Author: Momo Chan

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. 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?”

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I’d been living in silence for so long, and I thought I’d surprise him. Instead, he gave me a shock. In his home office: “Is what we’re doing wrong? It’s fine, she can’t hear.” Ten years of marriage, just a sick joke. I dug a trap of equity. Watching them fall right in. My stomach churned violently, nausea rising in my throat. I gasped for air until my rigid body slowly unknotted. I raised my hand again, gently knocking on the door, asking in my usual soft voice: “Honey, are you in your office?” The sounds inside abruptly cut off. My upbringing wouldn’t allow me to barge in without an invitation. Marcus Hayes had taken advantage of that, which was why he dared to carry on such a disgusting affair with Brittany Miller right under my nose. It took a good while for Marcus to open the door. My gaze immediately landed on Brittany, who stood by the desk, flashing me a gentle smile, though the blush on her face hadn’t completely faded. Marcus signed to me: “Honey, why did you come down alone? Brittany was just reporting on a tricky issue, that’s why it took a bit longer.” My eyes met Marcus’s, searching for any flicker of evasiveness or hesitation, but there was clearly only concern. It seemed he’d clearly mastered the art of deception. I didn’t bat an eye, simply holding up the documents in my hand. “Honey, I told you before, I had a gift for our anniversary. Look, it’s this.” The bold words “Share Transfer Agreement” made a flicker of raw greed flash in Marcus’s eyes, quickly followed by a touch of guilt: “Honey, you don’t need to transfer them. We’re husband and wife, the company is our shared asset.” When we started the company, my family, the Chen family, had bankrolled it to support the bankrupt Hayes family. We split the shares fifty-fifty. To make the IPO smoother, I thought of directly transferring the shares to Marcus. I had joked about it before, and back then, Marcus would playfully whine that spouses shouldn’t be so formal with finances. Behind him, Brittany stood motionless, staring intently at the Share Transfer Agreement. Seeing Marcus hesitate to take it, she finally spoke up: “Mr. Hayes, aren’t you going to sign this? Don’t forget, the company is at a critical stage for its IPO. All the shares belonging to you will make the listing much smoother.” At this, Marcus frowned, playing the part of the devoted husband. He responded to Brittany with a hint of impatience: “Since when is my business with Chloe yours to interrupt?!” Brittany’s gaze flickered to me. Though a polite smile still lingered on her face, her voice was laced with a hint of grievance: “Don’t forget, you promised me half your shares. I’ve been with you for five years, without any formal title. You have to keep your word, right?” Five years! They’d been doing this right under my nose for five years! Thankfully, the phone in my pocket had already started recording. I used every ounce of my strength to suppress the urge to slap Marcus across the face. Marcus took a ring box from the cabinet. Inside lay a pink diamond. Just a few days ago, flipping through a magazine, I’d casually shared my admiration for that very ring with him. He knelt down like a child presenting a treasure, sliding the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly. “Honey, I bought this gem. Good thing your husband didn’t forget your size. Happy Anniversary, my love. Here’s to a lifetime together.” If I hadn’t accidentally regained my hearing today, perhaps I would have gone to my grave believing Marcus would never betray me. But ten years of shared history still softened my heart a little. I glanced at both of them, deliberately teasing Brittany: “Brittany, you’re not getting any younger, are you? I have a friend around your age. Maybe you two should meet?” If they were smart enough to take the hint and back off, I could at least give Marcus some dignity when we divorced. But at this, Marcus and Brittany simultaneously rushed to refuse me with sign language. Brittany even mumbled: “Don’t try to play matchmaker. If I were to go with another man, how could Mr. Hayes ever want me back?” Hearing that, Marcus clearly relished the compliment. He couldn’t help but respond with a hint of smugness: “Good, you know. Why would I ever share my woman with another man? Just stick with me, and you’ll be well rewarded.” He didn’t want to share his woman with anyone, yet he forced me to share him with another woman. If that’s how it is, then don’t blame me for abandoning all pretense of a loving marriage.

Under the combined pressure of Brittany and me, Marcus finally signed the Share Transfer Agreement. A pink diamond, in the end, couldn’t outweigh the lure of company equity. The moment his signature fell, Marcus pulled me tightly into his embrace. His guilt was palpable, and I seized the opportunity: “Honey, you don’t have to feel so guilty. If it’s too much, just transfer your investments and properties into my name. That way, you’ll feel more at ease.” A flicker of doubt crossed Marcus’s eyes, but I didn’t give him time to think: “My family is in real estate anyway, so managing investments would be easy for me. I’ll just be your capable wife.” Perhaps afraid that Marcus wouldn’t agree and I’d react drastically, Brittany quickly added: “The real estate market isn’t great right now, these investments will only lose money if you hold onto them. It’s better to let her manage them, so you can relax.” Marcus’s company was a leader in the tech industry. Once listed, these investments would be a drop in the ocean compared to the equity. He had always kept me out of the company’s operations, likely to prevent me from getting too involved. Marcus sighed, finally agreeing. Brittany lowered her head, triumph and disdain mingling in her eyes. I suppressed the chill in my heart. We’d see who the fool was in the end. As night fell, Marcus prepared to take me out to celebrate our anniversary, first dismissing Brittany: “Tonight’s Chloe and my anniversary. I’ve booked a restaurant, so you should leave now. Don’t bother me with texts tonight.” Brittany seemed resentful about me trying to set her up with a boyfriend. She closed her eyes, gathering her courage before speaking: “Mr. Hayes, this villa is so remote, I don’t want to take a taxi alone. You’ve had so many anniversaries, what’s one more? You’ve given her a gift; just spend tonight with me.” A flash of anger was just starting to cross Marcus’s face when I suddenly patted my head, feigning a realization: “Honey, I think I’ve been home too long. I completely forgot I have an appointment with my physical therapist tonight. He’s incredibly hard to book, so how about we celebrate our anniversary tomorrow instead?” Marcus froze. Brittany pressed on: “Didn’t you really like those new positions we tried in bed last night? Should we try them again tonight? I even bought that uniform you like.” Hearing that, I nearly gagged. With me, Marcus had always been polite and reserved in bed. I thought he was naturally disinterested, but it turns out he was just disinterested in *me*. As expected, Marcus apologized to me: “Alright, honey, I’ll drop you off. I also have some company matters to finish up. As long as we’re together, every day is a holiday.” I forced out a smile, my desire to get away from this disgusting man reaching its peak. So I excused myself, saying I didn’t want to delay him, and had the driver take me out. Half an hour later, Marcus’s car’s dashcam showed he indeed went to the company. Immediately after, my phone buzzed with his message: “Honey, things are a bit busy today. I’ll get everything done tonight so I can spend tomorrow with you. Get some rest, I might be back late.” As if to cover his guilt, Marcus even sent photos of the cash and investment transfer agreements. It seemed when I joked about it earlier, he had already taken it seriously. I sent the transfer agreements and the earlier recording to my lawyer. After the lawyer confirmed everything was in order, the moment Marcus signed his name, my lawyer called: “Congratulations, Ms. Hayes. All the pieces are in place, we just need that last piece of evidence. Once you get that, you’ll have everything you want.”

Late that night, Marcus quietly returned home. Though he was extra careful, I, having a purpose, still caught the faint scent of jasmine. That floral scent, which I might have overlooked before, now felt like needles piercing my skull. I pressed a hand to my throat, forcing down the urge to vomit. My mind, however, was coldly calculating: I still lacked direct, irrefutable evidence of Marcus and Brittany’s affair. In the following days, perhaps due to his guilt, Marcus began to play the part of the devoted husband. To gather evidence, I decided, for the first time in ages, to cook him a meal and personally take it to his company. You see, to avoid causing Marcus any trouble, my appearances at his company were rare. So, when I showed up at the front desk, the receptionist visibly flinched. On my way to Marcus’s office, I heard hushed whispers: “Has the boss’s wife found out something? Why is she suddenly here?” “Hard to say. Mr. Hayes has been quite reckless a few times. There was even a time he made Brittany hide in the inner office while his wife was right outside!” Though my hand, holding the chicken soup, was pale from tension, I managed to maintain a smile as I entered Marcus’s office. At that exact moment, Brittany opened the inner office door. She saw me, startled, and instinctively pulled her collar up. I pretended not to notice the faint red marks on her neck, setting down the soup. I casually remarked to Marcus: “Honey, there’s a gala tonight. My dad’s hosting. Will you come with me?” I paused slightly, then turned to Brittany: “Brittany, you should come too. Didn’t you always say Marcus needed to train Brittany more? Many people will be there tonight, it could be a good chance for Brittany to network.” Brittany’s eyes immediately lit up. Marcus feigned hesitation but eventually agreed. At the gala that evening, seeing how effortlessly Brittany navigated the room, I knew Marcus frequently brought her to these events. Then, Mr. Campbell approached us with a female companion I hadn’t met before. Suddenly, the woman spoke: “Mr. Hayes, Mrs. Reed’s necklace is truly beautiful tonight. I love diamonds too.” I froze. The one wearing the diamond necklace was Brittany, not me. In that moment, my anger flared, but I maintained my smile, though behind it lay endless coldness and resolve. Mr. Campbell’s face showed a flicker of embarrassment, quickly replaced by pity. Marcus’s expression remained unchanged, and Brittany puffed out her chest, the diamonds seemingly sparkling brighter under the lights. Marcus offered no explanation. I excused myself, feigning illness, leaving the stage to Brittany and him. Among the guests invited that day were Marcus’s and my high school classmates. I had prepared a private room specifically for them. Those high school classmates who had ceased contact after the Hayes family’s bankruptcy were now fawning over the latest tech darling. Perhaps my unassuming demeanor and my father’s turning a blind eye had made Marcus drop his guard. Fueled by alcohol, Marcus, while toasting me, began to rant wildly in the private room I had arranged: “Honestly, I love Chloe, but living with someone disabled for so long… it’s just… so ridiculous having video calls and signing. It’s too much.” He swirled his glass, continuing: “And, whenever Chloe appears before me, I’m reminded that she lost her hearing saving me. Do you understand? It’s a huge debt, too heavy to bear.” I had never used it against him. In fact, when Marcus decided to marry me, I had solemnly asked him: “If it’s out of guilt, then don’t. I want a husband, not someone repaying a debt.” Back then, Marcus had knelt before me, tears in his eyes, signing with trembling hands: “I’ve only ever loved you. It’s only because I love you that I want to be with you. Chloe, please, marry me?” My mind flashed back to him staying up for months, eyes heavy with dark circles, to quickly learn sign language. I had sealed my answer with a kiss. But things were different now. Hearing his words, even though I had emotionally detached myself from Marcus, I instinctively clenched my hands. Marcus didn’t notice, but this scene didn’t escape another person’s eyes. Marcus’s cronies were about to continue their teasing, but suddenly a voice I never expected interrupted everything: “Then what about your secretary? Before Chloe arrived, you two were kissing passionately.”

The one who spoke was Adrian Knight, the mysterious intellectual from high school. When my dad sent out invitations, he had only symbolically given Adrian an invitation. Yet, to my surprise, Adrian Knight, heir to the city’s most prominent Knight Group, was attending this gala. Adrian continued, his gaze falling on me without avoidance: “Do you think you’d be where you are today without Chloe, without the Chen family?” Perhaps unprepared for Adrian’s intervention, everyone who had been stirring immediately quieted down. Marcus instantly sobered up. He spoke with a slight tremor, his tone filled with forced composure and an inexplicable hostility towards Adrian: “Mr. Knight, this is my private matter. Besides, I’ve given Chloe the title of Mrs. Hayes. Isn’t that enough?” Adrian chuckled softly, still staring at me, asking teasingly: “Do you think she cares for the title of Mrs. Hayes?” Marcus was stumped. I felt uncomfortable under Adrian’s intense gaze. A quick-witted guest swiftly broke the ice between us. The lively atmosphere in the private room returned. Adrian looked at me, said nothing more, just grabbed his jacket and left. Marcus drank until he was half-drunk. I made an excuse about my physical therapy and left again, leaving Marcus in a room I had booked beforehand. I subtly gave Brittany the information, leading her to the hotel half an hour later. I sat behind the camera, staring unblinkingly at the two intertwined, naked bodies in the room. Fueled by alcohol, Marcus was sweating profusely on top of Brittany, lamenting: “If only Chloe could be like you. Why would I ever need to find someone else?” Perhaps it was the impending freedom from a suffocating marriage, but hearing that, I felt no nausea, only a detachment, as if watching a stranger. The next day, I threw the video at Marcus, along with the ready-made divorce papers. After Marcus saw the video, he made countless continuous calls until, half an hour later, he finally realized that, to him, I was still the wife who couldn’t hear. A text message popped up on my phone:

