Author: Momo Chan

My mom hates me. If it wasn’t for me, my mom and dad wouldn’t have divorced. After she remarried, she was kinder to her stepdaughter than to me. She let her stepdaughter bully me at school, let her carve scars on my back with a knife, and ignored the bloodstains on my clothes. In the end, she even let her take pleasure in setting me on fire. But mom, do you remember how you cried when others bullied me and wanted to stand up for me? Mom, what can I do to make up for my sins and ease your hatred? I got home at nine on Friday night after school. In the large villa, only the living room had any sound. Mom was holding Fiona, watching TV. Both of them were smiling, looking warm and harmonious. I stared at them greedily, unable to remember the warmth of my mom’s embrace. Maybe I stood there too long, so mom turned her head and glanced at me with disgust. I clutched my backpack strap and gathered the courage to speak: “Mom, don’t you want to ask why I’m back so late?” She continued watching TV, ignoring me. My throat tightened, but I stubbornly tried to talk to her even though it felt self-destructive. “Fiona didn’t wait for me after school, she told the driver to leave, and I didn’t have money, so I walked home. It’s 25 kilometers, and my feet hurt.” “Mom, I’m also very hungry. You forgot to give me money last week. I borrowed from classmates to get by. Could you not forget next time…” “Slap!” Before I could finish, mom slapped me. My cheek stung with pain. Dizzy, I nearly fell, and the pain in my stomach sharpened. I was too hungry and too tired. Embarrassed to borrow too much, I had only eaten one meal a day for a week, going to bed hungry every night, my stomach in knots. I looked up through blurred, tear-filled eyes at my mom’s beautiful face. “Adeline, are you blaming me or Fiona?” I bit my lip, not answering. Maybe I did resent Fiona, but I didn’t dare to blame mom. I had no right. Mom seemed to see what I was thinking. She looked down at me. “You have no right to blame me or Fiona. Your food, clothing, shelter, and tuition are all paid by her dad, my husband.” “Even your biological father didn’t want you, and I was willing to take you in. Fiona’s family accepted you, and you should learn to be grateful.” Fiona consoled her with a smile, “Alright, mom, don’t be angry.” She turned to me and apologized perfunctorily, “Adeline, I forgot to wait for you after school. I’ll remember next time.” “Didn’t you say you’re hungry? Go to the kitchen and eat.” I silently put down my backpack and went to the kitchen. As expected, there was nothing but leftovers. Fiona and mom had already eaten, and the rule for the housekeeper in Fiona’s family was to only buy fresh ingredients for the day, even for fruits and eggs. The fridge was empty except for a few bottles of cold water. I took one, downed half of it. Luckily, today’s trash bag was relatively clean, so I ate some leftover food from it. If I wake up early tomorrow, I can catch a freshly made, hot breakfast. It’s okay, it’s okay, Adeline. I silently cried while washing my hands, returned to the living room, and picked up my backpack. “Mom, I’m going upstairs.” Mom didn’t spare me a glance.

After returning to my room, I did some homework. Fiona pushed the door open and came in. Alone with her, I instinctively felt fear and shrank back. “What do you want?” Fiona smiled and slapped me, then nodded in satisfaction. “Hmm, now it matches the slap your mom gave you.” “Adeline, you’re getting bold, complaining about me to your mom right in front of me. Do you think she’ll care about you?” She took a lighter from her pocket, gripping my arm, dragging out her words slowly. “She’d be happier if you suffered.” “Ah!” The flame from the lighter burned into the inside of my arm, leaving scars of varying sizes. Fiona moved the lighter with interest, as if she were leisurely eating barbecue. “Don’t move. Otherwise, you’ll suffer more, and your mom won’t be happy if she finds out.” I screamed, crying with tears streaming down my face: “Mom, mom, save me…” I heard mom’s footsteps coming upstairs. I saw her standing outside the door. I met her eyes and begged her. “Mom, save me.” She looked away, passed my room, and went back to her own room. I heard the door open and close, smelling the scent of burning flesh. I could only kneel on the ground, begging Fiona to let me go. She kicked me, “Still dare to complain? You’re living in my house. Why can’t you learn to bow your head?” I shook my head desperately, “I won’t complain anymore. I won’t.” She seemed bored, clicking her tongue, “But if you don’t complain, what excuse do I have to bully you?” “Why don’t you keep complaining? It doesn’t matter if you do. Oh, right, you even had the nerve to ask your mom for help. Can’t you understand human language?” Fiona took out a sharp art knife from her pocket, eager to try it out. My face went pale, and I asked her to wait, then took off my uniform. “I have to wear it tomorrow.” She giggled, “Adeline, you’re really something.” As she spoke, her hands didn’t stop, the knife cutting from my shoulder blade down to my waist. I once looked in the mirror and saw my back covered with thin, long red lines. I gritted my teeth to bear the pain. When Fiona was done playing, I was drenched in cold sweat, lying on the floor, breathing heavily. Fiona left the room. I found the medical kit, skillfully applied medicine to myself, then climbed into bed. I felt cold, then hot, tightly wrapping myself in the blanket. Half-asleep, I heard mom’s voice. It was from before she and dad divorced when we were a complete family. Her voice was gentle. “Adeline, Adeline, you’re mommy’s treasure. Mommy loves you so much…”

The next day, I got up late. When I groggily went downstairs, Fiona and mom had already finished breakfast. The maid was about to throw away the leftovers, and I rushed to stop her. “Sorry, leave it for me. I’ll wash the dishes after.” The maid gave me a complicated look that made my face burn with shame, but I had to force a smile. She left the dishes for me, saying before she left, “There’s a boiled egg in the pot that no one ate, you can have it.” I was grateful for this bit of kindness and ate the boiled egg clean. After breakfast, there was still work to do. Mom might forget to give me living expenses next week, so I needed to earn some money myself and pay back my classmates. Yesterday, on my way back, I saw an old lady collecting drink bottles, saying they were fetching a nice price lately. I planned to try collecting some too. I found a plastic bag and went out. Just after rummaging through half a garbage can, it started to rain. The rain stung the wounds on my back, and I had to find shelter under an eave. The door of the villa behind opened, and someone came out. I was about to apologize and find another place to shelter when I recognized a familiar face. “Class president?” Ezra frowned, “Adeline, why are you here?” “I, I live here.” Ezra’s tone was doubtful, “Your house is here?” I kept my head down, unsure how to answer. Technically, I wasn’t part of Fiona’s family, just benefiting from my mom. He saw I didn’t respond and didn’t ask further, placing the trash he was holding at the door. Then he looked up, and his expression changed. “Adeline, what’s wrong with your back?” I hurriedly reached to touch it, finding faint red on my hand, likely from the wound reopening. “It’s nothing, I’m fine…” I said, trying to leave, but I felt dizzy and fell. When I woke up, I was lying in my bedroom, Fiona sitting by my bed. “You have a fever. Ezra brought you back. Adeline, how are you so lucky?” I shivered, in trouble. How could I forget that Fiona liked Ezra? Before, a girl from another class gave Ezra a love letter. Even though he rejected it, Fiona had someone corner the girl in the bathroom to teach her a lesson. Now that Ezra personally brought me back, what would Fiona do? Fiona crossed her arms, expressionless. “Ezra also asked about your back. I said maybe you accidentally hurt it. I don’t know if he believed me—Adeline, are you pretending to be pitiful in front of him, or do you want to expose me to him?” “I didn’t mean that, definitely not.” I tried to explain, to prove my innocence, but Fiona sneered and walked away. She didn’t immediately trouble me, making me even more anxious. Yet I couldn’t worry about that now. I was dizzy from the fever, and there was no fever medicine in the kit. I could only add an extra blanket and sweat it out, also realizing the bag of bottles I collected was gone, making today’s efforts futile, feeling desperate.

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My company needed someone to go abroad to assist a branch office, and my father, the chairman, wanted my younger sister and me to draw lots to decide. Before Dad could hand me the slip, I exclaimed, “Dad, I’ll go abroad! Let Nora stay here!” In my previous life, I was engaged to Jasper, the heir of Jasper Corporation. After drawing lots to stay in the country, I married Jasper. Unexpectedly, my sister went abroad, and within a year, she was assaulted by a homeless man one night on the street and later chose to end her life by slitting her wrists. Before her death, she left a message for Jasper, claiming I manipulated the draw to avoid going abroad. From then on, Jasper resented me, and I realized my husband had always loved my sister. He deceived me into going to the street where the incident occurred under the pretense of a trip abroad, beat me, and forced me to kneel to atone to my sister. “If you hadn’t interfered with the draw, how would Nora have been assaulted? Why wasn’t it you who died?” He cursed me with fury, venting all his anger on me. He even spent a lot of money bribing that homeless man to strip me and humiliate me publicly. “You love manipulating so much? I’ll make you feel the pain Nora felt.” What he didn’t know was that I was already pregnant with his child. I pleaded with him to let me go, but he watched as the homeless man humiliated me, ordered my limbs to be broken, and eventually, I died from massive bleeding. Reborn, I decisively abandoned everything in the country, fulfilling the desires of Jasper and Nora, those two betrayers. …

When I announced I wanted to go abroad to assist, Dad and Mom looked at me in shock. “Cora, have you really thought this through? What about your engagement with the Jiang family? Don’t you love Jasper from the Jiang family?” I swallowed hard, recalling the pain of having my limbs broken. “Dad, I’ve decided to go abroad to help. As for the engagement, let my sister and Jasper decide. I’m not marrying him.” Mom stared at me, seemingly trying to discern something from my eyes. Seeing the determination in my eyes, she sighed and finally agreed to my request. Just as I turned to pack my luggage, there was a hurried knock at the door. Jasper rushed in like a madman and hugged Nora. His eyes were red, and he was panting heavily. “Thank God, I made it in time,” Jasper murmured to himself, holding Nora even tighter. After a long silence, he let go of Nora and turned to Mom. “Auntie, the one I love isn’t Cora but Nora. We’ve already pledged our lives to each other!” He knelt, eyes moist, looking at Dad and Mom. “Please, Auntie and Uncle, let us be. Annul my engagement with Cora and betroth me to Nora.” I froze for a moment. It seemed Jasper was also reborn. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to calm down. “Jasper…” I was about to tell him I wanted to break off the engagement when he interrupted me. “Cora, I’d never marry a woman like you! If I can’t marry Nora, I’d rather remain single forever!” His face twisted with anger, yelling at me. He looked just like he did in the past life, crazily seeking revenge on me. I shrank back, and Mom stepped forward to gently hold me. “Jasper, calm down. Cora already said she wants to go abroad to help. Since you and Nora are in love, prepare to marry her then!” Dad patted Jasper’s shoulder and spoke in a deep voice. Jasper was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with wild joy. He excitedly kissed Nora. “Thank you, Uncle, for allowing this. Nora, we can finally be together.” Even though I knew what kind of person he was, my heart still ached. Jasper held Nora’s hand and left the house to discuss wedding plans. After they left, Mom and Dad were about to head back to their rooms to continue working, but I stopped them. “Mom, Dad, this time I’m going abroad, I plan to live there long term. I won’t come back unless necessary.” Mom looked back at me, and she came forward to pat my back. “Child, I know, you’ve been wronged.” “If that’s what you want, then go. Mom and Dad will always support you!”

Mom and Dad were always like this, unconditionally supporting their daughter. I knew that because I was more obedient and sensible than Nora, they favored me. In the previous life, they knew I admired Jasper for a long time and deliberately let me stay in the country to marry him. I went to the mall near home to buy some things I’d need abroad. I happened to run into Jasper and Nora picking out a wedding dress. Nora excitedly compared the most expensive wedding dress against herself. In the previous life, I also wanted this wedding dress, but Jasper refused. “Cora, I want something low-key. This dress is too flashy, and it’s only worn once, there’s no need.” Now, he bought that wedding dress without hesitation. Turns out the difference between love and not loving is this obvious! I was about to turn to leave when Nora’s sharp eyes caught sight of me, and she called out. “Sis, you’re here at the mall too!” She walked towards me holding Jasper’s hand, her face brimming with happiness. “Our wedding is set for three days from now. The master said it’s a lucky day. Sis, you must come to our wedding! Without your blessing, my wedding wouldn’t be perfect.” “I have to pack for my trip abroad, my flight is booked for tomorrow. I’m afraid…” “Since Nora asked, you better be there on time.” “I know you’re also reborn. If you’re not there that day, I’ll kill Whiskers. Make it suffer the same fate as you did in your past life.” Jasper leaned in, threatening me harshly in my ear. My body shuddered. Whiskers is my little cat, a gift from Aunt Genevieve before she passed away. Back then, Mom and Dad were always busy with work, while Aunt Genevieve pampered me like her own daughter. After Aunt Genevieve’s death, I often held Whiskers and secretly missed her. Filled with resentment, I nodded. As I turned to leave, Nora grabbed my hand. “Sis, since I’m the daughter-in-law of the Jiang family, the jade pendant around your neck…” It was the last keepsake Aunt Genevieve gave me before she passed, acknowledging me as her goddaughter, and she personally put it on me for protection. Nora smiled slyly at the jade on my neck. I glared, “This was a gift from Aunt Genevieve, not a Jiang family heirloom, there’s no need…” “Nora, I can buy you ten or eight of such jade pendants, no need for this one. I have plenty at home.” Jasper replied softly to Nora. “Sis, Aunt Genevieve’s jade pendant was meant for her daughter-in-law. Are you mad at me for taking Jasper? I’m sorry, sis.” Nora’s eyes immediately filled with tears, and she looked pitifully wronged. Jasper by her side immediately frowned with concern, patting Nora’s head. “My mom’s jade pendant is for my future wife. Take it off!” Facing Jasper’s fierce gaze, memories of him forcing me to kneel and apologize flashed back. The shadows of the past haunted me, I didn’t dare refuse him. I could only shakily remove the pendant and hand it to Nora. A sly glint passed through her eyes, and as she took the pendant, she suddenly let it slip. I instinctively tried to catch it, but it shattered on the ground. The pendant broke into pieces, and I couldn’t help but squat down, sobbing quietly. Nora pouted in a tea-like manner, “Sis, I know you hate me. If you really want to marry Jasper, I can go abroad instead. For the family business and your love, I can give up everything here!” “But… but why did you break the pendant? It was Aunt Genevieve’s keepsake! It’s Jasper’s only memory of her!” She loudly lamented her grievance, attracting the attention of passersby, and soon we were surrounded by a crowd. “This woman is so vile, breaking the pendant and trying to steal her sister’s fiancé, shameless.” “Someone like her should be executed, all her education wasted.” “Exactly, people like her pollute the air just by living. That was a keepsake!” “Eyeing her sister’s husband is a disgrace to women.” The piercing curses and mockery from the crowd reached me, and I silently picked up the pendant pieces with a handkerchief. I caught a glimpse of Nora’s smug smile towards me. Jasper, with a sullen face, approached and leaned down, giving me a hard slap. He gripped my chin, warning me. “Don’t try any tricks again, haven’t given up yet, Cora? Still want to taste being beaten and humiliated to death?” Jasper shoved me aside, holding Nora as they left. I covered my swollen face, clutching the broken pieces of the pendant tightly until my hand began to bleed, staining the handkerchief with bright red blood. I carefully wrapped the pieces, whispering to myself. “Sorry, Aunt Genevieve, I broke my promise.”

