuckling softly. She must have been truly tired today. I picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, changing her into her pajamas. Suddenly, I noticed a faint scent of smoke on her clothes. I’d quit smoking right after we got married. And smoking was forbidden in the mall. Could it have been in the car? I went into the bathroom, and a gleaming cigarette butt in the trash can startled me. A man had been in our house! I immediately yanked Chloe from the bed, holding up the cigarette butt. “Who was here?” Chloe looked annoyed. She slapped my hand away. “Are you insane? Isabelle and I went shopping, and her husband dropped us off. Is there a problem with them coming up for a minute?” “Alex, can you put something useful in your head? Why don’t you think about how to make more money instead of always being so suspicious!” Oh, so that was it. I immediately relaxed. … The next day, I received a notice from my boss. The company was expanding its overseas business and needed capable people to open a new market in Saudi Arabia. I was appointed as the head, leading a team to be stationed abroad for a year. Though I was reluctant to leave Chloe, when my boss clapped me on the shoulder and promised me the Vice President position if I completed the mission, I agreed without hesitation. I told Chloe about it, filled with apprehension. I imagined she’d be upset about us being apart for a year and our plans to have a baby being postponed. But to my surprise, Chloe was incredibly understanding. She leaned against my chest, comforting me. “It’s okay, honey. What’s one year? When you come back, you’ll be Vice President, and our child will have a better quality of life. Go for it. A man should prioritize his career. I’d never be your stumbling block!” I was deeply moved by Chloe’s thoughtfulness. That night, I held her and made love to her with all my passion until her voice was hoarse. A few days later, I landed safely in Saudi Arabia. I sent Chloe a SnapChat message from the airport to let her know I was safe. I didn’t get a reply. I checked the time; it was late night back home. She must have been asleep. From that day on, Chloe and I could only communicate by leaving messages for each other. But Chloe was just as before, often sending me photos of herself and sharing funny stories. Seeing that my absence hadn’t affected her life, I gradually put my mind at ease. I couldn’t help but admire Chloe for being such a supportive wife. Midway through, I heard Chloe was hospitalized with a bad cold, and I desperately wanted to fly back home immediately. Chloe quickly FaceTimed me. Isabelle was there, taking care of her. “Honey, are you adapting to life abroad?” “Isabelle’s husband is coming back tomorrow to handle some business. Is there anything you want? I can ask him to bring it for you.” I shook my head, refusing. Deep down, I didn’t want any more contact with that Middle Eastern man. And so, I slowly adapted to living alone. In my free time, I’d sometimes go out for drinks with colleagues or play basketball. A year flew by in a flash. My overseas assignment was successfully completed. Finally, I could return home to see my beloved wife. Coming out of the city airport, I saw Chloe waving at me by the roadside. To my surprise, she looked a lot rounder than before. Even with makeup, she couldn’t hide the exhaustion on her face. Chloe said it was because she’d been too busy to work out lately, and she hadn’t been sleeping well while I was away. I felt both heartache and helplessness, so I just hugged her tightly. Not long after I returned home, Isabelle sent us an invitation. She was inviting us to her son’s first-month celebration. “Isabelle had a baby? When did this happen? How did I not know?” A surge of questions filled my mind. She was infertile, wasn’t she? 4 Chloe linked her arm through mine. “Isabelle never gave up. She finally found a renowned traditional healer back home, drank a lot of medicine, and spent six months adjusting her body before she finally got pregnant.”

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For four years, my wife Victoria, who rarely posted on SnapChat, suddenly updated her feed: [Whose clumsy little puppy is this who loves to play?] The picture showed a guy in a white shirt and jeans, pouting and hugging a puppy plushie while sitting in a gaming chair. It was Finn, a new idol from her company. I was staring, lost in thought, when a mutual friend commented below: “Girl, you forgot to switch accounts!” A few seconds later, Victoria’s post vanished completely. But not long after, it reappeared on Finn’s Ins profile. Victoria called me immediately. In the past, I’d have already screenshotted it, been absolutely livid, and rushed to confront Victoria, raising hell until the whole house shook. But this time, I just quietly watched the screen, waiting for the call to disconnect itself. When Victoria got home, I was sitting on the couch watching a movie. She tossed her car keys onto the entryway table, then bent down to kick off her shoes. “Nothing to do, yet you didn’t answer your phone?” Victoria never probed unless she had a guilty conscience. I didn’t even take my eyes off the TV screen. I casually replied, “The movie was too good. Didn’t notice my phone.” “The work dinner dragged on forever, that’s why I’m late. You don’t need to sit here waiting for me every day. Nobody wants to see you making yourself so pathetic.” Back then, I would’ve painstakingly explained that this was all a display of my love for her. But today, I suddenly couldn’t be bothered to say anything more. Victoria sauntered over to me and casually handed me a luxury brand paper bag. Today was the big premiere of Victoria’s company’s new show. To celebrate and wish for great ratings, I had, as usual, left work early, cooked a nice meal with good wine, and invited a few mutual friends. We were all waiting for her to come home to watch the premiere together. But after four episodes of the series aired, my friends ate dinner in an awkward silence and left one by one. Victoria, who had promised to be home early, was nowhere to be seen. I pretended not to notice Victoria’s continuous ten hours of gaming history, took the shopping bag, and placed it on the carpet. I had seen this bag once before, not long ago, when Victoria missed our wedding anniversary. Even the shape and size were identical. Victoria looked down at me for a moment, her brow furrowing, her voice turning cold: “Liam, can you stop throwing a fit?” Buying me gifts was Victoria’s most common way of apologizing. If I accepted the gift, she’d assume whatever unpleasantness had passed. If I brought it up again, I’d be accused of “dragging things on endlessly.” Now that I wasn’t making it easy for her, she was clearly annoyed. “I’ll open it for you.” Before I could even speak, she ripped open the packaging herself, pulled out a new watch, and handed it to me: “The sales associate said this watch was really hard to get. You’ll definitely love it.” I lifted my gaze. Victoria followed my eyes to the watch I had casually taken off and placed on the coffee table while rushing to prepare the big meal – it was identical to the one in her hand. The atmosphere instantly froze. “It’s late. Let’s clean up and get to bed. We have work tomorrow.” I said, neither warm nor cold, and stood up to go to the bedroom. “Tomorrow, I’ll have my assistant pick you up. You can go pick out a new one.” Victoria’s tone had a rare hint of caution. “No need.” I refused her without even turning my head. The next morning, perhaps sensing she had indeed gone too far, Victoria uncharacteristically offered to go to the office together. Still feeling exhausted, I nodded and agreed. She stood by her car, her face a mix of stifled anger and impatience. I don’t know when it started, but Victoria had begun constantly finding excuses not to let me ride in her car. She guarded her passenger seat like a treasure, absolutely forbidding me from laying a hand on it, forcing me to buy my own car. Whenever I asked about it, she’d raise her voice and scold me, saying I was losing my mind from too much internet, constantly causing a fuss over “passenger seat ownership,” and she didn’t have time for my inexplicable possessiveness. But now, her passenger seat had practically become Finn’s personal throne. Decorated with all sorts of puppy plush toys, plastered with cute puppy stickers. The passenger seat itself was custom-made, just to ensure Finn, with his height and long legs, could sit comfortably. Even the sun visor’s vanity mirror had been modified, just so Finn could check his flawless face anytime. Victoria glanced at me, then sighed audibly and opened the car door, moving all the various puppy plushies to the back seat. I watched her back and frowned slightly, saying, “Don’t bother. I’ll just drive myself to work.” Victoria buried her head, tidying the endless stream of puppy plushies: “I promised to go together. Finn’s young, he just likes cute things like these. Don’t take it to heart.” Even without the plushie decorations, the custom seat still looked garishly bright and clashed completely with the car’s overall style. Ultimately, I still didn’t get into Victoria’s car. No other reason, it just made my stomach churn.

I unlocked my car, but Victoria quickly strode over, pulled open the driver’s door first, and sat down: “I’ll drive. That way, we’re still going to work together.” I stood by the car window, speechless, and didn’t miss the flicker of awkwardness in her eyes. So, she *did* know how excessive it was to have the passenger seat look like that. Victoria was silent for a few seconds, seemingly trying to figure out how to smooth things over. Not wanting to hear any more nonsense, I quickly cut in: “We’re going to be late. Just drive.” She then closed her mouth and started the car. Barely ten minutes into the drive, her phone rang – “That Feeling, That Look I Can’t Escape,” Finn’s signature cheesy pop tune. A weak, pathetic voice came from the phone, making it hard not to feel protective: “Sister, my heart’s beating so fast. I think it’s because I stayed up too late playing games last night. Am I going to die, Sister? Boo-hoo, Sister, come save me! I need Sister to take me to the hospital.” After hanging up, Victoria didn’t say a single word, didn’t even glance my way. She just immediately pulled over and reached over to unbuckle my seatbelt. Her tone was strictly business: “My artist isn’t feeling well, I need to get there immediately. The office isn’t far from here, you can walk the rest of the way.” I got out of the car and had barely closed the door when Victoria eagerly started the car, leaving me with a pungent cloud of exhaust fumes. This was a prime location, a district where every inch of land was worth a fortune. No one here walked to work. A small scooter, probably not expecting anyone to be walking across the crosswalk, rounded the corner and collided head-on with me without slowing down. My forehead, palms, and knees all suffered varying degrees of soft tissue bruising. The nurse treated my wounds, taped sterile gauze pads with medical tape to prevent infection, and carefully instructed me: “Take off the gauze when you get home tonight to apply medicine. Make sure it doesn’t get wet before it scabs.” On the way to the office in a ride-share, the young female driver was juggling two phones—one for navigation, and the other streaming Finn’s live broadcast. Rows of comments scrolled by, all expressing concern for Finn’s health. “Thank you for your concern, everyone~ Don’t worry, little puppy Finn isn’t feeling so bad now, because Sister arrived like a superhero, and my heart feels stable again.” “No~ I didn’t confess to Sister. We’re not that kind of relationship, everyone, don’t spread rumors~ Sister is just so kind and so good to little puppy Finn~” Amidst the boy’s soft, whiny voice, two messages popped up on my screen. “Liam, my assistant said you missed the morning project planning meeting? Where did you go? Everything takes precedence over work, do I have to teach you that?!” “I told you to walk a bit, and you throw a tantrum and quit on me?! What are you trying to prove?!” The anger and impatience in her words practically leaped off the screen and slapped me in the face. I sometimes wondered if Victoria had a split personality; otherwise, she wouldn’t show such blatant favoritism. That evening, I changed my dressing in front of the mirror, then dragged my injured leg to the sofa to binge-watch a show. The sound of the fingerprint lock chimed at the door, followed by Victoria’s sarcastic voice: “I thought you’d finally gotten rid of that awful temper of yours. You’ve been so docile these past few days, turns out you were just saving up to drop a bombshell on me, huh?” Perhaps my motionless back enraged her, because Victoria stomped over to the TV and forcefully yanked out the power cord: “Liam, did your brain get eaten by a dog?! This is a film project aiming for awards! Do you have any idea how much money it costs to delay it by just one day?!” I still didn’t move or speak, just quietly watched as she suddenly froze. She suspiciously eyed the nasty wound on my forehead, and then my exposed elbow and knee, her brow furrowing: “What happened?” I met her gaze and replied blandly, “Minor issue. Just got hit by a car on the way to work.” Victoria blinked, suddenly reining in her aggression, and walked over to examine my injuries: “You had a car accident and didn’t even call me?” I pulled my hand away from hers and said lightly, “It’s just a minor injury. I’m not going to die. Besides, you were busy taking care of your artist’s health.” Typical empty words, as always. She could say all the sweet-sounding things she wanted, but how many times had I called her only to be met with a stream of scolding without any explanation? Victoria had long stopped caring if I ran into any danger. After being hurt so many times, if I still didn’t realize she wouldn’t come, I’d truly be beyond redemption. Victoria was particularly sensitive to that comment. She suddenly stood up, looked down at me, and sneered: “Do you have to use so many subtle digs, Liam? Was leaving you by the road some kind of heinous crime? You’re twenty-eight, not two point eight! You got hit by a car while walking, and you think you’re in the right? I think you deliberately got hurt to get back at me!” I watched her sudden outburst, speechless. What else was there to say? I’d only spoken one sentence, and she’d slapped a ridiculous stack of accusations on me. Too tired to argue, I stood up to go back to the bedroom. Seeing how difficult it was for me to move, Victoria put away her temper, sighed, and came over to support me: “I’ll sleep with you tonight. Just call me if you need anything.” Victoria hadn’t been back in our bedroom before 2 AM in a long time. That was because Finn needed to live stream every day to build his popularity, and he said that many female accounts would harass him during evening streams. He’d be scared without protection. So, Victoria always, without fail, locked herself in her study every night, dedicated to guarding Finn. She’d occasionally drop Super Chat donations to cheer him up, or engage in sweet interactions on stream, making sure everyone knew Finn was under her wing. I’d argued with her countless times, tried everything from soft persuasion to hard threats, but nothing changed her mind. She said it was just work. Eventually, she even threatened me with divorce. Although it left me speechless with a bitter taste in my mouth, I could only compromise. I looked into Victoria’s eyes. I didn’t refuse her offer, but when she reached out to embrace me, I said coldly: “Victoria, I agree to the divorce.” That sentence had a much greater impact than I’d expected. Victoria angrily snatched up her car keys and left the house on the spot, not showing her face for an entire week.