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Married into an elite family for three years, I left with my unborn child, disappearing into a distant land. Years later, I returned to find my former husband and son begging for forgiveness. I sneered, “I only have one child.” **1** “Alright, you can go.” Julian was off to see Celeste again. I had just stepped through the front door of our house. He was carrying large bags, so many that an uninformed person would think he was moving in with her. He looked surprised, as if he couldn’t believe his own eyes. “How come you’re not even asking questions anymore?” My face was expressionless, but inside, a whirlwind of emotions churned. “What’s the point of asking? I’ve been asking for three years, has anything changed?” Julian, however, poked his head back through the doorway, a flattering smile plastered on his face. “Mia, are you in a good mood today?” “Could you let Caleb go visit Celeste?” The motion of me changing my shoes paused slightly. After a moment of silence, I nodded. “You agreed?!” I once thought I would never relent. Julian actually wanted my son, Caleb, to get closer to that woman. How ironic. I was his lawful wife, the one he officially married. Yet he wanted to take the child I bore with so much difficulty and give him to his mistress. Just because she liked him. “Celeste doesn’t ask for anything. She just loves the child.” “We’ll have more children later.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, but I offered no response. He probably forgot that when Caleb was born, we were dirt poor. The only shelter we had was a ramshackle hut my mom put together from whatever scraps we could find, the door cobbled together from salvaged planks. That winter, he had to go out for business. I hid there, shivering from the cold, gritting my teeth and struggling for three days and three nights to give birth to Caleb. After that, we struggled through countless hardships, and my body was never the same. Julian always said he owed me, promised he’d give me the grand wedding ceremony we never had. The wedding did happen, but he just ended up owing me even more. I was numb to the blatant lies that just rolled off his tongue. My family passed away that winter. I broke free from his grasp, turning to grab a beer from the fridge. “Go. Caleb’s things are already packed.” Julian’s expression was complex. After a long pause, he looked at me and spoke, “Mia, don’t play mind games like those elite wives in Grandview City.” “Don’t pull any tricks on me.” “Otherwise…” He scowled, turned, and disappeared into the darkness. I watched his retreating back, wanting to scream. Celeste’s manipulations were so obvious, yet you were completely blind to them. **2** But he truly overestimated me. Julian’s wild, impractical business ideas, no one believed in them except for me and my support over the last ten years. Until Celeste appeared. She had her father fund Julian, making him a name for himself overnight and truly finding his footing in Grandview City. When we first arrived in Grandview City, all the elite wives sneered at me. A small-town girl like me, if it weren’t for pure dumb luck, I wouldn’t have met Julian, nor achieved what I have today. But this achievement felt like a wild hawk trapped in a gilded cage. Why did everyone say I was lucky? Why didn’t anyone say Julian was lucky to have me? I stood up, dusted myself off, and walked to the dressing table. From behind the wall, I pulled out my hidden phone and sent a message: “I’m leaving.” Then I put the phone on the table and hugged myself tightly. The sky darkened. I didn’t turn on the lights, letting the darkness slowly consume me. In this enormous house, I was alone. Father and son had both gone to Celeste’s place, as if that was the real family. My swollen eyes stared at the phone. The screen suddenly lit up. The reply was a single word: “Okay.” **3** My name was Mia. I didn’t even have a last name. Actually, even this name was given to me. My adoptive father was in some shady business. After his last “job,” he brought us to hide out in this remote town. Julian, the neighbor boy, who’d actually been to school and knew how to read, gave me the name “Mia.” He said I smiled like the moon in the sky, especially beautiful. Later, when I learned to read, I realized he thought it meant “radiant,” like the moon, but it was a clumsy spelling of a word that meant something totally different. I did rough work at home; I was incredibly strong. But Julian next door was weak and always getting sick. He always smiled and told me, “Mia, you’re strong, and I’m smart. If we team up, we’ll be unstoppable!” Later, when he wanted to start a company, I’d never even heard of such things. I told him to focus on his work and we could hold off on getting married for a bit. But Julian looked serious. “Mia, you’re marrying me. What are you scared of?!” I wasn’t scared of anything. I wasn’t scared of anyone. But I was scared of becoming a burden to him. I was afraid that my lack of education, or my rough demeanor, would offend his important clients. After that, he went out to make his way alone, and I gave birth to Caleb by myself. But he didn’t come home for two years. I carried Caleb on my back and worked odd jobs, taking anything that hired. At the construction site, I’d secure Caleb to a stool in the security guard’s shack outside the site, then go in and work all day. Caleb would cry from hunger, but I had no choice. I didn’t know how to reach him; I could only wait for him to find me. So I waited and waited, waited and waited. Finally, the day his company went public arrived. Julian came back for me and said he wanted to take me to Grandview City. I saw another girl beside him, but I didn’t think much of it. My Jules was so capable! He’d built such a huge business in just two years! Going to Grandview City was fine. With Jules there, what was there to fear? I was so foolish. I actually believed every word he said. **4** Even more impactful than the changing environment was the change in the people around me. I knew all of Julian’s buddies, the ones he’d struggled with. Back then, when they were so broke they couldn’t even eat, I’d gather discarded cabbage leaves and rotten winter melons from the market and make them a big pot of stew. His buddies used to affectionately call me “sister-in-law.” When Caleb and I came back from the construction site, they’d see us and their eyes would well up with sympathy. But now, no one called me “sister-in-law” anymore. They all called me “Madam CEO.” I was dusty and disheveled, a complete mismatch for them. They were awkward, and so was I. All sorts of eyes in the company swept over me. I wasn’t particularly smart, but that day, I understood in an instant. This place didn’t belong to me. Powerful people were everywhere in Grandview City, and glamorous socialites were a dime a dozen. New money like Julian, with no connections and easily manipulated, everyone wanted to court him. When they found out I was his wife, their faces first showed disdain, then they started plotting. I felt like I was a step below them. I had been exposed to wind and sun, my skin was dark and cracked, my hands covered in layers of scars, working harder than their household staff. The second person to change was Julian. Not long after arriving here, I sensed it. The only thing I asked for here was a wedding. Though I wasn’t smart, I could tell many people coveted my position. He hesitated but still agreed. However, after that, he stopped going along with me so easily. “Initially, the company could only get started thanks to Celeste’s father’s help.” “Now, they just want me to spend more time with Celeste. It’s a profitable deal.” I felt a pang of panic, but I still blurted out, “Jules, back where I came from, that kind of behavior could get you ostracized…” “You already have me. How can you go looking for other women…” He erupted like a lion whose tail had been stepped on, covering his insecurity with rage. “Mia! Everyone here is like this!” “Do you know how much effort I put into fitting in here?!” “Now, it’s just a small sacrifice for you, and you’re so unwilling?!” It was the first time I’d seen him so furious. I took a few steps back and looked at him. That familiar face looked more and more unfamiliar. I asked one last question, “Celeste, is she pretty?” Julian seemed to calm down a little, and he lightly tapped my nose. “No one’s prettier than Mia.” He lied. Celeste was much prettier than me, and several years younger. Her playfully whining mannerisms, I’d seen them so many times, yet I could never learn them. Whenever things didn’t go her way, she’d look at Julian with tearful eyes and pout sweetly. At first, Julian would come back and complain to me, saying he couldn’t handle such a delicate, demanding socialite. But then, he started going to Celeste’s place more and more often. Later, he’d be called away for various holidays, sometimes even taking Caleb with him behind my back. But truthfully, if it were just that, I wouldn’t have sent that message to that person. What truly broke my heart was Caleb’s repeated hurtful actions. I once thought that no matter what grievances I suffered, I would never leave. Not this man, full of lies, nor the child I bore with so much difficulty. In the days Julian was absent, Caleb would snuggle up to me, looking at me with clear eyes. The people at the company might look down on me, but they didn’t dare look down on Caleb. Whenever I was bullied, Caleb would always step forward to confront them, then turn around and hug me. When did it change? Probably when he started elementary school. Julian said Caleb needed to act like a young gentleman now, with private cars for pickup and drop-off. And then, without my knowing, he started taking my child to see Celeste. I could barely read, so I couldn’t help him with his studies, or understand the articles he was praised for, or his perfectly answered math problems. Caleb would say, “Dad’s at Aunt Celeste’s house, so I’m going to find Dad.” But later, he started calling Celeste “Mom.” I didn’t mind him getting close to Celeste at first. He would eventually inherit the company, and he would eventually have to deal with Celeste’s powerful family. But that day, I just couldn’t take it anymore. It was snowing that day, and Caleb had left too quickly without his jacket. I worried there might not be a jacket in the car, so I rushed out after him, calling his name. But he didn’t seem to hear me, running excitedly, directly into Celeste’s arms in front of the car. “Mommy—” My blood seemed to freeze. I watched them, trembling. Julian stepped out of the car, smiling as he looked at them. I hid in the shadows, like an ugly bug. I remembered those three days I gave birth to him, the freezing cold, my vision blurred, all I saw was blood and red. But how could he call another woman “Mommy”? **5** I stumbled back home, leaning against the wall. But my heart wasn’t completely cold yet. He was my son, what could I blame him for? Until Celeste suggested to Julian that Caleb should move in with her. I refused, adamant. Until that day, Celeste came to our door. My relationship with Celeste was subtle; we both knew the other existed but didn’t interfere. I didn’t have the courage to make a fuss anymore, and she disdained competing with me. But her coming to my door, that changed everything. Her eyes swimming with tears, she held a hospital diagnosis report. It stated she could never have children. “Sister Mia, I truly adore this child…” “You can still have more children, but I… I can’t…” She was sobbing uncontrollably, but I held Caleb tight, refusing to let go. “I carried him for nine months and gave birth to him! Why should I give him to you?!” Julian’s face darkened, his tone annoyed. “Mia, Celeste just wants a child.” “We’ll have more later.” My heart twisted with a sharp, gut-wrenching pain. For the first time, I yelled at Julian. “Where?! Didn’t you know the doctor said it would be hard for me to get pregnant again, Julian?!” A flicker of hesitation crossed Julian’s eyes, but then his resolve hardened. “Mia, it’s just one child.” Just one child? He hadn’t been with me for years, and Caleb was my only hope. He was the hope of my entire life. Perhaps I was distracted, because Caleb struggled free from my embrace. He shoved me hard. “You’re not my mom! You don’t love me at all!” “Other kids have their moms pick them up, but you’ve never picked me up once!” I froze. Julian was the one who didn’t let me go. He said he was afraid I’d embarrass Caleb and make him feel ashamed in front of others. “You don’t even love me, so why are you clinging to me?!” My heart seized. Just then, a loud clap of thunder boomed outside the window. A brilliant flash of white light illuminated the faces of the few people in the room. Celeste’s triumph, Julian’s impatience, and Caleb’s fury. That’s it. He seemed genuinely angry… I sank to the floor, watching them embrace. I suddenly understood: there was never a place for me here. I had occupied Julian’s wife’s position. I had clung to their child. I should have left long ago. **8** They bought me a ticket to a city called South Mountain and told me a car would pick me up in three days. Three days later was supposed to be Caleb’s parent-teacher conference. I had originally planned to go; I thought it was his first conference, and I’d go even if it meant defying Julian. But now, there was no need. For some reason, my health had been worsening these past few days. On the first day, Julian came. He seemed pleased with my decision yesterday. As if to reward me, he even took off his clothes, intending to kiss me. I saw the kiss marks on his neck—from someone else—and a bitter ache spread through my chest. Without warning, a mouthful of blood suddenly rose in my throat. Julian asked why I wasn’t speaking. I forced a smile and swallowed the blood down. “I’m on my period.” Julian shrugged. For some reason, I felt he was relieved too. He lit a cigarette and then took my hand. “Mia, you need to be good here.” “We can’t compare to the Celeste family. Some things, just bear with it, and they’ll be over soon.” “He’s your son, after all.” I remained silent. He blew out a smoke ring. “How about I take you and Caleb out next weekend?” I looked up. “I want to go back to the town.” “To South Mountain, the place you always wanted to go…” “I want to see the magnolia blossoms.” “After I’m done with things here…” “Okay.” I pulled away from him and wrapped myself in the blanket. For some reason, tears suddenly streamed down my face. Julian used to look so cool when he smoked, my favorite kind of charmingly bad boy. But now when he smoked, he looked meek. Julian, what do I even like about you anymore? Suddenly, his phone rang. I could hear a woman’s voice on the other end, saying she had a headache and couldn’t sleep, telling him to come quickly. I didn’t turn around. “Go.” Julian didn’t answer, just the rustle of clothes. I watched his figure in the moonlight; he had changed. Back in the town, we were used to being wild and free. Now, he was tall and lean, every movement reeking of a Grandview City socialite. He walked further and further away, becoming smaller and smaller. More and more like Jules when we were kids. “…We’re unstoppable together!” “You marry me, you won’t lose anything. I’m afraid you’ll run off if you’re unhappy!” “If you run, with my broken body, I won’t even be able to catch you!” …I couldn’t think about it anymore. The next day, Caleb came. I lay weakly, and his small face rubbed against mine. “Mom, you’ll have lots of other kids.” “But Aunt Celeste only has me.” My heart bled. I wanted to tell him, even if I had more children, they wouldn’t be him. But I didn’t say a word, just smiled and looked at him. This was my last look at you, Caleb. **10** Celeste went to the parent-teacher conference. She was dressed to the nines, and Caleb walked behind her, his little back held straight. I left, and no one seemed to care. My only real leverage was that marriage certificate with Julian. That person also got me a divorce agreement. I signed my part and left it on the living room table. There was also Caleb’s custody transfer agreement. I clearly wrote that I was voluntarily giving up custody of Caleb. I knew that after I left, Julian would sign the divorce agreement, then grandly marry Celeste, the powerful heiress. Let it be. This life, living up to this point, was exhausting. **11** The maid noticed I was gone but didn’t tell Julian. Because he was with Celeste, playing in the water with Caleb. It wasn’t until half a month later that they returned to the apartment. The coffee table even had a thin layer of dust. I heard Julian threw a fit, turning Grandview City upside down, but I was beyond caring. I was already in South Mountain City, where I opened a flower shop. On the day of the opening, the person who helped me appeared. It was a strange coincidence; I felt my fate had always been peculiar. In those years working odd jobs with Caleb on my back, I had nowhere to sleep except a sleeping bag I found in a junkyard. One day, I found him by the roadside. He said he was a wanderer and, after looking at me, kept sighing about my convoluted fate. He left me his phone number, saying if I ever wanted to leave a place, I should text him. I thought it was strange at the time, but he looked so sincere, saying I would definitely need it. So I kept it carefully. He stood at the entrance, bowed to me, and said, “The client is set. The old man has finally repaid his life debt.” My new shop was open, and my heart was filled with joy looking at the garden full of flowers. Not just because this was the flower city I had dreamed of, but also because I had escaped that suffocating place. “You’re not that old. Why do you call yourself ‘old man’?” He closed his eyes, bowed again, and walked away. I called out to him, smiling brightly, “Come often! It’s free for you!” This was my true nature. Bold and uninhibited, interacting with people. Across the street was a coffee shop, run by a young man who collected antiques. He often gazed at my shop while making things. So I took a bouquet of flowers and gave it to him. His face turned red, a little overwhelmed. His name was Noah. We would do crafts together, tend to flowers, bask in the sun, and rock in chairs. Life was so peaceful, I almost forgot the miserable things that had happened recently. I wanted to settle in South Mountain, but buying a house involved residency status issues. That’s when he suddenly blushed and said, “Sister Mia, if you really want to buy a house, you could marry me…” I didn’t quite catch the rest of his words; his voice trailed off. When he finished explaining, I paused. Noah saw my hesitation and, blushing again, explained, “Sister Mia, I’m not a kid anymore. I can make my own decisions.” “If you want to leave later, or divorce after buying the house, I absolutely won’t interfere.” “I just want to help you.” I looked at his shy, clear eyes and smiled faintly. So, I vaguely got married again. As I was getting married, I thought, Julian must have already signed the divorce papers, right…? **12** On our wedding night, I asked him to call me Elena. He jokingly asked, “Is Sister Mia warning me to cherish you properly?” Before I could answer, he leaned in. “How could I not cherish someone as wonderful as Sister Mia? I’ll protect you fiercely, afraid of anyone coveting you.” He made me laugh, but I didn’t take his words to heart. Men’s words, they’re just for amusement. A year later, we had a clever daughter named Daisy. I hadn’t thought I would get pregnant again, so I wasn’t careful. I hesitated about whether to terminate the pregnancy, and Noah squatted by the window, his eyes tearful as he looked at me. “Sister, c-can we keep her…?” I touched my belly, lost in thought. “Okay.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296731”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic

I spent ten years by Seraphina’s side, helping her climb from an illegitimate daughter, tossed out on the streets, to the top contender for the Vance family empire. When I eagerly prepared to propose, she was secretly planning a lavish wedding with her supposed soulmate, Preston Thorne. Even her own subordinates couldn’t stand it. “Mr. Hayes has been with you for so many years, everyone has seen his hard work and contributions. We’ve always considered him family…” Seraphina exhaled a puff of smoke. “Jaxson Hayes? He’s too much of a force to handle, too wild for marriage. He’s a sharp blade, no doubt, especially for cutting through business deals, but marriage? That’s for someone you truly love.” “Besides, his background? It’s nowhere near Preston’s.” “But Mr. Hayes is formidable now. What if he finds out about the contract termination?” Seraphina sneered. “The inheritance is pretty much in the bag. What kind of storm can Jaxson Hayes whip up? And seriously, you guys don’t get how obsessed he is with me, do you? A few sweet words, and he’ll be putty in my hands.” I slowly lowered the hand that was about to knock, tucking away the latest quarterly financial reports. Instead, I pulled out my phone and sent a SnapChat message to her sister, Blair Vance. “The Vance heir position and her life. Interested?”

I was in the middle of booking flights to Sweden when Seraphina strode into my office, a frown etched on her face, and rapped on my desk. “Preston lands in two hours. Arrange for someone to pick him up; I’m tied up here.” “Oh, and by the way, move out for a bit. Clear out the master bedroom and order 999 champagne-colored roses.” I just stared at her cold, clear eyes. For the first time, I didn’t immediately agree. I simply lowered my gaze, tidying up the papers on my desk. My phone screen lit up, confirming the flight booking. Seraphina glanced at it, her frown deepening. “Blair Vance has no real power now. The heir position is a sure thing. Your main task right now is to keep a close eye on those old foxes in management. Don’t let Blair get an opening.” Seraphina always spoke to me with that commanding tone. She always said she felt insecure, and to accommodate her, I’d always put her first in the company, following her every command. Now, it just felt ridiculous. Seeing my lack of response, Seraphina gripped the desk with clenched fists, veins popping out on her hands. “Jaxson Hayes, are you testing me? Are you even listening? So what if your tiny company had a tech breakthrough? That’s no reason to get cocky!” I pushed the printed termination agreement and a few recent contracts across the table to her. “Ms. Vance,” I said calmly, “sign it.” “What is this now?” She furrowed her brows, taking the papers impatiently. “Just read it yourself.” A notification pinged on her phone. She casually tossed the contracts aside, her slender fingers flying across the screen as she replied to a message. Apparently, text wasn’t enough to convey her urgency. She pressed her thumb to the screen. “Okay, I’ve arranged it. See you tonight.” She tried to control the joy in her voice, but the smile on her lips was impossible to hide. Her relaxed brows made her look even more radiant. After a long moment, she seemed to remember I was still there. Impatiently, she grabbed a pen, barely glancing at the papers as she signed off in a few quick strokes. Perhaps the other person’s message had put her in a good mood. “Jaxson, maybe we’ve both been too tired lately.” Seraphina’s tone softened. “You don’t always need to seek validation from me. Once everything settles down, I’ll fulfill my promises to you.” I ignored her, simply bending my head back to my work. After all, I’d been waiting year after year for such worthless promises. I finally understood: it wasn’t that she was too busy; it was that this groom was never meant to be me. After arranging the follow-up work for the termination and returning home, Preston Thorne, dressed in designer clothes, appeared at my door. “Seraphina said you were lonely and pathetic, which is why she took you in all these years.” “But you’ve really worked hard taking care of Seraphina all this time. Even a bodyguard couldn’t be this dedicated.” “Still, don’t fantasize about being the man of the house, big brother. After all, we’re getting married tomorrow.” I gritted my teeth, clenching my fists, fighting the urge to punch him. I turned to leave. But Preston quickly moved to block me, shoving his phone in my face. “This is a couple’s account Seraphina specifically made to document our love. I bet you’ve never seen this side of her, have you, big brother?” “I’d advise you to stop clinging to the Vance family’s high branch. Just give up and find someone ordinary!” With that, he shoved the phone into my hand and slammed the door shut. A cold breeze swept by as I scrolled through the messages, one by one. April 29th, 2025: While I pulled three all-nighters in a row, she bought Preston a two-million-dollar ring at an auction. October 18th, 2024: On the way to a contract meeting, I was hit by a truck arranged by a rival company, breaking my leg. She was living it up in Dubai with Preston. “Preston’s happiness is more important than anything.” June 8th, 2022: I was set up by her older sister and detained for 15 days. After I got out, I spent two weeks finding people to short Blair’s company stock. She was in France with Preston at an art exhibition. “No artwork can compare to even one-thousandth of Preston’s beauty.” Every single video frame felt like plunging into an ice-cold abyss, a suffocating ache squeezing my lungs. During those ten years with Seraphina, I had pleaded with her to take some photos to document our daily lives. She would just scoff and sneer, “Jaxson Hayes, how can you be so childish for a grown man? Closing a few big deals is far more important.” My only photo with her was probably the hundreds-person group shot when the company went public. Turns out, she didn’t dislike taking photos; she disliked taking them with me. She didn’t dislike going public; she just didn’t want to go public with me. Lost in thought, my phone pinged with a new message. Two words: “Let’s talk.” After a moment of consideration, I couldn’t help but want to confirm some things. “June 8th, 2022. Was that your setup?” The reply was instant: “What good would putting you in there do me?” “Are men in love really that stupid? You believe whatever that brat Seraphina says.” “So, because of that, you almost made me shoulder hundreds of millions in debt?!” I let out a long sigh. Yes, I’d truly been her pawn for years, believing everything she said. I’d made countless enemies for her, taken reckless risks for her, only to end up a complete joke.

After arranging things with Blair, I was about to buy some supplies for after I left when I saw Seraphina on a FaceTime call with her brother. “Seraphina, the shoes your fiancé wanted were finished overnight. The designer raised the price by another three million.” “It’s fine. As long as Preston likes them, money is no object.” “Mainly, I’m worried Mr. Hayes will find out and cause a scene tomorrow… You know his temper…” “Then shut him up. My wedding with Preston will not have any disruptions.” Even though I already knew Seraphina was marrying Preston tomorrow, and I had already decided to leave, hearing the truth from Seraphina’s own lips still felt like a thousand needles piercing my heart, leaving it riddled with holes. Perhaps the series of blows had put my brain in a daze, as I suddenly remembered I hadn’t grabbed my luggage. Back at the door, my clothes, shoes, and personal items were all unceremoniously dumped outside. Laughably, all my belongings combined amounted to very little. After all, for so many years, I’d often been working around the clock at the company, and home was just a place to sleep. But then it hit me: my mother’s emerald bracelet, which she said was for our future daughter-in-law, surely it hadn’t been thrown out too? It was the only memento my mother left me before she passed. I knelt on the ground, frantically searching through the luggage, tearing through it again and again, but it was nowhere to be found. Preston pushed open the door. “Oh, still clinging on, are we? No wonder Seraphina said you’re like a dog that just won’t leave.” “You saw the video just now, right? Seraphina loves me the most.” I stood up, grabbing his wrist with a fierce grip. “Where’s the bracelet? The jade bracelet my mom left me, where did you put it?” Preston winced, pulling his hand away. “Are you crazy?! What jade bracelet? I only saw some plastic trash!” “Is this it?” With that, the hand behind his back lifted, revealing my bracelet. “Give it to me!” He held it high. “Figures. Trashy people only deserve cheap knock-offs. Something so tacky.” “Who’d want this crap? You could probably buy dozens of these for a hundred bucks on Wish! Let’s see what’s so special about it.” I reached out to snatch it, but he just dropped the jade bracelet from above. A sharp crack echoed as the dark green bracelet shattered into countless pieces. I knelt on the ground, picking up piece after piece, but I could never put it back together again… Wiping away my tears, the pent-up anger I’d suppressed for so long finally erupted. *Thud-thud*. I landed two direct punches on Preston. He clutched his face, caught off guard, but then a smirk flickered on his lips. He ruffled his hair, tore open his shirt, endured the pain, bit his lip, and spat out a mouthful of blood. In my shock, I was suddenly kicked hard in the lower back, sending me sprawling to the ground with a painful thud. It felt like my internal organs were all twisted together. “Jaxson Hayes, you heartless man! No wonder everyone in the company says you’re cold and ruthless. You! How can you be so vicious?!” Seraphina rushed forward, helping Preston up in three quick steps. “Preston, are you okay?” Looking at the woman I had shared ten years of my life with, I was suddenly struck by an intense feeling of unreality. Which one of them was the real Seraphina? I endured the intense pain, looking at the woman to whom I had given my heart completely for ten years. “Jaxson Hayes, I’ve never seen a man as malicious as you.” “Throwing your weight around in the company was bad enough, but treating a boy like Preston with such arrogance and cruelty?” “If I had been a moment later, would you have beaten him to death?” Preston was sobbing. “I’m sorry, Seraphina, I caused you trouble again…” Seraphina tenderly wiped his tears. “It’s my fault for being late. I blame myself for not protecting you.” The residual force from Seraphina’s kick was considerable, yet I no longer felt the pain. My body was numb, and my heart even more so. “Seraphina, are you really marrying him?” A flicker of doubt crossed Seraphina’s face, as if wondering how I knew. Her lips parted slightly, but she seemed to hesitate. “Seraphina, it’s all my fault… Jaxson just coerced me, saying he’d beat me to death if I didn’t tell him the truth…” Seraphina gently patted Preston. “It’s a small matter, it’s okay.” Even though I already knew the answer in my heart, the moment I heard it, the last lingering shred of my fantasy about Seraphina vanished. I started laughing, a dry, hollow sound that grew louder and more bitter with each breath. Facing my laughter, only a fleeting hint of panic crossed Seraphina’s eyes. But quickly, she said coldly, “Yes, Preston and I are getting married tomorrow. You can come, but don’t cause a scene.” Thinking back all these years, the wedding only needed one day, yet she had dragged it on year after year. Only because the person she wanted to marry wasn’t me. Perhaps I should still be grateful to her, thanking her for being so generous as to allow me to appear at her wedding. I turned and went into the house. “Get out! Don’t let me see you two again.” I had paid for half of this house. Why should I let these two jerks benefit from it? Watching me limp, dragging my leg, Preston gave a cunning smile. “Seraphina, I just got back to the country and don’t have many friends. How about Jaxson be my best man tomorrow? I wonder if he’d mind…” When her beloved boy spoke, Seraphina naturally agreed without hesitation. I only heard her say “okay” before she grabbed my arm. Meeting my reddened eyes, Seraphina’s voice was cool. “Didn’t you hear Preston?” “So? You really want me to be your best man?” At that moment, my voice trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down my face. I wanted someone to come save me, to shout at Seraphina how much I had sacrificed for her all these years. And how dare she treat me like this? But there was no one… Only Seraphina’s voice continued, as if laced with a thousand knives. “Yes! I want you to be the best man! And I want you to personally deliver your blessings!” “Jaxson Hayes! I’m warning you! You better not mess things up tomorrow, or our partnership will be over!” In an instant, my heart was pierced, riddled with holes, and my emotions could no longer be suppressed. I flung Seraphina’s hand away, yelling hoarsely, “Get out! Seraphina! Get out! Take that bastard and get out!” “And! I’m telling you, I won’t agree! Not only will I not agree! I’ll leave that day! I want you to never, ever find me again! After all—!” As astonishment, doubt, and fear flooded Seraphina’s face all at once, I shook my head and said, “After all, it’s been ten years! Even a dog I raised would wag its tail for me, but you! You…!” I shook my head, ultimately swallowing the remaining words. I shut the door on them, enduring the pain as I shuffled back into the house. The sky grew dark. Soon, two message alerts sounded simultaneously. One was from Blair. The other, Seraphina. In the past, I would instinctively open Seraphina’s message first. But this time, I wiped away my tears and calmly opened Blair’s chat. With just one glance, I looked towards the door. “Pleasure doing business, Mr. Hayes. A small token of my appreciation, we’ll meet later.”