By the time I got home, it was late. Mom, Dad, and my sister were gathered around the dining table, eating. Jasper was there too. I went straight to my room to tend to my wounds. By the time I finished, Mom and Dad had already left after dinner. Jasper sat on the living room sofa, playing with his phone. Only Nora remained, smiling wickedly. “Sis, come eat! We saved food for you, it won’t taste good if it gets cold!” With that, she pushed a big plate of meat in front of me. I carefully wrapped up the shards, whispering softly to myself. “Sorry, Aunt Genevieve, I’ve broken my promise.” 3 It was late when I finally got home. My parents and sister were at the dining table having dinner, and Jasper was present as well. I headed straight to my room to treat my wound. By the time I was done, my parents had already left the table. Jasper was on the couch in the living room, absorbed in his phone. Only Nora remained, with a mischievous grin on her face. “Sis, come eat! We saved some food for you. If you wait any longer, it’ll get cold and not taste as good!” With that, she pushed a large plate of meat toward me. I picked up a piece and took a bite. The taste was odd; I couldn’t determine what kind of meat it was. Noticing the sinister smile in Nora’s eyes, realization hit me like a flash. “Whiskers! Whiskers!” Normally, Whiskers would be at my side as soon as I got home, but today, there was no sign of the cat. I began searching frantically for Whiskers. Nora chuckled and pointed at the meat in front of me. “Don’t bother looking, sis. Isn’t your Whiskers right there in front of you?” A wave of darkness washed over me. I stuck my fingers down my throat and vomited. “Oh dear sister, I’m just sad you’re heading abroad. The food there won’t match up to home-cooked meals. Anyway, that animal was of no use. I personally cooked this tasty meal for you to remind you of home.” Her laughter echoed with triumph as she took the plate of meat. I clenched my teeth, and after a moment, my anger burst forth. I punched Nora. “Nora! Why? I’ve given you everything, so why do this to me? What did Whiskers ever do to you?” Nora held her face, screaming hysterically. “How dare you ask why? Don’t think I don’t know that in our past life, Mom and Dad favored you and made sure I was sent abroad.” “Do you have any idea how much I suffered in my previous life? A vagrant followed me home and abused me day and night.” “I had to serve him just to survive. And you? You were living comfortably back home!” “Sis, it’s your turn this time to endure everything. I want you to feel the pain I went through and ruin everything you have.” I was in disbelief, shaking my head with difficulty holding back my emotions. “So… you’ve been reborn too. Then you must know how Jasper tormented me in our past life and how I died.” “I didn’t know you would face such things abroad. If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you go. Tell me, what did you say to Jasper back then?” I clutched my heart in agony, while Nora’s smile twisted grotesquely. “Stop pretending to be a saint, Cora. Your hypocrisy makes me sick.” “As for what I said, finish the dinner I made for you, and I’ll tell you.” She picked up the steaming plate of meat and approached me. She glanced at Jasper in the living room, her eyes gleaming with calculation, and let out a wicked laugh. Suddenly, she staggered backward, and the plate of meat spilled onto her, scalding her skin red. As I stood there in shock, Jasper rushed over, slapping me twice before kicking me to the ground. My ears rang, and my cheeks swelled rapidly. Jasper didn’t waste time scolding me; he just picked up Nora and ran cold water over her arms to soothe the burns. Nora whimpered and cried, while Jasper gently comforted her. I lay on the ground, unable to hear anything. After tending to Nora, Jasper walked over to me, grabbed me by the hair, and slapped me repeatedly like a madman. I was in so much pain I nearly passed out, unable to fight back. All I saw when I closed my eyes was Jasper’s ruthless demeanor before my death in our past life. Maybe it would be better to just die. Jasper seemed to tire of hitting me and tossed me aside, panting heavily. “Let me warn you again: don’t make me kill you a second time. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you can’t live or die!”

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I was at the engagement party with my childhood sweetheart, Jasper, when my foster sister burst into the hall, crying that she’d miscarry without him. She claimed Jasper got drunk, entered the wrong room, and mistook her for me, taking her again and again. Jasper was flustered, and the gentle hand that was on Phoebe’s shoulder fell away: “Adeline, let me explain!” I looked at the champagne roses filling the hall, removed my ring, and clapped: “The trash can is out the door on the left.” The whole room erupted, and Phoebe bit her lip as tears streamed down her face. The bodyguards quickly came forward to escort her out. They didn’t know that after they had plotted to kill my parents, seized the property, and poisoned me, I was reborn. Reborn to the engagement party where none of it had happened yet. “Sister!” Phoebe screamed and struggled. “I didn’t mean to… Jasper was drunk and mistook me for you.” … She spoke, deliberately revealing the ambiguous red marks on her neck. I felt a wave of nausea and my fingertips dug into my palms. A few hours earlier, I’d woken up in the lounge, with my whole being in a daze. The last moments before my death kept replaying in my mind. I was forced to drink poison, my insides felt like they were pierced by a thousand steel needles. I fell to the ground, seeing Phoebe holding Jasper’s arm, looking down on me with a smile. “Sister, rest in peace.” Phoebe caressed her slightly swollen belly. “Jasper and I will take good care of the Anderson family.” My vision blurred and finally fixed on the news of my parents’ tragic deaths— “Anderson Corporation’s chairman and wife die in a car crash, only daughter Adeline suffers a mental breakdown…” All these past events made my head spin. The two people I trusted most, my childhood sweetheart and my sister, both betrayed me. “Adeline? Adeline!” A familiar voice snapped me back to reality, and behind me was my worried mother. “Why are you daydreaming before your engagement?” My mother adjusted my diamond necklace, “The Harris Family is all here.” I looked at everything familiar in the hall, things I had personally arranged for Jasper. In hindsight, it was truly ironic. The banquet hall was resplendent, and Jasper, in a white suit, was gracefully accepting blessings. A hint of amazement flashed in his eyes. “Adeline, you look beautiful today.” I looked at the face I used to be infatuated with, feeling a surge in my stomach: “Mr. Harris.” I subtly avoided his outstretched hand, “The emcee is calling us.” Jasper’s expression froze for a moment, then he raised a smile: “Adeline, there’s no need to be distant. After today, we’ll be the closest of people.” I secretly smiled. 3, 2, 1… I silently counted down, anticipating the upcoming drama. Sure enough, halfway through the engagement ceremony, the doors to the banquet hall were suddenly flung open. My sister stumbled in, her dress neckline torn half open, and rushed straight to Jasper. “Jasper, how could you do this to me…” Jasper’s face changed drastically, but instinctively he caught Phoebe, “Phoebe, what are you…” “I can’t go on!” Phoebe screamed hysterically, “Sister, Jasper got drunk last night and, and…” She deliberately let her strap slide down, revealing more marks. The guests’ eyes darted between the three of us, and murmurs filled the room. Mrs. Anderson was the first to lose composure, striding over to Phoebe, her gaze sharp. “Didn’t you say you twisted your ankle and couldn’t attend?” Phoebe sobbed, while Jasper comfortingly wiped her tears away. What a pair of lovers! What a display of uncontrollable emotions! It’s just a pity; one is my fiancé, and the other is my dear sister. I stood still and suddenly laughed. 2 I slowly walked to the emcee’s platform and took the microphone from the bewildered MC. “Everyone, it seems today’s engagement party will have an added show.” “Adeline!” Jasper urgently let go of Phoebe, “Let me explain, I was drunk last night and mistook Phoebe for you…” “Really?” I opened my phone, “Then on the 15th of last month, room 2808 at the Hilton Hotel, did you mistake someone then too?” The large screen suddenly lit up, playing a high-definition video— Jasper was holding Phoebe’s waist as they entered the elevator, kissing eagerly, and Phoebe even provocatively made a V-sign at the camera. The date was clearly displayed: 23 days ago. “No! This can’t be!” Phoebe screamed and lunged at the control panel, then turned to me, “Sister, you misunderstood! It’s fake!” I easily sidestepped and pressed play on the recording pen pinned to my skirt— “Jasper, I don’t want you to marry my sister, when will we…” Phoebe’s voice was sickeningly sweet, and the moans made one’s blood boil. “Don’t worry, she’s not as good as you, really a waste of a pretty face, our Phoebe is better~” “The kind that… can’t be detected.” The moans rose higher and higher, and the children in the room had already been taken away by their elders when the video started. The faint sounds were abruptly cut off. The room was dead silent. “What misunderstanding? That you’re calling me sister while climbing into my fiancé’s bed?” I wanted to laugh out loud. Jasper’s face was ashen: “Adeline, were you monitoring me?” “Monitoring?” I threw the engagement ring at his face, “I was afraid of dying for no reason!” I sneered inside. In my past life, they had imprisoned me in a mental hospital, forcing me to listen to this pair of scum flaunt their deeds. Things like “I had him before your engagement~” Or “We pick a hotel on the 15th of every month~” Or “Even though I promised Jasper to hold back at the engagement party, I just couldn’t help it~” Or “Sister, everything you have is inferior to me~ I want you to live in my shadow forever~” Jasper would only fondly tap Phoebe’s nose while laughing at my drug-induced torment. “You were impulsive at the engagement party, but fortunately, we convinced Mrs. Anderson to switch people on the spot.” “Indeed, who cares about alliances in the face of benefits, honey, luckily it was you~” The two shamelessly performed their live show in front of me, and just recalling it made me sick. “Trash matches scum, I wish you both an eternal bond.” By this time, my mother was already furious, and my father swung his fist at Jasper’s head. “I gave you face and you want to sleep with my precious one!” Jasper was so frightened by the fierce punch that he instinctively dodged. My father, even angrier, grabbed his collar and punched him again. Tears welled up in my eyes, not everything is about interests. My parents weren’t. It was they who wanted to estrange me from my parents before I died. In my past life, I was enraged by Phoebe’s act of snatching my fiancé, and the mocking and ridiculing eyes from so many people. Having always been smooth sailing, I covered my face and went to the bathroom to fix my makeup. My pride wouldn’t allow me to want something used, even if… This person was my beloved childhood sweetheart. But I fainted in the bathroom and woke up to be told the engagement party was over. The alliance partner was not me. The engagement party, broadcast live, had me mocked to no end. Comments like “Anderson’s young lady is nothing special” were unbearable. My mother visited once when I first woke up. “Adeline, Jasper is not your soulmate.” My conversation with my parents ended with that sentence. Afterwards, there was no word from them. Watching my parents rage and beating Phoebe and Jasper, I suddenly understood. It was their scheme. This time, I didn’t play into their hands, didn’t beg, didn’t plead, and didn’t have any ridiculous infatuation. 3 “Adeline, trust me once! I really know I’m wrong!” Jasper, being beaten, desperately grabbed my hand, his face bruised and swollen, pleading with me. The Harris family also realized what was happening and began to urge me. I knew I was susceptible to this. My usually gentle and elegant parents had their lips tightly pressed; they knew I liked Jasper, liked him dearly. They feared I would soften and plead. I raised my lips and slapped him backhanded. “Slap!” The crisp sound echoed throughout the banquet hall. Jasper’s face turned to the side, and another red mark appeared on his face. “Jasper, Mr. Harris,” I sneered, shaking off my numb hand, “Do you think I’m still as stupid as before?” I took out my phone and pulled up the bank statements: “In the past three months, what you’ve embezzled from Anderson Corporation…” “Adeline!” Several voices drowned out my next words. Luke Aiden’s rebuke, Jasper’s interruption, and Phoebe’s shame and anger. Luke Aiden was the first to react, slamming the table and questioning: “Adeline! Are you trying to ruin the cooperation between our two families?” I paused for a moment, and Luke Aiden was satisfied with my reaction, bringing all the business pressure onto me. “Miss Anderson,” Luke Aiden’s face was dark, his voice low, “It’s normal for young people to have conflicts, why be so aggressive?” Jasper understood, limping to turn off the screen, then confessing. “Adeline, today is our engagement day, I know I’m wrong, give me another chance.” The face Jasper wore made me sick. My mind whirled, my gaze meeting my mother’s wink. A childhood signal, whenever this happened, my father would lose the game. I smiled inside, my parents were supporting me. They wanted to see my performance, they were willing to back me up. I had a plan, and instead of looking at Jasper, I stared directly at Luke Aiden. “Uncle Aiden, your son slept with my foster sister, and you call this ‘a little conflict’?” Jasper limped over to switch off the big screen, then turned to seek forgiveness. “Adeline, it’s our engagement day. I realize my mistake. Please give me another chance.” Jasper’s face was truly unpleasant to behold. My mind was racing, and I caught my mother giving me a knowing wink. It was a childhood signal. Every time this happened, my father would inevitably lose the game. I smiled inwardly; my parents were backing me. They wanted me to succeed, and they were ready to support me. Resolute, I ignored Jasper and addressed Mr. Harris directly. “Uncle Harris, your son slept with my foster sister, and you call that ‘a minor disagreement’?” Mr. Harris’s expression grew even darker. “Jasper made a mistake any man might make, but the cooperation between Anderson Corporation and the Harris Family cannot stop. Does your father know you’re causing such a scene today?” He was trying to intimidate me. I was well-acquainted with Mr. Harris’s tactics. In my previous life, he was the one who orchestrated the downfall of the Anderson Family, step by step. “Uncle Harris,” I put on an innocent facade, “I just want some fairness.” “Fairness?” Mr. Harris sneered, turning to my father, whose clothes were slightly rumpled. “Mr. Anderson, don’t forget, the project in the west of the city is still under my control.” He left the sentence unfinished, but I understood, as did everyone present. It was my father’s most crucial project recently, with a significant part of Anderson Corporation’s funds invested. “And also, last month’s loan, the approval materials seem to have some issues…” My heart sank heavily. So, the Harris Family had started laying the groundwork this early. Mr. Harris, seeing his point made, signaled for Jasper to approach and take my hand. “Get away! Uncle Harris, are you threatening me?” “Adeline! You don’t…” Jasper protested. “Ha.” My mother, who had been silent, chuckled and clapped. “What a show, truly a farce. Adeline, come to your mother.” I smiled and lifted my dress as I headed toward my mom. My mother was a strong woman, with a sharp eye, and she naturally saw through the Harris Family’s intentions. She never thought much of Jasper’s weak methods, and this time it was beyond her expectations. “Mr. Harris, are you threatening the Anderson and Yin Families?” My mother was from the Yin Family, a clan that had remained hidden from the world, and today they sent her to congratulate her granddaughter’s wedding. Since she married my father, she had never suffered such humiliation. She elegantly curved her lips, her eyes filled with coldness. “Young Mr. Harris, my Adeline has never owed you anything, but you… are ungrateful.” “Phoebe, come here.” Caught off guard, Phoebe trembled as she was brought forward. Watching this scene, I felt truly delighted. I didn’t mind my parents taking it out on them. It would be best if this pair were locked away forever. “Mom.” Phoebe’s pitiful voice sounded, and I clearly saw Jasper’s eyes avoidantly shifting. “Call me aunt, I have only one daughter.” My mother mercilessly stripped away this layer of pretense. She could love Phoebe, but Phoebe couldn’t take it for granted. After all, Phoebe had always vaguely hinted at Mrs. Anderson’s affection for her. “Tell me, was it Adeline who slandered you on the 15th of last month?” Before Phoebe could speak, my mother turned to Jasper. “And you, tell me, where was the mistake in this matter?” Jasper’s lips moved but he didn’t speak, and I chuckled lightly. How poor my judgment must have been to like this person for over ten years. Phoebe couldn’t sit still. She knew her parents’ personalities too well, they were resolute and clear in their likes and dislikes. Without my mother’s affection, she feared she wouldn’t survive till tomorrow, with her father being so spineless. “Auntie, I know I wronged my sister, but Jasper and I… we truly love each other.” Phoebe looked pitiful, evoking sympathy from several men present. Jasper made his choice, kneeling on the spot and knocking his head twice in front of my parents. “Uncle, Auntie, I’m the one who was foolish, I’m the one who wronged Adeline.” He looked deeply at Phoebe. “I’m sorry to Phoebe, I want to marry her, please Uncle, Auntie, allow it!” I watched this play with amusement, wondering if the new couple could go far without financial support. Phoebe was the daughter of a friend who was abandoned after a friend’s accident. After the accident, my father discussed with my mother to adopt her. Back then, I was full of hope, looking forward to my new sister’s arrival. I remember the first time I saw her, so small and thin, and took her hand. But later, why did it turn into self-destructive pleasing of the other? When did the other gain such control?