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The princess of the city’s elite circle, disfigured from a car accident, was looking to marry. The old patriarch invited all the unmarried men in the city to a banquet to choose a husband. I, married for five years, received an invitation. When I went to the civil affairs bureau, I was told: the marriage certificate was fake. And my wife’s legal husband was her distant cousin. I thought it was a prank, but when I hurried home, I overheard my mother-in-law sighing. “Olivia, Mom knows you married your cousin to make up for taking his virginity when he came of age.” “But now the situation is special. If you don’t give Adam legal status, aren’t you afraid he’ll be chosen to marry that princess?” She looked worried, but my wife of five years said calmly: “Everyone knows Adam is my husband. He won’t be chosen.” “Besides, Jack’s business in the city isn’t easy. If he loses the title of being married to me, it would certainly make things difficult for him.” “We have a son together after all. I can’t cruelly cut off his lifeline.” “As for Adam, I love him very much. Even without a marriage certificate, he’s my only husband.” “So Mom, don’t worry. I know what to do.” The woman spoke, her eyes full of determination. Her mother, who had wanted to say more, was stunned into silence. After a while, she couldn’t help but say: “Olivia, find a way to bring that child back.” “Mom knows Adam is a good kid, and only wants to recognize the child you have with him as a grandchild.” “But Mom has waited five years. My bones are getting old. I really can’t wait any longer.” The mother-in-law spoke, her whole body hunched over. At this moment, there was guilt towards me in her eyes, but even more, a longing for a grandchild. Hearing this, Olivia understood. “I’ve already considered it and told Jack to bring the child back to the city.” “I’ll talk to Adam today about accepting the child.” “After all, that child is still my flesh and blood. As a mother, I have to pave the way for his future.” She spoke, smiling when she thought of her cousin and that child. Inside the house, the mother and daughter were happily chatting, but I felt like I had fallen into an ice cellar. The conversation just now echoed in my ears, accompanied by a buzzing sound. I dazedly clenched my sleeves, instinctively fleeing in panic. I didn’t want to look pathetic, but tears still blurred my eyes. Because I had never imagined that the happy marriage I had for five years was fake, and Olivia’s real husband was someone else. Their marriage certificate was even issued several months earlier than my fake one. But I was like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to see anything clearly. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but cry, not understanding why things had turned out this way. After all, Olivia and I had been childhood sweethearts, and we got married right after becoming adults. We were each other’s first love, and we promised to only have each other for life. Everyone said I was lucky to have such an excellent woman love me for life. Even my mother-in-law was fond of me. And in these five years, there had only been me by Olivia’s side. No pretty boys ever appeared to make me unhappy. In fact, she was known in the city for doting on her husband excessively. No matter what good things she came across, she always thought of me, even indulging my every request. But it turns out that in the fifth year of marriage, I finally learned that my happiness was fake, and the marriage certificate was fake too. I thought I was her husband, but the husband stamped on her household registration was someone else. They even had a child together. And now, she still refused to give me legal status, and wanted to bring back their child… Thinking of this, the tears in my eyes suddenly fell. Olivia confidently thought that everyone knew I was her husband, so I wouldn’t be chosen by the city princess. But she didn’t know that the princess had lost her legs and was disfigured in a car accident. Not a single man in the city was willing to marry her. The matchmaking banquet had already been cancelled due to the manipulation of various wealthy families. Now the only suitable unmarried man left was me. Sorrow rose from my heart as I bitterly wiped away my tears, wanting to leave and not feel sad anymore. But after just a moment, Olivia opened the door: “I knew you’d come back at this time. Come in quickly.” Just like before, she was holding my favorite dessert, waiting for me at the door. After pulling me inside, she wanted to feed me, but saw my tear-stained face. She didn’t know I had heard everything, and concern immediately filled her eyes. After hugging me, she couldn’t help but worry: “Adam, why are you crying?” Thinking I had gone to watch the commotion of the princess choosing a husband, she helplessly tapped the tip of my nose. “I know you feel bad for those men who were chosen, but everyone has their own fate that we can’t change.” “So Adam, don’t be sad. I don’t want to see you sad and crying.” She spoke, her eyes full of tenderness. Involuntarily, I wanted to know: [If the person chosen was me, would she also be so indifferent?] I opened my mouth but couldn’t make a sound. As my heart tightened slightly, I remembered that I had lost my voice last year after taking a drugged drink meant for Olivia. Now, I couldn’t say anything. Only tears fell one after another, wetting the woman’s clothes. Seeing this, she helplessly kissed away my tears, wanting to comfort me. But when she spoke, it pierced my heart even more. Because she took out a stack of documents and said: “Adam, let’s adopt a child.” Hearing this, I gave a slight smile, but it looked worse than crying. Seeing this, she raised her hand to rub my hair and promised: “You’ll like this child. He’s really well-behaved, and even looks a bit like me.” “My health isn’t good, and I’ve miscarried several times. You’ve also been taking medicine for so many years. I don’t want you to suffer anymore.” “From now on, let’s not have children of our own. We’ll just raise this child as our own, okay?” She asked, but bitterness filled my mouth. She knew how much pain I had gone through because she couldn’t keep our children. But now she wanted me to raise her child with someone else, stabbing a knife into my heart. At this moment, she put on an act of doing this for my own good, but I shook my head frantically, tears pouring down. In fact, I felt somewhat relieved that our children hadn’t survived. Because a woman with an impure heart doesn’t deserve to have children. She also doesn’t deserve to be the mother of my children. In response to her words, I said: [I don’t want to adopt.] But when I opened my mouth, there was still only silence. Olivia didn’t understand my meaning. When my fingertips touched her belly, her eyes darkened with sadness, thinking I was still upset. So she hugged me tightly and comforted: “If you really want a child of our own, then let’s focus on getting healthy first.” “We’ll bring this child back for now, and then we can try for our own later. The children can be companions, okay?” Her hot breath fell on my ear, like a lover’s most tender whisper. But I only felt cold all over. Sarcastically, I silently said where the woman couldn’t see: [Olivia, I don’t want to have children with you anymore.] With those words, I also suppressed the bitterness in my heart. But Olivia seemed unable to see my resistance, still holding me tightly in her arms.

Having no choice, I pretended to fall asleep, waiting for her to have someone send me back to the bedroom before leaving. But when I became aware again, I realized I had actually fallen asleep. Aunt Susan, the housekeeper, saw I was awake and quickly came over to pour me a glass of water, asking: “Young master, how did you sleep this time?” “Look at what’s covering you – it’s a silk summer blanket that the young mistress just bought at an auction.” “You get hot easily, so this is perfect. It’s nice and cool but won’t make you too cold.” “The young mistress is so thoughtful and gentle. It’s a shame my old man is never so considerate…” Her eyes were full of admiration and envy, and the day seemed no different than before. But I clearly understood that everything had changed. And I no longer wanted to pretend nothing had happened and continue treating her as the wife who loved me most. So I raised my hand to call Aunt Susan, and wrote on her palm. “What does the young master need 100 million for?” she asked. After pondering for a moment, I changed my request to wanting a watch. Seeing this, Aunt Susan wasn’t surprised. Good things in the city weren’t cheap, and some precious watches could sell for that price. Besides, Olivia had previously spent 200 million to set off fireworks across the city just to make me happy. Now just 100 million was no problem. Although she didn’t understand why I wanted to withdraw from my own savings, Aunt Susan still did as I asked. Seeing her leave, I breathed a sigh of relief. Before coming back yesterday, I had inquired and learned that those CEOs didn’t want their sons to jump into the fire pit, nor did they want to offend the most powerful Ning family. They had privately arranged with relevant personnel, giving 100 million each to change their sons’ unmarried status. I wanted to escape this fate for myself. But just as it was about to be resolved, Olivia cut it off at the waist. Because it off at the wa Aunt Susan said: “The young mistress brought back a seriously ill child.” “The famous doctor she invited said it would cost 70 million. The young mistress gave out all the liquid assets including the young master’s savings.” Hearing this, my face instantly turned deathly pale, and all the hope in my eyes was extinguished in an instant. Seeing me looking dazed, Aunt Susan quickly came over to support me, not forgetting to comfort me: “Young master, don’t panic.” “The young mistress is so capable, it won’t take long for her to earn back this money.” “It’s just a watch. You can buy it after a while and it’ll be the same.” She spoke, but I couldn’t listen anymore. I just staggered towards her study. I wanted to question her about why she did this, but when I was just a few steps away, I saw through the crack in the door Olivia holding a 4-year-old boy with eyes full of heartache. One hand was still holding the hand of a man whose eyes were red from crying. “Jack, don’t worry. I won’t stand by and watch our son get into trouble.” “I’ve already gone to prepare the money the famous doctor wants. Even if it means losing everything, I won’t give up.” The woman spoke, and Jack seemed to find support, choking back sobs as he tightly hugged Olivia. When his gaze met mine, his eyes were full of provocation. I frowned slightly, but saw him seem to be startled, quickly backing away and looking at me helplessly. “Mr. Adam, please don’t misunderstand. I’m the director of the orphanage who raised this child.” “I lost control just now only because I feel so bad for the child. I really have no other thoughts, and this child will be your child from now on anyway.” He spoke, looking pitiful and cautious. It was clearly his own child, yet he was handing him over and acting as if nothing had happened. Olivia couldn’t help but frown, and even her eyes held a trace of dissatisfaction when she looked at me. In an instant, my heart couldn’t help but ache, but soon, I composed myself and handed over the note I had written.

I wanted my money back, but the woman instantly turned cold, even looking at me with frost in her eyes. “Adam, when did you become so unreasonable?” “The child is sick! Is a living person’s life worth less than a watch in your eyes?” The accusations fell, and I couldn’t help but be stunned, barely able to hold back the sourness in my nose. My chest was wracked with pain, making me clench my fist hanging in my sleeve. Seeing this, Jack quickly pulled the woman away: “Mrs. Olivia and Mr. Adam, please talk it over.” He spoke, stepping forward to grab me, seemingly trying to mediate. But the words that reached my ears were: “How does “How does it feel to know your wife made you a fake marriage certificate?” “Oh right, you don’t know yet, but the reason you couldn’t keep your children was because I had Olivia give you ‘protective charms’ that actually contained drugs I specially prepared…” “No matter what, you would never be able to keep a child.” He laughed, his words stabbing into my heart like a steel knife, almost making me lose my reason. Thinking of the few children we had lost over the years, anger and grief surged in my heart. Seeing me angry, Jack raised my hand and hit himself in the face, whispering: “Guess who she’ll side with?” Before I could react, the woman protected Jack, and a sharp gust of wind came at my face. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. The woman instantly came to her senses, her hand frozen in mid-air. [Not going to hit me?] I silently asked, and in response to her complex gaze, I raised my hand and slapped Jack hard across the face. Then, without hesitation, I turned and left with Aunt Susan, returning to the old Fu family home where I was the only descendant left. Seeing me leave, Jack touched his face pitifully: “Brother-in-law, how can you be so unreasonable…” He cried, and Olivia’s expression also turned cold, even abandoning the idea of chasing after me. She wanted to give me the cold shoulder for a couple days, not knowing that that very night I sent a text message to the staff in charge of the husband selection banquet, smiling bitterly. [I don’t have 100 million, so I’m willing to marry the city princess.] Hearing this, the staff members breathed sighs of relief one after another. They had taken too many bribes and were worried about having only me left as an unmarried man. Now that I was willing to become the city princess’s husband, they were happy. So they enthusiastically notified me to wait to be picked up by car in three days. After they left, Aunt Susan also understood everything. Looking at the forged marriage certificate, she angrily cursed: “How could Olivia do this to our young master!” “I’m going to give her a piece of my mind!” “I can’t just stand by and watch our young master marry a Ning family princess with no future!” She was furious, her eyes red. But I stopped Aunt Susan, smiling and shaking my head. [I don’t want to have anything to do with Olivia anymore.] [It doesn’t matter who I marry now.] … The next day, the wedding clothes were delivered. And when I went to pick up the wedding clothes, I saw Olivia sending the child to school together with Jack. With her back to the sun, I heard Olivia tell the kindergarten principal: they were a family of three. I couldn’t help but touch my chest, but thankfully, it didn’t hurt anymore. So I turned to leave, but an hour later I saw her. “Why was someone delivering wedding clothes here? Is it the rich old man who’s been pursuing Aunt Susan coming to propose?” She asked, clearly misunderstanding. But I didn’t explain, just coldly shut her out. Seeing this, she left with a dark expression. Three days later, she came to make up with me. But when she saw Aunt Susan standing next to the wedding car, she couldn’t help but frown, her heart involuntarily panicking. “Aunt Susan, what are you doing here? Who’s inside the wedding car?”