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My wife, Scarlett, suffers from extreme hypersensitivity. To test my loyalty, she’d send me to her best friend’s bed, again and again. Each time I begged her not to, she’d turn to me, her eyes red-rimmed, questioning me word by agonizing word. “Julian, you said I was the only one you loved. I’m just helping you prove it. If you truly love me, you can control yourself, right?” For three years, she insisted on a sexless marriage, claiming that only after I passed her loyalty test 101 times would we truly be husband and wife. But just as I was about to conquer the 99th test, Scarlett’s voice drifted into my ears, chilling me to the bone. “Men, you have to whip them again and again for them to be loyal.” “Scarlett, what about your dark-skinned boy toy…?” “Who cares? He’s just a simp. He’s nothing without me. Where would he go? And I just love the thrill. You guys don’t know how aggressive that dark-skinned stud is when he’s in bed with me, in our room…” Laughter and teasing echoed through the private room. My head, previously swimming in a drugged haze, was suddenly sickeningly clear. A bitter smile twisted my lips. She loved thrills, but what she didn’t know was that her dark-skinned lover loved them even more. **1.** This was the 99th time she’d sent me to her best friend’s bed, all to test my loyalty, to see if I could control myself. Three years. Test after test had left me broken and battered. She claimed she suffered from extreme hypersensitivity, an intense emotional fragility. I understood her delicate state and was willing to become her devoted homemaker, caring for her every need. “So, how’s he still in shape? Did you girls get a good show?” “Scarlett, why don’t we turn Julian’s photos into blind boxes? Wouldn’t that add more excitement?” They chatted loudly, completely ignoring me, curled up in the corner. “His face is the only thing he’s got left. Otherwise, I would have kicked him out ages ago. These past three years have been dead boring. He’s such a stiff, boring man. That young stud is far more entertaining.” Her words pierced my heart like needles, and my breath hitched as if someone had choked me. So, it wasn’t that she disliked men touching her; she just disliked *me*. “Oh, Scarlett, you even have photos of him in a maid outfit! That’s wild! Looks like Julian really does whatever you say. The aloof campus heartthrob, trained like this.” Hearing their comments, I felt encased in ice. She had cried and cajoled me into taking all sorts of humiliating and compromising photos, and now they were just entertainment, shared for her friends’ amusement and mockery. The burning heat in my body forced me to curl up in agony. I had no choice but to pull out the blade I always kept hidden and plunge it deep into my thigh. Scarlett, who was engrossed in a game, was drawn by my sudden movement. A photo fluttered down, landing right beside me. It was a picture of me, naked and bound by a belt, with whip marks. “Good performance today. I’ve prepared a gift for you at home, your reward for today.” Scarlett walked towards me, step by delicate step, her fair fingers lightly tracing my jawline. Looking at the girl before me, I didn’t know when my eyes had filled with tears. When did the girl I had followed for ten years become this person? “Do you really have to humiliate me like this?” “Humiliate? Julian, didn’t you say I was the only one you loved? Didn’t you say you’d accept everything about me? How is this humiliation? I’m just making my friends happy. Didn’t you say my happiness was the most important thing?” **2.** Chloe Vance, Scarlett’s best friend, gripped a syringe and plunged it straight into my arm. The burning sensation consumed me again. “Scarlett, I’ve increased the dosage. Let’s see him make a fool of himself.” Chloe’s wild behavior made Scarlett frown, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Isn’t the dosage too high? He might…” Before she could finish, Chloe stripped off my clothes and threw me out of the private room. “What are you afraid of? He’ll love you no matter what. It’s just a bigger test for him.” Left in only my underwear, I was thrown into the lobby by the bodyguards. The humiliating loss of bodily control and the stares of everyone around me made my scalp tingle, and I promptly passed out. When I woke again, the only sound was the steady beep of medical machines. “You’re finally awake. It’s a miracle you pulled through after being injected with that much stimulant. Another minute, and your body would have… well, exploded.” “Seriously, who did you piss off to get such a potent drug? Your body needs time to recover. No bedroom activities for a while.” Nurse Miller babbled on beside my ear. My mind replayed the memories of chasing after Scarlett for over a decade. It truly felt like a joke. She was no longer the girl who had held an umbrella over me that year, asking if I was cold or hungry. After Nurse Miller left, I ripped out the IV. For her, I had abandoned my entire social circle. Now, I was utterly alone. June weather was always unpredictable. Fat raindrops began to pelt down from the sky. Rainwater mixed with tears blurred my vision. Before I knew it, I had walked over six miles, all the way to that so-called home. I stood outside the door for a long time before finally pushing it open. Inside, clothes were strewn everywhere. There were even suggestive stains on the floor. Then, the unrestrained moans of a man and woman assaulted my ears. “Sister, you haven’t looked for me in so long, I missed you so much… One more time, let sister know how much I missed her.” “Seriously, I could just die in your arms. You’re so strong.” My feet moved uncontrollably toward the master bedroom. They hadn’t closed the door. The intertwined black and white figures burned my eyes. A self-deprecating smile curved my lips. What was I still hoping for? This was her dark-skinned boy toy, Jaxson. She had insisted on a sexless marriage, claiming it was a three-year trial period, and if I passed, we’d truly become husband and wife. Everything, absolutely everything, felt like a cruel joke. All these years, I had lived in the cage she painstakingly wove for me. On the table was her “compensation” for me today. It was a silk shirt. But she clearly knew I was allergic to silk. My self-loathing deepened another notch. I don’t know how long passed before the sounds from inside finally stopped. Footsteps sounded on the stairs. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the boring old man. How dare you still show your face here? Enjoying the show?” It was Jaxson Riley, her dark-skinned boy toy. He held my family heirloom watch in his hand and wore the shirt my mother had personally sewn for me before she passed. “Who gave you permission to touch my things? That was left to me by my mother!” “Something left by a mistress? I wouldn’t even wear it, it’s bad luck. And you, the son of a mistress, dare to talk back to me like that?” He snorted coldly, picked up a glass from the table, and splashed its contents over me. The watch in his hand was violently smashed to the floor. Watching the last thing my mother left me being so cruelly trampled, my pupils instantly constricted. A surge of strength I didn’t know I possessed coursed through me. I dragged my numb body forward and landed a punch square on his face. Jaxson stumbled back from the impact, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Julian, are you insane? Who gave you the guts?!” Scarlett heard the commotion and rushed down the stairs. She nervously threw herself in front of Jaxson, her eyes filled with concern. “Scarlett, I just said hello to my brother-in-law, and he immediately resorted to violence.” As he spoke, he slapped himself several times across the face. Scarlett’s heart ached even more. She lunged forward and brutally kicked me. My already weakened body staggered back several steps. The shattered pieces of my watch dug deep into my palm, but I felt no pain at all. Carefully, I picked up the broken pieces of the watch, one by one, and wrapped them up. “You’re right. I’ve been insane for a long time. Driven mad by you.” “You can humiliate me, and I won’t mind, but you cannot humiliate my mother!” I advanced on her, step by step, wanting to see the girl from ten years ago through her eyes. Only then did she notice the shattered watch on the floor. She parted her lips to speak but said nothing. “Let’s get a divorce.” I said coldly. **3.** Scarlett stared at me in disbelief, but uttering those words brought me an unprecedented sense of lightness. Jaxson, who had been observing, suddenly spoke up: “Scarlett, I think Julian’s possessed!” “I studied with a master for a few years. He’s full of bad karma. We should curb his arrogance, and then Scarlett’s luck will improve, and his mind will clear up.” Scarlett looked at my resolute gaze, frowned, and declared: “You’re right. He must be possessed, and he even hurt you. He deserves to be punished!” Moments later, her bodyguards had me firmly restrained. Jaxson whispered a few words into her ear. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face. After a long pause, she finally told him: “Alright! Do as you say. Julian, I hope this time you’ll understand your mistake!” The moment she spoke, the bodyguards forcefully poured something down my throat. I felt all strength drain from my body instantly, leaving only numbness. When I opened my eyes again, my body was submerged in icy water. Something slimy crawled all over my skin. The overwhelming terror made me want to scream in agony, but I found my voice trapped in my throat. “Well, well, well, you’re awake! Honestly, your body is really ugly. No wonder Scarlett doesn’t like you. All those scars look like centipedes crawling all over you. It’s disgusting!” Only then did I see that dozens of snakes were slithering and climbing all over my body. “Go on, scream if you dare! But you can’t, can you? Why should the son of a mistress take Scarlett’s husband’s place? Just because of your face?!” “Ha! Everything you have, I’ll take it back from you, piece by piece!” Jaxson’s words came one after another, but all I heard was a buzzing in my ears. A bitter smile played on my lips. Was this with her consent too? She knew that my deepest phobia was snakes. Years ago, when we went camping, I was accidentally bitten by a snake, and she carried me down the mountain, step by agonizing step. But now, I was afraid she had forgotten all about it. “Time for you to ‘cleanse your karma’ with the snakes and ‘accumulate good fortune’ for Scarlett.” Jaxson’s words dragged me deeper into hell, like a demon’s taunt. He wore a look of malicious glee, a wicked smirk on his lips. “Scarlett and I are going to spend the night together. You just stay put.” What a cruel way to talk about “cleansing karma” and “accumulating good fortune.” I don’t know how long I stayed in the water. Finally, the numbness of the drug began to wear off. Only the intimate sounds of a man and a woman remained in the villa. Their voices churned my stomach. Waves of nausea washed over me. I laughed softly. Laughing at my own pathetic state, my feelings utterly crushed. Dragging my numb body, I crawled out of the water. My foot seemed to prick something. It was a broken bracelet. Fifteen-year-old Scarlett had carved it herself. She used to say this bracelet would protect her Julian and keep him safe. Now, the bracelet, like our irreversible relationship, was shattered. The girl she once was, was truly dead. I walked to the storage room, where all our memories lay. Watching the wedding photo, which I had begged her for so long to take, slowly turn to ash, the last flicker of hope in my heart vanished completely. My phone vibrated incessantly. I pulled it out and saw 99+ messages. “Julian, check the headlines! They’re treating you like dirt!” It was a message from Leo Davis, one of the few friends who still kept in touch with me over the years. #HayesGroupSon-in-Law “Son of a Mistress” Mother Was a Home-wrecker#

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I was the only daughter of the city’s wealthiest family, born late in my father’s life, and notoriously delicate. Even as an adult, I needed three maids just for my daily needs, because the slightest scratch would lead to uncontrollable bleeding that wouldn’t heal for weeks. My father replaced every cook, gardener, and maid in our mansion with top-tier doctors, terrified of even the slightest mishap. “’Pick a husband who’ll live here, someone I can trust to protect you,’ my father had insisted.” Naturally, I chose Julian, the most handsome and gentlemanly of them all. But on our wedding night, with no warning, he brutally violated me, his voice chilling. “‘Seraphina! Do you truly die if a top-tier doctor isn’t by your side?’” “‘Chloe only asked to use one of your doctors, and you let her miss her optimal treatment window, leaving her with a scar! Today, you’ll feel the despair she felt!’” Julian’s words grew coarser, and immediately, I felt a sticky wetness beneath me as the blood flowed uncontrollably. When he finally stopped, I had already lost my breath. When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day I chose my husband. My father was swiping through photos on the projector, one by one. This time, I had my father scroll straight to the man wearing an eye patch. “‘I choose him!’”