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Three years ago, I was kidnapped. Although I was eventually rescued, I developed severe PTSD. Whenever thoughts of the kidnapping surfaced, it felt as if my head was splitting open, and I wished for death. Under Jasper’s attentive care, the wounds in my heart slowly began to heal. To help me transition back to a normal life, he secured a role for me in a film. However, this film included a kidnapping scene, and Jasper argued with the screenwriter to have the script changed. But to maintain the performance’s authenticity, I filmed according to the original script under immense pressure, and in the end, my performance moved everyone present. At the celebration party that night, I overheard Jasper talking to his brother. “Showa, you’re quite ruthless, letting someone who’s actually experienced a kidnapping act in a kidnapping scene?” Jasper responded indifferently, “Since the lead actress is ruined and has to undergo surgery and seek revenge, I naturally have to pave the way for Adeline.” “And thanks for helping me plan the kidnapping; otherwise, Genevieve wouldn’t have delivered such a spectacular performance today. The box office is secure.” I was in a daze and dialed an unknown number, “Director Beckett, I’m willing to be your leading lady…” “By the way, make sure to heavily promote Genevieve’s kidnapping from three years ago. I think many in the audience will buy into that.” “But I want all the box office credit to go to Adeline. I promised her I’d help her win the Golden Horse Best Actress.” Jasper’s brother, Finn, spoke again, “Showa, I never believed in love before. But seeing you willing to sacrifice two years to help Adeline achieve her dream, I’m deeply moved.” “Once you and Adeline are together, what are you going to do with Genevieve?” Jasper replied coldly, “A useless pawn should naturally be discarded.” Every word from Jasper was like a cavalry charge, destroying the hope he had built for me. Finn teased with drunken humor, “Even though Genevieve has become mentally unstable, she’s still a star. She must be quite a treat, right?” Jasper chuckled and licked his lips as if savoring, “Indeed.” I bit my lip hard, my nails digging into my trembling arm. I had once thought of Jasper as the only light in my dark world. But I never imagined that all the darkness in my world was caused by him. Now, he was tearing open my healed wounds again, just to make me a stepping stone for his muse. The phone rang; it was Jasper calling. “Genevieve, are you okay?” His voice was full of tenderness. Had I not overheard the conversation, I would have seen him as my salvation and continued to give willingly for him. But now, just hearing his voice or thinking of his face triggered my PTSD. Curled up on the ground in agony, I pleaded, “Please don’t hit me, I’ll do whatever you want! Please let me go…” “Genevieve? Genevieve?” Jasper’s voice was anxious. I knew he was just worried that my condition would stop me from finishing tomorrow’s final scene, which would delay Adeline. Jasper quickly found me curled up in a corner. “Genevieve.” The moment he touched me, it felt like countless silver needles pierced my skin. I lay on the ground, “Please spare me, I’ll even let you sleep with me…” A trace of disgust showed on Jasper’s lips, but he quickly hid it. He squatted down and held me tightly. “It’s me, Showa! I’ve chased the bad guys away. No one can hurt you now!” Before today, Jasper’s embrace was the best remedy for my psychological trauma. But now, this remedy, full of lies, was poison. Finn also rushed out, “Showa, her condition seems worse than before.” Seeing my nearly insane state, he seemed a bit frightened, “Maybe we should use medication?” “No!” Jasper refused for me. “Those drugs would suppress or even kill her emotions.” I understood what he meant. He was afraid the antidepressants would affect my performance in front of the camera. “Genevieve, you have to be strong! After tomorrow’s final scene, let’s get married.” Upon hearing those words, my symptoms eased a lot. After all, it was my biggest dream besides acting. But back then, Jasper always refused my proposals, citing my career’s rising phase. Now I realize he simply didn’t love me. Just like how he knew I had PTSD from the kidnapping, yet still had me act out a kidnapping scene. To maintain his devoted persona, he even staged a scene with the scriptwriter. Love and lack of love are so obvious; I just chose to ignore it. “After this scene, you won’t act anymore, I’ll take care of you.” He gently placed me in the car as he spoke. “Genevieve, Genevieve…” He called my name twice. I pretended not to answer, and he thought I had fallen asleep and chatted freely with Finn. “Showa, are you really going to marry her? Your sacrifice seems too big.” Jasper smirked, “Do you think her illness is that serious? She’s just pretending to get my attention. It’s just talk anyway, no loss to me.” “But if she insists on staying in the film industry, to protect Adeline’s position, I would choose to marry her and take her away from the industry.” Finn clicked his tongue, “I didn’t expect you to do so much for love.” I held back tears, pinching my thigh to stop them from falling. Once home, Jasper gently laid me on the bed. He tidied the messy hair from my face, then planted a soft kiss on my cheek. His phone rang, and he moved to the door to answer it. Even though the voice on the other end was quiet, I recognized it as Adeline’s. I couldn’t hear what she said, but Jasper replied, “Okay, I’ll be right over.” Hearing him leave without hesitation, I finally allowed tears to fall. Now I realized that when he said he was busy before, it was probably because he was with Adeline. I waited for him all night, unaware he was with her. I told myself he wasn’t worth it, but I couldn’t stop the tears. My phone lit up with a message from Jasper. “I have work to do, I’ll pick you up from the set tomorrow.” How thoughtful of him, to send a message to comfort me while with another woman. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, another message came in. “Miss Bai, all the props you wanted are ready. Are you sure you want to act during tomorrow’s shoot?” Without much hesitation, I replied with a simple “Yes.” With that, the heavy stone in my heart began to ease. At dawn, I arrived early at the set. Today, we were shooting an explosion scene. In the past, Jasper would be there to check everything for such dangerous scenes. But with less than an hour until shoot time, he was still absent. I had just finished the final rehearsal when I spotted Adeline’s trailer in the corner. She wasn’t supposed to be on set until tomorrow. Curious, I knocked on the trailer door. A disheveled Jasper answered. “Showa, who is it?” Adeline’s voice, intimate and flushed, came from behind him. Seeing it was me, Jasper hurriedly buttoned his shirt, but soon regained his usual composure. “As an investor, I’m here to discuss the script’s future direction with Adeline.” I forced a smile, “Discussing the script, huh? Shouldn’t I join in for some insights?” “You should rest after your final scene today. You’ve worked hard recently.” Jasper’s tone was as gentle as ever, but Adeline frowned displeased behind him. It has indeed been hard, not just because of his deceit but also pretending nothing’s happened. As I was about to speak, Jasper’s assistant ran over with his work phone. “Mr. Showa, a partner is on the line.” Jasper took the call and patted my head, “Wait for me here, I’ll be back soon.” With that, he stepped out of the trailer. As soon as he left, Adeline approached me smugly. She flipped her hair back, revealing hickeys on her neck. “Miss Bai, your performance yesterday was fantastic. There’s a difference when you have real kidnapping experience!” At the mention of kidnapping, I couldn’t help but shudder. “Really, is it necessary to tear open your wounds for fame and fortune?” Adeline’s words were laced with mockery, stabbing at me like needles. “Curious about my chat with Jasper?” “We were discussing their company’s upcoming global ambassador, and I’m the only candidate!” “In time, the world will know your boyfriend chose his girlfriend’s rival as an ambassador. What will fans think then?” Adeline taunted, brushing her fingers across my cheek. Hearing the word “kidnapping,” I couldn’t help but tremble. “Honestly, is it worth reopening your own wounds just for fame and fortune?” Adeline’s sarcasm felt like sharp thorns trying to pierce through me. “You’re wondering what Jasper and I talked about, aren’t you?” “We discussed their company’s upcoming global ambassador, and I’m the only candidate!” “In time, if the whole world learns your boyfriend chose his girlfriend’s rival as the ambassador, what will fans and followers think?” Adeline touched my cheek provocatively. “Genevieve, you can’t beat me, just accept being my supporting role.” “I hope to see you clapping for me at this year’s Golden Horse Awards Ceremony!” I slapped Adeline’s hand away. “What are you doing?” Jasper walked in just then, catching the scene. He ignored my pain and yanked me off the trailer. Adeline feigned innocence, “Jasper, I was just discussing the script, and she suddenly hit me…” After her grievance, she pretended to be considerate, “Jasper, don’t blame Genevieve, it wasn’t her intention, she just had another episode.” “Genevieve, haven’t I told you, don’t hurt others during an episode, don’t cause trouble!” “If you’re jealous of Adeline’s acting, prove yourself through your work. Being ill isn’t your excuse!” In his anger, Jasper’s facade finally cracked. Seeing his true nature made me nauseous. I stared directly at Jasper, my eyes burning, but no tears fell. I didn’t bother explaining Adeline’s lies. Jasper held my hand tightly, “You must apologize to Adeline!” I looked at him coldly, “Let go, I need to film!” I shook off Jasper’s hand. As I walked away, Jasper shouted behind me, “If you don’t apologize to Adeline, I won’t see you again!” I thought silently, “Jasper, it’s not that you won’t see me, it’s that I don’t want you anymore!” Half an hour later, a massive explosion echoed throughout the film set. Flames shot into the sky accompanied by piercing screams. Jasper, with reddened eyes, rushed to the scene, “Genevieve! Genevieve, where are you?” His cries were drowned out by the approaching sirens. [4] “Genevieve! Genevieve!” The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, fires burned everywhere, but Jasper ignored it all, silently walking toward where I had last stood. “Jasper! It’s dangerous! What are you doing?” The producer on set desperately tried to hold him back. “My fiancée is still in there!” “Fiancée?” The producer was stunned. Despite Jasper’s many rumors over the years, he had never publicly acknowledged a relationship. Now suddenly there’s a fiancée? The producer hesitated and tentatively asked, “Jasper, are you talking about Ms. White?” Hearing my name, Jasper couldn’t hold back his tears. “Genevieve…” “Jasper, it’s dangerous here. The firefighters are here. Maybe Ms. White is okay…” The producer tried to pull Jasper away, but Jasper pushed him aside. “Get out of my way, don’t stop me!” “I need to find my Genevieve!” With that, he recklessly dashed into the fire scene. Fortunately, the explosion was concentrated, not causing a widespread fire. The director frowned at the scene, “How’s the headcount? Any casualties?” “No one was hurt, but… Ms. White is missing…” “Genevieve, where are you? You promised me, don’t leave me…” Firefighters and medical staff had arrived and started emergency rescue operations. Jasper, ignoring everything, rushed toward the explosion center, trying to find me himself. His designer suit was scorched by the flames, his hands covered in wounds, but he didn’t care. “Jasper, calm down!” Staff tried to restrain him, but he broke free. Adeline arrived, shocked at Jasper’s frantic state. “Jasper, are you looking for the hard drive? Don’t worry, the hard drive isn’t damaged. It won’t affect the next shoot!” “Genevieve, Genevieve…” Adeline was puzzled, even a bit gloating, “Why are you looking for her? She doesn’t have any scenes left. If she’s gone, she’s gone…” In the next moment, Jasper slapped her. “Shut up!” Jasper yelled, his eyes full of anger and urgency, “If you dare say another word, I’ll make sure you never work in this industry again!” Adeline covered her face, tears streaming down, unable to believe Jasper hit her for Genevieve. Everyone was stunned by the sudden chaos, the scene was a mess. Jasper had no time for Adeline’s complaints, he continued searching the debris for me. “Genevieve, if anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself…” he choked, his voice full of despair. At that moment, firefighters pulled a figure from the rubble. Jasper’s heart leapt into his throat. He rushed over, only to find it was just a prop dummy blown away by the blast. His hope shattered, he collapsed to the ground. “Genevieve, you can’t die, I won’t allow it…” he repeated, as if praying for a miracle. “Seems like there’s something!” Jasper staggered to his feet, moving forward, he pushed the rescue workers aside. “Genevieve…” But all he found was charred remains, until he saw something glinting. He knelt and dug it out with his hands. Jasper froze when he recognized it; it was the platinum engagement ring I had used countless times to propose to him… “This is Genevieve’s! This is the wedding ring she prepared for me!” He held up the ring, shouting excitedly, completely disregarding any CEO image. “Genevieve must be okay…” “Everyone, help me find her!” The rescue workers exchanged glances, “Mr. Jasper, the melting point of a human is far lower than that of a diamond. At this temperature, a person couldn’t possibly…” “No! No!”