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The day before final exams, Olivia agreed to go out with Kyle, a bad boy she had recently met at a bar, to celebrate her 18th birthday. I was surprised Olivia would agree, given how seriously she usually took exams. Earlier that day, I had accidentally overheard Kyle talking to his friend in the bathroom: “Tonight I’m going to make sure that girl has a real good time with me! She won’t be in any shape to take exams tomorrow!” In my previous life, when Olivia told me about her plans, I had desperately tried to stop her. But all I got in return was her mockery: “Adam, this is Kyle’s special birthday celebration for me turning 18. You coward, if you’re not going to celebrate with me, can you at least not get in the way of my happiness?” For the sake of Olivia’s future, I ignored her insults. I secretly told her parents about Kyle’s plans. That night, Olivia’s parents kept her locked up at home. The next day they personally escorted her to the exam. Olivia ended up getting into her dream college as planned. But Kyle, furious that his scheme had failed, got drunk and got into a fight. He ended up killing someone and was sentenced to death. When Olivia heard the news, she completely broke down. She invited me over to her house, acting friendly to set me up. After I left, she called the police claiming I had assaulted her. My bright future was ruined. My parents, devastated by the online harassment, committed suicide by gas poisoning at home. Olivia stood outside my family’s door, coldly filming my parents’ final moments of struggle. She brought the video when she visited me in prison. “Adam, I’m going to make your whole family pay for what happened to Kyle!” The shock was too much – I died of a heart attack in prison… When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day before finals. I looked at Olivia, who was excitedly telling me about her plans with Kyle that night, and smiled. This time, I would let her do as she pleased…

“Adam, what’s your problem?! Can you stop being so sensitive every time a guy shows up around me?!” The familiar voice snapped me back to reality. I looked down at my hands, free of handcuffs, And at Olivia in front of me, angrily gesturing… I really had been reborn! In my previous life, I had tried to stop Olivia from going out with Kyle to celebrate her birthday on this day. Olivia had gotten into her dream school as planned, But Kyle had ended up in prison for killing someone while drunk. After hearing the news, Olivia had invited me over to her house and set me up, Taking off her clothes and filming a video before calling the police. I was sent to prison. My parents, devastated by the online attacks, committed suicide by gas. When my parents were dying, Olivia was right outside the door, Coldly filming their final moments before leaving with a smile. The next day she visited me in prison, And showed me that video in its entirety, Screaming at me hysterically: “Adam, if you hadn’t stopped me, how could Kyle have ended up in prison?! I’ve always had top grades, even if I had gone out with Kyle the night before exams I still would have gotten into my dream school! You’re just selfish! Kyle died for nothing, so I’m going to make your whole family pay!” I had a congenital heart condition, which Olivia knew about. So when I had a heart attack after seeing the video, I saw the smile lingering on Olivia’s lips… This chilling memory made my expression darken further. “Oh come on, Liv, you have to understand our star student Adam here. He’s too scared to take you out partying, so of course he’s a bit jealous that Kyle gets to hang out with you…” Olivia’s friend’s words pulled me back to the present. Olivia looked at me with disdain and laughed. Then she linked arms with her friend and said coyly: “Kyle said he has a big surprise planned for my birthday celebration tonight. I’m so excited! Getting to celebrate turning 18 with such a hot guy, I’m sure I’ll do even better on the exams tomorrow…” I laughed coldly to myself. Earlier that morning, I had overheard Kyle talking to his friend in the bathroom: “Tonight I’m going to show that little girl a real good time, don’t any of you dare interrupt us!” “But she has exams tomorrow, don’t go too crazy!” “Exams? My girl doesn’t need to worry about exams. Once she’s in college, she won’t have anything to do with me anymore…” It was because I had overheard this conversation that I had desperately tried to stop Olivia in my previous life. This wasn’t a birthday celebration at all, It was a plot to ruin Olivia’s entire future… But Olivia was too naive to see it. Thinking of this, I looked up at Olivia’s flushed face and smiled. “Go ahead, Olivia. I’m sure with that hot Kyle by your side tonight, you’ll do great on the exams tomorrow.” Chapter

Olivia was stunned for a moment by my response, But quickly smiled again at the thought of her upcoming date. Realizing I needed to get home to prepare for tomorrow’s exam, I picked up my bag to leave. But as soon as I stood up, Olivia’s friend pushed me back into my chair. Olivia glared at me coldly and quickly snatched my phone and exam admission ticket. “Trying to leave? I bet you just want to go home and tattle to my parents! I’ll keep these safe for you and give them back at the exam site tomorrow. If you dare tell my parents, you can forget about taking the exam!” I looked at Olivia helplessly. “Olivia, you know how important this exam is to me. I promise I won’t tell your parents, but please don’t mess with my future, okay?” Whether Olivia would even make it to the exam site tomorrow was questionable. There was no way I could leave my admission ticket with her. Seeing that Olivia had no intention of returning it, I quickly stood up and rushed over to her, Grabbing the ticket that was still in her hand. My tone was icier than ever before: “Olivia, give it back.” “Oh ho, looks like our star student is angry! See Liv, you guessed right, judging by his reaction he was definitely planning to go tattle to your parents! We can’t give this back to him!” Olivia’s hand, which had started to loosen slightly, Tightened its grip on the ticket again after her friend’s goading. Olivia was a girl after all, so her strength couldn’t compare to mine. I squeezed her wrist hard, and her grip started to weaken from the pain. “Liv! Think about your date with Kyle, we can’t let it get ruined!” Olivia’s expression suddenly changed. She quickly used all her strength and yanked backwards! “Riiiiip…” My admission ticket tore in half… The friends who had been egging Olivia on suddenly went pale. Tears that had been welling up in my eyes for a long time finally fell. An overwhelming sense of despair and helplessness washed over me. Even in this new life, I had lost my future… Olivia’s face cycled through various shades of green and white. After a long moment, She threw the torn ticket at me. “Adam, this is your own fault for trying to stop me from going out with Kyle! You brought this on yourself!” With that, she grabbed her friend and ran out like mad. As soon as the classroom door closed, I heard laughter from outside. “Liv, that Adam really is your lapdog, huh? You ripped up his exam ticket and he didn’t even dare say anything!” “Ugh, he’s always been that weak. How could he compare to Kyle’s confidence and charm…” Olivia’s words pierced my heart like a needle. My tolerance for her had been mistaken for weakness… Olivia and I had studied together every day since middle school, Getting into our dream college together was the future we had promised each other. But ever since Olivia met Kyle outside of school, everything had changed. Today’s Olivia clearly no longer wanted a shared future with me. Thinking of this, I threw the torn ticket in the trash. I knocked on the door of our homeroom teacher’s office. “Mrs. Davis, I’ve made up my mind about that scholarship to State University. I think it’s a better fit for me than Ivy College…” Mrs. Davis looked at me with delight. “Good, you shouldn’t have given it up in the first place. State U’s physics lab will be perfect for you to shine.” When I got home and told my parents I wouldn’t be taking the exam, they breathed a sigh of relief. They had been worried when I gave up the sure thing at State U for Olivia’s sake. Now things had worked out the way they wanted after all… Chapter

We had just finished dinner when there was urgent knocking at the door. I opened it to find Olivia’s parents, looking extremely anxious. “Adam, do you know where Olivia went? She just sent us a message and now won’t answer her phone. The exam is tomorrow, where could that child have run off to?” My mom chimed in, looking at me expectantly. “Adam, you’re always with Olivia…” “I don’t know,” I cut my mom off and looked up at Mrs. Quinn to answer her. “Adam, do you at least know where she usually likes to go?” I gave an awkward smile. “I really don’t know, Mrs. Quinn…” Mrs. Quinn shook her head helplessly and left, having gotten no leads. As soon as the door closed, my dad poked his head out from inside. “Did you and Olivia have a fight? How could you not know where she went?” I just smiled at my dad and went back to my room. Of course I wasn’t going to say anything. Let her enjoy her wonderful night with her dear Kyle! My mom was on the PTA, So early the next morning she dragged me and my dad to volunteer at the exam site. As soon as we got to the entrance, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Quinn looking frantic. When they spotted me, they rushed over. Mrs. Davis hurried over as well. “Adam, Olivia didn’t come home all night. Weren’t you two together at school yesterday? Did she tell you where she was going?!” Mrs. Davis asked me too: “Adam, you know how important this exam is for Olivia. It’s about to start and there’s still no sign of her. Please think hard, where could she have gone?” I looked at Mr. and Mrs. Quinn’s panicked faces and felt a pang in my heart. But the image of my parents’ tragic deaths in my previous life flashed through my mind. I gritted my teeth and looked up at them. “I really don’t know…” Seeing my expression, Mrs. Davis sighed and patted Mrs. Quinn’s shoulder. “Adam’s an honest kid. Maybe he really doesn’t know. Let’s think of other ways to find her…” But I knew they wouldn’t find her… Kyle never intended to let Olivia take the exam. She was probably passed out in some hotel bed right now… Sure enough, the exam started and Olivia still hadn’t shown up… Mr. and Mrs. Quinn were ordinary working class people. To let Olivia focus on her studies, Mrs. Quinn had quit her job to take care of Olivia full-time. Mr. Quinn worked three jobs, sleeping only 3 hours a day. They had worked so hard for over a decade to give Olivia this opportunity, But their usually obedient and sensible daughter had disappeared before the most important exam… The moment they closed the exam site gates, Mrs. Quinn completely broke down. She collapsed to the ground, wailing hysterically… “Mom…” Finally, just as the first exam was about to end, Olivia appeared at the entrance, disheveled and stumbling. Mrs. Quinn sprang up from the ground and rushed over to Olivia. She slapped Olivia hard across the face. “You ungrateful child! Where on earth did you run off to…?!” I was sitting with my parents in the shade nearby, about to stand up, when Olivia spoke: “Mom, it was Adam! Yesterday at school he confessed his feelings for me but I rejected him. He was angry and drugged me, taking me to a hotel. I only just woke up. Adam has ruined my life…”

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It was a torrential downpour. My billionaire husband, Alex, was supposed to be dropping our son off for his crucial college entrance exam. But he suddenly ditched Leo on the side of the road, abandoning him to rush to the hospital instead. Why? His secretary was pregnant. Leo, unable to hail a cab in the storm, ran for his life, desperate to make it on time. He was hit by a truck. By the time I got the call and raced to the hospital, Leo was already gone. As I collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably, Alex Thorne called. “Honey, apologize to Leo for me. Britt’s pregnant, and I had to rush over.” “I was drunk that night, but the baby’s mine, so I have to take responsibility.” “Didn’t you always want a daughter? Once the baby’s born, you can raise her.” When I didn’t speak, he added, “The girl is still young, doesn’t know how to be a mom. I need to be with her for a few days.” I wiped my tears, calmly replying, “Okay.” After Leo’s funeral, I drafted a divorce agreement. Then I dialed a certain number. “You’ve always wanted to take down the Thorne family, haven’t you? I won’t stop you anymore.”

The person on the other end was in disbelief. “Ms. Selene, I’m Julian Sterling, the untouchable kingpin of this city’s elite. Don’t mess with me. You’ve secretly protected the Thornes for twenty years. How could you suddenly give up?” My voice was calm. “I’m divorcing him soon.” There was a clear pause on the other end, then an excited voice. “You’re not kidding, are you?” “Back then, how many influential families in the city’s elite were desperate to marry you? But you turned them all down, choosing to marry down from your prestigious background into the Thorne family, which was practically a nobody. You even helped that good-for-nothing Alex become the region’s wealthiest magnate. So why are you suddenly willing to divorce him now?” I didn’t explain. I just stated seriously, “Don’t ask why. From now on, I won’t interfere with the Thorne family’s affairs.” The other end chuckled with satisfaction. “That’s what I’ve been waiting for. All these years, Alex has been strutting around like he’s actually capable. If you hadn’t been secretly protecting him, I would’ve dealt with him ages ago.” “Since you’re getting a divorce, I’ll make sure to send him a grand gift at the Thorne Group’s celebration tomorrow.” Just as I hung up, Alex, who hadn’t shown his face in three days, returned. He walked straight to Leo’s room. Seeing it empty, he looked at me on the sofa. “Why isn’t Leo home?” “It’s fine to relax after finals, but no need to stay out this late. My son, a Thorne, can’t be too wild.” I glanced at the red marks on Alex’s neck and said coldly, “You still remember he’s your son?” Alex frowned, about to scold me. The next second, as if realizing something, his tone softened. “Is Leo still mad about me leaving him halfway that day?” “When he comes back, I’ll coax him properly. He always listens to me; he won’t blame me.” Yes, Leo always listened to him. Knowing Alex cared about grades, Leo studied late into the night every day, always ranking first in his grade. The day before his big college finals, he was still full of confidence, saying he’d definitely get into a top-tier university and make his dad proud. But it was the dad he cherished most who, on the most important day of his life, caused his death. I couldn’t even imagine how heartbroken Leo must have been when Alex kicked him out of the car. I choked back my tears, my voice trembling. “You won’t be waiting for him anymore.” Alex’s face darkened slightly. “You’re a mother now, don’t act like a child.” With that, he carelessly tossed a delicate gift box my way, dropping it on the table beside me like a handout. “My little pregnant lady is clingy; she can’t be without me.” “From now on, I’ll only be home one day a week. Can you try to be understanding?” He killed our son, showed no remorse, stayed out to care for his pregnant mistress, and expected *me* to be understanding? Looking at his arrogant, condescending eyes, I couldn’t fathom how I had loved a man like this for twenty years. I pushed the pre-prepared divorce agreement onto the table. “Sign it. Then you can focus on caring for your little pregnant lady.” Seeing me suddenly initiate the divorce, a sneer flashed across Alex’s face. “Looks like I’ve spoiled you with a good life all these years. You’ve forgotten your place. Without me, your whole family would starve.” Watching Alex’s smug, self-important expression, I just found it laughable. He actually thought the Thorne family’s rise was thanks to him. He thought I was dependent on him. I couldn’t be bothered to explain. I just stated soberly, “I am divorcing you.” Seeing my resolute attitude, Alex erupted. “What are you doing? You know Leo would never agree to us divorcing!” “You want a divorce? Fine. Unless Leo comes and tells me himself.” With that, Alex stormed off, slamming the bedroom door. Before, when Alex threw a tantrum, I would always comfort him and give in. But not this time. I quickly signed the divorce agreement and left decisively. The next day, I retrieved Leo’s ashes from the funeral home, preparing to take them to the Sterling family estate in the city for burial. Then, Alex’s call came. “You can throw a tantrum yourself, but don’t take my son and disappear overnight. Today is the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary celebration. I’m announcing him as my heir. Bring him here, now.” I looked at Leo’s urn and said, my voice heavy, “Okay, I’ll bring him right over.”