“‘Miss, Mr. Sterling wants you in his study,’” Mr. Davies, the butler, knocked on my door. I shot up in bed, drenched in cold sweat, the agonizing sensation of Julian tearing me apart still lingering. I had actually been reborn to the day my father told me to choose a husband. In his study, six photos were displayed on the wall, illuminated by the projector. My father turned and smiled at me. “‘Which one do you like best?’” I scanned the faces, my gaze pausing for a second on Julian’s gentle, refined smile. In my previous life, that face had completely fooled me. “‘This one,’” I said, pointing to the first photo. “‘Atticus Davies.’” The man in the photo wore an eye patch, his brows cold, his aura distant. My father froze. “‘Seraphina, are you sure? While his medical skills are superb, he…’” “‘He what?’” My father’s face wrinkled in a frown. He cleared his throat, trying to rein in his emotions. *This man was the most outstanding in every aspect, yet he was considered a last resort.* “‘Darling, there are several more options. Why don’t you look at them first? His eye…’” Meeting my gaze, he suddenly seemed to recall some forbidden topic and quickly changed his tune: “‘He’s a recluse! Not very talkative.’” My father quickly reached out to slide the photo, but I pressed his hand down. “‘Just him,’” my voice was firm. In my previous life, those other men were either fake or greedy. He was the only one who wasn’t. Seeing my resolute attitude, my father could only agree. I returned to my room, still feeling a bit dizzy. Mr. Davies knocked again. “‘Miss, young Master Julian is here.’” My heart instantly tightened. Julian pushed the door open, with Chloe trailing behind him. Her right wrist was wrapped in gauze, and her eyes were red and swollen, looking utterly pathetic. “‘Chloe accidentally cut herself on some glass, and the wound is a bit deep. It needs professional medical attention,’ Julian said, his voice gentle. If it had been before, I would have agreed without hesitation.” Chloe started to whimper on cue. “‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have bothered you, but an ordinary hospital might leave a scar…’” I watched their act with cold eyes. In my previous life, it was always like this. Chloe would always get “injured” at crucial moments, and Julian would bring her to me. Every time I showed the slightest hesitation, he’d call me cold-blooded. “‘The Sterling family’s doctors only serve me,’ I said flatly. ‘Her injury is minor enough for a regular hospital.’”

Julian’s face darkened. “‘Seraphina, Chloe is your childhood friend. Can’t you help her?’” “‘She’s a maid’s daughter, not my friend.’” In my previous life, I treated her like a real sister. As long as I was happy, my father would be thrilled. Chloe’s lifestyle and upkeep were arranged to be exactly like mine, all at my request. Gradually, she started making all sorts of demands, and I tried my best to fulfill them. All because, to a “monster” like me, she was the only playmate who seemed genuinely willing to be around me. If only I hadn’t found out what happened later… I scoffed inwardly. Now, she probably thinks she’s actually one of us, doesn’t she? Chloe lowered her head, masking the coldness in her eyes, then looked up at me, eyes filled with tears. “‘Seraphina, I know your top-tier doctors only treat you. And I’m just a maid’s daughter, I don’t deserve them.’” “‘But I’m really in pain, and I just forgot my place for a moment, even bothering Julian…’” “‘Then go to the hospital.’” I stood up to leave, but Julian grabbed my wrist forcefully. “‘Seraphina! When did you become so cold-blooded? Is it because I said a few things to you yesterday?’” “‘Chloe grew up with you, she’s so kind, she never treated you like an outcast. She just had a craving and drank some of your tonic. Do you have to be so petty?’” Petty? Even my father, the wealthiest man in the city, had to pull every connection and spend half his fortune, taking ten years just to gather the ingredients for *that one bowl of tonic*. For ordinary people, it was just a health supplement, good for beauty and wellness. For me, it was literally a life-saver, especially crucial during childbirth to prevent fatal hemorrhages. “‘Her one craving cost me a lifetime of infertility?’” I pried his fingers off my wrist, one by one. His body stiffened, and he let go of my wrist. Chloe suddenly let out a soft whimper, and he snapped back to reality, immediately stroking her hair with concern. He turned, gave me a deep look, then pulled Chloe away. I sank back onto the couch, feeling drained, and called my father. “‘When can Atticus return?’” “‘About another month. His research in Germany has entered a critical phase.’” “‘It’s supposedly specifically for your condition.’” My heart warmed. In my previous life, how could I have overlooked someone who, though a man of few words, always showed his devotion through actions? It must have been because my eyes were only on Julian then, a man who was only sweet and gentle with his words. In the afternoon, Chloe came again, her face full of fawning smiles. “‘Seraphina, Julian and I shouldn’t have bothered you this morning,’ she said softly. ‘These are rose pastries I made myself, your favorite.’” I looked at her fake smile, a wave of nausea rolling through my stomach. In my previous life, I had eaten her pastries and nearly gone into shock on the spot. “‘Dr. Miller,’ I pressed the intercom. ‘Please analyze the ingredients of these pastries.’” Chloe’s face subtly changed. “‘Seraphina, what do you mean by that?’” “‘Routine check,’” I answered coldly. Ten minutes later, Dr. Miller rushed in. “‘Miss, these pastries contain a large amount of mango protein,’ he said, his face grave. ‘You’re severely allergic to mangoes. If you had accidentally consumed them, given your condition…’” “‘I’d be dead,’” I finished for him. Chloe instantly turned pale. “‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know…’” Didn’t know? Everyone in this mansion knew. And she, who grew up with me, didn’t?

I stood up, stepping closer to her. “‘Chloe, were you trying to kill me?’” “‘I wasn’t!’” She shook her head wildly, tears streaming down her face. “‘Seraphina, how could you think that of me? We grew up together…’” “‘Enough,’” I interrupted, disgusted. “‘Mr. Davies, call the police.’” Chloe instantly fell to her knees. “‘Seraphina, please, I really didn’t mean to!’” Julian rushed in, seeing Chloe on her knees, and immediately helped her up. “‘Chloe, what’s wrong?’” “‘Julian…’” Chloe was crying pitifully, tears streaming down her face, and as she rubbed her eyes, she deliberately exposed the burned spot on her wrist. “‘Seraphina says I tried to harm her, but I really didn’t. I just saw her eat so little at lunch and worried about her health, so I specially made her some pastries. I had no idea about any mango protein allergy…’” Julian’s eyes immediately landed on her red, swollen hand, filled with concern. He turned, his face ashen, to look at me. “‘Seraphina, are you insane? Chloe was kind enough to make you pastries, and you accuse her of trying to harm you?’” “‘The evidence is clear,’” I pointed to the pastries. “‘She added mango protein to them, trying to make me die from an allergic reaction.’” “‘Nonsense!’” Julian roared. “‘Chloe is so kind, how could she do such a thing? She already said she had no idea.’” “‘I know you’re still angry and trying to find an excuse, but aren’t you being a bit too obvious this time? Don’t you feel ashamed?!’” Seeing him so fiercely protective of her, a chill ran through me. “‘Julian, get out of my room.’” “‘What did you say?’” “‘I said, get out.’” Afternoon, I tried to get myself together to try on my custom-designed wedding gowns. When I opened the door, the ten neatly arranged gowns were gone, only empty racks remained. “‘Miss Sterling!’” The store assistant immediately rushed over. “‘Mr. Julian said you weren’t feeling well, so he took them back on your behalf…’” I took a deep breath. “‘Where did they go?’” “‘They seemed to have gone to that photography studio on the back street.’” When I arrived at the photography studio, what I saw was Chloe, giggling and sweetly snuggling up to Julian’s arm, posing for photos in *my* wedding dress. The other nine gowns were carelessly thrown on the sofa, some even on the floor. “‘You look so beautiful,’” Julian murmured, gently caressing Chloe’s face. I spoke coldly, “‘Take off the dress.’” They sprang apart in alarm. Chloe’s eyes immediately turned red. “‘Seraphina, we were just…’” Julian began to explain, but I cut him off directly. “‘Take it off.’”

After Veronica abused me for the 98th time, all for Marcus, my spirit was utterly crushed. That’s when I finally gave in to Genevieve Thorne’s relentless pursuit. After a passionate night with Genevieve, she promised to help me fake my death, so I could start a new life with her, marry her abroad. I swallowed the faux-death drug she gave me, only to wake up too soon, trapped inside my own coffin. My body was paralyzed, but I could hear Genevieve talking to someone just outside. “Ms. Thorne, you had Veronica abuse Adrian, then pretended to be his savior. You’ve completely won his trust. Why arrange a fake death and burial now?” “Only then will the Sterlings believe he’s dead. Marcus’s position as heir will be secure, and no one will ever bring up him being illegitimate again.” The other person hesitated. “Won’t seven days be too long, waiting until your wedding with Marcus before digging him out?” “The faux-death drug lasts for five days. I’ve already had water, food, and an oxygen tank placed inside the coffin. He won’t die.”

Darkness suffocated me, and my heart clenched in agonizing spasms. So, it was Genevieve who made Veronica abuse me. Then she came to pursue me, making me believe that if I wanted to be with her, I had to fake my death and give up everything. This woman, who promised to marry me, was going to bury me alive and then marry Marcus. But I woke up early, and there was absolutely nothing in that coffin! No water, no food! The cramped, suffocating space stole my breath. Genevieve’s voice sounded muffled through the wooden planks, yet it pierced me like a sharp blade, pinning me irrevocably to the coffin floor. “Five years ago, when Marcus’s illegitimate status was exposed, his engagement to Veronica was broken off and passed to his brother, Adrian. Marcus lost his love, so I promised him I’d help him gain power and status. I vowed to be his unwavering support.” “As for Adrian, these past few years, to punish him, I had Veronica torment him physically. Now, letting him leave is a form of release. He loves me so much; he’ll be forever lost in the sweet delusion I’d spun for him.” The person beside her hesitated, a hint of pity in their voice. “But Adrian didn’t know he’d actually be buried alive. Burying someone alive for seven full days… it’s too risky. And Mr. Sterling is so afraid of the dark, he has claustrophobia. What if something goes wrong in the coffin…?” “Nothing will!” Genevieve’s words allowed no room for doubt. “The Sterlings are thorough; we have to make this charade absolutely convincing. It’s only seven days. In reality, he’ll only be conscious for two. What could go wrong? Besides, Veronica promised me she’d lock him in the closet every time she finished beating him. He should be used to it by now.” “Marcus waited five years for this opportunity. We must ensure everything is foolproof. Once the dust settles and Marcus and I are married, we’ll get a fake marriage certificate abroad to deceive Adrian. We’ll keep him well-fed and comfortable, making sure he can never return.” The footsteps faded. I tried with all my might but couldn’t make a sound. The faux-death drug kept my mind clear, but my body was unresponsive, unable to speak. My claustrophobia flared, a cold sweat drenching my back. I bit my tongue, forcing myself to calm down. The absolute pitch black reminded me of the five years I’d been married to Veronica. Every time she abused me, she’d lock me in a closet. The painful memories flooded me, a tide of torment, and my stomach churned. Two years ago, I was locked in that closet again. It was Genevieve who saved me. The moment she opened that closet door, she seemed like an angel, capable of dispelling all the darkness in my life. From then on, Genevieve relentlessly pursued me. She cared for my bruised body, comforted my broken heart, and urged me to bravely resist Veronica’s abuse. How foolish I was to believe I’d found my salvation. Little did I know that all the torment I endured was instigated by Genevieve herself! She orchestrated Veronica to hurt me, while she played the role of a good Samaritan, healing me. And all of it was for my brother, Marcus. I bit down hard on my lip, trying desperately to make my body move. Suddenly, I heard a door open outside. Marcus’s voice, accompanied by the sound of men’s dress shoes, drifted closer. “Genevieve, burying Adrian underground for seven days… will he truly be alright? The burial is today. He is my brother, after all. I still feel it’s too cruel.” I felt like I’d grasped a lifeline, screaming helplessly in my mind: *Save me!* *Please, just open the coffin and take a look. One glance is all it would take to see I’m awake.* *I don’t want to be buried alive, don’t want to experience the agony of suffocating in the dark!*