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The day I returned from the refugee camp in Africa, my husband Asher’s mistress, Adeline, discovered she was pregnant. This happened because my mother, who suffers from dementia, ruined their celebration cake. In retaliation, Asher sent her to Adeline’s Unregulated Women’s Etiquette Camp, where she was mistreated, starved, deprived of a bed, and contracted a rare, deadly virus. I knelt in front of him, begging, “Please, I’m pleading with you. My mother has contracted a virus and needs urgent medical attention.” Without even looking up, Asher responded indifferently, “She drugged my father and caused my mother’s death. Sending her to the camp is just a way for her to learn some new skills.” “You don’t have to use her illness to gain sympathy. I know more about the camp than you do.” To save my mother, I was forced to wear revealing clothing and beg on the streets. People laughed and tore at my clothes, mocking, “Mr. Asher must be generous, letting his woman be played with by his friends.” Asher laughed with his mistress, “She’s just an old shoe. Who knows how many gang leaders have been with her? She’s filthy.” Eventually, I decided to fake my death and pursue my dreams elsewhere. Asher went mad, searching the world for any trace of me.

I lay dirty on the ground, my clothes half-torn. An old man nearby leered at me, whistling. “Enjoying the attention? You must love being ogled by men.” Asher’s teasing voice came to my ear. I shivered instinctively, and the rest of my clothes slipped off. Ignoring my dignity, I grabbed his pant leg, crying. “Asher, you promised that if I performed on the street in lingerie, you’d get my mother out of the etiquette camp.” I looked up at him, filled with hope. “Do I have to keep every promise?” Asher’s expression remained indifferent, and my heart sank. “Please, Asher, I’ll do anything…” “Enough. Addie said the camp has the best medical team. There’s no way a virus could spread.” “Your mother seduced my father and caused my mother’s death. Now you’re using her illness for sympathy. You’re both shameless.” His disdainful look drained the last of my strength. Asher was privileged from the start, and I only benefited because my mother worked as a maid for The Asher Family. From the age of three, I was always by Asher’s side. We were the best of friends until the year I turned 18, when my mother and Uncle Asher were caught together. Mrs. Asher couldn’t bear the betrayal and took her life that night. Asher didn’t make a scene; he calmly handled the funeral arrangements. He spent three years establishing himself at Asher Corp. By the time he was 20, he proposed, “Cora, a mother’s debt is paid by her daughter. I want you to stay with me to atone.” I looked at the tearful boy before me, unable to refuse. I softly agreed, “Okay.” But three years ago, on the anniversary of Mrs. Asher’s death, he brought back a woman, waking me from my sleep. “From now on, move to the storage room. The master bedroom is for Addie and me.” “And Addie’s hungry. She wants sweet and sour ribs. Go prepare them.” I stood there, confused. Before I realized what was happening, Asher dragged me out of the bedroom, putting an apron on me. I held back my emotions and served the sweet and sour ribs. But Adeline just took a bite and spat it out. “Asher, this dish is too salty. Is she targeting me on purpose?” Asher’s gaze turned sharp on me, “Why are you standing there? Do it again!” I kept remaking the sweet and sour ribs in the kitchen over and over. Each time, Adeline would take a bite and find fault. I endured the pain, raising my blistered hands from cutting the meat. “Asher, I…” “Enough, shut up. You can’t even handle a small thing.” Asher pulled Adeline into his arms, scolding me. Then he noticed my bleeding hands. The next moment, he pushed Adeline away, panic flashing in his eyes as he ran to me. “Cora, your hands are meant for holding knives.” He gently wiped the blood from my hands with a disinfectant wipe. Just then, Adeline clutched her stomach and screamed for help. “Asher, my stomach hurts…” Asher’s hand slipped in panic, driving the needle into my palm. “Addie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” He anxiously held the screaming Adeline. She sobbed quietly in his arms, “Asher, I’m scared.” Asher glanced at the table, then turned to me. “Cora, I told you the title of Mrs. Asher will always be yours. Why make things hard for Addie?” With that, he signaled the bodyguards, “Feed the remaining sweet and sour ribs to Mrs. Asher.” The bodyguards approached and restrained me. They force-fed me the food like I was a pig. The more I struggled, the more they forced it down. Until I choked on a bone, convulsing, my vision fading as I collapsed. Asher fed an orange slice to Adeline. “Sweetheart, I punished her for you. Does your stomach still hurt?” Adeline provocatively licked Asher’s finger. “Asher, tonight I want to be in your and her bedroom. Is that okay?” Asher’s desire was instantly ignited. He picked Adeline up, and the bedroom lights flickered, mixed with man’s roars and woman’s whimpers. 2 The warmth beneath me pulled me back to reality. I looked up at Asher in panic, “Asher, the baby…” His face darkened, “What baby? Whose baby?” I clutched my aching belly, speaking numbly. “Last month’s incident, did you forget?” My words softened Asher’s expression a bit. He frowned at me, “Even if you seduced me last month when you returned, who knows if the child is a bastard from Africa?” My last hope vanished. “Sister, you’re pregnant with a gang leader’s child and want to use it to bind Asher.” Adeline’s voice was loud, and bystanders all stared at me. The lingerie I wore became a label of promiscuity. I instinctively tried to avoid their gaze. Asher thought I was guilty of being exposed. He roughly grabbed my hair, ripping away my last cover. “Weren’t the gang leaders in Africa enough for you?” I struggled to break free, but my body was weak. Just then, the tablet in my bag fell out. My mother’s pleas and men’s laughter echoed. My blood froze, and I collapsed, screaming desperately. “Please, let my mom go. I’ll do anything.” My pleas didn’t earn any mercy from the old man in the video. He maliciously tied my mom to a pillar. Then he pulled out his belt, beating her crazily. Watching my mom’s naked, scarred body, I lost control, banging my head on the ground before Asher. “Asher, I’m begging you. We were wrong back then.” “But you already took revenge, making mom demented.” “I’ll give up everything, just return my mom.” I kept banging my head until it bled. A strange emotion flickered in Asher’s eyes. He was about to help me up, but Adeline interrupted. “Asher, you’ve been to my camp. How could this happen?” “This is another AI-generated video.” She cried softly, and Asher’s hand retracted. He anxiously comforted Adeline, “Sweetheart, don’t cry. I’ll make Cora apologize.” He turned and kicked me in the stomach, “How dare you slander Addie? Apologize now.” I was thrown against a sanitation facility, its sharp edge piercing my belly. I lay on the ground, bleeding, unable to tell if my heart or body hurt more. The video call continued, and my mom seemed to sense something. She looked at the camera and smiled. I realized something was wrong, frantically shouting. “No, don’t, mom…” The next moment, mom broke free and jumped from the 30th-floor balcony. Time seemed to stand still. I forgot to breathe, and the video call abruptly ended. I went mad, clutching the tablet, laughing and crying. Asher frowned, snatching the tablet and smashing it. “Enough. Crying over an AI-generated video, how ridiculous.” Watching the shattered tablet, I clutched my chest. Overwhelmed by intense pain, I couldn’t hold on, vomiting blood. “No, don’t, Mom…” In the next moment, my mom broke free from the ropes and jumped off the 30th-floor balcony. Time seemed to stand still. I stood there, frozen, unable to breathe. The video call on the tablet cut off abruptly. I clutched the tablet, tears streaming down my face as I alternated between laughter and sobs. Asher furrowed his brows, grabbed the tablet from me, and smashed it onto the ground. “Enough. Crying over an AI-generated video won’t help.” Staring at the shattered tablet, I pressed my hand to my chest. A sharp pain coursed through me, and I couldn’t hold it any longer, coughing up blood. Asher panicked, pushing Adeline aside and lifting me up. “Cora, you can’t even die without my permission.” With the last of my strength, I opened my eyes. “Asher, we’re even now.” 3. When I came to, I was lying in a hospital bed. I glanced outside the ward where Asher was on the phone with Adeline. I smirked bitterly and pulled out my phone to make a call. “I’ve decided. I want to join the International Rescue Station with you.” “And I need you to arrange a fake death service for me.” The man on the phone chuckled. “Alright, leave it to me.” I didn’t say much more, simply sending over my personal information. “Cora, what are you thinking about? The doctor said your miscarriage was due to excessive grief.” “Here, have some porridge. I made it especially for you.” Asher approached, offering a bowl of porridge. I placed my hand on my abdomen, tears falling unbidden. My mom’s body wasn’t even cold yet, and my baby was gone too. The pain in my heart was overwhelming. “Asher, from age three to thirty, we’ve been together long enough.” I didn’t look up to take the porridge, just spoke in a low tone. Asher’s hand holding the porridge shook slightly. He seemed very displeased with my words, gripping my chin angrily. “Cora, don’t be like this. I don’t like it. We can have another child.” “Besides, Addie’s due soon. Once the baby is born, we’ll register it under your name.” Forced to look up at him, I couldn’t say anything. Maybe my gaze was too calm, so Asher let go of me, leaving with just one sentence. “Cora, don’t overthink. Once you’re discharged, we can start trying for another baby.” I laughed, then cried while laughing. Asher was always like this, never understanding what I said, or maybe he just didn’t want to. I said nothing, closing my eyes in exhaustion. The image of my mother jumping off the building kept replaying in my mind. I forced myself to endure the pain and completed the discharge procedures. In an abandoned factory, I found my mother’s body. Looking at her waterlogged, pale form, I could no longer suppress my grief. Ignoring the stench, I cradled her face. In my memory, her kind smile seemed like it was just yesterday. Thunder and lightning roared in the sky, echoing the trembling of my heart. After a long while, I stood in front of Old Mr. Asher, holding my mother’s urn. “Uncle Asher, I can’t fulfill what I promised you.” When Mrs. Asher committed suicide, Old Mr. Asher asked me to hide the truth about her death. He feared Asher couldn’t handle the truth. I wanted to refuse and tell Asher the truth directly. But my mom softened, admitting she had seduced Uncle Asher. Now, because of that well-intentioned lie, she was gone forever. Old Mr. Asher looked at the urn in my hands, regretting and crying. “Cora, it’s Uncle, I’m sorry for you both. Here is twenty percent of Asher Group’s shares, as compensation.” I didn’t refuse, taking the share transfer document and leaving. 4. I returned to The Asher Family, worn out and carrying my mother’s urn. “Since you’re discharged, go make some soup for Addie.” Asher was surprised to see me, then commanded. I looked at him with a mocking smile, “Asher, you can’t control me anymore.” My words left Asher confused, panic flashing in his eyes. “Oh, sis, where did you get that box? Is it a gift for me and the baby?” Imogen’s proud voice rang out as she snatched the urn from my hands. The last thread in my heart snapped, and I lunged at her. “Give me back my stuff.” Imogen shrieked, hiding behind Asher. “West, I just took a worthless box. Sis is so stingy.” Asher frowned, looking at me with a stern voice. “Enough. It’s just a worthless box. Is there a need to fight over it?” “Asher, do you know what’s inside?” I said painfully. But Asher dismissed it with a sneer, “Who cares what’s inside? If Addie likes it, you should give it to her.” My blood froze, and I slapped Asher across the face. “That’s my mom’s urn. Do you understand an urn?” Asher was stunned, disbelief in his eyes as he looked at me. “Cora, you hit me…” His eyes showed a hint of hurt, but I had no energy for more argument. Just as I moved to retrieve the urn, Imogen tossed it into the sewer. “Oh, sorry, sis, my hand slipped.” She turned, looking at me proudly, madness in her eyes. I froze, staring at her face. A fierce hatred surged, beyond my control. “Go to hell.” I lunged at Imogen, choking her. Imogen didn’t expect my boldness, trying to resist. But I pinned her down. “Imogen, I told you I didn’t want to fight you. Why couldn’t you leave me alone?” Seeing I was about to choke Imogen into unconsciousness, Asher finally reacted. He yanked my hair, pulling me off her. “Enough, Cora, are you insane? Claiming a worthless box is an urn.” “A few days ago, I saw your mom at the camp with two new boyfriends. So promiscuous, even with dementia, she can’t stop chasing men.” I broke down, crouching and sobbing, love and hate merging in a flash. I’ve never hated Asher more than at this moment. Not even when he sent me to an African refugee camp on a whim from Imogen. In the camp, I lived a life worse than death. Any man could take advantage of me. I always fantasized Asher would look back at me. But now, that dream shattered. Mom was gone, too. Seeing my extreme sadness, Asher tried to help me up, but Imogen’s pitiful voice interrupted. “West, I think I’m going into labor.” Asher immediately released me. “Addie, don’t be afraid. I’ll get you to the hospital.” In a rush, he picked up the crying Imogen and hurried to the hospital, not forgetting to warn me before leaving. “You better pray Addie and her baby are okay.” I laughed sarcastically. “Then wish her and the baby well!” After composing myself, I retrieved my mom’s urn from the sewer. I calmly packed my things and set fire to what I couldn’t take. Then, with Remy, I boarded a plane to Ireland. Asher sent me a message with a photo of Imogen and the safe baby. “Cora, our future child will be even cuter.” I removed the SIM card and tossed it in the trash. On the other side, holding the baby, Asher felt an inexplicable agitation. After handing the baby to a nurse, he anxiously dialed my number. But all he got was an unconnected message. At that moment, Old Mr. Asher stormed over, slapping Asher hard. “You disgrace, how long will you keep this up?” Asher scoffed, “Did Cora complain to you again?” Old Mr. Asher sighed, closing his eyes in pain. “Asher, things weren’t as you thought. You hurt Cora wrongly.” He handed Asher an agreement, his hands trembling. Asher took it, confused, and glanced at it. The next second, he was stunned, looking at Old Mr. Asher in a panic. “How is this possible? Is Cora conspiring with you to deceive me again?”