I met Alex in college. He was being beaten bloody on the rooftop by a group of arrogant rich kids from the city’s elite circles. Even covered in blood, he gritted his teeth, refusing to utter a single plea for mercy. I thought he had backbone. So I walked over and glared at them. Meeting my gaze, those fearless, untouchable spoilt brats scattered like they’d seen a ghost, running away in a terrified frenzy. Seeing them rush off, Alex unconsciously turned his gaze to me. He struggled to his feet, enduring the pain to warn me, “Those guys aren’t to be trifled with. You’re a girl; you should stay away from the rooftop in the future. Don’t let them target you.” Seeing him, beaten like that, still have the presence of mind to care about others, I couldn’t help but smile. “They wouldn’t dare mess with me.” Alex looked at my plain clothes and scoffed. “Don’t kid yourself. They’re the city’s elite, with powerful connections. Why would they be afraid of a little girl like you?” “I don’t look down on ordinary people, so you don’t need to puff yourself up in front of me.” Watching him, I found it amusing, so I didn’t explain further. Later, I learned he came from a once-prominent but now struggling family, on the brink of bankruptcy. His father had been driven to suicide by debt. He had gotten into a top-tier university in the city on his own merit, determined to revive his family. Perhaps it was seeing too many idle, spendthrift second-generation heirs. I was moved by his persistent and self-reliant spirit. We started chatting frequently. After getting to know him better, I discovered he was a very thoughtful and caring person. He would patiently hand me a warm cup of ginger tea when I was writhing in pain from period cramps, drenched in cold sweat. He would anxiously rack his brain to cheer me up when I was upset. He would cover me with his jacket and carry me through flooded streets during sudden downpours. Slowly, I fell in love with his sincere and pure heart. He would always blush and say he just wanted to be good to me. And so, we dated, married, and had a child. Knowing he was proud and sensitive. I always secretly supported him. With my help, he revitalized the struggling Thorne Group, building him into the region’s most powerful magnate. But after his success, he rarely came home. I asked him to spend more time with Leo, but the man who once said he wouldn’t look down on ordinary people sneered at me, “What do you know, being just a housewife? A man’s priority is making money, not wasting time with you two! Do you really think you and Leo would have this luxurious life if I wasn’t out there making it happen?” His transformation gradually disillusioned me. But I still felt grateful to him. He had given me good genes, allowing me to give birth to a smart and excellent son. I just wanted to stay by Leo’s side and raise him to be a successful man. So I compromised and tolerated everything. I never imagined that my patience would lead to him getting his secretary pregnant behind my back. And that it would ultimately cost our son his life. Leo’s death left me with nothing to hold onto in this family. And my love for Alex. It completely vanished.

Lost in thought, I arrived at the Thorne Corporate Tower with Leo’s urn. Inside the tower, the city’s commercial elite, powerful families, and prominent figures were all gathered. All to celebrate the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary. Alex, impeccably dressed in a suit, stood among the crowd, dazzling and arrogant. Brittany, in a delicate gown, clung possessively to his arm. I walked in expressionlessly, and as I got closer, I heard Brittany pouting, her voice full of feigned victimhood. “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I caused your wife to want a divorce.” Alex dotingly flicked her nose, his voice so soft it was as if he feared she might break. “Silly girl, I’m so rich, and Selene loves me so much. How could she possibly divorce me? She’s just making a scene; ignore it.” As he spoke, Alex’s gaze landed on me. His tender eyes instantly turned cold. “Selene, didn’t I tell you that today is the Thorne Group’s 30th anniversary celebration and you had to bring Leo?” “You came alone!” Seeing me, the gathered elite and prominent figures sneered, their lips curling. “Is that Mrs. Thorne? She looks like a country bumpkin, completely out of place.” “Just a housewife who stays home with the kids. Naturally, she can’t compare to us business elites.” “No wonder Mr. Thorne prefers his secretary, Britt. With her shabby, unsophisticated appearance, she really doesn’t suit Mr. Thorne.” The crowd’s mockery made a triumphant smile bloom on Brittany’s lips. The next second, her eyes welled up slightly as she looked at me. “Selene, I shouldn’t have gotten pregnant and caused you and Alex to fight.” “If you really hate me, just scold me. Don’t deliberately not bring young Mr. Thorne and wear something that looks like mourning clothes for this.” “You know today is the Thorne Group’s celebration, and all the commercial elite are here. Doing this is just intentionally humiliating the Thorne family and embarrassing Alex, isn’t it…?” Brittany’s feigned generosity and consideration made a flash of approval appear in Alex’s eyes. It also earned her admiring glances from the prominent figures present. But I looked at her indifferently, stating coldly, “I don’t care if you want to be a mistress to a pathetic excuse for a man.” “But don’t mention my son. You’re not worthy.” The banquet hall fell silent instantly. The next second, Alex’s face turned ashen. “Selene, watch your tone!” “My tone?” I scoffed. “The tone of Mrs. Thorne?” “I don’t care for it.” Alex glared at me, his face as dark as ink. “You don’t care?” “You don’t care, but you still secretly use my money to support your father, making him, a mere commoner, drive a Rolls-Royce?” “If you really had any self-respect, you wouldn’t do such underhanded things to benefit your family!” Because I was afraid my identity would put pressure on Alex and hurt his ego, I had once told my father to be discreet. I never expected Alex to think my family was living a good life by stealing his money, all because of my father’s slight oversight with money! I smiled, looking at Alex, and said quietly, “Alex, you really underestimate me.” Eleanor Thorne, Alex’s mother, eyed me disdainfully. “I think *you’re* overestimating yourself!” “If you hadn’t been lucky enough to marry into the Thorne family, do you think you’d have been a wealthy wife for so many years?” “Since you’ve enjoyed the Thorne family’s good fortune, you should just quietly be a good housewife. Don’t be so ungrateful and make a fool of yourself!” Hearing this, others present couldn’t help but chime in.

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My husband had a low sperm count, and after 33 grueling rounds of IVF, I finally managed to conceive. On the day of delivery, I was hemorrhaging badly and needed an emergency C-section. My husband had barely signed the consent form when he rushed off to his childhood friend’s birthday party. But the surgeon just stood there. “Lily, the online system shows you’re single. This consent form isn’t valid…” I froze. It hit me then: my supposedly perfect marriage had been a lie all along. Later, my parents rushed to the hospital to sign for me. But the baby didn’t make it, too long without oxygen. After the surgery, my hand trembled as I signed the cremation consent form for my child. Then, without a second thought, I dialed a number. “Owen, are you free now? Meet me at the courthouse.” *** Owen still looked a little dazed after we’d gotten our marriage certificate. “Lily… did you really marry me?” Seeing his goofy expression, I couldn’t help but crack a smile. But it pulled at my incision, and I winced, my brows furrowing in pain. Owen frantically rushed me back to the hospital, pressing a careful kiss to my forehead. “I have to go out of town for some business. You focus on recovering. I’ll be back to pick you up.” Dragging my weak post-op body to marry Owen had exhausted me, and I drifted off to sleep. But in my hazy state, I overheard Caleb and his friend talking. “Your wife almost died! Why aren’t you changing the marriage info back in the system?” “Just wait. Seraphina is seriously ill, and her only wish is to marry me.” “But if your wife finds out, she could leave you anytime!” “No way? She’s suffered so much for me. How could she possibly leave?” When I opened my eyes again, Caleb’s face was filled with worry. “Lily, you’re finally awake! My mom made some chicken soup, drink it while it’s hot.” His cautious demeanor made me wonder if the earlier conversation had been a hallucination. I cut straight to the chase. “Caleb, why does the system say I’m single?” Caleb’s movements stiffened. “Maybe the hospital’s online system hasn’t updated the info yet. Don’t worry about it, I’ll handle it.” He added, “I’m so sorry, I should have been there with you…” Catching the fleeting flicker of panic in his eyes, my heart plummeted. But I pretended it was nothing. “Yeah, their system definitely needs an update.” Caleb visibly relaxed and patiently ladled out chicken soup for me. “Don’t overthink things. Oh, by the way, where’s the baby?” The baby? I froze. Had no one told Caleb the baby was gone? Of course not. Caleb wasn’t my legal spouse, so no one would inform him. My chest tightened, and my voice wavered slightly. “The baby was too weak. Still in the incubator.” Caleb didn’t suspect a thing. He was about to say something when he suddenly shot to his feet. “Seraphina! What are you doing here?!” He was so agitated that the scalding chicken soup spilled all over my hand, instantly turning it red. But Caleb didn’t even notice, his eyes fixed on the small, delicate figure. He clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anxiety. “What happened? Are you feeling sick again? Why didn’t you tell me?” Seraphina’s small face was pale. “It’s nothing major, just my period seems delayed, and you had something more important…” She glanced meaningfully at me. Caleb lightly tapped her head. “Nothing is more important than you!” I couldn’t help but speak up. “Caleb…” Only then did he pull his attention away, looking at my hand. Before I could even speak, he frowned, tugged off my jacket without hesitation, and possessively wrapped it around Seraphina’s waist. “Exposing your legs in this cold weather? How old are you! Come on, I’ll take you to see a doctor!” From start to finish, he didn’t spare me another glance. In that moment, I realized just how foolish I’d been. 33 rounds of IVF, and Caleb had never once accompanied me. Always “working late” or “too busy.” I, someone so afraid of pain, had bitten down hard, like an idiot, learning to inject myself with ovulation shots, leaving my stomach a canvas of needle marks. It wasn’t that he was busy. His time, all of it, was for Seraphina. The signs of love and indifference were so painfully obvious. Caleb, I really don’t have the energy to keep playing this game with you. 2 I didn’t see Caleb for the next few days. Through her Ins posts, I knew he was constantly by Seraphina’s side. Expensive luxury goods flowed like water to her bedside. The giant screen facing the hospital was rented out, playing his blessings for Seraphina 24/7. Seraphina even posted an update with a picture of their tightly clasped hands. “I’m the happiest woman in the world.” I said nothing. Under the sympathetic gazes of the doctors, I handled my discharge papers alone. Only that day did Caleb finally call. He demanded, displeased, “Where’s the baby? Why won’t they let me see them?” “I haven’t recovered, and you must be incredibly busy. I left the baby with my parents.” He caught the sarcasm in my tone. For once, he sounded a little guilty. “Lily, you’ve been through so much. Wait until I—” I hung up without mercy. Caleb, I hope you’re still as calm when you find out the truth. Back home, I instructed the maid to pack up all my belongings. The scattered items were all memories of Caleb and me. There was the limited edition collectible figure he’d waited 12 hours in line to get me, and the good luck charm he’d prayed for at a temple when I first got pregnant. But how could these tiny acts of affection compare to even a thousandth of what he gave Seraphina? With a single fire, I burned them all to ashes. I was planning to move abroad with Owen; the visa application takes five days. I just wanted to spend these last few days in peace. But Caleb wouldn’t let me. He suddenly burst in and grabbed my collar, choking me. “Lily! Where have you hidden Seraphina?!” I managed to gasp out, “I don’t know.” Caleb’s gaze darkened. “You better actually not know! Otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook!” He threw me aside. I gasped for air, still unwilling to give up. “Caleb, do you even remember I’m your wife?” Caleb’s steps faltered. He hurriedly threw out an explanation, “Don’t overthink things. Seraphina’s mother asked me to take care of her before she died. She’s my sister.” Then he left without looking back. I laughed at myself, bitterly. In the past, even if I disappeared for half a month on a business trip, Caleb never bothered to ask. He really *was* worried about this “sister” of his. I went to the embassy to submit my paperwork. When I returned, I found Caleb had already found Seraphina. “Silly girl, why run off? If you’re pregnant, just have the baby. I’ll take good care of you and our child!” But Seraphina stubbornly shook her head. “No! How could I bear to have a baby born without a dad?” Caleb panicked, blurting out, “You’re my legal wife! How could he be without a dad!” A pang of sorrow hit me. I wasn’t paying attention and stepped on a fallen leaf, making a loud crunch. Both of them noticed me then. Caleb instantly flustered. “Did you hear something?” I shook my head. “I just got back.” He let out a sigh of relief, then hesitated. “Lily, Seraphina might need to stay here for a while. Is that okay?” I smiled, walking straight to my room. “Would it matter if I said no?” “Lily!” Caleb couldn’t help but raise his voice. But Seraphina suddenly said, “Caleb, I’m a little hungry. I heard Lily is a great cook, could she make me something?” Caleb looked hesitant. “Wouldn’t that be a little awkward?” Seraphina’s mouth immediately drooped, and tears welled up. “I knew it, I shouldn’t have come here to impose. It’s okay, I’ll just leave—” Caleb immediately interjected, “Lily, you’re the lady of the house, hurry and play hostess!” Not wanting to cause further trouble, I went to the kitchen and made a dish for Seraphina. When Caleb saw the dish, he paused. Pork Rib and Pear Soup. A dish I’d once joked I’d make if we ever broke up. The word ‘pear’ sounds like ‘leave’ in Chinese, a subtle, bitter joke now. Before he could ponder its meaning, Seraphina had already taken the bowl of soup. But after just one sip, she suddenly shivered and threw the bowl onto my chest! I was drenched from head to toe, standing there, humiliated, while Seraphina innocently covered her mouth. “Oops, I’m so sorry, it was too hot… I just dropped it…” 3 Seeing her reddened eyes, Caleb’s face immediately darkened. “We’ve been married for five years, and you can’t even do this right? Or are you upset with Seraphina and deliberately targeting her?” I tried to explain, but he was already anxiously cupping Seraphina’s hand. “Does it hurt? Wait here, I’ll bandage it right away.” I suddenly felt utterly disheartened. Out of sight, out of mind. I left the villa and checked into a hotel. But the day before my departure, I realized I’d forgotten my documents at home and had no choice but to go back. The villa was hosting a party. Caleb stood beside Seraphina, a perfect couple, surrounded by guests. Some guests whispered. “Mr. Turner is so good to his wife! Look at Seraphina’s designer clothes, that must be hundreds of thousands!” Someone in the know corrected him. “Are you blind? The woman who just walked in is Mrs. Turner!” The first person looked embarrassed. “Oh, really? Her clothes look like they cost barely anything, doesn’t really look like it—”