But no one could hear my silent plea. All that answered me was Genevieve’s cold voice. “Marcus, you’re still too soft-hearted. We’ve planned for so long, all for this very day. We can’t fall short now.” “Have you forgotten how Adrian snatched everything from you? If it weren’t for his mother, your illegitimate status wouldn’t have been exposed, your mother wouldn’t have died, you would have married the woman you loved, and you wouldn’t have been cast out of the Sterling family!” “Don’t worry. Once this is all over, I’ll compensate Adrian properly.” I trembled violently, my limbs numb and convulsing, as if a thousand needles were piercing my body. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, and I swallowed a mouthful of bitter, sweet liquid. Genevieve, I don’t want your compensation! Just let me out, and I’ll willingly give up my position as heir. I’ll go far away, never to disturb you again! Marcus seemed to be crying, his voice choked. “Genevieve, you’re so good to me. Every time I’m sad or upset, you deliberately provoke Veronica, making her abuse Adrian, and even having her send me photos and videos.” “Watching Adrian beaten and bruised, begging on his knees, or seeing him locked in that closet for three days and three nights, dehydrated from hunger… it always makes me feel so much better.” Genevieve pulled Marcus into a tight embrace, sighing. “As long as you’re happy, hurting Adrian a thousand, ten thousand times is worth it. He owes you this.” Inside the coffin, my tears streamed down, soaking the wood. My heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, collapsing inward. Genevieve, is this how you’ve always seen me? How could anyone be so monstrously cruel? Every instance of abuse, it turned out, had been orchestrated by you. You were so gentle with me, yet behind my back, you used videos and photos of my torment to please another man. I laughed silently, tears tracing paths down my face, dripping onto the coffin lid, instantly absorbed. Perhaps it was the sheer agony, but a surge of unprecedented strength coursed through my body. My fingers could move! No matter how much I hated these two vile people, all I wanted right now was to live! My fingernails scraped against the coffin lid beneath me, emitting a faint scratching sound. I desperately hoped they would hear the commotion from inside. The next second, my hope was shattered. The sound of passionate kissing erupted outside. I could feel a man being pressed against the coffin, his back pressed tightly against the wood. I hammered my fingers against the wood, desperately. But the two outside, lost in their passion, heard nothing. Their mingled gasps and moans, their bodies slamming against the coffin, made it creak incessantly. My desperate pleas for help were easily drowned out. The woman moved rhythmically, whispering her adoration. “Marcus, do you know how long I’ve waited for this day? To finally have you give up Veronica and agree to marry me.” “For you, I forced myself to stomach the disgust of seducing Adrian. That night with him, all I could think about was your face.” I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth, forcing myself not to listen to those nauseating sounds outside. I thought my will to survive outweighed my hatred for them. I was wrong. I hated them. So much. As much as I had loved Genevieve, I hated her now. And I hated myself even more, for falling in love with two women who both hurt me so wantonly. I don’t know how much time passed, but finally, it grew quiet outside. Just as I was despairing, waiting to die, the coffin suddenly opened a crack.

A blinding white light pierced through the darkness. What greeted my eyes was Marcus’s handsome yet somewhat sinister face. His cheeks were flushed, and his clothes disheveled, clearly having just engaged in *that*. My pleading gaze met his, hoping he would save me. But Marcus seemed utterly unsurprised that I had woken up. He merely appraised me with a look of disdain. “Tsk, tsk, how pathetic. You’re about to be buried alive. Genevieve’s gone to handle the funeral arrangements. Good brother, I’m here to keep you company.” “Five years ago, your mother uncovered my identity. To clear the path for you, she drove my mother to her death and had Father disinherit me from the Sterling family! Not only that, but you also stole my wedding. I was supposed to marry Veronica!” “Five years of marriage, five years of Veronica’s abuse. I didn’t think you had it in you to endure so much, simply refusing to divorce. I had no choice but to have Genevieve seduce you. You were so foolish, actually falling in love with her. Weren’t you dreaming of marrying Genevieve abroad? You stole my marriage, and now I’ll steal yours!” “Finally, your mother is dead, and I tampered with your faux-death drug. Once you’re buried, you’ll watch yourself die slowly. Your death date is the very day of my wedding to Genevieve.” Marcus spoke the most cruel words, one by one, and my heart chilled, little by little. The hope that had rekindled within me was extinguished once more. Marcus’s lips curved into a smile, his mood utterly joyful. He took out the water and food that had been prepared in the coffin, speaking carelessly. “You’re going to die anyway, so you won’t be needing these. I’ll leave the oxygen tank for you, though, just so you can live a few more days. Too bad you won’t get to see Genevieve’s and my wedding.” The coffin lid slammed shut again, and the last sliver of light vanished. My fingers dug deep into the wooden planks, my nails almost tearing off. My eyelids grew heavy. Exhausted, I slipped into unconsciousness. When I next awoke, I heard a clamor of voices outside. My funeral had begun. Guests chatted amongst themselves, laughter echoing. No one seemed saddened by my “death.” “The younger Sterling brother finally got tormented to death. Veronica beat him so badly he was unrecognizable, but for the sake of the family, he absolutely refused to divorce.” “Serves him right! Why did he have to steal his brother’s woman? His brother is handsomer and more capable. If he hadn’t been exposed as illegitimate, Adrian would never have risen to power.” “Exactly! To marry Veronica, he even drugged her, so shameless. Then, right after the wedding, Veronica miscarried, didn’t she? What a shocker. Now that he’s dead, Veronica won’t even attend his funeral.” “Marcus Sterling is so lucky. Although he suffered five years ago, now that his brother is dead, he’s the only Sterling heir. And in a week, he’s marrying the only daughter of the Thorne Group. Who would dare call him illegitimate now?”

For ten years, my husband, Leo, was obsessed with “charity.” The first year, he offered late-night “psychological counseling” to a depressed female netizen, Skylar. Our SnapChat records showed 547 nude photos, all labeled as “Proof of Medical Improvement.” The second year, his infertile friend, Mike, begged him on his knees to “help his wife get pregnant.” Leo personally stepped in and even recorded a video, archiving it as an “Excellent Genetic Donation.” The tenth year, on our wedding anniversary, a bombshell message blew up in his charity SnapChat group: “Eight months pregnant, urgently seeking a man to take over and give the baby a complete family!” Leo immediately transferred $52,000 for prenatal care and charitable funds. His eyes red, he knelt on the ground, pleading with me, “Anya, I can’t just stand by and watch that poor girl get torn apart by gossip! Let’s get a temporary divorce for a year. Once the baby is born and settled, I’ll come right back to you!” This time, I didn’t stop him. Feigning understanding, I agreed, “Fine. Coincidentally, I have a charity project of my own to do.”

Leo looked overjoyed. “That’s great, Anya! I knew you’d always support my cause!” He smiled brightly and casually asked, “What charity are you doing, darling?” As I rummaged for our marriage certificate, I replied, “The male college student I sponsor has late-stage cancer. His last wish is to marry a rich woman for good luck.” At my words, Leo’s face immediately fell. He lectured me with a righteous air, “Anya, how can you just marry anyone?” “Are you upset? Don’t worry, it’s just a charity marriage. I’m only marrying her so she and the child won’t be gossiped about. I absolutely won’t be intimate with her! You know me, Anya, I can’t stand to see others suffer.” I scoffed. “Oh, I know.” Especially when it comes to beautiful young women between 18 and 28. After ten years of marriage, I knew Leo’s “charity sickness” all too well. The first year, he met a depressed girl named Skylar on a psychological help forum. Initially, it was just online chats, but it quickly escalated to daily, unfailing in-person “counseling sessions.” I stumbled upon their chat history once. “Leo, if it weren’t for you, I’d be dead by now.” “Silly girl, I’ll always be there for you.” Beyond that, there were hundreds of nude photos. Leo’s explanation for them was, “The therapist said that a person’s body best reflects their psychological state. I’m just helping her heal.” I just figured he was flirting online to get his kicks and didn’t take it too seriously. But that winter, Leo, who usually hated moving, went out almost every night, claiming he was “walking and talking” with Skylar to clear her mind. On the coldest day, I personally saw them embracing and kissing at the community gate, completely oblivious to others. Skylar was practically plastered against him, and he was stroking her back with movements so fluid, it looked like they’d practiced a thousand times. When I angrily confronted him, he looked innocent. “Anya, Skylar said my embrace and lips reminded her of her ex-boyfriend’s. She missed him so much… she was on the verge of suicide! I was saving her life!” Later, Skylar’s condition “improved,” and she moved out of town. Leo was gloomy and dispirited for an entire month, even forgetting our wedding anniversary. The second year, Leo’s infertile friend, Mike, cried to him about wanting a child for so many years of marriage. Leo immediately offered to help without a second thought. I still remember his expression when he came home that day; he looked as if he’d just saved the world. He excitedly grabbed my hand. “Anya, Mike and his wife are truly pathetic. We should help them if we can.” I was happy then, foolishly thinking he’d just donated money for them to go to the hospital. It wasn’t until three months later that Mike’s wife showed up at our door, visibly pregnant. She grabbed my hand, sobbing with gratitude. “Sister-in-law, it’s all thanks to Leo! If it weren’t for him, I’d still be suffering from Mike’s abuse… But sister-in-law, you’re truly blessed to have a husband as capable and doting as Leo.” Mike’s wife even wanted to show me a video of Leo’s “excellent genetic donation” process. I was trembling with anger. The third year, he was “personally deflowering pure young college girls.” The fourth year, he was “giving intimate massages to young married women.” … And now, on our tenth wedding anniversary, he was going to be a “savior” for a beautiful pregnant woman he’d never even met. Leo noticed I was upset and quickly explained, “Anya, I’m doing all this for you! I’ve already talked to her; once the baby is born, I’ll give her some money, and the child will be ours to raise.” “That way, Mom won’t yell at you anymore. I pity you, Anya!” Leo sounded completely convincing. I looked at him skeptically. “Really?” After so many years of marriage, I still hadn’t had a child. This had indeed been a persistent heartache for both of us. Leo immediately nodded. “Of course! You’re my wife! Oh, by the way, the divorce agreement is ready. You should sign it.”

I looked at the divorce agreement, and my eyes immediately caught the glaring words: “Leave empty-handed.” My lingering doubts vanished. I slapped the divorce agreement onto his face. “Leo, are you taking me for a fool?! Leave empty-handed?!” Leo panicked. “Why are you so materialistic now? It’s not a real divorce. Bianca is about to give birth; I’m just in a hurry, okay? You’re being so unreasonable!” “Calculating assets takes time. This way, we can get it done quickly. It’ll also be easier to remarry later.” I took a deep breath. “Leo, have you ever considered that for the past ten years, I’ve been your biggest charity project?” Leo froze, clearly not expecting me to say that. “Anya, how can you think that? I genuinely love you.” I sneered. “Love? Your love is constantly pushing me aside to ‘save’ those who ‘need help more’?” Leo frantically explained, “This time it’s really different. Bianca is truly pitiful, she—” Leo’s ears turned red. I knew that was his tell when he was lying. Bianca had sent a selfie along with her message in the group chat. Aside from her eight-month pregnant belly, she had large breasts, a slender waist, long legs, and a pretty face. Her voice was incredibly sweet too. He was clearly just after her looks. Leo continued to argue, “Anya, you have to believe me, this is purely a charitable act! I swear to you, as soon as Bianca gives birth and recovers, I’ll remarry you immediately!” I looked at him, this man I had loved deeply for ten years. Fine lines were starting to appear around his eyes, and his hair was thinning, but the fanaticism for “charity” in his eyes, the obsession with playing the savior, had never changed. I asked softly, “What if I don’t agree? What if I say that if we divorce, we’ll never remarry?” Just then, Leo’s phone rang. A delicate voice on the other end cried out in pain, “Leo, my stomach hurts so much, can you come see me?” Leo rushed out, not even stopping to grab his jacket. “Don’t overthink it. I’ll go check on Bianca first.” I sat at the dining table, looking at the meal I’d cooked myself. Leo hadn’t touched a bite. After much deliberation, I dialed my lawyer’s number. Before I could call, Leo called me. A tiny flicker of hope ignited in my heart. Leo’s voice was anxious. “Anya, Bianca’s stomach isn’t feeling well, and she wants chicken soup. Your chicken soup is the best; quickly make some and bring it over. Oh, and by the way, Bianca is allergic to mushrooms, so don’t put any in.” Leo hung up immediately after saying that. His social media updated with a photo of him hugging a woman’s pregnant belly: “Wishing a smooth delivery.” Uninformed mutual friends specifically congratulated me, “Anya, you’re so far along and didn’t even tell us, that’s so unfair! But still, congratulations!” I looked at the congratulatory messages, finding them utterly ironic. When I arrived at the hospital with the chicken soup and the newly drafted divorce agreement, I saw Leo “caring” for his new wife. “What are you doing?!” The scene before me stung my eyes. I angrily threw the chicken soup onto the table. “Leo, we’re not even divorced yet, and you’re doing this with her?!” The hospital room door wasn’t even closed. In broad daylight, Bianca lay on the hospital bed, legs wide open, enjoying Leo’s caresses. Seeing me, Leo quickly withdrew his hand and smiled, explaining, “Anya, don’t misunderstand. The doctor just came to check and said Bianca has a slight breech presentation, causing uterine pain. I was helping her massage her uterus to correct the position.” Leo pulled his hand away so quickly that Bianca didn’t have time to react. She was still trembling on the bed, in the lingering afterglow of Leo’s “massage.” “Leo, I feel much better after your massage. I think the baby’s position is even correcting itself. Can you massage me again?” Bianca’s face was flushed. Leo, without a shred of shame, immediately agreed in front of me, even self-righteously stating, “For the baby’s safety, of course!” Leo, in front of me, reached his hand between Bianca’s legs again. “Anya, you want a healthy baby too, don’t you?” Before I could speak, Bianca cried out in pleasure, “Leo, you’re so good at this! You’ll definitely be a great dad…” “I’m a little hungry. Could you please ask Anya to feed me some chicken soup?”