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I went against my family’s objections and married the chauffeur’s son. Three years into our marriage, I helped Jude rise to the position of the company’s second-in-command. “Honey, this appointment ceremony is all thanks to you. I’ll love you forever.” He endured harsh trials to marry me, kneeling in the pouring rain for three days and nights, silently enduring my father’s wrath, and shielding me in a car accident, nearly at the cost of his own life. After marriage, he treated me with endless care, just as he always had. I never regretted marrying him. The night before the promotion ceremony, I wanted to surprise him with the news that my father had agreed to give him shares. But I overheard intimate whispers from the study door! Through the crack, I saw it was Cora, the illegitimate daughter, with my husband! “Baby, after tomorrow, the company will be ours. I’ve waited for this day for so long.” “If you hadn’t endured so much to marry Nora, we wouldn’t have what we do today. You’ve worked hard, my dear.” I was in shock, overwhelmed with pain. I couldn’t believe the man I loved was so deceitful! The next day, I personally handed the promotion gift to Jude, and he was stunned on the spot!

“Honey, look at this.” On a rainy night, I changed into a light nightgown and handed the document to Jude, who was still working. “Why aren’t you asleep yet? I have a lot of work tonight; don’t let it disturb your rest.” Jude held me close, not even glancing at the document in my hand, his heart and eyes full of me. “Take a look at what this is.” I gently blocked his attempt to kiss me, nodding towards the text on the table. Jude looked at me curiously, unsure of the little game I was playing. “This is…” Jude’s smile widened, filled with surprise and excitement. “The Vice Chairman’s appointment letter!” Jude exclaimed, almost standing up in excitement, nearly dropping me in the process. “Honey, I love you so much! How did you convince those old fossils?” Jude’s eyes sparkled with joy as he kissed my cheek. “It wasn’t that hard. Although my dad threatened to cut ties with me, blood is thicker than water. Promoting you is also for my own good.” I lowered my eyes, happy for him. Jude is the son of our family’s chauffeur, from a humble background. My dad ordered us to break up, but I defied my whole family and married him. Because of his sincerity, he knelt for days in the rain to marry me, becoming gravely ill and recovering only with difficulty. He also shielded me when my dad raised a stick, leaving scars on his back and nearly breaking his arm. What finally convinced me to marry him was the car accident, where he protected me and was in a coma, his life hanging by a thread. I was hopelessly in love and immediately chose to elope with him, marrying him without hesitation, even if it made me a laughingstock in all of Seattle and a topic of gossip in the business world. As long as I was with Jude, I’d be happy. “You’ve worked hard.” I gently caressed the scar on his arm from saving me, my heart softening. “As long as it’s for you, it’s not hard. I will make Mr. Sullivan see me in a new light and acknowledge me as his son-in-law!” Jude pressed his forehead against mine, holding me tightly. “Honey, this appointment ceremony is all thanks to you. I’ll love you forever.” “Me too.” I replied sweetly, squeezing his hand. After marriage, I used all my business knowledge and natural talent to help him climb to his current position. Everyone said he married me for the Sullivan family’s power and to take over my company, but I didn’t think so. Even though I helped him climb, he treated me as he always did, caring for me tenderly, never frequenting nightlife, and keeping his phone clean, giving me a sense of security. “By the way, Nora, there’s something I’m worried about.” Jude furrowed his brows, seeming troubled. “Just tell me, there’s no need to hide anything between us.” Jude sighed: “Ultimately, it’s because I’m useless. I even have to ask you for help with this. I’m worried that even if I meet the board, I’ll be ostracized because I have no real power or shares. I don’t mind, but I’m afraid they’ll talk about you.” Jude lowered his head in disappointment, showing a dissatisfied look with himself. “I’d like to see who dares to talk. You’re the best. You need to believe in yourself. Mainly, the Sullivan family didn’t agree to our marriage. Even though my dad turns a blind eye to my little moves, this matter of shares isn’t easy to resolve.” I bit my lower lip, feeling worried. “It’s okay, Nora. I’m already content to have you by my side. I’m a man; I must solve these things myself.” After speaking, he groaned in pain, and I quickly massaged his temples. “Is your head hurting again? You’ve been working hard for the company lately.” “It’s not hard. Thinking about how you betrayed your family for me makes me feel guilty. I vowed to make you happy, so these hardships are nothing to me.” Jude looked at me with tender affection. Deep in his emotions, he suddenly kissed me, followed by a storm of passion, leaving me weak all over, unable to lift a finger afterward. “When Mr. Sullivan acknowledges me, we’ll have a child.” Jude gently rubbed my sore waist, flirting in my ear. I blushed, pouting playfully, without responding. The next morning, Jude left for the company early. I was still worried about the shares and planned to swallow my pride and visit the Sullivan family. “You still know how to come back!” As soon as I entered, a teacup was thrown at my feet, water splashing on my skirt. “Dad…” I moved my lips, lowering my head in shame: “I’m your daughter, why can’t I come back?” “Didn’t you say you wanted to cut ties with me to marry that poor boy? What are you doing back here now?” My dad was coughing in anger, and Cora immediately went up to pat his back. Cora is the illegitimate daughter. My mom, kind-hearted, took her in after learning she was gravely ill. For this, my dad always felt guilty towards my mom and me. “Don’t be angry, Dad. Sister came back with good intentions to see you.” Cora was gentle and well-mannered. After I left home, she became deeply favored by my father, always by his side learning the company affairs. “Dad, I came back this time to discuss something with you.” I coldly glanced at Cora, who seemed unwilling to leave. “What do you need from the Sullivan family? How capable are you?” My dad scolded me with a reproachful look. Though he was angry about my involvement with the chauffeur’s son, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon me out of guilt. “I suddenly want to eat Aunt May’s snacks. Cora, please tell Aunt May for me.” I found an excuse to send Cora away. She seemed reluctant but still poured new tea for my dad before leaving. After she left, my dad lowered his gaze to me, quietly waiting for me to state my purpose. “You must have helped Jude successfully join the board, right?” I got straight to the point without any pleasantries. “From the bottom of my heart, I look down on that punk. Letting him join the board is already my mercy. But I’m warning you, if there’s any mistake, you both can get lost!” My dad said harshly, but there was no hatred in his eyes. “I’m here this time also for the board’s matter. I know I’ve been unfilial, unable to make you happy, but Jude truly has the company’s best interests at heart. He’s been devoted to it for three years since we married, so I hope you can put aside your bias and give him a chance.” “What’s your purpose?” My dad abruptly interrupted, his sharp eyes staring at me ominously. “Shares.” I spoke cautiously, watching my dad’s facial changes. As expected, he raised the teacup in his hand, ready to throw it at me. “Unfilial daughter! If you were half as reliable as your sister, I wouldn’t be getting worse! How dare you come back asking for shares!” “Dad, you should know those uncles and aunts on the board aren’t easy to deal with. I’ve worked hard to get Jude to where he is today. Should I let him be bullied? I know you have animosity towards him, but we’re already married. Please, for my and Mom’s sake, help us this once.” I stepped forward, respectfully bowing to my father. “Do you know what you’re saying? You’re giving Sullivan family shares to an outsider! I always suspected that kid had ulterior motives. I don’t know what spell he’s cast on you!” Hearing my mom’s name, my dad’s tone softened a bit. He anxiously tried to dissuade me, hoping I’d come to my senses. “In the three years since marrying him, he’s never wronged me. I know my own heart in these matters, Dad, there’s no need to persuade me anymore. I just want some shares to pave the way for him. I’ll do whatever it takes.” My dad opened his mouth but said nothing, just clenched his fist and slammed it on the table. “Forget it. Some things can’t be taught by others; experience teaches better. I hope you won’t regret it in the future.” My dad took a deep breath, letting out a heavy sigh. Hearing my mom’s name, my dad’s tone softened. He anxiously tried to dissuade me, hoping I’d reconsider. “In the three years I’ve been married to him, he’s never done anything to betray me. I know what I’m doing, Dad, you don’t need to persuade me anymore. I just want some shares. As long as I can smooth the path for him, I’ll do anything.” I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, I clenched my fist and pounded it on the table. “Fine, some lessons can’t be taught by others—only experience can teach them. I hope you won’t regret this in the future.” My dad took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “If you’re determined to be with that young man, then don’t meddle in the company’s affairs anymore. I’ll give you the shares, consider it my way of making amends to you and your mom.” My dad rubbed his temples wearily, showing a pained expression. “Thank you, Dad. I believe Jude will make you proud.” “Leave now, I don’t want to see you anymore.” My dad ordered me out, and everyone in the Sullivan family ignored me. They even whispered behind my back as I passed by. But I was used to all of this. One day, I’d prove to my father that my choice was right. I returned home excitedly with the share transfer document, planning to surprise Jude after work. As soon as I got home, before even changing my clothes, I noticed a pair of high heels at the entryway. They were the ones Jude gifted me. “Why aren’t these shoes on the rack?” I placed them neatly on the shoe rack, thinking I must have been careless and forgot them in my hurry. I didn’t think much of it. Tomorrow was Jude’s inauguration ceremony. I planned to give him the share transfer document as a gift. Imagining his ecstatic expression made me smile sweetly. “Jude, you’re hurting me.” I was about to make a sumptuous dinner for Jude to celebrate when suddenly, I heard faint moaning from upstairs. I was startled. No one should be home at this time. For safety, I grabbed a baseball bat and cautiously went upstairs. The sounds came from the study. The coquettish female voice and deep breathing were unmistakable. I didn’t need to guess what was happening. I gripped the bat tightly, slowly approaching the study door. To my surprise, there was a crack. Peering through, I witnessed a scene that I’d never forget! A man and woman intertwined, moving rhythmically. And the main characters were my husband and Cora!

I froze, my pupils contracting sharply. The scene before me felt like a sledgehammer to my skull, leaving my breath stuck in my throat. I had never seen Jude with such intensity, as if he wanted to consume Cora whole. Cora’s face was flushed, writhing her waist, letting out soft moans of extreme pleasure. My face turned ashen, my lips trembled, devoid of any color. My eyes were empty, like a dried-up well, and the air seemed heavy with despair. How could they be together like this? I asked myself countless times, and each time, my heart ached more, until it hurt so much that my breath tasted of blood. Only then did I realize the scene before me wasn’t a nightmare. I held the bat tightly, trying not to drop it, but my body felt weak, as if unraveling, collapsing to the ground. My nails dug deeply into my palms, blood seeping out without me noticing. “Darling, once tomorrow is over, the company will be ours. I’ve waited for this day for a long time.” “If it weren’t for you enduring the humiliation to marry Nora, we wouldn’t have today. Thank you, my dear.” “As long as I can make you the true heir of the Sullivan family, I’ll do anything. I’ve had enough of being Nora’s dog. I only love you.” “Today, that woman angered Dad over your shares. Dad’s already handed the company over to me. Our scheme to sow discord is really paying off. Soon, they’ll all be under my feet!” In their moment of passion, they laughed heartily, their sweet words interrupted by the sound of kissing. Curled up in the corner, I tugged at my hair, my knuckles turning white, a broken sob escaping my throat. The man I loved deeply was conspiring with an illegitimate daughter to scheme against me and my family! Was his sincerity in marrying me just for Cora? Those scars, those times of enduring humiliation, were they not for me at all? I was filled with hate, but the most painful and despairing thing was that Jude wasn’t wooing me for power, but for another woman! The love that moved me, that I was grateful for, was all for Cora! The one I loved was always the false him, his deep affection was for another woman. I don’t know how I got back to my bedroom, my legs felt like they were filled with lead, dragging me into an abyss. Jude and Cora didn’t stop until dusk, sweaty and laughing, they mocked me as they passed my room. “Good thing Nora isn’t home, otherwise how would we have such a pleasant afternoon.” “I’m only happy when I’m with you. Seeing her face disgusts me.” They laughed together, their flirtatious voices fading until I heard the door close. The house became eerily silent, allowing me to finally breathe and cry out in pain. “Why do this to me?” I gritted my teeth, pounding the bed, then suddenly lifted my head. My eyes, bloodshot, fixed on the wedding photo on the wall. I grabbed a nearby ornament and smashed it. The glass shattered all over the floor. I frantically picked up a fruit knife and scratched Jude’s face on the photo until I was too exhausted to cry anymore. I slumped to the ground, noticing the fresh cuts on my hand. I smirked bitterly at my foolishness, for truly believing his sincerity. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the share transfer document on the bed. An idea sparked in my mind. Since Jude and Cora knew I’d give the shares to Jude tomorrow as a gift, and she was so eager to be the Sullivan heir, I had to prepare a grand gift! “Dear, I won’t be home tonight. Still got work to do. See you at the inauguration ceremony tomorrow morning.” Jude sent a cute emoticon, making me want to vomit. He couldn’t even keep up the act before taking office, not wanting to spend another second with me. I snorted coldly and replied with a simple “Okay.” The next morning, I packed the gift I had prepared for Jude into a gift box and tossed it into the back seat of the car before heading to the company. “Honey, you’re here.” Jude’s eyes lit up as he adjusted his suit cuffs. “Of course, I have to be here for your big day.” I subtly linked my arm with his to lower his guard. “Sister, I thought you’d never come back to the company.” Cora swayed over, giving Jude a meaningful look before quickly turning away. “How could I not? I’m the only heir of the Sullivan family after all.” I smiled with hidden intent, seeing Cora’s face stiffen with jealousy. Jude quickly interrupted our conversation, as his inauguration ceremony was about to start. My dad and all the board members would be present. I finally understood why he always talked about the shares. In such a setting, if I gave him some of the Sullivan shares, it would indirectly acknowledge him as the family son-in-law, which was a huge boon for him and Cora. Thinking of this, I showed a deep smile. “I’m very happy to become a member of the Sullivan Group’s board of directors today. None of this would be possible without my wife, Nora. Thank you for your support and companionship. In the future, we will work hand in hand to achieve great things!” From Jude’s enthusiastic voice, you could tell how proud he was. After he finished speaking, I took the prepared gift box and went on stage. “I’m very pleased with Jude reaching this position, so I specially prepared a gift for Mr. Jude.” With that, I handed the gift box to Jude. “Thank you, honey.” He smiled broadly, thinking it contained the share transfer document. He took a deep breath, smiling as he opened the box. Instantly, the smile vanished, the box fell, and Jude was shocked. Inside the box was our divorce certificate.