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At my wedding, to save his adopted sister, my husband shoved me—three months pregnant—into the arms of our enemies as an apology. “This is my sincerity. You can do whatever you want with her.” I didn’t cry, didn’t fight. I simply followed our enemies, docile as a lamb. Because in my previous life, I’d traded all my wealth for freedom, desperate to return to Liam. But I was forced to drink abortion pills, writhing in agony for three days and three nights. “Brother, those enemies were just people you hired to play a part. Alice didn’t lose her virginity, so why did you insist on getting rid of the baby?” Liam scoffed. “A performance needs to be convincing, doesn’t it?” I died consumed by hatred. When I woke again, I chose to let them drag me away. But three years later, as I walked into the gala with my new partner, Liam lunged at me, his eyes wild. “Alice Summers, where’s our child?” … Three years. Liam felt like a complete stranger. “Alice, you don’t know how much Liam and I have been looking for you these past three years. I’ve felt so guilty.” I didn’t even spare Chloe a glance, using all my strength to pull free from Liam’s grip. Liam’s face darkened at my cold indifference, his voice dripping with fury. “I asked you, where’s our child?” I let out a cold laugh. It was utterly ridiculous. “What about the child? Don’t you already know?” Three years ago, what should have been the happiest day of my life – my tropical island wedding – became my eternal nightmare. How could a man who threw his pregnant wife to their supposed enemies for his adopted sister have the nerve to ask me that question? If I hadn’t been reborn, how could I have carved out a chance at survival for myself? Liam’s gaze flickered, and the hand he reached out to grab mine retracted. Chloe’s eyes welled up, her red-rimmed gaze fixed on me. “Alice, even though you were taken by those enemies for three years, you must have suffered a lot. And your body… But Liam and I don’t care.” “When a woman falls into a hellhole like that, we all know what she has to sacrifice. Even though Alice was defiled, it couldn’t be helped…” Her tone was full of pity, but her words were laced with pure malice. Liam’s face instantly turned grim, his dark eyes trembling slightly. By now, the party guests had gathered, their eyes shifting as they heard Chloe’s words. “She’s a slut! How does she have the nerve to show her face here?” “She’s probably been passed around, right? But her body’s still pretty good. If I were her, I wouldn’t be able to resist, ha ha ha…” Liam clenched his fists, like a lit stick of dynamite. “Have you caused enough trouble?” “Get home, now! Don’t embarrass yourself here!” My expression instantly changed. Home? Which home? I glanced at Chloe’s slightly swollen belly, my eyes mocking. “Is there still a place for me in your home?” My gaze swept the room. Why wasn’t he here yet? I had no patience left for these people and just wanted to leave. But they both seemed to misunderstand my meaning. Chloe nervously clutched her stomach, cowering behind Liam like a frightened fawn. “Alice, my… my baby is just an accident. The doctor said my health isn’t good, and if I had a miscarriage, I might never be able to be a mother. That’s why Liam let me keep the baby.” “Don’t worry, I’ll go abroad after the baby is born. I won’t bother you and Liam again.” If Chloe hadn’t crashed every single date Liam and I ever had, acting as a third wheel, I might have believed her words. But every single time, without fail, Liam had sided with Chloe. “Alice, why are you so petty? Chloe is just an immature kid. If she doesn’t come with me, she’ll cry in secret at home. Would that make you happy?” “Alice, I just wanted to learn how to date!” Gradually, I became numb to Chloe’s presence. I didn’t care anymore. Because I knew, caring was useless. Chloe’s tears fell onto Liam’s shoulder, and he instantly looked heartbroken, pulling her into his arms. “Chloe’s baby was an accident, and I’m definitely responsible for it.” “I’ll register our marriage with Chloe first, then we’ll divorce after the baby is born, so the child’s identity will be legitimate.” He then looked at me with what seemed like pity. “Alice Summers, for the next few months, take good care of Chloe at home. Only then will the baby warm up to you. As long as you behave well, I’ll give you the status of Mrs. Reed.” Hearing the word “divorce,” I clearly saw the resentment in Chloe’s eyes toward me. In a flash, I finally realized where Chloe’s inexplicable malice had come from all these years. Chloe wiped her tears and reached out to pull me. “Alice, just come home with us. Liam bought me a lot of clothes and jewelry; I’ll give them all to you, okay?” I was about to push her hand away, but in the next instant, I saw it—on her wrist, she was wearing the emerald bracelet my mother had left me. “Why is my bracelet on your hand!?” 2 “Oh… the doctor said my baby wasn’t developing well, so Liam gave me the bracelet to wear for good luck. If you don’t like it, Alice, I can give it back to you.” Chloe started to take the bracelet off. “Enough!” Liam immediately stopped her, his expression filled with tenderness. “It’s just a broken bracelet! Alice Summers, when did you become so petty?” A broken bracelet? Even after three years, I thought I had forgotten everything from the past, but a bitter ache still twisted in my heart. This emerald bracelet was the only thing my parents left me, a family heirloom of the Summers family, blessed by a spiritual master long ago. Years ago, I fell ill with a strange ailment. No matter how many local or international specialists examined me, they couldn’t find the cause. My parents cried for days, frantic, and finally, carrying this bracelet, they went to a remote spiritual retreat in the mountains. They kneeled every step of the way, from the foot of the mountain to the spiritual temple at the top—three thousand steps in all. Finally, they persuaded the master to consecrate the bracelet. But on the highway back, a large truck crashed straight into their car. My parents died instantly. When I woke up, all that was left were two memorial plaques… I cried myself unconscious in the funeral home, finally collapsing, overcome by despair. At that last moment, Liam held me tightly. “Alice! Your parents died for you! If you go too today, their deaths will have been meaningless!” “Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you in this life! Alice, you still have me.” Remembering that, I grabbed Chloe’s hand directly. “Give it back to me!” “Ah! It hurts so much…” Chloe’s face was pale, she bit her lower lip, and spoke in a wronged voice: “Alice, I’ll give it back. I wouldn’t dare touch anything from your family.” She looked like she’d suffered endless grievances. I just wanted my bracelet back, but Chloe let go of her hand before I could get a firm grip. The bracelet slipped from my fingers, hitting the ground with a sickening CRACK! It shattered into a million pieces. The world seemed to mute, leaving only my own ragged breathing. The sound of the bracelet hitting the ground felt like a sledgehammer to my chest, shattering my heart. Chloe cowered timidly in Liam’s arms, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to, Alice. You just scared me.” I instantly transformed into a furious beast, tears streaming down my face as I lunged toward Chloe. “You owe me my bracelet!” But as soon as I got close, Liam shoved me to the ground. “How much? Name your price, I’ll pay. Don’t upset Chloe over something trivial like this. Don’t be unreasonable, alright?” My wrists and legs scraped painfully against the hard ground. I bit my lip, saying nothing, and began picking up the shattered pieces of the bracelet. “Alice, let me help you!” Chloe leaned down, whispering in my ear: “Do you really think your parents’ death was because of this bracelet? Alice, you’re just too naive.” My eyes instantly widened, my head buzzed with a sudden, deafening roar. I seized Chloe’s collar, my eyes bloodshot with raw fury. “What do you mean? Speak!” But the next second, Liam kicked me hard. A metallic taste surged up, and with a gasp, blood spewed from my mouth, blossoming like gruesome flowers on the ground. “Brother, don’t hurt Alice. She’s just jealous that I’m carrying your baby, that’s why she wants to hurt me.” “You two were meant to be together. It’s my fault. I’ll go get rid of the baby and leave you! Then everything can go back to normal.” Chloe was shaking all over, like a terrified rabbit. But my heart was cold. Everything I’d never questioned before now felt suspect. “Liam, back then…” My words were cut off. “Brother, my stomach hurts so much…” Liam’s face instantly filled with distress. He scooped Chloe into his arms, heading for the host’s private doctor. As he left, he spared me a cold glance. “Lock her up.” I was surrounded by several security guards, an utterly outrageous display. My patience snapped. I snarled. “Get out of my way!” “You can’t afford the consequences of crossing me.” As soon as the words left my mouth, the surrounding onlookers scoffed. “Doesn’t everyone know the Summers family went bankrupt years ago? This woman talks a big game; she’ll hurt herself.” “She’s just a cast-off now, still thinks she’s that socialite from the city’s elite. Can’t she see the reality?” “Right! Everyone knows Mr. Reed is a rising star in high society now. She should just admit her mistakes.” I scoffed. If I hadn’t given Liam all the Summers family’s resources back then, how would he have gotten where he is today? But everyone present believed I was just making empty threats. To appease Liam, I was even locked in the security guard’s janitor’s closet. The room reeked of stale smoke. I had already coughed up blood, and now I felt even dizzier and more pained. I quickly lost consciousness. I don’t know how much time passed before I heard the door open. “You’re here!”

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Julian’s ‘darling little thing’ was having her 99th ‘breakup’ tantrum. He handed me the divorce papers. “Quinn, just sign it. It’s just to humor her. Once she cools down, we’ll get back together.” This time, I didn’t refuse. I signed the divorce papers without hesitation. The bystanders present were all murmuring, “Julian, you’re a legend! You’ve got your wife completely under your thumb!” “Spill your tricks, dude! Share your secrets to handling a woman!” Julian snuffed out his cigarette butt, his face gleaming with pride. “She’s head over heels for me. I could bring a woman home and screw her right here, and Quinn wouldn’t dare utter a peep.” The laughter behind me exploded like fireworks, exposing the raw, ugly truth of my ten-year marriage. That night, he brought the girl home. The faint, bunny-like whimpers from the girl went on all night. I picked up my pre-packed luggage and turned to leave. Martha, our housekeeper, tried to stop me, but Julian just scoffed. “Let her go. She’s nothing but a damn nobody without me!” “Does she still think she’s that celebrated champion artist she once was?” He provocatively kissed the young girl’s face, but his eyes were fixed on me. The next day, the whole town was betting how many days it would take Julian’s ‘disobedient ex-wife’ to come crawling back. But what they didn’t know was that the renowned director, my best friend Riley, who was personally flying me out to the International Art Gala, was already waiting in the extended limo outside. This time, I was truly leaving. — 0

Seeing I wasn’t jealous, Julian rushed after me, grabbing my suitcase. “Quinn, Stella’s dream is to be an artist. She wants to see the trophy. Let her play with it!” I lowered my gaze, looking at my fingers, aching and stiff from countless hours of painting. Becoming a champion cost me a body riddled with aches and pains. He knew damn well how important that trophy was to me. He also knew it was the one thing I’d never leave behind if I left, but he deliberately went out of his way to thwart me. He saw my silence and frowned impatiently. “God, you’re annoying! Always with that pathetic, gloomy face. It’s bad luck just looking at you!” “Just name your price. How much? Is a hundred million enough?” Money. If it really came down to money between us, how much were the ten years of my prime, my peak fame, worth? A bitter laugh escaped me as I looked at Stella’s face, six parts similar to my own when I was younger. They say a man’s loyalty only extends to 18-year-old girls. And who knows how long this girl, who rose to fame as ‘Little Quinn,’ will last with Julian. I handed her the trophy, offering a heartfelt wish: “I hear you’re from the Art Academy too? Then I wish your dreams come true soon!” Seeing my obedient demeanor, he nodded, satisfied, and actually tried to appease me. “As long as you take good care of Stella, I can consider adding her name to your artwork. But I can write your name a bit bigger.” I scoffed, “Is she even *worthy*?” All because Julian said, “I can’t stand to see you work so hard. Just be Mrs. Julian, isn’t that enough?” I announced my retirement from art at the City’s Best Female Artist award ceremony. My decade as Julian’s wife was supposed to be my most precious years, but all he gave me in return was one affair after another! And now he wanted to put someone else’s name on *my* artwork? I grabbed my luggage and turned to walk away. Just then, Julian, in a fit of rage, hurled the trophy at me. 0

Crystal shards flew, slicing my leg open, leaving gashes of varying sizes. Crimson blood poured from my leg. He stared at me, his eyes pure ice, devoid of any pity: “Quinn, you’re nothing without me. I bought you one championship; I can damn well buy another one for someone else!” “You want to leave? Fine. But strip off every stitch of clothing you have on!” “Every single thing you’ve ever eaten or worn was provided by me, by *my* family!” Stella, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, huddled in Julian’s arms, trembling. “Julian, please don’t fight with Quinn because of me. It’s my fault for being so foolish. I don’t want Quinn’s artwork, okay?” A year ago, my friends from my old art circle encouraged me to submit my work to the largest, most prestigious art exhibition in the city. Many famous masters and influential figures would attend, and my reputation would skyrocket. But on the day of the exhibition, the name on my artwork was Stella’s. To promote her, Julian pulled strings to replace my name with hers on my artwork, bribing reporters to gush about her ‘natural talent’ and youthful, delicate face. I became the talk of the art world overnight. Everyone said the once-celebrated genius artist would soon be Julian’s discarded trophy wife. Julian pulled Stella closer, pressing a heavy kiss on her, but his eyes were still locked on me. “In this town, *I* make the rules!” “What’s yours is hers! That ‘champion’ title? I only bestow it on women who know their place and obey me!” “Guards! Strip her!” I stared at Julian, my eyes burning. A decade of marriage, and he could be so utterly heartless toward me. The house staff, caught between us, hesitated, not daring to move. At the entrance hall, I took off my own blazer, worn over my silk dress, and then my red-soled heels. The shoes thudded loudly to the floor. “Is that enough?” I turned to leave, but he ripped my dress. “You’ll leave this dress too, including your underwear!” I stared at Julian in disbelief. “I bought these clothes myself! They have nothing to do with you!” He sneered, “You bought them? You’ve been a housewife for ten years! Where would *you* get money like that? Strip her bare!” The staff swarmed me, tearing off the last remnants of my dress. I struggled fiercely, but they kicked my stomach hard. A dark, bloody discharge streamed from my body. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to cover my nakedness, biting my lip hard, tears streaming down my face. He just held Stella, looking down at me with smug satisfaction. “See? That’s what happens when you don’t listen!” Stella wrapped her arms around Julian’s neck and kissed him. “Stella’s the best girl, Julian. I’ll never make you angry, unlike some people who don’t know what’s good for them!” Julian’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes burning with raw desire. He picked Stella up, and a startled gasp echoed from inside the room. Martha looked at me, her eyes filled with pity. She slipped off her own jacket and gently covered me. “Oh, honey,” she whispered, “what a terrible thing.” I buried my face in the jacket, finally letting out a sob. I never thought that the home I’d poured ten years of my life into, the only one who’d offer me a shred of dignity, would be Martha, who I’d known for less than three months. 0