I was speechless, utterly shocked by Bianca’s shamelessness. She was enjoying my husband’s caresses and then had the audacity to ask me to feed her chicken soup! I clutched the divorce agreement tightly, swallowing my anger, and shoved it into my bag. There was no way we could discuss anything like this today. “How are you going to drink lying like that?” I merely asked roughly, and Bianca’s eyes immediately reddened. She bit her lower lip and clutched Leo’s hand, looking pitiful. “Leo, did I make Anya upset? But if you don’t massage me, my stomach really hurts… Listen, the baby is crying from hunger…” Leo leaned close to Bianca’s belly, listened for a moment, and then clicked his tongue. “If Bianca is hungry, just feed her. You’re going to be a mother yourself someday; can’t you be a little more patient?” I laughed. “Me, impatient? Can’t she do one thing at a time instead of making both of us wait on her hand and foot?” Even adopting a child properly wouldn’t involve this kind of servitude. Leo said earnestly, “You’ve never been pregnant; how could you know how hard it is? Bianca’s stomach hurts and she’s hungry; why can’t you…” “You feed her! I’m not serving you!” I slammed the door shut, the lingering, unpleasant stench still in my nostrils. The divorce agreement remained unresolved until three days later, when Leo returned home. He smiled at me, discussing, “Anya, it’s too unsafe for Bianca, a pregnant woman, to live alone outside. How about she moves into our house?” Before I could agree, someone was already moving Bianca’s belongings in, even into the master bedroom. I slapped the divorce agreement onto the table. “Fine. But sign this first.” Leo glanced at it and said, “That can wait.” Bianca followed closely behind. As soon as she entered, she pointed at my dog. “Oh my! What a huge dog! You scared me to death… Leo, I’m so scared…” Leo blurted out, “Get rid of the dog immediately!” I quickly shielded my dog. “Don’t you dare!” “You handle your business. I’ll take the dog myself.” I stormed out with my dog, heading to a hotel. At the hotel entrance, I ran into Liam, the male college student I sponsored. It was over ninety degrees, and he was sweating profusely, handing out flyers at the hotel entrance. Liam looked incredibly surprised to see me and quickly ran over. “Sister Anya! Why are you out in this heat?” I wasn’t in the mood to explain, so I just hedged. “Just out walking Rusty. I’m tired and want to rest for a bit.” “Why are you… carrying luggage while walking your dog? Are you staying at a hotel? Let me help you with Rusty.” Liam enthusiastically pulled Rusty and accompanied me to check in. At the room door, I stopped Liam. “You can stop here. Thank you for your trouble. How’s school lately? Do you have enough for living expenses? If not, I can give you more…” As I spoke, I took a wad of cash from my bag, but Liam smiled and interrupted me. “I have enough. I make enough money working part-time. Sister Anya, can I come in and take a shower?” I hesitated, then looked at him again. Liam’s clothes were soaked and smelled of dog urine. I smiled awkwardly at him. “Come on in.” Liam was in the bathroom showering. I had just sat down to rest when Leo burst in. I looked at him in confusion. “Why are you here?” Leo stormed in furiously. Just then, Liam emerged from the bathroom. He was shirtless, young and vibrant. Leo instantly exploded. “What are you two doing?!”

In my past life, I fell for the director of that elite reality show, “Billionaire Bride.” The night before the finale, I dropped out, handing the spot of the future Mrs. Blackwood to my twin sister, Maya Hayes. But after her honeymoon, she personally pushed me off a high-rise. Just because she found out Liam Blackwood was merely an illegitimate son, and he couldn’t walk properly. The true Blackwood heir was Julian Thorne, the director who’d meticulously planned the entire show. Reborn back to the reality show set, I sneered, watching my sister shamelessly flirt with “the director.” She’d been reborn too, of course. She knew Julian was the real deal. What she didn’t know was… The night she got married in my previous life, Julian dragged me home and tormented me all night. “Anya Hayes! Why did you drop out?! If you’d won, your sister could’ve debuted on the show’s popularity, and I could’ve married her legitimately! Do you know how much effort I put into planning all of this?!” He forced me to pretend to be my sister and please him, then, once he was sober, he’d call me disgusting, slashing my face with a knife, cut after cut. When he heard about my sister’s honeymoon pregnancy, he injected me with ovulation-stimulating drugs like a madman. “If I can’t have her, then you’ll give birth to a child who looks like her.” When the doctor said I was infertile due to prolonged abuse, he had my uterus surgically removed without hesitation. “Useless trash. You’re not even fit to be a baby-making machine.” This time, I watched my sister clumsily mimic my past life’s moves to get close to Julian. Then, I turned around and slipped my choice card into Liam Blackwood’s draw box.

The “Billionaire Bride” reality show lasted three months. A hundred stunning contestants lived under the same roof with Liam Blackwood, who eliminated them one by one. Finally, it was the live finale. In my previous life, my sister and I were tied for first place. As long as one of us was chosen by him at the finale, she’d become the future Mrs. Blackwood. For Julian, I personally tore up my choice card. But now… When the host brought out the choice card draw box in front of millions of live viewers, the entire venue erupted in gasps. Because the empty box contained only one card. Even Liam Blackwood on stage couldn’t help but frown, while I smirked, knowing exactly what was coming. Just then, Maya Hayes, on the other side of the stage, dramatically announced, “I’m dropping out!” She walked step by step towards the director’s seat, extending her hand to Julian Thorne in front of millions of viewers. “Director Thorne, these past three months have made me realize my true feelings. True love shouldn’t be bound by rules. Can we be together?” The live stream chat instantly exploded. The hashtag #MayaHayesDropsOutForLove shot to the top of the trending list, and the comment section was filled with “She’s so fierce!” praises. “Congratulations to Miss Anya Hayes, our ultimate winner,” the host announced, looking a little flustered. But by then, no one cared about me, the “lucky winner.” All eyes were on the “true love” couple. Maya’s eyes were red as she “congratulated” me, but as she hugged me, she whispered in my ear, “My dear sister, do you think you’ve won by getting a cripple? Remember, in this life, you’ll only ever get my scraps.” I smiled even sweeter than her. “Thank you, sister, for making it possible.” She’d never know that what she was so desperate to get was an abyss far more terrifying than hell itself. In my past life, I discovered Julian Thorne’s darkest secret… but I wouldn’t tell her. This time, it was her turn to experience that kind of “happiness.” Liam Blackwood walked towards me, holding ninety-nine roses, and slid the diamond engagement ring onto my finger. “Congrats, brother,” Julian Thorne said from below the stage, his eyes unreadable. He deliberately emphasized the word “brother.” This unexpected congratulation was broadcast live across the entire internet. My heart sank. This secret, which had only been forced into the open after Maya’s honeymoon in my past life, was now being revealed by him directly. Sure enough… he was reborn too. And in this life, now that he had Maya, he revealed his hand early.

The live stream comments instantly blew up again. “Using today’s happy news, as the sole legal heir of the Blackwood Group, I officially announce…” His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, yet it silenced the entire venue. “Next month, Maya will become our Mrs. Blackwood.” Maya lowered her head shyly in his arms, then, out of Julian’s sight, she gave me a smug eyebrow raise. I, however, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, I could stay away from that lunatic. One reality show, two people getting what they wanted. While the cameras were focused on the “perfect couple,” I subtly moved closer to Liam Blackwood. “Hey, new husband, how about we go to the beach for our honeymoon…?” I hadn’t expected Liam’s ears to turn red, which suddenly made Julian tighten his grip on Maya. Maya yelped in pain, and noticed us in the corner. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in Julian’s ear, “Julian, my sister actually threatened me… forced me to drop out. Luckily, I was already in love with you.” Her eyes were slightly red, but her voice was just loud enough for those nearby to hear. “Now she’s finally got what she wanted, but…” She deliberately paused, “Now that she knows you’re the true heir, will she regret choosing the wrong person?” Julian’s eyes darkened instantly when he heard the word “threat,” but his brow relaxed slightly when he heard “drop out.” He reassuringly tightened his arm around Maya’s waist. “Don’t worry, the position of Mrs. Blackwood will forever belong only to you.” He deliberately raised his voice for the last half of the sentence, his gaze fixed on me, laughing and talking with Liam Blackwood not far away. After the show ended, I arranged to grab a late-night bite with Liam and went backstage to change. To my surprise, Julian Thorne stopped me in a corner and directly laid out his cards. “Reborn, you’ve certainly gotten smarter,” he chuckled. “Too bad… do you think marrying Liam will help you escape?” He gripped my chin. “Your little schemes are probably going to fall apart. I won’t let you marry him with that face identical to Maya’s.” “You were so ruthless in your past life,” he suddenly yanked my hair, forcing my head back. “To frame Maya, you actually jumped off a building. The entire internet cursed her for forcing her own sister to die…” He sneered, “Too bad, even if I spent thirty million to bury the trending news, it still ruined her career.” Julian’s words hit me like a thunderclap. So, that fall from the building was actually a meticulously planned setup by me? Even my death was my fault? “I know you chose Liam purely for money. I’ll give you fifty million. Disappear within a month. Don’t let me see that face again.” Seeing me staring fixedly at him, he disgustedly threw my chin away. “And don’t ever covet what you shouldn’t.” I almost laughed out loud. He actually thought I still harbored any feelings for him? On my sister’s wedding night in my past life, that madman had held me captive in his basement. He slowly, methodically, pulled out my fingernails with pliers, savoring my twisted expression of pain. “Beg me,” he choked my throat, making me gasp for air. “Say you were wrong, say you want to marry me.” Blood dripped from my fingertips onto a customized wedding dress identical to my sister’s. When I was too hoarse to scream, he slapped me in a rage. “Smile for me! You don’t look like her when you cry!” He pressed me against a mirror, forcing me to look at my tear-streaked face, then gently licked away my tears. “Maya, I’ve looked for you for so long… how could you marry another man…?” Unable to have my sister, he filled the void in his heart by torturing me. Amidst my fragmented cries, he fantasized that the person beneath him was the unattainable girl of his dreams. Now, reborn, he thought I would repeat the same mistakes? He turned to leave, but suddenly pivoted back, grabbing my throat fiercely. “Tell me… if this mouth could never speak again, wouldn’t some secrets be safer?” Though I was the one suffocating, I saw a flicker of unease in his eyes. This lunatic, he was afraid of his secrets being exposed after all.