“What happened? Why are you so scared? Don’t you like the gift I gave you?” I sneered, bending down to pick up the fallen box. “But it was carefully prepared for you. How could you bear to drop it? Isn’t this gift what you’ve been longing for?” With a sarcastic tone, I pressed forward, watching Jude’s face change subtly. “What does this mean, honey? Don’t joke around, so many people are watching.” Jude, feeling guilty, spoke in a panic. “It’s precisely because so many people are watching that I have to give you this! Jude, we’re no longer married.” As soon as I said this, everyone reacted with shock. The rumors said I defied my family for a driver’s son, not fearing ridicule, deeply in love, and unwavering. How could it be like this? “What nonsense are you talking about, Nora? Did you misunderstand something? Don’t scare me.” Jude pretended to grab my hand, which I quickly avoided. “What’s the meaning of this, dear? Stop playing games, everyone’s watching,” Jude said anxiously, visibly shaken. “It’s because everyone’s watching that I’m giving you this! Jude, we’re no longer husband and wife.” As soon as I said it, the room fell silent in shock. Everyone had heard the rumors that I defied my family for the driver’s son, unafraid of ridicule, deeply in love with him forever. How could this scene be unfolding now? “What are you saying, Nora? Did you misunderstand something? Don’t scare me.” Jude pretended to reach for my hand, but I quickly pulled away. “Don’t touch me!” I shouted, glaring at him. “You make me sick! I haven’t misunderstood anything; I just don’t want to be with you anymore. These divorce papers are my gift to you.” I walked over to the master of ceremonies and picked up the contract, examining it for a few seconds. Jude was visibly anxious. “Also, since you’re no longer part of the Sullivan family, there’s no need for you to be on the board of directors.” I tore up the contract, letting the pieces scatter in the air. As they fell, I saw the despair in Jude’s eyes. “Nora, why are you suddenly treating me like this? Haven’t I been good enough?” “Yeah, sister, this is not a place for jokes. Being so willful, where does that leave Dad’s dignity?” Cora chimed in, trying to stir trouble. “You two are really in sync.” I approached Cora with a cold expression. “Were you and Jude this coordinated when you were having an affair?” My voice was low but clear enough for everyone to hear. “What! This woman is messing around with Ms. Sullivan’s husband? How shameless!”

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I was betrothed to Asher since childhood, but because he didn’t love me, I became just another woman in his life. Mrs. Chen said whoever gives birth to a son for the Chen family will be the future mistress. In my previous life, because I loved Asher deeply, I swapped the birth control pills and got pregnant at the same time as his cherished first love. She accused me of carrying a child that wasn’t of Chen blood to secure her position! Asher was furious and forcibly ended the life of my five-month-old unborn child! “You treacherous woman! How dare you betray me? I’ll make sure you can never have another child again!” But the real traitor was his cherished first love! Not only that, she staged a miscarriage and suicide to frame me! “If my sister can’t tolerate me, then I’ll just die!” “You vile woman, disgracing yourself and trying to harm Cora! I’ll make your life a living hell!” He forced me to swallow the ashes of my closest kin, removed my uterus in front of Cora’s grave despite my cries, and left me to die in the wilderness. In this life, I won’t foolishly give my heart or let anyone trample on me. Asher, I don’t need your cheap affection.

“What, you’re pregnant?” Asher turned his head in disbelief, frowning slightly with irritation. “Didn’t I give you birth control pills? How could you still get pregnant?” Asher grabbed my chin, his gaze deep and probing. “How could this be? Didn’t Asher always stay in Cora’s room?” “Who knows what tricks Adeline used; now she and Cora are both pregnant. Guess who the Chen family will choose.” “Who knows, but it’s definitely not me.” “Isn’t it obvious? Just look at how Asher favors Cora. Adeline is just a sycophant.” A few beautiful, tall women gathered, discussing with envy and jealousy. They were all Asher’s lovers and contenders for the position of the Chen family’s mistress. Grandma Chen once said whoever gives birth to a son first will be Asher’s wife. In my previous life, I tried everything for this title but never won his affection. I ended up switching the birth control pills to get pregnant. I never expected Asher to torment me to the point of wishing for death for Cora, and now standing in this scene again, I just want to escape, away from this sickening place. “I don’t know.” I turned my head impatiently, breaking free from his grip. “How can you not know, you shameless woman! You just want to have my child? You don’t even care about your dignity for the mistress position!” Asher insulted me angrily, his eyes full of disdain. “This is my child, none of your concern.” I said coldly, my gaze sharp. “Stop pretending to be high and mighty! Shameless thing! Go to the hospital and abort this child now!” With that, Asher forcefully dragged me outside. “Nonsense!” Mrs. Chen suddenly came downstairs, tapping the floor hard with her cane. “Since Adeline is already pregnant, this child is of Chen blood, and your wedding can be arranged.” Mrs. Chen and my grandmother were very close friends. After my parents died in a car accident, she took me in and cared for me, always intending for me to be her granddaughter-in-law. “Grandma!” Asher protested unwillingly, “Didn’t you say whoever gets pregnant first will be my wife? Cora is also pregnant, did you forget?” “Grandma.” Before Mrs. Chen could speak, I quickly interjected, “Cora got pregnant a month before me, so logically, she should be the mistress of the Chen family.” Asher and everyone else looked at me in surprise, not expecting the usually eager-to-marry-him follower to willingly give him up. “Stop pretending to be innocent! You just want to gain Grandma’s sympathy, you scheming woman. I will never marry you!” Asher glanced at me disdainfully, pulling the silent Cora close. “Grandma, Cora is my first love, my only true love in this life. Please fulfill your promise and let me marry her.” “There’s no need to discuss this further. Adeline is from a reputable family, far more suitable than someone who can’t be presentable.” Mrs. Chen spoke with underlying meaning, clearly looking down on Cora. “Grandma, are you going back on your word?” Asher asked in a low voice, challenging Mrs. Chen’s authority, which was incredibly foolish. I wisely stayed silent. “Forget it, Asher.” Cora moved slightly in his arms, looking down pitifully. “If Grandma doesn’t like me, just let me go. I hope you and Adeline have a happy life.” “Don’t worry, Cora. If I can’t marry you, I would rather die alone!” Asher swore sincerely, his emotional display making me sick. Cora’s eyes brightened, casting a triumphant glance at me. “You ungrateful thing!” Mrs. Chen was furious, but Asher didn’t even glance at her, his mind full of Cora. “Grandma, don’t be angry. Although Adeline and I are both pregnant, it’s still uncertain if it’s a boy or a girl. Asher is just afraid of marrying a sister who might give birth to a girl.” My body went cold, remembering how my unborn child was beaten to death in my past life, the bloody scene making my stomach churn. I covered my mouth, dry heaving. “Stop pretending to be pitiful!” Asher glared at me viciously, then looked at Mrs. Chen. “I think Cora is right. It’s uncertain if they are boys or girls, and there’s the question of a safe birth. It’s too early to discuss a wedding date.” Asher’s dangerous gaze filled me with fear, and my lower abdomen ached faintly. “Besides, it’s uncertain if this child is even of Chen blood.” “Cora!” I reflexively shouted in anger. In my past life, my poor child was killed because of Cora’s deceit. I clenched my fist tightly. “Are you trying to disgrace the Chen family with your words?” “Sister Adeline, don’t misunderstand. I’m just thinking of Asher. Everyone knows you have a childhood friend studying abroad. Who knows if you’ve been in contact?” Cora spoke with a slow, deliberate tone, her eyes shifting. The childhood friend she mentioned was Jasper, my mother’s classmate’s son, who went abroad for college. We grew up together, but I always had a crush on Asher, so I had little contact with him. In my past life, Cora framed me with Jasper similarly. Seeing the scene about to repeat, this time I didn’t avoid it. I chuckled, responding confidently, “Sister, if you say it’s for the Chen family, I’m willing to take a paternity test to prove my innocence.” Cora didn’t expect my calmness, nervously clenching her fists. “Adeline, if I find out your child isn’t mine, you’re done for. I’ll make sure you suffer!” Asher sneered, threatening me. He had said this countless times in my past life, and I was already numb to it. “Since Cora is also considering the Chen family’s best interest, for fairness, let’s have her tested too, so everyone can be at ease.” “Why should I!” Cora was the first to speak, pouting, “I’ve only ever been with Asher. Do you think everyone is like you?” I smiled mockingly at her. Of course, she wouldn’t agree because she was the one involved with someone else! She switched the paternity test in the past, leading to my cruel fate. “Why are you panicking? Do you have a guilty conscience?” I pressed on, scaring Cora into clinging to Asher’s arms. “Asher.” She called out weakly. “Enough! The child in Cora’s belly is certainly mine. She would never be as shameless as you!” “The shameless one is you!” Mrs. Chen scolded, “Since both children concern the Chen family bloodline, let’s follow Adeline’s suggestion and have both tested.” “Grandma!” Asher wanted to protest, but Mrs. Chen waved her hand, cutting him off. Cora stood behind Asher, looking at me with venomous eyes. The next day, Cora and I went to the hospital to have the paternity tests signed. To prevent any repeat of past tragedies, I kept a close watch on her to ensure she couldn’t switch the reports again. “You think I don’t know what you’re up to?” Cora sneered, “If you know my child has issues, why not expose me?” “Because you’re afraid Asher won’t believe you. You’re really deep.” Cora’s face twisted, abandoning her sweet facade. “I’m aware of your tricks. You want to harm my child, but it’s not going to happen.” I crossed my arms, planning to leave once her deceit was exposed. I no longer loved Asher, so there’s no need to stay. “You’re wrong.” While I was lost in thought, Cora suddenly began to laugh wickedly. “Do you think I stayed in the Chen family with only one trick?” With that, she deliberately fell backward down the stairs. “Asher! Save me! My baby!” Suddenly, blood spread beneath her.

I was stunned. Though such a clumsy method often appeared on TV, I didn’t expect her to be so ruthless, disregarding her own body. “You’re crazy!” I shouted, panicking. “So what if this child isn’t of Chen blood? Now it’s gone because of you, dead with no proof. Guess who Asher will blame first?” She laughed triumphantly, then clutched her belly, weeping loudly. “It hurts! It hurts! My baby!” Everyone in the hospital gathered to watch, and Asher rushed through the crowd, lifting Cora’s frail body. Suddenly, blood spread beneath her. 2. I was stunned. I’ve seen such clumsy tricks on TV all the time, but I never imagined she’d be so ruthless, disregarding her own body. “Are you out of your mind?!” I shouted, feeling utterly helpless. “Even if this child isn’t from the Chen family, what does it matter? Now that he’s gone because of you, there’s no evidence left. Who do you think Asher will blame first?” She laughed triumphantly before clutching her stomach and crying out. “It hurts! It hurts! My baby!” The entire hospital staff gathered around to watch the commotion. Asher anxiously pushed through the crowd, cradling Cora’s weakened body. “Cora, hang in there. The doctor is on the way.” “My baby… my baby.” Cora’s voice was choked with sobs, tears streaming down her face, while the blood beneath her continued to spread. “Adeline!” At that moment, Asher despised me, shouting hoarsely, “I’m going to kill you! You killed my child with Cora, you malicious woman!” “I didn’t!” I was shocked but immediately defended myself, “She fell on her own; it has nothing to do with me. If you don’t believe me, we can check the security cameras!” I looked up, hoping to find footage, only to realize we were in a camera blind spot. No wonder Cora spoke to me here. She feared the child’s parentage would be exposed, so she planned everything in advance. “You’re still denying it in the face of danger!” Asher picked up Cora. “If anything happens to Cora, I’ll make you pay with your life!” With a vicious threat, he hurried to the emergency room with her in his arms. “Miss Cora’s body suffered severe trauma. It will be difficult for her to conceive again.” The doctor shook his head in regret, while Asher held the tearful Cora, his expression filled with pain. “It’s okay, Cora. Even if we don’t have children, I will only marry you. This is what the Chen family owes you.” “Asher…” Cora softly leaned against his shoulder, occasionally glancing at me. “Don’t blame my sister. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” Only then did Asher remember I was still there. He immediately stood up and rushed over, grabbing my throat. “Adeline, you deserve to die! You killed my child with Cora. I’ll make you pay!” His grip tightened, making it hard for me to breathe, and my vision began to blur. “How do you know… the child is yours?” Using the last of my strength, I spoke. Asher let go, and I fell to the floor, gasping for air. “Sis Adeline!” Cora cried stubbornly, tears in her eyes, “I know you hate me, hate that I took Asher away, but you can’t insult my child like this! He’s already gone, and you still won’t let him rest?” “Adeline, you’re asking for it!” Asher clapped his hands, and several strong bodyguards came in. “Hold her down and beat her hard.” I widened my eyes in disbelief, shouting anxiously, “I’m carrying your child! How can you do this to me!” “Who knows if your child is part of the Chen family? Besides, you killed Cora’s child, so yours will pay for it!” I struggled in panic. Though I avoided the paternity test, I still couldn’t protect this child! I cried out, “This is your child! Let him go, please!” “If I let him go, who will let my child with Cora go? A child born of such a vicious woman is just as worthless!” Asher’s cruel words pierced my heart like a stake, leaving me pale with pain. “How can you treat me like this? What did I ever do to you? You’ve already killed me once, isn’t that enough?” In desperation, I screamed, clutching my belly. “What nonsense are you talking about!” Asher frowned impatiently, stuffing several pieces of paper into my mouth. “You’re too noisy, disturbing Cora’s rest.” He gave me one last cold look, then ordered the bodyguards to act. I whimpered in pain, but the paper in my mouth choked me, preventing any cries for help. Just like in my past life, the thick stick fell brutally onto my body. My lower abdomen throbbed with a tearing pain, and a warm flow beneath me—blood, I knew it was. “Mr. Chen, the report is out.” The secretary rushed into the hospital room, her pupils shrinking when she saw me lying weak on the floor. Despite the intense pain, I lifted my head, thinking I was finally saved. But the next second, Asher tore the report into pieces. “So what if it’s my child? She killed Cora’s child, so she must pay!”