Wearing Martha’s work uniform, I walked barefoot out of the mansion. The extended limo parked not far from the gate was my ticket to a new life. But I didn’t expect that at that critical moment, I’d be forcibly dragged back into Julian’s mansion by a group of people. It turned out Julian and Stella had gotten carried away with their games; the dripping hot wax set the sheets ablaze, burning Stella’s arm. Stella’s eyes filled with tears, looking utterly pitiful at Julian. “Julian, my arm is burned. How will I paint now? Please, you have to do something!” I noticed the dense red marks on Stella’s body, and the dog chains, whips, and red candles scattered on the floor. So, Julian, who was usually so calm and composed, secretly enjoyed this kind of thing. A bitter laugh escaped me, my heart a dull, numb ache. Stella noticed my gaze and, whether on purpose or by accident, shifted her body. A bunny tail dropped from the bed. She apologized, covering her mouth. “Oh, sorry! Julian really likes little bunnies.” “Quinn, you don’t mind, do you? After all, you’re older, and you can’t play like this anymore, right?” I looked at the girl’s fresh, youthful face, so tender it seemed water could be squeezed from it, and shook my head, smiling faintly. She still didn’t get it: youth is fleeting. This whole charade was utterly boring. I checked my watch. “Julian, did you drag me back here just to watch this spectacle? I have somewhere important to be!” Julian bristled. “Who said you could leave? Do you really think I’ll miss you?” “You think too highly of yourself!” “I brought you here to take a piece of *your* skin for Stella!” My eyes widened in disbelief as I stared at Julian. “Do you know what you’re saying? What right do you have to harm my body?” Julian leaned down, his eyes filled with ruthless intent. “You’re nothing but a dog I’ve kept around. Don’t talk to me about rights!” “Her delicate skin can’t have any scars, so we’ll just have to use yours.” “Dr. Evans, proceed!” A group of people rushed forward and pinned my hands. I struggled desperately, “No!” But the needle still plunged mercilessly into my skin, and I gradually lost consciousness.

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Just before the 2024 Senior Year Finals, the Department of Education made an explosive announcement. —All high school seniors would get a ten-day break. My classmates cheered wildly, “We’ve been in school for 100 straight days, finally we’re free!” Mom stared at the news, her face blank. “Is a vacation bought with a life really worth it?” Yeah, is it? But Mom had already pushed me to my death. Right before the finals, Mom rallied all the parents to petition the school: absolutely no breaks before the exams. The parents argued, “The finals are around the corner! The kids need to be locked down in school, under strict control!” The school sided with the parents. For a hundred consecutive days before the finals, there were no breaks. Under immense pressure, students started falling ill. Mr. Harrison called an emergency class meeting. “Getting sick now is irresponsible to yourselves.” My stomach pain was unbearable. I secretly went off-campus to see a doctor, hiding it from both Mom and the school. But Mom found out. That night, during evening study hall, Mom burst into the classroom. She slapped me across the face. “You want to rest? Go on, jump off the building if you’re so tough! You can rest once you’re dead!” The words had barely left her lips when I pulled open the window and leaped from the fourth floor. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom ask Mr. Harrison, “These injuries, they won’t delay her third mock exam review, will they?”

By the time I was being lifted onto the operating table, I had already stopped breathing. The doctors in the ER were performing CPR, but my soul floated over to Mom’s side. Mom looked furious. “I just scolded her a little, was that really worth jumping? Finals are in just a few days, I’m so worried!” Mr. Harrison tried to console her. “Lily is a very diligent student. As parents, you shouldn’t push your child too hard.” Mom’s voice rose. “Diligent? She bails at the first sign of a little illness. Kids these days are too pampered!” My soul hovered nearby, tears streaming down. Mom was an Ivy League graduate who’d come from humble beginnings to make it big in the city, truly climbing the social ladder. In her mind, scores were everything. If you didn’t study until you dropped, you weren’t studying hard enough. So, from a young age, I was cooped up in my room, doing endless math problems while other kids were out playing. I remember in fifth grade, I got my first period. The abdominal pain was unbearable. Mom only ever focused on my studies and had never taught me anything about it. I called Mom, but before I could even speak, her scolding voice blasted through the phone. “Lily, why was your weekly test score so low last week? So, if I don’t supervise you, you just won’t study, huh?” To punish my declining grades, Mom turned on the monitoring camera and made me go to the hallway to recite my lessons. It was freezing, around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and I stood shivering in the chilly hallway in just my thin pajamas. Mom’s voice came through the monitor: “Don’t even think about slacking off. You kids don’t know what real resilience is, not like our generation!” That night, I recited books in the dim hallway, and fresh blood stained my entire pants. From then on, every time I had my period, the abdominal pain was excruciating, and even medication didn’t help. The doctor said it was a childhood illness, hard to cure. But Mom just brushed it off. “You can’t even handle this little bit of discomfort? How are you ever going to get into college?” I clutched my aching abdomen, my head bowed low. Back to the present. Mom was still complaining endlessly to Mr. Harrison. “Lily’s math is weak, so please, Mr. Harrison, give her more attention, more homework. Don’t worry about tiring her out!” “When she becomes a public servant later, I’ll make sure she brings gifts to visit you.” Hearing the words “public servant” made my heart ache. Mom had no idea that because of her, I had long lost the qualification to pursue a public service career. In ninth grade, my deskmate, Chloe, invited me to her birthday party at a karaoke bar. Under Mom’s strict control, I had never watched a movie, played a video game, or even had dinner with friends. Thinking my last mock exam score was decent, I mustered up the courage and accepted Chloe’s invitation. Just as I was happily holding the cake, celebrating with Chloe, Mom burst in. The music screeched to a halt. My classmates exchanged bewildered glances, staring at the furious stranger. Mom, in front of everyone, slapped me more than ten times. Mom’s hysterical shouts filled my ears: “Lily, how could you be so depraved? Now you dare sneak out to play behind my back?” “What kind of place is this? What are you doing hanging out with these losers?! Shameless!” The air fell silent, only Mom’s ragged breathing could be heard. I stood there, embarrassed, wishing I could disappear into the floor. Mom glared at me. “What are you standing there for, dumbass? Get over here, by Mom’s side! First year of high school is crucial for building a foundation. Hanging out with these losers will ruin you, eventually!” Chloe, my deskmate, was upset Mom had ruined her birthday. “Auntie, what do you mean by that? What do you mean ‘losers’? How did we, who aren’t great at studying, ever bother you?” Mom was already fuming, and Chloe’s words were like lighting a fuse. Mom lunged at Chloe, and they started tearing at each other. “Mom, stop fighting!” As I stepped in to break them up, Mom’s swinging elbow hit me squarely in the eye. My vision instantly turned crimson. Seeing the situation spiral out of control, the other students called the police. Mom was detained for half a month for disturbing the peace. The corner of my right eye was ruptured, and my vision decreased. There were vision requirements for joining the police force, and my lifelong dream of becoming an officer was utterly shattered. The day I picked Mom up from the detention center, she said nonchalantly, “If you can’t be a cop, you can go for a government job. It’s the same, working for the government, it’s just as respectable.” I forced a bitter smile. Government jobs required thorough background checks, and Mom’s arrest record had already ruined my future. 2 The doctor placed the defibrillator on my chest, trying to restart my heart. Meanwhile, Dad rushed to the hospital. Seeing the ER light on, Dad lowered his voice. “Eleanor, if you have something to say, say it behind closed doors. You making a scene at school was so embarrassing.” Mom’s eyes widened. “I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her! What’s wrong with scolding her a bit? I gave her life!” Whenever I was disobedient, Mom would use that line to shut me down. In our living room sat a wicker basket, overflowing with broken wooden rulers. Each ruler was as thick as three fingers pressed together, and they stung fiercely when used. From elementary school to high school, whenever I “defied” Mom even slightly, those stinging rulers would come down on me: “I gave you life, so it’s only right for me to punish you!” Dad never stopped her. He’d hide in the bedroom when Mom was hitting me, only reappearing with ointment once she was done. “Lily, your mom had a hard time raising you. You mustn’t resent her; she’s only doing it for your own good.” Dad pulled up my sleeve and applied the ointment to my wounds. “Lily, respecting your parents is a sign of good upbringing. We not only need to study well but also be well-mannered children, right?” I bit my lip, saying nothing. Dad sighed. “You’re such a stubborn kid; you’ll be the death of yourself.” And now, the same judgment echoed. In front of the ER, Mom’s voice rose. “Lily’s such a stubborn kid. If it weren’t for my discipline, she would have long been addicted to entertainment and ruined her future!” Mom’s last words triggered a memory. In eleventh grade, Mom decided I was addicted to entertainment. Teenage girls’ celebrity obsessions were a huge threat in her eyes. When Mom found a few celebrity postcards in my backpack, the air pressure around me dropped several notches. “Your mock exam score dropped by one rank this time—is it because of this?” “What’s the point of obsessing over these celebrities all day? Do they even care about you? A plain Jane dreaming big!” Mom tore the postcards to shreds right in front of me. “So young and already messing up, doing these shameless things. Wouldn’t it be better to spend your time honoring your parents instead of chasing celebrities? You ungrateful child.” I watched those cards, which held so much hope and dreams, turn into scattered fragments, buried before my eyes. In a fit of pique, I didn’t eat for an entire day. At dinner, Mom knocked on my door for a long time. When she got no response, she grabbed a kitchen knife. The violent banging on the door echoed, and I cowered on my bed, trembling with fear. Mom was furious. “I raised you for so long, and now you dare lock the door? Are you trying to fly to the moon?!” Dad anxiously yelled from outside the door, “Quick, apologize to your mom! Apologize, and it’ll all be fine!” I was so cold with fear, not knowing how to react. The door burst open. Mom charged at me, raising the kitchen knife, its sharp blade mere inches from my face. “Lily, apologize now! Why are you so stubborn?!” I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a warmth spread across my cheek. The sharp blade sliced my cheek. Seeing blood gush out, Mom suddenly froze. “Are you stupid? Why didn’t you dodge?” Warm blood flowed down my cheek to the corner of my mouth, salty and bitter. “See? You’re obsessed with celebrities, so obsessed you don’t even dodge a knife! These entertainment stars are truly harmful!” But Mom, I wasn’t trying not to dodge; I simply didn’t dare. Years of beatings had taught me that dodging only led to harsher punishment. After Mom left, Dad sighed, wiping my wound, still rambling on with his endless lectures. He said, “Your body was given to you by your parents; acting out like this and not eating is disrespectful to them.” He said, “Every family has its struggles, and sometimes things get messy. Kids argue with parents, it’s part of life, and children need to understand their parents’ hardships.” I quietly looked at Dad, swallowing all the words I wanted to say. From childhood, Mom was always the strong one, while Dad just tried to smooth things over. They had never truly listened to my heart. Actually, those celebrity postcards were a reward from my teacher for helping organize homework. My teacher told me she used to be a fan too and understood the meaning of an idol to a person. She said everyone should have their own hobbies, as long as they didn’t affect their studies. But Mom would never understand any of that.

My soul floated in mid-air, watching Dad comforting Mom in front of the ER. “Lily is a very sensible child; once she wakes up, I’ll make sure she apologizes to you.” Mom sighed. “I even quit my job for her studies. If she were really sensible, she wouldn’t have thrown a tantrum and jumped! Finals are in a few days; what if this delays her exams?!” My gaze darkened. I had fallen from the fourth floor, covered in blood and barely alive when the ambulance arrived. Yet, Mom’s mind was still on the finals, still on my studies. I once asked Mom what would happen if I didn’t get into college. Mom reacted as if I’d stepped on her tail, instantly snapping, “If you don’t get into college, your life is over!” “Your cousin got into Harvard this year. I’m not asking you to get into Harvard, but at least a top-tier university, right? Otherwise, I won’t be able to hold my head up in front of our relatives!” Originally, I wanted to tell Mom that I was drawing commissions online, earning my first real money. I wanted to tell her that I loved drawing and asked if I could have an hour a week to draw freely. But seeing Mom’s distorted face, I swallowed all my words. Late one night, I went to the bathroom and heard Mom and Dad arguing. “Lily’s art teacher called me, saying Lily loves drawing and since her grades are poor, she could try the art pathway.” “Her teacher is such an idiot, actually suggesting that because Lily’s struggling with academics, we should respect her hobbies—how utterly foolish and laughable!” “Lily is my child! I’m so smart, my child can’t possibly dislike studying!” Listening to Mom’s words, tears streamed down my face. Mom had never truly cared about what I liked. She simply imposed her own ideas on me. Mom loved spicy food, and even though I hated it, every meal had to be spicy, just the way Mom liked it. Mom was afraid of the cold, and even when I was sweltering in summer, the living room air conditioning was never allowed to be turned on. Mom had changed her destiny through studying when she was young, and even though I loved drawing, she had to stifle my natural talent. Mom had never respected my opinions. She treated me as an extension of herself, an object to carry her hopes. My thoughts were irrelevant. The next day, Mom dragged me out of bed. My art supplies spilled across the floor. And all the drawings I’d done were torn to shreds by Mom. A fierce impact rushed through me, and I felt a sweet, metallic taste in my throat. Overwhelmed by anger, I actually coughed up blood. As my consciousness faded, I heard Mom yell, “Lily, are you trying to kill me with anger?!” When I woke up again, I heard Mom talking to Dad. “I only said a few words to her, and she coughed up blood and fainted. Can you blame me for that?” “She’s so delicate now, what will she do in the future?!” Dad gave Mom a meaningful look. “Lower your voice, Lily’s awake.” Seeing me awake, Mom immediately started pounding her chest and stamping her feet. It seemed she wanted to make me feel guilty; she pounded her chest with a dull thud. “Oh, the misery! My child doesn’t listen, doesn’t study. What’s the point of me living?!” Dad played along. “Lily, look how much you’ve upset your mom!”