Liam Blackwood paced back and forth at the backstage door. The moment I emerged, he rushed forward. “What took you so long?” He took me to a Western restaurant I rarely visited. On impulse, I ordered him a strawberry cake. He visibly froze when he took the dessert. “How did you know…?” My heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t exactly tell him that in my previous life, I’d once stumbled upon him secretly devouring cake in the middle of the night. After dinner, he mysteriously drove me to a pet sanctuary in the city outskirts. He said it was his secret base, and being with the animals made his soul feel cleansed. Watching his tender expression as he played with the furry creatures, I couldn’t help but mention Buddy—the mutt I’d raised since childhood, now being fostered at the Hayes family home. “Why the Hayes family? Not ‘home’?” he keenly picked up on my words. I briefly recounted the cliché story: the stolen twin, how after my foster parents in the small, forgotten town had their own son, I became an afterthought. At eighteen, Maya had come down from the mountainside for an art project and recognized me, but even after being acknowledged, I remained invisible. It wasn’t until three months ago, when Maya needed a “twin gimmick” for the show, that she remembered there was still a daughter living in the basement. I’d never truly had a home, which is why I longed for its warmth so deeply. Buddy was the only family I had. In my previous life, when Julian approached me, he promised to give me a home. I believed him, I fell deeply, and I died horribly. So when Liam Blackwood looked at me and promised to give me a home, I just politely curved my lips and invited him to visit Buddy with me sometime. I never expected him to pick me up the very next day. Stepping into the Hayes family mansion, I didn’t expect to run into Julian Thorne. He sat at the head of the table, sipping tea, his gaze lingering on my hand clasped with Liam’s. “I’m going to see Buddy,” I said, turning away. Mrs. Hayes shrieked, “No manners! With a distinguished guest like Mr. Thorne here, why bother with some wretched animal!” I joined them in flattering Julian Thorne, even Liam Blackwood became an ignored side character. Maya Hayes suddenly stood up. “It’s rare for sister to bring her brother-in-law home… I’ll make a dish.” At lunch, she brought out a plate of charred meat chunks. “My first time cooking, little sister, try some,” she piled four or five pieces into my bowl. I was about to push it away when Julian Thorne suddenly spoke, “What, you don’t approve of your sister’s cooking?” Mrs. Hayes also fiercely kicked my shin under the table. “Eat it!” I forced myself to finish the burnt meat on my plate, then got up and took Liam Blackwood to the backyard to find Buddy. But I couldn’t find that familiar little figure anywhere in the Hayes’ house. “Buddy? Where’s Buddy?” I rushed back into the living room, just as Maya Hayes was pouring tea. She smiled and said, “Buddy? Didn’t you see him? Was he tasty?” My ears instantly rang, my blood ran cold, my stomach churned, and I fell to my knees, gagging. She walked over and yanked my hair. “You knew I was bringing Julian home today, so you deliberately brought Liam to show off? A country bumpkin like you dares to compete with me?” She pressed my face into the mess on the floor. “Remember, even the animal you raised is only fit to be a dish, let alone you dreaming of becoming Mrs. Blackwood.” “What’s wrong with her?” Julian Thorne’s voice came from the hallway. Maya instantly released her grip, then gently patted my back. “Sister suddenly felt unwell, she’s throwing up really badly.” Her voice held just the right amount of concern, but her fingertips fiercely twisted my lower back. Julian Thorne, uncharacteristically, showed concern. “Should I call a doctor…?” I bit her hand hard. Maya shrieked in pain. Julian immediately kicked me in the chest, sending me sprawling. “Bitch! I thought you’d learned your lesson, but a dog can’t change its spots! Are you really that jealous of your sister?” “She killed Buddy!” By the time Liam Blackwood rushed over to help me up, Maya was already crying crocodile tears, hiding in Julian Thorne’s arms. “I just wanted to cook for my sister… the maid said she couldn’t find any ingredients…” She tearfully showed her bleeding tooth marks. “Who knew it was her mutt? I’ll compensate her with ten pedigree dogs, isn’t that enough? She’s actually acting crazy over a dog…” “Acting crazy over an animal,” Julian Thorne sneered, looking down at me, yet gently blew on Maya’s wound. “Don’t be scared, Maya. I’ll have someone deal with this mad dog right away.” I glared at him fiercely. “Mad dogs can bite people to death when cornered, Mr. Thorne. Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose some… unspeakable secrets?” Julian’s face instantly twisted. He dropped a threat, then pulled Maya away to the hospital.

I found Buddy’s remains in the kitchen. Together with Liam Blackwood, we buried him in the backyard. I refused his offer to drive me home, floating through the streets like a lost soul. I knew Julian Thorne would make a move to ensure I kept his secrets, but I hadn’t expected him to be so quick. As I passed a narrow alley, I was suddenly pulled inside. A group of thugs tore at my clothes, while someone recorded on their phone. I heard a muffled voice say, “Don’t show her face. The client specifically ordered it.” I found it strangely amusing. Julian Thorne, Julian Thorne, even when you destroy me, you still care about this face that looks exactly like Maya’s? “Smack!” A slap echoed, making my eardrums ring, and the taste of blood spread in my mouth. A hand pried open my mouth. “The client said to first pull out these biting teeth, then cut out her tongue so she can’t talk nonsense.” Despair washed over me like a tide. Was I still unable to escape, even after rebirth…? I closed my eyes. “Bang!” A dull thud of heavy objects falling echoed. I trembled as I opened my eyes, finding a few thugs already subdued by bodyguards.

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My wife had a miscarriage due to the earthquake and could never have children again. But she blamed everything on me. No matter how I explained, she wouldn’t listen: “You deliberately chose your sister over our child, over me!” I was overcome with guilt, year after year meticulously caring for her, trying to pull her out of that shadow. Just when I thought she was getting better, she turned around and started dating a young college guy. She let the young college guy send me their intimate photos and sweet videos every day. When I broke down and confronted her, she just gave a coy little smile, “Oh, young guys are just like that, so playful. Don’t be so uptight.” “But you’re my wife!” She glared at me, eyes blazing. “When the earthquake hit, you didn’t think of me as your wife, and now you remember? Too late! Every night I relive it in my nightmares, remembering my dead child. It’s all because of you and your damn sister!” “Why couldn’t it have been you two who died back then?!” I almost couldn’t stand upright, my heart aching so much I couldn’t breathe. Until that day, the college guy sent me a video. In the video, Chloe was lying on the ground, barely clothed, covered in blood and bruises, her hair matted with glue. Her lower body was torn, her legs twisted at an unnatural ninety-degree angle. She mumbled, “Brother, it hurts so much.” I frantically called my wife, but she just gave a cold laugh, “Just kids playing games, why are you taking it so seriously?” “If she really died, I’d throw a huge party to celebrate. After all, she was also to blame for my child’s death!” My marriage, which I’d clung to for five miserable years, finally ended with my sister’s death.

When I rushed to the hospital, Chloe only had her last breath left. She gently grasped my hand, her face scarred, her body a sight no one should see. “Brother, I’m sorry. In the end, I’m leaving you alone in this world.” “If my call had come a little later than Seraphina’s that day of the earthquake, would your child not have died, and Seraphina wouldn’t hate you?” She brushed away my tears, her eyes gradually reddening. “Brother, don’t cry. It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Chloe was covered with a white sheet and wheeled away. My entire body went limp; I couldn’t stand. My mind was filled with decades of memories of Chloe and me, relying on each other. She was always so understanding. Even at the very end, she was comforting me. “Asher, what are you doing here?” A sudden startled voice. Jax was standing around the corner, a small bandage on his hand, looking at me with a wicked grin. He was the college guy my wife had started dating, and the culprit who killed my sister. The emotions churning inside me could no longer be suppressed. I lunged forward, grabbing his collar. Just as my fist was about to land, Seraphina rushed out from the side and slapped me across the face. She was furious. “You actually dared to stalk me?” My head was knocked to the side, my face burning. I looked at her in disbelief. “Don’t you know why I’m here today?” Seraphina straightened Jax’s collar, not even looking up. “Asher, this is a hospital. What else could you be doing here besides stalking me?” The pain made it hard to breathe; my chest felt terribly tight. Words squeezed out of my throat, “I wasn’t stalking you. I came to the hospital to see my sister one last time.” “My sister was killed by this animal!” I pointed at Jax and roared, but he fearfully hid behind Seraphina. His eyes welled up slightly. “Sister, he says I hurt someone? How could I…” Seraphina looked at me with even greater disgust. “Asher, I know you hate Jax, but you can’t just say things like that!” I looked at this woman, who I’d spent eight years with, feeling utterly heartbroken. Jax, standing behind Seraphina, shot me a triumphant look. I pointed at Jax and said, “You say he didn’t kill my sister? Then where did the wound on his arm come from?” “I saw the video. When he was forcing my sister, she resisted and bit him. Does he dare to show me the wound?” A flicker of emotion crossed Seraphina’s face. Then, her gaze darted towards Jax’s arm. Two seconds of silence later, a cold chuckle escaped her throat. “Asher, with your sister’s stick-thin figure, you think Jax would even look at her?” I froze, unable to react. Jax was the first to smirk. “Yeah, Seraphina. Chloe? Even if she stripped naked and stood in front of me, I wouldn’t give her a second glance. Force her? Please.” “Asher, you really put your sister on a pedestal, don’t you?” Seraphina’s eyes hardened with coldness. “He’s always doted on his sister, so it’s normal for him to put her on a pedestal.” My fists clenched, burning with rage. “Seraphina, she called you ‘sister-in-law’ for eight years, she was so genuinely good to you! How could you say that about her?” All pretense on Seraphina’s face cracked, replaced by intense disgust. “Good to me? Being good to me meant calling you to save her when the earthquake hit, which made me lose my child!” “Don’t forget that you and your sister are the reason I can never conceive again! How dare you say she was good to me?!” A lump caught in my throat. I pressed my lips together for a long moment and said, “Seraphina, I’ve told you many times, Chloe called before the earthquake started. The earthquake happened when we were together. After it hit, we rushed back as fast as we could.” “Chloe and I clawed through the rubble all night just to find you. My fingerprints were almost gone. You’ve suffered all these years, but so have we!” A flicker of hesitation crossed Seraphina’s face.

But the next second, I heard Jax casually interject, “But Chloe studies piano. If her hands were injured, how could she have gotten even better these past few years?” Seraphina instantly looked at me. “Not a single word you two siblings say is true!” “You’re all lying to me. You deliberately caused my child’s death, and now you want to clear your names? Don’t even think about it!” “Never mind if she dies, even if she really dies! I’d throw a huge party to celebrate.” I shivered, almost collapsing to my knees. My heart felt like it was being squeezed, the pain suffocating. My voice barely a whisper, “Then go ahead and celebrate. She really is dead. Killed by your little boyfriend.” At my words, Seraphina lost her temper. She lunged forward and viciously kicked my knee. That knee had an old injury from years ago, from kneeling and searching for her in the rubble. Now, any force would make it throb with pain. I fell to the ground. Seraphina froze, not reacting immediately. The next second, her face was filled with contempt. She looked at me coldly, “Asher, I barely touched you, and you’re already on your knees playing the victim? A grown man pulling this pathetic stunt, isn’t that disgusting?” Jax walked up, a mocking smile on his face. “Maybe Asher just loves Seraphina too much, always trying to get her attention with all sorts of tricks, even using his own sister’s life.” I lay on the ground, my knee throbbing. It felt like blood was slowly seeping from the old wound. I managed a bitter laugh. “I’m not lying. He knows better than anyone where the wound on his arm came from.” “Jax, do you dare to show the wound? Prove that it wasn’t my sister who left it there!” Jax’s eyes darted around in panic. He grabbed Seraphina’s arm. His frightened reaction only confirmed my suspicion. “Jax, am I the one lying, or are you?” Seraphina frowned, looking at the frantic Jax. She felt a strange curiosity. She tilted her head and asked softly, “Where did your injury really come from?” Jax’s eyes were slightly red, his thin lips pressed together again and again, still unwilling to speak. He looked wronged and helpless. Seraphina immediately grew suspicious. She grabbed his arm. “Don’t be afraid, tell me, and I’ll back you up!” Jax clenched his fist, looking troubled. “But my wound was just bandaged. If I forcefully remove it, it’ll need to be re-bandaged later. It hurts so much.” Hearing this, Seraphina frowned tightly. “Why should Jax suffer just because of your few words? What if his injury wasn’t caused by your sister?” I forced myself up. “What do you want?” Jax lowered his head, revealing a mischievous smirk. “If it wasn’t Chloe who left it, then Asher can kneel and apologize to me.” A single sentence brought the entire corridor to silence. My palms trembled, but Seraphina was only quiet for a second before nodding in agreement. “Fine, after all, Asher, you’re accusing Jax of murder. That’s no small matter.” “Kneeling and apologizing isn’t too much.” “Now you have no turning back. Even if you regret it and are too afraid to look, you’ll still have to kneel and apologize to Jax, admit you slandered him.” My palms clenched. Humiliation crawled up from my feet. It filled my heart. She had me cornered. Whether I looked or not, I had to kneel and apologize. But if I looked, and the wound was confirmed to be from my sister, then Jax’s guilt for murder would be undeniable. I gritted my teeth and grimly agreed. Seraphina smirked, then prepared to unwrap Jax’s bandage. But as her hand went up, Jax stopped her. He looked hesitant. “Seraphina, after you see it, you can’t get mad.” The smile on Seraphina’s lips froze, somewhat strained. “What’s there to be mad about?” Then she gently unwrapped the bandage. What lay beneath was a fresh, bloody wound. My eyes widened as I looked. I stepped forward. Then suddenly stumbled back, almost losing my balance completely. “No, that’s not right. In that video… I saw everything.” Distraught and helpless, I pulled out my phone and played the video. Chloe’s tortured cries echoed in the corridor. I clearly saw her turn over and bite fiercely into Jax’s arm. Why was the wound on Jax’s arm now not a human bite, but clearly that of a large dog? Jax said pitifully, “Seraphina, I have a big dog, and it bit me today because it wasn’t behaving. You don’t like dogs, so I didn’t want you to know. You won’t blame me, will you…?” Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief. She reached up and ruffled his hair. Right in front of me, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Silly, of course, I won’t blame you. I’m just worried you got bitten.” Then she looked at me with disgust. “Now you’ve seen it, right? Turn off your fake video and kneel and apologize to Jax!” My mind was buzzing, I couldn’t hear anything else she said. I just kept watching the video on my phone again and again. If the video was fake, then what about my sister’s injuries?!

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