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When I received the medical report at the hospital, I was stunned, as if hit by a bolt from the blue. The report only mentioned a common cold, not the “kidney cancer” that nearly shattered me two weeks ago! Realizing my cancer was just a misdiagnosis, I rushed home, eager to share the news with my boyfriend, Jasper. But as soon as I stepped out of the elevator and reached for my keys, I heard some muffled sounds from inside. Thinking it might be a burglar, I quietly hid around the corner, pulling out my phone to check the surveillance camera I’d recently installed. But as soon as I accessed the camera view, the scene made my eyes widen in shock, and I was furious enough to want to burst in. Jasper, usually so gentle and considerate, was stark naked, tangled with a woman whose face I couldn’t clearly see. It was appalling and shameless. As their movements became more intense, the bed shook even more, and I could faintly hear it from outside the door. Anger surged through me, and I instinctively wanted to rush in and confront them. But as I pulled out my keys, the woman’s sudden voice stopped me in my tracks. “Jasper, Nora is already in late-stage kidney cancer, so why hasn’t she handed over the company’s power to you yet?” “Can’t you think of a way to make her pass quickly? I don’t want to sneak around with you like this anymore.” Seeing the woman’s face on my phone screen felt like a stab to the heart. The woman entangled with my boyfriend was none other than my beloved cousin, Hazel! In the video, Jasper smiled as he wrapped his arm around Hazel’s bare shoulder, kissing her cheek with a smug look. “Don’t worry, I asked the doctor. Her illness won’t last more than six months. After that, she’ll be gone!” “We’ve endured this for so many years, a few more months won’t matter. It’s better to keep our hands clean.” “Damn, that annoying old woman is finally going to die. Once she closes her eyes, I can inherit all her assets!” “By then, don’t worry about Finn or the one you’re carrying. I can afford to raise ten or eight kids!” I opened my eyes wide and, after understanding his words, wished I could rush in and tear him to pieces. This bastard, deceiving me for love and money was one thing, but he even wanted to use my money to support illegitimate children! But the last shred of rationality suppressed all my impulses. Watching the cheating couple become more arrogant on the screen, I clenched the medical report in my bag and coldly curled my lips. You’re so eager for me to die, but too bad, I won’t fulfill your wishes. Because the one diagnosed with kidney cancer isn’t me. It’s you, Jasper. Earlier on my way home, I received Jasper’s medical report from the doctor. I was initially overjoyed at being given a new lease on life, but seeing my misdiagnosis and Jasper’s confirmed diagnosis extinguished my joy in an instant. Jasper and I were high school classmates. We started dating after graduation and have been in a long-distance relationship ever since. He wasn’t a gentle and caring boyfriend, nor was he very capable, but I inexplicably liked him. Even after my promotion, when I felt him drifting away, I tried hard to bring him into my company and move forward together. In the past two years, our relationship gradually cooled. Feeling he didn’t care for me as much, I considered breaking up. But just as I was about to address it, the hospital’s report came back. I was in late-stage kidney cancer, beyond treatment, just waiting to die. In my despair, I thought he would leave and seek new happiness. But to my surprise, upon hearing the news, Jasper became more serious than ever, comforting me to continue treatment and being more gentle and caring, seemingly more in love with me than before. I thought it was the impending separation that made him realize his feelings, and I was deeply moved. I even secretly drafted a will, planning to leave all my assets to him after my death. But fate didn’t follow my wishes. I won’t die, and his dream of getting rich is destined to shatter! After calming down, I hid around the stairwell corner and quietly called the police, saying there might be a burglary at my house. Then I posted in the neighborhood group, saying I snagged some discount eggs, a penny for twenty, but spots were limited to the first twenty people. Hearing this, the elderly neighbors in the group buzzed with excitement. In less than three minutes, a dozen familiar elderly neighbors were at my door. I patiently soothed them to not make a noise before I opened the door. I didn’t know whether the room had excellent soundproofing or the cheating couple was too absorbed in their activities, but even when I opened the door, they were clueless and made no sound. Seeing the scattered woman’s underwear on the floor, I screamed, pretending to just discover the situation, and rushed into the bedroom, kicking the door open. Jasper and Hazel were still in their own world, shocked by my sudden entrance, not even having time to put on clothes. The elderly neighbors behind me, initially there for the eggs, were unexpectedly caught up in this thrilling scene. More excited than me, they blocked the doorway. Hazel hurriedly covered her face, and Jasper turned pale, trembling as he tried to explain, “Nora, let me explain…” I shouted, “Explain what?” and slapped him hard across the face, leaving him with a bruised and bloody nose. “Jasper, I’m just diagnosed, not dead yet, and you’re already fooling around. Have you no shame?” “All those sweet words before, were they all an act?” “How much have I spent on you over the years, on LV belts and Hermès bags? Have I ever treated you badly, yet you do this to me, hiring a prostitute at home!” The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I slapped him several more times, feeling a sense of relief. Hazel, seeing I was ignoring her, tried to sneak out wrapped in her clothes, but a quick-witted auntie grabbed her, pulling off her mask. Her face revealed, everyone was stunned, and Aunt Zhang, who was closer to me, exclaimed, “Nora, isn’t this your cousin!” I snapped out of it, leaving Jasper wailing on the floor, and turned to kick Hazel, slapping her hard. “Well, what a pair of lowlifes!” “Hazel, I’ve never mistreated you all these years, yet you stoop so low as to seduce my man. Have you no shame!” The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. Seeing a flash of green on Hazel’s hand, I was even more furious, grabbing her wrist to show everyone. “Everyone, look closely. This tramp not only stole my man but also my jewelry!” “This jade bracelet cost me three hundred thousand, and I couldn’t bear to wear it myself. Yet she steals it!” “Every time she came to my house, something would go missing. I overlooked it for family’s sake, but this time, I must send her to the police!” Hearing my words, Jasper, who was initially trying to plead with me, changed his expression instantly. Despite being the cheater, he suddenly looked self-righteous. “Nora, do you really want to make such a scene?” “I advise you to stop! Don’t forget, you’re about to die!” “Do you want to die without peace, to be cremated and scattered?” Hazel, still clinging to Jasper’s arm, spitefully added, “Jasper, don’t mind her!” “This late-stage kidney cancer lunatic can barely live a month, so she can only flaunt here.” “When she dies, let’s see what she can do to us!” I coldly glanced at the trash couple, kicking them both in their chests, making them wail in pain on the ground. Scum, you could die a hundred times, and I’d still be here. Trying to mess with me, let’s see what else you’ve got! After the police arrived, I quickly explained the theft situation at my house. With the bracelet on Hazel’s hand and witnesses, she couldn’t deny it. If she didn’t compensate, she’d have to go to jail for a few years. Jasper got into trouble for aiding in theft too, and to avoid prosecution, he bombarded me with calls and texts, but I ignored them all. After busting the affair, I quickly fired him and warned security not to let him in again. With my irregular work hours, it wasn’t easy for him to waylay me. So when my mom called me to come home, I wasn’t surprised. I knew those two tramps must have gone to see her. Sure enough, when I got home, my mom was sitting in the middle of the sofa. All my aunts and uncles, even Hazel and Jasper’s parents, were there, playing with a five or six-year-old boy. Seeing me, everyone’s expressions turned sour. The little boy glared at me and quickly ran over, stepping on my foot, resentfully saying, “You’re the bad woman who broke up my mom and dad, you’re a witch!” Hazel pretended to scold him, “Finn, how could you be so rude?” But I could see her smirking. I was about to speak when my mom suddenly coughed, glaring at me unhappily. “Nora, I called you here today not for anything else, but because as your mother, I need to educate you properly.” As soon as I arrived, the atmosphere shifted. The little boy glared at me fiercely and, when no one was watching, ran over to stomp on my foot, angrily accusing, “You’re the wicked woman who broke up my mom and dad. You’re just a terrible person!” Hazel feigned anger as she pulled the child into her arms, chiding, “Finn, how can you be so impolite?” Yet, I could clearly see the smirk playing on her lips. I was about to respond when my mom suddenly coughed twice and stared at me with displeasure. “Nora, I called you here today because I’m your mother, and I need to set you straight.” “You’re terminally ill, yet you continue to be so arrogant, not even saving face for your own family. Isn’t this wrong?” “We’ve always been aware of Hazel’s situation, and I watched Finn grow up. Honestly, if I were Jasper, I’d also prefer someone like Hazel.” “Whether as a cousin or a girlfriend, since you’re dying, why not be more generous and let them be happy?” “Today, you should sign the letter of forgiveness. We’ll pretend none of this happened, and when you’re gone, you can rest peacefully. Otherwise…” “Otherwise what? Will you grind my bones to dust?” Staring at my mom’s harsh face, I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, pointing right at her nose. “When you cheated on Dad and he caught you, making him so angry that he died, did you think about resting peacefully?” “For years, you’ve favored your brother, giving everything good to Hazel and her brother, never caring whether I lived or died. And you still have the nerve to call yourself my mom?” “Since middle school, you haven’t given me a penny. I’ve earned all my tuition and living expenses through my own work. Educate me? You have no right!”

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I stood by Jasper while he built his fortune from the ground up, remaining by his side for ten years. Yet, once he achieved success, the first thing he did was propose to Phoebe. He said people often yearn for what they couldn’t have in their youth. He claimed his feelings for Phoebe were just unfinished business, asking me to wait a little longer. But I was out of time. Each day he spent wrapped up with Phoebe felt like a countdown to my end. … In the office, I accidentally walked in on Jasper and Phoebe during their secret rendezvous. The typically reserved CEO of Jasper’s Corporation was embracing Phoebe. His eyes turned dark, with a hint of red at the edges. My heart sank, and I stood frozen in shock, not even noticing the documents slipping from my hands. Jasper quickly covered Phoebe’s exposed back and stared at me with intensity, “Get out!” His tone was cold and harsh, as if I were some bothersome presence. Unable to bear those icy eyes any longer, I fled. The scene kept replaying in my mind, making my stomach churn. I stumbled into the bathroom, clutching the sink as I vomited. The pain in my stomach and the mental fog overwhelmed me. I didn’t know how long it took before Jasper finally came looking for me. He approached, still carrying Phoebe’s lingering scent. The smell made me nauseous again, so I distanced myself and said, “This is the ladies’ room.” Jasper paused, then locked the door. “Is this enough for you?” he said. “Adeline, stop this.” It was laughable—I hadn’t done anything, yet he came to tell me to stop. What was I doing? “You know I only did it to get back at Lydia.” “I know you like me, I…” “You’ve waited ten years already, can’t you wait a little longer?” His calm gaze fell on me, the earlier desires he showed for Lydia now completely gone. I choked. He had known all along. Ten years of hidden love, those feelings I carefully hid away, he knew them all. Yet he kept them at a distance, repeatedly playing out this tragic love drama before me. What did he see me as? A pathetic fool? Or a servant who flawlessly handled both his work and life? Thinking of him with Phoebe made my stomach ache again. The pain twisted my insides, and a metallic taste rose in my throat. Jasper frowned at my trembling form, “Adeline…” I shouted, “Get out!” I frantically grabbed his collar and pushed him out, locking the door and turning back to the sink to vomit again. When I lifted my head, my mouth was full of blood. “Miss Xue, your cancer has advanced to stage four, leading to severe gastrointestinal bleeding. It’s very dangerous,” the doctor sighed repeatedly while looking at my test results. “I recommend hospitalization.” But as I listened, my eyes were blankly fixated on my phone. The company forum’s gossip post had already skyrocketed. The front page showed Lydia in Jasper’s coat, being pulled into his office. When she emerged, her clothes were disheveled, and her lipstick smeared. The contrast between the two photos led many to imagine the worst. Especially since Lydia held a special status as Jasper’s chosen Phoebe, the one who occupied his thoughts for ten years. The comment section was buzzing. “Does this mean Jasper’s Corporation is getting a new boss lady?” “Of course. Lydia dumped him when Jasper’s Family went bankrupt, but he still couldn’t forget her. Now that he’s back on top, he chased her down again. If it wasn’t true love, who’d do that?” “Also, a friend in the secretary’s office said the CEO plans to propose. He’s already secretly preparing.” “What? Is Jasper really going to marry her? What about Manager Xue?” “Adeline? What’s she, anyway? She’s been with the CEO for ten years. If he was going to give her a title, he would have done it by now. Why drag it out and make it so embarrassing?” “I say, the CEO’s stance is clear. She’s been just a manager for all these years, obviously dispensable. Yet she clings like a shadow. I’d have left long ago.” “Staying now, waiting for the boss lady to come in and be humiliated?” Reading those comments, my heart felt pierced. Was my decade of loyalty really so worthless in others’ eyes? And Jasper… I thought again of him and Lydia in the office. Is that what he thinks too? “Miss Xue, what’s your decision?” the doctor asked again, tentatively. Maybe he felt pity for the young life before him. “If you don’t get hospitalized, your life expectancy is less than three months…” Three months. I felt dazed. I looked down, my eyes falling back on those comments. A bitter feeling rippled through me. “Alright. I’ll stay.” After arranging for hospitalization, I requested leave from Jasper via phone. Lying in the hospital bed, I realized it was my first time taking leave in ten years. Jasper always joked that I was a workaholic, with a will of steel, the favorite worker of capitalists. But he didn’t know it was just for him that I endured. I lost my parents young, and Jasper’s Family supported me for ten years, helping me avoid hardships and successfully get into college. But soon after, Jasper’s Corporation went bankrupt, accumulating huge debts. Jasper’s parents couldn’t handle the pressure and jumped to their deaths. The once favored son studying abroad had to drop out and return home to clean up the mess. When I heard, I rushed to Jasper’s Family. The once-bustling household was desolate, and the boy lay among piles of debt contracts, quietly sobbing. That vulnerability struck me deeply. Naively, I thought I could save him, just as his parents had saved me. Driven by a sense of mission, I resolutely went to him, determined to pull him from the mire. The story that followed was cliché. Gradually, under my daily influence, Jasper emerged from his despair and took on his parents’ debt, rebuilding from scratch. Meanwhile, I studied and helped him with the business. In the early days, it was just the two of us, working till exhaustion, often going without sleep, ending up with four dark circles under our eyes. To share his burden, I even attended drinking parties, turning from a non-drinker to someone who could hold her liquor. We lived like that for ten years, achieving today’s success. Jasper cleared all his debts and gloriously bought back Jasper’s Corporation. I thought I had redeemed him. But he told me he had come this far only for the heartless Phoebe who abandoned him. In a daze, I got a call from Jasper. His usual cool tone, “Taking leave for hospitalization? Are you sick? Even a workaholic has days she can’t endure.” “Which hospital? Want me to visit?” His tone was casual, teasing, as if he’d long forgotten the earlier unpleasantness. He always did this, moving on as if nothing mattered besides Phoebe. If I brought up conflicts, I’d seem petty. So I usually let it slide, ignoring things again and again. But this time, I was tired, lacking the energy to follow his lead. I suddenly wondered what expression Jasper would have if he knew I was dying. So I said, “Sure. General Hospital, Building 5, North Wing, Bed 31. Come on over.” Jasper didn’t expect my response and paused. Then he chuckled lightly, “Adeline, your lie is quite detailed.” “Stop joking. I know you’re upset about what happened before. I apologize, okay?” “I shouldn’t have yelled at you in the bathroom.” “But Lydia heartlessly left me when my family went bankrupt. I can’t swallow that.” “I’ve held on for so many years, finally reaching today, just to make her suffer as I did.” “I want her to soar high and then fall hard… Adeline, I’m about to succeed.” “Adeline, help me one more time.” Almost begging, in a way. Knowing me for ten years, Jasper had me figured out. He knew I couldn’t refuse. He sent an address, asking me to help. I looked at it, feeling helpless but eventually packed my things and went. The address Jasper sent was an amusement park under Jasper’s Corporation. I’d been there multiple times during project development, but I didn’t expect it to be the venue for setting up a proposal for Phoebe. Jasper said I was meticulous and suited his needs, specifically appointing me as the general coordinator. Ha, he certainly thought highly of me. The path had to be lined with flowers, the scenery along the way had to be beautiful, and the proposal scene had to be impressive. Even the people playing NPCs had to be ones she liked… A list of demands that made my head spin. So when the park manager asked for my instructions, I waved it off, “Whatever.” This was Jasper’s revenge game, unrelated to me. Besides, was it really just a game to him? Thinking back to the redness in his eyes, I couldn’t be sure. Maybe even he couldn’t guarantee it. So my existence became even more of a joke. Haha, he really does think a lot of me. Moreover, the Path needs to be lined with flowers, the scenery along the way must be exquisite, the Proposal setting should be outstanding, and even the NPC dolls should be ones she likes… He made a slew of such requests, giving me a headache. So when the Amusement Park Manager consulted me, I just waved it off and said, “Whatever.”