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Never Cheat on a Billionaire. On the day of our holiday family gathering, my wife, Vivian Hayes, with whom I had signed a prenuptial agreement stipulating a 10,000x payback of my assets if she cheated, took her young assistant, Liam Foster, to my private vineyard. She claimed Liam was away from his family and she wanted to make him feel truly welcome and cherished. So she lavished billions on him right there, splashing out money just to see him smile. As their emotions deepened, fueled by the cheers of the crowd, they linked arms and shared an intimate toast. My assistant sent me a screenshot from Liam Foster’s SnapChat story: “You truly become yourself when you meet the right person.” In the photo, the look in Vivian Hayes’ eyes as she gazed at him was brimming with an unadulterated affection, a fervent tenderness I hadn’t seen in five long years. I smirked, then casually froze her supplementary credit card – the one with a hundred billion dollar limit. “Honey, I’m doing a team-building event with my staff. Why isn’t my card working?” she called, her voice tight. “Everyone’s watching. Don’t make me look bad.” I replied calmly, “Ms. Hayes, have you forgotten who you are?” She hesitated for a moment. “Honey, don’t joke around with me. You’ll spoil everyone’s fun.” “Oh, really? If you love drinking so much, then live stream yourself chugging every bottle in the vineyard. I’ll unfreeze the card instantly.” A minute passed. She hadn’t taken a single sip. I sent her a trending news headline instead: “Hayes Group’s Hundred-Billion-Dollar Company Declared Bankrupt.” Since she loved splurging billions on her little assistant, I figured she should experience a thousandfold payback first!

As Wall Street reeled from a hundred-billion-dollar company collapsing in an instant, Vivian Hayes FaceTimed me. “Honey, stop messing with me! There are tens of thousands of bottles here. How can I possibly drink them all? It’ll kill me!” She looked pleading, yet utterly helpless. I chuckled. “I’ll ask just one question: Drink? Or not drink?” “You only have one minute, by the way! After all, people always have to pay for their actions…” I hadn’t even finished speaking when she hung up. Soon, her colleagues who were there sent me a video. In it, Vivian Hayes picked up bottle after bottle of red wine from the table, chugging them down like tap water. In another corner of the video, the white t-shirt boy was frantically yelling “Don’t drink!” looking ready to fight the person who forced Vivian to drink. With a cold scoff, I grabbed my bag and headed to the vineyard. On the way, my colleagues kept sending me messages. “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Hayes has already had thirteen bottles. Is she really okay?” “Her little assistant is over there, crying pathetically. It’s so annoying! Who does he think he is? I just want to slap him!” “Mr. Thorne, Liam Foster’s resignation letter is ready. When should we notify him?” “Some women get a little power and really start to believe they’re untouchable. Can’t wait to see her downfall!” I let out a soft laugh. It wasn’t that I absolutely had to confront her face-to-face. After all, I rake in millions every minute. She’s not worth even a second of my time. But people have to pay for their mistakes. And this whole spectacle wouldn’t be complete without me, would it? I pushed open the door and walked toward Vivian Hayes, who was sprawled on the couch, clearly drunk. My colleagues, seeing me, nervously tried to pull her up. She irritably shook them off. “What do you want!?” I watched as she lifted her head, her eyes flashing with resentment for a split second before it morphed into a desperate plea. “Honey, is that enough…? I’ve had twenty bottles.” Seeing Vivian’s pathetic act, I squatted down, gripping her chin. With my thumb and forefinger, I forced her lips into a smile. “What’s wrong, darling? Not having fun drinking? Smile for me, or someone might think I, Alexander Thorne, am mistreating you.” Vivian turned her head away in humiliation. I roughly twisted her chin back. “What, already feeling sorry for yourself? Weren’t you having such a blast with that intimate toast earlier?” Vivian opened her mouth, as if to explain, but ultimately said nothing. “You, how could you treat your wife like that? Don’t you see how drunk Ms. Hayes is? Just because you’re rich, you think you can insult people however you want?!” “Hey! Say something!” Liam, in his white tee and jeans, his eyes red-rimmed, puffed up his chest, trying to act tough as he shielded Vivian behind him. I smirked dismissively. But I ignored him, my gaze fixed on Vivian Hayes, who had stopped drinking and turned to meet my eyes. “What? You want to stand up for him?!” Vivian’s eyes were unreadable. She paused, then picked up another bottle of wine and chugged most of it down in one go. A cold smile played on my lips as I slanted a glance at the boy. Our eyes met, and he took two steps back. But then something seemed to click in his mind, and he angrily retorted, “What? Am I wrong? Who treats their wife like this? You have no sympathy!” I laughed, walking toward him step by step. With each step I took, he retreated one, until he was backed against the wall, nowhere left to go. I stood over him, laughing condescendingly. “What? So you *do* know this is someone else’s wife, huh? So, how does it feel to spend someone else’s money?” Liam’s eyes were red, as if he’d suffered a grave insult. He threw his head back and yelled at me, “You, don’t you dare slander me and Vivian! We’re just colleagues. Your own mind is dirty, that’s why everything you see is dirty!” “No wonder Vivian never wants to come home. You’re so controlling and domineering, what woman could stand it?” “Shut up!” Vivian, no longer feigning drunkenness, snapped sharply. I chuckled softly. “Vivian Hayes, so this is the kind of trash you fall for?” “Being brainless is one thing, but he’d look embarrassing as a mere office decoration. Your taste has really hit rock bottom.” Vivian looked up at me, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Honey, I know I was wrong, but there’s really nothing between me and him.” Before she could finish, I chuckled softly. “Don’t bother. I don’t have time for your nonsense. Finish all these drinks and be home by eleven tonight.” On the drive home, the scenery outside the car window flashed by. I never thought things with Vivian Hayes would become so ugly. Five years ago, she came to interview at my company. She wore a simple white dress, elegant and pure, standing out brightly in the crowd. In just three months, she went from one of over a hundred interns to a full-time employee and then my trusted assistant in one go. But she always did things for me that went beyond work, gestures that were thoughtful yet never crossed a line. She’d always have an extra umbrella for me during the rainy season, remembered every tiny preference I had, and would even mischievously give me candy on Children’s Day. Then, when I turned 25, my family started pressuring me. I was about to enter a marriage alliance with another prominent family. She blushed, stammering, “Mr. Thorne, I know I’m not good enough for you, but I’m afraid if I don’t say some things now, I’ll never have the chance…” “Mr. Thorne… can you wait for me? Wait until I can stand beside you as your equal someday…” Honestly, I was indifferent. High-society alliances, after all, are nothing more than mutually beneficial arrangements. But the young woman’s blushing confession did genuinely move me. However, as the CEO of a trillion-dollar empire, a little bit of emotional stirring didn’t stop me from making her sign a prenuptial agreement. If she ever went back on her word, if she ever cheated on me. Then every penny I spent on her would have to be repaid tenfold. For the next three years, I propelled her from behind the scenes to the forefront. I gave her a net worth of hundreds of billions, and her brother became a massively popular movie star. The Hayes family enjoyed unprecedented glory, their influence unmatched. Everyone greeted her with respect, calling her “Ms. Hayes.” But some things, when acquired too easily, don’t seem to be a good thing. ***PAYWALL*** It was 10:50 PM when Vivian Hayes sent another message. “Honey, I’m closing a deal. I’ll be home late.” I scoffed, indifferently going back to my work. “Martha, did you just make hangover soup? Pour it out!” That night, a colleague sent me a screenshot of Liam’s SnapChat story. “At 4 AM, I saw the crabapple blossoms were still awake.” The accompanying picture was a selfie of Liam, in dim light, with Vivian’s wedding ring reflected in a swirling glass of red wine. Immediately after, a friend sent me a video. Vivian, with Liam and a large group of her friends, clinking glasses and having a wild time at a private club. “Isn’t that your Vivian? She’s really soaring these days!” “Mr. Thorne, are you losing your touch with your wife?” I couldn’t help but laugh dryly. These two, either their combined IQ couldn’t hit triple digits, or they were openly rubbing my face in the dirt. They clearly knew that club was owned by my friend. They clearly knew I’d warned her to be home by eleven. Vivian Hayes, I gave you a chance. You just didn’t cherish it. I sneered, opened my SnapChat chat with Vivian, and casually unpinned her from the top of my contacts. “Ms. Hayes, you’re getting quite bold now.” Two minutes passed. No reply. I asked my assistant, “Did she check her phone?” “She glanced at it, then put it face down on the table.” I let out a sharp laugh. When did Vivian Hayes learn to play hide-and-seek with me? “Evading problems won’t solve them, Ms. Hayes. Don’t you understand that?” Casually, I had my assistant send her brother’s script termination notice, along with the Hayes Group acquisition agreement. “Alexander Thorne, you’ve gone too far!” She FaceTimed me directly, her face flushed, brows furrowed. I slowly sipped my red wine. “Heh, this is ‘too far’? Vivian Hayes, is this your first day knowing me?” I set my phone aside and slowly said, “I’m a little unhappy today.” “I’ll give you two choices. Either live-stream yourself slapping your own face, and while you’re at it, call yourself a home-wrecker – make sure you hit hard enough that everyone, even the stray dogs on the street, hears it. Let me check the time… It’s 11:20 PM, isn’t it? If it goes over 1200 seconds, then that’s 1200 slaps.” “Or, you can make that man get on stage right now and perform a striptease.” “Just do one, to cheer me up, okay?”

Friends kept sending me videos recorded live from the White Lily Club. Liam Foster, truly looking like a delicate, wilting flower. His afternoon white tee and jeans were replaced with skimpy clothing, just a few silver chains barely covering his body. He cowered on the stage, his face full of resentment, yet he had no choice but to comply. The audience below went wild. The audience, used to bold, hot male models, were absolutely electrified by this starkly contrasting performance, their restless souls wildly agitated. “Do you know who’s on stage? Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group’s toy boy!” “Apparently, the real boss caught them red-handed, and that’s how we got this amazing show!” “Holy cow, Mr. Thorne, you’ve got quite the entertainment lined up! My club’s revenue today is going to double!” my friend excitedly messaged me. “This is just the beginning.” The next second, I told my assistant to go to the club and scatter a billion dollars on the spot. The entire club floor was covered in red cash, like heaven. “Liam Foster’s dance was great today. Mr. Thorne is in a good mood, so let everyone have some fun.” The cheers from the crowd were deafening, enough to blow the roof off. “Mr. Thorne is a legend! Happier than winning the lottery, that’s what this is!” “But Alex, are you really okay?” my friend asked, a hint of worry in his voice. I scoffed. “You call this ‘something’?” Half an hour later, Vivian Hayes returned, her face haggard, a cold, defeated expression etched on her features. “Alexander Thorne, are you satisfied now?” I held my red wine, scrutinizing this broken, haggard woman, and shook my head. I scoffed and walked directly into the bedroom. “Alexander Thorne, I’m truly so disappointed in you! I never thought you’d treat a young man fresh out of college like this!” “He’s so naive and kind. How will he ever be able to hold his head high after being publicly humiliated by you like that?” Through the closed door, every word of Vivian Hayes’ voice was laced with resentment. I opened the door and leaned against the frame, watching the woman who claimed to have loved me for five years, now gritting her teeth and questioning me with hatred. Instead of getting angry, I laughed. “Naive?” “Vivian Hayes, tell me, is there any part of you that he hasn’t touched? And you call him ‘naive’?” Vivian’s face flushed instantly. “Are you listening to rumors again? Alexander Thorne, I know many people in the company are loyal to you, but do you have absolutely no trust in your own wife?” “Hmph, trust?” “You were practically sleeping with him right in front of my damn face. What? If there’s no evidence, it doesn’t count as cheating, right?” “Well, I’ll tell you what. I just don’t f***ing like him, alright?!” Seeing my indifferent expression, Vivian clenched her fists, wanting to say something, but ultimately remaining silent. “And another thing, Vivian Hayes. If you had reached where you are today purely by your own merit, even if you kept a hundred toy boys outside, you’d still be my wife when you came home. But now, you’re taking my money and spending it on other men? Whose face are you slapping now?” As I spoke, I walked up to her, looking up at her eyes, which, though showing faint lines, were still beautiful. *Pat, pat, pat.* I lightly slapped her cheek, a faint smile on my face. As if suddenly realizing something, she tensed. “Alex, you wouldn’t…” I turned around and took a stack of photos from my bag. “Yes, exactly what you’re thinking.” “Look, they’re all lining up to be Mrs. Thorne. Looks, figure, education – which one isn’t better than you? And they know how to please, they’re good in bed.” “More importantly, they’re all younger than you.” With that, I gave a pitying glance at her increasingly fatigued face. Vivian Hayes deflated like a punctured balloon. “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re my wife, heh.” At the bottom of the stack of photos was that prenuptial agreement, the one with the ten thousand times payback clause. “What happened with your brother and your dad was just a warning. You should know that if I can take you from having nothing to becoming Ms. Hayes, a woman everyone gives face to, I can also make you…” I didn’t say the last few words, just gave her another scrutinizing look. And that single glance caused Vivian Hayes to suddenly lunge into my arms. “Honey, I’m sorry, I… I’ve just been under too much stress lately.” “But I really didn’t cheat. I, I’ve always loved you…” The moment she embraced me, the scent of alcohol, cigarettes, and cheap men’s cologne from her overwhelmed me. A violent wave of nausea surged through me. I pushed her away, perhaps a little too forcefully. She stumbled, hitting the doorknob, but I felt no pity. “Vivian Hayes, why do you think I’d believe a word you say?” *Thud.* Vivian suddenly knelt down. *Slap, slap, slap, slap…* Left cheek, then right cheek, she kept slapping herself. In that instant, I felt absolutely nothing. I got up and walked directly to my study. Only when I opened the door did I turn my head, my tone serious for the last time. “You don’t need to put on this act for me. I’m busy. But I am seriously informing you: this is the first and last time between us. I won’t give you another chance. Think carefully.” “Think about how you got to where you are today. And then give me a satisfactory answer tomorrow.”