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Cora’s dad forced me to donate bone marrow to the fake heiress. When I felt all hope was lost, my boyfriend unexpectedly proposed we marry sooner and took me home. But after the wedding, he seemed restless every night. I thought it was because he loved me so much. Then I found out I was pregnant and overheard him talking to my dad: “Your plan’s brilliant. Let Cora’s child be the donor for Adeline’s bone marrow. Once Adeline recovers, I’ll keep my promise and marry her.” “But this is your child too. Can you really be so heartless?” The husband who had always been gentle and loving towards me now had a look of cold indifference: “If Cora had agreed to donate her bone marrow to Adeline, I wouldn’t have needed to marry her. She owes Adeline and should repay the favor.” Hearing this, my dad solemnly patted Asher on the shoulder. “I’m sorry for putting you through this. To save Adeline, you had to approach Cora and sacrifice such a significant life event.” “Once it’s done, I’ll give you an extra three percent on the Asher family project.” A flicker of delight crossed Asher’s face. “Thank you, Dad. I’ll be devoted to Adeline in the future!” Hiding outside the study, I trembled in fear. I never imagined that Asher, whom I loved for four years, saw me merely as a means to an end. Even our child was just a tool to save Adeline. I covered my mouth tightly, stifling my sobs. It wasn’t until I returned to my room that tears began to flow uncontrollably. Half a year ago, I was brought back to Cora’s family. On the sofa sat my dad and the delicate, pale Cora. My dad gazed at Cora with affection, treating me like a stranger. “I don’t care about blood ties. Though Cora is a fake heiress, she’s still my daughter whom I’ve raised for 18 years. You two need to get along.” Despite feeling unsettled, I nodded. I had spent the first 18 years in an orphanage, longing desperately for family love. But then he asked me to donate bone marrow to Cora! “She’s your sister. It’s only right for a sister to yield to her sibling.” “If you can’t donate even this bit of bone marrow, you’re unworthy of being part of Cora’s family.” In an instant, my last shred of hope was completely shattered. As they were about to force me with bodyguards, I grabbed a fruit knife and held it to my neck. “I’d rather die than give away my bone marrow!” Cora’s family didn’t know what to do with me. At this moment, my boyfriend Asher appeared like a god, driving away those bodyguards. He reprimanded my dad and took me away from Cora’s family. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you a home and all my love.” I believed his promise, and after our quick marriage, my heart was filled with him. Asher clung to me every day, saying he wanted a love child with me. I said I didn’t want kids so soon. But he secretly poked holes in the condoms behind my back. Even the nutritious meals he made for me were actually fertility porridge… Asher had planned it all along, wanting me to get pregnant to save Adeline. Coming back to reality, I looked at the crumpled pregnancy test sheet in my hand, feeling a wave of disgust. I threw it under the bed and scheduled an appointment for an abortion. Just as I confirmed the time, Asher walked in. Seeing my tear-streaked face, he looked tense: “Who upset my wife? I’m here, don’t cry.” In the past, I would have been touched, thinking he was my support. But now, knowing the truth, I found him hypocritical and disgusting. Seeing my silence, Asher frowned slightly, “What happened? Didn’t you just message me saying you had something to tell me?” I made up an excuse, “I won a prize. The company is rewarding me with a three-day vacation.” A hint of disappointment flashed in Asher’s eyes. He thought it was the good news of my pregnancy and was about to say something. But then his phone rang again. I saw it was a message from Adeline, and my heart ached. But Asher’s expression softened instantly, focusing on Adeline’s message. I watched coldly, realizing how blind I’d been. I never noticed how obvious they were. After replying to the message, Asher came over and pinched my face like usual. “Wife, I don’t want to be apart from you. Adeline also said she wants to go out for some relaxation. How about the three of us go together?” I frowned and refused, “No way, you know we don’t get along.” Asher pouted, “We’re family after all. You’ve been distant from them for so long, it’s not good for our future. Why not take this chance to ease things?” “That’s settled, any more fuss and you’re just being unreasonable.” With that, he turned and left. I sighed, feeling only irritation. To avoid them noticing anything, I messaged the doctor to postpone the abortion by three days. While packing that night, I found Asher’s diary. He never let me open it, and I obediently complied. But this time, I opened it impulsively. Every page recorded his deep love for Adeline. “Tomorrow I’m marrying Cora. I spent the whole night in our bridal chamber holding Adeline. We love each other but can’t be together. I hate myself.” “Adeline’s condition is worsening. I can only desperately be intimate with Cora to get her pregnant. I wish the person beneath me was Adeline.” … I only realized I was crying when my fingers touched the cold pages. In a panic, I put the diary back. Then Adeline messaged me again. “Sister, Asher already told you we’re going on a trip tomorrow, right?” “He’s not coming home tonight, he’s shopping with me. You don’t have to wait for him.” Maybe worried I wouldn’t believe her, she sent several pictures of Asher. In the photos, Asher knelt on the ground, putting high heels on her reverently. All the high heels were high-fashion and expensive. After our marriage, I was considerate of Asher’s new business and never spent his money. So he went along with it, even my birthday was hastily arranged. “Wife, you’re the best. Once I make big money, I’ll make it up to you with birthday gifts.” But I didn’t expect Asher wasn’t short of money. He just didn’t want to put effort into me. I thought my heart was dead, but seeing this, it still ached uncontrollably. I wanted to call and confront Asher, but I held back. Causing a scene would only make things more embarrassing for me. I set Adeline to “Do Not Disturb” and got ready for bed. In the dark, I touched my belly. “Baby, I’m sorry.” “But Dad doesn’t love Mom. I’m afraid you’ll regret coming into this world…” I was once an orphan, suffering scorn. I vowed to give my future child a happy family. Now that Asher turned out like this, how could I let my child follow in my footsteps? Early the next morning, Asher returned. There were visible kiss marks on his neck. I pretended not to see, but the pain in my heart was undeniable. “Wife, are you jealous?” Asher noticed my mood and tried to coax me. “Dad insisted I accompany Little Adeline shopping yesterday. I couldn’t refuse. Don’t be mad, I bought you a gift.” He then handed me a brooch. I lowered my eyes, hiding my disappointment. “Alright, we’re running late, let’s get going.” Asher nodded, pinned the brooch on my clothes, and led me out. In the car, Adeline’s gaze lingered on our holding hands, her expression slightly changing. She sat in my designated seat and threw all my dolls to the ground. “Sister, these dolls annoy me, so I tossed them. You don’t mind, right?” “And I get carsick. The back seat’s air is stuffy, so you’ll have to bear it.” I ignored her and silently looked at Asher. I thought, if he defended me, I would part ways on good terms for the sake of our four years. But I was disappointed again. Asher pretended not to hear and quietly buckled Adeline’s seatbelt. After seeing this, my last bit of affection for him vanished. I closed my eyes and lay back to rest. But due to emotional turmoil, I had morning sickness. Unable to hold back, I threw up in the car, making Adeline scream in anger. “You’re just doing this because I’m in the front seat, trying to disgust me, right?” “Sister, if you’re so petty, I won’t go on this trip.” As she spoke, she was about to get out, and Asher hurriedly kicked me out instead. He didn’t bother to hide anymore, his face dark: “Adeline’s health isn’t good. Why upset her? What’s your motive?” “We came out to have fun, can’t you stop being so petty and ruining everyone’s mood?” He then told me to find my own way to the airport. But he left me on the highway, where no cars dared to stop. I had to stumble to the airport on my own. In the end, my feet were blistered, and the back of my high heels was covered in blood. Asher noticed and showed a hint of reluctance. He softened his tone, “I got too emotional on the road earlier, I’m sorry, wife, let me carry you.” But I directly refused. I didn’t want any physical contact with him anymore. Seeing my cold attitude, Asher tried to coax me. Adeline, beside us, was burning with jealousy. Seeing the brooch on my clothes, she eagerly mocked: “Isn’t this the bonus from buying high heels yesterday? Sister, you really like it.” “Asher, this brooch suits my sister perfectly, you have a great eye.” Asher noticed, and a fleeting reluctance showed in his eyes. He softened his tone, “I got too emotional on the road earlier, sorry, my dear. Let me carry you.” But I refused outright. I didn’t want any physical contact with him now. Seeing my cold demeanor, Asher patiently tried to placate me. Adeline, standing nearby, was burning with jealousy. Noticing the brooch on my clothes, she couldn’t wait to mock, “Isn’t that the free gift from the high heels I bought yesterday? Sister, you must really like it.” “Asher, this brooch really suits my sister, you have a good eye.” The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Asher stammered, trying to explain, but I tossed the brooch into the trash. It was the first time I had openly disregarded Asher’s feelings. He got a bit angry too, “Even if it’s a free gift, it was a token of my affection, and you just threw it away!” “Adeline is your sister, and I’m her brother-in-law! What’s wrong with buying her something?” “Don’t forget, she’s the heiress raised in Cora’s family. Do you have the right to compete with her?” Could Asher really remember he’s Adeline’s brother-in-law? I felt only irony in my heart, yanking his collar, “Alright, then explain to me, what are these?” Asher’s face turned red, “These are just mosquito bites from yesterday, my dear, don’t misunderstand.” “It’s my fault for not making you feel secure. It won’t happen again.” Adeline stood by, looking at me with mockery in her eyes, full of provocation. I only felt exhausted, not saying another word. When we reached our destination, Adeline insisted on sharing a room with us. “I’m scared to stay alone, and besides, staying together means you can take better care of me.” “Sister, you’re not jealous of even this, are you?” I was furious, wanting to book a separate room for myself. But Asher stopped me, “Are you trying to make a joke of us? Besides, Adeline has a point. Just accommodate her a bit more.” Afraid I’d insist on two rooms, Asher grabbed my phone. Helplessly, I had to share a big bed with them. Adeline insisted on lying in the middle, her arm casually draped over Asher. Later, she even slipped into his embrace right in front of me. “Do you have no shame, so desperate for a man?” “Asher, if you want to get intimate, go get another room. Don’t involve me in your play.” I couldn’t hold back, with red eyes, I questioned them. Asher frowned, protecting Adeline, “Enough, don’t scare her. It was an accident, is it worth getting this angry?” “Can you stop being so filthy-minded? If I really had something with Little Adeline, would you still have a place?” Hearing this, Adeline looked at me pitifully, “Sister, can’t you tolerate me at all? I just accidentally took brother-in-law as my teddy bear pillow.” “In that case, I’ll just go back to New York City now.” Asher couldn’t stand her acting like this and impulsively slapped me. “I think you need discipline. Adeline came to make amends with you, and you’re not appreciative, just nitpicking!” Stunned by his slap, I held my reddened cheek, the pain spreading to my heart. Asher realized and tried to apologize, pulling me. But I slapped him back. My eyes were full of coldness and disappointment: “She doesn’t need to leave, I will.” “Let’s divorce, Asher. May you two be bound together forever.” After saying this, I turned and left, catching the next flight back to New York City. I blocked all of Asher’s contacts. After returning, I went straight to the hospital for an abortion. Feeling the child leave my body, I was filled with mixed emotions. After the surgery, despite the doctor’s advice, I left the hospital. Enduring the pain, I went to a law firm to draft a divorce agreement. Asher could return at any time, and I didn’t have much time left. Only when I finished packing and was about to leave Asher’s family did my tears finally fall. For the rest of my life, Asher and I will have nothing to do with each other. In the hotel, Asher suddenly had a bad feeling. He thought of messaging Cora, but hesitated. She dared to hit him and even talked about divorce. It seems it’s his fault for spoiling Cora too much, making her so willful. Asher sent his assistant to inform Cora that if she admitted her mistake, this could all blow over. But the assistant replied, “Madam is gone, all her things are moved out.” “There’s a signed divorce agreement on your desk…” 5 Asher was completely taken aback on the other end of the phone. He couldn’t believe it and said, “How could this be? Cora would never leave me!” “And that divorce agreement must be forged…”

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