The next day, Vivian Hayes fired Liam Foster in front of the entire company. Liam walked out of the company, clutching a cardboard box, tears welling in his eyes, resentment clear in their depths. “Oh, isn’t that the guy who tried to climb into bed to get ahead? What, found another rich woman?” “Beware, green tea boys are on the loose! Watch your wives, everyone.” “It’s only because our Mr. Thorne is so magnanimous and doesn’t bother with him. Otherwise, just for spending other people’s money, he’d be paying it back for three generations!” From that day on, Vivian Hayes indeed behaved herself much more. She worked diligently at the company, came home to massage my legs and wash my feet, and even learned a few new Cantonese dishes to please me. Her brother even came over under the guise of wanting a free meal, representing the whole family to thoroughly scold Vivian. A month later, while I was on a business trip to the US, my trust fund manager suddenly contacted me. “Mr. Thorne, do you still wish to transfer the private island you purchased earlier to Mr. Liam Foster?” I paused, then remembered the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause. “Just follow my wife’s instructions.” Loyalty or betrayal, the outcome had been decided the moment she made her choice. It seemed she still hadn’t learned her lesson. And I, I needed to make her understand the price of betrayal. “Mr. Thorne, Vivian’s back with that guy again. He’s really arrogant this time, making our servers kneel to him.” “Looks like he wants to reclaim his lost dignity.” “Laughable, no one actually cares.” I scoffed. “That’s where you’re wrong. He’s a returning customer, after all. Don’t you dare neglect him.” In the video my friend sent, Liam Foster had shed his previous rustic image. He was dressed in a bespoke suit, even his tie was a limited edition. But his slicked-back hair looked awkward, and his inexperienced face couldn’t quite carry the sophisticated look. “Vivian Hayes, I truly underestimated you.” I sneered and had my assistant rebook my flight. I flew back to the company the very next day. I had just reached the conference room door when I heard her speaking inside. “Do you really think Alexander Thorne considers you his confidantes? Does a man like him even have feelings?” “From now on, report any of his movements to me promptly. You won’t be shortchanged.” I leaned against the doorway, smiling as I looked into the conference room, meeting Vivian Hayes’ face as she just looked up. Her expression was priceless. “Ms. Hayes, what kind of man am I, exactly?” Several executives, seeing me enter, handed me a voice recorder and a miniature camera. They respectfully said, “Mr. Thorne, all conversations are recorded here.” “Don’t worry, we know who the boss is.” Sensing the shift in atmosphere, they quickly made excuses and backed out. “Vivian Hayes, I’m giving you a chance to explain. Go on.” Vivian had already composed herself, using anger to mask her guilt. “Explain what? I was just holding a meeting with the senior executives.” “What, you rushed back so suddenly? You still don’t trust me?” Vivian went on the offensive, looking utterly disappointed. “Okay, then just sign this.” I tossed a divorce agreement onto the table in front of her. “And these two documents: this is the prenuptial property certificate, and this is the lawsuit for illegal possession of another’s assets. By tomorrow noon, 12 PM, you and Liam Foster will receive court summons. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “Are you insane, Alexander Thorne? What more do you want from me?” “I already fired Liam. I work like a dog at the company all day, and then I have to come home and serve you.” “Not only do you not trust me, you even plant spies around me? Now you want a divorce? Can’t you be less tyrannical!” With that, she slammed the door and stormed out. “I’m a person, not your dog!” Watching her indignant back, I smiled and shook my head. Some dogs, indeed, start to think they’re people. My friend heard I was back in the country and upset by my disobedient lapdog. “Come on, Alex. Tonight, I’m going to ‘light up the night’ for you at the auction! Pick anything you like from the whole place!” As soon as we arrived, I heard someone shout, “Isn’t that Ms. Hayes from Hayes Group? I heard she once spent billions for her beloved’s smile!” From afar, Vivian Hayes was in a bespoke gown, adorned with expensive accessories, every strand of her hair exuding luxury. She had indeed enjoyed a good life for a few years. Liam Foster was also meticulously dressed, showing no trace of his previous disheveled appearance at the club. They both looked at me. Liam’s eyes were full of provocation, and he leaned a little closer to Vivian, their arms brushing, a show of intimacy. Vivian stared at me, her eyes unreadable, carrying a hint of resentment, but she didn’t avert her gaze. When someone complimented them as a perfect couple, she even smiled and nodded, offering no explanation. As the auction began, a gasp rippled through the crowd. “Ms. Hayes is going to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster, buying out the entire auction!” “Holy cow, I’m stunned! I heard Ms. Hayes directly scattered a billion in cash for him before. Today, I’m witnessing true wealth!” “So jealous! I want to be born into a rich family in my next life!” Liam Foster, after all, hadn’t seen much of the world. The joy in his eyes and brows was impossible to hide. When Vivian wasn’t looking, he provocatively raised an eyebrow and smirked at me. My friend couldn’t stand it. He stood up, ready to confront them for me. “That damn dog thinks he’s hot stuff! What a piece of work!” I pressed my friend’s hand down, took out the prenuptial agreement with the tenfold payback clause, and shook my head with a soft smile. “Don’t rush. I want to see how Vivian Hayes plans to ‘light up the night’ today. And how much she can spend?!”

Across half the auction hall, Vivian Hayes sat ramrod straight, appearing confident. Beside her, Liam Foster tried hard to suppress the smile at the corner of his lips, while also deliberately glancing at me. The three parts provocation, seven parts show-off in his eyes were unmistakable. Suddenly, someone hurried towards Vivian, bending down to whisper something in her ear. Vivian clenched her fists, abruptly trying to stand up, but realizing she was at an auction, she merely adjusted her collar and sat back down, saying something to the person. The person bowed and retreated. Vivian looked at me again, still maintaining her forced air of defiance. The host on stage had been deftly changing the subject and smoothing things over for three minutes. The audience below began to whisper, wondering what had happened. Others didn’t know, but I knew very well: forget “lighting up the night,” if Vivian Hayes’ card could even swipe one cent today, then I, Alexander Thorne, was worthless. Just then, the same person scurried back to Vivian, this time with a look of difficulty. Vivian’s face finally turned green. The host on stage grew impatient, but maintained a smile. “Ms. Hayes, are you sure you want to offer one hundred billion dollars to ‘light up the night’ for Mr. Foster here?” “Our staff here have already verified your funds three times, and your qualifications are insufficient.” “How is that possible! There must be something wrong with your machines! Yesterday, I had two hundred billion in my account! What’s going on with you people?” Publicly humiliated, Vivian Hayes’ face was flushed with anger. The staff member was equally impolite. “Ms. Hayes, we’ve verified it five times. Not only do you have no balance in your account, but my colleague from the credit department just said… that your account…” “Said what!” Vivian Hayes snapped impatiently, watching the staff member stammer and cover up. “If you have something to say, say it clearly!” The staff member’s lips moved, and he said in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, “Ms. Hayes, the background check results just showed that your personal account does not have a balance of two hundred billion; instead, it has a debt of two hundred billion.” “And it’s increasing at a rate of 5% per minute.” A ripple of gasps went through the audience. “So this Hayes woman was a fake? And I thought I was going to witness true wealth today!” “You guys don’t know? This Hayes woman married up to Mr. Thorne of Thorne Corp to get her current wealth, but she seems to have upset the real boss recently.” “What? Thorne Corp? Then who’s that guy next to her?” “No need to ask, of course it’s a love triangle.” Seeing everyone around them staring at her and Liam with strange looks, Vivian Hayes finally couldn’t maintain her composure. She looked over the crowd, her gaze fixed on me. “Alexander Thorne, do you have to be so ruthless?” Everyone followed her gaze and looked at me. I felt a little helpless. I hadn’t intended for things to escalate this much today. After all, me, the CEO of Thorne Corp, getting into a public spat with my wife at an auction, was truly undignified. I scoffed. “Ms. Hayes, what’s wrong?” “Why did you freeze my cards? What’s going on with my assets becoming debts?” Of course, she couldn’t say those words aloud. “Are you still angry? Can’t you stop being so unreasonable?” *Clap, clap, clap!* I clapped three times, unhurriedly standing up. Since she insisted on dragging these dirty affairs out into the open, I didn’t need to save her any face. “What do I have to be angry about? Just that my wife wanted to use my money to lavish on her little boy toy?” “Just that my wife, to please her toy boy, gave away my private island without my permission?” “Just that my wife openly brought her toy boy to provoke me right in front of me?” “Vivian Hayes, I actually admire you today. After all, a gutter rat, you managed to drag him into the spotlight.” Despite wearing sunglasses, some people in the crowd recognized me. “Holy crap, it’s confirmed! The real deal is here, confirming the other man!” “The legendary Mr. Thorne! He’s so handsome! Some women are truly cheap. She got tired of the finest delicacies and decided she wanted pig slop instead.” “They used to say Vivian Hayes was crazy for throwing away a rich, handsome man like Mr. Thorne for that guy. Today, I see it for myself. Tsk tsk tsk.” Liam Foster, listening to the whispers and chatter, fidgeted uncomfortably, unsure whether to stand or sit, but ultimately dared not say anything. “Mr. Foster, do you still want this item?” The host smiled as he looked at Vivian Hayes. Vivian bit her lip, gave me one last look, and before she could speak, two uniformed officers entered. “Excuse me, is Vivian Hayes here? And Liam Foster?” “Someone has filed a lawsuit against you for illegal appropriation of property and asset transfer. Please come with us.” The entire hall was stunned, then erupted into boisterous laughter, followed by small groups discussing the event. The protagonists of the entire scene, Vivian Hayes and Liam Foster, watched wide-eyed as the officers entered. “What are you doing? Is it you two? Why are you just standing there? Come with us.” The two of them had lost all their previous dignity and elegance, now looking tense and helpless. Despite the clear displeasure on their faces, they had no choice but to hang their heads and slink away. Vivian gave me one last look. She was always smart; she must have known what was happening. I had been more than generous, after all, I’d warned her yesterday. “Holy cow, instant karma for the cheating duo! So exciting! I heard the last person who went in like that got ten years!” “I think that Vivian Hayes has a screw loose. She had a good life but chose to sing ‘Iron Window Tears’.” … “Didn’t you say you’d get me a gift, huh?” I nudged my friend beside me. He snapped out of his stunned state. “Alex, you’re a real silent operator! You kept this from me, didn’t you?” “This was just a side thing. You promised to bid on three items for me. Today, I’m going to make you pay dearly.” “Forget three! I’ll bid until you’re satisfied, Alex!” Honestly, I hadn’t really intended to do anything to them. It was just that the private island Vivian used to do favors on had a very specific variety of coconut trees, and only that latitude produced the exact sweetness of coconut water I liked, so I was quite annoyed. 24 hours later, Vivian Hayes returned home, looking disheveled and defeated.

*Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock, knock…* A faint, tired knocking came from outside the door. Standing on the second-floor balcony, I looked towards the entrance. Vivian Hayes stood slumped by the front gate like a pathetic stray dog. Her hair was messy, her makeup smeared, and she was missing one high heel. Beside her were some of her luggage and daily necessities, which I’d had Martha throw out. Seeing that I didn’t open the door for a long time, she finally started to panic. “Alex! Alex!” “Alex, open the door! I really know I was wrong this time, please!” She looked in horror at everything scattered on the ground, finally realizing I was serious this time. She looked up and saw me standing on the balcony, arms crossed. Though only twenty yards separated us, it felt like a galaxy. “Alex, please listen to my explanation. Just give me one more chance, I beg you!” She clung to the large iron gate, shouting at me with what sounded like utmost sincerity. I suddenly found it a little amusing. Vivian Hayes, do you even understand what “chance” means? It’s not about me forgiving you, me indulging you, that makes it a chance. It’s because trust, that kind of thing, is inherently a one-time offer. I smirked, then turned and walked back into the bedroom. In the middle of the night, I was suddenly woken by a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, but then quickly fell back into a deep sleep. Accompanied by the pattering rain, I slept peacefully that night, not waking until ten the next morning, feeling completely refreshed. “Mr. Thorne? Mr. Thorne?” Martha’s anxious yet cautious voice came from outside the door. “Come in.” “Ms. Hayes… Vivian Hayes has been out there all night in the rain. Now… now she seems to be in a very bad way.” “Don’t worry about her. Go about your business.” When I gave you a chance, you didn’t take it. Now you’re pathetic, who are you trying to impress? I was truly speechless. How does that saying go? Delayed affection is cheaper than grass. After getting ready, I went to the company. “Mr. Thorne, someone from the Hayes family is waiting for you in your office.” “Understood.” Vivian Hayes’ father, Richard Hayes, and her brother, Daniel Hayes, waited restlessly in my office. Seeing me enter, they quickly stood up. “Son-in-law, it’s all Vivian’s fault for being so foolish. This time, I’ll definitely teach her a good lesson! I’ll make her apologize properly to you!” My father-in-law looked at me with an obsequious, expectant gaze.

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